Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effective Timing for Two Sequential Applications of Slurry Seal on Asphalt Pavement

This study evaluated the field performance of asphalt pavements with two sequential slurry seal applications, developed per- formance models for asphalt pavements without slurry seals and asphalt pavements receiving slurry seals at various times following con- struction, and identified the optimum time for the application of two slurry seals on asphalt pavements within the Washoe County, Nevada, region. This is a continuation of a previous study in which a single application of slurry seal was investigated. The MicroPAVER system was used to evaluate the long-term pavement performance data collected for the last 15 years and the cost-effectiveness of slurry seals applied to new and existing flexible pavements at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years after construction. The data generated in this study clearly reveal an optimum time window for slurry seal application. The optimum times and highest relative benefit of application of slurry seals for both overlaid and newly constructed pavements were when the first slurry seal was applied at 3 years after construction, followed by a second slurry seal at year 7 or 9. Accordingly, it was recommended to apply the first slurry seal for newly constructed and overlaid pavements, respectively, when the pavement condition index (PCI) is 90 and 87, followed by a second slurry seal when the PCI reaches a value of 86 and 77. DOI: 10.1061/ (ASCE)TE.1943-5436.0000521. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Slurries; Asphalt pavements; Maintenance; Benefit cost ratios. Author keywords: Slurry seal; Optimum time of application; Pavement preservation; Maintenance; Performance model; Pavement condition index; Cost-benefit ratio.
Alternative Splicing of RNF180 Genes in Different Species Based on Comparative Genomics Analysis

Alternative splicing (AS) influences gene regulation, cell differentiation, and tissue development and is involved in many human diseases. The ring finger protein 180 (RNF180), a tumor suppressor gene, has four transcripts and seven predicted transcripts. However, the role of alternatively spliced products in the function and regulation of the RNF180 gene remain unknown. We used a comparative genomics approach to investigate RNF180 AS in different species. Conserved coding sequences, alternative splicing expression profiles and intron sequences were compared, and evolutionary selection pressure analyses of exons were performed. We found that the RNF180 zinc finger structure, which was related to major ubiquitination functions, was highly conserved and exon 5 was absent in many species. Comparisons with the corresponding intron revealed that exon 5 possessed high similarity. In exon pressure selection analysis, exon 6 was in the purifying selection, which corresponded to the zinc finger domain, while exons 7 and 8 faced positive selection evolution. Finally, there were multiple alternatively spliced forms of RNF180 in four transcripts. These results suggested that complex alternative splicing of the RNF180 gene occurred in multiple species. Partial splicing variants had evolutionarily conserved regions and functional region deletions.
Microemulsion and their use to improve the biological efficacy of pesticides

1. Microemulsions containing: a) a mixture of surfactants comprising 1) one or more anionic derivatives of alkyl polyglucosides; 2) one or more alkilpodiglyukozid; 3) one or more fatty alcohol derivative; b) one or more fatty acid methyl esters obtained by transesterification of vegetable oils, one or more types of vegetable oils or a mixture thereof; c) one or more nonionic poverhostnyh active agent; g) water. 2. Microemulsions according to claim 1, containing: a) from 5 to 20% by weight of the mixture of surfactants, the mixture comprising from 30 to 60% by weight of anionic derivative, 30 to 60% by weight of alkyl polyglucosides and from 5 to 20% by weight of anionic derivative of fatty alcohol, their balance equals; b) from 20 to 40% by weight of a methyl ester of fatty acids derived from transesterification of vegetable oils or from 20 to 40% by weight of vegetable oils; c) from 25 to 35% by weight of nonionic surfactants; d) from 10 to 40% by weight of water. 3. Microemulsions according to claim 2, wherein c) is an ethoxylated and propoxylated derivatives of linear or branched fatty alcohol having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. four. Microemulsions according to claim 3, wherein: a mixture of alkylpolyglucosides surfactants are the aliphatic alkylpolyglucosides represented by the formula (I) RO- (G) x, where R - saturated or unsaturated aliphatic group having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, linear or branched ; O - an oxygen atom; G - residue downmix saccharide connected to RO by using ethereal O-glucoside bond; x - number from 1 to 10 representing an average degree of oligomerization of G; anionic derivatives akilpoliglyukozidov CME
APPLYING HONEY-BEE MATING OPTIMIZATION AND PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION FOR CLUSTERING PROBLEMS

