Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LWCDnet: A Lightweight Network for Efficient Cloud Detection in Remote Sensing Images

Cloud detection is the task of detecting cloud areas in remote sensing images (RSIs), and it has attracted extensive research interest. Recently, deep learning (DL)-based methods have been proposed and achieved great performance for cloud detection. However, due to the satellite’s limitation in storage and memory, existing DL approaches, which suffer from extensive computation and large model size, are almost impossible to be deployed on satellites. To fill this gap, we target at studying effective and efficient cloud detection solutions that are suitable for satellites. In this article, we develop a lightweight autoencoder-based cloud detection method, namely, lightweight encoder–decoder cloud detection network (LWCDnet). In the encoder part, the designed novel lightweight dual-branch block (LWDBB) in the backbone extracts spatial and contextual information concurrently. Moreover, a lightweight feature pyramid module (LWFPM) is proposed to capture high-level multiscale contextual information. In the decoder part, the lightweight feature fusion module (LWFFM) compensates for the missing spatial and detail information from the encoder to the high-level feature maps. We evaluate the proposed method on two public datasets: LandSat8 and Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed LWCDnet achieves comparable accuracy as the state-of-the-art cloud detection methods and lightweight semantic segmentation algorithms. In the meantime, LWCDnet has much less computation burden with smaller model size.
Performance Analysis of Code Hopping Multiple Access using Orthogonal Complementary Codes under Rician Fading Channels

Code-Hopping multiple access (CHMA) is one of the evolving multiple access techniques offering improved performance in frequency selective fading channels. The existing orthogonal and semi-orthogonal codes are not capable of preserving the orthogonality in multipath channels. In addition, multiple access interference (MAI) and multipath interference (MPI) destroy the orthogonal characteristics of codes resulting in errors during detection. Orthogonal complementary codes (OCCs) possesses ideal autocorrelation and cross correlation characteristics resulting in improved performance compared to Gold codes and Walsh codes in multipath channels. In this paper, we employ OCC for detection of CHMA signals in multipath channels and compare its performance with Gold codes to prove the superiority of OCC. We derive the error rate expressions under Rician fading channels and evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme to show its supremacy compare to conventional systems.
Interoperability framework for communication between processes running on different mobile operating systems

As we live in an era where mobile communication is everywhere around us, the necessity to communicate between the variety of the devices we have available becomes even more of an urge. The major impediment to be able to achieve communication between the available devices is the incompatibility between the operating systems running on these devices. In the present paper we propose a framework that will make possible the ability to inter-operate between processes running on different mobile operating systems. The interoperability process will make use of any communication environment which is made available by the mobile devices where the processes are installed. The communication environment is chosen so as the process is optimal in terms of transferring the data between the mobile devices. The paper defines the architecture of the framework, expanding the functionality and interrelation between modules that make up the framework. For the proof of concept, we propose to use three different mobile operating systems installed on three different types of mobile devices. Depending on the various factors related to the structure of the mobile devices and the data type to be transferred, the framework will establish a data transfer protocol that will be used. The framework automates the interoperability process, user intervention being limited to a simple selection from the options that the framework suggests based on the full analysis of structural and functional elements of the mobile devices used in the process.
Hydrodynamic Analysis of the Flow Field Induced by a Symmetrical Suction Elbow at the Pump Inlet

The paper investigates the hydrodynamic field generated by the symmetrical suction elbow at the pump impeller inlet. The full three-dimensional turbulent numerical investigation of the flow in the symmetrical suction elbow is performed using FLUENT then the flow non-uniformity generated by it is numerically computed. The numerical results on the annular cross section are qualitatively and quantitatively validated against LDV data. A good agreement between numerical results and experimental data is obtained on this cross section located downstream to the suction elbow and upstream to the pump impeller. The hydrodynamic flow structure with four vortices is identified plotting the vorticity field. The largest values of the vorticity magnitude are identified in the center of both vortices located behind the shaft. The vortex core location is plotted on four annular cross sections located along to the cylindrical part between the suction elbow and the pump inlet. Also, the three-dimensional distribution of the vortex core filaments is visualized and extracted. The shapes of vortex core filaments located behind the pump shaft agree well with its visualization performed on the test rig. As a result, the three-dimensional complex geometry of the suction elbow and the pump shaft are identified as the main sources of the flow non-uniformity at the pump inlet.
Energy-Efficient Precoding for Massive MIMO Systems with Low-Resolution Quantizers

