Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Engineering and biological aspects of the screens for OTEC intake systems. Final report, September 15, 1976-September 14, 1977

The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion concept requires large quantities of warm surface water and cold deep water to be passed through heat exchangers. The water intakes can suck in large quantities of fish, plant life and debris. This material must not be allowed to clog the heat exchangers; so, it must be screened and removed from the fluid flow, continuously, somewhere between the water intakes and the heat exchangers. It is recommended to provide sumps upstream from the pumps for both the warm and cold water circuits. State of the art traveling screens can be selected as standard items to operate in the sumps. Material that lodges on the screens can be removed almost continuously, stored, processed and taken to another location for disposal. Large opening gratings should be installed at the water intakes to keep out large animals. A deep ocean fish sampler is recommended for surveying the types of fish and material that will present a problem to OTEC plants, in an economical way, with fluid flow patterns that will approximate an OTEC plant at smaller scale. A general survey is presented of the biological organisms to be encountered by OTEC plants in geographical regions that are candidatemore » areas for such plants. « less
A predictive wheel-soil interaction model for planetary rovers validated in testbeds and against MER Mars rover performance data

Successful designs of vehicles intended for operations on planetary objects outside the Earth demand, just as for terrestrial off-the-road vehicles, a careful assessment of the terrain relevant for the vehicle mission and predictions of the mobility performance to allow rational trade-off’s to be made for the choice of the locomotion concept and sizing. Principal issues driving the chassis design for rovers are the stress-strain properties of the planetary surface soil, the distribution of rocks in the terrain representing potential obstacles to movement, and the gravity level on the celestial object in question. Thus far, planetary rovers have been successfully designed and operated for missions to the Earth’s moon and to the planet Mars, including NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers (MER’s) ‘Spirit’ and ‘Opportunity’ being in operation on Mars since their landings in January 2004.
Adaptive QoS Management in Dynamically Reconfigurable Real-Time Databases

During the last years the need for real-time database services has increased due to the growing number of data-intensive applications needing to enforce real-time constraints. The COMponent-based Embedded real-Time database (COMET) is a real-time database developed to meet these demands. COMET is developed using the AspeCtual COmponent-based Real-time system Development (ACCORD) design method, and consists of a number of components and aspects, which can be composed into a number of different configurations depending on system demands, e.g., Quality of Service (QoS) management can be used in unpredictable environments. In embedded systems with requirementson high up-time it may not be possible to temporarily shut down the system for reconfiguration. Instead it is desirable to enable dynamic reconfiguration of the system, exchanging components during run-time. This in turn sets demands on the feedback control of the system to adjust to these new conditions, since a new time variant system has been created. This thesis project implements improvements in COMET to create a more stable database suitable for further development. A mechanism for dynamic reconfiguration of COMET is implemented, thus, enabling components and aspects to be swapped during run-time. Adaptive feedback control algorithms are also implemented in order to better adjust to workload variations and database reconfiguration.
Uncertainty Quantification in Machine Learning and Nonlinear Least Squares Regression Models

Machine learning (ML) models are valuable research tools for making accurate predictions. However, ML models often unreliably extrapolate outside their training data. We propose an uncertainty quantification method for ML models (and generally for other nonlinear models) with parameters trained by least squares regression. The uncertainty measure is based on the multiparameter delta method from statistics, which gives the standard error of the prediction. The uncertainty measure requires the gradient of the model prediction and the Hessian of the loss function, both with respect to model parameters. Both the gradient and Hessian can be readily obtained from most ML software frameworks by automatic differentiation. We show that the uncertainty measure is larger for input space regions that are not part of the training data. Therefore this method can be used to identify extrapolation and to aid in selecting training data or assessing model reliability.
Supporting Command and Control (C2) of an Embarked Commander: Tunneling SIPRNet Data Across an UNCLAS Wireless LAN

