Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mixing of complex fluids with coaxial mixers composed of two central impellers and an anchor

The coaxial mixers composed of a high-speed central impeller and a low-speed anchor have been recommended by the previous researchers for the mixing of highly viscous and non-Newtonian fluids. However, no study has been reported in the literature regarding the use of the coaxial mixing systems composed of two central impellers and an anchor in the agitation of complex fluids. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the performance of coaxial mixers composed of two central impellers and an anchor in the agitation of the xanthan gum solution, which is a yield-pseudoplastic fluid, through electrical resistance tomography (ERT), the computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and design of experiments (DOE) combined with the response surface methodology (RSM). In the first stage of this study, the hydrodynamic performance of coaxial mixers, the single and double Scaba impellers in combination with an anchor impeller, was investigated in the mixing of yield-pseudoplastic fluids. Considering the mixing efficiency criteria, it was found that the double Scaba-anchor coaxial system was more efficient than the single Scaba-anchor coaxial mixer in the mixing of yield pseudoplastic fluids with regard to the mixing time and power drawn. In the second stage of this research project, the performances of three different coaxial mixers, namely, double Scaba-anchor coaxial (DSAC), double Rushton turbine-anchor coaxial (DRAC), and double pitched blade turbine-anchor coaxial (DPAC) mixers were assessed. It was found that the double Scaba-anchor coaxial (DSAC) mixer was more efficient system compared to the others at the same operating conditions. To evaluate the influence of the impeller spacing on the hydrodynamics of the double Scaba-anchor coaxial mixer, the lower impeller clearance and the spacing between two central impellers were changed within a wide range. The results demonstrated that a coaxial mixer with the impeller spacing of almost equal to the central impeller diameter was the most efficient configuration compared to the other cases. When the impeller spacing was varied, the merging flow and parallel flow patterns were observed. Finally, the hydrodynamic performances of different configurations of coaxial mixers composed of a wall scraping anchor impeller in combination with two different or identical central high-speed impellers were analyzed. The coaxial mixers utilized in this stage were the Scaba–Scaba-anchor (SSAC), Scaba-Rushton-anchor (SRAC), Rushton-Scaba-anchor (RSAC), Scaba-pitched blade-anchor (SPBAC), and pitched blade-Scaba-anchor (PBSAC). A new correlation was introduced for these complex configurations of the coaxial mixers by incorporating the Metzner-Otto constants (Ks) of the different types of the central impellers into the Reynolds number. The analysis of the collected data revealed that the Scaba-pitched blade-anchor coaxial (SPBAC) mixer was the most efficient mixing system in the mixing of the highly viscous non-Newtonian fluids.
Parameters of Vascular Tone Regulation and Gene Polymorphism Associated With Cardiovascular Risk in Young Subjects

Introduction. Dysregulation of vascular tone (VT) is one of the cardiovascular risk factors that significantly worsens the quality of life, and can be a predictor for persistent hypertension (HTN). The identification of preclinical stages of vascular pathology is the most promising for prevention of hypertension. Therefore, it is important to investigate the polymorphism of genes which end products are involved in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and predispose to VT dysregulation.Objective. To investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of the AGT and AGTR1 polymorphic variants associated with increased cardiovascular risk in young and relatively healthy subjects and patients with HTN. Materials and methods. The study involved 90 young healthy subjects and 62 patients with hypertension. The exclusion criteria for young subjects were as follows: organic cardiovascular and central nervous system disorders and smoking. The exclusion criteria for patients with HTN were identical. Additionally, the patients with uncontrolled HTN were not included. The VT regulation was assessed by the active standing test in which the changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. The polymorphism was identified using DNA pyrosequencing.Results. The relationship between BP and HR and the AGTR1 A1666C A>C and AGT M268T T>C variants was established. Both in young subjects and hypertensive patients was found that the C allele of the AGTR1 A1666C A>C variant was associated with lower HR in supine compared with subjects without this allele. The risk allele C of the M268T T>C polymorphism was associated with lower sBP and dBP during the 1st minute of upright posture. The identified features can probably be explained by the vascular tone increased at baseline in the presence of these polymorphic variants which was manifested by smaller changes in BP and HR during the active standing test compared to subjects without these allelic variants. The C allele of the AGTR1 A1666C A>C variant was associated with earlier onset of HTN.Conclusion. The identification of the AGTR1 A1666C A>C and AGT M268T T>C variants can be informative for clarifying the risk of HTN when the young subjects are examined, as well as the probability of early onset of hypertension.
Modern Manufacturing: Information Control and Technology

