Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information-Applied Technology in Neural Network Prediction Model of Aviation Unsafe Event Based on PSO Algorithm with Gradient Acceleration

To improve the level of aviation safety management and decision-making, an aviation unsafe event model based on neural network trained by an improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. First a gradient acceleration idea is introduced in standard PSO algorithm to improve the search efficiency, and then the improved PSO algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of neural network, finishing the training of model. An actual example on unsafe event data of an airline shows that the proposed method can achieve a good prediction effect.
Predictive Maintenance Using Modified FMECA Method

This paper proposes a predictive maintenance policy using modified failure mode effect and criticality analysis (Mod-FMECA) technique. FMECA is used to identify failure modes, reasons, effects and criticality of the system (machine/plant) but in Mod-FMECA in addition to the analysis carried for FMECA, system performance in terms of output is measured and is used as an indicator to predict the failure mode of the system. The methodology so developed is validated using an example of coal pulverising mill. The proposed methodology helps in minimising the use of costly predictive maintenance equipments. However, further research on the proposed predictive maintenance policy may be carried out in order to extend its applicability to other industrial systems.
Relaxation model of the open-circuit voltage for state-of-charge estimation in lithium-ion batteries

The open-circuit voltage (OCV) of batteries is a crucial characteristic parameter that reflects many aspects of a battery's performance, such as capacity, state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health. OCV is most widely used to determine the SOC when the battery works in a charge-depleting state. However, the application of the OCV to SOC estimation can be difficult because of the need for a long rest time for full relaxation. In this study, based on the analysis on the curve shape of battery voltage relaxation, a new adaptive model for simulating the voltage relaxation process is developed to predict the final static OCV in a few minutes instead of via the traditional long-term rest method. Avoiding this disadvantage, the SOC can be deduced from the predicted OCV via the corresponding relationship obtained in a short amount of time. A working condition experiment is performed to validate the new methods and the results are very accurate.
Electrostatically actuated carbon nanowire nanotweezers

Nanotweezers based on two carbon nanowires by means of localized chemical vapor deposition using a focused ion beam (FIB-CVD) have been successfully demonstrated. The nanotweezers have been constructed on fixed microelectrodes made from a heavily doped SOI wafer using a single-mask and deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) process. The location, dimension and gap between the two nanowires are precisely controlled such that the tweezing motion and the operation voltage can be easily adjusted. Both bent type and straight type nanotweezers with parallel nanowires of 300 nm in diameter and 15–19.6 µm in length have been built and tested. Experimental results show continuous gap closing movements of 0.6–1.2 µm achieved with the operation voltage down to 30 V for the prototype devices. The modulus of elasticity of FIB-CVD carbon nanowires also has been measured to be 84.5 GPa from the tweezing motion. Potential applications of these nanotweezers include manipulation of nanoparticles and nanoscale objects.
Derivation of the mesoscopic elasticity tensor of cortical bone from quantitative impedance images at the micron scale

This paper addresses the relationships between the microscopic properties of bone and its elasticity at the millimetre scale, or mesoscale. A method is proposed to estimate the mesoscale properties of cortical bone based on a spatial distribution of acoustic properties at the microscopic scale obtained with scanning acoustic microscopy. The procedure to compute the mesoscopic stiffness tensor involves (i) the segmentation of the pores to obtain a realistic model of the porosity; (ii) the construction of a field of anisotropic elastic coefficients at the microscopic scale which reflects the heterogeneity of the bone matrix; (iii) finite element computations of mesoscopic homogenized properties. The computed mesoscopic properties compare well with available experimental data. It appears that the tissue anisotropy at the microscopic level has a major effect on the mesoscopic anisotropy and that assuming the pores filled with an incompressible fluid or, alternatively, empty, leads to significantly different mesoscopic properties.
A test rig for kite performance measurement

Abstract Kite design has recently seen a revival as a result of the development of sports such as kite buggying and kite surfing. As a result, kites and their accessories have become significant business opportunities in many countries. Since the aerodynamics of kites has not been explored in much depth, research has been started to support a local kite development company. A key instrument in this research programme is a vehicle-mounted test rig, designed to measure the performance characteristics of two-line and four-line kites. This paper outlines the requirements, describes the design and operation and gives some results from the test rig. Future developments are discussed.
Fault Early Recognition and Health Monitoring on Aeroengine Rotor System

