Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Migrating electrical power network SCADA systems to TCP/IP and Ethernet networking

Traditional SCADA systems for electricity utilities rely on data transmission over fixed analogue circuits and modems. This method has been satisfactory over the years but it is becoming obsolete and unsuited to today's requirements. The use of TCP/IP technology can overcome the limitations of analogue communications, allow the network to be more flexible in terms of expansion and reconfiguration, and have higher bandwidth potential whilst retaining the qualities essential for SCADA operations.
Water Resources Allocation: A Cooperative Game Theoretic Approach

Water allocation is essentially an exercise in allocating available water to various demanding users. Water allocations merely based on a water rights approach usually do not make efficient use of water for the whole river basin. Meanwhile, an economic efficient water allocation plan cannot be well implemented if the involved participants or stakeholders do not regard it as being fair. A cooperative game theoretic approach is proposed to solve water allocation problems in two steps: (1) initial allocation of water rights to water users or stakeholders based on existing water rights systems or agreements, and (2) reallocation of water to achieve efficient use of water through water transfers. An illustrative example is utilized to show the effectiveness and potential advantages of this approach.
Staff Planning for Hospitals with Implicit Cost Estimation and Stochastic Optimization

We consider the anesthesiologist staff planning problem for operating services departments in large multi‐specialty hospitals without limit on anesthesiologist supply, where the planner makes monthly and daily decisions to minimize total costs. Each month the staff planner decides the number of anesthesiologists on regular duty and an on‐call consideration list for each day of the following month. In addition, each day, the staff planner decides how many on‐call anesthesiologists to call for the following day. Total costs consist of explicit and implicit costs. Explicit costs include the costs of calling an anesthesiologist and overtime costs. These costs are specified by the organization. Implicit costs encompass costs of not calling an on‐call anesthesiologist and under‐utilizing an anesthesiologist, and these have to be deduced from past decisions. We model the staff planning problem as a two‐stage integer stochastic dynamic program. We develop structural properties of this model and use them in a sample average approximation algorithm constructed to solve this problem. We also develop a procedure to estimate the implicit costs, which are included in this model. Using data from the operating services department at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, our model shows the potential to reduce overall costs by 16%. We provide managerial insights related to the relative scale of these costs, hiring decisions by service, sensitivity to cost parameters, and improvements in the prediction of the booked time durations.
Finite Element Analysis on the Relationship between Left Ventricular Pump Function and Fiber Structure within the Wall

In this study, a 3D finite element based simulation program incorporating the propagation of excitation and excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms developed by us was modified to reproduce the more realistic ventricular wall structure. FE model of LV consists of six layers of muscle bundles and the fiber direction of the inner-most layer was longitudinal. Although the detailed modeling did not influence the global pump function of the LV appreciably, we could successfully identify the functional significance of longitudinal fibers as pointed out by clinical observations. Furthermore, we also changed the heart structure drastically to elucidate the functional significance of the fiber structure. The results suggest that the double-helical structure the heart has developed through the evolutionary process can be an optimal design for a blood pump.
Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Cuticular Protein Genes Responding to Different Insecticides in Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda

Simple Summary The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a notorious agricultural pest worldwide, causing great damage to a wide variety of crops. This pest exhibited a remarkable field-evolved resistance to multiple insecticides. According to the evidence, a few cuticular proteins (CPs) participate in the insecticide resistance of several insects. This study was designed to explore whether CP genes of the FAW exhibit functional roles in responding to insecticides stress. There are a set of CP genes significantly regulated in response to the exposure to different insecticides, implying that CP genes play an important role in the FAW against insecticides stress. The results inspire further functional validation of CP genes in FAWs to gain a better understanding of its resistance to insecticides. Abstract The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a serious pest of crucial crops causing great threats to the food security of the world. It has evolved resistance to various insecticides, while the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Cuticular proteins (CPs), as primary components in cuticle, play an important role in insects’ protection against environmental stresses. Few of them have been documented as participating in insecticide resistance in several insect species. In order to explore whether CP genes of the FAW exhibit a functional role in responding to insecticides stress, a total of 206 CPs, classified into eight families, were identified from the genome of the FAW through a homology-based approach coupled with manual efforts. The temporal expression profiles of all identified CP genes across developmental stages and their responses to 23 different insecticides were analyzed using the RNA-seq data. Expression profiling indicated that most of the CP genes displayed stage-specific expression patterns. It was found that the expression of 51 CP genes significantly changed after 48 h exposure to 17 different insecticides. The expression of eight CP genes responding to four insecticides were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. The results showed that their overall expression profiles were consistent with RNA-seq analysis. The findings provide a basis for further functional investigation of CPs implied in insecticide stress in FAW.
Fuzzy modelling of knee joint with genetic optimization

