Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Immungenicity and Cross-Neutralizing Activity of Enterovirus 71 Vaccine Candidate Strains

This study aimed to evaluate enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) vaccine candidate strains, including their genotypes, immunogenicity and cross-neutralization capacity. From clinical samples, EV-A71 strains were separated by using Vero cells. Six strains were chosen for vaccine candidates, and the sequences were analyzed. To detect the immunogenicity of the strains, we used them to immunize NIH mice at 0 and 14 days. Cytopathic effects (CPE) were examined to determine the EV-A71 neutralizing antibody (NTAb) titer 14 d after the first and second inoculations. To evaluate the cross-neutralizing capacity of the EV-A71 vaccine candidate strains, we tested serum immunized mice with ten EV-A71 genotype strains. Six EV-A71 vaccine candidate strains were identified, all belonging to sub-genotype C4, the prevalent genotype in China. The sequence similarity of the VP1 regions of the six candidate vaccine strains and three approved inactivated vaccines was 97.58%–97.77%, and the VP1 amino acid similarity was 98.65%–99.33%. Experiments were performed to evaluate the immunogenicity and cross-neutralizing activity of the EV-A71 vaccine candidate strains. The strains had good immunogenicity 14 d after two immunizations, inducing an NTAb titer ranging from 1:94 to 1:346. The NTAb seroconversion rates 14 d after one immunization were above 80% (except HB0007), and significantly increased immunogenicity of EV-A71 strains was observed post-inoculation. Furthermore, our candidate vaccine strains had broad cross-neutralizing activity after challenge with ten sub-genotypes of EV-A71. The highest NTAb titer/lowest NTAb titer ratios of sera against EV-A71 sub-genotypes were 8.0 (JS0002), 8.0 (JS0005), 21.3 (HB0005), 21.3 (HB0007), 10.7 (HB0040) and 8.0 (GD0002), respectively. Our EV-A71 strains had good immunogenicity and cross-neutralization activity, and have the potential to serve as vaccine strains for multivalent hand, foot and mouth disease vaccines.
Usage and Impacts of Technologies and Management Practices in Ethiopian Smallholder Maize Production

Maize yields can be improved through many individual technologies and management practices, but the full realization of potential benefits is generally understood to require integrated use of complementary practices. We employed two years of survey data and alternative econometric models to better understand the use of individual and bundled packages of technologies and management practices in Ethiopian maize production, i.e., fertilizers, improved varieties, herbicides, pesticides, manure, intercropping, erosion control and crop rotation (the last three labeled integrated management). Although fertilizer and improved varieties were used on 85% of maize fields, with average yields of 3.4 ton/ha, large yield gaps remain. Complementary management practices improved these yields by as much as 22%, although in variable ways. Integrated management contributed to maize yield only when combined with crop protection (herbicides and/or pesticides). Combining manure with fertilizer and improved variety decreased maize yields, possibly due to manure quality and less inorganic fertilizer used on fields that received manure. Packages including crop protection increased labor productivity by 16–70%, while using integrated management decreased labor productivity by almost half. In summary, the combination of management practices did not automatically lead to increased yields, partly related to the conditions under which practices were applied, indicating the need for site-specific research and recommendations for sustainable intensification.
Forward converter regulator using PWM controlled transformer

A new control scheme is implemented in a forward converter regulator using a controlled transformer. Pulse-width modulation (PWM) control is used to reset the control core of the controlled transformer. As a result, low-cost ferrite core can be used for the controlled transformer to achieve good regulation and high efficiency. Overall efficiency of 82-86% is achieved in a 200-kHz, 500-W, 5-V-output regulator. A PWM controlled-transformer regulator is particularly suited for high-output-current and/or high-output-voltage post regulator applications. <<ETX>>
Dual-loop slot array antenna radiating circularly polarised wave

