Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Just-in-time planning and scheduling of machining operations on parts: an illustrative case study

This paper presents a manufacturing case study that advocates the use of just-in-time operations planning and scheduling strategy for make-to-order machining jobs of the parts. The study concerns two simple parts that are to be produced through machining operations according to certain specifications of material requirements plan (MRP). The attributes of manufacturing steps comprising the two machining jobs are considered available from a previously performed preplanning stage. Three different scenarios on the availability status of machine items on the shop floor are taken into account: 1) numerous machines are continuously available for production during the scheduling horizon; 2) few machines are continuously available for production during the scheduling horizon; 3) few machines are intermittently available for production during the scheduling horizon. Machines availability data for the three scenarios of the case study are alternatively obtained from the shop floor controller. An integrated computer-aided process planning (CAPP) and computer-aided scheduling (CAS) software is employed to develop a cost-effective operations plan and operations schedule for manufacturing the parts under each machines availability scenario. It is observed that planning and scheduling solutions optimized for scenarios with higher availability of machines are unfeasible for scenarios with lower availability of machines. However, these solutions are less costly than the solutions obtained for scenarios with lower availability of machines. The conclusion is that just-in-time planning and scheduling is a convenient way to increase the quality of operations plans and operations schedules for make-to-order manufacturing.
Comparison of Medusahead-Invaded and Noninvaded Wyoming Big Sagebrush Steppe in Southeastern Oregon

Abstract Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae [L.] Nevski) is an exotic, annual grass invading sagebrush steppe rangelands in the western United States. Medusahead invasion has been demonstrated to reduce livestock forage, but otherwise information comparing vegetation characteristics of medusahead-invaded to noninvaded sagebrush steppe communities is limited. This lack of knowledge makes it difficult to determine the cost–benefit ratio of controlling and preventing medusahead invasion. To estimate the impact of medusahead invasion, vegetation characteristics were compared between invaded and noninvaded Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis [Beetle & A. Young] S. L. Welsh) steppe communities that had similar soils, topography, climate, and management. Noninvaded plant communities had greater cover and density of all native herbaceous functional groups compared to medusahead-invaded communities (P < 0.01). Large perennial grass cover was 15-fold greater in the noninvaded compared to invaded plant communities. Sagebrush cover and density were greater in the noninvaded compared to the medusahead-invaded communities (P < 0.01). Biomass production of all native herbaceous functional groups was higher in noninvaded compared to invaded plant communities (P < 0.02). Perennial and annual forb biomass production was 1.9- and 45-fold more, respectively, in the noninvaded than invaded communities. Species richness and diversity were greater in the noninvaded than invaded plant communities (P < 0.01). The results of this study suggest that medusahead invasion substantially alters vegetation characteristics of sagebrush steppe plant communities, and thereby diminishes wildlife habitat, forage production, and ecosystem functions. Because of the broad negative influence of medusahead invasion, greater efforts should be directed at preventing its continued expansion.
Housing supply and the interaction of regional population and employment

Housing markets may significantly affect the relationship between regional population and employment, if housing supply is not fully accommodative to demand. We analyse the relationships between housing supply, regional population and employment empirically in a three-equation dynamic model. Annual regional panel data are used for the Netherlands, where a strong tradition of spatial planning exists. We find that net internal migration is strongly determined by housing supply, whereas employment growth has no statistically significant impact. Growth of the housing stock is only moderately affected by population and employment, possibly as a result of restrictive spatial policies. Employment adjusts substantially towards a long-run relationship with the regional population. The analysis further indicates that labour markets drive this long-run adjustment more than local consumer demand. Hence, people follow houses rather than jobs, and jobs follow people in the long run.
Prey size spectrum and bioenergetics of the mixotrophic dinoflagellate Karlodinium armiger

We studied the functional and numerical response and prey size spectrum in the tube- feeding dinoflagellate Karlodinium armiger. Growth rates were very low when no food was supplied (0.01 to 0.06 d -1 ). When K. armiger was fed the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa triquetra and the crypto- phyte Rhodomonas salina, maximum growth rates (μ) were 0.48 and 0.55 d -1 and maximum ingestion rates were 215 and 597 pg C cell -1 d -1 , respectively. Much lower prey concentrations were required to saturate growth rates compared to the saturation of ingestion rates. The optimal prey size, in terms of ingestion rates, was ~13 µm, which is close to the size of the predator. Smaller prey (<8 µm) were ingested at low rates (20 to 24 pg C cell -1 d -1 ), but supported fairly high growth rates (0.35 to 0.45 d -1 ). No upper prey size limit for ingestion was found. Maximum growth rates at food saturation depended more on prey taxa (cryptophytes) than on prey size. K. armiger's large range of prey types, wide prey size spectrum and nutritional flexibility seem to make it a significant competitor in marine plankton.
Application of Virtual Reality in Colonoscopy

