Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of forest management systems on productivity and costs of cable yarding operations in southern China

The extension of plantations in the southern provinces of China was supposed to fill the demand-and-supply-gap within the country’s forest products industry. But a factor strongly limiting the supply capacity is the low productivity of the conventional manual clearcut systems currently in use. In addition, a political shift in silvicultural objectives towards multiple-use and continuous cover plantation forestry is not coherent with such operations. Therefore, new operation systems with low impact technologies - such as cable yarding - are needed to increase productivity while incorporating other management goals. An elemental time study, following the snap back timing method, was conducted with a cable yarding crew operating a mobile tower yarder in two comparable pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) stands adjacent to Pingxiang, located in subtropical southern China. Two different management systems were analyzed: a clearcut with full-tree extraction on the first and a selective cut operation with stem-length extraction on the second site. Based on the results of the time study, the yarding performances within the two management systems were evaluated by calculating productivity and associated costs. The gross operational system productivity for extraction at the clearcut, namely 9.9 m³/SSH Operation (scheduled system hour) and 9.30 €/m³, was nearly twice as high at half the costs as the selective cut, which reached 5.1 m³/SSH Operation and 18.86 €/m³. Full-tree extraction led to shorter cycle times and higher load sizes, essentially resulting in higher mean productivity per cycle. One of the main shortcomings of the selective cut operation was the significantly longer lateral extraction distances, which led to longer cycle times and delays, such as hang ups. However, when comparing the systems under standardized conditions, the clearcut only had a 15.2 % advantage in performance over the selective cut and both operations bear the potential to increase their productivity e.g. through better log presentation during the felling operation. Although extraction productivity at the clearcut site exceeded the one from the selective cut, the ecological consequences of this operational system with full-tree extraction with respect to erosion and nutrient depletion are uncertain and could add to the long-term overall forest management costs. Selective cuts also have the potential to generate larger tree dimensions, and thus more valuable timber that can potentially fetch higher market prices, which could compensate for the higher costs of operation. However, uncertainties regarding the future development of operational regulations make it difficult to draw an overall conclusion for best practices. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Data-driven risk-averse stochastic program and renewable energy integration

of Dissertation Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy DATA-DRIVEN RISK-AVERSE STOCHASTIC PROGRAM AND RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION By Chaoyue Zhao August 2014 Chair: Yongpei Guan Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering With increasing penetration of renewable energy into the power grid and its intermittent nature, it is crucial and challenging for system operators to provide reliable and cost effective daily electricity generation scheduling. In this dissertation, we present our recently developed innovative modeling and solution approaches to address this challenging problem. We start with developing several optimization-under-uncertainty models, including both stochastic and robust optimization ones, to solve reliability unit commitment problems for Independent System Operators (ISOs) so as to ensure power system cost efficiency while maintaining a high utilization of renewable energy. Then, we extend our research to study data-driven risk-averse two-stage stochastic program, for which the distribution of the random variable is within a given confidence set. By introducing a new class of probability metrics, we construct the confidence set based on historical data, and provide a framework to solve the problem for both discrete and continuous distribution cases. Our approach is guaranteed to obtain an optimal solution and in addition, we prove that our risk-averse stochastic program converges to the risk-neutral case as the size of historical data increases to infinity. Moreover, we show the “value of data” by analyzing the convergence rate of our solution approach. Finally, we illustrate examples of using this framework and discuss its application on renewable energy integration.
Real-time updating of HEC-RAS model for streamflow forecasting using an optimization algorithm

Real-time updating of channel flow routing models is essential for error reduction in hydrological forecasting. Recent updating techniques found in scientific literature, although very promising, are complex and often applied in models that demand much time and expert knowledge for their development, posing challenges for using in an operational context. Since powerful and well-known computational tools are currently available, which provide easy-to-use and less time-consuming platforms for preparation of hydrodynamic models, it becomes interesting to develop updating techniques adaptable to such tools, taking full advantage of previously calibrated models as well as the experience of the users. In this work, we present a real-time updating procedure for streamflow forecasting in HEC-RAS model, using the Shuffled Complex Evolution - University of Arizona (SCE-UA) optimization algorithm. The procedure consists in a simultaneous correction of boundary conditions and model parameters through: (i) generation of a lateral inflow, based on Soil Conservation Service (SCS) dimensionless unit hydrograph and; (ii) estimation of Manning roughness in the river channel. The algorithm works in an optimization window in order to minimize an objective function, given by the weighted sum of squared errors between simulated and observed flows where differences in later intervals (start of forecast) are more penalized. As a case study, the procedure was applied in a river reach between Salto Caxias dam and Hotel Cataratas stream gauge, located in the Lower Iguazu Basin. Results showed that, with a small population of candidate solutions in the optimization algorithm, it is possible to efficiently improve the model performance for streamflow forecasting and reduce negative effects caused by lag errors in simulation. An advantage of the developed procedure is the reduction of both excessive handling of external files and manual adjustments of HEC-RAS model, which is important when operational decisions must be taken in relatively short times.
Advanced Active Power Control considering the Characteristics of Distributed Energy Resources in Microgrid

