Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel infrastructure modularity index for the segmentation of water distribution networks

The search for suitable segmentations is a challenging and urgent issue for the analysis, planning and management of complex water distribution networks (WDNs). In fact, complex and large size hydraulic systems require the division into modules in order to simplify the analysis and the management tasks. In the complex network theory, modularity index has been proposed as a measure of the strength of the network division into modules and its maximization is used in order to identify community of nodes (i.e., modules) which are characterized by strong interconnections. Nevertheless, modularity index needs to be revised considering the specificity of the hydraulic systems as infrastructure systems. To this aim, the classic modularity index has been recently modified and tailored for WDNs. Nevertheless, the WDN‐oriented modularity is affected by the resolution limit stemming from classic modularity index. Such a limit hampers the identification/design of small modules and this is a major drawback for technical tasks requiring a detailed resolution of the network segmentation. In order to get over this problem, we propose a novel infrastructure modularity index that is not affected by the resolution limit of the classic one. The rationale and good features of the proposed index are theoretically demonstrated and discussed using two real hydraulic networks.
A Technique for Bump Detection in Indian Road Images Using Color Segmentation and Knowledge Base Object Detection

Sudden variation in the surface of the road makes it very difficult for safe driving and causes lot of accidents. The situation is more critical especially for vehicles moving with high speed. Sudden bumps pose a very difficult situation and applying sudden break at those juncture leads to many accidents. So, any techniques which can avoid such accidents need to be invented on urgent basis. With this background in view we have proposed to undertake a study by which it will be possible to suggest a novel, efficient technique for detecting the bumps. Bumps are detected by extracting the hori- zontal profile of the roads and by estimating the volume of horizontal profile. System is tested against the images of the roads taken across different parts of India using digital camera from a moving SUV running at a speed of 30km/h. Experiments show promising results in the detection of bumps.
Gigabyte and terabyte per second connections with semiconductor waveguide technology

This work presents the research, design, and development of guided‐wave connections in SiGe semiconductor substrates.The integration of digital systems using semiconductor integrated waveguides (S‐SIWG) with QAM modulation formats are highlighted for ultrafast inter‐chip and intra‐chip connections at 100 Gbit/s extended to the Terahertz domain. The simulations of the frequency response for the prototype model with coaxial probe excitations in the frequency range 50–150 GHz are evaluated, showing far than satisfactory performance. The S‐SIWG is then simulated in the 0.5–1.5 THz bandwidth, presenting excellent insertion loss. A SiGe S‐SIWG prototype was fabricated and tested at 15–60 GHz. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2438–2444, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27060
Fiscal Cash Register Embedded System Test with Scenario Pattern

†Summary This paper presents a new way that testing fiscal cash register embedded system with a scenario pattern-based method. It also introduces to some concepts of scenario and scenario patterns, and formalizes the embedded system with scenario model ACDATE. The verification patterns are built the fiscal cash register embedded system, and are tested with the samples of basic scenario pattern and complex scenario pattern. This paper shows the whole process how to verify the embedded system with scenario patterns.
Higher-order mode coupling effects in shunt-series coupling junctions of planar slot arrays

While the design of linear slot array antennas has been completely automated, the use of an insufficient theoretical description of the coupling junctions in the design of two-dimensional planar slot arrays has delayed the total automation of this design procedure. It has been determined that this problem in the design process is due to the higher-order mode coupling between the closely spaced slots in the coupling junction region. A theoretical model for a shunt-series coupling junction has been created to take into account all of the higher-order mode coupling effects, and then the method of moments was used to calculate the electric field distributions for the coupling slot and the straddling radiating slots. The results of this theoretical approach are validated by comparing the theoretical results to experimental data obtained from a waveguide test fixture.
A PASSENGER'S CHOICE MODEL OF TRAIN SERVICE WITH ELASTIC DEMAND

A service plan of Taiwan high speed rail consists of several types of stop pattern and service class. For example, a direct express train stops only two stations, an express train stops three stations, a limited express train stops five stations, and a rapid train stops all the ten stations. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a reasonable structure for discussing and finding the best set of stop pattern and train frequency from the operator’s viewpoint. However, the ridership of train service is highly dependent on passenger ’s choice among transportation modes and among the ] ) ( . [
Dihydromyricetin alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by attenuating apoptosis and astrogliosis in peri-infarct cortex

