Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micro/nano-patterned metal transfer using UV-curable polymers

This study was aimed at developing a metal-transfer technique to fabricate micro/nano metal patterns by using the adhesion force between metal layers and polymer surfaces. The force was generated by partial curing on a UV-curable polymer surface. This polymer contained glycido methacrylate, polyurethane diacrylate (PU-2) and O2-sensitive initiators, and was polymerized by covering it with an O2-permeable film under UV irradiation. Another UV-curable polymer, containing isobonyl acrylate, hexa-acrylated PU (PU-6) and O2-insensitive initiators, was utilized as the master mold. A layer of gold, pre-coated on the mold, was adhered to the partially cured intermediate layer, transferring gold patterns onto the intermediate layer. A scanning electron microscope, an optical microscope and atomic force microscopy were used to inspect the transferred yield and morphology of the gold patterns. A force–distance evaluation was also carried out to explore the adhesion force of the surfaces. The results show that the partially cured polymer can maintain the morphology of the pattern after a short period of irradiation and still displays its adhesive property on its surfaces. Instead of using the traditional photolithography and the lift-off process, the technique was performed to fabricate some complex patterns having micro and nano features, and interdigital electrodes, giving the potential for direct printing of microelectrodes and flexible circuits.
An Application of Proportional-Resonant Controller in MMC-HVDC System under Unbalanced Voltage Conditions

This paper presents an application of proportional-resonant (PR) current controllers in modular multilevel converter-high voltage direct current (MMC-HVDC) system under unbalanced voltage conditions. The ac currents are transformed and controlled in the stationary reference frame (αβ-frame). Thus, the complex analysis of the positive and negative sequence components in the synchronous rotating reference frame (dq-frame) is not necessary. With this control method, the ac currents are kept balanced and the dc-link voltage is constant under the unbalanced voltage fault conditions. The simulation results based on a detailed PSCAD/EMTDC model confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
The influence of external forces, institutional forces, and academics' characteristics on the adoption of positive teaching practices across Australian undergraduate engineering

This study investigates how academics' personal beliefs, perspectives on institutional forces, and perspectives on external influences relate to their teaching and learning decision-making. Using a national-level survey of Australian engineering academics (n = 591; 16% of Australia's engineering academics), analyses investigate (1) how influences external and internal to the university environment vary across characteristics of academics, and (2) how academics' characteristics, organizational features, and external drivers relate to issues informing academics' teaching and their actual teaching practices. External and internal influences differed across academics based on their individual characteristics and university contexts, and academics' individual characteristics explained the greatest variability in their teaching considerations and practices. For external influences (e.g., accreditation), promoting awareness of educational goals for undergraduate engineering-as opposed to forcing outcomes into course planning-relates to more desirable teaching and learning practices. No internal institutional policy driver related to teaching practice variables. This study points to informed, professional development that seeks to capitalize on academics' personal interests and characteristics and assists in helping them understand how curricula and outcomes may better align to help student learning. Findings support working from a bottom-up model of change to improve the teaching and learning culture within engineering programs.
Statistical Earthquake Frequency Analysis for Western Anatolia

In order to apply a statistical earthquake frequency analysis to western Anatolia, the area has been restricted within coordinates 36.50o-40o North and 26.00o-30.00o East. Data used in the analysis belong to the instrumental period from 1.1. 1900 to 10.11. 2006 (Ms ≥ 4.0). The earthquake record was assumed to be representative of longer periods and the possibility of clusters of seismicity or of extreme magnitude events were ignored. The study area has been divided into eight zones with different seismotectonic properties. All computations have been performed for these zones separately. The earthquake magnitude series is termed as the instantaneous peak over the threshold (POT) and the series of the largest earthquake magnitude per year in a zone as the annual maximum (AM). POT and AM series of the surface wave magnitude (Ms) are obtained from the catalog of the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI) of Bosphorus University. Exceedance probabilities and return periods of earthquakes of various magnitudes have been calculated for each zone. This paper discusses the comparative assessment of four advanced distributions to provide accurate and reliable earthquake estimates for all sub-regions in western Anatolia. The models compared are the Exponential (EXP), Extreme value distribution Type 1 (Gumbel) (GUM), Log Pearson Type 3 (LP3), and Generalised Pareto (GP). Model parameters are estimated using the method of moments and the quantitative assessment of each model is based on the Anderson Darling Test results and quantile estimation of each model. On the basis of these comparisons, it is concluded that the GP and GUM distributions are most appropriate for describing the peaks over the threshold earthquake series and annual maximum earthquake data in western Anatolia. The results show that b values in the computed magnitude-frequency relations range from 0.40-0.76. These results are supported by previous studies of the Aegean and surrounding area (Papazachos 1990; Oncel & Wilson 2004; Sayil & Osmansahin 2007). The highest b value has been obtained for Zone 7 (Gokova Gulf). As a result of the GUM, EXP and GP models, Zone 8 has the lowest risk for magnitude 7.0 and longest return periods; however, LP3 model results show that Zone 7 has the lowest risk for magnitude 7.0 and the longest return period.
Impact of Pak-US Relationship News on KSE-100 Index

