Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Flight Dynamics of a Cylcocopter Micro Air Vehicle in Hover

This paper discusses the control methodology, flight dynamics identification, and disturbance rejection analysis in hover of a revolutionary horizontal-axis rotary-wing concept: the twin cyclocopter. The vehicle has a gross weight of 500 g (1.25 by 1.67 by 1 ft in dimensions) and comprises two highly optimized cyclorotors along with a tail rotor for pitch control. Stable hover flight required fast control of the rpm and thrust vectoring of the rotors through onboard feedback regulation. A six-degree-of-freedom flight dynamics model of the vehicle was extracted through input excitation and time-domain identification. The longitudinal and heave degrees of freedom were decoupled and independent from the rest of the dynamics. Longitudinal translation damping was higher than in the heave mode, indicating differences in restoring forces at different blade azimuth positions due to the different pitch angles. Strong gyroscopic coupling was observed between lateral and yaw degrees of freedom because the rotors spi.
DECOLOURISATION OF PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT (POME) TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES: A REVIEW

Since last decade, global demand for edible oil is growing resulting in a remarkable increase in the areas under oil crop cultivation. The Malaysian palm oil industry is one of the largest palm oil producers in the world. In processing palm oil, high volume of liquid waste known as palm oil mill effluent (POME) is generated. The increasing demands of crude palm oil has resulted in the enormous increase of the number of palm oil mills in Malaysia contributing to large amount of POME. Currently, treatment technologies of POME gain a lot of attention in order to meet the standard discharge limits. The colour of POME, which previously was not an issue, is recently being highlighted and it will be incorporated in the regulation soon. Thus, this article provides review on colourants in POME and its possible decolourisation treatments. The possible decolourisation technologies that will be highlighted in this article are adsorption, coagulation and flocculation, membrane technology, microbial treatment, photocatalysis, etc. including their potential in POME colour removal efficiency.
Characterization of Capacitively Coupled Radio-Frequency Argon Plasma by Electrical Circuit Simulation

Low temperature radio frequency plasma is widely used in low temperature plasma processing medium for material processing in many fields including microelectronics, aerospace, and the biology. For proper utilization of the process, it is very much important to know the plasma parameters. In this paper a novel technique is used to determine the plasma parameters from the electrical discharge characteristic and the power balance method. The homogeneous discharge model is used to evaluate the relation between the plasma parameters with the discharge characteristics. The electron density and temperature is found to be well agree with the Langmuir probe data in the range of 0.5x1016 to 45x1016 cm-3 and 1.4 to 1.6 ev for wide range of rf power.
Analysis of an automobile assembly line as a network of closed loops working in both, stationary and transitory regimes

In this work a real automobile assembly line and the correspondent preassembly lines have been analyzed as a network of closed loops of machines decoupled by intermediate buffers. This work deals with some important aspects, which have still not been investigated in earlier literature, such as: machines processing pallets, which are not related to each other and depend on an external variable in a network with closed loops of machines and intermediate buffers, machines working at different cycle times in a network of closed loops of machines and intermediate buffers, machines working in both, stationary and transitory regime and the relationships between the cycle times of the machines in the stationary working regime in order to guarantee the production rate of the system. Finally how the transient results can be used to improve the performance of the system under certain working conditions is discussed.
A Comparative Evaluation of Advanced Combined Cycle Alternatives

This paper presents a comparison of measures to improve the efficiency of combined gas and steam turbine cycles. A typical modern dual pressure combined cycle has been chosen as a reference. Several alternative arrangements to improve the efficiency are considered. These comprise the dual pressure reheat cycle, the triple pressure cycle, the triple pressure reheat cycle, the dual pressure supercritical reheat cycle, and the triple pressure supercritical reheat cycle. The effect of supplementary firing is also considered for some cases. The different alternatives are compared with respect to efficiency, required heat transfer area, and stack temperature. A full exergy analysis is given to explain the performance differences for the cycle alternatives. The exergy balance shows a detailed breakdown of all system losses for the HRSG, steam turbine, condenser, and piping.
SPECIFYING DESIGN/OPERATION OF COMPOSTING SYSTEMS USING PILOT SCALE DATA

Designs of full-scale composting systems have often been made on limited data obtained from totally different waste materials. For example, studies from the late 1950s for ground garbage and the late 1970s for sludge woodchip mixes are often cited as the source of data for determining aeration requirements. This article summarizes kinetic data from 38 pilot studies on municipal solid waste (MSW), biosolids, food waste, poultry manure and separated dairy waste and describes how to evaluate the kinetic parameters of composting from the experimental data. The evaluated parameters were then used to calculate airflow requirements, time fan can be off, and time to first remix for water addition.
Interactions of Peptide Coated Gold Nanoparticles with Spike Protein of the SARS-CoV-2: A Basis for Design of a Simple and Rapid Detection Tool

