Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scheduling in Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) refer to a promising class of systems featuring intimate coupling between the ‘cyber’ intelligence and the ‘physical’ world. Enabled by the ubiquitous availability of computation and communication capabilities, such systems are widely envisioned to redefine the way that people interact with the physical world, similar to the revolutionary role of internet in transforming how people interact with each other. As the whole society becomes increasingly dependent on such systems, it is crucial to develop a theory to understand and optimize the CPS in a systematic manner. This thesis contributes to the foundations of CPS by identifying and addressing a general class of scheduling-type applications for a vital class of CPS, the physical networks (PhyNets). Different from the abstract CPS, a PhyNet has a graph-type physical part, which represents the local interactions among users in the system, as specified by certain well-known physical laws. Thus, it is very promising to develop efficient distributed algorithms in PhyNets with proper communication infrastructure and protocols, due to the physical graph structure. The ‘scheduling’ refers to the applications where joint actions of all users are coordinated, in order to allocate system resources to satisfy certain long term and uncertain demands. Important applications of the scheduling in PhyNets include packet scheduling in wireless networks, coordinated charging of electric vehicles (EV) in electric power grids, and workload scheduling in data centers. In this thesis, we assume very mild assumptions on the stochastic processes, and provide probabilistic scheduling performance guarantees using the technique of fluid limits. In this thesis, we will investigate a broad range of scheduling algorithms and discuss their performance and distributed implementation. We first investigate the class of optimal scheduling algorithms in the dynamic regime, where the system modes change randomly with time. We focus on augmented max-weight scheduling schemes, which choose a max-weight schedule, where the
Impact of invasive species on the density and body size of an insular endemic lizard (Trachylepis atlantica)

Background Invasive species have been responsible for the extinction of several species around the world. The Noronha skink is an endemic lizard from the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil, that has been suffering from habitat changes and the introduction of invasive species. Results The density of Trachylepis atlantica on the main island was 0.167 ± 0.090 individuals/m2; that on the secondary islands was 0.357 ± 0.170 individuals/m2; and that on the entire archipelago was 0.184 ± 0.109 individuals/m2. Moreover, the morphometric parameters of the Noronha skink were compared between the main island and secondary islands. The values of all parameters were higher on the secondary islands. Conclusion The occurrence of invasive species on the main island seems to be a determining factor in the density and body size of the Noronha skink.
The "road" to success : importance of construction on reconstruction in conflict-affected states

Abstract : The United States has spent over $2 billon during the last six years to reconstruct and stabilize Afghanistan through the Commander‟s Emergency Response Program (CERP). This effort is only one of several simultaneous programs attempting to stabilize Afghanistan using approaches including providing humanitarian aid, education, government and security reform, and construction. Construction often involves simple infrastructure development with tangible benefits including increased access, growing commerce and better security. Construction projects can also employ the local population and, if done correctly, develop a sense of community and social capital. What causes construction projects to miss the mark failing to result in creating a stable community? This research compares four different construction programs including CERP, National Solidarity Program (NSP), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) to determine their potential impact on Afghan stability. It uses a combination of statistical regression, correlation, geospatial and temporal analysis to compare completed construction with recorded SIGACTs (Significant Acts) reported by U.S. forces and NGOs. The results imply that the identified stabilization programs are not using construction effectively to create social capital and stability.
Interim prediction method for fan and compressor source noise

A method is presented for interim use in assessing the noise generated by fans and compressors in turbojet and turbofan engines. One-third octave band sound pressure levels consisting of broadband, discrete tone, and combination-tone noise components are predicted. Spectral distributions and directivity variations are specified. The method is based on that developed by other investigators with modifications derived from an analysis of full-scale, single-stage fan data. Comparisons of predicted and measured noise performance are presented, and requirements for improving the method are discussed.
Parallel all-optical programmable logic array based on multichannel four-wave mixing

Canonical logic units-based programmable logic array (CLUs-PLA) is an important combinational logic device for its flexibility and user-defined feature. All-optical high-speed CLUs-PLA will lay the foundation for future high-speed optical computing and optical logic processing chip. For standard three-input all-optical CLUs-PLA, one nonlinear device can produce only one type of three-input CLU. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a scheme that one nonlinear device can produce eight different types of three-input CLUs simultaneously, owing to introducing bidirectional four-wave mixing and wavelength spacing optimization. We obtain error-free performance for all three-input CLUs operations at 40 Gb/s. Comparing to standard three-input all-optical CLUs-PLA, parallel all-optical CLUs-PLA based on our proposed scheme can greatly reduce the number of nonlinear devices and simplify the computing system.
Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio at the Beginning of Third-line Chemotherapy Seems to be a Useful Predictor for Unresectable Colorectal Cancer

