Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Full Range Omnidirectional Sound Source for Near-Field Head-Related Transfer-Functions Measurement

Head-related transfer-functions (HRTF) are a central part of spatializing audio. However measuring the near-field HRTF at close source distances presents unique challenges. In particular the existing sound sources designed to be appropriate for near-field HRTF measurements on human subjects exhibit a notable issue of being unable to generate a sufficient acoustic output level at lower frequencies (below 300 Hz) while keeping a proper omnidirectional directivity pattern at higher frequencies. This paper proposes a novel design to overcome this limitation of low-frequency range. Several aspects of the design were considered in the paper: type of enclosure, low-frequency extension, choice of transducers, and metrics for sound source assessment. The chosen solutions are discussed together with numerical and experimental verification. The source constructed under the design method and process described herein achieved a frequency range of 120–16,000 Hz for which it can be used to measure HRTFs at source distances as small as 0.15 m from the subject’s head.
Pounding of buildings in series during earthquakes

A simplified model of several adjacent buildings in a block is used to study the pounding of such buildings due to strong earthquakes. Considerable structural damage and even some collapses have sometimes been attributed to this effect. Each structure is modelled as a S.D. O.F. system and pounding is simulated using impact elements. A parametric investigation of this problem shows that the end structures experience almost always substantial increases in their response while for ‘interior’ structures the opposite often happens. This may explain why high percentages of corner buildings have collapsed in some earthquakes.
Assessing drivers’ performance when automated driver support systems fail with different levels of automation

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems and lane keeping (LK) systems are two automated driver support systems that serve as convenience systems by changing the role of the driver from a controller to an automation supervisor. These higher levels of automation might impair drivers’ performance when the automated systems fail. This study examined how drivers’ performance differed when an automated system fails in two different levels of automation; with only LK engaged (lower level automation) and with both ACC and LK engaged (higher level automation). Drivers’ performance in conjunction with automated driving was compared in different road conditions (i.e., straight lane, curve lane, and in traffic). In addition, it was expected that drivers’ characteristics and attitudes towards automation, such as their automation complacency, interpersonal trust, acceptance of the LK, and trust of the LK would also influence driving performance. Results showed that participants had significantly longer response times to a system failure with a higher level of automation than with a lower level of automation. The higher level automation also led to significantly larger maximum lane deviation when a system failed. In addition, participants with higher level of interpersonal trust had significantly larger maximum lane deviation than participants with lower level of interpersonal trust. Thus, these results suggest that failures of higher levels of automation may lead to poorer driving performance during the detection and recovery from the failure and drivers’ level of interpersonal trust affects their detection and recovery from system failures.
Flutter Control of an Adaptive Laminated Composite Panel with Piezoelectric Layers.

Abstract : A new finite element formulation of an adaptive composite laminated panel with piezoelectric sensors and actuators is presented. Classical laminated theory with electromechanical induced actuation and variational principles are used to formulate the equations of motion. The finite element model based on the bilinear Mindlin plate theory with 24 structural degrees of freedom and one electrical degree of freedom per piezoelectric layer is much simpler and computationally more efficient than models based on solid element formulations with a significant decrease in the number of degrees of freedom. The numerical results from simulations agree well with data reported in the literature. Next, the effectiveness of using the adaptive composite panel to control panel flutter is examined. First order piston theory is used to model the supersonic flow. The piezoelectric actuators are used passively to induce inplane forces to alter the panel stiffness characteristics. The results show that piezoelectric devices can significantly increase panel flutter velocities. However, it was found that the added mass to stiffness ratio and the piezoelectric patch configuration are two factors affecting actuator performance. JG
Wells turbine for wave energy conversion - improvement of stall characteristics by the use of 3-dimensional blades -

The effect of 3-dimensional blade on the turbine characteristics has been investigated experimentally by model testing under steady flow conditions and simulated numerically by quasi-steady analysis under sinusoidal flow conditions, in order to improve the stall characteristics of Wells turbine for wave energy conversion in the study. Aim of the use of 3-dimentional blade for Wells turbine is to prevent flow separation on the suction surface near tip. The chord length is constant with radius and the blade thickness increases gradually from hub to tip. The blade profiles are NACA0015 at hub, NACA0020 at mean radius and NACA0025 at tip. The performance of Wells turbine with 3-dimensional blades has been compared with those of original Wells turbine, i.e., the turbine with 2-dimensional blades. As a result, it has been concluded that both the efficiency and stall characteristics of Wells turbine can be improved by the use of 3-dimensional blade. Wells turbine for wave energy conversion improvement of stall characteristics by the use of 3-dimensional blades Received 31 March 2014
The value of type testing cables and accessories

