Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy-based distributed generation incentives for distribution network operators

The presence of distributed generation in the electricity distribution system has a significant impact on the performance of the network in terms of reducing power losses, network investment and carbon emissions. The active role of all the associated parties, such as distributed generation investors, electricity retailers and distribution network operators is very important to increase the penetration of distributed generation. One of the methods to encourage the participation of those parties is by giving financial incentives. This paper proposes a mechanism to give some incentives for the distribution network operators based on the actual energy conveyed from the connected distributed generators, rather than based on the connected capacity of the distributed generation, as applied in the current incentive mechanism. A reference network with some generation-dominated busbars is used to examine the power flow and the actual energy conveyed from a new distributed generation connection. The analysis includes different types of distributed generation technologies. The results show that the type of distributed generation technology will determine the amount of energy conveyed through the network, which in turn, will affect the value of incentives for the distribution network operators.
Graphene-Coated Iron Nitride Streptavidin Magnetic Beads: Preparation and Application in SARS-CoV-2 Enrichment

In this study, we prepared a streptavidin magnetic bead based on graphene-coated iron nitride magnetic beads (G@FeN-MB) and tried to use it for the enrichment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outer shell of our magnetic bead was wrapped with multiple graphene sheets, and there is no report on the application of graphene to the magnetic-bead-coating material. First, the graphene shell of G@FeN-MB was oxidized by a modified Hummer method so as to generate the carboxyl groups required for the coupling of streptavidin (SA) on the surface of the magnetic beads. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the oxidized G@FeN-MB (GO@FeN-MB). Streptavidin was then linked to the surface of the GO@FeN-MB by coupling the amino of the streptavidin with the carboxyl on the magnetic beads by carbodiimide method; thus, the streptavidin magnetic beads (SAMBs) were successfully prepared. To prove the practicality of the SAMBs, biotinylated SARS-CoV-2 S1 antibody was linked with it to respectively capture SARS-CoV-2 Spike-protein-coupled polystyrene beads (S-PS) and pseudovirus with S-protein expressed. Microplate reader and fluorescence microscope results show that the SAMBs can effectively enrich viruses. In conclusion, the preparation of SAMBs with G@FeN-MB is feasible and has potential for application in the field of virus enrichment.
Radargrammetric DSM Generation by Semi-Global Matching and Evaluation of Penalty Functions

Radargrammetry is a useful approach to generate Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and an alternative to InSAR techniques that are subject to temporal or atmospheric decorrelation. Stereo image matching in radargrammetry refers to the process of determining homologous points in two images. The performance of image matching influences the final quality of DSM used for spatial-temporal analysis of landscapes and terrain. In SAR image matching, local matching methods are commonly used but usually produce sparse and inaccurate homologous points adding ambiguity to final products; global or semi-global matching methods are seldom applied even though more accurate and dense homologous points can be yielded. To fill this gap, we propose a hierarchical semi-global matching (SGM) pipeline to reconstruct DSMs in forested and mountainous regions using stereo TerraSAR-X images. In addition, three penalty functions were implemented in the pipeline and evaluated for effectiveness. To make accuracy and efficiency comparisons between our SGM dense matching method and the local matching method, the normalized cross-correlation (NCC) local matching method was also applied to generate DSMs using the same test data. The accuracy of radargrammetric DSMs was validated against an airborne photogrammetric reference DSM and compared with the accuracy of NASA’s 30 m SRTM DEM. The results show the SGM pipeline produces DSMs with height accuracy and computing efficiency that exceeds the SRTM DEM and NCC-derived DSMs. The penalty function adopting the Canny edge detector yields a higher vertical precision than the other two evaluated penalty functions. SGM is a powerful and efficient tool to produce high-quality DSMs using stereo Spaceborne SAR images.
Molecular Epidemiology and Polymorphism Analysis in Drug-Resistant Genes in M. tuberculosis Clinical Isolates from Western and Northern India

Introduction The mechanistic details of first line drug (FLD) resistance have been thoroughly explored but the genetic resistance mechanisms of second line injectables, which form the backbone of the combinatorial drug resistant tuberculosis therapy, are partially identified. This study aims to highlight the genetic and spoligotypic differences in the second line drug (SLD) resistant and sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) clinical isolates from Mumbai (Western India) and Lucknow (Northern India). Methods The rrs, eis, whiB7, tlyA, gyrA and gyrB target loci were screened in 126 isolates and spoligotyped. Results The novel mutations were observed in whiB7 loci (A43T, C44A, C47A, G48T, G59A and T152G in 5’-UTR; A42C, C253T and T270G in gene), tlyA (+CG200, G165A, C415G, and +G543) and gyrB (+G1359 and +A1429). Altogether, the rrs, eis, and whiB7 loci harbored mutations in ~86% and ~47% kanamycin resistant isolates from Mumbai and Lucknow, respectively. Mumbai strains displayed higher prevalence of mutations in gyrA (~85%) and gyrB loci (~13%) as compared to those from Lucknow (~69% and ~3.0%, respectively). Further, spoligotyping revealed that Beijing lineage is distributed equally amongst the drug resistant strains of Mumbai and Lucknow, but EAI-5 is existed at a higher level only in Mumbai. The lineages Manu2, CAS1-Delhi and T1 are more prevalent in Lucknow. Conclusion Besides identifying novel mutations in whiB7, tlyA and gyrB target loci, our analyses unveiled a potential polymorphic and phylogeographical demarcation among two distinct regions.
Toward a Robust Estimation of Respiratory Rate Using Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Robustness Analysis Under Pain Stimulation