A microgrid operator should strictly manage the distributed energy resources considering their characteristics. This paper proposes a power balancing algorithm among the distributed energy resources according to their characteristics in a microgrid. In this algorithm, a battery energy storage system is originally operated in feeder flow control mode to control the power from the utility. A super-capacitor operates through a P-f droop control to improve the power quality. Considering the low energy capacity of the super-capacitor, the battery energy storage system also restores the frequency during island operation. A distributed generator balances the energy through the microgrid central controller. The analyses of the proposed algorithm are presented and verified by PSCAD/EMTDC simulations.
Novel Finger-like Soft Pneumatic Actuators for Affective Movement

The ability to communicate emotion through movement is an important element to enable engaging social human-robot interaction. It has been shown that humans are capable of conveying emotion through hand and arm movements alone. Thus, simple robotics structures might be capable of emotion conveyance. In this thesis, the design and implementation of a finger-like robotic structure capable of performing movements that convey emotion is investigated. First, the requirements for such a mechanism are derived directly from human affective movement dynamics, coupled with application-specific constraints. Comparative analysis is performed on various actuation options based on these requirements. Studies suggest that fast dynamic motion is required for the conveyance of many emotions. Therefore, the analysis focused on determining actuation options that can produce controllable finger-like motion with fast dynamics. A class of pneumatic actuators called soft pneumatic artificial muscles (SPAMs) were determined to fit the requirements for finger-like affective motion better than the other available actuator options. SPAMs are a type of pneumatic actuator that provides customizable motion trajectories in three dimensional space without the need for rigid links or a transmission mechanism. The motion of these actuators can be designed to be similar to the motion of the human finger. Their motion also achieves high velocities and accelerations. In addition, SPAMs provide high power to weight ratios and are compliant, making them suitable for interaction with human users. In this thesis, a novel design for producing SPAMs, named wrapped SPAMs (WSPAMs) is introduced. Unlike previous SPAM designs, the production process of WSPAM is highly repeatable, while the motion trajectory can be easily tailored at the design stage. A model is presented for predicting the steady state angular displacement of the WSPAM actuator based on its geometrical parameters and the elasticity of the materials used in its production. The model is validated by experimental analysis. Two sets of experiments are designed and presented. The first set enables the estimation of the model parameters. In the second set of experiments, the estimated parameters are used to model WSPAMs through the possible range of design parameters. Six WSPAMs with design parameters within the physical limitations are constructed. Comparison of their performance against the modeled results is presented, and shows that the model is capable of estimating the performance of WSPAM within the physical limitations of its design. Finally, a pneumatic circuit and a closed-loop controller for the finger-like movement of these soft pneumatic actuators is developed. An innovative approach, which uses a gyroscopic sensor, is used to add feedback on the position of these actuators and make
Application of a self-adaptive Kalman filter approach in alignment control for an extra long span rail transit cable-stayed bridge

Abstract Extra long span rail transit bridges are generally slender and sensitive to excitations, and alignment control of the bridges should be conducted during construction. In this paper, the self-adaptive Kalman Filter (SKF) method was applied to the alignment control of the second longest rail transit bridge in the world. Each influential factor of the bridge alignment was firstly introduced. Then, the finite-element analysis and field tests of the bridge were carried out to obtain the influential factors that induced bridge cambers quantitatively. Combining with the cambers, the SKF method was applied to the alignment control of the bridge. Comparisons of the SFK-predicted alignment with the target alignment or the field measured alignment were carried out. Results show the SKF for alignment control of bridges is feasible and reliable.
Computation of Capacitance Matrix of Orbiting Spacecraft Bodies