In this paper, we propose a precoding method to maximize energy efficiency (EE) in a downlink multiuser massive multiple-input multiple-output system with low-resolution quantizers. To this end, we formulate an EE maximization problem with respect to precoders by incorporating the quantization errors caused by the low-resolution quantizers. The main challenges exist: i) the quantization errors are entangled with the precoders, ii) a objective function is non-convex, and iii) unlike a spectral efficiency (SE) maximization problem, a precoding power needs to be jointly optimized. To address these challenges, we first adopt a Dinkenbach method and reformulate the EE problem to a more tractable form. We further decompose the problem into an optimal precoding direction and transmit power problems. To find the optimal direction, we derive a first-order Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) condition and interpret the condition as a generalized eigenvalue problem. Accordingly, adopting a generalized power iteration-based precoding method, we find the principal eigenvector which is the best sub-optimal precoder. Regarding the transmit power optimization, the objective function becomes concave for given other variables. Hence, the transmit power level is optimized by using a gradient descent method. Via simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed algorithm provides the highest EE performance compared to baseline methods.
Vent static burst pressure influences on explosion venting

The overpressure generated in a 10L cylindrical vented vessel with an L/D of 2.8 was investigated, with end ignition opposite the vent, as a function of the vent static burst pressure, Pstat, from 35 to 450mb. Three different Kv (V2/3/Av) of 3.6, 7.2 and 21.7 were investigated for 10% methane-air and 7.5% ethylene-air. It was shown that the dynamic burst pressure, Pburst, was higher than Pstat with a proportionality constant of 1.37. For 10% methaneair Pburst was the controlling peak pressure for K Pburst in the literature and in EU and US standards. For higher Kv the overpressure due to flow through the vent, Pfv, was the dominant overpressure and the static burst pressure was not additive to the external overpressure. Literature measurements of the influence of Pstat at low Kv was shown to support the present finding and it is recommended that the influence of Pstat in gas venting standards is revised.
Convolutional Neural Network for Skull Recognition

Automatic skull identification systems play a vital role for forensic law authorities to recognize victim identity. Motivated by potential applications of these kinds of systems, this research aims to apply a pre-trained deep convolutional neural network (CNN) for face skull recognition. Basically, the unknown skull image is fed to a pre-trained CNN network to extract a 1D feature vector, and then it will be matched with photos at database agencies to identify the closest match. To validate the proposed skull recognition system, it has been applied for a total of 13 skulls, and the reported results indicated a good was achieved. In addition, various CNN architectures were investigated, including shallow, medium, and deep CNN models. The best performance was reported from the shallow CNN model with a 92% recognition rate.
Translation of lithography variability into after-etch performance: monitoring of golden hotspot

In the early phases of technology development, designers and process engineers have to converge toward efficient design rules. Their calculations are based on process assumptions and result in a design rule based on known process variability capabilities while taking into account enough margin to be safe not only for yield but especially for reliability. Unfortunately, even if designs tend to be regular, efficient design densities are still requiring aggressive configurations from which it is difficult to estimate dimension variabilities. Indeed, for a process engineer it is rather straightforward to estimate or even measure simple one-dimensional features (arrays of Lines & Spaces at various CD and pitches), but it starts to be less obvious for complex multidimensional features. After a context description related to the process assumptions, we will outline the work flow which is under evaluation to enable robust metrology of 2 dimensional complex features. Enabling new metrology possibilities reveals that process hotspots are showing complex behavior from lithography to etch pattern transfer. In this work we studied the interaction of lithography variability and etching for a mature 28 nm CMOS process. To study this interaction we used a test feature that has been found very sensitive to lithography process variations. This so-called “golden” hotspot shows edge-to-edge geometries from 88nm to 150nm, thus comprising all the through pitch physics in the lithography pattern transfer [1, 2]. It consists of three trenches. From previous work it was known that through trench there is a systematic variation in best focus due to the Mask 3D effects. At a given chosen focus, there is a distinct difference in profiles for the three trenches that will lead to pattern displacement effects during the etch transfer.
Therapist and operator experiences utilizing multi-modal motion-assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation (3MDR) for treatment of combat related posttraumatic stress disorder amongst military and veteran populations

