Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS AND FINE TUNING OF SKIMMING WELL DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT ‐ INDUS BASIN OF PAKISTAN

A survey was conducted in the Chaj Doab (the area between the rivers Chenab and Jhelum) to characterize the skimming wells used to extract freshwater layer. The survey revealed a drastic increase in the number of skimming wells installed during the drought period from 2000 to 2002. About 36% of skimming wells were found to pump water of EC greater than 2.0 dS/m. The number of strainers varied from 2 to 20 and the size varied from 5 to15 cm. The prevailing depth to the water table in the area ranged from 2 to 10 m, whereas the strainers of the wells were usually at 18 m depth.
Training Effectiveness of the CH-47 Flight Simulator

Abstract : The training effectiveness of the CH-47 helicopter flight simulator was evaluated in two parts: Part I used a classical two-group transfer-of- training design using aviators undergoing transition training to the CH-47 helicopter, and Part II assessed the training benefits of periodic training of operational CH-47 aviators in the CH-47 flight simulator using a pretest-train- posttest design. Cumulative transfer effectiveness ratios and learning curves are presented for 24 maneuvers taught in the simulator and the aircraft. It was concluded that the CH-47 flight simulator is an effective training device for all maneuvers tested except for those, such as hovering maneuvers, that require extensive visual group referencing at very low altitudes. The simulator was also found to be inadequate for training night operations and terrain flights.
Resonant frequencies and Q factors of dielectric parallelepipeds by measurement and by FDTD

This paper describes the measurement and computation of the resonant frequencies and the associated Q factors of dielectric parallelepipeds made of high-permittivity, low-loss ceramic materials. Each resonance peak is measured separately with a fine frequency step. A curve-fitting method is used to accurately estimate the resonant frequency and 3 dB bandwidth from the somewhat noisy measured data. The finite-difference time-domain method is used to compute the initial portion of the backscattered field due to a Gaussian pulse plane wave. The time response is then extended to zero value by Prony's method. The measured and computed data is compared for a parallelepiped resonator of permittivity 37.84. <<ETX>>
A digital signal processing approach for affective sensing of a computer user through pupil diameter monitoring

OF THE DISSERTATION A DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING APPROACH FOR AFFECTIVE SENSING OF A COMPUTER USER THROUGH PUPIL DIAMETER MONITORING by Ying Gao Florida International University, 2009 Miami, Florida Professor Armando Barreto, Major Professor Recent research has indicated that the pupil diameter (PD) in humans varies with their affective states. However, this signal has not been fully investigated for affective sensing purposes in human-computer interaction systems. This may be due to the dominant separate effect of the pupillary light reflex (PLR), which shrinks the pupil when light intensity increases. In this dissertation, an adaptive interference canceller (AIC) system using the H∞ time-varying (HITV) adaptive algorithm was developed to minimize the impact of the PLR on the measured pupil diameter signal. The modified pupil diameter (MPD) signal, obtained from the AIC was expected to reflect primarily the pupillary affective responses (PAR) of the subject. Additional manipulations of the AIC output resulted in a processed MPD (PMPD) signal, from which a classification feature, PMPDmean, was extracted. This feature was used to train and test a support vector machine (SVM), for the identification of stress states in the subject from whom the pupil diameter signal was recorded, achieving an accuracy rate of 77.78%.
Weighted mean squared error criterion with fixed-level modification for linear-phase fIR filter design

This paper describes a new approach—a Fixed-Level Least Squares (FLLS) method for linear-phase FIR filter design. It is intended for rejection of the Gibbs phenomenon through the introduction of a set of equally spaced fixed levels in the transition band and subsequent redefinition of the approximated and weighted functions. Detailed mathematical solutions of the problem as well as many examples are given. The results in graphical form are shown as an output of the FLLS software model.
NEW SYSTEM ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF EHEALTH INNOVATIONS

The aim of this study is to provide a new research framework for the economic evaluation of eHealth innovations by using system approach and value analysis. It offers stakeholders an explorative method to find the optimal organization following economic, social and quality of care value creation. It helps them design new process by exploring the link between resources, activities, indicators and expected values. Method application and main findings are discussed for EclairAge tele-expertise case study.
Battery Systems Engineering

Focusing on the interdisciplinary area of battery systems engineering, this book provides the background, models, solution techniques, and systems theory that are necessary for the development of advanced battery management systems. It covers the topic from the perspective of basic electrochemistry as well as systems engineering topics and provides a basis for battery modeling for system engineering of electric and hybrid electric vehicle platforms.
A study of inter vehicle communication scheme allocating PN codes to the location on the road

