Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Electrical Characteristics Dependency of Roll-to-Roll Printed Solar Cells With Silver Electrodes on Mechanical Tensile Strain

In this work we have studied the effects of the tensile mechanical strain on the electrical behavior of a roll-to-roll printed solar cell module with silver electrodes. After applying the strain along the length of the solar module, its current-voltage curves were measured in dark and under light illumination conditions. By electrical parameters extraction of the curves in both conditions, valuable information was achieved which proved that the dark and light parameters are in good agreement with each other and can each be used as a means to evaluate the solar cells. Electrical parameters like series resistance and power conversion efficiency, all show improvements for moderate tensile strain levels. The power conversion efficiency had about 3.8% improvement after applying 2400 $\mu {\varepsilon }$ tensile strain. This is due to the polymer chains alignment in the direction of the applied tensile strain. However, higher strain levels damaged the interfaces among the solar cells’ layers. These broken bonds created a high density of defect states and thus reduced the electrical performance of the solar cell. This research showed that the solar cell under the test can be mechanically deformed under moderate strains while showing a better electrical performance. So these cells are a suitable choice for applications in which the cells are used under a mechanical tensile strain.
Optimal design for transport and logistics of steel mill by-product based on double-layer genetic algorithms

This paper presents the optimal design of in-plant logistics in manufacturing. Owing to rising energy costs and the supply-demand imbalance leading to price competition, resulting in a sharp decline in profit, business management is facing a severe test, especially heavy industry. In practice, the important decision-making in C Company has relied on expert experience and existing knowledge, the lack of systematic thinking, and technology applications, resulting in a waste of logistics costs. Therefore, a study on the application of genetic algorithms to optimize steel mill factory by-product transport and logistics is presented herein. The aim is to solve the bottleneck of traditional decision-making in order to achieve the goal of optimizing transportation logistics decision-making via artificial intelligence. In defining the problem, the model of the steel mill factory by-products transport and logistics is constructed through in-plant route information, vehicle routing systematization and consideration of the transport demand frequency. The modified variable length chromosome ending technique and bi-level genetic algorithm are used to effectively solve the problem of different zoning transportation on double layer genetic algorithm application. The results show that the total transport time is slightly better than the existing results.
A 5-Degrees-of-Freedom Lightweight Elbow-Wrist Exoskeleton for Forearm Fine-Motion Rehabilitation

Exoskeleton robots have been demonstrated to effectively assist the rehabilitation of patients with upper or lower limb disabilities. To make exoskeletons more accessible to patients, they need to be lightweight and compact without major performance tradeoffs. Existing upper limb exoskeletons focus on assistance with coarse motion of the upper arm, whereas forearm fine-motion rehabilitation is often ignored. This paper presents an elbow-wrist exoskeleton with five degrees of freedom (DoFs). Using geared bearings, slider crank mechanisms, and a spherical mechanism for the wrist and elbow modules, this exoskeleton can provide 5-DoF rotary motion forearm assistance. The optimized exoskeleton dimensions allow sufficient rotation output while the motors are placed parallel to the forearm and elbow joint. Thus, compactness and less inertia loading can be achieved. Linear and rotary series elastic actuators with high torque-to-weight ratios are proposed to accurately measure and control interaction force and impedance between exoskeleton and forearm. The resulting 3-kg exoskeleton can be used alone or easily in combination with other exoskeleton robots to provide various robot-aided upper limb rehabilitation.
Intra-Hour Microgrid Economic Dispatch Based on Model Predictive Control

Renewable energy-based generation facilities emerging in microgrids are modifying many traditional principles of economic dispatch because of the variability and uncertainty of their output characteristics. Since the power generation from renewable resources is difficult to anticipate, a real-time adjustment of generation schedules is necessary after more forecast information becomes available. Intra-hour, or ultra-short-term dispatch, allows microgrid operators to frequently update generators’ outputs for providing power supplies efficiently in an uncertain operating condition. However, several technical challenges such as information availability, control architecture, and computational burden make it difficult to find an optimal generation schedule at runtime. This work addresses the intra-hour economic dispatch problem by designing a closed-loop distributed model predictive control (DMPC) that reduces potential variations in the determined generation schedules. At first, optimization problems regarding the behaviors of several participants in a microgrid are formulated. Then, the procedures for achieving the real-time power balance under ramp-rate constraints are detailed. Simulation results present the efficiency of the proposed DMPC for the optimal intra-hour economic dispatch when multiple types of generation resources are considered in a microgrid.
Peroxidase Labeled Antibody Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles for Ultrasensitive Voltammetric Immunosensing

