Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of a hybrid push/pull serial manufacturing system with multiple part types

The objective of this research is to investigate the possibility of integrating Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP)/push and Just in Time (JIT)/pull strategies in a multiproduct multistage serial manufacturing system. Each workstation is able to undertake different operations and so to produce more than one type of in-process item. A modified version of a horizontally integrated hybrid push/pull production system is developed. The system can be optimized by locating points of integration, and determining the optimal values of safety stocks for the push part and numbers of Kanbans for the pull part. A modification of genetic algorithm (GA) chromosomes and crossover procedures is developed for the optimization. The optimization involves evaluations of stochastic performance measures by a discrete event simulation model. The motivating case study of a tube shop in an aerospace manufacturer is presented. This research extensively explores the question of whether each part type should have its own junction point (less constrained) or whether there should be one common junction point for the overall system (easier to implement).
Increasing the Usability of Pedestrian Navigation Interfaces by means of Landmark Visibility Analysis

Communicating location-specific information to pedestrians is a challenging task which can be aided by user-friendly digital technologies. In this paper, landmark visibility analysis, as a means for developing more usable pedestrian navigation systems, is discussed. Using an algorithmic framework for image-based 3D analysis, this method integrates a 3D city model with identified landmarks and produces raster visibility layers for each one. This output enables an Android phone prototype application to indicate the visibility of landmarks from the user's actual position. Tested in the field, the method achieves sufficient accuracy for the context of use and improves navigation efficiency and effectiveness.
FRICTION IDENTIFICATION WITH GENETIC ALGORITHMS

Abstract Identification of the function part of the analytical model of the movement of a mass along vertical guide way is made. Indeed, knowledge of friction parameters is necessary to detect wear or mechanical failure. Because of the non linearity the identification is made using Genetic Algorithms (GA). After many simulations, the proposed approach is tested with the recorded experimental data from a test bed.
Optimal process targeting for multi-inputs, multi-stages and multi-characteristics production systems

In this paper, a process targeting model is developed for multi-stages, multi-inputs and multi-characteristics production systems. The model extends a previous single stage, multi-inputs and multi-characteristics production system to an n-stage flow line. Recursion and augmented matrix approaches were used to formulate the n-stage model. The optimal process targeting solution is based on minimising a Taguchi-type quadratic loss function across all production stages. A constrained version of the problem is considered in order to cover a wider class of real life industrial applications. The model is very useful especially for mixing-based processes, batch processes, and other multi-stage and multi-characteristic production processes. Finally, an illustrative example is provided.
Clinical Characteristics of Essential Tremor in South India: A Hospital-Based Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Essential tremor (ET) is the most common adult movement disorder. Classic ET is characterized by action tremor of hands (95% cases), and tremor involving other regions is less common. Recent studies have revealed a few patients exhibiting nontremor features that include cognitive disorders, tandem gait abnormality, mood fluctuations, olfactory abnormality, hearing impairment, and sleep disorders. Very few studies on ET have so far been conducted in India, and the present study is a pioneering attempt to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with ET. Materials and Methods: A standardized assessment protocol was used to collect data. Diagnosis of ET was established using consensus criteria established by the Movement Disorder Society. Tremor Research Group Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale was used to evaluate tremor impact. The severity of hand tremor was assessed by Glass Scale, and cognitive function was assessed by Mini–Mental Status Examination. Results: Out of the 45 patients enrolled, 73.3% were male and 26.6% were female, with a mean age of 44 ± 15 years. Postural tremor was observed in all, followed by intention tremor in 9 and rest tremor in 6 patients. Tremor of the hand was identified to be most predominant (100%). Voice tremor was observed in 15 (33.3%) patients and head tremor in 12 patients (26.6%) who were all females. Leg tremor was observed in 12 patients (26.6% of patients) and tongue tremor in 6 (13%) patients. Baseline asymmetry of tremor was observed in 60% of patients and positive family history in 35% of patients. The most common nontremor feature was tandem gait abnormality (40%). Moreover, most of the patients had Glass Scale II. Conclusion: Baseline asymmetry of tremor and male predominance were observed in the study. While hand tremor was the most common form of tremor, tandem gait abnormality was the most common nontremor feature as observed in patients with ET.
900 mV differential class AB OTA for switched opamp applications

