Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Optimization of a Turbocharger Radial Turbine

This paper presents a multidisciplinary design optimization of a turbocharger radial turbine for automotive applications with the aim to improve two major manufacturer requirements: the total-to-static efficiency and the moment of inertia of the radial turbine impeller. The search for the best design is constrained by mechanical stress limitations, by the mass flow and power, and by aerodynamic constraints related to the isentropic Mach number distribution on the rotor blade.The optimization of the radial turbine is performed with a two-level optimization algorithm developed at the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI). The system makes use of a Differential Evolution algorithm, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and a database as a compromise between accuracy and computational cost. The ANN performance predictions are periodically validated by means of accurate steady state 3D Navier-Stokes and centrifugal stress computations.The results show that it is possible to improve the efficiency and the moment of inertia only in a few numbers of iterations while limiting the stresses to a maximum value. Based on the large number of evaluated designs during the optimization, this paper provides design recommendations of a turbocharger radial turbine at least for a good preliminary design.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Frequent media multitasking is not associated with better cognitive flexibility

ABSTRACT Media multitasking refers to utilising multiple media simultaneously or the rapid swapping between media. This study examined the link between media multitasking and cognitive flexibility. Participants completed a version of the Media Multitasking Index (MMI) (Ophir, E., Nass, C., & Wagner, A. D. (2009). Cognitive control in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 106(37), 15583–15587) and performance on the Category and Figural Fluency tasks and Remote Associates Test was compared for light (LMM), intermediate (IMM) and heavy (HMM) media multitaskers. To reconcile the inconsistencies regarding media multitasking and cognitive flexibility within the literature, participants were allocated to LMM, IMM and HMM using one standard deviation above/below the mean, quartile, tertile and top-bottom 10% grouping criteria. Regardless of the grouping criteria, there was no difference between LMM, IMM and HMM performance for any cognitive flexibility measure. As a continuous variable, MMI scores did not predict performance on any task. These results are consistent with other studies reporting no link between media multitasking and cognitive flexibility.
QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF SOME RAW-DRIED SAUSAGES OFFER CONSUMERS FROM DÂMBOVI łA COUNTY

This research paper presents the results of chemical (moisture, fat, protein, salt, nitrite, starch) and sensory characteristics of ten different types of raw-dry sausages, purchased on the market from DâmboviŃa County. The results of analysis were compared with the values from Technical Standards Branch and Romanian Meat Industry Company. The moisture content of the evaluated assortments ranged from 33.5% and 46.8%, the maximum value is 35%, one assortment (sample 5) has fulfilled the accepted condition. The fat content of the analyzed samples was within the 21.77% and 37.8%, maximum value is 45% and protein content varied between 16.23% and 22.8%, compared to the minimum allowed of 18%. An assortment of raw-dried sausages analyzed (sample 5) recorded a value of 16.23%, below the minimum allowed. Salt content in the sausages analyzed varieties ranged between 3.03% and 3.97%, compared with maximum value of 5%, all sorts presenting accepted values. Nitrite content was between 0.01% and 1.4%, the maximum permissible value being of 7mg/100g. Raw-dry sausages were analyzed on a sensory level scoring 20 points, with penalty points. All sorts were scored in the range of 19.4 to 20 points, grades awarded being ''excellent” and “very good'', according to current regulations .
Decentralized Charging Coordination of Electric Vehicles Under Feeder Capacity Constraints

As an envisioned technology for future smart city networks, this article studies the real-time decentralized charging coordination of a fleet of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) under feeder capacity constraints. In particular, inspired by some ideas in the field of population games and payoff dynamics models, we propose a novel form of continuous-time primal-dual gradient dynamics and develop a real-time control method for the charging coordination of PEVs in smart city networks. The proposed method is able to coordinate the charging profiles of multiple PEVs in a decentralized fashion under a general convex optimization objective, and guarantees the satisfaction of the operational constraints of the PEVs and the feeder lines of the distribution network for all times. The optimality and asymptotic stability of the proposed dynamics are formally proven, and the advantages of the proposed method are illustrated through numerical simulations considering a fleet with several PEVs.
Distillers Grains with Solubles for Feedlot Cattle - Finishing Performance, Lipid Metabolism, and Ethanol Greenhouse Gas Balance

