Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IMPROVING PEANUT YIELD AND GRADE WITH SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION IN UNDULATING FIELDS

A surface drip irrigation system was developed to irrigate peanut in two experimental fields: one with very little topographic variation on Greenville fine sandy loam soil, and one with undulating terrain containing 2.4% slope on Faceville fine sandy loam soil. Pod yield, kernel size distribution, and total sound mature kernels (TSMK) were evaluated with two peanut varieties, two planting patterns, and two drip tape lateral spacings. Test results were compared with the adjacent non-irrigated area planted with the same varieties of peanut. Soil temperature and volumetric water content were measured at different locations to monitor soil temperature and water movement from drip tapes. Maximum soil temperature in the irrigated area was substantially lower than in the non-irrigated area. For both 13 and 25 mm irrigations, about 16 h were required for water to move laterally 46 cm to reach the peak water content level. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in yields between 0.9 m and 1.8 m drip tape lateral spacings. Peanut yields with drip irrigation were 1.4 times those of the non-irrigated yield. The irrigation water use efficiency from surface drip irrigation was 10 kg/ha-mm during the two growing seasons. Yields tended to slightly decrease as the land elevation decreased for both irrigated and non-irrigated zones. Compared to the non-irrigated areas, the drip-irrigated area produced a greater portion of larger kernels than smaller kernels. In the undulating area, the average TSMK was 73.7% and 64.9% for drip-irrigated and non-irrigated treatments, respectively. Average gross revenue was $2,093 per ha with drip irrigation and $1,253 per ha with no irrigation.
Control loop study of a load commutated CSI-fed induction motor

The authors present a systematic study for the induction motor drive system using a load commutated current source inverter (LCCSI). The steady state characteristics of a LCCSI-fed induction motor are shown to be the intermediate characteristics between the voltage source inverter (VSI) and the autosequentially commutated current source inverter (ASCI) systems. The dynamic characteristics of the LCCSI-fed induction motor are also investigated using a linearised model and the system control loops without a speed sensor are discussed. A study through the pole/zero locations of the linearised system shows that a V/Hz ratio feedback loop plays an essential role in the system stabilisation.
Network reconfiguration at the power distribution system with dispersed generations for loss reduction

This paper discusses the network reconfiguration at the power distribution systems with dispersed generations (DG) for loss reduction. The power distribution systems have a radial network and unidirectional power flows. With the advent of dispersed generations, the power distribution systems have a locally looped network and bidirectional power flows. Therefore, DG into the power distribution system can cause operational problems and impact on existing operational schemes. There are several operational schemes in power distribution systems. One of these operational schemes is network reconfiguration, which is defined as altering the topological structures of distribution feeders by changing the open/closed states of the sectionalization and the switches. However, with the introduction of DG in power distribution systems, this increases the complexity of this problem. In this paper, an operational scheme is presented which uses network reconfiguration at the power distribution systems with DG as real-time operation tool for loss reduction. The solution procedure is illustrated on simple examples.
Progress in Collapse Analyses

In the field of finite element structural analysis, the computation of collapse states of structures prone to unstable behavior has long been considered a difficult if not intractable problem. Only recently have procedures that deal effectively with this difficulty found their way in general-purpose finite element codes. Although the explanation for the cause of the so-called limit point obstacle is actually simple - an inappropriate parameterization of the governing equations in the neighborhood of the limit point - this cause does not seem to have been widely understood in the period of development of the finite element technique. In this paper, some of the remedies that have been proposed to overcome the problems are reviewed, including the principle of adaptive parameterization which is now the basis of a new procedure for collapse analysis in the finite element code STAGS.
Sex differences in baseline risk factors for the incidence of asthma between early adolescence and young adulthood.

Background: Several studies have shown sex differences in the prevalence of asthma and a relationship to age. The aim of the present study was to prospectively investigate the development of asthma, wheeze, rhinitis and allergic symptoms, between adolescence and adulthood. Furthermore, to determine if sex modifies the associations between baseline risk factors and incidence of asthma in early adulthood. Methods: In the study Screening Project Asthma in Schools(SPAIS), adolescents aged 12–15 years answered a standardised respiratory questionnaire (ISAAC) and underwent measurements of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and lung function (FEV1) at baseline. Two follow-ups with similar questionnaires were performed after four and 16 years, with 491 subjects participating in all three examinations. Results: The prevalence of asthma and wheeze were unchanged after four years, but had increased after 16 years. However, the increase was significant only for females. A more continuous increasein rhinitis and allergic symptoms showed no difference between the sexes. Sex interaction analysis showed that higher FeNO (p = 0.01) and family asthma (p = 0.02) increased the risk of incident asthma for males but not for females. Conclusions: An increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms was seen primarily between late adolescence and young adulthood, and was significant for females but not males. Allergic risk factors in early adolescence for incident asthma in early adulthood were confirmed in males but not in females. Awareness of these sex differences in the development of symptoms, and the associated risk factors, are important in clinical practice.
Measurement of appearance

