Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust L∞ convex pose-graph optimisation for monocular localisation solution for unmanned aerial vehicles

In this study, a robust L∞ convex pose-graph optimisation solution for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) monocular motion estimation with loop closing is presented. Most solutions proposed in literature formulate the pose-graph optimisation as a least-squares problem by minimising a cost function using iterative methods such as Gauss–Newton or Levenberg–Marquardt algorithms. However, with these algorithms, there is no guarantee to converge to a global minimum as they, with high probabilities, converge to a local minimum or even to an infeasible solution. The solution we propose in this work uses a new robust convex optimisation pose-graph technique, which efficiently corrects the UAV’s pose after loop-closure detections. Uncertainty estimation using derivative method and its propagation through multiview geometry algorithms are included in the developed solution. The detection of the visual loop closures, in appearance-based navigation, is achieved with our innovative, fast and efficient method based on Bayes decision theory with Gaussian mixture model in combination with the KD-tree data structure. Our navigation solution has been validated using real-world data in both indoor and outdoor environments acquired by a UAV equipped with a monocular system.
Multilevel logic synthesis using hybrid pass logic and CMOS topologies

The development is described of an automated logic synthesis tool, BDDMAPII, which has the capability of utilising a new multilevel mapping algorithm. It has been designed specifically with a reduced cell library consisting of pass transistor multiplexer-based cells in conjunction with traditional CMOS circuits. These cells were developed based on TSMC's 0.18/spl mu/-CMOS technology. A subset of MCNC91 benchmark circuits are used to evaluate the synthesis tool, and the results are compared to those generated by Design Analyzer, a commercial tool from Synopsys Inc. An improvement of an average of 21% in power-delay product was achieved when using the proposed hybrid cell library
A hybrid satellite/terrestrial network linking Europe and North America

This short paper will document a demonstration given at the Third Ka-band Conference, Sorrento, Italy, September 1997. The principal objective was to illustrate interoperability over a complex hybrid satellite and terrestrial Asynchronous Transport Mode (ATM) network. The network linked Ka-band satellites in Europe and in North America, via the European JAMES Research and Development (R + D) Network, and the CANTAT-3 trans-Atlantic submarine fibre. The ISABEL application facilitated Computer Supported Collaborative Workspace (CSCW) among locations in Canada, Italy and the U.S.A. The demonstration consisted of the presentation of one full conference session from Italy to observers in Canada and the U.S.A. , with the opportunity for the remote, as well as the local audiences, to interact with presenters during the 'Question and Answer' periods. There were also short presentations from the Communications Research Centre (Canada), and NASA Lewis Research Centre (U.S.A.). The ISABEL application required two virtual networks, one to handle unicast signals for control and monitoring, etc., the other to distribute multicast traffic. They shared a common star topology over point to point symmetrical Virtual Paths (VPs) through the interconnected ATM networks. The three participating locations were connected to a Network Node at the Communications Research Centre (CRC), Ottawa, Canada over full duplex El (2.048 Mbps) circuits. The application traffic from each ISABEL workstation was directed to the Network Node, where it was combined. The Control Workstation, at the Conference Centre, Sorrento, Italy, allocated window sizes in the combined image, selected local inputs, and switched presentation material as required. The combined image was multicast from the Network Node to the three networked locations. The overall network included the Italsat-2 satellite and the U.S. Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS), the Canadian and Italian national test networks, the European R + D network, and the CANTAT-3 submarine fibre.
Managing construction projects using the advanced programmatic risk analysis and management model

Risk management is an important part of construction management, yet the risk-based decision support tools available to construction managers fail to adequately address risks relating to cost, schedule, and quality together in a coherent framework. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of the Advanced Programmatic Risk Analysis and Management Model (APRAM) originally developed for the aerospace industry, for managing schedule, cost, and quality risks in the construction industry. The usefulness of APRAM for construction projects is demonstrated by implementing APRAM for an example based on an actual building construction project and comparing the results with other risk analysis techniques. The results show that APRAM simultaneously addresses cost, schedule, and quality risk together in a coherent, probabilistic framework that provides the information needed to support decision making in allocating scarce project resources.
Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table: a Supplemental Learning Aid for Human Anatomy Education During an Undergraduate Outreach Activity

Learning anatomy from books has its limitations. Cadaver dissection and prosection had proven to be the ideal method of learning anatomy, though they also have restrictions. Commercially, there are several tools for the enhancement of learning and teaching anatomy, such as 3D virtual anatomy apps and anatomical models. The Anatomage, a virtual anatomy dissection table, is a powerful virtual table with capabilities of dissection and prosection of the complete human body or segments.
Constant switching frequency band controller for dynamic voltage restorer

