Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disambiguating Multiple Links in Historical Record Linkage

Disambiguating Multiple Links in Historical Record Linkage Laura Richards University of Guelph, 2013 Advisors: Dr. L. Antonie Dr. G. Gréwal Dr. S. Areibi Historians and social scientists are very interested in longitudinal data created from historical sources as the longitudinal data creates opportunities for studying people’s lives over time. However, its generation is a challenging problem since historical sources do not have personal identifiers. At the University of Guelph, the People-in-Motion group have currently constructed a record linkage system to link the 1871 Canadian census to the 1881 Canadian census. In this thesis, we discuss one aspect of linking historical census data, the problem of disambiguating multiple links that are created at the linkage step. We show that the disambiguating techniques explored in this thesis improve upon the linkage rate of the People-in-Motion’s system, while maintaining a false positive rate no greater than 5%.
A Variable Switching Frequency-Based Triple-Phase-Shifted Loss Optimized Modulation Strategy for DAB-Based DC–AC Microinverter

In this article, a switching network loss optimized variable frequency-oriented pulsewidth modulation (PWM) control strategy for a single-stage single-phase dc–ac inverter is reported for the application of grid integration of solar PV. The converter is realized by employing a dc–dc high-frequency (HF) dual-active-bridge (DAB) stage followed by a low-frequency full-bridge unfolder. To synthesize a loss optimized modulation technique for the converter, the HF switching network losses are precisely quantified by employing a generalized-harmonic-approximation (GHA)-based DAB circuit model. Parallel to this, an analytical framework for computing the output voltage total harmonic distortion (THD) under any PWM control strategy is formulated and validated in this article. Furthermore, based on the mathematical models for loss and THD, a multivariable multiconstraint loss optimization algorithm is developed that outputs the optimal choice for the converter design as well as control parameters, ensuring an efficient power flow while yielding a better THD and improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance. Moreover, the proposed variable-frequency triple-phase-shift (TPS) DAB modulation scheme provides appropriate condition for the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of the HF DAB legs over most part of the ac line cycle while ensuring a minimal turn-off switching current that leads to substantially lower switching loss. A GaN/SiC-based proof-of-concept connecting the 40-V/500 W-solar panel to the 120-Vrms ac grid is developed and its operation under the proposed control scheme is validated at the nominal operating point to verify the formulated analytical models and simulation results. The experimental results conclude that with the application of the proposed optimal modulation scheme, the dc–ac inverter achieves an efficiency and output voltage THD of 96.24% and 2.51%, respectively.
Genome Sequencing-Based Mining and Characterization of a Novel Alginate Lyase from Vibrio alginolyticus S10 for Specific Production of Disaccharides

Alginate oligosaccharides prepared by alginate lyases attracted great attention because of their desirable biological activities. However, the hydrolysis products are always a mixture of oligosaccharides with different degrees of polymerization, which increases the production cost because of the following purification procedures. In this study, an alginate lyase, Alg4755, with high product specificity was identified, heterologously expressed, and characterized from Vibrio alginolyticus S10, which was isolated from the intestine of sea cucumber. Alg4755 belonged to the PL7 family with two catalytic domains, which was composed of 583 amino acids. Enzymatic characterization results show that the optimal reaction temperature and pH of Alg4755 were 35 °C and 8.0, respectively. Furthermore, Alg4755 was identified to have high thermal and pH stability. Moreover, the final hydrolysis products of sodium alginate catalyzed by Alg4755 were mainly alginate disaccharides with a small amount of alginate trisaccharides. The results demonstrate that alginate lyase Alg4755 could have a broad application prospect because of its high product specificity and desirable catalytic properties.
Fast generic millimeter-wave emissivity model

In recent year san increasingly diverse range of passive microwave satellite data has become available for applications in numerical weather forecasting, climate studies and environmental monitoring. Top of atmosphere radiance is measured, which as originated from both the surface and the atmosphere. When retrieving atmospheric quantities such as temperature, humidity or cloud liquid water content near the surface it is necessary to account correctly for the contribution to the measured radiance from the surface. This depends on the surface emissivity, which varies widely with surface type, roughness and temperature. For real time applications such as numerical weather forecasting, it is necessary to be able to model the surface emissivity very quickly. There is therefore a need for a fast surface emissivity model has therefore been developed. This is a semi-empirical mode. Some aspects are physically based, for example many surface scan be assumed to be di- electric media. Other aspects such as geometric roughness have been parameterized for speed. For some complex or poorly understood aspects of the electromagnetic interaction empirical adjustments are made to fit observed values. The model has been compared with emissivities derived from aircraft radiometer measurements at 24, 50, 89 and 157 GHz. It is also intended to compare with data from the special sensor microwave imager and advanced microwave sounding unit instruments. For the ocean surface the fast model fits estimated emissivities from airborne radiometers two within 1-2 percent, and it fits the unparameterized model to within 0.1-3 percent.
Natural mortality rate in the mackerel icefish (Champscephalus gunnari) around South Georgia

