Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constant current-fuzzy logic algorithm for lithium-ion battery charging

The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery has a high demand because of its long cycle, reliability, high energy density, low toxic, low self-discharge rate, high power density, and high efficiency. However, lithium-ion batteries have sensitivity to over-charge, temperature, and charge discharge currents. The conventional battery charging system takes a very long time to charge which makes the battery temperature high. Therefore, a charger system that can maximize charging capacity, shorten charging time, and extend battery life is needed. In this study, a battery charging system was developed using the constant current–fuzzy (CC-fuzzy) control method. The aim is to get faster charging time and maintain battery life by limiting the battery charging temperature. The proposed charger system is dual mode which can be operated in both buck and boost mode. The experimental result shows that the proposed method is superior compared to the constant current constant voltage (CCCV) method in charging time. The CC-fuzzy method charging time is faster compared to the CCCV method by 25% and 12.5% in buck and boost modes, respectively. Whereas from the battery temperature, in buck mode, the proposed method has a lower temperature by 0.5 ⁰C and in the boost mode, each method has the same temperature.
Fuzzy self-adjusting PID controller for affixture machine tension control

This paper introduces the affixture machine tension control and its postulate.Since the affixture machine is a typical complicated,tandem driving,time changing and non-linear winding system,it is rather difficult to control constant tension.The traditional proportional-integral-differential (PID) controller can not meet the requirements,thus,a fuzzy adaptive PID tension controller is proposed for effective settlement of the problems of dynamic change of the non-linear system and the establishing of mathematic model.Through comparing the simulated curve of fuzzy PID with that of traditional PID,it can be seen that the fuzzy PID controller has better adaptability to the change of the winding radius than the traditional one.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among HIV-Infected Clients Attending Opioid Treatment Program Clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Background Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among key populations like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) could be challenging, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore we conducted this study to assess the adherence to ART among HIV-positive PWID attending three methadone clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at three methadone clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Adherence to ART was measured by using pharmacy refill and patient self-report methods. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results Of the 180 participants, 97.2% recorded good adherence to ART as per the pharmacy refill method. However, only 66.1% of the PWID were found to adhere to ART based on the patient self-report method. Upon associating the self-report method with a viral load of >1000 copies/mL, participants were 3.37 times more likely to have missed their ART dose at least once in the last three days before their refill visit compared to those with a viral load of <1000 copies/mL [Adjusted Odds ratio; 3.37, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI); 1.35 - 8.45, p = 0.009]. Conclusion The adherence to ART among HIV-infected PWID attending methadone clinics was high based on the pharmacy refill method but relatively much lower based on the patient self-report method. There was a strong correlation between viral load and the level of adherence measured by the patient self-report method.
Multi-platform EO and SAR fusion for target ID

Electro-optical (EO) sensors and synthetic aperture radars (SAR) have long been used in automatic target recognition (ATR) classifiers. However, maintaining robust target ID performance with ATRs trained on data from a single EO or SAR sensor across a wide range of operating conditions is challenging due to the variability in the sun illumination and surface orientation of targets, respectively. Fusion of ATR classifiers trained on EO and SAR data can improve target ID performance. In this paper, we implement multiple fusion algorithms at the decision level and the feature level using classifiers trained on a standard convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. Under favorable conditions – when the train and test data have the same operating conditions – many fusion algorithms offer significant gain at lower image resolution compared to a single sensor at higher resolution. However, as the operating conditions become more disjoint, only the most robust fusion techniques show significant performance gain. A feature-level fusion algorithm developed by researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and modified for use in this paper showed the most robustness to disjoint operating conditions. Moreover, this algorithm was robust to geometric angle variation and therefore could be used with sensors mounted on different platforms.
The Impacts of Different Pea Protein Isolate Levels on Functional, Instrumental and Textural Quality Parameters of Duck Meat Batters