Modelling of joint properties of lower limbs in people with spinal cord injury is significantly challenging for researchers due to the complexity of the system. The objective of this study is to develop a knee joint model capable of relating electrical parameters to dynamic joint torque as well as knee angle for functional electrical stimulation application. The joint model consists of a segmental dynamic, time-invariant passive properties and uncertain time-variant active properties. The knee joint model structure comprising optimised equations of motion and fuzzy models to represent the passive viscoelasticity and active muscle properties is formulated. The model thus formulated is optimised using genetic optimization, and validated against experimental data. The developed model can be used for simulation of joint movements as well as for control development. The results show that the model developed gives an accurate dynamic characterisation of the knee joint.
Boost Converters for Gas Electric and Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are driven by at least two prime energy sources, such as an internal combustion engine (ICE) and propulsion battery. For a series HEV configuration, the ICE drives only a generator, which maintains the state-of-charge (SOC) of propulsion and accessory batteries and drives the electric traction motor. For a parallel HEV configuration, the ICE is mechanically connected to directly drive the wheels as well as the generator, which likewise maintains the SOC of propulsion and accessory batteries and drives the electric traction motor. Today the prime energy source is an ICE; tomorrow it will very likely be a fuel cell (FC). Use of the FC eliminates a direct drive capability accentuating the importance of the battery charge and discharge systems. In both systems, the electric traction motor may use the voltage directly from the batteries or from a boost converter that raises the voltage. If low battery voltage is used directly, some special control circuitry, such as dual mode inverter control (DMIC) which adds a small cost, is necessary to drive the electric motor above base speed. If high voltage is chosen for more efficient motor operation or for high speed operation, the propulsion battery voltage mustmore » be raised, which would require some type of two-quadrant bidirectional chopper with an additional cost. Two common direct current (dc)-to-dc converters are: (1) the transformer-based boost or buck converter, which inverts a dc voltage, feeds the resulting alternating current (ac) into a transformer to raise or lower the voltage, and rectifies it to complete the conversion; and (2) the inductor-based switch mode boost or buck converter [1]. The switch-mode boost and buck features are discussed in this report as they operate in a bi-directional chopper. A benefit of the transformer-based boost converter is that it isolates the high voltage from the low voltage. Usually the transformer is large, further increasing the cost. A useful feature of the switch mode boost converter is its simplicity. Its inductor must handle the entire current, which is responsible for its main cost. The new Z-source inverter technology [2,3] boosts voltage directly by actively using the zero state time to boost the voltage. In the traditional pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter, this time is used only to control the average voltage by disconnecting the supply voltage from the motor. The purpose of this study is to examine the Z-source's potential for reducing the cost and improving the reliability of HEVs. « less
Clustering Analysis of Smart Flexible Work Arranagement

Abstract Smart flexible work has been a topic of considerable interest to researchers, practitioners, and public policy advocates as a tool to help individuals manage work and family roles. In this study, we investigated the types of smart flexible work arrangement and analyzed the organizational units associated with it. We found that the critical success factors of smart flexible work and the specific types of flexibility make a difference in the effects found. And we proposed on the direction of policy promotion that can contribute to the introduction of smart flexible work. Key Words : Smart Work, Flexible Work Arranagement, Remote Work *본 연구는 한성대학교 교내학술연구비 지원과제 임Received 1 November 2013, Revised 20 November 2013Accepted 20 November 2013Corresponding Author: Jung Jin Taek(Hansung University)Email: jungjt@hansung.ac. krⒸ The Society of Digital Policy & Management. All rights reserved. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.otg/licenses/by-nc/3.0), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is ISSN: 1738-1916 properly cited.
Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Flowable Composites and Glass Ionomer Cements to Primary Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vitro Studies

