Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DC-bus voltage control of grid-connected voltage source converter by using space vector modulated direct power control under unbalanced network conditions

Unbalanced grid voltage will cause large dc-bus voltage ripple and introduce high harmonic current components on the grid side. This will severely threaten the safety of the grid-connected voltage source converter (VSC) and consequently, affect the healthy operation condition of the load. In this study, a new proportional-integral-resonant (PI-RES) controller-based, space vector modulated direct power control topology is proposed to suppress the dc-bus voltage ripple and in the same time, controlling effectively the instantaneous power of the VSC. A special ac reactive power reference component is introduced in the controller, which is necessary in order to reduce the dc-bus voltage ripple and active power harmonics at the same time. The proposed control topology is implemented in the lab. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate its performance and the analysis presented in this study.
Method for time-of-flight estimation of low frequency acoustic signals in reverberant and noisy environment with sparse impulse response

For acoustic procedures which rely on the speed of sound to derive process parameters, the determination of the acoustic time of flight (TOF) is essential. In this work, a method for the determination of the TOF is presented. It is intended for reverberant and noisy environments and can be applied in the gas holdup determination in bubbly liquids via acoustic transmission tomography for example. The method includes the selection and design of the transmitted signal to optimize the disambiguate of the autocorrelation, the narrowing of the time window based on the fractional Fourier transform to accelerate the TOF estimation. Furthermore, it includes the consideration of the system-induced signal distortion through prior quasi-anechoic measurements and the sparse reconstruction of the spatial impulse response for TOF estimation using non-negative sparse deconvolution algorithms. The method is tested analytically on numerically generated signals and various sparse deconvolution algorithms are investigated with respect to their applicability and limitations.
Group delay measurements using modally selective Lamb wave transducers for detection and sizing of delaminations in composites

A group delay measurement technique is proposed using modally selective Lamb wave transducers for the detection and sizing of delaminations in unidirectional and cross-ply composites. Unlike amplitude or energy based Lamb wave methods, this method is insensitive to transducer coupling. Specifically, modally selective array transducers are used to generate the lowest antisymmetric A0 Lamb mode in a zone with minimal dispersion. The change in the modal group velocity is used as a damage indicator while the accumulated time delay of the traveling ultrasonic wavepacket is used for size estimation of the delaminations. The results are repeatable and consistent, suggesting time delay as a reliable damage parameter for quantitative monitoring of delaminations and impact damage in composites.
AERODYNAMIC AND SURFACE RESISTANCES OF COMPLETE COVER CROPS: HOW GOOD IS THE “BIG LEAF”?

The Penman-Monteith equation is based on the assumption that the canopy can be reduced to a “big leaf”. Given the most commonly used formulation of aerodynamic resistance (ra), this “big leaf” is considered to be, implicitly, at the d + zoH level (where d is zero plane displacement height and zoH is roughness length for heat transfer). This can lead to negative values of surface resistance (rs) when the leaves of the top of the canopy (between d + zoH and crop height hc) are the ones that most contribute to total water loss to the atmosphere. To avoid this, ra should be computed from the top of the canopy to the reference height in the atmosphere. Also, one concludes that rs for complete cover crops cannot be computed by simply averaging stomatal resistance since the main condition, the driving force being the same in all of the elements of the “circuit”, is violated.
APPLICATION OF GENETIC ALGORITHM FOR SCHEDULING AND SCHEDULE COORDINATION PROBLEMS

The problems on scheduling and schedule co-ordination usually have conflicting objectives related to user's cost and operator's cost. Users want to spend less time to wait, transfer and travel by public buses. Operators are interested in profit making by lesser vehicle operating cost and having a minimum number of buses. As far as level of service is concerned users are interested in lesser crowing while operators are concerned with maximizing profit and thus to have higher load factors. In schedule co-ordination problems transfer time plays an important role. Users are interested in coordinating services with in acceptable waiting time whereas operators prefer to have lesser services and want to meet higher demands, which invariably increases waiting time. These problems have multiple conflicting objectives and constraints. It is difficult to determine optimum solution for such problems with the help of conventional approaches. It is found that Genetic Algorithm performs well for such multi objective problems.
The Neural Correlates of Working Memory Training in Typically Developing Children

Working memory training improves children’s cognitive performance on untrained tasks; however, little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. We investigated this in 32 typically developing children aged 10-14 years (19 girls and 13 boys; Devon, UK) using a randomized controlled design and multi-modal MRI. Training improved working memory performance and increased intrinsic functional connectivity between the bilateral intraparietal sulci. Furthermore, improvements in working memory were associated with greater recruitment of the left middle frontal gyrus on a complex span task. The repeated engagement of fronto-parietal regions during training may increase their activity and functional connectivity over time, affording greater working memory performance. We discuss the plausibility of generalizable cognitive benefits from a neurobiological perspective and implications for neurodevelopmental theory.
Soil Properties Classification Using Support Vector Machine for Raver Tehsil

