Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Navigational Pedestrian Movement Model with Vision-driven Agents

This paper proposes a navigational pedestrian movement model based on vision-driven agents. In the paper, two different patterns of movement are discussed: natural movement and navigational movement. The natural movement model, which is based on Gibson′s ecological theory of perception and Hillier′s research, facilitates understanding of the relation between visual perception and movement; unfortunately, it has no origin-destination (OD) pairs. In contrast, the navigational movement model does not take the process of visual perception into account. The proposed navigational pedestrian movement model integrates these two movement models by replacing an attractive factor in the conventional natural movement model with a potential field of walls for navigational movement. Consequently, the results of simulations performed show that the proposed model generates a smoother and more plausible movement pattern that is affected by the visual field angle of agents. The problem and its solution according to visual field angle are also demonstrated through model tests. The proposed model demonstrates that an integrated approach can enrich pedestrian studies and enable understanding of the relation between visual perception and movement. It may also be developed as a simulation model for emergencies or wayfinding.
Radio Frequency Interference Mitigation on the Very Small Array

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE MITIGATION ON THE VERY SMALL ARRAY Alan J. Stemmons Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Master of Science Radio astronomical synthesis imaging arrays can create images with resolution much higher than can single dish telescopes. However, one of the biggest problems that imaging arrays face is radio frequency interference (RFI). This interference corrupts signals and prevents accurate image creation. Therefore, it is necessary to remove this interference. This thesis discusses the synthesis imaging procedure and array spatial filtering methods to remove interference, including Multiple Sidelobe Canceller (MSC), Subspace Projection (SP), and Cross-Subspace Projection (CSP). The CLEAN algorithm, an image restoration technique, is also discussed. Various improvements to the VSA are discussed, including upgrades to the hardware and software and addition of a fifth antenna to the array. Calibration techniques for the VSA are presented. Successful image synthesis for deep-space sources of Cassiopeia A and Cygnus A are shown and phase errors that have caused difficulties with imaging are considered. The previously mentioned algorithms are successfully applied to data gathered by the Very Small Array (VSA), allowing images to be created in environments with interference. An improved method for bias correction for both SP and CSP is demonstrated. The CLEAN algorithm is demonstrated on two different images.
Nondestructive Testing As a Tool in the Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation

Nondestructive testing (NDT) played a crucial role in determining the Columbia tragedy's cause. Over 84,000 pieces of debris were recovered; hundreds were subsequently subjected to NDT and materials analysis. Visual NDT of the debris revealed localized areas of damage such as erosion, excessive heating, knife edging and mechanical damage. Three-dimensional reconstructions were made of the left wing leading edge, utilizing a tripod-mounted laser scanning head and focused laser beam, and an advanced topometric optical scanner (ATOS) with digital white light to scan complex-shaped debris, producing monochrome 3-D models. Texture mapping provided a means to capture true colors of the debris and superimpose them on the scanned images. Uniform deposits were found over large portions of debris, obscuring underlying materials. To determine what was beneath, inverse radiography was enlisted. The radiographs guided investigators to where samples should be taken. To ascertain compositions, these samples were subjected to analytical testing, including energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron microprobe analysis. This combination of visual evidence, radiography, virtual reconstruction, and materials analysis allowed the forensic scientists to verify that a breach occurred in the leading edge of the left wing, the path the plasma followed, and the sequence of events that led to the loss.
UTILIZATION OF TRIMMING WASTE OF MANDARIN TREES AS FEED FOR SMALL RUMINANTS 1: PALATABILITY AND NUTRITIVE VALUE FOR TREATED VS. UNTREATED WASTES AND THE EFFECT ON ANIMAL IMMUNE STATUS

1. Animal and Poultry Nutrition Department. 2. Animal and Poultry Physiology Department. 3. Desert Research Center, P. O. Box 11753, El-Matariya, Cairo, Egypt. Manuscript Info Abstract . Manuscript History Received: 30 June 2020 Final Accepted: 31 July 2020 Published: August 2020
Study on Direct Writing of Gallium Metal for the Flexible Sensor

There is an urgent need for a simple and effective method to manufacture flexible sensors composed of liquid metal. Gallium (Ga) metal has become an ideal flexible conductive material due to its high conductivity, low melting point, and high flow characteristics. In this paper, liquid Ga metal is directly written on the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film through the driving mode of piston extrusion; then, the Ga metal wire is transferred and sealed with silica gel. The advantages of piston mode are studied, and the direct writing parameters of the liquid Ga metal, including extrusion speed, nozzle height, printing speed, and nozzle inner diameter, are systematically optimized. The flexible sensor based on the sealed liquid Ga metal has good resilience under the external load. This work provides a specific reference for direct writing of liquid Ga metal and its sealing technology for the flexible sensor.
Foster-Miller's development of dry coal feed systems

