Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of wing morphing via frame buckling

This paper presents structural analysis methods to model morphing, achieved via buckling of struts in multi-element structural components. An exact element theory and an energy-based variational approach are used to deduce a closed-form relationship between actuator force and displacement, by firstly assuming an ideal actuator. Subsequently, the flexibility of the actuator is incorporated via a lumped parameter model to account for actuator-structure interaction. The single element actuation concept is extended to multielement frame architecture to produce displacements of an example aircraft tail section, by actuating one or two elements of the assembly. Hybrid actuation, combining large force with large displacement actuators is also introduced, whereby large shape changes can be achieved with optimum demand on the actuators. It is concluded that exact element theory has significant potential in deducing closed-form relationship between the actuator forces and structural displacements. The energy approach, based on the trial function to represent the displacements, is shown to be approximate, but sufficient. These closed-form relationships can be readily used in optimisation routines to achieve an optimal structure to produce structural shape changes.
Treatment Outcome of Severe Acute Malnutrition and associated factors among under-five children in outpatient therapeutics unit in Gubalafto Wereda, North Wollo Zone, Amara Regional State, North Ethiopia, 2019 G.C

Background: In Ethiopia uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition is managed through the outpatient therapeutic program at health posts level. This brings the services for the management of Severe Acute Malnutrition closer to the community by making services available at decentralized treatment points within the primary health care settings. So far, evidence on the treatment outcome of the program is limited. Thus, the main aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of treatment outcomes of severe acute malnutrition and associated factors among under-five children at outpatient therapeutic feeding units. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted on 600 children who had been managed for SAM under OTP in Gubalafto Wereda from April to May/2019. The children were selected using systematic random sampling from 9 health posts. The structured, pre-tested and adapted questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was entered by using EPI-data Version 4.2 and exported to SPSS version 24.0 for analysis. Bivariate and Multivariate regression was also carried out to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 600 records of children with a diagnosis of severe acute malnutrition were reviewed. Of these cases of malnutrition, the recovery rate was revealed as 65 %. The death rate, default rate, and medical transfer were 2.0, 16.0, and 17.0 respectively. Children who took immunization were had 6.85 times higher odds of recovery than children who were not immunized (AOR=6.85 at 95% CI (3.68-12.76)). The likelihood of recovery was 3.78 times higher among children with new admission than those with re-admission (AOR=3.78at 95% CI ((1.77-8.07))). Likewise, children provided with amoxicillin were 3.38 times more likely to recover compared to their counterparts who were not provided (AOR=3.38 at 95% CI ((1.61-7.08))). Conclusions: The recovery rate and medical transfer were lower than sphere standard. Presence of cough, presence of diarrhea admission category, provision of amoxicillin, and immunization status were factors identified as significantly associated with treatment outcome of Sever Acute Malnutrition. Building capacity of OTP service providers and regular monitoring of service provision based on the management protocol were recommended.
Adaptive fuzzy diagnosis system for dissolved gas analysis of power transformers

To enhance the fault diagnosis abilities for the dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of the power transformers, this paper proposes a novel adaptive fuzzy system for the incipient fault recognition through evolution enhanced design approach. Complying with the practical gas records and associated fault causes as much as possible, a fuzzy reasoning algorithm is presented to establish a preliminary fuzzy diagnosis system. In the system, an evolutionary optimization algorithm is further relied on to fine-tune the membership functions of the if-then inference rules. To make the diagnosis system intensively compact and the inference process more understandable, a pruning scheme is then developed to filter out the insignificant or redundant rules. The capabilities of the proposed diagnosis system for the transformer DGA decision support have been extensively verified through the practical test data collected from Taiwan Power Company (TPC).
Available transfer capability assessment in a competitive electricity market using a bifurcation approach

An application of bifurcation criteria is proposed for available transfer capability (ATC) determination in a competitive power market having bilateral as well as multilateral transactions. The Hopf bifurcation limit has been considered for determination of the dynamic ATC. The saddle node bifurcation and bus voltage limits have been used for static ATC determination. The proposed method has been applied for ATC determination on a 39-bus New England system and a 68-bus system having static loads as well as in the presence of induction motor loads. The impact of SVC placement in the system for the enhancement of ATC has also been studied.
Two Composite Fading Models for Diversity Reception in Mobile Wireless Networks

