Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospects of telomere‐to‐telomere assembly in barley: Analysis of sequence gaps in the MorexV3 reference genome

The first gapless, telomere-to-telomere (T2T) sequence assemblies of plant chromosomes were reported recently. However, sequence assemblies of most plant genomes remain fragmented. Only recent breakthroughs in accurate long-read sequencing have made it possible to achieve highly contiguous sequence assemblies with a few tens of contigs per chromosome, i.e. a number small enough to allow for a systematic inquiry into the causes of the remaining sequence gaps and the approaches and resources needed to close them. Here, we analyze sequence gaps in the current reference genome sequence of barley cv. Morex (MorexV3). Optical map and sequence raw data, complemented by ChIP-seq data for centromeric histone variant CENH3, were used to estimate the abundance of centromeric, ribosomal DNA and subtelomeric repeats in the barley genome. These estimates were compared with copy numbers in the MorexV3 pseudomolecule sequence. We found that almost all centromeric sequences and 45S ribosomal DNA repeat arrays were absent from the MorexV3 pseudomolecules and that the majority of sequence gaps can be attributed to assembly breakdown in long stretches of satellite repeats. However, missing sequences cannot fully account for the difference between assembly size and flow cytometric genome size estimates. We discuss the prospects of gap closure with ultra-long sequence reads.
Supplier involvement in integrated product development: evidence from a group of Italian SMEs

Integrated product development (IPD) is gaining increased attention from practitioners and the academic community as a source of innovation and competitive advantage. However undeniable the importance of the issue is as to how the different actors involved in the process interact among themselves and the supporting factors not being well understood even in the SME context, the availability of empirical research and a comprehensive framework to drive this research remains unavailable. This article contributes to these research gaps by providing theoretical and empirical findings. First, a research framework on IPD is identified. The proposed framework represents a conceptualisation of IPD principles as consisting of three groups of integration enablers, which aim to achieve high internal (among departments) and external (with suppliers and customers) integration: (a) organisational enablers, (b) technological enablers and (c) methodologies. Then, a multiple case study approach is used in order to empirically explore external integration with suppliers in product development in 22 SMEs from the machine tool sector.
Developing a Management Model and Performance Framework for Improving Student Retention

This research will be of interest to global higher education policy makers, researchers and practitioners engaged in student retention, widening access and managing strategic interventions to deliver step improvements in performance. Widening access policies continue to have contemporary relevance. Effectively and efficiently reducing student non-continuation rates, without compromising widening access performance, remains a challenge for many HEIs. A new system level Management Model for Improving Student Retention Performance and its supporting performance framework is derived from empirical data gathered from a longitudinal instrumental case study and informed by the literature. They have specific validity for HEIs with strong widening access performances and general applicability to others. The dominant theoretical model informing the research is Tinto's longitudinal model of institutional departure (Tinto, 1993). The Management Model for Improving Student Retention Performance is presented around three primary categories: students, faculty and institution. Each interacts with each other and operates within individual and mutually inclusive environmental systems. There is also a supporting Improving Student Retention KPI Framework and Improving Student Retention Performance Monitoring Information System to provide the mechanisms and tools that influence the effective and efficient application of the model to deliver a step improvement in student retention. Evidence of considerable improvements [50%] in student retention performances1 for widening access students is evidenced by the case institution which is not shared by comparable HEIs in Wales. Two new performance indicators are also derived: the Specific Widening Participation Indicator (SWPi) and the Multiple Widening Participation Index (MWPi). These support a new paradigm for understanding widening access and student non- continuation performances and challenge the algorithm used to calculate institution non-continuation benchmarks. They are included in the new performance framework and inform the third primary research contribution which exposes the significant discrepancies between the funding allocations made by HEFCW, the demands on HEIs relating to widening participation policy and the extent of their MWPi>0 and retention performances. Incongruence between HEFCW funding methodology and Welsh policy is evidenced.
Effects of structural vibrations on the film thickness in an EHL circular contact

In elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL), one generally imposes force balance, i.e., the contact force resulting from the pressure in the contact is equal to the applied load. When studying the effect of structural vibrations, this force balance equation obviously does not hold and the more general equation of motion is required. In Wijnant and Venner (1996), an EHL contact model was introduced that incorporates both squeeze and entraining motion as well as the equation of motion. It was shown numerically that due to a small initial deviation or initial velocity, the rolling element starts an oscillatory motion around the equilibrium position. This motion is slightly damped because of the viscous losses in the lubricant. Moreover, it was shown that these oscillations cause film thickness modulations with a wavelength, directly related to the dimensionless frequency Ω. This paper compares results from experiments that were carried out on a ball and disk apparatus with results obtained with the EHL contact model. In this experiment, the applied load was rapidly increased by impacting a wedge between the base and the ball holder. This results in an increase of the contact area and, as a result of inertia forces of the ball, disk and supports, and oscillatory motion of the contacting bodies. Modulations in the film thickness which result from these oscillations, are clearly visible. The contact model was tailored to this experiment and a qualitatively close agreement has been found.
The Development of Romania: A Cohort Study