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a pandemic which not only created a situation of dealing with public health emergency but also triggered the financial crisis of international concern. The current situation demands rapid, convenient and reliable diagnosis of the disease to downregulate its spread. Primary method of diagnosis presently being used, such as nucleic acid testing (RT-PCR), CT scans etc. involve time-consuming advanced machinery for imaging/ RNA replication and highly skilled technicians which could be only done in a laboratory set-up. A rapid, simple yet selective naked eye detection methodology that does not require any advanced instrumental techniques is highly desirable. In this study, we report computational results which could form the basis of a simple and rapid strategy for the detection of SARS-Cov-2 using peptide (screened from angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor of host cell) functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs). This is based on the preferential binding of viral spike (S) protein to ACE2 receptor situated on the surface of the host cell membrane by which the virus gains access to the host cell. The interaction of peptide coated GNPs with spike protein has been investigated using coarse grained molecular dynamic simulations. The potential of mean force calculation of spike protein confirmed strong binding between peptide and receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein. The results presented here demonstrate the potential of this peptide coated GNPs-based system in the development of convenient sensors for the clinical diagnosis.
Travel among non-urban elderly

Changes due to aging strongly affect the travel patterns and behavior of individuals. Inherent difficulties in providing formal transportation in non-urban areas may also reduce the ability of residents to meet their trip needs. An examination of travel patterns of elderly in non-urban Kentucky communities indicate that automobiles are the preferred mode of travel for the elderly, either as drivers or passengers. The elderly, especially females, depend upon friends and relatives to provide necessary transportation and use of public transportation is almost non-existent. Social trips comprise a large portion of their trips. Because of the overwhelming reliance on the automobile and substantial costs of a formal public transportation system, efforts should be geared towards structuring an informal volunteer-based system to providing transportation alternatives for non-urban elderly.
Improving overall equipment efficiency using a Lean Six Sigma approach

The TPM measure OEE is introduced as an indicator of plant effectiveness to be used in conjunction with the Six Sigma DMAIC improvement methodology. Facilitating theory development through practical application, an Action Research methodology is adopted for the project. Completory is the introduction of a triangulated project approach utilising both objective, quantitative methods for data analysis and problem solving as well as subjective, qualitative methods for dealing with the personnel elements of Six Sigma projects. Findings suggest the approach adopted was successful, achieving a near 50% improvement in the OEE over a 12-week period.
Eccentric Rocking Bearings with a Designable Friction Property for Seismic Isolation: Experiment and Analysis

The friction coefficient plays a critical role in a friction-type isolator, since it determines the transmitted seismic force and the energy dissipation capacity of the isolator, simultaneously. However, the choice of feasible sliding materials that possess appropriate friction coefficients is very limited, and this has restricted the development and applications of friction-type isolators. To overcome this, an isolator called the eccentric rocking bearing (ERB) with the property of designable friction is introduced in this study. By using an eccentric rolling mechanism, the ERB bearing is self-centering and its effective friction coefficient is adjustable by a geometric parameter that can be designed by engineers. The results of a shaking table test conducted on an ERB-isolated full-scale structure have confirmed the feasibility and efficiency of the ERB bearings for seismic isolation. Additionally, the high consistency between the simulated and experimental dynamic responses verifies the method developed to analyze the ERB.
Making a ‘Mess’ in the Countryside:Organic Farming and the Threats to Sense of Place

During the 1990s, within the context of “corporate greening,” New Zealand experienced exponential growth in organic farming and the institutionalising of a former fringe farming subculture. Organic farming practices, however, often result in landscapes that differ from those produced by the application of long-standing conventional land management systems. The resulting aesthetic poses a threat to the landscape tastes and senses of place of conservative farming communities. In this article we portray how social beliefs and practices find symbolic expression in the landscape, how they influence sense of place, and how their associated values are challenged by changes in traditional dominant landscapes.
Beam steering circular monopole arrays for wireless applications

We have present computations and experimental results on simple reactively steered monopole arrays intended for mobile communications applications. Both are in good agreement, and demonstrate appreciable directivities which might be useful in order to mitigate multipath propagation and enhance the useful range. We show experimental results intended to check the model validity on an 6 cm diameter array, constructed on a large metallic ground plane for 5 GHz operation. Such antennas are an interesting alternative to conformal arrays for millimeter-wave frequencies where the latter seem impractical. Difficulties which could arise in their practical implementation, are finite ground-plane effects, poor loss/isolation of the switches needed for steering, and complexity of the protocol between emitter and receiver to establish and maintain the communication.
Digital Tourism Security System for Nepal