An electrochemical immunosensing platform capable of detecting Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration as low as femtograms was developed based on signal amplification strategy. The immunosensing platform was fabricated using self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of 11- mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUDA) on a gold disc electrode. The covalent immobilization of antibody was achieved through the bonding of a carboxyl group of MUDA and amino group of antibody using [1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide] (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) chemistry. The formation of SAM and antibody immobilization was analyzed using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The gold nanoparticles conjugated with horseradish peroxidase-labeled secondary antibodies were used as nanolabels, to increase the sensitivity and catalytic efficiency of the immunosensor. The sandwich immunocomplex formed on the electrode surface produced an electrocatalytic response through the reduction of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of thionin. The fabricated immunosensor exhibited two linear ranges that included IgG concentrations of 10 fg mL<sup>−1</sup> to 0.1 ng mL<sup>−1</sup> and 0.1 to 100 ng mL<sup>−1</sup> respectively. <fig position="float" orientation="portrait"> <graphic position="float" orientation="portrait" xlink:href="tg8-2946311.eps"/> </fig>
Metamaterials and THz Integrated Circuits

Author(s): McDonald, Mark | Advisor(s): Pedrotti, Kenneth | Abstract: THz integrated circuits are now possible with improved processes that have increased fτ and fmax. The increased fτ and fmax enable the use of metamaterials as a design element due to their decreased size at higher frequency. Novel on-chip resonators that are crucial for imaging, communications, and other applications are possible. Here we investigate issues relevant to the design of THz oscillators in general and the use of metamaterials as resonators in these circuits.A number of design challenges are investigated. Above approximately 200 GHz higher-order propagating modes are possible for transmission lines. This introduces extra power loss which can prevent the circuits from working as simulated because current circuit simulators do not include the modal effects.This dissertation discusses why the modal effects occur, how they can be analyzed, and what design steps can be used to avoid it. A new technique, Modal Aggregation, is presented to allow circuit simulation when modes exist. The mathematics of the technique and examples of how to use it are developed. This technique can be implemented using almost any circuit simulator along with a computer aided mathematics tool.Metamaterials from a circuits’ perspective are RLC resonant circuits and as such single cells are suitable for use as resonators. For the first time they are analyzed and synthesized as RLC circuits easing compatibility with circuit simulation tools. Single-negative metamaterials are modeled with a single RLC series or parallel circuit in series or parallel with the ports. A double-negative metamaterial is modeled as three RLC series or parallel circuits in either a π or T arrangement.Various candidate THz resonators are analyzed, simulated and compared to provide design insight and guidance for the selection of resonator type. The results are given at 300 GHz and 1 THz. The resonators include those based on microstrip, stripline, grounded coplanar waveguide transmission lines, rectangular and circular waveguides, spiral inductors, and metamaterials.Two THz oscillator designs are presented that use a metamaterial as the resonant element. The design methodology, process, and simulation techniques are discussed. Finally, the simulated results are shown.
An Improved Phase-Shifted PWM for a Five-Level Hybrid-Clamped Converter With Optimized THD

Five-level hybrid-clamped converter is a newly proposed topology, which is suitable for medium-voltage high-power conversions without switches directly connected in series. Phase shifted pulsewidth modulation (PWM) or (PSPWM) is commonly used to control this converter. However, the line voltages of PSPWM include many zones in which the synthetic voltage jumps two voltage levels continuously, which will deteriorate the harmonic performance and increase the current ripples. This article presents an improved PSPWM method for the hybrid five-level converter, which can imitate the effect of phase disposition PWM and improve the quality of the line voltage and current. A decoupled capacitor voltage balancing control is also implemented based on this modulation method. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of this method.
Factors Related to Peptic Ulcer Diseases in Cirrhotic Patients

