Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Industrialisation of a Finite Element Active Human Body Model for Vehicle Crash Simulations

The Total HUman Model for Safety (THUMS), developed by Toyota, is a numerical finite element model of the human body to enable studies of vehicle accidents by computer aided simulations. Recently a new muscle package, referred to as the SAFER Active Human Body Model (AHBM) which provides the THUMS with active muscle response, was developed in a PhD project at Chalmers University of Technology. This enable studies of pre-crash events, such as emergency braking. The objective of this thesis is to industrialise the SAFER AHBM used by the automotive industry to make it a reliable tool in development. Industrialisation of the model, in this context, includes making the model easier to use, solving numerical instability issues when entering the crash phase, reducing computational time, and calibration and validation of the industry version of the SAFER AHBM. A method for positioning the SAFER AHBM was developed to aid the user when evaluating new driving scenarios. The positioning is conducted via a constraint based simulation where the model is placed in the desired position by prescribing nodal displacements. The model was also calibrated and validated with respect to experimental data from volunteers in a pre-crash scenario. Calibration was done using a radial basis function meta-model which was sampled by two Design of Experiment (DOE) iterations consisting of 48 and 24 simulations, respectively. The parameter test matrix was constructed using a space-filling design algorithm with the controller gains as parameters. The goal functions for the calibration and validation were head rotation, head vs. sternum relative X-displacement, belt force, steering wheel force and frequency content of all responses. Positioning of the model is done with high precision by prescribing displacements (rotations) for key nodes in the model, e.g. ankles, wrists, head, neck, spine and hips. After the simulation is completed the user has the possibility to extract element stresses which can be used as input to a new simulation starting from the positioned state. This enables both seat squashing and positioning to be done in one simulation. Calibration of the model resulted in seventeen new controller gains for the PID-control system which improved the model response compared to experimental data. The model response now is within one standard deviation for all the goal functions (except head rotation for which it over rotates slightly) and exhibits a stable response towards small perturbations. It was found that the muscle control system is very sensitive and easily experiences closed loop instability, especially for variations in the derivative gain. The model was also shown to complete a full pre-crash crash simulation without termination due to numerical instabilities.
Determinants of Gratuity Size in the Czech Republic: Evidence from Four Inexpensive Restaurants in Brno

Abstract The paper presents the results of the first study exploring what factors influence tipping in restaurants in the Czech Republic. It shows that the tipping norm evolved here into a form that has some features similar to the tipping norms known in the USA, Canada, and Israel, but there are also striking differences. As in the three countries, the gratuity increases with the bill size but the gratuity as percentage of the bill is much lower here. The bill size explains here a lower part of the gratuity variability too. Also, the service quality results in customers being more generous with their tips, and though the increase in gratuity seems to be small, it rises with a group size. Strikingly, the regular patrons tip significantly less in the Czech Republic and they stiff more often. This supports the hypothesis that the relationship between the customer frequency and the gratuity size is an artifact of a missing variable, and the regular patrons tip differently because they belong to a different social group than occasional customers. Also, the customers paying by card stiff more often here and the interaction between the amount on the bill and use of payment card is statistically insignificant. The group size lowers the percentage gratuity, which supports the diffusion of the responsibility hypothesis. There are differences between genders: Male customers leave bigger tips than female customers, and female waitresses earn more than their male colleagues. The time spent at the table, consumption of alcoholic beverage, and smoking do not change the gratuity size but it may be affected by the weather conditions. The customers tip less and stiff more often when they order a lunch special. They round the total expenditures, not the gratuities, which creates the magnitude effect.
Facile fabrication of metal–organic framework HKUST-1-based rewritable data storage devices

Metal–organic framework (MOF) HKUST-1 coated Cu electrodes synthesised by a quick and scalable anodic dissolution process and assembled into a sealed, symmetrical, two electrode coin cell configuration are shown to demonstrate redox-based data storage behaviour. The observed behaviour is confirmed to be definitively due to the HKUST-1 itself as opposed to the underlying Cu/CuO electrode surface by demonstration of the same effect using HKUST-1/PVDF composite coated carbon fibre electrodes. This data storage behaviour is attributed to the immobilisation of a fixed number of electrically accessible Cu cations within the porous HKUST-1 framework that are in the vicinity of the electrode surfaces and their ability to undergo facile Cu2+/+ redox interconversion as a function of the potential applied across the electrodes. This proposed redox-based mechanism for the observed data storage effect has never previously been reported for MOF-based devices. Optimisation of electrolyte composition, electrolyte concentration and electrode separation results in “on”/”off” current densities of the order of 1 mA cm−2, an “on” : “off” ratio of ∼5, “on”/”off” states stable to at least 10 consecutive reads, rewritability that persists over 6000 cycles, and the storage of data that can still be read hours after writing. The resulting data storage devices are more stable to successive reading and can be rewritten many more times than other previously reported pure MOF-based devices.
Assessment and experimental passive treatment of zinc-rich net alkaline minewaters, Nent Valley, UK

