Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A dynamic global backbone updating for communication-efficient personalised federated learning

ABSTRACT Federated learning (FL) is an emerging distributed machine learning technique. However, when dealing with heterogeneous data, a shared global model cannot generalise all devices' local data. Furthermore, the FL training process necessitates frequent parameter communication, which interferes with the limited bandwidth and unstable connections of participating devices. These two issues have a significant impact on FL's effectiveness and efficiency. In this paper, an enhanced communication-efficient personalised FL technique, FedGB, is proposed. Different from existing approaches, FedGB believes that only interacting common information from training results on different devices can improve local personalised training results more effectively. FedGB dynamically selects the backbone structures in the local models to represent the dynamically determined backbone information (common features) in the global model for aggregation. Only interacting common features between different nodes reduce the impact of heterogeneous data to a certain extent. The dynamic adaptive sub-model selection avoids the impact of manually setting the scale of sub-model. FedGB can thus reduce communication overheads while maintaining inference accuracy. The results obtained in a variety of experimental settings show that FedGB can effectively improve communication efficiency and inference accuracy.
An Online Measurement Method for Insulator Creepage Distance on Transmission Lines

Insulators play a crucial role in ensuring the normal operation of the power system, and the creepage distance is an important electrical parameter of insulators. Most available solutions focus mainly on offline measurement methods, and online measurement for insulator creepage distance on transmission lines remains a challenging task. To address this issue and to further improve the corresponding work efficiency, an online measurement method for insulator creepage distance is presented in this paper. Considering the glass material of the insulator and the long measuring distance, this method recognizes the insulator type indirectly by calculating the structural parameters of the insulators based on their geometric features, and then obtaining the creepage distance. Accordingly, a measurement system, which mainly includes an electronic total station and a camera with a telephoto lens, is designed in this paper. Moreover, this paper also proposes an error analysis model aimed at reducing the errors caused by the layout of this system. In the conducted experiments, this proposed method effectively obtains the creepage distance and the error correction model can further improve the measurement accuracy of structural parameters.
Gas Sensors Based on Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have a high aspect ratio, large surface area, good stability and unique metallic or semiconducting electrical conductivity, they are therefore considered a promising candidate for the fabrication of flexible gas sensors that are expected to be used in the Internet of Things and various portable and wearable electronics. In this review, we first introduce the sensing mechanism of SWCNTs and the typical structure and key parameters of SWCNT-based gas sensors. We then summarize research progress on the design, fabrication, and performance of SWCNT-based gas sensors. Finally, the principles and possible approaches to further improving the performance of SWCNT-based gas sensors are discussed.
Performance Analysis and Optimization of Multicell Massive MIMO With Variable-Resolution ADCs Over Correlated Rayleigh Fading Channels

This article makes performance analysis and optimization for multicell massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) systems with variable-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). In such an architecture, every ADC uses arbitrary quantization resolution to save power and hardware cost. Along this direction, we first introduce a quantization-aware channel estimator based on linear minimum mean-squared error (LMMSE) estimate theory over spatially correlated Rayleigh fading channels. By leveraging on the estimated channel state information (CSI), we derive the theoretical expressions of the achievable uplink spectral efficiency (SE) for maximal ratio combining (MRC), quantization-aware multicell minimum mean-squared error (QA-M-MMSE) combining, and quantization-aware single-cell MMSE (QA-S-MMSE) combining, respectively. We consider the impacts of quantization errors and resort to random matrix theory to derive theoretical results. Afterwards, power and bit allocation problems are investigated under the variable-resolution architecture. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that our theoretical analyses are correct and that the proposed quantization-aware estimator and combiners are more beneficial than their quantization-unaware counterparts. Moreover, simulation results also verify the conclusions of the proposed power and bit allocation schemes.
LTI-SAM: Lidar-Template Matching-Inertial Odometry via Smoothing and Mapping

Robust localization is an essential requirement for autonomous land vehicles. In similar scenes such as corridors and tunnels or open scenes such as airports and mines, the performance of the traditional algorithm of laser odometry will be seriously deteriorated or even become completely invalid due to the similarity of observation data. Based on the LIO-SAM algorithm, LTI-SAM is proposed in this article, that is to use the downward-facing camera and inertial measurement unit (IMU) to perform dead reckoning through template matching algorithm and use template matching visual odometry (VO) to judge themotion state and decidewhether to save the keyframe if the laser odometer fails and the keyframe is not saved. If the keyframe is kept, theVOis added between two keyframes instead of the laser odometry to optimize through the factor graph, which improves the accuracy of localization and mapping. The proposed algorithm with loose coupling between template matching VO and laser inertial navigation is implemented under the robot operating system (ROS) platform, and the algorithm is verified by indoor and outdoor experiments. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can bring significant performance improvement in both similar indoor scenes and outdoor degraded scenes.
Knowledge Sharing Enablers and Barriers: Insights From a Socio-Environmental Project

