Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
History Dependency in Daily Activity Participation and Time Allocation for Commuters

The role of history dependency in explaining activity-travel patterns of commuters is investigated. Specifically, the extent to which one day’s activity engagement affects activity frequencies and activity durations of the next day is examined. The analysis uses 2-day activity survey data collected in 1996 in the San Francisco Bay area. Models of daily activity engagement and time allocation are estimated as a function of the previous day’s activity pattern to understand day-to-day dependency in activity engagement. Results from the model estimation effort are used to draw conclusions about the extent to which history dependency exists (within a 2-day time frame) in modeling different activity types. The results suggest there is a strong positive history dependency in activity engagement between days within a 48-h time frame.
Fault Detection of WSN Based on Spatial Correlation

Regarding application with smooth variation of detection, spatial correlation of sensors’ data within a small field was applied to sensor nodes’ fault diagnosis. The data were sorted into several continuous sequences by sink node. Sequence with minimum variance was regarded as normal data to determine normal nodes. For undetermined nodes, it can be determined via calculation on deviation to normal nodes’ data of vicinity area. If deviation does not exceed the threshold, the node is normal; otherwise, it is regarded as a fault node. The research on WSN in a greenhouse shows that fault node can be effectively detected in time by this method.
Application of Neural Network for Nonlinear Predictive Control

A novel model predictive control method was proposed for a class of dynamic processes with modest nonlinearities in this paper. In this method, a diagonal recurrent neural network (DRNN) is used to compensate nonlinear modeling error that is caused because linear model is regarded as prediction model of nonlinear process. It is aimed at offsetting the effect of model mismatch on the control performance, strengthening the robustness of predictive control and the stability of control system. Under a certain assumption condition, linear model predictive control method is extended to nonlinear process, which doesn’t need solve nonlinear optimization problem. Consequently, the computational efforts are reduced drastically. The simulation example shows that the proposed method is an effective control strategy with excellent tracing characteristics and strong robustness.
Evaluating the Reconstruction Limits and the Effect of Modeling Errors in Noninvasive Cardiac Source Imaging

The subject of the inverse problem of electrocardiographs is to obtain quantitative information about the electrical act ivi ty of the heart using e. g. the model of equivalent cardiac sources. An important formulation ol t he inverse problem is to model the cardiac sources as an epicardial potential distribution. Discretization of t he forward electric problem leads to the linear relationship between the vector of epicardial potentials χ and the vector h of the potentials at the torso surface:
Dietary Fiber Methods in Codex Alimentarius: Current Status and Ongoing Discussions

Currently there are multiple Type I methods for dietary fiber analysis, which conflicts with the principles of the Codex Procedural Manual. While not ideal, the Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) is using the most recent scientific evidence to simplify and aid those involved in dietary fiber testing. The Codex Alimentarius is progressing using input from experts in dietary fiber method research. Harmonizing an internationally accepted definition for dietary fiber has been a large undertaking. Some authorities have accepted this fairly recent definition, whereas others have not commented on the topic for a number of years. To ensure the most appropriate test method is used, analysts, laboratory managers, and others analyzing foods for dietary fiber need to understand how and where the results from the testing will be used and any legal implications that may arise. While the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is working toward a single analytical method commensurate with its definition, .
Fault Detection in a Cracked Pipeline Embedded with Piezoelectric Sensors/Actuators Employing Bond Graph Approach

The main scope of this article is to simulate a cracked pipeline embedded with piezoelectric sensors and actuators utilizing bond graph approach. Piezoelectric sensors/actuators are becoming very popular in various applications such as health monitoring, active vibration control or noise reduction, and as a part of the systems called smart structures. The proposed bond graph structure in this study, graphically illustrates the power flow between the electrical and mechanical frameworks included in the system. In addition, the proposed framework makes it possible to utilize a modular structure for separately representing the electrical polarization of the material and its macroscopic electrical and mechanical effects. Simulation results illustrate that at the location of the crack the equivalent impedance is increased and the capacitance is decreased in comparison with the intact region.
Accurate and computationally efficient analytical 1-D and 2-D ion implantation models based on Legendre polynomials