Manufacturers worldwide are faced with unprecedented challenges from international competition, changing production processes and technologies, shorter production life-cycles, market globalization and environmental requirements. Fundamental to meeting these challenges is the understanding and control of information across all stages of the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) process. This is a presentation of the information-oriented aspects of CIM and Intelligent Manufacturing Systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of new software engineering technologies, the object-oriented approach, database design, hierarchical control and intelligent systems. The contributions are written by experts from Europe and the USA.
Architectural Tactics to Support Rapid and Agile Stability

Abstract : The essence of stability in software development is the ability to produce quality software with infrastructure that will meet long-term business goals. The essence of rapid and agile development is the ability to deliver capabilities quickly based on customer priorities. Stability often requires cross-functional analysis and infrastructure support that will build foundational technology for the capabilities to stand on, which takes time and resources. But today's organizations must attend to both agility and enduring design. This article presents three tactics that support rapid and agile stability: aligning feature-based development and system decomposition, creating an architectural runway, and using matrix teams.
How has Spain become a leader in the wind energy industry during the last decade

During the last decade, wind energy has been the fastest growing renewable source of energy worldwide. Limited sources of fossil fuel in addition to the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment have led many countries to support development of renewable energies such as wind energy. Spain as the fourth biggest producer of wind energy plays an important global role in wind industry. In this paper, some important factors in the rapid growth of wind energy in Spain such as policy design, industry and technology, economic environment and social acceptance have been studied. The objective of this study is to introduce a model based on the successful development of wind energy in Spain which can be implemented by other countries
Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells inhibit catabolism in human chondrocytes by activating autophagy via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway

Objective: We aimed to determine the significance of MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) in chondrocyte autophagy under normal and inflammatory conditions.Design: Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hMSCs) were cultured in vitro. hMSC-Exos( EX） were isolated by an ultracentrifugation method. Transmission electron microscopy and western analysis were used to identify exosomes. Human chondrocytes were extracted from five adult males with OA undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Primary cultures of chondrocytes from OA patients were stimulated with 50 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the presence or absence of hMSC-Exos. Autophagy levels were determined based on expression of autophagic marker LC3, StubRFP-SensGFP-LC3 analysis, and electron microscopy. Catabolic gene and chemokine expression were evaluated using quantitative PCR. The NF-κB inhibitor NS398 was used to analyze the role of the NF-κB pathway in autophagic activation.Results: hMSC-Exos increased LC3-II levels as well as autophagosome number in chondrocytes. hMSC-Exos inhibited TNF-α–induced expression of MMP-3, -9, and -13; ADAMTS5; CCL-2 and -5; and CXCL1. NF-κB inhibition activated autophagy in TNF-α–treated chondrocytes. These results indicate that hMSC-Exos might suppress the levels of catabolic and inflammatory factors in chondrocytes by promoting autophagy via NF-κB pathway inhibition.Conclusions: Our data support the interest in hMSC-Exos to develop new therapeutic approaches for joint conditions.
Heads decide: Structural and functional characterization of selected plectin isoform-specific sequences