ABSTRACT The use of information technologies in the various business areas is emerging in recent years. Mining the useful information existed in vast data has become an important issue. Clustering analysis which tries to segment data into homogeneous clusters is one of the most useful technologies in data mining methods. In this study, we proposed a clustering method which integrates particle swarm optimization with honey-bee mating optimization. Simulations for three benchmark test functions (MSE, intra-cluster distance and inter-cluster distance) are performed. According to the lowest MSE and the intra-cluster distance/inter-cluster distance value, experiment results show that our proposed method possesses better ability to find the global optimum than other well-known clustering algorithms.
The Art of Artificial Evolution: A Handbook on Evolutionary Art and Music

This comprehensive book gives an up-to-date survey of the relevant bioinspired computing research fields such as evolutionary computation, artificial life, swarm intelligence and ant colony algorithms and examines applications in art, music and design. The editors and contributors are researchers and artists with deep experience of the related science, tools and applications, and the book includes overviews of historical developments and future perspectives.
The Evolution of Integrated Marketing Communications : The Customer-driven Marketplace

1. Introduction: The evolution of IMC: IMC in a customer-driven marketplace Don E. Schultz and Charles H. Patti 2. Integrated marketing communications: From media channels to digital connectivity Frank Mulhern 3. Integrated marketing communications measurement and evaluation Michael T. Ewing 4. Apples, oranges and fruit salad: A Delphi study of the IMC educational mix Gayle Kerr 5. Building strong brands in a modern marketing communications environment Kevin Lane Keller 6. The primacy of the consumer in IMC: Espousing a personalist view and ethical implications Jerry G. Kliatchko 7. Rethinking marketing communication: From integrated marketing communication to relationship communication Ake Finne and Christian Gronroos 8. IMC: New horizon/false dawn for a marketplace in turmoil? Philip J. Kitchen and Don E. Schultz
Design of Planar Rectangular Microelectronic Inductors

Negative mutual inductance results from coupling between two conductors having current vectors in opposite directions. As a quantity in electronic circuits, negative mutual inductance is usually so much smaller in magnitude than overall inductance that it can be neglected with little effect. In the microelectronic world, however, its neglect can result in inductance values as much as 30 percent too high. This paper derives inductance equations for planar thin- or thick-film coils, comparing equations that include negative mutual inductance with those that do not. It describes a computer program developed for calculating inductances for both square and rectangular geometries, the variables considered being track width, space between tracks, and number of turns. Graphic results are presented for up to 16 turns over an inductance range of 3 nanohenries to 10 microhenries. Although details of fabrication are not included, the effects of film thickness and frequency on the mutual-inductance parameter are discussed.
The Autonomous Choice Architect

Choice architecture describes the environment in which choices are presented to decision-makers. In recent years, public and private actors have looked at choice architecture with great interest as they seek to influence human behaviour. These actors are typically called choice architects. Increasingly, however, this role of architecting choice is not performed by a human choice architect, but an algorithm or artificial intelligence, powered by a stream of Big Data and infused with an objective it has been programmed to maximise. We call this entity the autonomous choice architect. In this paper, we present an account of why artificial intelligence can fulfil the role of a choice architect and why this creates problems of transparency, responsibility and accountability for nudges. We argue that choice architects, be them autonomous computational systems or human-beings, at a most basic level select, from a range of designs, the design which is most likely to maximise a pre-determined objective. We then proceed to argue that, given the growing demand for targeted, personalised choice architecture and for faster, dynamic reconfigurations of choice architecture, as well as the ever-expanding pool of data from which feedback can be drawn, the role of the human choice architect is increasingly obscured behind algorithmic, artificially intelligent systems. We provide a discussion of the implications of autonomous choice architects, focusing on the importance of the humans who programme these systems, ultimately arguing that despite technological advances, the responsibility of choice architecture and influence remains firmly one human beings must bear.
A Computerized Automatic Inspection System For Complex Printed Thick Film Patterns

Computerized systems for industrial inspection of simple forms or limited variables have been wide spread. However, the automated inspection of complex patterns is still limited. This paper describes an in-process inspection system for the thick film screen printing process where high density complex signal patterns are printed on ceramic substrate. The cost of the process necessitates a high production yield. The quality requirement is stringent, and the alternative, manual inspection, is both inefficient and ineffective. Using existing digitizing tube technology coupled with a mini computer, the system scans and detects defects based on programmable parameters. The computer controlled stage transport allows full coverage of the object under inspection. An algorithm is developed to automatically align the object and the master images. The system represents a successful application of imaging technolopy to industrial inspection of complex and noisy pat-terns. It is fully automated and human engineered such that an operator with a minimum of skills and train-ing can operate a cluster of up to three systems, The high depree of confidence in its inspection efficiency and the throughput rate render the system a viable industrial inspection tool.
Handbook of Antennas in Wireless Communications

