Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The selection of flexible manufacturing system using preference selection index method

The selection of appropriate flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is one of the most critical decisions in the automated manufacturing industries. In this paper, a systematic and effective multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology is presented and implemented for the selection of appropriate FMS alternative. The proposed methodology is based on the preference selection index (PSI) method. In addition, the proposed method easily handles qualitative criteria involved in the decision-making process, and an appropriate flexible FMS alternative is selected without considering the relative importance between FMS selection criteria. Three different types of FMS selection problems are considered and examined to demonstrate, validate and check the reliability of the proposed method. The study has concluded that the FMS selection methodology based on PSI method is simple, logical and more appropriate for the FMS selection problems.
Strategic consensus in the internal supply chain: Exploring the manufacturing-purchasing link

Existing theory posits that functional strategies need to be aligned with the overall business strategy and each other. This empirical study investigates whether firms' purchasing and manufacturing functions have a consensus regarding their competitive priorities and whether such a consensus leads to higher levels of performance. The results of the analysis of data collected from 180 pairs of manufacturing and purchasing executives from manufacturing firms in the US supports prevailing views on consensus and performance. These findings are discussed to help direct future research and practice.
Success and Challenges in Modernizing Streetcar Systems

On-street running in mixed traffic has been identified as the least desirable right-of-way for light rail and tram systems. While most cities in the developed world have withdrawn streetcar systems, substantial networks have been retained in Melbourne, Australia, and Toronto, Canada. Although some commentators have seen the retention of these systems as visionary, there are substantial challenges to be faced in addressing conflicts between streetcars and rising road traffic. Poor running speeds, unreliability, safety, and difficulties in providing universal access are significant issues for modern streetcar systems. Experiences are described in regard to planning and operating the Melbourne and Toronto streetcar systems. The types of challenges being faced in providing services are contrasted. Programs to address the challenge of creating modern high-quality transit systems out of streetcars are compared. Finally, success strategies in modernizing streetcar systems are identified.
Quantification of Spatial Temporal Congestion in Four-Dimensional Computer-Aided Design

This paper further develops the models proposed by prior research in the field of workspace conflict using four-dimensional computer-aided design. The approach developed here analyzes spatial demand and supply from the perspective of construction operators, and a modeling methodology based on spatiotemporal utilization is proposed. The utilization factor model is developed to show that the criticality of the operator’s spatiotemporal demand leads to worksite congestion and that congestion is a form of worksite conflict. The interference of other space entities increases the space demand, and this increment is quantified with a “dynamic space interference” index This indicator is developed to identify activity spaces which suffer congestion. A decision making tool, the “congestion penalty indicator,” is developed which obtains a schedule-level value for analysis, evaluation, and comparison. Finally, a case study on the refurbishment of an oil refinery column is used to demonstrate the application of the ab.
Risk under performance‐based contracting in the UK construction sector

As a method of procuring the services of the built environment, performance‐based contracting (PBC) seeks to link the building supplier to longer term commitments than has traditionally been the case in the construction sector. By rewarding the building producer according to the way that building or structure delivers the users' requirements, rather than according to a list of assembled parts, a number of additional risks are taken by contractors, including fitness for purpose, costs and briefing. The extent to which contractors recognize these risks and their methods of dealing with them vary considerably and are influenced by their attitudes towards risk. As the risks associated with PBC are seen as large, uninsurable, and vulnerable to changing client requirements, the majority of respondents would reject the use of PBC as a method of contracting. Nevertheless, PBC may be used under particular conditions, where rewards are deemed sufficient to compensate for the additional risk to the contractor of undertaking work on the basis of a stream of payments paid over the life of a structure depending on the satisfactory performance of the building or as part of a private finance initiative.
Power and efficiency optimization for combined Brayton and two parallel inverse Brayton cycles. Part 2: Performance optimization

The power and efficiency of the open combined Brayton and two parallel inverse Brayton cycles are analysed and optimized based on the model established using finite-time thermodynamics in Part 1 of the current paper by adjusting the compressor inlet pressure of the two parallel inverse Brayton cycles, the mass flowrate and the distribution of pressure losses along the flow path. It is shown that the power output has a maximum with respect to the compressor inlet pressures of the two parallel inverse Brayton cycles, the air mass flowrate or any of the overall pressure drops, and the maximized power output has an additional maximum with respect to the compressor pressure ratio of the top cycle. The power output and the thermal conversion efficiency have the maximum values when the mass flowrates of the first and the second inverse Brayton cycles are the same. When the optimization is performed with the constraints of a fixed fuel flowrate and the power plant size, the power output and thermal conversion efficiency can be maximized again by properly allocating the fixed overall flow area among the compressor inlet of the top cycle and the turbine outlets of the two parallel inverse Brayton cycles. The numerical examples show the effects of design parameters on the power output and heat conversion efficiency.
Potential flow solution for a free surface flow past a sudden slope change

