Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Research of Geometric Error Modeling of Robotic Machining: I Spatial Motion Chain and Error Transmission

: It is one of the frontier research directions of intelligent manufacturing to use robots as manufacturing equipment executor integrating intelligent vision sensors to realize small margin grinding/milling/cutting/drilling for large and complex parts. At present, the main problem confronting in application is that the machining error is hard to reduce. The study systematically investigates the geometric error modeling and accuracy control of visually-guided robotic machining, where the machining error reduction is regarded as the main objective and the robot/visual sensor/workpiece/tool are regarded as the main targets. The first I part introduces the research status of geometric error modeling and parameter identification, studies the spatial motion chain and metric index definition of robotic machining, and derives the static error (originating from workpiece/tool pose error) transmission model as well as dynamic error (originating from joint kinematic error and joint weak stiffness) transmission model. The second II part builds the objective function and calculation method of accurate identification for hand-eye/workpiece/tool pose parameters, and proposes a general pose optimization model of robotic machining (grinding/milling/cutting/drilling) for overall error control, where the joint kinematic error and weak stiffness deformation are both considered.
Semiparametric Reliability Model in the Failure Analysis of a Coal-Fired Boiler Used in a Thermal Power Plant—A Case Study

ABSTRACT Reliability of a system varies under different operating conditions like temperature, humidity, dust, maintenance facilities, maintenance personnel skill, operator skill, etc., called “covariates. ” Under poor operating environments the reliability decreases. Therefore, for precise estimation of system reliability, the influence of various covariates is included. This article aims to investigate the effect of five covariates on the reliability characteristics of a coal-fired boiler using the Weibull proportional hazard model, a semiparametric reliability model. The results from the case study indicate that there is a substantial decrease in reliability. A preventive maintenance program based on this calculated reliability will be safer to use.
Fabrication and characterisation of InP/InGaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors

Heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) have well established themselves since the invention of modern day epitaxial growth technology in nearly all areas of electronic integrated circuits varying from high speed Indium Phosphide (InP) based devices through to future high-power gallium nitride (GaN) applications. This thesis begins with a review of the current state of the art HBT devices, along with comparison between different materials used within such devices. A large portion of the work covers the fabrication process of an Indium Phosphide/ Indium Gallium Arsenide (InP/InGaAs) based Single-HBT (SHBT) using only wet etching, along with the comparison between different techniques involved. RF and DC measurements for the fabricated devices are also reported of HBTs with emitter size 16μm × 8μm with achieving speeds of FMAX and FT being, 3.5GHz and 9GHz respectively. Finally, being that the accurate extraction of the small-signal equivalent circuit is a crucial part in the process development and optimisation of HBTs, the investigation and development of an accurate small signal device modelling technique was evaluated and developed this project.
Quantitative assessment and impact of thermal treatment on quality of Holstein dairy cattle colostrum immunoglobulin and viscosity

BackgroundBovine postpartum colostrum delivers a vital source of immunoglobulins (Igs) and other non-specific immune factors for passive transfer of immunity to newborn calves. Heat treatment of colostrum is an effective practice to reduce potential pathogens that can be transmitted to the newborn calves. Therefore, there is a need to determine optimized temperature and time that can minimally change IgG concentration and the viscosity (consistency) of colostrum. In order to preserve the quality and value of bovine postpartum colostrum, this study aimed to determine the IgG concentration, influence of different thermal treatments on the quality of colostrum and other properties including viscosity, fat and color.ResultsA total of 40 German Holstein dairy cattle first colostrum samples, collected after birth, were evaluated for color gradation, fat (%), colostrum IgG (mg mL-1), IgG (%Brix) and refractive index (nD) concentration, visual and dynamic viscosity and impact of different treatments (60 °C/60 min; 63.5°C/30 min and 72.0°C/15 s) on the viscosity. The color was graded from white-pale yellow to yellow and dark-yellowish, fat (1.4 - 8.2%) and IgG concentration (4 - 116 mg mL-1), Brix (8.5% - 35.4% Brix) and nD (1.3454 - 1.3905), respectively. The visual viscosity of first colostrum was classified into watery, liquid and thick consistency, whereas the dynamic viscosity and treated colostrum ranged from <10 to 219 and <10 to 3066 centipoise (cP), respectively. The consistency of treated samples were classified into liquid, thick and solid with significant change in the dynamic viscosity.ConclusionData revealed significant variation in the IgG values where both measurement methods showed high congruence with IgG classification. Due to the fact that individual IgG values were disparate, this significantly affected the colostrum consistency with different treatments. The study showed that colostrum containing IgG ≤80 mg mL-1 and ≤68 mg mL-1 treated at 60°C for 60 min and 63.5°C for 30 min showed a slight to moderate change in the consistency which suggests that these two temperatures and lengths of time that had a minimal impact on the consistency can be used to pasteurize colostrum.
Combined photovoltaic and thermal hybrid collector systems