The visual appearance can be one of the most critical parameters affecting customer choise and, therefore, it needs to be quantifiable to ensure uniformity and reproducibility. A starting point in assessing the appearance of a consumer product might be the measurement of its colour. The description of its total appearance, however, cannot be achieved by the definition of color alone; other attributes of the material from which it is fabricated contribute to the overall appearance. The texture of a surface, for example, will cause changes in colour depending on the lighting direction; the freshness of food is judged by its overall appearance, but in a way that is much more subtle than by just its color; and novel effects such as pearlescence are added to products to enhance their attractiveness. For some products, such as cosmetics, it is not only their own appearance characteristics that are important, but also the visual effect after they have been applied to the skin, nails, hair, etc. It is clear, therefore, that the interest of industry in the measurement of appearance goes beyond simply surface color.
Design synthesis of oscillating water column wave energy converters: Performance matching

Abstract The matching of a Wells air turbine to an oscillating water column (OWC) is addressed, with particular reference to design synthesis at the Islay prototype wave power converter. The level of damping applied by the turbine must optimize the hydraulic performance of the OWC in order to facilitate efficient conversion from wave power to pneumatic power. Furthermore, a Wells turbine is only able to convert pneumatic power to mechanical power over a limited range of flow coefficients. Therefore, the efficient operational range of the turbine must extend over a sufficient and optimal proportion of the range of flow coefficients generated by the OWC. Suitable analytical models that describe the behaviour of the system are presented and subsequently the wave conditions and conversion performance at the Islay plant are outlined in order to exemplify the design synthesis to be achieved.
Suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering in a fibre by changing the core radius

Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in a fibre is suppressed by making the core radius nonuniform along its length to utilise the core-radius dependence of the longitudinal acoustic frequency. The effective Brillouin gain of an SBS suppression fibre prepared by the VAD method was reduced by 3.5 dB compared with conventional fibres.
Effects of Concrete Grades on Strength Characteristics of Metakaolin Modified Recycled Aggregate Concrete

In this study, locally produced Metakaolin (MK) was used as an admixture in recycled aggregate concrete of grades M 25 and M 30. The content of MK varied from 0-15% at 5% intervals. The physical and mechanical properties (bulk density, specific gravity, water absorption, aggregate crushing value and aggregate impact value) of aggregates were determined, the chemical composition as well as reactivity of MK was evaluated using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique and modified Chappelle test. The workability (slump) and strength (compressive and split tensile) properties of fresh and hardened RAC were examined relative to that of conventional concrete. The results of the experiments revealed that the specific gravity (SG), water absorption and aggregate impact value of recycled aggregates (RA) were 2.23, 5.35% and 32%, respectively. The MK used had an optimum reactivity of 2060.8 mg of Ca(OH)2 fixed at a temperature of 660 oC. The slump values for M 25 and M 30 control specimens were 72 mm and 65 mm, respectively while the slump values of MK modified RAC decreased from 67-45 mm for M 25 and 55-35 mm for M 30 as MK increased from 0-15%. The 56th-day compressive strength of the control samples was 21.73 N/mm2 for M 25 and 26.8 N/mm2 for M 30, respectively, while RAC samples ranged from 14.96 - 17.04 N/mm2 for M 25 and 20.55 - 22.67 N/mm2 for M 30 whereas the split tensile strength for the control samples was 2.71 N/mm2 and 3.06 N/mm2 for the two grades in that sequence, while those of RAC ranged from 2.26-2.49 N/mm2 for M 25 and 2.62 – 2.84 N/mm2 for M 30. Despite the fact that metakaolin modified RAC had lower strength properties than conventional concrete, the use of 10% metakaolin as a RA modifier in concrete production will provide a sustainable alternative to conventional aggregates in concrete mix design.
The effect of higher modes on the regularity of single-column-bent highway viaducts