ABSTRACT Background As provisions of mental healthcare services to military and veteran populations increases the risk to service providers developing secondary traumatic stress (STS), efforts are needed to examine the impact of delivering novel interventions which may include 3MDR. As a virtual-reality supported intervention, 3MDR exposes the patient, therapist and operator to graphic and sensory stimuli (i.e. narratives, imagery, smells, and music) in the course of the intervention. 3MDR is actively being researched at multiple sites internationally within military and veteran populations. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure the safety and wellbeing of 3MDR therapists and operators who are exposed to potentially distressing sensory stimuli. Objective The purpose of this study is to qualitatively examine the impact and experiences of STS amongst therapists and operators in delivering 3MDR. For this study, impact will be defined as therapists or operators experiencing perceived STS as a result of delivering 3MDR. Methods This exploratory qualitative study recruited 3MDR therapists and operators (N = 18) from Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States who had previously delivered 3MDR therapy. Telephone or video-conferencing interviews were used to gather data that was subsequently transcribed and thematically analyzed. Results Four themes emerged among the therapists (n = 13) and operators (n = 5): (1) personal cost and benefits of 3MDR, (2) professional paradox of a 3MDR therapist, (3) perceived effect of 3MDR on patients, and (4) recommendations for future 3MDR use. Conclusions STS was not noted to be a significant challenge for 3MDR therapists and operators. Future research may investigate optimal means of providing training and ongoing support for 3MDR therapists and operators. HIGHLIGHTS Secondary Traumatic Stress was not noted to be a significant challenge for 3MDR therapists and operators Future research may investigate optimal means of providing training and ongoing support for 3MDR therapists and operators
Design Parameters for Massive Communication Systems under Energy-Efficient Polynomial Precoder

Massive multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) systems have been introduced as a resolution for next generation cellular systems. The complexity of computing the precoding in massive MIMO is increased. So, studying a scalable precoding in massive MIMO system is a challenge task. In this paper, we propose a scalable precoder based polynomial for multiuser massive MIMO system, where base station (BS) is equipped with antennas that simultaneously communicate user equipments (UEs). This precoder applies matrix polynomial instead of matrix inversion. An energy efficiency (EE) optimization problem is formulated. This paper also studies optimal design parameters, which are the optimal transmit power, active UEs and number of antennas at BS. Mathematical formula for the EE-maximizing parameter estimations was mathematically analyzed with different orders of polynomial precoder. The impact of increasing polynomial orders is studied on the system performance. Comparison between proposed precoding technique and conventional techniques (i.e., zero forcing (ZF) precoder, minimum mean square error (MMSE) precoder and linear precoder) is provided. Results have shown that maximal EE and area throughput are achieved by deploying polynomial precoder in multiuser massive MIMO system. It can achieve better performance compared with conventional techniques. Utilization of polynomial precoder enhances the performance and provides high EE values.
Transient DC Bias and Universal Dynamic Modulation of Multiactive Bridge Converters

Multiactive bridge (MAB) converters are attracting increasing attention due to their advantages of mutual electrical isolation and bidirectional power flow capability among different ports. However, the presence of transient dc bias in MAB can increase the current stress and lead to transformer saturation, thus affecting the system reliability. This letter establishes a quantitative and general description of the transient dc bias based on the instantaneous middle current of the high-frequency transformer and proposes a general dynamic modulation method to eliminate the bias, which is robust irrespective of the phase-shift modulation methods and the power flow directions. Also, it works at both the normal and startup modes. More importantly, the proposed method can ensure that the high-frequency transformer current reaches to new steady state without transient dc bias within one half cycle. Finally, the MAB experimental prototypes, including a triple active bridge and a modular MAB with a high-frequency ac bus, are built to verify the superior performance of the proposed method.
Effects of social organization and elevation on spatial genetic structure in a montane ant

Abstract Studying patterns of population structure across the landscape sheds light on dispersal and demographic processes, which helps to inform conservation decisions. Here, we study how social organization and landscape factors affect spatial patterns of genetic differentiation in an ant species living in mountainous regions. Using genome‐wide SNP markers, we assess population structure in the Alpine silver ant, Formica selysi. This species has two social forms controlled by a supergene. The monogyne form has one queen per colony, while the polygyne form has multiple queens per colony. The two social forms co‐occur in the same populations. For both social forms, we found a strong pattern of isolation‐by‐distance across the Alps. Within regions, genetic differentiation between populations was weaker for the monogyne form than for the polygyne form. We suggest that this pattern is due to higher dispersal and effective population sizes in the monogyne form. In addition, we found stronger isolation‐by‐distance and lower genetic diversity in high elevation populations, compared to lowland populations, suggesting that gene flow between F. selysi populations in the Alps occurs mostly through riparian corridors along lowland valleys. Overall, this survey highlights the need to consider intraspecific polymorphisms when assessing population connectivity and calls for special attention to the conservation of lowland habitats in mountain regions.
On the Utilization of Double-D Quadrature Coils in Dynamic Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Systems