Solar energy collectors that produce both electric and thermal energy are an attractive alternative to individual thermal and photovoltaic collectors for certain applications and climates. Economic results from a system analysis indicate that hybrid collector systems are attractive in small buildings that have substantial heating loads. Passively cooled photovoltaic panels are best suited for structures located in regions where year-round air conditioning and small, low-grade, thermal energy demands predominate. Hybrid collectors are to be tested according to ASHRAE standards and a full-system experiment incorporating a photovoltaic array installed at the Solar Energy Research Facility of the University of Texas will be conducted by Lincoln Laboratory.
The influence of non-ideal base current on 1/f noise behaviour of bipolar transistors

The improved performance of a novel description of the low-frequency noise behavior of bipolar transistors, taking into account the magnitude of the non-ideal base current component, is demonstrated. Noise parameters for this model have been determined. Measurements show a quadratic dependence of noise level on both ideal and non-ideal base current, resulting in a constant parameter AF=2. Only two parameters therefore are necessary for a complete description of 1/f noise behavior. This model can describe the effect of transistor aging on the noise behavior in the cases where h/sub FE/ degrades due to an increase in non-ideal base current. The model allows simple geometrical scaling rules for the noise parameters KF and KFN, illustrating the physical validity of the model. <<ETX>>
Technologies for high-temperature silicon microreactors

These Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne EPFL, n° 2298 (2000)Faculte des sciences et techniques de l'ingenieurLaboratoire de microsystemes 4Jury: Nico de Rooij, Andre Perret, Radivoje Popovic, Albert Renken, Albert Van den Berg Public defense: 2000-12-1 Reference doi:10.5075/epfl-thesis-2298Print copy in library catalog Record created on 2005-03-16, modified on 2017-05-10
Measurement of Slip Between the Shoe and Ground During Walking

The ratio between horizontal and vertical force components (H/V) exerted by a shoe on the ground during walking has been measured using a force platform. Results have suggested that dangerous slip is most likely during the landing phase. Practical slip experiments, using a number of male subjects walking in rubber-soled shoes on an oily steel surface, have confirmed this and have shown that the severity of a slip can be measured by the distance through which the shoe slips. Experimentally the slip distance is inversely dependent on the static friction coefficient. The occurrence of slip in wear has been linked to specific peaks on the H/V trace and using stroboscope photography, it has been shown that most dangerous slips on oily steel start when the shoe is stationary. It is concluded that the static friction coefficient is the most relevant for slip-resistance testing, but it is essential to reproduce the short time of contact of the shoe with the surface.
STUDY OF PERFORMANCE RELATED STRENGTH TESTS FOR COMPETITION LEVEL SPRINTERS

Strength is a performance determining factor in sprinting. This study investigates the significance of a variety of isokinetic tests to control strength requirements for sprinters. Eighteen competition level sprinters &1i0 0 m-time = 10.94 s, = 0.22 s) ran a 40 meter sprint and performed 24 isokinetic strength tests on the PROMETT-system Static, concentric, eccentric and plyometric contractions were executed at velocities between 0 and 300 '1s for knee-extensors, knee flexors and ankle extensors. For each movement the torque at three different joint angles was recorded. As the performance determining factors change in relation to running distance, the correlation between the recorded torques and the running speed is graphically presented in relation to running distance (72 graphs). Per type of contraction the torque with the highest correlation with running speed was selected for further analysis. To interpret these graphs three phases are distinguished in a 40 meter sprint. Phase 1 is the phase of initial acceleration (from 0 to 10 m), phase 2 is the phase of continued acceleration (from 10 to 30 m) and phase 3 is the phase of maximum running speed (30 to 40 m). The common variance in torque and running speed data is quantified by means of the determinationcoefficient. The results indicate that isokinetic strength tests can be used to evaluate sprint related strength requirements at a competition level. 30 to 50 percent of variance in running speed within each of the three phases can be declared by a single isokinetic strength test. It may be concluded that the strength of the knee flexors determines 50 % of the variance within the phase of initial acceleration. Ankle extension torques explain 45 % of the variance in running speed within phase 2, and the strength of the knee extensors determines 33 % of variance in maximum running speed. It is also remarkable that for ankle extension only tests were selected with a high movement velocity (200°/s), while for knee extension tests were selected at lower velocities (65 and 130°/s).
Risk Analysis of 2-year Mortality in Elderly Male Patients with Non-Thyroidal Illness Syndrome

