Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study of underwater walking vehicles

The rapid development in the past twenty years of land walking vehicle technology has raised the curiosity on the study of seabed walking machines. The advantages of using manned or unmanned walking vehicles in seabed applications and subsea engineering are numerous and obvious. Such vehicles allow expanded exploration in hazardous environments. This kind of vehicle can climb steeper grades and drag heavier loads than a dimensionally similar wheeled or tracked vehicle. In the present study, relevant research on developing autonomous seabed walking machines is reviewed. Current technology levels are accessed and apparent technological gaps are identified. From these, the feasibility of underwater walking vehicles is determined. Parametric studies are carried out to relate various applications of the walking vehicle with respect to the size factor, speed, locomotion linkage mechanism, leg configuration, foot design, seabed environment, soil/vehicle interaction, stability, maneuverability, control, load capacity, power output and specific energy consumption. Several promising design concepts are selected for further study.
Multiphase dc-dc converter with high dynamic performance and high efficiency

This study presents a novel voltage mode digital controller and a multiphase dc–dc converter with non-uniform current sharing to minimise the power consumption during stable load and very light load operation. To minimise the power consumption and provide fast dynamic response, a low-frequency phase is in parallel with a bi-directional high-frequency phase. The digital controller operates on a modification of the ‘phase dropping’ principle. Depending on the speed of output load change, the bi-directional high-frequency phase will be activated, providing fast dynamic response, while a low-frequency phase is working all the time. The digital controller uses a look-up table control method, which is quite flexible and suitable for multiphase converters with phases switching at different frequencies. An experimental two-phase buck converter utilising the digital control method has been built. A comparison of the efficiency and dynamic performance between the high-frequency phase, low-frequency phase and multiphase has been made. In addition, the dynamic performance of the look-up table control methods has been compared with proportion integral and differential (PID) control method, and the efficiency of the multiphase converter has been compared with another phase drop method which is commonly used in previous works.
Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines

Many patients are receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, which have been associated with a variety of adverse effects. Cutaneous adverse reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations have been progressively reported, but they have not been reviewed according to their morphological clinical patterns. The objective of this review was to summarize the existing data concerning the cutaneous adverse reactions following SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and group them according to common morphological and pathogenetic patterns. We reviewed the English language literature up to 15 August 2021, using predefined keywords to identify the relevant studies evaluating cutaneous adverse reactions associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We search for recurrent morphological patterns sharing clinical signs and symptoms and physio-pathological mechanisms. Timing to onset following the first or booster dose of the vaccine, predisposing conditions, therapeutic management, and outcome were also collected. Among the dermatological manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, we distinguished: (1) new onset reactions and (2) flares of preexisting dermatoses. The most common were injection site reactions, affecting 30–70% and generally mild or moderate. Small case series or single case reports included filler reactions, exanthemas, vascular lesions, urticaria, eczematous dermatitis, autoimmune bullous reactions, and severe cutaneous adverse reactions. In addition, the exacerbation of chronic immuno-mediated dermatoses (mainly psoriasis and atopic dermatitis) and reactivations of herpes infection were reported. The cutaneous reactions were generally mild, self-limiting, and resembled common cutaneous drug eruptions and/or COVID-19 skin manifestations.
The Effect of Fabrication Method on Passive UHF RFID Tag Performance

In passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), transponders or tags are used to label objects to be identified. In this study passive tag antennas were produced using etching, screen-printing, and gravure printing methods. The threshold and backscattered signal strengths of the tags were measured to determine the effect of different manufacturing methods on the tags' performance. Conductivity, skin depth, thickness, and the quality of the conducting layer have a major effect on tag performance. Each manufacturing method sets its own boundary conditions on the processibility of the high quality conduction layer and such conditions need to be considered in tag design. Tag design also affects the manufacturing parameters used in the different techniques. The results of the study show that each of the studied fabrication methods can be used to manufacture reliable RFID tags.
A high-speed CMOS image sensor with column-parallel single capacitor CDSs and single-slope ADCs

This paper presents a high speed CMOS image sensor (CIS) with column-parallel single capacitor correlated double samplings (CDSs), programmable gain amplifiers (PGAs) and single-slope analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The single capacitor CDS circuit has only one capacitor so that the area CDS circuit is small. In order to attain appropriate image contrast under different light conditions, the signal range can be adjusted by PGA. Single-slope ADC has smaller chip area than others ADCs and is suitable for column-parallel CIS architectures. A prototype sensor of 256x256 pixels was realized in a 0. 13μm 1P3M CIS process. Its pixel circuit is 4T active pixel sensor (APS) and pixel size is 10x10μm2. Total chip area is 4x4mm2. The prototype achieves the full frame rate in excess of 250 frames per second, the sensitivity of 10.7V/lx•s, the conversion gain of 55. 6μV/e and the column-to- column fixed-pattern noise (FPN) 0.41%.
PAM system for motor drive with soft-switching PFC converter