Abstract Background: Conventional composites are largely used in pediatric restorative dentistry and demonstrate successful clinical outcomes. However, the need for simplification of operative steps in young or uncooperative children demands reliable alternatives. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the in vitro bond strength of glass ionomer cements (GICs) and self-adhesive flowable composites (SFCs) on deciduous teeth. Methods: A comprehensive literature search according to the PRISMA checklist was manually and electronically performed by two independent reviewers through the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase, to include in vitro studies comparing GICs and SFCs bond strength values of restorations on primary teeth. In addition, three groups of meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models. Results: Three articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and subjected to both qualitative and quantitative assessment. No statistically significant difference was found between SFC versus GIC; however, both groups significantly differed with conventional flowable composites (CFs). Conclusions: Despite the absence of significant difference in bond strength values, SFCs may be considered a valid alternative to GICs in the restoration of deciduous teeth, although CFs proved better in vitro performances.
A Rare Association of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Sudanese Woman: Case Report

Abstract Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an uncommon life-threatening condition characterized by hemolytic disorders. The coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with TTP is extremely rare, although Africans are at increased risk due to inherited risk factors. This report describes a rare clinical manifestation of TTP associated with SLE in a Sudanese patient. A 41-year-old Sudanese woman presented to the emergency department with symptoms and features that were suggestive of malaria, for which she had been treated accordingly. However, a few days later she complained of fever, and was found to have a body temperature of 39.5°C, jaundice, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Soon after admission, she developed confusion and unrecordable blood pressure. After the patient had stabilized, clinical assessment, immune-system investigation (antinuclear antibody profile, complements, blood panel), and imaging revealed a diagnosis of TTP associated with SLE. The patient received imipenem 500 mg, five sessions of plasmapheresis (60 mL/kg), methylprednisolone 1 g pulse for 3 days, and rituximab 375 mg/week. Three weeks later, the patient was discharged after her condition had improved, and she is now on regular follow-up.
Have utilities switched to chloramines?

Secondary disinfection practices of water utilities, particularly the use of chloramines, are at the center of several national drinking water policy discussions. As a response to this ongoing dialogue, AWWA commissioned the Secondary Disinfection Practices Survey – a web‐based survey of water utilities – to determine the percentage of utilities currently using chloramines and those intending to convert to the use of chloramines in the future. Results of the survey indicate 68% of utilities currently use chlorine for secondary disinfection, 29% use chloramines, and 3% use no secondary disinfectant. The results of this survey serve to inform national drinking water policy discussions (i.e., the Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule) and to support the continued increase in the use of chloramines.
Analysing radiation from a superstrate loaded cylindrical–rectangular microstrip patch antenna with a spaced substrate, using the electric surface current model

Radiation from a superstrate loaded cylindrical–rectangular microstrip patch antenna with an air gap between the ground and the substrate is analysed using the full-wave approach and the electric surface current model. Results are presented in the form of normalised radiation patterns and directivity patterns for various thicknesses of the air gap, to show the effects of the air gap on the radiation from the antenna. Both axial and azimuthal current elements are considered.
Numerical simulations of industrial-scale combustion chamber - LES versus RANS

In this work we focus on the simulation of the process of biomass syngas combustion in the industrial combustion chamber directly linked with gasification chamber, where this gas is continuously producing from the biomass. Conflicting demands from the engineers to have rapid results and hints how to ensure the best conditions for combustion of this particular fuel and to lower the emission of pollutants, with simultaneously deep view inside the process and its stability motivates us to use both the RANS and LES techniques of turbulence modelling, compare it and take their advantages. We designed and performed series of 3D numerical simulations of both cold flow and combustion in complex geometry of industrial burner. It seems to us that the proper approach for modelling of biomass syngas combustion is steady flamelets model. Simulations performed with RANS closure are used as the initialisation of LES models, but their main goal is to predict the long-time oscillation of pressure and temperature observed in the working combustion chamber. On the other hand the main goal of the simulations with LES closure is to predict the proper level of short-time behaviour of the flame and local phenomena.
Motor response vigour and fixations reflect subjective preferences during intertemporal choice