Feedlot cattle performance data from 20 trials (n = 350 pen means; representing 3,365 steers) evaluating dietary inclusion of corn wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) were summarized with two meta-analyses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of WDGS inclusion level with dry-rolled corn (DRC) or a blend of DRC and high-moisture corn (HMC) for either calf-feds or yearlings on WDGS feeding value. The feeding value of 10 to 40% of diet DM as WDGS was superior to corn and averaged 150-130% of the corn replaced. Feeding WDGS with diets containing HMC resulted in G:F superior to steers fed DRC with or without WDGS. The feeding value of WDGS was greater when WDGS replaced DRC compared with a DRC and HMC blend. The feeding value of WDGS was greater when fed to yearlings than for calf-feds. The biological mechanisms responsible for WDGS feeding value with different corn processing types is not well understood.
Transition to a water-cycle city: sociodemographic influences on Australian urban water practitioners' risk perceptions towards alternative water systems

Transition to a sustainable water future such as the water-cycle city will necessitate shared, diversified risk management, which acknowledges the subjective risk perceptions of all stakeholders, including water practitioners. Such risk perceptions might vary with personal and professional characteristics. This study explores the influence of these characteristics on Australian urban water practitioners' risk perceptions of four alternative water systems, varying in scale of operation and water source, i.e. seawater desalination, indirect potable reuse, sewer mining and stormwater harvesting systems. Analysis of sociodemographic and risk perception data (N = 620) collected from a national online survey revealed that risk perceptions can vary with age or number of years' experience, educational qualification, stakeholder group and area of work within the water sector, reflecting different communities of practice. To facilitate adoption of a suite of sustainable urban water systems, these different risk perceptions must be identified, acknowledged and managed. Targeted social learning through experimentation is a useful approach to achieve this.
Design Automation and Test Solutions for Monolithic 3D ICs

Monolithic 3D (M3D) is an emerging heterogeneous integration technology that overcomes the limitations of the conventional through-silicon-via (TSV) and provides significant performance uplift and power reduction. However, the ultra-dense 3D interconnects impose significant challenges during physical design on how to best utilize them. Besides, the unique low-temperature fabrication process of M3D requires dedicated design-for-test mechanisms to verify the reliability of the chip. In this article, we provide an in-depth analysis on these design and test challenges in M3D. We also provide a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art solutions presented in the literature. This article encompasses all key steps on M3D physical design, including partitioning, placement, clock routing, and thermal analysis and optimization. In addition, we provide an in-depth analysis of various fault mechanisms, including M3D manufacturing defects, delay faults, and MIV (monolithic inter-tier via) faults. Our design-for-test solutions include test pattern generation for pre/post-bond testing, built-in-self-test, and test access architectures targeting M3D.
Human Resources Development Programmes in Nigerian Academic Libraries: A Comparative Study of Universities in Imo State.

The purpose of this study was to assess Human Resources Development (HRD) programmes of librarians and para-professionals in Imo State University, Owerri and Federal University of Technology, Owerri with a view to compare the HRD programmes of the institutions under study. The study examined different types of HRD. Related literature was reviewed. To carry out the study, four objectives were stated and research questions formulated from them. Questionnaire was used to collect relevant data from the entire population of 50 librarians and para-professionals. The two University librarians were also interviewed. Percentage tabulation and bar chart when necessary were used to answer the objectives. The study revealed that: the two universities carry out HRD programme and their types of training and development programmes vary. In Imo State University, librarians and para-professionals sponsored themselves for training and development programmes while in FUTO they were sponsored by the university management. The research showed inadequate funding; personal financial constraints, lack of facilities to train with were major problems that affected training and development of librarians and para-professionals in IMSU and FUTO. It was suggested that for effective HRD, each university library should have a written staff development policy; In-service training and short courses should be encouraged; Facilities for training should be provided; adequate fund should be provided for training and development of library personnel.
Green Banking Initiatives of Commercial Banks in India

Change is the need of hour to for survival in all spheres . The world has seen much focus on economic progress and mankind has made giant steps in its journey through time. The side effects of the development process have, however, also been equally enormous loss of biodiversity, climatic change, environmental damage, etc. Bank is also not the exception for this. This paper tries to find out the ways to Go Green through ‘Green Banking’. Generally, the banks are using Online banking instead of branch banking, Paying bills online instead of mailing them, Opening up accounts at online banks, instead of large multi- branch banks, Finding the local bank in your area that is taking the biggest steps to support local green initiatives.
A Finite Element Based Study on the Elastic-Plastic Transition Behavior in a Hemisphere in Contact With a Rigid Flat

