Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circularly Polarized Light Detection by Chiral Photonic Cellulose Nanocrystal with ZnO Photoconductive Layer in Ultraviolet Region

Circularly polarized light (CPL) detection and polarization state recognition are required for a wide range of applications. Conventional polarization detection with optical components causes difficulties for miniaturization and integration. An effective design strategy is proposed for direct CPL detection with chiral material. Here, we realized direct CPL detection based on the combination of chiral photonic cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and ultraviolet-sensitive ZnO photoconductive material. The CNC layer deposited by evaporation-induced self-assembly established the left-handed chiral nematic structure with a photonic bandgap (PBG) to recognize left-handed CPL (LCPL) and right-handed CPL (RCPL) at specific wavelengths. The PBG of CNC layer has been modulated by the adjustment of chiral nematic pitch to match the semiconductor bandgap of ZnO film in ultraviolet region. The photocurrents under RCPL and LCPL are 2.23 × 10−6 A and 1.77 × 10−6 A respectively and the anisotropy factor Δgpc of 0.23 is acquired for the CPL detection based on the chiral photonic CNC. This design provides a new approach to the detection of CPL polarization state with competitive performance.
Localized irrigation sand filters: theory and practice

The application of sand filters in localized irrigation systems is recommended in the presence of organic and algae contamination. The proper design and maintenance of these equipments are essential to assure an effective water quality control, in order to reduce the emitters clogging, to keep its water application uniformity, and to prevent increasing in the system operation costs. Despite the existence of some references about design, operation and maintenance of these filters, they are dispersed, with not enough details to guarantee the optimization of its hydraulics structure design and the proper selection of porous media to be used. Therefore, the objective of this work was to report a current literature review, relating practical information with scientific knowledge. The content of this review would help to induce and intensify the research on this subject and to contribute so the operational functions for the equipment are reached. It is also expected to assist the improvement of the filtration and flushing processes in the agricultural irrigation and the development of original design procedures and the rational use of these devices.
Efficient computational techniques for aerial imaging simulation

We discuss computational techniques for calculating aerial image intensity distributions from large GDS II files recently implemented in Depict, a photolithography simulator for projection imaging, resist exposure, post-exposure bake and development. In particular, an algorithm for rapid and accurate evaluation of the mask Fourier transform over large domains containing non-uniformly positioned mask elements is implemented. By controlling aliasing errors within the context of a multiple level scheme, this algorithm renders feasible the simulation of aerial images across large portions of integrated circuits. The algorithm also allows overlapping phase mask elements obeying multiplicative transmission rules, and mask element merging. Accuracy for integration of the extended light source is also reported.
Dual-band printed dipole antenna for wi-fi 802.11n applications

A dual-band compact printed dipole antenna for Wi-Fi 802.11n applications in the 2.45 and 5.5 GHz bands is presented. The proposed antenna consists of two printed dipoles with the arms located onto both sides of the dielectric substrate and a bended stripline. This feed scheme makes easy the integration of the antenna with the electronic subsystem and avoids the radiation towards the device. For the design and optimisation, a specifically developed finite-difference time-domain based code is used. The antenna has then been fabricated, simulated and measured. The return losses highly match the Wi-Fi frequency specifications with a moderate gain (between 1 and 3 dBi) and efficiency better than 90%.
Optimal unit-load warehouse designs for single-command operations

We present a continuous space model for travel in a unit-load warehouse that allows cross-aisles and picking aisles to take on any angle. The model produces optimal designs for one, two, and three-cross-aisle warehouses, which are called chevron, leaf, and butterfly designs. We then use a more accurate discrete model to show which designs are best for a wide range of warehouse sizes. We show that the chevron design, which is new to theory and to practice, is the best design for many industrial applications.
Realtime On-Road Vehicle Detection Approach Based on Cascaded Structure

Realtime on-road vehicle detection is a key technology in many transportation applications, such as driver assistance, autonomous driving and active safety. A vehicle detection algorithm based on cascaded structure is introduced. Haar-like features are used to built model in this application, and GAB algorithm is chosen to train the strong classifiers. Then, the real-time on-road vehicle classifier based on cascaded structure is constructed by combining the strong classifiers. Experimental results show that the cascaded classifier is excellent in both detection accuracy and computational efficiency, which ensures its application to collision warning system.
An Improved Second Order Sliding Mode Twisting Algorithm for Finite-Time Trajectory Tracking of Intelligent Vehicle

