Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frequency domain analysis of DC-DC converters with internally controlled switching instants

A sampled-data method for determining the frequency responses of DC-DC switching converters (SCs) within the f/sub s//2 limit is proposed in this paper. The method is conceived to treat DC-DC SCs operating in any mode which involves internally controlled switching instants (ICSI), regardless of their number and location. The formulation of the method is based on the recursive use of the relation between the state at neighbouring switching instants within the switching period. Some examples of applications to DC-DC SCs are proposed, including the comparisons between the forecastings of the method, the experimental measurements and the results obtained by means of other techniques of analysis.
ScienceDirect Creative Construction Conference 2015 ( CCC 2015 ) BIM level of detail for construction site design

Construction site design needs to be developed in different phases of a construction process. An early report of the research highlighted, in fact, a precise structure of contents both for pre-design (until tender) and for execution-phase design based on a systematic approach. The research is now going on applying Building Information Modeling technique to that structure, assuming the strategic role of site design in the whole design process in order to meet the safety goal as well as the time-cost requirements of a project. The actual stage issue is to identify and develop a standard design BIM-based method in order to create a proper “Construction site information model” (CoSIM). The final aim is therefore to help site designers to reach primarily the required health and safety employees’ standards. CoSIM method needs to be supported by an inventory of BIM elements, made on 3dmodels, supplied with their ergo-technique information. That inventory has been therefore developed upon a precise classification made on different elements type (equipment, facilities, plants) according to their function on construction site. The research methodology for translating ergo-technique contents in a BIM has followed therefore these steps: (i) definition of elements to be contained in a CoSIM; (ii) definition of graphical level of detail of the model and its elements; (iii) definition of ergo-technique information level of development; (iv) translation of the model into proper deliverables. Some results of the first three steps of the research here presented show the development of construction site design from the predesign to the execution-design phase in a case study through which it has been possible to asses and refine some guidelines for the creation of the postulated Construction Site Information Model. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2015.
PEDOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF LAND EVALUATION FOR IN‐FIELD RAINWATER HARVESTING IN SOUTH AFRICA

The in‐field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technique was designed for improving crop yields of subsistence farmers in semi‐arid areas in South Africa. An appropriate soil survey to identify suitable land was developed by means of a field study near Thaba Nchu, South Africa. Results of the land Type Survey of South Africa (scale 1 : 250 000) were used to advantage. Areas suitable for IRWH on two soilscapes were delineated at a scale of 1 : 10 000. Although the procedure was satisfactory, to provide accuracy appropriate for small plots a scale of 1 : 5000 is recommended.
Pengukuran Kepuasan Kontraktor terhadap Kinerja Klien pada Proyek Konstruksi Pemerintah

Assessment of contractor satisfaction towards client performance of government-funded construction projects in Semarang. Research conducted to identify client performance that cause dissatisfaction. Six indicators were used i.e: understanding of project requirements, finance, decision making, management skills, support to contractor, attitude which developed into variable. The contractor satisfaction assessment obtained from Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method. Results of analysis client satisfaction performance level and determine the variables that are to be improved. The results can be used as feedback for clients to improve their performance in construction project.
The Mediating Role of Teacher–Pupil Interaction in the Relationship of Pupil Temperament to Self-Esteem and School Success

The aim of this research was to examine the mediating role of teacher–pupil interaction in the relationship of temperament to self-esteem and school success among year-7 and year-8 elementary-school pupils in Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina (B&H). The assumptions on the contribution of the dimensions of temperament (self-control and negative affectivity) and teacher–pupil interaction (influence and proximity) in explaining pupils' self-esteem and school success were partially confirmed. Similar relationships among the measured variables were confirmed in both samples of pupils. Self-control, negative affectivity, and teacher proximity directly predicted self-esteem, while self- -control indirectly predicted self-esteem through teacher proximity. Self-control and teacher proximity contributed directly to school success, and the indirect contribution of self- -control to school success through teacher proximity was also significant. The results of this research indicate the importance of the direct contribution of children's temperaments to their self-esteem and school success, and of its indirect contribution through the quality of the interaction with their teacher.
AC impedance testing for valve regulated cells

The author describes how the AC impedance of a valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) cell can be an indicator of the condition of the standby battery system. Used in conjunction with load cycle testing impedance testing identifies cells requiring replacement, reduces performance testing, and reinforces confidence in the battery system. Test results are presented which confirm the impedance test as the first true diagnostic test for VRLA cells. The condition of VRLA battery systems is examined, common failure modes are identified, test regimens are described, and actual test data are presented. <<ETX>>
New control method of injection-type hybrid active power filter

