Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large Displacement Elastic Buckling of Space Structures

A nonlinear stiffness matrix based computer program is used to investigate the stability of elastic space structures whose likely failure modes are determined by examining the tangent stiffness matrix of the structure near its collapse load. For a structure whose exact initial geometry is known, the actual behavior under any given load can be calculated. Where the imperfections are unknown, the initial geometry is altered by adding those combinations of small imperfections that will excite the likely failure modes. A separate analysis for each of these cases reveals the degree of imperfection-sensitivity of the respective failure modes in the structure. Experiments were performed on three model structures and a large dome in which both bifurcation and limit-point behavior were observed. Where the exact initial geometry was unknown, the addition of a suitable set of imperfections produced results in agreement with the experiments. In cases where the more significant real imperfections could be measured before the tests, good agreement was obtained between experiment and analysis.
SV2A-Syt1 interaction controls surface nanoclustering and access to recycling synaptic vesicles

Following exocytosis, the recapture of vesicular proteins stranded at the plasma membrane in recycling synaptic vesicles (SVs) is essential to sustain neurotransmission. Nanoclustering is emerging as a mechanism through which proteins may be ‘pre-assembled’ prior to endocytosis, to ensure high fidelity of retrieval for subsequent rounds of vesicle fusion. Here, we used single molecule imaging to examine the nanoclustering of synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) and synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A). Syt1 forms surface nanoclusters through interaction of its C2B domain (K326/K328) with SV2A, as demonstrated by mutating Syt1 (K326A/K328A) and knocking down endogenous SV2A. Blocking cognate interaction with Syt1 (SV2AT84A) also decreased SV2A clustering. Impaired nanoclustering of Syt1 and SV2A leads to accelerated endocytosis of Syt1, altered intracellular sorting and decreased trafficking of Syt1 to a Rab5-positive endocytic pathway. We conclude that the interaction between SV2A and Syt1 locks both molecules into surface nanoclusters, controlling their entry into recycling SVs.
Effectiveness of ICT for Construction Information Exchange among Multidisciplinary Project Teams

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) has been commonplace in the construction industry, with the increased functionalities of intranets and extranets in a web-based environment. Yet, human and organizational hindrances bring about consequences which affect the effectiveness of these online collaboration tools. Through a cross-sectional study of six construction-related organizations via interviews with ICT developers and users, these hindrances and consequences are highlighted against contextual backgrounds which depict a wide spectrum of ICT use in the construction industry. The results underpin a questionnaire survey which identified the most frequently encountered hindrances, such as self-discipline, technical support, and system capacity, both for internal and external information exchanges. These hindrances, together with undesirable behaviors such as the tendency to forward information to irrelevant parties and ignore information, would result in double handling and missing of time targets. Results also show that public organizations seem to be less prone to the discipline problems. While ICT advances, it is imperative that users make the best use of it by understanding and avoiding the pitfalls.
Is the maximum acceleration an adequate criterion of the dynamic strength of a structural element in an electronic product

The dynamic strength of structural elements of micro- and portable electronic products is often evaluated on the basis of the measured maximum acceleration which these elements experience during shock or drop tests. It is well known, however, that it is the dynamic stress, not the acceleration, which is a true criterion of the dynamic strength. Using examples of structural elements that can be idealized as a simply supported beam or a cantilever beam with a concentrated mass at the end, we show that for elements of the given geometry and weight, the level of the maximum stress can be indeed judged upon on the basis of the measured acceleration. However, the application of the measured acceleration as a criterion of the dynamic strength can be misleading if applied to elements of different dimensions, weight and materials. We conclude that although the maximum acceleration is substantially easier to measure, it is the maximum dynamic stress that should be evaluated experimentally or theoretically when there is a need to establish the level of the dynamic strength of a structural element of an electronic product and the role of different factors affecting this strength. The obtained information can be helpful when evaluating the results of, or designing drop tests for electronic products.
Association of Polyphenol Oxidase Activities with Molecular Markers and Yellow Rust Resistance in Diverse Bread Wheat Genotypes

Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) catalyses the undesirable browning of wheat products which is of significant concern in consumer acceptance perspectives. Another important yield-limiting cause for wheat crops is wheat rust (e.g., yellow rust), a source of great economic loss worldwide. The purpose of the current research was to screen conventional and synthetic bread wheat genotypes for their PPO activity and yellow rust resistance. Different genotypes differed significantly in total PPO activity and in their activities against different substrates (L-DOPA and Catechol). The synthetically derived bread wheat genotypes 1-279, showed the lowest (39.2 units/min/g) cumulative PPO activity. Ten genotypes each with the highest and lowest PPO activities were selected for testing their association with seven reported molecular markers. Intriguingly the PPO markers reported in literature could not clearly differentiate between contrasting cultivars. Association with yellow rust resistance was also investigated. Interestingly, the rust-resistant genotypes, including 1-263, Ch-43, 1-57 and Emat (all synthetic-derived), exhibited low PPO activity. The current study underpins that there is a need to search for more reliable PPO markers and to further validate association of low PPO activity with yellow rust.
Effects of Instagram Body Portrayals on Attention, State Body Dissatisfaction, and Appearance Management Behavioral Intention