Computationally efficient ion implantation modeling has become the essential tool for efficient and accurate CMOS design as aggressive scaling of devices continues. Specifically, computationally efficient two-dimensional (2-D) analytical models are often more attractive than physically-based Monte Carlo simulations since the latter are expensive in terms of computational time. Here we present new computational-efficient analytical models to simulate one-dimensional (1-D) and 2-D impurity and damage profiles. Legendre polynomials are used as basis functions in view of their orthogonality and good interpolation property. Conventional superposition approaches for 2-D implant modeling are explained and the shortcomings are analyzed. A dose splitting approach is incorporated in the new 2-D model to account for the nonlinear dc-channeling effect as implantation-induced damage accumulates. Good agreement with a physically-based and experimentally verified Monte Carlo simulator (UT-MAR-LOWE with TOMCAT) has been obtained for both impurity and damage profiles with a 50/spl times/ reduction of computational time for medium-energy implants.
Enhancement of the rejection bandwidth of microwave‐coupled lines filters using spurline structures

A new bandstop‐coupled line filter using spurline structures has been presented in this work. The new bandstop filter enhances the rejection bandwidth of bandstop coupled line filters in a 50%. To demonstrate the idea, classical bandstop‐coupled line filters with and without simple spurlines structure were designed using Rogers material, and their frequency response were compared. Simulations performed with momentum agree with experimental results, demonstrating the usefulness of spurlines structures in the enhancement of the bandwidth of coupled line filters. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2893–2896, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26382
Research on influence of different non-protein nitrogen (NPN) compounds in beef cattle feeding

The aim of the study was to investigate the activity of slow-release non-protein nitrogen compound with the enzymatic activity (SENPN) and to compare it with the activity of slow-releasing non-protein nitrogen compound (SNPN) in beef cattle feeding. The following indicators were monitored: body weight (BW), average weight gain (AWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), trunk weight at slaughter (TWS) and dressing percentage (DP). Beef cattle were divided into two groups of uniform body weights ; control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). The feed ration of the CG contained SNPN, while the feed ration of the EG contained SENPN. During the trial, three weights were performed to measure BW. The trial consisted of two parts: (i) the first part of the trial refers to the period between the first and second weighing, in which the feed ration of the EG contained 4.81% less starch per kg of dry matter (DM) compared to the feed ration of the CG, and (ii) the second part of the trial was conducted in the period between the second and third weighing, in which the feed ration contained equal starch levels. After the third weighing, the beef cattle were transported to the slaughterhouse, where they were sacrificed, and subsequently the values of TWS and DP were measured. There were no statistically significant differences found for each of the measured parameters. In conclusion, the usage of SENPN positively affects the utilisation of nutrients in the mixture, e.g. feed ration.
Microglia Phenotypes Following the Induction of Alcohol Dependence in Adolescent Rats

Background: Activation of the innate immune system may play a role in the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), which often originate with adolescent alcohol abuse. A key player in the innate immune system is microglia, the activation of which occurs along a spectrum from pro-inflammatory, or M1-like, to anti-inflammatory, or M2-like, phenotypes. Methods: Adolescent, male rats were gavaged with ethanol or isocaloric control diet every 8 hours for 4 days, then sacrificed at 0, 2, 7, and 14 days later. Microglia were isolated from the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus by Percoll gradient centrifugation, labeled with surface antigens for activation and analyzed by flow cytometry. Polarization states of microglia, defined as CD11b + CD45 low cells, were determined by the expression of M1 surface markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, CD32, and CD86, and M2 surface marker, CD206 (mannose receptor). Cytokine gene expression was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: Isolated cells were a highly enriched population (>95% pure) of microglia/macrophages according to CD11b immunoreactivity. Ethanol rats showed the most dramatic increases in microglia activation markers CD11b and CD45, and M1 (MHC-II) and M2 (CD206) markers at T2, when additional M1 markers CD86 and CD32 were also increased. Surprisingly, proinflammatory gene expression of CCL2, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF- α , generally was decreased at all time points in ethanol rats except for IL-6 which was increased at T0 and TNF- α which was not changed at T0 in either region. Simultaneously, BDNF expression was increased at T2 and T7 while IGF1 and expression profiles in a model of an AUD in adolescent rats, we used Percoll gradient centrifugation followed by flow cytometry to assess microglia activation states, i.e. phenotypes, in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortices at 0, 2, 4, 7 and 14 days after a four-day alcohol binge in adolescent rats. Cytokine and regulatory molecular profiles in isolated microglia were then determined by real time RT-PCR.
Software-driven changes to business processes: An empirical study of impacts of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems at the local level