A PAM system with soft switching PFC converter is proposed. To reduce the switching losses and EMI noise, a soft switching circuit is used for a PFC converter. The PAM inverter for a motor drive has a number of advantages. The output of the PAM inverter can be controlled by the PFC converter. By using the proposed PAM system for motor drive, the sinusoidal input current with unity power factor is obtained, the switching loss is decreased and the motor driven by the PAM inverter produces approximately constant torque.
A resilient transport system for wireless sensor networks

This thesis contributes toward the design of a new resilient transport system for wireless sensor networks. Sensor networks have recently emerged as a vital new area in networking research, one that tightly marries sensing, computing, and wireless communications for the first time. Wireless sensors are embedded in the real world and interact closely with the physical environment in which they reside. These networks must be designed to effectively deal with the network's dynamically changing resources, including available energy, bandwidth, processing power, node density, and connectivity. This dissertation focuses on making the sensor network transport system resilient to such changes—in many cases abrupt changes. We define transport resilience as the ability of the network to deliver a sufficient amount of sensing events to meet the applications' fidelity requirement for a set of different traffic classes while reducing the energy consumption of the network. More specifically, we investigate, study, and analyze two classes of transport resilience: (1) the need to reliably deliver data under various error conditions; and (2) the need to maintain the application's fidelity under congested network conditions. We take an experimental systems research approach to the problem of supporting resilience in sensor networks by building an experimental sensor network testbed and evaluating a set of new resilient transport algorithms under various workloads and changing network conditions. We study the behavior of these algorithms under testbed conditions, and apply what is learned toward the construction of larger and more scalable resilient networks. This thesis makes a number of contributions. First, we propose a new reliable delivery transport paradigm for sensor networks called Pump Slowly Fetch Quickly (PSFQ). PSFQ represents a lightweight, scalable and robust transport protocol that is customizable to meet a wide variety of applications needs (e.g., re-programming, actuation, reliable event delivery). We present the design and implementation of PSFQ, and evaluate the protocol using the ns-2 simulator and an experimental wireless sensor testbed based on Berkeley motes and the TinyOS operating system. The PSFQ protocol represents the first reliable transport proposed for wireless sensors networks. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Robust Adaptive Tracking Synchronization Protocols for Leader-follower Multirotor Aerial Vehicles with Uncertainty

This paper develops robust adaptive tracking synchronization protocol for a group of cloud connected leader-follower multirotor aerial vehicles (MAVs) with uncertainty. The design combines adaptive learning mechanism with sliding mode control vectors to solve consensus tracking synchronization problem for both attitude and position dynamics. The protocols are constructed by using local and neighboring states of the vehicles provided that the vehicles can share states information with neighboring vehicles via local area network. Adaptive learning algorithms are used locally for each vehicle to deal with uncertainty associated with nonlinear dynamics and uncertain flying environment. Lyapunov and sliding mode control method is employed to design and analyze asymptotic convergence of the consensus tracking error functions. The convergence analysis shows that the states of the follower vehicles can reach an agreement and synchronize to the leader vehicle achieving ensuring tracking synchronization property. The protocols design and implementation is simple as they do not require exact knowledge of the dynamical model and uncertainty.
Multi-Domain Modeling of Electric Vehicles Including Lead-Acid Battery Dynamics

Abstract In this paper a multi-domain model of an Electric Vehicle (EV) including lead-acid battery dynamics is presented. The model is composed by the batteries, the electric traction system and the mechanical model. The modeling formalism chosen is Bond Graph (BG) that allows representing each EV sub-system in a compact and modular way. A key benefit of BG is that the sub-systems developed can be easily interconnected independently of their physical nature. Once the complete model is constructed the whole system performance can be evaluated. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the multi-domain feature of the proposal and the energetic performance with/without regenerative braking.
Research of Virtual Cutting Based on Hap Tic Feedback

As product design has entered the stage of green design, virtual design becomes increasingly important, and cutting research is the core of it. This paper established a basic virtual cutting system and the grid models of virtual objects based on PHANTOM Omni hap tic feedback device and its system development toolkit and built up oriented bounding box and operated bounding box collision detection. On the base of these, the paper also presented a new method of cutting force condition judgment of cutting tool, and gave the cutting path planning and grid model reconstruction on the basis of virtual cutting methods of triangular grid unit model. At last, the paper researched the virtual cutting of grid model using computer programming language, providing design methods for product design. The relative methods may advance the effect of product design drastically.
Coupled-Strip-Transmission-Line Filters and Directional Couplers