Value-based decision-making is of central interest in cognitive neuroscience and psychology, as well as in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders characterised by decision-making impairments. Studies examining (neuro-)computational mechanisms underlying choice behaviour typically focus on participants’ decisions. However, there is increasing evidence that option valuation might also be reflected in motor response vigour and eye movements, implicit measures of subjective utility. To examine motor response vigour and visual fixation correlates of option valuation in intertemporal choice, we set up a task where the participants selected an option by pressing a grip force transducer, simultaneously tracking fixation shifts between options. As outlined in our preregistration (https://osf.io/k6jct), we used hierarchical Bayesian parameter estimation to model the choices assuming hyperbolic discounting, compared variants of the softmax and drift diffusion model, and assessed the relationship between response vigour and the estimated model parameters. The behavioural data were best explained by a drift diffusion model specifying a non-linear scaling of the drift rate by the subjective value differences. Replicating previous findings (Green et al., 1997; Wagner et al., 2020), we found a magnitude effect for temporal discounting, such that higher rewards were discounted less. This magnitude effect was further reflected in response vigour, such that stronger forces were exerted in the high vs. the low magnitude condition. Bayesian hierarchical linear regression further revealed higher grip forces, faster response times and a lower number of fixation shifts for trials with higher subjective value differences. Our data suggest that subjective utility or implicit valuation is reflected in response vigour during intertemporal choice. Taking into account response vigour might thus provide deeper insight into decision-making, reward valuation and maladaptive changes in these processes, e.g. in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Flexibility in autism during unpredictable shifts of socio-emotional stimuli: Investigation of group and sex differences

Considering the mixed nature of reports of flexibility difficulties in autism, we hypothesized that a task that more closely resembles the challenges faced in real life would help to assess these difficulties. Autistic and typically developing adults performed an online Emotional Shifting Task, involving non-explicit unpredictable shifts of complex socio-emotional stimuli, and the Task Switching Task, involving explicit predictable shifts of simple character stimuli. Switch cost (i.e. the difference in performance between Shift and Non Shift conditions) was larger in the autistic group than in the comparison group for the Emotional Shifting Task but not for the Task Switching Task. Females responded faster than males in the Emotional Shifting Task. On the Task Switching Task, typically developing males responded faster than typically developing females, whereas there was a female advantage in the autistic group. Our findings suggest that factors such as predictability, explicitness of the shift rule, stimulus type as well as sex could play a critical role in flexibility difficulties in autism. Lay abstract Flexibility difficulties in autism might be particularly common in complex situations, when shifts (i.e. the switch of attentional resources or strategy according to the situation) are unpredictable, implicit (i.e. not guided by explicit rules) and the stimuli are complex. We analyzed the data of 101 autistic and 145 non-autistic adults, without intellectual deficiency, on two flexibility tasks performed online. The first task involved unpredictable and non-explicit shifts of complex socio-emotional stimuli, whereas the second task involved predictable and explicit shifts of character stimuli. Considering the discrepancies between laboratory results and the real-life flexibility-related challenges faced by autistic individuals, we need to determine which factor could be of particular importance in flexibility difficulties. We point out that the switch cost (i.e. the difference between shift and non-shift condition) was larger for autistic than for non-autistic participants on the complex flexibility task with unpredictable and non-explicit shifts of socio-emotional stimuli, whereas this was not the case when shifts were predictable, explicit and involved less complex stimuli. We also highlight sex differences, suggesting that autistic females have better social skills than autistic males and that they also have a specific cognitive profile, which could contribute to social camouflaging. The findings of this work help us understand which factors could influence flexibility difficulties in autism and are important for designing future studies. They also add to the literature on sex differences in autism which underpin better social skills, executive function, and camouflaging in autistic females.