Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Force based Vehicle Model for Two-Dimensional Spaces

There is a growing interest in modeling heterogeneous traffic. This is especially true in Asian countries where a wide variety of transport modes operate on streets under differing traffic rules. There is also growing interest by urban planners and traffic engineers in applying the shared space or living street concepts to roadways. These approaches remove the traditional segregation of different road users by replacing lane markings and curbs with open spaces for use by all road users. There is some debate including safety and capacity issues when integrating pedestrian, bicyclists and car movement on an open space with little guidance. Current microscopic traffic flow models are not suitable when pedestrians, bicycles, cars and heavy vehicles share the same space since these modes have very different levels of maneuverability and speeds. Most current microscopic traffic flow models are 1- dimensional; they are based on car-following modes with limited consideration of lateral interaction. In contrast, social force models, frequently used to model pedestrian behavior, consider 2-dimensional motion and are not link-based. These models use an interacting force between pedestrians and obstacles to model walking and are often applied for crowd modeling. This paper presents an approach for extending the social force model to models also for vehicles movements. In contrast to traditional car-following models, the proposed approach uses a mechanically-based model to obtain reasonable turning trajectories and a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is integrated to control the simulated vehicles. The method was tested using data collected by video imaging at a T-intersection that was recently converted to a shared space area. Results of this case study show that the trajectories simulated using the proposed model are good approximations of the real trajectories.
ROBUST PLATOON MANEUVERS FOR AVHS

This paper presents new control strategies for the three longitudinal maneuvers: merge, split and decelerate to change lanes. The approach presented is intended to improve the robustness of these maneuvers to such factors as the deceleration of the lead platoon and variable acceleration capability. The paper presents a merge maneuver in which the velocity of the trail platoon never exceeds the maximum safe velocity. The control approach can be applied to the other maneuvers to ensure that they never result in a collision.
Complexity based on synchrosqueezing analysis in gear diagnosis

The Synchrosqueezing is a special case of the reassignment method and concentrates the time-frequency representation (TFR) in a scale dimension. Compared to other TFR enhancement methods, the synchrosqueezing offers better adaptability, less deformation for IF profile and an exact reconstruction formula for constituent components. This paper deals with the investigation of descriptors based on the combination of the synchrosqueezing transform (SST) and Lempel-Ziv complexity methods. This last one transforms the analyzed signal into a data sequence. In the first part, the vibration signal components are extracted by using the synchrosqueezing transform and the reconstruction method. Afterward, the Lempel-Ziv complexity values are calculated. Since the complexity values are not dependent on the magnitude of the measured signal, the proposed method is less sensitive to the data sets measured under different data acquisition conditions. This approach is applied for monitoring and diagnosing the defects during a fatigue test on a first gear reducer and also when varying the load on a second gear reducer by using the recorded vibration signals. It can also provide a new way for feature extraction and recognition of gear system faults.
Sensor-Based Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Additive manufacturing is the term that uses the CAD data to build components layer by layer; it is also termed layered manufacturing or 3D printing. The major advantage of additive manufacturing is the capability of building components without the use of molds or tools. Five major categories of AM processes include Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), Direct Energy Deposition (DED), Material Jetting (MJ), Binder Jetting (BJ), and Sheet Lamination (SL). The sensor may be defined as a device that responds to a physical stimulus and transmits a resulting impulse. Sensor technology has been widely adopted in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biomedical and robotic applications. Commonly used sensors are temperature sensors, strain sensors, biosensors, environmental sensors, and wearable sensors, etc. Additive manufacturing technologies can fabricate sensors and microfluidic devices with less labor. This paper focuses on various sensors developed by additive manufacturing processes, and their practical application for the particular purpose is reviewed.
Utilising a systematic review-based approach to create a database of individual participant data for meta- and network meta-analyses: the RELEASE database of aphasia after stroke

