Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RCC characteristics of planar/spherical three degree-of-freedom parallel mechanisms with joint compliances

A three degree-of-freedom (DOF) planar parallel manipulator has been extensively studied as the fundamental example of parallel manipulators. In this work, we explicitly show that this mechanism possesses a completely decoupled compliance characteristic at the object space, which is the important operational requirement for a RCC device. As the first condition to have a RCC point, this mechanism should maintain symmetric configurations. As the second condition, the same magnitude of revolute joint compliance should be symmetrically placed at the same joint location of each chain. We also investigate the compliance characteristics of a spherical 3 DOF mechanism which has a similar kinematic structure to the planar mechanism through simulation. It turns out that the spherical mechanism also has a RCC point at the intersection point of all nine joint axes in its symmetric configuration. Further, more general output compliance model is derived for those mechanisms with redundant joint compliances. It is expected that these two parallel mechanisms not only can be used as excellent 3 DOF RCC devices, but also can be integrated into the design of a new six DOF RCC device.
Productivity improvement in heart surgery – a case study on care process development

The need to improve quality and productivity in health care is great. The usefulness of production and inventory management techniques is largely unexplored. In this case study from a university hospital in Finland, it is learnt how a change in queuing system for open heart surgery from a single first-in-first-out queue to a double-queue scheduling system can radically increase available capacity. The new double-queue system is based on finding out in advance the estimated duration of surgery – i.e. long or short procedures which are based on the cardiological examination and the management of queues separately.
Economic impediments to successful seismic retrofitting decisions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine why building owners are often reluctant to adopt adequate mitigation measures despite the vulnerability of their buildings to earthquake disasters, by exploring the economic-related barriers to earthquake mitigation decisions. Design/methodology/approach – A case study research method was adopted and interviews chosen as the method of data collection. Findings – Critical economic-related impediments that inhibited seismic retrofitting of earthquake-prone buildings were revealed in this study. Economic-related barriers identified include perception about financial involvement in retrofitting, property market conditions, high insurance premiums and deductibles, and the high cost of retrofitting. The availability of financial incentives such as low interest loans, tax deductibles, the implementation of a risk-based insurance premium scale and promoting increased knowledge and awareness of seismic risks and mitigation measures in the property market place are .
Prediction of turbulent boundary layer induced noise in the cabin of a BWB aircraft

This paper discusses the development of analytical models for the prediction of aircraft cabin noise induced by the external turbulent boundary layer (TBL). While, in previous works, the contribution of an individual panel to the cabin interior noise was considered, here, the simultaneous contribution of multiple flow-excited panels is analyzed. Analytical predictions are presented for the interior sound pressure level (SPL) at different locations inside the cabin of a Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft, for the frequency range 0-1000 Hz. The results show that the number of vibrating panels significantly affects the interior noise levels. Itis shown that the average SPL,over the cabin volume, increases with the number of vibrating panels. Additionally, the model is able to predict local SPL values, at specific locations in the cabin, which are also affected with by number of vibrating panels, and are different from the average values.
Bemessung von Tragwerken aus höherfesten Stählen bis S700 nach EN 1993‐1‐12

Mit der Einführung von Eurocode 3 und EN 1090‐2 ist die Bemessung und Ausführung von Stahltragwerken aus höherfesten Stählen in den Festigkeitsklassen über S460 bis S700 durch die Normung in weiten Teilen geregelt. EN 1993‐1‐12 enthält für diese Stähle zusätzliche Regeln, die bei der Anwendung der verschiedenen Teile des Eurocode 3 zu beachten sind. Unterschiede für höherfeste Stähle ergeben sich u. a. aus dem geringeren plastischen Verformungsvermögen. Die Möglichkeit zum schlankeren Bauen führt zu einer größeren Bedeutung von Stabilitätseinflüssen und Verformungen. Weitere Unterschiede ergeben sich in der Tragfähigkeit und dem Verformungsvermögen von Schrauben‐ und Schweißverbindungen. Im folgenden Beitrag werden die speziellen Regeln zur Berechnung und Bemessung von Tragwerken aus höherfesten Stählen und deren Verbindungen erläutert sowie Potenziale gegenüber normalfesten Stählen aufgezeigt.
Technical and economic indicators of the yellow passion fruit tree irrigated with underground water supply