This study aimed to investigate the effect of pea protein isolate (PPI) on the functional, instrumental and textural quality parameters of duck meat batters (DMB). Ground duck breast meat was mixed with different concentrations of PPI (0%, 3%, 6% or 9%, w/w) to prepare DMB. The color, cooking yield, water-holding capacity, water distribution and migration, rheological properties and texture profile of the DMB were evaluated. The results showed that the L* value of the gel decreased and the b* value increased with the increasing pea protein addition. The cooking yield and water-holding capacity showed a gradual increase, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Compared with the control, the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) were higher at the beginning and at the end and increased with the addition of pea protein, which was in accordance with the Fourier series relationship. The hardness, chewiness and gumminess of the gels gradually increased; on the contrary, the springiness and cohesiveness first increased and then decreased, respectively, reaching a maximum value of 0.96 and 0.81 when the addition amount reached 6%. Adding pea protein to the gels not only increased the area of immobilized water but also decreased the area of free water, thus improving the water-holding capacity of the batters. Therefore, pea protein can promote the formation of a stable and elastic network structure of duck meat batters.
Model order reduction framework for discrete-time systems with error bound via balanced structure

Two-dimensional models are challenging to deal with because of their complex structure. As the model's order grows larger, simulation, analysis, design, and control become more challenging. For one-dimensional and two-dimensional models, Enns' weighted (i.e. frequency and time) model reduction procedures result in an unstable reduced-order model. For one-dimensional reduced-order systems, researchers devised a number of frequency-weighted stability-preserving solutions; nevertheless, these solutions result in significant approximation errors. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no time-weighted stability-preserving model reduction framework is available in the literature for the discrete-time one-dimensional and two-dimensional systems. In this research, two-dimensional models are separated into two sub-models (i.e. two cascaded one-dimensional models) and reduced using time-weighted Gramians utilising minimal rank-decomposition. The approach applies to both one-dimensional and two-dimensional models. For one-dimensional and two-dimensional models, the suggested methodology additionally gives a priori error-bounds expressions. Numerical results and comparisons to existing methodologies illustrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology.
Different Vegetation Information Inputs Significantly Affect the Evapotranspiration Simulations of the PT-JPL Model

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an essential part of the global water cycle, and accurate quantification of ET is of great significance for hydrological research and practice. The Priestley-Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory (PT-JPL) model is a commonly used remotely sensed (RS) ET model. The original PT-JPL model includes multiple vegetation variables but only requires the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as the vegetation input. Other vegetation inputs (e.g., Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR)) are estimated by the NDVI-based empirical methods. Here we investigate whether introducing more RS vegetation variables beyond NDVI can improve the PT-JPL model’s performance. We combine the vegetation variables derived from RS and empirical methods into four vegetation input schemes for the PT-JPL model. The model performance under four schemes is evaluated at the site scale with the eddy covariance (EC)-based ET measurements and at the basin scale with the water balance-based ET estimates. The results show that the vegetation variables derived by RS and empirical methods are quite different. The ecophysiological constraints of the PT-JPL model constructed by the former are more reasonable in spatial distribution than those constructed by the latter. However, as vegetation input of the PT-JPL model, the scheme derived from empirical methods performs best among the four schemes. In other words, introducing more remotely sensed vegetation variables beyond NDVI into the PT-JPL model degrades the model performance to varying degrees. One possible reason for this is the unrealistic ET partitioning. It is necessary to re-parameterize the biophysical constraints of the PT-JPL model to ensure that the model obtains reasonable internal process simulations, that is, “getting the right results for right reasons. ”
Evaluation of quality management systems implementation in medical diagnostic laboratories benchmarked for accreditation

Accreditation is the process which ensures that certification practices are implemented in laboratories to enhance their quality and efficiency. It in turn helps laboratories to improve technical processes, achieve competitive advantage and increase market share. To achieve accreditation, successful implementation of the laboratory quality management system (LQMS) is a requisite. In this study, evaluation of quality system implementation in small, medium and large sized laboratories, covering management and technical requirements were carried out. The study analysis was carried out by scoring the implementation of quality system in various operational activities of laboratory system. Data was gathered by auditing the laboratories using check list for the purpose of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) quality management system implementation. This study, emphasize that training should be an essential element, and can play a major role in creating awareness and understanding to implement quality system in medical testing laboratory. There should be real time training on various aspects of laboratory activities. The training needs should be evidence based and assess the competency of laboratory staff, and evaluate staff performance in order to maintain world class service of the laboratory. The quality indicators can be used for benchmarking and improving services. The study conclude that LQMS in medical testing laboratories explicate the need for understanding current standard requirements of quality system implementation and maintenance to improve the quality of service of the laboratories and facilitate accreditation. A break down in implementation of quality systems can cause a decline in quality services and hence accreditation. Key words: Laboratory quality management systems, accreditation, quality indicators, implementation, training.
Identification of Volatiles of the Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum cordatum

