Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Placement and Sizing of Combined Heat and Power Systems

This study presents a cost/worth analysis approach for optimal Placement and sizing of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) as a powerful optimization technique is employed for optimization. Different benefits brought up by CHP systems are taken into account as a multi-objective decision making. Economical factors such as power and heat selling, reliability improvement, loss reduction, deferred upgrading investment and CHP costs are considered in this study. In order to incorporate stochastic nature of power system in this study, Monte-Carlo method is used to simulate the effect of uncertainty of loads and system on the optimal location and size of the CHPs in the network. This study conducts two separate case studies, 6-bus meshed test system and 14-bus radial test system to demonstrate economical feasibility for investment planning when cost and CHP benefits are taken into account. The impacts of considering different parameters such as the rate of load growth and interest are studied. Results indicate that the proposed methodology is capable of finding the best location and the optimal size of CHP that can cause improvement in network operation along with financial benefits.
A Methodology to Forecast Commodity Prices in Vietnam

Risk management of commodity prices is an important yet challenging task. Given the complex behaviour of commodity prices, this creates the need of using sophisticated models of commodity prices dynamics. Obviously, parameter estimation of such models poses another challenge. Previous literature has addressed this problem using Markov Chain Monte Carlo, which is computationally expensive for parameter estimation and inference. In this paper we develop an efficient Maximum Likelihood Estimation procedure based on the characteristic function. We then estimate parameters a stochastic volatility model with stochastic drift utilizing the time-series of rice and coffee prices. We show that such model produces realistic distributions of both commodity prices. Finally, using the estimated model parameters we calculate various risk measures such as Value at Risk or Expected Shortfall.
nteractions Between Life Stressors and Susceptibility enes (5-HTTLPR and BDNF) on Depression in orean Elders

ackground: It has been reported that the functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) odifies the association between stressful life events (SLEs) and depression in child, adolescent, and adult populations. We sought to eplicate this finding in elders and, additionally, to test modifying effects of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) val66met olymorphism.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO GENETIC DIVERSITY OF THE PERCH INHABITING IGNALINA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT COOLER AND OTHER INLAND WATER BODIES OF LITHUANIA ON THE BASIS OF MtDNA ANALYSIS

In order to collect information about the impact of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) on the formation of the genetic structure of the population of commercially exploited fish species, our research group initiated an investigation into the genetic diversity of a rapidly changing mtDNA D-loop region of the perch (Perca fluviatilis). The perch is a naturally distributed species common in the inland water bodies of Lithuania, so it was chosen as a model species for the current study. The genetic diversity of the perch populations inhabiting the Lake Drūksiai, the Lake Plateliai, the Lake Metelys and two major Lithuanian rivers Nemunas and Neris was studied on the basis of detection and comparison of 99 sequences of mtDNA D-loop region. Fifteen different haplotypes consisting of 389-400 bp were identified. Eight of them were not observed earlier in other locations in Europe; four new haplotypes were detected in Lake Drūksiai only. All pairwise comparisons indicated that the perch population inhabiting the Lake Drūksiai, which is used as cooler of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, was significantly (P < 0.05) genetically different from other perch populations studied in Lithuania. The data obtained formed background information to be used to investigate the possible impact of NPP on the formation of and changes in the genetic structure of the perch populations.
Prophet: A Context-Aware Location Privacy-Preserving Scheme in Location Sharing Service

Location sharing service has become an indispensable part in mobile social networks. However, location sharing may introduce a new class of privacy threats ranging from localizing an individual to profiling and identifying him based on the places he shared. Although users may avoid releasing geocontent in sensitive locations, it does not necessarily prevent the adversary from inferring users’ privacy through space-temporal correlations and historical information. In this paper, we design a Prophet framework, which provides an effective security scheme for users sharing their location information. First, we define fingerprint identification based on Markov chain and state classification to describe the users’ behavior patterns. Then, we propose a novel location anonymization mechanism, which adopts a -indistinguishability strategy to protect user’s sensitive location information published. Finally, experimental results are given to illustrate good performance and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Development of an automated process for turbine blade optimisation

In this paper we present a fully automated procedure for turbine blade optimisation. Optimisation process consists of geometry parametrisation using B-splines, mesh deformation using the dynamic mesh library in OpenFOAM, numerical simulation of transonic flow through the blade passage and finding the feasible solutions with the Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA). The process proved to be robust whether starting the optimisation from unfeasible geometry or a conventional blade profile.
Occurrence of Eutypella microtheca in grapevine cankers in Mexico

Trunk diseases cause slow decline and loss in productivity of grapevine. In surveys carried out from 2010 to 2012 in vineyards in Baja California (Mexico), fungal isolates were obtained from Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines with cankers. Morphological studies and phylogenetic analyses, using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA and a partial sequence of the β-tubulin gene, identified two isolates as Eutypella microtheca . Pathogenicity tests, using grapevine green tissue, fulfilled Koch´s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. microtheca occurring on grapevine in Mexico and highlights the need of considering this fungus as another potential threat to vineyards in this region.
Did Foreign Banks “Cut and Run” or Stay Committed to Emerging Europe During the Crises?