Abstract Composite Rayleigh-lognormal fading, also known as Suzuki fading, is a cascaded product of a multipath fast fading channel and a shadowing slow fading channel. In spatial diversity reception using maximum ratio combining, the Suzuki fading model only provides diversity in the local multipath fast fading Rayleigh component, here called the micro-diversity fading model. In this paper, we propose the macro-diversity composite fading model by which diversity is obtained over the whole transmission link from the transmitter to the mobile receiver, ie. in both the slow lognormal fading and the fast Rayleigh fading. Methods for solving the “sum of Suzuki random variables” problem involved in the macro-diversity model is presented in the paper. The Gauss-Hermite quadrature polynomial is extensively used to avoid sensitive integrations and to derive elegant and computationally fast closed-form expressions for bit error rate of micro-diversity and macro-diversity reception in mobile networks.
Railroad Ballast Evaluation Using Ground-Penetrating Radar

Ballast fouling in the railroad substructure is detrimental to the effectiveness of the railroad track and its structural capacity. The early detection of ballast fouling is of utmost importance to the safety of the rail system and its life-cycle cost-effectiveness. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR), a nondestructive evaluation tool, has shown its potential as a means of assessing the condition of the railroad substructure rapidly, effectively, and continuously. However, an unknown ballast dielectric constant and an unclear interface between clean and fouled ballast limit the accuracy of GPR assessment. In the present study, controlled laboratory testing was conducted to measure accurately the dielectric constants of two common ballast types, granite and limestone, under various fouling and moisture conditions. In addition, a time–frequency method, short-time Fourier transform (STFT), was used to demonstrate graphically the frequency energy variation with the depth of the ballast under various conditions. This method indirectly reflects the ballast fouling condition. To validate the effectiveness of STFT for ballast fouling assessment, field GPR data from the Orin Subdivision in Wyoming were analyzed with the STFT technique and laboratory-measured dielectric constants. Comparison of the ground truth data and GPR measurements proved that the STFT method is effective and that its results are reasonably accurate when it is used to locate fouling and trapped water within ballast, especially when the laboratory-predicted ballast dielectric constants are used in the analysis.
An improved model for production systems with mixed queuing priorities: an integrated simulation, AHP and Value Engineering approach

The objective of this study was to provide a scheduling solution for the mixed priority queues discipline. This simulation model integrates Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Value Engineering (VE) for modelling and assessment of complex production systems with mixed queue priorities and service discipline. In such systems, the arriving entity will be placed in the queue according to the spectrum of similar properties; this spectrum is arranged according to the entity currently being serviced. In addition, each machine is only allowed to service identical products up to a limited period and the service turn over moves clockwise.
Sound Absorption of Hybrid Passive-Active System Using Finite Flexible Micro-Perforated Panels

Although the vibration effect of micro-perforated panels (MPPs) in passive sound absorption systems has been considered in some studies, research into active systems remains to be accomplished. In this paper, theoretical and experimental studies of hybrid systems using finite flexible MPPs are presented. The impedance of the flexible MPP is derived using the modal analysis solution of the classical plate equation. Then absorption coefficients are predicted based on an electro-acoustic equivalent circuit model. A study of the absorption mechanism of the hybrid system shows that panel vibration can degrade the Helmholtz-resonance absorption performance and bring out panel-type absorption, especially increasing the cavity absorption in systems using impedance-matching conditions. Theoretical results show good agreement with the experiments. It can be seen that flexible the MPP has the potential to dissipate more energy and can be utilized to improve the absorption performance of the hybrid system by appropriately selecting parameters.
Development of Mouse Cursor Control System using DC and AC Elements of Electrooculogram Signals and its Applications

The aim of this study is to present electrooculogram signals that can be used for human computer interface efficiently. Establishing an efficient alternative channel for communication without overt speech and hand movements is important to increase the quality of life for patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or other illnesses that prevent correct limb and facial muscular responses. Using electrooculogram signals, it is possible to improve the communication abilities of those patients who can move their eyes. In this paper, we introduce the mouse cursor control system for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patients using electrooculogram signals. We propose the algorithm using alternating current and direct current of electrooculogram signals corresponding to the baseline drift problem. The focus of our proposal system was laid on noise, baseline drift and eye blink artifact removal. In order to test the effectiveness of our proposal system, we tried the experiments of the Alphabet sentence in.
Estimation of Sliding Loss in a Parallel-Axis Gear Pair

The meshing model and the method used for estimation of sliding loss in a parallel-axis gear pair are presented. First the sliding loss model for single tooth meshing spur gear is constructed. The sliding loss is attributed to the deviation in direction of force from the line of action due to friction. Afterwards the sliding loss of a helical gear pair is considered. The helical gear is modeled as the multi-section spur gears aligned slantwise along with base helix angle. Thus the sliding loss of each section can be considered as same as the loss of the spur gear pair. Then the total sliding loss is estimated by combining the losses of all sections together. To verify the method, the estimated results were compared with the experimental results and estimated results done by the other researchers. The estimated results agree with the experimental results. The sliding loss increases with loads and speeds. The gear with larger module has higher sliding loss. Increasing the helix angle, the sliding loss will be increased, but increasing the transverse pressure angle the sliding loss will be decreased. Various empirical formulae of friction coefficient are used in this paper, and the accuracies of various formulae are shown.
Speed control experiments for heavy duty vehicles with coordinated friction and engine compression brakes