Information on natural mortality rates of the mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) from the period prior to known large-scale commercial harvesting is discussed. After careful consideration of the data and available methods, several errors are noted in earlier estimates. Unfortunately, because none of the datasets are sufficiently comprehensive, it is impossible to unequivocally provide an estimate that is unaffected by confounding effects mainly due to recruitment variation, but also possibly due to age-dependent mortality and commercial fishing.
Predicting the Temperature of the Electrolytic Capacitor Based on Neural Network Algorithm

Air-cooled power can rapidly dissipate heat, eliminate more heat, and prevent equipment from overheating. It is widely applied in the field of engineering. Capacitors have the highest failure rate of the overall power supply. This article presents a noninvasive method for estimating the temperature of electrolytic capacitors in air-cooled power supplies. The technology is suitable for power sources that cannot be turned off for intrusive detection of the temperature of electrolytic capacitors, such as nuclear power supplies. The proposed method makes it possible to measure the ambient temperature of electrolytic capacitors in nuclear power supplies. Therefore, the safety performance of nuclear power is greatly improved. It is sufficient to measure the output voltage, output current, air inlet temperature, air outlet temperature, and fan speed. This method only needs to build a model based on historical data or data from the same series of power supplies and then input these parameters into the trained neural network model. The ambient temperature of the capacitor can be estimated by using this model. Finally, the prediction results of four neural networks are compared using a 3-kW air-cooled power supply as an example, and the applicability of the neural network technique is demonstrated.
Simulation and Optimization of Substrate Layer Material for PVDF Cantilever Based Vibration Energy Harvesting System

Research in thermal, motion, vibration, and electromagnetic radiation energy harvesting has led to advancements in power generation and smaller device sizes. Cantilever-shaped piezoelectric energy harvesters using lightweight and flexible piezopolymers are favored for low-power devices, replacing batteries. To improve performance, efficient substrate materials and optimized geometries are crucial. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a polymer-based piezoelectric material, has been coated on various substrates such as metals, semiconductors, insulators, and polymers making the harvester suitable for various applications. Among the 20 substrate types examined, efficient substrates that produce maximum power at lower frequency vibrations were chosen for further optimization in the geometry of the PVDF-piezoelectric energy harvester. Resonant frequencies ranged from 10 to 36 Hz, with the PVDF/Beryllium copper device structure producing a maximum electrical output of 104.38 mW at a resonant frequency of 14.3 Hz. Tapering the cantilever’s thickness and proof mass dimensions resulted in an optimized PVDF-based piezoelectric energy harvester structure that can be utilized in lower resonance frequency applications.
Gallic Acid Attenuates Cardiovascular and Hematological Complications in Vincristine Treatment via Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging and Endogenous Antioxidant Stimulation in Male Wistar Rats

The menace of cancer and the nightmare of complications of cancer chemotherapy have driven researchers to explore simple but efficient combination therapy that includes antioxidants, in cancer therapy. The ability of gallic acid to correct the toxic complication of Vincristine was investigated. Twenty adult male rats of the Wistar strain were grouped into four, randomly, consisting of five rats each. The untreated control (group A) was given only distilled water, groups B and C 0.025 mg/kg Vincristine sulfate intraperitoneally once a week for two weeks. Group C rats were thereafter administered 100 mg/kg gallic acid daily by gastric gavage for 14 days. At 14 days, blood pressure and ECG were measured in the rats, then blood samples were obtained via the retrorbital venous plexus for determination of haematological parameters and plasma biochemistry. They were then euthanized through cervical dislocation, under ether anaesthesia, and liver, kidneys, heart, and brain samples were collected, weighed, and stored for determination of marker of oxidative stress in the post mitochondrial fractions of each organ. Results of the study showed that rats in group B had hypertension as evidenced by elevated diastolic and systolic as well as mean arterial pressure while QT interval and corrected QT were slightly elongated. They also had lowered RBC, WBC, and granulocyte counts. Markers of oxidative stress, GSH, and SOD were also depleted while H2O2 generation increased in this group, whereas all the observed anomalies were corrected in the group C rats that were administered both Vincristine and gallic acid. This study further showed that Vincristine, at normal recommended therapeutic dosage is toxic, causing anaemia, panleucopenia, and cardiovascular anomalies via oxidative stress and generation of hydroxyl radicals. These were however corrected by concurrent administration of gallic acid
Ultrasensitive and Visual Gas Pressure Sensor Based on a Tunable Fabry–Pérot Resonator