Injection-type hybrid active power filter (IHAPF) shows great promise in reducing harmonics and improving power factor with a relatively low-capacity active power filter (APF). This study analysed the topology characteristics of IHAPF and established the electrical model. To improve the performance of IHAPF, generalised integral proportional-integral (PI) control is proposed. The control method is generally useful and applicable to any other active filters. Compared with other control methods, the proposed control shows the advantages of higher control precision. It is implemented in an IHAPF with a 50 kVA APF in the laboratory. Both simulation and experimental results show that the new control method is not only easy to be calculated and implemented, but is also very effective in reducing harmonics.
An Integrated Model of the Toyota Production System with Total Quality Management and People Factors

The Toyota production system (TPS), or lean production, has been associated with many benefits for manufacturing firms that implement the system. However, to implement the TPS successfully, it is necessary to integrate the so‐called “hard side” of the system (that is, the technical aspects of material handling) with the “soft side” of the program (that is, the aspects associated with human factors). The present study makes a contribution to such a holistic view of the TPS by proposing an integrated model that consists of the technical aspects of the TPS, together with elements associated with total quality management (TQM), human resources management (HRM), and certain identified “people factors. ” The study then uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to test this holistic model using data obtained from a questionnaire survey of 153 Taiwanese manufacturing firms. The empirical study confirms the appropriateness of the causal model, which is evaluated by several goodness‐of‐fit methods. The study confirms the proposition that the inclusion of the “people factors” together with TQM and HRM significantly improves the realization of benefits associated with the TPS practices of “just‐in‐time” (JIT) and “autonomation. ” The conclusion is that such an integrated model provides a much more effective “lean system” and has the potential to produce significantly enhanced benefits for firms that implement it. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Development of Benchmarking Techniques in Airport Performance Evaluation Research

The purpose of this article is to further an understanding of the airport sector through a systematic analysis of the existing studies assessing the economic efficiency and productivity of the sector. A full review of journal papers from 1990 to 2011 was undertaken. The emphasis is on the measurement methodologies, the variables used, and the results associated with the various airport activities. Particular attention is given to the increased employment of mathematical modeling and advanced statistical analysis methods. However, this is also yielding an increasing set of inputs and outputs used for analysis, which can then influence the comparability between studies. As well as overall efficiency, two questions particularly emerge as being of interest for this research—the influence of airport size and ownership structure/governance on efficiency. However, current research does not provide a conclusive answer. A number of research opportunities are identified, including the necessity to more closely include the opinions of relevant stakeholders in order to improve the data analysis system and future research samples.
Bricklaying: a step by step approach to better work

This study concerns a development towards a feasible improvement in the working conditions of bricklayers. An occupational health survey showed that studies on the magnitude of workload were needed. These studies showed that the energetic workload was 35% for young bricklayers (25-35 years) and 41% for older bricklayers (45-55). The most effective improvement is diminishing this workload during the main task, which consumed 58% of the total worktime. The influence of work pace and the level of pile of brics and barrel with mortar was also examined. Height-adjustable scaffoldings, which enable the bricklayer to put the bricks in the wall in an upright position, should be promoted. However, these cannot be used on a large scale and new equipment is now being developed for normal building sites. The implementation of the new working method will be thoroughly prepared in order to optimize its introduction on building sites.
Prediction of Two-Person Team Lifting Capacity

Predictive models for team lifting capacity are important for task and equipment design, as well as worker selection and placement. The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction equation for single gender and mixed gender two-person team lifting from the floor to knuckle height. Men (n=23) and women (n=17) were combined into teams of two men (n=26), two women (n=24), and one man with one woman (n=25). Independent variables included incremental dynamic lift, 38 cm upright pull, dead lift, fat free mass, and body mass. A least squares linear regression was used. In addition, an equation was developed from deadlift strengths only. The lightest individual deadlift and the sum of the individual deadlifts were the best predictors of team lifting capacity (R2 = 0.90, SEE = 16). The results indicate that two-person team lifts to knuckle height are determined by the weaker team member.
Human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells have potential of high differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells through increased level of hepatocyte growth factor