The research aimed to quantify technical and economic indicators of yellow passion fruit tree irrigated with fractions of irrigation with underground source of water, to generate information that helps farmers in decision making on the implementation of investment in irrigated fruit growing (yellow passion fruit). For this purpose, we used the passion fruit crop irrigated with Microjet type irrigation system, with conducting system in simple espaliers. The treatments consisted of five hours of application of the depth of water required by the crop with irrigation frequency of two days. The results showed that the highest yield (16660kg ha-1) was obtained with the fractionation of irrigation twice a day (50% to 7h and 50% to 21h30), which provided an increase in productivity of 54%, demonstrating the financial viability and being highly profitable to the interest rate of 2% per year, with low sensitivity of financial risk to real interest rates above the prevailing market.
Effective e-learning integration with traditional learning in a blended learning environment

E-Learning is an emerging tool that uses advanced technology to provide training and development in higher education and within industry. Its rapid growth has been facilitated by the Internet and the massive opportunities in global education. The aim of this study is to consider how effective and efficient e-learning is when integrated with traditional learning in a blended learning environment. The study will provide a comparison between purist ELearning and Blended learning environment. The paper will also provide directions for the blended learning environment which can be used by all the three main stakeholder student, tutors and institution to make strategic decision about the learning and teaching initiatives. The paper concludes that blended learning approaches offer the most flexible and scalable route to E-Learning.
Does musculo-skeletal stiffness in frequency-imposed hopping conditions relate to ankle intrinsic stiffness?

During hopping in place or running, human legs normally behave like compression springs, so that the overall musculo-skeletal (MS) system can be described as a simple spring-mass model (McMahon and Cheng 1990; Farley et al. 1991). The MS stiffness (Kleg) is very important to hopping mechanics because it influences peak ground reaction force, ground contact time, center of mass (COM) displacement and hopping frequency (Farley et al. 1991). Farley and Morgenroth (1999) have demonstrated that in vertical hopping conditions, the modulation of the ankle stiffness is the main mechanism implied in the adjustment of the overall MS stiffness, which is relatively insensitive to changes in knee or hip stiffness. However, recent studies failed to observe a significant influence of ankle intrinsic elastic properties (measured under controlled and initial constant conditions) on joint or MS stiffness measured during hopping in place conditions (McLachlan et al. 2006; Kubo et al. 2007; Rabita et al. 2008). These observations concerned anatomical structures at different hierarchical levels, i.e. tendons (Kubo et al. 2007), musculo-tendinous (MT; Rabita et al. 2008) or musculo-articular (MA; McLachlan et al. 2006; Rabita et al. 2008) systems. However, among these studies, only one has analysed the relationships between intrinsic and global MS stiffness in frequency-imposed hopping tests (McLachlan et al. 2006). McLachlan et al. (2006) did not report influence of the intrinsic ankle MA stiffness on the MS stiffness during vertical hopping. In comparison to MA stiffness, representing the effects of the whole ankle joint, the MT stiffness is a more specific parameter. It represents the series elastic component (SEC). To our best knowledge, no study has analysed the influence of MT stiffness on MS stiffness during frequency-imposed hopping. It was the objective of the present study. 2. Methods
Small changes in the varus alignment of running shoes allow gradual pronation control

Introduction: Excessive pronation is discussed to be the cause of various overuse injuries in distance running which makes stability features of running shoes a huge research interest. Several authors have shown the reduction of pronation range and velocity induced by shoes with extreme varus angles (VA) of 8–10°. However, a reduction of cushioning properties was also observed in those shoes. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate if shoes with moderate VA, usable for everyday running, are suited to reduce pronation parameters while maintaining cushioning properties. Methods: In two laboratory studies (n = 11, n = 10) the effects of gradually (1° steps) increasing VA between 0° and 4° were investigated with two different samples of running shoes. Additionally, a field study (n = 17) determined subjects’ perception of the different VA conditions. Results and discussion: Linear reductions of pronation excursion (p < 0.01) and pronation velocity (p < 0.01) were observed with increasing VA between shoes, whereas cushioning parameters remained unaltered. Runners did not perceive changes in shoe properties due to different VA nor did they favour any condition. Conclusion: In running shoe designs, small varus perturbations can be implemented to fine tune the pronation parameters and thereby create the runner specific pronation control.
Effect of a Deep Learning Framework-Based Computer-Aided Diagnosis System on the Diagnostic Performance of Radiologists in Differentiating between Malignant and Benign Masses on Breast Ultrasonography

