Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PID Tuning Using Extremum Seeking

Although proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers are widely used in the process industry, their effectiveness is often limited due to poor tuning. Manual tuning of PID controllers, which requires optimization of three parameters, is a time-consuming task. To remedy this difficulty, much effort has been invested in developing systematic tuning methods. Many of these methods rely on knowledge of the plant model or require special experiments to identify a suitable plant model. Reviews of these methods are given in [1] and the survey paper [2]. However, in many situations a plant model is not known, and it is not desirable to open the process loop for system identification. Thus a method for tuning PID parameters within a closed-loop setting is advantageous. In relay feedback tuning [3]-[5], the feedback controller is temporarily replaced by a relay. Relay feedback causes most systems to oscillate, thus determining one point on the Nyquist diagram. Based on the location of this point, PID parameters can be chosen to give the closed-loop system a desired phase and gain margin. An alternative tuning method, which does not require either a modification of the system or a system model, is unfalsified control [6], [7]. This method uses input-output data tomore » determine whether a set of PID parameters meets performance specifications. An adaptive algorithm is used to update the PID controller based on whether or not the controller falsifies a given criterion. The method requires a finite set of candidate PID controllers that must be initially specified [6]. Unfalsified control for an infinite set of PID controllers has been developed in [7]; this approach requires a carefully chosen input signal [8]. Yet another model-free PID tuning method that does not require opening of the loop is iterative feedback tuning (IFT). IFT iteratively optimizes the controller parameters with respect to a cost function derived from the output signal of the closed-loop system, see [9]. This method is based on the performance of the closed-loop system during a step response experiment [10], [11]. In this article we present a method for optimizing the step response of a closed-loop system consisting of a PID controller and an unknown plant with a discrete version of extremum seeking (ES). Specifically, ES is used to minimize a cost function similar to that used in [10], [11], which quantifies the performance of the PID controller. ES, a non-model-based method, iteratively modifies the arguments (in this application the PID parameters) of a cost function so that the output of the cost function reaches a local minimum or local maximum. In the next section we apply ES to PID controller tuning. We illustrate this technique through simulations comparing the effectiveness of ES to other PID tuning methods. Next, we address the importance of the choice of cost function and consider the effect of controller saturation. Furthermore, we discuss the choice of ES tuning parameters. Finally, we offer some conclusions. « less
Sustainability analysis and benchmarking of olive mill wastewater treatment methods

Alargenumberofpublicationsareavailableintheliteratureregardingolivemillwastewatertreatmentmethods.However,none of the proposed methods can be considered as a best available method in terms of its effectiveness, and its environmental and economic impact. Using a literature survey, data were collected and evaluated in order for a sustainability and benchmarking analysis tobe developed.Physicochemical, biological andadvanced oxidationmethodswereevaluatedand judgedin termsof their effectiveness, environmental impact and cost. Effectiveness of each method was estimated in terms of COD and phenolic compounds reduction, environmental impact in terms of CO2 production, while for the economic impact the operational costs were taken into account. Finally, a procedure is suggested for selection of the most appropriate method based on user preferences (in terms of effectiveness, environmental impact and cost). The present analysis showed that the most effective processes in terms of organics reduction are membranefiltration, electrolysis, supercritical water oxidation and photo-Fenton. Lower environmental impact was found with anaerobic digestion, coagulation and lime processes, while the lowest cost categoryinvolvesbiocompostingandmembranefiltration,thankstotheexploitationofbyproducts(biocompostandphenolic compounds, respectively). c � 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
First retrievals of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) from ground-based FTIR solar spectra recorded at remote sites, comparison with model and satellite data

Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) is the main tropospheric reservoir of NOx (NO + NO2). Its lifetime can reach several months in the upper cold troposphere. This enables the long-range transport of NOx radicals, under the form of PAN, far from the regions of emission. The subsequent release of NOx through the PAN thermal decomposition leads to the efficient formation of tropospheric ozone (O3), with important consequences for tropospheric oxidative capacity and air quality. The chemical properties of PAN have stimulated the progressive development of remote-sensing products by the satellite community, and recent additions open the prospect for the production of decadal and near-global time series. These products will provide new constraints on the distribution and evolution of this key trace gas in the Earth’s atmosphere, but they will also require reliable measurements for validation and characterization of performance. We present an approach that has been developed to retrieve PAN total columns from ground-based high-resolution solar absorption Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. This strategy is applied to observations recorded at remote FTIR stations of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). The resulting data sets are compared with total column time series derived from IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) satellite observations and to a global chemical transport model. The results are discussed in terms of their overall consistency, mutual agreement, and seasonal cycles. Noticeable is the fact that the FTIR data point to substantial deficiencies in the global model simulation over high latitudes, a poorly sampled region, with an underestimation of the PAN columns during spring, at the peak of the seasonal cycle. Finally, we suggest avenues for development that should make it possible to limit intra- or intersite biases and extend the retrieval of PAN to other NDACC stations that are more affected by water vapor interferences.
Arbitrary strain transfer from a host to an embedded fiber-optic sensor

