Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing the simultaneous execution of coupled phases in concurrent product development

Concurrent engineering (CE) calls for the simultaneous execution of coupled product development phases. One approach to simultaneous execution involves performing a downstream information absorbing product development phase concurrently with an information supplying upstream phase. However, such simultaneous execution of coupled phases, in the absence of careful management, can lead to substantial deterioration in the product development performance. In this paper, the author presents the managerial implications of a model-based framework to manage the risks involving the simultaneous execution of coupled development phases. He describes how the framework would apply to an automobile instrument panel development process, and discusses the changes in organizational perspective required for successful simultaneous product development.
On Ground Settlement Rate Approach of Preloading Method

Based on the theory of the Terzaghi 1-D consolidation and the linear compressibility of soil, a rational method for regionalization of recompression and compression in the distribution of the excess pore-water pressure under overloading-unloading was presented. A simple generalized expression of the ground settlement rate applied to insufficient-load preloading, equal-load preloading, surcharge preloading and a time expression of insufficient-load preloading, surcharge preloading relative to equal-load preloading were further derived. The relationship mechanism of settlement rate and time of insufficient-load preloading, surcharge preloading relative to equal-load preloading are discussed based on the same allowed post-construction settlement.
In Situ Reduction of Silver Nanoparticles on the Plasma-Induced Chitosan Grafted Polylactic Acid Nonwoven Fabrics for Improvement of Antibacterial Activity

An eco-friendly approach for improvement of antibacterial properties of polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven fabrics was obtained by in situ reduction of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-induced chitosan grafted (DBD-CS-Ag NPs) PLA nonwoven fabrics. The surface morphology, surface element composition and the chemical state of silver of the PLA surfaces after the treatment were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The antibacterial activity of DBD-CS-Ag NPs treated PLA against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was tested. The uniform dispersion of silver nanoparticles on the DBD-CS-Ag NPs treated PLA surface were confirmed by SEM images. The results of XPS and XRD showed that the concentration of silver element on the surface of PLA nonwoven fabrics was significantly improved after DBD-CS-Ag NPs treatment. The DBD-CS-Ag NPs treated PLA nonwoven fabrics also exhibited excellent antibacterial properties.
Application of Liposome Encapsulating Lactobacillus curvatus Extract in Cosmetic Emulsion Lotion

Probiotic extracts have various positive attributes, such as antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory, and antimicrobial activity. Lactobacillus curvatus produces bacteriocin, which activates the lipid membrane structure and has potential as a natural preservative for cosmetic emulsions. In this study, L. curvatus extract was encapsulated in liposomes and formulated as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. Radical scavenging activity, tyrosinase inhibition, and challenge tests were conducted to confirm the liposome activity and the activity of the applied lotion emulsion. The liposome-encapsulated extract had a relatively high absolute ζ-potential (52.53 > 35.43), indicating its stability, and 96% permeability, which indicates its potential as an active agent in lotion emulsions. Characterization of emulsions containing the liposomes also indicated a stable state. The liposome-encapsulated extract exhibited a higher radical scavenging activity than samples without the extract and non-encapsulated samples, and the functionality was preserved in the lotion emulsion. The tyrosinase inhibition activity of the lotion emulsion with the liposome-encapsulated extract was similar to that of the non-treated extract. Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger were also inhibited in the challenge test with the lotion emulsions during storage. Collectively, these findings indicate that the liposome-encapsulated extract and the lotion containing the encapsulated extract have potential applicability as natural preservatives.
Diamant - digital film manipulation platform

Summary form only given. We are developing a platform for the cost-effective manipulation of digital film. The DIAMANT platform integrates commercial off the shelf (COTS) hardware components with the developed middleware. On top of this platform different film manipulation applications can be built. The developed pilot application is digital film restoration. The main challenges for a software based digital film manipulation system are software and hardware (HW) related. HW related ones are the high amount of data (terabyte) caused by the high resolution of digitized film, the high computation power required for manipulation of these data and the integration of film and video I/O devices into the system in a way that they can be directly controlled from the desktop. SW related issues are the handling of digital film data (image sequences) in the system, the definition of manipulation tasks (manipulations/modules applied on an image sequence) and the development of human computer interaction techniques for sophisticated manipulation modules. Primary platform design criteria are to be scalable in terms of mass storage and computation power, to exploit the available hardware resources optimally, to be open for the integration of third party manipulation modules (plug-ins for special requirements) and to provide a platform that can be generally used for development of digital film manipulation applications, where it is only necessary to develop the application specific graphical user interface (GUI) on top of the available DIAMANT platform. (3 pages)
Die orthodontische Zahnbewegung