ABSTRACT Research has suggested that Instagram is detrimental to one’s body image and health, as a result of its image-driven nature and the social comparisons that are commonly made between users’ bodies and the bodies they see portrayed. This study was designed to provide a better understanding of the effects of thin and fat body types portrayed in Instagram posts. This was done by examining how such body type portrayals influence attention to the posts, in addition to influencing outcomes such as body dissatisfaction and appearance management behavioral intentions. A total of 309 college students viewed 30 Instagram posts in an online experiment with a 2 (portrayed body type: thin vs. fat) X 15 (message repetition) within-subjects design. The findings indicate that thin-body portrayals increase audience self-reported attention to the posts and state body dissatisfaction, but female users who self-perceive themselves as fat report a similar level of attention to the posts regardless of portrayed body types. Additionally, Instagram use (defined as the number of photos users personally post) is found to moderate the effects of the body portrayals.
Effects of Heat-Treatment on Tensile Behavior and Dimension Stability of 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites

This work investigated the effects of heat treatment on the tensile behavior of 3D-printed high modules carbon fiber-reinforced composites. The manufacturing of samples with different material combinations using polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with 9% carbon fiber (PLACF), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) reinforced with 9% carbon fiber (ABSCF) were made. This paper addresses the tensile behavior of different structured arrangements at different% of densities between two kinds of filaments. The comparison of the tensile behavior between heat treated and untreated samples. The results showed that heat treatment improves the tensile properties of samples by enhancing the bonding of filament layers and by reducing the porosity content. At all structure specifications, the rectilinear pattern gives higher strength of up to 33% compared with the Archimedean chords pattern. Moreover, there is a limited improvement in the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity values for the samples treated at low heat-treatment temperature. The suggested methodology to evaluate the tensile behavior of the pairs of materials selected is innovative and could be used to examine sandwich designs as an alternative to producing multi-material components using inexpensive materials.
How Open Is the Maker Movement? Integrative Literature Review of the Openness Practices in the Global Maker Movement

This article explores the multiple meanings of the concept of openness in the global maker movement. Openness is viewed as one of the key principles of the maker movement. As the global maker movement is a bricolage of diverse and situated practices and traditions, there are also many different interpretations and ways of practicing openness. We have explored this diversity with an integrative literature review, relying on the Web of Science™ database. We identified three interrelated but also, in part, mutually contested approaches to openness. Firstly, openness often refers to applying open hardware. Secondly, it is in many cases related to the inclusion and empowerment of various groups in making. Thirdly, openness appears to be seen as a means to pursue economic growth through increasing innovation activity and entrepreneurship. Our results also highlight the substantial barriers encountered by makers while aiming to open up their practices. These barriers include: value conflicts in which openness is overridden by other important values; exclusion of lower income groups from making due to a lack of resources; and difficulties in maintaining long-term activities. The different meanings of openness together with the barriers create tensions within the maker movement while implementing openness. We propose that engaging in a reflexive futures dialogue on the consequences of these tensions can enhance the maker movement to become more open, inclusive and resilient.
Application of Deep Convolution Neural Network in Crack Identification

ABSTRACT The surface crack of structure is an important sign to evaluate the safety of structure. In order to ensure the safety and reliability of the building structure, it is necessary to detect and monitor the surface cracks of the structure. Traditional artificial surface inspections are time-consuming because inspectors have different experience and knowledge, which can lead to misjudgments. Based on the basic framework of four deep convolution neural networks, their classifiers are reconstructed. To fully train these networks and simulate crack images taken in various situations in life, image enhancement techniques are used to extend the dataset. After training, compared with the established shallow network structure, they can learn the feature information in the image more fully, and finally improve the accuracy. After further verification, it is found that one of the models can achieve an accuracy of 96.5%. To verify the universality and validity of the model, two cross-datasets experiments were performed. The experimental results show the validity of the model, and the diagnostic precision is 98.23% and 99.04%, respectively.
Cost of quality in small- and medium-sized enterprises: case of an Indian engineering company