Dry coal feeder systems developed for pressurized conversion processes were carried through a laboratory scale development program. These concepts include: (1) a centrifugal solids feeder; (2) a fluidized piston feeder; (3) a linear pocket feeder; and (4) a compacted coal plug feeder. Results of laboratory model testing of all concepts are reviewed.
Perceptual Characterization of a Tactile Display for Live Electronic Music Performance Designing

This study was conducted to assess physical and perceptual properties of a tactile display for a vibrotactile notification system within the CIRMMT Live Electronics Framework (CLEF), a Max-based modular environment for composition and performance of live electronic music. The tactile display was composed of two rotating eccentric mass actuators driven by a PWM signal generated from an Arduino microcontroller. Physical measurements using an accelerometer were carried out in order to estimate intensity and spectral peak frequency as function of duty cycle of the PWM signal. In addition, three user-based studies were conducted to estimate perceptual vibrotactile absolute threshold, differential threshold and temporal differential threshold. Obtained results provided us with precise guidelines that facilitate the design of perceptually robust vibrotactile stimuli for our tactile application. A set of eight simple tactons (vibrotactile icons) was defined, whereafter an absolute identification test was conducted in order to estimate mean tacton recognition rates. Results were promising; mean tacton recognition rate was found to be 74 %. Based on all findings described above, a Max-based prototype used for exploration of tactile stimuli was developed. The prototype contained a library of tactile notification presets to be loaded into CLEF, along with a simple tacton editor for design of customized tactile events.
The rapid control prototyping platform for inspection robots

The scope of this paper focuses on the hardware/software platform that can be applied for rapid control prototyping of such mechatronic systems as mobile robots. Putting together the PC/104 technology, low-cost data acquisition module and Microsoft® Robotics Studio (MRS), the authors have obtained the rapid control prototyping platform that is easy and relatively inexpensive to adapt for developing inspection mobile vehicles. The first objective of this paper is to present a framework for rapid control prototyping of behaviour-based systems in the case of inspection robots. The hardware/software architecture presented here is implemented on the AMIGO robot. This robot is employed for the visual inspection of ventilation ducts. The robot is able to operate in several modes including manual, autonomous, and training.
An Analysis of the Flow and Sound Field of a Ducted Axial Fan

The present work describes the prediction method for the unsteady flow field and the acoustic pressure field of a ducted axial fan. The prediction method is comprised of time-marching free-wake method, acoustic analogy, and the Kirchhoff-Helmholtz BEM. The predicted sound signal of a rotor is similar to the experiment one. We assume that the rotor rotates with a constant angular velocity and the flow field around the rotor is incompressible and inviscid. Then, a time-marching free-wake method is used to model the fan and to calculate the flow field. The force of each element on the blade is calculated by the unsteady Bernoulli equation. Lowson's method is used to predict the acoustic source. The newly developed Helmholtz-Kirchhoff BEM lot thin body is used to calculate tile sound field of the ducted fan. The ducted fan with 6 blades is analysed and the sound field around the duct is calculated.
Using the auditory steady-state response to diagnose dead regions in the cochlea

The current behavioural dead region (DR) diagnosis methods such as psychophysical tuning curves and the threshold-equalising noise test require extensive subject co-operation. These present methods cannot be applied to infants. The work presented in the thesis aimed to develop a fast objective DR diagnosis method that could be applied to sleeping hearing-impaired infants. A novel fast objective electrophysiological method of recording response amplitude curves (RACs) which could enable objective DR diagnosis was developed.RACs were derived by recording auditory steady-state response amplitudes using modulated signals in the presence of narrow-band maskers. Two RAC methods were investigated. In the swept method, RACs were recorded in a single test run by recording the response amplitudes across the frequency range of a continuously swept-frequency narrow-band masker. In the fixed method, response amplitudes of eight separate test runs, each in the presence of differing fixed-frequency narrow-band maskers, were recorded.RACs were recorded in normally hearing adult subjects. The results showed that for normally hearing subjects in condition 1 (swept masker), the mean recorded RAC tip for a 2-kHz signal was 2250 Hz and the repeatability coefficient of two repeated recordings in each subject was 389 Hz; in condition 2 (fixed masker), the respective values were 2251 Hz and 342 Hz. These results indicated that the swept masking method is a viable and fast way to record RACs in normally hearing adults.RACs and psychophysical tuning curves (PTCs) were recorded in hearing-impaired adult subjects in order to asses the tip-frequency agreement between the tests. In some cases there were difficulties in using the required signal and masker levels due to maximum sound level limits. The RACs were poorly shaped and had poor repeatability. These findings indicate that the RAC method that was successfully applied to normally hearing subjects requires further development for use with the hearing impaired. The possible causes for the differences in the accuracy of the method between normally hearing and hearing-impaired subjects are discussed. The work presented in this thesis provides the basis upon which further research can be taken forward. It is envisaged that this work, together with further research, will lead to a clinically-effective objective DR diagnosis method.
The Measurement of Social Desirability and Brand Equity in Emerging Societies