Nepal is a sensitive and disaster-prone country where safety and security risk are of high concern for travelers. Digital technologies can play a vital role in addressing safety and security issues in the country. This research work proposes a Digital tourism security system design for addressing the safety and security issues in tourism industry of Nepal. The study uses Design science research methodology to identify artifacts, interactions, information flow and dependencies between them which are then mapped with existing prevalent technology to provide design solutions. Data is obtained from interview of tourist and experts as a primary source and technical documents/draft, software documentations, surveys as secondary source. Generalized information model, Use cases model, Network architecture model, Layered taxonomy model and Digital tourism technology reference model are the outcomes of the study. The work is very important as it talks specifically about implementation and integration of digital technologies in tourism security governance at federal, provincial, municipal and rural level. The research supplements as a knowledge document for design and implementation of digital tourism security system in practice. As there is very less work on digital systems in tourism security of Nepal, this work is a pioneer and first of its kind.
Investigation of Dynamic Increase Factors in Light-Frame Wood Stud Walls Subjected to Out-of-Plane Blast Loading

Abstract The results of an experimental program investigating the dynamic increase factors of light-frame wood stud walls under blast loading are presented in this paper. A total of 20 walls with two different sheathing types and thicknesses were tested to failure under static and dynamic loading. The study found that the observed failure mode for both static and dynamic loading was flexure; however, a difference in the type of flexural failure was observed. Average increase factors of 1.40 and 1.18 on the resistance and stiffness, respectively, were found. A detailed literature review combined with the test results from the current project yielded a strong correlation between the increase in strain rate and the relative increase in strength and an equation relating the dynamic increase factor (DIF) on the resistance to strain rate was proposed for strain rates in the ranges of 1.67– 1.65 × 10 3 s − 1 .
Variation génétique des caractéristiques de croissance et du bois de Capirona (Calycophyllum spruceanum) provenant de l'Amazonie péruvienne

A provenance/progeny test of Calycophyllum spruceanum was established in one watershed in the Peruvian Amazon in order to (a) evaluate genetic variation in tree growth (height, diameter) and wood properties (density, color, shrinkage, ultimate crushing strength (σL) and static compliance coefficients (s11) in longitudinal compression, and dynamic s11 in the longitudinal direction determined by ultrasound), (b) estimate the proportion of the variation under genetic control, (c) estimate the effect of selection for growth on wood properties, and (d) determine the radial variation in wood density (by microdensitometry)and its correlation with tree growth. Tree height and stem diameter near ground level were measured at 16, 28 and 39 months. Diameter at 1.3 m and wood properties were measured at 39 months. In general, the wood was relatively uniform in color, with average shrinkage and relatively high strength and stiffness. Significant variation due to families within provenances and/or provenances was found in tree growth, wood density, and some color, shrinkage, strength and stiffness characteristics. In general, families accounted for more variation than provenances. Heritability was moderately high for basic wood density, shrinkage, strength, and stiffness determined by the static s11, and relatively low for growth traits, wood color, coefficient of anisotropy and stiffness determined by the dynamic s11. The heritability of growth traits, wood density, color and shrinkage was generally higher in the planting zone where trees grew most rapidly. Genetic correlations indicated that (a) selecting faster-growing trees would result in denser wood; (b) the selection of faster-growing trees with denser wood would result in stronger and stiffer wood, without a significant effect on its color, but would increase the shrinkage. In addition, wood density increased significantly from pith to bark, especially in the zones where trees grew more rapidly. Phenotypic correlations suggested that selecting faster-growing trees would result in greater radial variation in wood density. Finally, the non-destructive methods used were very effective for studying wood quality in this species.
Cross‐scale effects of structural and functional connectivity in pond networks on amphibian distribution in agricultural landscapes