Objective To investigate whether a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system based on a deep learning framework (deep learning-based CAD) improves the diagnostic performance of radiologists in differentiating between malignant and benign masses on breast ultrasound (US). Materials and Methods B-mode US images were prospectively obtained for 253 breast masses (173 benign, 80 malignant) in 226 consecutive patients. Breast mass US findings were retrospectively analyzed by deep learning-based CAD and four radiologists. In predicting malignancy, the CAD results were dichotomized (possibly benign vs. possibly malignant). The radiologists independently assessed Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System final assessments for two datasets (US images alone or with CAD). For each dataset, the radiologists' final assessments were classified as positive (category 4a or higher) and negative (category 3 or lower). The diagnostic performances of the radiologists for the two datasets (US alone vs. US with CAD) were compared. Results When the CAD results were added to the US images, the radiologists showed significant improvement in specificity (range of all radiologists for US alone vs. US with CAD: 72.8–92.5% vs. 82.1–93.1%; p < 0.001), accuracy (77.9–88.9% vs. 86.2–90.9%; p = 0.038), and positive predictive value (PPV) (60.2–83.3% vs. 70.4–85.2%; p = 0.001). However, there were no significant changes in sensitivity (81.3–88.8% vs. 86.3–95.0%; p = 0.120) and negative predictive value (91.4–93.5% vs. 92.9–97.3%; p = 0.259). Conclusion Deep learning-based CAD could improve radiologists' diagnostic performance by increasing their specificity, accuracy, and PPV in differentiating between malignant and benign masses on breast US.
Simulation of curving behaviour under high traction in lubricated wheel–rail contacts

Migration of the flange lubricant to the top of the high rail may compromise the traction of a rail vehicle and affect its curving behaviour. In order to simulate this possible situation, a lubrication model has been coupled to commercial multi-body dynamics software to describe the tangential formulation of the lubricated high-rail contact. Different friction levels have been adopted for the low rail to study their influence on the curving behaviour and traction. Since the creep force in the wheel–rail contact approaches saturation of the friction, the traction control unit of the rail vehicle under study has also been modelled to account for the reduction of the wheel axle torque in the presence of wheel macro-slip.
Transient Friction in Pressurized Pipes. II: Two-Coefficient Instantaneous Acceleration–Based Model

The goal in the field of modeling of hydraulic transients is a comprehensive model for pipe networks that is computationally fast and accurate. The fastest models are the one-dimensional (1D) models that use instantaneous acceleration–based (IAB) properties, but unfortunately these models are not as accurate as the more demanding 1D convolution-based (CB) models or quasi two-dimensional models. Focusing on a single pipe, this paper investigates the fundamental behavior of the much more accurate 1D CB model to find two coefficients for use with the two-coefficient formulation of the much-used modified IAB (MIAB) model for complete closing of a downstream valve. Two coefficients are found based on the weighting function used in the CB model, and these coefficients vary along the pipe length. Simulations are compared with two experimental results from tests performed at University of Adelaide in Australia in 1995. The experimental results are for different initial Reynolds numbers of approximately 2,000 and .
Catalog vs Non-catalog Shoppers of Apparel: Perceived Risks, Shopping Orientations, Demographics, and Motivations

The major objective of the study was to investigate how catalog and non-catalog shoppers perceived the risks involved in purchasing apparel from catalogs. The study also investigated catalog and non-catalog shoppers' shopping orientations and their demographic characteristics. The principal components analysis of the data collected from 131 female subjects revealed four types of perceived risks-financial risk, social risk, functional risk, and time risk—plus a Shopping Orientation factor. The results of multivariate and univariate analyses of variance indicated that non-catalog shoppers showed higher levels of risk perceptions of financial, social, functional, and time risks than did the catalog shoppers. However, there was no group difference on shopping orientation. Demographic variables also resulted in no group differences except in marital status. Sixty percent of the catalog shoppers were married, while only 47% of the non-catalog shoppers were married The authors recommend strategies, based on the results of the study, to catalog retailers of apparel.
Assessment of Partial Edentulism Based on Kennedy’s Class III Classification

Edentoulousness falls in a different category among the various conditions of dental origin. A partially edentulous arches classification helps to identify the possible combinations of teeth to edentulous ridges, thus facilitating discussion and communication among dental professionals. Kennedy’s classification provides immediate visualisation and assessment of design features of removable partial dentures. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of partial edentulism based on Kennedy’s class III situation in the upper arch among the patients visiting a private dental hospital. This retrospective study included 10,327 subjects who reported during June 2019 to March 2020. The sample size was collected and retrieved from the online database. Tabulation of data was done followed by statistical analysis. Out of the 10,327 subjects reported to the dental hospital, 6453 subjects were diagnosed with Kennedy’s class III (62.4%). It was most commonly seen in age groups of 50-59 years (26.7%), and in males (54%). There was a significant association between gender and Kennedy’s class III (p=0.000) and age and Kennedy’s class III (p=0.000) Within the limits of the study, it was found that there was a significant relationship between gender and Kennedy’s class III and age and Kennedy’s class III.
Work Environment and the Bottom Line: Survey of Tools Relating Work Environment to Business Results

