Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design aspects of small-scale photovoltaic brackish water reverse osmosis (PV-BWRO) system

Clean drinking water is essential for survival and good health. Reverse osmosis is a very effective way to produce clean drinking water. Designing small scale photovoltaic powered brackish water reverse osmosis system (PV-BWRO) requires feed water characterization, proper pre-treatment setup, module design configuration, energy consumption evaluation and reject water management. Feed water characterization is done for optimum RO module arrangements and pre-treatment design to prevent fouling and scaling. Success of small scale PV-BWRO system designation depends on ability to minimize cost of water produced. Among all the parameters effecting cost, energy is the most influential. Energy consumption is reduced by including energy recovery device (ERD) in the system. It can be further reduced by including battery for stable supply of energy enabling the pumps to operate at optimum level. Problem with battery is energy loss during charging/discharging and high cost of maintenance and replacing. Instead of sto.
Transmission line fault detection and localisation methodology using PMU measurements

Rapid advancements pertaining to measurements and computational technology have brought a paradigm shift for operational architecture of power grids across the globe. Self-healing, a vital operational feature of emerging power grids, necessitates real-time identification and localisation of transmission line faults for the entire power network. This study proposes a novel support vector machine-based fault localisation methodology to precisely identify and localise all types of transmission line faults occurring at any location in the power grid based on phasor measurement unit (PMU) measurements. Detection of fault is achieved through PMU measurements only from a single generator bus for the entire grid. Bus associated with fault, faulty branch and location of fault in faulty branch are calculated using fast Fourier transform analysis of variations pertaining to equivalent voltage phasor angle (EVPA) and equivalent current phasor angle (ECPA). The proposed methodology has been validated through extensive case studies for Western System Coordinating Council (WSCC)-9 and IEEE-14 bus systems. The main contribution of the proposed methodology is that the fault location information can significantly contribute to system protection center for restoration of the line within shortest time span and initiate appropriate wide area control actions to maintain stability.
Microstrip Propagation on Magnetic Substrates - Part I: Design Theory

Formulas and graphs are presented for the effective relative permeability and the filling factors of magnetic substrates in microstrip. Both the propagation and the magnetic loss filling factors are included. In the calculation of these quantities, use was made of the filling factors for dielectric substrates obtained from Wheeler's analysis and a duality relationship between magnetic and dielectric substrates derived in this paper.
Development of ICT‐based maintenance support services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a taxonomy for an eMaintenance management framework (eMMF) based on a service‐oriented approach, in order to facilitate the development of information and communication technology (ICT)‐based maintenance support services aimed at actors within the maintenance process related to complex technical industrial systems.Design/methodology/approach – To fulfil this purpose, a case study of a modern multi‐role combat aircraft is selected as an appropriate research strategy and supported by a literature study. Empirical data are collected through interviews, workshops, document studies, and observations. A framework is developed and evaluated using a prototype within the studied case. The study is performed in close cooperation with the aircraft's type certificate holder and the customer representative and operator in one country.Findings – The proposed eMMF aids in the identification and development of ICT‐based maintenance support services tailored for specific .
Calibration of the intelligent driver model (IDM) with adaptive parameters for mixed autonomy traffic using experimental trajectory data

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are expected and demonstrated to increase local traffic throughput and improve traffic stability. However, their car-following behaviour is not fully understood due to variations in their often black-box controllers. In this study, we calibrate the Intelligent Driver Model (IDM), as a widely used car-following model, for mixed autonomy traffic using real-world experimental trajectory data. We introduce a new variant of IDM, called adaptive IDM, by enabling real-time changes of its parameters based on prevailing traffic condition. We also include the standard deviation of velocity in the calibration objective function to capture the stop-and-go traffic behaviour. While the adaptive IDM parameters improve the AVs simulated driving behaviour, the inclusion of the standard deviation of velocity within the objective function enables reproducing the traffic oscillations observed in the experimental data. The results show that the proposed adaptive IDM and the calibration method successfully reproduce traffic patterns in mixed autonomy traffic.
Influencing factors of supernormal vascular aging in Chinese population