Abstract : Command and Control (C2) by today's embarked commanders requires timely and reliable access to classified data systems at the C2 node provided by the ship. Most often, the ship's spaces provided to an embarked staff are inadequate to support the commander's C2 requirements. Often, there are not enough classified computers or classified Local Area Network (LAN) connections. To facilitate improved ability to exercise C2, a ship's company technicians typically place a hub on the network to provide extra connection points. This procedure takes time for the technicians to implement and requires physical connection to the wired network. A potential alternative may be to leverage current IEEE 802.11 technology to provide wireless connectivity for these clients, yet wireless technology alone will not address this problem. Coupling an 802.11 network with Secret Client Tunneling Device (SCTD)-enabled classified laptops can provide the access to classified data that is required by the embarked commander to exercise command and control of his assigned forces. This thesis examines the use of the KOV-26 Talon card and the KIV-54 cryptographic module, both NSA Type I encryptors, as a method of tunneling SIPRNet data across an afloat unclassified wireless Local Area Network (LAN).
Design of a Time-to-Digital Converter for an All-Digital Phase Locked Loop for the 2-GHz Band

An all-digital phase locked loop for WiGig systems was implemented. The developedall-digital phase locked loop has a targeted frequency range of 2.1-GHz to2.5-GHz. The all-digital phase locked loop replaces the traditional charge pumpbased analog phase locked loop. The digital nature of the all-digital phase lockedloop system makes it superior to the analog counterpart.There are four main partswhich constitutes the all-digital phase locked loop. The time-to-digital converteris one of the important block in all-digital phase locked loop.Several time-to-digital converter architectures were studied and simulated. TheVernier delay based architecture and inverter delay based architecture was designedand evaluated. There architectures provided certain short comings whilethe pseudo-differential time-to-digital converter architecture was chosen, becauseof it’s less occupation of area. Since there exists a relationship between the sizeof the delay cells and it’s time resolution, the pseudo-differential time-to-digitalconverter severed it’s purpose.The whole time-to-digital converter system was tested on a 1 V power supply,reference frequency 54-MHz which is also the reference clock Fref , and a feedbackfrequency Fckv 2.1-GHz. The power consumption was found to be around 2.78mW without dynamic clock gating. When the clock gating or bypassing is done,the power consumption is expected to be reduced considerably. The measuredtime-to-digital converter resolution is around 7 ps to 9 ps with a load variation of15 fF. The inherent delay was also found to be 5 ps. The total output noise powerwas found to be -128 dBm.
The prevention of over-indebtedness: The problem of interest and the Islamic response

The current system of lending and borrowing on interest is to a large extent responsible for the present economic woes of the Western capitalist world. In a credit agreement, there is invariably an inequality between the credit lender and credit borrower in an agreement for the loan of money. Given the considerable imbalance, many South African consumers have concluded unaffordable credit contracts, which have resulted in their over-indebtedness. As stated in this study, mechanisms such as the National Credit Act 34/2005 and the in duplum rule are not able to prevent over-indebtedness, because over-indebtedness is the result of borrowing at interest. The provisioning of debt counsellors by the National Credit Act results in additional cost for the already over-indebted consumer. Notwithstanding the existence of the National Credit Act and the in duplum rule, the industry was and remain largely unregulated and malpractices are rife. This situation has generated an interest in Islamic economics and has fuelled a debate about the possibility of survival for a modern economy without interest. The elimination of interest will act as a countervailing force against the cumulative debt problem facing all nations. The Islamic economy could make a useful contribution to the prevention of over-indebtedness. The practice of doing business on a non-interest basis has finally come of age. Key words: National Credit Act, In duplum rule, Mudarabah, Musharakah, Islamic Economic Empowerment, Interest, Black Economic Empowerment, South Africa.
New Central Scalar Gravitational Potential according to Special Relativity and Newtonian Physics, explains the Precession of Mercury’s Perihelion, the Gravitational Red Shift and the Rotation Curves in Galaxies, eliminating Dark Matter

