Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practical evaluation of different modulation techniques for current-controlled voltage source inverters

The quality of the current waveform generated by a current-controlled, voltage source inverter, depends basically on three factors: (a) the switching frequency of the PWM modulator; (b) the type of current waveform being generated; and (c) the modulation method used. In the paper, three modulation methods, whose characteristics are their simplicity, are analysed: periodical sampling control, hysteresis band control, and triangular carrier control. These three methods have been tested with three different waveform templates: sinusoidal, quasisquare and rectifier compensation current. They are compared in terms of the harmonic content and distortion at the same switching frequency. The paper shows that for sinusoidal current generation, the best method is the triangular carrier, followed by the hysteresis band and the periodical sampling. However, for the other two types of reference templates, the analysis showed that, depending on external factors such as inverter inductance, type of load, or delays in the PWM switching signals, one strategy may be better than the others. The paper shows that each control method is affected in a different way by the switching time delays present in the driving circuitry and in the power semiconductors. The results are analysed and compared, with the help of computer simulations and experimental results.
Cytochrome P-450 of the common mussel, Mytilus edulis L. : partial purification and characterization

Studies were carried out on microsomes of the digestive gland of the common mussel, Mytilus edulis L. Cytochrome P-450 specific content, and the specific contents or activities of other mixed-function oxidase (MFO) components, and the oxidative activities benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase (BPH) and NADPH-independent 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD), all varied seasonally. To varying extents, correlations were seen between changes in these parameters, and changes in the mussel reproductive cycle and/or the seasonal variation in water temperature. The existence of P-450 isoenzymes was indicated by asynchrony in the seasonal changes in BPH and NADPH-independent ECOD activities relative to the changes in P-450 specific content, and by seasonal changes in cytochrome P-450 A max and the microsomal protein profile on SDS PAGE. Indications of P-450 isoenzymes were also obtained from purification studies, and from kinetic studies of NADPH-independent ECOD activity (multiphasic kinetics seen with 7-ethoxycoumarin concentration). The purification scheme essentially comprised sodium cholate solubilization, (NH4)2SO4-protein fractionation and affinity and ion-exchange column chromatographic steps. Two cytochrome P-450 peaks were obtained on DEAE-sephacel ion-exchange chromatography (KC1 elution), the overall purification for the major peak being x 20, with a yield of 5%. The final detergent-free P-450 preparation was largely in the low-spin state, and had a monomeric molecular weight of 53.0 Kd. Ligand-binding experiments were performed on partially-purified cytochrome P-450 preparations. Type II spectra were obtained with N-substituted imidazole compounds, metyrapone and pyridine, but with compounds giving type I spectra with mammalian cytochromes P-450 (testosterone, 7-ethoxycoumarin, a-naphthoflavone and SKF 525-A), reverse type I spectra were seen. In vitro MFO metabolic activity toward possible xenobiotic and endogenous substrates, was limited, and surprisingly, largely NADPH-independent. NADPH-independent ECOD activity was susceptable to modulators of mammalian MFO activity, and indicated to be cytochrome P-450-mediated. Mussel microsomal fraction and microsomal-extract were shown to inhibit rat MFO activities and hexobarbital binding to rat cytochrome P-450. These and other results are discussed in terms of a possible "endogenous blocking" of the substrate-binding site of the mussel P-450, and in terms of possible mechanisms of cytochrome P-450 catalytic action in addition to monooxygenation, such as peroxidation. Mussel cytochrome P-450 specific content was relatively unaffected by a variety of mammalian model P-450 inducers, with the exception of a small elevation with exposure to 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC). In contrast, NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase activity was slightly more responsive. An increase in NADPH-independent ECOD activity with 3MC-exposure was seen at one time of the year, but not at other times.
Calibration and Validation of a Dynamic Traffic Assignment Model

A new approach is proposed to calibrate and validate the most critical components of a dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) model: dynamic route choice and flow propagation. By presenting approximate joint probability distribution functions of the temporal link traffic flows on a network, it is possible to derive the likelihood functions for estimating dynamic route choice and actual flow propagation. This approach also enables statistical tests to be performed for validation of DTA models. Both procedures are presented with a small numerical example and a larger network. These examples also indicate that it is possible to calibrate and validate a DTA model with detection errors and incomplete data, especially when real-time traffic counts are available on only a few links in the network.
Study on a Liner Shipping Network Design Considering Empty Container Reposition

