Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current Source Converter Based Offshore Wind Farm: Configuration and Control

Recently, offshore wind farms have emerged as the most promising sector in the global renewable energy industry. The main reasons for the rapid development of offshore wind farms includes much better wind resources and smaller environmental impact (e.g., audible noise and visual effect). However, the current state of the offshore wind power presents economic challenges significantly greater than onshore. In this thesis, a novel interconnecting method for permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based offshore wind farm is proposed, where cascaded pulse-width modulated (PWM) current-source converters (CSCs) are employed on both generator- and grid-side. With the converters in cascade to achieve high operating voltages, the proposed method eliminates the need for bulky and very costly offshore converter substation which is usually employed in voltage source converter (VSC) high voltage DC (HVDC)-based counterparts. Related research in terms of control schemes and grid integration are carried out to adapt the proposed cascaded CSC-based offshore wind farm configuration. The large distance between generator- and grid-side CSC in the proposed wind farm configuration addresses significant challenges for the system control. In order to overcome the problem, a novel decoupled control scheme is developed. The active and reactive power control on the grid-side converters are achieved without any exchange of information from the generator-side controller. Therefore, the long distance communication links between the generator- and grid-side converters are eliminated and both controllers are completely decoupled. At the same time, the maximum power tracking control is achieved for the generator-side converters that enable full utilization of the wind energy. Considering inconsistent wind speed at each turbine, a coordinated control scheme is proposed for the cascaded CSC-based offshore wind farm. In proposed control strategy, the wind farm supervisory control (WFSC) is developed to generate the optimized dc-link current control. This enables all the turbines to independently track their own MPPT even with inconsistent wind speed at each turbine. Grid integration issues, especially the fault ride-through (FRT) capability for the cascaded CSC-based offshore wind farm are addressed. Challenges in implementing existing FRT methods to the proposed offshore wind farm are identified. Based on this, a new FRT strategy using inherent short circuit operating capability of the CSC is developed. Moreover, the mitigation strategy is developed to ensure the continuous operation of the cascaded CSC-based offshore wind farm when one or more turbines fail to operate. Simulation and experimental verification for various objectives are provided throughout the thesis. The results validate the proposed solutions for the main challenges of the cascaded current source converter based offshore wind farm.
Advances in Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (ICAMME)

This collection of peer-reviewed papers is the fruit of a forum where institutions and industries could share ideas, innovations and problem-solving techniques. The 180 papers are grouped into: Material Removal Process; Forming Processes; Casting and Joining; Materials; High-Energy Beam Processing; Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology; Surface Engineering; Computer-Aided Engineering; Environmental Issues and Management in Manufacturing; Manufacturing Systems and Engineering; Value Analysis and Value Engineering; Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics
Vibration Transmission through Rolling Element Bearings in Geared Rotor Systems

Abstract : A new mathematical model is proposed to examine the vibration transmission through rolling element bearings in geared rotor systems. Current bearing models, based on either ideal boundary conditions for the shaft or purely translational stiffness element description, cannot explain how the vibratory motion may be transmitted from the rotating shaft to the casing. For example, a vibration model based upon the simple bearing formulations can only predict purely in-plane type motion on the flexible casing plate given only bending motion on the shaft. However, experimental results have shown that the casing plate motion is primarily flexural. This study clarifies this issue qualitatively and quantitatively by developing a comprehensive bearing stiffness matrix is partially verified using available analytical and experimental data, and is completely characterized. This study extends the proposed bearing formulation to analyze the overall geared rotor system dynamics including casting and mounts. The bearing stiffness matrix is included in discrete system models using lumped parameter and/or dynamic finite element techniques. Eigensolution and forced harmonic response due to rotating mass unbalance or kinematic transmissions error excitation for the following examples are computed: (I) single-stage rotor system with flexible shaft supported by two bearings on rigid casing and flexible mounts, (II) spur gear pair system with motor and load inertials attached to two flexible shafts and supported by four bearings on flexibly mounted rigid casing, and (III) case II with flexible casing and rigid mounts. In several of these examples, analytical predictions compare well with measured data, validating the purposed formulation.
Cohesive Particle Model using the Discrete Element Method on the Yade Platform

