Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermal Evaluation of the Honda Insight Battery Pack: Preprint

The hybrid vehicle test efforts at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), with a focus on the Honda Insight's battery thermal management system, are presented. The performance of the Insight's high voltage NiMH battery pack was characterized by conducting in-vehicle dynamometer testing at Environmental Testing Corporation's high altitude dynamometer test facility, on-road testing in the Denver area, and out-of-car testing in NREL's Battery Thermal Management Laboratory. It is concluded that performance does vary considerably due to thermal conditions the pack encounters. The performance variations are due to both inherent NiMH characteristics, and the Insight's thermal management system.
e-PROCUREMENT: MAKING SENSE OF MULTIPLE BUSINESS DESIGNS

E-procurement has been identified as one area where technology- enabled transformations of business processes are likely to yield significant benefits. However, there is no one activity that can be defined as e- procurement—instead there are multiple, co-existing, often overlapping business designs for technology-enabled procurement. The multiple definitions of, and designs for, e-procurement present a major challenge to researchers of e-procurement in general. We respond to this challenge by presenting a conceptual framework for such an analysis, and, based on this framework, the design for a study of the uptake and impact of e-procurement. Our framework brings together and extends two existing analytical tools—the OECD model of the diffusion path of e-business and the concepts of reach and range. Used in combination, these two analytical tools form a meta-framework that enables us to identify different forms of e-procurement and map them over time. The purpose of the framework is to help explain and predict the most successful business designs for e-procurement for specific contexts.
Studying boundary layer methane isotopy and vertical mixing processes at a rewetted peatland site by unmanned aircraft system

Abstract. A proof of concept study was performed to demonstrate the capabilities of quadrocopter air sampling for analysing the methane isotopic composition in the laboratory. Boundary layer mixing processes and the methane isotopic composition were studied with a quadrocopter system at Polder Zarnekow in Mecklenburg–West Pomerania in the North East of Germany, which has become a strong source of biogenically produced methane after rewetting the drained and degraded peatland. Methane fluxes are measured continuously at the site. They show high emissions from May to September, and a strong diurnal variability with maximum methane fluxes up to 2 μmol m−2 s−1 for summer 2018. For two case studies on 23 May 2018 and 5 September 2018, vertical profiles of temperature and humidity were recorded up to an altitude of 650 m and 1000 m, respectively, during the morning transition. Air samples were taken at different altitudes and analysed in the laboratory for methane isotopic composition. The values showed a different isotopic signature in the vertical distribution during stable conditions in the morning (−51.5 ‰ below the temperature inversion at an altitude of 150 m on 23 May 2018 and at an altitude of 50 m on 5 September 2018, −50.1 ‰ above). After the onset of turbulent mixing, the isotopic signature was the same throughout the vertical column with a mean value of −49.9 &pm; 0.45 ‰. During the September study, water samples were analysed as well for methane concentration and isotopic composition in order to provide a link between surface and atmosphere. The water samples reveal high variability on scales of few 10 m for this particular case. The airborne sampling system and consecutive analysis chain were shown to provide reliable and reproducible results for two samples obtained simultaneously. The method presents a powerful tool for constraining the origin of methane by analysing its isotopic signature, and for measuring the vertical distribution of methane isotopic signature, which is based on mixing processes of methane within the atmospheric boundary layer.
Topology Control in Homogeneous Wireless Sensor Networksusing K-Means Clustering

A wireless sensor network consists of many wireless nodes forming a network which are used to monitor certain physical or environmental conditions, such as humidity, temperature, sound etc. Some of the popular applications of sensor network are area monitoring, environment monitoring (such as pollution monitoring), and industrial and machine health monitoring, waste water monitoring and military surveillance. Topology control in WSNs is a technique of deﬁning the connections between nodes in order to reduce the interference between them, save energy and extend network lifetime. The Objective of my Thesis is to Maximize the network lifetime. The algorithm proposed is a modiﬁcation to the CLTC framework: ﬁrst we form clusters of nodes using K-Means, in second phase we do intra-cluster topology control using Relative Neighborhood Graph, and in third phase we do inter-cluster topology control ensuring connectivity. The simulations were carried out using Omnet++ as a simulator and Node Power Depletion and Node Lifetime as parameters.
Driven To Excess: Impacts of Motor Vehicles on the Quality of Life of Residents of Three Streets in Bristol UK

