Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Facebook data to predict the 2016 U.S. presidential election

We use 19 billion likes on the posts of top 2000 U.S. fan pages on Facebook from 2015 to 2016 to measure the dynamic ideological positions for politicians, news outlets, and users at the national and state levels. We then use these measures to derive support rates for 2016 presidential candidates in all 50 states, to predict the election, and to compare them with state-level polls and actual vote shares. We find that: (1) Assuming that users vote for candidates closer to their own ideological positions, support rates calculated using Facebook predict that Trump will win the electoral college vote while Clinton will win the popular vote. (2) State-level Facebook support rates track state-level polling averages and pass the cointegration test, showing two time series share similar trends. (3) Compared with actual vote shares, polls generally have smaller margin of errors, but polls also often overestimate Clinton’s support in right-leaning states. Overall, we provide a method to forecast elections at low cost, in real time, and based on passively revealed preference and little researcher discretion.
Same but different? Understanding road user behaviour at intersections using cognitive work analysis

Collisions at intersections represent a significant road safety issue worldwide but have seen little reduction in casualties and serious injuries over the past decade. This is partly because research and countermeasures have focussed on specific road user types or design components in isolation and has failed to consider the complex interactions between different road users, vehicles and infrastructure and the resulting implications for intersection design. Cognitive work analysis (CWA) is proposed as an appropriate framework to do so; presenting a systemic analysis of the behaviour of drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, and the interaction with vehicles and infrastructure at intersections. The results indicate that the framework is suited to identifying differences in constraints, functions and behaviour across different road user groups. CWA therefore provides a suitable systems approach to aid the design of a road system that supports a variety of different road users. The implications for road design and future applications are discussed.
Low-voltage, 50 Omega , GaAs/AlGaAs travelling-wave modulator with bandwidth exceeding 25 GHz

Travelling-wave, Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulators to a new design in GaAs/AlGaAs are described. Velocity matching, with 50 Ω impedance and high electro-optic efficiency, is achieved using a capacitively loaded stripline approach. Devices with Vx = 4.85 V (λ = 1152 nm) have 3 dB bandwidths of 25.5 GHz, while those with shorter electrodes (Vx = 5.7 V) show no roll-off below 26.5 GHz. The bandwidth/voltage ratio for these devices represents the highest yet reported for any class of electro-optic modulator.
Electrocircuit Modeling and Simulation Analysis of a Resonant Acoustic Gas Sensor

A modified equivalent circuit model of an acoustic gas sensor with resonator is introduced in this paper. Based on FMYB and Babak models, our modified RCL-link model simulates the impedance curve in terms of amplitude and resonant frequency well. This modeling would be a helpful step to the gas mixture measurement and analysis.
Indirect Control Strategy of Secondary Current for LCC-Series Compensated Wireless Power Transfer System Based on Primary Current Closed-Loop Control

In this paper, the steady-state and transient characteristics and current control strategy of LCC-S compensated wireless power transfer system (LCC-S-WPT) with the battery as a load are researched in detail. It is proven that the steady-state secondary current is proportional to the primary inverter output current. The small-signal model of the LCC-S-WPT system based on the extended description function method is established. Based on the above theoretical analysis results, the indirect control strategy of the secondary current based on the primary current closed-loop control is accordingly proposed. And it is proven that the closed-loop system automatically eliminates the transient oscillation of the secondary current. Further, the parameters of the controller are designed to ensure the excellent dynamic performance and stability of the LCC-S-WPT system. Furthermore, a mutual inductance identification method based on the dual secondary current references is proposed to ensure the control accuracy of the secondary current. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the proposed strategy are verified by experiments.
Momentum-Based Extended Kalman Filter for Thrust Estimation on Flying Multibody Robots

Effective control design of flying vehicles requires a reliable estimation of the propellers' thrust forces to secure a successful flight. Direct measurements of thrust forces, however, are seldom available in practice and on-line thrust estimation usually follows from the application of fusion algorithms that process on-board sensor data. This paper proposes a framework for the estimation of the thrust intensities on flying multibody systems that are not equipped with sensors for direct thrust measurement. The key ingredient of the proposed framework is the so-called centroidal momentum of a multibody system, which combined with the propeller model, enables the design of Extended Kalman Filters (EKF) for on-line thrust estimation. The presented approach tackles the additional complexity in thrust estimation due to uncertainties in the propeller model and the possibly large number of degrees of freedom of the system. For instance, a covariance scheduling approach based on the turbines RPM error is proposed to ensure a reliable estimation even in case of turbine failures. Simulations are presented to validate the proposed algorithm during robot flight. Moreover, an experimental setup is designed to evaluate the accuracy of the estimation algorithm using iRonCub, a jet-powered humanoid robot, while standing on the ground.
Ultrasound data segmentation based on tissue characterization

