Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Control methods for energy storage for dispatching intermittent renewable energy sources

TELEKE, SERCAN. Control Methods for Energy Storage for Dispatching Intermittent Renewable Energy Sources. (Under the direction of Dr. Mesut Baran.) Solar, wind and other renewable energy sources are becoming an important part of energy supply to the power grid. Integrating a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system or a wind farm can make these intermittent renewable energy sources more dispatchable. In this thesis, three different control methods for BESS are proposed for this purpose. For dispatching, the set point for the controllers is determined first using the historical data. Then using this reference, the power and energy ratings required for the BESS is calculated, and the battery operation in terms of charge/discharge duration is characterized. For optimal use of a BESS to minimize the deviations from dispatch set points, three control methods for BESS have been developed. The simulations have shown that the dispatch performance obtained with SOC feedback method is unsatisfactory compared to the other two methods namely optimal control and rule based control. The rule based control, and the optimal control performs very similar since the rule based control corresponds to the closed loop implementation of the optimal control. Moreover, the rule based method has several advantages over the optimal control such as less computation time, closed loop implementation, and no need for development of a mathematical model for BESS. In terms of BESS operation, it is seen that the BESS charge/discharge frequency is relatively high in this application; and hence, new type of batteries with high charge/discharge cycling rates are needed. Moreover, the control methods considered make a compromise in that they didn’t utilize the BESS full capacity in order to extend the lifetime of the BESS, and hence, a large size BESS – about 15%-25% of the solar PV/wind farm capacity – is needed to have an effective hourly dispatch. Control Methods for Energy Storage for Dispatching Intermittent Renewable Energy Sources
Research of Energy Regeneration Technology in Electric Vehicle

The theory of energy regeneration in electric vehicle (EV) has been introduced in most papers, but the mathematic model of EV energy regeneration system was little studied. In this paper the mathematic model of EV energy regeneration system is studied,and then the system ability under four control strategies is analyzed. In the end the system reliability is researched, and the calcula-tion model of system reliability is proposed.
MASKS: Maintaining anonymity by sequestering key statistics

High-resolution digital cameras are becoming ever-larger parts of our daily lives, whether as part of closedcircuit surveillance systems or as part of portable digital devices that many of us carry around with us. Combining the broadening reach of these cameras with automatic face recognition technology creates a sensor network that is ripe for abuse: our every action could be recorded and tagged with our identities, the date, and our location as if we each had an investigator tasked only with keeping each of us under constant surveillance. Adding the continually falling cost of data storage to this mix, and we are left with a situation where the privacy abuses don't need to happen today: the stored imagery can be mined and re-mined forever, while the sophistication of automatic analysis continues to grow. The MASKS project takes the first steps toward addressing this problem. If we would like to be able to deidentify faces before the images are shared with others, we cannot do so with ad hoc techniques applied identically to all faces. Since each face is unique, the method of disguising that face must be equally unique. In order to hide or reduce those critical identifying characteristics, we are delivering the following foundational contributions toward characterizing the nature of facial information: We have created a new pose-controlled, high-resolution database of facial images. The most prominent anatomical markers on each face have been marked for position and shape, establishing a new gold standard for facial segmentation. A parameterized model of the diversity of our subject population was built based on statistical analysis of the annotations. The model was validated by comparison with the performance of a standard set of artificial disguises. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Computer and Information Science First Advisor Jonathan Smith
Factors Influencing the Performance of Junior High School Students in Social Studies in the Bia East District of Ghana

The study therefore sought to identify the factors that influence the performance of students in Social Studies at Junior High Schools in the Bia East District of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 310 pupils was used for the study through the stratified random sampling procedure. Data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using means and standard deviations. The study found that the school-related factors that influence academic performance of pupils include the classroom atmosphere, presence and adequacy of teaching and learning materials, supervision and monitoring and class size. Also, the study revealed that number of contact hours between teachers and students, teaching styles and methods, teachers’ ability to complete syllabi and qualification of teachers are the teacher-related factors that influence academic performance of pupils. In addition, the study revealed that parental support in terms of provision of learning materials influence students’ academic performance. Finally, the study found that students’ attitude towards learning, their self-concept and motivation, punctuality and regular school attendance and their level of discipline influence their academic performance. It was recommended among other things that education policy makers ensure that there is effective supervision and monitoring in junior high schools.
An integrated framework for implementing technology roadmapping in industry