An axisymmetrical hemispherical asperity in contact with a rigid flat is modeled for an elastic peifectly plastic material. The present analysis extends the work (sphere in contact with a flat plate) of Kogut―Etsion Model and Jackson―Green Model and addresses some aspects uncovered in the above models. This paper shows the critical values in the dimensionless interference ratios (ω/ω c ) for the evolution of the elastic core and the plastic region within the asperity for different Y/E ratios. The present analysis also covers higher interference ratios, and the results are applied to show the difference in the calculation of real contact area for the entire surface with other existing models. The statistical model developed to calculate the real contact area and the contact load for the entire surfaces based on the finite element method (FEM) single asperity model with the elastic perfectly plastic assumption depends on the Y/E ratio of the material.
The role of long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting β agonist fixed-dose combination treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China: a narrative review

Objective To provide an overview of the existing international and Chinese evidence regarding dual bronchodilator inhalation therapy and to make recommendations for the further improvement of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management in clinical practice in China. Background COPD is a progressive lung disease that is characterized by persistent airflow limitation and is a major contributor to the disease burden in China. Symptoms in Chinese patients are relatively more severe. Currently, many Chinese COPD patients are undertreated. Dual bronchodilator therapy consisting of a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting β agonist (LABA) is considered a good choice for COPD patients due to the increased bronchodilation without an increase in adverse events; these combinations can fill in the gap in currently available COPD treatments and provide new pharmacotherapy options for Chinese patients. LAMA/LABA fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) have become more important in clinical practice and guidelines in China regarding their therapeutic effects and safety. Methods Clinical trials on LAMA/LABA in COPD were retrieved in ClinicalTrials.gov, while important COPD guidelines published in English or Chinese were found in PubMed and Wanfang Database. Conclusions We recommend the adoption of a clinical pathway in China that includes an assessment and management algorithm that considers the clinical characteristics in China and classifies the phenotypic characteristics of COPD according to a suitable system. Based on the current information, we can conclude that LAMA/LABA FDCs are a suitable and economically viable choice to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life (QoL) of patients.
MOVIMIENTOS DEL TIPO DE CAMBIO Y COMERCIO DE MAÍZ ENTRE MÉXICO Y ESTADOS UNIDOS

Para los flujos comerciales de maíz entre México y Estados Unidos los movimientos en la tasa de cambio son importantes, con algunas otras variables. Con el objetivo de contribuir con información relevante sobre el impacto de la tasa de cambio sobre el comportamiento de los flujos comerciales de maíz, en un contexto de subsidios a la producción, además de generar información relevante para la toma de decisiones de política económica. Para lo cual se analizó un modelo de maximización de la utilidad esperada y se estimó una función de demanda por importaciones de maíz a partir de un análisis de cointegración y un modelo vector de corrección de error (VCE). Los resultados mostraron que los cambios de la tasa de cambio real tienen efecto positivo sobre los flujos comerciales, en tanto que la volatilidad de la tasa de cambio ejerce un efecto negativo sobre dichos flujos. Los resultados de la prueba de hipótesis indicaron que tanto los cambios en la tasa de cambio real como la volatilidad tienen un efecto significativo sobre los flujos de comercio de maíz entre México y Estados Unidos.
Speciation and mobility of heavy metals in the Yundang Lagoon catchment surface sediments after 30 years of continuous remediation and management at Xiamen in China

ABSTRACT The present study emphasised the speciation and mobility of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in sediments of the Yundang Lagoon catchment (YLC) at Xiamen in China. The maximum total metals concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were higher than the class I pollution level of China Marine Sediment Quality values. Average total metals concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were greater than world average shale values. The highest average percentages of Cr (68.01%), Mn (39.14%), Ni (61.32%), and As (74.09%) were found in the residual fraction, while Cu (50.69%) was the highest in the oxidisable fraction. Furthermore, the greater percentages of Zn (37.65%), Cd (48.98%), and Pb (47.52%) were bound in the reducible forms in YLC sediment. Total organic carbon (TOC) showed a strong correlation with heavy metal fractions, suggesting that TOC could be a carrier of heavy metals within alkaline urban sediment. The risk assessment code values for Cd, Mn, and Zn indicate that these metals could pose a medium to a high potential risk to the aquatic organisms. However, the present remediation strategy should be continued with more focus on reducing urban runoff and domestic discharge into the lagoon.
Echinoderm research perspectives: A Central American bibliometric review