The dinoflagellate Prorocentrum cordatum, often called P. minimum, is a potentially toxic alga found in algal blooms. Volatile compounds released by the alga might carry important information, e.g., on its physiological state, and may act as chemical messengers. We report here the identification of volatile organic compounds emitted by two strains, xenic P. cordatum CCMP 1529 and axenic P. cordatum CCMP 1329. The volatiles released during culture were identified despite their low production rates, using sensitive methods such as open-system-stripping analysis (OSSA) on Tenax TA desorption tubes, thermodesorption, cryofocusing and GC/MS-analysis. The analyses revealed 16 compounds released from the xenic strain and 52 compounds from the axenic strain. The majority of compounds were apocarotenoids, aromatic compounds and small oxylipins, but new natural products such as 3,7-dimethyl-4-octanolide were also identified and synthesized. The large difference of compound composition between xenic and axenic algae will be discussed.
Operations and Planning in Sustainable Power Systems

Operations and Planning in Sustainable Power Systems Yury Dvorkin Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Professor Daniel S. Kirschen Department of Electrical Engineering Renewable generation, e.g., wind power and photovoltaic resources, and non-traditional energy providers, e.g, flexible loads and energy storage, have demonstrated their potential to eliminate or, at least, to alleviate dependency on costly and depletable energy resources, as well as to reduce gas emissions, thus fostering a transition toward a sustainable power sector. As result of this transition, future power systems will require new decision-making tools that would rigorously account for unique features of the renewable generation and non-traditional energy providers to adopt these means at socially acceptable costs. However, operational and long-term planning decision-making tools for power systems have not kept pace with this dramatic growth in renewable generation. Hands-on experience in real-life power systems has revealed the inefficiency of these tools and demonstrated the need for an overhaul of the current approaches to power system operation and planning. This dissertation examines existing approaches to account for the stochasticity of renewable generation in short-term planning tools and proposes two new unit commitment models based on stochastic and interval optimization techniques. These models are demonstrated to maintain acceptable levels of reliability and reduce the system-wide operating cost, as well as to increase utilization of available renewable generation. Furthermore, this dissertation presents a new framework that enables participation of renewable generation in providing ancillary services, e.g., active power reserve, that facilitates higher penetration levels of this generation. This dissertation describes a new bilevel model that determines the optimal location and size of merchant storage devices to perform the spatiotemporal energy arbitrage. This method aims to simultaneously reduce the system-wide operating cost and the cost of investments in ES while ensuring that merchant storage devices collect sufficient profits to fully recover their investment cost. This model is used to demonstrate that existing power system with perspective renewable generation portfolios will have sufficient profit opportunities to install merchant storage.
Trajectories of insomnia symptoms and insufficient sleep duration in early adolescents: associations with school stress

Abstract Study Objectives We examined how adolescents’ sleep patterns (i.e. insomnia symptoms and sleep duration) change from early- to mid-adolescence and whether adolescents follow different trajectories. Furthermore, we also examined the characteristics of adolescents within different trajectories, with a specific focus on the role of school-related stress. Methods We used three longitudinal waves of questionnaire data collected annually from a sample of Swedish adolescents (n = 1294; Mage = 13.2 [range: 12–15 years], SD = .42; 46.8% girls). Using established measures, the students reported on their sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, and perceived school-stress (including stress of school performance, peer and teacher relations, attendance, and school-leisure conflict). We used latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to identify adolescents’ sleep trajectories, and the BCH method to describe the characteristics of the adolescents in each trajectory. Results We found four trajectories for adolescents’ insomnia symptoms; (1) low insomnia (69%), (2) low-increasing (17%, ‘emerging risk-group’), (3) high-decreasing (9%), (4) high-increasing (5%; ‘risk-group’). For sleep duration, we found two trajectories; (1) ~8 h sufficient-decreasing (85%), (2) ~7 h insufficient- decreasing (15%; ‘risk-group’). Adolescents in risk-trajectories were more likely to be girls and consistently reported higher levels of school stress, particularly regarding school performance and attending school. Conclusions School stress was prominent among adolescents suffering from persistent sleep problems, especially insomnia, and deserves further attention.
IMPACT OF METABOLIC SYNDROME ON ANDROGEN/ ESTRADIOL RATIO, SEMEN PARAMETERS AND TESTICULAR VOLUME IN ADULTS