Empty container allocation problems arise due to imbalance on trades. Imbalanced trade is a common fact in the liner shipping,creating the necessity of repositioning empty containers from import-dominant ports to export-dominant ports in an economic and efficient way. The present work configures a liner shipping network, by performing the routes assignment and their integration to maximize the profit for a liner shipping company. The empty container repositioning problem is expressly taken into account in whole process. By considering the empty container repositioning problem in the network design, the choice of routes will be also influenced by the empty container flow, resulting in an optimum network, both for loaded and empty cargo. The Liner Shipping Network Design Program (LS-NET program) will define the best set of routes among a set of candidate routes, the best composition of the fleet for the network and configure the empty container repositioning network. Further, a network of Asian ports was studied and the results obtained show that considering the empty container allocation problem in the designing process can influence the final configuration of the network.
Gender-Stratified Labor Market, Heterosexual Marriage Expectation, and LGBQ Young Adults’ Career Plans in Contemporary Japan

Previous U.S. studies showed that many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) young adults hold optimistic views about their occupational careers, despite their risk for facing labor market disadvantages as LGBQ workers. The present study uses Japan as a comparison case and illustrates how young LGBQ people plan their careers in a different national context. Analysis of in-depth interviews shows that many LGBQ young adults in Japan anticipate financial insecurity and consequently prioritize stability over pursuit of personal interests in their career planning. Their career concerns vary by gender and represent their responses to high levels of occupational gender segregation and earnings inequality as well as strong social expectations for heterosexual marriage and gendered division of household responsibilities. Overall, the study endorses ongoing efforts to understand occupational and economic disparities across sexuality groups from global perspectives by paying close attention to macro conditions.
Context switch overheads on mobile device platforms

When threads use context switching, they incur an overhead in addition to the minimum required running time. The source of this overhead is both direct overhead due to running the context switch code and indirect overhead due to perturbation of caches. We calculate indirect overhead by measuring the running time of tasks that use context switching and subtracting the direct overhead. We also measure the indirect overhead impact on the running time of tasks due to processor interrupt servicing. Experiment results are presented for the Linux kernel running on a mobile device platform.
A Multi-layer Eddy Current Micro Sensor For Non-destructive Inspection Of Small Diameter Pipes

We have developed a multi-layer eddy current micro sensor. The dimension of the sensor is 3mm x 3mm x 80 pm. It was composed of one to four layers of micro spiral coil made of 10 x 10 pm2 copper lines. The number of turn in each layer is 40 turns. In the present work, we report on the fabrication and the evaluation of multi-layer eddy current micro sensors in both experiments and 3D FEM analysis.
Stability assessment of complex shell structures by numerical analysis

This paper discusses the difficulties and pitfalls for the designer in directly using computer-based numerical buckling analysis in stability design and assessment of thin shells with a complex geometry or under complex loading conditions. The different types of buckling analysis are described, and their advantages and disadvantages examined. Methods for relating the buckling load from a numerical analysis to the probable real strength of the structure are then discussed, with particular emphasis on the strong influence of small fabrication imperfections in the geometry. Finally, some common pitfalls in numerical buckling analysis are described and their implications clarified.
Biomechanics of rock climbing technique

Rock climbing routes have become increasingly difficult over the last twenty years. In rock climbing manuals and articles, specific techniques for making arm movements on steep, overhanging routes are suggested as offering the climber noticeable performance benefits. The techniques recommended generally depend on the orientation of the ipsilateral foot. Decisions on technique are important, as the results are cumulative and can impact on the overall performance of the climber on the route. The overall purpose of this research is to evaluate the impact of different ipsilateral foot orientations on reaching tasks in overhanging rock climbing situations. As the research base for technique analysis is limited in rock climbing, a qualitative study was initially conducted to confirm the existence of the different techniques and to provide a base from which to ascertain the performance variables for technique comparison. Comparison Study 1 involved a 3D kinematic study, modelling the climber as a 14-segment rigid body model, comparing the techniques in terms of centre of mass displacement and velocity as well as joint angular changes. Comparison Study 2 compared the techniques in terms of the identified performance measures of postural demand, trajectory efficiency and work/power. Statistically significant differences were found in centre of mass characteristics and body geometry, with differing orientations of the ipsilateral foot. Variations in complexity and in strategies of joint angular change were demonstrated, but the coordination in the reaching arm and the final arm posture were found to be invariant with technique. The postural demands within each technique varied significantly, however, in terms of trajectory efficiency and bioenergetics; differences between the techniques were small. The overall conclusion was that, although reaching arm movements are not affected by foot orientation, the overall technique and performance of a reaching task is. The study has practical and theoretical implications for rock climbing as well as for theories of grasping.
Handbook of design, manufacturing and automation