Introduction: Central America, a narrow strip of land dividing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, has a high diversity of marine and terrestrial species. Echinoderms are one of the most diverse marine groups with 420 reported species. Objective: To summarize echinoderm research in Central America. Methods: We compiled the literature from SCOPUS, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar, Biodiversity Heritage Library, the Internet Archive and the Smithsonian Library. Results: We found 324 publications dating from 1840 to 2020; the early studies had a strong taxonomic focus, but after the 1970s, ecology, evolution and reproduction gained prominence. Echinoidea is the most studied class (38% of publications) due to its use in evolutionary studies as well as the importance of the genus Diadema in reef ecology and dynamics. Conclusion: We recommend more research on fisheries management, conservation and environmental education; and greater integration of local and international research.
Analysis of the use of coal tar as a binder in bituminous mixtures, using Marshall and Ramcodes methodologies

This paper presents an alternative use of coal tar, a by-product of the steel industry, given the problems of accumulation and negative environmental impact. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the incorporation of coal tar as a binder in paving mixtures. First, this paper presents the origin, description of the main characteristics, and properties of tar. Then, this paper evaluates the mix of coal tar by means of the RAMCODES and Marshall methodologies to determine its resistance. The results of the tests explain the physical and mechanical properties of the mix. Taking into account the results of both methods, this paper makes a comparison to determine the suitability of the RAMCODES methodology in the mix design. Finally, it analyzes the alternatives to coal tar that can be used as binders in bituminous mixes for pavement and the advantages of their uses under some specific conditions.
Effects of Urban Green Space on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Biomarkers in Chinese Adults: Panel Study Using Digital Tracking Devices

Background The health benefits of urban green space have been widely reported in the literature; however, the biological mechanisms remain unexplored, and a causal relationship cannot be established between green space exposure and cardiorespiratory health. Objective Our aim was to conduct a panel study using personal tracking devices to continuously collect individual exposure data from healthy Chinese adults aged 50 to 64 years living in Hong Kong. Methods A panel of cardiorespiratory biomarkers was tested each week for a period of 5 consecutive weeks. Data on weekly exposure to green space, air pollution, and the physical activities of individual participants were collected by personal tracking devices. The effects of green space exposure measured by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at buffer zones of 100, 250, and 500 meters on a panel of cardiorespiratory biomarkers were estimated by a generalized linear mixed-effects model, with adjustment for confounding variables of sociodemographic characteristics, exposure to air pollutants and noise, exercise, and nutrient intake. Results A total of 39 participants (mean age 56.4 years, range 50-63 years) were recruited and followed up for 5 consecutive weeks. After adjustment for sex, income, occupation, physical activities, dietary intake, noise, and air pollution, significant negative associations with the NDVI for the 250-meter buffer zone were found in total cholesterol (–21.6% per IQR increase in NDVI, 95% CI –32.7% to –10.6%), low-density lipoprotein (–14.9%, 95% CI –23.4% to –6.4%), glucose (–11.2%, 95% CI –21.9% to –0.5%), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (–41.3%, 95% CI –81.7% to –0.9%). Similar effect estimates were found for the 100-meter and 250-meter buffer zones. After adjustment for multiple testing, the effect estimates of glucose and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were no longer significant. Conclusions The health benefits of green space can be found in some metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. Further studies are warranted to establish the causal relationship between green space and cardiorespiratory health.
Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon Co-Mixed Electrospun Titanium Oxide Nanofibers as Flow Electrode in Capacitive Deionization

Flow capacitive deionization is a water desalination technique that uses liquid carbon-based electrodes to recover fresh water from brackish or seawater. This is a potential second-generation water desalination process, however it is limited by parameters such as feed electrode conductivity, interfacial resistance, viscosity, and so on. In this study, titanium oxide nanofibers (TiO2NF) were manufactured using an electrospinning process and then blended with commercial activated carbon (AC) to create a well distributed flow electrode in this study. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) were used to characterize the morphology, crystal structure, and chemical moieties of the as-synthesized composites. Notably, the flow electrode containing 1 wt. % TiO2NF (ACTiO2NF 1 wt.%) had the highest capacitance and the best salt removal rate (0.033 mg/min·cm2) of all the composites. The improvement in cell performance at this ratio indicates that the nanofibers are uniformly distributed over the electrode’s surface, preventing electrode passivation, and nanofiber agglomeration, which could impede ion flow to the electrode’s pores. This research suggests that the physical mixture could be used as a flow electrode in capacitive deionization.