An array antenna consisting of dual-loop slot elements with a simple feeding system is realised. Each dual-loop element has two loop slots that are simultaneously fed by a single triplate transmission line. A narrowed beam, of circular polarisation, with an axial ratio of less than 3 dB, is obtained over a 3% bandwidth. The measured radiation pattern agrees well with a pattern calculated using array theory.
A new analytic model for the description of the intrinsic oxide breakdown statistics of ultra-thin oxides

The degradation of thin gate oxide is described as the continuous generation of electron traps, until a critical electron trap density is reached, corresponding to the formation of a breakdown path. This process is described statistically resulting in an analytic expression of the intrinsic Weibull distribution as a function of trap density. It can be concluded that the slope of the distribution increases with increasing oxide thickness, because an increasing number of traps is required to form the breakdown path. Also, the critical electron trap density increases with oxide thickness because longer paths have a lower probability of being well oriented to cause breakdown.
Dissolution Hotspots in Fractures

The injection of reactive fluid into fractured reservoirs is relevant to many subsurface processes. During injection, fracture dissolution forms various patterns. Despite its importance, the evolution of geometries in radial fractures remains unexplored experimentally. Here, by flow‐visualization experiments, we characterize dissolution patterns and show that the patterns shift from compact to wormhole to uniform as flow rate increases. For the first time, we observe dissolution hotspots with maximum local dissolution rate in radial fractures, occurring at a distance from the inlet. We elucidate the key role of gravity for the occurrence of hotspots. The locations of hotspots correspond to the state that the effects of transport in the horizontal and vertical directions are comparable. We establish a theoretical model for predicting locations of hotspots in good agreement with experiments. This work demonstrates transitions of dissolution patterns in fractures and reveals the underlying mechanism for dissolution hotspots previously unidentified.
Efficiency of Green Supply Chain in the presence of non-discretionary and undesirable factors, using Data Envelopment Analysis

A new approach that has dominated the production operations management field in recent years is supply chain management. A supply chain includes all the facilities, tasks and activities involved in manufacturing a product from suppliers to customers. Its various elements are planning, supply and demand management, procurement of raw materials, production scheduling, distribution and delivery of products to the customer. Special structures in the supply chain have been less studied in previous research. In this paper, the supply chain and its performance evaluation are examined in the presence of non-discretionary, undesirable and negative data. For this purpose, another model of the network DEA is presented which evaluates performance of the chain in the presence of non-discretionary inputs and outputs, undesirable outputs and negative outputs even in its internal structure. The efficiency of the chain stages is also calculated using a dual model. Subsequently, 42 cement companies listed on the Tehran stock exchange were evaluated, each of which has a chain of four stages including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and customers. Based on the implementation of the model, six companies were found to be efficient and the rest were introduced as inefficient. Moreover, 25 cement companies in the Supplier sector, 18 companies in the manufacturing sector, seven companies in the distribution sector and finally 17 companies in the customer service sector were found to be efficient.
Boosting immunity to blackouts

There have been several key developments that make it conceivable that it would soon be possible to reduce the frequency and intensity of interconnected power system failures. System protection is one of the technologies undergoing radical changes that holds a strong promise that cascading system outages can be mitigated or even eliminated. The increasing use of digital relays that will allow the implementation of exciting new concepts has made this a strong possibility. In this article, we report on future concepts in power system protection, communication, wide area measurement systems (WAMS), system control, and electricity market considerations, Adding a summary of our own research in associated studies and our assessment of future investigations, our aim is to provide a blueprint for a secure power system infrastructure.
Generalidades del recurso eólico en Costa Rica: caso de estudio de la provincia de Cartago