Plektin ist ein groses und hochst vielseitiges Protein, welches Aktin, Tubulin und einige andere Intermediarfilamente querverlinkt, und dadurch einen grosen Einfluss auf die zeitlichen und ortlichen Arragements und Dynamiken nimmt. Aufgrund von alternativem Splicing wird Plektin in verschiedenen Isoformen exprimiert, die sich im N-terminalen Bereich unterscheiden, welcher wiederum die subzellulare Verwendungsstellen diktiert. Allerdings versteht man die Mechanismen noch wenig, wie der N-terminale Bereich dieses riesige Protein zu verschiedenen Orten und/oder Bindungspartner dirigiert und dadurch die Funktion abstimmt; und diese Mechanismen mussen dementsprechend noch aufgeklart werden. Um nun die strukturellen Eigenschaften von Plektin Isoformen 1a- und 1c-spezifischen Sequenzen zu untersuchen und diese in Verbindung mit ihrer Funktion zu bringen, haben wir Methoden zur Aufreingung von Plektinfragmenten etabliert, bestehend aus diesen Sequenzen fusioniert mit der ABD von Plektin oder mit langeren N-terminalen Bereichen von Plektin, unter anderem mit dessen Plakin Domane. Die Kristallisation dieser Fragmente war nicht erfolgreich, was darauf hindeutet, dass die fur Plektin Isoformen 1a und 1c spezifischen Sequenzen sehr flexible oder ungeordnet sind, zumindest im ungebundenen Zustand. Im zweiten Teil wurden biochemische und zellbiologische Herangehensweisen benutzt, um neue Bindungspartner zu identifizieren, die bevorzugt an den N-terminalen Teil binden. Eines der beiden neu identifizierten Bindungspartnern, Vimentin, ein Intermediarfilament, bindet den N-terminalen Bereich der ABD von Plektin in seiner loslichen tetrameren Form. Zusatzlich wurde eine isoformspezifische Interaktion von Plektin mit Calmodulin, ein Ca2+ wahrnehmendes Protein, charakterisiert. Wir zeigen, dass Calmodulin an die CH1 Domane von Plektin Isoform 1a in einer Ca2+ abhangigen Weise bindet. Weiters wurde gezeigt, dass die Bindung von Calmodulin/Ca2+ an Plektin seine Bindung an F-Aktin und Integrin β4 verhindert. Interessanterweise spielt die Interaktion von Integrin α6β4 mit Plektin eine grose Rolle in der Ausbildung von Hemidesmosomen, das sind Adhasionskomplexe multipler Proteine, die Epithelzellen mit der basalen Matrix verbinden. Daruberhinaus war die bisher gangige Meinung zur Loslosung der Epithelzellen von der basalen Matrix wahrend der Wundheilung und die Differenzierung von Keratinozyten, welche die Disassemblierung der Hemidesmosomen benotigen, dass diese nur durch Phosphorylierung von Integrin β4 durch Proteinkinasen bewerkstelligt werden. Unsere Resultate erlauben uns ein neues Modell fur die Disassemblierung der Hemidesmosomen wahrend der Differenzierung der Keratinozyten vorzuschlagen, welches sowohl die Bindung von Calmodulin an Plektin 1a als auch die Phosphorylierung von Integrin β4 benotigt, um den Komplex von Integrin α6β4 mit Plektin unterbricht.
High Power Electrochemical Capacitors

Abstract : Electrochemical supercapacitors are rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices similar to batteries, but with different performance characteristics. Supercapacitors can store more power in a smaller volume and often at a lower cost. In contrast to batteries, supercapacitors have incredibly long cycle life ( 1000,000 cycles), and could be charged in less than a second. Their unique characteristics allow them to complement batteries in applications where high power and low weight are essential, including directed-energy weapons, compact pulsed power, mobile power quality devices, and peak power sources for aircraft and electric vehicles. In our project we focus on materials for high energy / high power supercapacitors.
Flipped Classroom: A Paradigm Shift in English Language Teaching