In this paper, improving performance of the PN code allocation scheme for inter-vehicle communication system using spread spectrum communication that we have already proposed [Y. Shiga et al., Nov 2000] is discussed. In the proposed system, a road is divided into small areas and different PN code is assigned to each area. All vehicles on the road share the unique PN code map and they decide on their own PN code used in IVC according to their position on the road by referring the PN code map. By binding PN code to the absolute location, each vehicle can determine its PN code easily and no complex PN code allocation protocol is necessary. In this paper, performance of the proposed system is discussed under more actual and practical situations than the conventional analyses. Here, each vehicle makes a communication randomly while each vehicle is making a communication at constant intervals. As a result of computer simulations, better performance of the proposed scheme were confirmed as compared to the conventional scheme.
Energy evaluation and optimal design of semi-transparent photovoltaic façade for office buildings in central China

In recent years, interest in building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) has increased considerably. This thesis aims to evaluate the energy performance of semi-transparent photovoltaic facade for office buildings in central China and to propose optimal design based on the evaluation. In this study, an experimental room was set up in Wuhan, which is typical city of central China in climate. Then, the calculation models for energy evaluation of PV facades are developed and validated based on field experiments. The architectural models were developed with a series of generic office rooms. Finally, the architectural models and validated models were incorporated into the simulations with Energy Plus for energy evaluation of semi-transparent PV facade. Energy evaluations based on the PV generated electricity were performed in four cities of China. The results show that with the varieties of cities and building orientations, building forms, and materials and arrangements of PV modules, there was a distinct difference in annual power generation of PV facades. Energy evaluations based on the overall energy consumption were performed for two types of the PV facades in Wuhan. The impacts of the properties of PV glazing and the architecture factors on the overall energy of semi-transparent PV facades was addressed. For example, in large window-to-wall ratio (WWR) office rooms, mono-crystalline semi-transparent PV of high PV coverage ratio (PVR) could be energy efficient. Therefore, use of optimal PVR and WWR based on the combination of room depth and orientation can achieve overall energy consumption saving. In addition, the suitability of optimal PVR/WWR strategies for PV facades in different architectural conditions was investigated with the consideration of Chinese Design Standard for Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings. The mono-crystalline semi-transparent PV could only achieve a better overall energy performance in the cases of small WWR and small depth room meanwhile amorphous-silicon fail to achieve a better overall energy performance in all cases.
New Design and Application of High Efficiency LED Driving System for RGB-LED Backlight in LCD Display

Novel RGB-LED driving system for LED backlight in LCD display have been developed and demonstrated. The driving system consists of the non-isolation type high efficiency constant current DC-DC converter and the dynamic controller with microcontroller. The efficiency of driver is up to 94.4% and the maximum color deviation, Δu'v', from the target is 0.002.
Development of Souryu-I connected crawler vehicle for inspection of narrow and winding space

A prototype of the connected crawler vehicle for inspection in a narrow and winding space, named Souryu-I, was developed for the purpose of searching someone who is trapped in a collapsed house or building. The requirements of both ease of control and toughness are the basic design criteria of this vehicle. Based on these principles, we determine the actual vehicle mechanical characteristics. The mechanical design and performance of this vehicle are discussed.
A Glance At Malicious Attacks In Web

Web usage is one of the great important to all users in this era. For each and every need internet or web is made use of. Users make use of the area as a medium for searching information, performing business transactions, and also for entertainment. It serves as an attractive area for attackers too. Hence there is at most importance to protect our data that is being exposed in web against any sort of malicious attacks. Malware, short for malicious software is a software use to disrupt computer operation, gathers sensitive information or gain access to pri vate computer system. It can also appear in the form of code, scripts, acti ve content and other soft ware. Malware is different from different software which is legitimate software but contents harmful bugs that were not corrected before release.
ERP implementation: An integrated process of radical change and continuous learning

This paper seeks to develop management theory that can be used to increase the likelihood of ERP implementation success. The paper argues and demonstrates that an ERP implementation can be understood as an intended radical change that can be managed to some extent. But during the use of the system, incremental changes are bound to take place, which are unintended and difficult to manage. Using, therefore, and combining positivist and constructivist viewpoints, six different propositions on ERP implementation are developed. The paper reasons that organizations that understand these propositions are more likely to implement and use ERP successfully. The findings of a longitudinal case study of the implementation and use of BaaN in a Danish company support the propositions put forward in the paper.
Performance Comparison of RADARSAT-2 Advanced Moving Object Detection Experiment Modes