La evaluación del recurso eólico es vital para el desarrollo e implementación de sistemas de aprovechamiento eólico para la generación de energía. Costa Rica no posee estudios por zonas de manera específica como se plantea, que permita a los profesionales en el área tomar decisiones en función del potencial y características del viento. Con el presente estudio se brinda por primera vez la caracterización del recurso eólico en la provincia de Cartago. La caracterización se realiza para la capa límite superficial, con datos medidos a 10 m de altura sobre el nivel del suelo tomando la magnitud de la velocidad y dirección del viento obtenidas de ocho estaciones meteorológicas. Durante la caracterización del recurso eólico se analizaron los datos de forma estadística y usando códigos computacionales que permitieron obtener resultados de la información colectada. Al procesar la información brindada por las estaciones meteorológicas se determina que los promedios de velocidades del viento se encuentran entre los 3 m/s y 5 m/s a una altura de 10 m sobre la superficie. Además, la intensidad de turbulencia se registra entre 15% y 30% y se determinaron dos periodos bien marcados en cuanto a la magnitud del viento, de noviembre a febrero para intensidades fuertes y septiembre a octubre para intensidades más bajas. Para la provincia de Cartago las direcciones que predominan son las componentes Norte o Este, siendo las dos componentes más recurrentes en los datos analizados.
Psychological Responses of Motorcar Drivers to Flashing Amber Lights at Signalised T-Intersections

The accurate and timely decision making of drivers is vital to ensuring public safety and reaching the destination in time. This paper presents a detailed comparison of the expectation of regulatory bodies in implementing flashing amber lights and explores the actual driver responses to flashing amber lights at a signalised T-intersection by taking speed variation as a proxy for their decision making. A survey was conducted at a signalised T-intersection during the operation of flashing amber lights to measure the speed variation. Time-distance and speed gun techniques were used to collect speed data of motor cars. Results reflect those drivers show only a marginal response to flashing amber lights. Therefore, the intention of regulatory bodies that vehicles maintaining lower speed at a T-intersection with flashing amber lights was not satisfactorily fulfilled. The marginal response of drivers to flashing amber lights can be a leading cause of accidents occurring in signalised T-intersections at odd (night) hours.
Lean Six Sigma in SMEs: an exploration through literature review

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the researches reported in literature on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and determine the avenues by which lean anchorage can be improved in LSS implementation. Design/methodology/approach – The literature on lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and LSS was reviewed. The literature has been reviewed from four major perspectives. The findings of this review were used to find the methods for the improvement of lean anchorage. The proposed model is explained with a hypothetical case study. Findings – The major finding of the exploration reported in this article is that the lean anchorage in LSS process is found to be weak and it has to be enhanced for improving the effectiveness of LSS approach. The results derived from the hypothetical case study have been presented. Research limitations/implications – The researches on LSS from the perspective of implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises have been explored. But the lean anchorage method proposed could be extende.
Some Qualitative Properties of Modes of Continuous System of Two-Spans Beam with Two Free-Ends

In this paper we gave the conjugated system of the two-span beam with two free-ends, which is a continuous system of two-spans continuous beam with two clamped-ends. The oscillating property of the conjugated system is proved. And the sign interchanges number of the flexural moment modes are determined. Furthermore, some qualitative properties owned by its displacement modes, rotation modes, moment modes and shearing force modes are given.
Design procedure and modeling of high power, high performance, zero-voltage zero-current switched, full-bridge PWM converter

A general design procedure for the high power, high performance, zero-voltage zero-current switched full-bridge (ZVZCS-FB), PWM power converter is presented. Average and small-signal models of the power converter are developed. The former shows a decrease in loss of duty-cycle with increasing output power, whereas the latter reveals negative damping effects. Both effects are produced by the interaction between blocking capacitor and saturable reactor in the primary of the output transformer. Validation of design equations and model predictions is accomplished through numerical solution of steady-state nonlinear equations and experimental results from a 10 kW, multi-module, ZVZCS power converter operating at 100 kHz, and featuring power sharing and interleaving.
Directional couplers made of nonidentical asymmetric slabs. Part I: Synchronous couplers

We discuss TE and TM mode directional couplers made of nonidentical asymmetric slab waveguides. Approximate expressions are provided for the coupling coefficients of synchronous (no grating) couplers and their accuracy is checked by comparison with exact solutions that are based on solving the guided mode problem of the total structure consisting of the two slabs considered to be a single waveguide.
A novel modeling concept for multi-coupling core structures