The paper surveys Romania's social development in the 20th century through the eyes of two generations -- born in 1900 and in 1930. Through statistical analysis the paper reveals the gradual transformation of the agrarian Romania with predominance of rural economy during the first quarter of this century into an agro-industrial Romania in the second quarter of the century extended up to 1960 with an improving correlation of agriculture and industry (heavy and most essential consumer goods). Important aspects studied here included comparative consumption patterns, and rural conditions in the Romania of 1920-1940 and 1950-1970 and social effects of the First and Second World Wars as well as revolution. Finally, it throws some light on Romania's trends of development towards the year 2000 and its impact on the 1930 cohorts.
Experimental Investigation of Coaxial Side Branch Resonators

Digital particle image velocimetry is employed to investigate acoustically-coupled flow past a coaxial deep cavity (side branch) resonator mounted in a duct. The emphasis is on the effect of the separation between the coaxial side branches on the interaction between separated shear layers that form across the side branch openings. Various resonator geometries are characterized in terms of patterns of instantaneous and time-averaged flow velocity, vorticity, and streamline topology at several phases of the acoustic cycle. In addition, phase-averaged images of the flow in conjunction with unsteady pressure measurements are evaluated in order to provide insight into the mechanisms of acoustic power generation. Generally speaking, the acoustic source undergoes a significant transformation as the distance between the coaxial side branches changes. When the side branches are located relatively far away from each other, each of them forms an independent acoustic source. As the distance between the side branches decreases, interaction between the associated oscillating shear layers results in formation of a single acoustic source of complex spatial structure.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Effects of Cumulative Sleep Loss and Two Nights' Recovery Sleep on Multiple-Task Performance

The present study investigated the effects of five days' cumulative sleep restriction and two nights' recovery sleep on multiple-task performance and subjective sleepiness in a controlled laboratory environment. A total of 21 volunteers participated, thirteen in the experimental group and eight in the control group. Compared to the control group, the sleepiness of the sleep-loss group gradually increased over the five days, but returned to the baseline level after an eight hour recovery sleep period. Multiple-task performance declined selectively in the memory, arithmetic and auditory subtasks, while visual monitoring results were not affected. After the eight hour recovery period, the performance of the sleep-restricted participants in the auditory subtask remained low, although the individuals themselves no longer reported sleepiness. Performance in the rest of the tasks returned to the baseline level. Thus the partial cumulative sleep loss selectively impaired cognitive performance in subtasks of a multiple-task environment, which simulated many ordinary working environments. This may be due to the slowing of the cognitive processing during sleep restriction, as well as decline in attention control.
The Influence of Calcination Temperature on the Formation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Thermal-Treatment

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the thermal-treatment method. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone was used as capping agent and Zinc nitrate was used as a precursor. The samples were calcined at 500 and 550°C for removal of the organic compounds. The structural characteristics of the calcined samples were examined by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the average particle size increases with increase in calcination temperature. The optical properties were characterized at room temperature using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer in the wavelength range between 200–800 nm and the band gap energy was calculated from reflectance spectra using kubalka munk function and the results indicated that the band gap energy decreased from 3.23 eV at 500 oC to 3.21 eV at 600 °C due to an increase of particle size. This simple thermal-treatment method has advantages of the pure nanoparticles formation as no additional chemicals were required, a lack of by-product effluents, and environmentally friendly process.
Ball Motion and Sliding Friction in an Arched Outer Race Ball Bearing

The motion of the ball and sliding friction in an arched outer race ball bearing under thrust loads is determined. Fatigue life evaluations were made. The analysis is applied to a 150 millimeter bore ball bearing. The results indicated that for high speed-light load applications the arched bearing has significant improvement in fatigue life over that of a conventional bearing. An arching of 0.254 mm (0.01 in.) was found to be an optimal. For an arched bearing it was also found that a considerable amount of spinning occurs at the outer race contacts.
Modelling of rearrangement yield surface under biaxial magnetic field in Ni-Mn-Ga shape memory alloys

