Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improvement of multi-machine power system stability by variable series capacitor (VSrC)

This paper presents a control technique of the variable series capacitor (VSrC) using a neural network (NN). The NN trains the dynamics of the fuzzy controller proposed by the authors. Therefore the NN can improve power system stability without load angle information with a difficult measurement. The training signals for the NN are obtained by the optimum fuzzy controller searched by genetic algorithm (GA). The effectiveness of this control method is verified by simulation results of a multi-machine power system.
A review of trial and real‐world data applying elements of a realist approach to identify behavioural mechanisms supporting practitioners to taper opioids

This evidence synthesis applying realist concepts and behavioural science aimed to identify behavioural mechanisms and contexts that facilitate prescribers tapering opioids. We identified relevant opioid‐tapering interventions and services from a 2018 international systematic review and a 2019 England‐wide survey, respectively. Interventions and services were eligible if they provided information about contexts and/or behavioural mechanisms influencing opioid‐tapering success. A stakeholder group (n = 23) generated draft programme theories based around the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. We refined these using the trial and service data. From 71 articles and 21 survey responses, 56 and 16 respectively were included, representing primary care, hospital, specialist pain facilities and prison services. We identified 6 programme theories comprising 5 behavioural mechanisms: prescribers' knowledge about how to taper; build prescribers' beliefs about capabilities to initiate tapering discussions and manage psychological consequences of tapering; perceived professional role in tapering; the environmental context enabling referral to specialists; and facilitating positive social influence by aligning patient: prescriber expectations of tapering. No interventions are addressing all 6 mechanisms supportive of tapering. Work is required to operationalise programme theories according to organisational structures and resources. An example operationalisation is combining tapering guidelines with information about local excess opioid problems and endorsing these with organisational branding. Prescribers being given the skills and confidence to initiate tapering discussions by training them in cognitive‐based interventions and incorporating access to psychological and physical support in the patient pathway. Patients being provided with leaflets about the tapering process and informed about the patient pathway.
Facile Synthesis of 1T-Phase MoS2 Nanosheets on N-Doped Carbon Nanotubes towards Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution

1T-phase molybdenum disulfide is supposed to be one of the non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction with the highest potential. Herein, 1T-MoS2 nanosheets were anchored on N-doped carbon nanotubes by a simple hydrothermal process with the assistance of urea promotion transition of the 1T phase. Based on the 1T-MoS2 nanosheets anchored on the N-doped carbon nanotubes structures, 1T-MoS2 nanosheets can be said to have highly exposed active sites from edges and the basal plane, and the dopant N in carbon nanotubes can promote electron transfer between N-doped carbon nanotubes and 1T-MoS2 nanosheets. With the synergistic effects of this structure, the excellent 1T-MoS2/ N-doped carbon nanotubes catalyst has a small overpotential of 150 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a relatively low Tafel slope of 63 mV dec−1, and superior stability. This work proposes a new strategy to design high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction catalysts.
The Efficacy of a Smectite-Based Mycotoxin Binder in Reducing Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity on Performance, Health and Histopathology of Broiler Chickens

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the efficacy of a smectite-based clay binder (Toxo-MX) in reducing the toxicological effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 450 one-day old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into three treatment groups with ten replicates of 15 birds each in a 42-day feeding experiment. The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC, a basal diet with no AFB1 and binder), a positive control (PC, a basal diet contaminated with 500 ppb of AFB1) and a smectite-based mycotoxin binder(Toxo-MX, PC with smectite clay binder). AFB1 challenge resulted in 14 to 24% depression in growth performance, elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), organ enlargement and immuno-suppression.As compared to PC, feeding of Toxo-MX improved the final weight (15%; p < 0.0001), average daily gain (ADG) (15%; p < 0.001) and feed efficiency of broilers (13%; p < 0.0003) but did not have any effects on liver enzyme activities. Supplementation of smectite claysignificantly increased serum globulin levels and reduced the weight of the liver (p < 0.05) as compared to AFB1-fed broiler chickens. The severity of lesions (inflammatory and degenerative changes) observed in the liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, and lymphoid organs in PC birds was reduced by feeding smectite clay. The immuno-suppression caused by AFB1 was moderately ameliorated in Toxo-MX groupby stimulating the production of antibodies against IBD at day 42 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of a smectite-based mycotoxin binder to the diet containing AFB1 improved growth performance, reduced toxicological effects in liver and improved humoral immune response in broilers, suggesting its protective effect against aflatoxicosis.
A real-time information processing algorithm for the evaluation and implementation of ATMS strategies

