Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning Impulsive Pinning Control of Complex Networks

In this paper, we present an impulsive pinning control algorithm for discrete-time complex networks with different node dynamics, using a linear algebra approach and a neural network as an identifier, to synthesize a learning control law. The model of the complex network used in the analysis has unknown node self-dynamics, linear connections between nodes, where the impulsive dynamics add feedback control input only to the pinned nodes. The proposed controller consists of the linearization for the node dynamics and a reorder of the resulting quadratic Lyapunov function using the Rayleigh quotient. The learning part of the control is done with a discrete-time recurrent high order neural network used for identification of the pinned nodes, which is trained using an extended Kalman filter algorithm. A numerical simulation is included in order to illustrate the behavior of the system under the developed controller. For this simulation, a 20-node complex network with 5 different node dynamics is used. The node dynamics consists of discretized versions of well-known continuous chaotic attractors.
Empty Containers Distribution Problem considering the Container Ship Route

Today international trade through maritime transportation is significantly increasing. Due to this increase, shipping companies are faced with problems concerning the repositioning of empty containers from import dominant ports. The liner shipping service network has been provided to transport containers which load customers’ freights. Container ships are moved on the liner shipping service network by observing the predetermined route and transportation time. This research deals with the empty containers distribution problem considering the container ship route. A mathematical model based on the mixed integer program has been introduced in this study. The objective is to minimize the total relevant costs of empty containers such as handling, leasing, and inventory holding, etc. Due to the complexity of the problem, a genetic algorithm has been suggested to solve large sized problems within a reasonable time. Numerical experiments have been conducted to show the efficiency of the genetic algorithm.
Applications of Ali-Silvey Distance Measures in the Design of Generalized Quantizers for Binary Decision Systems

The Ali-Silvey class of distance measures is applied to the problem of designing quantizers for use in binary detection systems. To find optimal solutions the notion of quantization must be generalized slightly, and necessary conditions are established for the selection of quantizer parameters in this context. Local, or small-signal, conditions are also derived and these are seen to agree with asymptotic results based on Pitman efficiency. As an example, four-level generalized quantization for detecting a constant signal in additive generalizedGaussian noise is investigated.
Implementing Value Stream Mapping – VSM in a R&D Organization

The paper presents two cases where Value Stream Mapping has been used in a R&D organisation. The study showed that there are possibilities to improve a process using a VSM approach. In the two cases in this paper, both improved. They improved in different ways. In the first study the aim was to manage more with the same staff and the second was to make same with less staff. As it seems now this was possible to fulfil. The experience shows that it is difficult with definition of value in a R&D process. This obstacle was solved with discussion with the group working within the process. The finding is that VSM should not be implemented as a transformation, but as an evolutionary strategy in the organisation. The group acting within the process is the one responsible for improving its processes. The staff needs to know and feel that they have the power to decide how they work in their processes.
Nanotechnology and Its Impact on Construction: Bridging the Gap between Researchers and Industry Professionals

Nanotechnology research and product development are actively conducted in many industries, (such as industries that manufacture advanced materials and semiconductors) and in medicine. Few studies have presented the potential application areas of nanotechnology in, and the needs of, the construction industry while identifying the benefits and barriers of entry in research and development. Some construction industry sectors follow research and development in nanotechnology; however, the industry does not take on a leadership role. With proper knowledge of the potential products and techniques offered through an investment in nanotechnology, the construction industry may potentially improve the efficiency of its processes and offer better products to clients such as those that exist in building and infrastructure construction and in environmental and petroleum engineering. This paper analyzes the understanding of nanotechnology in the context of construction and explores the current status of nanotechnology in the construction industry. Findings from a literature review, from a survey among construction industry professionals, and from expert interviews with leading researchers in construction-related nanotechnology research and development are presented to identify the potential benefits and existing barriers of using nanotechnology in construction. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework was developed to rank application areas of nanotechnology that will have major effects in the construction industry. Tasks were identified that will make the application of nanotechnology in construction successful in the future.
A Method for Selecting Software for Dynamic Event Analysis I: Problem Selection