Introduction and Aim: Conventional colonoscopy is a gold standard method to diagnose colorectal internal lesions. However, this method has some problems because of which there is a necessity for substitution method. Virtual colonoscopy as a suggested method provides similar feeling of conventional colonoscopy for the endoscopy specialist through using virtual reality techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study is to inquire the usage of virtual reality in colonoscopy. Findings: Virtual colonoscopy uses techniques and image processing algorithms and simulation of images obtained of CT modality to create the same feeling as conventional colonoscopy. Conclusion: Although virtual colonoscopy has solved some of patients’ and specialists' problems, it cannot be used as a complete substitution method for conventional colonoscopy because of its limitations. In the future, it is hoped that the development of both artificial intelligent and virtual reality techniques results in creating more effective software that can be used as substitutions in performing conventional colonoscopy.
Crossing the Influence Gap: Clarifying the Benefits of Earlier Interest Group Involvement in Shaping Regulatory Policy

Extant literature demonstrates that interest groups impact regulatory outcomes at each stage in the rulemaking process. It is unclear whether earlier involvement during the pre-proposal stage affects a group's ability to influence outcomes during the notice and comment stage as well. This research addresses this gap, through an analysis of three case studies of rulemakings completed at the Environmental Protection Agency. The original interviews and public comment analysis illustrate a relationship between earlier involvement and influence during the notice and comment stage. Those interviewees that participated during the pre-proposal stage were more successful in receiving rule changes than those that did not. This suggests that scholars should analyze interest group involvement and impact across the rulemaking process to more effectively explain rulemaking outcomes and clarify group influence.
Design of Three Stage CMOS Comparator in 90nm Technology

A topology of a CMOS comparator circuitry employing three stages is proposed. In the design of Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), speed limiting element is the comparator. As comparator is one of the blocks that limits the speed of the converter, its optimization is crucial and important. This paper describes the schematic design of a three stage CMOS comparator. The main objective of the proposed project is to design a three stage CMOS comparator to achieve lower power dissipation and a lower offset voltage, with high-speed operation. Test structures of the comparator are designed using GPDK 90nm Technology with Cadence environment. Simulation results are obtained and it shows that the proposed design can work under 1.8V supply, with an offset voltage of 200mV, and a low power dissipation of 102. 3µW. Thus, an innovative circuit technique is implemented to overcome these limitations.
In vitro-in vivo Correlation for Poly (3-Hydroxybutyrate) Base Ibuprofen Extended Release Tablets

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop an in-vitro-in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) for two ibuprofen (IF) and extended release (ER) formulations and to compare their plasma concentrations. Materials and Methods: In vitro release rate data were obtained for each formulation using the USP apparatus 2, paddle stirrer at 100 rpm in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. In vitro samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection, and in vivo samples were analyzed using a HPLC assay an additional model dependent approaches for different types of release rate of IF was prepared for evaluating the external predictability. Results and Discussion: A Higuchi model optimally fits the in vitro data. The similarity factor (f2) was used to analyze the dissolution data. In vivo plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters in New Zealand rabbits were obtained after administering oral, Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose base ER formulations. A linear correlation model was developed using percent absorbed data and percent dissolved data from the two formulations. Conclusion: Linear regression analyses of the mean percentage of dose absorbed versus the mean in vitro release resulted in a significant correlation (r2>0.95) for the two formulations.
A Simple Approach to International Monetary Policy Coordination

This paper analyzes the strategic interaction between the monetary policies of two countries, in an intertemporal general equilibrium model with nominal rigidities and imperfect competition. It offers an excursus on non-cooperative towards cooperative solutions. All the results can be read by comparing the strength of the two biases: the monopolistic distortions and the terms of trade externalities. In the best feasible allocation, the larger country retains some monopolistic distortions while the smaller country reaches the competitive level.
Search for surface variations on TNO 47171 and Centaur 32532