A new method is presented to improve the safety and reliability of an aeroengine rotor system (AERS) in early fault recognition and health monitoring, addressing the problems that fault samples are not sufficient and that early weak faults are not easy to recognize. First, the stochastic resonance system is used to refine the early weak feature signal so as to amplify the fault information. Second, the early fault features are extracted by multiresolution performance of wavelet packet analysis, and the fault characteristic vector can be constructed. Finally, the extracted eigenvectors import the support vector machine (SVM) classifier to carry on the fault recognition and then make use of intelligent monitor module to monitor early faults in AERS. Experimental results have shown that this method can not only early recognize faults in AERS but also monitor the fault online. It provides a new way to increase the safety of AERS and predict the sudden fault.
A University-Hosted Program in Pursuit of Coastal Sustainability: The Case of Tokyo Bay

This study presents a unique way by which a university program can contribute to capacity development for coastal sustainability. The program is steered by a working group of volunteer faculty members, having different academic backgrounds, in collaboration with students and marine professionals, including fisherfolk and environment education interpreters. Although the program began with conventional educational ideas and style, its practical framework evolved to include interactive activities with collaborators in the community, all of which were geared toward social learning. The combination of service learning and participatory action research (PAR) was proven to be an adequate approach to link higher education for sustainable development (HESD) and university-community partnerships and to promote learning for coastal sustainability. Challenges identified include (1) ensuring continuity of learning and (2) reducing the heavy workload of faculty members involved in program preparation and coordination. The authors would like to emphasize the possibilities offered by the engagement of scholarship in the capacity development for coastal sustainability by focusing on community-based efforts.
A solution to reduce the time dependence of the output resistance of a viscoelastic and piezoresistive element

Conductive polymer composite, which can be used as the piezoresistive material of a flexible pressure sensor, has viscoelasticity. Therefore, the piezoresistivity is time dependent, introducing detrimental effects for sensor development. To reduce the time dependence, we designed a piezoresistive element with a novel structure called a ‘nonalignment electrodes element (NAEE)’, which is different from a traditional sandwich element (TSE). The experimental data under constant pressure show that the attenuation of the output resistance of a NAEE is much lower than that of a TSE, and the tend-to-stable-time (i.e. the shortest time needed to ensure that the output resistance of the element goes to a stable level) of a NAEE is far less than that of a TSE. The results verify the feasibility to reduce the time dependence substantially by using a NAEE.
Tracing Network Packets in the Linux Kernel using eBPF

During the development and maintenance of complex network infrastructure for a big project, developers face a lot of problems. Although there exist plenty of tools and software that helps to troubleshoot such problems, their functionality is limited by the API that Linux kernel provides. Usually, they are narrowly targeted on solving one problem and cannot show a system-wide network stack view, which could be helpful in finding the source of the malfunction. This situation could be changed with the appearance of a new type of tools powered by the Linux kernel's eBPF technology, which provides a flexible and powerful way to run a userspace code inside the kernel. In this paper, an approach to tracing the path of network packets in the Linux kernel using eBPF is described.
Frequency-domain analysis of coupled nonuniform transmission lines using Chebyshev pseudo-spatial techniques

The analysis of nonuniform cross-section, lossy, coupled transmission lines for the design and simulation of high-speed microelectronics systems is addressed. A method of performing such simulations under the quasi-TEM assumption is presented. The technique incorporates a Chebyshev expansion in the frequency domain, and is one of the most suitable methods presently in existence for incorporation into computer-aided-design tools. >
Transposability of pedotransfer functions for estimating water retention of Algerian soils

AbstractTesting the efficiency of a pedotransfer function (PTF) outside of its development data-set is one of the best ways for assessing its robustness. An important question which remains unanswered is how transposable are PTFs to other agropedoclimatic contexts? Models developed and validated in a particular pedoclimatic context have been relatively little tested in other contexts. Particularly, no studies have been conducted until now to evaluate the PTFs for Algerian soils. In this study, eight (8) PTFs most frequently cited were considered. We used them to evaluate soil water retention at field capacity (FC) and wilting point (WP) on a set of 134 samples collected in the low Cheliff. The calculated Akaike information criterion and root mean square errors values showed that the Rawls, and Ghorbani Dashtaki et Homaee type 1 models were the best in estimation of soil water retention at FC (–709.795, 0.070 cm3 cm−3) and WP (–733.480, 0.064 cm3 cm−3). The poorer performances were presented by the PTFs de.
Transmission line model for field distribution in microstrip line fed H-slots

A method for finding the electric field distribution of microstrip line fed H-slots is described. A transverse resonance technique is first applied to find a second-order approximation of the slot propagation constant, which is then used in the transmission line model for the H-slot. The proposed model for the field distribution can be applied to the transmission line and cavity model analysis of H-slot coupled microstrip antennas.
Performance of glass resistive plate chambers for a high-granularity semi-digital calorimeter

A new design of highly granular hadronic calorimeter using Glass Resistive Plate Chambers (GRPCs) with embedded electronics has been proposed for the future International Linear Collider (ILC) experiments. It features a 2-bit threshold semi-digital read-out. Several GRPC prototypes with their electronics have been successfully built and tested in pion beams. The design of these detectors is presented along with the test results on efficiency, pad multiplicity, stability and reproducibility.
Is toughness a better metaphor than resilience?