A structure is considered to be irregular in this paper if its response is influenced considerably by higher modes. Herein, the effects of the higher modes on the geometric regularity of single-column-bent viaducts have been investigated by comparing modal parameters resulting from the elastic eigenvalue modal analysis with transverse displacements obtained from static modal pushover analyses. A class of bridges with equal span lengths, but with different pier heights, has been considered in this study. For a better identification of the modal behavior of this class of bridges, several regularity indices are discussed. Some of these indices were used previously in model updating, model validation, and the determination of modal correlations in the field of experimental vibration analysis (modal testing) of mechanical and structural systems. Certain modifications have been applied to previous works in order to improve bridge regularity indices. New indices have also been proposed for the attainment of a more realistic representation of the structural particulars of such bridges to be consistent with the analytical methods addressed in the AASHTO Specifications, for practical design purposes. The results calculated with the aid of various indices are reported and compared.
Sliding Mode Positioning Control of Single Link Flexible Arm Using H ∞ Control Hyperplane with Q Parametrization

This paper is concerned with the positioning control of single link flexible arm using sliding mode control theory. We designed for the control system using output feedback method. But the high gain sliding mode controller often causes the control system unstable based on spillover phenomena in higher frequency region. Therefore, we also design for the switching hyperplane using H∞ control theory. But H∞ controller has a problem which is a big overshoot. Then we apply to Q parametrization which has a performance of H∞ controller. In a word, nominal controller is the H∞ controller. Q parametrization can satisfy some constraints, for example norm, overshoot, settling time and so on. Q controller has a good performance. However, it becomes a high-order compensator. In this study, it becomes from 6th to 25th-order.
Energy confinement in the spherical tokamak Globus-M2 with a toroidal magnetic field reaching 0.8 T

The work presents the results of the energy confinement study carried out on the compact spherical tokamak Globus-M2 with a toroidal magnetic field as high as 0.8 T. A reproducible and stable discharge was obtained with the average plasma density (5–10) × 1019 m−3. Despite the increase in the magnetic field, the neutral beam injection (NBI) led to clear and reproducible transition to the H-mode accompanied by a decrease in the turbulence level at the plasma edge. NBI allowed effectively heat the plasma: electron and ion temperatures in the plasma core exceeded 1 keV. Compared to the previous experiments carried out with a toroidal magnetic field as high as 0.4 T plasma total stored energy was increased by a factor of 4. The main reason or this phenomenon is a strong dependence of the energy confinement time on the toroidal magnetic field in the spherical tokamak. It was experimentally confirmed that such kind of dependence is valid for ST with magnetic field up to 0.8 T. It has also been shown that the enhancement of the energy confinement in Globus-M2 with collisionality decrease is associated with an improvement of both electron and ion thermal insulation.
The impact of extended school days on academic outcomes: evidence from Brazil

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates the impact of extension of the school day in the context of Brazil’s Mais Educação Extended School Day Program. Using school level longitudinal data, we find that the program reduces the dropout rates of students in all grade levels, raises the enrollment of students in grades 6–9, but reduces the enrollment of students in grades 10–12. Moreover, the estimates indicate that the impact on grade promotion is positive for students in grades 6–9, but negative for students in lower grades. Finally, the program seems to increase repetition rates for students in all grade levels.
Three-dimensional finite element modelling of ultrasonic-guided wave scattering from fuel weep holes

A three-dimensional finite element model for analysis of ultrasonic-guided wave scattering from a hidden notch on a through-thickness circular hole is presented in this article. The structure is representative of an aircraft wing spar with a fuel weep hole. In contrast to the high-frequency bulk-wave wedge transducer methodology traditionally used for weep hole inspection, the length scales of the in situ technique are such that the wavelength of the incident guided waves are comparable with the hole diameter and larger than the defect length. The ability to accurately model acousto-ultrasonic elastic wave dynamics is crucial for future developments in this research field. Three-dimensional laser vibrometry is used to measure the deformation of a low-profile surface-bonded piezoelectric disc. The measurements provide the input conditions for a force-actuated computational model. The computational scattered wave field from a notch on the blind side of the hole is compared with experimental data for model validation. It is concluded that the boundary conditions for wave scattering from the hidden notch are a complex combination of the incident wave field and the dispersive edge-guided Rayleigh-type flexural wave that is formed on the free surface of the hole.
Weather forecasting in India: Recent developments

This review article aims to highlight the recent research accomplishments on weather and climate sciences of India mostly during last decade in a concise manner. These research works were mainly carried out at educational institutes, research centers and operational agencies within India. The research achievements are organized into six sections namely monsoon, synoptic scale systems, tropical cyclones, cloud aerosol and air quality, severe weather systems, data sets and observation campaign. The discussions are restricted to highlighting few key results, keeping in view its long term implications on the weather and climate services in India with focus on improving the skills of dynamical forecasting systems for wide range of socioeconomic applications. Results discussed here are comprises of different spatiotemporal scales ranging from nowcasting to climate scale. Finally, the research accomplished milestones are summarized with emphasis on challenges ahead. In order to maintain the momentum of achieving higher milestones and holistic development of weather and climate science research in India, few points with achievable roadmap are suggested. Sustained effort in this direction, will not only provide valuable inputs to improve our research and operational forecasting capabilities but also enable us to effectively address continuously evolving outstanding grand challenges in weather and climate services of India in the 21 st century.
Plasma Waves in the Distant Martian Environment: Implications for Mars' Sphere of Influence

