Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of a Morphing Wing for an Experimental UAV

§The aim of this work is to design a morphing wing concept for a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), in order to improve the vehicle’s performance over its intended speed range. The wing is designed using a multidisciplinary design optimization framework where an aerodynamic shape optimization code coupled with a structural morphing model environment is setup to obtain a set of optimal wing shapes for minimum drag at different flight speeds. The optimization procedure is described as well as structural modelling. The aerodynamic shape optimization code, which uses an inviscid/viscous 2-dimensional panel method formulation coupled with a non-linear lifting-line algorithm and an sequential quadratic programming (SQP) optimization algorithm is suitable for preliminary wing design optimization tasks, although its robustness still needs further improvements. The morphing concept, based on changes in wing planform shape and wing section shape achieved by extending spars and telescopic ribs, is explained in detail. Comparisons between initial wing performance, optimal morphing wing performance and the performance of the wing obtained as the coupled aerodynamic-structural solution are presented. Estimates for the performance enhancements achieved by the UAV when fitted with this new morphing wing are also included. Some conclusions on this concept are addressed with comments on the benefits and drawbacks of the morphing mechanism design.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy prior to esophagectomy for esophageal cancer – a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background For resectable esophageal cancer (EC), it remains controversial whether to place percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) before the curative surgery to provide nutritional support during the neoadjuvant therapy. Objective To compare surgical outcomes for patients who received preoperative PEG and those without PEG placement (No-PEG) insertion prior to surgery in a potentially operable EC. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify randomized and non-randomized studies comparing PEG and No-PEG groups. Results Four retrospective studies with a total number of 1,027 patients were identified and included in this meta-analysis. The differences in anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, morbidity, pulmonary complications, wound infection, and hospital stay were not statistically significant between the two groups. Operation time was significantly shorter in the PEG group. There was no PEG-related gastric conduit failure and no leak from the PEG site in the PEG group. Conclusion We conclude preoperative PEG for resectable EC is a safe procedure with no adverse effect on the gastric tube construction and anastomosis, it can be selectively inserted for EC patients with marked weight loss and malnutrition or those at risk of developing malnutrition during neoadjuvant therapy.
On the Pitfalls of Label Differential Privacy

We study the privacy limitations of label differential privacy, which has emerged as an intermediate trust model between local and central differential privacy, where only the label of each training example is protected (and the features are assumed to be public). We show that the guarantees provided by label DP are signiﬁcantly weaker than they appear, as an adversary can "un-noise" the perturbed labels. Formally we show that the privacy loss has a close connection with Jeffreys’ divergence of the conditional distribution between positive and negative labels, which allows explicit formulation of the trade-off between utility and privacy in this setting. Our results suggest how to select public features that optimize this trade-off. But we still show that there is no free lunch—instances where label differential privacy guarantees are strong are exactly those where a good classiﬁer does not exist. We complement the negative results with a non-parametric estimator for the true privacy loss, and apply our techniques on large-scale benchmark data to demonstrate how to achieve a desired privacy protection.
Performance Analysis of Two-Way OFDM Relay Systems with Ordered Subcarrier Pairing

Abstract In this paper, we first prove the optimality of ordered subcarrier pairing (OSP) in two-way orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) relay systems. The probability distribution function (PDF) and the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is then derived for each subcarrier pair of the two-way links over Rayleigh fading channels. Furthermore, we analyze the performance of the systems including outage probability, symbol error rate (SER) and capacity. Monte Carlo simulations validate our analysis.
A simplified DEM-CFD approach for pebble bed reactor simulations

In pebble bed reactors (PBR's), the pebble flow and the coolant flow are coupled with each other through coolant-pebble interactions. Approaches with different fidelities have been proposed to simulate similar phenomena. Coupled Discrete Element Method-Computational Fluid Dynamics (DEM-CFD) approaches are widely studied and applied in these problems due to its good balance between efficiency and accuracy. In this work, based on the symmetry of the PBR geometry, a simplified 3D-DEM/2D-CFD approach is proposed to speed up the DEM-CFD simulation without significant loss of accuracy. Pebble flow is simulated by a full 3-D DEM, while the coolant flow field is calculated with a 2-D CFD simulation by averaging variables along the annular direction in the cylindrical geometry. Results show that this simplification can greatly enhance the efficiency for cylindrical core, which enables further inclusion of other physics such as thermal and neutronic effect in the multi-physics simulations for PBR's. (authors)
Principles of Green Urbanism: the Absent Value in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is considered one of the main growing cities in the Arab world today. Conventional planning has failed to direct this growth towards creating sustainable urban environments for all, and has instead encouraged lopsided development that caters only to the affluent sections. This trend has affected public urban spaces as well, which are now centered on consumption and dependant on heavy investment in real estate and technology. This has a considerable impact on the spectrum of socio-economic groups that are able to access and use them. Taking as a starting point the principles and concept of Green Urbanism, the paper questions the prevalent situation, and focuses on three aspects that have been ignored in recent approaches in recent development plans. The first (Green Urbanism) is explored as a main principles to revitalize the second (Public Spaces), in order to achieve the third (Sustainable Model) as a long term goal. This is done using analysis and design in parallel, and results in a proposal for a new design process and through it, scale specific design solutions for Cairo public spaces that will create a high quality of life for the people of the heavily populated, demographically diverse and socio-economically fragmented city.
Making a Living in London’s Small Scale Creative Sector

