Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gesture recognition with a DataGlove

An experiment was conducted to investigate gesture recognition with a human hand manipulating the DataGlove, an electronically instrumented glove which provides information about finger and hand position. A total of 22 gestures in three classes were investigated. The first class contained gestures which only involved finger flexure. The second class contained gestures which required both finger flexure and hand orientation. The third class of gestures required finger motion in addition to flexure and orientation. Only four sensors were necessary to positively identify specific gestures from groups of up to 15 gestures. The results show the specific number of sensors required to positively identify a gesture from a group. This depends on the number of gestures in a group, as well as the class of gestures. <<ETX>>
Joint optimization of lot-sizes, safety stocks and safety lead times in an MRP system

This paper reports on a simulation study of an MRP system affected by stochastic demand and stochastic lead times. Experiments are conducted to assess the impact of three data sets: the amount of lead time variability, the amount of demand variability, and the influence of the stockout cost/inventory holding cost ratio. Lot-sizes, safety stocks and lead times are optimized using simulated annealing. The effects of either using safety stocks or safety lead times are compared to each other with the purpose of finding the best method for protection against uncertainties in lead time and demand.
Assessing the Impact of Quality Management Systems on Business Performance

In the past few decades, a number of organizations have implemented Quality Management Systems (QMS) to create a culture of continuous quality improvement and improve business performance. Various QMS implemented in organizations are ISO 9000 Standards, Total Quality Management, AS Aerospace Standards, and many more. These standards cover aspects such as management leadership, process management, teamwork, quality improvement, and supplier and customer relations. The implementation of QMS is ultimately expected to improve overall business performance. In this thesis, we study the overall impact of implementation of QMS on various business performance factors. These performance factors include information quality, operating performance, design performance, environmental performance, product and service quality, supplier and customer relationships and competitive priorities. To study the impact of implementation of QMS on these business performance factors, we proposed a hypothesis model linking these performance factors, showing how improvement in one factor brings improvement in other factor. In this regard, a questionnaire was prepared related to implementation of QMS on business performance factors, and a survey study was conducted with professionals involved in quality management and engineering to collect their iv views on implementation of QMS. The collected data was analyzed with the help of statistical techniques such as Factor analysis, Descriptive statistics and Regression analysis, to study the proposed hypothesized relationships in the model. The results of our study show that organizations often implement QMS as a catalyst for change and use them in daily practice. Most of the proposed hypotheses are found to have significant positive relationship, whereas not enough significance is found between information quality and environmental performance, between design performance and product quality, and between environmental performance and product quality. It is recommended as future work to collect more data to statistically validate the relationships between design performance and product quality and between environmental performance and product quality. Keywords: QMS, Information Quality, Product Quality, Service Quality, Business performance.
Longitudinal wheel slip during ABS braking

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) braking tests with two subcompact passenger cars were performed on dry and wet asphalt, as well as on snow and ice surfaces. The operating conditions of the tyres in terms of wheel slip were evaluated using histograms of the wheel slip data. The results showed different average slip levels for different road surfaces. It was also found that changes in the tyre tread stiffness affected the slip operating range through a modification of the slip value at which the maximum longitudinal force is achieved. Variation of the tyre footprint length through modifications in the inflation pressure affected the slip operating range as well. Differences in the slip distribution between vehicles with different brake controllers were also observed. The changes in slip operating range in turn modified the relative local sliding speeds between the tyre and the road. The results highlight the importance of the ABS controller's ability to adapt to changing slip–force characteristics of tyres and provide estimates of the magnitude of the effects of different tyre and road operating conditions.
Actuator fault estimation with disturbance decoupling

The described work is on actuator fault estimation with disturbance decoupling that makes it possible to diagnose actuator faults. To achieve reliable fault estimation, unknown input decoupling is combined with an observer, leading to a diagnostic observer. As a result, the observation error equation for the diagnostic observer does not depend on the effect of unknown inputs and is used to construct a diagnostic algorithm that provides an estimate of the gains of actuators; this can be obtained directly via the augmented error technique. This approach is compared with the design previously reported in the simulation. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm is more realistic, in the sense that better decoupling properties can be assured without knowledge about unknown inputs, and it is potentially useful in the development of a fault-tolerant control system.
Study of functional and radiological outcome in humerus shaft fractures treated with anterior bridge plating