The paper entitled “Flipped Classroom: A Paradigm Shift in English Language Teaching” discusses about the need of flipping the English language classroom. The flipped classroom is a teaching model which is now being flourished around the globe. Implementation of the flipped classroom doesn’t cost much but it demands the instructor to prepare herself with a video lecture before the class. The classroom activity keeps aside the lecturing part and is meant for activities. The paper tries to emphasize the need of implementing flipped classrooms in English language teaching. It elucidates how this language teaching model is different from the traditional language teaching methodologies. It also puts forth the pros and cons of the new teaching model.
Functional outcome of proximal humeral interlocking system plating for displaced proximal humeral fractures: A prospective study

Background: The study was conducted to assess functional outcome of Proximal Humerus InterLocking System (PHILOS) plating in displaced proximal humeral fractures by Constant-Murley (Subjective and Objective) score. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted for 30 patients with displaced proximal humeral fractures operated with Proximal Humerus InterLocking System. Among 30 patients 12 females, 18 males; mean age 50.64 years range (26-70yrs). All patients were put on same physiotherapy program following internal fixation with the PHILOS plate. The patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at regular intervals of 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months. Functional outcome was assessed using the Constant-Murley score. Complications during the follow-up period were recorded. Results: In our series of 30 patients 2-part fractures were more common accounting 60 % compared to 3part (20%) and 4-part (20%). Fractures united in all patients. The most frequent complication seen was shoulder stiffness in 6 patients. Excellent functional outcome seen in 9 (30%) cases, good 12 (40%) cases, fair 6(20%) cases, poor 3(10%) cases. Conclusion: Fixation of proximal humerus fractures with proximal humerus locking plates is associated with satisfactory functional outcomes in 2-part and 3-part and 4 part fracture. The complications are high in four part fractures and old age. Good surgical skills and surgeon’s experience are of utmost importance for successful operative treatment.
Assessment of Advanced Cockpit Displays for General Aviation Aircraft - The Capstone Program

Abstract : Since the inception of the Capstone Program, approximately 150 aircraft in the area of Bethel, Alaska have received a suite of ADS-B displays. Despite the opportunity provided by the large number of ADS-B-capable aircraft in the Bethel area, very little information has been collected from the owner/operators and pilots of these aircraft that might help in transitioning the technology to the rest of the country. To remedy this situation, a team of human factors experts was tasked with travelling to Bethel in March 2002 to collect data regarding the use of these displays in day-to-day flight activities. A total of 41 pilots participated in the interview process, representing nine different flight companies in the Bethel area. All of the pilots were male. The average age was 37, ranging from 21 to 58. The average number of flight hours for the pilots was 4,962 hours, ranging from 950 hours to 30,000 hours. The median number of total flight hours was 3,250. Over 95% (39) of the pilots were instrument rated. Results from the pilot interviews and self-administered questionnaires revealed a number of human factors design, safety, and training issues. Discussion of these results will focus on display design and training recommendations for ADS-B displays that will ease the training burden, mitigate safety hazards, and accentuate safety improvements.
Petroleum spray oils and tomato integrated pest and disease management in southern Australia.

Control of a range of pests of fresh and processing tomatoes by petroleum spray oils was compared with conventional synthetic pesticide-based programs used by commercial farmers. In an initial experiment on fresh tomatoes a significant negative exponential relationship was found between the level of tomato russet mite infestations and the concentration of petroleum spray oil applied to run-off (0.5-2% v/v). Leaf area declined as infestations increased. Some stunting of growth was apparent after 8-9 weekly 2% sprays but no other visible signs of phytotoxicity were observed after 11 sprays. In a subsequent larger fresh tomato experiment control of budworms, green peach aphid, greenhouse whitefly and two-spotted mite was significantly better in a 1% oil treatment than in a conventional pesticide treatment. However, Queensland fruit fly was not controlled by the oil and yields in oil treated plots were lower than in conventionally treated plots. Sprays in each treatment were applied at volumes ranging from 500 to 2,800 L/ha as plants grew. In the processing tomato experiments, yields, fruit quality (total soluble solids and acidity), and control of budworms (mostly 'Helicoverpa armigera' Hubner), thrips, leafhoppers, greenhouse whitefly, green peach aphid and two-spotted mite generally either equalled or were significantly better in 1% oil treatments (250 to >1,800 L of spray/ha) than in conventional pesticide treatments (110 to 500 L of spray/ha). Significant relationships were derived for rotten fruit versus yield of ripe tomatoes and budworm damage. A purpose-built fan-assisted sprayer with an electric motor was used to apply the oil sprays in the processing tomato experiments. Spray coverage with this machine was significantly better than that given by broadacre air-assisted and boom sprayers typically used in the industry. A comparison of pesticide and application costs indicated that an oil-based pest and disease management program would be cheaper than a synthetic pesticide program in some instances but more expensive in others. The sustainability and other benefits of oil-based IPDM are discussed in relation to these costs.
Fundamentals of Microsystems Packaging