One component of the overall intelligent vehicle highway system (IVHS) is the advanced traffic management system (ATMS). An ATMS functions as the central nervous system of the overall transportation system, receiving and combining inputs from a variety of standard (on-street loops, operator-inputs) and advanced technology (image processing, in-vehicle probes) sources. Evaluation of ATMS strategies involves simulation of large systems of traffic actuated controllers and, ultimately, development of dynamic 'real-time' optimization strategies. In general, existing simulation and optimization tools were developed for 'off-line' analysis and typically impose restrictions on the types of signal control systems which can be simulated. This paper focuses on development of a 'real-time' information processing algorithm, based on a macroscopic, platoon-based model of traffic flow, for the evaluation of systems of coordinated and uncoordinated traffic actuated controllers. <<ETX>>
Role of bicarbonate and volume therapy in the prevention of acute kidney injury in rhabdomyolysis: a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study

Background Although bicarbonate has traditionally been used to treat patients with rhabdomyolysis at high risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), it is unclear whether this is beneficial. This study compared bicarbonate therapy to non-bicarbonate therapy for the prevention of AKI and mortality in rhabdomyolysis patients. Methods In a propensity score-matched cohort study, patients with a creatine kinase (CK) level of >1,000 U/L during hospitalization were divided into bicarbonate and non-bicarbonate groups. Patients were subgrouped based on low-volume (<3 mL/kg/hr) or high-volume (≥3 mL/kg/hr) fluid resuscitation in the first 72 hours. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the impacts of bicarbonate use and fluid resuscitation on AKI risk and need for dialysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. Volume overload and electrolyte imbalances were assessed. Results Among 4,077 patients, we assembled a cohort of 887 pairs of patients treated with and without bicarbonate. Bicarbonate group had a higher incidence of AKI, higher rate of dialysis dependency, higher 30-day mortality, and longer hospital stay than the non-bicarbonate group. Further, patients who received high-volume fluid therapy had worse renal outcomes and a higher mortality than those who received low-volume fluids regardless of bicarbonate use. Bicarbonate use, volume overload, and AKI were associated with higher mortality. Volume overload was significantly higher in the bicarbonate group than in the non-bicarbonate group. Conclusion Bicarbonate or high-volume fluid therapy for patients with rhabdomyolysis did not reduce AKI or improve mortality compared to non-bicarbonate or low-volume fluid therapy. Limited use of bicarbonate and adjustment of fluid volume may improve the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with rhabdomyolysis.
Sizing Algorithm for a Photovoltaic System along an Urban Railway Network towards Net Zero Emission

A reliable transportation system is essential for the development of a community. Especially in urban transportation, rail transportation is a faster, more comfortable way to travel for the commuters. These benefits can be valued further when the rail transportation system is with zero emissions. Electric trains can be considered a zero-emission transportation method. However, a rail transportation system operates with net-zero emissions when electricity is generated from zero-emission-based sources. Photovoltaic systems have already been integrated into railway stations and spare land owned by railways to achieve net-zero emissions. Furthermore, medium-voltage DC network and microgrid concepts have been proposed to incorporate more renewable energy sources into railway electrification systems. However, the energy generated from those systems is not enough to realise net-zero emissions, as the power requirements of an urban railway electrification system are high. Accordingly, this article investigates the possibility of implementing a photovoltaic system along the railway tracks to meet the energy demands of an urban railway electrification system so that net-zero emissions can be achieved. Other significant advantages of the proposed photovoltaic system are lower feeder losses due to distributed photovoltaic systems integrated into the railway electrification system, lower conversion losses due to the direct integration of the photovoltaic system into the railway electrification system, and the nonrequirement of additional space to install the photovoltaic system. In this paper, a photovoltaic system capacity sizing algorithm is proposed and presented by considering a railway electrification system, the daily schedule of trains, and historical photovoltaic weather data. This proposed photovoltaic system capacity sizing algorithm was evaluated considering a section of the urban railway network of Sri Lanka and a three-year, 2017-2020, photovoltaic weather data. The results indicated that the potential for photovoltaic generation by installing photovoltaic systems along a railway track is much higher than the requirement, and it is possible to meet the required train scheduling options with proper sizing. Furthermore, in the three-year analysis, it is possible to achieve 90% of the energy required for the railway electrification system with effective train scheduling methods.
Fatty Acid Metabolism and Derived-Mediators Distinctive of PPAR-α Activation in Obese Subjects Post Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surger (BS) is characterized by lipid metabolic changes as a response to the massive release of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) from adipose depots. The study aimed at evaluating changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) metabolism and biosynthesis of the lipid mediators N-acylethanolamines (NAE), as indices of nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α activation. The observational study was performed on 35 subjects (27 female, 8 male) with obesity, undergoing bariatric surgery. We assessed plasma FA and NAE profiles by LC-MS/MS, clinical parameters and anthropometric measures before and 1 and 6 months after bariatric surgery. One month after bariatric surgery, as body weight and clinical parameters improved significantly, we found higher plasma levels of N-oleoylethanolamine, arachidonic and a 22:6-n3/20:5-n3 ratio as evidence of PPAR-α activation. These changes corresponded to higher circulating levels of NEFA and a steep reduction of the fat mass. After 6 months 22:6-n3/20:5-n3 remained elevated and fat mass was further reduced. Our data suggest that the massive release of NEFA from adipose tissue at 1-Post, possibly by inducing PPAR-α, may enhance FA metabolism contributing to fat depot reduction and improved metabolic parameters in the early stage. However, PUFA metabolic changes favor n6 PUFA biosynthesis, requiring a nutritional strategy aimed at reducing the n6/n3 PUFA ratio.
Construction of the cardinality principle through counting: critique and conjecture