This paper explores the impact of software-driven process changes on manufacturing organizations. As packaged systems, rather than those developed for an individual company, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems demand more than ever before that organizational subunits adapt their business processes to fit the imperatives of the software. The best practice line of thinking suggests that this ERP-driven business process change will yield positive organizational impacts. Thus, we present the following: H1: ERP systems result in organizational subunits' changing their business processes. H2: ERP-driven changes in business practices are associated with positive impacts of using the software. Hypotheses are evaluated using a test of mean difference and a Pearson correlation on data gathered from a pencil-and-paper survey directed at subunits of manufacturing businesses. Seventy-seven surveys were used. H1 was supported; H2 was not. The results call into question prescriptions from the literature about the superiority of so-called best practices as well as the blanket recommendations about the modification of organizational business processes to fit the capabilities of an ERP system. Results are also discussed in the context of several case studies.
Modelling and validation of electromechanical shock absorbers

Electromechanical vehicle suspension systems represent a promising substitute to conventional hydraulic solutions. However, the design of electromechanical devices that are able to supply high damping forces without exceeding geometric dimension and mass constraints is a difficult task. All these challenges meet in off-road vehicle suspension systems, where the power density of the dampers is a crucial parameter. In this context, the present paper outlines a particular shock absorber configuration where a suitable electric machine and a transmission mechanism are utilised to meet off-road vehicle requirements. A dynamic model is used to represent the device. Subsequently, experimental tests are performed on an actual prototype to verify the functionality of the damper and validate the proposed model.
Comparison of techniques for measurement of residual stresses in multilayered micro-electro-mechanical devices

A major concern in the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is the presence of residual stress. Residual stress, which is produced during the fabrication of multi-layer thin-film structures, can significantly affect the performance of micro-scale devices. Though experimental measurement techniques are accurate, actual stress measurements can vary dramatically from run to run and wafer to wafer. For this reason, the modeling of this stress can be a challenging task. Past work has often focused on experimental, static techniques for determining residual stress levels in single-layer and bi-layer structures. In addition, these past studies have concentrated on residual stress measurements in thin films as they are being deposited and prior to the release of a particular device. In this effort, three techniques are used for determining residual stress levels in four-layer piezoelectrically driven cantilevers and resonator structures. The first technique is a static technique that is based on wafer bow measurements and Stoney's formula. The second technique is a dynamic technique that is based on parameter identification from nonlinear frequency-response data. The third technique is also a static technique based on parameter identification from static device deflection measurements. The devices studied, which are piezoelectric devices, are fabricated with varying lengths and widths. The results obtained from these three techniques will be compared and discussed, and it is expected that this work will enable the characterization of residual stress in micro-structures after they have been released.
Electromigration―a tutorial introduction

The underlying physical principles of electromigration, which is one of the principal wearout mechanisms of the metal conducting tracks in LSI and VLSI circuits, are introduced. Track lifetime is believed to be influenced by the track dimensions, composition and passivation layer. These effects are considered. Different methods for determining the lifetime of a circuit, from simple lifetime tests at elevated temperatures to production-line tests, are also reviewed.
Resource assignment in multi-granularity switching optical network

Multi-granularity switching is an attractive technology, which can not only save the network cost but also realize traffic grooming. There are many different sizes tunnels available in multi-granularity optical network, so resource assignment becomes very important for lightpath establishment. In this paper, we focus on the research in waveband switching (WBS) network. Firstly the node structure and multi-granularity connections are analyzed, and the term of RRA (routing and resource assignment) is proposed to state the problem of lightpath establishment. And a kind of resource assignment policy for RRA is proposed according to the tunnel granularity. As a part of resource assignment in WBS network, the problem of waveband paths assignment is discussed and several new dynamic algorithms are proposed. They are SBP (shortest waveband path), FBP (first-fit waveband path), LBP (longest waveband path) and LBC (longest waveband combination) algorithms. In our numerical simulations, some factors that impact the performance of network are analyzed, such as waveband assignment algorithm, switching ratios and waveband partition. And also some useful conclusions are drawn, which are instructive for the design and implementation of multi-granularity network.
Analysis on Oscillating Tail to Rolling Stability of Water-Running Robots

This paper presents a theoretical analysis on a performance of an oscillating tail for water-running robots. Generally, tails are used to enhance the mobility and stability of a living creature. In this research, theoretical model is derived for an oscillating tail, and numerically solve the equations to determine the effect of the tail to the stability and lifting force. We expect the enhancement of the stability and lifting force by using the oscillating tail and results of the simulation is well-coincident with our hypothesis. The concept of oscillating tail can be extended to enhance pitching and yawing stabilities.
The design of two channel IIR QMF bank directly from analogue prototype