Coupling inductors between two channels can improve both the steady state and dynamic performances of multi-channel interleaving voltage regulator modules (VRMs). However, the complicated electrical circuit model for the multi-coupling core structures prevents the coupling concept from being extended to integrated multi-channel core structures. This paper presents a novel circuit modeling concept that can be easily applied to different complicated multi-coupling core structures. Compared to conventional modeling methods, the proposed method involves fewer inductors. It is more directly related to the physical core structures and is easier to converge in computer simulation. Simulation results are presented to verify the validity of this modeling concept.
Early diagenesis at and below Vera Rubin ridge, Gale crater, Mars

Data returned by NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover showed evidence for abundant secondary materials, including Fe‐oxides, phyllosilicates, and an amorphous component on and below Vera Rubin ridge in the Murray formation. We used equilibrium thermochemical modeling to test the hypothesis that altered sediments were deposited as detrital igneous grains and subsequently underwent diagenesis. Chemical compositions of the Murray formations’ altered components were calculated using data returned by the chemistry and mineralogy X‐ray diffraction instrument and the alpha particle X‐ray spectrometer on board Curiosity. Reaction of these alteration compositions with a CO2‐poor and oxidizing dilute aqueous solution was modeled at 25–100 °C, with 10–50% Fe3+/Fetot of the host rock. The modeled alteration assemblages included abundant phyllosilicates and Fe‐oxides at water‐to‐rock ratios >100. Modeled alteration abundances were directly comparable to observed abundances of hematite and clay minerals at a water‐to‐rock ratio of 10,000, for system temperatures of 50–100 °C with fluid pH ranging from 7.9 to 9.3. Modeling results suggest that the hematite–clay mineral assemblage is primarily the result of enhanced groundwater flow compared to the Sheepbed mudstone observed at Yellowknife Bay, and underwent further, localized alteration to produce the mineralogy observed by Curiosity.
La Saône en crue : dynamique d'un hydrosystème anthropisé

Les crues et les inondations de la Saone sont a l'origine de la specificite ecologique du Val de Saone, a la fois element essentiel de la qualite du milieu et forte entrave pour les societes riveraines. Cet ouvrage a pour but de montrer la dynamique de la Saone en periode de hautes eaux, a plusieurs echelles spatiales et temporelles, des developpements tectoniques du Fosse bressan aux cellules des cernes annuels de croissance des arbres riverains. Le fonctionnement de la Saone est affecte par des processus geomorphologiques globaux et des changements climatiques majeurs a l'echelle de 1 000 a 10 000 ans. L'approche de l'ensemble du bassin versant et de l'histoire de l'utilisation de la riviere et de sa plaine inondable montrent les implications de la geologie et des amenagements sur les caracteres morphologiques et hydrologiques de la Saone. Fondements de la dynamique de la Saone en crue, ils permettent de marquer les heterogeneites longitudinales du cours d'eau, et de mettre en avant le contraste entre la Grande Saone horizontale, representative de l'image de la riviere, et la Saone aval, remarquable par la force des variables hydrologiques. Au niveau de ce dernier troncon de quelques kilometres, le lit de la Saone est affecte par des phenomenes de changement de trace a une echelle de 10 a 100 ans. L'analyse de l'evolution du lit depuis 1845 montre l'importance des milieux riverains et des iles dans un chenal tres fortement anthropise comme celui de la Saone, et par consequent le role des evenements annuels qui les affectent, a savoir les crues. L'etude precise de l'iles des Comtes et l'ile du Roquet montre enfin, a petite echelle, les interrelations entre les crues, les actions humaines et les caracteres morphologiques et hydrologiques de la Saone et permet d'observer l'influence des nouvelles conditions hydrologiques sur ses milieux riverains.
Heat Transfer to a Rotating Drum in an Annulus with a Stator Blade Row and Axial Throughflow