ABSTRACT Development of the cardinality principle, an understanding that the last number-word recited in counting a collection of items specifies the number of items in that collection, is a critical milestone in developing a concept of number. Researchers in early number development have endeavored to theorize its development. Here we critique two widely respected hypotheses that explain cardinality-principle development as building on young learners’ ability to subitize small numbers. These hypotheses consider subitizing to be the basis of cardinality-principle development. We argue that there is a qualitative and significant difference between subitizing and the cardinality principle and that the explanation provided are insufficient to account for a change of this magnitude. We then propose a conjecture intended to better explain this change. The conjecture describes counting as the medium for a series of reflective abstractions leading to the cardinality principle.
Displacement Monitoring of Structures Using Laser Image Displacement Method

Based on image processing technology, a laser spot identification method of bridge displacement monitoring was proposed. A laser device is affixed on the monitored object and projects a laser spot onto a projection panel. When the object moves, the laser device and the laser spot move along with it. The motion trail of the laser spot on the projection panel is recorded by a webcam. The displacement of the object is obtained by analyzing the motion trail of the laser spot. Many experiments had been conducted; the results show that this method has high accuracy. We hope to find a low-cost and high accuracy method for bridge displacement monitoring by
DESIGNING A HANDLED TRACKBALL FOR SEATED COMPUTER TASKS

ABSTRACT The study determined an optimal handle posture for the handled device from a combination of three forward angles (0°, 15°, and 30°) and lateral angles (0°, 15°, and 30°). The device was also compared with a usual table trackball for basic operation properties. Operational performance of ten subjects using the device to execute tasks of target acquiring, stability control, and obstacle avoidance was measured for each forward and lateral angle design, accompanied by subjective fatigue and usability evaluations. The results found that the forward 30° and lateral 30° combination reached the top cursor movement performance without imposing undue fatigue to the operator. The study suggests using the forward 30° and lateral 30° handled trackball as the optimal design solution to maintain performance for seated computer operation. A handled trackball mounted on a seat was developed aiming at future use in vibration environments.
THE ROLE OF CORPORATE CULTURE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES

Achieving economic development of the enterprise is enabled by the efficient use of resources, efficient processes and, last but not least, a suitable corporate culture. Under the influence of a dynamically changing business environment, corporate culture is gaining in importance and justification. It needs to be monitored and evaluated together with “hard” business indicators. The research explores the key values that should be applied in corporate culture at the strategic level to support the economic development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The differences between small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the industrial sector in Slovakia are defined. As managers have a direct impact on the creation of corporate culture, their preferences regarding corporate culture are examined, using the methodology of Cameron and Quinn. The results of the research prove the preference for applying key values typical for a clan culture. Following the results, it is recommended managers to focus on supporting a clan culture that develops employees. It is the employees who create and build values, bring new, innovative ideas, and with their abilities and skills influence the performance, competitive advantage, economic development, and success of the entire enterprise as well as economic development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Two electrical models of the lead-acid battery used in a dynamic voltage restorer

Two electrical models of a lead-acid battery, a short-term discharge model and a long-term integrated model, were used to investigate the system performance of a battery-supported dynamic voltage restorer (DVR). The short-term model provides a simple but effective description when the DVR compensates voltage sags over a short period. The integrated model can predict accurately the terminal voltage, state of charge, battery capacity and gassing current. It gives a good description of the battery response during both discharge and charge. Parameters of both models can be determined easily from measured battery output voltages obtained from load-step tests. Both models were successfully implemented in EMTDC/PSCAD and interfaced with the digital model of a 10 kVA DVR physical prototype. They gave a very close agreement between extensive experimental data and simulation results. Application issues such as current harmonics and microcycles during charge/discharge are discussed with respect to their impact on loss of capacity and reduced lifetime of the lead-acid battery.
Performance-driven control of nano-motion systems