ABSTRACT This paper presents the method of moments (MoM)-based analysis for the computation of capacitance matrix and charge distribution of a three-dimensional spacecraft body. The integral equations which are formed by relating the unknown charge density on the satellite body represented by metallic cuboid and solar panel consisting of two rectangular plates to the potential on the surface of these bodies are solved using MoM. In order to apply the MoM, the surfaces of the metallic bodies are discretized using non-uniform triangular subsections. The numerical data on the capacitance and charge distribution of this structure are presented. The validity of this analysis has been established by comparing the data on capacitance available in the literature for metallic cuboid with metallic plates with the data on capacitance computed by the present method for similar structures.
An Evolutionary Algorithm for Rule Learning over Knowledge Graphs

Logical rules allow us to declaratively encode expert knowledge, express patterns and infer new knowledge from existing one in Knowledge Graphs. However, the construction of rules is often a costly manual process. In this work, we address the problem of learning rules from the already exiting knowledge. Most of the existing rule learning algorithms for Knowledge Graphs are based on inefficient full search plus greedy pruning strategies that cover limited search space by considering rules of a predetermined shape. We propose a learning algorithm where a set of rules is learned via the process inspired by biological evolution and that is geared towards optimizing a fitness function. Such evolutionary algorithms typically cover larger search space efficiently and provide multiple near-optimal solutions. We evaluate the proposed algorithm on a number of public Knowledge Graphs and compare it to other rule learning algorithms.
Understanding E-Competences in Adoption and Assimilation of E-Understanding E-Competences in Adoption and Assimilation of E-Services

This article investigates competences in adoption and assimilation of business-to-business e-services. An in depth case study of an e-service system, the e–service provider and e-service customers is conducted. The results show that two main competences, vision and control, are important at top management level for the adoption of e-service. At individual level, eleven competences categorized as technical, interpersonal and conceptual were found important for the successful assimilation of e-services .
Wavelet Based Finger Knuckle and Finger vein Authentication System

Biometrics is the prominent technology for accurate and safe detection of claim identity. This paper proposes a novel multimodal authentication system using finger knuckle (FK) and finger vein (FV). Finger Knuckle has unique bending and makes this a distinctive biometric identifier. The vein pattern of all fingers of human being is not same. Each finger of same person has different vein pattern. It is the hidden part which is not seen by normal eye sight hence less possible to forge. The system consists of proposed prototype finger knuckle and finger vein image capturing devices, formation of own FK and FV image database acquired from proposed devices. Here feature extraction of FK images is based on Walsh Wavelet Transform and FV image on Hybrid Wavelet Transform. Proposed multimodal biometric authentications integrate transformed domain features vector of FK and FV at score level fusion using Bayesian and weighted sum method. The fusion of these two modalities using Bayesian method demonstrated the recognition accuracy of 98.3% and weighted sum 98.5 %. Various weights of finger knuckle and finger vein affects the recognition accuracy. The better recognition accuracy is obtained at weight of 0.8 and 0.2. The performance index is improved i.e 98.5% and the Error equal rate is 1.5% as compare to unimodal biometric. Error equal rate is reduced by 10% than individual biometric system. For N user with M 1 and M 2 as test and training samples, for verification of one user, matching complexity is O (M 1 M 2 ) and for N user O(M 1 M 2 x N). For identification, (N x M 1 ) test samples and (N x M 2 ) training samples are considered. So matching complexity is O [N (N-1) x M 1 ] for each biometric. Using conventional matching the complexity is O [N (N-1) x M 1 M 2 ]. For multimodal biometric using FK and FV, matching complexity is O 2[N (N-1) x M 1 ]. It shows great reduction in matching complexity using the proposed algorithms.
Regulation of dynein-dependent neuronal transport and trafficking by CDK5

Neurons have a distinct structure; they are the only cells in the body whose proximal and distal ends can be separated by more than a meter. This leads to unique challenges for the neuron, specifically, how proteins, organelles, and other cargo synthesized in the cell body are specifically trafficked from the soma to the distal end of the axon, and how degradative cargo and signaling factors are transported from the terminal to the cell body. Using primary cultured central and peripheral neurons isolated from the brains and spinal cords of rats or mice, we sought to determine if a neuronal-specific kinase, cyclin dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) regulates the motility of cargo moving along the axon, and if this kinase also regulates the localized exclusion of somatodendritic cargo from the axon. Within the mid-axon, we observed that baseline CDK5 activity was not required to regulate axonal transport, but pathological activation of CDK5 via a stress-associated activator disrupted both anterograde (outward) and retrograde (inward) motility. In contrast, within the axon initial segment (AIS), inhibition of normal CDK5 activity disrupted cytoskeletal structure and compromised axonal and dendritic sorting, aberrantly permitting the entry of somatodendritic cargos into the axon. We determined that both roles of CDK5 in axonal regulation were dependent on phosphorylation of target Ndel1, a protein that regulates the interaction of the retrograde microtubule-based motor dynein with its cofactor Lis1. In the mid-axon, high levels of CDK5 activity causes dynein to tightly bind along the microtubule interrupting processive motility, while in the AIS, CDK5 activity is required to initiate dyneindriven return of somatodendritic cargo to the cell body. Together theses studies demonstrate the importance of CDK5 activity in the regulation of transport within the neuron. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Neuroscience First Advisor Erika L. Holzbaur
Analysis On Academic Information System Quality Toward User Satisfaction

