Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of braking pressure on tribological performance of non‐asbestos brake shoe for mine hoister during emergency braking

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe some tribological experiments which were executed to find the influence of braking pressure on tribological performance of non‐asbestos brake shoe used in mine hoister during its emergency braking.Design/methodology/approach – The WSM‐3 non‐asbestos brake shoe, which has been widely used in mine hoister, was selected as experimental material. Some tribological experiments of the brake shoe sliding on 16Mn steel were investigated on the X‐DM friction tester by simulating of emergency braking conditions of mine hoister. Three kinds of tribological indexes: friction coefficient, stability coefficient of friction coefficient, and wear rate were considered to score the tribological performance and the morphology of worn surfaces were observed through the S‐3000N scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the tribological mechanisms.Findings – It was found first, that the instant friction coefficient is not constant during emergency braking. After a short cl.
Intangible resources in performance measurement systems of the hotel industry

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the value of intangible resources and, consequently, the importance of their integration into performance measurement systems applied in the hotel industry.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a thorough literature review, arguments draw on relevant theories in performance measurement in the hotel industry and the concept of intangible resources. Merging these two different concepts reveals new research areas.Findings – The literature review shows that even those integrated performance measurement systems that aim to include non‐financial measures do not necessarily capture intangible resources. Based on this finding, suggestions for extending performance measurement systems are made.Practical implications – This paper has significant implications for hotel managers, as it will allow them to broaden their perspective and include important performance drivers (i.e. intangible resources such as knowledge, motivation and social capital) in their performa.
Nonlinear Position Control with Augmented Observer in Brushless DC Motor

In this paper, position control using both a nonlinear position controller and a current controller with an augmented observer is proposed for a Brushless DC motor. The nonlinear position controller is designed to improve the position tracking performance based on the tracking error dynamics. The current controller is developed to track the desired currents generated from the desired torque, which is calculated based on the nonlinear position controller. The augmented observer is designed to obtain the knowledge of both state variables and disturbance. Closed-loop stability is proven through the Lyapunov theorem. Simulations were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Performance measurement in humanitarian supply chains

Recent humanitarian disasters, such as the Asian tsunami and Katrina, have pointed out the importance of supply chain management in dealing with the complex emergency situations and risks that humanitarian organisations are faced with. Although performance measurement is known to be crucial for performance improvement, little insight exists in how effective performance indicators can be selected in the humanitarian context. This paper adds to this insight through the use of an extensive literature review to identify necessary conditions for an effective performance measurement system. Subsequently, we conduct a case study at the Dutch filial of Medecins Sans Frontieres to investigate whether these conditions are met or not. It appears that the biggest challenges lie in data accuracy and the fact that the current set of performance indicators is not geared towards future improvement. As MSF is known for its emergency logistics performance, it is not unthinkable that other humanitarian supply chains struggle with the same issues.
Improving the Accuracy of Robot-Based Measuring System by Calibrating Laser-Stripe Scanner Model and Hand-to-Scanner Transformation

This paper focuses on the system for object inspection by use of a laser stripe scanner and an industrial robot. In order to ensure the precision of the scanning system, a one-stage calibration method is proposed. This scheme mainly utilizes a circular-marked board as calibration target and calibrated the scanner model and hand-to-scanner transformation simultaneously using the same reference points. Therefore the influences of the scanner calibration error on the hand-to-scanner calibration can be eliminated naturedly. Finally, some experimental results are reported and analyzed.
Development of hybrid algorithm based on simulated annealing and genetic algorithm to reliability redundancy optimization

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an application of the simulated annealing algorithm to the redundant system reliability optimization. Its main aim is to analyze and compare this optimization method performance with those of similar application.Design/methodology/approach – The methods that were used to compare results are the genetic algorithm, the Lagrange Multipliers, and the evolution strategy. A hybrid algorithm composed by simulated annealing and genetic algorithm was developed in order to achieve the general applicability of the methods. The hybrid algorithm also tries to exploit the positive aspects of each method.Findings – The results presented by the simulated annealing and the hybrid algorithm are significant, and validate the methods as a robust tool for parameter optimization in mechanical projects development.Originality/value – The main objective is to propose a method for redundancy optimization in mechanical systems, which are not as large as electric and electronic syst.
Eight-level programmable binary optics system using cascaded ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulators