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of Pak-Us relationship news on Karachi Stock Exchange-100 index. This study contributes to the knowledge of market practitioners in understanding the risk associated with KSE returns in connection with the Pak-US relationship News. In order to carry out the present study, we have used the event study method of research. The study focuses on six events as a sample and analyzes their impact on KSE-100 index. The findings of the study reveal that Pak-US relationship news events do have significant impact on KSE-100 index. Our findings are in line with the previous studies done by Eagle and Ng (1993) & Tzachi, Z (2003). Research Limitations\Implications - Some events of significant importance such as US elections couldn’t be included because the Index was frequently freezed due to global depression during 2008; these events could have enrich this study.
Measuring de facto versus de iure political institutions in the long-run: a multivariate statistical approach

In this paper we use the components of the PolityIV project’s polity2 and Vanhanen’s Index of Democracy indicators to analyse the relationship between de iure and de facto political institutions from 1820 until 2000 with a canonical correlation method, and a correction for the sample selection bias, caused by the change in the number of available countries. We find considerably fluctuation in the relationship between the two measures and that much of the observed correlation is due to the sample selection bias. The relationship becomes strong and positive only in the second half of the 20th century.
Application of PULL and CONWIP in Construction Production Systems

One of the main characteristics of construction is that work flows through temporary production systems from the start to the end of a project. The way the production system is designed has a major influence in the outcome of the project. This paper presents a case study on rebar that illustrates how the application of PULL and CONWIP techniques can drastically improve value delivered. Benefits include reduction in physical inventories, an increase on transparency across the production system, reduction in variability levels for both demand and supply, lead time reduction, and better collaboration amongst stakeholders.
Climbing the Taxonomy Ladder with Help from the Keyword Method

The keyword method is a mnemonic device used to improve memory. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the keyword method can facilitate higher-order learning and whether the interactive image component of the keyword method is necessary. Participants were asked to study 18 psychologists and their concepts. Undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: an own best method control group, and three variations of the keyword method. The variations in the keyword method were related to the “interactive image” aspect of that strategy. The dependent measures measured whether the keyword method can facilitate higher order-learning levels as defined by Bloom’s taxonomy. Descriptively, all mnemonic conditions outperformed the own best method (control) group on both matching and higher-order learning measures. However, only one statistically significant difference emerged, perhaps due in part to limited sample size. Based on effect sizes, the findings suggest that the traditional keyword method can facilitate higher-order learning. Also, the effect sizes imply that the interactive image component is not necessary in lower level learning such as “remembering” but the interactive image component is necessary for retention in higher levels of learning such as “understanding” and “applying. ” Descriptively, the keyword method can facilitate higher-order learning, but variations of the interactive component cannot and are less likely to improve memory compared to the keyword method.
The formulation and evaluation of culinary success factors (CSFs) that determine the palatability of food

The aim of the research reported here was to analyse palatability. In the first part of the study, renowned chefs in the Netherlands were interviewed about their most successful dishes to search for 'common denominators'. In total 18 chefs were inter- viewed and 63 dishes were analysed. Six product characteristics were found that were present in at least 80% of the described dishes: (i) name and presentation fit the expectation; (ii) appetizing smell that fits the food; (iii) good balance of flavour components in relation to the food; (iv) presence of umami, also called the fifth basic taste; (v) in mouthfeel a mix of hard and soft textures; and (vi) high flavour richness. It was hypothesized that palatability is determined by the presence of each of these culinary success factors (CSFs). In a second study, a Michelin-star chef was asked to develop three series of dishes each with a specified main ingredient. Every series consisted of one dish based on the CSFs and two variants, in which systematically one of the CSFs was left out, under the condition that the dish was still restaurant- worthy. In a tasting these nine dishes were served to a group of 26 experienced restaurant guests. In the tasting, the dishes in which most CSFs were united were preferred to the variants. It is concluded that the formulated CSFs can help chefs in the development of new dishes and improvement of existing ones.
ROADSIDE BAC, ALCOHOL USE AND DRIVER RECORD

