Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic inversion of nonlinear maps with applications to nonlinear control and robotics

This dissertation introduces the notion of a dynamic inverse of a nonlinear map. The dynamic inverse is used in the construction of nonlinear dynamical system, called a dynamic inverter, that asymptotically solves inverse problems with time-varying vector-valued solutions. Dynamic inversion generalizes and extends many previous results on the inversion of maps using continuous-time dynamic systems. By posing the dynamic inverse itself as the solution to an inverse problem, we show how one may solve for a dynamic inverse dynamically while simultaneously using the dynamic inverse solution to solve for the time-varying root of interest. Dynamic inversion is a continuous-time dynamic computational paradigm that may be incorporated into controllers in order to continuously provide estimates of time-varying parameters necessary for control. This allows nonlinear control systems to be posed entirely in continuous-time, replacing discrete root-finding algorithms as well as discrete algorithms for matrix inversion with integration. Example applications include solving for the intersection of time-varying polynomials, inversion of nonlinear control systems, regular and generalized inversion of fixed and time-varying matrices, polar decomposition of fixed and time-varying matrices, output tracking of implicitly defined reference trajectories, end-effector tracking control for robotic manipulators, and causal approximate output tracking for nonlinear nonminimum-phase systems. For the problem of output tracking for nonminimum-phase systems, an internal equilibrium manifold is introduced. This manifold is intrinsic to the class of nonlinear nonminimum-phase systems studied. Approximate output tracking is achieved by constructing a controller that makes a neighborhood of the internal equilibrium manifold attractive and invariant. Dynamic inversion is incorporated into the controller to provide a continuous estimate of the manifold location. This estimate is incorporated into the tracking control law. We demonstrate, by application to the tracking problem for the inverted pendulum on a cart, that the resulting internal equilibrium controller significantly outperforms a linear quadratic regulator, where the linearization of the internal equilibrium controller is made identical to the linear quadratic regulator. We also apply internal equilibrium control to the problem of causing a nonlinear, nonholonomic model of a bicycle to track a time-parameterized trajectory in the ground plane while retaining balance.
Structure and replication cycle of a virus infecting climate-modulating alga Emiliania huxleyi

The globally distributed marine alga Emiliania huxleyi produces reflective calcite disks (coccoliths) that increase the albedo of ocean water and thus reduce the heat absorption in the ocean, which cools the Earth’s climate. The population density of E. huxleyi is restricted by nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses, including E. huxleyi virus 201 (EhV-201). Despite the impact of E. huxleyi viruses on the climate, there is limited information about their structure and replication. Here we show that the dsDNA genome inside the EhV-201 virion is protected by an inner membrane, capsid, and outer membrane decorated with numerous transmembrane proteins. The virions are prone to deformation, and parts of their capsids deviate from the icosahedral arrangement. EhV-201 virions infect E. huxleyi by using their fivefold vertex to bind to a host cell and fuse the virus’s inner membrane with the plasma membrane. Whereas the replication of EhV-201 probably occurs in the nucleus, virions assemble in the cytoplasm at the surface of endoplasmic reticulum-derived membrane segments. Genome packaging initiates synchronously with the capsid assembly and completes through an aperture in the forming capsid. Upon the completion of genome packaging, the capsids change conformation, which enables them to acquire an outer membrane by budding into intracellular vesicles. EhV-201 infection induces a loss of surface protective layers from E. huxleyi cells, which allows the continuous release of virions by exocytosis. Our results provide insight into how EhVs bypass the surface protective layers of E. huxleyi and exploit the organelles of an infected cell for progeny assembly.
Artificial Intelligence for Anatomical Structure Identification on Ultrasound in Regional Anaesthesia: A Scoping Review Protocol

BACKGROUND Ultrasound is the most common form of guidance for regional anaesthesia. There is increasing interest in developing supporting technology, particularly in the form of artificial intelligence (AI), to aid in the acquisition and interpretation of optimal ultrasound views for these procedures. However, this is a broad field, with academia, clinical practice, and industry all providing disparate contributions. We will undertake a scoping review of publicly-available data, to assess methods of evaluation for accuracy and utility of such systems. METHODS We will perform searches in multiple databases, including ACM Digital Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, IEEE Explore, and OVID MEDLINE. We will search the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors approved clinical trial registries and the World Health Organisation clinical trials registry for studies registered in this field. Grey literature will be searched through the online library of doctoral theses (http://ethos.bl.uk/Home.do), regulatory authority registries and competent authority websites of North America and the UK, the websites of international learned societies in regional anaesthesia, and material from commercial organisations with products in the field. The primary goal is to summarise the approaches used to evaluate accuracy and utility of these devices. A secondary goal is to assess the standardisation of reporting in this field, with particular reference to whether reporting guidelines have been followed. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scoping review of this type. Synthesis of the available evidence will enable us to make recommendations on a standardised evaluation framework, which can be used for future devices, to allow robust and relevant evaluation which can be compared to similar evaluations of other devices.
High-efficiency broad-linewidth widely-tunable mid-infrared OPO based on fan-out PPLT