With the increasing interest in electrified transportation systems, dynamic wireless EV charging (DWC) systems offer several advantages over static charging as they eliminate EV charging downtime and offer on-the-move EV charging services. Nevertheless, the inherent misalignments during the vehicle's motion impact the coupling performance of the wireless inductive link and reduce the power received by the EV from wireless charging. Several coil design enhancements can be adopted to improve the misalignment tolerance of DWC systems. In this work, the addition of a quadrature component on the secondary charging pad is investigated and the performance of the resulting double-D quadrature coil is evaluated against that of a stand alone DD coil. Simulations reveal an improvement in the misalignment tolerance range when the quadrature coil is utilized, as long as the current flow direction is matched between the secondary Q coil and the coupled rectangular portion of the primary DD coil. This needs to be further enhanced through the design of power and current control loops, as well as optimization of quadrature coil design and placement, for improved misalignment performance.
Modular Product Development : Literature Review and Case Study

Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu Tampere University of Applied Sciences Degree Programme in Environmental Engineering EIDEN, MATTI: Modular Product Development Literature Review and Case Study Bachelor’s thesis 34 pages May 2013 Modular product development is an emerging approach in the area of product development. It seeks to bridge the gap between mass production and mass customization. In modular product development the product is divided into smaller sections which are called modules. There are six different types of modularity that can form this division. Modular product development can have various design goals which range from improved product service and customer satisfaction while still allowing speedy production. This thesis introduces and reviews various modular product development methods found in the academic literature. The methods reviewed are Modular Function Deployment, Design Structure Matrix and Function Structure Heuristics. Each of these methods is specialized for certain tasks. The theory is tested in practice in the case study section of this thesis. The case study focuses on applying the theory in practice on the modular product development of environmental remediation systems produced by Doranova Ltd. The thesis concludes that while modular product development has been discussed in the academic literature for many years more research is required and an agreement must be reached on a standard definition of modularity. To follow up the case study, further research could be done internally as a research and development project at Doranova Ltd.
Building a pervasive social gaming experience using SocialPG

Pervasive computing has become a key element to build applications that use fun as a motivating component because it allows exploring new interaction schemes by making the concept of space and time ambiguous and confusing. The present research describes a pervasive social gaming experience, using as a reference SocialPG, which is a model that describes social expansion as a strategy to improve gaming experiences supported by pervasive computing. In this article a description of the model is offered, software architecture is proposed to support it and a case study related to the process of error resolution and detection of improvement opportunities in software products is developed, finally, a general idea about the final software product that will support the game experience is offered together with an evaluation performed by a set of users, where some important findings are highlighted, such as the importance of the missions as a unit of cooperative work and the spectator's participation.
Spatial Spectrum Nulling for Wideband OFDM-DFRC System With Hybrid Beamforming Architecture

This paper deals with the problem of the hybrid beamforming design of wideband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) system, which is expected to achieve a satisfactory user's spectral efficiency and form excellent space-frequency spectrum behavior as well as spatial nulls on the directions of strong signal-dependent interference (such as clutters) simultaneously. For such purpose, we formulate our problem by maximizing the communication spectral efficiency subject to the constraints of radar integrated sidelobe to mainlobe ratio (ISMR) and spatial spectrum nulling (SSN). Due to the fact that the analog beamformer for all subcarriers and digital beamformer for each subcarrier are simultaneously optimized in the wideband OFDM system, the resultant problem is difficult to solve. Towards that end, an efficient algorithm is devised based on the consensus alternating direction method of multipliers (CADMM) framework. Numerical simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed hybrid beamforming algorithm.
Unpacking the Impact of OFDI Speed and Rhythm on Innovation Performance: Evidence from Chinese Firms

ABSTRACT In this study, we focus on the temporal behaviors – speed and rhythm – of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) by emerging multinational enterprises (EMNEs) and examine the effect of such behaviors on innovation performance. Using a learning perspective, we argue that OFDI speed has an inverted U-shaped effect on EMNEs’ innovation performance, whereas the relationship between the uneven rhythm of OFDI and innovation performance is negative. The results, based on OFDI panel data of 1,092 Chinese firms, support our predictions that a moderate OFDI speed and a more regular pattern of OFDI expansion provide sources of competitiveness and contribute to firms’ innovation performance. 摘要 本研究以新兴跨国企业对外直接投资的时间行为(包括速度和节奏)为研究对象，考察了这种行为对创新绩效的影响。 本研究从学习视角出发提出对外直接投资速度对新兴市场国家创新绩效的影响呈倒U型，而对外直接投资节奏的不均匀性与创新绩效呈负相关。 基于385家中国企业1092个对外直接投资的面板数据，研究结果支持了我们的预测，即适度的对外直接投资速度和更有规律的对外直接投资扩张模式能够提供竞争力来源并促进企业创新绩效。