Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Implementing to Total Quality Management on the BusınessPerformance and a Research

Total quality management (TQM) has been mentioned to have positive effect on business performance considerable attention in the literature and researches. The aim of this study is to analyse the performance changes in a shopping center. A research model was composed of four performances dimensions. Qualification and quantitive data of the model were groupped and evaluated by using statistical methods. In the end of the study, after implementing of TQM the performance increase was observed in the all sized of the business by years .
Dynamic risk analysis in construction projects

The occurrence of one risk may exacerbate other risks or portfolios of risks due to their highly complex interrelated structures and existing interactions. Hence, the cumulative impact of a chain of risks may be greater than the sum of their individual impacts. Commonly practiced risk analysis approaches do not account for these interactions and face deficiency in providing reliable information regarding the actual impact of the identified risks. This paper presents a new approach to construction risk analysis where the interrelated structure of risks and their interactions have been modeled through the governing feedback loops. The proposed methodology is a system dynamics-based approach for risk analysis and assessment. The full impact of a risk or a set of risks may efficiently be modeled, simulated, and quantified in terms of time and cost by the proposed object-oriented simulation methodology. To evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology, it has been incorporated into a bridge construction.
Performance Comparison of Transient Behaviors of Magnetically and Thyristor-controlled Reactors

Abstract Shunt reactors are used to compensate the effects of line capacitance, particularly to limit voltage rise on open circuits or small loads. A magnetically controlled reactor is a device in which a DC pulsating through a special winding controls the inductive susceptance. Magnetically controlled reactors enhance transmission capability and save energy, especially in compact increased surge-impedance-loading power lines. The response of a thyristor-controlled reactor in voltage regulation to the voltage variations in a transmission line is faster than that of a magnetically controlled reactor. Although a magnetically controlled reactor can be designed to respond like a thyristor-controlled reactor in as little as 0.02 sec, the price of magnetically controlled reactor depends on its response time. In high voltage transmission lines, voltage variations are not sudden, so the slow response of the magnetically controlled reactor with respect to the thyristor-controlled reactor is not important. The main objective of this article is to compare magnetically controlled reactors and thyristor controlled reactors from a transient behavior point of view, and a detailed model of a magnetically controlled reactor reactor is used to illustrate the ideas presented throughout the article.
Characterization of a MEMS Accelerometer Considering Environmental Temperature Fluctuations

This paper investigates the effects of environmental temperature fluctuations on the performance of a MEMS accelerometer. The model, vibration equation, and calculation of the output of detection capacitance for the accelerometer are presented. The fluctuations in temperature are considered when evaluating the actual performance of the device. The analysis results show that temperature fluctuations have a great influence on the output of the accelerometer although it has little influence on the resonant frequency of sensing mode and the sensitivity of detection capacitance. The performance deviations under the effects of temperature fluctuations are calculated accurately, which provides a reference for the design of temperature compensation method and robust design for the accelerometer.
Effect of Combining Precompression Grooves, PCFV And DCFV on Pump Noise Generation

Abstract Noise emission from axial piston machines has been studied for several decades by many researchers and pump manufacturers. As a result, different design methods for reducing the sources of pump noise have been proposed and are in use. The authors have studied and compared the effectiveness of several passive design methods. One of the outcomes of the study is the finding that among the passive design methods, precompression grooves and precompression filter volume (PCFV) are most effective in reducing the noise sources in the axial piston machines in a wide range of operating conditions. The limitations of precompression grooves and PCFV are explained and a new design method which combines the precompression grooves, PCFV and decompression filter volume (DCFV) has been proposed. The proposed combination of design methods is parameterized and uses a multi-objective optimization procedure. The effectiveness of the proposed optimization procedure (a combination of precompression grooves, PCFV and DCFV) is demonstrated using simulation results in comparison to precompression grooves and PCFV. The results show that a combination of precompression grooves, PCFV with groove and DCFV with groove, is effective in reducing both the fluid borne noise source (FBNS) and the structure borne noise source (SBNS) simultaneously in an axial piston machine at a wide range of operating conditions. It has also been shown that the proposed method allows noise source reduction without affecting volumetric efficiency.
Integration of slot antenna in LTCC package for 60 GHz radios