This article presents a new method for designing two-band quadrature mirror filter (QMF) banks. Analytic solution of the filter coefficients is obtained in the s-domain. The characteristic function of the new filter has one multiple pole in the pass-band and one multiple zero in the stop-band. As a consequence, the transfer function has a single ripple, both in the pass-band and in the stop-band. Lowpass and highpass filter pair is double complementary in the s-plane. The gain responses of the lowpass and highpass filter pair at the crossover frequency are approximately 3 dB below their maximum values. Using the bilinear transformation, the analogue filter transfer function is mapped into the corresponding digital filter transfer function, so that the analogue crossover frequency is mapped into the digital frequency corresponding to ω = π/2. The filter characteristic exhibits Butterworth-like behaviour near the origin and Chebyshev-like behaviour (of the third order) near the pass-band edge.
CADCAM: Principles, Practice and Manufacturing Management

From the Publisher: The application of computers to the product design and manufacturing process (known as CADCAM) is a successful and important technology which integrates the traditionally separate disciplines of Design and Manufacture. Chris McMahon and Jimmie Browne's text will guide you carefully through the processes of defining a product design with the aid of computers, developing manufacturing plans and instructions for the product, and managing the manufacturing system itself. Their accessible writing style is supplemented by examples throughout and end-of-chapter problems are included to test your knowledge. This text is ideal for students of Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing and Production Engineering. The mix of theory, practice and analysis makes the book suitable for both analytical and overview courses.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MAGNETIC Fe3O4 NANOPARTICLES USING OLEIC ACID AS STABILIZING AGENT

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) provide multiple advantages for drug delivery application due to their inertness, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and ease of detection as the diagnostic tool for contrast imaging in the human body. To protect against oxidation, preferably covalently bonded a surfactant for coating Fe3O4 is required. For this purpose, in the present study, oleic acid (OA) was applied to stabilize Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles via onepot-three-component reaction. Mild conditions as a well as simple reaction could be attributed to this method in producing Fe3O4-OA nanoparticles. The amount of oleic acid (OA) was studied to explore properties of the resulted nanoparticles. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that OA is chemisorbed via a carboxyl group onto the surface of the iron oxide nanoparticle and is coordinated symmetrically to the oxide atoms. Furthermore, there is a ligand exchange between –OH groups and –COO groups on the Fe3O4 nanoparticle surfaces. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra indicated that Fe3O4 phase was predominantly obtained beside small amount of γ-Fe2O3 phase. The average crystallite size of the synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles at different amount of OA was found in the range of 6.60 nm to 9.48 nm. Magnetic properties of the nanoparticles were determined by electron spin resonance (ESR). The gradient curve of ESR spectra revealed that Fe3O4 and OA-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles possess significantly different magnetic properties.
Applying the Precautionary Principle in the Risk Management of Invasive Species via Ballast Water

In marine and coastal environments, commercial shipping ballast water is considered to be the most relevant transfer vector of invasions world wide. There are many uncertainties in the management of invasive species. Consideration of the uncertainties is crucial for the determination of the most appropriate management strategies to address this highly variable problem. The traditional risk management has many limitations by administrative complexness and important uncertainties. In order to make risk management more effective, this paper discuss that how to apply the precautionary principle in the risk management of invasive species.
arteriotomy for av fistula cut it right

Primary failure rate of an Arterio-venous Fistula (AVF) created for hemodialysis was noted to be 40% at 1 year and 49% at 2 years in a recent meta-analysis [1]. In the past, the high primary failure rate had been attributed to patient related factors based on demographics and co-morbid conditions like diabetes and atherosclerosis. However, recently the structural vascular remodeling due to the altered flow dynamics in the outflow vein of the AVF is considered to be an important factor in the early AVF failure. After creation of an AVF, the continued increase of blood flow traversing the outflow vein leads to varied levels of Wall Shear Stress (WSS) on the vessel wall. This hemodynamic stimulus and altered WSS directs biochemical signals to release vasodilating agents and growth factors affecting the balance between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell (VSMC) proliferation and protease release which in response alters the configuration of the wall of blood vessels through neo-intimal hyperplasia [2]. WSS and neo-intimal hyperplasia share an inverse relationship in flow dynamics as demonstrated in various models [3,4]. We herein describe the impact of varying the arteriotomy angle during AVF creation on WSS and neo-intimal hyperplasia encountered on the vessel wall, there by affecting the primary patency of an AVF.