Zusammenfassung Eine kieferorthopädische Behandlung dauert durchschnittlich 12 bis 24 Monate und ist vom Schweregrad der Zahnfehlstellung, von der Behandlungsplanung und von der Compliance des Patienten/der Patientin abhängig. Die Gefahr, dass Karies entsteht, Gingivarezessionen oder Wurzelresorptionen, steigt mit zunehmender Behandlungszeit. Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, eine Übersicht über die molekularbiologischen Abläufe der Zahnbewegung zu liefern und Möglichkeiten zu beschreiben, wie dieser Prozess beeinflusst werden kann. Osteoblasten und Osteoklasten spielen eine zentrale Rolle im Knochenumbau und damit in der Zahnbewegung und können durch viele Faktoren beeinflusst werden. Es gibt chirurgische oder nichtinvasive Maßnahmen, welche die Zahnbewegung beschleunigen, aber auch Medikamente, die die Zahnbewegung verlangsamen können.
Dysbiosis of the duodenal microbiota as a diagnostic marker for pancreaticobiliary cancer

BACKGROUND Pancreaticobiliary cancer (PB Ca) is a lethal disease, and a useful diagnostic marker is urgently needed. A correlation between the human microbiota and malignant gastrointestinal diseases was recently reported. AIM To investigate the efficacy of the duodenal microbiota for diagnosing PB Ca. METHODS We recruited 22 patients with benign pancreaticobiliary diseases (benign group) and 12 patients with PB Ca (malignant group). The duodenal microbiota of each patient was analyzed by the 16S rDNA terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Patient characteristics, tumor markers, and relative abundances of the duodenal microbiota were compared between the benign and malignant groups. RESULTS Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), Bifidobacterium, Clostridium cluster XVIII, and Prevotella levels differed significantly between the benign and malignant groups. Clostridium cluster XVIII had the greatest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) among the four factors with respect to diagnosing PB Ca (cutoff value: 3.038%; sensitivity: 58.3%; specificity: 95.2%; AUC: 0.81). The combination of Clostridium cluster XVIII (cutoff value: 3.038%) and CA19-9 Levels (cutoff value: 18.8 U/mL) showed 91.7% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity for diagnosing PB Ca. CONCLUSION The duodenal microbiota may be useful for PB Ca screening.
Roof Snow Loads for Structural Design

Lognormal probability distribution functions for both ground snow loads and the ground‐to‐roof conversion factor are used to establish lognormal probability distribution functions for roof snow loads. Site specific values for the conversion factor multiple αN were determined. The conversion factor multiple has the property that product of αN, the exposure factor EX, the thermal factor T and the N‐year mean recurrence interval (MRI) ground load equals the N‐year (MRI) ground load equals the N‐year MRI roof load. The conversion factor multiples αN for mean recurrence intervals of 25, 50 and 100 years are presented for 128 sites in the United States. The 50 year MRI multiples for all except four sites fell in the range 0.56⩽α50⩽0.66. These values were compared with roof snow loads provisions in the 1982 American National Standard. It was found that the use of the ANSI‐1982 ground loads, which have a MRI of about 50 years, in conjunction with the ANSI‐1982 coversion factor multiple of 0.70 results, on average.
High-power broadband-loaded monopole antenna with sleeve ground plane for portable applications

This paper presents a novel design (loaded antenna with sleeve as a ground plane) for broadband-loaded monopole antenna. Monopole antenna is usually known for its narrow bandwidth characteristics. To achieve broad impedance bandwidth, the narrow bandwidth characteristics of wire monopole antenna is overcome by proper capacitive or inductive loading. The high capacitive behavior of antennas at low frequencies is controlled using RF transformer in conjunction with proper matching network. The proposed antenna is capable of handling high power up to 100 Watts CW. The bandwidth characteristics of the proposed antenna are investigated through optimization routine namely Genetic Algorithm in CST Microwave Studio. A bandwidth of 10:1 within the frequency range of 84–890 MHz is achieved with antenna length of 1.9 m. By switching the antenna to different configurations with length of 1.4 m, bandwidth of 750 MHz (from 250 MHz to 1 GHz) is also achieved. The antenna radiation pattern is measured using anechoic test chamber. The antenna measured and simulated results are in good agreement.
Investigation of Uncertainties in Surface Water Resource Assessment of Georgia’s State Water Plan

AbstractAs one of the three key components of state of Georgia’s state water plan, a surface water availability resource assessment (SWRA) involves three sequential steps, as follows: (1) synthesizing unimpaired flow (UIF) data by removing anthropogenic effects from streamflow observations, (2) developing instream flow protection thresholds based on the UIF data, and (3) assessing possible resource gaps based on UIF data, flow protection thresholds, and water demands. Uncertainties are embedded in the observed input data and development processes, and could be propagated through these steps. A legitimate question pertains to the reliability of the SWRA results since they may affect regional water development plans. In this study, the uncertainties in all input data and development processes of SWRA were identified and quantified through Monte Carlo simulations. Results at two typical nodes indicate that uncertainties associated with the derived UIF data, flow thresholds, and SWRA results are very limited.
A MEMS electret generator with electrostatic levitation for vibration-driven energy-harvesting applications