Managing technological change in business is difficult. Especially for organisations in technology-based sectors where they are required to rethink and redesign their strategies to ensure they remain competitive in evolving markets. These organisations are focusing their attention on the use of managerial tools and methodologies to help generate a successful business plan. One such tool is Technology Roadmapping (TRM), whose main objective is the alignment of companies’ strategies towards the fulfilment of their business objectives and goals. A better understanding of TRM has resulted in organisations adopting this methodology into their business practices while others perceive its implementation as a complex process requiring a vast amount of information. An adequate framework facilitating the implementation process is lacking. Therefore, in order to address these needs, and driven by the gaps identified in the literature, an integrated framework supporting organisations in the task of implementing technology roadmapping is developed in this research. It is composed of three major elements. Firstly, the implementation lifecycle, that guides users through activities for implementation and application in their organisations. Secondly, an integrated data-knowledge structure composed of a set of models where data, information and knowledge from the market, product, technology, and R&D stages are identified. And finally, an integrated software tool, based on the structure and a selected roadmapping approach, which supports the execution of processes and activities during a roadmapping exercise. The framework is tested and validated in a series of case studies in the aerospace industry. The initial studies, conducted during the development of the framework, allowed refinements and improvements to be implemented prior to the second set of case studies, following the completion of this framework. The results from the case studies confirm the feasibility and usability of applying the developed framework into practice as well as providing recommendations for future work.
Dynamic optimal power flow using hybrid particle swarm optimization and simulated annealing

SUMMARY This paper proposes a hybrid particle swarm optimization and simulated annealing (PSO-SA) method to solve the dynamic optimal power flow (DOPF) problem while the prohibited zones, valve-point effects, and ramp rate constraints are taken into account. In the conventional optimal power flow, the total load is constant and the problem is solved for just one period, but in the proposed approach, the multiperiod OPF is considered. Also, the operating region of the units having prohibited zones is broken into isolated feasible sub-regions, which results in multiple decision spaces for the discontinuous OPF problem. Also, nonlinear characteristics of the alternative current (AC) power flow as well as technical constraints, for example, valve-point effect and transmission constraints, are all considered for the realistic operation, and they further complicate the proposed problem. These features make the DOPF as a complicated nonlinear and non-convex optimization problem. This paper proposes a hybrid PSO-SA algorithm to solve the DOPF problem. The hybrid PSO-SA algorithm can efficiently search and explore solution space while it profits from privileges of both PSO and SA algorithms. The IEEE 30-bus test system is implemented to illustrate the application of the proposed modeling framework. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increase of load‐carrying capacity of masonry with textile reinforced rendering / Erhöhung der Tragfähigkeit von Mauerwerk mit textilbewehrtem Putz

Contemporary externally bonded structural upgrading schemes for masonry structures employ Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems (a technique that was extended from concrete to masonry structures) and technical textiles (structural fiber grids) embedded in inorganic matrices. The latter account for a multitude of systems depending on the type of grid – fiber material, bundle treatment (dry, coated or even impregnated), grid geometry, manufacturing method etc. – and matrix – binder (e.g. cement or lime), rheology etc. – resulting in the derivation of many different acronyms (FRCM, TRM, CMG, IMG or other – see for definitions below). The mechanical behavior of such systems and their interaction with different substrates may vary significantly (e.g. dry vs. impregnated fiber grids embedded in mortars). This paper aims to summarize all reported efforts to increase the load‐carrying and/or deformation capacity of unreinforced masonry walls against in‐plane loading and second‐order phenomena (eccentric compressive loading).
E-Learning Opportunities and Challenges for Legal Education in Rural Victoria

Access to justice extends beyond consideration of the systems and institutions of justice; it includes infrastructure such as transport, health, education and communications. Rural, regional and remote (‘RRR’) communities are more likely to face difficulties in accessing advice and accurate information on laws and processes available for resolution of disputes. Perhaps more fundamentally, they rarely have a voice in effecting reforms in laws and related policies. For several decades, community legal centres, legal aid, courts, and a range of other institutions have used community legal education programs to improve knowledge and access to law and justice systems, services and organisations. The recent Productivity Commission Inquiry into Access to Justice Arrangements notes that, ‘Better coordination and greater quality control in the development and delivery of these [community legal education, legal information] services would improve their value and reach. ’ At the same time, research into the professional needs of RRR legal practitioners has found that many of these practitioners face considerable difficulties accessing good quality continuing professional development (‘CPD’) and informal networking/support opportunities. Current and emerging internet-based technologies open up opportunities for legal organisations to better meet the educational needs of both rural communities and legal practitioners. Though limitations still exist at multiple levels, relatively low-cost, media-rich, synchronous and tailored education programs can now be delivered effectively in many rural and remote areas. However, complex layers of decisions are required to critically assess, harness and optimise technologies to best suit the needs of users, and to utilise teaching and learning techniques that best match the technologies and participant needs. Getting these elements — needs, technology and learning technique — right, nevertheless offers extraordinary opportunities. Sound decisions and good practices should enable state-wide and specialist law and justice-related services interested in improving their engagement with RRR communities to dramatically improve the reach and quality of outcomes, not only for distant participants but the spectrum of stakeholders.
Bioinformatics for differential proteomics data between triple-negative breast cancer and luminal A subtype breast cancer