ABSTRACT Objectives In ischemic stroke, reperfusion after thrombolysis is associated with secondary brain damage. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid, has shown neuroprotective effects through anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This study investigates the potential of DHM, given postreperfusion in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) model of stroke in rats. Methods MCAo surgery was performed in male Wistar rats. Reperfusion was performed after 90 min of ischemia. DHM (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered 10–15 min and 2 h postreperfusion followed by daily dosing for 2 more days. Neurobehavioral parameters and infarct size (TTC staining) were assessed after 72 h. The effective dose (100 mg/kg) was then used to study reduction in infarct size (measured by MRI) and effect on apoptosis (evaluated by protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL assay) in peri-infarct cortex. Furthermore, effects of DHM on neuronal damage and activation of astrocytes were studied by immunofluorescence. Results Poststroke DHM (100 mg/kg) administered for 3 days showed significant improvements in motor-coordination and infarct damage (TTC staining and MRI). MCAo-induced altered apoptotic proteins were normalized to a significant extent in peri-infarct cortex with DHM treatment. Data from TUNEL assay were complementary to the effects on apoptotic proteins. Additionally, DHM caused a significant reduction in the number of reactive astrocytes when compared with the MCAo group. Discussion This study demonstrated the efficacy of subacute DHM treatment in ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating apoptosis and astrogliosis in the peri-infarct cortex. This suggests the potential of DHM in attenuating disease progression.
Composting in a Laboratory Reactor: A Review

This paper is a synthesis of the expectations and limits of composting at a laboratory-scale in relation to engineering principles. These considerations are supported with literature results from a large number of reactors. Starting with the fact that a composting process can be characterized by the way it manages heat balance and oxygen and moisture supply to microorganisms (providing the same initial substrate), many constraints in down-scaling were identified and examined. These constraints concern enhanced heat losses through the substrate surface, the management of air pathways and some more specific considerations which can be associated with scientific research from a general point of view.
COMPARISON OF THE DYNAMICS OF THE SWIMMING GRAB START, SQUAT JUMP, AND COUNTERMOVEMENT JUMP OF THE LOWER EXTREMITY

The purpose of this study was to compare the dynamics characteristics of different jumps including the swimming grab start, squat jump, and countermovement jump. The subjects, who have over ten years experiences in swimming grab starts. One Peak- Performance high-speed video camera operating at 120 Hz and one Kistler force plate were synchronized to collect the data. A mathematical model of inverse dynamics was used to calculate net muscle joint moment and power. The results indicated that the grab start had a more complicated pattern of net muscle joint moment and power than other jumps. Based on the results of this study, it has been suggested that coaches should focus on the key points of grab start dynamics characteristics when instructing and training.
Using 'Choosing by Advantages' to Select Tile From a Global Sustainable Perspective

Decisions in the architecture, engineering and construction industry need to be supported by decision-making methods. Choosing By Advantages (CBA) offers methods that support the creation of transparency and collaborative environments in which to make decisions. This paper provides an example of how CBA can be of support when choosing materials, in this case ceiling tiles, in a commercial-building interior-design project considering global supply-chain issues. The results show that CBA is helpful in integrating multiple stakeholders’ perspectives, in identifying relevant sustainability factors based on the decision context, in making transparent trade-offs between advantages of the alternatives, in providing documentation for the decision rationale, and in separating “value” and cost. Materials that are judged to be more sustainable than others in one geographic location, may be judged less sustainable than others elsewhere.
Characterizing Parkinson´s disease from gait dynamics using chaos descriptors

Motor disorders in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) show high inter-individual variability which challenges the current observational-based strategies in the clinical setting to determine the actual disease evolution and monitoring the therapy response. In spite the recent development of the motion capture technology, it is still hardly transferable to the routine exam and the non-linear disease patterns are poorly explored. Because gait pattern could be approached as deterministic chaotic system, this work aimed to non-linearly represent lower limb kinematic standing out the differences among PD stages. For doing so, a widely used deep learning framework was implemented for obtaining the body landmarks and their temporal series and thereafter, construing the phase space based on the first order derivatives. Largest Lyapunov exponent, correlation dimension and approximate entropy were then computed resulting in statistically significant differences (Wilcoxon rank test, p < 0.05), particularly between healthy controls and stages 3, the most advanced stage, and comparing stage 1 face to stage 3. These finding providing insights how the complex patterns may be related with the disease progression in PD and easily implemented using affordable video devices.
AEROMEMS -II: A European Research Effort to Develop MEMS Based Flow Control Technologies