A novel fully differential class AB OTA in standard CMOS for application with the switched opamp technique is presented. It makes use of a current buffer loop in the input stage as a low voltage current mirror. A new common mode feedback error amplifier, especially suited for the class AB OTA, is also presented. It is based on a differential stage of which the concept is introduced here. A totally new way of switching the amplifiers is introduced as well. Simulations demonstrate the operation of these novel circuits down to a 900 mV supply voltage.
Oocyte Selection for in Vitro Embryo Production in Livestock Species: Non-Invasive Approaches for the New Challenges of Oocyte Competence

The efficiency of producing embryos using in vitro technologies in livestock species rarely exceeds the 30 to 40% threshold, indicating that the proportion of oocytes that fail to develop after in vitro fertilization and culture is considerably large. Considering that the intrinsic quality of the oocyte is one of the main factors affecting blastocyst yield, the precise identification of non-invasive cellular or molecular markers that predict oocyte competence is of major interest to research and practical applications. The aim of this review was to explore the current literature on different non-invasive markers associated with oocyte quality in mammalian species, with an emphasis on the bovine model. Apart from some controversial findings, the presence of cycle-related structures in ovaries, a follicle size between 6 and 10 mm, large number of surrounding cumulus cells, slightly expanded investment without dark areas, large oocyte diameter (&gt;120 microns), dark cytoplasm, and the presence of a round and smooth first polar body have been associated to better competence. In addition, the combination of oocyte and zygote selection by BCB test and spindle imaging have the potential to further optimize the identification of oocytes with better developmental competence for in vitro-derived technologies in livestock species.
Solid–Liquid Extraction in Biorefinery

Solid–liquid extraction (SLE) is a common separation method employed in industry. Since the production of bioenergy is not directly related to SLE, this chapter focuses on bio-based products including biofuels. The chapter presents an overview of the current status of SLE in the biorefinery industry, and discusses SLE principles, process design, and modeling considerations, as well as elaborating on the industrial application of SLE by providing some examples. Finally, the economic importance and challenges of SLE are discussed. The state-of-the-art technology for SLE in the biorefinery industry involves not only the equipment design and operation, but also the process model. The development of statistical models based on experimental design and the application of various process flows is one of the new modeling approaches in SLE.
Design of Adaptive Filter for Health Monitoring on a Gearbox

Impulsive vibration signals in gearbox are often associated with faults, which lead to due to irregular impacting. Thus these impulsive vibration signals can be used as indicators of machinery faults. However it is often difficult to make objective measurement of impulsive signals because of background noise signals. In order to ease the measurement of impulsive signal embedded in background noise, we enhance the impulsive signals using adaptive signal processing and then analyze them in time and frequency domain by using time-frequency representation. This technique is applied to the diagnosis of faults within laboratory gearbox.
Transmission in multimode waveguide with random imperfections

The effects of random geometric imperfections on the transmission of the TE 01 wave in circular waveguide are studied; the necessary theory of guides with known arbitrary imperfections is first developed. The TE 01 transmission statistics are determined in terms of the statistics of the various types of geometric imperfections. Both discrete mode converters — i.e., localized imperfections such as tilts, offsets, or diameter changes at joints between pipes that are perfect right-circular cylinders — and continuous geometric imperfections — such as straightness deviation, diameter variation, ellipticity, etc., that vary smoothly with distance along the guide — are considered. The average, variance, power spectrum, and probability distribution of the TE 01 loss-frequency curve are discussed. Continuous straightness deviation (of the individual pipes of the guide) appears to be the most serious tolerance in present copper waveguide, and a significant factor in helix guide as well. The power spectrum of the straightness deviation is all-important in determining the TE 01 loss due to mode conversion. Fourier components of straightness deviation having wavelengths between roughly 1.4 and 4.4 feet are the significant ones for the present 2-inch I.D. guide operated in a frequency band from 35 to 90 kmc.
The development of a value improvement model for repetitive processes (VIM)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a value improvement model (VIM) for repetitive processes applicable to any business where people and/or plant provide a service to support the overall business objective. Arguing competitive advantage can be realised through different amalgams of productive and strategic resources, the VIM introduced focuses on aligning resource bundles and influencing factors creating efficacious, efficient and effective processes by applying Lean thinking and Six Sigma tools and techniques more holistically.Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology taken incorporated a case study approach complimented by the action research process of planning, observing and reflecting summarized as an action case study research design. The case study data examine the development of a management cycle of value improvement on an inter‐terminal shuttle transportation system within a busy international airport.Findings – The VIM has been proven as a useful model for understan.
Understanding the transition to work for first degree university graduates in Portugal