Our objective is to examine empirically the behavior of foreign banks regarding real loan growth during a financial crisis for a set of countries in which these banks dominate the banking sectors due primarily to having taken over large existing former state-owned banks. The eight countries are among the most developed in Emerging Europe, their banking sectors having been modernized by the beginning of the time period.We consider a data period that includes an initial credit boom (2004 – 2007) followed by the global financial crisis (2008 & 2009) and the onset of the Eurozone crisis (2010). Our main innovations with respect to the existing literature on banking during the financial crisis are to include explicit consideration of exchange rate dynamics and to separate foreign banks into two categories, namely, subsidiaries of the Big 6 European MNBs and all other foreign-controlled banks. Our results show that bank lending was impacted adversely by the crisis but that the two types of foreign banks behaved differently. The Big 6 banks remained committed to the region in that their lending behavior was not different from that of domestic banks corroborating the notion that these countries are a “second home market” for these banks. Contrariwise, the other foreign banks were primarily responsible for fueling the credit boom prior to the crisis but then “cut and ran” by decreasing their lending appreciably during the crisis. Our results also indicate different bank behavior in countries with flexible exchange rate regimes from those in the Eurozone. Hence, we conclude that both innovations matter in empirical work on bank behavior during a crisis in the region and may, by extension, be relevant to other small countries in which banking sectors are dominated by foreign financial institutions.
Twentieth-Century Trends in Runoff, Evapotranspiration, and Soil Moisture in the Western United States*

Abstract A physically based hydrology model is used to produce time series for the period 1916–2003 of evapotranspiration (ET), runoff, and soil moisture (SM) over the western United States from which long-term trends are evaluated. The results show that trends in ET in spring and summer are determined primarily by trends in precipitation and snowmelt that determine water availability. From April to June, ET trends are mostly positive due primarily to earlier snowmelt and earlier emergence of snow-free ground, and secondarily to increasing trends in spring precipitation. From July to September trends in ET are more strongly influenced by precipitation trends, with the exception of areas (most notably California) that receive little summer precipitation and have experienced large changes in snowmelt timing. Trends in the seasonal timing of ET are modest, but during the period 1947–2003 when temperature trends are large, they reflect a shift of ET from midsummer to early summer and late spring. As in other .
Evaluating a visual timeline methodology for appraisal and coping research

Theoretical models of stress have become increasingly sophisticated, recognizing the importance of context and history, yet the principal data-gathering method used by researchers remains the self-report questionnaire, a method which is conspicuously ill suited to obtaining data which would allow for exploration of these factors. In this article, we explore the use of visual methods as an alternative to traditional methods, presenting the findings of a study designed to test the utility of a visual timeline technique. A key contribution of this article is the application of an alternative technique for researching stress appraisal and coping. The technique conferred a number of benefits that may not have been provided by more conventional approaches, making it a suitable basis for the exploration of stress appraisal and coping. A further contribution is the identification of a straightforward process for analysing the visual data produced.
Destination image, satisfaction and destination loyalty in cruise tourism: the case of Málaga (Spain)

Over the past decades cruise tourism is a sector that has experienced a tremendous growth around the globe. The relations that are establish between the different agents that interact in this industry, passengers, crew and residents are crucial for visitor satisfaction and the success of the tourist destination. The study has analyzed the different types of cruise passengers who landed at the port of Malaga and their perception of the capital through the destination image, satisfaction and destination loyalty in Malaga. A cluster analysis showed the existence of four different groups of passengers whose opinions can give a specific answer to the consolidation of Malaga as a quality tourist destination. From a practical point of view, recommendations about the adequate management of the destination attributes for the cruise industry are discussed in the conclusions.
Electrodynamic balance–mass spectrometry of single particles as a new platform for atmospheric chemistry research