In this paper we describe the development and experimental validation of a coordination scheme between friction and engine compression brakes for a Class 8 Freightliner truck used as a development platform in the California PATH program. The coordination scheme maintains the speed tracking performance of the nominal PID controller, which was originally designed for the case of friction brakes only. Through the coordination scheme, the command of the nominal PID controller is interpreted as a braking torque demand and split into a friction brake command and compression brake command. The split is based on the models for the compression braking torque and friction braking torque developed and identified from open-loop experiments. The results of closed-loop experiments show that the integration of the compression brake into the speed control framework reduces the usage and therefore the wear of the conventional friction brakes.
Development of a micromechanical pitch-tunable grating with reflective/transmissive dual working modes

In this paper, a micromechanical pitch-tunable grating with the capability of working in both reflective and transmissive modes is developed by using the silicon-on-glass (SOG) process. At a voltage of 65 V, the grating period is measured to increase by 4.62%. A simple optical experiment is performed to demonstrate how the proposed grating works in both modes. Then, experiments to measure the change of the diffraction angle versus driving voltage in both reflective and transmissive modes are designed and carried out utilizing an area-arrayed charge-coupled device (CCD), and the results are in good agreement with the theoretical calculation. Discussions on the structural configuration and diffraction efficiency of the proposed grating are presented. The grating presented provides better flexibility in the design and development of application systems.
Pattern synthesis of conformal arrays by the simulated annealing technique

A design method previously developed for the synthesis of antenna patterns of circular arc arrays is shown to also be applicable to the synthesis of conformal arrays in the 3D case. This method uses the flexibility of the simulated annealing technique to achieve the excitations of the elements for a desired radiation pattern. The algorithm allows the inclusion of constraints in the variability of the excitations in the synthesis procedure, as well the control of the sidelobe level, the beamwidth and any desired design specification.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Camel and Human samples from Aswan Governorate in Egypt

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolates among camel and human samples in Aswan. Materials and Methods: A total of 320 samples: milk, nasal swabs and bus swabs were collected from camels (n= 290) and their human contacts (n= 30) from Aswan governorate. Disc diffusion test was applied to detect resistant and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA isolates. PCR was applied for detection of the virulence genes: nuc, hla, pvl, mecA, vanA, vanB and enterotoxins (sea, seb sec and sed) genes. Results: 112 Out of 165 she camel milk samples (67.9%), 59 out of 125 camel nasal samples (47.2%), 3 out of 5 worker nasal swabs (60%) and 16 out of 25 abscesses' swabs from human infected wound (64%) were positive for staphylococci. Only 34 out of 190 staphylococci were S. aureus (17.9%) and they were tested by PCR of the nuc gene. All S. aureus isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. The two human isolates were resistant to streptomycin and erythromycin. Among 25 % of S. aureus isolated from camel milk samples were resistant to gentamicin and ceftriaxone (each), 50% and 31.2 % were resistant or intermediate resistant to streptomycin and clindamycin respectively. Among S. aureus isolated from camel nasal swabs, 18.8% were resistant or intermediate resistant to cefoxitin and ceftriaxone (each). 13 out of 34 S. aureus isolates (38.2%) were MRSA. All S. aureus isolates were amplified 279 bp of nuc gene specific for S. aureus strains. While 28, 12 and 11 isolates were harboring hla, mecA and pvl genes respectively. All S. aureus isolates were negative for vanA, vanB and enterotoxins (sea, seb sec and sed) genes. Conclusion: S. aureus and MRSA isolated from camel milk considered a potential health risk for food poisoning.
Automatic recognition of type III solar radio bursts in STEREO/WAVES data for onboard real‐time and archived data processing

Type III radio bursts are produced near the local electron plasma frequency and/or near its harmonic by fast electrons ejected from the solar active regions and moving through the corona and solar wind. These bursts have dynamic spectra with frequency rapidly falling with time. This paper presents two new methods developed to detect type III bursts automatically in the data from High Frequency Receiver (HFR) of the STEREO/WAVES radio instrument onboard the STEREO spacecraft. The first technique is applicable to the low‐frequency band (HFR‐1: 125 kHz to 1.975 MHz) only. This technique can possibly be implemented in onboard satellite software aimed at preliminary detection of bursts and identification of time intervals with relatively high solar activity. In the second technique the bursts are detected in both the low‐frequency band and the high‐frequency band (HFR‐2: 2.025 MHz to 16.025 MHz), with the computational burden being higher by 1 order of magnitude as compared with that for the first technique. Preliminary tests of the method show that the performance of the first technique is quite high, PdL=72%±3%. The performance of the second technique is considerably higher, PdL+H=81%±1%, while the number of false alarms does not exceed 10% for one daily spectrum.
Performance measurement in the food supply chain: a balanced scorecard approach

