Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing flexibility: A literature review

In this article an attempt is made to classify the vast literature regarding manufacturing flexibility; the aim is to contribute to the conceptual systemization of the debate, whose richness plays witness of the abundance of themes and the difficulty of obtaining a unitary and univocal framework. The literature on manufacturing flexibility is analysed according to a scheme which considers six different aspects: (1) definition of flexibility, (2) request for flexibility, (3) classification in dimensions of flexibility (the authors group the various classifications proposed according to different logics: horizontal, vertical, temporal, by the object of the variation, mixed), (4) measurement of flexibility, (5) choices for flexibility, (6) interpretation of flexibility.
Representing and Visualizing a Dynamically Changing Tactical Situation

In a research project investigating information requirements for increasing SA in the attack helicopter domain, we examined issues concerned with the presentation of dynamically changing information about a tactical situation. We explored features including an underlying digital map, supplementary unit information, and dynamically updated information about enemy and friendly unit movements. We found that although continuous updating would most accurately represent the current tactical situation, periodic updates were more successful in making subjects aware of the changing enemy and friendly dispositions, thereby supporting higher levels of SA. We found that some features rated as highly useful were not actually invoked during the simulation, suggesting that subjective evaluations of utility of display features may be a misleading indicator of their actual usage.
New principle for self-calibration techniques in phase-shift interferometry

A new self-calibration principle for phase shift interferometry is introduced, involving a whole-field consideration of the information contained by the interferograms. The principle is illustrated for the three-sample case, which was previously known as not having a self-calibration capability. Three related self- calibrating algorithms for phase shift interferometry are proposed, all of them based on this principle. The input of the algorithms is the set of three interferograms, and the output consists in both the correct phase shifts and the phase map of the wavefront being analyzed. No information on the actual phase shifts has to be supplied.
Dynamic Negotiation Model of Bilateral Contracts in Electricity Market

This paper presents a game model to analyze the dynamic negotiation process of bilateral contracts in electricity market. This model focuses on the bilateral contracts with a fixed amount of electricity and incomplete information. Equilibriums show that increasing the price transparency of spot markets will facilitate electricity trading though bilateral contracts, and enhance the efficiency of the entire electricity market.
Modelling of a high performance piezoelectric actuator assembly for active and passive vibration control

This paper deals with the design and modelling of a novel actuator assembly, in which two THUNDER actuators are put in a clamshell configuration. A simulation model is proposed to describe the mechanical and electrical properties of the actuator assembly on the basis of parameters that can be measured by experiments. In order to validate the model, a system comprising a flexible cantilever beam connected to an actuator is discussed numerically and experimentally. Results show that the novel actuator configuration and the model developed in this paper work very well in the low frequency range. Meanwhile, it is observed that the dynamics of the actuator has an obvious effect on the response of the whole system near the natural frequencies of the actuator itself. Considering the fact that active isolation mainly targets the low frequency range, the established model can serve the purpose and be easily integrated into any closed-loop control simulations.
Limit States Design of Steel Structures in Canada

Following an extensive educational program and the provision of the necessary design aids, Canada's national design standard for limit states design of steel structures for buildings, CAN3 S16.1‐M78, is being used to design structures with greater economy and more uniform safety than before. The standard, developed over a period of 5 yr, was first introduced in 1974. Steel designs are now considerably more cost competitive with weight savings of up to 10% or more as compared to working stress design. Students learn the same methodology for steel and reinforced concrete design. The limit states format leads to simplification and greater understanding by users. Designers are made more aware of structural behavior and the need for checking both ultimate (strength) and serviceability limit states. Building structures up to 40 storys high with many types of framing and steel masses up to 40,000 tonnes have been built. In 1985, after 10 yr of parallel use with the working stress design standard, only the limit .
A game theory model of terrorist mobilization: the effects of repressive and accommodative counterterrorism and club goods on terrorist decision making

ABSTRACT This study proposes a new theoretical model of the decision-making process that mobilizes individuals to engage in terrorism. The model accounts for the effects of a state’s ability to retain power, a state’s various counterterrorism strategies, and the club goods provided by terrorist organizations. The comparative statics demonstrate that a state’s ability to retain power and a policy of counterterrorism that employs exclusive accommodation prevents terrorist mobilization, while the club goods provided by terrorist organizations have the reverse effect. In addition, repressive counterterrorism backfires if its direct effect is less than its provocative effect. The model contributes to the current knowledge base of theoretical understanding of terrorism by considering bipartite effect of repressive policies, and exclusiveness of accommodative counterterrorism policies.
Thermal Desorption Experiment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Contaminated Soil Used as Cement Raw Meal