This paper describes the theory of operation of coupled strip line tilt ers and directional couplers, and presents information from which these components may be easily designed. Low-pass, band-pass, all-pass, and all-stop filter characteristics are obtained from these coupled lines either by placing open or short circuits at two of the four available terminal pairs, or by interconnecting two of the terminal pairs. Directional couplers having perfect dk-ectivity and constant input impedance at all frequencies, and for all degrees of coupliig, are obtained by placing equal resistive loads at each of the four terminal pairs.
Bolometer Detector Modeling and its Performance Indexes

Bolometer detector is one of thermal detectors. In this research the essential concepts and parameters are included which cover the main types of bolometer detectors. But the actual values of parameters used here in simulation are adopted from [7] for semiconductor bolometer. This detector operates for all optical wavelengths of different sources. From analysis and results obtained, it is shown that minimum and maximum values of specific Detectivity D * for cryogenic temperatures from 0.5 K to 10 K are 0.25×10 / and 5× 10 / , respectively and the values between them when the incident radiation frequency is 100 Hz. It is seen that for frequency greater than 1Hz, the specific Detectivity increases rapidly which means that the bolometer detector will respond for high frequencies in a manner more speed than that of low frequencies. It is found that as the value of τth is increased, the temperature change in detector sensor is decreased. That is decreasing τth enhance the performance of bolometer detector. It is found that the responsivity of this detector follow its output voltage which in turn follow the bolometer temperature change.
Irrigation furrow system: A technique to improve drainage and water productivity in the Gharb plain, Morocco

The Gharb plain in Morocco suffers from water excess in winter and from water deficit during the spring and summer. This explains the low profitability of the investments in irrigation agreed by the Moroccan state and low yields of winter crops. Furrow irrigation systems may be a way to increase water productivity by improving the surface drainage in winter, and by irrigating the crops efficiently in spring and summer. The aim of this study was to assess the hydraulic performance of furrow systems and its agronomic impacts based on an experimental and a modelling approach. Yields were simulated for a series of 11 climatic years (1995–2006). Results clearly showed the advantage of the furrow system whatever the sowing dates. These results confirmed that to improve the water productivity of winter crops in the context of the Gharb scheme, attention has to be paid to surface drainage. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 6-bit 125 MHz CMOS A/D Converter

Using CMOS technology for flash analog-todigital conversion offers the benefits of low power, constant input capacitance, and wide bandwidth. Disadvantages have been low conversion rate and corruption of the input signal due to switching transients. This converter achieves a 125 MHz conversion rate, eliminates the input transients, and dissipates a maximum of 200 mW. 5,707 elements have been incorporated on a 3.9 mm x 2.7 mm die using a 1.5 micron doublepolysilicon, double- metal process.
Wavefront correction for near diffraction-limited focal spot on a 6×100 J/1-ns laser facility

We have implemented on one beam of the LULI six-beam high-energy (6×100 J, 1 ns) Nd:glass laser facility a closed-loop Adaptive Optics (AO) system to compensate for thermal distortions onto the wave front. Using the AO system composed of a dielectric coated deformable mirror and of a wave front sensor, we are able to improve the wave front quality in order to obtain a focal spot close to the diffraction limit. This allows not only to improve the reproducibility of the experiments but also to increase by at least two orders of magnitude the peak intensity as compared with what usual laser smoothing techniques can achieve.
Creatine and Nicotinamide Prevent Oxidant-Induced Senescence in Human Fibroblasts

Dermal fibroblasts provide structural support by producing collagen and other structural/support proteins beneath the epidermis. Fibroblasts also produce insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which binds to the IGF-1 receptors (IGF-1Rs) on keratinocytes to activate signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation and cellular responses to genotoxic stressors like ultraviolet B radiation. Our group has determined that the lack of IGF-1 expression due to fibroblast senescence in the dermis of geriatric individuals is correlated with an increased incidence of skin cancer. The present studies tested the hypothesis that pro-energetics creatine monohydrate (Cr) and nicotinamide (NAM) can protect normal dermal human fibroblasts (DHF) against experimentally induced senescence. To that end, we used an experimental model of senescence in which primary DHF are treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in vitro, with senescence measured by staining for beta-galactosidase activity, p21 protein expression, and senescence associated secretory phenotype cytokine mRNA levels. We also determined the effect of H2O2 on IGF-1 mRNA and protein expression. Our studies indicate that pretreatment with Cr or NAM protects DHF from the H2O2-induced cell senescence. Treatment with pro-energetics post-H2O2 had no effect. Moreover, these agents also inhibited reactive oxygen species generation from H2O2 treatment. These studies suggest a potential strategy for protecting fibroblasts in geriatric skin from undergoing stress-induced senescence, which may maintain IGF-1 levels and therefore limit carcinogenesis in epidermal keratinocytes.
Analysis of Intermodulation Noise in Frequency Converters by Volterra Series