In this paper the results of 16 years of type testing MV, HV and EHV cables, accessories and cable systems are presented as general figures and subdivided by cable, the various types of accessories and by standard. This survey is an update of a previous publication [1] and confirms the previously presented data. It shows that 20 % to 50 % of all type tests on accessories result in a change in design or stopping the type test. These results show the manufacturer the necessity of thoroughly testing new designs of cables and accessories. For the user of cable systems, these results indicate the value of purchasing type tested components or even systems. Also, these results may help manufacturers and utilities to define a series of relevant tests. Interfacial problems show the importance of testing the combination of cable and accessories that will be used. Individually type tested components are not a guarantee that the combination will pass the type test. In this view, it is advisable, especially for large cable projects, to type test the envisaged combination of cable and accessories before installation commences.
Effect of Bamboo Powder on Curing Behaviors of Liquefied Bamboo-Based Resol Resin

Differential Thermal Analysis(DTA) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the effect of Bamboo Powder(BP) on the curing behavior of two types of liquefied bamboo-based resol resin(PBF). DTA analysis shows that the addition of bamboo powder to the PBF resin leads to low temperature and broad peaks in the DTA curves. It also accelerates the addition reaction in the curing process of PBF resin and reduced the peak temperature, activation energies for PBF resin . Bamboo Powder reduced the activation energies for resins because the bamboo powder maybe had selfcatalysis effect. The lowest activation energy for a PBF resin probably appeared about at pH 11.0 under alkaline conditions.
A Practitioner‐Educator Partnership for Teaching Engineering Design

Recently, the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science (CEES) at the University of Oklahoma instituted a “Programs Outcomes Assessment Plan” as mandated by the state regents for higher education. The assessment plan is designed to determine whether the existing CEES curriculum, teaching methods, and resources are achieving prescribed departmental goals. Within the plan, the senior level design course or capstone experience is to be used as one tool for assessing students. Development of the assessment plan coincided with a departmental decision to revamp and update the existing senior design course to more effectively convey the concept of design and to expose the students to professional practice. The restructured capstone course is now co-taught by a local industrial entity (i.e., consulting firm) and the CEES faculty. This industry driven capstone course has provided invaluable feedback regarding curricular content and capabilities of departmental graduates. The capstone course serves as a microcosm of the four year curriculum. Experiences and outputs from the course can be used to provide immediate assessment information regarding outcomes of the curriculum and at the same time provide insights into curricular changes necessary to improve the educational experience of our students.
Decision making under uncertainty - a case study

Oil production and handling is blamed for serious accidents. Hence safety issues are of prime importance as any possible accident could cause catastrophic disasters such as loss of assets, human fatalities or injuries and environmental damages. The essence of designing a safe process plant and delivering sustainable performance makes an efficient risk management plan necessary for promoting safety in hazardous industries such as oil production. The aim of this paper is an attempt to present an efficient model to provide an appropriate decision making approach under uncertain situations. An oil field development plant is selected as a case to apply the presented model to demonstrate its efficiency. It was found that the model has the ability to support decision makers in the oil and gas industry to take appropriate action by addressing the key variables which may cause potential for failure.
A text-mining analysis of nursing care for overseas visitors in Japan

Background The provision of health and nursing care for overseas visitors to Japan is becoming more important for nurses and hospitals owing to the sharp increase in visitor numbers. We investigated the attitudes and concerns of Japanese nurses when caring for overseas visitors, focusing on preparedness. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional text-mining study. The analysis was both qualitative and quantitative with a descriptive aim, including two open-ended questions to nurses. A total of 513 nurses participated, representing 350 hospitals from eight prefectures across Japan. We collected data from nurses enrolled in a first-level management course from August 2011 to February 2012. We analyzed the responses to the open-ended question with Text Mining Studio 5.1, and numeric data with JMP 11.0. Results Only 32.8% (167) of the nurses affirmed that their hospitals were prepared to care for overseas visitors. Nurses from hospitals that had prepared for overseas visitors were more concerned about culture and lifestyle differences. In contrast, nurses from hospitals that lacked appropriate preparation were strongly concerned about their foreign language skills. Among all hospitals, many nurses were most concerned about language communication, informed consent, and payment of medical expenses. Conclusion Hospitals in Japan should require that their nurses be better prepared to care for overseas visitors. We conclude that formal preparation will help nurses take into consideration various unique characteristics of overseas visitors to provide necessary healthcare. Japanese nursing professionals need greater knowledge of global health issues to understand patients from foreign countries.
Dual band frequency selective surface based on circular aperture‐coupled patches