This paper presents an overview of an ongoing European collaborative research project (AERO MEMS II) which aims to investigate the viability of applying Microfabricated Electro -Mechanical -Systems (MEMS) technology to controlling aerodynamic flow separation for a variety of aerospace vehicle applications. The project is led by BAE SYSTEMS and inv olves Dassault Aviation, Airbus, EADS, Snecma, Auxitrol, ONERA, DLR, CNRS and the Universities of Warwick, Manchester, Cranfield, Berlin (TUB), Athens (NTUA) and Lille. The Aeromems II project is jointly funded by industry, the research establishments and the CEC under the Fifth Framework "Promoting Competitive and Sustainable Growth" programme, Key Action 4 – "New Perspectives in Aeronautics". The project started in April 2002 and involves the expenditure of approximately 40 man years of effort at the cost of 4.8 million Euros over three years. The project has successfully passed its mid -term review and is approaching the stage where important, large -scale industrial wind tunnel demonstrations will be conducted. The AEROMEMS II project builds on the achieve ments of a previous EC collaborative project (Aeromems) in demonstrating the basic viability of applying MEMS technology for flow control on industrial aerospace vehicles. One of the major aims of the project is to undertake industrial -scale wind -tunnel de monstrations and engineering integration assessments of MEMS flow separation control technology applied to improving the performance of wing high -lift systems, intake ducts and turbo -machinery components. The development of prototype MEMS flow sensors and actuators is being undertaken to address the issues of robustness associated with engineering integration. Finally, aerodynamic prediction tools are being developed and validated for use during future full -scale development. Although the project is being undertaken from the perspective of application to civil air vehicles the technology it encompasses has the potential for broad application to a wide range of future manned and unmanned military aircraft.
Beyond AIRSpeed. How Organizational Modeling and Simulation Further Reduced Engine Maintenance Time

Abstract : The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Division (AIMD) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, CA, has worked aggressively to reduce engine maintenance time using the tools of the NAVAIR Enterprise AiRSpeed (AiRSpeed) program. AiRSpeed is a system created by the Naval Aviation Readiness Integrated Improvement Program (NAVRIIP) to enable cost-wise readiness across the naval aviation enterprise. AIMD Lemoore has achieved time and cost reductions at the maintenance activity level using AiRSpeed's prescribed tools of Theory of Constraints, Lean, and Six Sigma, but could further improvements be made by changing the organization's structure or management practices? In an effort to answer this research question, AIMD Lemoore teamed with the Naval Postgraduate School's Graduate School of Business and Public Policy to explore organizational modeling as a method for identifying potential modifications to the organization that may improve AIMD performance. Specifically, AIMD leadership focused on improving F414 aircraft engine maintenance by decreasing engine throughput duration. The objective of this effort was to provide the NAS Lemoore AIMD 400 Division with recommendations on how their organization could be restructured to decrease F414 maintenance cycle-time. To meet this objective, NPS developed an organizational model of the 400 Division that described their current F414 maintenance process. This model was then modified to characterize the impact of organizational changes on maintenance cycle-time. This paper is organized into four sections. First, a literature search provides a basis for understanding organizational modeling in general as well as techniques specific to the POWer software employed in this project. The second section discusses the study's research methodology. The third section presents the results of the modeling effort. Finally, section four presents project conclusions and recommendations for restructuring the 400 Division.
Stabilizing of a Class of Underactuated Euler Lagrange System Using an Approximate Model

The energy shaping method, Controlled Lagrangian, is a well-known approach to stabilize the under-actuated Euler Lagrange (EL) systems. In this approach, to construct a control rule, some nonlinear, nonhomogeneous partial differential equations (PDEs), which are called matching conditions, must be solved. In this paper, a method is proposed to obtain an approximate solution of these matching conditions for a class of under-actuated EL systems. To develop the method, the potential energy matching condition is transformed to a set of linear PDEs using an approximation of inertia matrices. So the assignable potential energy function and the controlled inertia matrix, both are constructed as a common solution of these PDEs. Afterwards, the gyroscopic and dissipative forces are found as the solution of the kinetic energy matching condition. Finally, the control rule is constructed by adding energy shaping rule and additional dissipation injection to provide asymptotic stability. The stability analysis of the closed loop system which used the control rule derived with the proposed method is also given. To demonstrate the success of the proposed method, the stability problem of the inverted pendulum on a cart is considered.
Forensic structural engineering practice in the USA

Structural failures during construction or in service nearly all result in claims and litigation, the outcome of which is strongly influenced by forensic investigations. Identifying causes of failure and the party responsible, plus technical presentation of subsequent claims and defences, generally requires all parties to engage forensic engineers as witnesses. This paper is an overview of the highly active professional practice of forensic structural engineering in the USA, possibly the world's most litigious environment for construction. It discusses the origins and causes of failures, the process of forensic investigation, the role of expert witnesses and a list of further reading.
Assessment of the fatty acid composition of different parts of zebrafish fed diets incorporated with linseed and sunflower oils