This study attempted to develop the consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) measure by including social responsibility as an additional dimension in India. Five hypotheses were proposed based upon the literature review and included the following variables: brand awareness, brand association, perceived quality, brand loyalty, and social responsibility. All hypotheses were supported. This study developed a new brand equity measurement and provides empirical evidence of the multidimensionality of CBBE.
Liquid dynamics : the hydrosocial cycle and the radical politics of water

The thesis attempts to develop an understanding of the reproduction of power in the context of the water sector, in relation to public sector water provision, water privatization, and community-based alternatives to both. In pursuit of that it develops a ? socio-political ecology? which combines the methodology of political ecology with the theoretical framework of historical-geographical materialism and the concept of social capital. it examines the hydrosocial cycle as a socionatural process which involves the continuous (re)construction of the socionatural water cycle through the (re)construction of ? water? demand, supply and scarcity, as well as the socionatural construction of the state. The water sector in Venezuela serves as an illustrative example for how first, different forms of capital interact to reproduce a mode of power; second, that reproduction tends to produce a concentration of power; and third, how internal contradictions and external pressures can lead to changes in the mode of power. In particular, points of crisis produce new recognitions of radical contingency - the potential for the mode of power to be fundamentally altered - and thereby politicization and new forms of activism.
Recent Developments in Plastic-Plastic Separation Techniques

Plastic supply and recycling are increasingly becoming matters of social concern. In our country, Extended Producer Responsibility(EPR) system has been adopted in 2003 to expand recycle and reuse of waste resources at producer side, and due to expansion of the EPR system, amount of the mixed plastic waste generation has been drastically increased. Plastic-plastic separation is most fundamental technique to achieve effective plastic recycling. This paper reviews recent developments in plastic-plastic separation techniques and describe future tasks. The mechanisms of each separation which contain gravity separation, electrostatic separation, flotation, and separation of automotive shredder residue are described, and commercial scale and lab-scale results are introduced.
Development of a hybrid modeling framework for intensively managed Douglas-fir plantations in the Pacific Northwest

approved: Douglas A. Maguire Forest growth models in the Pacific Northwest are predominantly empirical. Predictions of yield under alternative silvicultural regimes cannot rely completely on field trials; yet empirical growth models are often inadequate for extrapolating untested regimes and genotypes. The limitations of current models include (1) long time-steps (e.g. 5-10 years); (2) insufficient detail for characterizing crowns; and (3) inability to capture physiological mechanisms. The overall goal of this dissertation was to test the ability of a hybrid model (empirical + process-based) to predict the growth of intensively managed plantations. The first step of model development was to refine current characterizations of Douglas-fir crown structure across several silvicultural treatments. The effects of fertilization, thinning, precommercial thinning, vegetation control, and disease intensity (Swiss needle cast) were found to influence important structural attributes of the crown. Among the crown attributes affected, maximum branch size and totaland nonfoliated-crown profile were the most dynamic attributes. Conversely, treatments had no effect on the number of branches or on branch angle. Equations based solely on bole and crown variables predicted crown structural attributes reasonably well across these varied stand conditions. Annualized empirical equations for individual tree diameter and height growth were developed next and found to outperform similar models with a longer time-step. The parameters of these empirical equations showed very few meaningful relationships with physiography, soil, or climate, suggesting that representation of key physiological processes was a necessary next step. Individual branch growth and mortality were significantly influenced by fertilization, thinning, precommercial thinning, vegetation control, and Swiss needle cast. Dynamic equations developed from this dataset significantly improved predictions of crown recession, compared to a traditional empirical approach. The improvements, however, had a relatively minor impact on short-term stand volume growth. The combination of these equations into a hybrid framework showed improvements in leaf area index and periodic annual increment when compared to other stand-level hybrid models. At the individual tree-level, the use of both empirical and mechanistic components was necessary to achieve a level of bias slightly better than that of a purely empirical approach. Beyond growth predictions, this hybrid model offers many other uses. ©Copyright by Aaron R. Weiskittel December 15, 2006 All Rights Reserved Development of a Hybrid Modeling Framework for Intensively Managed DouglasFir Plantations in the Pacific Northwest
Temporal Convolutional Network Connected with an Anti-Arrhythmia Hidden Semi-Markov Model for Heart Sound Segmentation