Soil properties are dynamic in nature and different factors are affecting to the soil quality. It is directly consequence on soil productivity and soil fertility. The heavy use of fertilizers, heavy rain fall, various agricultural practices are responsible for soil quality degradation. The soil assessment is require to maintain the soil quality. The spectroscopic techniques using Remote sensing and GIS gives the fast and accurate results as compare to traditional soil testing methods. The present study is conducted for classification of soil physicochemical properties in pre monsoon and post monsoon season. Soil samples are collected where Organic, Chemical and Mixed fertilizers treatments were applied to banana and cotton crops sites from Raver tehsil of Jalgaon district. Total 220 soil specimens are collected in pre monsoon and post monsoon season for two year respectively. ASD FieldSpec4 spectroradiometer device were used for data acquisition in the controlled laboratory environment. Acquired spectral data were processed for conversion in numeric format then various statistical methods were used for quantitative analysis of the physiochemical soil properties. The support vector machine is used for classification of the collected soil samples in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season and classification were performed on the basis of training and testing datasets. The soil samples are divide in pre-monsoon training, pre-monsoon testing and post –monsoon training and post-monsoon testing class with support vector. The hyper plane is used for separation of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon soil samples. Misclassification rate and Mean Squared Error were calculated in the SVM classification.
Mechanosensitive Channels Mediate Hypoionic Shock-Induced Aminoglycoside Potentiation against Bacterial Persisters by Enhancing Antibiotic Uptake

Improving the efficacy of existing antibiotics is a promising strategy for combating antibiotic-resistant/tolerant bacterial pathogens that have become a severe threat to human health. We previously reported that aminoglycoside antibiotics could be dramatically potentiated against stationary-phase Escherichia coli cells under hypoionic shock conditions (i.e., treatment with ion-free solutions), but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. ABSTRACT Improving the efficacy of existing antibiotics is a promising strategy for combating antibiotic-resistant/tolerant bacterial pathogens that have become a severe threat to human health. We previously reported that aminoglycoside antibiotics could be dramatically potentiated against stationary-phase Escherichia coli cells under hypoionic shock conditions (i.e., treatment with ion-free solutions), but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that mechanosensitive (MS) channels, a ubiquitous protein family sensing mechanical forces of cell membrane, mediate such hypoionic shock-induced aminoglycoside potentiation. Two-minute treatment under conditions of hypoionic shock (e.g., in pure water) greatly enhances the bactericidal effects of aminoglycosides against both spontaneous and triggered E. coli persisters, numerous strains of Gram-negative pathogens in vitro, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice. Such potentiation is achieved by hypoionic shock-enhanced bacterial uptake of aminoglycosides and is linked to hypoionic shock-induced destabilization of the cytoplasmic membrane in E. coli. Genetic and biochemical analyses reveal that MscS-family channels directly and redundantly mediate aminoglycoside uptake upon hypoionic shock and thus potentiation, with MscL channel showing reduced effect. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis analyses reveal a putative streptomycin-binding pocket in MscS, critical for streptomycin uptake and potentiation. These results suggest that hypoionic shock treatment destabilizes the cytoplasmic membrane and thus changes the membrane tension, which immediately activates MS channels that are able to effectively transport aminoglycosides into the cytoplasm for downstream killing. Our findings reveal the biological effects of hypoionic shock on bacteria and can help to develop novel adjuvants for aminoglycoside potentiation to combat bacterial pathogens via activating MS channels.
The Role of Temperature on the Degree of End-Closing and Filling of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), owing to their high surface area-to-volume ratio and hollow core, can be employed as hosts for adsorbed and/or encapsulated molecules. At high temperatures, the ends of CNTs close spontaneously, which is relevant for several applications, including catalysis, gas storage, and biomedical imaging and therapy. This study highlights the influence of the annealing temperature in the range between 400 and 1100 °C on the structure and morphology of single-walled CNTs. The nitrogen adsorption and density functional theory calculations indicate that the fraction of end-closed CNTs increases with temperature. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the thermal treatment does not alter the tubular structure. Insight is also provided into the efficacy of CNTs filling from the molten phase, depending on the annealing temperature. The CNTs are filled with europium (III) chloride and analyzed by using electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirming the presence of filling and closed ends. The filling yield increases with temperature, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis. The obtained results show that the apparent surface area of CNTs, fraction of closed ends, and amount of encapsulated payload can be tailored via annealing.
N95 vs Half-face Respirator Wear in Surgical Trainees: Physiologic and Psychological Effects of Prolonged Use