This study presents a novel constant switching frequency band controller for dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) with a proposed filter structure. The switching operation of voltage source inverter (VSI) based on band controller, which restricts the injected voltages within a band, is explored. This control method of the VSI inherits merits such as fast dynamic response, robustness, zero magnitude/phase errors and ease of implementation. The performance of the band controller is improved using a novel filter structure. Quantitative expressions involving the dynamics of DVR and variation of switching frequency are derived. The constancy in the switching frequency is subsequently achieved by an adaptive hysteresis band controller. The proposed filter structure and the adaptive band controller for the DVR are validated by carrying out simulation studies using PSCAD. The performance of the proposed controller in both transient and steady-state conditions has been evaluated and discussed. Based on the proposed design, the performance of the controller is extensively tested with various voltage disturbances on a reduced scale DVR prototype developed in the laboratory.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Application in Remanufacturing Operations

Remanufacturing operations deal with numerous types of used products and parts. For that reason, any missing parts will lead to the extension of remanufacturing lead-time because searching for the missing parts is time consuming. In order to detect the real-time locations for used parts, this paper proposes the application of RFID technology. A proof of concept RFID system is developed on SISCOM Assembly Cell-200. SISCOM is assumed as a small scale remanufacturing facility. The RFID system middleware is developed using LabVIEW 9 and the database is built using PHP & phpMyAdmin. With the availability of this system, the location of missing parts can be detected and the remanufacturing labor hours can be focused on value added activities.
Analysis of Magnetic Field for Micro Axial-Flux Electromagnetic Generator

This paper reports on the magnetic field distribution and magnetic circuit calculating method of micro generator. A micro axial-flux electromagnetic generator is designed as size of Φ6mm×3mm. Traditional magnetic circuit analysis methods are used to retrieve the air-gap magnetic density on no-load micro generator in operation. FEA is done for the micro generator model using magnetic field numerical simulation software. The main parameters of no-load magnetic field and the waveform of induced EMF are obtained. Comparing the results obtained from the magnetic circuit analysis and numerical simulation, the error of air magnetic density is less than 2.54% and the error of the maximum value of induced EMF is less than 2. 68%. The results suggest that magnetic circuit analysis methods can be used for magnetic field analysis of micro axial-flux electromagnetic generators, and be helpful to provide guidance for designs.
Distributed generation of shared RSA keys in mobile ad hoc networks

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks is a totally new concept in which mobile nodes are able to communicate together over wireless links in an independent manner, independent of fixed physical infrastructure and centralized administrative infrastructure. However, the nature of Ad Hoc Networks makes them very vulnerable to security threats. Generation and distribution of shared keys for CA (Certification Authority) is challenging for security solution based on distributed PKI(Public-Key Infrastructure)/CA. The solutions that have been proposed in the literature and some related issues are discussed in this paper. The solution of a distributed generation of shared threshold RSA keys for CA is proposed in the present paper. During the process of creating an RSA private key share, every CA node only has its own private security. Distributed arithmetic is used to create the CA's private share locally, and that the requirement of centralized management institution is eliminated. Based on fully considering the Mobile Ad Hoc network's characteristic of self-organization, it avoids the security hidden trouble that comes by holding an all private security share of CA, with which the security and robustness of system is enhanced.
The effect of thermal shunt on the current instability of multiple-emitter-finger heterojunction bipolar transistors

The occurrence of thermally-induced current instability in multi-emitter-finger heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) is described. An equivalent thermal circuit is used to model the effect of thermal shunt on this current instability. It is shown that the thermal shunt is superior to the ballast resistor for improving power characteristics, without sacrificing microwave performance. An HBT implementing the thermal shunt technique has demonstrated a microwave power density of more than 10 mWspl mu/m/sub 2/ of emitter area.
Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Subjective State as Indices of Resource Utilization during Sustained Driving

Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that the vigilance decrement, the decline in signal detection over time that typifies vigilance performance, is accompanied by a decline in Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity (CBFV) measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and by an increase in stress measured by the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ). These studies were restricted to single vigilance tasks. In operational settings, such as driving, vigilance is often combined with other task components. Therefore, the aim for the present study was to generalize the findings from the earlier studies to a simulated driving task. As in the earlier studies, temporal declines in performance efficiency, indexed in this case by variability in lateral position, were accompanied by declines in CBFV and increased feelings of distress and task disengagment on the DSSQ. The results suggest that resource utilization patterns found with single vigilance tasks may extend to dynamic performance situations in which vigilance is one of several task elements.
Optical generation of microwave passband signals