The mainstream approach of gravitational field is the development of Geometric theories of gravitation and the application of the Dynamics of General Relativity (GR). Besides, the Generalized Special Relativity (GSR) contains the fundamental parameter (ξI) of Theories of Physics (TPs). Thus, it expresses at the same time Newtonian Physics (NPs) for ξI→0 and Einstein Relativity Theory (ERT) for ξI=1. Moreover, the Equivalence Principle (EP) in the context of GSR, has two possible interpretations: mG = m (1), or mG=γ(ξI,β)m (2), where β=υ/c and mG, m, γ are the gravitational mass, inertial rest mass and Lorentz γ-factor, respectively. In this paper we initially present a new central scalar potential V=V(k,r), where k=k(ξI) and r is the distance from the center of gravity. We demand that ‘this new GSR gravitational field in accordance with EP (1), gives the same precession of Mercury’s orbit as Schwarzschild Metric (SM) does’ and we obtain k=6-ξI2. This emerges Einsteinian SR-horizon at r=5rS, while NPs extends the horizon at six Schwarzschild radius (6rS). We can also explain the Gravitational Red Shift (GRS), if only the proposed GSR Gravitational field strength g=g(k,r) is combined with EP (2). We modify the aforementioned central scalar potential as V=V(h,k,r), where h=h(r). The combination of the above with MOND interpolating functions, or distributions of Dark Matter (DM) in galaxies, provides six different functions h=h(r). Thus, we obtain a new GSR central Gravitational field strength g=g(h,k,r), which not only explains the Precession of Mercury’s Perihelion, but also the Rotation Curves in Galaxies, eliminating Dark Matter.
DOOM: a novel adversarial-DRL-based op-code level metamorphic malware obfuscator for the enhancement of IDS

We designed and developed DOOM (Adversarial-DRL based Opcode level Obfuscator to generate Metamorphic malware), a novel system that uses adversarial deep reinforcement learning to obfuscate malware at the op-code level for the enhancement of IDS. The ultimate goal of DOOM is not to give a potent weapon in the hands of cyber-attackers, but to create defensive-mechanisms against advanced zero-day attacks. Experimental results indicate that the obfuscated malware created by DOOM could effectively mimic multiple-simultaneous zero-day attacks. To the best of our knowledge, DOOM is the first system that could generate obfuscated malware detailed to individual op-code level. DOOM is also the first-ever system to use efficient continuous action control based deep reinforcement learning in the area of malware generation and defense. Experimental results indicate that over 67% of the metamorphic malware generated by DOOM could easily evade detection from even the most potent IDS. This achievement gains significance, as with this, even IDS augment with advanced routing sub-system can be easily evaded by the malware generated by DOOM.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE DIMENSIONS OF CULTURE: MASCULINITY AND FUTURISTIC ORIENTATION TO THE AVERAGE EXPORT VALUE OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES IN TEN CULTURAL CLUSTERS FOR THE PERIOD OF 2017-2019

The average value of exports for the 2017-2019 period in various countries, which are divided into ten cultural clusters, shows significant variability. This is thought to be influenced by various cultural dimensions that exist in each cultural cluster. Two cultural dimensions that are thought to influence the variability of export values are the cultural dimensions of masculinity and futuristic orientation. This study aims to analyze the relationship between masculinity and futuristic orientation as the independent variable on the average export value as the dependent variable. The research method used is a quantitative research method by calculating the multiple correlation of masculinity and futuristic orientation to the average export value of ten cultural clusters. The cultural clusters used in this study include the following cultural clusters: (1) Asian Confucian; (2) Southern Asia; (3) Middle East; (4) Latin America; (5) Nordic Europe; (6) the brazier; (7) Germanic Europe; (8) Latin Europe; (9) SubSaharan Africa; (10) Eastern Europe. From each cultural cluster, one country was selected randomly, so that there were ten countries representing each cultural cluster. The masculinity dimension is calculated using the average masculinity index indicator for 3 years (2017-2019). While the futuristic orientation is calculated using an average futuristic index indicator for 3 years (2017-2019). The results showed that there was a significant influence of masculinity and futuristic orientation on the average export value of 0.781.
Dinamičko modeliranje aktuatora na bazi pneumatskog mišića s jednim stupnjem slobode za industrijsku primjenu