Respiration can modulate the cardiovascular system through the autonomic nervous system (ANS), deriving numerous methods for monitoring respiration based on cardiovascular biomarkers. However, the sensitivity of the ANS to environmental changes can negatively affect these methods, which suggests the necessity to evaluate their performance in estimating respiratory rate (RR). This paper aims to propose a method for robust estimation of RR using a biodegradable piezoelectric sensor by analyzing the robustness differences of these biomarkers under pain stimulation. In an electrocutaneous stimulus experiment conducted with 15 participants, arterial pulse waves near the elbow and wrist were measured, as well as the electrocardiogram and fingertip photoplethysmogram. The robustness of six biomarkers was quantified using respiratory quality index (RQI) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Heart rate derived from the arterial pulse wave near the elbow achieves the best robustness (<italic>RQI</italic> <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$=85.67$ </tex-math></inline-formula>±12.84 %, <italic>MAPE</italic> <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$=2.22$ </tex-math></inline-formula>±1.81 %) of all biomarkers, whereas pulse wave velocity (PWV) from the elbow to the wrist performs best (<italic>RQI</italic> <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$=70.39$ </tex-math></inline-formula>±12.15 %, <italic>MAPE</italic> <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$=3.47$ </tex-math></inline-formula>±1.69 %) of the three biomarkers of PWV. Therefore, the robustness of biomarkers varies, as does the same biomarker measured at different sites. Our results reveal the heterogeneity of respiratory modulation on the cardiovascular system and demonstrate the robustness of the biomarkers of the arterial pulse wave near the elbow in estimating RR. This study can help smart wearables perfect respiratory monitoring and contribute a robust method for respiratory monitoring using a biodegradable piezoelectric sensor.
Host Population Well-Being through Community-Based Tourism and Local Control: Issues and Ways Forward

The importance and role of tourism around the world is not new; it is enough to mention that tourism represents one of the fastest-growing and most profitable global economic sectors. However, tourism has negative impacts in destinations, such as the displacement and relocation of communities and disruption of economic systems, socio-political processes and organizations. It must be recognized that new strategies are required, because growth itself is not sufficient to fight poverty and inequality. Local people, especially the disadvantaged sections of the communities, need to be protagonists and able to control the tourism sector and benefit from it. The aim of this paper is to contribute to wellbeing, sustainability, and tourism research by proposing issues and ways forward related to enhancing well-being through community-based tourism (CBT). The paper is divided into three sections. The first focuses on CBT approaches. The second concerns the conceptual framework of wellbeing, with special emphasis on wellbeing in tourism, including host/guest relations; we present different evaluations of wellbeing, e.g., (socio-cultural, psychological, economic, and environmental). The third section discusses how wellbeing is presented in CBT and proposes ways forward for research. The paper is theoretical, and is based on previous literature and institutional and organizational documents.
Analogue and mixed-signal test for systems on chip

A systematic method for fault diagnosis of analogue circuits based on the combination of neural networks and wavelet transforms is presented. Using wavelet decomposition as a tool for removing noise from the sampled signals, optimal feature information is extracted by wavelet noise removal, multi-resolution decomposition, PCA (principal component analysis) and data normalisation. The features are applied to the proposed wavelet neural network and the fault patterns are classified. Diagnosis principles and procedures are described. The reliability of the method and comparison with other methods are shown by two active filter examples.
Magnet loss analysis for a high-speed PM machine with segmented PM and modified tooth-tips shape

: This paper presents the loss-oriented performance analysis of a radial high-speed permanent magnet (PM) machine with concentrated windings for automotive application. The PM synchronous machine was designed for an operating frequency up to 800 Hz. The main aim of this paper is to analyse the selected methods for magnet eddy-current loss reduction. The first approach to rotor modification regards magnet segmentation in circumferential and axial directions. The second approach is based on changes in tooth-tips shape of the stator. The best variants of tooth-tip shapes are determined for further investigation, and adopted with a rotor having magnet segmentation. It is found that the machine with a segmented magnet leads to magnet loss reduction by 81%. Further loss reduction by 45% can be realized with the proposed tooth-tip shape. Additionally, owing to the stator and rotor modifications, the main machine parameters are investigated, such as back-EMF, electromagnetic torque, torque ripple and cogging torque. The 2-D and 3-D finite element analysis (FEA) is used for electromagnetic analysis. An experimental approach based on a partially wound stator is employed to verify the 3-D FEA.
A 125 KHz, Single-Stage, Dual-Output Wireless Power Receiver with PSM Modulation