Background: As the aging society progresses, more patients are waiting for liver transplantation. However, the function of existing bio artificial liver is insufficient. Recently, research has been focused on stem cells to regenerate damaged liver. Most of all, the obstacle to the commercialization of widely used human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) therapy is the limited supply of cells with consistent quality although most cell source of current stem cell therapy is hASCs. In this study, we attempt to differentiate human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hESC-MSCs) into hepatocyte-like cells and tested whether hESC-MSCs have a potential of liver regeneration as a source of cell therapy, considering that they have characteristics of high differentiation rates, unlimited proliferation possibility from a single colony, and homogenicity.Methods: hESC-MSCs and hASCs were cultured under condition of hepatogenic differentiation in vitro. And then various experiments including quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence, Periodic acid-Schiff staining and flow cytometry analysis were performed to evaluate expression level of HGF and the extent of differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells.Results: We found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), important for maintaining hepatocyte activity, is highly expressed in hESC-MSCs. Besides, it was confirmed that the expression of ALB, TDO2, and CYP2E1, which are the hepatocyte-specific genes when hepatogenic differentiation was performed under conditions even without HGF in hESC-MSCs, was higher than that when hASCs was differentiated into hepatocytes. Likewise, we concluded that hESC-MSCs could be well-differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells compared to hASCs through staining data.Conclusions: We propose that hESC-MSCs have a promising potential as a commercial cell therapy source to treat liver failure in view of the limited available cell sources for stem cell therapy.
Separation control using moving surface effects - A numerical simulation

A numerical study is conducted to investigate the effects of forebody boundary-induced vorticity (FBIV) on the development of the laminar/turbulent boundary layers over modified NACA 0012, NACA 63-218 airfoils having leading-edge rotation. Here, we utilize an implicit finite-difference procedure to solve the two-dimensional compressible full Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations on a body-fitted curvilinear coordinate system. For the subcritical and supercritical flows considered, convergence to steady state is expedited through the use of locally varying time steps. Of special interest to the present study is the effect of varying the leading-edge circumferential speed, and, hence, the strength of the FBIV, on the following: 1) location of the point(s) of laminar and/or turbulent separation, 2) the size of the separated flow region above the airfoil, 3) the strength and location of shock waves, and 4) the computed sectional lift coefficients. Similar to circulation control airfoils, for subcritical onset flows, numerical results have indicated that with such a leading-edge device, aerodynamic lift forces can be augmented without the need to change the airfoil's angle of attack and/or chord Reynolds number. Qualitative comparisons with smoke wire flow visualization results and available experimental data are presented.
Integrated approach for rotor blade manufacturing cost estimate

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop an integrated model for composite rotor blade manufacturing cost estimates at the conceptual design stage. The integrated model seeks to provide a rapid and dynamic feedback based on evaluating the manufacturing cost estimate for a new product design at the conceptual design stage. This paper describes the automated estimating process for design to manufacturing cost of composite rotor blade.Design/methodology/approach – An integrated approach is implemented for evaluating the manufacturing cost estimates. The paper develops each module of the computer‐aided parametric model generation, time estimation models for composite manufacturing processes and decision support system. Finally, process flow data integration is done for all the modules. An example for a complicated geometric rotor blade is shown in this research paper. The results are compared in different design parameters and discussed.Findings – The data integration for this approach was built b.
Implementation Evaluation of a Housing First Program in a Small Canadian City

This paper describes the implementation of Housing First in a small Canadian city. Given that the majority of Housing First research has been conducted in large American cities, providing a Canadian context in a small city contributes significant insights for similarly sized areas. The main objectives were to determine the adaptations made to the Housing First model and the contextual realities that affected implementation. Data were collected from two sources: (a) a fidelity assessment by an external team of experts; and (b) key informant interviews and focus groups with program staff and consumers. Results demonstrate that Housing First can be successfully implemented in a small city but with certain constraints and adaptations, notably more limited consumer choice of housing, challenges related to consumer access to transportation, and adaptations to program staffing. Implications for practice are discussed.
Leaning on lean: the reception of a management fashion in Germany

The ‘fashionable’ concept of lean production has been discussed more intensively in Germany than elsewhere in Europe but has resulted not only in rationalisation measures such as downsizing and delayering but also in implementing ‘Gruppenarbeit’. Through interpretation processes at different levels, the outcomes of action undertaken in the name of a concept can become loose-coupled to its original meanings. Fashion’s ‘interpretive viability’ allows for this.
Evapotranspiration from a Humid-Region Developing Citrus Grove with Grass Cover