Since the Second World War there has been considerable growth in the importance of non-manufacturing based forms of production to the performance of many Western economies. Many countries have seen increased contributions being made by industries such as the media, entertainment and artistic sectors. Gathering together a leading international, multi disciplinary team of researchers, this informative book presents cutting-edge perspectives on how these industries function, their place in the new economy and how they can be harnessed for urban and regional economic and social development.
Bayesian Structural Time Series for Forecasting Oil Prices

There are many methods of forecasting, and these methods take data only, analyze it, make a prediction by analyzing, neglect the prior information side and do not considering the fluctuations that occur overtime. The best way to forecast oil prices that takes the fluctuations that occur overtime and is updated by entering prior information is the Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) method. Oil prices fluctuations have an important role in economic so predictions of future oil prices that are crucial for many countries whose economies depend mainly on oil, such as Iraq. Oil prices directly affect the health of the economy. Thus, it is necessary to forecast future oil price with models adapted for emerging events. In this article, we study the Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) for forecasting oil prices. Results show that the price of oil will increase to 156.2$ by 2035.
Short-Current-Pulse Based Adaptive Maximum-Power-Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Power Generation System

This paper focuses on a maximum power point tracking method of photovoltaics by means of use of the short-current pulse. It has been reported that the optimum operating current is proportional to the short current and the maximum power point tracking can be performed by detecting the short current. The proposed method utilizes the intermittent short-current pulse to estimate the optimum operating current and its operating characteristics have experimentally been verified. Also, an adaptive mechanism to identify the parameter between the optimum current and the short current is discussed. A prototype of the controller has been set up and the experimental results have demonstrated excellent performance, which proves feasibility of the system.
Flight Delay Forecasting Based on Airport Networks

The ceaseless development in the interest for air transportation surpasses the limit of existing foundation, generally prompting questionable flight plans, such as long flight delays and uncertainties in landing/take-off and taxi pickup and drop times. This issue is handled by building a model which can oblige both airplane terminal throughputs furthermore by predicting the delay times of corresponding airlines. Using technology of Big Data, the forecasts, timings are analysed to make such delays reduce by small amount. With the future proposal of Spark technology, the datasets can be made real-time and reduces delays of flights by a significant chunk of time.
A Simple and Effective Bioassay Method Suitable to Comparative In Vitro Study of Tomato Salt Tolerance at Early Development Stages

In vitro evaluation of tomato seeds and seedlings for salt tolerance has undoubted advantages (high productivity, as well as stability and reproducibility of the obtained experimental data due to the maintenance of constant controlled conditions) in comparison with open-field system and pot experiments. However, even high-quality seeds greatly differ in the uniformity of germination capacity and germination energy. Heterogeneous germination in the habit and developmental stage of plant material significantly distorts the obtaining of relevant experimental data suitable for correct interpretation. In our study, we propose a simple and effective bioassay method suitable to comparative in vitro study of tomato salt tolerance using shoot apex of seedlings at the early first-true-leaf stage. Shoot apexes cultured the on the root induction medium (RIM) supplemented with 0.2 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and NaCl at different concentrations (0–250 mM NaCl) revealed significant differences between two tomato genotypes (line YaLF and cv. Rekordsmen) at the organismal (measurements of CO2 gas exchange), organ (rhizogenesis frequency; number and length of de novo regenerated roots; root fresh (RFW) and dry (RDW) weights; shoot fresh (SFW) and dry (SDW) weights), tissue (the average cross-sectional area of epidermal and mesophylls cotyledonary cells) and cellular (ultrastructure of chloroplast and nuclear compartments) development levels. In addition, a quantitative comparison of proline and photosynthetic pigments contents under 75 and 150 mm NaCl treatments showed a different response between two tomato genotypes. The proposed methodological approach can be used for other plants with a high response to auxin-induced rhizogenesis in vitro, as well as for the comparative in vitro assessment of other abiotic stresses.
Distributed Value Functions for Multi-Robot Exploration: a Position Paper

