Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disturbance Observer-Based Finite-Time Control for Three-Phase AC–DC Converter

For three-phase ac–dc converters, load disturbances, and parameter uncertainties cause large fluctuations of the dc-link voltage, even resulting in system instability. In order to cope with this problem, the disturbance observer-based finite-time control (DOFTC) is put forward in this article, where the finite-time disturbance observer is designed to fast and accurately estimate disturbances. Subsequently, the stability of the ac–dc converter closed-loop system is analyzed and theoretically proved. Finally, experimental results verify the effectiveness of the DOFTC strategy, where good dynamic and steady-state performance is achieved under load disturbance and parameter uncertainties. Compared with the enhanced state observer-based sliding mode control and adaptive control method, the proposed DOFTC method not only reduced the fluctuations of the dc-link voltage by at least 55% but also improved the transient response.
Joint selection of the MCS’s and power allocation coefficients in the two-user downlink PD-NOMA system

Power Domain Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (PD-NOMA) is a perspective multiplexing technique for future cellular networks. Nevertheless, it is poorly studied and not applied in the existing systems due to the complexity of PD-NOMA signal processing, resource scheduling, and power allocation. The issue is that a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) selection, including power allocation, is a cooperative procedure considering the channel state information of each multiplexed user. It can be solved by enumerating all possible multiplexing combinations but at the expense of the high computational complexity. In our work, we propose a composed table with the joint MCS’s, which can be selected by the base station (BS) for the user multiplexing in a downlink PD-NOMA system based on their signal-to-noise (SNR) ratios. It allows selecting two MCS’s with two power allocation coefficients for both users and guarantees the 10% block error rate (BLER) performance in the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. The joint MCS selection method is based on a max-rate scheduling strategy and provides system capacity maximization ignoring fairness between users. The proposed table is given in the Appendix.
Mesoscale inertial transition in granular materials

Granular assemblies can experience complex failure patterns along a given loading path, with a distribution of ephemeral inertial events marked by local outbursts in kinetic energy. However, investigating such mechanisms appears to be necessary to understand how a certain failure mode develops in a granular material. Using a discrete element method, this study highlights several microstructure reorganizations before the specimen reaches a proper failure state. Meso structures have proven to be efficient to understand the elementary mechanisms responsible for these outbursts in kinetic energy. Strain–like and stress-like quantities are thus defined at a mesoscale and they are used to characterize the nucleation and propagation of these local microstructural events.
Mechanism investigation for remarkable decreases in sensitivities from micron to nano nitroamine

Raw hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) was pulverized to nano RDX by mechanical milling, and their micron morphology and surface elements were probed by transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Thermal analysis was employed to take a kinetic evaluation on thermal decomposition of raw and nano RDX. The result indicated that activation energy for thermal decomposition of nano RDX is closed to the value of raw RDX, which means nano RDX had similar thermal reactivity as raw RDX. However, the sensitivity tests showed that when raw RDX was pulverized to nanoparticles, its mechanical and shock sensitivities decreased by more than 45%. Since it was impossible to use kinetic evaluation to explain the reason why the difference on sensitivities between raw and nano RDX was so distinct, we recruited classic detonation models to solve the problem. By combining the models of Khasainov’s and Merzhanov’s, we related the detonation parameters such as temperature of hot spots, critical temperature of hot spots (TC ), critical size of hot spots (δC ), and mean size of explosive particles, and concluded that: (a) under the same condition, mean size of hot spot in nano RDX charge was much smaller than that of raw RDX charge; (b) at the same δC , TC of nano RDX (776 K) was higher than that of raw RDX (459 K); and (c) particle size was not an important factor to affect sensitivities of explosives unless size of explosive particles was less than 400 nm. These results must base on a steady thermal reactivity from micron to nano RDX.
Effect of Managerial Skills on the Performance of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Case Study in Pakistan

The study aims to investigate the mediating effect of strategic planning on the relationship between managerial skills and the performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Punjab, Pakistan. Stratified proportionate probability sample method was used to select the 265 SMEs. The study applied a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the proposed research hypotheses by using PLS-SEM. This research examines the direct and indirect effects of strategic planning on the performance of SMEs using the SEM test. The results indicate the positive effect of managerial skills on SMEs’ performance and also suggested that strategic planning mediates the relationship between managerial skills and SMEs’ performance. In addition, the role of managerial skills on the usage of the company’s resources is highly influential through strategic planning. Strategic planning has been found to impact significantly and positively on the relationship between managerial skills and performance of SMEs in Punjab, Pakistan. The findings suggested that, in devising appropriate strategies for SMEs, the effect of managerial skills on the utilization of the firm’s resources can be more effective to the firm’s performance. In short, the utilization of a firm’s resources through a proper planning is more essential for the sustainability of SMEs.
Evaluating FY3C-VIRR reconstructed land surface temperature in cloudy regions