Abstract. A predictive model of ﬁeld-induced strain in Ni-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys is proposed. Theaction of both biaxial magnetic ﬁeld and mechanical stress on the martensitic rearrangement in a Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal aremodelled. Yield surfaces of starting rearrangement are simulated. They show how applied mechanical stress helps or opposesto the applied magnetic ﬁeld to make the rearrangement easier or harder. The results are fully compatible with the experimentsof Mullner et al. [8] describing the action of a rotating magnetic ﬁeld. ¨Keywords: Magneto-mechanical coupling, shape memory alloy, model 1. Introduction In the search of new active materials, ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMA) such as Ni-Mn-Gahave a prominent position thanks to their capability to developa strain more important than conventionalactive materials such as piezoelectric and magnetostrictive. Contrary to classical shape memory alloys,theyareabletodevelopthisstrainveryrapidly,underanappliedmagneticﬁeld. Thisparticularbehaviouris in fact due to variant structure rearrangement of twinned martensite platelets: when a magnetic ﬁeldis applied, this one tends to increase the volume fraction of the best oriented martensite between the twotwinned ones. To describe and understand this mechanism of magnetic ﬁeld-induced-strain, differentmodels were proposed (Murray et al. [1], James et al. [2], Likhachev et al. [3] and Mullner et al. [4]). ¨In this paper, the authors propose a magneto-mechanical model based on phenomenology, thermo-dynamics of irreversible processes and changing of scale. This model is written in order to predict theeffect of biaxial magneticﬁeldin asingle crystalof 5 M or 7 M twinnedmartensite, with appliedstressornot. For sake of simplicity, no demagnetizing ﬁeld is considered. A Representative Elementary Volumeis classically introduced with different microstructural parameters, i.e. volume fractions of martensiticbands, magnetization rotations, width ratios of two consecutive magnetic domains. It must be noticedthat these variables are linked to physical phenomenon, for example, the movements of 180
Measurements of Sky Luminance, Sky Illuminance, and Horizontal Solar Radiation

This paper presents initial findings of a sky measurement program currently in progress at the National Bureau of Standards. Measurements are reported on sky luminance and illuminance and how they relate to horizontal solar radiation and sun position. Correlations are presented relating horizontal illuminance to horizontal solar radiation, and zenith luminance to solar altitude. These empirical models are particularly suitable for use in daylighting energy studies since they are based on existing solar data currently available on standard weather tapes.
Vibration Control of a MR Seat Damper for Commercial Vehicles

This paper presents vibration control of a semi-active seat suspension with a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid damper, which is applicable to commercial vehicles such as large size of trucks. A cylindrical MR seat damper is designed on the basis of the Bingham model of the MR fluid. After manufacturing the seat damper, field-dependent damping force characteristics are experimentally evaluated. A semi-active seat suspension system installed with the seat damper is then constructed and its governing equation of motion is derived. A skyhook controller to reduce vibration level at the driver’s seat is formulated and realized in a closed-loop control fashion. The control responses, such as acceleration transmissibility, are investigated in both frequency and time domains. In addition, a full-vehicle model featuring the proposed semi-active seat suspension is established and its vibration control performances are evaluated via the hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS).
A variable structure extended Kalman filter for vehicle sideslip angle estimation on a low friction road

Sideslip angle plays an important role in vehicle stability control. However, it is difficult to measure directly unless some complex and expensive devices are employed. Thus, sideslip angle estimated by vehicle states such as lateral acceleration, yaw rate and so on is required in real-time vehicle stability control. A new variable structure extended Kalman filter integrated with the sideslip angle rate feedback algorithm and damping item is proposed in this paper. The main idea of the sideslip angle rate feedback algorithm is to compensate the model error caused by road friction estimation inaccuracy while that of the damping item is to suppress the error accumulation. The estimated results are compared with the real values obtained by the differential global position system on a low friction road and it shows that the proposed methodology can provide accurate sideslip angle to some extent for vehicle stability control.
DeepDFML-NILM: A New CNN-Based Architecture for Detection, Feature Extraction and Multi-Label Classification in NILM Signals