This thesis describes implementation of particle-based model of concrete using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) using the Yade platform. DEM discretizes given domain using packing of (spherical) particles of which motion is governed via local contact laws and Newton's equations. Continuity is modeled via pre-established cohesive contacts between particles, while discontinuous behavior arises naturally from their failure. Concrete is modeled as a homogeneous material, where particles are purely discretization units (not representing granula, mortar or porosity); the local contact law features damage, plasticity and viscosity and calibration procedures are described in detail. This model was implemented on the Yade platform, substantially enhanced in the course of our work and described for the first time in all its aspects here. As platform for explicit dynamic simulations, in particular the DEM, it is designed as highly modular toolkit of reusable algorithms. The computational part is written in c++ for efficiency and supports shared-memory parallel computation. Python, popular scripting language, is used for rapid and concise simulation setup, control and post-processing; Python also provides full access to most internal data. Good practices (documentation in particular) leading to
Refuting recent claims of an improved carbon intensity of U.S. corn ethanol

Scully et al [1] in their recent contribution review and revise past life cycle assessments (LCAs) of corn-grain ethanol’s carbon (C) intensity to suggest that a current ‘central best estimate’ is considerably less than all prior estimates. Their conclusion emerges from selection and recombination of sector-specific greenhouse gas emission predictions from disparate studies in a way that disproportionately favors small values and optimistic assumptions without rigorous justification nor empirical support. Their revisions most profoundly reduce predicted land use change (LUC) emissions, for which they propose a central estimate that is roughly half the smallest comparable value they review (Figure 1). Their LUC estimate represents the midpoint of (i) values retained after filtering the predictions of past studies based on a set of unfounded criteria; and (ii) a new estimate they generate for domestic (i.e. U.S.) LUC emissions. The filter the authors apply endorses a singular means of LUC assessment which they assert as the ‘best practice’ despite a recent unacknowledged review [2] that shows this method almost certainly underestimates LUC. Moreover, their domestic C intensity estimate surprisingly suggests that cropland expansion newly sequesters soil C, counter to ecological theory and empirical evidence. These issues, among others, prove to grossly underestimate the C intensity of corn-grain ethanol and mischaracterize the state of our science at the risk of affecting perverse policy outcomes.
INVESTIGATION OF INERTIAL PROPERTIES OF THE HUMAN BODY

Abstract : Knowledge of the anthropometric parameters of the human body is essential for understanding of human kinetics and particularly for the design and testing of impact protective systems. Considerable information is available on the size, weight and center of mass of the body and its segments. This report supplements existing information with data regarding mass distribution characteristics of the human body as described by the principal moments of inertia and their orientation to body and segment anthropometry. The weight, center of mass location and principal moments of inertia of six cadavers were measured, the cadavers were then segmented and the mass, center of mass, moments of inertia and volume were measured on the fourteen segments from each cadaver. Standard and three-dimensional anthropometry of the body and segments was also determined.
Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of Football Players in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to compare Anthropometric and physiological profiles of different playing position football players in the Tigray region, Ethiopia. From a total of 200 Tigray region football players, 101 different playing positions (Gk, DF, MF, and SK)were selected with purposive sampling technique. Descriptive cross-sectional design and quantitative research method were employed to compare physiological variables Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Mean arterial pressure (MAP), and resting heart rate (RHR) of players. To determine the significant difference between different club football players one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result showed that there were no significant differences between age, BMI, Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and resting heart rate. But, there were significances different on height and weight of Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders and Strikers football players P< 0.05. It was concluded that there was no significant difference between SBP, DBP, MAP, and RHR of different position football players. Coaches and sport science experts take into consideration factors, height,weight,Body mass index, and position of football players during evaluating physiological tests.
R&S e competitività internazionale in Europa: un'analisi settoriale