We present a novel method for producing arbitrary valued, binary phase-only modulation from a commercially available ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator (FLCSLM) used in conjunction with simple polarization components. Three such stages can be cascaded together in an instrument capable of producing up to eight discrete, equally spaced levels of phase modulation. By using 128 by 128 pixel FLCSLMs a reconfigurable, pixellated, eight-level, optical phase modulator has been constructed which we refer to here as a programmable phase transformer (PPT). We report on the near diffraction limited performance of such an instrument when stopped down to 64 by 64 pixels in producing simple diffraction patterns and when used to generate asymmetric spot arrays in the Fourier plane of a lens. We also discuss the limitations of the current system and the projected improvements that will result from current and future developments in device technology and modulation schemes.
Smart robot that picks parts from bins

Purpose – To describe how one innovative company has developed software which teamed with a vision system allows an agile robot to be taught how to pick randomly place parts from a multi‐layered bin.Design/methodology/approach – Software, which runs on an industrial PC‐based computer platform, has unique algorithms, which can identify randomly placed 3D parts in a bin and calculate the path the robot needs to take to pick each part.Findings – The software has been successfully applied to picking many different part configurations, including odd‐shaped brackets, long slender vehicle axles, round brake rotors and cylindrical shaped pistons and other automotive housings.Practical implications – Vision‐guided robotic picking can now be more efficient and faster than manual part picking in many applications. Users need to rethink part picking.Originality/value – A long‐sought solution to quickly picking parts from bins is now a reality.
The Predictive Impact of Contextual Factors on Activity-based Costing Adoption

This study investigates the relationship among six contextual factors and activity-based costing (ABC) adoption in the United States to determine what extent they predict ABC adoption. The contextual factors are: (1) intensity of competition, (2) organizational size, (3) cost structure, (4) importance of cost information, (5) strategy, and (6) and industry sector. A survey was sent to 480 large companies or strategic business units (SBU’s) (sales greater than $50 million). ABC adoption for is 41.75%, which is significantly higher than previous studies for similar countries. Only cost structure is determined to be a significant negative predictor of ABC adoption.
Dynamic power management for embedded processors in system-on-chip designs

Dynamic power management (DPM), which exploits low-power states of the target device, has been a key research issue to overcome the limited battery life of mobile devices. For efficient power management, today's power management unit in a system-on-chip for mobile devices supports multiple low-power states for embedded processors. Unfortunately, the DPM policies implemented in modern operating systems are not appropriate for processors because they may not understand the idleness of the processor accurately. There may be significant performance degradation if the DPM policy module misunderstands that the processor is idle even when there are many interrupt requests to handle. A novel DPM scheme for embedded processors considering the system response time as well as power reduction is proposed. Experimental results show that the proposed DPM policy achieves performance improvement by up to 25% compared to a conventional DPM policy with a similar amount of power reduction.
Multisensor system for tunnel inspection

The system is aimed at assisting inspection and monitoring of the degradation of tunnels in order to minimize maintenance and repair time. ATLAS 70 is a complete sensors/software package which enables thorough diagnosis of tunnel wall conditions. The data collected locally are stored on a computer hard disk for subsequent analysis in a remote location via elaborate dedicated software. The sensors and local computer are loaded onto a rail and/or road vehicle of specific design, i.e. with even travelling speed of 2 to 5 km/h. Originally, the system has been developed for the Paris Underground Company and has since been applied to rail and road tunnels, large town sewage systems, clean water underground aqueducts and electric cable tunnels.
Fuzzy compensator design against windup of a magnetic actuator during milling operation

A fuzzy anti-windup compensator is proposed and applied to the embedded cylindrical-array magnetic actuator to ensure the superior performance of spindle position regulation for milling machines under actuator saturation. Since embedded cylindrical-array magnetic actuator is a type of active magnetic bearing, the supplied coil current and the induced magnetic force are both limited by the maximum current and power output of the active magnetic bearing and the associated amplifier. Once the magnetic actuator is saturated, the required control input cannot be realized by an embedded cylindrical-array magnetic actuator and may lead to drastic tremble of the spindle position. In this work, an anti-windup compensator, based on a fuzzy logic algorithm, is therefore proposed to rectify the control input to an embedded cylindrical-array magnetic actuator. By employing commercial software, MATLAB/Simulink, and signal processing interface, Module DS1104 by dSPACE, the efficacy of the fuzzy anti-windup compensation is practically verified by intensive experiments.
Accumulation of Metals by Vascular Plants

