Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PRINCETONIAN ELECTRICITY:MANAGING AN ISOLATED MICROGRID

The major insights of the thesis are: (1) Increasing dispatchable generation decreases demand shortage metrics and percentage of outages. (2) Modularization of generation capacity does not necessarily mean greater reliability. (3) Battery storage along with dispatchable generation can ensure close to zero demand shortages. Further, increasing dispatchable generation decreases the size of battery required for the microgrid. (4) Cost-wise, it is always preferable to have a technology setup with batteries and dispatchable generators rather than without batteries for an isolated microgrid. This is also advisable for reliability reasons. (5) The best technological setup for an islanded Princeton University microgrid, given analysis of data from the month of April would be a 0.71MWh battery, two 7MW generators in addition to the existing generation assets. This would have a net present cost in the range of $55 million $85million, depending on financial assumptions made. (6) The cost-preferred technology setup would have an LCOE of 7.03 cents/kWh, which is 17% more expensive than the current cost of electrical usage during intermediate demand times.
Software development and risk management in the safety critical medical device domain

The healthcare sector is one of the fastest growing economic sectors of today. The medical device domain is one part of that sector. An increasing part of functionality in medical devices and systems is implemented in software and many features should not be possible to implement without software. The use of medical software is an inherent risk to the patient and the outcome of a failure can vary from death to almost no effect at all. Risks and risk management is closely connected to medical device domain and it is crucial to all medical device companies to have a good risk management process. It is also stated in law that the companies developing medical devices must have a risk management process. One part of the research in this thesis focuses on the current state of practice in the medical device domain. As a result of this research, the need for high quality software in this domain has been identified and also the needs for new techniques, methods and processes to further improve software quality in the medical device domain. The results have been used to derive a set of requirements on new processes, methods and techniques in the area, to be used by researchers as a guide in the development of more adapted processes, methods and techniques for software development in the medical devices domain. The other part of the research in this thesis focuses on risk and is based on two experiments. A number of decisions regarding risks are taken during software project risk management and it is the people involved that make the decisions. Different people’s opinions about the importance of identified risks are investigated in an experiment and it is concluded that different participants have different opinions about how serious risks are concerning faults remaining after testing are. Probably it is possible to generalise this and conclude that in the software engineering process different people are more or less risk seeking. From the second experiment it could be concluded that multiple roles and thereby different experiences will affect the risk identification process. Involving multiple roles will result in a more complete set of identified risks than if only one role is included. (Less)
Broadening the Perspective of Zero-Deforestation Interventions in Peru by Incorporating Concepts from the Global Value Chain Literature

Global narratives around the links between deforestation and agricultural commodity production have led to the application of voluntary zero-deforestation agreements between companies, governments, and civil society. The continued tropical deforestation warrants a re-examination of this approach in order to customize its application for a particular location. Our paper contributes to this by exploring the spatial associations between deforestation and the production of cacao, coffee, and oil palm in the Amazon region in Peru. The geographical overlaps between deforestation, and the distribution of these commodity crops, indicate four types of spatial associations: (1) a high degree of deforestation and a high degree of commodity production (high-high); (2) a high degree of deforestation and a low degree of commodity production (high-low); (3) a low degree of deforestation and a high degree of commodity production (low-high); and (4) a low degree of deforestation and a low degree of commodity production (low-low). On the basis of these associations, we present four scenarios in which zero-deforestation supply chain interventions may operate in Peru and argue that broadening the perspective of such interventions by adopting a global value chain lens can improve the use of previously deforested lands, prevent unintended or future deforestation and, in turn, ensure that no forest area is left behind.
FSI and non-FSI studies on a functionally graded temperature-responsive hydrogel bilayer in a micro-channel

Taking into account both fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and non-FSI simulations, the deformation of a bilayer is investigated in this paper. The bilayer, which is utilized in a micro-channel, consists of a Functionally-graded (FG) temperature-responsive hydrogel layer and an incompressible elastomeric one. Allocating two different positions to the elastomeric layer, we make two different bilayers where in one of them, the elastomer layer is located on the left (LSE) and on the right (RSE) in another one. Also, to see the effect of grading, two bilayers with homogenous hydrogel layers with different amounts of cross-linking density are considered. For FG cases in which the hydrogel layer’s properties vary through thickness direction, both ascending and descending arrangements are analyzed. Each simulation, whether it is FSI or non-FSI, is conducted utilizing three software. FLUENT for fluid domain examinations, ABAQUS for finite element method analysis, and MpCCI to couple two aforementioned simulation domains. By extracting and comparing both simulations results, it is observed that the influence of the fluid flow is very significant and should not be ignored. Moreover, it is discovered that the fluid flow affects more the RSE configuration and also the bilayers with lower amounts of cross-linking density. Finally, we investigate how some parameters, such as inlet pressure, can affect the behavior of the bilayer.
Extraction of Bridge Frequencies from a Moving Test Vehicle by Stochastic Subspace Identification