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate a long-term outcome predictor after second-line chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal cancer.Methods: Between 2013 and 2018, sixteen patients (twelve males, four females) with unresectable colorectal cancer who were administered TAS-102 as third-line chemotherapy in our institution were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The mean age was 65.4 (range: 46-79) years. Patients were administered oxaliplatin with oral S-1 (tegafur, gimeracil, oteracil potassium) (SOX) as first-line chemotherapy followed by irinotecan with oral S-1 (IRIS) as second-line chemotherapy.Results: The median survival time after second-line chemotherapy was 19.2 months. Significant differences in mean age, gender, body mass index, primary site of disease, pathology of primary tumor, depth of primary tumor invasion, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) level, and recurrence site of disease were not observed between patients with less than one year of survival versus greater than one year of survival. However, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at the beginning of third-line chemotherapy was the only factor of the ten evaluated that exhibited a significant difference. Primary tumor site (p=0.015) and NLR at the beginning of third-line chemotherapy (p=0.010) were independent contributing factors to predict survival after second-line chemotherapy based on Cox proportional hazards regression.Conclusion: NLR at the beginning of third-line chemotherapy is a useful predictor for unresectable colorectal cancer after second-line chemotherapy.
How Artificial Intelligence Improves Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability: A Global Thematic Analysis

In the face of the agricultural sector's challenges, food security with an increasing human population and high demand for food is a significant problem. Traditional methods used by farmers have not been sufficient to meet the food requirements of the growing population. As a result, the agricultural sector has begun to deploy artificial intelligence to meet the demand for food and sustainability. This study was conducted to examine how AI improves farmers' productivity and sustainability. Data were analyzed using centering resonance analysis, t-test, ANOVA, and text mining news articles from 2014-2019 in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Results show that AI is used primarily to increase productivity and efficiency and secondarily to address labor shortages and environmental sustainability concerns. The results at the regional level reflect the active adoption of AI in North America and Europe, with increasing efforts in Asia and Africa.
ALL YOU NEED IS HIGHER ACCURACY? ON THE QUEST FOR MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE ACCURACY FOR MEDICAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

In this paper we will discuss the concept of the minimum level of accuracy an Artificial Intelligence system must exhibit in medical settings to be fit to its intended use and improve the daily practice of its intended users, the medical doctors. We will consider simple binary classification tasks in both diagnostic and prognostic ambit (like to discriminate between normal/abnormal case, and improvement/no improvement prospects). We will make the point that the common ways to determine this minimum acceptable accuracy are fraught with many conceptual and practical troubles. We will report about a small user study conducted to elicit the discriminative requirements from a sample of medical doctors, stratified both in general practitioners and specialists. Finally, we will present a simple nomogram by which to determine the minimum accuracy of a technological aid, once the human average performance and the desired level of accuracy are known. The nomogram is to be intended as a provocative simple tool to recognize that the technological tool is less important than a sound protocol in which to use it, responsibly and paying due attention to the role of the human decision makers.
Anthropometric Methods for Improving Protection

Many jobs involve contact with dangerous materials or hazardous environments requiring workers to wear various types of protective clothing and equipment. The fit of these items can directly affect both the worker's performance and the degree of protection provided and is, therefore, of paramount concern. Often, a stringent conformity to the body is required to afford the necessary physiologic protection and minimize degradation of performance. Traditional sizing practices are proving inadequate for protective wear in many instances; however, anthropometric analysis can be a very effective means of resolving the sizing and design problems. An anthropometric sizing analysis is based on the concept of dividing the population into subgroups of individuals who are similar for one or two relevant body size dimensions, then analyzing the remaining anthropometric data for each subgroup to arrive at appropriate dimensional design values. In this paper, the development and use of anthropometric programs for personal protective clothing and equipment is discussed.
The crystal structure of a marialite scapolite

The crystal structure of an 80.616 marialite scapolite, with a:12.06o A+. 003, c :7.572 A+ . w3, and space grotp I4/m was determined and refined. Three-dimensional intensities were collected with an equi-inclination, single-crystal difiractometer on a spherical crystal of scapolite from Gooderham, Ontario. After several unsuccessful attempts at refining the model proposed by pauling (1930), and schiebold and Seumel (1932), the three-dimensional patterson function was computed and solved for an approximation of the structure with the minimum function method. This model was completed and refined by Fourier and least squares methods. The refined structure is similar to that of Pauling and of schiebold and seumel, however, most of the atomic coordinates have been shifted substantially. Average T-o distances are 1.608 A in the first and 1.665 Ain the second tetrahedron. Comparison with known Si, AI-O distances indicates that Al must be restricted to the second tetrahedral position.
Design and Use of Computer-Generated Electronic Area Navigation Map Displays.

