Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benchmark generation algorithm for stochastic mixed model assembly shop simulation and optimization

The Operations Research (OR) community have defined many deterministic manufacturing control problems mainly focused on scheduling. Well-defined benchmark problems provide a mechanism for communication of the effectiveness of different optimization algorithms. Manufacturing problems within industry are stochastic and complex. Common features of these problems include: variable demand, machine part specific breakdown patterns, part machine specific process durations, continuous production, Finished Goods Inventory (FGI) buffers, bottleneck machines and limited production capacity. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) is a commonly used tool for studying manufacturing systems of realistic complexity. There are few reports of detail-rich benchmark problems for use within the simulation optimization community that are as complex as those faced by production managers. This work details an algorithm that can be used to create single and multistage production control problems. The reported software implementation of the algorithm generates text files in eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format that are easily edited and understood as well as being cross-platform compatible. The distribution and acceptance of benchmark problems generated with the algorithm would enable researchers working on simulation and optimization of manufacturing problems to effectively communicate results to benefit the field in general.
Clothoid road geometry unsuitable for sensor fusion clothoid parameter sloshing

The cubic polynomial clothoidal approximation is widely used for road lane modeling in vehicle applications such as adaptive cruise control, collision warning, lane departure warning, autonomous steering, etc. For applications that apply multi-sensor data fusion to form the estimate of the road lane model, we demonstrate that the cubic polynomial clothoidal approximation is a poor parameter space due to large sensitivity to coefficient errors. Small systematic or random errors (noise) lead to substantially similar lane geometries, but significantly different clothoid parameters.
A wideband probe‐fed stacked dielectric resonator antenna

A novel two‐layer stacked wideband dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) of rectangular shape is proposed. The DRA is composed of a dielectric resonator (DR) and a thin dielectric segment, which reside above a ground plane, and is excited by a small metallic patch connected to a coaxial probe. Unlike its previous designs that have a DRA of a lower permittivity above one or more thin segments of higher permittivity, the top DR in this antenna has a higher permittivity than the lower segment. Theoretical and experimental results show that the proposed DRA can achieve a very wide bandwidth. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1630–1633, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21716
Protective effect of S-allyl cysteine against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in experimental rats

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of S-allyl cysteine (SAC) against cerebral ischemiareperfusion injury (CRI) in rats.Methods: The protective effect of SAC was determined in a male Wistar rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-stimulated transient focal ischemia, followed by reperfusion. Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury was induced via 90 min of MCAO, followed by 24-h reperfusion. The cerebral infarct size was determined by staining with 2,3,5- triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. The onset of cellular derangement, neurological deficit score and neuronal oedema were determined. In addition, the expressions of CRI markers and inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Rats subjected to CRI showed marked increases in cellular oxidative stress, as evidenced by significant increase in the levels of inflammatory markers, including MDA (p < 0.05), MPO (p < 0.05) and nitric oxide (p < 0.01). In addition, CRI increased the mRNA expression levels of the marker genes TLR4, syndecan-1, CSF, aquaporin-1, OCT3, and RFX1. In contrast, rats pre-treated with SAC prior to CRI displayed reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines, with a near-normal cellular arrangement. SAC treatment significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of the marker genes in CRI rats.Conclusion: These findings suggest that SAC may protect the brain of rats from cerebral ischemiareperfusion injury caused by amplification of oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling. Thus, S-allyl cysteine is a potential therapy for the management of CRI.
The Application of GPS in Roller Real-Time Monitoring System

A set of roller real-time detecting system is developed based on the platform of LabVIEW. In this system, GPS plays an important role of positioning the rollers track, time, speed as well as compaction times. With the friendly development environment of LabVIEW, GPS signals are collected, extracted, analyzed and processed to realizing real-time detecting. And the reliability and practicability of the detecting system program is confirmed by trail. With this great progress, a set of rollers real-time monitoring system can be easily formed, which is of great significance for scientists to further replace the traditional detecting test.
Characteristics of trenched coplanar waveguide for high-resistivity Si MMIC applications

