Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of gantry control strategies for x-ray steppers

Results of an experimental study on the performance of a high speed, precision gantry system for application to X-ray stepper systems are presented. In particular a cross coupled control system design was compared to a master-master controller design on a gantry test bed powered by two linear motors. Tests were performed for the case where only inertial loads were present, as well as for the case where static loads were added to simulate gravity loading. The experiments demonstrated that high speed positioning to an accuracy of +/- 3 micron or less could be obtained with both the cross- coupled and the master-master control strategies. Finally, it was observed that the changes in the dynamics of the closed loop gantry system appear to take place during continuous operation, leading to significant variations in the closed loop performance. It was concluded that robust controller design methods or adaptive control methods would be necessary to meet all performance goals for gantry based X-ray steppers.
Integrated security control using an optimal power flow and switching concepts

A synthesis of methods is presented which combines security analysis and optimal power flow in order to achieve n-1 security. The concepts of corrective switching are used to model outages, making it possible to generate constraints to be attached to the optimal power flow. A distinction is made between the secure state (conservative) and a state which is achieved by postcontingency rescheduling. Results for an 80-node system show the dispatch of control variables for the source states, the losses and the CPU-times. >
Communication Channels For Mine Information System

Since the communication channel is the backbone of any information system, special and careful attention has to be given to the selection of the correct channel medium for use in coal mines. This paper discusses four channels, infrared, optical fibre, radio and powerline carrier, that were investigated. Based on underground tests, the advantages and the disadvantages of the different channels for use in a coal mine were determined and are presented, together with a mathematical model developed for use in designing infrared communication channels. Using the information on the different channels, as well as the mining and technological conditions of a mine, a typical application for the different channels in a South African coal mine is presented.
Effects of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate on epididymal sperm parameters in adult male rats

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is widely used as a flame retardant and is known to exhibit anti-androgenic effects in vitro and in vivo. To assess the reproductive toxicity potency of TDCIPP, we investigated the effects of 7 days of TDCIPP oral administration on epididymal sperm motion and concentration in adult male Wistar–Imamichi rats. Thirty-five days after the final administration, sperm parameters were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Results showed that sperm swimming progression and vigor and sperm concentration in TDCIPP-treated rats were unexpectedly higher than those in control rats. TDCIPP did not significantly affect the percentage of motile sperms or sperm swimming pattern. These results contribute to the understanding of the biological effects of TDCIPP.
An automatic detection method of the mural shedding disease using YOLOv4

Murals are an important part of China's cultural heritage that have high historical, scientific and cultural values. The traditional methods of extracting the diseases of murals are mainly artificial measurement and orthographic drawing, which are inefficient for the rapid statistics of large-scale mural diseases. To solve the above problems, a disease data set was established based on mural orthophoto images. And the image deep learning YOLOv4 algorithm was used to train the data set. Through comparative experiments, the most suitable method for YOLOv4 network detection was found to make the data set, so as to realize automatic rapid recognition of mural orthophoto images and express the disease information. Through experiments, it is proved that the accuracy of disease identification by this research method reaches 86.51%, and the extraction results can provide favorable data support for scientific and technological protection of cultural relics.
Understanding barrier interactions to support the implementation of sustainable urban water management

The prevalence of barriers to the implementation of alternative and more integrated approaches to urban water management has been observed by many researchers and managers. This study analyses the interconnected nature of these barriers using a combination of interpretive structural modelling and systems thinking methods. Based on empirical data from an urban case study catchment this study shows that barriers not only reinforce each other, but also create persistent self-reinforcing effects within a barrier interaction network. Evidence of feedback structures was primarily found in the institutional and logistical management areas. These systemic feedback structures create resistance to the implementation of alternative urban water management strategies resulting in the status quo. Knowledge of barrier interactions provides a rational basis for targeted and prioritized management interventions.
Lithographical bending control method for a piezoelectric actuator

This paper presents the theoretical formulation of a lithographical bending control (LBC) method that uses lithographical degrees of freedom to control the bending of a multilayered beam. LBC is applied to a piezoelectric actuator that uses PZT as the piezoelectric material. The theoretical model is compared with measurements using a weakly fixed bridge structure suited for curvature measurement.
Development of a multiple output resonant converter for space applications