This study was designed to identify consistencies among drinking and driving measures from three sources: a roadside survey, a subsequent interview, and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records. Data pertain to 362 drivers recruited at late-night, weekend roadside surveys. Relationships were noted among the three sets of data, in that the roadside BAC, DMV records, and self-reported alcohol use and drink-driving behaviours show strong associations. Multiple regression analyses indicate that measures of usual drinking and drink-driving behaviors effectively predict roadside BAC. However, self-reported weekend drinking is not a predictor of weekend nocturnal roadside BAC nor are scores on an alcohol problem scale. The data suggest that future studies should address: (1) drivers' BACs at times other than late-night Fridays and Saturdays, to determine whether these are also more closely related to usual drinking patterns; and (2) more detailed investigations of the immediate circumstances preceding drinking-driving, ie natural histories of decisions to drink and drive. These studies should also be conducted on both weekdays and weekends and should concentrate on reasons both for drinking and for motorists' decisions to drive after drinking. (a) For the record of the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no 868581.
Adopting Computer-Based Assessments: The Role of Perceived Value in Classroom Technology Acceptance

Computer based assessments (CBA) have increasingly become a popular tool for educators to test students’ knowledge of course material because of the many advantages it confers. However, research on its perceived value and satisfaction among students has found mixed results, with some test takers’ attitudes ranging from enthusiasm at being able to complete exams and retrieve test results whenever they want, to others actively disliking its use. As yet, the reasons for the same remain unclear. What is clear is that unmotivated or discontented students’ negative evaluations of CBA could overtime lead to a discontinuance of its usage in classrooms. Understanding the drivers of students’ continued usage of CBA is therefore key to the future use of this technological innovation and the goal of this research. To this end, the study utilized the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)—a model specifically built to understand the adoption of software technology—to the classroom adoption of technology context. Using quantitative survey data from 111 students who were assessed using CBAs, the study examined the role of the UTAUT constructs of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions in predicting students’ continuance intention for CBA. Findings found a direct effect of UTAUT’s core constructs of performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions on continuance CBA intention. Interestingly, students’ perceived value of CBA partially mediated the effect of these constructs on continuance intention. The results of the study, therefore, point to a single, new, global construct—perceived value of CBA— that predicts whether students prefer classroom technology.
A Pump-Controlled Circuit for Single-Rod Cylinders that Incorporates Limited Throttling Compensating Valves

Valve-controlled hydraulic actuation systems are favored in many applications due to their fast response, high power-to-weight ratio, and stability under variable working conditions. Efficiency, however, is the main disadvantage of these systems. Pump-controlled hydraulic actuations, on the other hand, eliminate energy losses in throttling valves and require less cooling. Furthermore, they inherently hold the ability to recover energy from assistive loads. Pump-controlled circuits for double-rod cylinders are well developed and are implemented in many industrial applications, including aviation. However, pump-controlled circuits for single-rod cylinders usually experience performance issues during specific modes of operation. In this paper, a new circuit using two valves to compensate for the differential flow of single-rod actuators is proposed. The compensating valves provide limited throttling over the differential flow only in critical operating regions to alleviate unwanted velocity oscillations. They have a minimum throttling effect in all other operating regions to preserve the efficiency. The new circuit has been experimentally evaluated. Its performance has also been compared with three other previously proposed circuits. The proposed circuit displays an improved performance, besides being capable of energy regeneration.
Onset and Progression of Serpentinization and Magnetite Formation in Olivine-rich Troctolite from IODP Hole U1309D