The problem of an arbitrarily varying axial strain field's transfer from material host to embedded fiber-optic sensor is studied. A derivation is proposed by which the axial in-fiber strain field is predicted given an arbitrary, axially varying, strain field at some distance in the material host. The spatial fields are considered in terms of spatial wavelength content and a spatial wavelength-dependent transfer function is outlined, to assist in the solution of the transfer problem. Results from the proposed approach are plotted against conventional finite-element results for the same physical problem.
Indoor body-area channel model for narrowband communications

Using wireless sensors placed on a person to continuously monitor health information is a promising new application. At the same time, new low-power wireless standards such as Bluetooth and Zigbee have been proposed for short range, low data-rate communication matching the requirements of these bio-medical applications. However, there are currently few measurements or models describing propagation around the body. To address this problem, electromagnetic waves near the torso are measured and a statistical model is derived for communication in the 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz industrial, scientific and medical bands associated with Zigbee and Bluetooth. Measurement setup and statistical analysis are described.
Assessment of the impact of industrial effluents on the quality of irrigation water and changes in soil characteristics: The case of Kombolcha town

The town of Kombolcha is found in the northern part of Ethiopia. It contains several large industries that drain their liquid waste to the nearby rivers. To assess the impact of the wastes on irrigation water quality water samples were just taken randomly to be used only as indicators. The samples of water were collected three times from three rivers that are locally called the Leyole Worka and Borkena. These rivers are used as sources of irrigation water for the nearby farmlands. Parameters of pH EC Ca+2 Mg+2 Na+ Cl− CO HCO BO and SAR were monitored in the irrigation water and the soils of the respective irrigated farmlands. Significant concentration differences (at P ≤ 0.05) in these parameters were detected in the two rivers receiving industrial effluents (Leyole and Worka) and they are compared against the control river water (Borkena). The mean values of the parameters in each irrigation water source samples were also compared with FAO guidelines for irrigation water quality. The Leyole and Worka are found to be polluted as compared to the control river (Borkena). Significant quality difference was observed in pH value and Na+ concentrations between the Borkena River and effluent‐contaminated irrigation water of the Leyole River. Moreover Na+ HCO and SAR were found to be beyond the safe limits to use in irrigation. Irrigation water from the Worka River was found to be significantly different from the control irrigation water in Na+ Mg+2 and SAR and the Na+ concentration and the values of pH and SAR have been identified to exceed the normal conditions for use in agriculture. The chemical parameters in the irrigation water were also found to have accumulated and changed the soil characteristics of the farmlands. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Contemporary outcomes of anemia in US patients with chronic kidney disease

ABSTRACT Background Long-term clinical outcome data from patients with non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) chronic kidney disease (CKD) are lacking. We characterized patients with NDD-CKD and anemia using real-world data from the USA. Methods This retrospective longitudinal observational study evaluated integrated Limited Claims and Electronic Health Record Data (IBM Health, Armonk, NY), including patients ≥18 years with two or more estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ≥90 days apart. Anemia was defined as the first observed hemoglobin <10 g/dL within 6-month pre- and post-CKD index date. Data were analyzed from January 2012 to June 2018. Patients with documented iron-deficiency anemia at baseline were excluded. Results Comprising 22 720 patients (57.4% female, 63.9% CKD stage 3, median hemoglobin 12.5 g/dL), median (interquartile range) follow-up for patients with and without anemia were 2.9 (1.5–4.4) and 3.8 (2.2–4.8) years, respectively. The most prevalent comorbidities were dyslipidemia (57.6%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (38.8%) and uncontrolled hypertension (20.0%). Overall, 23.3% of patients had anemia, of whom 1.9% and <0.1% received erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) or intravenous iron, respectively. Anemia prevalence increased with CKD stage from 18.2% (stage 3a) to 72.8% (stage 5). Patients with anemia had a higher incidence rate of hospitalizations for heart failure (1.6 versus 0.8 per 100 patient-years), CKD stage advancement (43.5 versus 27.5 per 100 patient-years), and a 40% eGFR decrease (18.1 versus 7.3 per 100 patient-years) versus those without anemia. Conclusions Anemia, frequently observed in NDD-CKD and associated with adverse clinical outcomes, is rarely treated with ESAs and intravenous iron. These data suggest that opportunities exist for improved anemia management in patients with NDD-CKD.
Headteacher inspectors: boundaries, identity and the potential for system leadership