We reported a high-efficiency, broad-linewidth, wide-tuning-range singly-resonated optical parametric oscillator (OPO) based on a fan-out PPLT crystal. When the PPLT crystal was operated at 120 °C and pumped by Q-switched 1064 nm laser at 14.17 W with a circular pump profile, the overall output power of OPO was 7.22 W (η = 50.4%) for both the signal and idler waves. The central wavelength and linewidth of the mid-infrared (MIR) laser were 3770 nm and ∼40 nm. A wavelength tuning range of 3538–3941 nm was accomplished by adjusting the crystal period through simple mechanical movement. Due to the larger coverage of gratings with an elliptical pump profile, the output linewidth of the MIR laser was further broadened to ∼100 nm, which is ten times more than other non-fan-out PPLT OPOs. Both pumping methods with different profiles were operated at 30 kHz, 49.2 ns for the 1064 nm laser, the power fluctuation of the obtained MIR laser was within 3.5%.
Numerical Methods for Solving Linear Elliptic PDEs: Direct Solvers and High Order Accurate Discretizations

Boundary integral equations and Nyström discretization provide a powerful tool for the solution of Laplace and Helmholtz boundary value problems. However, often a weakly-singular kernel arises, in which case specialized quadratures that modify the matrix entries near the diagonal are needed to reach a high accuracy. We describe the construction of four different quadratures which handle logarithmically-singular kernels. Only smooth boundaries are considered, but some of the techniques extend straightforwardly to the case of corners. Three are modifications of the global periodic trapezoidal rule, due to Kapur–Rokhlin, to Alpert, and to Kress. The fourth is a modification to a quadrature based on Gauss–Legendre panels due to Kolm–Rokhlin; this formulation allows adaptivity. We compare in numerical experiments the convergence of the four schemes in various settings, including lowand high-frequency planar Helmholtz problems, and 3D axisymmetric Laplace problems. We also find striking differences in performance in an iterative setting. We summarize the relative advantages of the schemes.
Patterns of regional site index across a North American boreal forest gradient

Forest structure—the height, cover, vertical complexity, and spatial patterns of trees—is a key indicator of productivity variation across forested extents. During the 2017 and 2019 growing seasons, NASA’s Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment collected full-waveform airborne LiDAR using the land, vegetation and imaging sensor, sampling boreal and tundra landscapes across a variety of ecological regions from central Canada westward through Alaska. Here, we compile and archive a geo-referenced gridded suite of these data that include vertical structure estimates and novel horizontal cover estimates of vegetation canopy cover derived from vegetation’s vertical LiDAR profile. We validate these gridded estimates with small footprint airborne LiDAR, and link >36 million of them with stand age estimates from a Landsat time-series of tree-canopy cover that we confirm with plot-level disturbance year data. We quantify the regional magnitude and variability in site index, the age-dependent rates of forest growth, across 15 boreal ecoregions in North America. With this open archive suite of forest structure data linked to stand age, we bound current forest productivity estimates across a boreal structure gradient whose response to key bioclimatic drivers may change with stand age. These results, derived from a reduction of a large archive of airborne LiDAR and a Landsat time series, quantify forest productivity bounds for input into forest and ecosystem growth models, to update forecasts of changes in North America’s boreal forests by improving the regional parametrization of forest growth rates.
Design of Clock Synchronization of Base Station by Using 8A34002