A novel low RF loss trenched coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission-line structure fabricated using evaporated aluminum tracks on a high-resistivity (10-k/spl Omega/ cm) silicon (HRS) substrate is reported. By assuming that Schottky contact boundaries exist at the metal silicon substrate interface in the CPW line, the finite-element analysis method is used to determine the simulated behavior of the structure. The distributed capacitance, leakage conduction current, and dynamic shunt conductance for the line are shown to be a function of dc bias applied to the line, and also to reduce as a function of trench depth in the normal bias regime. Experimental results show: (1) the reduction of RF losses in comparison with conventional aluminum conductor CPW line structures may be as much as 0.5 dB/cm at 30 GHz; (2) by proper positive dc biasing of a CPW line on a p-type HRS substrate, a further reduction (0.2 dB/cm) in RF loss at 30 GHz can be achieved; (3) predicted trends in line leakage current, capacitance, and relative characteristics impedance are experimentally verified. The proposed waveguide structure may be utilized in a special fabrication process designed for RF/microwave applications.
Preparation of Graphene Oxide-loaded Nickel with Excellent Antibacterial Property by Magnetic Field-Assisted Scanning Jet Electrodeposition

Graphene oxide (GO) is recognized as a promising antibacterial material that is expected to be used to prepare a new generation of high-efficiency antibacterial coatings. The propensity of GO to agglomeration makes it difficult to apply it effectively. A new method of preparing GO-loaded nickel (GNC) with excellent antibacterial property is proposed in this paper. In this work, GNC was prepared on a titanium sheet by magnetic field-assisted scanning jet electrodeposition. The massive introduction of GO on the coating was proven by energy disperse spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The antibacterial performance of GNC was proven by agar plate assessment and cell living/dead staining. The detection of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the concentration of nickel ions, indicate that the antibacterial property of GNC are not entirely derived from the nickel ions released by the coating and the intracellular ROS induced by nickel ions, but rather are due to the synergistic effect of nickel ions and GO.
FDTD computation of temperature rise in the human head for portable telephones

Temperature rises in the human head for portable telephones were computed with an anatomically based head model at 900 MHz and 1.5 GHz. The specific absorption rate (SAR) in the human head was determined using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, while a bioheat equation was numerically solved also using the FDTD method. The portable telephone was modeled by a quarter-wavelength monopole antenna on a dielectric covered metal box. The source geometries considered were the telephone barely touching the ear and the telephone pressing the ear, both having a vertical alignment at the side of the head. The antenna output power was set to be consistent with the portable telephones of today: 0.6 W at 900 MHz and 0.27 W at 1.5 GHz. Computed results show that a phone time of 6-7 min yields a temperature rise of approximately 90% of the steady-state value. Application of the ANSZ/IEEE safety guidelines restricting the 1-g-averaged spatial peak SAR to 1.6 W/kg results in the maximum temperature rise in the brain of 0.06/spl deg/C, and application of the ICNIRP/Japan safety guidelines restricting the 10-g-averaged spatial peak SAR to 2 W/kg results in the maximum temperature rise in the brain of 0.11/spl deg/C, both at 900 MHz and 1.5 GHz.
Auricular Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation Acutely Modulates Brain Connectivity in Mice

Background Brain electrical stimulation techniques take advantage of the intrinsic plasticity of the nervous system, opening a wide range of therapeutic applications. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved adjuvant for drug-resistant epilepsy and depression. Its non-invasive form, auricular transcutaneous VNS (atVNS), is under investigation for applications, including cognitive improvement. Objective We aimed to study the effects of atVNS on brain connectivity, under conditions that improved memory persistence in CD-1 male mice. Methods Acute atVNS in the cymba conchae of the left ear was performed using a standard stimulation protocol under light isoflurane anesthesia, immediately or 3 h after the training/familiarization phase of the novel object-recognition memory test (NORT). Another cohort of mice was used for bilateral c-Fos analysis after atVNS administration. Spearman correlation of c-Fos density between each pair of the thirty brain regions analyzed allowed obtaining the network of significant functional connections in stimulated and non-stimulated control brains. Results NORT performance was enhanced when atVNS was delivered just after, but not 3 h after, the familiarization phase of the task. No alterations in c-Fos density were associated to electrostimulation, but a significant effect of atVNS was observed on c-Fos-based functional connectivity. atVNS induced a clear reorganization of the network, increasing the inter-hemisphere connections and the connectivity of locus coeruleus. Conclusion Our results provide new insights in the effects of atVNS on memory performance and brain connectivity extending our knowledge of the biological mechanisms of bioelectronics in medicine. Highlights atVNS, delivered immediately after NORT training phase, improves memory persistence atVNS did not promote significant changes in brain c-Fos density atVNS induced a significant reorganization of c-Fos-based functional brain network atVNS produced an enhancement in correlated activity between hemispheres atVNS did not engage the prefrontal-retrosplenial axis, characteristic of the DMN
Physical property characterization of the Nakdong River valley sediments in relation to depositional units