A slot antenna implemented in a thin cavity-down ceramic ball grid array (CBGA) package in low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) technology is reported. The antenna, intended for use in highly integrated 60 GHz radios, has achieved an acceptable impedance band width from 59 to 65 GHz and a peak gain of 11 dBi at 61.5 GHz with an estimated efficiency of 94%.
Energy Harvesting from Highly Unsteady Fluid Flows using Piezoelectric Materials

In the present work we explore some aspects of energy harvesting from unsteady, turbulent fluid flow using piezoelectric generators. Turbulent flows exhibit a large degree of coherence in their spatial and temporal scales, which provides a unique opportunity for energy harvesting. The voltage generated by short, flexible piezoelectric cantilever beams placed inside turbulent boundary layers and wakes of circular cylinders at high Reynolds numbers is investigated. Matching the fluid flow’s predominant frequency with the natural frequency of the piezoelectric generator appears to maximize the piezoelectric output voltage. This voltage is also dependent on the generator’s location inside the flow field. A three-way coupled interaction simulation that takes into account the aerodynamics, structural vibration, and electrical response of the piezoelectric generator has been developed. The simulation results agree reasonably well with the experimental data paving the way of using such a tool to estimate the performance of different energy harvesting devices within unsteady flow fields.
Kinematic Design and Description of Industrial Robotic Chains

Today, industrial robots can replace humans in carrying out various types of operations. They can as well serve machine tools as to carry out various tasks like welding, handling, painting, assembling, dismantling, foundering, forging, packaging, palletizing …. in different areas of the mechanical, car, aerospace, automotive, electronics … and other industries. However, the complexity of the industrial process poses difficult problems for insertion and generation of the movements of a robot: the working environment of the robot is often complex and varied (presence of obstacles during the execution of a task for example). One of the objectives concerning the problems of computer-aide d design (CAD) of robots is the validation of their topological structures. The robotdesign engineer puts forth assumptions as regards the provision of the links and the joints of the mechanical articulated system. A first validation of this choice is of a geometrical nature (Merlet, 1996). At first sight the design of a mechanical architecture for a robot appears rather simple and yet it presents a very complex basic difficulty, as it must take into account not only the mechanical possibilities of realization but also the possibilities of control’s development, which passes by generating of a mathematical model. The latter strongly affects the mechanical design if good performances are sought. Many methods for mechanism description appeared with the creation of CAD systems (Warnecke, 1977) and (Coiffet, 1992). The existing methods may be separated into two categories: - description methods for classification (Roth, 1976),
The Contour Size Detection of Driver Airbag Based on Image Processing Technology

In this paper we have developed a new methodology for detecting the contour size of driver airbag based on image processing technology and Machine vision. Through the CCD camera we can obtain the image, and then do the following operations by a computer, such as binarization, edge extraction and so on the other image preprocessing. This methodology uses intelligent template matching technology to detect the airbags and by comparing with the predefined parameter to determine whether the contour size is qualified . The experimental results show that: this new detection method solves the disadvantage of traditional detection method, such as the low detection efficiency, the detection precision is not high, the poor detection repeatability, the higher rate of detection miscarriage of justice.
Prediction of Cutting Consumption Based on Optimization-Making RBF Artificial Neural Network

Excision rate was fitted and predicted via building on cutting parameters affecting cutting machining process with Optimization-Making RBF (OMRBF) Neural Network. Radial basis function was made to select the best optimized distribution density in order to advance the fitting and forecasting capability of RBF. The result of OMRBF was compared with BP Neural Network’s, what showed that the fitting and forecasting accuracy of OMRBF was much higher than BP Neural Network’s.
Improved Performance for the Synchronization of the Angular Velocity in Hybrid Electric Vehicles using a Feedforward Strategy

Abstract In this paper a multivariable control design task in the field of parallel hybrid electric vehicles is discussed. The control design covers the speed synchronization of two propulsion aggregates using a controllable separation clutch. During the synchronization period the longitudinal vehicle motion of the vehicle should not be affected. The proposed control strategy is based on a feedforward controller and two decoupled feedback controllers. The performance and robustness properties of the closed-loop system are shown by nonlinear simulation results.
Sporadic utilization of ITN among households with under-five HIV positive children