The use of the series resonant converter, specifically the zero-current-switching type, for satellite component level power converter needs are explored. In an application such as this, each component is provided with conditioned power by a local DC/DC converter. These converters are required to operate from a low unregulated input bus such as 24 V to 38 V, to maintain primary and secondary isolation, to provide multiple outputs, and to sustain high-efficiency operation. Typical output power levels are in the 10 W and 50 W range. Various topologies are investigated and the steady-state analysis of the selected configuration, the clamped series-resonant converter, is presented along with a small-signal analysis of the selected configuration, the clamped series-resonant converter, is presented along with a small-signal analysis of the control loop. Experimental results for a 500 kHz, 12 W power converter are also presented, and some of the problems encountered during the design and breadboard phase are discussed. <<ETX>>
Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with conventional rehabilitation training in acute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial conducted for 1 year involving 60 patients

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) is a novel noninvasive treat-ment for stroke that directly stimulates the peripheral auricular branch of the vagus nerve. There have been recent reports that ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training promotes the recovery of neurological function of patients with acute stroke. However, these were small-sample-sized studies on the recovery of neurological function in patients after percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in the subacute and chronic phases after stroke. This double-blinded randomized controlled trial involved 60 acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke patients aged 18–80 years who received treatment in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive ta-VNS or sham ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training. The follow-up results over 1 year revealed that ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training greatly improved the recovery of motor and sensory functions and emotional responses compared with sham ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training. There were no obvious side effects. These findings suggest that ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training for the treatment of acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke patients is safe and effective.
Application of Green Technology in Gelatin Extraction: A Review

Growing demands for green and sustainable processing that eliminates the utilization of toxic chemicals and increases efficiency has encouraged the application of novel extraction technologies for the food industry. This review discusses the principles and potential application of several green technology for gelatin extraction. Several novel technologies and their processing efficiency are discussed in this review. Furthermore, factors that affect the quality of the gelatin produced from different sources are also highlighted. The potential application of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), subcritical water extraction, high-pressure processing, and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to improve gelatin extraction are addressed. These technologies have the potential to become an efficient extraction method compared to the conventional extraction technologies. Several combinations of green and conventional technologies have been reported to yield promising results. These combinations, especially using conventional pre-treatment and green technologies for extraction, have been found to be more effective in producing gelatin. Since gelatin could be produced from various sources, it exhibits different characteristics; thus, different approaches and extraction method should be identified for specific types of gelatin. Although these technologies have limitations, such as overhydration and sophisticated systems explicitly designed for large-scale production, they are nonetheless more efficient in the long run to safeguard the environment as they reduce solvent usage and carbon footprint along the way.
Size Optimization Using Normalized Radial Basis Function and Bat Algorithm

This paper is intended to demonstrate the use of normalized radial basis function (NRBF) network and Bat Algorithm (BA) for size optimization of a mechanical part under static loading. The data needed for developing the NRBF model is generated simulating a parameterized CAD model in ANSYS Workbench 14.5. Plausible input data for the CAD model is created using Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) method. A torque arm is considered to proof the concept. The comparison between the result obtained from the proposed method and the solution from ANSYS Workbench itself shows that, the NRBF-BA model is indeed effective in providing a reasonable solution for a moderately complex problem.
Study on a Novel Tunable Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Structure

This research proposes a novel piezoelectric harvester structure which is constructed by a cantilever base beam and piezoelectric elements bonded with the base beam in a certain manner. By changing the electrical boundary conditions of the piezoelectric elements, the resonant frequency of the beam structure changes accordingly. Two kinds of manners in which piezoelectric elements are bonded with the beam are investigated and compared with ANSYS simulations and experiments. The results showed that the embedded manner surpasses the surface-bonded manner with the frequency variation ratio of 3.17%.
Impact of work teams: a comparison study of assembly cells and assembly line for a variety of operating environments

This research compares assembly lines with different cellular, team working environments. Organization of an assembly system using cells requires worker flexibility where each worker is allowed to help his or her co-workers in the same cell and often to undertake a number of different tasks within the cell. We compare two different cellular systems with an unpaced, serial assembly line. The manufacturing systems are initially compared through an exploratory Markovian approach. Subsequently, the relative performance levels of the systems are examined across a variety of operating environments using simulation models. Operating environments vary based on shop size, setup times and processing time variances. The results indicate the general superiority of the cellular systems over the assembly line. However, some interesting observations are drawn for cases where the assembly line outperforms the cells. One of the cases is where workers realize substantial benefits in terms of performing their tasks in less time due to specialization on the tasks. The other scenario is where working in teams make the overall completion of the tasks more inefficient compared to working individually. Specific cross-over points are analyzed where the assembly lines start performing better than the assembly cells under these scenarios. The conclusions highlight guidelines for practicing managers on the most appropriate system under a given set of operating conditions.
Tennis shoe requirements in China, USA, and Germany