This paper addresses the problem of exploring an unknown area by a team of autonomous robots using distributed value functions for a decentralized decision making problem. As in single-robot exploration, the goal is to collect the maximum information in a minimum time by nding interesting locations to explore. Two key problems have to be solved in the context of multiple robots: the coordination and the communication. The localization aspect is not considered in this paper. The coordination poses the decentralized decision issue: each individual robot must choose appropriate exploration goals so that the team simultaneously explores dierent locations of the environment. We present an approach based on the Markov Decision Processes (MDP) framework on a three layers occupancy grid using distributed value functions. By computing a repulsive value function, each robot estimates which areas the others could explore knowing their relative positions in the shared map. This is considered in the exploration reward so as to assign dierent goals to the individual robots. Moreover, multi-robot systems must be able to cope with communication loss constraints during the exploration. In this position paper, we discuss how our algorithm can be extended to situations in which communication between robots drops out but coordination is maintained. Our approach uses distributed value functions extended to the case where the agents do not know at each time step the locations of the others.
Sectored annular ring microstrip antenna with DGS for circular polarization

A novel and simple design of circularly polarized sectored annular ring microstrip antenna with coplanar and concentric circular microstrip antenna is presented. The proposed antenna has single microstrip line feed with defected ground structure. Simulation analysis has been carried out using Ansoft High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSSTM) software and measurement is carried out using the AgilentTM Vector Network Analyser (N5230A:PNA‐L). Parametric analysis of return loss and axial ratio versus frequency for different physical parameter of antenna has been studied. Experimental results of the proposed antenna show the 34.61% impedance bandwidth and 8.08% axial ratio bandwidth at 2.6 GHz center frequency with 6.96 dB peak gain. Simulated results are in good agreement with measured results. Due to low profile and simple geometry, it can be applicable for S‐band application effectively as wireless LAN, Wi‐Fi, Bluetooth, Zig‐Bee, and radio frequency identification antennas. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:569–573, 2016
Novel Scanning Technique for LED Dot-Matrix Display to Reduce Flicker

A Conventional progressive scanning method can be used for small and medium size LED (Light Emitting Diode) dot-matrix display board. However, this conventional scanning approach has some drawbacks such as flicker, lower luminous intensity, requirement of high speed LED driver, etc., specifically for large LED dot-matrix display. This paper brings forward the analysis of scanning method clarifying the limitations of conventional scanning approach with several critical design parameters. After that, a new scanning approach, congenial to both small and large has been proposed to get over these limitations. Eventually, simulation of the mathematical models of the two methods are expounded that points to the vital design parameters constraints along with the advantages of new method. The mathematical models and analyses give understanding of system design approach to the LED driver circuit designers to estimate various design parameters.
Recent Progresses in Electrooptic Modulation and Switching Using LiNbO3 Waveguides

In this paper we present recent progresses in the modulation and switching using LiNbO3 waveguides. Several examples will be described including intensity modulation using an integrated interferometer, directional coupler switch and the electrically controlled optical bifurcation. bersicht: Im folgenden werden die j ngsten Ergebnisse des Aufbaus und der Wirkungsweise integriert optischer Modulatoren und Schalter mit LiNbOrWellenleitern beschrieben. Anhand von experimentell realisierten Ausf hrungsbeispielen werden ein Intensit tsmodulator, der als integriert optisches Interferometer aufgebaut ist, ein Richtkoppler-Schalter und eine elektrisch beeinflu bare optische Verzweigung n her erl utert. F r die Dokumentation: Integrierte Optik/optische Nachrichtentechnik/Modulatoren/Schalter/steuerbare Verzweigungen/ LiNbO3-Wellenleiter
FUZZY CONTROL ARCHITECTURE FOR A MOBILE ROBOT SYSTEM