We identify magnetic waves in the initial insertion orbits of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission spacecraft far upstream of the Martian bow shock. Overall, the majority of the observed magnetic waves are elliptically polarized and more perpendicular than parallel relative to the mean magnetic field. We find and analyze numerous waves near 1 Hz. The handedness of these 1 Hz waves tends toward left‐handed as the angle between the solar wind velocity and the magnetic field decrease. Similar waves are not seen in the Juno cruise data when it passed Mars' orbit (while Mars was more than 1 AU away). The presence of these waves out to distances of 14 Mars radii as observed by MAVEN and their absence in the Juno cruise data suggests the 1 Hz waves are amplified and/or created by the Martian environment. We also find a second, separate class of intermittent waves with frequencies near the proton cyclotron gyrofrequency. These waves are primarily right‐handed polarized in the spacecraft frame. The spatial distribution of the waves suggests no clear association with the well‐known plume of escaping ions that flows in the direction of the solar wind electric field. There are no obvious correlations between the wave amplitudes and the direction of the local interplanetary magnetic field or on their proximity to Mars. These characteristics lead us to conclude that the majority of these near‐proton cyclotron gyrofrequency waves are likely whistler‐mode waves that are not directly associated with Mars.
Training Artisans On-Site

The decline in apprenticeship in both the public and private sectors, the increasing use of sub-contractors as well as the uncoordinated approach in the informal sector are contributing factors to the shortage of skilled artisans in the construction industry. Artisans' training can be introduced and implemented through the adoption of progressive implementation of construction processes commencing work from areas with low skills requirements to areas of high skills demand. The success of this principle hinges on the collaborative effort of the key project stakeholders. The client should be willing to absorb extra cost and delays in the project; the design and contract documentation should facilitate on-site training, and consultants actively guide the contractor and the construction processes to achieve training objectives. The exploratory research method was adopted in this study and research revealed that this principle was used in a project in the UK and in the development of infrastructure for the tourism industry of South Africa . It is recommended that the principle be adapted by the public sector for the development of small size infrastructures that can be repeated in many places. This will boost the quality and quantity of artisans, enhance employability, reduce rural urban migration and alleviate poverty.
Properties of self-compacting concrete with different types of additives

Self-compacting concrete is one of 'the most revolutionar development' in concrete research; this concrete is able to flow and to fill the most restacted places of the form work without vibration. There are several methods for testing it's properties in the fresh state: the most frequently used are slum-flow test, L-box and V-funnel. This work presents properties of self-compacting concrete, mixed with different types additives: fly ash, silica fume, hydraulic lime and a mixture of fly ash and hydraulic lime.
Investigations on the stability of dynamic avalanche in IGBTs

Simulation studies on dynamic avalanche exhibit self-extinguishing current filaments which move across the device. In spite of high current densities, there is no indication for subsequent latching. High power densities will probably result in high local transient temperatures and device failure. The benefit of prolonged channel current during turn-off is obviously due to suppression of current filaments.
Sustainable storage assignment and dwell-point policies for automated storage and retrieval systems

Picking time reduction has been the traditional perspective for warehouse optimisation. When sustainability is considered, optimisation of warehouse operations should be read in terms of energy efficiency other than response time. Each location in the rack of an automated storage and retrieval system is associated with the value of energy consumed by the crane to reach it. Since picking performance strictly depends on storage location assignments, the time-based full turnover strategy is compared to the energy-based one. Three models of energy consumption are considered for traditional and new-generation cranes. Assignments are then compared in terms of dedicated zone shapes, time and energy performances within a given time horizon. Different shapes of the rack and product ABC curves are analysed. Dwell-point policies are also analysed from the new sustainable perspective, adding energy-saving performance to the traditional picking time reduction.
A model for the evaluation of airport service quality

In the past many studies have focused on the evaluation of air transportation service quality but most of these studies evaluated airline service quality and only a small number have attempted to evaluate the service quality at airports. Furthermore, the majority of previous studies applied the Servqual method to evaluate the airline service quality and only a few have attempted the evaluation using the multiple criteria decision-making method. The present study attempted to fill this gap in the current literature by establishing a model for the evaluation of airport service quality. A case study of two major Taiwanese international airports was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Finally, some interesting conclusions and useful suggestions are offered to airports as suggestions of ways to improve their service quality.