Sample polluted soil surrounding Shougang as object, TG, thermal analysis of raw soil and cement raw meal experiments were made, the results show that: the polluted soil contains a variety of PAHs of organic pollutants, the total concentration of PAHs is about 156.39ppm. PAHs contaminated soil can be divided into three stages of weight loss at 850°C: water losing stages, organic matter decomposition stages and inorganic carbonate decomposition stages. With the increase in heating temperature, removal rate of total PAHs in raw soil is high. Using polluted soil as cement siliceous raw material, except naphthalene, acenaphthene, two hydrogen acenaphthene and anthracene, other organic compounds of PAHs have residues at 300°Cand small amounts of phenanthrene have residue at 600°C, means cement raw material has certain adsorption of PAHs pollutants. Therefore, when co processing PAHs polluted soil into the cement kiln, considering should be focused the content of pollutants in flue gas volatilization and C2 raw mill especially.
Modeling CZT/CdTe x-ray photon-counting detectors

Software for modeling x-ray signals, as detected by a semiconductor radiation detector, has been developed. We model a generic signal generation/collection/processing sequence using Monte Carlo and finite-element analysis software. The suggested framework will allow one to simulate x-ray pulse-height spectrum, various triggering schemes, and can be used for detector optimization.
Dynamical variation of the impedances of IPMC

The bending actuation of IPMCs is caused by the electrochemical reactions under imposed electric fields. The bending properties of the IPMC actuators as well as the sensitivity of IPMC sensors depend on the several particular impedances of the material, e.g. the conductivity of the electrodes, the capacitance of the ionomer, etc. The variation of the shape of the IPMCs causes the variations of those impedances and, therefore, leads to changes in their behavior. This effect is important in understanding the behavior of IPMC devices and could be exploited to obtain the feedback signal from them. This paper presents the results of the measurements of variations of the impedances of the surface electrodes as well as the IPMC devices in full during the course of their bending depending on the curvature of the device. The electrochemical analyses, including voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were carried out with two different IPMC materials. We show that the dynamical mechanical properties of the bending IPMC device and the particular impedances are correlated.
Abstracting Craft: The Practiced Digital Hand

From the Publisher: The love of making things need not be confined to the physical world - electronic form giving can also be a rewarding hands-on experience. In this investigation of the possibility of craft in the digital realm, Malcolm McCullough observes that the emergence of computation as a medium, rather than just a set of tools, suggests a growing correspondence between digital work and traditional craft. Chapter by chapter, McCullough builds a case for upholding humane traits and values during the formative stages of new practices in digital media. He covers the nature of hand-eye coordination, the working context of the image culture, aspects of tool usage and medium appreciation, uses and limitations of symbolic methods, issues in human-computer interaction, geometric constructions and abstract methods in design, the necessity of improvisation, and the personal worth of work. For those new to computing, McCullough offers an inside view of what the technology is like, what the important technical issues are, and how creative computing fits within a larger intellectual history.
Scientific and technical assistance on trans fatty acids

The European Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to compile the outcomes of scientific advice already provided by EFSA with regard to the health effects of trans fats, in particular in the areas of nutrition and health claims, dietary reference values (DRVs) and food additives, and to inform the Commission on how such scientific advice relates to current goals and recommendations regarding the intake of trans fats to maintain health. The scientific advice provided by the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies in the areas of health claims made on food and DRVs and the scientific advice provided by the EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food in the area of food additives, regarding the health effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) in mixed diets is consistent with the scientific basis underlying most recent DRVs, nutritional goals and recommendations, and dietary guidelines for trans fatty acids (TFA) set by other national and international bodies. Data from controlled intervention studies show that consumption of diets containing TFA has adverse effects on blood lipids that predict an increase in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk compared with the consumption of diets containing cis-monounsaturated fatty acids or cis-polyunsaturated fatty acids, and that the effect is dose-dependent. Prospective cohort studies showed a consistent association between higher intakes of TFA and increased risk of CHD. The consistency of the evidence from these two types of studies provides strong support for the conclusion that TFA intake has a dose-dependent linear effect that increases the risk of CHD as compared to the intake of other fatty acids in the diet. With few exceptions, latest national and international recommendations indicate that dietary intakes of TFA should be as low as possible. consistent between higher of TFA and is a difference between and TFA on the
Insensitive current/voltage-mode filters using FTFNs