New nuclear power reactor designs will require resistance to a variety of possible malevolent attacks, as well as traditional dynamic accident scenarios. The design/analysis team may be faced with a broad range of phenomena including air and ground blasts, high-velocity penetrators or shaped charges, and vehicle or aircraft impacts. With a host of software tools available to address these high-energy events, the analysis team must evaluate and select the software most appropriate for their particular set of problems. The accuracy of the selected software should then be validated with respect to the phenomena governing the interaction of the threat and structure. In this paper, we present a method for systematically comparing current high-energy physics codes for specific applications in new reactor design. Several codes are available for the study of blast, impact, and other shock phenomena. Historically, these packages were developed to study specific phenomena such as explosives performance, penetrator/target interaction, or accidental impacts. As developers generalize the capabilities of their software, legacy biases and assumptions can remain that could affect the applicability of the code to other processes and phenomena. RD 1) small, requiring reasonable computer resources, 2) designed to engage a small set of physical phenomena, 3) independent of code formulation, 4) verifiable, either by closed-form solution or experimental result, and 5) unlimited in distribution. This paper presents the selection rationale and problems chosen for the benchmarking suite exhibiting the above features. Detailed discussion of the benchmark study results will be presented in future reports.
Evaluation of New Technologies for Protection of Military Personnel from Filth and Biting Flies

Abstract : Filth flies serve as vectors for many diseases that pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of deployed military personnel. Our research project targeted the development of new insecticides for fly control. During the 3-year research project, research on control of mosquitoes and flies developed from the initial screening of insecticidal active ingredients to a field testing of new formulation and new application devices. We obtained several insecticides including pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, phenylpyrazoles, oxadiazines, and organophosphates and screened them against flies. We tested fly traps and light traps to optimize military usage of these non-chemical controls. A sprayable spot fly bait was evaluated and proved to be very useful for use by deployed troops. After our studies and recommendation the product received NSN (01-555-9369) and is available for use by military entomologists. New volatile compounds were tested against both flies and mosquitoes, and demonstrated to be useful for control of mosquitoes and flies in confined areas. Insecticide-impregnated wool cords were shown to be the best material for delivery of the insecticides to flies, because an efficient acquisition of pesticide by the insects from wool cords, possibly due to presence of natural oils. The grant supported six graduate students, three of them military entomologists.
A Mass Flow Rate Correlation for Refrigerants and Refrigerant Mixtures Flowing Through Short Tubes

A correlation was developed to predict the mass flow rate of R-12, R-134a, R-502, R-22, R-407C, and R-410A through short tubes. Short tube lengths ranged from 9.5 mm to 25.4 mm, and sharp edged diameters ranged from 1.09 mm to 1.94 mm. The correlation covered both single-phase and two-phase entrance conditions under approximately choked flow. The correlation consists of nondimensional parameters that are a function of upstream conditions, downstream conditions, short tube geometry, and critical point pressure/temperature. The correlated data were drawn from previous work and work performed during this investigation. The general form of the correlation was a function for single-phase flow multiplied by a function incorporating parameters for two-phase flow. Over 1200 data points were used to produce the correlation.
Rapid cell-patterning and microfluidic chip fabrication by crack-free CO2 laser ablation on glass

This paper uses a widely available CO2 laser scriber (λ = 10.6 µm) to perform the direct-writing ablation of quartz, borofloat and pyrex substrates for the development of microfluidic chips and cell chips. The surface quality of the ablated microchannels and the presence of debris and distortion are examined by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and surface profile measurement techniques. The developed laser ablation system provides a versatile and economic approach for the fabrication of glass microfluidic chips with crack-free structures. In the laser writing process, the desired microfluidic patterns are designed using commercial computer software and are then transferred to the laser scriber to ablate the trenches. This process eliminates the requirement for corrosive chemicals and photomasks, and hence the overall microchip development time is limited to less than 24 h. Additionally, since the laser writing process is not limited by the dimensions of a photomask, the microchannels can be written over a large substrate area. The machining capability and versatility of the laser writing system are demonstrated through its application to the fabrication of a borofloat microfluidic chip and the writing of a series of asymmetric trenches in a microwell array. It is shown that the minimum attainable trench width is 95 µm and that the maximum trench depth is 225 µm. The system provides an economic and powerful means of rapid glass microfluidic chip development. A rapid cell-patterning method based on this method is also demonstrated.
An Investigation of the Lightning Elimination and Strike Reduction Properties of Dissipation Arrays.