We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of one Trans-Neptunian Object (TNO 47171 1999 TC 36 ) and one Centaur (Thereus also named 32532 2001 PT 13 ). Near-infrared data were acquired with the ISAAC instrument at one of the 8 m telecopes of the Very Large Telescope (VLT, ESO-Cerro Paranal, Chile), while visible data were obtained with the EFOSC2 instrument on the 3.6 m telescope of La Silla (ESO, Chile). These observations were performed to search for rotational variations for both targets. Water ice has been confirmed on both objects. The surface composition models of the targets are presented and discussed, and are also compared to previous observations available in the literature.
Transfer Pricing Challenges in the Cloud

Cloud computing - the provision of information technology resources in a virtual environment - has fundamentally changed how companies operate. Companies have quickly adapted by moving their businesses to the cloud, but international tax standards have failed to follow suit. As a result, taxpayers and tax administrations confront significant tax challenges in applying outdated tax principles to this new environment. One particular area that raises perplexing tax issues is the transfer pricing rules. The transfer pricing rules set forth the intercompany price a cloud service provider must charge an affiliate using its cloud services, which ultimately affects in which jurisdiction the company’s profits are taxed. This Article argues that the fundamental features of cloud computing exacerbate some of the more difficult transfer pricing problems that already exist. Specifically, due to the nature of the cloud, the current transfer pricing rules give U.S. multinational enterprises substantial freedom to shift profits to low-tax jurisdictions and avoid tax in the United States in a practice commonly referred to as base erosion and profit shifting, or “BEPS. ” This type of aggressive international tax planning often results in stateless income – income that disappears for tax purposes. As such, it has become a pressing problem worldwide that poses a serious risk to tax sovereignty, tax fairness, and the integrity of the corporate income tax. In response to significant political pressure resulting from these undesirable tax policy results, the OECD has launched an action plan to address the BEPS problem. Although an important first step, the OECD’s work falls short of coming up with an innovative solution that will restore taxation on stateless income. In response, this Article recommends that, given the features of this new business environment, an international tax reform solution that adopts formulary apportionment or the profit-split methodology on a coordinated global basis would better address BEPS and minimize the undesirable policy results of our current transfer pricing rules.
A novel 17 bp indel in the SMAD3 gene alters transcription level, contributing to phenotypic traits in Chinese cattle

Abstract. SMAD3, the messenger of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway, plays essential roles in myogenesis and osteogenesis and may relate to the regulation of body weight. In this study, a 17 bp indel (NC_007308: g.101893_101909insGAGGATGAGTGCTCCAG) in intron3 of the SMAD3 gene was detected in four Chinese cattle breeds (Qinchuan, Jiaxian, Nanyang and Caoyuan) by using DNA pool sequencing, and its effects on gene expression and growth traits were analyzed in Qinchuan and Caoyuan cattle. The results showed that the indel locus was significantly associated with SMAD3 transcriptional levels where II genotypes had a higher value than DD genotypes in Qinchuan (QC) cattle muscle tissue (P
Handgrip and functional capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients

Introduction: In the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) both pulmonary and systemic condition increase dyspnea, intolerance to exercise and inactivity. Objective: To evaluate possible association between Hand Grip Strength (HGS) and the distance covered in the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Methods: A cross-sectional study that evaluated 34 patients with COPD from moderate to very severe stages. The HGS test was performed with a manual hydraulic dynamometer (Jamar®, California, USA) with three bilateral measures, allowing 60-seconds rest time in-between measurements. Afterwards, the patients were submitted to the 6MWT along a 30-meters level corridor following the rules of the American Thoracic Society. Results: Average age 62.7±7.2 years old, body mass index 26.7±6.9 Kg/m². The value of the HGS in the dominant hand was 28.0±8.7 Kgf and in the non-dominant hand was 26.7±7.7 Kgf (99.2% of the predicted value and 106.3% of the predicted value, respectively). The subjects covered in average 421.0±110.4 meters in the 6MWT and there has been detected direct and significant correlation between the distance covered and the HGS of the dominant hand (r=0,430; p=0,011) and non-dominant (r=0,502; p=0,002). The patients with COPD that presented lower HGS also covered less distance in the 6MWT. Conclusion: The hand grip strength was directly associated with the functional capacity assessed through the distance covered in the Six-Minute Walk Test in the evaluated trial.
A Comparative Evaluation of the Economic Contributions and Uses of Strychnos cocculoides and Schinziophyton rautanenii Fruit Trees to Poverty Alleviation in Mile 20 Village of Namibia