Background: Metabolic syndrome and the related co-morbidities can lead to impaired male reproductive function, including adverse effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis as illustrated by reduced sperm number and quality, decreased testosterone levels and elevated inflammatory markers. Objective: To evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome on androgen / estradiol ratio, semen parameters and testicular volume in adults. Patients and methods: This study was carried out on 60 adult males recruited from Al-Azhar University Hospitals outpatient clinics during the period between November 2016 and February 2021, divided into two equal groups: Group A: Males with the criteria of metabolic syndrome, and Group B: Males without the criteria of metabolic syndrome. All patients were subjected to: complete history taking, general and local examination, laboratory investigations (including total and free testosterone, serum estradiol, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose and Semen analysis) and scrotal duplex. Results: Significant decrease in both free and total testosterone in the metabolic group than the non-metabolic group. Significant inverse correlation between free testosterone / estadiol ratio and BMI, and an inverse but non statically significant correlation between free testosterone / estadiol ratio and waist circumference. Significant decrease was in both semen volume and total motility in the metabolic group than the non-metabolic group, with no statically significant difference in total sperm count, Sperm concentration, progressive motility or abnormal forms between both groups. Significant inverse correlation was found between semen volumes with BMI. Significant inverse correlation between total sperm count and sperm concentration with BMI. Significant inverse correlation was found between testicular volume on one side, and both BMI and waist circumference (WC) on the other side. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is directly related to a decrease in both free and total testosterone levels. Higher BMI is associated with decreased free testosterone/ estadiol ratio.
Effect of plastic pyrolysis oil and its blends with diesel on Cetane Index

Availability and higher gasoline price have attracted the attention of researchers towards alternative fuels. Plastic is produced from the byproduct of gasoline products, which possesses a higher possibility of recycling the waste plastic as an alternative fuel. Research conducted on plastic fuel shows that a diesel engine can run with 100% plastic oil. The present work is focused on the effect of distilled plastic oil on the cetane index as the cetane index is a major fuel property of diesel that affects the ignition quality and exhaust emissions of the engine. For the measurement of the cetane index, two standards are followed and they are ASTM D4737 and ASTM D976. It is found that Crude plastic oil produced from thermal pyrolysis of waste plastic possesses a wide variety of hydrocarbon i.e. lower to higher hydrocarbon. From the fractional distillation of crude plastic oil at three temperature ranges 200◦C, 290◦C and up to the final boiling point, it gave petrol grade oil and diesel grade oil (both low and high grade). Also, it was found that the recovery of distilled high-grade plastic oil is higher than other distilled crude plastic oil. Along with this, crude plastic oil, as well as high-grade plastic oil, have a higher cetane index than the diesel available in the market. Similarly, blending diesel with high-grade plastic oil up to 20% by volume and with low-grade plastic oil up to 10% by volume increases the cetane index of fuel.
A MOOC-based Study on Micro-lecture English Teaching in Universities

As a new type of curriculum resources, micro-lecture features conciseness and preciseness in curriculum design, thus breathing new life into the traditional pedagogies used in universities. Based on the MOOC concept and Cognitive Theory in Multimedia Learning, micro-lecture English teaching can enable university students and lecturers to share resources and communicate via the management system of micro-lecture videos, and can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of English teaching in universities.
Novel On-Chip Wideband Filtering Power Dividers With High Selectivity and Ultra-Wide Out-of-Band Suppression in LTCC Technology

This brief presents a novel design of the lumped-element chip-type wideband filtering power divider (WFPD) using the low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) technology. Firstly, the modified <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol{\pi }$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-type lumped impedance matching structure utilized to generate a bandpass response and realize the impedance transformation is proposed for the first time. Then the hybrid resonant blocks are connected to the output ports to create two transmission zeros (TZs) to enhance the selectivity. Furthermore, ultra-wide out-of-band rejection can be obtained without extra harmonic suppression structures. A general design procedure is given based on the rigorous derivation. For verification, a prototype for the proposed WFPD operating at 2.5 GHz with the overall size of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4.0\times 4.1\times1.3$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm3 is designed, simulated, fabricated, and measured. The insertion loss (IL) of 0.69 dB, fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 54.4% (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$|{S}_{11}| < -15$ </tex-math></inline-formula> dB), and 20-dB rejection of the upper stopband up to 13 GHz can be achieved.