ABSTRACT Missing values in land surface temperature (LST) data are often observed in the cloud-sheltered area, thereby seriously limiting the spatiotemporal continuity of LST. In this work, Remotely Sensed Daily Land Surface Temperature Reconstruction model(RSDAST) is used to gap-fill the pixels sheltered by clouds in FY-3 C/VIRR LST. Result shows that the cloud pixels in VIRR and MODIS original LST (OLST) product can be reconstructed accurately, but the reconstruction accuracy of MODIS LST is better compared to VIRR based on the RSDAST model. In addition, the reconstruction accuracy of VIRR and MODIS LST decreases with the increase in cloud coverage, and the reduction of the reconstruction accuracy of VIRR LST is larger than that of MODIS data. The number of effective dry-wet edge fitted by VIRR RLST/NDVI scatterplot was higher than that of OLST/NDVI, and the number of clear sky pixels in Reconstructed TVDI (RTVDI) images increased significantly, indicating that the RSDAST expands the temporal resolution and spatial coverage of infrared remote sensing data under cloudy conditions. Moreover, in DOY150–DOY243, the correlation between RTVDI and soil moisture is better than that of Original TVDI (OTVDI), indicating that the RSDAST improves the monitoring ability of soil moisture in these conditions.
Reconstruction of the closed horizontal drains in the Jizzakh region

The article is devoted to the reconstruction of existing old drainage systems in order to radically improve the reclamation ecological and sanitary conditions of the lands of the Jizzakh region to improve the social conditions of the population and obtain high stable yields of cotton and other agricultural crops. As a result of many years of theoretical and irrigation to experimental research, operational monitoring in farms in the Pakhtakor district of Jizzakh region. The parameters of the primary horizontal drain are determined based on the analysis of reclamation climatic, soil, geological, hydrogeological, hydrological, economic, and other conditions. The calculation of the reconstruction of horizontal closed drainage is based on the method of A.N. Kostyakov in intensity from working the groundwater level after flushing. The depth of the drainage was determined, taking into account global climate change in recent years; based on these changes, an adjustment was made in the calculations to determine the value of the critical depths of groundwater during the operation of drainage systems. The incoming and outgoing parts of the water balance of the experimental plots were determined. In the presence of pressure groundwater, the size of the supply of groundwater with pressure water is determined. More proposed by the V.N. Shestakov's formula.
Interprofessional training for student conference interpreters and students of political science through joint mock conferences: an assessment

ABSTRACT Interprofessional training is not uncommon in interpreting programmes but seems to be mainly practised in dialogue interpreting. This study reports on an interprofessional training session for conference interpreters and students of political science. A six-hour joint mock conference is annually organised at Ghent University by international students of political science andinterpreted by students of conference interpreting. After one such conference, questionnaires were administered to both groups to gauge experiences, quality perception and learning outcomes for conference interpreters. Findings revealed that students of conference interpreting appreciated the moderately student-centred approach and assessed the learning outcomes very positively, especially because the students of political science challenged their skills. Students of political science assessed the quality of interpretation positively. Relay and retour interpreting seem to cause some disruption. Regarding the three goals of interprofessional training – to give professional groups an opportunity to learn about, with and from each other – students of conference interpreting took the opportunity to learn with the political science group during the meeting, but appeared more reluctant to engage with them and learn from them duringperiods created for exchanges. In the concluding section, we suggest some remedies on how this learning could be maximised in future exercises.
Performance comparison active disturbance rejection control tuned by particle swarm optimization technique and gravitational search algorithm based load frequency control

In this paper, ADRC adjusted by the Gravitational Search Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization Technique for determination of the optimal value for parameters in load frequency control of a single-area power system. A single-area non-reheat thermal system considered to design the ADRC controller tuning PSO and GSA. The performance is comparing ADRC-GSA, ADRC-PSO controllers, and classic ADRC controller. The simulation outcomes demonstrate that the ADRC approach using the GSA algorithm provides a better overshoot and less settling time compared to those of the ADRC controller and ADRC-PSO.
Reduction of Mutual Coupling between Radiating Elements of an Array Antenna Using EBG Electromagnetic Band Structures