Toughness is arguably a better metaphor than resilience to describe the characteristics of wider systems for which the term ‘resilience’ is currently employed. This argument is presented by describing the various features of a stress–strain curve, to which the two terms relate. In particular, it is the large energy-absorbing and strain capacities of the plastic region that make toughness a more apt metaphor. System toughness can be seen as having three aspects, namely robustness, redundancy and element toughness. Similarities are demonstrated between the analogical source of structural mechanics and two analogical targets, namely transportation and social systems. ‘Post-yield’ behaviour in such wider systems can be classified as to whether they are ductile or brittle; and as to whether they display strain hardening or strain softening.
International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (ICTLHE 2012) in conjunction with RCEE & RHED 2012 Service Learning: An Investigation into its Viability as a Strategy to Achieve Institutional Goals

Research Service-Learning (RSL) is the delivery of a service to the community partners within the context of an educational program of study. Going further, it is a way of experiential teaching and learning, and applying what was learned within a classroom or laboratory setting to problems of the real world. This paper assesses and certifies on the RSL programs being implemented in the curriculum at a Computer Science faculty of a public university in Malaysia. A preliminary survey and interview were conducted on multidisciplinary experts, management and lecturers of the university and consequently the authors propose a model of RSL which incorporates Teaching and Learning agenda of the faculty.
Can there be different forms of market orientation and new product development

This paper examines popularly accepted approaches to market orientation and compares and contrasts them with currently applied alternative approaches. Approaches to new product development are also discussed. It argues for consideration of the existence of pluralism in the marketing domain, with conventional views on what constitutes market orientation and appropriate new product development practice being at times at odds with what is practised.
Simple and reusable fiber-to-chip interconnect with adjustable coupling efficiency

A simple, efficient and reusable fiber-to-chip interconnect is presented. The interconnect is based on a V-groove (wet- chemically etched) in silicon, combined with a loose-mode Si3N4-channel waveguide. The loose-mode waveguide is adiabatically tapered to the integrated optical (sensor) circuitry. This adiabatic taper enables the dimensions of both the integrated optical sensor circuitry and the loose- mode waveguide section to be designed independently. The coupling efficiency of the `plug-it-in' interconnect is tunable between zero and the maximum obtainable value by tightening two adjustment screws. Coupling efficiencies up to 60% using TE-polarized light at wavelength of 632.8 nm have been reproducibly measured.
Leveraging Design's Core Competencies

Reprint # 04153CON45 This article was first published in DMI Review Vol. 15, No. 3, Summer 2004 Delivering Value Through Design Copyright © Summer 2004 by the Design Management InstituteSM. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission. To place an order or receive photocopy permission contact DMI via phone at (617) 338-6380, Fax (617) 338-6570, or E-mail: dmistaff@dmi.org
A 3D simplified model of the synchronous machine for external field computation

A 3D model, able to calculate the synchronous machine external magnetic field is proposed. It is based on the combination of an analytical approach representing the basic phenomena of energy conversion and a numerical simulation able to compute the external field considering also the influence of eddy currents in the housing. This hybrid model is based on a cylindrical geometry; it can provide helpful data for the interpretation of field measurements made outside the machine for predictive non-intrusive maintenance operations.
The predictor factors for positive surgical margins in patients of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectives The previous studies had demonstrate that positive surgical margins (PSMs) was independent predictive factor for biochemical and oncologic outcome in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to identify predictive factors for PSMs after radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods We selected eligible studies via electronic database of PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE from inception to February 2019. The risk factors for PSMs following RP were identificated. The pooled estimates of standardized mean differences (SMDs)/ odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A fixed-effect or random-effect was used to pool the estimates. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the reasons for heterogeneity. Results Twenty two studies including 44,144 patients with PCa were eligible for further analysis. The results showed that PSMs were significantly associated with preoperative PSA(pooled SMD=0.44; 95% CI:0.35–0.54; P<0.001), biopsy Gleason Score (< 6/ ≥7) (pooled OR=1.51; 95% CI:1.26–1.81; P<0.001), pathological Gleason Score (< 6/ ≥7) (pooled OR= 2.34; 95% CI:2.02–2.71; P<0.001), pathological stage (<0.001), positive lymph node (pooled OR=3.08; 95% CI:1.94–5.01; P<0.001), extraprostatic extension (pooled OR=4.86; 95% CI:3.11–7.57; P<0.001) and seminal vesicle invasion (pooled OR=3.56; 95% CI:2,26–5.62; P<0.001). However, we found that age (pooled SMD=-0.01; 95% CI: -0.07–0.04; P=0.656), body mass index (pooled SMD=0.06; 95% CI: -0.03–0.15; P=0.173), prostate volume (pooled SMD=-0.28; 95% CI: -0.62–0.05; P=0.097) and nerve sparing (pooled OR=0.94; 95% CI: 0.68–1.29; P=0.705) had no effect on PSMs after RC. Besides, the findings in this study were demonstrated to be reliable by our sensitivity and subgroup analysis. Conclusions preoperative PSA, biopsy Gleason Score, pathological Gleason Score, pathological stage, positive lymph node, extraprostatic extension and seminal vesicle invasion are independent predictors of PSMs after RC. These results may useful to risk stratification and individualized therapy in PCa patients.
Fault Diagnosis in Air-Conditioning Systems: A Multi-Step Fuzzy Model-Based Approach