From the Publisher: The move toward worldwide wireless communications continues at a remarkable pace, and the antenna element of the technology is crucial to its success. With contributions from more than 30 international experts, the Handbook of Antennas in Wireless Communications brings together all of the latest research and results to provide engineering professionals and students with a one-stop reference on the theory, technologies, and applications for indoor, hand-held, mobile, and satellite systems.Beginning with an introduction to wireless communications systems, it offers an in-depth treatment of propagation prediction and fading channels. It then explores antenna technology with discussion of antenna design methods and the various antennas in current use or development for base stations, hand held devices, satellite communications, and shaping beams. The discussions then move to smart antennas and phased array technology, including details on array theory and beamforming techniques. Space diversity, direction-of-arrival estimation, source tracking, and blind source separation methods are addressed, as are the implementation of smart antennas and the results of field trials of systems using smart antennas implemented. Finally, the hot media topic of the safety of mobile phones receives due attention, including details of how the human body interacts with the electromagnetic fields of these devices.Its logical development and extensive range of diagrams, figures, and photographs make this handbook easy to follow and provide a clear understanding of design techniques and the performance of finished products. Its unique, comprehensive coverage written by top experts in their fields promises tomake the Handbook of Antennas in Wireless Communications the standard reference for the field.
Non Nuclear NTR Environmental Simulator

Nuclear Thermal Rockets or NTR’s have been suggested as a propulsion system option for vehicles traveling to the moon or Mars. These engines are capable of providing high thrust at specific impulses at least twice that of today’s best chemical engines. The performance constraints on these engines are mainly the result of temperature limitations on the fuel coupled with a limited ability to withstand chemical attack by the hot hydrogen propellant. To operate at maximum efficiency, fuel forms are desired which can withstand the extremely hot, hostile environment characteristic of NTR operation for at least several hours. The simulation of such an environment would require an experimental device which could simultaneously approximate the power, flow, and temperature conditions which a nuclear fuel element (or partial element) would encounter during NTR operation. Such a simulation would allow detailed studies of the fuel behavior and hydrogen flow characteristics under reactor like conditions to be performed.
Power Plant and Turbogenerator Models for Engineering and Training Simulators

Abstract A specific Engineering and Training Simulator is described in detail. The Turbogenerator Models is a physical model of a Czech Power Plants. This Power Plants consist of six turbogenerators with power 60 MW each. The process model is developed on the basis of mathematical-physical analysis (“first principles” method) of the individual technological subsystems. Dynamic model consists of the common steam collector and of two steam turbines-generators. The process model describes the standard and abnormal operation regimes in the range of 0 % - 100 % of Maximum Continuous Rate, with implementation of individual disturbances by the instructor. The own-built library called “EnergySIM” was developed on the basis of MATLAB-SIMULINK packages.
Incidence of injuries and illness and related risk factors in mountain biking events: A systematic review protocol

Background Cycling is a popular sport and method of transportation globally but is a significant contributor to sports injury admissions in hospital emergency units. Mountain biking events present additional challenges with remote venues, and isolated courses. Most mountain biking events will provide on-site medical care for both injury and illness occurring during races. These data are essential to understand the true incidence of injury and illness in mountain biking events as national health data may not represent these unique events specifically. Methods This review will follow the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Search engines PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), PEDro and the Cochrane Library will be systematically searched. Gray literature searches of Google Scholar and manual searching of reference lists and congress abstracts from cycling specific congresses will be conducted. Journal articles documenting illness and injury in adults participating in mountain bike cross-country marathon events will be included. A narrative analysis of the types, severity and area of injuries; and illness type and severity will be performed. A quantitative analysis may be performed should there be sufficient studies reported in the same format. Discussion This protocol outlines a systematic review on injury and illness in mountain biking events. Data from hospital records may not adequately represent the burden of injury and illness at events held in remote venues, especially if those treated on site do not require further hospital based treatment. This review will assist with the development of further research in this area, and in preparation of clinicians working in these types of events. Systematic review registration: This protocol has been registered with PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (No: CRD42019134586).
Morphing Models of a Bat Wing in Flapping Flight

Kinematic models, which contain flapping and deformations, of a bat flapping wing when it flies at medium speeds are presented in the study. The deformations include cambering - morphing in the chordwise direction, bending - morphing in the spanwise direction and twisting respecting angles of attack (AOA) varying along the length of the wing. In the study, we assumed a circular-arc-shaped deformation when cambering or bending occurs, and introduced controlling parameters for each morphing. Then we showed the expressions of the controlling parameters varying with time at the bat flight speed of 3m/s according to the data provided by a literature, and verified the reasonability of the assumptions at last.
Flutter, Galloping, and Vortex-Induced Vibrations of H-Section Hangers