Heart sound segmentation (HSS) is a critical step in heart sound processing, where it improves the interpretability of heart sound disease classification algorithms. In this study, we aimed to develop a real-time algorithm for HSS by combining the temporal convolutional network (TCN) and the hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM), and improve the performance of HSMM for heart sounds with arrhythmias. We experimented with TCN and determined the best parameters based on spectral features, envelopes, and one-dimensional CNN. However, the TCN results could contradict the natural fixed order of S1-systolic-S2-diastolic of heart sound, and thereby the Viterbi algorithm based on HSMM was connected to correct the order errors. On this basis, we improved the performance of the Viterbi algorithm when detecting heart sounds with cardiac arrhythmias by changing the distribution and weights of the state duration probabilities. The public PhysioNet Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2016 data set was employed to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The proposed algorithm achieved an F1 score of 97.02%, and this result was comparable with the current state-of-the-art segmentation algorithms. In addition, the proposed enhanced Viterbi algorithm for HSMM corrected 30 out of 30 arrhythmia errors after checking one by one in the dataset.
Technologies for natural cooling in the experimentation of eco efficient housing in the Mediterranean.

The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the design strategies applied in the redevelopment of a housing estate located in Southern Italy, in Puglia more specifically in Lecce’s Province, aimed at optimizing three aspects: the improvement of summer thermal comfort conditions, the overall energy saving and the reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The core hypothesis that justifies this kind of experimentation, can be found in the consideration that currently the housing sector represents the privileged interface for environmental design experimentation oriented towards passive cooling and energy saving in the Mediterranean area; the difficult task it has to accomplish is to set a good example for the undertaking of a correct and responsible behavior towards such topics and to become a virtuous reference model that demonstrates to the designers and, most of all, to the people who will be inhabiting the houses, the possibility to apply “good practices” in the attempt to enact principles that are not easily manageable and implementable. From a methodological point of view such a research branch is completely projected towards the role that architectural design should undertake in regards to what we could consider as the core matter that needs to be addresses and solved in territorial, urban and architectural realities in the Mediterranean area: passive cooling and the use of natural ventilation, in particular, in the design of exterior, intermediate and interior spaces and in the design of their technological components and devices. The main strategy adopted by such a design setting is the integrated standardization of the different technological passive systems that are available to us today, aiming at the improvement of the results from an energy and bioclimatic point of view, as an outcome of the joint effort of the devices applied in the project.
A Review of State-of-the-Art Separator Materials for Advanced Lithium-Based Batteries for Future Aerospace Missions

As NASA embarks on a renewed human presence in space, safe, human-rated, electrical energy storage and power generation technologies, which will be capable of demonstrating reliable performance in a variety of unique mission environments, will be required. To address the future performance and safety requirements for the energy storage technologies that will enhance and enable future NASA Constellation Program elements and other future aerospace missions, advanced rechargeable, lithium-ion battery technology development is being pursued with an emphasis on addressing performance technology gaps between state-of-the-art capabilities and critical future mission requirements. The material attributes and related performance of a lithium-ion cell's internal separator component are critical for achieving overall optimal performance, safety and reliability. This review provides an overview of the general types, material properties and the performance and safety characteristics of current separator materials employed in lithium-ion batteries, such as those materials that are being assessed and developed for future aerospace missions.
SEAKEEPING STANDARD SERIES FOR CRUISER-STERN SHIPS

The ranges of the principal characteristics of the Series 60 were extended to cover present shipbuilding practices. The seakeeping performance in head seas of 72 hull forms from the Extended Series 60 was evaluated theoretically. The results are presented in tabular form as a function of the principal characteristics of the ship, the Froude number, and the seaway. The Seakeeping Tables include: heaving motion at amidships; pitching motion; moment; added resistance; acceleration at stations 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20; relative motion at stations 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20; and relative velocity at stations 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20. The results of the Seakeeping Tables can be interpolated for the prediction of the seakeeping performance of cruiser- stern ships not necessarily with Series 60 hull forms. Additional seakeeping information for extreme values, wetness, keel emergence, slamming, and propeller racing can be obtained from the results of the Seakeeping Tables.