Knowledge is recognized as an organizational asset in projects, as it reduces failures, improves competencies, and saves resources. Knowledge sharing (KS), specifically, brings value to projects. However, it is poorly investigated in project management literature, as generally previous works have focused on IT and civil construction projects. The literature has described some factors which foster or inhibit KS, nevertheless, there is little consensus about KS enablers and barriers in the project’s contexts. Therefore, this paper investigates KS enablers and barriers in a socio-environmental project. It adopted Action Research as the strategy of investigation. Observations and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection, as well as field notes. The thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. The results highlight the participants’ systemic thinking, which can explain why the feeling of dependence and perceived personal benefits were assumed as KS enablers. Also, the team's collaborative and empathetic behavior and the participants' openness to dialogue influenced positively the intention to share knowledge. The project’s horizontal organizational structure and the availability of virtual and physical spaces facilitated the knowledge flow. Most of the interviewees were professors which possibly influenced their KS behavior. The social restrictions imposed by COVID-19 were a KS barrier. In addition, the team size, lack of time, and the multidisciplinary character of the project likely hindered KS. Surprisingly, the lack of previous social ties was not a significant KS barrier. In summary, our results confirmed previous results regarding KS enablers, and we found systemic thinking as a KS enabler. As a KS barrier, we highlighted the lack of time, suggesting it is common in projects due to their limited timeline. These findings add to the KS literature, mainly to analyze an organizational context that is unsatisfactorily investigated. Furthermore, this study helps managers to identify KS enablers and barriers aimed at adopting appropriate organizational interventions to increase KS. Moreover, this research has shown evidence from a multidisciplinary project from the socio-environmental field which needs to integrate several professionals' knowledge to provide substantial conclusions regarding the social, cultural, and natural aspects they were analyzing.
A wearable FBG pulse-wave sensor based on multilayers compound fabrics structure

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) textile-based pulse wave sensor is proposed and demonstrated based on multi-layers compound fabrics structure which can convert the fabric tension to the pressure of FBG sensing unit needed by pulse measurement and improve its sensitivity. On the basis of material mechanics theory, the sensing model is established and the theoretical formulas are deduced. A prototype of cuff-type FBG textile-based pulse sensor is achieved by the knitted way of compound fabrics. The test results show that the sensor can effectively obtain pulse wave which has higher signal-to-noise ratio and contains more detail features than the photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. This sensor has potential applications in smart textile and a good practical prospect for the wearable human pulse measurement during the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Involvement of the intrinsic functional network of the red nucleus in complex behavioral processing

Abstract Previous studies suggested the possibility that the red nucleus (RN) is involved in other cognitive functions than motion per se, even though such functions have yet to be clarified. We investigated the activation of RN during several tasks and its intrinsic functional network associated with social cognition and musical practice. The tasks included finger tapping, n-back, and memory recall tasks. Region of interest for RN was identified through those tasks, anatomical information of RN, and a brain atlas. The intrinsic functional network was identified for RN by an analysis of connectivity between RN and other regions typically involved in seven known resting state functional networks with RN used as the seed region. Association of the RN network with a psychological trait of the interpersonal reactivity index and musical training years revealed subnetworks that included empathy related regions or music practice related regions. These social or highly coordinated motor activity represent the most complex functions ever known to involve the RN, adding further evidence for the multifunctional roles of RN. These discoveries may lead to a new direction of investigations to clarify probable novel roles for RN in high-level human behavior.
Design of pattern-placed Revetments

Revetment systems prevent erosion of dikes. The systems need to be stable under wave attack. The size and the weight of revetment elements is the main contribution to their stability. Pattern-placed revetments consist of relatively small blocks or column-shaped natural stones or concrete elements, placed in a regular grid. The pattern creates a regular distribution of joints and voids which limit the build-up of water pressure in the system. The pattern also contributes to the mechanical resistance against wave pressures. When applied on a slope gravity induces a down-slope force in the revetment and provides coherence through frictional interlocking. In this thesis this mechanism is studied in detail with model simulations and field measurements. The contribution of frictional interlocking makes the observed high resistance of pattern-placed revetment structure against concentrated loads comprehensible. This phenomenon can be used in the development of new revetment systems and in optimization of the design of revetment slopes and dikes.
Implementation Optimal Location of SSSC to Improve the Efficiency on IEEE New England Transport Network (100 kV)