Scopo di questo lavoro e quello di indagare la relazione fra dinamica della R&S e dinamica delle esportazioni nei quattro principali paesi dell'Unione Europea: Francia, Germania, Italia e Regno Unito. La stima di un modello panel a effetti fissi (Least Squares Dummy Variables) per l'industria manifatturiera nel suo complesso e per quattordici settori all'interno di questa in riferimento al periodo 1981-92 evidenzia una relazione positiva e significativa tra variazione della quota di R&S di ciascun paese considerato sulla R&S totale dei paesi OCSE e variazione della quota di esportazioni di ognuno di essi sulle esportazioni totali dei paesi OCSE. In particolare, questa relazione e piu forte nelle industrie dei Mezzi di trasporto, dei Prodotti chimici e farmaceutici, dei Prodotti alimentari, bevande e tabacchi, della Carta, stampa e editoria. La relazione e invece non significativa nel caso dell'industria dei Prodotti, tessili, dell'abbigliamento e delle calzature. Alla luce di questa evidenza, trova conferma l'ipotesi secondo la quale il vantaggio/svantaggio competitivo delle nazioni e associato in gran parte delle industrie alla loro capacita innovativa. The purpose is to explain the relation between the dynamics of R&D expenditures and that of exports in the four largest EU countries: France, Germany, Italy, and United Kingdom. Estimation of a fixed effects (Least Squares Dummy Variable) panel model for manufacturing as a whole and for fourteen (two digit) industries in manufacturing over the 1981-1992 period points out a positive and significant relation between variation in the share of R&D by each of the relevant countries on total R&D by all OECD countries and variation in the share of export by each of the relevant countries on total exports by OECD countries. In particular, this relation is stronger in Motor vehicles & equipment, Chemicals & pharmaceuticals, Mechanical engineering, Food, beverages & tobacco, paper & printing, whereas it turns out to be of scant significance for Textiles, clothing & footwear. In the light of these findings, further support is forthcoming to the hypothesis that the competitive advantage/disadvantage of nations is strongly connected to their innovative capability.
A ten-year study of the conditional effects on student success in the first year of college

William E. Knight, Advisor In light of enrollment and retention pressures and challenges, educators strive to deliver an experience that will meet the myriad outcomes expected from present day colleges and universities. This study sought to inform one campus about the impact of its educational environments on first-year student retention and grade point average after the first year. Firstyear student cohorts from 1997 to 2006 were studied. Key variables included retention, grade point average, involvement in a first-year program, and the type of first-year program, along with myriad student inputs and pre-college characteristics. Hierarchical logistic regression was conducted for retention; while hierarchical linear regression was conducted for grade point average after the first-year. Over 400 interactions or main effects were statistically significant for retention. Students tended to be better retained if they had higher high school grade point averages, had total aid amount above the mean, were instate residents, lived on-campus, and were involved in at least one first-year program. Over 350 interactions or main effects were statistically significant for student GPA after the first-year. Students tended to have higher GPAs if they had higher high school grade point averages, were involved in the Honors program, were a non-first-generation student, lived on-campus, had an expected family contribution above the mean, or had a gross need below the mean.
A Computer Vision Approach for Autonomous Wind Turbine Inspection using a Multicopter

This thesis studies the mission of autonomous inspection of a wind turbine using a multicopter. Emphasis was placed on recognition and tracking using image processing methods. The Hough line transform was used to extract features of the wind turbine. Hub position was estimated by an algorithm tailored to identify the three-point star resemblance and was tracked by utilizing the Kalman filter. Distance and yaw orientation of the wind turbine were estimated using the pinhole camera model and coordinate transformations. Restricting computational demand was a goal in the program design. Experiments showed accurate position tracking at long range, but with deteriorating performance as range was decreased. Lack of distinctive measurable lengths in the image caused inaccuracy in estimation of distance and yaw orientation. Execution frequency of below 7 Hz was achieved on a single-board computer which was found to be sufficient for reliable control in flight.
Supporting operator reliance on automation through continuous feedback

In driving, multiple variables in automated systems such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and active steering, and in the environment dynamically change and interact. This complexity makes it difficult for operators to track the activities and responses of automation. The inability of operators to monitor and understand automation’s behavior contributes to inappropriate reliance, i.e. when an operator uses automation that performs poorly or fails to use automation that is superior to manual control. The decision to use or not use automation is one of the most important an operator can make, particularly in time-critical or emergency situations, therefore it is essential that an operator is calibrated in their automation use. An operator’s decision to rely on automation depends on trust. System feedback provided to the operator is one means to calibrate trust in automation in that the type of feedback may differentially affect trust. The goal of this research is to help operators manage imperfect automation in real-time and to promote calibrated trust and reliance. A continuous information display that provides information on system behavior relative to its operating context is one means to promote such calibration. Three specific aims are pursued to test the central hypothesis of this dissertation that continuous feedback on the state and behavior of the automation informs operators of the evolving relationship between system performance and operating limits, therefore promoting accurate mental models and calibrated trust. The first aim applies a quantitative model to define the effect of understanding on driver-ACC interaction failures and to predict driver response to feedback. The second aim presents a systematic approach to define the feedback needed to support appropriate reliance in
Transcriptome Analysis Based on Lr19-Virulent Mutants Strain Provides Clues for the Pathogenicity-Related Genes and Effectors of Puccinia Triticina