Background The heterogeneity between different subtypes of breast cancer has been established. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the type of breast cancer with the highest recurrence rate, metastasis rate, and worst prognosis, while luminal A breast cancer is the subtype with the best prognosis. To study the heterogeneity of the two subtypes of breast cancer is important. Methods We adopted a quantitative proteomics detection method based on data-independent acquisition and screened all differentially proteins between TNBC and luminal A breast cancer. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis was used for analysis. Results We found that 207 proteins were up-regulated and 326 proteins were down-regulated. Classical pathway analysis showed that Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (EIF2) signaling was significantly activated, in which EIF2α and other molecules were significantly up-regulated. The upstream regulatory analysis predicted 18 strong activators and 63 strong inhibitors, among which v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene neuroblastoma derived homolog (MYCN) was the strongest activator and tretinoin was the strongest inhibitor. Based on disease and function analysis, it was found that differentially proteins were enriched in 41 biological processes, with RNA damage and repair and protein synthesis the most significant biological processes. There were 14 diseases or functions that were significantly activated and 35 that were significantly suppressed. Among the diseases or functions, the differentially proteins had the most significant inhibitory effect on osteosarcoma cell death. According to an analysis of the interaction network, 25 molecular interaction networks were found and the network with the highest score mainly affected the diseases and functions of cancer, protein synthesis, and RNA damage and repair. Conclusion We identified many key proteins with TNBC heterogeneous characteristics and differentially expression, which will provide an abundance of new information for screening TNBC therapeutic specific targets and biomarkers.
Springtime nitrogen oxides and tropospheric ozone in Svalbard: results from the measurement station network

Abstract. Svalbard is a remote and scarcely populated Arctic archipelago, and is considered to be mostly influenced by the long-range transported air pollution. However, there are also local emission sources such as coal and diesel power plants, snowmobiles and ships, but their influence on the background concentrations of trace gases have not been thoroughly assessed. This study is based on tropospheric ozone (O3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) data collected in three main Svalbard settlements in spring 2017. In addition to these ground-based observations, radiosonde and O3 sondes soundings, ERA5 reanalysis and BrO satellite data have been applied in order to distinguish the impact of local and synoptic-scale conditions on the NOx and O3 chemistry. The measurement campaign was divided into several sub-periods based on the prevailing large-scale weather regimes.The local wind direction at the stations depended on the large-scale conditions, but was modified due to complex topography. The NOx concentration showed weak correlation for the different stations and depended strongly on the wind direction and atmospheric stability. On the contrary, the O3 concentration was highly correlated among the different measurement sites and was controlled by the long-range atmospheric transport to Svalbard. Lagrangian backward trajectories have been used to examine the origin and path of the air masses during the campaign.
Process Innovation: Reengineering Work Through Information Technology

The business environment of the 1990s demands significant changes in the way we do business. Simply formulating strategy is no longer sufficient; we must also design the processes to implement it effectively. The key to change is process innovation, a revolutionary new approach that fuses information technology and human resource management to improve business performance. The cornerstone to process innovation's dramatic results is information technology--a largely untapped resource, but a crucial "enabler" of process innovation. In turn, only a challenge like process innovation affords maximum use of information technology's potential. Davenport provides numerous examples of firms that have succeeded or failed in combining business change and technology initiatives. He also highlights the roles of new organizational structures and human resource programs in developing process innovation. Process innovation is quickly becoming the byword for industries ready to pull their companies out of modest growth patterns and compete effectively in the world marketplace.
Geometric design of part feeders