A new configuration for realising insensitive current/voltage-mode filters using two four-terminal floating nullors (FTFNs) is presented. It can provide the curren/voltage-mode filters with reduced sensitivities. Moreover, the current-mode filters can have high output impedance and only grounded capacitors. The proposed universal voltage-mode filter with dual outputs can realise lowpass, bandpass, highpass, notch and allpass filtering functions. Simulation results are given to verify the theoretical analysis.
UAV-Based and Energy-Constrained Data Collection System with Trajectory, Time, and Collection Scheduling Optimization

Our paper considers a scenario where an UAV collects data from multiple ground nodes (GNs). The UAV flying energy consumption and the data transmit energy consumption of GNs are regarded as a whole constraint. Through jointly optimizing the data collection scheduling, UAV trajectory, data collection time and data transmit power of GNs, we propose an optimization problem to maximize the minimum amount of data collected from GNs, which improves the fairness of data collected from each GN and reduce data collection time corresponding to the obtained trajectory. Because the formulated problem is non-convex, we first break it down into several subproblems, and then an iterative optimization algorithm is proposed to deal with the above problems through applying successive convex approximation (SCA) technique and block coordinate descent (BCD) method. Simulations show that the optimization algorithm accomplishes the above goal vary well.
Analysis of iron loss under distorted elliptical rotating flux of SPM motor

Purpose – In this paper, a new method for estimating iron loss under a distorted elliptical rotating flux is proposed.Design/methodology/approach – In order to precisely analyze the iron loss of rotating machines, the iron loss under distorted rotating flux should be taken into account. However, reports of precise analysis considering measured iron loss data under rotating flux are few.Findings – The iron loss of surface permanent magnet (SPM) motor model proposed by the investigation committee of IEE of Japan is estimated using the proposed method. The experimental examination is carried out by measuring the iron loss of the motor using a torque meter.Originality/value – Examines an estimation method of iron loss of motors.
THE GENERATIVE SIMILARITIES OF DESIGNS, PROTOTYPES, AND SCENARIOS

We discuss the conceptual relationships of three common products of design and design research: designs, prototypes, and scenarios. We examine the related actions of designing, prototyping, and writing scenarios. We suggest that rather than accepting the common understanding of these three artifacts and processes as distinct phenomena, it is useful to consider them as three aspects of a larger construct that is characterized by features such as invention, meaning-making, and reification of ideas.
Climate change adaptation and the agricultural sector in South American countries: Risk, vulnerabilities and opportunities

South America covers a vast area with diverse climates and landscapes, with high participation in the global production of food and fibers. It is crucial to understand the risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities that climate change brings to this region. We analyzed the increasing tension between agribusiness models and smallholder models, the risks, opportunities, and main adaptation measures that can be adopted in the agricultural sector of the South American countries facing climate change. This study is a review of adaptation actions in the agricultural sector for the different regions of South America. Vulnerability exists, firstly, because rural populations are exposed in many of the countries, often with high rates of poverty and low rates of socioeconomic development. Concerning the adaptation measures already taken, there are numerous cases of interventions by national, provincial, and municipal states for planned measures. Farmers are very active in adopting autonomous measures. Many adaptation measures show co-benefits with climate change mitigation or the prevention of land degradation and desertification, but other adaptation measures do not go in this direction. In the forthcoming times, the region’s rich natural resources are going to be subjected to strong market pressures and climate change threats. It is key to generate strategies for the care of these resources for their permanence for future generations.
Defending Against Copycat Packaging: The Role of Design from a Consumer’s Perspective

Copycat packaging involves a type of imitation strategy in which the appearance of a market leader’s packaging design is simulated by a low-cost alternative. Previous literature has focused on reactive strategies against copycat packaging, primarily involving litigation and packaging design changes; however, very little attention has been assigned to the role of packaging design as a proactive strategy for mitigating against copycat packaging. To address this issue, this study examined the role of design in mitigating copycat packaging from a consumers’ perspective. We conducted an exploratory study of 37 semi-structured interviews to understand how consumers respond to the design components on visually similar packaging across a range of FMCG products. We found that packaging design cues have the greatest impact on purchasing decisions in cases where consumers have no familiarity with a brand, but less influence when consumers are already familiar with a brand. Consumers rank the importance of packaging design features differently depending on the product category. For high-cost items, consumers rank structural design as the most important feature, whereas colour is considered the most important for low-cost products. We end the paper by discussing the implications for brand managers and outline strategies for minimising the occurrence of copycat packaging. Keywords: copycat, packaging design, similarity, packaging strategy, consumer evaluation
Using Augmented Reality in a Multiscreen Environment for Construction Discussion