This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid composition of zebrafish fed diets containing linseed oil compared to sunflower oil. First, diets supplemented with linseed and sunflower were formulated, fish were fed for 40 days, and their parts collected for analysis. Diet composition analysis, extraction and derivatization of fatty acids, gas chromatography analysis, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR, and statistical analyses were performed. Linseed oil exhibited an omega-3 rich lipid profile. 18:3n-3 content incorporated into the muscle tissue of fish fed linseed oil was 50% higher than that fed sunflower oil. This higher amount of 18:3n-3 favored the production of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 fatty acids by synthetic pathways in the organism since these fatty acids were not initially found in the oil composition. Furthermore, in all analyzed parts of zebrafish that were fed linseed oil, concentration of 20:4n-6 were lower, while 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 were higher compared to the same parts fed with sunflower oil. PCR expression assay showed no significant difference, indicating that linseed oil diet was not harmful. Thus, this work evidenced that synthesis of essential fatty acids, primarily omega-3 fatty acids, was greater in zebrafish upon consumption of diets supplemented with linseed oil.
An unconventional supersonic liquefied technology for natural gas

We proposed a novel supersonic liquefied technology to liquefy the natural gas to LNG liquids. The Peng-Robinson equation of state combined with a thermodynamic process modeling package was employed to calculate the gas dynamics parameters in the supersonic liquefied process. The method to intensify the liquefied process was also discussed. The results show that natural gas expands to supersonic velocities with leading to the low pressure and temperature of 1611.5 kPa and -118.86 ˚C at the nozzle exit, respectively. The pressure-temperature (P-T) curves remaining in the dense phase region indicates that the supersonic liquefied apparatus can successfully liquefy the natural gas to LNG liquids. A large expansion ratio improves the performance of a supersonic liquefied apparatus since natural gas is expanded further. Inserting a long constant conduit between the Laval nozzle and diffuser deepens the supersonic liquefied process.
Chemical and Sooting Structures of Counterflow Diffusion Flames of Butanol Isomers: An Experimental and Modeling Study

ABSTRACT This work reports an experimental and numerical analysis on the sooting characteristics of butanol isomers. Light extinction and gas chromatography were used to measure soot and gas-phase species, respectively. Kinetic analysis of the tested flames was performed with detailed gas-phase mechanism and a sectional soot model. The present work aims to provide an understanding on the effects of butanol isomeric structures on sooting tendencies. For a comprehensive analysis, flames of both neat butanol fuels and butanol/hydrocarbon mixtures were studied. The results showed that the relative ranking of sooting tendencies among the butanol isomers were similar in neat butanol flames and in butanol-doped ethylene flames. In addition, we show that a small amount of butanol addition in ethylene flame enhanced soot formation. It was found that different isomeric structures mainly affected the formation of C3H3, which led to the different concentrations of important aromatic soot precursors. In the butanol-doped ethylene flames, the blending of the four butanol isomers increased the number of C3H3 formation pathways, which in turn significantly increased the production of benzene. Structural effects explaining for the differences in the sooting tendencies of the four butanol isomers in neat butanol flames and ethylene/butanol flames were found to be the same.
A Legorization method based on 3D color printing trajectory

In this paper, a Legorization method which can reconstruct LEGO model with complex internal and external structures from 3D color printing trajectory is proposed. Different from voxelization methods, by combining advanced adaptive slicing algorithm with building “high-resolution” regions with thin plates, the reconstruction accuracy of initial LEGO units can be guaranteed. Furthermore, the tree structure is employed for automatically generating support structures which can be converted into LEGO support structures. By adopting split assembly appropriately and implementing combination of these parts accurately, the reducing supporting structures can be further simplified. In order to optimize the Legorization scheme, a machine learning method is used to guarantee the quality and efficiency of the reconstruction work. Complex LEGO models are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
An applied study of human detection in single images

In this paper we perform an applied comparative study of popular HOG based human detection and a state-of-the-art pose adaptive method that uses shape-based model construction. Both methods are implemented with kernel SVM, instead of linear SVM. Detailed performance evaluation is carried out on MIT pedestrian dataset and INRIA person dataset. This study shows that, although pose adaptive method has no significant advantage compared to the HOG based approach on those datasets, the pose adaptive approach is more efficient in detection and it has the capability to segment the human shape from images while carrying out detection which can be advantageous in many applications.
Wideband circularly polarized SIW antenna

A broadband right hand circularly polarized antenna based on a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) structure is proposed and experimentally investigated. A novel feeding transition from stripline to SIW introduces the proximity coupling method in SIW structure for meliorating the operating bandwidth. Multiple circularly polarized modes are generated to improve the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth without sacrificing the self‐consistent electrical shielding property. As a result, it is experimentally proved that an impedance bandwidth of 25.6% and an AR bandwidth of 12% have been obtained in X‐band. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2539–2542, 2014