When an ultrasonic examination is performed, a segmentation tool would often be a very useful tool, either for the detection of pathologies, the early diagnosis of cancer, the follow-up of the lesions, . Such a tool must be both reliable and accurate. However, because of the relatively poor quality of ultrasound images due to the speckled texture, the segmentation of ultrasound data is a difficult task. We have previously proposed to tackle the problem using a multiresolution bayesian region-based algorithm. Such an approach, applied to very noisy images, leads to good segmentation results. For computation time purposes, a multiresolution version has been implemented. In order to improve the quality of the segmentation, we propose to get more information about the properties of the tissues and take it into account during the segmentation process. Some acoustical parameters have thus been computed, either directly from the images or from the Radio-Frequency (RF) signal. The parameters used are the Integrated BackScatter (IBS), the density of scatterers, and the Mean Central Frequency, which is a measurement related to the attenuation of ultrasound waves in the media. To test the influence of the acoustical parameters in the segmentation process, a set of numerical phantoms has been computed using the Field software. Each phantom consists in two regions with different acoustical properties : the density of scatterers and the scattering amplitude. From both the simulated RF signal and images, parameters have been computed and segmentation has been processed for each phantom. The quantification of the segmentation quality is based on the number of correctly classified pixels and it has been computed for all the combinations of acoustical parameters. Segmentation results performed on agar-gelatine phantoms with different inclusions are also presented and illustrate the interest of a multiparametric segmentation approach.
Design and application of air power meter in compressed air systems

Discusses pneumatic air power on the basis of an energy transformation analysis of an air compressor and actuator. The work-producing potential of compressed air is proposed to represent the air power, and the definition and calculation of air power are given. Some calculations of air power are also shown in various conditions of air pressure and temperature. Then, a new meter named an "air power meter", which is under patent application, is proposed with the purpose of realizing air energy consumption management and promoting energy-saving activities in factories. The design of the meter, including its measurement method and its configuration, is introduced. It is clear that air power should be measured by obtaining the air pressure, temperature and flow rate. Furthermore, the function of accumulation, dealing with air energy consumption over a period, is also suggested. Lastly, some applications of the air power meter are suggested. By using the air power meter, the monitoring of air energy consumption and its distribution in factories becomes possible and easy. It is expected that the air power meter will play an important role in compressed-air energy-saving activities in factories in the near future.
Systems analysis of project cash flow management strategies

Cash flow management is one of the most important determinants of the success of construction project management. Overdraft, retainage, financing, payment and billing policies constitute the most significant financial issues that contractors must plan, control and manage for the successful completion of construction jobs. Particularly, in an attempt to reduce project costs, contractors must balance cost savings of material discounts due to early payments and extra interest expenses because of additional overdraft. Through identifying feedback loops in project cash flows, a system dynamics model is developed for project cash flow management. The model is flexible to incorporate typical front‐end and back‐end loading cash flow management strategies and provides an interactive predication of project cash flows. A warehouse project is discussed to demonstrate how various cash flow strategies improve overdraft financing requirements and profitability. Especially, the analysis shows an 11% reduction on overdraft requirements while using an overbilling strategy, and 30% reduction if the trade credit strategy is implemented.
Can platelet-rich plasma injections provide better pain relief and functional outcomes in persons with common shoulder diseases: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background To evaluate the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of common shoulder diseases. Methods The PubMed, Medline, and Central databases and trial registries were searched from their inception to October 2020 for randomized controlled trials of autologous PRP injections for shoulder diseases versus placebo or any control intervention. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in the selection, analysis, and reporting of findings. The primary outcome was pain intensity (visual analog scale), and secondary outcomes were changes in function and quality of life (QoL). Results A total of 17 randomized controlled trials of PRP versus control were analyzed. From 8–12 weeks to ≥1 year, PRP injections were associated with better pain relief and functional outcomes than control interventions. PRP injections were also associated with greater QoL, with an effect size of 2.61 (95% confidence interval, 2.01–14.17) at medium-term follow-up. Compared with placebo and corticosteroid injections, PRP injections provided better pain relief and functional improvement. In subgroup analyses, trials in which PRP was prepared by the double centrifugation technique, the platelet concentration in the PRP was enriched ≥5 times, leucocyte-rich PRP was used, or an activating agent was used before application reported the most effective pain relief at 6–7 months. Conclusions PRP injections could provide better pain relief and functional outcomes than other treatments for persons presenting with common shoulder diseases. PRP injections have a greater capacity to improve shoulder-related QoL than other interventions.
The Development of Building Materials Recommendation System Based on Collaborative Filtering