Quality of life in cities and towns is of increasing concern to the public, and to policymakers. A major threat to quality of life is the high volume of motor vehicle traffic, associated with a wide range of mental and physical health detriments arising from immediate, local impacts such as air and noise pollution, road deaths and injuries, as well as global, longer term effects, such as the destabilisation of Earth‟s climate. The article reports on an investigation into the impacts of traffic on quality of life in a residential area of Bristol (UK), a city which in the British context is particularly car dependent. In essence the study replicated Appleyard‟s (1969) research on traffic and neighbourhood social interaction. Primary data were collected through observations and a series of interviews with 60 households on three streets selected for their contrasting levels of traffic. The results confirmed that Appleyard‟s findings are applicable to the UK in the 21st century; specifically that the number of friends and acquaintances reported by residents was significantly lower on streets with higher volumes of motor traffic. The extent of people's home territories also diminished as motor traffic increased. Other notable outcomes from the research include the finding that individuals' perceptions of road safety in their neighbourhood may be disproportionately influenced by the traffic conditions on their street of residence, especially affecting the degree of independence granted to children. The findings are considered against the context of existing policy solutions to reduce traffic impacts, leading to the conclusion that the tools exist to reclaim urban residential neighbourhoods from traffic, but this will require considerable political will.
Demo Voodoosketch: Physical Interface Palette and Sketched Controls alongside Augmented Work Surfaces

Voodoosketch is a system that extends a graphical table top interface with physical palettes on which users can dynamically deploy controls as shortcut to application functionality. The system provides physical ‘plug and play’ controls as well as support for sketching of controls, and allows controls to be associated with application functions via handwritten labels. The system uses a special digital pen, which writes ‘real’ ink on the palettes and while functioning as a digital input device on the graphical work surface.
Conditioned medium from primary cytotrophoblasts, primary placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells, or placental tissue promoted HUVECs angiogenesis in vitro

Background As a large capillary network, the human placenta plays an important role throughout pregnancy. Placental vascular development is complex and delicate and involves many types of placental cells, such as trophoblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. There has been no systematic, comparative study on the roles of these two groups of placental cells and the whole placental tissue in the placental angiogenesis. In this study, primary cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) from early-pregnancy and primary human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPDMSCs) from different stages of pregnancy were selected as the cell research objects, and full-term placental tissue was selected as the tissue research object to detect the effects of their conditioned medium (CM) on HUVECs angiogenesis.Methods We successfully isolated primary hPDMSCs and CTBs, collected CM from these placental cells and placental tissue, and then evaluated the effects of the CM on a series of angiogenic processes in HUVECs in vitro. Furthermore, we measured the levels of angiogenic factors in the CM of placental cells or tissue by an angiogenesis antibody array.Results The results showed that not only placental cells but also placental tissue, to some extent, promoted HUVECs angiogenesis in vitro by promoting proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and tube formation. We also found that primary placental cells in early pregnancy, whether CTBs or hPDMSCs, played more significant roles than those in middle and full-term pregnancy. The effect of CM from placental tissue was better than that of CM from a single placental cell type. The semiquantitative angiogenesis antibody array showed that, in placental tissue-derived CM, 18 of the 43 angiogenic factors had obvious spots, and the levels of 5 factors (including CXCL-5, GRO, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1) were the highest. The levels of these 18 angiogenic factors in placental tissue were higher than those in any single placental cell type.Conclusions CM obtained from placental cells (primary CTBs or hPDMSCs) or placental tissue contained proangiogenic factors and promoted HUVECs angiogenesis in vitro. Therefore, our research is helpful to better understand placental angiogenesis regulation and provides theoretical support for the clinical application of placental components, especially placental tissue-derived CM, in vascular tissue engineering and clinical treatments.
Factors contributing to an increase in quadriceps specific tension following resistance training in young men

BACKGROUND: The maximal force a muscle can generate depends on the number of sarcomeres in parallel and thus its physiological cross sectional area (PCSA). However, the increase in muscle strength with training is widely reported to be greater than expected from the increase in size (1). The aim of the present investigation was to systematically address potential problems that may be caused by changes in voluntary activation and coactivation and changes in muscle architecture during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effect of resistance training on specific tension taking into account the structural differences between the four quadriceps muscles. METHODS: Fourteen healthy male volunteers aged 21 ± 3 yrs performed unilateral leg-extension (4 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% 1RM), 3 times/wk for 9 weeks. Quadriceps tendon force (Ft) was calculated by correcting maximum isometric torque obtained at the optimum knee angle for antagonist coactivation (estimated from electromyographic activity), voluntary activation (using the interpolated twitch technique), patella tendon moment arm length and the ratio of quadriceps tendon force to patella tendon force (2). The PCSA of each quadriceps muscle was calculated by dividing the volume measured using magnetic resonance imaging by ultrasound measurements of fascicle length at MVC. The effective PCSA of the whole quadriceps was determined as the sum of the PCSAs of the four constituent muscles, each multiplied by the cosine of the appropriate pennation angle. The specific force of the quadriceps femoris muscle was obtained by dividing Ft by the sum of the effective PCSAs. RESULTS: Isometric torque increased by 33 ± 12%, (p<0.05) and total quadriceps ACSA increased by 5 ± 4% (p<0.05); quadriceps volume increased by 6 ± 3% (p<0.05); quadriceps PCSA did not change significantly (+5 ± 11%); Ft increased by 23 ± 18% (p<0.05). Specific tension of the complete quadriceps femoris increased by 22 ± 18%, from 53 ± 9 N/cm2 to 64 ± 10 N/cm2 (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: The increase in specific tension confirms previous reports (see reference 1) and was not explicable by changes in muscle architecture, voluntary activation and/or coactivation. It is still not clear what causes the large specific force values or increase in specific force with training but differences or changes in myofibrillar packing and lateral transmission of force remain possibilities to be examined.
Isolation and characterization of Bacillus firmus strain SWPA-1 from Marcellus Shale flowback water