The Nent Valley has experienced more than two hundred years of intensive lead and zinc mining activity that ended in the early 1900’s. Consequently the River Nent is presently impacted by five metalliferous mine water discharges and the vast quantities of spoil and tailings material situated along the banks of the river represent diffuse sources of contamination. Elevated zinc concentrations that typically exceed the EQS (Environmental Quality Standard) limit of 0.5mg/l for a river of this type have led to a lack of fish and invertebrates in the main river. The mine waters are typically net-alkaline with zinc concentrations ranging from 1-8mg/l and sulphate concentrations around 200mg/l. The mine waters also contain lower concentrations (<1mg/l) of other ecotoxic metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic. Previous attempts at zinc removal from net-alkaline mine waters using conventional compost wetland technology have proved unsuccessful because of the predominance of carbonate-bound zinc species at neutral pH. A passive treatment scheme for these mine waters has been developed with the support of computer geochemical modelling. This treatment mechanism relies on zinc removal by precipitation as the carbonate (smithsonite (ZnCO3)) following calcite dissolution under closed-system conditions in a sealed limestone bed. The treatment system has been tested both in the laboratory and the field with promising results. It is hoped that with development this technology may provide a cheap and effective method for removing zinc from net-alkaline mine waters passively.
Toxicity and Neurotoxic Effects of Monoterpenoids: In Insects and Earthworms

The insecticidal activity of several monoterpenoids from essential oils was evaluated against insect pests. Toxicity tests illustrated the bioactivity of d-limonene, α-terpineol, β-myrcene, linalool, and pulegone against insects, including the house fly, the German cockroach, the rice weevil, and the western corn rootworm. Bioassays were conducted to assess their toxicity via topical application, fumigation, ingestion, and ovicidal exposures. Growth, reproduction and repellency were also evaluated in the German cockroach. Non-invasive electrophysiological recordings were used with an earthworm to investigate neurotoxic effects of the monoterpenoids. Relevant monoterpenoid bioassay results in the literature are also discussed.
Genetic diversity of Ligula intestinalis (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) based on analysis of inter‐simple sequence repeat markers

In order to investigate the genetic diversity of Ligula intestinalis populations, nine inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were applied to populations from nine geographical areas around the world and 10 host species. The 110 loci selected from the ISSR patterns produced revealed high variability among the analysed samples, with a polymorphism of 100% and a global coefficient of gene differentiation estimated by Nei’s index (GST) of 0.776. Major genetic differentiation was found to be correlated to five broad geographical regions (Europe, China, Canada, Australia and Algeria). Nevertheless, no significant genetic variation was found among European isolates, although they originated from disparate geographical localities and/or unrelated hosts. Classical classification methods: maximum parsimony and factorial correspondence analysis were compared with an advanced statistical method: the self-organizing map (SOM). The results demonstrated that the ISSR approach is rapid and inexpensive and provides reliable markers to assess genetic diversity of L. intestinalis. Furthermore, SOM artificial neuronal networks are considered to provide an efficient alternative tool for mapping the genetic structures of parasite populations. Resume Dans cette etude, nous avons analyse la variabilite genetique de differentes populations de Ligula intestinalis. Pour cela, 9 marqueurs des repetitions intermicrosatellites (ISSR) ont ete selectionnes et appliques a des echantillons collectes dans 9 regions geographiques du monde et dans 10 especes hotes. Les patrons ISSR ont genere 110 loci et montrent une forte variabilite avec un polymorphisme de 100% et un coefficient global de differenciation de gene estime par l’indice de Nei (GST) de 0.776. Nous trouvons une forte differentiation genetique entre 5 groupes qui correspondent a 5 larges regions geographiques (Europe, Chine, Canada, Australie et Algerie). Neanmoins aucune variation genetique significative n’a ete retrouvee parmi les echantillons Europeens, bien qu’ils soient originaires de differentes localites geographiques et/ou de differents hotes. Les methodes de classification classique : Maximum de parcimonie (MP) et l’Analyse Factorielle de Correspondance (AFC) ont ete comparees avec une methode statistique recente : les cartes auto-organisatrices (SOM). Les resultats montrent que l’approche ISSR que nous avons utilisee fournit des marqueurs fiables capables de discriminer entre differentes populations de Ligula. Les SOM representent un outil alternatif efficace pour etablir la structure genetique des populations de parasites.
Osmopriming improves tomato seed vigor under aging and salinity stress