We investigate generation of microwave passband signals with a tunable central frequency using optical up‐conversion. We consider systems without and with optical fiber transmission links. The technique performs photodetection of optically filtered gain switched laser pulses. Using appropriate electrical filters, we demonstrate up‐conversion centered at 25, 35, and 45 GHz. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:656–660, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27392
State-of-the-art harmonic-balance simulation of forced nonlinear microwave circuits by the piecewise technique

The theoretical foundations and the numerical performance of an advanced nonlinear circuit simulator based on the piecewise harmonic-balance (HB) technique are discussed. The exact computation of the Jacobian matrix for Newton-iteration based HB simulation and the related conversion-matrix technique for fast mixer analysis are formulated in a general form. Convergence problems at high drive levels are solved by a parametric formulation of the device models coupled with an advanced norm-reducing iteration. A physics-based approximation is shown to allow the HB equations to be effectively decoupled in many practical cases, bringing large-sized jobs, such as pulsed-RF analysis, within the reach of ordinary workstations. The exact Jacobian is used in conjunction with an exact formula for the gradient of the objective function, to implement an efficient broadband nonlinear circuit optimization capability. Examples are presented. >
Modeling and Analysis for Powertrain Dynamics of Electric Vehicle Systems

This paper provides presents the dynamic analysis and computer simulation results of electric vehicle (EV) powertrain performance systems. The generic simulation platform of an electric vehicle is developed using based on the SimPowerSystems/SimDriveline of MATLAB. Individual components of the model are constructed based on real vehicle data and mathematical dynamic model equations. The analytic results obtained from the mathematical modeling are verified with electric vehicle dynamics using generic simulation platform.
Optimum Design of a Planar 3-DOF Ultra-Precision Positioning Mechanism Using a Booster

Ultra-precision positioning systems basically require high natural frequency and sufficient workspace. To cope with this requirement, flexure hinge mechanisms have been proposed. However, previous designs have difficulty satisfying the functional requirements of the system due to problems in the modeling and optimization process since they are coupled. Therefore, this paper performs optimum design of a planar 3-D ultra-precision positioning mechanism using a booster based on axiomatic design. Based on preliminary kinematic analysis and dynamic modeling of the system, an optimum design is conducted. To examine the effectiveness of the optimal parameters obtained by a theoretical approach, a simulation is performed by FEM. The simulation result shows that a natural frequency of 200.53Hz and a workspace of 200 μm x 200 μm can be ensured, which is in very close agreement with the specified goal of design.
Human Reliability Model

Human Reliability Model The paper is focusing on reliability model of transport devices' human operator. The presented operator model is base on operation potential approach, with taken into account his features and states helping assure of safety decision-making process. The human reliability model is important for future improvement the human - machine interfaces (HMI). Model Niezawodności Operatora Urządzeń Przedmiotem artykułu jest model niezawodnościowy operatora urządzeń, w szczególności środków transportu. Model operatora uwzględnia potencjałowe podejście do wyrażania wymagań jakościowych i ilościowych w zakresie jego przydatności do realizacji określonych wymaganych działań z użyciem środka transportu.
Small‐size two‐branch monopole antenna with integrated wideband matching network for LTE tablet computer

A simple two‐branch monopole antenna with an integrated wideband matching network to achieve the LTE dual‐wideband operation (698–960/1710–2690 MHz) with a small occupied volume (10 × 30 × 3 mm3) in the tablet computer is presented. The two‐branch monopole contributes to one resonant mode in the LTE low band and one resonant mode in the LTE high band. With the aid of the wideband matching network, the bandwidths of the two resonant modes can both be widened to cover the LTE dual‐wideband operation. In addition, the matching network requires no additional board space on the system circuit board of the tablet computer and is disposed inside the ground clearance region occupied by the antenna. This makes it attractive for practical applications. Working principle of the wideband matching network on achieving the antenna's dual‐wideband operation is described in this study. The antenna is also fabricated and tested. Experimental results are presented and discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:507–513, 2015
Damage Identification of Metallic Structures Using A0 Mode of Lamb Waves

A Lamb wave-based technique was developed for detecting damages in metallic structures, such as cracks and holes in metallic beams and plates. For metallic structures with transverse cracks and holes, A0 mode of Lamb waves was employed due to its shorter wave length compared with S0 mode, which leads to high sensitivity to small damages. Two kinds of excitation techniques for generating comparatively pure A0 mode using piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) actuators were realized experimentally. In one technique, two PZT actuators with applied out-of-phase voltages were attached on both sides of the structures. While in the other technique, a kind of grease lubricant was used between the bottom surface of one PZT actuator and the surface of the specimens. Both techniques were able to enhance the component of A0 mode and reduce the component of S0 mode effectively. Secondly, in terms of the arrival time of the A0 wave mode reflected from damages obtained using the wavelet analysis, the positions of damages were identified accurately. The above two techniques were then validated by identifying the transverse cracks and holes in aluminum beams and plates, respectively. Numerical simulations using the finite element method (FEM) for the wave propagation in these structures with damages were carried out. The obtained experimental and numerical results demonstrate that it is possible to identify damage position very accurately by using only sensor data of defective structures without referring benchmark signals (sensor data of intact structures).
Integration of functional materials and surface modification for polymeric microfluidic systems