AbstractThe technique for extracting bridge frequencies from a moving vehicle was proposed only recently. However, its efficacy may be reduced by road-surface roughness. To this end, the stochastic subspace identification (SSI) is modified to deal with the present time-variant coupled noisy vehicle–bridge interaction system. First, the governing equations for the vehicle and bridge are expressed in state space, including the effects of road roughness and multiple vehicles. Then, they are discretized and transformed to a form suitable for SSI by separating the known from the unknown parameters. Using the Hankel matrix along with the orthogonal projection theorem and singular value decomposition, the observability matrix derived with the vehicle effect suppressed can be used to identify the bridge dynamic properties. It is demonstrated that (1) the proposed SSI approach is more effective for identifying bridge frequencies below 20 Hz for the cases studied, compared with conventional approaches; (2) adding a.
Application of Artiﬁcial Intelligence in Stock Market Forecasting: A Critique, Review, and Research Agenda

: The stock market is characterized by extreme ﬂuctuations, non-linearity, and shifts in internal and external environmental variables. Artiﬁcial intelligence (AI) techniques can detect such non-linearity, resulting in much-improved forecast results. This paper reviews 148 studies utilizing neural and hybrid-neuro techniques to predict stock markets, categorized based on 43 auto-coded themes obtained using NVivo 12 software. We group the surveyed articles based on two major categories, namely, study characteristics and model characteristics, where ‘study characteristics’ are further categorized as the stock market covered, input data, and nature of the study; and ‘model char-acteristics’ are classiﬁed as data pre-processing, artiﬁcial intelligence technique, training algorithm, and performance measure. Our ﬁndings highlight that AI techniques can be used successfully to study and analyze stock market activity. We conclude by establishing a research agenda for potential ﬁnancial market analysts, artiﬁcial intelligence, and soft computing scholarship.
LIVELIHOOD ASSETS OF FISH FARMERS IN TIWINGAN LAMA VILLAGE

During 2019 the Riam Kanan Reservoir had a decrease in water level due to drought. As a result, the income of fish farmers has decreased. This study aims to determine the livelihood assets of fish farmers as long as the pond does not provide maximum income. The research sample is fish farmers as many as 90 respondents. Livelihood Asset Questionnaire refers to DFID. The results showed that the livelihood assets of fish farmers had natural capital of 66, physical capital of 62, human capital of 42, financial capital of 14, and social capital of 11. Attention to financial and social capital needed to be increased to reduce social vulnerability in fish farming families.
3-D modelling and visualization of large building using photogrammetric approach

The progress in modern technologies such as precise lightweight cameras mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and the more user-friendly software in the photogrammetric field, allows for 3-D model construction of any structure or shape. Software now achieves in sequence the processes of matching, generating tie points, block bundle adjustment, and generating digital elevation models.The aim of this study is to make a virtual 3-D model of the college of engineering /University of Duhok. Kurdistan Region, Iraq. The data input is vertical and oblique imagery acquired by UAV, ground control points distributed on the surrounded ground, facades, and roof. Ground control points were measured by the GPS RTK system in addition to the reflectorless total station instrument. The data is processed mainly using Agisoft PhotoScan software as well as the Global Mapper and the ReCap software. The output is a 3-D model, digital elevation model, and orthomosaic.Geometric and visual inspections were carried out. Some imperfections appeared on the sharp edges and parapets of the building. In the geometric accuracy of selected points on the building, the maximum standard deviation in the coordinates was ±4cm. The relative accuracy in distance measurements were in the range of 0.72% to 4.92 %
Design of a Nasal Spray Based on Cardiospermum halicacabum Extract Loaded in Phospholipid Vesicles Enriched with Gelatin or Chondroitin Sulfate

The extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (C. halicacabum) obtained from flower, leaf and vine was loaded into modified phospholipid vesicles aiming at obtaining sprayable, biocompatible and effective nasal spray formulations for the treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases. Penetration enhancer-containing vesicles (PEVs) and hyalurosomes were formulated, and stabilized by adding a commercial gelatin from fish (20 mg/mL) or chondroitin sulfate from catshark cartilages (Scyliorhinus canicula, 20 mg/mL). Cryo-TEM images confirmed the formation of spherical vesicles, while photon correlation spectroscopy analysis disclosed the formation of small and negatively-charged vesicles. PEVs were the smaller vesicles (~100 nm) along with gelatin-hyalurosomes (~120 nm), while chondroitin-PEVs and chondroitin-hyalurosomes were larger (~160 nm). Dispersions prepared with chondroitin sulfate were more homogeneous, as the polydispersity index was ~0.15. The in vitro analysis of the droplet size distribution, average velocity module and spray cone angle suggested a good spray-ability and deposition of formulations in the nasal cavity, as the mean diameter of the droplets was in the range recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for nasal targets. The spray plume analysis confirmed the ability of PEVs, gelatin-PEVs, hyalurosomes and gelatin-hyalurosomes to be atomized in fine droplets homogenously distributed in a full cone plume, with an angle ranging from 25 to 30°. Moreover, vesicles were highly biocompatible and capable of protecting the epithelial cells against oxidative damage, thus preventing the inflammatory state.
In-Silico Conceptualisation of Continuous Millifluidic Separators for Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles are researched intensively not only for biomedical applications, but also for industrial applications including wastewater treatment and catalytic processes. Although these particles have been shown to have interesting surface properties in their bare form, their magnetisation remains a key feature, as it allows for magnetic separation. This makes them a promising carrier for precious materials and enables recovery via magnetic fields that can be turned on and off on demand, rather than using complex (nano)filtration strategies. However, designing a magnetic separator is by no means trivial, as the magnetic field and its gradient, the separator dimensions, the particle properties (such as size and susceptibility), and the throughput must be coordinated. This is showcased here for a simple continuous electromagnetic separator design requiring no expensive materials or equipment and facilitating continuous operation. The continuous electromagnetic separator chosen was based on a current-carrying wire in the centre of a capillary, which generated a radially symmetric magnetic field that could be described using cylindrical coordinates. The electromagnetic separator design was tested in-silico using a Lagrangian particle-tracking model accounting for hydrodynamics, magnetophoresis, as well as particle diffusion. This computational approach enabled the determination of separation efficiencies for varying particle sizes, magnetic field strengths, separator geometries, and flow rates, which provided insights into the complex interplay between these design parameters. In addition, the model identified the separator design allowing for the highest separation efficiency and determined the retention potential in both single and multiple separators in series. The work demonstrated that throughputs of ~1/4 L/h could be achieved for 250–500 nm iron oxide nanoparticle solutions, using less than 10 separator units in series.
Alternatives of bioenergy feedstock production based on promising new perennial rhizomatous grasses and herbaceous semishrub crops in Hungary

The world’s energy consumption continues to increase, which results in demographic changes, living standard increases and technical development. In the world and Hungary the interest in biomass crops also has increased considerably over the previous decades. This paper summarizes the most important biological, biotechnological and agronomical researches and results of our working group, in Department of Agricultural Botany, Plant Physiology and Plant Biotechnology, University of Debrecen. It represents our research group publications and introduces some efficient propagation possibilities of promising new perennial bioenergy crops, giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita Rushby).
Examining the Psychological Health Quality of Life of Older People with Disability in Selected Districts in Ghana

Older people in Ghana suffer from a wide range of disabilities including visual, physical, and hearing with serious ramifications on their quality of life. Therefore, this paper examines the psychological health quality of life (PHQOL) of older people with disability in selected Districts in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Through a census survey, questionnaires were used to obtain data from 810 respondents.Independent-samples t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to examine their PHQOL. The results showed that mean scores in PHQOL were highest among those aged 60-69 and lowest for those aged 80 years and older with a significant difference [F (807) = 23.872 value, p = 0.000] in PHQOL of their ages. Those who were married had the highest PHQOL mean score compared with those who were separated / divorced and widowed with significant difference [F (807) = 42.690 value, p = 0.000] noticed in PHQOL across marital statuses. Also, those with physical disability had a higher mean score in PHQOL than those with visual disability. The study concludes that any geriatric policy interventions aimed at improving the PHQOL of older people with disability ought not to downplay their background characteristics as they underpin their PHQOL.
Fabrication of micropatterns on the sidewalls of a thermal shape memory polystyrene block