This study investigates the effects of osmopriming on tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum M.) hybrid seed vigor under aging and salinity stress. Tomato seeds of the ZZ1 hybrid variety, stored for four years under natural (aged) or -20°C (unaged) conditions were primed in 10% (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution for 2 d at 20±1°C in the dark. The seed vigor was evaluated at 25±1°C for 7 d under normal (water) and 100 mM NaCl conditions, respectively. Results show that the germination percentage (GP), germination index (GI) and mean germination rate (MGR) of primed, aged seeds were significantly enhanced with a substantial increase in the radicle length (RL), shoot length (SL) and total fresh weight (FW) compared with unprimed aged seeds. Similarly, the GI, MGR and FW significantly increased in primed seeds compared with unprimed seeds under salinity stress, while GP, RL and SL did not show significant differences. Furthermore, a decline in the relative electrolyte leakage (REL) and in malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected in primed seeds during the imbibition stage compared with unprimed seeds under aging and salinity stress. The negative correlations between seed vigor and REL and MDA were observed which suggests that seed priming improves seed vigor under stress conditions associated with a decrease in seed lipid peroxidation.
Effect of corporate ability and reputation on organizations' performance and CSR

The purpose of this research is to study the effect of corporate ability and corporate reputation on corporate organizations’ performance and corporate social responsibility of SMEs in Northern Region of Thailand. It was found that corporate reputation had direct effect on CSR and corporate organizations’ performance, while corporate ability had direct effect on CSR but had indirect effect on organizations’ performance through corporate reputation. Key words: Corporate ability, corporate reputation, corporate organizations’ performance, CSR.
ILC for functional electrical stimulation of human arms

In this report the design of an ILC controller suitable for control of a human arm is explained. The goal of this project is to help hemiplegic patients in their rehabilitation. Hemiplegia is a condition where patients have a (partial) paralysis of one side of the body. A new technique for their rehabilitation will be developed. This technique makes use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) to move a paralysed arm. Functional electrical stimulation means that muscles are being provided with electrical stimulation so that at the very time of stimulation the muscle contraction has a functional purpose. This technique will be applied to assist hemiplegic patients in doing movements they cannot do on their own, giving these patients the practice they need to rehabilitate. For the purpose of designing this control system, a model of a human arm is made. Measurements in the time domain show that the model of a human arm is in reality highly nonlinear. However, in literature frequency domain measurements show that the frequency domain behaviour of a muscle can be modelled by linear second order critically damped dynamics. These models use the muscle recruitment as input, this is a nonlinear function of the real input variable. Combining the muscle model with the inertia they move gives a fourth order model. The achievable bandwidth of a feedback controller applied to this system is limited by the speed of the muscle dynamics. Since these dynamics are quite slow, the controlled system will be quite slow as well. A system controlled only using a feedback controller will therefore not be very accurate. Since for this application repeated movements will be made. A control scheme making use of iterative learning control (ILC) can be applied. ILC makes use of knowledge from previous trials to improve the controller output. This makes it possible to control the movement with increasing accuracy. A P-type ILC controller making use of zero-phase filtering is tuned for this purpose. While tuning the ILC controller, special care has been taken to make the controller very robust for changes in the plant gain. These changes are of great importance, because these are the changes that are expected due to fatigue. Another source of errors are disturbances. ILC controllers cannot counteract errors that were not present in previous trials. Therefore, when tuning the controller, it must be taken into account that the ILC controller leaves out the error caused by disturbances as much as possible. These two problems are counteracted by lowering the convergence speed of the ILC controller, slightly overdoing the noncausal time shift and using a conservative cut-off frequency for the low-pass filter. The designed control system was tested in practice by doing an experiment is similar to what hemiplegic patients will have to do. The ILC controller combined with the feedback controller gives an improvement in tracking accuracy of about a factor 4 compared with only a feedback controller. This makes the application very successful.
The Effects of Consequentiality in Binary- and Multinomial-Choice Surveys