Abstract : Experimental investigations of the following problem areas were performed: (1) time-referenced volumetric navigation in the terminal area using computer-generated electronic map displays. (2) preflight and inflight computer data entry employing keyboard, force controller, and light pen devices, and (3) electronic map display data presentation, alphanumeric legibility, symbol identification, and spacing requirements. A parallel investigation of alternate display generation techniques led to the selection of a design approach for a device suitable for use in a flight simulation facility. The device was mechanized for use with a Raytheon 704 minicomputer in the generation of electronic map displays that provide both area and time navigation guidance. (Author)
Polyphenolic Extracts of Red Grapes

Growth in radionuclide environmental background and chemicals use in food products are characterized by upset of antioxidant balance of human organism and pathologies of the immune system. Treatment and prevention of the mentioned pathologies and excretion of toxic substances from the body are possible only by using the drastic antioxidant, antitoxic and food born disease preventing plant preparations [1,2]. The best raw material base for producing such preparations and nutritional supplements is represented by environmentally safe, i.e. cultivated without using chemicals, colored grape varieties. Of particular interest is a grape stone, which contains 6570% of total amount of phenol compounds existing in grapes, and is mostly represented by bio-flavonoids. They prevent the development of thromobotic proceses, improve lipid metabolism that in turn reduces pathologies of cardiac ischemic diseases and extends life expectancy [3]. Proanthocyanidins, which represent the catechins’ polymeric chain were obtained for the first time by Professor Jacques Masquelier in 1936, and he named these compounds P vitamin.
A home automation system to improve household energy control

Abstract This paper presents a new three-layer household energy control system capable both to satisfy the maximum available electrical energy constraint and to maximize user comfort criteria. These layers are composed by: an equipment layer, with local and fast control mechanism, a protection layer, which is triggered when energy constraints are violated, and an anticipation mechanism, which adjusts future set-points of equipments in order to tackle energy events that can be forseen. The scheduling problem of the set-points of equipments is modelled by a graph and solved by the Bellman-Ford's algorithm. This control mechanism makes it possible to have a more flexible control of the overall power consumption in housing in exploiting natural thermal energy accumulation.
WC/C-130J Human Vibration Investigation

Abstract : A study was conducted to characterize and assess human vibration in the propeller-driven WC-130J Weatherbird and C-130 Slick aircraft. Accelerations were measured at several sites for the Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer (ARWO) station (WC-130J), and at passenger sites located in the vicinity of the propeller plane (C-130J). Cockpit vibrations (copilot seat an lower bunk) were measured in both aircraft. Peak accelerations primarily occurred in the 16-Hz and 100-Hz one-third octave frequency bands at all sites and in all three orthogonal directions. These vibrations were associated with the aircraft rOtor speed (17 Hz) and blade passage frequency (102 Hz), respectively. None of the seat pan accelerations exceeded the 16-Hr Fatigue-Decreased Proficiency Boundary of the ANSI S3. 18-1979 exposure standard (limited to 1 - 80 Hz). The results showed that synchrophaser function had no effect on the measured accelerations. However, there was a substantial reduction in the 16-Hz one-third octave accelerations associated with dynamic balancing of the propellers. It was recommended that mitigation strategies include routine balancing of the propellers and further investigation of synchrophaser function. New target vibration levels will be required for the cargo area given the limitation of existing exposure criteria for predicting human vibration sensitivity in propeller-driven aircraft.
IMPACT OF RIVERINE DELIVERY ON TIDAL DYNAMICS OF YELLOW RIVER DELTA

Under the changing environment, the riverine delivery from the Yellow River has been seen a drastic decrease, which causes a shift of the dominance of the fluvial dynamics in recent years and results in change of dominance of fluvial and coastal dynamics. This study uses an advanced modelling framework to study the impact of river discharge on the tide dynamics in vicinity of the Yellow River Delta (YRD) through the harmonic analysis of the computed tides in the Bohai Sea. The results show that the river discharge has a significant effect on tide dynamics near the YRD, limited influence further afield in the Bohai Sea. The tidal dynamics show a noticeable difference in the deltaic channel and the intertidal zone with a range of river discharges imposed. Qualitatively, out of 29 tidal constituents analysed, the O1, K1 and M2, which are the most significant tidal constituents around active Yellow River channel, are found to be noticeably affected by the river discharge with decreased tidal amplitudes. Some higher frequency tidal constituents are also affected by the river discharge.
Human Performance Factors and Measures in Hull Form Selection