Background Currently, the elderly population is rapidly increasing, and elderly patients with non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) in intensive care units (ICUs) have relatively severe symptoms and a poor prognosis. However, there are few studies on the correlation between NTIS and patient mortality among hospitalised elderly patients in the general ward.Methods In the present study, 931 male inpatients ≥ 60 years of age who visited our hospital from January 2012 to December 2013 were selected and divided into the NTIS group and normal thyroid function (non-NTIS) group. Propensity score matching was used to match the two groups according to age and body mass index. Thyroid function, serum proteins, metabolic indicators, liver and kidney function and mortality were collected.Results Serum total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), prealbumin (PA), haemoglobin (Hb), uric acid (UA), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels were significantly lower in the NTIS group than in the non-NTIS group. The urea nitrogen (UN) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were higher in the NTIS group than in the non-NTIS group. Total T3, TP, Alb, and PA levels were positively correlated with the Hb level and negatively correlated with FBG, UN, and creatinine (Cr) levels. The free T3 level was positively correlated with TP, Alb, PA, Hb, and UA levels and negatively correlated with FBG, UN, and Cr levels. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models indicated that a lower free T3 level was associated with increased all-cause mortality after adjusting for covariates. The patients in the NTIS group had a lower survival rate at 2 years based on Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that a cut-off free T3 level of 3.445 pmol/L yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting all-cause mortality at 2 years.Conclusion Among elderly male inpatients, the survival rate was lower in the NTIS group than non-NTIS group. Serum protein levels and renal function decreased and the FBG level increased with decreasing total T3 and free T3 levels. A decreased free T3 level in hospitalized elderly male patients was a predictor of poor prognosis.
Ecological criteria for the selection of materials in fatigue

This work provides some ecological criteria for fatigue designers so that they can quantitatively consider the ecological impact as a factor during the process of design. In particular, during the selection of materials for fatigue applications, two kinds of applications have been examined. The first one is related to components under cyclic loading with no energy consumption during their use, as a pipe under variable pressure. In this case, the highest impact takes place during the material production phase. The second application refers to components used in means of transport, as planes or cars components. For them, the highest environmental impact occurs during the use phase, through fuel consumption. For both applications, a parameter is provided, named Ecological-Fatigue Factor, that combines both the ecological impact and the fatigue endurance of the materials. For the two applications, a ranking of materials based on the Ecological-Fatigue Factor is given. Great differences can be found between the two rankings.
Natural Systems for Waste Management and Treatment

Biologically-based systems for handling waste are gathering international attention as a more reliable, less costly alternative to energy intensive mechanical systems, and are being used by increasing numbers of communities and municipalities. The natural process of waste treatment deals with processing waste and wastewater naturally in streams and the soil. The process in wastewater treatment plants is virtually the same process used in treating the material with bacteria only at a more rapid rate. This results in higher energy consumption and more accumulated sludge than the natural process. This edition features recent advances in the use of wetlands and aquatic systems, the treatment of sludges, and other areas in the field of waste management. It also includes current EPA regulations and coverage of small-scale on-site systems.
Rapid multi-layer PCB prototyping

Testing PCB designs using prototypes has always been an integral part of any serious research and development effort. However, due to two changes in the PCB industry, many design engineers are finding that traditional prototyping methods are either (1) too slow or (2) unable to produce the level of sophistication required for today's highly competitive electronics market. As a result, many designers are turning to a revolutionary new rapid prototyping system manufactured by a small high tech firm in West Lebanon, NH. This new technology gives engineers the unprecedented power to produce high quality multi-layer PCBs in less than a day.
Effective software management: where do we falter?

Construction industry has been performing better than the software industry in delivering project on time and within budget. A comparative study is presented that shows the difference in development methodologies in the two industries. A new software development methodology is proposed that borrows some concepts from the design-bid-build strategy of the construction industry and merges it with the iterative nature of software intensive development.
Nuove dinamiche nel commercio dei prodotti agroalimentari: resistenze all’adozione dell’e-commerce nelle relazioni B2B

Since some decades, agrifood products exchanges can be carried on using Information and Communication Technology (ict) tools. Anyway, their adoption in the agrifood sector appears to be hindered, both because of consolidated dynamics in developing B2B transactions, and of the peculiarities of the agrifood products themselves. The lack of direct relationships between partners heighten problems connected with food safety assessments, and with the definition of standardized production practices able to match business partners’ needs. Standardization is the key point in the relationship between e-commerce and agrifood sector. As for some products it is possible to define standardized requirements, it is hard to find a collocation for the wide range of agrifood differentiated and quality products in ecommerce B2B relationships. Moreover, existing e-marketplaces are not always able to convey properly the degree of differentiation and the peculiarities of agrifood products. The study aims at analyzing the barriers connected with the adoption of ecommerce in B2B relationships in agrifood sector, defining the factors which affect the interaction between the two areas. The attitude towards e-commerce showed by potential ict tools users, chosen between Italian agrifood operators, has been analyzed; moreover, an overview on the evolution of agrifood e-marketplaces in the last 5 years has been carried on. The results describe the main problems concerning the adoption of e-commerce in agrifood sector, deeply connected with the agrifood products specifics. In spite of positive outcomes about efficiency and transactions for standardized products, the interaction between ict tools and agrifood sector’s needs becomes problematic in case of high quality levels and differentiation, which can’t be properly conveyed by e-marketplaces. Results also highlight the role of trust and reputation in e-environments.
The evolution of signalling from ISDN to B-ISDN