iv Dedication.v Acknowledgement.vi List of Tables.ix List of Figures.x Chapter 1 Background.1 1.1 Unconventional Shale Resources.1 1.2 The Marcellus Shale Geology.2 1.3 Fracturing Fluid and Flowback Water Composition.3 1.4 Microbiology and Microbial Diversity of Produced Water.8 1.5 Halophilic and Halotolerant Microorganisms.11 1.6 Microbial Populations: Problem for Oil and Gas Industry.13 Microbially Influenced Corrosion and Bioplugging.13 Biocide Resistance.15 Chapter 2 Aims and Hypothesis.19 2.1 Specific Aims and Hypothesis.19 Chapter 3 Materials and Methods.21 3.1 Sample and Media Preparation.21 3.2 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis.24 3.3 Growth Experiments.28 3.4 Microscopy.30
Association of androgen receptor expression with glucose metabolic features in triple-negative breast cancer

Background Androgen receptor (AR) is a potential therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We aimed to elucidate the association of AR expression with glucose metabolic features in TNBC. Methods Two independent datasets were analyzed: FDG PET data of our institution and a public dataset of GSE135565. In PET analysis, patients with TNBC who underwent pretreatment PET between Jan 2013 and Dec 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. Clinicopathologic features and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of tumors were compared with AR expression. In GSE135565 dataset, glycolysis score was calculated by the pattern of glycolysis-related genes, and of which association with SUVmax and AR gene expression were analyzed. Results A total of 608 female patients were included in the PET data of our institution. SUVmax was lower in AR-positive tumors (P < 0.001) and correlated with lower AR expression (rho = –0.26, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, AR was a deterministic factor for low SUVmax (P = 0.012), along with other key clinicopathologic features. In the GSE135565 dataset, AR expression also exhibited a negative correlation with SUVmax (r = –0.34, P = 0.001) and the glycolysis score (r = –0.27, P = 0.013). Conclusions Low glucose metabolism is a signature of AR expression in TNBC. It is suggested that evaluation of AR expression status needs to be considered in clinical practice particularly in TNBC with low glucose metabolism.
Numerical Investigation on the Effects of Chemical Reactions on the Discharge Characteristics and Energy Balance of a Nanosecond Repetitive Pulsed Dielectric Barrier Discharge

Numerical investigation on a nanosecond repetitively pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (NS-DBD) in air is a temporal and spatial multi-scale problem involving a large number of species and chemical reactions. To know the effects of the species and chemical reactions on the discharge characteristics and energy balance, a high voltage repetitive plane to plane NS-DBD is numerically studied. Four groups of species and the corresponding chemical reactions are adopted in the investigation. The most complex one has 31 species and 99 chemical reactions that contains all reaction types, in particular, the vibrational-translational relaxation reactions, whereas the simplest one has only 4 species and 4 reactions, which represents the main kinetic processes. The others are in between. The discharge energy reaches to a periodic phase equality state after the second pulse in the repetitive pulses, and the present analysis is focused on the 7th pulse. All the N 2 / O 2 mixture reaction models predict almost the same discharge energies, which are qualitatively similar with that in the simplified 4-species model. The prediction of the discharge energy is determined by the electronic excitation and the energy gain by ions, but the vibrational excitation, negative ions, associative ionization, dissociation of nitrogen and oxygen molecules have very weak effects. The gas heating is determined by the exothermic reactions and the ions. The main processes in the fast and slow gas heating are the energy release of ions and the exothermic reactions, respectively. The negative ions, vibrational excitation, and associative ionization have very weak effects on the gas heating during the high voltage pulse, but they have considerable effects at a larger time scale. The magnitudes of the fast gas heating efficiency ( η G H ) are in the range of 41%∼47% in the N 2 / O 2 mixture reduced kinetic models, but η G H is higher in the 4-reaction model.
Model-Based Control Using Model and Mechanization Fusion Techniques for Image-Aided Navigation