This paper proposes a kind of controller comprising Twisting algorithm and adaptive method for the trajectory tracking control of intelligent vehicle system with uncertainties. Firstly, by the adding the adaptive compensation controller, shortcomings of existing second order sliding mode Twisting algorithm are avoided. Second, based on the previosly improved method, we also add another kind of adaptive controller to make the controller parameters do not need to be selected. The intelligent vehicle system can achieve finite-time trajectory tracking, the upper bounds of the uncertainties do not need to be determined previously, and the controller parameters can be adjusted automatically according to the system state. The effectiveness and robustness of the improved algorithm are verified by theory and simulation results of the intelligent vehicle system.
Assessment of dielectric degradation by ultrawide-band PD detection

Partial discharges (PD) and the way they affect insulation quality has for decades been a rewarding subject for many researchers. There are two topics that are of particular interest to the workers in the field of PD. One is the impact of a wide variety of statistical tools on the interpretation of discharge data obtained with standard PD detection apparatus according to IEC270. The other topic is the study of discharge-induced degradation processes by looking into the physics of the discharge process. This can be done by different means but a valuable technique, at least for the laboratory, is the use of ultra-wide band PD detection systems. This paper is a mix of a short review on the progression in the understanding of deterioration by internal PD obtained with such systems and of results recently obtained by the author. >
The Changing Face of Corporate Defence in the 21st Century

This paper begins by outlining some of the wide ranging usages of the term "corporate defence" and the numerous contexts in which it has been applied. It briefly compares the emerging contemporary view of corporate defence to that of "National Defence", and poses the question as to whether the corporate world is preparing itself for the adoption of a similar approach to corporate defence. It then highlights the growing recognition of the critical interdependencies and correlations which exist between defence related activities (e.g. Governance, Risk Management, Compliance, Intelligence, Security, Resilience, Controls and Assurance etc) which form the critical components of an organisation's program for self-defence. The paper goes on to firstly consider the functional developments which have been occurring in recent years within these activities. These developments are examined in terms of a functional maturity model which addresses the business impact at each phase of development. The paper then considers the driving forces behind the cross-functional convergence evolution which is also occurring in this space and briefly addresses issues such as Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Unified Security, Risk Intelligence, Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC), Integrated Assurance, Operational Resilience and finally Corporate Defence Management (CDM). The paper outlines the collective requirements which have been identified as a result of these cross-functional developments.
Analytical Fire Resistance of Axially Restrained Steel Columns

Using the standard fire resistance test to predict the fire resistance of a steel column is expensive and time consuming as well. On the other hand, numerical approximation using the finite element method assumes the availability of a nonlinear elastoplastic analysis software. This approach is not necessarily accurate as it does not explicitly take creep into account. As an alternative, theoretical analysis that can be performed manually is a convenient tool for engineers to quickly assess the column fire resistance. This study extends the traditional Rankine formula to the critical temperature prediction of an axially restrained steel column. A linear spring attached to the column top end accounts for the axial restraint of upper-story structure on the isolated heated column. The proposed Rankine approach incorporates both the axial restraint and creep strain. Comparison of test and numerical results using self-developed viscoelastoplastic analysis shows that the proposed Rankine formula yields very good column critical temperatures. Most importantly, it shows that axial restraint can significantly reduce the fire resistance of a column based on the adopted failure criterion.
Investigations of AM and PM noise in X-band devices

The authors report on measurements of phase modulation (PM) and amplitude modulation (AM) noise in a variety of amplifiers, dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO) sources, and mixers at 10.6 GHz. Two-channel measurement systems and cross-correlation analysis were used. In amplifiers there are at least two random noise processes that generate equal levels of PM and AM noise when the amplifier is in the linear operating range. The noise processes correspond to a flicker noise process and a white noise process. In the DRO sources these noise mechanisms are shown to be present in the active components and determine the AM and PM characteristics of the oscillator. A noise model for oscillators incorporating Leeson's PM noise model and a model for AM noise in which the active components have two common random noise processes are proposed. The authors report AM noise levels of 140 dB below the PM levels at 1 Hz and typical noise floors of -169 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz. Noise residuals in mixers from three different companies are reported. Typical 1 Hz intercepts vary from -110 to -127 dBc/Hz. Noise floors are typically /spl sim/-173 dBc/Hz. <<ETX>>
Compact microstrip lowpass filter with sharp roll-off and ultra-wide stop-band