Introduction: In our study we have evaluated functional and radiological outcome in 20 patients. Humerus shaft fractures treated with anterior bridge plating has shown good results in terms of postoperative pain and union time. Though open reduction and internal fixation is gold standard this technique gives good results. Materials and methods: Twenty patients were treated with anterior bridge plating between July 2020 to may 2021.All cases were treated with 4.5mm DCP in bridging mode. Mechanism of injury, age, gender, union time were taken into account. UCLA shoulder and MEPS score were taken for assessing function. Results: In this study 20 patients were included, 16 males and 4 females. The age of patients ranged from 20 to 60 years with mean age of 34 years. All the fractures healed within range of 16-18 weeks. No radial nerve palsies were recorded. According to UCLA shoulder score 16 patients were excellent and 4 patients were good. The mayo elbow performance score was above 90 for all patients. Conclusion: Anterior bridge plating using MIPO technique results in good functional and radiological outcomes. It is safe and less time consuming for simple humerus shaft fracture patterns.
B(OH)2-functionalized graphene nanoflakes as a promising nanocarrier for letrozole delivery: a density functional theory study

We studied the capability of pristine, Al-doped, and B(OH)2-functionalized graphene nanoflakes for the delivery of the letrozole (LT) anticancer agent using density functional theory calculations. It was shown that the LT/pristine graphene complex includes very weak physical interaction with E ad = −2.447 kcal mol−1, which is too weak to be applied in drug-delivery purposes. So, the graphene nanoflake was doped by an Al atom, and the calculations demonstrated that the LT adsorption energy was increased significantly (E ad = −33.571 kcal mol−1). However, the LT release study showed that the adsorption energy did not efficiently change upon protonation in an acidic environment (E ad = −31.857 kcal mol−1). Finally, the LT adsorption was investigated on B(OH)2-functionalized graphene. The calculations showed that the adsorption energy was −9.607 kcal mol−1, which can be attributed to the possible hydrogen bonding between the LT molecule and the B(OH)2 functional group. The adsorption energy was changed to −1.015 kcal mol−1 during the protonation process. It can be concluded that the protonation of the LT/B(OH)2-functionalized graphene complex in the carcinogenic cells area separates the LT from the nanocarrier. Thus, B(OH)2-functionalized graphene nanoflakes can be considered as a promising nanocarrier candidate for LT delivery.
Highly sensitive ZnO thin film bulk acoustic resonator for hydrogen detection

We apply a thin film bulk acoustic resonator for hydrogen detection. The resonator working at 2.39 GHz consists of a ZnO piezoelectric stack and an Al/W Bragg reflector. A Pd film is coated on the top of a piezoelectric film as the electrode and sensing coating to capture hydrogen. The resonance frequency of the resonator reduces progressively with the increase of hydrogen concentration due to the mass addition on the Pd layer after hydrogenation. The experimental results show that our proposed sensor can yield the sensitive, linear, reversible, repeatable and stable responses to hydrogen in the concentration range of 0.05%–3% at room temperature. The limit of detection at room temperature is as low as 0.05%. This study proves that the thin film bulk acoustic resonator is a promising and feasible platform for the hydrogen sensor working at room temperature.
NEUTRO-BCK-ALGEBRA

This paper introduces the novel concept of Neutro-BCK-algebra. In Neutro-BCK-algebra, the outcome of any given two elements under an underlying operation (neutro-sophication procedure) has three cases, such as: appurtenance, non-appurtenance, or indeterminate. While for an axiom: equal, non-equal, or indeterminate. This study investigates the Neutro-BCK algebra and shows that Neutro-BCK-algebra are different from BCKalgebra. The notation of Neutro-BCK-algebra generates a new concept of NeutroPoset and Neutro-Hassdiagram for NeutroPosets. Finally, we consider an instance of applications of the Neutro-BCK-algebra.
Compensatory mechanisms during development contribute to overcome intraspecific competition in a dipteran solitary ectoparasitoid with larval active host seeking behaviour

1. Superparasitism has been rendered many times as detrimental for fitness, although there are examples in which the competing winning larvae compensate for its development. Here, we studied if, in the host‐parasitoid system Cyclocephala signaticollis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) – Mallophora ruficauda (Diptera: Asilidae), larvae have compensatory mechanisms during development to overcome competition.
Fourier transform, wavelets, Prony analysis: tools for harmonics and quality of power

The Fourier transform is a very useful tool for signal studies. Nevertheless there are many problems in using it; but these problems are very well known and correctly explained in literature. Wavelets are not usual in power network analysis. However, they are easy to use and give good results; the edge effects are transient and the computation time may be reasonable. Prony analysis is only found in a few papers about power networks. There are few high-performance decomposition programs. The best ones remain sensitive to noise. They require a long observation time with many samples. But, when the analysis succeed, this method is the most powerful to explain what happens in a power network transient. This paper explains as simply as possible the wavelet and the Prony analyses and shows, qualitatively, their performances and their limits.
Limiting force profile for laterally loaded piles in clay