The relationship between headteachers and inspection is complex, especially for those headteachers who inspect. Since Ofsted, the government inspection agency, started its work in 1992 there have been few headteachers inspecting schools in England. However, soon they will comprise a significant proportion of the school inspection workforce. Knowledge and understanding about headteachers who inspect is limited, and their role in inspection is under-theorised. We do not normally hear the voice of inspectors, and even less about the headteachers amongst them and the thesis explores how a small sample of headteachers interprets their agency as inspectors. The study is informed by, and contributes to, the literatures on the developments within the English education system, the debate about the inspection of schools, headteachers’ changing roles, boundaries, identities, and system leadership. The approach to the thesis is qualitative. The study accesses headteacher inspectors’ views through 12 semi-structured interviews. Data collection and analysis spanned a five-year period which pre-dated the current drive to co-opt more headteachers as school inspectors. The analysis of the interview transcripts was through a process of induction. Several themes emerged from this inductive analysis of the data, the key ones being: what being inspected was like for these headteachers, why they chose to inspect and their experiences of inspecting, their relations with the teachers of the schools they inspect, especially their headteachers, with other inspectors, their governors and local authorities, and what they learn by inspecting. While the headteachers sampled vocalise the benefits of inspection and their part in it, they also express some ambivalence and this has implications for policy. The inductive analysis was then related to current developments in relation to system leadership. The key contribution of the thesis is to throw light on some of the implications of headteachers inspecting. It also raises the potential for headteacher inspectors, as a cadre, to contribute to the leadership of the English school system.
Spontaneous Aggregation of Convective Storms

Idealized simulations of the tropical atmosphere have predicted that clouds can spontaneously clump together in space, despite perfectly homogeneous settings. This phenomenon has been called self-aggregation, and it results in a state where a moist cloudy region with intense deep convective storms is surrounded by extremely dry subsiding air devoid of deep clouds. We review here the main findings from theoretical work and idealized models of this phenomenon, highlighting the physical processes believed to play a key role in convective self-aggregation. We also review the growing literature on the importance and implications of this phenomenon for the tropical atmosphere, notably, for the hydrological cycle and for precipitation extremes, in our current and in a warming climate. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, Volume 54 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Field Investigation of Corrosion-Protection Performance of Bridge Decks Constructed with Epoxy-Coated Reinforcing Steel in Virginia

The corrosion-protection performance of epoxy-coated reinforcing steel (ECR) in three 17-year-old bridge decks in Virginia was assessed. The decks had an upper mat of ECR and a lower mat of bare steel. Surface cracking in the right traffic lane was visually surveyed and 12 cores randomly located in the lowest 12th percentile cover depth in each deck were drilled. The concrete core and the extract ECR were visually inspected. In the concrete moisture content, absorption, percent saturation, carbonation depth, and the effective chloride diffusion constant were measured. In the ECR physical damage, coating thickness, adhesion loss and corrosion at damaged sites, and undercoating corrosion at adhesion test sites were measured. The chloride content of the concrete and carbonation of the ECR trace were determined. Significant coating adhesion loss occurred before the chloride arrived at the bar depth. The debonding of the epoxy is wet debonding, which is predicted by the negative thermodynamic work of adhesion. ECR will extend the service life of only 5 percent of the bridge decks in Virginia. Thus, its use is not cost-effective. Additional decks should be evaluated to confirm the results of this and other studies.
Effect of Inorganic and Organic Based Fertilizers on Growth Performance of Tea and Cost Implications in Kusuku, Nigeria

A plot of 24 m × 10 m under fallow management after several years of cultivation to maize (Zea mays) was planted to tea (Camellia sinensis) cuttings at 1.0 m × 0.6 m and treated with or without fertilizer. The tea cuttings were applied NPK 25:5:5 (reference fertilizer), cocoa husk, cow-dung, tea fluff and poultry droppings as manures, mixtures of the manures with urea in 3:1 ratio of N contents as organomineral and the control (no fertilizer), monitored for growth performance for two years at Kusuku (6°50'N; 11°07'E), Nigeria. The organic based fertilizers generally outperformed NPK 25:5:5 and control in all the growth parameters. Organominerals resulted in an overall higher plant height, girth, number of leaves and branches compared to the manures in the first year of establishment, while the values were higher for manure treated plants in the second year. This trend was attributed to quicker release of nutrient by the organominerals in the first year, while the manures had undergone adequate decomposition for sufficient nutrient release to the advantage of the tea plants in the second year. However, comparative cost analysis showed that organominerals were more economical to achieve optimum tea production at minimum cost in the locality.
Wwan/lte printed loop tablet computer antenna and its body sar analysis