Describes a study carried out to evaluate the accumulation of heavy metals by two different vascular aquatic plants in the artificial wetlands which were constructed for the treatment of municipal wastewater in Berlin, Germany. The studied plants were Pharagmites australis and Schoenoplectus lacustris. The investigated metals were: Zn, Cr, Cu, Fe, Cd, Ni and Pb. The translocation of such metals in the plant roots, stems and leaves was also determined. The level of metals in the influent and effluent of the wastewater, as well as the sludge, was investigated. The concentration factor of each metal by plants and sludge was further studied. Results revealed that P. australis has a higher tendency for the accumulation of metals than S. Lacustris. The level of metals was higher in roots, followed by leaves, then stems. Metals were more concentrated in the sludge than in the plants. Further study showed that the levels of metals in plants grown in the artificial wetlands were higher than in those grown in a “co.
Charge Trapping in Sic Power MOSFETs and its Consequences for Robust Reliability Testing

Threshold voltage (VT) instability remains an important issue for the performance, reliability, and qualification of SiC power MOSFET devices. The direct application of existing reliability test standards to SiC power MOSFETs can in some cases result in an inconsistent pass/fail response for a given device. To ensure SiC MOSFET device reliability, some modifications to existing test methods may be necessary.
Combined Effect of Glutamine at Position 70 of HLA-DRB1 and Alaline at Position 57 of HLA-DQB1 in Type 1 Diabetes: An Epitope Analysis

study Abstract The contribution of specific HLA Class II alleles in type 1 diabetes is determined by polymorphic amino acid epitopes that direct antigen binding therefore, along with conventional allele frequency analysis, epitope analysis can provide important insights into disease susceptibility. Within our highly genetically heterogeneous patient cohort we identified a subgroup that did not carry the DRB1*03:01-DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01 and DRB1*04:xx-DQA1*03:01-DQB1*03:02 susceptibility epitopes DRB1 Q 70 , DQB1 L 26 and resistance epitopes DRB1 D 70 , R 70 and DQB1 Y 47 . Prevalence of susceptibility epitopes was higher in patients and was not exclusively a result of linkage disequilibrium. Epitopes DRB1 Q 70 , DQB1 L 26 and A 57 and a 10 amino acid epitope of DQA1 were the most significant in discriminating risk alleles. An extended haplotype containing these epitopes was carried by 92% of our patient cohort. Sharing of susceptibility epitopes could also explain the absence of risk haplotypes in patients. Finally, many significant epitopes were non-pocket residues suggesting that critical immune functions exist spanning further from the binding pockets.
Computationally Efficient Extended Kalman Filter for Nonlinear Systems

A computationally efficient extended Kalman filter is developed for nonlinear estimation problems in this paper. The filter is performed in three stages. First, the state predictions are evaluated by the dynamic model of the system. Then, the dynamic equations of the rectification quantities for the predicted states are designed. Finally, the state estimations are updated by the predicted states with the rectification quantities multiplied by a single scale factor. One advantage of the filter is that the computational cost is reduced significantly, because the matrix coefficients of the rectified equations are constant. It doesnt need to evaluate the Jacobian matrixes and the matrix inversion for updating the gain matrix neither. Another advantage is that a single scale factor is introduced to scale the model approximated error, leading to an improved filter performance. The excellent performance of the proposed filter is demonstrated by an example with the application to the estimation problems for the sensorless permanent magnet synchronous motor direct torque control system.
The use of UKCP09 to produce weather files for building simulation

Traditionally, hourly weather years such as the test reference years (TRYs) and design summer years (DSYs) have been used for building energy and thermal performance analysis. Until recently, these weather datasets were based on observed measurements, but the need to adapt buildings to the impacts of likely future climate change has introduced a requirement to incorporate climate projections, such as the UK Climate Projections (UKCP09), into building performance analysis. Four research projects, funded by the EPSRC, examined the use of UKCP09 data, and the associated Weather Generator tool, in producing weather files appropriate for building simulation. A methodology called ‘morphing’, previously used to create the currently available to practitioners, UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP02) based, CIBSE Future Weather Years, will also be discussed here as a potential alternative for the production of UKCP09-based weather files. This article reviews all above methodologies developed to produce weather files for building simulation, using the UKCP09 projections, and discusses their benefits and limitations as well as their ease of use by designers. Practical application: This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the various methodologies currently available for the production of future weather files for building thermal and energy performance simulation using the UKCP09 projections. This analysis aims to provide users with the benefits and limitations associated with each methodology and end product based on their accessibility, consistency with other currently used datasets, computational resources required and spatial availability.
The recurrent-continuant method of transfer function synthesis