ABSTRACT EVAPOTRANSPIRATION (ET) of a developing citrus grove in a humid climate in the Flatwoods Land Resource Area was determined by water balance from measured rainfall, irrigation, subsurface drainage, surface runoff, and the change in soil moisture storage. The change in soil moisture storage was estimated from soil moisture characteristic curves and measured water table elevations. Annual ET ranges from 820 to 1280 mm and averaged 1090 mm across all treatments. When soil moisture was not seriously limited the annual ET averaged 1210 mm. Linear regression of ET vs time indicated a significant increase of 13% in ET over the 8 years of the study. This increase was attributed to increasing tree size since the grass understory was maintained to provide similar cover conditions throughout the study. Daily ET rate, averaged by months, ranged from 1.5 mm in January to 5.0 mm in June. Four predictive equations for ET gave good estimates of measured values, but require crop coefficients that are slightly modified from previously published values.
EFFECTS OF SPEED AND INCLINE ON LOWER EXTREMITY KINEMATICS DURING TREADMILL JOGGING IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS

Recently, there are more people jogging with a treadmill at the gym or the home setting. The main available selected modes for treadmill jogging are speed and slope of incline. Increased speeds and incline slopes will not only increase the cardiopulmonary loading but may also alter the lower extremity (LE) movement patterns. There are few systematic investigations of the effect of the speed and incline on LE kinematics. Most studies have used 2D methods which focused on movements in sagittal plane only and this has limitations in the acquired data since lower extremity movements also include frontal and transverse planes. The current study aimed to investigate LE movement during jogging at different speeds and incline slopes using a high speed three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system. Eighteen young healthy males were recruited. The video-based motion capture system with six CCD cameras, HIRES Expert Vision System (Motion Analysis Corporation, CA, USA), was used to collect kinematic data at a sampling frequency of 120Hz. Nineteen passive reflective markers were attached to bilateral lower extremities of the subject. The joint angle is calculated by Euler angle using the rotation sequence: 2-1-3 (y-x′-z″). Four speeds were selected: 2 m/s, 2.5 m/s, 3 m/s, 3.5 m/s with the slope at 0, and four slopes were selected: 0%, 5%,10%,15% at a speed of 3 m/s. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to test hypotheses regarding changes in jogging condition on LE kinematic variables. The significance level was set at 0.05. As the jogging slope increased, the hip, knee and ankle demonstrated a significantly greater maximum flexion in swing phase (p<0.001), but the maximum extension angles in stance phase were relatively unchanged. Increased LE flexion during swing phase is important to ensure foot clearance with increased slope. For increased speed, the hip and ankle joints had significantly greater maximum joint extension angles during stance phase and the hip and knee joint had significantly larger maximum flexion angles in swing phase (p<0.001). Increased motion during swing phase account for a larger step length and increased motion during stance phase may facilitate the generation of power during forward propulsion as the jogging speed increased. As the slope and speed increased, LE movement patterns were changed in the transverse plane: the significantly increased (p<0.01) internal hip rotation at terminal stance, the increased toe-in of foot (p<0.001) during terminal stance phase and decreased (p<0.05) toe-out during swing phase. Increased hip motion in transverse plane could lengthen the stride distance and increase foot toe-in for providing a stable lever for push off to increase propulsion force as speed or slope is increased. By way of systematic 3D kinematic investigation of the LE in jogging, the results further elucidate the effect of changing speed and incline on LE joints movements. This information could provide guidelines for rehabilitation clinicians or coaches to select an appropriate training mode for jogging.
Bulk Density and Porosity of Two Canola Species

ABSTRACT THE bulk density and porosity of Tobin {Brassica campestris L. ) and Westar (B. napus L.) canola were measured following two fill methods in a model bin 320 mm in diameter and 723 mm high. The effects of the moisture content and amount of foreign material (chaff and fines) on bulk density and porosity were also measured for Tobin canola. The bulk density of Westar canola was 3.6% lower than the bulk density of Tobin canola. Dense fill resulted in bulk densities about 12% larger and porosities about 14% lower than the respective properties for loose fill. When the moisture content of canola was increased from 6.5 to 14.5% wet basis, the bulk density decreased 1.7% for loose fill and 2.1% for dense fill while the porosity increased 6% for loose fill and 8.4% for dense fill. Using the multiple regression technique, equations for bulk density and porosity, as functions of chaff and fines in the range of 0 to 25%, were developed for Tobin canola at approximately 7% moisture content.