Objectives: Previous studies have analysed the epidemic characteristics of supernormal vascular aging (SUPERNOVA), and found that SUPERNOVA were significantly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the influencing factors of SUPERNOVA are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of SUPERNOVA. Methods: A total of 42 196 participants of the Kailuan Study were enrolled in the study. SUPERNOVA was defined as the lowest 2.5% of the age-quintile brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), early vascular aging was defined as the highest 2.5% of the age-quintile baPWV. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate the influencing factors of SUPERNOVA. Results: The population with SUPERNOVA was mostly women, nonsmokers, nondrinkers, and those with higher education. They had lower levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors and healthier lifestyles. The results of logistics regression showed that the influencing factors of SUPERNOVA include age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, resting heart rate, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, and uric acid. However, the effects of these factors were different across age groups. We also observed that in addition to the unalterable factors (age and sex), only resting heart rate above 80 bpm (OR = 0.396, 95% CI: 0.231–0.681) and SBP (OR = 0.945, 95% CI: 0.932–0.958) were significantly associated with odds of SUPERNOVA in participants without cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: This study investigated the characteristics of the population with SUPERNOVA and the factors influencing it, which provided a basis for different populations to take preventive measures to slow down the process of vascular aging.
Hardware-circuit-based diagnosis method for open-switch faults in inverters

The theory, design, implementation and experimental validation of a hardware-circuit-based diagnosis method for open-switch faults in voltage source inverters are discussed. Operating states of the inverter under both healthy and faulty conditions are analysed. The estimated voltages can be achieved as pre-fault voltages by means of the switching function model of the inverter under a normal condition. Then, the error voltages between the estimated ones and measured ones can be used to detect faults. To achieve reliable diagnosis, the design employs both the amplitude limit and the duration limit to filter the error voltages so as to eliminate effects of the deadtimes and the switching processes of power devices. The proposed method is validated by experiments.
Multi-criteria decision aid for product end of life options selection

This paper presents research objectives, accomplished work and results associated with the research project AEOLOS (an end-of-life of product systems), a project of the 5th framework programme "Competitive and Sustainable Growth" of the Europena Union. The emphasis of the overview is on the multicriteria decision aid aspects of the project. The goal of the AEOLOS project is the development of an integrated methodology and software tool to aid in evaluating product end-of-life (EOL) treatment options with regard to environmental, economic and social criteria. The main scientific innovation is in using multicriteria decision aid methods to select product EOL options under several often conflicting criteria which are not necessarily quantitatively defined. The case studies treated in the AEOLOS project are for electro-mechanical and electronic products with a goal in assisting in the implementation of the WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) European directive. However, the methods employed in the project are general and can be applied to other product types and possible directives such as the end-of-life of vehicles (ELV) directive.
Microstructural changes in prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies compared to normal ageing: Multiparametric quantitative MRI evidences

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) patients show few significant macroscopic structural changes, especially at the early stages of the disease, making quantitative MRI especially interesting to explore more subtle changes that are not detectable by conventional volumetric techniques. Microstructural alterations have been reported in DLB at the dementia stage, but no study to date was conducted in prodromal patients. Here, quantitative MRI data were collected from 46 DLB prodromal patients and 20 healthy elderly subjects, who also underwent a detailed clinical examination including the Mayo Clinic Fluctuation Scale. We conducted voxel‐wise between‐group comparisons in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics and in R2* mapping, along with a multivariate analysis combining the two modalities. We highlighted multiple grey matter and white matter microstructural changes in DLB patients at the prodromal stage, compared to control subjects. Our multivariate analysis identified three distinct regional patterns of DTI and R2* changes (anterior, anteromedial, posterior) in DLB patients, that could reflect different neuropathological processes across brain regions. We also observed an association between R2* alterations in the thalamus, and the severity of fluctuations, in the DLB group. These preliminary findings are promising and require future investigations to better understand the biological underpinnings of microstructural alterations.
Neutral buoyancy simulation of space telerobotics operations

Although significant technical challenges still remain, perhaps the pacing item in the development of space telerobotics is in the defmition of a programmatic need that is, in demonstrafing capabilities that can lead to a body of committed and eager users in the operational community. In the parallel area of extra-vehicular activity (EVA), such capabilities are routinely demonstrated through the use of neutral buoyancy simulation. This paper addresses the underlying rationale behind the use of neutral buoyancy simulation in telerobotics research, including details of the well-modeled dynamic environment; the existence of a sizable data base on EVA operations in neutral buoyancy with correlation to flight experience; and routine access to a number of high-fidelity mockups of past and planned operational spacecraft. Details are presented on the compromises necessary for the design and construction of neutral buoyancy telerobotics systems, and data will be summarized from a number of past simulations, including correlation of neutral buoyancy structural assembly with EVA flight data, and some preliminary tests of telerobotic servicing of Hubble Space Telescope. Finally, details will be given of a future telerobotic vehicle under detailed design at present, aimed at providing low-cost space flight data on telerobotics and extending the EVA paradigm of neutral buoyancy simulation based on known correlation factors to flight data.
From restorative environments to restoration in work