Quality has emerged as a strategic entity making quality management a necessity for overall operational effectiveness and global competence. Many quality and productivity improvement techniques are generally not finding a place in SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) due to lack of knowledge and resources to implement the same. Effectiveness of this sector can be ascertained through efforts expended in quality engineering and management and the cost of quality (COQ) system can prove to be one of the most effective performance measurement techniques for them. This paper illustrates the efforts to introduce and implement COQ at SME and is a real life case analysis. The quality costing approach is adopted containing four basic elements: prevention, appraisal, internal failure and external failure. Present COQ were calculated and future quality costs budgeted with improvement in quality level. COQ was successfully introduced and implemented. Methodology and findings of the study can be further strengthened through implementation at larger samples.
Youth's personal relationships, psychological symptoms, and the use of different substances: A population-based study

Background: Externalising symptoms and peer influence are well-established predictors of youth's substance use in general. However, there is little integrative research that compares the relative contribution of psychological and social relationship characteristics as predictors of the use of specific substances among youth in different developmental stages. Methods: A representative sample of Danish adolescents (n = 1,168) and emerging adults (EA; n = 1,878) reported last-month prevalence use of cigarettes, cannabis, and other illicit drugs (OID), and four indices of alcohol use. Predictor variables included internalising and externalising symptoms, and major characteristics of the youth's relationships (e.g., parental drug use, number of close friends). Results: Having a close friend who used illicit drugs, and high externalising symptoms, predicted the risk for using all substances across both age groups. Alcohol use was more consistently related to peer-related variables than to symptoms. Smoking cigarettes, cannabis use, and OIDs use were related to peer and symptom variables. Age group moderated some associations. Parental separation was related more strongly to alcohol use among adolescents than among EA, and higher internalising symptoms were more strongly related to smoking and using OIDs among adolescents than among EA. Male EAs had higher risk for using alcohol than female EAs. Conclusion: Beyond having a close friend who used illicit drugs, and externalising problems, the use of each substance was better explained by a different group of variables. There were few but important moderations by age group. The findings highlight the need for research on risk factors for substance use that is developmentally sensitive, particularly for adolescents, and for specific substances. Thus, interventions and policies should address social, developmental, and psychological factors.
Fault Ride-Through of a DFIG Wind Turbine Using a Dynamic Voltage Restorer during Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Grid Faults

This paper introduces a new solution for doubly fed induction generators to stay connected to the grid during Faults. The main idea is to increase the stator voltage to a level that creates the required flux to keep the rotor side converter current below its transient rating. To accomplish this goal, a series compensator is added to inject voltage in series to the stator side line. The Dynamic Voltage Restorer can compensate the faulty line voltage while the DFIG wind turbine can continue its nominal operation as demanded in actual grid codes. Fuzzy Logic controller is used as a controller in order to control the dc link voltages and to reduce the harmonics. Simulation results for a 2 MW wind turbine are presented, especially for asymmetrical grid faults. They show the effectiveness of the DVR in comparison to the low- voltage ride-through of the DFIG using a crowbar that does not allow continuous reactive power production.
ANALYSIS OF THE ONSET OF FLOW INSTABILITY IN RECTANGULAR HEATED CHANNEL USING DRIFT FLUX MODEL

Two-phase flow excursion (Ledinegg) instability in boiling channels is of great concern in the design and operation of numerous practical systems especially in Research Reactors. Such instability can lead to significant reduction in channel flow, thereby causing premature burnout of the heated channel before the CHF point. The present work focuses on a simulation of pressure drop in forced convection boiling in vertical narrow and parallel uniformly heated channels. The objective is to determine the point of Onset of Flow Instability (OFI) by varying input flow rate. The axial void distribution is also provided. The numerical model is based on the finite difference method which transforms the partial differential conservation equation of mass, momentum and energy, in algebraic equations. Closure relationships based upon the drift flux model and other constitutive equations are considered to determine the channel pressure drop under steady state boiling conditions. The model validation is performed by confronting the calculations with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory thermal Hydraulic Test Loop (THTL) experimental data set. Further verification of this model is performed by code- to code verification using the results of RELAP5/Mod 3.2 code.
The Effects of Replacing Dry Forage With Corn Silage on Milk Yield, Composition and Fatty Acids’ Profiles, Blood Metabolites, Nitrogen Balance, and Rumen Fermentation Parameters in Mahabadi Lactating Goats