We examine the effect of respondent of consequentiality on a split-sample binary-choice/multinomial-choice stated-preference survey. We fail to observe the knife-edge results predicted in the consequentiality literature in the binary-choice data but do observe them in the multinomial-choice data. In the multinomial-choice data, only respondents who believed the survey was at least somewhat likely to affect future policy behaved consistently with theoretical predictions. Overall, we conclude that failing to control for perceived consequentiality can lead to false conclusions regarding marginal effects and welfare estimates. This is true in both the binary- and multinomial-choice contexts.
Improving demand forecasting in the air cargo handling industry: a case study

ABSTRACT Air transportation plays a crucial role in the agile and dynamic environment of contemporary supply chains. This industry is characterised by high air cargo demand uncertainty, making forecasting extremely challenging. An in-depth case study has been undertaken in order to explore and untangle the factors influencing demand forecasting and consequently to improve the operational performance of an air cargo handling company. It has been identified that in practice, the demand forecasting process does not provide the necessary level of accuracy, to effectively cope with the high demand uncertainty. This has a negative impact on a whole range of air cargo operations, but especially on the management of the workforce, which is the most expensive resource in the air cargo handling industry. Besides forecast inaccuracy, a range of additional hidden factors that affect operations management have been identified. A number of recommendations have been made to improve demand forecasting and workforce management.
Assessment of Biochemical and Antimicrobial Activity of Bacteria Associated with Fermented Locust Beans in Manyare Community of Kogi State, Nigeria

A fermented locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) is one of the most popular food condiments in region of Western and Southern African. It is one of the major sources of plant protein in African diet. Raw seed were prepared in the traditional African way by boiling them for 6 h to soften the seed coat; and for another 1 h to soften the cotyledon. The boiled seeds were immediately transferred into a basket line with banana leaves and wrapped tightly to prevent heat loss. They were left at ambient temperature to ferment for 72 h. Total bacterial community of the seed was obtained by taking one gram and mashed with mortar and pestle, dissolve in 9 ml of distilled as diluents, then ten-fold serial dilution (10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8, 10-9 and 10-10) were made from this solution. Nutrient Agar was prepared and 0.1. ml of the inoculums was taken, inoculated and incubated at 30°C for 24 h. The bacterial isolates were identified by standard microbiological measures. The organisms isolated include; Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. The in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates was performed using the standardized disc agar diffusion. The physical characteristics observed in the organoleptic assessment include; color, taste, aroma and texture. The major constituents of fermented locust beans include; proteins, fats and carbohydrates. With the ever increasing cost of protein sources in Africa and other developing countries, the ferment is recommended for use as food condiment especially in soups to alleviating protein deficiencies and its associated diseases.
Dynamic Storage Assurance on Cloud Computing

Cloud computing investigate the problem of data security in cloud data storage, which is essentially a distributed storage system. Distributed storage integrity auditing mechanism, utilizes the homomorphic token and distributed erasure-coded data. The proposed design allows users to audit the cloud storage with very lightweight communication and computation cost. The auditing result not only ensures strong cloud storage correctness guarantee, but also simultaneously achieves fast data error localization, i.e., the identification of misbehaving server and recover the corrupted data. Considering the cloud data are dynamic in nature, the proposed design further supports secure and efficient dynamic operations on outsourced data, including block modification, deletion, and append. Analysis shows the proposed scheme is highly efficient and resilient against Byzantine failure, malicious data modification attack, and even server colluding attacks. With the advent of data storage and new technology trends that result in new failure modes for storage, interesting challenges arise in ensuring data integrity and security. In this paper, we discuss the cause of integrity violations and implementation issues to perform efficient integrity assurance. The main aim of this paper is to prevent the file from integrity violations and recovering the corrupted file with low cost overhead.
Institutional Variation in Enrollment of Low-income Students

Socioeconomic diversity in tertiary education has come under increased scrutiny over the past few years. Policy makers and practitioners within higher education have devoted greater attention to encouraging more low-income students to pursue a college degree. This paper estimates the influence of prices (both sticker-price and net price), financial aid policies, and selectivity on the matriculation decisions of low-income students, across postsecondary institutions. All three factors are significant in determining the representation of Pell grant recipients as a percent of an institution’s entering class. A focus on net price, while important, ignores the significant influence of sticker-price (shock), selectivity, and financial aid policies on low-income students’ enrollment decisions, particularly at private institutions.