A WWAN/LTE printed loop antenna for tablet computer application is presented.The printed loop antenna is a half‐wavelength loop strip coupled‐fed by a patch monopole, which performs not only as a coupling feed but also as an efficient radiator for the antenna. By embedding a printed distributed inductor in the loop strip, dual‐resonance excitation of the half‐wavelength mode of the coupled‐fed loop antenna is obtained, which forms the antenna's lower band at about 800 MHz to cover the LTE700/GSM850/900 operation (704–960 MHz). The antenna's upper band is formed by both the resonant modes contributed by the patch monopole and the higher order resonant modes contributed by the loop strip. The upper band shows a large bandwidth (>1 GHz) to cover the GSM1800/1900/UMTS/LTE2300/2500 operation (1710–2690 MHz). Further, with a planar and compact structure (12 × 75 mm2), the antenna is suitable to be disposed in the limited space inside the tablet computer and meets the body specific absorption rate (SAR) requirement (<1.6 W/kg for 1‐g body tissue) for practical applications. Details of the proposed antenna and its body SAR results are presented. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2912–2919, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26377
The effects of chip and substrate thickness on the reliability of ACA bonded flip chip joints

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of chip and substrate thickness on the thermal cycling reliability of flip chip joints assembled with anisotropic conductive adhesives (ACA) on FR‐4 substrates.Design/methodology/approach – Four test lots were assembled with two substrates and two test chips. The thicknesses of the substrates were 710 and 100 μm and the thicknesses of the chips were 480 and 80 μm. To study the effect of the bonding pressure each test lot contained four test series bonded with four different bonding pressures. The reliability of the test samples was studied using a temperature cycling test.Findings – The reliability of the test lots varied widely during the test. The test lot with a thin substrate and thin chip demonstrated considerably better reliability than the other test lots. In addition, the test lots had different failure mechanisms. After the test delamination was found in every test lot except the one assembled with the thin chip and the thin substra.
The dielectric properties of insulating materials

This article discusses the variation of dielectric constant and dielectric loss in the radio and power frequency range with the object of giving a simple picture of the type of mechanism which is able to produce anomalous dispersion in this range of frequencies. Some of the general characteristics of anomalous dispersion can be demonstrated as well on a simple and arbitrary model of the structure of dielectrics as on the more complex ones which correspond more closely to the actual structure of dielectrics. Such a derivation is given here in order to indicate the significance of the different factors which occur in the formulae which have been proposed to account for the variation of dielectric constant and dielectric loss with frequency. This enables a distinction to be made conveniently between the general characteristics which are shared by several types of dielectric polarization and the special characteristics which are peculiar to a restricted class of polarizations or to a particular kind of polarization.
Expression and prognosis of the B7 family in acute myeloid leukemia

Background B7 family molecules affect both immune responses and cancer progression via immunological and non-immunological pathways. However, the specific expression and prognostic value of B7 members in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unclear; hence, an investigation using online bioinformatics databases is required. Methods In this study, we explored the expression of B7 molecules using the ONCOMINE, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), and UALCAN databases, while the prognostic value of B7 molecules in AML was analyzed using the LinkedOmics, GEPIA2, UALCAN, and TCGAportal databases. Additionally, genetic alteration and gene co-expression analysis of the B7 family was performed via the cBioPortal and LinkedOmics databases, while functional and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the Metascape databases for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Results The message RNA (mRNA) levels of B7 family members varied in AML patients, and aberrant highly expressed B7 members were correlated with poor prognosis in AML, including B7.1, B7-DC, B7-H3, B7-H5, and B7-H7. B7-H6 acted as a protective molecule for overall survival (OS), while B7-H1 overexpression was inclined to predict poor prognosis. B7 family gene alteration occurred frequently in AML, and the altered B7 group seemed to exhibit a trend towards worse OS. The co-expression genes and relative signaling pathways of the B7 family might be involved in oncogenesis and be associated with prognosis in AML. Conclusions Our study showed that aberrantly expressed B7 family molecules affected the prognosis of AML patients, and thus, could be promising prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.