Abstract. Achieving excellent quality academic and administrative services is one of the efforts of the Indonesia University of Education (UPI) in building its Academic Information System (SIAK) under UPI Directorate of Information and Communication that was established on 6 July 2007. The use of Information and Communication Technology (TIK) for a system of information and academic services in higher education institution is an urgent necessity to increase the reputation of higher education institution both nationally and globally. This research aims to discover the relation, influences and analyzes the quality of academic information system quality toward user satisfaction in the Indonesia University of Education. The research use Gap Analysis and Structural Equation Model (SEM). Gap analysis results show a gap between performance and user expectation but average result of user satisfaction variable shows that respondents are satisfied with the academic information system implementation. SEM analysis result show that all research variables and indicators have significant relations, also that the academic information system quality (system quality, information quality and service quality (toward user satisfaction has a significant impact. Research discovery shows the necessity of periodical evaluation by the academic information system administrator with user participation, to ensure users need fulfillment. Keywords: academic information system, gap analysis, quality analysis, user satisfaction Abstrak. Pencapaian pelayanan akademik dan tata kelola yang berkualitas salah satu upaya Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) membangun Sistem Informasi Akademik (SIAK) yang berada pada Direktorat Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi UPI yang didirikan pada tanggal 6 Juli 2007. Pemanfaatan Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi (TIK) menjadi sistem informasi pada layanan akademik di peguruan tinggi menjadi kebutuhan yang sangat penting untuk meningkatkan reputasi perguruan tinggi baik di dalam negeri maupun global. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari hubungan, pengaruh dan menganalisa kualitas sistem informasi akademik terhadap kepuasan pengguna di Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis Gap dan Structural Equation Model (SEM). Hasil anilisis Gap menunjukan masih terdapat kesenjangan antara kinerja dengan harapan pengguna tetapi hasil dari nilai rata-rata variabel kepuasan pengguna menunjukan bahwa responden merasa puas dengan implementasi sistem informasi akademik. Hasil analisis SEM menunjukan bahwa semua variabel dan indikator yang diteliti memiliki hubungan yang signifikan, begitu juga pengaruh dari kualitas sistem informasi akademik (kualitas sitem, kualitas informasi dan kualitas layanan) terhadap kepuasan pengguna memiliki pengaruh yang cukup besar. Temuan penelitian menunjukan perlu evaluasi secara berkala dari pengelola sistem informasi akademik dengan melibatkan pengguna, agar dapat memastikan bahwa kebutuhan pengguna terpenuhi. Kata kunci: analisis gap, analisis kualitas, kepuasan pengguna, sistem informasi akademik
Mode‐based reliability centered maintenance in transmission system

Summary Reliability centered maintenance (RCM) is a cost-effective way to maintaining complex systems, transmission network being one. This paper presents a new method for nonperiodic maintenance scheduling of transmission's elements focusing on failure mode analysis. Adopting a nonperiodic mode-based viewpoint to maintenance, this paper introduces 6 plans for maintenance in each failure mode. The related Markov model for each plan is proposed, too. Given these Markov models, attempts are made to determine the best strategy of maintenance and the optimum rate of inspection and maintenance for each mode. Furthermore, to increase the practicality of the presented method and to reduce the overall maintenance cost, we coordinated the maintenance plans of the failure modes of an element, together. Finally, applicability of the presented method is demonstrated using an illustrative example.
A Compact N-Way Wilkinson Power Divider Using a Novel Coaxial Cable Implementation for VHF Band

A novel implementation of N -way Wilkinson power divider using series and parallel combination of coaxial cables has been proposed in this paper. This arrangement results in a very compact power divider at VHF and lower frequencies, has good isolation between all the ports and is capable of handling high power with a low insertion loss. Frequency tuning and phase equalisation are easily accomplished using this technique. The measured results on fabricated 7-way and 4-way power dividers exhibited good input and output matching as well as amplitude and phase balance with an overall length of less than λ/8 at 221 MHz, with potential for further reduction in length.