Background: Wheat leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt) remains one of the most destructive diseases of common wheat worldwide. Cultivating resistant cultivars is an effective way to control this disease, but race-specific resistance can be overcome quickly due to the rapid evolution of Pt populations. The critical to control wheat leaf rust is to understand the pathogenicity mechanisms of Pt. Results: In this study, the spores of the Pt race PHNT (wheat leaf rust resistance gene Lr19-avirulent isolate) were mutagenized with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and two Pt Lr19-virulent mutants named M1 and M2 were isolated, suggesting that they carry mutations affecting the Lr19-specific avirulent factor. RNA sequencing was performed on samples collected from the wheat cultivars Chinese Spring and TcLr19 that were infected by wild-type (WT) PHNT and the two Lr19-virulent mutant isolates at 14 days post-inoculation (dpi). The assembled transcriptome data were compared to the reference genome “Pt 1-1 BBBD Race 1. ” A total of 216 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found from three different sample comparisons including M1-vs-WT, M2-vs-WT, and M1-vs-M2. Of these DEGs, 29 common DEGs were shared between M1-vs-WT and M2-vs-WT comparisons. Among the 216 DEGs encoding proteins, 30 were predicted to be effector candidates. Then 6 effector candidates (PTTG_27844, PTTG_05290, PTTG_27401, PTTG_27224, PTTG_26282, PTTG_25521) were verified that these genes were differentially expressed during Pt infection by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and were validated on tobacco, and the results showed that PTTG_27401 could inhibit progress of cell death (PCD) induced by BAX.Conclusions: Our results showed that a large number of genes participate in the interaction between Pt and TcLr19, which will provide valuable resources for the identification and targeting of AvrLr19 effector candidates and pathogenesis-related genes. Furthermore, our analyses are of great significance to reveal the pathogenesis of Pt.
Colostrum Avoidance and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Children Aged Less Than 12 Months in Jinka Town, South Ethiopia, 2019

Background: Colostrum avoidance is the common nutritional malpractices in developing countries including Ethiopia. Discarding colostrum is the main causes of respiratory disease and diarrheal disease during childhood and contributes to over a million avoidable infant deaths each year and remains a public health problem in developing countries. Despite the fact that it has a negative effect on child health, little is known about the extent of the problem and its contributing factors in South Ethiopia particularly in study area. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of colostrum avoidance practices and associated factors among Mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka Town, South Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinka Town from March 1 to 30, 2019. A total of 420 mothers having children less than 12 months of age were selected by systematic sampling technique. The data were collected by using pretested interviewer administered and semi-structured questionnaires. The data was entered using EPIDATA 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI at a p-value < 0.05 was estimated to identify statistically significant variables with colostrum avoidance practices. Results: The prevalence of colostrum avoidance practice was 9.8% [95% CI: (6.9–12.5)]. Delayed initiation of breast feeding [AOR= 9.08(95% CI 4.16-19.83)], Lack of breast feeding counselling [AOR= 2.33(95% CI 1.11-4.87)], Home delivery of index child [AOR= 2.48 (95% CI 1.16-5.27)] and Poor knowledge on breast feeding [AOR=4.55(95% CI 1.95-10.63)] were factors associated with colostrum avoidance practices. Conclusions: Colostrum avoidance practice among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka town was high. Delayed initiation of Breas feeding, lack of breast feeding counselling, Home delivery and knowledge on breastfeeding feeding practice were factors associated with colostrum avoidance practice. Promoting institutional delivery services and strengthening of breast feeding counselling during antenatal and postnatal care were recommended for the promotion of the nutritional value of colostrum and its health benefits.
Causes of and Solutions to the Challenges in fair Assessment in Semester System at Public Universities of the Punjab, Pakistan

The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges to fair assessment in semester examination system, their causes and the solutions. One hundred and forty-four (144) university teachers were interviewed and 48 focus group discussions were conducted among the BS students in six public universities of the Punjab (Pakistan). The data were analyzed through thematic analysis technique. Findings of the study revealed that, in order to judge novice teachers’ competence in assessment, universities did not ask for a professional teaching certification. Most of the university teachers appeared to be in need of having more competence in developing question papers and using different assessment techniques. Moreover, there was no proper mechanism of conduction and in-service training for the enhancement of teachers’ essential skills for the fair assessment of students’ learning outcomes. The course outlines were not covered completely within the stipulated time. Additionally, the university teachers had to perform multiple departmental duties, beside their teaching activities, compelling them compromises their classes. By force of circumstance, they teach and assess selective parts of the course outlines. The respondents suggested the development of a proper training mechanism for university teachers to make them capable of doing fair assessment and provision of required resources.