This paper describes an experimental and numerical investigation of heat transfer to a rotor drum rotating in an annulus with an axial throughflow of air. The application of the work is principally to the transient heating of axial compressor rotor drums, and the results obtained extend the range of previously published correlations by an order of magnitude. Rotational Reynolds numbers (Reω = ωri2/ν) up to 1.5 × 106 and axial Reynolds numbers (ReD = uaDh/ν, Dh = 2(ro – ri)) up to 3.7 × 105 have been achieved experimentally.A new experimental facility is described in which a 400mm diameter rotor drum, instrumented with miniature thermopile type heat flux meters and thermocouples, can be air turbine driven at up to 10000rpm. The drum rotates in an annulus with a gap of 30mm in which complete rows of stator vanes can be mounted to enable the effect of vane/rotor drum clearance to be examined. A correlation for the heat transfer between the rotor drum and a stator blade row is presented for varying axial and rotational Reynolds numbers and blade/rotor drum radial clearance.Copyright © 1992 by ASME
Cross-sectoral process modelling for smart city development

PurposeIntegration of city systems is needed to provide flexibility, agility and access to real-time information for the creation and delivery of efficient services in a smart and sustainable city. Consequently, City Process Modelling (CPMo) becomes an essential element of connecting various city sectors. However, to date, there has been limited research on the requirements of an ideal CPMo approach and the usefulness of available Business Process Modelling (BPMo) approaches. This research develops a framework for CPMo to guide smart city developers when modelling city processes.Design/methodology/approachData from literature analysis was gathered to derive capabilities of existing BPMo techniques. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted to thematically and qualitatively explore the requirements, challenges and success factors of CPMo.FindingsThe interview findings offered 17 requirements to be addressed by a CPMo approach, along with several challenges and success factors to be considered when implementing CPMo approaches. Then, the paper presents the results of mapping these requirements against 12 existing BPMo capabilities, identified from the literature, concluding that a significant number of requirements (which are mainly related to inputs and visualisation) have been left unfulfilled by existing BPMo approaches. Hence, developing an innovative CPMo approach is necessary to address the components of unfulfilled requirements.Originality/valueThe innovative framework presented in this paper justifies the CPMo requirements, which are unexplored in existing SCD frameworks. Moreover, it will act as a guide for smart city developers, to model cross-sectoral city processes, helping them progress their SCD road map and make their cities smart.
An effective corner detection method using subpixel edge detector and Gaussian filter

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective and reliable corner detection algorithm so as to extract all the desired corners successfully. In addition, the influences of edge detection method as well as smoothing technique on the overall performance of corner detection techniques are investigated.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, an effective corner detection algorithm based on subpixel edge detector and Gaussian filter is presented. First, a subpixel accuracy edge detector is used rather than a pixel accuracy edge detector to detect edges. Second, B‐splines approximation technique is used to eliminate the staircase effect of a digital curve. Third, curvature curve derived from the edges is smoothed by a Gaussian filter. Finally, statistical process control technique is applied to detect vertices.Findings – The results show that spatial‐moment outperforms chain code as an edge detector. Furthermore, the Gaussian filter should be used to smooth curvature curve instead of smoot.
Pilots' Attitudes to Cockpit Automation

This paper reports the results of a survey of UK civil pilots' attitudes to automation on the flight deck. The progressive automation of cockpit systems has been motivated by the requirement for more efficient, safer flight. However, increasing automation in civil cockpits has created much controversy. A confidential 78 item attitude survey was distributed to all licensed UK civil pilots (in excess of 11000). Attitudes were recruited on eleven areas from general attitudes to specific aspects of flying skills, workload, crew interaction, feedback, and training. Over 1372 completed questionnaires were returned with 572 from ‘glass cockpit’ pilots. The attitude responses from glass cockpit pilots were subjected to principal components analysis. This analysis identified four factors that account for over 31% of the variance. These factors address aspects of understanding, workload, skills, and design. The use of these data to help guide future developments in integrated cockpit automation will be discussed.