A dual band frequency selective surface (FSS) based on circular aperture‐coupled patches is presented. The technique is based on using two same structures with different sizes. A special topology is proposed to arrange the two different sizes structures. Each structure is composed of two circular patches and a circular coupling aperture. The dual band FSS has a second‐order band pass responses at each band of operation and owes its advantages to high selectivity and stable performance for both various incident angles and different polarizations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26102
Young Adult Stroke in Taiwan: etiologies and outcomes

Background Early-onset adult stroke has not been fully characterized in Asians. Objectives We investigated the etiologic subtypes, risk factors and 1-year outcomes of early-onset stroke (16 – 55 years of age) in a Taiwanese cohort. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with acute stroke admitted to the Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan between 2009 and 2017. Patients were classified by age of onset (≤ or > 55) and etiologic subtypes and regularly followed for 1 year. Results Among all stroke patients (n=8155), 17.6% (n=1310) were early-onset, who had slightly more spontaneous hemorrhagic stroke (50.8%) than ischemic stroke (49.2%). The most common etiologic subtypes of hemorrhagic stroke were hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage and undetermined ICH. The most common subtypes of infarction were large artery atherosclerosis, other determined diseases (52.5% arterial dissection) and embolic stroke of undetermined source. Smoking, alcohol overdrink, obesity, ischemic heart disease and family history of stroke were more in the early-onset than the elderly patients. The early-onset patients with familial stroke (n=87, 6.6%) were more males and more commonly had infarction than those without familial stroke. Monogenic diseases accounted for 5.7% of young familial stroke. At 1-year follow-up, the early-onset patients with infarction displayed greater functional improvements but more stroke recurrence than those with ICH. Conclusions Hypertensive hemorrhagic stroke and large artery atherosclerosis or dissection occlusion are characteristically common etiologies of young stroke in Taiwan. Early-onset infarction had higher recurrence yet better 1-year outcomes than early-onset ICH. Patients with familial versus non-familial aggregation had more ischemic infarction and monogenic diseases.
Vulnerability Assessment of a Port and Harbor Community to Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards: Integrating Technical Expert and Stakeholder Input

Research suggests that the Pacific Northwest could experience catastrophic earthquakes and tsunamis in the near future, posing a significant threat to the numerous ports and harbors along the coast. A collaborative, multi-agency initiative is underway to increase the resiliency of Pacific Northwest ports and harbors to these hazards, involving Oregon Sea Grant, Washington Sea Grant, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Services Center, and the U.S. Geological Survey Center for Science Policy. One element of this research, planning, and outreach initiative is a natural hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness planning process that combines technical expertise with local stakeholder values and perceptions. This paper summarizes and examines one component of the process, the vulnerability assessment methodology, used in the pilot port and harbor community of Yaquina River, Oregon, as a case study of assessing vulnerability at the local level. In this community, stakeholders were most concerned with potential life loss and other nonstructural vulnerability issues, such as inadequate hazard awareness, communication, and response logistics, rather than structural issues, such as damage to specific buildings or infrastructure.
Turbochargers to Small Gas Turbines

The evolutionary development of the small turbocharger with a single stage centrifugal compressor and single stage radial inflow turbine has in the past four decades resulted in a finely honed turbomachinery accessory fully satisfying both thermodynamic and economic constraints. Its similarity to the small radial type of gas turbine auxiliary power unit has enamored many past efforts to adapt its associated aerothermodynamic features and low manufacturing cost attributes into various gas turbine configurations. This paper examines the viability of these efforts in attempting to achieve lower cost small gas turbines, versus those more specially developed, albeit expensive units, already being marketed by small gas turbine manufacturers.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
Intraoral Radiographic Processing Skills among Dentists in Saudi Arabia