Response of a laterally loaded pile is normally dominated by limiting force mobilised along the pile to a depth of 10d (d = pile diameter). The limiting force profile (LFP) varies from pile to pile in different sites. In order to provide guidelines for establishing the LFP, in this paper, an extensive back-estimation has been made against measured data of 32 piles tested in-situ. It was fulfilled using a spreadsheet program called GASLFP, which in turn was based on closed-form solutions. The solutions and the GASLFP were developed by the first author in 2001, and 2002, respectively. Parameters obtained through the back-estimation were presented for each individual pile. The results demonstrate difference between the current LFP and existing one for a lot of piles; provide range of the (slip) depth where the soil has predominant effect on pile response; and offer the ratio of subgrade modulus over shear modulus or undrained strength for piles in different clay. The result from this investigation may be directly used to design laterally loaded free-head piles. Especially, the slip depth of each pile should be helpful to plan a detailed soil investigation and any possible ground improvement.
Transferable Graph Neural Networks for Inferring Road Type Attributes in Street Networks

In this paper, we study transferable graph neural networks for street networks. The use of Graph Neural Networks in a transfer learning setting is a promising approach to overcome issues such as the lack of good quality data for training purposes. With transfer learning, we can fine-tune a model trained on a rich sample of data before applying to a task with limited observations. Specifically, we focus on the open research problem of inferring the attributes of a street network as a node classification task. An attribute contains descriptive information about a street segment such as the street type. We propose and develop a neural framework capable of learning from multiple street networks using transfer learning to infer the semantics of another street network. Different from previous studies, we are the first to address this problem by learning from more than one street network using graph neural networks. We empirically evaluate our framework on multiple large real-world networks. Our evaluations show that while state-of-the-art methods can be negatively impacted by naive transfer learning, our framework consistently mitigates this phenomenon, with up to a 10% gain in mean transfer accuracy.
Noncontact start/stop motion control of HDD suspension using shape memory alloy actuators

In hard disk drive (HDD), and important issue related to increased storage density is the tribological problem of the head/disk interface. The conventional head gimbal assembly (HGA) of the HDD is contact start/stop (CSS) mode which results in wear particles and debris. This may cause a serious problem for read/write function. In this work, we propose a new type of suspension featuring shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator in order to prevent the friction between the slider and the dksi. As a first step, a finite element analysis is undertaken to investigate modal characteristics of the proposed SMA-HGA. Using the principal modal parameters such as natural frequency, a control system model is established and sliding mode control algorithm to achieve non-contact start/stop (Non-CSS) mode is formulated. The control principle for accomplishing the Non-CSS mode is briefly discussed as follows. The control input is employed to SMA actuator before the disk rotates, and disconnected when the angular velocity of the disk is fully developed to have a certain flying height. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control system, one of conventional HGA is modified to integrate the SMA actuator. The control algorithm is experimentally realized and controlled motions for Non-CSS mode are presented in time domain.
A novel methodology of critical dimension statistical process control

SPC (Statistical Process Control) is a necessary tool for the current IC fabrication processing, especially when devices are shrinking down to 0.35 /spl mu/m and beyond. Most FABs have real time SPC systems to help process engineers to control process quality. In addition to real time SPC systems, some other process control methodologies and indices might be necessary for enhancement of process control monitoring. We have applied a statistical program using concepts of "hypotheses testing" and "max shift" to analyze variation and drift of CD (Critical Dimension). Based on collected CD data of the past 6 months, we conclude a methodology that could identify whether the CD variation is caused by drift of machine or process variation. To minimize process induced variation, we find lens heating compensation, dynamic focus and TARC application are effective. To respond to CD drift or shift caused by machine, we generate a daily report for the process engineer. Even without drawing the trend charts, process engineers can figure out the machine difference by the daily report. Combined with engineers' knowledge and know-how, the causes for CD variation can be identified much faster than before. As a result, the percentage of parameters with Cpk>1.33 increases by about 30%, compared with the Cpk performance before the statistical methodology was implemented.
Development of Mine Water Source Identification System Based on MapObjects

