Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Apparatus of Pectoral Fin Motion

This paper deals with experimental and analytical analyses of fish pectoral fin motion and performance tests of apparatus of pectoral fin motion from viewpoint of maneuverability of underwater vehicles.Observation of pectoral fin motion of Black Bass revealed that the combination of feathering motion and lead-lag motion of a pair of pectoral fins generates the fish motion of advancing, backward swimming, hovering and turning.The apparatus making the feathering motion and the lead-lag motion of the pectoral fin generates thrust force in a certain range of phase difference between both motions.The unsteady vortex-lattice method including the effect of viscosity can express fairly well the unsteady forces acting on a pectoral fin model with feathering and lead-lag motions in a range of the phase difference between both motions where it exerts thrust force.The fish model consisting of fish body model and a pair of the apparatus of pectoral fin motion can not only swim forward and backward and turn in the same position, but also swim in the transverse direction.
Sedentary Time and Cognitive Impairment in Patients Using Long-Term Oxygen Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Physical inactivity is a predictor of death in patients with chronic respiratory disease. Cognitive impairment is common among patients with chronic respiratory disease. However, the association between sedentary time and cognitive impairment in patients with chronic respiratory disease using long-term oxygen therapy is unclear. This study aimed to determine the relationship between sedentary time and cognitive impairment in patients on long-term oxygen therapy. This cross-sectional study included 96 patients with chronic respiratory disease on long-term oxygen therapy (mean age 77.3 years; female, 22%). The primary outcomes measured were sedentary time (Japanese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council scale). The factors associated with sedentary time were confirmed by multiple regression analysis. The median sedentary time was 600.0 min. The median Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was 24.0 points, and 67 (70%) patients had mild cognitive impairment. In multiple regression analysis, sedentary time was associated with dyspnea (β = 0.397, p < 0.001) and cognitive function (β = −0.239, p = 0.020). This study indicates that sedentary time in patients on long-term oxygen therapy was associated with dyspnea and cognitive impairment.
Nanophotonics-Enabled High-Efficiency Selective Solar Absorbers for Waste Heat Management

Selective solar absorbers (SSAs) harnessing solar energy as heat and converting it into thermal energy have gained much attention, specifically in solar thermoelectric generators and solar thermophotovoltaic systems. However, most of these SSAs suffer from low solar-to-heat conversion efficiency at moderately-high temperatures (100 – 400<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula> C) and require complex nanofabrication techniques such as focused ion beam milling or electron beam lithography, hindering large-scale production. This article presents a large-area compatible and lithography-free design of SSA comprising a nanoscale multilayer stack of silica–titanium dioxide–silicon–germanium–chromium layers supported by a silicon substrate. We report 87% solar-to-thermal energy conversion efficiency with 889.4 <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$</tex-math></inline-formula> net absorbing power at 100<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula> C. At this temperature, the absorption coefficient achieved is 0.90, and the emission coefficient is reported to be 0.04. A perfect match between theoretically and numerically obtained spectral responses validates our findings. The fabrication tolerance study unveils that the proposed SSA design is expected to be robust and would be less susceptible to fabrication imperfections. This angle-insensitive and polarization-independent design offers a high stagnation temperature of 378<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula> C, thus indicating that the proposed SSA can efficiently operate at high temperatures.
Estimating 6D Object Poses with Temporal Motion Reasoning for Robot Grasping in Cluttered Scenes

6D object pose estimation is an essential task in vision-based robotic grasping and manipulation. Prior works extract object's 6D pose by regressing from single RGB-D frame without considering the occluded objects in the frame, limiting their performance in human-robot collaboration scenarios with heavy occlusion. In this paper, we present an end-to-end model named \textit{TemporalFusion}, which integrates the temporal motion information from RGB-D images for 6D object pose estimation. The core of proposed model is to embed and fuse the temporal motion information from multi-frame RGB-D sequences, which could handle heavy occlusion in human-robot collaboration tasks. Furthermore, the proposed deep model can also obtain stable pose sequences, which is essential for real-time robotic grasping tasks. We evaluated the proposed method in the YCB-Video dataset, and experimental results show our model outperforms state-of-the-art approaches. Our code is available at https://github.com/mufengjun260/H-MPose.
Automated Compliance Audit Processes for Building Information Models with an application to performance-based fire engineering design methods