Abstract. New analytical techniques are needed to improve our understanding of the intertwined physical and chemical processes that affect the composition of aerosol particles in the Earth's atmosphere, such as gas–particle partitioning and homogenous or heterogeneous chemistry, and their ultimate relation to air quality and climate. We describe a new laboratory setup that couples an electrodynamic balance (EDB) to a mass spectrometer (MS). The EDB stores a single laboratory-generated particle in an electric field under atmospheric conditions for an arbitrarily long length of time. The particle is then transferred via gas flow to an ionization region that vaporizes and ionizes the analyte molecules before MS measurement. We demonstrate the feasibility of the technique by tracking evaporation of polyethylene glycol molecules and finding agreement with a kinetic model. Fitting data to the kinetic model also allows determination of vapor pressures to within a factor of 2. This EDB–MS system can be used to study fundamental chemical and physical processes involving particles that are difficult to isolate and study with other techniques. The results of such measurements can be used to improve our understanding of atmospheric particles.
Implementation of 5S tools as a starting point in business process reengineering

University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy Centre for Microelectronic Technology and Mono-crystals, 11000 Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, Republic of Serbia E-mail: worcky@nanosys.ihtm. bg.ac. rs University of Novi Sad, Technical Faculty “Mihajlo Pupin” Zrenjanin, 23000 Zrenjanin, Đure Đakovića bb, Republic of Serbia University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Technical Science, 32000 Čačak, 65 Svetog Save, Republic of Serbia
Monte Carlo Simulations of charge Transport in Organic Semiconductors

Thin film organic semiconductors have applications in electronic devices such as transistors, light emitting diodes, and organic solar cells. The performance of such devices depends on the mobility of the charge carriers which is strongly affected by the morphology of the material. In this work, we perform Monte Carlo simulations to study charge transport in lattice models of homogeneous and heterogeneous materials. The model device consists of a layer of the material between two electrodes at different potentials. Charge carriers are injected from the electrodes and move by hopping under the influence of the electric field and Coulomb interactions. To model the effect of polymer chain connectivity on charge transport we include an energetic barrier to hopping between sites on different chains. We measure current-voltage (I − V ) characteristics of model devices and determine the mobility of the charge carriers from the slope of the I − V curves in the ohmic regime. We validate our algorithms with simulations of simple devices consisting of two parallel layers of donor and acceptor materials between the electrodes. To study the effect of ordered domains in polymeric semiconductors we simulate charge transport in a recently developed lattice model for polymers that undergo an orderdisorder transition. We find that ordering in the material leads to strong anisotropies
Using Semi-Parametric Methods in an Analysis of Earnings Mobility

This paper describes a dynamic random effects econometric model from which inferences on earnings mobility may be made. It answers questions such as, given some initial level of observed earnings, what is the probability that an agent with certain characteristics will remain below a specified level of earnings (for example the poverty level) for a specified number of time periodsq Existing research assumes that the distributions of the unobserved permanent and transitory shocks in the model are known up to finitely many parameters. However, predictions of earnings mobility are highly sensitive to assumptions about these distributions. The present paper estimates the distributions of the random effects non-parametrically. The results are used to predict the probabilities of remaining in a low state of earnings. The results from the non-parametric distributions are contrasted to those obtained under a normality assumption. Using the non-parametrically estimated distributions gives estimated probabilities that are smaller than those obtained under the normality assumption. Through a Monte Carlo experiment and by examining unconditional predicted earnings distributions, it is demonstrated that the non-parametric method is likely to be considerably more accurate, and that assuming normality may give quite misleading results. Copyright Journal compilation Royal Economic Society 2008. No claim to original US government works
Low leakage Architecture of Static Random Access Memory using LECTOR Technique

The integrated circuits that have memories, a major share of total circuit power is required by the memory architecture of the circuit. With the day-to-day changing circuit designs, the need to store increasing amount of processing data has resulted in the growing memory size in an integrated circuit. Most of the memory data remains un-altered during the memory data handling operation. The stored data is thus affected by the sub-threshold leakage power / current that leads to the degradation of data signal quality. The data integrity is maintained using a feedback path / architecture in SRAM memory architecture. Still, the amount of power loss due to leakage contributes a major part of the total power loss of the integrated circuit. This loss increases with the decrease in the physical feature size of the component / transistors. A low power system offers the benefits like device portability, long battery life, good performance criteria, etc. Today's increasing data handling require more random access memory to process the dynamic data and hence more power. Various SRAM architectures and its Design techniques are proposed in previous work. SRAM low power design using Sleepy Stack Transistor for is proposed by S.Lakshmi Narayan et al (1). Dynamic Threshold and Stand-by Voltage leakage reduction technique is presented by Yashwant Singh and D. Boolchandani in (2). Power reduction using Power Gating is shown by AdreaCalimera et al (3). Static Power Reduction Techniques for Asynchronous circuits is given by Carlos Ortega, Jonathan Tse and RajitManohar in (4). These are some suggested techniques that can offer a solution towards low power in the design of SRAM architecture.In the present work, we have used leakage control transistor technique called LECTOR to modify the design of SRAM architecture to reduce the leakage current and hence the leakage power. The absence of requirement of control circuit for the operation of leakage control transistor in this technique is the major advantage of LECTOR technique over the other available leakage current reduction techniques. The proposed design is simulated on 90nm CMOS fabrication technology using Microwind Tool.
Gas Storage Valuation: Price Modelling v. Optimization Methods