This paper presents a 125 KHz, single-stage, dual-output wireless power receiver with pulse skip modulation (PSM). Multi-output receivers are proposed to supply different modules in one system. Conventional multi-output receivers contain a rectifier and a multi-output regulator, which degrade the power conversion efficiency (PCE) due to interstage loss of the rectifier and the regulator. Additionally, existing single-inductor multi-output (SIMO) receivers exhibit a cross-regulation phenomenon because of the sharing inductor, which decreases the stability of the output voltages, and the use of an inductor in SIMO receivers increases the cost of the circuit. The proposed receiver in this article realizes rectification and regulation in only one stage, which eliminates interstage loss; this improves the power conversion efficiency of the system and realizes dual-output voltages with only four power transistors without an inductor, which reduces the chip area and minimizes cost. There is no cross-regulation in this dual-output architecture because the dual-output voltages are charged by different phases of the input signal. PSM modulation was adopted to regulate output voltages for higher efficiency. The proposed single-stage, dual-output regulating rectifier delivers a maximum power of 47 mW, and the dual-output voltages are 1.8 V and 2 V. This receiver is designed by a 0.18 μm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process and realizes a peak efficiency of 86% when the output power ranges from 15 mW to 47 mW.
Production of Hydroxy Fatty Acids, Precursors of γ-Hexalactone, Contributes to the Characteristic Sweet Aroma of Beef

Aroma is an essential factor for meat quality. The meat of Japanese Black cattle exhibits fine marbling and a rich and sweet aroma with a characteristic lactone composition. The mechanism of lactone formation associated with beef aroma has not been elucidated. In this study, we examined the precursors of γ-hexalactone, an indicator of the sweet aroma of beef and identified the mechanism underlying γ-hexalactone production. A low-temperature vacuum system was used to prepare beef tallow from Japanese Black cattle and Holstein cattle. The odor components were identified using headspace–gas chromatography. The analysis revealed that γ-hexalactone, γ-dodecalactone, δ-tetradecalactone, and δ-hexadecalactone were present as sweet aroma components of beef tallow prepared from marbling and muscle. Since we previously reported that γ-hexalactone formation correlates with linoleic acid content in beef, we analyzed ten oxidized fatty acids derived from linoleic acid by liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and detected two hydroxy-octadecadienoic acids (9S-HODE and 13S-HODE) in beef tallow. Significant differences in arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase protein expression levels among subcutaneous fat, intramuscular fat, and muscle tissue were observed. Our results suggest that the combination of linoleic acid and the expression of lipid oxidase derived from beef muscle and intramuscular fat produce hydroxy fatty acids that result in a sweet aroma.
Impact of Third-Degree Price Discrimination on Welfare under the Asymmetric Price Game

Whether third-degree price discrimination improves or damages social welfare has always been a hot topic for scholars of economics. At present, research studies on the impact of third-degree price discrimination on welfare have not been carried out under asymmetric price competition. To this end, we studied this problem. In the research process, we divided consumers into two market segments by setting different travel costs based on the Hotelling model; at the same time, we considered three scenarios in which both firms engage in uniform pricing, both engage in price discrimination, and price discrimination vs. uniform pricing, and some intriguing findings and conclusions that differ from the previous studies were obtained through game analysis: (1) compared with two symmetric price games, the total output effect of each firm is unchanged, but the total social welfare is reduced, and as the size of the strong market increases, the reduction effect of total social welfare increases first and then decreases; (2) from local social welfare analysis, although the output of the firm adopting price discrimination remains unchanged, it can produce more producer surplus, consumer surplus and social welfare third-degree; (3) while the firm that uses uniform pricing is at a disadvantage in competition, the local social welfare created by it is decreased, and the reduction effect of social welfare will increase first and then decrease as the increase of the size of the strong market occurs. These conclusions reveal in an oligopoly market why enterprises always choose price discrimination and the government acquiesces in the existence of price discrimination.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A Method of Fuzzy Enhancement for Degraded Image Based on Deep Learning