This is an illustrative review on studies revealing the restorative, that is, stress-reducing, effects of natural settings. We focus on the effects of viewing or being physically active in the natural setting and the effects of indoor plants and window views on restoration and recovery. These themes represent interesting and potentially fruitful areas for future studies that combine work and environmental psychological aspects. There is conceptual similarity between recovery experiences and processes of perceived restorativeness. Increasing evidence shows that outdoor natural environments are more efficient in producing restoration than outdoor built environments. Anecdotal evidence shows that window views to natural elements buffer the negative impact of job stress on intention to quit; the more natural elements, the less the negative impact of job stress on turnover intentions. A laboratory study recording brainwaves and blood volume pulse has indicated that people are less nervous or anxious when looking at the window view to nature compared with the window view to the city or no window view. Also the amount of outdoor nature contact during breaks at work seems to be associated with less perceived stress and better self-rated health. Research has showed that plants in the office room seem to enhance the solution of creative tasks, but deteriorate simple, proofreading or sorting tasks which require continuous concentration to the task. Some practical recommendations can be made on the basis of current evidence, but more rigorous experimental and intervention studies are needed.
Multi-channel services design: customer focus vis-a-vis channel coherence

Although searching for product information and buying via multiple channels has become common practice for consumers, firms are still struggling with designing their multi-channel service mix. In this paper, a design method based on quality function deployment (QFD) is introduced and tested for defining multi-channel e-services. Starting from a design research perspective, a field experiment was conducted. Two measurement instruments were used: questionnaires for business participants (n = 62) and a protocol for independent observers (n = 56) to measure performance of executing tasks in the design process. We found that business teams tend to be biased towards the supplier's perspective at the expense of customers and channel partners. The new design method scored significantly better than the control group method on customer orientation, channel coherence and communication between different stakeholder perspectives.
Weighting coefficients for certain maximally flat nonrecursive digital filters

The weighting coefficients for maximally flat nonrecursive digital ruters have been derived for low-pass filters having equal passband and stopband widths. The solution is in closed form and can be readily evaluated even for large filter order. Asymptotically the coefficients of the finite series expansion converge to the Fourier series coefficients. Hilbert transformers and decimation filters are among the suggested applications for this form of filter.
Protective effects of galangin against H2O2/UVB-induced dermal fibroblast collagen degradation via hsa-microRNA-4535-mediated TGFβ/Smad signaling

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the protective effects of galangin against H2O2/UVB-induced damage using in vitro and in vivo models of photodamage. Moreover, we identified the involvement of miRNA regulation in this process. The H2O2/UVB-treated HS68 human dermal fibroblasts and UVB-induced C57BL/6J nude mice were used as in vitro and in vivo models of photodamage. The results showed that galangin treatment alleviated H2O2/UVB-induced reduction in cell viability, TGFβ/Smad signaling impairment, and dermal aging. Based on the results of microRNA array analyses and database searches, hsa-miR-4535 was identified as a potential candidate miRNA that targets Smad4. In vitro, galangin treatment activated Smad2/3/4 complex and inhibited hsa-miR-4535 expression in H2O2/UVB-exposed cells. In vivo, topical application of low (12 mg/kg) and high doses (24 mg/kg) of galangin to the dorsal skin of C57BL/6J nude mice significantly alleviated UVB-induced skin photodamage by promoting TGFβ/Smad collagen synthesis signaling, reducing epidermal hyperplasia, wrinkle formation, and skin senescence, as well as inhibiting hsa-miR-4535 expression. Taken together, our findings indicate a link between hsa-miR-4535 and TGFβ/Smad collagen synthesis signaling and suggest these factors to be involved in the photo-protective mechanism of galangin in dermal fibroblasts against H2O2/UVB-induced aging. The evidence indicated that galangin with anti-aging properties can be considered as a supplement in skin care products.
Voxelisation Algorithms and Data Structures: A Review

Voxel-based data structures, algorithms, frameworks, and interfaces have been used in computer graphics and many other applications for decades. There is a general necessity to seek adequate digital representations, such as voxels, that would secure unified data structures, multi-resolution options, robust validation procedures and flexible algorithms for different 3D tasks. In this review, we evaluate the most common properties and algorithms for voxelisation of 2D and 3D objects. Thus, many voxelisation algorithms and their characteristics are presented targeting points, lines, triangles, surfaces and solids as geometric primitives. For lines, we identify three groups of algorithms, where the first two achieve different voxelisation connectivity, while the third one presents voxelisation of curves. We can say that surface voxelisation is a more desired voxelisation type compared to solid voxelisation, as it can be achieved faster and requires less memory if voxels are stored in a sparse way. At the same time, we evaluate in the paper the available voxel data structures. We split all data structures into static and dynamic grids considering the frequency to update a data structure. Static grids are dominated by SVO-based data structures focusing on memory footprint reduction and attributes preservation, where SVDAG and SSVDAG are the most advanced methods. The state-of-the-art dynamic voxel data structure is NanoVDB which is superior to the rest in terms of speed as well as support for out-of-core processing and data management, which is the key to handling large dynamically changing scenes. Overall, we can say that this is the first review evaluating the available voxelisation algorithms for different geometric primitives as well as voxel data structures.
An Arnoldi based thermal network reduction method for electro-thermal analysis