Abstract The core samples collected from the Nakdong River valley area were used to characterize physical properties in relation to depositional units. The physical property data were readily classified in good agreement with the depositional units: Units I, II, III, and IV in ascending order. In other words, the variations in the physical properties reflected well the relative characteristics of the depositional units. Overall, Unit I was characterized by high values of physical properties such as compressional wave velocity (1683 m/s on average), wet bulk density (2.17 g/cm3 on average), and shear strength (41.2 kPa on average), whereas the porosity of Unit I was the lowest (approximately 35%). Moreover, the physical properties other than grain density reflected well the characteristics of each unit, characterized by gradual change from Units I to IV. Nevertheless, based on the physical property data, the lithology, rather than compaction with burial depth, likely played an important role in the variation of physical properties of each unit. These results suggest that the physical properties were mainly controlled by depositional processes at the time of deposition. The velocity anisotropies were mostly negative without a significant effect of compaction with burial depth. Nevertheless, the cracks occurring along bedding planes after coring were responsible for low horizontal velocities and negative anisotropies.
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF A SEMI-AUTONOMOUS ROBOTIC WHEELCHAIR DIRECTED THROUGH ELECTRODES

Many people with disabilities do not have the dexterity necessary to control a joystick on an electric wheelchair. Our system allows a semiautonomous robotic wheelchair to be commanded by head and eye movement using electrodes placed around the eyes. Once the user issues a high level command such as "forward," the wheelchair system will perform the command while avoiding obstacles and taking care of any necessary driving adjustments. Since our system will automatically avoid obstacles and make motor corrections, less effort is required by the user to drive the system. We present preliminary results on an experimental system that combines the Wheelesley robotic wheelchair with the EagleEyes system for controlling a computer through electrodes.
Modeling the bias and temperature dependence of a C-class MESFET amplifier

In this paper, a complete bias and temperature-dependent large-signal model for a MESFET is determined from experimental S-parameters and dc measurements. This model is used in the analysis of the performance of a C-class amplifier at 4 GHz over a -50/spl deg/ to 100/spl deg/C temperature range and for different bias conditions. The dependencies of the elements of the equivalent circuit, as well as the amplifier gain on the temperature and the operating point, are evaluated. The gain optimization and the analysis as a function of temperature of the MESFET amplifier are done by using the describing function technique. Optimum bias device conditions in the C-class are obtained for maximum gain and also the flattest gain versus input power rate. A comparison between theoretical and measured results over temperature and bias ranges is shown. Experimental results show an excellent agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Seasonal variation in material properties of a flexible pavement

Seasonal variation of temperature and moisture causes considerable changes in the load-carrying capacity of pavements in geographical areas subjected to extreme freeze/thaw conditions. The Seasonal Monitoring Program (SMP) of the Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) study of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) monitors seasonal variations in Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) deflections, air temperature, rainfall, soil temperature, moisture content, and soil electrical resistance at numerous sites across North America. This study relates changes in pavement load carrying capacity represented by the pavement layer resilient moduli to selected environmental factors for a test pavement site in southwestern Manitoba. The significant environmental parameters causing seasonal variation in pavement layer resilient moduli are identified as the surface temperature for the asphalt layer and the thawing index for base and subgrade layers. The resilient moduli of various pavement layers show a substantial dec.
Small-signal admittance model as a characterization tool of the MOS tunnel diode

The tunnel leakage through the insulator layer of metal–insulator–semiconductor tunnel diodes and its small-signal admittance is investigated by means of a theoretical model of the metal–oxide–semiconductor tunnel diode based on a steady-state algorithm and the minority carrier relaxation time. The conclusions are reviewed using an experimental Al-SiO2-Si structure with an ultrathin oxide layer.
Visualising and predicting the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia using network analysis and support vector regression

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) was first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and spread quickly throughout the world, affecting the economy, social disruption, and public health. Concerning confirmed and death COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, the correlation of states and prediction model using support vector regression (SVR) associated with COVID-19 in Malaysia are yet to discover. Hence, the proposed works employ network analysis and SVR from July 2020 (Q3 2020) until June 2021 (Q2 2021) based on given data by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH) (i) to correlate and visualise the COVID-19 pandemic spread between the states and (ii) to predict the cumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed and death cases. Network analysis was employed using Spearman rank coefficients and revealed an increasing degree of connectedness between different states, thus pinpointing key actors of transmission. Meanwhile, the proposed SVR predictive model could forecast the future COVID-19 cases and deaths (July 2021 to December 2021), with an excellent regression score (R2 = 0.829) and low mean squared error (MSE = 0.171), as well as root mean square error (RMSE = 0.413); hence, making this model reliable enough. Current data demonstrate that network analysis and the SVR model provide insightful and potential information to minimise COVID-19 transmission.
Multistandard reconfigurable PIFA antenna