ABSTRACT Background Collation of aphasia research data across settings, countries and study designs using big data principles will support analyses across different language modalities, levels of impairment, and therapy interventions in this heterogeneous population. Big data approaches in aphasia research may support vital analyses, which are unachievable within individual trial datasets. However, we lack insight into the requirements for a systematically created database, the feasibility and challenges and potential utility of the type of data collated. Aim To report the development, preparation and establishment of an internationally agreed aphasia after stroke research database of individual participant data (IPD) to facilitate planned aphasia research analyses. Methods Data were collated by systematically identifying existing, eligible studies in any language (≥10 IPD, data on time since stroke, and language performance) and included sourcing from relevant aphasia research networks. We invited electronic contributions and also extracted IPD from the public domain. Data were assessed for completeness, validity of value-ranges within variables, and described according to pre-defined categories of demographic data, therapy descriptions, and language domain measurements. We cleaned, clarified, imputed and standardised relevant data in collaboration with the original study investigators. We presented participant, language, stroke, and therapy data characteristics of the final database using summary statistics. Results From 5256 screened records, 698 datasets were potentially eligible for inclusion; 174 datasets (5928 IPD) from 28 countries were included, 47/174 RCT datasets (1778 IPD) and 91/174 (2834 IPD) included a speech and language therapy (SLT) intervention. Participants’ median age was 63 years (interquartile range [53, 72]), 3407 (61.4%) were male and median recruitment time was 321 days (IQR 30, 1156) after stroke. IPD were available for aphasia severity or ability overall (n = 2699; 80 datasets), naming (n = 2886; 75 datasets), auditory comprehension (n = 2750; 71 datasets), functional communication (n = 1591; 29 datasets), reading (n = 770; 12 datasets) and writing (n = 724; 13 datasets). Information on SLT interventions were described by theoretical approach, therapy target, mode of delivery, setting and provider. Therapy regimen was described according to intensity (1882 IPD; 60 datasets), frequency (2057 IPD; 66 datasets), duration (1960 IPD; 64 datasets) and dosage (1978 IPD; 62 datasets). Discussion Our international IPD archive demonstrates the application of big data principles in the context of aphasia research; our rigorous methodology for data acquisition and cleaning can serve as a template for the establishment of similar databases in other research areas.
Optimizing Stochastic Supply Chains via Simulation: What is an Appropriate Simulation Run Length

The most common solution strategy for stochastic supply-chain man-agement problems that are analytically intractable is simulation. But, how can we be sure that the optimal solution obtained by simulation is in fact the true optimal solution? In this paper we try to shed light on this question. We report the results of an extensive simulation study of a base-stock controlled production-inventory system. We tried different values of base-stock levels (R) to determine, via simulation, which was the value that minimized the total inventory holding and backordering costs per period. For 25 different cases (and 100 replications each), we compared the optimal solution obtained from simulation (Rs*) with the true optimal base-stock level (Ra*) obtained from an analytical result, with the goal of obtaining a lowerbound of 95% matches. Results show that when the traffic in-tensity increases, the run length necessary to achieve a minimum of 95% matches increases too, and when the backorder cost increases, the number of matches de-creases for each specific run length. In most of the cases simulated, 100,000 de-mands were enough to achieve reasonably reliable results.
Autonomous Vehicle Technology: A Guide for Policymakers

Autonomous vehicles may change the transportation landscape and policymakers must find the best course to maximize social benefits while minimizing drawbacks. This report weighs the potential advantages, including safety, mobility and fuel consumption, and disadvantages, including travel demand. Current legislation in Nevada, Florida, California, and Washington, DC, and in other states, and the standards and regulations that apply to such vehicles, are outlined. The report provides a brief history of autonomous vehicles and a summary of the role of telematics and communications, and discusses liability for drivers, insurers and manufacturers. It contains guidance for policymakers and risks to be considered as policies are formulated.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MELBOURNE PEAK CYCLE

This is a report on the development of a representative Melbourne drive cycle. This cycle is intended to provide a basis for a more realistic assessment, of the emissions and fuel consumption for Melbourne driving, than the United States developed urban drive cycle, currently used in ADR27A for motor vehicle compliance testing. The cycle was based on a study of Melbourne morning peak driving patterns. Ten routes were surveyed using an instrumented vehicle to record traffic and fuel consumption data. The route driving pattern data were analysed and weighted in accordance with vehicle kilometres travelled within a radius of eight kilometres from central Melbourne to produce a single joint velocity and acceleration probability density function. The Melbourne peak cycle was produced to match this joint velocity and acceleration probability. It has a duration of 16.3 minutes, an average speed of 30.4 km/h, and maximum speed of 110.4 km/h and minimum and maximum accelerations of -3.83 m/s/s (-13.3 km/hs) and 3.46 m/s/s (12.5 km/hs) respectively. The unique methodology used in the analysis of traffic data and the formulation of the drive cycle, should have application to a wide range of future driving pattern problems, such as cold start cycles and on gradient driving cycles (a). The paper was presented as Paper 18--Session 6--Driving Patterns (SAE 82148). The number of the covering abstract of the conference is TRIS no.367871. (TRRL)
A multi-objective optimization operation strategy for ice-storage air-conditioning system based on improved firefly algorithm