Children under-five are most vulnerable and bear the adverse effects of Malaria worldwide. In Kenya, 20% of all deaths in children are due to malaria, and 88.9% of all deaths among HIV positive children are malaria related. Correct and consistence ITN utilization is proven to protect against anopheles mosquito bites hence Malaria, however, despite free distribution of ITN to the study population and civic education on proper ITN use, the prevalence of Malaria is still high in this cohort. Therefore, there was an indelible need to establish the levels of household ITN ownership and utilization vis-à-vis demographic characteristics of participants and Malaria attacks among households with HIV positive children in Kimilili. Method: This was a community based study conducted between March and August, 2016 through a cross-sectional survey. The under-five children were recruited randomly at the comprehensive care centre in Kimilili Sub-County Referral Hospital and studied at their households; they were consented through their parents/caretakers. Data on demographic variables, ITN usage and Malaria attacks were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists, percentages and chi square. Results: The ownership of ITN among the 222 study participants was 98%. The study established that there was poor (88.7%) household utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets. we further established that among poor ITN users, malaria attacks were high – 65.3%. Conclusion: Utilization of ITN at household level was poor; to the extent that it could not contribute to reduction of malaria associated morbidity and mortality. Efforts should be targeted at households to ensure correct utilization of ITN
Collision-avoidance systems PRORETA: Situation analysis and intervention control

Abstract After a discussion of passive and active safety systems for automobiles and accident statistics it follows that a further progress in the reduction of accidents can be especially expected by next-generation driver-assistance systems with a sequence of warnings and active interventions. PRORETA is an Industry–University research project with the goal to develop steps towards accident-free driving. The first project considers two vehicles moving in the same direction. The other vehicle is detected by a fusion of LIDAR and camera data providing the system with relative speeds and distance. If the driver does not react to an obstacle on the own lane, the system automatically triggers an emergency braking and/or swerving to avoid a collision. This includes e.g. a fast and precise evasive trajectory control by automatic steering. The second project is dedicated to vehicles moving in opposite directions performing an overtaking maneuver on rural roads. The own vehicle detects the velocities and distances to the preceding and oncoming vehicle by RADAR and lane markings, etc. with a camera. The measured data of the two sensors undergo a sensor fusion with Kalman filters. The overtaking maneuver is predicted by using the measured data of all three vehicles. If an accident-free overtaking is in danger, warnings are given to the driver and if the driver does not react in time a full braking of the own vehicle is triggered such that the driver can turn back behind the overtaken vehicle. The contribution gives a survey on the developed strategies and some basic calculated features and control systems. Measured data are shown and give an impression of the driving experiments on the runway of an air field.
An improved flapping wing system actuated by the LIPCA

This paper presents an improved version of the insect-mimicking flapping-wing mechanism actuated by LIPCA (Lightweight Piezo-Composite Actuator). As the previous version, the actuation displacement of the actuator is converted into flapping-wing motion by a mechanical linkage system that functioned as displacement amplifier as well. In order to provide feathering motion, the wing is attached to the axis through a hinge system that allows the wing rotation at each end of half-stroke, due to air resistance. In this improved version, the total weight has been reduced to the half of the previous one. The device could produce about 90 degree of flapping angle when it operated at around 10 Hz, which was the natural flapping-frequency. Several flapping tests under different parameter configurations were conducted in order to investigate the characteristic of the generated lift. In addition, the smoke-wire test was also conducted, so that the vortices around the wing can be visually observed. Even though the present wing has smaller wing area, it could produce higher lift then before.
How to Have Fun at School, Find Free Time, and Get Good Grades Too!

In today's competitive environment, businesses must adopt continuous improvement to succeed. As a result, engineering students must become familiar with continuous improvement to function in business when they graduate. The best way for them to learn is by putting these ideas into action in school. This paper presents a plan that shows students how to use their available time effectively, track their progress, foresee problems before they occur, and take action to prevent those problems. The paper is written primarily for students and has applications for all of education. I urge you to pass out copies of it to students you know and at ASCE Student Chapter meetings.
Application of nano-silica in concrete

Current micro-silica is only applied in special cases, due to its high price, and nano-silica is not used in practice yet. The new nano-silica can be produced in such quantities and for low prices that mass application in concrete is within reach. It may replace cement in the mix, which is the most costly and environmentally unfriendly component in concrete. The aim of this research is to create a practical application method and a model to apply newly developed nS in concrete and other granular building materials.
Ultra-low voltage common-mode voltage detector circuit

A new common-mode voltage detector circuit to be used in the common-mode feedback loop of ultra-low voltage fully differential amplifiers is presented. The proposed circuit behaves linearly for most of the signal range and is able to operate with supply voltages as low as 0.4 V. The design issues and simulation results of the circuit in 0.18 m CMOS technology are presented.
Alternative Cooling of Dairy Cows by Udder Wetting