In order to realize the mine water source identification and to prevent water accidents, taking Xinglong Zhuang coal mine’s lower group coal mining as an example, based on the analysis of mine hydrogeological conditions, the mine water source identification system was designed by using the software of MapObjects powerful spatial analysis ability and Bayesian classification analytical method. The software can achieve mine water source identification and provide a certain basis for mine water disaster prevention and control.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications of Caspase-1 and PD-L1 Co-Expression Patterns in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Simple Summary Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) originate from mutated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Despite recent advances in genetics, the mechanisms involved in clonal progression remain largely unknown. We performed an exploratory, case-control study to identify immune-related biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic utility. Our study suggests a combined Casp1/PD-L1 assessment to distinguish reactive conditions from lower- and higher-risk MDS. These immune-related biomarkers may help to personalize immuno-therapies but require further validation in prospective studies. Abstract Background: The inflammasome plays an essential role in lower risk MDS and immune subversion, with the up-regulation of immune checkpoint molecules in the progression to higher-risk disease. In this study, we explored the utility of immune-related biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of MDS. Methods: We performed an exploratory, case-control study with 20 randomly selected MDS patients and nine controls with non-inflammatory (n = 3) and inflammatory conditions (n = 6). Patients were stratified in groups of lower (n = 10) and higher risk (n = 10) using IPSS-R. For the exploration of inflammasome and immune checkpoint activities, the expression of caspase-1 (Casp1), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) were assessed in bone marrow samples using immunohistochemistry. Results: In multivariate analysis, we observed significant differences for Casp1 but not PD1/PD-L1 expression in our four conditions (p = 0.003). We found a discordant co-expression of Casp1/PD-L1 in MDS (rho = −0.41, p = 0.07) compared with a concordant co-expression in controls (rho = 0.64, p = 0.06). Neutrophil counts correlated directly with Casp1 (rho = 0.57, p = 0.009) but inversely with PD-L1 expression (rho = −0.58, p = 0.007). Conclusion: We identified characteristic discordant co-expression patterns in lower- (Casp1high/PD-L1low) and higher-risk MDS (Casp1low/PD-L1high), contrasting with concordant patterns in the non-inflammatory (Casp1low/PD-L1low) and inflammatory conditions (Casp1high/PD-L1high). Further validation is warranted in larger, prospective studies.
Optimization, reconstruction and heterologous expression of the gene cluster encoding toluene/o-xylene monooxygenase from Pseudomonas stutzeri in Escherichia coli and its successive hydroxylation of toluene and benzene

Abstract Biological treatment is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technique for treating toluene. However, this process is limited by the type and quantity of toluene degraders that can be applied to different environments and methods. It is a feasible solution to constructing new genetic engineering organisms for toluene degradation through biotechnology. To facilitate genetic manipulation and improve gene expression, the toluene/o-xylene monooxygenase locus from Pseudomonas stutzeri was reconstructed and artificially synthesized. All six genes were optimized and driven with a monocistronic transcriptional pattern by T7 promoter and terminator to be expressed at a high level. The engineered bacteria can hydroxylate toluene to a mixture of o-, m- and p-cresol, which are then further oxidized to 3- and 4-methylcatechol. Benzene can also be oxidized to phenol, catechol and pyrogallol successively. The negative effects of toluene can be removed by the engineered bacteria via proteomics analysis. Overall, the artificial gene clusters established in this study can be used to construct different toluene and benzene degradation organisms for bioremediation. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13102818.2021. 1996267 .
Locating optimum location for well drilling using genetic algorithms

In this paper the genetic algorithm (GA) is used as an optimization tool to estimate the optimum location for well drilling. Locating the suitable reservoir to drill a well is a real time petroleum engineering problem. An effective solution to this problem involving the use of GA technique is presented here. The GA is found to be a useful optimization tool, capable of locating global optimum while accumulating useful information about the response surface. Because the GA provides a directed, randomized search using a population of points, local hill climbing can be avoided. Geological surface data for porosity and permeability properties of the reservoir rock, which is implemented as the two dimensional search space for the problem, is used as model parameters. The final solution will indicate the finding of most optimum location for a well drilling operation. This finding can have important financial impact on the operation and investment in petroleum industry by avoiding a 'dry well'.
The effect of trust in government on rallies ’round the flag

Previous research has shown that foreign policy crises can cause a ‘rally ’round the flag’ effect, boosting citizens’ approval of their leaders. While scholars agree on the effect’s existence, its magnitude and nature are less readily apparent. This article considers two factors that have been neglected in previous studies: the context in which a conflict occurs and the public’s level of trust in government. The theory presented here suggests that trust is not only an effect of a rally, but mediates the magnitude of the rally. It also proposes that the nature of the rally will be unaffected by whether the state is provoked by its opponent prior to crisis initiation. The resulting hypotheses are tested using aggregate US public opinion data around international crises, as well as individual-level data from the 1990–92 ANES panel regarding the Persian Gulf War. The analysis indicates that trust in government has a major influence on the size of a rally effect, especially at the individual level. However, trust matters more for those in the opposition than for those who have supported the government in the past. These results suggest implications for understanding public attitudes toward foreign policy and for the diversionary theory of war.