Abstract In the literature, one approach is to analyse gas storage within a simple one-factor price dynamics framework that is solved to optimality. We follow an alternative approach, where the market is represented by a forward curve with daily granularity, the price uncertainty is represented by six factors, and where we impose a simple and intuitive storage strategy. Based on UK natural gas market price data, we obtain the gas storage value using our approach, and compare with results from a one-factor model as well as with perfect foresight. We find that our approach captures much more of the true flexibility value than the one-factor model.
Geometric Calibration of ZIYUAN-3 Three-Line Cameras Combining Ground Control Points and Lines

Due to the large biases between the laboratory-calibrated values of the orientation parameters and their in-orbit true values, the initial direct georeferencing accuracy of the Ziyuan-3 (ZY-3) three-line camera (TLC) images can only reach the kilometre level. In this paper, a point-based geometric calibration model of the ZY-3 TLCs is firstly established by using the collinearity constraint, and then a line-based geometric calibration model is established by using the coplanarity constraint. With the help of both the point-based and the line-based models, a feasible in-orbit geometric calibration approach for the ZY-3 TLCs combining ground control points (GCPs) and ground control lines (GCLs) is presented. Experimental results show that like GCPs, GCLs can also provide effective ground control information for the geometric calibration of the ZY-3 TLCs. The calibration accuracy of the look angles of charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors achieved by using the presented approach reached up to about 1.0''. After the geometric calibration, the direct georeferencing accuracy of the ZY-3 TLC images without ground controls was significantly improved from the kilometre level to better than 11 m in planimetry and 9 m in height. A more satisfactory georeferencing accuracy of better than 3.5 m in planimetry and 3.0 m in height was achieved after the block adjustment with four GCPs.
Generalized Linear Models for European Union Countries Energy Data

The class of generalized linear models is an extension of traditional linear models that allows the mean of the response variable to be linearly dependent on the explanatory variables through a link function. Generalized linear models allow the probability distribution of the response variable to be a member of an exponential family of distributions. The exponential family of distributions include many common discrete and continuous distributions such as normal, binomial, multinomial, negative binomial, Poisson, gamma, inverse Gaussian, etc. Also link functions can be built as identity, logit, probit, power, log, and complementary log–log link functions. In this study, supply, transformation and consumption, imports and exports of solid fuels, oil, gas, electricity, and renewable energy annual data of European Union countries between 2005 and 2013 years are investigated by using generalized linear models. In this case, the response variable is taken as annual complete energy balances of European Union countries as a continuous variable having positive values, and the distribution of the response variable comes from the gamma distribution with log–link function.
A Truthful Optimal Path Auction for DSA Networks

In this paper, we address the problem of incentive based routing in DSA networks, where each secondary node having a certain capacity incurs a cost for routing traffic through it. We propose a path auction scheme in which each secondary node announces its cost and capacity to the routing mechanism, both of which are considered as private information known only to the node. We design a route selection mechanism and a pricing function that can induce nodes to reveal their cost and capacity honestly, while minimizing the payment that needs to be given to the nodes. Earlier works either do not consider the capacity constraint of the nodes (VCG based least cost path routing [4], [6], [10]), or consider the capacity constraint without enforcing truthful capacity reporting [8], or require special hardware/software to be installed in the nodes for truthful revelation of a node’s private information [11]. Moreover, the VCG based mechanisms focus on finding a least cost path, which may not be the path that requires the least payment. For deploying our path auction based routing mechanism in DSA networks, we provide a polynomial time algorithm to find the optimal route over which traffic should be routed and to compute the payment that each node should receive. The performance of our scheme is evaluated via extensive simulations.
Experiments on generation and conversion

Experimental results of the flywheel energy storage systems are presented. This report finalizes the work of the UPC in the context of the GeoPlex European Project. This document contains only the experimental results of the system, while the associated theoretical results and simulations are presented in previous works. The experimental results validates the policy management, the port Hamiltonian models and the developed controllers using the IDA-PBC approach along the project