Dinamicko modeliranje aktuatora na bazi pneumatskog misica s jednim stupnjem slobode za industrijsku primjenu Prethodno priopcenje Pneumatski umjetni misici spadaju u skupinu nekonvencionalnog aktuatora za razlicitu biomedicinsku ili industrijsku primjenu. Jedan DOF aktuator sastoji se od dva misica koji djeluju suprotno jedan od drugog (antagonisticka veza) s pojednostavnjenom regulacijskom shemom (regulacijska petlja stabilnosti je iskljucena kako bi se pojednostavila regulacija i kako bi se postigla sto visa stabilnost). Aktuator pokazuje nelinearno ponasanje sukladno prirodi pneumatskih misica. Model misica temelji se na modificiranom modelu misica s dva elementa koji se sastoji od varijable amortizera i varijable opruge spojenih paralelno. Iz kinematicke tocke gledista, to je jednostavan mehanizam s jednim stupnjem slobode (ruka s dodanom masom koja rotira oko jedne okretne osi) s ravninom gibanja paralelnom s tlom. Glavna svrha ovog modela je kontrola konstrukcije, tako da je strogost kriterija tocnosti smanjena u odnosu na stvarni model. Model je potvrđen uporabom rezultata dinamickih pokusa sa stvarnom opremom u laboratorijskim uvjetima. Kljucne rijeci: aktuator, dinamicki odziv, sila, pneumatski umjetni misic, opruga
Strong Optical Injection Locking of Edge-Emitting Lasers and Its Applications

Abstract : Semiconductor lasers are essential components that enable high-speed long-haul communication and have been widely used for various applications in photonics technology. Semiconductor lasers under optical injection locking exhibit superior performance over free-running lasers and provide useful applications not achievable through the free-running lasers. The performance of injection-locked lasers has been found to be significantly improved with stronger injection. In this dissertation, the characteristics and applications of semiconductor lasers under strong optical injection locking are presented and analyzed in various aspects. First, ultra-strong (injection ratio R ~10 dB) optical injection locking properties are investigated experimentally and theoretically. Direct modulation responses of ultra-strong optical injection-locked distributed feedback (DFB) lasers show three distinctive modulation characteristics depending on frequency detuning values. These different optical properties and electric modulation characteristics can be utilized in various applications such as analog fiber optic link, broadband digital communications, RF photonics and opto-electronic oscillators (OEOs). Using the strong injection-locked lasers, a novel single sideband generation has been demonstrated. A modulation sideband on the longer wavelength side is enhanced due to the resonant amplification by the slave laser's cavity mode, resulting in a 12-dB asymmetry at 20-GHz RF modulation. The dispersion limited RF bandwidth has been greatly increased by maintaining the variation of fiber transmission response within 7 dB up to 20-GHz RF carrier frequency over 80-km fiber transmission. Second, to improve fiber optic link performances, gain-lever distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers have been fabricated. With a gain-lever modulation, 9-dB increase of a link gain has been achieved compared with a standard modulation.
Twisted bilayer graphene. IV. Exact insulator ground states and phase diagram