AbstractDiscussion is critical in identifying, predicting, and resolving potential problems in the field of construction. This process relies heavily on oral communication with the assistance of construction drawings, schedules, and other related documents. Because most construction projects include multiple working phases and involve multiple parties, it is difficult for participants to clearly grasp the whole picture of a construction site and to make accurate predictions about future activities. In this research, the authors proposed a visualized environment to facilitate the discussion process. It includes a stationary display called BIM Table for displaying public information and for collaboration among disciplines, and multiple mobile devices for showing private information. The authors employed augmented reality technologies to connect the BIM Table and the mobile devices as well as the public and private information. The authors named this discussion environment augmented reality and multiscreen (.
Effect of combined Hesperidin, Piperine, Bee venom and Tamoxifen on oxidative stress and hepato-nephrotoxicity amelioration against breast cancer in rats

Breast cancer; Tamoxifen; Hesperidin; Piperine; Bee venom; Hepato-nephrotoxicity Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the major cause of cancer-related death among females. Studies on natural compounds used alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents proved their efficacy to treat and prevent cancer. Hesperidin, Piperine, and Bee venom displayed anti-oxidant and anti‐ cancer activity against various types of cancers and cell lines and can be used in combination with Tamoxifen with the aim to decrease cytotoxicity profile. In-vivo study of Piperine (Pip), Bee venom (BV) and hesperidin (Hes) as a single treatment or in combination with/without tamoxifen indicated low hepato-nephrotoxicity and hepatonephroprotective against tamoxifen-treated and untreated xenograft MCF-7 induced breast cancer. Serum ALT, AST, ALP activities and creatinine, and urea level were elevated. MDA level was increased with a marked reduction in SOD activity in the untreated xenograft MCF-7 induced breast cancer. Treatments for these natural products improve these parameters. It could be concluded that alone or in combination with/ without Tamoxifen clarified a modulatory role against breast cancer. © Faculty of Science, Tanta University 2018
Telicity and Differential Object Marking in the history of Spanish

: This paper explores the influence of telicity on Differential Object Marking (DOM) from a diachronic perspective. Previous research has frequently pointed to telicity as one of the verbal factors that trigger DOM in Spanish. However, this assumption has not been tested empirically. The present study provides a corpus analysis examining the question of whether the assumed impact of telicity on DOM in Modern Spanish, which has been observed in synchronic studies, also holds for earlier stages of Spanish. The corpus-based study covers the 14 th , 16 th and 20 th centuries, and is the first empirical study that addresses the relationship between telicity and DOM with human direct objects. The results challenge previous analyses, suggesting that telicity has no significant impact on DOM in the periods surveyed. These findings lead us to conclude that telicity alone does not trigger DOM, which raises the question of whether it is possible that the effect of telicity observed in previous studies could be the consequence of the interaction of telicity with other verbal factors such as affectedness or agentivity. the
The combined use of resilience and loop diameter uniformity as a good indirect measure of network reliability

The aim of this paper is to show that the combined use of the resilience index (Todini, 2000) with a loop based diameter uniformity index (here formulated) yields a good indirect reliability measure, which can be conveniently used within the optimization processes of the water distribution system design. The methodology adopted to show the advantages of the combined use of the two indexes consists of (a) a three-objective optimization performed in order to simultaneously minimize costs (first objective function) and maximize both the resilience and the loop diameter uniformity indexes (second and third objective functions respectively); (b) a retrospective assessment of performance indicators relative to critical operational scenarios on the solutions of the Pareto surface obtained at the end of the optimization process. Applications were performed considering a simple case study, which made it possible to easily compare the new approach, based on a three-objective optimization, with the two-objective optimization process based on the use of the resilience index alone and also with the two-objective optimization process based on the modified resilience index formulated by Prasad, Sung-Hoon, and Namsik (2003) (where the diameter uniformity is defined at nodal level and inserted as a weight in Todini's resilience index), being both indexes a surrogate to reliability. The comparison pointed out that using resilience and loop diameter uniformity as two separate objective functions in an optimization process leads to solutions which perform better during critical operational scenarios (particularly when dealing with segment isolation) than the equally expensive solutions obtained adopting the resilience index (independently of its formulation) alone as reliability related objective function. Since the proposed approach suggests that a three-objective optimization be utilized to perform an appropriate pipe-network optimal design, an improvement in the well-known NSGA-II algorithm (Deb, Pratap, Agarwal, & Meyarivan, 2002) is proposed as its original formulation proved to have some difficulties dealing with more than two objectives.