Background: Tennis is played globally across genders, skill levels, and surfaces. However, there is a lack of knowledge of athletes' footwear requirements regarding wearing habits, importance of shoe properties, desired degree of shoe properties, shoe problems, and foot discomfort. Therefore, this survey aimed to analyse these aspects comprehensively in China, USA, and Germany. Methods: Our survey involved 1524 competitive tennis players who provided their perspective on tennis footwear by answering supervised hard copy questionnaires. Data was analysed by descriptive statistics for the total population and for subgroups of country, gender, and skill level. Results: Across countries the most important shoe properties were fit, comfort, traction, injury protection, and outsole durability. However, the desired degree of shoe properties between countries was slightly different for some features. Chinese ask for comparatively narrower fit, Americans and Germans require comparatively higher traction. Durability and foot sweating are the most common shoe problems among all players and the plantar ball area is predominantly prone to foot discomfort. Conclusion: Although differences between countries, genders and skill level were observed, footwear requirements are comparable across groups. Observations provide evidence-based guidance for tennis footwear design, manufacturing and respective research areas.
COVID-19 pandemic as a socio-psychological influence on transformations in religion

This article aims to establish COVID-19’s sociopsychological influence on religion. This interdisciplinary study’s theoretical framework embraces the socialecological systems framework, the concept of deprivation, the theory of religious myth-making, religious individualism and bricolage, as well as the concept of quality of life. A sociological survey was conducted of 4,700 residents of Moscow and the Moscow region. The results revealed that the social sphere of society was relatively stable during the pandemic. Exploring COVID-19’s socio-psychological influence, this study examines transformations in religion that resulted from tactile deprivation. © Creative Commons With Attribution.
The PUMS Database: A Corpus of Previously-Used Musical Stimuli in 306 Studies of Music and Emotion

A corpus of Previously-Used Musical Stimuli (PUMS) is presented. The PUMS database is an online, publicly-available database where researchers can find a list of 22,417 musical stimuli that have been previously used in the literature on how music can convey or evoke emotions in listeners. A total of 306 studies on music and emotion are included in the database. Each musical stimulus used in these studies was coded according to various criteria: its designated emotion and how it was operationalized, its length, whether it is an excerpt from a longer work, and its style or genre. In the PUMS corpus, there is also information regarding the familiarity of the original participants with each musical sample, as well as information regarding whether each passage was used in a study about perceived or induced emotion. The name of the passage, composer, track number, and specific measure numbers or track location were noted when they were identified in the original paper. The database offers insight into how music has been used in psychological studies over a period of 90 years and provides a resource for scholars wishing to use music in future behavioral or psychophysical research. The PUMS database can be accessed online at https://osf.io/p4ta9.
Switched Dual-Band SAW Filters Using Hybrid and Monolithically Integrated Vanadium Oxide Switches

This article presents design and implementation of switchable dual-band filters using surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators and vanadium oxide (VO2) switches imbedded within the filter using both hybrid and monolithic integration. The switched dual-band filter has two channels and four switching states: transmission only of the lower channel, transmission only of the upper channel, transmission of both the channels, and no transmission. The experimental results are presented for the first switchable dual-band filter of order 5 with two discrete VO2 switches strategically integrated within the proposed filter’s structure using hybrid integration. The five-pole dual-band filter demonstrates a measured insertion loss of 3.7 and 3.9 dB in the transmission states at 765 and 935 MHz, respectively. To improve the overall performance of the proposed switched dual-band filter, a second seven-pole filter with six VO2 switches, three for each channel, is designed and fabricated. VO2 switches are monolithically integrated with SAW resonators on the same substrate using a four-mask in-house fabrication process. The article also presents experimental results to study the impact of the monolithically integrated VO2 switches on the linear and power-handling performance of SAW resonators. VO2 monolithically integrated switched dual-band filter has two channels at 600 and 725 MHz. It exhibits a measured insertion loss of 3.23 and 3.22 dB for the two channels. Depending on the number of detuned resonators in the OFF state for each channel, an isolation of 20–40 dB is demonstrated. The monolithic integration of VO2 switches results in improved performance of the filter along with significant size reduction.
Avaliação de culturas microbianas para a elaboração de kombucha