Frequency converters produce intermodulation noise in the desired signal band which may be a serious problem for communications systems using amplitude modulation. In this paper, we introduce the Volterra series with time-varying kernels to treat intermodulation in frequency converters with one two-terminal nonlinearity. The method gives exact results up to the order calculated (third order here) for any nonlinearity expressable as a power series, will treat frequency dependence in the nonlinearity as well as the terminations, and leads to a convenient algorithm for computer calculation. The mathematics provides a physical picture of intermodulation of a specific order as being produced by the modulation of lower order products through the nonlinearity. In fact, the solution for a given order of intermodulation currents or charges is the solution of a set of linear equations where the driving functions are intermodulation currents of lower order. A program has been written for the specific but important case of an abrupt junction varactor upconverter. Results for an upconverter that may be used for single-sideband operation in the common carrier microwave band show that the largest contribution to intermodulation comes from currents which are at the sum and difference frequencies of the input (IF) signal corresponding to currents above the input port in frequency and currents in the bias circuitry. This paper documents previously unpublished work (1972) done as part of the exploratory study of single-sideband modulation on long-haul microwave radio transmission.
The Impact of Short-Term Employment for Low-Income Youth: Experimental Evidence from the Philippines

Abstract We use a randomized field experiment to test the causal impact of short-term work experience on employment and school enrollment among disadvantaged, in-school youth in the Philippines. This experience leads to a 4.4 percentage point (79%) increase in employment eight to twelve months later. Although we find no aggregate increase in enrollment, we also do not find that the employment gains push youth out of school. Our results are most consistent with work experience serving as a signal of unobservable applicant quality, and these findings highlight the role of temporary work as a stepping stone to employment for low-income youth.
Serum Vitamin D as a Marker of Impaired Information Processing Speed and Early Disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Slowed information processing speed (IPS) is the hallmark and first cognitive domain to be altered in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Insufficient serum vitamin D was previously associated with disease development, relapses, and progression, but little is reported on cognition. However, vitamin D and cognitive impairment (CI) in other neurodegenerative diseases have already been linked. We explored the possible correlation between vitamin D and IPS at diagnosis and early disability at last follow-up in 81 MS patients. At diagnosis, we collected vitamin D levels and performed a Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Raw scores were adjusted for age, gender, and educational level. Early disability was evaluated with MS severity score (MSSS) and age-related MSSS (ARMSS). A total of 71 patients (86.58%) showed hypovitaminosis D (19.71 ± 8.76 ng/mL) and 18 patients (21.95%) had CI. Patients with CI showed severe hypovitaminosis D (p = 0.004). No patients with sufficient vitamin D levels had CI. We found a positive correlation between vitamin D levels at diagnosis and (1) SDMT raw and z-score that persisted after correction for sunlight exposure and MRI baseline characteristics, and (2) EDSS, MSSS, and ARMSS after a mean 2 year follow-up. Low vitamin D levels may affect both cognition and early disability in newly diagnosed MS patients.
The Radiotherapy Role in the Multidisciplinary Management of Locally Advanced Vulvar Cancer: A Multidisciplinary VulCan Team Review

Simple Summary Locally advanced vulvar cancer (LAVC) requires a multidisciplinary management. The aim of this paper is to conduct a review of all relevant studies regarding the role of radiotherapy in LAVC. Based on the available evidence, radiotherapy, with or without concurrent chemotherapy, has a relevant role in neoadjuvant, adjuvant or exclusive treatments. A multidisciplinary and multidimensional assessment can also be useful to identify the most suitable approach, in view of a better treatment personalization. Abstract Locally advanced vulvar cancer (LAVC) is a challenging disease, requiring multidisciplinary management. The aim of this review is to propose an integrated clinical approach including radiotherapy (RT) in the multidisciplinary management of LAVC to customize the treatment. A review of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library to acquire all relevant studies on RT in LAVC. Based on the available evidence, RT, with or without concurrent chemotherapy, has a relevant role as adjuvant and exclusive treatment or in the neoadjuvant setting. However, multicentric prospective trials are needed to define the best treatment options based on tumor and patient characteristics. A multidisciplinary and multidimensional assessment can also be useful to identify the most suitable approach, considering patients’ age and comorbidities, in view of a better treatment personalization.