Purpose – The primary objective of this paper is to develop a balanced scorecard (BSC) model that is designed and delimited for performance measurement in the food supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology is a combination of literature analysis, Delphi technique and case study‐based research. Starting from the literature concerning performance measurement and metrics, the food industry and the BSC model, the relevant financial and non‐financial indicators, suitable to be used for companies belonging to the food industry, were first identified. Indicators were submitted to a panel of experts, which operated following the Delphi technique, to gather possible suggestions or amendments. In its final form, the resulting BSC model was tested on two companies operating in the food industry, for a final validation.Findings – Results of the case studies show that the companies examined have a similar view for three of the four perspectives of the BSC, which can be thus considered as vali.
Parametric Study of an Electromagnetic Energy Harvester

This paper presents two important parameters for an electromagnetic energy harvester exploiting various shaker excitation frequencies: (1) number of turns of the coil and (2) length of the beams for the device. This system consists of a cantilever beam based which represent a spring element of the system, permanent NdFeB magnet, coil system and wiring system to be connected to the data acquisition system. It is found that the induced voltage is proportional to the increment of the number of turns and the length of beams. The expected resonance happens at 300 Hz for case (1) and 100 Hz for case (2). The maximum voltage produced by this device is 915.395 millivolts for length 13 cm at 100 Hz excitation and 275.058 millivolts for 1050 turns at 300 Hz excitation. Experimental data have demonstrated that the geometry and number of turns of the coil would affect the performance of the energy harvester while excitation frequency as a non-physical factor also contributes to its effectiveness.
Numerical analysis of the dynamic growth of droplets in gas metal arc welding

Abstract Feedback control of droplet transfer is pursued as a solution to produce sound welds in gas metal arc welding. In previous work, a real-time visual system has been developed to monitor on line the droplet size and geometry. To realize feedback control of metal transfer, this study addresses the dynamic process of droplet growth and detachment. The droplet is subjected to gravitational force, electromagnetic force, plasma drag force and surface tension force. The geometry of the droplet is determined by these forces through the static force balance. However, the forces acting on the droplet continuously change as the melting electrode wire changes the droplet geometry. Because of this interdependence between the droplet geometry and the forces, the model must be solved dynamically and iteratively. A numerical program has been developed to acquire its dynamic numerical solution. Hence, the dynamics of the metal transfer process can be understood and simulated. Currently, this model is being used to simulate theclosed-loop controlled metal transfer process using different advanced control technologies.
Factors Associated with Adult Mental Health Treatment Among Youth with and without Adverse Childhood Experiences from the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth

Background: Evidence suggests that childhood is an important critical period for adult mental health outcomes. Most studies evaluating childhood factors use cross-sectional data, limiting our understanding of life course factors contributing to mental health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of life course factors on adult mental health treatment from a longitudinal cohort of U.S. respondents. Methods: We used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1997 (N=8,984) through the 2011 data collection year, in which n=7,009 adult respondents reported on the number of mental health visits between 2009-2011. We used zero-inflated negative binomial regression to evaluate the impact of childhood, adolescent, and adult factors on mental health visits. Results: Respondents with more than three adverse childhood experiences (ACE) reported in adolescence were significantly more likely to utilize mental health treatment as an adult (Incidence Rate Ratio[IRR]=1.30). No other childhood or adolescent factors contributed to adult mental health utilization. Adult factors associated with greater mental health visits included: having any health insurance (IRR=1.40), being unemployed (IRR=1.56) or employed part-time (IRR=1.31). African-American respondents had significantly fewer mental health visits than white respondents (IRR=0.79). Non-significant factors included: gender, ethnicity, parent-reported childhood emotional problem, family receipt of governmental assistance as an adolescent, living in a high-poverty household as an adult, and living in a state with high unemployment. Conclusions: Critical periods of development, combined with cumulative risk and protective factors, contribute to adult mental health seeking. Adolescence is a critical period for trauma and later need for mental health treatment. Other factors, such as full-time employment, appear to be associated with reduced likelihood of the need for mental health treatment. Future evaluation of community and population-based approaches, including policy interventions, is needed to understand risk and protective factors contributing to mental health across the life course.