A Kombucha é uma bebida obtida pela fermentação de chá verde e/ou preto adicionada de uma fonte de açúcar, submetida a uma fermentação simbiótica entre leveduras e bactérias presentes nos botânicos agregados ou de cultura previamente selecionada e ou armazenada. A crescente popularidade da kombucha deve-se as propriedades antioxidantes, vitaminas do complexo B e ácidos orgânicos, comprovadamente benéficos à saúde. Neste trabalho foram produzidas formulações de Kombucha com 3 diferentes culturas de microrganismos. O extrato do chá foi preparado com ervas e especiarias encontradas no mercado local e a fonte de açúcar foi o mel. As formulações foram submetidas a fermentação durante 11 dias. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas, antes e após a fermentação. Após a fermentação a bebida foi carbonatada e dividida em dois grupos, pasteurizada e in natura. Passados 8 dias as amostras foram submetidas a uma análise sensorial. Os resultados com levedura industrial e da mãe do vinagre, leveduras nativas e da mãe do vinagre e cultura mista de bactéria e levedura (cultura mãe do vinagre) proporcionaram sabores e aromas distintos, sendo que o tratamento com levedura indústrial + nativa tiveram taxas de metabolização dos açucares maiores com consequente maior formação de álcool e redução de açúcares, porém menor formação de ácidos. Na avaliação sensorial a cultura mãe obteve maior aceitação. O tratamento térmico prejudicou sensorialmente as formulações. A cultura mãe isolada obteve as melhores pontuações quando in natura.
Application of the Complex Moments for Selection of an Optimal Sensor

In the first time we apply the statistics of the complex moments for selection of an optimal pressure sensor (from the available set of sensors) based on their statistical/correlation characteristics. The complex moments contain additional source of information and, therefore, they can realize the comparison of random sequences registered for almost identical devices or gadgets. The proposed general algorithm allows to calculate 12 key correlation parameters in the significance space. These correlation parameters allow to realize the desired comparison. New algorithm is rather general and can be applied for a set of other data if they are presented in the form of rectangle matrices. Each matrix contains N data points and M columns that are connected with repetitious cycle of measurements. In addition, we want to underline that the value of correlations evaluated with the help of Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) has a relative character. One can introduce also external correlations based on the statistics of the fractional/complex moments that form a complete picture of correlations. To the PCC value of internal correlations one can add at least 7 additional external correlators evaluated in the space of fractional and complex moments in order to realize the justified choice. We do suppose that the proposed algorithm (containing an additional source of information in the complex space) can find a wide application in treatment of different data, where it is necessary to select the “best sensors/chips” based on their measured data, presented usually in the form of random rectangle matrices.
Suppression of multiple mode instabilities in an erbium‐doped fiber laser by inserting a highly nonlinear photonic crystal fiber

Multiple mode instabilities in erbium‐doped fiber laser are undesirable due to the large amplitude noise in the laser. One scheme is proposed to suppress this kind of instabilities by inserting a highly nonlinear photonic crystal fiber in the ring cavity. The results show that the nonlinear effect not only eliminates the laser instability but also suppresses the noise in the laser. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26053
Metabolic and Transcriptional Changes across Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent post-natal stem cells with applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. MSCs can differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, or adipocytes, with functional differences in cells during osteogenesis accompanied by metabolic changes. The temporal dynamics of these metabolic shifts have not yet been fully characterized and are suspected to be important for therapeutic applications such as osteogenesis optimization. Here, our goal was to characterize the metabolic shifts that occur during osteogenesis. We profiled five key extracellular metabolites longitudinally (glucose, lactate, glutamine, glutamate, and ammonia) from MSCs from four donors to classify osteogenic differentiation into three metabolic stages, defined by changes in the uptake and secretion rates of the metabolites in cell culture media. We used a combination of untargeted metabolomic analysis, targeted analysis of 13C-glucose labelled intracellular data, and RNA-sequencing data to reconstruct a gene regulatory network and further characterize cellular metabolism. The metabolic stages identified in this proof-of-concept study provide a framework for more detailed investigations aimed at identifying biomarkers of osteogenic differentiation and small molecule interventions to optimize MSC differentiation for clinical applications.