Objectives As specialists of the upper airway, otolaryngologists are at high risk for COVID-19 transmission. N95 and half-face respirator (HFR) masks are commonly worn, each with advantages in functionality and comfort. In this study, physiologic and psychological parameters of prolonged N95 vs HFR wear were compared. Study Design Prospective crossover cohort study. Setting Single academic tertiary care hospital. Methods A prospective crossover cohort study was performed. Healthy otolaryngology trainees and medical students (N = 23) participated and wore N95 and HFR masks continuously for 3 hours each on separate days. Various measures were analyzed: vitals, spirometry variables, scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and HIT-6 (Headache Impact Test–6), distress, and “difficulty being understood. ” Results The average age was 26.3 years (SD, 3.42). There were no significant differences in vital signs and spirometry variables between N95 and HFR wear. N95 wear was associated with decreases in oxygen saturation of approximately 1.09% more than with HFRs (95% CI, 0.105-2.077). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores increased more with HFR wear when compared with mean changes with N95 wear (95% CI, 1.350-8.741). There were no significant differences in HIT-6 scores or distress levels between masks. The proportions of participants reporting difficulty being understood was significantly higher with HFRs. Conclusions Oxygen saturation decreases with prolonged N95 wear, but anxiety and difficulty being understood are greater with HFR wear. Although HFRs have less resistance to gas exchange, N95 respirators may produce less anxiety and distress in clinical situations. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical significance of these differences. Level of Evidence 2.
Position/Force Visual-Sensing-Based Robotic Sheet-Like Peg-in-Hole Assembly

This article deals with a sheet-like peg-in-hole robotic assembly task which is usually done in manual operation. Thin-walled deformable objects will introduce some special uncertainties in robotic peg-in-hole assembly, which may make this kind of robotic assembly difficult. To deal with this issue, three four-phase selective compliance articulated robot arm (SCARA)-based peg-in-hole assembly strategies which imitate manual assembly with a hybrid switching force/position control scheme are proposed. Both position/force visual sensing methods are proposed based on a single-lens imaging system in an eye-to-hand configuration, respectively. Based on the developed visual sensing techniques, an iterative learning control (ILC) scheme is designed to approximate the synchronous position control between a SCARA robot and a two-degree of freedom (DoF) hybrid compliant gripper. The experiments are implemented on our built-up SCARA-based robotic peg-in-hole (peg: electrode ear, hole: plastic shell) assembly platform. The results indicate that the visual force sensing nonlinearity is about 3% at the full range, and the proposed robotic assembly strategies are suited to this kind of peg-in-hole assembly from industrial scenarios.
Space-time constant modulus algorithm for multipath removal on the reference signal exploited by passive bistatic radar

The authors address the problem of multipath cancellation in the reference signal used in passive bistatic radar (PBR), which exploits an existing transmitter as emitter of opportunity. The presence of multipath echoes in the reference signal is demonstrated to strongly affect the detection performance of passive radar. Based on the well-known constant modulus algorithm (CMA) approach in the time-domain, new multi-dimensional techniques are considered for the adaptive equalisation of the reference signal based on an array of antennas and multiple receiving channels. The effectiveness of these techniques for PBR purposes is demonstrated with reference to typical simulated scenarios. The considered strategies, addressed as space-CMA and space-time-CMA, are shown to be able to recover the performance loss because of the multipath contribution in the reference signal so that they appear as very appealing solutions for PBR equipped with an array of antennas and multiple receiving channels.
Barriers and enablers to sustaining self-management behaviours after attending a self-management support intervention for type 2 diabetes: a protocol for a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

Background: Attendance at self-management support interventions is associated with improved outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes. However, initial improvements are often not sustained beyond one year, which may be a result of difficulties in sustaining positive changes made to self-management behaviours. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise qualitative research on the barriers and enablers to sustaining self-management behaviours following attendance at a self-management support intervention for type 2 diabetes. Methods: The review will use the “best fit” framework synthesis method to develop a new conceptual model of sustained behaviour change in type 2 diabetes. MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Elsevier), CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (Ovid), SCOPUS, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, WorldCat and Open Grey will be searched to identify primary qualitative studies. A parallel search will be conducted in Google Scholar to identify relevant theories for the development of an a priori framework to synthesise findings across studies. Methodological limitations of included studies will be assessed using an adapted version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for Qualitative Studies. A sensitivity analysis will be conducted to examine the impact of studies with methodological limitations on synthesis findings. Confidence in the synthesis findings will be assessed using the GRADE-CERQual tool. Screening, data extraction, methodological limitation assessment, synthesis and GRADE-CERQual assessment will be conducted by one author with a second author independently verifying a randomly selected 20% sample. Discussion: This review will develop a new model of sustained behaviour change in type 2 diabetes self-management. The findings can be used to inform the development of new interventions or revision of existing interventions to better support sustained engagement in type 2 diabetes self-management behaviours.
Internal Variability of All‐Sky and Clear‐Sky Surface Solar Radiation on Decadal Timescales