In this paper, we propose a passive gap-spacing control method in order to avoid stiction between top and bottom structures in in-plane sensor/actuator/generator applications. A patterned electret using a high-performance perfluoro polymer material is employed to induce a repulsive electrostatic force. An out-of-plane repulsive force is successfully demonstrated with our early prototype, in both air and liquid. By using the present electret-based levitation method to keep the air gap, a MEMS electret generator has been developed for energy-harvesting applications. A dual-phase electrode arrangement is adopted in order to reduce the horizontal electrostatic damping force. With the present prototype, about 0.5 µW is obtained for both phases of the generator, resulting in a total power output of 1.0 µW at an acceleration of 2 g with 63 Hz. With our electromechanical model of the generator, we have confirmed that the model can mimic the response of the generator prototype.
142.2km BOTDA based on ultra-long fiber laser with a ring cavity

A novel distributed Raman amplification (DRA) scheme based on ultra-long fiber laser (UL-FL) pumping with a ring cavity rather than a linear cavity is proposed and demonstrated, for the first time. As a typical application of the proposed configuration, ultra-long-distance distributed sensing with Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (BOTDA) over 142.2km fiber with 5m spatial resolution and ± 1.5℃ temperature uncertainty is achieved, without any repeater, for the first time. The key point for the significant performance improvement is the system could offer both of uniform gain distribution and considerably suppressed pump-probe relative intensity noise (RIN) transfer, by optimized design of system structure and parameters.
Loop-by-loop modeling of whole-closed-loop 2D high-precision motion platform

A 2D high-precision motion unit plays an important role in an automatic optical inspection (AOI) system, and its positioning accuracy and speed have an decisive effect on the inspection accuracy, efficiency and stability of the AOI system, but the present AOI systems cannot ensure the high speed and high-precision at the same time. To solve this problem, an automatic optical platform is developed, using the whole-closed-loop, fast, high-precision positioning technology to construct the mathematical models of its motion control unit, including models of current loop, velocity loop and position loop from inside to outside. Experiments were made on the motion platform using a laser interferometer. Experimental results show that the 2D motion platform can be used to reach a scanning speed of 20m/s and a positioning accuracy of 9ìm in a work area of 300mm * 3000mm with a load of 5kg.
Microbiome Analysis of Gut Bacterial Communities of Healthy and Diseased Malaysian Mahseer (Tor tambroides)

Aims The gut microbiota is referred to an ‘extra organ’ and is ciritical in assisting the host in terms of nutrition and immunity. Environmental stressors could alter gut microbial community and cause gut inflammation. This study aimed to investigate and compare the gut microbiota community between healthy and diseased Tor tambroides. Methodology and results In this study, such gut microbial alterations were explored using NGS-based 16S rDNA sequencing on the Malaysian mahseer (T. tambroides). Three adult healthy and three diseased adult Malaysian mahseers (showing signs of exophthalmia, coelomic distension and petechial haemorrhage) were obtained from LTT Aquaculture Sdn Bhd. Our results revealed significant differences in microbial diversity, composition and function between both populations of T. tambroides. Alpha diversity analysis depicts lower diversity of gut microbiota composition in diseased T. tambroides as compared to the healthy group. In particular, Enterobacteriaceae, Aeromonas, Bacteroides, Vibrio and Pseudomonas were found within gut microbiota of the diseased fishes. In addition, cellulose-degrading bacteria and protease-producing bacteria were identified from the gut of T. tambroides. Conclusion significance and impact of study Thus, our findings emphasised on the association between the alteration in gut microbiota composition and infectious abdominal dropsy (IAD) in T. tambroides. This finding is important to provide basic information for further diagnosis, prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases in fish.
A high-level approach to test generation

A high-level test generation algorithm based upon the branch and bound search procedure is presented. The algorithm is described in detail, highlighting the various tradeoffs that are involved. A complete dependency-directed backtracking scheme that has significant advantage over chronological backtracking is introduced. Different uses for the algorithm are presented to show its versatility. Results showing significant performance improvement over gate level test generation are also presented. The ability to generate tests for incomplete designs is a major strength of this scheme. >
SEMI-AUTOMATED DETECTION OF SURFACE DEGRADATION ON BRIDGES BASED ON A LEVEL SET METHOD