The building materials used in building materials collectively referred to as building materials. New building materials, including a wide range of insulation materials, insulation materials, high strength materials, breathing material belong to the new material. Collaborative filtering process is based on known user evaluation to predict the target user interest in the target, and then recommended to the target user. This paper proposes the development of building materials recommendation system based on Collaborative filtering. Experimental data sets prove that the proposed algorithm is effective and reasonable.
Study of photoelectric detection system for clutch driven plate

The photoelectric detection system of clutch driven plate is proposed in this paper which used two CCD cameras for detecting the riveting quality and nonparallelism of the clutch driven plate with the computer system for controlling and processing the imaging data. It is obtained the overall structure of the photoelectric detection system, given design parameters of optical system, presented the image processing algorithm. The clutch plate size by detected is 160mm-430mm, the detection resolution is given 0.1 mm. The experiments is proved that the detection rate of riveting quality and nonparallelism detection can be achieved 100% . The system of structure is reasonably simple, low cost, high reliability, and it is suitable for the automatic production installation.
Strength of Beam-column Joint in Soft First Story of RC Buildings Part 2: Design Equations

Part-1 of this study presents the experimental results of beam-column joints in soft-first story buildings, in which the first-story column depth is twice that of the upper stories. In Part-2, strut-and-tie models (STMs) are developed for the specimens. The flow of internal forces shown by the developed strut-and-tie models agreed with the observed cracks. The developed models for the joints are different from those for the usual joint: the main difference is that, in the specimens large struts were extended into the wall panel. STMs are also developed for the total frame to understand the overall equilibrium. Based on the STMs, new design equations are proposed, where the joint strength is evaluated as the sum of the flexural strengths of the beam and the second-story column. In I-type joint, the effect of the wall panel and beam stirrups is also considered. In O-type joint, the effect of the hoops in the joint is also considered.
Influence of interference fit size on hole deformation and residual stress in hi-lock bolt insertion

The interference fit can improve the fatigue performance of mechanical joints and is widely used in aircraft assembly. In this paper, specimens of lap plates and several interference fit sizes were designed, and then the interference fit hi-lock bolt insertion was carried out in an experimental test. Using the commercial finite element software ABAQUS, a two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model was established to simulate the bolt insertion process. The finite element model was validated by comparison of experimental results and finite element prediction for insertion force and protuberance height. After the interference fitted bolt insertion, the changing characteristics of the non-uniform hole expansion and protuberance were presented with increases in interference fit size. Under low level of interference fit, the tensile hoop stress was produced mainly on the hole wall, and changed into compressive hoop stress when interference fit size is larger. The maximum tensile hoop stress point on faying surfaces went away from the hole wall with interference fit size increasing.
Sustained Effects of Muscle Calpain System Genotypes on Tenderness Phenotypes of South African Beef Bulls during Ageing up to 20 Days

Simple Summary When searching for genetic markers for the selection of more tender beef, it is important to maintain minimal environmental variation from pre-slaughter, right through to the ageing process, to ensure the accuracy of the obtained phenotypes. This is because beef quality traits have a large environmental component that can greatly alter the characteristics of the meat, which would not reflect a true genetic effect. We propose that variable ageing times are especially important in determining whether markers are associated with tenderization or not. Our analyses included candidate genes for the protein degrading enzyme system for calpains, because they contribute the most to tenderization. We were able to validate these markers in South African beef cattle, where they could be useful for selection. The timing of the collection of tenderness data was critical, as only a few (6/134) genetic markers sustained their association with tenderization over ageing to 20 days. A larger tenderization effect earlier in ageing, as shown here for the capn1_187 and capn1_4751 markers, would decrease the length of ageing. This would not only increase profits, but also decrease the energy needed during the storage and refrigeration of aged beef, decreasing the carbon footprint of beef production. Abstract The most important factor that determines beef tenderness is its proteolytic activity, and the balance between calpain-1 protease activity and calpastatin inhibition is especially important, while contributions can also arise from calpain-2 and, possibly, calpain-3. The meat ageing process itself affects these processes. To determine whether genotypes in the calpain–calpastatin system can enhance tenderness through a 20-day ageing period, South African purebred beef bulls (n = 166) were genotyped using the Illumina BovineHD SNP BeadChip through a gene-based association analysis targeting the cast, capn3, capn2 and capn1 genes. The Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and myofibril fragment length (MFL) of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) steaks were evaluated between d 3 and d 20 of ageing, with protease enzyme activity in the first 20 h post-mortem. Although several of the 134 SNPs are associated with tenderness, only seven SNP in the cast, capn2 and capn1 genes sustained genetic associations, additive to the ageing-associated increases in tenderness for at least three of the four ageing periods. While most genomic associations were relatively stable over time, some genotypes within the SNP responded differently to ageing, resulting in altered genomic effects over time. The level of ageing at which genomic associations are performed is an important factor that determines whether SNPs affect tenderness phenotypes.
The effects of surgical treatment and sclerotherapy for intramuscular venous malformations: a comparative clinical study