It is shown that the ratio of input voltage to output voltage for any passive ladder type low-pass filter network is always a polynomial in the complex frequency s. This polynomial can always be written by inspection as a single determinant in the form of a recurrent. The recurrent determinant is then converted by elementary manipulation into an alternate form known as a continuant. The transfer function of any passive ladder type low-pass filter network can also be written by inspection as a single determinant in continuant form. The synthesis of such networks is thus reduced to the simple procedure of writing the given transfer function in recurrent form by inspection, use of simple arithmetic operations to change the recurrent into continuant form, and reading the numerical values of the network elements directly from the continuant.
DC-Brushless Servo System Without Rotor Position And Speed Sensor

A variable speed drive system is studied which consists of the inverter-fed permanent magnet field synchronous motor without a rotor position sensor and a rotating speed sensor. A method is explained, which determines the rotor position angles at a standstill or at rotating conditions and the speed at several conditions by measuring the instantaneous values of phase voltages and currents. The experimental results obtained by a prototype drive system without a rotor position and a speed sensor are compared with the those obtained by an ordinary DC brushless servo system with a rotor position sensor and a tachogenerator.
Novel multilevel inverter topologies for medium and high-voltage applications with lower values of blocked voltage by switches

In this study, novel multilevel inverter structures for medium and high-voltage applications are proposed. The proposed topologies can generate a great number of output voltage levels with more advantages. Firstly, a new symmetric cascade topology is presented which can be used in medium voltage applications. Then, based on the proposed symmetric structure, a new hybrid structure is recommended. The proposed hybrid structure can be used in high-voltage applications. The comparison between the proposed symmetric topology with conventional symmetric cascade topology and other non-conventional symmetric topologies are presented in terms of the number of insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), anti- parallel diodes, gate drivers and blocked voltage by switches. Moreover, the proposed topologies can be used in bidirectional power flow applications. The validity of the proposed multilevel inverter structures are veriﬁed with experimental and simulation results.
STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER UTILIZING THE PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSVERSAL EFFECT

Almost all piezoelectric transformers are used for step-up-type transformers and they are seldom used for step-down-type transformer. We have developed a novel step-down piezoelectric transformer utilizing the piezoelectric transversal effect. As this transformer can be driven with lower frequency than that utilizing the piezoelectric longitudinal effect, the driving circuit should be simple and the layout of input/output units should be easy. For example, when applied to a piezoelectric transformer utilizing rectangular piezoelectric ceramics with longitudinal expansion vibration mode, the gain of the transformer is controllable in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 just by controlling the ratio of the number of input/output layers. The maximum output power is 18 W/cm3 with 90% efficiency. Moreover, spurious vibrations such as slide mode and torsional mode can be inhibited by the layout of the input/output layers. © 1998 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 81(12): 23–28, 1998
Long-Endurance Multi-Function Floating Platform

Utilizing the wind power in high altitude to generate electrical power has significant meaningful while the pollution of environment of the planet is becoming worse and worse. Wireless aerial surveillance platform is very important to military surveillance, while present method costs too much. To meet the requirements mentioned above, a long-endurance multi-function floating platform is proposed in this paper. The long-endurance multi-function floating platform mainly consisted of four parts: the floating platform, the ground control base, the control box and the controller. Fuzzy-PID is used to control the movement of the rope, which connects the floating platform and the ground control base. A control strategy is made to reduce energy consumption of this system. A real system was built to demonstrate the feasibility of this paper.
The added value of facilities management: benchmarking work processes

Purpose – To provide a review of the various approaches to benchmarking and best practice facilities benchmarking techniques currently applied on the European Facilities Management Market.Design/methodology/approach – Using practical examples, the benchmarking methodologies for assessing the three main aspects of facilities service provision – i.e. process, quality and costs – are identified and discussed in the context of their relationship one to the other. The central mechanics and approaches to benchmarking are identified prior to a more detailed assessment of the various methodologies.Findings – The benchmarking techniques discussed are all applicable to derive benchmarks for comparison with industry standards. It recognises the pros and cons of each methodology and highlights the circumstances at which to best implement them.Practical implications – Facilities management is at different degrees of development in the EU member states and as such the benchmarking methodologies discussed in this paper .
Demographic Analysis of Route Choice for Public Transit

The objective of this study was to understand the behavioral differences between various demographic categories in their choice of public transit route. Until now, almost all models have been done for the population as a whole, but this study attempted categorical choice models. The origin-destination survey in the greater Montreal, Quebec, Canada, area was used. For each trip declared, a route choice set was made and then a descriptive analysis was performed. A discrete choice model was applied for six demographic profiles, made up of two genders and three age cohorts. The results showed different coefficients for various profiles. The categorical models could better predict the behavior of individuals compared with the complete model that treated the whole population. Given the issues of aging populations in developed countries, the findings provide a new and vast insight into the future of modeling route choice for public transit.