Abstract : High-speed (up to 30 knots) catamaran, trimaran, small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH), and Lifting Body type vessels have been built and tested to demonstrate technology for existing and evolving naval missions. A claimed advantage of these vessels is superior seakeeping in smaller ship sizes when compared to conventional monohulls capable of similar speeds. The effects of seakeeping qualities on human performance are an important consideration for hull form selection among these competing types. This is especially true when crew size reduction places a premium on the performance of each individual on board. The primary focus of this paper is a review of the development of technology for the assessment of human performance factors and measures in a vessel motion environment. Additionally, the paper briefly explores how two monohulls compare with a SWATH variant for one measure of human performance factors. Human performance of various tasks may be characterized by a combination of effects. These effects include motion induced interruptions (MII), motion induced fatigue (MIF), cognitive performance, motion sickness incidence (MSI), and habituation. To illustrate how these factors might be used in hull form trade-off and design studies, a few results are presented for MII for two monohulls and a SWATH. Vessel motions are obtained from calculated information for the monohulls and at-sea trials information for the SWATH.
Nonlinear finite element analysis for musculoskeletal biomechanics of medial and lateral plantar longitudinal arch of Virtual Chinese Human after plantar ligamentous structure failures

Objective The goal of this study was to develop anatomically detailed,finite element(FE)models of the medial and lateral plantar longitudinal arch(MPLA,LPLA),and to investigate bone and muscle stresses resulting from plantar fasciotomy and major plantar ligament injuries.Method Nonlinear FE models of the second ray of MPLA and the fifth ray of LPLA were constructed on the basis of CT and MRI images of Virtual Chinese Human "female No.1". The models assumed a balanced standing load configuration.Three different degrees of passive intrinsic muscle tension(weak,moderate,or severe)were used in conjunction with simulations of plantar ligamentous structure failures.Result Plantar fasciotomy caused von Mises stress increases in the bones and plantar ligaments while major plantar ligament injuries caused stress increases in the bones,flexor tendons,and plantar fascia.Increasing plantar intrinsic muscle passive tensions decreased stress/strain levels in the both arches,and could adjust abnormal tension/compression stress flows of the arches to close to the normal biomechanical states.Conclusions This study shows that plantar longitudinal arches are concordant combination of bony structures,plantar intrinsic muscles,plantar ligaments and plantar fascia.After plantar ligamentous structure failures,plantar intrinsic muscles have to contribute to stabilize the plantar arches.This mechanism may reduce further musculoskeletal damages such as stress fractures and tendonitis.
An airborne lidar point cloud-based below-canopy line-of-sight visibility estimator

Point cloud data collected by small-footprint lidar scanning systems have proven effective in modeling the forest canopy for extraction of tree parameters. Although line-of-sight visibility (LOSV) in complex forests may be important for military planning and search-and-rescue operations, the ability to estimate LOSV from lidar scanners is not well-developed. A new estimator of below-canopy LOSV (BC-LOSV) by addressing the problem of estimation of lidar under-sampling of the forest understory is created. Airborne and terrestrial lidar scanning data were acquired for two forested sites in order to test a probabilistic model for BC-LOSV estimation solely from airborne lidar data. Individual crowns were segmented, and allometric projections of the probability model into the lower canopy and stem regions allowed the estimation of the likelihood of the presence of vision-blocking elements for any given LOSV vector. Using terrestrial lidar scans as ground truth, we found an approximate average absolute difference of 20% between BC-LOSV estimates from the airborne and terrestrial point clouds, with minimal bias for either over-or underestimates. The model shows the usefulness of a data-driven approach to BC-LOSV estimation that depends only on small-footprint airborne lidar point cloud and physical knowledge of tree phenology.
A New Electrochemical Sensor for Direct Detection of Purine Antimetabolites and DNA Degradation

The development of a reliable electrochemical sensor using a hybrid nanocomposite consisting of ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) functionalized graphene oxide (GrO-IL) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stabilized by chitosan (Chit) was described. The new sensor, labelled as GrO-IL-AuNPs-Chit/CSE, exhibited an improved electrocatalytic response to cancer drugs such as purine antimetabolites (6-thioguanine, 6-mercaptopurine, and azathioprine) in a wide concentration range with a low detection limit (20–40 nmol·L−1, S/N = 3), and satisfactory recoveries (97.1–103.0%). The sensor has been also successfully used for cyclic voltammetric study of a salmon sperm double-stranded DNA degradation and DNA-6-mercaptopurine interaction in aqueous solutions (pH 7.4).
Production and characterization of activated carbon based on coffee husk residue for phosphate removal in aqueous solutions

ZnCl2-activated carbon was prepared using coffee husk for phosphate adsorption in aqueous solutions. Textural, morphological and structural analyses were carried out to characterize the produced materials. XRD detected the presence of ZnO in the activated carbon structure, and the measured nitrogen isotherm showed a micro-macroporous structure with 989 m2/g of specific surface area for this material. Phosphate equilibrium and kinetic experiments were conducted. Equilibrium data fit best to the Dubinin-Radushkevich model (r2≥0.96), with maximum adsorption capacities of 59.38 – 63.87 mg P/g in the pH range between 5 and 9. Intraparticle diffusion was the rate-limiting mechanism of the adsorption.