We derive the exact insulator ground states of the projected Hamiltonian of magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) flat bands with Coulomb interactions in various limits, and study the perturbations away from these limits. We define the (first) chiral limit where the AA stacking hopping is zero, and a flat limit with exactly flat bands. In the chiral-flat limit, the TBG Hamiltonian has a U(4)$\times$U(4) symmetry, and we find that the exact ground states at integer filling $-4\le \nu\le 4$ relative to charge neutrality are Chern insulators of Chern numbers $\nu_C=4-|\nu|,2-|\nu|,\cdots,|\nu|-4$, all of which are degenerate. This confirms recent experiments where Chern insulators are found to be competitive low-energy states of TBG. When the chiral-flat limit is reduced to the nonchiral-flat limit which has a U(4) symmetry, we find $\nu=0,\pm2$ has exact ground states of Chern number $0$, while $\nu=\pm1,\pm3$ has perturbative ground states of Chern number $\nu_C=\pm1$, which are U(4) ferromagnetic. In the chiral-nonflat limit with a different U(4) symmetry, different Chern number states are degenerate up to second order perturbations. In the realistic nonchiral-nonflat case, we find that the perturbative insulator states with Chern number $\nu_C=0$ ($0<|\nu_C|<4-|\nu|$) at integer fillings $\nu$ are fully (partially) intervalley coherent, while the insulator states with Chern number $|\nu_C|=4-|\nu|$ are valley polarized. However, for $0<|\nu_C|\le4-|\nu|$, the fully intervalley coherent states are highly competitive (0.005meV/electron higher). At nonzero magnetic field $|B|>0$, a first-order phase transition for $\nu=\pm1,\pm2$ from Chern number $\nu_C=\text{sgn}(\nu B)(2-|\nu|)$ to $\nu_C=\text{sgn}(\nu B)(4-|\nu|)$ is expected, which agrees with recent experimental observations. Lastly, the TBG Hamiltonian reduces into an extended Hubbard model in the stabilizer code limit.
Personal identification by image-processing sequential images of human-face

Personal identification by image-processing is an important technique for personal reference or verification which can serve a highly valuable service in an information based society. But, it is difficult to identify a person with image processing by computer because a human face is changeable. Although it is difficult, the personal identification from facial images is an attractive subject in computer systems because of its wide application. Therefore, the auhtors propose a method of personal identification from a series of photographic images taken naturally. The method is pattern matching of salient features, constructed automatically from facial images. In this study, in order to approach the realization of a human interface, the main stress falls on automatic salient feature extraction using sequential photographic images taken in normal conditions. At first, from sequential images, eyes coordinates are extracted by detecting eyes winking. Based on these coordinates a full description of the face is defined. Finally, a mosaic is applied to that face to be used for identification. Experimental results show that the proposed method is robust and valid for numerous kinds of facial images in real scenes. <<ETX>>
Long-term field Evaluation of Low-cost Particulate Matter Sensors in Nanjing

ABSTRACT Low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors can be widely deployed to measure aerosol concentrations at higher spatial and temporal resolutions than traditional instruments, but they need to be carefully calibrated under ambient conditions. In this study, a long-term field experiment was conducted from December 2015 to May 2017 at a site in Nanjing to evaluate the capabilities of in-house built low-cost PM monitors using the Shinyei PPD42NS sensor for ambient PM2.5 monitoring. A BAM-1020 particulate monitor was co-located with the low-cost sensors to provide reference readings. Least-square regressions with linear and power-law functions, and an artificial neural network (ANN) technique were used to convert electrical instrument readings to ambient aerosol concentrations. Applying the ANN technique resulted in the best estimation of the hourly PM2.5 (R2 = 0.84; mean normalized bias = 12.7% and mean normalized error (MNE) = 29.7%). The low-cost sensors displayed relatively good performance with high aerosol concentrations but larger errors with concentrations below 35 µg m–3. High humidity (RH > 75%) can cause a larger MNE for these sensors, but the impact of temperature was negligible in this study. A clear sensor deterioration trend was observed during the 18-month field calibration. High correlations were found between the data from a single low-cost sensor and the data from the BAM-1020 when the low-cost sensor was individually calibrated, but the correlations between measurements taken by different low-cost sensor units were only moderate, possibly due to internal sensor variations. The results suggest that these low-cost sensors can measure ambient PM2.5 concentrations with an acceptable level of accuracy, which can and should be improved by calibrating each sensor individually. Special attention should be paid to the accuracy of these sensors after long-term application and in highly humid environments.