Serpentinization of olivine-rich troctolite from core 227, Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Hole U1309D ranges from 10 to 90. Two episodes of serpentinization are recognized. The first, dominant in weakly serpentinized samples, is an approximately isochemical (except for water) replacement of olivine (Fo(8485)) by a mixture of serpentine (antigorite, Mg-number 92) and brucite (amakinite-rich; Mg-number 65). The compositions of the minerals in type 1 veins are a reflection of FeMg exchange between olivine and the brucite serpentine formed during early serpentinization. The early serpentinite veins (type 1) are thin ( 005 mm), irregular, and exploit pre-existing cracks in olivine. The presence of antigorite suggests that early serpentinization occurred at T 300C. Type 1 veins reflect rock-dominated serpentinization, became isolated early in their history, and persist as relicts in all but the most altered samples. The main episode of serpentinization is manifested by through-going lizardite (average Mg-number 96)magnetite veins (type 2). Type 2 veins define an anastomosing foliation, may be several millimeters in width and appear to exploit pre-existing, favorably oriented type 1 veins. Type 2 veins reflect open-system serpentinization. Magnetite in these veins formed by oxidation of the Fe in brucite and serpentine, whereas addition of silica to the system converted the Mg-component of the brucite to serpentine. Magnetite forms one or more distinct bands in the interior of the vein and is never in direct contact with relict olivine. A bruciteserpentine mixture, similar to that found in type 1 veins, but with lizardite instead of antigorite, is commonly present at the margins of type 2 veins (i.e. where they are in reaction contact with relict olivine). We interpret type 2 veins as a steady-state system where brucite continually forms at the olivinevein contact and then reacts out in the interior of the vein. This continual formation and destruction of brucite imposes an exceptionally low a(SiO2) on the system. Magnetite and olivine are never in contact in type 2 veins (or anywhere else) because the olivine-out reaction yields ferroan brucite and not magnetite. The desilication of serpentine in the type 2 veins is a reflection of the inherent instability of Fe-rich serpentine with respect to magnetite at low silica activity. Thus, the composition of serpentine in equilibrium with magnetite in serpentinites is a function of serpentinemagnetite and not serpentineolivine equilbria.
When micro-swimmers get a spring in their stroke

The fundamental mechanisms underlying swimming at the micro-scale have important consequences on biological systems or the fabrication of micro-fluidic devices. In this analytical work we demonstrate that a mechanical bead-spring micro-swimmer can undergo two regimes of swimming, where the swimming velocity decreases or counter-intuitively increases with the viscosity. We show that it is the elasticity of a mechanical micro-swimmer which dictates this crucial phenomenon. Furthermore, it is generally ignored in the literature that naturally occurring swimmers are often flexible. To model this phenomenon, we allow the beads of our micro-swimmer to be weakly deformable and show that such flexibility also leads to a positive or negative impact on the propulsion of the swimmers.
FUTURE WIP LEVEL FORECASTING IN A WAFER FABRICATION FACTORY WITH A HYBRID FUZZY AND NEURAL APPROACH

For an efficient work-in-process (WIP) control in a factory, accurately forecasting the future WIP level in the factory is an important task. For this purpose, a hybrid fuzzy linear regression (FLR) and back propagation network (BPN) approach is proposed in this study. In the proposed approach, multiple experts construct their own fuzzy multiple linear regression models from various viewpoints to forecast the future WIP level. Each fuzzy multiple linear regression model can be converted into two equivalent nonlinear programming problems to be solved. To aggregate these fuzzy WIP level forecasts, a two-step aggregation mechanism is applied. At the first step, fuzzy intersection is applied to aggregate the fuzzy WIP level forecasts into a polygon-shaped fuzzy number, in order to improve the precision. After that, a back propagation network is constructed to defuzzify the polygon-shaped fuzzy number and generate a representative/crisp value, so as to enhance the accuracy. A real example is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. According to experimental results, the proposed methodology improved both the precision and accuracy of WIP level forecasting by 53% and 24%, respectively.
CONTRIBUTION OF PRIMARY SPIKES VS TILLERS TO TOTAL DEOXYNIVALENOL IN HARVESTED GRAIN OF WHEAT AND BARLEY

Formation of higher number of tillers is desirable for higher grain yield in both wheat and barley; ti llers have delayed physiological development. Studies addressing the contribution of secondary tillers in fi nal DON concentration for wheat and barley are limited. This project aims to improve our understanding of the relationship between FHB symptoms and DON concentration by examining the contribution of primary spikes and secondary tillers as it relates to the f inal DON concentration. Experiments, established as splitsplit plot design with five replications, was be co nducted in South Dakota with moderately resistant a nd susceptible cultivars of each spring wheat, winter wheat and barley. Two inoculation time treatments was applied; at the anthesis of primary spikes (Feekes 10.5) and at anthesis of tillers (Feekes 11.2). Pri mary spikes (inoculated at Feekes 10.5) and tillers (ino culated at Feekes 11.2) were harvested separately, analyzed for visually scabby kernels and deoxynival enol following standard protocols. Levels of DON were statistically higher in main heads of barley and sp ring wheat in each cultivar compared to its tillers . In winter wheat, though there was higher DON level in tillers than main heads in each cultivar, it was not stati stically different. Based upon our result, it is suggested t hat cultivars with high tillers number should be se lected in breeding programs to develop cultivars with high yi eld and low DON. Similarly, planting density of wheat and barley can be adjusted such that it will result in higher numbers of tillers, increasing tillers propo rtion that might lower DON concentration in final harvest.