In this paper, a new array antenna configuration based on Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) structures has been proposed for 3.5GHz wireless communication systems. The proposed slotted EBG structure, high impedance surface (SHI), consists of three squares and a square ring deposited on a substrate (Rogers RO4350) which has a relative permittivity of 10.2 and a thickness of 1.27mm. Initially a matrix of 3×7 unit cells of EBG structures is introduced between two patches of an array and then a matrix of 3×14 unit cell of EBG structures is integrated between eight patches, which resonate around 3.5GHz (Wi MAX). The insertion of these structures between the radiating elements of an array antenna reduces the mutual coupling and antenna dimensions by approximately (8dB, 11%) and (12 dB, 5%) respectively for two, eight elements array antenna. In addition, the directivity has been slightly improved in the presence of EBG structures, from 4.52dB to 6.09dB for a two-element array antenna, and from 8.18dB to 8.4dB for an eight-element antenna. 
Perceptions of Teachers in Training on Water Issues and Their Relationship to the SDGs

Water conservation is essential for any activity, as well as for the survival of both human and other living beings. It is commonly associated with access to clean water and sanitation, or even to unsustainable production and consumption, or sustainable cities and communities. However, there is increasing awareness of emerging issues related to water resources and their impact or relationship with other issues, such as climate change, access to food, health and well-being, or biodiversity (marine and terrestrial). Therefore, this study is aimed at understanding the perception of students of the Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education concerning water issues and their relationship Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs; number 2,3,6,11,12,13,14 and 15) in a coastal urban context. The study used a qualitative design, in which 59 student teachers were interviewed. The instrument was validated by 12 experts. The content analysis indicates that student teachers understand that there is an environmental problem in relation to water caused by human behaviour, and that its effects have an impact on other areas that are related to the SDGs included in the 2030 Agenda.
Developing Industry-Level Terahertz Imaging Resolution Using Mathematical Model

High-quality terahertz (THz) images are vital for the application of THz imaging in integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing. In far-field imaging, the primary reason for the blurring of the reconstructed THz images is the attenuation of the high-frequency components and Fraunhofer diffraction. This attenuation is almost due to the properties of the THz Gaussian beam and frequency absorption in the medium. The Fraunhofer diffraction is the primary reason why the images undergo blurring in any frequency regime. We propose a mathematical model to develop the resolution of THz images. The proposed model is based on the THz absorption variate. The Gaussian distribution of the THz beam is considered by including the numerical aperture of the THz time-domain spectroscopy system, spot radius at the THz beam waist, beam wavelength, and distance of the waist from the target into the model. Thus, the proposed model is useful for restructuring the THz images and developing the resolution of THz images in industrial applications.
Being a Female School Administrator in Turkey: An Analysis Based on Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy and Organizational Justice Perceptions

This study aims to clarify how female school administrators are perceived by themselves and by their organisation, in fact by the society they live in. Based on three dependent variables; Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy Perception and Organised Justice Perception, the current situation of female school administrators in Turkey is examined. In the study, it is analysed whether the self-esteem, self-efficacy beliefs and organizational justice perceptions of female school administrators changed according to independent variables such as age, educational status, place and term of duty. In the research, descriptive model was used within the quantitative paradigm. The study group is comprised of female school administrators from the primary and secondary schools registered under the Ministry of Education in Turkey for the academic year of 2017-2018. Purposeful and snowball sampling were used to identify the number. Demographic data sheet, self-esteem scale, self-efficacy scale and organizational justice perception scale were used to collect data in the study. The data was analysed by descriptive statistics, mean, minimum and maximum values. Independent Samples t-test was used when comparing independent two groups and One-Way ANOVA is applied where there is a normal distribution in the comparison of more than two independent groups. For the comparisons with parametric tests, Tukey Test is used to analyse the variances between groups. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the continuous variables. The findings of the study revealed that the self-esteem level of female school administrators was identified as statistically significant by the age variable. Similarly, self-efficacy perception was also influenced by age. On the other hand, organizational justice perception differs by age variable as well as the place of duty. Another result of the study is that the variables of educational status and term of duty do not influence Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy Perception and Organised Justice Perception.
The effect of subclinical hypothyroidism on ovarian volume in prepubertal girls