In the subsequent decades, the increasing energy will demand renewable resources and intelligent solutions for managing consumption. In this sense, Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) techniques detail consumption information for users, allowing better electric power management and avoiding energy losses. In high-frequency NILM methods, state-of-the-art approaches, mainly based on deep learning solutions, do not provide a complete NILM architecture, including all the required steps. To overcome this gap, this work presents an integrated method for detection, feature extraction, and classification of high-frequency NILM signals for the publicly available LIT-Dataset. In terms of detection, the results were above 90% for most cases, whilst the state-of-the-art methods were below 70% for eight loads. For classification, the final accuracies were comparable with other recent works (around 97%). We also include a multi-label procedure to avoid the disaggregation stage, indicating the loads connected at a given time, increasing the recognition of multiple loads. Finally, we present results in an embedded system, a subject also underexplored in the recent literature, demonstrating the proposal’s feasibility for real-time signal analysis and practical applications involving NILM.
Management of Ascites in Patients with Cirrhosis: An Update

Ascites represents a critical event in the natural history of liver cirrhosis. From a prognostic perspective, its occurrence marks the transition from the compensated to the decompensated stage of the disease, leading to an abrupt worsening of patients’ life expectancy. Moreover, ascites heralds a turbulent clinical course, characterized by acute events and further complications, frequent hospitalizations, and eventually death. The pathophysiology of ascites classically relies on hemodynamic mechanisms, with effective hypovolemia as the pivotal event. Recent discoveries, however, integrated this hypothesis, proposing systemic inflammation and immune system dysregulation as key mechanisms. The mainstays of ascites treatment are represented by anti-mineralocorticoids and loop diuretics, and large volume paracentesis. When ascites reaches the stage of refractoriness, however, diuretics administration should be cautious due to the high risk of adverse events, and patients should be treated with periodic execution of paracentesis or with the placement of a trans-jugular intra-hepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). TIPS reduces portal hypertension, eases ascites control, and potentially modify the clinical course of the disease. Further studies are required to expand its indications and improve the management of complications. Long-term human albumin administration has been studied in two RCTs, with contradictory results, and remains a debated issue worldwide, despite a potential effectiveness both in ascites control and long-term survival. Other treatments (vaptans, vasoconstrictors, or implantable drainage systems) present some promising aspects but cannot be currently recommended outside clinical protocols or a case-by-case evaluation.
Remembering correctly: A market opportunity analysis for a new forensic technology

Eyewitness misidentification is the main cause of wrongful convictions, and is mainly due to false memories and lacking police procedures. False memories can be said to have occurred when people believe they have seen or experienced an event that did not occur or, at least, not in the way they remembered. This is a common problem in witnessing crime. A group of researchers at Lund University developed a software implemented algorithm capable to detecting false memories. This algorithm is intended to be used as the core of a new product, a forensic technology, which the police can use to minimize eyewitness misidentification. The thesis first describes a generic theoretical framework to analyze a market opportunity for new product concepts. When applying this framework to this particular forensic technology, PEST analysis shows low influence of external factors, although uncertainty is fairly high. Porter's five force analysis suggests that the industry is less attractive due to high buyer's power, a large number of competitors and high rivalry. Finally, SWOT analysis shows an equilibrated number of positive and negative elements in both internal and external features. Therefore, in order to successfully enter the identified market, some issues must be addressed, such as the need of a viable prototyping process and an understanding of the ethical and public aspects of the technology. Two different strategies are proposed for market entry. The first one is a lead-user approach that seeks early consumer involvement of the, and the second is a cooperation/licensing strategy with integration of the technology into a pre-existing industry solution.
Robust Beamforming for Enhancing User Fairness in Multibeam Satellite Systems with NOMA

This paper proposes a downlink transmission scheme exploiting robust beamforming in conjunction with non-orthogonal multiple access for multibeam satellite systems to enhance the spectral efficiency and user fairness. Specifically, by employing the imperfect channel state information and considering the fairness among multiple satellite terminals (STs), we first formulate an optimization problem to maximize the sum $\alpha$-fair utility, while guaranteeing the transmit power budget and quality-of-service requirement of each ST. Since the original problem is nonconvex, we then adopt a discretization method to convert the channel uncertainty into deterministic forms, and propose an iterative penalty function algorithm combined with sequential convex approximation to obtain the optimal solution. Finally, simulation results are given to confirm the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed scheme over some existing works. It is also shown that our scheme can achieve a good balance between the system performance and user fairness.
Buckling of Four Equal‐Leg Angle Cruciform Columns

The elastic and inelastic buckling of cruciform section columns formed from four equal leg angles is examined. The elastic critical loads for flexural, torsional and plate building are determined. Two different and extreme assumptions are made about the residual stress distribution from which the tangent and reduced modulus buckling loads are determined for the elastic core of the section. The results of this analysis are compared with empirical methods in current specification and indicate that the specifications are not conservative for all values of slenderness and width‐thickness ratios.