AbstractHangers in arch bridges and other long vertical bars in truss bridges are typically slender members and often adopt an aerodynamically unfavorable H-section due to the conveniences in manufacture, construction, and maintenance. In contrast to the very narrow range of wind attack angles of horizontal members, hangers may suffer wider wind attack angles, possibly from 0° to 360°, and are therefore more prone to wind-induced vibrations. In August 2006, large torsional vibration with severe damage was observed on the 13 longest hangers of the Dongping arch bridge in China during a strong wind. While vibrations of hangers were usually caused by galloping, and vortex shedding excitation, the present case was likely to be a kind of torsional flutter instability. Therefore an in-depth investigation on the hangers’ aerodynamic performances in forms of flutter, galloping, and vortex shedding has been conducted through a series of wind tunnel tests. First, with section model and aeroelastic models tests of t.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae) from China

Abstract The sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius is the most important pest of sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.). In this study, we have sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae). The mitochondrial genome is 17,150 bp length (GenBank no. MK421358) has A + T content of 78.4% (A = 39.3%; T = 39.1%; C = 13.2%, and G = 8.4%), which is the classical structure for insect mitogenome. All PCGs started with ATN except COX2, which started with TTG and all PCGs terminated with conventional stop codons TAA/TAG. The phylogenetic tree confirms that C. formicarius is clustered with other three Brentidae with strongly supported. This study enriches the mitogenomes of the Coleoptera family Brentidae.
Cooperative multichannel management in IEEE 802.11p/WAVE vehicular ad hoc networks

The upcoming IEEE 802.11p/Wireless Access in Vehicular Environment (WAVE) standard is intended to provide wireless access to vehicles on the roads. According to it, safety/control messages are delivered on a given frequency during a common control channel (CCH) interval. The rest of the time, vehicles switch over one of available service channels (SCH) for non-safety-related data exchange. Despite the massive research effort onto reliable and timely dissemination solutions for safety-related data, few works have investigated non-safety data delivery when considering the WAVE features and capabilities. In this work, a simple and easy-to-deploy channel reservation scheme based on cooperation among vehicles has been designed, which fully leverages the 802.11p/WAVE multichannel capability. Simulation results show that the proposed solution, by adding just few modifications and little-to-none signalling overhead compared to the standard, is successful in improving the performance delivery of non-safety services under several network topologies and different traffic loads.
BISS: A Built-In SEU Sensor for Soft Error Mitigation

This paper presents a built-in SEU sensor (BISS) to detect soft errors in CMOS digital systems. BISS detects SEU-induced soft errors by monitoring the meta-stability in the flip-flops. BISS includes positive pulse generator, footed dynamic inverter and keeper. SPICE simulations validate the approach. Experiments show minor overhead in terms of area. BISS can yield 80% error coverage at the cost of 22% area overhead. As its prominent advantage, insertion of BISS will incur minimal performance degradation.
Shades of Green: Business, Regulation, and Environment

How much does regulation matter in shaping corporate behaviour? This in-depth study of 14 pulp manufacturing mills in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand reveals that steadily tightening regulatory standards have been crucial for raising environmental performance. But while all firms have shown improvement, some have improved more than others, many going substantially beyond compliance. What explains the variation in compliance? It's not necessarily the differences in regulation in each country. Rather, variation is accounted for by the complex interaction between tightening regulations and a social license to operate - especially pressures from community and environmental activists - economic constraints, and differences in corporate environmental management style. This book provides a systematic empirical study of why firms achieve the levels of environmental performance that they do.
Efficiency Optimization of Class G Amplifiers: Impact of the Input Signals

Class G amplifiers are an effective solution to increase the audio efficiency for headphone applications, but realistic operating conditions have to be taken into account to predict and optimize power efficiency. In fact, power supply tracking, which is a key factor for high efficiency, is poorly optimized with the classical design method, because the stimulus used is very different from a real audio signal. Here, a methodology has been proposed to find class G nominal conditions. By using relevant stimuli and nominal output power, the simulation and test of the class G amplifier are closer to the real conditions. Moreover, a novel simulator is used to quickly evaluate the efficiency with these long duration stimuli, i.e. ten seconds instead of a few milliseconds. This allows longer transient simulation for an accurate efficiency and audio quality evaluation by averaging the Class G behavior. Based on this simulator, this paper indicates the limitations of the well-established test setup. Real efficiencies vary up to ±50% from the classical methods. Finally, the study underlines the need to use real audio signals to optimize the supply voltage tracking of Class G amplifiers in order to achieve a maximal efficiency in nominal operation.