Abstract : The dissipation of thunderclouds to the point where lightning is inhibited has been a topic of conversation for over two hundred years. The purpose of this study is to investigate the controversial concept of dissipation, using single and multiple points to permit the Federal Aviation Administration engineers to formulate a program for protection of navigation facilities. This report discusses the historical background of the dissipation concept, along with the physical process related to cloud dissipation and a theoretical investigation of electrostatic field and corona around tower structures. The investigation and measurements of single point and multiple point corona currents are discussed. The results of photographic recordings and magnetic link current measurements of lightning are presented. Previous data provided from facilities using the multiple point concept to eliminate lightning is correlated with a current analysis. Facilities provided for the investigation are NASA/GSFC MILA, NASA/GSFC Rosman and Eglin AFB. Based on theoretical work, experimental tests and photographic data, the conclusions are that multiple points in a practical situation do not produce more corona current than a single point and that multiple points do not eliminate lightning and do not provide any more protection than a conventional lightning protection system. (Author)
Teachers' perceptions of online modules to promote professional learning of ICT

Online professional learning has the potential to be a cost effective, flexible approach that can reach large numbers of teachers. However, there are many factors that need to be evaluated in developing successful online approaches that impact on teaching pedagogy and student learning. This paper outlines one phase of a research study conducted on behalf of an Australian state-based Department of Education to evaluate the transfer of professional learning from online modules about the integration of ICT to the practices of K-12 classroom teachers.
Comparison of FPGA based Digital Control Method for Low Carrier-Frequency PWM Inverter

In this paper, five kinds of real time digital feedback control method for the PWM inverter with FPGA (Filed Programmable Gate Array) based hardware controller are compared for a low carrier-frequency PWM inverter system. It was reported that the deadbeat control method with FPGA based hardware controller had the very good transient response for various loads, but these reports were mainly focused on a few KW class PWM inverter system, so the high carrier frequency were adopted. But in MW class PWM inverter system, the carrier frequency is limited upto 2kHz range, because of the performance of the switching devices and the trade off against the efficiency of the inverter. In this condition, the controllability of the PWM inverter is not so much expected and still the conventional PI control method is widely used. Five different digital control methods (1. singlerate deadbeat control, 2. multirate deadbeat control, 3. multirate 2 degree of freedom deadbeat control, 4. quasi multirate deadbeat control, 5. quasi multirate 2 degree of freedom deadbeat control) are verified to clarify the possibility to improve the control characteristics in a low carrier-frequency PWM inverter system. Simulations were carried out in case of 20kHz carrier and in case of 2kHz carrier, for each control method, also the robustness to the filter parameter variations was investigated. As a result, the advantages of the proposed control methods were verifled.
The safety of morphine use in acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis

Background Morphine is widely used for pain control in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Several studies have questioned the safety of morphine in this setting with a concern of interaction with and reduced efficacy of antiplatelet agents. Objective This study aims to systematically review the safety of morphine use in ACS. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried from inception through April 2018. Studies comparing morphine to nonmorphine use in ACS were included. Study endpoints included: in-hospital myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, stroke, major bleeding, minor bleeding and dyspnoea. Results A total of 64 323 patients with ACS were included from eight studies, seven of which were observational studies and one was a randomised controlled trial. The use of morphine was associated with increased risk of in-hospital recurrent MI (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.43, p < 0.00001). There was, however, no significant difference in terms of all-cause mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.22, p = 0.44), stroke (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.66, p = 0.57), major bleeding (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.00, p = 0.05), minor bleeding (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.41 to 2.34, p = 0.97), or dyspnoea (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.83, p = 0.33). Conclusion The use of morphine for pain control in ACS was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital recurrent MI. Randomised clinical trials are needed to further investigate the safety of morphine in ACS.
A 5‐GHz 4/8‐element MIMO antenna system for IEEE 802.11AC devices

A highly compact 2 × 2 (four element) and 2 × 4 (eight element) multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna systems are designed for the IEEE 802.11ac standard. The antennas operate in the 5‐GHz band with a minimum effective bandwidth of 80 MHz. The elements of the MIMO antenna system are patch antennas loaded with complementary split‐ring resonators. A minimum isolation of 10.5 dB and maximum gain of −0.8 dBi are measured. Total size of the MIMO antenna systems is 50 × 100 × 0.8 mm3. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1589–1594, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27611
Impedance control with virtual compliance