Reasonable distribution of cooling load between chiller and ice tank is the key to realize the economical and energy-saving operation of ice-storage air-conditioning (ISAC) system. A multi-objective optimization model based on improved firefly algorithm (IFA) was established in this study to fully exploit the energy-saving potential and economic benefit of the ISAC system. The proposed model took the partial load rate of each chiller and the cooling ratio of the ice tank as optimization variables, and the lowest energy consumption loss rate and the lowest operating cost of the ISAC system were calculated. Chaotic logic self-mapping was used to initialize population to avoid falling into local optimum, and Cauchy mutation was used to increase the population’s diversity to improve the algorithm’s global search ability. The experimental results show that compared with the operation strategy based on constant proportion, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and firefly algorithm (FA), the optimal operation strategy based on IFA can achieve more significant energy-saving and economic benefits. Meanwhile, the convergence accuracy and stability of the algorithm are significantly improved. Practical application: The optimized operation strategy of the ice-storage air-conditioning system can reduce energy loss and operating costs. The traditional operation strategies have the problems of low optimization precision and poor optimization effect. Therefore, this study presents an optimal operation strategy based on IFA. The convergence accuracy and stability of the algorithm are increased after the algorithm is improved. The operation strategy can get the maximum energy-saving effect and economic benefit of the ISAC system.
Production and Evaluation of Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 Immunogenicity as a Recombinant Fc Fusion Multi-Stage Vaccine Candidate Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

AimsTuberculosis (TB) is one of the life-threatening infectious diseases, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). In the present study, a multi-stage M.tb immunodominant Fcγ1 fusion protein (Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1) was produced and its immunogenicity as an hFcγRI targeted delivery systems for selective antigen presentation was evaluated in a mouse model. Methods and ResultsThe novel Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 recombinant fusion protein was designed and expressed in the Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris). After affinity chromatography purification, the purity of Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 was confirmed by ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting methods. The immunogenicity of the construct was evaluated by assessing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in a mouse model. Co-localization results of Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 with hFcγRI (CD64) confirmed its function for binding with its receptor and inducing Th1 selective responses. There was a significant difference in the expression of both IFN-γ, (P≤0.02) and TGF-β, (P=0.05). ConclusionsThe co-localization assay confirmed functionally the binding of the Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 to CD64 (FcγRI). Furthermore, in vitro assay showed that Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 can stimulate a modulated immune response in favor of anti-intracellular microbes, as IFN-γ increased, and also TGF-β as an immune-modulatory cytokine prevented the induction of hypersensitivity reactions.Significance and Impact of StudyThe combination of Ag85B as the most immunodominant M.tb Ag with HspX, as an Ag and adjuvant, could open a new venue for more studies for the design of multi-stage subunit vaccines for TB. Of note, an Fcγ1 fusion protein can be considered as a functional approved selective delivery vehicle for targeting antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and inducing cross-presentation.
Not‐for‐profit Organisations in Israel

The evolution of the not‐for‐profit organisation sector in the Israeli economy is described, combining economic theory together with history and ideology to provide a multi‐dimensional explanation of this important phenomenon. Why some activities are performed by not‐for‐profit organisations instead of, or in addition to, for‐profit firms and government institutions is outlined, and explanations for the existence of NPOs in various fields of public service are offered.
Analysis of segregation process using the broken line model. Numerical realization