The problem of diagnosing faults in air-conditioning systems is of increasing importance. A brief review of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) fault diagnosis schemes is given, the key design issues are identified and the advantages of the fuzzy model-based approach are summarised. The way in which the fuzzy fault diagnosis scheme is able to take account of modelling errors, ambiguous data and sensor bias is explained. A multi-step approach to the fuzzy model-based approach is proposed that makes the results of the diagnosis less ambiguous. A computer simulation study is used to demonstrate that a more precise diagnosis can be obtained using the new scheme. Experimental results are also presented that show that the proposed scheme does not generate false alarms, when it is used to commission an air-handling unit in a commercial office building.
Body implant communication - making it possible

This paper shows how radio frequency (RF) communication is possible to a device implanted within the body. This environment is totally different to airborne communications. Implant applications that will operate better, or are made possible, with an RF link are becoming more common. A technique to prolong battery life is described that is key if a communication system is to be used, as it will also need to power the implant application. The testing of a demonstration implant within a simulated human body and the results are described. (4 pages)
Study on resource allocations for sustainable competitive advantage

Today’s concern and problem for most of the companies is the way of surviving and prospering in current and future periods of time in the marketplace.Sustainable competitive ability can be one of the ways of adaptation to the global business and rapid environment requirements.Operational competitiveness is not easy to be sustainably improved because of unpredictable environment situations, such as continuous increasing customer needs, global competitive environment, rapid and unpredictable changes in government policy, company crisis during significant changes etc. However, it is possible to make adaptive adjustments on operations strategy level in dynamic business environment and to become competitive enough compared to the competitors. The purpose of this paper is to define and assess sustainable competitive advantage and the direction of development in housing business. It can be analyzed by three core factors, i.e. Sense and Respond (S&R) methodology, Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) as well as Sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) method. This study also focuses on applying S&R method in order to optimize operational competitiveness as well as defining the competitive priorities of the case company. The analysis results show the critical areas in different departments of the case company, which can help the managers to make quick decisions. In addition, they reveal that during the crisis the resource allocation is continuously changing and therefore the operation strategy of the case company is not well defined as well as competitive advantages are not enough sustainable.
Household Poverty in Egypt: Poverty Profile, Econometric Modeling and Policy Simulations

Recognizing and understanding the roots of poverty, its elements and determinants in Egypt is vital to coming up with policy recommendations that help eradicate poverty and ameliorate welfare. As a developing country, Egypt has been suffering from increasing poverty rates since year 2000. In this study, the three most recent Egyptian Households Income, Expenditure and Consumption Surveys conducted by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics for the years 2011, 2013 and 2015 are utilized to analyze and model the determinants of poverty in Egypt. A comprehensive poverty profile is constructed for the three years, as well as a comparison for the changes that have occurred over time on the national, rural and urban levels. Some determinants were selected as the most important factors affecting poverty, such as: demographic characteristics, employment status and educational attainment. Additionally, two econometric techniques are employed to model the different factors affecting households’ consumption as well as probability of falling in poverty in Egypt; namely, Fixed Effects Regression and Logistic Regression. The results of the poverty profile, as well as both models, illustrate that the main variables which help reduce poverty are: having low family size, high number of earners and better educational attainment. On the other hand, factors that worsen poverty status of households are working in agriculture and construction sectors, depending on pension as the main source of income in addition to having high dependency ratio. Furthermore, poverty simulation analyses are conducted to assess the effect of changes in the levels of determinants of poverty on probability of being poor to show the possible consequences and effects of potential poverty lessening policies and plans.