A compact microstrip lowpass filter (LPF) with sharp roll-off and ultra-wide stop-band bandwidth is presented. The structure consists of high-impedance meandered transmission lines loaded by triangular and polygonal resonant patches. The cutoff frequency of the proposed LPF is 2.44 GHz and the measured results show good performance such as sharp roll-off, good insertion loss and an ultra-wide stop-band from 2.53 to 35 GHz with the insertion-loss higher than 20 dB. There is a good agreement between the electromagnetic-simulation and measurement results.
Evaluation of Climatic Factors Based on the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide

In this paper, a procedure for evaluating the effects of climate on pavement performance in Italy is proposed. To characterize the Italian territory nine different simulated scenarios have been used. These scenarios were obtained by combining three different situations of latitude (North, Central and South) with three conditions of altitude (high, medium, low altitude). For each of these scenarios, some configurations, proposed by the Italian CNR road pavement design catalog with medium and high traffic flow, were verified using the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide. The results obtained showed that the Italian CNR road pavement design catalog has a limited reliability.
Factors Influencing the Performance of Spray Delivery Systems: A Review of Recent Developments

The need for designers and users of pesticide application equipment to balance the risk of off-target contamination with high product efficacies when using the minimum dose of active ingredient has led to the requirement for more data defining the performance of such equipment. Measurements of the droplet size distribution in sprays from conventional nozzles has shown acceptable levels of consistency between data obtained with different measuring systems enabling such sprays to be classified providing that systems are calibrated with agreed reference nozzles. For sprays with air inclusions different measuring systems have been shown to give comparable and consistent results, and there is now a need to fully integrate such sprays into a revised classification scheme. Temperature of both spray liquid and the surrounding air have been shown to influence droplet size distribution measurements. It is therefore proposed that measurement protocols specify a maximum difference in temperature between the spray liquid and surrounding air of 5°C. For boom sprayers it is not possible to predict accurately the risk of drift from droplet size measurements alone because of the complex detrainment mechanisms involved. It is proposed that standardized wind tunnel procedures be defined that enable the relative risk of drift from different nozzle designs to be quantified. In the future it is likely that more of the information relating to application system performance will be delivered pre-programmed in the units control system or as part of a decision support system.
Data-based estimates of interannual sea–air CO2 flux variations 1957–2020 and their relation to environmental drivers

Abstract. This study considers year-to-year and decadal variations as well as secular trends of the sea–air CO2 flux over the 1957–2020 period, as constrained by the pCO2 measurements from the SOCAT data base. In a first step, we relate interannual anomalies in ocean-internal carbon sources and sinks to local interannual anomalies in sea surface temperature (SST), the temporal changes of SST (dSST/dt), and squared wind speed (u2), employing a multi-linear regression. In the tropical Pacific, we find interannual variability to be dominated by dSST/dt, as arising from variations in the upwelling of colder and more carbon-rich waters into the mixed layer. In the eastern upwelling zones as well as in circumpolar bands in the high latitudes of both hemispheres, we find sensitivity to wind speed, compatible with the entrainment of carbon-rich water during wind-driven deepening of the mixed layer and wind-driven upwelling. In the Southern Ocean, the secular increase in wind speed leads to a secular increase in the carbon source into the mixed layer, with an estimated reduction of the sink trend in the range 17 to 42 %. In a second step, we combined the result of the multi-linear regression and an explicitly interannual pCO2-based additive correction into a “hybrid” estimate of the sea–air CO2 flux over the period 1957–2020. As a pCO2 mapping method, it combines (a) the ability of a regression to bridge data gaps and extrapolate into the early decades almost void of pCO2 data based on process-related observables and (b) the ability of an autoregressive interpolation to follow signals even if not represented in the chosen set of explanatory variables. The “hybrid” estimate can be applied as ocean flux prior for atmospheric CO2 inversions covering the whole period of atmospheric CO2 data since 1957.
A multi-channel corrector magnet controller

Approximately 1000 individual X-Y corrector magnets will be installed on the PEP-II rings, arcs, and injector lines. Each magnet will require a bi-polar current of up to 12 A, with a 24 hour stability of better than 0.1%. A 16 channel, modular power supply design has been developed to meet this requirement, with emphasis placed on reliability, repair time, and installed cost per channel. This design, which is based on a 6U Eurocard crate architecture, has 16 slots for individual drive modules, plus a 17th slot for crate diagnostics and interface to the control system. The crate is air cooled. Each drive module consists of an H-Bridge MOSFET switching array, input and output filter networks, two isolated precision current sensing elements (feedback and monitor), and an error amplifier, plus extensive fault detection and current limiting circuitry. Technical specifications, diagrams, and test results are presented.
Simple estimation formulas for rectangular dielectric waveguide single‐mode range and propagation constant