In Namibia, plant foods including indigenous fruits are amongst the most important non-timber forest products. Indigenous fruits constitute an important source of livelihood for the people of Rundu Rural West constituency and as such this study compared two species: Strychnos cocculoides and Schinziophyton rautanenii and assessed which species contribute more to the households’ cash income and food source so as to encourage its promotion. The study further assessed the traditional and other uses of Strychnos cocculoides and Schinziophyton rautanenii fruits and products. The study focused on Mile 20 Village in the Kavango region of Namibia. The study adopted an emergent, exploratory, and inductive qualitative approach and a triangulation method comprising of self-designed household survey questionnaire, interview and observation methods were employed in gathering data. To get the target sample from the three hundred households’ population, the village was stratified into four zones of North, South, East and West. Simple random sampling was used to select thirty-one households from all the zones. The study findings indicates that Strychnos cocculoides contribute to households’ cash income only, while Schinziophyton rautanenii contribute both to cash income and to food. Chi-square test showed that there is significant differences (P=0.05) in the sources of the contributions of households cash income (? 2 = 36.516, df = 6, P=0.001) as well as the contributions of Schinziophyton rautanenii to cash income and food source (? 2 = 11.645, df = 1, P=0.001). The results further indicate a wide range of products can be obtained from these two fruit trees species. Some of these products are identified as medicinal, firewood, crafts and oil.
A Review of Indoor-Outdoor Scene Classification

Indoor-Outdoor scene classification problem have been proposed for almost 20 years and widely applied to general scene classification, image retrieval, image processing and robot application. But there is no consensus on one particular scene classification technique that can solve the Indoor-Outdoor scene classification problem perfectly. As larger image dataset has been developed and machine learning technology especially deep learning based methods achieve remarkable performance in computer vision, we aim to provide guidance and direction for researchers to tackle the Indoor-Outdoor scene classification problem with more powerful and robust solution through concluding the Indoor-Outdoor scene classification approaches which have been proposed in last 20 years. In this paper, we review the Indoor-Outdoor scene classification including feature extraction, classifier and related dataset. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. At last we conclude some challenging problems remain unsolved and propose some potential
The Emergence of Teacher Leaders through Professional Development.

The PUMP Algebra Project was a systemic effort in a mid-size urban city focusing on professional development of middle school mathematics teachers, which had a long-term goal of enabling more minority students to be algebra-ready by the end of 8th grade. The development of teacher leaders was not a targeted focus of the Project; it was a major unanticipated benefit of the Project. Through summer content and pedagogical courses, academic year seminars, and classroom-level support, teachers began to provide leadership in their buildings with regard to four PUMP classroom strategies: emphasizing that mathematics is for all; engaging students in worthwhile mathematical tasks; enhancing students' mathematical discourse; and involving students in collaborative mathematical activities. These teacher leaders also played key roles in their district in revamping their lowest level high school mathematics courses, integrating technology into instruction, and adopting broader approaches to assessment. PUMP teachers also emerged as leaders in the Urban League-sponsored after-school and summer algebra programs for middle school students, a big brother/sister after-school mathematics mentoring program, the collaborative design of an applied mathematics student module with Caterpillar engineers, and the creation of an affiliate mathematics education group of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). (Contains 12 references.) (Author/MVL) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) O This docuMent has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. The Emergence of Teacher Leaders Through Professional
Identification of Fatty Acid Profiles in Bovine (Bos Indicus) Saliva using Gas Chro- matography in Context of Estrus Detection

Improving estrus detection in female bovine is required to ensure successful mating, here saliva which is a complex body fluid containing several different electrolytes which is acting as pheromone cues for olfactory communications. Earlier reports revealed that free fatty acids (FFA) seems to function as pheromones in mammals and also it can be present in urine, saliva, faeces and sebaceous glands may serve as the basis for individual distinction. Based on the above information, the present work is planned to identify the fatty acid profiles in the different reproductive phases by gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detector. In the present study 55 fatty acids were identified among them 15 belongs to saturated fatty acids (SFAs), 24 are monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and 16 are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Among the fatty acid identified, palmitic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, nonadecyclic acid, oleic acid, trans-7-palmitoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid were showed maximum levels during estrus phase. Further, many reports informed that the concentration of certain salivary fatty acids are seemed to be high in ovulatory phase of human female saliva, which indicating that the saliva may be considered as a parameter for the detection of ovulation. Hence, the present study concluded that these estrus fatty acids produced from the female saliva may act as an indicator for estrus detection.