ABSTRACT This paperpresentsthe developmentof an autonomousmo-bile robot controlled by a fuzzy logic controller (FLC). The robot is capable of performing several behavior-basedtasks, such as to follow walls and avoid obstacles, and canbe used for the embodiment of different behaviors. Exper-imental results are given to assess the performance of theFLC and to validate the adopteddesign options for the con-struction and control of the robot. KEY WORDS Fuzzy logic, fuzzy control, modeling, mobile robots, PIDcontroller, CAN network. 1 Introduction Fuzzy logic has emerged in the 1960s, more precisely in1965, when the rst article was published by Zadeh (1965). However, only in the following decade were developed therst applications in the eld of automatic control by Mam-dani (1974). The control by fuzzy logic allows a differentapproach to the problems, in which intuitive knowledge onhow to best control the process should be acquired, and thisinformation will be part of the FLC [1],[2]. Nowadays, one of the main applications of FLC isin the area of autonomous robotics, where several workson behavior-based fuzzy control have been developed[3],[4],[5]. In [6] it is presented a navigation system basedon behaviors using fuzzy logic. The idea behind this ap-proach is making the system more modular and, thus, sim-plifyingthesolutionofnavigationandofferingthepossibil-ity to add new behaviors without increasing the complexityof the whole system. In [7] it is also discussed a naviga-tion system based on behaviors using FLC for a quadrupedrobot. The authors propose a new method to mix and coor-dinate the various behaviors at the same time. The conceptpresented is similar to the mixture of contexts. Finally, in[8]it is also proposedtheuse ofa fuzzycontrollerforanau-tonomous mobile robot whose implemented tasks are fol-lowing walls, avoiding obstacles and emergencybehaviors.Thispaperpresentsthedevelopmentofa mobilerobotfrom the scratch, with an open and distributed architecture,controlled by fuzzy logic, and capable for the embodimentof different behaviors. The rest of the paper is organized asfollows. Section 2 addresses the design of the autonomousrobot while section 3 is concerned with the design of theFLC and the implementation of the several behaviors. Sec-tion 4 presents some experimental results showing the ef-fectiveness of the adopted design options for the construc-tion and control of the robot. Finally, section 5 draws themain conclusions.
Pleistocene marine terraces of the Wellington south coast – their distribution across multiple active faults at the southern Hikurangi subduction margin, Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT Along the south coast of the North Island of New Zealand, elevated Pleistocene marine terraces provide evidence for vertical deformation associated with active crustal faults and the westward subduction of the Pacific Plate at the southern Hikurangi margin. We have reassessed the age and elevation of these terraces. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) data of their cover bed sediments (20 new ages) provide the first numerical ages for most of these terraces. Shore platform elevations have been surveyed using differential Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements of the wave-cut bedrock straths underlying these terraces. These new data allow the terraces to be temporally correlated across the margin. Seven different-aged terraces were identified and mapped along the Wellington south coast; these are preserved discontinuously between the westernmost site at Tongue Point, and Ngawi near Cape Palliser, to the east. The OSL data indicate that most of these terraces formed at MIS 5a, 5c, 5e (Last Interglacial) and 7a. The terraces are best preserved within the Hikurangi margin forearc, where they decrease in altitude towards the west, indicating long wavelength, westward tectonic tilting. The terraces are locally offset by a number of active crustal faults, most notably the Wairarapa and Ohariu faults.
Pipeline Dent Management Program

Enbridge Pipelines Inc. operates the world’s longest and most complex liquids pipeline network. As part of Enbridge’s Integrity Management Program In-Line Inspections have been and will continue to be conducted on more than 15,000 km of pipeline. The Inspection Programs have included using the most technologically advanced geometry tools in the world to detect geometrical discontinuities such as ovality, dents, and buckles. During the past number of years, Enbridge Pipelines Inc. has been involved in developing a method of evaluating the suitability of dents in pipelines for continued service. The majority of the work involved the development of a method of modeling the stresses within a dent using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The development and validation of this model was completed by Fleet Technology Limited (FTL) through several projects sponsored by Enbridge, which included field trials and comparisons to previously published data. This model combined with proven fracture mechanics theory provides a method of determining a predicted life of a dent based on either the past or future operating conditions of the pipeline. CSA Standard Z662 – Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems provides criteria for the acceptability of dents for continued service. There have been occurrences, however, where dents that meet the CSA acceptability criteria have experienced failure. The dent model is being used to help define shape characteristics in addition to dent depth, the only shape factor considered by CSA, which contribute to dent failure. The dent model has also been utilized to validate the accuracy of current In-Line Inspection techniques. Typically a dent will lose some of its shape as the overburden is lifted from the pipeline and after the indentor is removed. Often there can be a dramatic “re-rounding” that will occur. The work included comparing the re-rounded dent shapes from a Finite Element model simulating the removal of the constraint on the pipe to the measured dent profile from a mold of the dent taken in the field after it has been excavated. This provided a measure of the accuracy of the tool. This paper will provide an overview of Enbridge’s dent management program, a description of the dent selection process for the excavation program, and a detailed review of the ILI validation work.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Interpolated Adaptive Doppler Filter for Estimating Velocity

Abstract This paper discusses the application of Lagrange interpolation and cubic spline interpolation to predict acceleration/velocity and to adapt better window lengths for any range of target acceleration. The estimated velocity/acceleration is then smoothed using Kalman and adaptive Kalman filters. Simulation results show that in a ‘high-level noise’ scenario, the interpolated adaptive filter gives a more accurate estimation than the existing method of using a rectangular window function. Track initialization error minimized with spline interpolation was comparable to that minimized with Lagrange interpolation.