In the thermal theory of foundry processes one can find the solutions concerning the kinetics of casting solidification obtained under the assumption that the temporary temperature field in domain considered is described by a certain class of functions (for instance the parabolas method proposed by Wiejnik [2]). The authors of this paper propose the similar approach to the macro-segregation process modelling. The temporary concentration field can be quite exactly approximated by the broken line. The first sector of line correspond to boundary layer, while the second one to the region in which the concentration field is homogeneous (Figure 1). The number of information concerning the physical aspects of the process (solidification rate, thickness of the boundary layer etc.) assures the univocal determination of the parameters of assumed function. The start point of the algorithm consists in the computations of the direction of sector corresponding to the boundary layer, next the mass balance of alloy component allows to determine the others parameters of the broken line.
Exploring Prior Work History within Software Project Teams

Software project management is challenging not only due to the technical requirements associated with creating software, but also in dealing with interpersonal issues that arise during the course of a project. One interpersonal dynamic within software project teams that is rarely discussed is the interaction among the team members themselves. Using social identity theory as a lens, this research explores how subgroups based on individuals’ prior work history could impact the project team. These prior working relationships could be a benefit to the team, or alternatively, could create favoritism among some members of the team. We explore the phenomenon of how prior work history affects the project team’s dynamic in the context of a massive multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG). Using the results, we offer suggestions for future research and practice to consider the impact of social identity within software project teams.
Recent developments in chemical process and plant design

Catalyst Design: Selected Topics and Examples Process Heat Exchanger Design: Qualitative Factors in Selection and Application Energy Efficient Separation Process Design Process Integration Process Synthesis: A Morphological View Process Synthesis: Some Simple and Practical Developments Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Advance in Process Flowsheeting Systems Integration of Process Design and Process Control Safety in Process and Plant Design Developing Design Bases for Synthetic Fuel Plants Process and Plant Design for Food and Biochemical Production Chemical Engineering in Electronic Materials Processing: Semiconductor Reaction and Reactor Engineering.
Variation-aware and adaptive timing optimisation methods in field programmable gate arrays

This thesis proposes optimisation methods for improving the timing performance of digital circuits implemented in Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) with the knowledge of process variation. With the current trend of transistor scaling, improvements in fabrication processes alone will not completely solve the problem of process variability due to the physical limitation of the process and materials. Therefore, higher-level optimisation strategies, such as variation-aware and adaptive design are required to alleviate the erosion of overall timing performance. Three novel optimisation methods, including variation-aware placement, routing and retiming are introduced in this thesis to reduce the impact of process variation on FPGAs using measured variation maps. By measuring and mapping real delay variation on FPGAs, traditional delay models can be replaced with actual delay maps that allows variation-aware design methods to be applied to produce more optimal designs on FPGAs. In this thesis, we propose a new two-stage classification-based placement methodology to alleviate the impact of delay variability while maintaining practical computational complexity and execution time. In addition, a variation-aware partial re-routing method is introduced to improve the timing performance of designs by re-routing a portion of critical and near-critical paths. Finally, a variation-aware retiming method is proposed to further enhance timing performance after placement and routing. Similar to the timing improvement achieved by full chipwise optimisation (19%), the proposed two-stage placement, partial rerouting and retiming methods can provide 13% timing improvement. In addition, about 20 times speedup can be achieved compared with full chipwise methods. Overall, the observed timing improvement and reduction in execution time for MCNC benchmarks with the proposed optimisation methods clearly demonstrate their effectiveness and practicality against delay variability in FPGAs.
Solar Electric Propulsion

The Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) technology area is tasked to develop near and mid-term SEP technology to improve or enable science mission capture while minimizing risk and cost to the end user. The solar electric propulsion investments are primarily driven by SMD cost-capped mission needs. The technology needs are determined partially through systems analysis tasks including the recent "Re-focus Studies" and "Standard Architecture Study. " These systems analysis tasks transitioned the technology development to address the near term propulsion needs suitable for cost-capped open solicited missions such as Discovery and New Frontiers Class missions. Major SEP activities include NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT), implementing a Standard Architecture for NSTAR and NEXT EP systems, and developing a long life High Voltage Hall Accelerator (HiVHAC). Lower level investments include advanced feed system development and xenon recovery testing. Future plans include completion of ongoing ISP development activities and evaluating potential use of commercial electric propulsion systems for SMD applications. Examples of enhanced mission capability and technology readiness dates shall be discussed.