Closed‐form formulas for estimating the single‐mode frequency range and propagation constant of open rectangular dielectric waveguides are presented. The formulas are based on curve fitting to normalized results by the popular Marcatili method, suitably modified to reduce error. Excellent agreement with independent experimental data is reported. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 503–505, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22187
Role of Natural Gas Consumption in the Reduction of CO2 Emissions: Case of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan signed the Paris Agreement in 2016 and committed to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 35% in 2030. Meanwhile, natural gas has been vital component in the total energy mix of Azerbaijan economy and accounted for almost 65% of the total energy consumption. In the overall electricity mix, natural gas-fired power plants generate 93% of the country’s electricity. Since global energy consumption is responsible for 73% of human-caused greenhouse-gas emissions, and CO2 makes up more than 74% of the total, this study investigates possible mitigation effects of the natural gas consumption on CO2 emissions for Azerbaijan. Author employed several cointegration methodologies, namely Bound testing Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and Structural Time Series model (STSM). Author of this paper found that when the share of natural gas increases 1 percent in the total energy mix, CO2 emission per capita decreases approximately 0.14 percent as a result of the ARDL, FMOLS, and DOLS models. All three models provide cointegration between the share of natural gas in the total energy mix and reduction in CO2 emissions.
Smart energy management system for optimal microgrid economic operation

This study presents a smart energy management system (SEMS) to optimise the operation of the microgrid. The SEMS consists of power forecasting module, energy storage system (ESS) management module and optimisation module. The characteristic of the photovoltaics (PV) output in different weather conditions has been studied and then a 1-day-ahead power forecasting module is presented. As energy storage needs to be optimised across multiple-time steps, considering the influence of energy price structures, their economics are particularly complex. Therefore the ESS module is applied to determine the optimal operation strategies. Accordingly, multiple-time set points of the storage device, and economic performance of ESS are also evaluated. Smart management of ESS, economic load dispatch and operation optimisation of distributed generation (DG) are simplified into a single-object optimisation problem in the SEMS. Finally, a matrix real-coded genetic algorithm (MRC-GA) optimisation module is described to achieve a practical method for load management, including three different operation policies and produces diagrams of the distributed generators and ESS.
A Subspace-Inclusive Sampling Method for the Computational Design of Compositionally Graded Alloys

Compositionally graded alloys, a special class of functionally graded materials (FGMs), utilize localized variations in composition within a single metal part to achieve higher performance than traditional single-material parts. In previous work [1], the authors presented a computational design methodology that avoids common issues which limit a gradient alloy’s usefulness or feasibility, such as deleterious phases or properties, and also optimizes gradients for performance objectives. However, the previous methodology only samples the interior of a composition space, meaning designed gradients must include all elements in the space at every step in the gradient. Because the addition of even a small amount of an alloying element can introduce a new deleterious phase, this characteristic often neglects potentially simpler solutions to otherwise unsolvable problems and, consequently, discourages the addition of new elements to the state space. The present work improves upon the previous methodology by introducing a sampling method that includes subspaces with fewer elements in the design search. The new sampling method samples within an artificial expanded form of the state space and projects samples outside the true region to the nearest true subspace. This method is evaluated first by observing the distribution of samples in each subspace of a 2-D, 3-D, and 4-D state space. Next, a parametric study in a synthetic 2-D problem compares the performance of the new sampling scheme to the previous methodology. Lastly, the updated methodology is applied to design a gradient from stainless steel to equiatomic NiTi that has practical uses such as embedded shape memory actuation and for which the previous methodology fails to find a feasible path.
Bacterial Foraging Optimization Technique Cascaded with Adaptive Filter to Enhance Peak Signal to Noise Ratio from Single Image

Abstract This paper proposes a new approach to enhance peak signal to noise ratio of highly corrupted image affected by impulse noise. The proposed technique is implemented using an adaptive median Alter and the bacterial foraging optimization (BFO) technique. The adaptive median Alter is used to identify pixels affected by noise and replace them with median value to keep the information uncorrupted. The BFO technique minimizes errors between adaptive median filter output image and noisy image to maintain an error percentage of 0.0001. It has been observed that results of the proposed method are superior to conventional methods in terms of perceptual image quality as well as clarity and smoothness in edge regions of the resultant image. This technique can remove the salt-and-pepper noise of highly corrupted images with a noise as high as 90%.