The performance of high-precision mechatronic systems is subject to ever increasing demands regarding speed and accuracy. To meet these demands, new actuator drivers, sensor signal processing and control algorithms have to be derived. The state-of-the-art scientific developments in these research directions can significantly improve the performance of high-precision systems. However, translation of the scientific developments to usable technology is often non-trivial. To improve the performance of high-precision systems and to bridge the gap between science and technology, a performance-driven control approach has been developed. First, the main performance limiting factor (PLF) is identified. Then, a model-based compensation method is developed for the identified PLF. Experimental validation shows the performance improvement and reveals the next PLF to which the same procedure is applied. The compensation method can relate to the actuator driver, the sensor system or the control algorithm. In this thesis, the focus is on nano-motion systems that are driven by piezo actuators and/or use encoder sensors. Nano-motion systems are defined as the class of systems that require velocities ranging from nanometers per second to millimeters per second with a (sub)nanometer resolution. The main PLFs of such systems are the actuator driver, hysteresis, stick-slip effects, repetitive disturbances, coupling between degrees-of-freedom (DOFs), geometric nonlinearities and quantization errors. The developed approach is applied to three illustrative experimental cases that exhibit the above mentioned PLFs. The cases include a nano-motion stage driven by a walking piezo actuator, a metrological AFM and an encoder system. The contributions of this thesis relate to modeling, actuation driver development, control synthesis and encoder sensor signal processing. In particular, dynamic models are derived of the bimorph piezo legs of the walking piezo actuator and of the nano-motion stage with the walking piezo actuator containing the switching actuation principle, stick-slip effects and contact dynamics. Subsequently, a model-based optimization is performed to obtain optimal drive waveforms for a constant stage velocity. Both the walking piezo actuator and the AFM case exhibit repetitive disturbances with a non-constant period-time, for which dedicated repetitive control methods are developed. Furthermore, control algorithms have been developed to cope with the present coupling between and hysteresis in the different axes of the AFM. Finally, sensor signal processing algorithms have been developed to cope with the quantization effects and encoder imperfections in optical incremental encoders. The application of the performance-driven control approach to the different cases shows that the different identified PLFs can be successfully modeled and compensated for. The experiments show that the performance-driven control approach can largely improve the performance of nano-motion systems with piezo actuators and/or encoder sensors.
Impact of TAILORx on chemotherapy prescribing and 21‐gene recurrence score–guided treatment costs in a population‐based cohort of patients with breast cancer

The trial assigning individualized options for treatment (Rx) (TAILORx) confirmed the predictive value of the 21‐gene recurrence score (RS) assay in hormone receptor (HR)–positive, HER2‐negative, node‐negative breast cancer and established thresholds for chemotherapy benefit in younger and older patients. Real‐world chemotherapy use and RS‐guided treatment costs in British Columbia post‐TAILORx were examined.
Automated Vehicle Crash Rate Comparison Using Naturalistic Data

The fundamental objectives of the research described in this report are to improve the quality of the available data involving self-driving cars and to analyze existing data to better understand the relative crash rate of self-driving cars. Five research questions guided this analysis: (1) How many crashes go unreported to police or insurance? (2) Do unreported crash rates vary by location? (3) How is the comparison between crash rates for the Self-Driving Car and national crash rates affected by the percentage of unreported crashes and severity level? (4) How do crash rates vary based on street type and speed limit? (5) What are the factors contributing to unreported crashes?
Smooth tactile display in mouse using electro-rheological gel

In recent years, mice have been used widely as one of the important pointing devices of a computer. The mouse which has high performance and multiple functions is required in order to improve the usability of a computer. Some research which add a tactile display function to a mouse have been done, and mice with the tactile display using a vibrator have been put on the market. However. acoustic noise generated by the vibrator make its user uncomfortable. This article proposed and developed a new tactile display mouse using passive and fail-safe device called ERG (electro-rheological gel). First, the characteristics of ERG were measured through some experiments. From the results, it is found that the stiffness of ERG is an electrically controllable characteristic when ERG and the electrode is sliding. Then the device was incorporated into the click button of a mouse and evaluated through some identification tests by a human to identify the button's stiffness. In short, identification rate was over 90%. Consequently, the developed tactile display can successfully express a multi-level of tactile senses. Finally some application of the tactile display is also proposed.