Abstract : It has been recognized that a two-aperture approach to ground moving target indication is sub-optimum and that target parameter estimation is often compromised by clutter interference or poor signal-to-clutter ratios. This paper investigates the Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) performance of several virtual channel concepts proposed for the RADARSAT-2 Moving Object Detection EXperiment (MODEX). These are capable of increasing the spatial diversity of RADARSAT-2 by exploiting its very flexible antenna programming capabilities and allowing the two-channel SAR system to operate like a three or four channel radar. A high fidelity Space-Based Radar Moving Target Indication Simulator (SBRMTISIM) is used to generate virtual channel raw GMTI data for analysis. Moving targets are detected using a combination of the Factored Space-Time Adaptive Processing (Factored STAP) and the Cell-Averaging Constant False Alarm Rate (CA-CFAR) detector. The detection performances of virtual multichannel MODEX modes are analyzed and compared with each other and with those of true or fictitious multichannel space-based radar systems.
Rapid motion planning and autonomous obstacle avoidance for unmanned vehicles

Abstract : This work introduces the use of optimal control methods for path planning and control of autonomous vehicles in an obstacle-rich environment. Traditional techniques harbor non-optimal, closed architectures primarily derived at a time when computational complexity could significantly hinder overall system performance. Advancements in computing power, miniaturization, and numerical methods permit the utilization of online, optimal path planning and control, thereby improving system flexibility and autonomy. The backbone of this concept is state-of-the-art optimal control techniques involving pseudospectral methods and sequential quadratic programming. Although this research focuses on a robotic car or Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), several systems, including an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and a pendulum on a rotational base, are detailed to illustrating the technique's modularity. With respect to the UGV, optimal control methods permit the optimization of maneuver parameters while accounting for complex vehicle kinematics and workspace obstacles, represented as dynamic and path constraints respectively. The path constraints are modeled such that an obstacle of any shape or size can be included. Maneuvering trajectories are first generated in an open-loop architecture, followed by an application of these same techniques in feedback form. Lastly, model fidelity is increased to improve control over vehicle behavior and closed-loop performance and a local knowledge scenario is evaluated.
Concentric multi-reflection lenses for ultra-compact imaging systems

With smaller, slimmer and lighter cameras in high demand for consumer, medical and military applications, new efforts are required to improve the performance of size constrained cameras. A major challenge for the size reduction of imaging systems is due to the scalability of the optics- as conventional imaging systems are scaled down, the focal length (i.e. magnification) scales down with the allowed optical thickness. Being additionally limited by the size of the smallest available image sensors, we find that these cameras are usually limited to short focal length, small aperture lenses. Although miniature lenses work well for moderate field of view (FOV) applications, there are others that require larger magnification and better light collection with reduced thickness, bulk and/or weight. Most camera lenses refract light, leading to the familiar cylindrical package geometry. In some cases, where extended focal length or reduced track length are required, concentric mirrors can be used to effectively reduce barrel length. Recent advances in diamond machining and image processing make it possible to take this approach to a new extreme. With up to 8 reflections, large ray angles, and a lens shaped more like a lens cap than a tube, concentric multi-reflection (CMR) lenses (sometimes referred to as Origami Optics) allow us to squeeze long focal lengths into a thin package and still collect enough light for fast, sharp exposures. Applications may range from compact imagers for micro- unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveillance craft to a miniature telephoto lens for future cell phones. In this dissertation I will present work on a new class of imagers developed using the CMR design approach. The resulting prototypes have yielded images comparable with much larger commercial compact' cameras. I will discuss the physical design, fabrication and testing of these cameras including hybrid optical-digital optimization of the optics and post -processing to extend the depth of field (DOF) and relax fabrication and alignment tolerances. The dissertation will conclude with some discussion of future research and development directions
Pediatric wheelchair and headrest design guidelines and the effect of headrests on relative injury risk under rear impact conditions