A traditional way of looking at the importance of universities assumes that these are sources of positive effects from the viewpoint of the inputs. In accordance to this perspective, the importance of a university can be measured by its regional/national multiplier effects. This perspective can be complemented with the analysis of the issues associated with the transition to work by their graduates. The paper thus analyses the factors that may be important to explain the time to obtain the first job by first degree students, using a sample of students from one university in Portugal. In doing so, we estimate several specifications of discrete-time duration models. The results show that there are significant differences among the students from the several courses and highlight the importance of the final mark in the course. Nevertheless, in particular, we conclude that there are no significant differences between the area of Economics and Management and the area of Engineering and that these study areas are the most successful ones. We also did not find any significant differences between male and female students. Finally, we also conclude that there are significant differences on the probability of leaving unemployment among the several years considered in the sample, which reflects the business cycle.
Tilled Soil Subsidence During Repeated Wetting

ABSTRACT A total of 15.2 cm of water was applied without raindrop impact energy to six replicates of four freshly tilled soils to determine its effect on subsidence, random roughness, bulk density, and hydraulic conductivity. Texture of the soils ranged from sandy loam to clay loam. Random roughness degraded to a relatively constant value about 0.5 cm below initial values for all soils except one which was degraded to 1.3 cm below the initial value. Bulk density increased about 0.1 g/cm3 for three soils while the fourth increased 0.2 g/cm3. Regression equations were developed to predict these changes. Coefficients of determination ranged from 0.84 to 0.97 for both random roughness and bulk density. Hydraulic conductivity also decreased with added water. Maximum decreases ranged from 3.0 cm/h to 8.9 cm/h.
Incident of femoral fracture and screening of signs of depression in the elderly

Femoral fractures in the elderly can cause physical, emotional, family and social problems. The objective of these studies was to identify the occurrence of hip fractures and to screening signs of depression in the elderly. Admission data were analyzed for the elderly of the Health Office of São Paulo city and interviews with 30 elderly people in their homes with the implementation of the Geriatric Depression Scale reduced Yesavage-version (GDS-15). We found that a period of one year, there were 94 admissions of elderly with hip fractures, mainly by falls in their homes, resulting in loss of autonomy, pain, and sorrow. Of those interviewed, 28 (93%) showed signs of depression, rating from mild to severe. We concluded that there was a high number of hospitalizations for hip fractures and signs of depression among the elderly, signaling the necessity of further investigations and actions which change that reality.
Engendering the Future of Electric Vehicles: Conversations with Men and Women

This research examines early drivers of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) from a gendered perspective. Women and men may have differing responses to the new performance attributes of PEVs, for example, the relationship between driving range per battery charge and charging locations. Without knowledge of such potential differences, PEV sales and charging infrastructure deployment may create differential barriers and opportunities for women and men. Thus, understanding any gender differences is vital to policy, marketing, and infrastructure development for electric-mobility to ensure that sustainable mobility is appealing and accessible to all people. Clarifying gender differences in the experience of PEV drivers would also broaden the understanding of the persistence of gender roles in travel behavior. We pose two primary questions. (1) How does the speech of women and men PEV drivers compare? (2) What factors contribute to observed differences and similarities? Data are from two sets of focus groups conducted in 2011 and 2012 as PEVs entered the market in California. A content analysis of the themes in these group conversations reveals that while women and men talk about their experience in many ways that are similar, there are important differences. Within some themes, women are more likely to talk about their PEV in terms of its practicality as a travel tool and adapting to the present system of vehicle charging. Conversely, within these same themes men are more likely to talk in terms of research and development and how the system should change. The voices of women PEV drivers are underrepresented in conversations regarding future policy, marketing, and technology development both because there are so many fewer women PEV drivers and because the content of women and men’s speech differ.
Role of the temperature distribution on the PN junction behaviour in the electro‐thermal simulation