Background Venous malformations (VMs) are the most common type of vascular malformations. Intramuscular venous malformations (IMVMs) are lesions involving the muscles, excluding intramuscular hemangiomas. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between patients with IMVMs who were treated with sclerotherapy and those who were treated with surgical excision. Methods Of 492 patients with VMs treated between July 2011 and August 2020 at a single medical center for vascular anomalies, 63 patients diagnosed with IMVM were retrospectively reviewed. Pain, movement limitations, swelling, and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated subjectively, while radiological outcomes were assessed by qualified radiologists at the center. Complication rates were also evaluated, and radiological and clinical examinations were used to determine which treatment group (sclerotherapy or surgical excision) exhibited greater improvement. Results Although there were no significant differences in pain (P=0.471), swelling (P=0.322), or the occurrence of complications (P=0.206) between the two treatment groups, the surgical treatment group exhibited significantly better outcomes with regard to movement limitations (P=0.010), QOL (P=0.013), and radiological outcomes (P=0.017). Moreover, both duplex ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed greater improvements in clinical outcomes in the surgical excision group than in the sclerotherapy group. Conclusions Although several studies have examined IMVM treatment methods, no clear guidelines for treatment selection have been developed. Based on the results of this study, surgical excision is strongly encouraged for the treatment of IMVMs.
Finance-Based Scheduling: Tool to Maximize Project Profit Using Improved Genetic Algorithms

Contractor's ability to procure cash to carry out construction operations represents a crucial factor to run profitable business. Bank overdrafts have always been the major source to finance construction projects. However, it is not uncommon that bankers set a limit on the credit allocated to an established overdraft. Bankers' interest rates and consequently contractors' financing costs are basically determined based on the allocated credit limits. Furthermore, project indirect costs are directly proportional to the project duration which is affected by the allocated credit limit. Thus, the credit limit affects project financing costs and indirect costs which in turn affect project profit. However, finance-based scheduling produces financially executable schedules at specified credit limits while maintaining the demand of time minimization. Thus, finance-based scheduling provides a tool to control the credit requirements. This control enables contractors to negotiate lower interest rates which reduce financing costs. Thus, finance-based scheduling enables contractors to reduce project indirect costs and financing costs. This paper utilizes genetic algorithm's technique to devise finance-based schedules that maximize project profit through minimizing financing costs and indirect costs.
Risk measurement for conditionally heteroscedastic location-scale time series models with ASTD and AEPD innovations

This study examines the asymptotic properties of a class of conditionally heteroscedastic location-scale time series models with innovations following a generalized asymmetric Student-t distribution (ASTD) or an asymmetric exponential power distribution (AEPD). We first show the consistency and asymptotic normality of the conditional maximum likelihood estimator of the model parameters under certain regularity conditions. Then, based on the maximum likelihood estimator, we estimate conditional value-at-risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (ES) by using their closed forms induced from the model. Their performance is finally compared with that of conditional autoregressive VaR and expectile methods. A simulation study and real data analysis are provided as an illustration.
Preparation of Tb³⁺-doped K₂GdF₅ Used to Neutron Dosimetry

The neutron absorption section of gadolinium atom is very high, so that the K2GdF5 crystals doped with Tb3+ ions have been studied for neutron dosimetry by the thermoluminescence (TL) method. The K2GdF5 crystals doped 2%, 3% and 5% concentrations of Tb3+ ions were synthesized by solid state reaction method. The TL properties were studied after the exposure of the samples to neutron source. The experimental results showed that the TL glow-curves of K2GdF5:Tb3+ has the simple, suitable shape for the dosimetry applications. The TL sensitivity of this material is higher than that of commercial TLD-100 and TLD-900 dosimeters. The thermal fading effect of Tb3+-doped K2GdF5 is very low. The glow curve consists of the main peak at temperature of 202oC. The glow curve deconvolution into individual the peaks showed that the curve had a main peak at 202oC, and kinetic order b = 2. The study results indicated that the K2GdF5 doped with Tb3+ is very remarkable material can be applied in neutron dosimetry field.