Partial table of contents: AUTOMATION. Automation (M. Groover). ENGINEERING DESIGN. Design for Manufacturing (Y. Hazony). MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND TOOLS. Nontraditional Manufacturing Processes (K. Rajurkar). PRECISION ENGINEERING AND MICROMANUFACTURING. Micromanufacturing (J. Jora-Almonte, et al.). DESIGN OF MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS. Analysis and Design of Manufacturing Systems (K. Hitomi). PLANNING, SCHEDULING, AND CONTROL OF MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS. Manufacturing Process Planning (H.-c. Zhang). QUALITY ENGINEERING. Automated CAD-Based Vision Inspections (J. Ventura & J.-M. Chen). INFORMATION PROCESSING. Computer Networks in Manufacturing (S. Yeralan). BUSINESS ASPECTS OF DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING. Managing Advanced Manufacturing Technology (D. Gerwin). TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING. Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Manufacturing Equipment Diagnostics (A. Bajpai). STANDARDS. Standards and Prenorms in Design, Manufacturing, and Automation (F. Vernadat). Index.
Experimental Bioactive Glass-Containing Composites and Commercial Restorative Materials: Anti-Demineralizing Protection of Dentin

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate whether different types of experimental and commercial restorative dental materials can protect dentin against acid-induced softening. Experimental composites were prepared with a photocurable mixture of methacrylates and two types of bioactive glass (45S5 and a customized low-Na F-containing formulation). Human dentin samples were prepared from mid-coronal tooth slices and immersed in lactic acid solution (pH = 4.0) at 5 mm from set specimens of restorative material. After 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 days, surface microhardness of dentin samples and pH of the immersion solution were measured, followed by replenishing of the immersion medium. Microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy. The protective effect of restorative materials was determined as dentin microhardness remaining statistically similar to initial values for a certain number of acid additions. Scanning electron microscopy showed a gradual widening of dentinal tubules and proved less discriminatory than microhardness measurements. To produce a protective effect on dentin, 20 wt% of low-Na F-containing bioactive glass was needed, whereas 10 wt% of bioactive glass 45S5 was sufficient to protect dentin against acid-induced demineralization. The anti-demineralizing protective effect of experimental and commercial restoratives on dentin was of shorter duration than measured for enamel in a previous study using the same experimental approach.
An Analytical Modelling of Demand for Driving Torque of a Wheelchair with Electromechanical Drive

This study aimed at analysing the influence of the position of the centre of gravity variability and the movement velocity on the demand for a torque and work time coverage of a wheelchair with an electromechanical drive. The variable parameter in the study was the configuration of the wheelchair, namely changes in the position of the batteries which changed the weight distribution. An analytical model describing the demand for torque was used in the analysis. The set of equations was introduced into the numerical calculation software. Simulations were carried out which allowed it to analyse selected parameters of the wheelchair dynamics. An increase in the torque demand was observed due to the increase in the mass of the system from 427.7 N to 533.1 N, ranging from 6.1% to 31.6% at the simulated velocity v7 = 4.2 m/s. The increase in the demand for torque due to the increase in velocity of the wheelchair from v2 = 1.05 m/s to v7 = 4.2 m/s ranged from 25.9% to 31.6% compared to the reference velocity v1 = 0.525 m/s. The centre of gravity of the wheelchair structure localization has a non-linear impact on the analysed values. At the same time, it was not possible to define its nature—this issue remains open and requires further research.
A Closed-Loop Reconfigurable Analog Baseband Circuitry With Open-Loop Tunable Notch Filters to Improve Receiver Tx Leakage and Close-in Blocker Tolerance

This brief presents an analog baseband (ABB) circuit in a 0.13 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol{\mu }\text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> SiGe technology for transmitter leakage cancellation and close-in blocker suppressions in fully duplex (FD) frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar. This ABB comprises a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) and a cascaded LPF/Notch hybrid, which incorporates a closed-loop (CL) reconfigurable low-pass filter (LPF) and an open-loop (OL) tunable notch filter. The adopted key topologies include active-R-C bi-quads and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{G}_{\mathrm{ m}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-C ones. In an FD FMCW transceiver, Tx leakage and close-in blockers are difficult to be eliminated in the RF domain, especially when leakage/blockers are very close to desired signals or even in-band in the frequency domain. This LPF/notch hybrid is proposed to solve this issue. The LPF and PGA provide bandwidth (BW)/gain programmability, while the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{G}_{\mathrm{ m}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-C bi-quad provides adaptable center frequency for a notch filter. With this adaption, the notch filter could be adjusted to match the leakage/blocker offset frequency. Thus, digitally discrete programmability and analog continuous tuning capability are combined in this solution for improving the overall front-end interference robustness without de-sensitizing the Rx. Furthermore, the order of LPF/notch hybrid is programmable from 2 to 10 with a step of 2 for different rejection levels of interferences. The measured chip achieves a −3dB bandwidth of 6 ~ 21 MHz with 4-bit digital control and 1 MHz/step programmability, and a voltage gain of 0 ~ 70 dB with 9-bit digital control (3-bit from pre-amplifier, and 6-bit from PGA with 1 dB/step). With the condition of 15 dB gain, output P<sub>−dB</sub> is 11.8 dBm@3MHz, and the output IP3 is 20.8 dBm@3MHz.
A Microeconomia Do Crescimento De Empresas Industriais E Inovação Tecnológica: Evidências Para O Brasil E 7 Países Europeus