Every architectural and building engineering design in the AEC/FM (Architectural, Engineering, Construction, and Facility Management) domain is subject to conformance with a diverse range of statutory requirements and standards before the official consent for construction may be granted by the relevant authority. There is an enormous amount of information to process and share among the stakeholders for this to occur. Historically, building information has been exchanged in the domain using paper-based drawings and written specifications. Auditing a building design for compliance, for example, has been a manual undertaking against a voluminous corpus of paperbased legal texts that are written in natural language intended for human interpretation. This paper-based practice is resource intensive, inefficient, and error-prone, which has sometimes resulted in costly remediations of problem buildings and even loss of lives. It is also a factor for declining productivity in the domain. There are now methods of sharing digital building information via building information modelling (BIM), which promotes better collaboration and provides more opportunities for automation in the compliant building design process. However, there has not been a successful standard automated compliance audit implementation to date despite considerable research effort over the years. This research has explored a practical approach where human designers retain their natural role of making compliant design decisions. Machines are only given the task of doing what they do best, which is to execute repetitive instructions and procedures consistently and accurately. The findings of the research suggest that this human-machine partnership approach allows conventional compliant design procedures (CDPs) to be formalised as executable workflows to guide the automated audit of BIM models against regulatory knowledge models (RKMs). An important criterion in the approach is that CDP and RKM representations must be manageable by the domain experts equipped with only basic computing skills. A software framework (ARCABIM) has been developed to illustrate the approach using a test building model for evaluation. The potential of interfacing with external computational tools required to audit against qualitative performance-based criteria is described. A fire compliance model (FCM) representing a BIM model view for the compliant fire safety design of buildings has been developed and used in a case study to demonstrate the capabilities of the approach in conjunction with an RKM representing a performance-based fire safety design method of the New Zealand Building Code.
InvL, an Invasin-Like Adhesin, Is a Type II Secretion System Substrate Required for Acinetobacter baumannii Uropathogenesis

While pathogenic Acinetobacter can cause various infections, we recently found that 20% of clinical isolates come from urinary sources. Despite the clinical relevance of Acinetobacter as a uropathogen, few virulence factors involved in urinary tract colonization have been defined. ABSTRACT Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen of growing concern, as isolates are commonly multidrug resistant. While A. baumannii is most frequently associated with pulmonary infections, a significant proportion of clinical isolates come from urinary sources, highlighting its uropathogenic potential. The type II secretion system (T2SS) of commonly used model Acinetobacter strains is important for virulence in various animal models, but the potential role of the T2SS in urinary tract infection (UTI) remains unknown. Here, we used a catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) model to demonstrate that a modern urinary isolate, UPAB1, requires the T2SS for full virulence. A proteomic screen to identify putative UPAB1 T2SS effectors revealed an uncharacterized lipoprotein with structural similarity to the intimin-invasin family, which serve as type V secretion system (T5SS) adhesins required for the pathogenesis of several bacteria. This protein, designated InvL, lacked the β-barrel domain associated with T5SSs but was confirmed to require the T2SS for both surface localization and secretion. This makes InvL the first identified T2SS effector belonging to the intimin-invasin family. InvL was confirmed to be an adhesin, as the protein bound to extracellular matrix components and mediated adhesion to urinary tract cell lines in vitro. Additionally, the invL mutant was attenuated in the CAUTI model, indicating a role in Acinetobacter uropathogenesis. Finally, bioinformatic analyses revealed that InvL is present in nearly all clinical isolates belonging to international clone 2, a lineage of significant clinical importance. In all, we conclude that the T2SS substrate InvL is an adhesin required for A. baumannii uropathogenesis. IMPORTANCE While pathogenic Acinetobacter can cause various infections, we recently found that 20% of clinical isolates come from urinary sources. Despite the clinical relevance of Acinetobacter as a uropathogen, few virulence factors involved in urinary tract colonization have been defined. Here, we identify a novel type II secretion system effector, InvL, which is required for full uropathogenesis by a modern urinary isolate. Although InvL has predicted structural similarity to the intimin-invasin family of autotransporter adhesins, InvL is predicted to be anchored to the membrane as a lipoprotein. Similar to other invasin homologs, however, we demonstrate that InvL is a bona fide adhesin capable of binding extracellular matrix components and mediating adhesion to urinary tract cell lines. In all, this work establishes InvL as an adhesin important for Acinetobacter’s urinary tract virulence and represents the first report of a type II secretion system effector belonging to the intimin-invasin family.
A non‐isolated switched inductor‐capacitor cell based multiple high voltage gain DC‐DC boost converter