Due to the effect of climate factors, natural phenomena and human usage, buildings and infrastructures are subject of progressive degradation. The deterioration of these structures has to be monitored in order to avoid hazards for human beings and for the natural environment in their neighborhood. Hence, on the one hand, monitoring such infrastructures is of primarily importance. On the other hand, unfortunately, nowadays this monitoring effort is mostly done by expert and skilled personnel, which follow the overall data acquisition, analysis and result reporting process, making the whole monitoring procedure quite expensive for the public (and private, as well) agencies. This paper proposes the use of a partially user–assisted procedure in order to reduce the monitoring cost and to make the obtained result less subjective as well. The developed method relies on the use of images acquired with standard cameras by even inexperienced personnel. The deterioration on the infrastructure surface is detected by image segmentation based on a level sets method. The results of the semi-automated analysis procedure are remapped on a 3D model of the infrastructure obtained by means of a terrestrial laser scanning acquisition. The proposed method has been successfully tested on a portion of a road bridge in Perarolo di Cadore (BL), Italy.
Multidimensional Infiltration with Arbitrary Surface Fluxes

A new solution to the multidimensional linearized Richards equation was derived using a Fourier integral transform. Exponential functional forms k = kseαψ and θ = θr + (θs − θr)eαψ were used to represent the hydraulic conductivity and pressure relation and the soil water release curve. The analytical solutions consider the conditions of time dependence and nonuniform distribution of rainfall intensity and arbitrary initial water content distribution with a water table. The analytical solutions can be used to predict the ponding time and to obtain the volumetric water content distribution over time and space.
Innovative Application Technologies of AC Motor Drive Systems

This paper deals with the innovative application technologies on variable speed AC motor drive systems. These application technologies are categorized on the basis of the advantages of the AC variable speed motor drive systems, such as downsizing, packaging with high density, energy savings, better availability and maintenancebility, higher controllability of the torque and speed, load leveling. Various component technologies such as the power conversion technology, control technology, and motor technology are also mentioned along with their related application technologies. Future perspectives of the ac drive application technologies are discussed in the conclusion of the paper.
An improved design of an inductive fault current limiter based on a superconducting cylinder

This paper deals with basic designs of a fault current limiter of the transformer type which differ from each other by the mutual location of a primary winding and a superconducting short-circuited cylinder. Theoretical study of the main parameters of the different designs is performed in the framework of the critical state model and shows that the most effective is a design in which the primary winding is divided into two sections with equal turn numbers. The sections are placed inside and outside of the cylinder and connected in series. Such an arrangement of the windings leads to a substantial reduction of AC losses in the superconducting cylinder, an increase of the activation current and a decrease of the inductive reactance in the normal regime of a protected circuit. The experimental results obtained on the laboratory model with a BSSCO cylinder confirm the theoretical predictions.
Research on Real-Time Measuring Method of Dynamic Deformation Based on Machine Vision and its Application

Dynamic deformation measurement of machine parts in fatigue strength test is studied by using machine vision technique. Considering the uncertainty of parts surface, we adopt circular mark to locate the object profile in order to obtain high quality images. Through some image pre-processing with linear filtering, continuous contour searching method and circular detection based on random Hough transform (RHT), the real-time deformation can be measured with image characteristic parameters. In the practical application, the deformation of the loaded bicycle handle-bar is calculated. The test results show that the machine vision measurement is very effective; measurement resolution attains 0.1mm/pixel; the discrete degree of measurement data is low and the system meets the requirement of real-time measurement. The study proves that the measurement method of dynamic deformation based on machine vision is feasible, which can give some help for fatigue strength test of machine part and other structure deformation.
Percutaneous Image-Guided Ablation of Lung Tumors

Tumors of the lung, including primary cancer and metastases, are notoriously common and difficult to treat. Although surgical resection of lung lesions is often indicated, many conditions disqualify patients from being surgical candidates. Percutaneous image-guided lung ablation is a relatively new set of techniques that offers a promising treatment option for a variety of lung tumors. Although there have been no clinical trials to definitively compare its efficacy to those of traditional treatments, lung ablation is widely practiced and generally accepted to be safe and effective. Especially encouraging results have recently emerged for cryoablation, one of the newer ablative techniques. This article reviews the indications, techniques, contraindications, and complications of percutaneous image-guided ablation of lung tumors with special attention to cryoablation and its recent developments in protocol optimization.
Review of condition assessment of power transformers in service

As transformers age, their internal condition degrades, which increases the risk of failure. To prevent these failures and to maintain transformers in good operating condition is a very important issue for utilities. Traditionally, routine preventative maintenance programs combined with regular testing were used. The change to condition-based maintenance has resulted in the reduction, or even elimination, of routine time-based maintenance. Instead of doing maintenance at a regular interval, maintenance is only carried out if the condition of the equipment requires it. Hence, there is an increasing need for better nonintrusive diagnostic and monitoring tools to assess the internal condition of the transformers. If there is a problem, the transformer can then be repaired or replaced before it fails. An extensive review is given of diagnostic and monitoring tests, and equipment available that assess the condition of power transformers and provide an early warning of potential failure.