This paper brings two major contributions to the literature concerning the innovation impacts on firms’ growth. The first one is to test a version of the Gibrat’s law within the Crepon, Duguet and Mairesse (1998) framework, which deals with the possible endogeneity between R&D investments, innovation and firms’ growth. The second contribution is to estimate the whole system for Brazil and seven European countries (Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Slovak Republic and Lithuania). Technological innovation showed to be important to firm’s growth in the 1998-2000 period in almost all countries, however, specially in Brazil innovation can spur firms’ growth in 20.4%. This result is very impressive when compared to other countries, such as Germany (11.4%), France (9.4%), Spain (12.2%) and Portugal (17.4%). It is also worthy to mention the indirect impacts of R&D activities, through innovation, on firms’ growth in Brazil. A Brazilian firm can grow 10 to 30% faster if it raises its R&D/turnover ratio in 1%.
Interactive Highway Safety Design Model: accident predictive module

The Interactive Highway Safety Design Model (IHSDM) being developed by the Federal Highway Administration will provide highway design engineers with safety information on the relationships between geometrics and accidents in a usable format and will guide the designer in evaluating the safety of alternative alignments. This article discusses the accident predictive module of IHSDM. The IHSDM architecture connects the accident predictive module to the data stored in the computer-aided design (CAD) package. Eventually, IHSDM will allow the other modules, especially the driver module and the traffic module, to communicate with the accident predictive module. The development of the accident predictive module will be an evolutionary process in three phases. Phase 1 is the short-term goal and deals only with two-lane, rural roads. Phase 2 will address both roadway and roadside accidents and will continue to develop the interface between the accident predictive module and the CAD package. Three submodels will be developed: roadways, intersections, and interchange ramps. Phase 3 is a long-term goal that will establish the relationship between geometric design elements, accidents, and driver performance. A sidebar provides details on the status of the accident predictive module's intersection submodel.
Time kinetic study of metallothionein mRNA expression due to cadmium exposure in freshwater murrel, Channa punctata (Bloch)

Metallottiionein (MT) is a low molecular weight, cysteine-rich protein whose cysteinyl residues are involved in the metal coordination. MT induction and the associated increase in binding of metals by MThave been used as prima facie evidence for functions in metal detoxification, sequestration and storage. A quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR) study was carried out for 14 days using freshwater murrel, Channa punctata (Bloch). After exposure to 3.74 mg L ' waterborne cadmium, the MTgene was over expressed in liver during the first 8 hours of contamination but repressed from day 1 to 14. In contaminated kidney, this gene was repressed the first day and up-regulated on day 14. In contaminated gills, the MT gene expression remained at the basal level at all the time points. The study indicates that MT mRNA expression was found to be tissue specific with respect to duration of the metal exposure.
Parameter-Free Half-Spaces Based 3D Building Reconstruction Using Ground and Segmented Building Points from Airborne LiDAR Data with 2D Outlines

This paper aims to automatically reconstruct 3D building models on a large scale using a new approach on the basis of half-spaces, while making no assumptions about the building layout and keeping the number of input parameters to a minimum. The proposed algorithm is performed in two stages. First, the airborne LiDAR data and buildings’ outlines are preprocessed to generate buildings’ base models and the corresponding half-spaces. In the second stage, the half-spaces are analysed and used for shaping the final 3D building model using 3D Boolean operations. In experiments, the proposed algorithm was applied on a large scale, and its’ performance was inspected on a city level and on a single building level. Accurate reconstruction of buildings with various layouts were demonstrated and limitations were identified for large-scale applications. Finally, the proposed algorithm was validated on an ISPRS benchmark dataset, where a RMSE of 1.31 m and completeness of 98.9% were obtained.
Predictive Ecocruise Control System

A vehicle predictive ecocruise control system is developed. It minimizes vehicle fuel consumption levels by utilizing roadway topographic information. The predictive ecocruise control system consists of three components: a fuel consumption module, a powertrain module, and an optimization algorithm. The developed system generates an optimal control plan by using roadway grade information obtained from a high-resolution digital map to control the vehicle speed within a preset speed window in a fuel-saving manner. The performance of the system is tested by simulating a vehicle trip on a section of Interstate 81 in the state of Virginia. The results demonstrate fuel savings up to 15% with execution times within real time.