In this paper, a non‐isolated switched inductor cell integrated high step‐up voltage gain DC‐DC converter with a charge pump mechanism is discussed. The continuous conduction mode of the input current is a beneficial aspect of this converter, which is appropriate for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and LED applications. The proposed converter works in two distinct operating modes and provides a flexible range of voltage gain ratios. The performance and small‐signal modeling of the converter in continuous conduction mode are extensively investigated, and voltage gain calculations for the two operational modes are derived. The Markov technique is used to evaluate the converter reliability, component failure rates, and mean time to failures. The proposed converter is evaluated with the existing converters in terms of voltage, and current stress of each component, voltage gain, total component stress factor, component count, and reliability. The proposed converter's hardware prototype has been developed. To validate the theoretical calculations, the converter's simulation and experimental results are discussed. The converter has a maximum output voltage of 110 V and a switching frequency of 50 kHz. The converter's peak efficiency is 94.5%.
Accelerating business-to-business contract negotiations: Moving from one-sided to balanced standard contract terms

Many businesses adopt one-sided boilerplate contract terms and conditions that lead to protracted negotiations. Often, the parties ultimately reach a compromise that could have been reached sooner if they had put forward more balanced contract terms at the outset. We ask why this seemingly irrational behavior persists and suggest a different approach. A dominant theory suggests that putting forward balanced terms may be seen as a sign of a weak bargaining position. We argue, however, that agency conflicts and cognitive biases often better explain such behavior. Moreover, we advocate a speed-to-contract strategy where the parties elect to use more balanced (value-maximizing) terms from the outset, and thereby avoid costly negotiations as well as delays in realizing the benefits of a transaction.
SUCCESSION PLANNING AND FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS: AN ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT ON SELECTED FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS

This paper is succession planning and family–owned business:an assessment of impact on selected family-owned businesses. Furthermore, the study assesses the relationship between mentoring and sustainability of selected family-owned business in Ibadan. It also evaluates the differences between roles modeling on survival of family-owned business in Ibadan, and finally to find out the differences between training and development on growth of family-owned business in Ibadan. The study employed survey research design. The population for this study consists of all staff of selected family-owned business in Ibadan. The total number of 140family business owners/founders was calculated using Taro Yamane’s formula, thus a target population of 215family business owners/founders. The findings of the research showed that mentoring leads to increase in sustainability of selected family-owned business in Ibadan (β = 0.140 P = ≤0.05). Also, the value of coefficient (β = 0.868 P = ≤0.05) is significant and positive, showing that direct and indirect family leads to survival of family-owned business in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Finally Training and development were significantly and positively related to growth of family-owned business [r (140) = . 636**, p<0.01]. Thus, it was found out that training and development has a positive and statistically significant influence on growth of family-owned business. The study concluded that family-owned wealth management and financial planning businesses have a compelling need for a succession plan. It was recommended that Managers and leaders might use the findings of this study to recognize the importance of succession planning and document future succession plans in a more organized approach and by developing a road map to clarify positions.
Transient Anomalous Diffusion MRI Measurement Discriminates Porous Polymeric Matrices Characterized by Different Sub-Microstructures and Fractal Dimension