We, the Editor, Institution and Publisher of the journal IETE Journal of Research, have retracted the following article, which is part of the Special Issue titled “Federated Learning for Blockchain Systems and Industrial Internet of Things”: Ming Han & Han Liu (2022) A Method of Fuzzy Enhancement for Degraded Image Based on Deep Learning, IETE Journal of Research, DOI: 10.1080/03772063.2022. 2058632 Following publication, concerns were raised about the peer review and decision-making processes for this special issue. After an investigation by the Taylor & Francis Publishing Ethics & Integrity team, in full cooperation with the Editor-in-Chief and the Institution, it was confirmed that the articles included in this special issue were not reviewed appropriately, in line with the Journal's peer review standards and policy. As the stringency of the peer review process is core to the integrity of the publication process, the Editor and Publisher have decided to retract all of the articles within the above-named Special Issue. The journal has not confirmed if the authors were aware of this compromised peer review process. The journal is committed to correcting the scientific record and will fully cooperate with any institutional investigations into this matter. The authors have been informed of this decision. We have been informed in our decision-making by our editorial policies and the COPE guidelines. The retracted articles will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but they will be digitally watermarked on each page as ‘Retracted’.
A CAE-oriented mesh hole-filling algorithm focusing on geometry and quality

PurposeIntegrality of surface mesh is requisite for computational engineering. Nonwatertight meshes with holes can bring inconvenience to applications. Unlike simple modeling or visualization, the downstream industrial application scenarios put forward higher requirements for hole-filling, although many related algorithms have been developed. This study aims at the hole-filling issue in industrial application scenarios.Design/methodology/approachThis algorithm overcomes some inherent weakness of general methods and generates a high-level resulting mesh. Initially, the primitive hole boundary is filled with a more appropriate triangulation which introduces fewer geometric errors. And in order for better performances on shape approximation of the background mesh, the algorithm also refines the initial triangulation with topology optimization. When obtaining the background mesh defining the geometry and size field, spheres on it are packed to determine the vertex configuration and then the resulting high-level mesh is generated.FindingsThrough emphasizing geometry recovery and mesh quality, the proposed algorithm works well in hole-filling in industrial application scenarios. Many experimental results demonstrate the reliability and the performance of the algorithm. And the processed meshes are capable of being used for industrial simulation computations directly.Originality/valueThis paper makes input meshes more adaptable for solving programs through local modifications on meshes and perfects the preprocessing technology of finite element analysis (FEA).
Quantum theory of multimode exciton-polariton Bose-Einstein Condensation

This thesis studies Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) of microcavity exciton-polaritons. BEC is a quantum phase transition, whereby a system spontaneously develops coherence, allowing quantum mechanical effects to be visible on macroscopic scales. Excitons are the bound states of an electron and a hole in a semiconductor. Microcavity polaritons are quasiparticle arising from the strong coupling of excitons to radiation modes confined in a microcavity – a cavity on the scale of the wavelength of light. Microcavity polaritons decay into external photons, typically in a few picoseconds. Thus, the polariton condensate is a nonequilibrium steady state, maintained by a balance between radiative decay and external pumping. One consequence of this nonequilibrium nature is that, whereas in equilibrium only the lowest energy single-particle state can be macroscopically occupied, for polaritons large occupations can build up in other orbitals. Furthermore, the condensation can occur in several orbitals simultaneously, enabling the study of interacting macroscopic quantum states. In this thesis, we build a theory for the dynamics of the density matrix describing a multimode polariton condensate. We develop the theory of saturable pumping which we supplement with standard open quantum system decay. Our theory also includes resonant polariton-polariton interactions within the condensate modes. Our generic few-parameter model for the system leads to a Lindblad equation which we use to obtain the steady-state population distributions, and the time-dependent first and second-order coherence functions, in such a multimode condensate. We solve the population distribution detailed balance forms either directly or with approximate analytical solutions. The first-order coherence functions are obtained either directly, with numericals, or with an approximate linearized Fokker-Planck approach and a simpler static limit expression. Among the second-order coherence functions, we consider the dephasing in the intensity oscillations caused by beating between the emission from different condensate modes. Such oscillations are a form of Josephson oscillations. As a specific application, we consider a polaritonic Josephson junction, formed from a double-well potential, in the Rabi regime. We obtain the population distributions, emission lineshapes and widths (first-order coherence functions) and predict the dephasing time of the Josephson oscillations. Our theory predicts new multimode effects in the linewidth which are due to cross-correlations in the fluctuations of the population distribution.
Integration of Sustainability in a Multidisciplinary Engineering Department

Nebojsa I. Jaksic received the Dipl. Ing. degree in electrical engineering from Belgrade University in 1984, the M.S. in electrical engineering, the M.S. in industrial engineering, and the Ph.D. in industrial engineering from the Ohio State University in 1988, 1992, and 2000, respectively. From 1992 to 2000 he taught at DeVry University in Columbus, OH. In 2000, he joined Colorado State University-Pueblo, where he is currently a professor and the mechatronics programs director. Dr. Jaksic’s interests include robotics, automation, and nanotechnology engineering education and research. He is a member of ASEE, IEEE, SME, and MRS.