In the paper a new concept of impedance control for a simple 1D dynamical system has been presented. The new approach lies in treating a task of reaching a contact plane and generating desired force on environment as one control problem that can be realized by one coherent control equation. In this approach switching between pure position and pure force control is not required like in classical hybrid law and at the movement stage the new approach gives better performance. Proposed algorithm makes up the generalization of a pure force control. Efficiency of introduced control law has been illustrated by simulation results. Some practical remarks concerning controller synthesis, utilizing the new algorithm and predictable future research have been included.
An Economic Analysis of Construction Bottlenecks

Highway repaving and repairs often require that two (or more) lanes of traffic be condensed into one lane around construction sites. As a rule, the merging process is unmanaged which in peak periods results in a traffic queue at the bottleneck. Traffic moves through the queue in a stop-and-go manner which increases travel time. This paper computes the amount of time spent in the traffic queues which result when the behavior of drivers at bottlenecks is unmanaged. It then explores a strategy for imposing order on driver behavior and determines the reduction in queuing time that would result. An example shows that the value of the reduction could be dramatic.
An oxide filled extended trench gate super junction MOSFET structure

This paper proposes an oxide filled extended trench gate super junction (SJ) MOSFET structure to meet the need of higher frequency power switches application. Compared with the conventional trench gate SJ MOSFET, new structure has the smaller input and output capacitances, and the remarkable improvements in the breakdown voltage, on-resistance and switching speed. Furthermore, the SJ in the new structure can be realized by the existing trench etching and shallow angle implantation, which offers more freedom to SJ MOSFET device design and fabrication.
A Comparison of Response Surface Methodology and a One-Factor-At-A-Time Approach as Calibration Techniques for the Bioplume-II Simulation Model of Contaminant Biodegradation

Abstract : This thesis compared the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach to the one-factor-at-a-time approach for calibrating the Bioplume II finite-difference simulation model of groundwater flow, contaminant transport and biodegradation. The MADE-2 data set of hydrocarbon injection into pristine groundwater at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi was used in this research. Because the simulation includes both groundwater flow and contaminant transport, each calibration included both phases. The one-factor-at-a-time approach reduced the root-mean-squared (RMS) error criterion for the flow to 0.921225 feet in a total of 36 runs of Bioplume. The RSM approach reduced the error criterion to 0.918875 feet in a total of 47 runs. The one-factor-at-a-time approach was unable to reduce the RMS error criterion for the transport calibration below an initial value of 67.1831 parts per billion (ppb) benzene after 21 runs which spanned the feasible range of each of the parameters. The RSM approach was able to reduce the response to 67.0327 ppb after 47 runs of Bioplume. The RSM approach allows the modeler to identify parametric regions of improved response in a systematic way that would be extremely difficult to find using the one-factor-at-a-time approach. For this reason it may be very useful for calibration of Bioplume models to be used for research or long term monitoring of a contaminated site, where extra prediction accuracy may be needed. The major limitations of this work were the use of inefficient full factorial designs for the Response Surface Methodology approach and the limited improvement possible on the response surfaces possibly due to the assumption of homogeneous parameter values.
Climbers' Perceptions Toward Sustainable Bouldering at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

Currently, there are a variety of concerns about the future of bouldering, a form of rock climbing, at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve near Niagara Falls, Ontario due to environmental impacts at the site. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions ofbouldering participants toward sustainable bouldering practices at the Niagara Glen. The methodological framework for this study was based on action research, which attempts to solve specific problems through having people in a community study, discuss, and act on those problems. Five separate focus group interviews elicited data from nineteen men and seven women, while there were twenty one men and ten women observed through participant observations at the Niagara Glen. Analysis was conducted through coding processes where data were compared repeatedly and then organized into themes. From the open coding process, two main themes were identified and interpreted as 1) Barriers to Sustainable Bouldering at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, and 2) Environmental and Social Role and Responsibility ofBouldering Participants at the Niagara Glen. The implications ofthe findings include a variety of recommendations for the bouldering community and the Niagara Parks Commission to consider for future collaborative planning. Some of these recommendations include more open communication between all stakeholders at the Glen, additional leadership from local climbing access coalitions and the Niagara Parks Commission, and greater implementation of minimum impact practices from the bouldering community. Additionally, these implications are discussed through a three-part framework based on a conceptual intersection of sense of place, community empowerment, and sustainable recreational use as a way to potentially unify the bouldering community's voice and vision toward sustainable practice.