Insufficient knowledge of how the working environment (WE) impacts company performance leads to a poor basis for managerial decision making. The objective of this study was to survey and evaluate available tools relating WE to business results. Nine tools were identified and qualitatively evaluated using 11 criteria. The tools were clustered into three categories, ranging from analysis of WE risks as well as calculation of their economic impact to solely investment analysis. Shortcomings in the tools include insufficient attention to quality and productivity issues and insufficient guidance for users. Although further methodological development is indicated, researchers should also attend to the factors affecting tool uptake and application as well as the potential to integrate such analysis into companies' regular accounting systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The complete chloroplast genome of cultivated apple (Malus domestica Cv. ‘Yantai Fuji 8’)

Abstract The cultivated apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is one of the most important crop fruits with high-economic values in the world. In the present study, we characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of apple cultivar ‘Yantai Fuji 8’. The complete cp genome is 160,062 bp in length with a typical quadripartite structure. A total of 112 unique genes were found in the newly sequenced genome, including 78 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes. Of these, 7 protein-coding genes, 7 tRNA genes, and all 4 rRNA genes are duplicated in the inverted regions. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using the full length of cp genome to show the relationships among species in Rosaceae. The complete cp genome will be potential genetic resources for apple breeding programs.
A Summary of Roadway Accidents Involving Agricultural Machinery

Four years of Ohio highway accident data (1989-1992) were analyzed for patterns in accidents involving agricultural machinery. Seventy-eight percent of two-vehicle accidents occurred during daylight hours, with a peak occurrence time interval of 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Sideswipe and angle collisions were predominant accident types. Forty-two percent of the nighttime accidents were rear end collisions compared to 8% of the daylight crashes. Turning left was the most common action preceding sideswipe and angle crashes. Operator age, weather conditions, and alcohol use were not major factors in the majority of these accidents.
Spreadsheet Modelling of Transient Three Dimensional Heat Conduction with Various Standard Boundary Conditions

A method of analysing transient three-dimensional heat conduction problems using spreadsheets is described. An implicit numerical scheme is used and user-defined macros are designed and executed in a single-layer sheet. The method allows the use of all standard boundary conditions such as constant surface temperature, specified heat flux, thermal insulation, convection and/or thermal radiation. This method seems to be convenient for both practising engineers as well as undergraduate students since it enables them to solve engineering problems numerically without complicated programming. The method also allows the user to incorporate nonlinear boundary conditions such as thermal radiation with no further simplification which otherwise would require further effort to model. The method was received by engineering students and hence was useful as an educational aid that can be applied in other fields of engineering applications.
Risk Management Perceptions and Trends of U.S. Construction

This paper discusses the current attitude of large U.S. construction firms toward risk, and determines how these contractors conduct construction risk management. The paper is based on a survey of the top 100 large U.S. contractors. After discussion of the current views, the results are compared with a risk survey conducted by ASCE. The study shows that in recent years, contractors have been more willing to assume risks that accompany contractual and legal problems in the form of risk sharing with the owner. Risks of this type include change-order negotiations, third-party delays, contract delay resolutions, and indemnification and hold harmless. The survey also found that contractors currently assume the risk associated with actual quantities of work, a notable difference from the findings of the ASCE survey. Finally, the attitude of contractors toward the practice of defensive engineering is determined. This is significant, as no previous survey has addressed or sought to quantify allocation or importance of this task.
Cotton Water Stress Under Trickle Irrigation

ABSTRACT Cotton was trickle irrigated two to three times weekly in 1984 and 1985 using buried perforated tubing under each row. Water application rates were about 0.6, 1.0, and 1.3 times estimated consumptive use (CU). The cotton was monitored for water stress using the crop water stress index (CWSI), soil water content, and yield. Significant differences in seasonal average crop water stress values, average soil water contents, and yields were obtained for the three water treatments. The wettest treatment with average CWSI values near 0.1 gave the highest yield and had the highest soil water contents before irrigation. The yield increased nearly linearly with decreasing CWSI while the water use efficiency (yield per unit of water) was highest for the 1.0 CU treatment.
Job Competence and Job Performance of the Extension Personnel of the Department of Agriculture in Tripura State of North-East India

The main concern in human resource development in agricultural extension organization is the improvement in the performance of the extension personnel. For enhancing the competence and performance of the extension personnel it is very important to delineate the factors responsible for it along with the level of job competence and performance. A study was conducted in Tripura state of northeast India and data was collected from eighty extension personnel [40 Agriculture Officers (AOs) and 40 Village Level Workers (VLWs)] by using structure interview schedule. The findings of the study indicated that most of the AOs had high level of job competence whereas; most of the VLWs had medium level of job competence. AOs had expressed high level of job performance whereas, VLWs had medium level of job performance.