: In electrical power systems, the major safety constraints in a high voltage power system are the stability limit and the voltage profile. This paper aims to improve the voltage stability of the IEEE-39 bus New England transmission system, where we used a flexible AC transmission system (FACTS), in particular a STATic synchronous serie COMpensator (SSSC) controller. The method proposed in this paper is based on the continuation power flow (CPF) technique coupled with bifurcation theory, to select the optimal location of the FACT device. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by means of a simulation test using the software power system analysis toolbox [PSAT]. The results obtained show that the SSSC has a better local behaviour (i.e. in the area where it is implemented). To be effective, an SSSC must be placed on a line with maximum powers at the point of collapse. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed SSSC scheme in improving the stability of the IEEE (100KV) power system.
Coplanar Meta-Surface-Based Substrate-Integrated Waveguide Antennas with Broadband and Low Reflections for K-Band Beam Scanning

Four novel substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) antennas are proposed, in order to obtain K-band beam scanning through the coplanar meta-surfaces of properly devised complementary split-ring resonators. More specifically, coplanar rhombus- and hexagon-shaped meta-surfaces replace the metallized via holes in the traditional SIW structure, achieving low reflection and wide bandwidth, respectively. Another trapezoid-shaped meta-surface is introduced, in order to realize good leaky-wave radiation performance with high-gain beam scanning in both rhombus- and hexagon-shaped SIW components. These designs are further extended to two different mixed types of two-row meta-surfaces, with the rhombus and hexagon structures combined in different orders to enhance the complex SIW transmission lines and antennas, which can simultaneously obtain good reflection and bandwidth with different priority, depending on the arrangement. We explain the performance differences with rhombus and hexagon meta-surfaces through the analysis of relevant equivalent circuit models and extracting the effective medium parameters, and we verify the bandwidths and radiations of four SIW antennas both numerically and experimentally. The maximum gains of the four antennas are 18.1 dBi, 17.0 dBi, 18.8 dBi and 17.1 dBi, where the corresponding relative bandwidths are 10.74%, 19.42%, 14.13% and 18.38%. The maximum simulated radiation efficiency and aperture efficiency of the proposed antennas are 91.20% and 61.12%, respectively. Our approach for generating flexible and selectable tuned electromagnetic fields from SIWs is applicable for the development of mm-Wave antennas or sensors on PCB-integrated platforms for highly directive scanning radiation.
Identifying Nuclear Material via Prompt Photo‐Neutron Multiplicity Measurements

Proof‐of‐principle measurements are reported demonstrating that multiplicity techniques can be used to identify prompt fission neutrons from photonuclear interrogation under circumstances where the fission neutrons may be accompanied by photodissociated neutrons of an identical energy spectrum, and where the emitted neutrons are naturally bunched in time by the pulsed nature of the interrogating photon beam. The technique shows promise as a method for the detection of highly enriched uranium (HEU) compared to techniques based on delayed neutrons because prompt neutrons are orders of magnitude more abundant, and compared to passive multiplicity techniques because actively induced fission rates are orders of magnitude higher than spontaneous fission rates in HEU. The technique also shows promise in that multiplicity signatures can be used to distinguish HEU from other fissionable material.
Addition of oh8dG to Cardioplegia Attenuated Myocardial Oxidative Injury through the Inhibition of Sodium Bicarbonate Cotransporter Activity

The biomarker 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (oh8dG) is derived from oxidized nucleic acids or products of oxidant-mediated DNA damage. Enhanced sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC) activity is caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in ventricular myocytes. Thus, we hypothesized that cardioplegia-solution-mediated ROS generation may be involved in the regulation of NBC activity in cardiomyocytes and that oh8dG treatment may modulate ROS and associated NBC activity. Langendorff-free cardioplegia-arrested cardiac strips and cardiomyocytes were isolated to determine the NBC activity and effects of oh8dG on oxidative-stress-mediated cardiac damage markers. We first determined the histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution mediated NBC activity in cardiac strips and cells. The oh8dG treatment attenuated NBC activity in the electroneutral or electrogenic form of NBC. Additionally, exposure to HTK solution induced ROS, whereas co-administration of oh8dG attenuated ROS-mediated NBC activity, reduced ROS levels, and decreased the expression of apoptotic markers and fibrosis-associated proteins in cardiac cells. The oh8dG-administrated cardiac tissues were also protected from enhanced HTK-induced damage markers, heat shock protein 60 and polyADP-ribose. Our results show that oh8dG has a protective role against myocardial oxidative damage and provides a useful treatment strategy for restoring cardiac function.
Plasmon-Based Tapered-in-Tapered Fiber Structure for p-Cresol Detection: From Human Healthcare to Aquaculture Application