Gas pressure sensors are essential in industrial and environmental monitoring. In this study, we propose and demonstrate an ultrasensitive and visually detectable gas pressure sensor based on a tunable Fabry–Pérot (FP) resonator. The FP resonator is composed of a suspended polydimethylsiloxane/palladium (PDMS/Pd) bilayer on a Pd square hole array. When subjected to external gas pressure, the suspended bilayer is concave downward and thus reduces the length of the FP cavity, resulting in a blue shift of the reflection peak. The proposed sensor exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity of 69.6 nm/kPa above atmospheric pressure, which is easily visualized due to the large spectral shift in the visible band. In addition, this sensor has a low detection limit of 0.1 kPa and good recyclability, indicating that our sensor has great potential for low gas pressure measurement applications.
MONITORING MOORING(MONIMOOR) LINES OF FLOATING STRUCTURES USING DEEP LEARNING BASED APPROACHES

The renewable energy sector, specifically offshore wind energy, has grown rapidly in Europe in recent years, owing to the lower energy costs. A typical Floating Offshore Wind Tur-bine (FOWT) system is comprised of several coupled subsystems that should jointly ensure its integrity under nominal operating conditions as well as sustainability under extreme conditions or prolonged usage. From the reliability perspective, one of the most critical subsystems is the mooring system, which keeps the platform floating in a stable condition. Eventually, monitoring the mooring lines is important to ensure the safety and serviceability of FOWT throughout its service life. This article describes a comprehensive model for assisting businesses in planning real-time monitoring of the FOWT. The proposal combines an Auto-regressive model (AR) with a Convolutional neural network (CNN) in a near real-time approach for damage detection in FOWT. The CNN-based approach monitors and subsequently identifies anomalies in the AR model coefficients of the motion prediction model apriori trained for the FOWT platform under its undamaged condition. Accordingly, a model to predict the motion of a semi-submersible FOWT platform is prepared to employ undamaged time history response (single point displacements and rotations) and the optimal AR coefficients a re i dentified un der al l se a st ates an d da mage co nditions. Th e proposed deep learning-based CNN is further employed to attribute these coefficients to different damage/health states of the platform. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated through numerical simulations using NREL’s open-source wind
Unbalanced development strategies and the lack of regional convergence in the EU

European regional growth patterns have undergone two important changes in recent years. First, the process of convergence that dominated regional growth until the late 1970s and early 1980s has progressively given way to stability and divergence. Economic dynamism is increasingly concentrated in core metropolitan areas, whereas lagging regions in Europe are finding increasingly difficult to keep up with the pace of core regions. Second, the evolution of regional disparities, which in most countries tended to be pro-cyclical in the years of economic convergence is becoming anti-cyclical: lagging regions tend to outperform core areas in periods of relative economic decline. These two transformations are happening in spite of the efforts made by the EU, in order to promote development in the poorest regions of the EU, the so-called objective 1 regions. There are many possible reasons that may explain why European regional development policies have, so far, been unable to deliver greater growth in the periphery than in the core. Lack of adequate funding to curb centripetal market trends, lack of adequate co-ordination between actors are two of them. In this paper we will focus, however, on the inadequacy existing of regional policies. The implementation of unbalanced development policies, with a main focus on infrastructure development, together with other factors like the existing level of transfers and the rapid increase in non-market oriented jobs, is contributing to the generation of increasingly sheltered economies. The combination of these factors may be contributing, in our view, to the increasing of the gap between a competitive market-oriented core of Europe and an assisted and ill-prepared to compete periphery.
E-Health Interventions for Older Adults With Frailty: A Systematic Review

Objective To systematically review the efficacy of e-Health interventions on physical performance, activity and quality of life in older adults with sarcopenia or frailty. Methods A systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINHAL, Web of Science, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database for experimental studies published in English from 1990 to 2021. E-Health studies investigating physical activity, physical performance, quality of life, and activity of daily living assessment in adults aged ≥65 years with sarcopenia or frailty were selected. Results Among the 3,164 identified articles screened, a total of 4 studies complied with the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogeneous by participant characteristics, type of e-Health intervention, and outcome measurement. Age criteria for participant selection and sex distribution were different between studies. Each study used different criteria for frailty, and no study used sarcopenia as a selection criteria. E-Health interventions were various across studies. Two studies used frailty status as an outcome measure and showed conflicting results. Muscle strength was assessed in 2 studies, and meta-analysis showed statistically significant improvement after intervention (standardized mean difference, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.94; p=0.80, I2=0%). Conclusion This systematic review found insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of e-Health interventions. Nevertheless, the studies included in this review showed positive effects of e-Health interventions on improving muscle strength, physical activity, and quality of life in older adults with frailty.
Azimuthal anisotropy in the Chile Ridge subduction region retrieved from ambient noise