Background: Due to the extreme risk of death after variceal hemorrhage, endoscopic screening for varices has been recommended in cirrhotic patients since 1998. Previous studies revealed a higher incidence of peptic ulcer diseases in cirrhotic patients than those of general population. However, the pathogenesis of peptic ulcers in liver cirrhosis remains inconclusive. Objective: To investigate for clinical and epidemiological factors that might play role in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer diseases in cirrhosis and to evaluate for the incidence of peptic ulcers in asymptomatic cirrhotic patients who underwent endoscopic screening. Patients and Methods: 114 cirrhotic patients without any evidence of liver cancer were recruited into the study consecutively from the Gastroenterological clinic for endoscopic screening. Patient history and their clinical data were collected. Biochemical tests were done prior to the study. Doppler ultrasound was used to assess the portal vein velocity and portal vein size by a single radiologist. Study patients underwent endoscopic examination for any abnormalities including esophageal and gastric varices and the presence of peptic ulcers. The presence of Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed by two of the three positive tests of Urease test, histology or 14 C Urea breath test. Statistical analysis of continuous variables was done with student t-test or non-parametric test as appropriate. Chi-square or Fisher exact test was used for analysis of discrete variables. P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed further for factors with p-value <0.20. Results: Peptic ulcers were detected in 45/114 (39.5%) cases. Comparing between peptic ulcer and non peptic ulcer groups, there was no statistically difference in mean ages, sex, history of regular alcohol drinking, smoking, NSAID use, portal vein velocity and portal vein size among the two groups except Helicobacter pylori infection (p = 0.02) and Child Pugh class (p = 0.08). Multivariate logistic regressioon analysis showed that Helicobacter pylori infection (OR 3.22; 95%CI 1.3-7.5), and Child-Pugh class B (OR 2.71; 95%CI 1.1-6.9) or class C (OR 3.85; 95% CI 1.3-11.3) were independently associated with the presence of peptic ulcer diseases in these patients. Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori infection and advanced stages of liver cirrhosis are the two important factors associated with peptic ulcers in cirrhotic patients. Comparing with the general population, peptic ulcer diseases are more common in asymptomatic cirrhotic patients who underwent endoscopic screening for varices.
Projection‐transformation method with considering energy conservation

In this paper, a projection‐transformation method that considers the conservation of energy during transformation is proposed. To consider energy conservation, an area‐integration function of the input image is introduced. By conducting the projection‐transformation of this function, energy is conserved during transformation. The pixel value of the transformed image is calculated by integrating the transformed function. The Gauss–Legendre numerical integration scheme is used for the integration calculation. Moreover, the pixel area change during the transformation is considered by using the Jacobian factor. To demonstrate the projection‐transformation, standard images of the SIDBA and SCID datasets are used. Also, the ISO 12233 Test Chart is used for evaluation using high‐frequency images. The quality of the transformed images is evaluated using the structural similarity index and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio values. Because the image quality is affected by the color space, the evaluations are conducted using RGB and YUV color spaces. The results show that the proposed methods produce the highest quality values regardless of the type of image or color space. Moreover, the quality of the transformed image is improved when considering the Jacobian of the pixel area change. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective in improving the quality of the projection‐transformed image. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control for DC Bus Voltage of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator Based on Total Disturbance Differential

The wind power grid-connected inverter system has nonlinear, strong coupling, and is susceptible to grid voltage fluctuations and nonlinear load effects. To achieve satisfactory control results, the voltage outer loop is controlled by an improved linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC). LADRC has strong adaptability, robustness and operability. It can automatically detect and compensate for internal and external disturbances, and correct complex controlled objects to integrator series. The total perturbation differential signal is introduced in the traditional linear extended state observer (LESO), which improves the dynamic perturbation observation ability of LESO. The frequency response characteristics analysis shows that the new LADRC has better anti-interference performance. The effectiveness of the improved controller under multiple operating conditions is verified by simulation.
Simplified Model Predictive Current Control of Primary Permanent-Magnet Linear Motor Traction Systems for Subway Applications

In this paper, a simplified model predictive current control (MPCC) is proposed for the primary permanent-magnet linear motor traction system in subway applications, which is fed by one two-level voltage-source-inverter (VSI). Based on the deadbeat concept, the reference voltage vector is calculated to eliminate the difference between the measured and reference currents in the next sampling period. Due to the discrete feature of the VSI, the reference voltage vector usually cannot be provided. Hence, the distance of a voltage vector is defined, and the voltage vector with the shortest distance is selected as the optimal one, which is called as the shortest distance principle in this paper. According to the shortest distance principle, the distribution of the reference voltage vector is divided into seven sectors, and the optimal voltage vector can be easily determined considering the location of the reference voltage vector. As a result, the computation cost is significantly reduced. However, the performances of MPCC are not affected by this simplification. The equivalence between the proposed and conventional MPCCs is proved in theory. All the theoretical analyses are verified by experimental results.
Multi-organisational approach to safety training: the case of a Finnish Safety Training Park