AIM: The present study was designed to investigate use of intraoral radiographic techniques (conventional and digital) among general dental practitioners (GDP) in Saudi Arabia with focus on its availability in workplace, ease of the technique, and the recommended technique to be taught during undergraduate based on individual experience. METHODS: A questioner in form of a Google sheet was designed concerning demographic data, country, district, university, year of graduation, availability of radiographic technique available in workplace, which technique learned during undergraduate study, and which technique should teach during undergraduate study based on individual experience. A GDP list was developed from different dental groups on social media. The questioner was sent to the GDP list and to improve the response rate, telephone calls were made in advance to all expected participants. RESULTS: About 62.2% of participants were graduated within past 5 years, the most common dental X-ray processing technique learned during undergraduate study was the digital and conventional (both theoretical and practical) in 47.6% of participants followed by conventional (theoretical and practical) technique in 21% participants. Based on their work experience, 74.8% of participants preferred both digital and conventional techniques should be taught in dental Saudi Universities/Colleges while, the digital method was preferred by 21%. CONCLUSION: However, intraoral digital radiographic technique is widely available in most regions in Saudi Arabia; it is recommended to teach both intraoral digital and conventional radiographic techniques during undergraduate study.
Seakeeping Analysis of a Turret-Moored FPSO by Using Artificial Neural Networks

Floating offshore structures, particularly floating oil production, storage and offloading systems (FPSOs) are still in great demand, both in small and large reservoirs, for deployment in deep water. The prediction of such vessels’ responses to her environmental loading over her lifetime is now often undertaken using response-based design methodology, although the approach is still in its early stages of development. Determining the vessel’s responses to hydrodynamic loads induced by long term sea environments is essential for implementing this approach effectively. However, it is often not practical to perform a complete simulation for every 3-hour period of environmental data being considered. Therefore, an Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) modelling technique has been developed for the prediction of FPSO’s responses to arbitrary wind, wave and current loads that alleviates this problem. Comparison of results obtained from a conventional mathematical model with those of the ANN-based technique for the case of a 200,000 tdw tanker demonstrates that the approach can successfully predict the vessel’s responses due to arbitrary loads. © 2003 ASME
Demonstration of ultra-small (<10 μm) 632 nm red InGaN micro-LEDs with useful on-wafer external quantum efficiency (>0.2%) for mini-displays

Ultra-small red micro-LEDs (<10 μm) with measurable output power have proved difficult to demonstrate. The smallest state-of-the-art red micro-LEDs (AlInGaP) to have exhibited a decent output power of ∼1.75 mW mm−2 are 20 μm × 20 μm in dimension. InGaN-based red micro-LED development has primarily been impeded due to the large lattice mismatch between the substrate and the quantum wells along with fabrication challenges such as low damage etching. In this work, we demonstrate 6 μm × 6 μm sized InGaN red micro-LEDs with an on-wafer external quantum efficiency of 0.2% and light output power reaching 2.1 mW mm−2.
Channel estimation for SIMO OFDM systems without cyclic prefix

A novel channel estimation for single-input multiple-output (SIMO) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems without cyclic prefix is proposed. The signal model with intersymbol interference is first presented. Because of the block Toeplitz structure of the channel matrix, the subspace channel estimation with block matrix is then developed. Compared with existing methods, the proposed channel estimation yields good performance in the finite sample scenario.
MODELING OF INTERACTION LAYER GROWTH BETWEEN U-Mo PARTICLES AND AN Al MATRIX

Interaction layer growth between U-Mo alloy fuel particles and Al in a dispersion fuel is a concern due to the volume expansion and other unfavorable irradiation behavior of the interaction product. To reduce interaction layer (IL) growth, a small amount of Si is added to the Al. As a result, IL growth is affected by the Si content in the Al matrix. In order to predict IL growth during fabrication and irradiation, empirical models were developed. For IL growth prediction during fabrication and any follow-on heating process before irradiation, out-of-pile heating test data were used to develop kinetic correlations. Two out-of-pile correlations, one for the pure Al matrix and the other for the Al matrix with Si addition, respectively, were developed, which are Arrhenius equations that include temperature and time. For IL growth predictions during irradiation, the out-of-pile correlations were modified to include a fission-rate term to consider fission enhanced diffusion, and multiplication factors to incorporate the Si addition effect and the effect of the Mo content. The in-pile correlation is applicable for a pure Al matrix and an Al matrix with the Si content up to 8 wt%, for fuel temperatures up to 200 ℃, and for Mo content in the range of 6 ? 10wt%. In order to cover these ranges, in-pile data were included in modeling from various tests, such as the US RERTR-4, -5, -6, -7 and -9 tests and Korea’s KOMO-4 test, that were designed to systematically examine the effects of the fission rate, temperature, Si content in Al matrix, and Mo content in U-Mo particles. A model converting the IL thickness to the IL volume fraction in the meat was also developed.