In this article, a frequency reconfigurable antenna using the ON/OFF states of a MEMS (micro‐electro‐mechanical system) switch is presented. This structure is based on a planar inverted‐F antenna (PIFA), designed with an L‐shaped open slot etched upon its main plate. According to the switch position along the slot, the GSM operating frequency is not detuned while other standards become reconfigurable. To validate our concept, a RF MEMS switch, designed and developed at CEA‐LETI, is used. The scattering parameters of the MEMS are measured and compared with simulated results from a simple model using lumped elements and transmission line sections. This active device is then inserted in the slot to validate the switching capabilities of the PIFA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1975–1977, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21823
Application of predictive control strategies to the motorcycle riding task

Model predictive control (MPC) techniques have been applied to the modelling of a motorcycle rider, believed to offer more realistic representation of the riding strategy compared with previous methods, notably optimal control. The results from the MPC model have been compared with the optimal control results, showing good similarities and also some notable differences. The results of the application of MPC techniques to the simulation of a motorcycle rider suggest that the approach has wider applicability to rider modelling, and allows greater scope for the definition of the rider's control approach. Notably, for limited rider preview, shortcomings using the optimal control approach are overcome using the MPC method. Furthermore, the approach is believed to more accurately reflect the control actions taken by a human motorcycle rider.
(T, S) policy for coordinated inventory replenishment systems under compound Poisson demands

This paper considers the coordinated 'periodic-review, order-up-to-level' policy, called (T, S) policy, for multi-item inventory systems. The mathematical model of (T, S) policy for single-item inventory systems is extended to the more realistic multi-item inventory systems with compound Poisson demands, positive replenishment lead times, as well as service level constraints. Numerical comparisons with 'can-order' policy (S, c, s) with different treatments show that the (T, S) policy outperforms the extensively studied (S, c, s) policy. Especially when the lead time is not too short, considerable cost reductions can be achieved through an inventory system employing the (T, S) policy.
A Comparative Study of Effects of 28-Day Exposure of Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S on Body Weight Changes, Organ Histology, and Relative Organ Weight

Context: Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disrupting chemical, is of widespread use in manufacturing of plastic products. Documenting ill health effects of BPA has led the plastic industrialists to replace BPA by its alleged safer alternative, bisphenol S (BPS). BPS belongs to the same chemical family and shares endocrine disrupting properties with BPA. Aims: We compared the effects of 28-day exposure of BPA and BPS on body weight changes, organ histology, and relative organ weight in rats. In addition, we detected BPA and BPS in the rat's blood serum. Settings and Design: Adult male albino rats were administered BPA (50 mg/kg/day) or BPS (50 mg/kg/day) or equivolume vehicle in different groups by oral gavage for 28 days. Subjects and Methods: The weight of each rat was noted at the commencement of the study and weekly afterward. On 29th day, the animals were sampled for whole blood and then sacrificed. The dissected out wet viscera were weighed and subjected to the standard protocol for histological examination. Serum samples were prepared and analyzed for the detection of BPA and BPS by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Statistical Analysis Used: Paired and unpaired Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA test, and Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons were used, as required for statistical analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both BPA and BPS produced similar detrimental changes in body weight, histology of stomach, small intestine, lung, and kidney, and relative organ weight of lung and kidney. BPA and BPS detected in the serum of rats were nearly 45 times of the control. Conclusions: Present data suggest caution about the application of BPS as a substitute of BPA.
Conversion of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Polymer into Activated Carbon and Its Feasibility to Produce Green Fuel

In this study, a novel idea was proposed to convert the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste drinking-water bottles into activated carbon (AC) to use for waste cooking oil (WCO) and palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) feasibility to convert into esters. The acidic and basic char were prepared by using the waste PET bottles. The physiochemical properties were determined by employing various analytical techniques, such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and temperature-programmed desorption – ammonia/carbon dioxide (TPD-NH3/CO2). The prepared PET H3PO4 and PET KOH showed the higher surface area, thus illustrating that the surface of both materials has enough space for impregnation of foreign precursors. The TPD-NH3 and TPD-CO2 results depicted that PET H3PO4 is found to have higher acidity, i.e., 18.17 mmolg−1, due to the attachment of phosponyl groups to it during pretreatment, whereas, in the case of PET KOH, the basicity increases to 13.49 mmolg−1. The conversion results show that prepared materials can be used as a support for an acidic and basic catalyst for the conversion of WCO and PFAD into green fuel.