Electro‐thermal simulations of a PIN‐diode based on the finite‐element method, show a non‐uniform temperature distribution inside the device during switching transients. Hence, the implicit assumption of a uniform temperature distribution when coupling an analytical electrical model and a thermal model yields inaccurate electro‐thermal behaviour of the PIN‐diode so far. The idea of including non‐uniform temperature distribution into power semiconductor device models is not new, as accurate electro‐thermal simulations are required for designing compact power electronic systems (as IC or MCM). Instead of using a one‐dimensional finite difference or element method, the bond graphs and the hydrodynamic method are utilized to build an electro‐thermal model of the PIN‐diode. The results obtained by this original technique are compared with those obtained by a commercial finite‐element simulator. The results are similar but the computation effort of the proposed technique is a fraction of that required by finite‐element simulators. Moreover, the proposed technique may be applied easily to other power semiconductor devices. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations on the propagation characteristics of the substrate integrated waveguide based on the method of lines

A rigorous full-wave approach based on the method of lines (MoL) is presented to analyse the propagation characteristics of substrate integrated waveguides (SIWs), in which a generalised matrix eigenvalue equation is derived instead of the conventional transcend equation, greatly improving the computing efficiency. The use of an efficient Z-transform absorbing boundary condition (Z-ABC) further improved the accuracy of the calculated propagation constants. Finally, two empirical equations are proposed for the propagation constants of SIWs, which gives a simple but efficient tool in designing substrate integrated waveguide components.
The rheology of cement pastes and fresh mortars

Summary In this paper a study of the behaviour of neat cement pastes and fresh cement mortars under shear in a rotational viscometer, especially designed for this purpose, is described. It is shown that a considerable structural breakdown occurs in the cement paste under the shearing action and a comparison between the results obtained from the viscometer and those associated with the compaction of concrete under vibration seems to suggest that a breakdown under shear does take place during the vibration of concrete. It is also shown that the rate of energy input to the paste is not constant, and the effect of this on the Vebe test is discussed. A method of measuring the workability of cement pastes and mortars is presented.
Flexible organic field effect transistors for biomedical microimplants using polyimide and parylene C as substrate and insulator layers

Biomedical micro implants are used as neural prostheses to restore body functions after paraplegia by means of functional electrical stimulation (FES). Polymer electronic technology offers the potential to integrate flexible electronic circuits on microelectrodes in order to overcome the limit of traditional FES systems. This paper describes an approach of flexible organic transistors in order to develop a flexible biomedical micro implant for FES use. Polyimide shows excellent biocompatibility and biostability properties for flexible multi-channel microelectrodes in neural prosthetics application (Stieglitz et al 1997 Sensors Actuators A 60 240–3). Therefore, it was used as a flexible substrate on which polymer transistors have to be integrated. Gold or platinum was sputtered as the gate, drain and source. In this paper polyimide has been investigated as a gate isolator because of its high flexibility and biocompatibility. Polyimide was spin coated and imidized at different temperatures and times. Pentacene (C14H22) was evaporated at UHV and 75 °C substrate temperature as an active layer in an organic field effect transistor (OFET). Plasma activation and self-assembled monolayer surface modification were used to advance the electrical properties of organic transistors. The whole transistor was encapsulated in parylene C that was evaporated at room temperature using a standard Gorham system (Gorham 1966 J. Polym. Sci. A-1 4 3027–39). Investigation of the electrical properties of the OFET using polyimide as the isolator led to promising results.
In vitro characterization of Lactobacillus crispatus IP174178 and its live biotherapeutic product for prevention of vaginal infections

Background : Probiotics enhance human well-being. They can be used either as a preventive approach to maintain the microbiota or as an add-on treatment for some diseases. The lactobacilli constitute the predominant vaginal microorganism and have been associated with a beneficial effect in vaginal health by protecting and controlling the vaginal microbiota against bacterial vaginosis, vaginal candidiasis, and urinary tract infection. Results: We investigated the probiotic properties of the new vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus IP174178 strain isolated from healthy women. Lactobacillus crispatus IP174178 strain was identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and by biochemical characterization. L. crispatus IP174178 is Gram positive, Catalase negative, ADH negative, and an H 2 0 2 (5 mM) and lactic acid (D-lactate 6 g/l, L-lactate 3 g/l) producer, with a strong adherence capacity. Its sensitivity to antibiotics was evaluated. Conclusions: The native strain L. crispatus IP174178 showed natural antagonistic properties against vaginal pathogens ( Gardenerella vaginalis , Candida spp.) which is potentiated in its commercial live biotherapeutic product Physioflor ® . The L. crispatus IP174178 strain and its live biotherapeutic product Physioflor ® can thus be considered a good probiotic candidate for the prevention of vaginal infections.