This thesis presents solutions for problems derived from industrial assembly and robotic manipulation. The basic tasks in a factory are manufacturing the parts, and combining them into the desired product. In automating these tasks, we want to use robot manipulators that require little or no human intervention. We explore devices that deliver parts in a uniform orientation to robots. Such a device is called a partfeeder. Part feeders are used to improve the efficiency in an industrial assembly line: robots to which the parts are fed in a uniform orientation can easily process these parts without having to sense their initial orientations. In practice, the problem of part feeding is usually solved using trial-and-error approaches which are time consuming and error prone. We show how to systematically design part feeders using techniques from computational geometry. We consider four different feeders. The first feeder consists of a sequence of fences which are mounted across a conveyor belt. The fences brush the part as it travels down the belt thus reorienting it. The second feeder is a pulling finger which applies a sequence of pull operations that reorients flat parts with elevated edges. The third feeder deals with three-dimensional parts. It is a sequence of (tilted) plates with fences which reorients a three-dimensional polyhedral part as it travels down the plates. The fourth feeder in this thesis is the vibratory bowl feeder. This thesis gives insight into the geometrical nature of part feeding problems. The results have implications for practical design of part feeding devices, and experimental results can be used as input for future research in geometric feeding.
Technology Transfer and Implementation Performance: A Study of 'Time-to-Build' in the Global Semiconductor Industry

Organizational growth and performance hinge upon the effective implementation and transfer of technological knowledge. Implementing and transferring such knowledge however can be difficult and time-consuming. Interestingly, we understand little about what determines the performance of implementation and transfer projects. In this paper we help fill this gap by analyzing multiple determinants of time-to-build - i.e., the time it takes for a firm to build and ramp up operations at a manufacturing plant. Theoretically, we develop predictions regarding the effects of market, firm, and technology characteristics on time-to-build. Empirically, we test our predictions on a sample of plant construction projects in the memory segment of the global semiconductor industry. Consistent with our theory, we find that competition from rivals with superior technology is associated with shorter time-to-build, as is firm experience; while international projects, and those that push the technological frontier, take longer. Findings from this study enrich the literatures on corporate growth, international expansion, and technology strategy. We discuss implications for research and practice.
MicroRNAs Biomarkers Profiling  in Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Introduction: Due to lack of unique method with high accurate and repeatable, assessment and even treatment of HBV infection and it,s complications such as cirrhosis and HCC has been with limitations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small 19-24 nucleotide-long molecules with up-regulated and down-regulated Expression.The present research provides a narrative review expression profiling biomarkers miRNAs in diagnosis, treatment and differnciated CHB from cirrhosis or HCC.Methods: We search database google scholar, pubmed, scopus, SID on English Languish article and also assess EASL and AASLD (2002-2016). Results: Some of miRNAs are specifically more abundant in specific tissues, such as miR-122 in the liver. MiRNAs such as miRNA125a, miRNA141, miRNA1, miRNA197, miRNA122 and miRNA372, 373 have a major role in CBH and miRNA29a/b/c, miRNA200, miRNA199, miRNA133a, miRNA214 andmiRNA181b have a major role in fibrosis/cirrhosis. miR-106b and miR-181b, have a significant clinical diagnostic value in liver cirrhosis, especially at its early stages. miR-122, miR-192, miR-92, miR-223, miR-26a, miR-27a and miR-801, has a highly accurate diagnostic power that can differentiate HCC from CHB and cirrhosis and from healthy people as well as.Conclusion: In the future, the miRNAs biomarkers provide researchers with a golden opportunity and can be used as early diagnostic and miRNAs based-therapeutic panels and current knowledge between miRNAs profiling biomarkers and progressive stage of HBV related diseases. Panels of miRNAs will play a significant role in decision-making about their proper course in both of treatment and diagnosis of diseases such as hepatitis B virus infection.
Defining the Prevalence and Predictors of Restrictive and Obstructive Airway Pattern in a Non-Selected Malaysian Population

The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Malaysia appear to be increasing. To date, there are no local studies describing restrictive and obstructive airflow limitation patterns using spirometry. We conducted a crosssectional study to determine the prevalence and predictors of airflow limitation symptoms by screening for COPD symptoms with the COPD Population Screener (COPD-PS) questionnaire and determined the airflow limitation using the new hand-held device, AirSmart®. We recruited 265 subjects. Eleven percent had restrictive pattern and 16% had obstructive pattern. Twenty percent of subjects had COPD-PS score of more than five. In the obstructive pattern group, 74% were active or ex-smokers (p=0.03, p<0.01), whilst those with restrictive pattern were more likely to be heavier with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 23 (OR 2.52, 95% CI: 1.02-5.62) (p<0.01). There was a negative correlation between forced vital capacity and BMI (r=-0.5813, p<0.001). We found a high prevalence restrictive pattern of airflow limitation using the new AirSmart® Spirometer. There appeared to be a large proportion of undiagnosed obstructive airway diseases and higher BMI could be the causes of limitation of airflow in our subjects.