Internal variability comprises all processes that occur within the climate system without any natural or anthropogenic forcing. Climate‐driving variables like the surface solar radiation (SSR) are shown to exhibit unforced trends (i.e., trends due to internal variability) of magnitudes comparable to the magnitude of the forced signal even on decadal timescales. We use annual mean data from 50 models participating in the preindustrial control experiment (piControl) of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project‐Phase 6 (CMIP6) to give quantitative grid‐box specific estimates of the magnitudes of unforced trends. To characterize a trend distribution, symmetrical around 0, we use the 75th percentile of all possible values, which corresponds to a positive trend with 25% chance of occurrence. For 30‐year periods and depending on geographical location, this trend has a magnitude between 0.15 and 2.1 W m−2/decade for all‐sky and between 0.04 and 0.38 W m−2/decade for clear‐sky SSR. The corresponding area‐weighted medians are 0.69 W m−2/decade for all‐sky trends and 0.17 W m−2/decade for clear‐sky trends. The influence of internal variability is on average six times smaller in clear‐sky, compared to all‐sky SSR. The relative uncertainties in the physical representation, derived from the CMIP6 inter‐model spread, are ±32% for all‐sky and ±43% for clear‐sky SSR trends. Reasons for differences between models like horizontal resolution, aerosol handling, and the representation of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena are investigated. The results can be used in the analysis of observational time series by attributing a probability for a trend to be caused by internal variability, given its magnitude, length, and location.
SOQPSK with LDPC: Spending Bandwidth to Buy Link Margin

Over the past decade, SOQPSK has been widely adopted by the flight test community, and the low density parity check (LDPC) codes are now in widespread use in many applictions. This paper defines the waveform and presents the bit error rate (BER) performance of SOQPSK coupled with a rate 2/3 LDPC code. The scheme described here expands the transmission bandwidth by approximately 56% (which is still 22% less than the legacy PCM/FM modulation), for the benefit of improving link margin by over 10 dB at BER = 10.
Design of Wireless Sensor Management Platform Based on Embedded ARM

Wireless Sensor Network is receiving more widely appreciate because of its great prospect. But a variety of sensors need a unified mobility management platform. This paper considers this problem, proposes and implements a wireless sensor management platform which can control a variety of sensors and transfer the collected data by using wireless technology. Then a testing wireless network is built to test the performance of this mobile platform. The test result proves that this platform has the ability of manage sensors, and has the advantages of mobility and portability.
Cadastral maps of irrigated areas by center pivots in the State of Minas Gerais, using CBERS-2B/CCD satellite imaging

As imagens de satelite de media resolucao sao bastante utilizadas para a identificacao e quantificacao de areas irrigadas por pivo central. Essas areas, por apresentarem formas predominantemente circulares, podem ser facilmente identificadas por meio de analises visuais dessas imagens. Alem da identificacao e quantificacao das areas irrigadas por pivo, a adicao de outras informacoes complementares a estas areas e fundamental para gerar mapas cadastrais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi gerar um mapeamento cadastral das areas irrigadas por pivos centrais no Estado de Minas Gerais com a finalidade de suprir a carencia de informacoes relativas a agricultura irrigada. Utilizando imagens do satelite CBERS2B/CCD, foi feita a identificacao e quantificacao das areas irrigadas e, em seguida, foi associado um banco de dados contendo informacoes sobre: a area irrigada, o perimetro, o municipio, a orbita-ponto, a bacia hidrografica na qual o pivo esta localizado e a data de aquisicao da imagem. Foram identificados 3.781 sistemas de pivos centrais. A menor area irrigada foi de 4,6 hectares, e a maior foi de 192,6 hectares. O valor total estimado de area irrigada foi de 254.875 hectares. O maior numero de pivos centrais apareceu nos municipios de Unai e Paracatu, que apresentaram 495 e 459 sistemas, respectivamente. O mapeamento cadastral e uma ferramenta muito util para auxiliar e aumentar a informacao sobre a agricultura irrigada no Estado de Minas Gerais.
A Cat-and-Mouse Type Rotary Engine: Engine Design and Performance Evaluation

Abstract This paper describes the overall design of a cat-and-mouse type rotary engine, and its performance evaluation. The rotary engine is equipped with a toroidal or quasi-toroidal working chamber, in which two sets of piston assemblies rotate around the piston shaft at different speeds. While one piston assembly decelerates, the other accelerates. These actions allow the piston assembly pair to increase or decrease the subchamber volumes. As part of this work, two computer models were developed, one for the proposed rotary engine and the other for a conventional reciprocating engine, and the performance of the rotary engine was compared against that of the reciprocating engine. The analysis results using the computer models indicate that the proposed rotary engine should be able to generate substantially higher bmep than the engines available in the market if the proposed engine is able to operate as intended.