The development of a p-cresol biosensor for aquaculture, marine life, and healthcare applications is described in this study. The biosensor is based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and employs a novel tapered-in-tapered fiber (TiTF) probe. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and copper oxide nanoflowers (CuO-NFs) on TiTF structures are immobilized on this probe. The developed probe’s performance was evaluated by measuring the response to a variety of p-cresol solution concentrations. Combining AuNPs and CuO-NFs improves the sensitivity and anti-interference capability of the sensing probe. When the p-cresol solution reacts with the tyrosinase enzyme, the refractive index on the sensing region of the probe changes, and the resulting spectrum varies. The linear range, the limit of detection (LoD), and sensitivity of the proposed sensor are 0–1 mM, 0.14 mM, and 3.8 pm/mM, respectively. The probe is subjected to extensive testing, including LoD, repeatability, reusability, stability, selectivity, and pH testing, that all obtain satisfactory results.
Self-Sustainable Biomedical Devices Powered by RF Energy: A Review

Wearable and implantable medical devices (IMDs) have come a long way in the past few decades and have contributed to the development of many personalized health monitoring and therapeutic applications. Sustaining these devices with reliable and long-term power supply is still an ongoing challenge. This review discusses the challenges and milestones in energizing wearable and IMDs using the RF energy harvesting (RFEH) technique. The review highlights the main integrating frontend blocks such as the wearable and implantable antenna design, matching network, and rectifier topologies. The advantages and bottlenecks of adopting RFEH technology in wearable and IMDs are reviewed, along with the system elements and characteristics that enable these devices to operate in an optimized manner. The applications of RFEH in wearable and IMDs medical devices are elaborated in the final section of this review. This article summarizes the recent developments in RFEH, highlights the gaps, and explores future research opportunities.
Optimization of the Hydrodynamic Performance of a Double-Vane Otter Board Based on Orthogonal Experiments

An orthogonal experiment was conducted to study the effects of the aspect ratio, camber of the fore wing, and gap ratio of front and rear wing panels on the hydrodynamic performance of double-vane otter boards. The design of the orthogonal experiment comprised three factors (each having three levels), namely the aspect ratio (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0), camber (0.12, 0.14, and 0.16), and gap ratio (0.25, 0.30, and 0.35), the drag coefficient Cx and the lift coefficient Cy of nine otter board models obtained in a wind tunnel experiment, and the lift–drag ratio K obtained by calculation. The lift–drag ratio for a working angle of attack of 30° was selected as the inspection index, and the experimental data were analyzed in an orthogonal design-direct analysis. Analysis of each factor revealed that the optimal level combination of factors was A3B3C3 and that the decreasing order of the effects of the factors was A (aspect ratio) > B (gap ratio) > C (camber). The orthogonal experiment thus obtained an optimal otter board in terms of the aspect ratio (2.0), fore wing camber (0.16), and gap ratio (0.35), with the aspect ratio having the greatest effect on performance. The hydrodynamic performances of the otter board with the optimized structure and another otter board model were compared in numerical simulation, which verified the correctness of the analysis results. The experimental results provide a reference for the optimal design of the double-vane otter board.
Latent Heating Is Required for Firestorm Plumes to Reach the Stratosphere

City‐wide firestorms produce extreme convective plumes that loft soot into the atmosphere. If emplaced in the stratosphere, soot has long‐lasting impacts on global climate. Given the extreme sensible heating from the fire, the importance of additional heating from condensation is unclear and a subject of debate. Analytic plume calculations presented here establish that an idealized dry plume requires a temperature anomaly of at least 60 K at the top of the boundary‐layer to remain buoyant up to the cold‐point tropopause. Direct numerical and large‐eddy simulations indicate that dry firestorm plumes possess temperature anomalies that are less than the requirements for stratospheric ascent by a factor of two or more. In contrast, moist firestorm plumes are shown to reach the stratosphere by tapping into the abundant latent heat present in a moist environment. Latent heating is found to be essential to plume rise, raising doubts about the applicability of past work that neglected moisture.