In this paper we consider the problem of approximating the large discretized thermal network that models the heat conduction phenomenon in an electrical system by means of models of reduced state-space dimensions. To this aim we present an efficient and numerically stable Arnoldi type algorithm by which a multi-point moment matching approximant of the discretized thermal network is obtained and we apply it to the electro-thermal analysis of an operational transconductance amplifier.
Overlapped complex-modulated transmultiplexer filters with simplified design and superior stopbands

A simple method for the design of the finite-impulse-response prototype filter for maximally decimated overlapped complex-modulated transmultiplexers with near perfect reconstruction property is presented. The procedure is unified for all values of overlap factor and leads to a prototype filter with excellent frequency selectivity and fast sidelobe fall-off rate. The high stopband attenuation and fast sidelobe fall-off rate, which is justified analytically, make the proposed filters suitable candidates for high-speed data communication applications employing multicarrier modulation.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS?

Air pollution is a major global concern in urban areas and it is considered the greatest environmental risk to health. Nature-based solutions (NBS) can help improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect. The impacts of urban vegetation on air quality and ambient temperature depend on many factors, such as vegetation type, location, pollutants, climate conditions and topography. Therefore, the implementation of NBS needs to be tailored for each city. Within the context of the H2020 UNaLab project, the main objective of this work is to assess the potential of NBS to improve air quality across three European cities with different climates: (i) Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (ii) Tampere, Finland; and (iii) Genova, Italy. The WRF-CHEM model was applied for the hottest week in a present climate reference year. The baseline case (without NBS) and two NBS scenarios were simulated for each city. These scenarios (green roofs and green parks) were implemented in the model by modifying the land-use type and the emissions of the model grid cells. According to the model results, the city that least benefited from NBS was Tampere with an average reduction of 5% in surface temperature, and 1% in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) concentrations. Temperature-wise Genova and Eindhoven had similar results, approximately 6% reduction, while Genova showed the largest improvement in NO2 (12%). These results indicate that NBS are more effective in high temperature and high air pollution cities, such as Genova. Moreover, this study reinforces the importance of studying case-specific solutions, considering environmental characteristics and challenges.
Winter Cover Crop Effects on Nitrate Leaching in Subsurface Drainage as Simulated by RZWQM-DSSAT

Planting winter cover crops such as winter rye (Secale cereale L.) after corn and soybean harvest is one of the more promising practices to reduce nitrate loss to streams from tile drainage systems without negatively affecting production. Because availability of replicated tile-drained field data is limited and because use of cover crops to reduce nitrate loss has only been tested over a few years with limited environmental and management conditions, estimating the impacts of cover crops under the range of expected conditions is difficult. If properly tested against observed data, models can objectively estimate the relative effects of different weather conditions and agronomic practices (e.g., various N fertilizer application rates in conjunction with winter cover crops). In this study, an optimized winter wheat cover crop growth component was integrated into the calibrated RZWQM-DSSAT hybrid model, and then we compared the observed and simulated effects of a winter cover crop on nitrate leaching losses in subsurface drainage water for a corn-soybean rotation with N fertilizer application rates over 225 kg N ha-1 in corn years. Annual observed and simulated flow-weighted average nitrate concentration (FWANC) in drainage from 2002 to 2005 for the cover crop treatments (CC) were 8.7 and 9.3 mg L-1 compared to 21.3 and 18.2 mg L-1 for no cover crop (CON). The resulting observed and simulated FWANC reductions due to CC were 59% and 49%. Simulations with the optimized model at various N fertilizer rates resulted in average annual drainage N loss differences between CC and CON increasing exponentially from 12 to 34 kg N ha-1 for rates of 11 to 261 kg N ha-1, but the percent difference remained relatively constant (65% to 70%). The results suggest that RZWQM-DSSAT is a promising tool to estimate the relative effects of a winter crop under different conditions on nitrate loss in tile drains, and that a winter cover crop can effectively reduce nitrate losses over a range of N fertilizer levels.