OBJECTIVE Enlargement and cystic changes in ovaries of patients with long-standing overt hypothyroidism have been described in numerous case reports. However, there are limited data about the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) on ovarian volume. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level and ovarian volume in prepubertal girls with SH. METHODS Patients who were aged between 6 and 10 years and diagnosed with SH and age-matched healthy euthyroid controls were enrolled in the study. All subjects were prepubertal. RESULTS Thirty-five children with SH (mean age; 7.6±1.0 years) and 50 euthyroid healthy girls (mean age; 7.7±1.2 years) were enrolled in the study. TSH and LH levels and both ovarian volumes were significantly higher in SH group than controls (p<0.05). In addition, TSH was positively correlated with ovarian volumes and LH in patients with SH (p<0.05). CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that ovarian volumes of prepubertal girls with SH were significantly greater than those with normal thyroid function. Although ovarian enlargement and cyst formation is well recognized in long-standing overt hypothyroidism, it has been shown for the 1st time in patients with SH.
Decomposing the Motivation to Exert Mental Effort

Achieving most goals demands cognitive control, yet people vary widely in their success at meeting these demands. Although motivation is known to be fundamental to determining success at achieving a goal, what determines motivation to perform a given task remains poorly understood. Here, we describe recent efforts toward addressing this question using the expected-value-of-control model, which simulates the process by which people weigh the costs and benefits of exerting mental effort. This model functionally decomposes this cost-benefit analysis and has been used to fill gaps in understanding of the mechanisms of mental effort and to generate novel predictions about the sources of variability in real-world performance. We discuss the opportunities the model provides for formalizing hypotheses about why people vary in their motivation to perform tasks, as well as for understanding limitations in researchers’ ability to test these hypotheses using a given measure of performance.
Assemblage par chimie click de fragments d’anticorps produits en bactéries pour un criblage fonctionnel rapide in vivo

Les anticorps monoclonaux anti-tumoraux sont produits en cellules eucaryotes. Pour des raisons de temps et de cout, peu de candidats sont selectionnes apres des tests in vitro pour etre produits a large echelle et testes in vivo. Pour tester plus d’anticorps plus rapidement, nous souhaitons produire des fragments variables simple chaine (scFv) chez E. coli. et les coupler a un fragment constant Fc par chimie click pour reconstituer des mimes d’immunoglobulines naturelles. Cette production independante des fragments est aussi un outil modulaire permettant de combiner rapidement un grand nombre scFv et de Fc differents.La chimie click est basee sur une reaction specifique et de haut rendement entre un azide et un cyclooctyne. Les fragments ont donc ete fonctionnalises sur des residus specifiques (tags) par des composes chimiques pour introduire ces fonctions a leur extremite. La premiere etape a consiste a introduire des tags en C-terminal du scFv anti-HER2 4D5 et en N-terminal du Fc d’IgG1 humaine. Les scFv ont ete produits en cytoplasme d’E. coli a hauteur d’au moins 100 mg/L puis oxydes in vitro au sulfate de cuivre. Le fragment Fc a ete produit classiquement en cellules humaines. Cinq reactions chimiques ou enzymatiques ont ete optimisees et comparees en termes de specificite et de rendement. La conjugaison d’une amine sur un tag glutamine catalysee par la transglutaminase microbienne a donne les meilleurs resultats. Le scFv a ainsi ete derive par l’azadibenzocyclooctyne et le Fc par l’azide a hauteur de 60-70%. Lorsqu’ils sont melanges, ces fragments forment un (scFv)2-Fc et un scFv-Fc avec des rendements globals respectifs de 10-20% et 20-30% apres optimisation.Les melanges scFv + Fc apres reaction de chimie click se fixent de la meme facon que le (scFv)2-Fc eucaryote au recepteur HER2. Il reste desormais a montrer que leur capacite a inhiber la proliferation d’une lignee exprimant ce recepteur est similaire. L’objectif final est d’obtenir une inhibition de croissance tumorale similaire sur des xenogreffes.
Upgrading Atmospheric Residue by Simultaneous Employment of Ionic Liquid, Ultrasonic and Thermal Cracking

In this study the effect of simultaneous employment of ultrasonic wave radiation, chemical substance of ionic liquid and operating conditions of thermal cracking is investigated experimentally on upgrading the atmospheric residue (AR) of a crude oil atmospheric distillation tower. Five main factors of this process that are investigated are ionic liquid concentration, ultrasonic wave power, ultrasonic radiation time, temperature and pressure. According to Box-Behnken Design, 46 experiments are conducted. Then, the proper experimental condition of this process is determined and hence, based on Multilevel Categoric Design the efficiency of seven different kinds of ionic liquids is compared. According to this design, 14 experiments are conducted. The results of 46 experiments conclude that this process is able to upgrade AR and even the simultaneous employment of ionic liquid, ultrasonic and thermal cracking cause a synergistic effect on AR upgrading. Also, the results of 14 experiments indicate that 1-Propyl boronic acid-3-decylimidazolium bromide is a desirable ionic liquid for this process.