An analytical model was developed to calculate the pressure distribution in a free surface flow past a sudden change in channel slope. A conformal transformation technique was used to solve the problem analytically in a way that there is no need for trial and error to find the location of the free surface. Two methods were employed for this simulation: flow at a corner and free streamline theory. It was shown that free streamline theory is more accurate. Experiments were conducted to verify the ability of the analytical model to calculate the pressure distribution in a channel with a sudden change in slope. Slope changes of 6.22°, 10°, and 15° were tested with various flow discharges. The analytical model predictions of pressure distribution along the channel bed and with depth agreed well with the experimental measurements. Pressures up to 25 times the hydrostatic pressure were experimentally measured near the point of sudden change in slope. These pressures were reproduced by the model. The analytical m.
Multi-Body Dynamics in Full-Vehicle Handling Analysis under Transient Manoeuvre

This paper presents a 94 degrees of freedom non-linear multi-body dynamics model of a vehicle comprising front and rear suspensions, steering system, road wheels, tyres and vehicle inertia. The model incorporates all sources of compliance: stiffness and damping, all with non-linear characteristics. The model is used for the purpose of vehicle handling analysis. A simulation run, pertaining to a double lane change is undertaken in-line with the ISO 3888 standard.
Simulation analysis of productivity variation by global positioning system (GPS) implementation in earthmoving operations

The global positioning system (GPS) is being applied in the construction industry as a practical tool for higher productivity. The aim of this study is to estimate the productivity improvement from GPS implementation in earthmoving operations using construction simulation. The results show that the GPS-based system can increase productivity by 21.74% and cost savings by 12.92% over the conventional system in a project with a short haul distance and can increase productivity by 5.67% and cost savings by 4.79% in a project with a long haul distance. It was noted that the bulldozer and truck are critical resources for productivity in each project and that the greater the number of work activities in a project, the lower the improvement in productivity as a result of using a specific technology applied to a limited number of pieces of equipment, due to the existence of many varied factors. This study is intended to help construction planners set up optimized GPS-based earthmoving operations.Key words: earthmo.
SER Analysis of QAM with Space Diversity in Rayleigh Fading Channels

This paper derives the symbol error probability for quadrature amplitude modulation(QAM) with L-fold space diversity in Rayleigh fading channels. Two combining techniques, maximal ratio combining(MRC) and selection combining(SC), are considered. The formula for MRC space diversity is obtained by averaging the symbol error probability of M-ary QAM in an additive white Gaussian noise(AWGN) channel over a chi-square distribution with 2L degrees of freedom. The obtained formula overcomes the limitations of the earlier work, which has been limited only to deriving the symbol error rate(SER) of QAM with two branch MRC space diversity. The formula for SC space diversity is obtained by averaging the symbol error probability of M-ary QAM in an AWGN channel over the distribution of the maximum signal-to noise ratio among all of the diversity channels for SC space diversity has been reported yet. Analytical results show that the probability of error decreases with the order of diversity gain per additional branch decreases as the number of branches becomes larger. On the other hand, the performance of 16 QAM with MRC becomes much better than that of SC as the number of branches becomes larger. By giving the order of diversity, L, and the number of signal points, M, we have been able to obtain the SER performance of QAM with general space diversity. These results can be used to determine the order of diversity to achieve the desired SER in land mobile communication system employing QAM modulation.
Long-Term Lung Function and Exercise Capacity in Postinfectious chILD