Considering the current development of new nanostructured and complex materials and gels, it is critical to develop a sub-micro-scale sensitivity tool to quantify experimentally new parameters describing sub-microstructured porous systems. Diffusion NMR, based on the measurement of endogenous water’s diffusion displacement, offers unique information on the structural features of materials and tissues. In this paper, we applied anomalous diffusion NMR protocols to quantify the subdiffusion of water and to measure, in an alternative, non-destructive and non-invasive modality, the fractal dimension dw of systems characterized by micro and sub-micro geometrical structures. To this end, three highly heterogeneous porous-polymeric matrices were studied. All the three matrices composed of glycidylmethacrylate-divynilbenzene porous monoliths obtained through the High Internal Phase Emulsion technique were characterized by pores of approximately spherical symmetry, with diameters in the range of 2–10 μm. Pores were interconnected by a plurality of window holes present on pore walls, which were characterized by size coverings in the range of 0.5–2 μm. The walls were characterized by a different degree of surface roughness. Moreover, complementary techniques, namely Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and dielectric spectroscopy, were used to corroborate the NMR results. The experimental results showed that the anomalous diffusion α parameter that quantifies subdiffusion and dw = 2/α changed in parallel to the specific surface area S (or the surface roughness) of the porous matrices, showing a submicroscopic sensitivity. The results reported here suggest that the anomalous diffusion NMR method tested may be a valid experimental tool to corroborate theoretical and simulation results developed and performed for describing highly heterogeneous and complex systems. On the other hand, non-invasive and non-destructive anomalous subdiffusion NMR may be a useful tool to study the characteristic features of new highly heterogeneous nanostructured and complex functional materials and gels useful in cultural heritage applications, as well as scaffolds useful in tissue engineering.
Aerodynamic numerical analysis for loitering aerial vehicle with no deflexion of the helms

This thesis uses the SST k-ω two equations turbulence model,with the solution of the Renault average N-S equation,it simulates the turbulence flow field of the loitering aerial vehicle while it doesn't have the deflexion of the helms.With the calculation of the low Renault number circle flow field for the loitering aerial vehicle,the thesis analyzes that aerodynamic characteristics of the loitering aerial vehicle changes with the angle of attack and the sideslip angle while it doesn't have the deflexion of the helms.The result of the simulation indicates,the loitering aerial vehicle with inflatable wing has good stallout capability and excellent stability at high angles of attack.
Numerical simulation of embankment on sloped weak ground reinforced by anti-slide piles

Sloped weak ground under the load of the embankment easily triggers major engineering accidents such as large lateral deformation and slump.It is the core design principles of embankment on sloped weak ground that application of reinforced by concrete anti-slide pile at the corner of embankment can effectively limit lateral deformation of the foundation.This paper studies the influence of the pile design parameters such as pile spacing,pile length,elastic modulus,cross-section dimension and the position of piles on its internal forces and deformation by using 3D fast Lagrangian analysis of continua,comparing with the results of indoor geotechnical centrifugal model tests,and building precise numerical analysis model of embankment on sloped weak ground reinforced by anti-slide piles.Research results show that,using anti-slide piles at the downhill toe of embankment could significantly restrict the lateral deformation of sloped weak ground.It will comprehensively consider the factors such as force,economy,construction etc.in order to confirm the reasonable pile spacing;anti-slide piles must penetrate potential slip surface,but with the increase of the length of pile,the reinforcement effect does not significantly increase;with the increase of elastic modulus,cross-section dimension of pile,the reinforcement effect is improved in some extent;anti-slide pile is suitable to set at the middle of bypass downhill slope of the embankment.
Good to Great: Build strong and vital teams

This empirical study explores the linkages between team conflict, climate, and team effectiveness in research team context. Questionnaire data are collected from research team leaders and members of Chinese universities, and the conceptual model is tested using structural equation modeling method. The findings provide practical implications for managing team conflict in a constructive confrontation approach and stimulating team effectiveness. Research team leaders should reduce the intensity of their emotional reactions to avoid relationship conflict and engage in task conflict to become more effective problem solvers. When every member of the team is engaged in an environment with a free expression of ideas and encourages risk taking, the group as a whole is productive. Unresolved conflict eats up productivity, walking a mile in another’s shoes is helpful for team members to understand others, thus facilitating mutual understanding and mutual trust to create a harmonious team climate.
STEMO, a stabilized toolkit for embedded dielectric structures with moment methods

The low frequency instability in the method of moments becomes important when objects smaller than the wavelength have to be computed. For a PEC (Perfectly Electrically Conducting) body, this leads to uncoupling or splitting the integral equations by using first the MFIE (Magnetic Field Integral Equation) for the currents and consecutively the EFIE (Electric Field Integral Equation) for the charges. For dielectric bodies, the charge is reintroduced. The contribution of this paper consists in implementing an efficient technique, reducing the computational complexity, in time but mostly in memory. A toolkit has been developed to perform accurate computations. The technique has been verified quantitatively, checking the charge and current distributions against analytic solutions where existing, as well as qualitatively against the boundary conditions for the scattered field. Many examples will be given, both in frequency and in time domain (obtained by inverting frequency domain calculations including the DC (Direct Current) component).