The opportunity for the commercialization of microfluidic systems has surged over the recent decade, primarily for medical and the life science applications. This positive development has been spurred by an increasing number of integrated, highly functional lab-on-a-chip technologies from the research community. Toward commercialization, there is a dire need for economic manufacture which involves optimized cost for materials and structuring on the front-end as well as for a range of back-end processing steps such as surface modification, integration of functional elements, assembly and packaging. Front-end processing can readily resort to very well established polymer mass fabrication schemes, e.g. injection molding. Also assembly and packaging can often be adopted from commercially available processes. In this review, we survey the back-end processes of hybrid material integration and surface modification which often need to be tailored to the specifics of miniaturized polymeric microfluidic systems. On the one hand, the accurate control of these back-end processes proves to be the key to the technical function of the system and thus the value creation. On the other hand, the integration of functional materials constitutes a major cost factor.
Statistical Modelling in the Age of Data Science

Abstract:Twenty years after Leo Breiman's wake-up call on the use of data models, I reconsider his concerns, which were heavily influenced by problems in prediction and classification, in light of the much vaster class of problems of estimating effects and (conditional) associations. Viewed from this perspective, one realises that the statistical community's commitment to the use of data models continues to be dominant and problematic, but that algorithmic modelling (machine learning) does not readily provide a satisfactory alternative, by virtue of being almost exclusively focused on prediction and classification. The only successful way forward is to bridge the two cultures. It requires machine learning skills from the algorithmic modelling culture in order to reduce model misspecification bias and to enable pre-specification of the statistical analysis. It moreover requires data modelling skills in order to choose and construct interpretable effect and association measures that target the scientific question; in order to identify those measures from observed data under the considered sampling design by relating to minimal and well-understood assumptions; and finally, in order to reduce regularisation bias and quantify uncertainty in the obtained estimates by relating to asymptotic theory.
Temporal and spatial variability of elevated inversions over Europe based on ERA‐Interim reanalysis

Tropospheric temperature inversions are thought to be an important feature of climate as well as a significant factor affecting air quality and low‐level cloud formation. The aim of this study is to investigate the temporal and spatial variability of the tropospheric temperature inversions, in particular so‐called elevated inversions, over Europe. The analysis is based on data gained from ERA‐Interim reanalysis for the period 1981–2015. The data consist of air temperature, and geopotential height from the entire vertical cross‐section of the troposphere, that is, from 1,000 to 100 hPa. The study examines the temporal (intra‐ and inter‐annual) variability of the temperature inversions based on their frequency, base height, depth, and strength. The analysis conducted revealed that the temperature inversions are a common phenomenon occurring in the lower troposphere. Their temporal and spatial variability is, however, determined by the inversion type. Surface‐based inversions (SBI) indicate a clear diurnal cycle, while the day–night variability of elevated inversions (EI) is far less pronounced. Two main regions of the most frequent EI occurrence may be distinguished. These are: (a) a marine area west of the Iberian Peninsula and (b) Eastern Europe. Both of them are located in areas which are under the influence of extensive high‐pressure systems—the permanent Azores High and semipermanent Siberian High, respectively. The development of EI should be therefore attributed to the large‐scale subsidence and adiabatic heating of air parcels. EI are also quite common over the other parts of the Atlantic Ocean, which is closely linked to the development of marine inversions. SBI tend to be stronger than EI—the mean seasonal inversion strength is usually substantially higher for SBI. In turn, EI reach higher values of the mean seasonal inversion depth as compared with SBI.
Dietary and Lifestyle Behavior in Adults With Epilepsy Needs Improvement: A Case-control Study From North-eastern Poland

Kamila Kulesza Medical University of Bialystok: Uniwersytet Medyczny w Bialymstoku Monika Cyuńczyk Medical University of Bialystok: Uniwersytet Medyczny w Bialymstoku Jan Kochanowicz Medical University of Bialystok: Uniwersytet Medyczny w Bialymstoku Anna Witkowska (  anna.witkowska@umb.edu.pl ) Department of Food Biotechnology, Medical University of Białystok, Poland https://orcid.org/00000002-0092-3409