The present study was performed with the aim of investigating the effects of replacing dry forage with corn silage on performance, milk yield, composition and fatty acids’ profiles, blood metabolites, nitrogen balance, and rumen fermentation parameters in Mahabadi lactating goats. For this purpose, a total of 20 lactating goats aged between 2 and 5 years old and with body weight of 45.3 ± 7.20 (DS) kg were categorized into two groups, each one containing ten goats. Experimental treatments consisted of controlling diet and dietary substitution of forage part with corn silage at 20% of dry matter. The obtained data were analyzed by the mixed model for a randomized completed design using statistical packages of SAS (2002). The replacement of dry forage with corn silage did not affect the dry matter intake (DMI), live body weight, and milk yield. Feeding corn silage, rather than dry forage, had no significant effect on milk unsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, C18:1C9 percentages, and non-esterified fatty acids concentration, and it caused a decline in milk polyunsaturated fatty acids percentage. As well, dietary inclusion of corn silage significantly decreased plasma urea nitrogen content in goats (P<0.05). Furthermore, feeding corn silage led to a significant increase in antioxidant capacity of rumen liquor (P<0.05), plasma (P<0.01), and milk (P<0.01) of lactating goats. Of note, the dietary addition of corn silage caused no significant effects on microbial nitrogen and nitrogen balance in lactating goats. Feeding corn silage did not affect the ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid at both periods before and after feeding. In general, results indicated that replacing dry forage with corn silage could consequently improve the antioxidant status in Mahabadi lactating goats.
Using social values in the prioritization of research: Quantitative examples and generalizations

Abstract Identifying critical uncertainties about ecological systems can help prioritize research efforts intended to inform management decisions. However, exclusively focusing on the ecological system neglects the objectives of natural resource managers and the associated social values tied to risks and rewards of actions. I demonstrate how to prioritize research efforts for a harvested population by applying expected value of perfect information (EVPI) to harvest decisions made with a density‐independent matrix population model. Research priorities identified by EVPI diverge from priorities identified by matrix elasticity analyses that ignore social utility. Using a density‐dependent harvest model, the value of information about the intrinsic productivity of a population is shown to be sensitive to the socially determined penalty for implementing a harvest rate that deviates from the goal because of imperfection in estimation. Synthesis and applications. The effect of including social values into harvest decision‐making depends on the assumed population model, uncertainty in population vital rates, and the particular form of the utility function used to represent risk/reward of harvest. EVPI analyses that include perceived utility of different outcomes can be used by managers seeking to optimize monitoring and research spending. Collaboration between applied ecologists and social scientists that quantitatively measure peoples' values is needed in many structured decision‐making processes.
Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcriptomic Analysis Predicts Adenylate Kinase Signatures Contributing to Tumor Progression and Negative Patient Prognosis

The ability to detect and respond to hypoxia within a developing tumor appears to be a common feature amongst most cancers. This hypoxic response has many molecular drivers, but none as widely studied as Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1). Recent evidence suggests that HIF-1 biology within lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) may be associated with expression levels of adenylate kinases (AKs). Using LUAD patient transcriptome data, we sought to characterize AK gene signatures related to lung cancer hallmarks, such as hypoxia and metabolic reprogramming, to identify conserved biological themes across LUAD tumor progression. Transcriptomic analysis revealed perturbation of HIF-1 targets to correlate with altered expression of most AKs, with AK4 having the strongest correlation. Enrichment analysis of LUAD tumor AK4 gene signatures predicts signatures involved in pyrimidine, and by extension, nucleotide metabolism across all LUAD tumor stages. To further discriminate potential drivers of LUAD tumor progression within AK4 gene signatures, partial least squares discriminant analysis was used at LUAD stage-stage interfaces, identifying candidate genes that may promote LUAD tumor growth or regression. Collectively, these results characterize regulatory gene networks associated with the expression of all nine human AKs that may contribute to underlying metabolic perturbations within LUAD and reveal potential mechanistic insight into the complementary role of AK4 in LUAD tumor development.
Robust current control for brushless DC motors

The winding current exciting responses of brushless DC motors significantly affect their torque generating characteristics and hence the whole drive control performance. To obtain a quick and accurate current command tracking response, the application of control strategies for compensating the effects of key parameter variations is necessary. Robust control for achieving improved current response is studied. First, the model parameters for performing the current control loop design are estimated. Then a novel current control scheme is proposed, which consists of a feedback controller, a command feedforward controller and a robust disturbance cancellation feedforward controller. The former two controllers are designed to fulfil the desired current control characteristics at nominal case, and the robust controller is employed to reduce the effects of back electromotive force and parameter variations. The theoretic basis and design of the proposed control scheme are presented in detail. Through applying the designed current controller, the winding current response is speeded up and thus the motor drawn line current is decreased owing to the improved torque generating characteristics. The effectiveness of the proposed robust current control approach is demonstrated by simulation and measured results.