Substrate sidewalls in the current microsystems have not been well used in building devices. On the other hand, the patterns generated on these sidewalls could serve as vertical interconnects or electronic components in 3D circuits. Since existing lithographic approaches could only generate patterns of limited shapes on the sidewalls, a new approach was developed in this work to fabricate various sidewall patterns via strain-recovery deformations of a polystyrene film. The fabrication procedure consisted of three basic steps: first strain recovery, pressing and second strain recovery. The deformations that the polystyrene experienced during the fabrication were first investigated with the help of mm-scaled lines marked on the samples. We found that pressing, instead of lateral stretching, transferred part of side surface of a polystyrene block into part of the top surface, and that the heating after the pressing was capable of transferring the same part of the top surface to the sidewall. The effects of temperature and recovery times on the deformations of the polystyrene were then investigated. We determined how the dimensions of a polystyrene block changed with the temperature. We also examined how many pressing-recovery cycles a polystyrene block could properly experience at 120 °C and 160 °C, respectively. Finally, the developed approach has been applied to generate Ag 50 × 50 µm2 dots, 150 µm wide lines and serpentine-shaped microresistors on both top and side surfaces of polystyrene blocks, followed by the characterization of these products, including shrinking and pressing deformations, surface roughness, wrinkling deformations and resistance changes. We found: (i) the shrinking deformations could be roughly considered as the recovery of the pressing deformations, although the two types of deformations were not identical in magnitudes due to different configurations (i.e. the shrinking deformations were affected by surface patterns, while the pressing deformations were not), and (ii) wrinkles might arise in surface patterns when the polystyrene blocks had large shrinking deformations, which might affect the functionality of the surface patterns and cause, for example, the decrease in their resistances.
Effects of the guard electrode on the photoelectron distribution around an electric field sensor

[1] We have developed a numerical model of a double-probe electric field sensor equipped with a photoelectron guard electrode for the particle-in-cell simulation. The model includes typical elements of modern double-probe sensors on, e.g., BepiColombo/MMO, Cluster, and THEMIS spacecraft, such as a conducting boom and a preamplifier housing called a puck. The puck is also used for the guard electrode, and its potential is negatively biased by reference to the floating spacecraft potential. We apply the proposed model to an analysis of an equilibrium plasma environment around the sensor by assuming that the sun illuminates the spacecraft from the direction perpendicular to the sensor deployment axis. As a simulation result, it is confirmed that a substantial number of spacecraft-originating photoelectrons are once emitted sunward and then fall onto the puck and sensing element positions. In order to effectively repel such photoelectrons coming from the sun direction, a potential hump for electrons, i.e., a negative potential region, should be created in a plasma region around the sunlit side of the guard electrode surface. The simulation results reveal the significance of the guard electrode potential being not only lower than the spacecraft body but also lower than the background plasma potential of the region surrounding the puck and the sensing element. One solution for realizing such an operational condition is to bias the guard potential negatively by reference to the sensor potential because the sensor is usually operated nearly at the background plasma potential.
Analysis of the contracting processes and ethical culture at Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB Ut

Abstract : This study assesses the process capabilities and competencies of Air Force Material Command's (AFMC) Ogden Air Logistics Center (OO-ALC), Contracting Directorate at Hill AFB, UT. This project is conducted with the sponsorship and assistance of the Acquisition Research Program. The assessment uses a cross-sectional questionnaire covering contracting processes and procedure. The assessment spans across five units and delves into six different key contracting process areas. The purpose of this study is to analyze the OO-ALC's contracting processes and procedures to better establish a baseline for contract management maturity. This model, in conjunction with the Contract Management Maturity Assessment Tool (CMMAT), is used to gain information on potential areas of weakness and how to leverage those with strengths. Additionally, the study produces an analysis of the ethical culture currently present in the OO-ALC through the administration of an ethics questionnaire. In these times of significant transformation, it is critical to have mature contracting processes and procedures in place to insure continuity and continuous improvement throughout the organization as well as high ethical standards.
Automatic and Adaptive Red Eye Detection and Removal-Investigation and Implementation

Redeye artifact is the most prevalent problem in the flash photography, especially using compact cameras with built-in flash, which bothers both amateur and professional photographers. Hence, removing the affected redeye pixels has become an important skill. This thesis work presents a completely automatic approach for the purpose of redeye detection and removal and it consists of two modules: detection and correction of the redeye pixels in an individual eye, detection of two red eyes in an individual face.This approach is considered as a combination of some of the previous attempts in the area of redeye removal together with some minor and major modifications and novel ideas. The detection procedure is based on the redness histogram analysis followed by two adaptive methods, general and specific approaches, in order to find a threshold point. The correction procedure is a four step algorithm which does not solely rely on the detected redeye pixels. It also applies some more pixel checking, such as enlarging the search area and neighborhood checking, to improve the reliability of the whole procedure by reducing the image degradation risk. The second module is based on a skin-likelihood detection algorithm. A completely novel approach which is utilizing the Golden Ratio in order to segment the face area into some specific regions is implemented in the second module. The proposed method in this thesis work is applied on more than 40 sample images; by considering some requirements and constrains, the achieved results are satisfactory.