Background: Severe postinfectious diffuse pulmonary disease may clinically mimic other entities of children's interstitial lung disease and is clinically challenging comprising various disease severities despite treatment. Long-term lung function trend and physical capacity in children with postinfectious diffuse pulmonary disease are rarely reported. We investigated trends in pulmonary function by long-term follow-up and assessed physical capacity in such patients. Methods: We performed a descriptive, single-center follow-up study in children with biopsy-verified postinfectious diffuse pulmonary disease. Patients with completed primary treatment course were eligible for follow-up, including pulmonary function and exercise (VO2peak) testing. Results: Thirty patients with postinfectious diffuse pulmonary disease were identified and included. Median (range) age at diagnose was 27.5 (2–172) months after a mean lag time of 23 months. H. influenzae and rhinovirus were the most frequent pathogens. Fifteen patients were available for follow-up after mean (range) 7.6 (2–15) years of treatment completion. Lung clearance index (LCI2.5), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and bronchodilator responsiveness were abnormal in 80%, 53%, and 44%, respectively. Diffusion capacity for monoxide was abnormal in 7% and total lung capacity in 33%. Only 8% demonstrated low VO2peak, while 40% reported difficulties during physical exertion. Longitudinal data on spirometry (n = 14) remained unchanged from end of treatment throughout follow-up. A significant association was found between zLCI2.5 and zFEV1 (multiple linear regression; r2 = 0.61; P = 0.0003). Conclusion: Postinfectious diffuse pulmonary disease in children carries a varying degree of chronic pulmonary impairment with onset of symptoms in the first months of life and a typical considerable lag time before diagnosis. Follow-up several years after the initial injury demonstrated moderate-to-severe peripheral airway impairment although no further lung function decline was found years after completion of treatment. Despite acceptable VO2peak, a considerable proportion struggled during heavy exercise.
PPy@Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Inhibit Tumor Growth and Metastasis Through Chemodynamic and Photothermal Therapy in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is considered to be a principal cause of cancer death across the world, and nanomedicine has provided promising alternatives for the treatment of NSCLC in recent years. Photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) have represented novel therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment with excellent performance. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of PPy@Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on inhibiting growth and metastasis of NSCLC by combination of PTT and CDT. In this study, we synthesized PPy@Fe3O4 NPs through a very facile electrostatic absorption method. And we detected reactive oxygen species production, cell apoptosis, migration and protein expression in different groups of A549 cells and established xenograft models to evaluate the effects of PPy@Fe3O4 NPs for inhibiting the growth of NSCLC. The results showed that the PPy@Fe3O4 NPs had negligible cytotoxicity and could efficiently inhibit the cell growth and metastasis of NSCLC in vitro. In addition, the PPy@Fe3O4 NPs decreased tumor volume and growth in vivo and endowed their excellent MRI capability of observing the location and size of tumor. To sum up, our study displayed that the PPy@Fe3O4 NPs had significant synergistic effects of PTT and CDT, and had good biocompatibility and safety in vivo and in vitro. The PPy@Fe3O4 NPs may be an effective drug platform for the treatment of NSCLC.
Optimum design of multistory uniform structures with simple eccentricity

A simple formula is presented to predict the conditions under which the degree of translational–torsional coupling of mixed‐bent‐type multistory eccentric buildings is insignificant and can be neglected in the structural design of such buildings. The formula is applicable to monosymmetric structures consisting of walls and rigid frames that are uniform over the height of the building. The derivation of the formula is based on the technique of representing discrete‐member structural models with an equivalent continuum medium and on the findings of an earlier paper presented by the writer, that in eccentric mixed‐bent‐type structures, under certain circumstances, the eccentricity of the wall system opposes the eccentricity of the frame system and that results in an effectively uncoupled building structure. The accuracy of the formula is examined by means of a parametric study that includes common types of wall‐frame monosymmetric structures and comparisons are made with the results obtained by three‐dimensional finite element dynamic analyses of discrete member models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi-pole permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbines' grid support capability in uninterrupted operation during grid faults

Emphasis in this paper is on the fault ride-through and grid support capabilities of multi-pole permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) wind turbines with a full-scale frequency converter. These wind turbines are announced to be very attractive, especially for large offshore wind farms. A control strategy is presented, which enhances the fault ride-through and voltage support capability of such wind turbines during grid faults. Its design has special focus on power converters' protection and voltage control aspects. The performance of the presented control strategy is assessed and discussed by means of simulations with the use of a transmission power system generic model developed and delivered by the Danish Transmission System Operator Energinet.dk. The simulation results show how a PMSG wind farm equipped with an additional voltage control can help a nearby active stall wind farm to ride through a grid fault, without implementation of any additional ride-through control strategy in the active stall wind farm.
Assessment of the Strength Parameters of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscles in Polish University Students after a 3-Week Program of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Using the RSQ1 Method