Heat stress is a major inhibitor of production in livestock operations, causing severe economic loss. The objective of this study was to explore an alternative way to cool cows in time of heat stress by wetting the udder, as opposed to the common practice of wetting the body. Twelve pregnant, lactating Holstein cows were used in the study. The cows were exposed to four treatments each day over four days. The treatments were: (1) wetting the body without blowing air (n = 24), (2) wetting the body and blowing air (n = 12), (3) wetting only the udder without blowing air (n = 24), and (4) wetting the udder and blowing air directly onto the udder (n = 12). Water was sprayed over both sides of a cow’s back until it dripped. Similarly, this was done for the udder wetting treatment. Fans were used to blow air onto the wet area and were turned on until measurements of rectal temperature, respiration rate, and skin surface temperature, both at the udder and body (dorsal), were taken. Respiration rates and skin temperatures were higher (p > 0.05) with udder wetting compared to body wetting. However, there was no statistical difference in rectal temperature between both wetting cases with or without blowing air onto the wet surface. Since rectal temperature is a measure of internal body temperature, it can be concluded that udder wetting alone was as effective as body wetting in abating thermal stress of dairy cows. Blowing air onto the wet udder further lowered udder skin surface temperature. There was a strong correlation (R = 0.91) between vaginal and rectal temperatures. Vaginal temperature, which provides the ability to continuously record over a prolonged time by implanting a sensor in the vagina, could be considered as an accurate and reliable measure of body temperature of healthy dairy cows.
BIOINFO - Revista Brasileira de Bioinformática e Biologia Computacional

A bioinformática como área de pesquisa tem crescido exponencialmente nos últimos tempos. Entretanto, ainda há uma lacuna de material de estudo escrito em língua portuguesa. Neste livro, apresentamos o primeiro resultado do projeto BIOINFO. BIOINFO é um projeto amplo que engloba um portal, uma rede de divulgação e uma revista digital focada em publicar conteúdo voltado à divulgação científica em bioinformática e biologia computacional escrito em língua portuguesa. O portal abre espaço para cientistas, professores, pesquisadores e estudantes de pós-graduação divulgarem suas pesquisas, além de publicar artigos de opinião, carreira, revisões, tutoriais, educativos ou textos de divulgação científica em geral. Artigos aprovados em um processo de revisão por pares simplificada são publicados em páginas de internet e ficam disponíveis para acesso público sem qualquer custo para os autores ou leitores. Ocasionalmente, textos selecionados serão compilados em livro digital.Este volume apresenta 20 capítulos selecionados com base em seis categorias: Bioinformática clássica, Bioinformática Estrutural, Biologia de sistemas, Computação, Ensino e Evolução.
An Improved Taguchi Method and its Application in Finite Element Model Updating of Bridges

In the model updating process, the objective function is usually set as the weighted sum of the difference between analytical and experimental dynamic characteristics. But it is difficult to select the weighting factors since the relative importance of each parameter to updated results is not obvious but specific for different problem. To overcome this problem, multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) is introduced into model updating by Gyeong-Ho Kim since there is no need for selecting weighting values in multi-objective optimization technique. To complex structures, however, it is difficult to update the structural models by GA because of the relative low efficiency. While Taguchi updating method, deemed as an efficient and robust method, is a good choice to update the models of large structures. But Taguchi method is only applied to solve the single objective optimization problem of model updating. Therefore, this paper proposed improved Taguchi updating method to deal with the problem of model updating using multi-objective optimization technique. Then the proposed method is applied to update the model of a 14-bay beam with measured frequencies and modal shapes. The updated results show that the proposed method is promising to structural model updating.
Linguistic Diversity and Plurality in the Middle East and North Africa

The Middle East and North Africa covers an immense geographic region and includes within its boundaries a great deal of social, cultural, political, and linguistic diversity. Although a number of majority languages are spoken throughout the region, with Arabic being the largest, the region as a whole shows substantial language diversity, with the region’s languages cutting across a number of different language groups and families. The broader geopolitics of the region have also played a meaningful role in shaping the trajectory of these languages and their future vitality. This entry provides a broad overview of a selection of the many languages spoken in the Middle East and North Africa while noting how many of these languages fit into the region’s broader social and political life.