Issues in B-ISDN (Broadband-Integrated Services Digital Network) signaling are clarified and directions for solutions are discussed. Signaling is one of the key elements in the provision of services by modern telecommunication systems. Where the introduction of ISDN can still be regarded as a straightforward evolution from the world of telephony, B-ISDN, represents a radical departure. The scope of the services to be offered in the target B-ISDN is much wider, and the underlying technology, such as ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), is vastly different. This results in requirements for signaling which cannot be met by the present systems such as SS7 (common channel Signaling System) and DSS1 (Digital Subscriber Signaling). The new requirements are examined and some of the directions presently being investigated for supporting the target B-ISDN are analyzed.
Sensors in industrial metrology

Industrial metrology is concerned with sensors to measure movement of machine tool parts and monitor tool wear and the dimensions of artefacts in machining centres, sensors for robots in flexible manufacturing systems, sensors to gauge mating parts for selective assembly or allowing for interchangeability, and sensors for inspection and testing of assembled or part-assembled products. The author reviews the subject and emphasises significant advances, from the use of resonant sensor systems, edge-sensing profilers and methods of laser scanning, to acoustic emission techniques, imaging systems and the scanning tunnelling microscope.
Effects of Baggage Volume and Alarm Rate on Airport Security Screening Checkpoint Efficiency using Queuing Networks and Discrete Event Simulation

This study used queuing networks and discrete event simulation (DES) to investigate the effects of baggage volume and alarm rate at the security screening checkpoint (SSCP) of a small origin and destination airport. A queuing network was applied for theoretical modeling of the SSCP performance, and a DES model using Arena Version 12 was used for an empirical approach. Data were collected from both literature and by manual collection during the peak operating time of the airport that was modeled. The simulation model was verified and validated qualitatively and quantitatively by statistical testing before experimentation. After validation, a sensitivity analysis was performed on baggage volume of passengers (PAX) and the alarm rate of baggage screening devices, where SSCP throughput and PAX cycle time, were the dependent measures. The theoretical queuing network proved an accurate method of predicting cycle time for the system while in steady state but was subject to various assumptions. The empirical model and sensitivity analysis showed that SSCP throughput and cycle time are both highly sensitive to alarm rate. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis showed that SSCP throughput was completely resilient to baggage volume, while cycle time was moderately sensitive to baggage volume. Practical implications and future research were also discussed.
Natural Sounding Artificial Reverberation

'Artificial reverberation is added to sound signals requiring additional reverberation for optimum listening enjoyment. This paper describes methods for generating, by purely electronic means, an artificial reverberation which is indistinguishable from the natural reverberation of real rooms. This artificial reverberation can be given any desired characteristics to match different types of music and personal tastes. A method for making the artificial reverberation "ambiophonic" (i.e., three-dimensional) is also described. SHORTCOMINGSOF EXISTING ELECTRONIC after onset of the reverberation process. ) Unfortunately, REVERBERATORS echo densities of 1,000 per second are not easily achieved
A product line for workflow management systems

This paper presents an ongoing research on the development of a component-based product line architecture for workflow management systems. The research includes a process to design the proposed product line, the population of the product with components, the product member production process, architecture evaluation mechanisms using architecture description languages and support tools, a variability management process and the development of case studies to evaluate each proposed technique.
Micro thermal shear stress sensor with and without cavity underneath

Micro hot-film shear-stress sensors have been designed and fabricated by surface micromachining technology compatible with IC technology. A poly-silicon strip, 2 µm x 80 µm, is deposited on the top of a thin silicon nitride film and functions as the sensor element. By using sacrificial-layer technique, a cavity (vacuum chamber), 200 x 200 x 2 µm^3, is placed between the silicon nitride film and silicon substrate. This cavity significantly decreases the heat loss to the substrate. For comparison purposes, a sensor structure without a cavity has also been designed and fabricated on the same chip. Theoretical analyses for the two vertical structures with and without a cavity show that the former has a lower frequency response and higher sensitivity than the latter. When the sensor is operated in constant temperature mode, the cut-off frequencies can reach 130 k-Hz and 9 k-Hz respectively for the sensors without and with cavities.