Connectivity in pond ecosystems is essential for amphibian population persistence. To test the role of connectivity, a diversity of scales accounting for the different processes underlying species distribution needs to be considered. Several approaches exist for accounting for the potential connectivity, mainly based on structural versus functional methods. Based on occupancy data, our aim was to assess the relative power of connectivity metrics in explaining amphibian distribution when accounting for cross‐scale effects from pond to network scales, and to identify network features relevant to amphibian conservation in agricultural landscapes in the Seine‐et‐Marne department (east of Paris, France). We propose an original analytical framework that allows examining different spatial scales of influence, with a focus on connectivity. We analyse the distribution of three amphibian species (Bufo bufo, Rana dalmatina, and Lissotriton vulgaris) in relation to various pond conditions (fish presence, water quality, and nearby woodland habitat) as well as connectivity using three connectivity approaches: (1) structural, (2) area‐functional based on potential migration areas, and (3) path‐functional based on the least accumulated cost paths. Values of landscape resistance were assigned according to a biological risk‐based approach that is proposed as an enhanced, transparent expert‐based approach. We further investigated cross‐scale effects in amphibian responses to the environment by assessing the relative importance of pond and network characteristics as well as their interactions. Despite some species‐specific characteristics, the area‐functional approach of connectivity was generally the most effective in explaining species distribution by emphasising the relevance of potential migration areas as conservation units. Although pond conditions usually had a greater influence than network connectivity, we highlighted important cross‐scale and threshold effects in species’ response to local conditions, to pond connectivity, and to the availability of potentially suitable terrestrial habitats in the networks. Our cross‐scale approach accounts for scale‐dependent processes that potentially underlie amphibian distribution such as habitat selection and metapopulation dynamics. Both structural and functional connectivity should be considered as complementary features of pond connectivity when dispersal traits are likely to be less limiting. From a management perspective, our results encourage conservation plans to combine functional network‐centred strategies with the preservation of local conditions. We give guidelines as to the features of such networks to help maintain amphibian populations in agricultural landscapes.
Knowledge and Practice of Active Management of Third Stage of Labour (AMTSL) among Nursing Students in Selected Hospitals, Gangtok, Sikkim

Introduction: Active Management of Third Stage of Labour (AMTSL) as a prophylactic intervention is composed of a package of three components. WHO recommendations have supported active management of the third stage of labour (AMTSL) as a critical intervention for PPH prevention. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of AMTSL among nursing students in selected hospitals, Gangtok, Sikkim. Materials and Methods: Investigators adopted quantitative approach with descriptive co-relational research design where 40 students were selected by convenient sampling technique. Validated structured knowledge questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect the data. Pretesting and reliability of the tool was done which was found to be reliable. Results: The findings revealed that majority of the students i.e. out of 40 students, 33 (82.5%) had average knowledge, 5 (15%) students had poor knowledge and 1 (2.5%) had good knowledge. Majority 21 (52.5%) had poor practice and 19 (47.5%) had good practice on AMTSL. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and practice of AMTSL among nursing students which means with the increase of knowledge, the practice of AMTSL improves. Also, there was an association of practice with the number of return demonstration shown to the supervisor. Conclusion: Knowledge of Active Management of Third Stage of labor is a vital possession for the nurses and birth attendants to be skillful in the practice of AMTSL to prevent post-partum hemorrhage and other obstetric complication, which may risk the life of the women. Knowledge based skill is optimal solution for reducing the maternal mortality rate.
The evolving path of TQM: towards business excellence and stakeholder value

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to analyze the present level of the adoption of TQM in firms, and to outline an evaluation of its evolving path.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative method was chosen to analyze the “state‐of‐the‐art” of TQM. A total of 21 firms were investigated, using the case study method, in detailed multiple case studies.Findings – In most of the investigated firms, TQM was characterized by stronger and stronger cultural and behavioural features. The co‐ordinated and systematic development of TQM basic factors helps the priming and feeding of innovative processes favouring the course towards business excellence.Research limitations/implications – The research is based on a sample of firms and it is necessary to amplify the research process including other enterprises and to outline some forms of categories (with cultural and behavioural aspects). Practical implications – If TQM is appropriately managed, it supports the organization in achieving excellence, the real sourc.
Evaluation of water-use in turfgrass

Knowledge of water-use patterns is important in the turf industry for selecting turfgrasses that minimize water-use and for developing efficient irrigation management practices. This study was designed to assess the response of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and hybrid bluegrass cultivars to varying irrigation replenishments. The hybrid bluegrasses are genetic crosses between Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr.). Field experiments were conducted at the Turfgrass Research Facility, Auburn University, AL, from June through September, 2005 and for a similar period in 2006. Four hybrid bluegrasses, viz., HB 129 [‘Thermal Blue’], HB 130 (Experimental line), HB 328 (Experimental line) and HB 329 [‘Dura Blue’] and two tall fescue cultivars (‘Kentucky 31’ and ‘Green Keeper’) were included in this study. Three irrigation treatments were applied based on potential evapotranspiration (ET), viz., 100% ET, 80% ET and 60% ET replacements. A set of three tensiometers were installed at 7.5, 15 and 30 cm depths in the middle blocks of each of the plots, readings were recorded daily, and the values were used to calculate the matric head, water content and water-use values. Results demonstrated that hybrid bluegrasses used less water compared to tall fescue cultivars. Ranking based on water-use was: HB 130 (least water-use) > HB 129 > HB 328 > HB 329 > Kentucky 31 > Green Keeper.