Chapter 1: Introduction to Microsystems Packaging. Chapter 2: The Role of Packaging in Microelectronics Chapter 3: The Role of Packaging in Microsystems. Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Electrical Package Design. Chapter 5: Fundamentals of Design for Reliability. Chapter 6: Fundamentals of Thermal Management. Chapter 7: Fundamentals of Single Chip Packaging. Chapter 8: Funamentals of Multichip Packaging. Chapter 9: Fundamentals of IC Assembly. Chapter 10: Fundamentals of Water-Level Packaging. Chapter 11: Fundamentals of Passives: Discrete, Integrated, and Embedded. Chapter 12: Fundamentals of Optoelectronics. Chapter 13: Fundamentals of RF Packaging. Chapter 14: Fundamentals of Microelectromechanical Systems. Chapter 15: Fundamentals of Sealing and Encapsulation. Chapter 16: Fundamentals of System-Level PWB Technologies. Chapter 17: Fundamentals of Board Assembly. Chapter 18: Fundamentals of Packaging Materials and Processes. Chapter 19: Fundamentals of Electrical Testing. Chapter 20: Fundamentals of Package Manufacturing. Chapter 21: Fundamentals of Microsystems Design for the Environment. Chapter 22: Fundamentals of Microsstems Reliability. Glossary.
Heart Rate and Motion Detection on Swimmers Simultaneous monitoring of heart rate and motion of swimmers

The use of pulse oximetry in measuring heart rates is well established. In this project the technique is applied in conjunction with a simple FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) treatment to the measuring of heart rates on swimmers using the MORES sensor developed by CiS Forschungsinstitut fur Mikrosensorik und Photovoltaik GmbH in Erfurt. Movement data is collected from an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and fused using a complementary filter. It is found that due to the high noise ratio, poor performance of supporting hardware and immaturity of the oximetry sensor that the heart rate measurement gave unsatisfactory results. The IMU gives the expected data and the fusing algorithms perform as intended. Integration of accelerometer data for the acquisition of velocity and position is proven not to work.
Augmented Bodies and Behaviour Bias Interfaces

Ana Viseu Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto 252 Bloor St. West, 9th Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 1V6 Phone 1.416. 925.8809 Fax 1.416. 926.4708 Email: ana.viseu@utoronto.ca URL:
Multivariate quality control based on regression-adjusted variables

When performing quality control in a situation in which measures are made of several possibly related variables, it is desirable to use methods that capitalize on the relationship between the variables to provide controls more sensitive than those that may be made on the variables individually. The most common methods of multivariate quality control that assess the vector of variables as a whole are those based on the Hotelling T 2 between the variables and the specification vector. Although T 2 is the optimal single-test statistic for a general multivariate shift in the mean vector, it is not optimal for more structured mean shifts-for example, shifts in only some of the variables. Measures based on quadratic forms (like T 2) also confound mean shifts with variance shifts and require quite extensive analysis following a signal to determine the nature of the shift. This article proposes Shewhart and cumulative sum (CUSUM) controls based on the vector Z of scaled residuals from the regression of each varia.