Abstract : Unmanned aerial vehicles are no longer used for just reconnaissance. Current requirements call for smaller autonomous vehicles that replace the human in high-risk activities. Many times these activities are performed in GPS-degraded environments. Without GPS providing today's most accurate navigation solution, autonomous navigation in tight areas is more difficult. Today, image-aided navigation is used and other methods are explored to more accurately navigate in such areas (e.g., indoors). This thesis explores the use of inertial measurements and navigation solution updates using cameras with a model-based Linear Quadratic Gaussian controller. To demonstrate the methods behind this research, the controller will provide inputs to a micro-sized helicopter that allows the vehicle to maintain hover. A new method for obtaining a more accurate navigation solution was devised, originating from the following basic setup. To begin, a nonlinear system model was identified for a micro-sized, commercial, off-the-shelf helicopter. This model was verified, then linearized about the hover condition to construct a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR). The state error estimates, provided by an Unscented Kalman Filter using simulated image measurement updates, are used to update the navigation solution provided by inertial measurement sensors using strapdown mechanization equations. The navigation solution is used with a reference signal to determine the position and heading error. This error, along with other states, is fed to the LQR, which controls the helicopter. Research revealed that by combining the navigation solution from the INS mechanization block with a model-based navigation solution, and combining the INS error model and system model during the time propagation in the UKF, the navigation solution error decreases by 20%. The equations used for this modification stem
Cultivating Hope and Resilience: Meeting the Climate Change Challenge

This study contributes to transforming climate change trauma and despair by mitigating the risk and fostering a pro-environmental attitude within young people. Considering human emotions are essential in offering an immediate, effective response to high-risk situations, possible courses of action can be formulated—all in an effort to direct this fear and hopelessness towards a positive engagement with the environment in order to solve global warming. Bearing in mind the fact that literature and arts have the potential to dramatically alter perceptions and emotions, my study argues that efforts towards raising awareness for the importance behind pro-environmental and sustainable behaviour (in order to mitigate climate change risk) can be made more effective through engagement with literary humanities. The creative pedagogies as suggested in this paper serve to sensitise the participants to environmental calamities, as well as to encourage the ecological thinking.
Shaping Technology/Building Society: Studies in Sociotechnical Change ed. by Wiebe E. Bijker, John Law (review)

Technology is everywhere, yet a theory of technology and its social dimension remains to be fully developed. Building on the influential book The Social Construction of Technological Systems, this volume carries forward the project of creating a theory of technological development and implementation that is strongly grounded in both sociology and history. The 12 essays address the central question of how technologies become stabilized, how they attain a final form and use that is generally accepted. The essays are tied together by a general introduction, part introductions, and a theoretical conclusion.
A theory of calcium dynamics in generating force and low-frequency fatigue in paralyzed human soleus

Paralyzed muscle fatigues more quickly than intact muscle. The reason for this difference is currently unknown. This work will bridge this gap in knowledge by evaluating the predictive abilities of higher-resolution closed-form mathematical models of muscle force and fatigue. Knowledge garnered from this effort will suggest possible mechanisms for the differences in fatiguability of muscle in different states of health. The hypothesis to be tested is that the concept missing from present models, and thus the present understanding of the physiology, is the dynamic behavior of divalent calcium (Ca) during induced muscle contraction. If the behavior of Ca can be understood as a Riccati-Bass diffusion process, muscle force and low-frequency fatigue in paralyzed muscle can be more accurately predicted over the time course of response to neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The abilities of existing mathematical models to predict force and low-frequency fatigue are compared to the predictive abilities of new models that include the Riccati-Bass equation. There are several major findings of this study. First, it was found that the structure of the Conaway models better predicts force and low-frequency fatigue than do the Ding models. Second, the cross-bridge friction is the dominant process in generating force in fresh muscle at frequencies greater than 5 pps. Finally, the calcium leak current is dominant in low-frequency fatigue in paralyzed muscle. It is concluded that the process of muscle fatigue occurs as
A Design Science Research Perspective on Maturity Models in Information Systems

In order to ascertain and measure dedicated aspects of information systems ‘maturity', a wide range of assessment models have been developed by both, practitioners and academics over the past years. In spite of its broad proliferation, the concept has not been untroubled by criticism. Unnecessary bureaucracy, poor theoretical foundation, and the impression of a falsified certainty to achieve success are just a few examples for that. As there is still a significant lack of knowledge on how to design theoretically sound and widely accepted maturity models, it is the aim of this paper to discuss the typical phases of maturity model development and application by taking a design science research perspective. Given that both, development and application are intimately connected, different decision parameters are identified that are relevant in respect to rigour and relevance of the maturity model.