In the southern Andes, the oblique convergence of the Nazca plate and the subduction of an active oceanic ridge represent two major tec- tonic features driving deformation of the forearc in the overriding continental plate, and the relative effects of these two mechanisms in the stress fi eld have been a subject of debate. North of the Chile triple junction, oblique subduction of the Nazca plate is associated with the Liquine-Ofqui fault zone, an ~1000-km-long strike-slip fault that is partitioning the stress and deformation in the forearc. South of the Chile triple junction, the Antarctic plate converges normal to the trench, and several ridge segments have been colliding with the overriding plate since 14 Ma. Proposed effects of the collision include episodes of uplift, extension, and formation of a forearc sliver. Using ambient seismic noise recorded by the Chile Ridge Subduction Project seismic network, we retrieved azimuthal anisotropy from inversion of Rayleigh wave group velocity in the 6-12 s period range, mostly sensitive to crustal depths. North of the Chile triple junction in the forearc region, our results show a fast velocity for azimuthal anisotropy oriented subparallel to the Liquine-Ofqui fault zone. South of the Chile triple junction, anisotropy is higher, and fast velocity measurements present clockwise rotation south of the subducted ridge and counterclockwise rota- tion north of the ridge. These results suggest the presence of two main domains of deformation: one with structures formed during oblique convergence of the Nazca plate north of the Chile triple junction and the other with structures formed during normal convergence of the Antarctic plate, coupled with collision of the Chile Ridge south of the Chile triple junction. Low velocities and high anisotropy over the sub- ducted Chile Ridge and slab window could be an indication of anomalously high thermal conditions, yielding a more plastic deformation compared with the north, where conditions are more cold and rigid.
TOXICITY OF CIGARETTE BUTTS AND THEIR CHEMICAL COMPONENTS TO THE MARINE AND FRESHWATER FISHES, ATHERINOPS AFFINIS AND PIMEPHALES PROMELAS

OF THE THESIS Toxicity of Cigarette Butts and their Chemical Components to the Marine and Freshwater Fishes, Atherinops affinis and Pimephales promelas by Elli Slaughter Master of Public Health with a concentration in Environmental Health San Diego State University, 2010 Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter worldwide, as an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are deposited somewhere into the environment every year. With cigarette consumption on the rise globally, along with the increasing popularity of bans on indoor smoking, the global environmental burden of cigarette waste may increase in the years to come. Many chemical products are used during the course of growing tobacco and manufacturing cigarettes, the residues of which may be found in cigarettes consumed and therefore in the butts discarded. These include pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides. Additionally, over 4,000 chemicals may also be introduced to the ambient environment via combusted cigarette particulate matter (tar) and mainstream smoke. These include chemicals such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ammonia, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, benzene, phenol, argon, pyridines, and acetone, over fifty of which are known to be carcinogenic to humans. Furthermore, chemicals such as arsenic, nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals have been found to leach into the environment from cigarette butts littered along roadsides and in laboratory studies. Using standard acute fish bioassays, cigarette butts were analyzed for aquatic toxicity. The LC50 for leachate from smoked cigarette butts (with remnant tobacco intact) was approximately 1.1 cigarette butts/L for both the marine topsmelt (Atherinops affinis) and the freshwater fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Leachate from smoked cigarette filters (remnant tobacco removed), was less toxic, with LC50 values of 4.1 and 5.5 cigarette butts/L, respectively for both fish species. Lastly, unsmoked cigarette filters (no tobacco) were also found to be toxic, with LC50 values of 5.1 and 13.5 cigarette butts/L, respectively for both fish species. Consequently, toxicity of cigarette butt leachate was found to increase with smoking the cigarette, and again with leaving remnant burnt tobacco intact. Additionally, the marine topsmelt was found to be more sensitive to most cigarette butt leachates than was the freshwater fathead minnow. This study represents the first in the literature to investigate the toxicity of cigarette butts to fish, and will assist in assessing the potential ecological risks of cigarette butts to the aquatic environment.