Abstract Studies across trades suggest that occupational accident and injury rates and costs are higher than average in the construction industry. There is a need for innovative and cost-effective occupational safety approaches. The Finnish construction industry and its key stakeholders have introduced a new safety training concept, called the Safety Training Park (STP). The STP consists of full-scale training points that use new training methods to stimulate individual safe behaviour and to improve safety climate within workgroups and companies. The Safety Training Park in Northern Finland (STPNF) was designed, constructed, and financed through a collaborative process that included over 80 organizations. A realistic evaluation approach was applied to document the effectiveness of STPNF training from individual and organizational perspectives. Results indicate that the dialogical STP approach with several information sharing channels fits the target groups. Evidence regarding effectiveness at the organizational level is also discussed. Cost-benefit calculations show that the multi-organizational coalition model enables efficient occupational safety and health training with reasonable costs.
Impact assessment of virtual synchronous generator on the electromechanical dynamics of type 4 wind turbine generators

The de-loaded operation of wind turbine generators (WTGs) with inertial and frequency control considerably affects the dynamics and stability of variable speed wind turbines. In this context, this work proposes a comprehensive assessment of the simultaneous impact of virtual synchronous generator and frequency controllers on the electromechanical dynamics of type 4 WTGs. The proposed power balance formulation and the performed analysis, which are the main contributions of this work, provide insight into the simultaneous impact of the inertial and frequency control on the dynamics of the wind generation unit and system frequency. The assessment has been performed by means of an analytical formulation for the power balance in the WTG, characteristic curves of the wind turbine, and non-linear time-domain simulations of two test systems. The analyses have shown that the speed and torque deviation magnitudes of the wind turbine, as well as the amount of kinetic energy released by the wind turbine, depend on the wind turbine operating point. The study has also shown that the de-loaded operation considerably increases the inertial response capability of WTGs. The integrated inertial and frequency control approach has resulted in well-behaved electromechanical dynamics for the WTG.
Multiple Feature Integration for Classification of Thoracic Disease in Chest Radiography

The accurate localization and classification of lung abnormalities from radiological images are important for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies. However, multilabel classification, wherein medical images are interpreted to point out multiple existing or suspected pathologies, presents practical constraints. Building a highly precise classification model typically requires a huge number of images manually annotated with labels and finding masks that are expensive to acquire in practice. To address this intrinsically weakly supervised learning problem, we present the integration of different features extracted from shallow handcrafted techniques and a pretrained deep CNN model. The model consists of two main approaches: a localization approach that concentrates adaptively on the pathologically abnormal regions utilizing pretrained DenseNet-121 and a classification approach that integrates four types of local and deep features extracted respectively from SIFT, GIST, LBP, and HOG, and convolutional CNN features. We demonstrate that our approaches efficiently leverage interdependencies among target annotations and establish the state of the art classification results of 14 thoracic diseases in comparison with current reference baselines on the publicly available ChestX-ray14 dataset.
Linearization for Hybrid Beamforming Array Utilizing Embedded Over-the-Air Diversity Feedbacks

In this article, a modified beam-oriented digital predistortion (BO-DPD) utilizing the over-the-air diversity feedbacks (OTA DFBs) is proposed for linearizing the hybrid beamforming (HBF) large-scale array. The proposed DPD can solve the hardware implementation issue of conventional DPD architecture in HBF array by estimating and linearizing the main beam signal while avoiding the complex feedback configurations. Different from the far-field OTA measurements, the OTA feedback receivers are placed symmetrically inside the transmit array according to its geometric structure. Theoretical analysis proves that it is possible to derive the main beam signal from the OTA feedback information directly by adjusting the phase shifter of each branch using a relative simple procedure which allows the predistorter to be identified based on the estimated main beam signal. Furthermore, an iterative algorithm for eliminating uncorrelated coupling interference from other subarrays in the feedback signal is proposed. Measurement results on a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1 \times 4$ </tex-math></inline-formula> transmitter and a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2 \times 3$ </tex-math></inline-formula> transmitter as well as simulations on a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4 \times 64$ </tex-math></inline-formula> array are presented to benchmark the proposed DPD technique against the existing techniques. Better than 15-dB adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) improvement has been realized with the proposed DPD.
A Coarse-Grained Regularization Method of Convolutional Kernel for Molten Pool Defect Identification

Machine vision has a wide range of applications in the field of welding. The rise of convolutional neural network (CNN) provides a new way to extract visual features of welding. Due to the limitation of the small size of our molten pool dataset, the regularization of the CNN model is necessary to prevent overfitting. We propose a coarse-grained regularization method for convolution kernels (CGRCKs), which is designed to maximize the difference between convolution kernels in the same layer. The algorithm performance was tested on our self-made dataset and other public datasets. The results show that the CGRCK method can extract multi-faceted features. Compared with L1 or L2 regularization, the proposed method works great on CNNs and introduces little overhead cost to the training.