A rehabilitative program for patients who lose strength and muscle mass along with the ability to perform intensive exercises is lacking. We developed a 3-week training program based on neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) using a RSQ1 device (modulated current resulting from the overlapping of two-component currents) for RSQ1 electrostimulation to improve strength parameters of the quadricep femoris muscles and compare its effectiveness to isometric training. Nineteen university students were randomly divided into the NMES group (10 sessions) and the control group who trained. We measured the circumference of the thigh, as well as peak torques of the flexor and extensor muscles before and after the start and after the end of the training program. Both tested training programs gave similar results. Differences between measured parameters were not significant except for differences in the peak torques of the knee flexors (9.9% for left limb; p = 0.2135 vs. 7.8% for rift limb; p = 0.2135) and the circumference of the left thigh—2% for both (left p = 0.5839 and right p = 0.1088). Comparable results of the tested training programs suggest that NMES is a good alternative for people who cannot perform exercises, but want to maintain or improve their physical fitness.
Assessment of evolutionary algorithms in predicting non-deposition sediment transport

In this article, the densimetric Froude number of the flow is estimated using the parameters of volumetric sediment concentration (CV), the relative depth of flow (d/R), dimensionless particle number (Dgr) and the overall sediment friction factor (λs). The particle swarm optimization (PSO) and imperialist competitive algorithms (ICA) were used to estimate the densimetric Froude number. To study the effects of sediment transport parameters on the densimetric Froude number, six different models are presented. The PSO algorithm with root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.014 and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) = 5.1% present the results with a relatively good accuracy. The accuracy of the results presented for the selected model by the ICA algorithm is also in the form of RMSE = 0.007 and MAPE = 5.6%. Although both algorithms return good results in estimating the densimetric Froude number for the selected model, it should be mentioned that for all the six presented models ICA returns better results than PSO.
A compact substrate integrated waveguide H-plane horn antenna with dielectric arc lens: Research Articles

An H-plane horn antenna constructed into SIW (substrate integrated waveguide) is proposed. It has a dielectric arc lens for better directivity and a simple microstrip transition as feed. The horn, the lens and the transition share the same substrate. The resulting formula from optical principles shows that the suitable dielectric lens can improve the directivity of the antenna significantly. A prototype was fabricated; the antenna size is 39.175 × 14 × 2 mm3. The frequency band is from 25.5 to 28.5 GHz. The measured gain of this antenna is about 9 dB; the bandwidth, at 10 dB return loss, is over 12%. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2007.
Effect of Sweeteners on Root Dentine Demineralization Using a Microcosm Biofilm Model

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of commercial sweeteners on root dentin demineralization using a microcosm biofilm model. Bovine dentin specimens with pre-determined surface hardness were randomized into six groups according to the studied sweeteners: sucralose, stevia, saccharin, aspartame. Sucrose was used as a positive control and an untreated group as a negative control. The specimens were submitted to biofilm development from one saliva donor and the cariogenic challenge occurred on subsequent five days, twice a day. At the end, the percentage of surface hardness loss (%SHL) and biomass was determined and submitted to ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Sucrose presented the highest rate of demineralization, however, all sweeteners tested lead to a statistically higher root demineralization compared to the negative control (p <0.05). Sucrose caused greater demineralization in root dentin, however, the sweeteners were also able to induce it under this biofilm model.
Portraits in silicon

Who are the masterminds of today's electronic revolution and what motivated them? That's the question Time correspondent Robert Slater asked as he traveled to Silicon Valley to interview the designers, entrepreneurs, hardware engineers, and software writers who have given us the modern computer.Robert Slater is a member of the reporting staff of the Time Jerusalem bureau.
Physiochemical Properties, Volatile Compounds and Sensory Evaluation of Chili Sauce Shrimp Paste from Different Regions in Indonesia

Chili sauce shrimp paste (CSSP) is an exotic traditional sauce prepared using mainly fresh chili and shrimp paste well known as sambal terasi (Indonesia) and sambal belacan (Malaysia and Brunei). This study aims to evaluate CSSP from different regions in Indonesia on physiochemical properties, volatile compounds, and sensory evaluation. Evaluation in free amino acid (FAA) and volatile compounds were analyzed using HPLC and GC-MS. CSSP had no significant (p > 0.05) on proximate (except for moisture), salinity, pH, microbial counts and the redness index (a*/b*) compared to control. The identified volatiles can be grouped into hydrocarbon, carbonyl, sulfur, alcohol, nitrogen, fatty acid, and ester compounds. The CSSP A, B, C, D, and E (control) contained 9, 21, 12, 29, and 6 volatile compounds respectively. The total FAA ranged from 44.32 to 67.03 g/100 g, and histidine (his) was found as the most abundant in each CSSP. The rheological properties (yield stress, viscosity, and consistency) of CSSP and control values were significantly, except for CSSP B. The intensities perceived of saltiness, sweetness, and bitterness were greatly varied among CSSP. Although there is no correlation between sweetness and bitterness this is indicated by the negative correlation.