The role that wheelchairs and wheelchair mounted headrests play in rear impact occupant protection for children who remain seated in wheelchairs while traveling in motor vehicles was investigated using sled testing and computer simulation. Study goals were to establish pediatric wheelchair and headrest design guidelines and to determine the effect of headrests on relative injury risk outcome measures under rear impact conditions. Two series of sled tests (16 mph, 11g) were conducted using a Hybrid III 6-year old anthropomorphic test device (ATD) seated in identically configured manual pediatric wheelchairs, with and without headrests. Wheelchairs remained intact and the ATD remained upright. Rear impact front wheelchair securement points were subjected to loads similar to previously described (Ha, DongRan, 2004) rear securement points in frontal impact, although Ha used the more severe 30mph, 20g frontal impact WC19 - Wheelchairs Used as Seats in Motor Vehicles (ANSI/RESNA, 2000) crash pulse. Sled test ATD data analysis indicated that wheelchair headrest use had a potentially protective effect based on pediatric head and neck injury risk outcomes. Sled test data established response corridors for MADYMO computer simulation model development, and defined statistical test target thresholds for model validation. Two simulation models were developed, with and without a headrest. The models validated well for tiedown loads, wheelchair acceleration, lap belt loads and chest acceleration. Outcomes related to head and neck response were not as strongly validated. Model ATD neck response characterization methods were developed. Finally, parametric sensitivity analyses were used to develop wheelchair and headrest design guidelines for pediatric manual wheelchairs in rear impact for front securement point loads, rear wheel loads and seatback loads. Pediatric injury outcome measure sensitivity to wheelchair, headrest and crash pulse parameters was evaluated. Neck injury criteria (Nij) was sensitive to headrest placement; resulting recommendations specify placing the headrest as close as possible to the back of the head, and top of the headrest pad should be at least 5 cm above the head center of gravity. Effects of stiffer 6-year old ATD neck response on injury risk outcome measures were evaluated and found to reduce likelihood of severe neck injury.
Wachstumsdeterminanten junger Unternehmen in den alten und neuen Bundesländern: Ein Vergleich zwischen innovativen und nicht-innovativen Unternehmen

The paper deals with growth determinants of innovative and noninnovative start-ups in Eastern and Western Germany. Based on theoretical approaches explaining the growth of firms, hypotheses on potential determinants are derived. The empirical results indicate strong correlations between average annual growth rates on the one side and firm-specific as well as external factors on the other side, influencing growth of start-ups in Eastern and Western Germany in different strength. Higher growth rates can be observed in firms from Western Germany compared with their Eastern German counterparts. Comparing the average growth rates, innovative firms achieve significantly higher rates than noninnovative start-ups in both regions.
Understanding the links between social ties and fitness over the life cycle in primates

Many studies highlight the correlation between social ties and fitness, yet often cannot reveal how ties influence fitness. This review is aimed to facilitate the formulation and testing of hypotheses in this area on non-human primates. I outline fitness-relevant measures of social ties and 6 potential pathways from ties to fitness. Pathways include communal care; group level cooperation for resources; monopolizing resources within groups; attaining social status; reducing risk and allostatic load; and developing behavioural competence. Hypotheses for further evaluation include (1) fitness increases sociality, not vice versa; (2) early life experience influences both ties and fitness, (3) ties are actually costly; (4) short term costs of ties are outweighed by long term benefits. With the advance of theoretical and methodological approaches to evaluate the costs and benefits of social ties, and monitor them at multi-generational field sites, primate behavioural ecologists are poised to test several of these hypotheses.
Towards ubiquitous multihop wireless networks: addressing capacity and security challenges

While single-hop wireless networks are commonly deployed today, multihop wireless networks are still in early stages of development. These networks have tremendous potential to be the technology of choice for providing ubiquitous Internet connectivity since they enable truly pervasive, untethered, mobile access; minimize the need for expensive wired infrastructure; and are relatively easy to deploy and maintain. However, multihop scenarios significantly exacerbate several wireless networking challenges that must be addressed before these networks can become practical and useful. In this dissertation, we focus on two challenges that are particularly aggravated in multihop scenarios, and that we believe are among the most significant hurdles obstructing the widespread use of these networks. The first challenge that we address is limited capacity. Our contributions at the MAC and network layers of the protocol stack increase capacity utilization through improved spatial reuse of the medium. At the MAC layer, we present a comprehensive solution that mitigates the exposed terminal problem in static network topologies, thereby improving spatial reuse. At the network layer, we leverage user mobility to increase the bandwidth available to each user, which results in spatial redistribution of traffic and improved capacity utilization. A simulation-based evaluation of our solutions is presented. To facilitate efficient utilization of capacity, we design perceptive communication mechanisms that enable carrier-sense neighbors to communicate, and thereby coordinate medium access in a more sophisticated manner. We evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of perceptive communication on wireless hardware, and examine its application to calculate intra-flow contention. The second challenge that we address is the vulnerability of multihop wireless networks to attacks on the routing infrastructure. We demonstrate that popular multihop wireless routing protocols are replete with security flaws. We describe and classify several attacks on these protocols. Our secure routing protocol, ARAN, which we evaluate through both implementation and simulation, is robust against all identified attacks. In summary, this dissertation addresses critical challenges related to the limited capacity and security of multihop wireless networks. Our work significantly advances the state-of-the-art in wireless networking, and brings us closer to realizing the vision of ubiquitous multihop wireless networks.