The stability of the entire base station depends on the synchronization of the base station’s clock. The clock synchronization management chip 8A34002 supports SyncE Ethernet and IEEE 1588. In this architecture, the GPS receiver, SSI, and master/slave switching device all emit PPS/TOD signals. PPS/TOD signals are input into the FPGA, which outputs one PPS/TOD signal. The PPS/TOD signal enters 8A34002 in this design scheme, and the DPLL of 8A34002 provides filtering and clock-following output. The 8A34002‘s signal output is used as the system’s clock after processing. The switching chip, X86 main control chip, and BBU base station board are all driven by the system clock, which serves as a reference clock. The 8A34002 uses four DPLLs, one each for the SyncE, PTP, GNSS, and test functions.
A Study on household food waste management and composting practice

Food waste had been such an alarming issue, not only in Malaysia, but throughout the world. Composting is an environmentally friendly way to reduce food waste by using a less costly and less time of the system. Composting is considered the most common method used to compost by having organic materials and water only. This study aims to identify the level of awareness among respondents about food waste composting and to assess the effectiveness of composting method at home basis. An online survey and experimental work were conducted. The online survey was conducted among the population in Taman Seri Tanjung, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Quantitative analysis from the online survey showed that respondents had awareness of the advantages of composting. While, 29-day observation during food waste composting show pH and temperature were recorded as in the range of 29°C to 40°C and 5 to 7 respectively. The result from this study shows promising findings on the effectiveness of the composting method. The findings from this study will enhance the understanding and awareness of the public on the importance of composting at the household level.
Emerging Tenera oil palm shell concrete: Mix design and cost analyses

The utilization of oil palm shell (OPS) in concrete dates back since four decades ago. While most research has only been done on the Dura-OPS as coarse aggregate in concrete, few research has been done on Tenera-OPS. The Tenera-OPS is obtained by a hybrid crossbreeding between Dura and Pisifera type fruits to obtain a thinner shell in the palm oil fruit to produce 30% more palm oil. Tenera-OPS has different physical properties compared to Dura-OPS, which could alter the mechanical behaviour of concrete. Therefore, this paper has studied mix designs of Tenera-OPS concrete (Tenera-OPSC) to investigate its physical characteristics, and compressive strength and has compared to those of Dura-OPSC from literature. It has been found that compressive strength of 20.24 MPa could only be produced with very high cement content of 1050 kg/m3. This study has shown that the compressive strength of Tenera-OPSC is reduced by 55 – 72% by using the most common acceptable mix design used for Dura-OPSC. It has been found that Tenera-OPS in concrete swells and shrinks during the hardening process which causes de-bonding between the Tenera-OPS and the cement matrix, which is believed to be the main reason for the lower compressive strength. A cost analysis was also done to compare the costs between Tenera-OPSC and normal weight concrete (NWC) of similar grade. The cost of Tenera-OPSC has been found to be 2% lower than that of NWC.
Analysis and Modeling of System Performance Based on Random Matching Errors, Gradient Errors, and Finite Output Impedance of Current-source DAC

With the development of communication technology, the performance of digital-to-analog converters as the last link in signal processing is particularly important. This paper analyzes the errors of current rudder DAC and their effect on DAC performance. Different compensation methods are proposed to compensate for or eliminate the errors. Through system modeling, it is concluded that under the conditions of static parameters DNL<0.5LSB, INL<0.5LSB, dynamic parameters SFDR>90dB and SNDR>70dB, the random matching error should be less than 0.001, the gradient error less than 1E-5 and the admittance rate less than 1E-7. The correctness of the theoretical analysis can be verified through system modeling and simulation, providing accurate guidance direction for circuit design and greatly shortening the design cycle.
Productive Disengagement: Ethical Reflections on the Representations of LGBTQ Iranian Lives

abstract:This article examines whether academic representations of LGBTQ Iranians have increased over time and whether they have had harmful or beneficial ethical impacts. The article defines measures of "harm" and "benefit" by drawing on and adding to Canada's Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. Such measures are then used to survey scholarship produced about LGBTQ Iranians. Results show that scholarly interest in "LGBTQ Iran" has increased from 2001 on. The article demonstrates the complexity of balancing ethical measures in research and argues that the benefits of representing marginalized groups may not always outweigh their related harms. Ultimately, a methodology of "productive disengagement" is advanced for researchers who seek to forego representation rather than pursue it.
Validity and Reliability of Curl-Up Test on Assessing the Core Endurance for Kindergarten Children in Hong Kong

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability and the criterion validity of a curlup test (CUT) as a measure of core stability, core endurance and dynamic stability in kindergarten children. CUT performance was also compared to half hold lying test (HHLT) and walking time on course (WTC) among without obstacle, with low obstacle and high obstacle measures of core stability, core endurance and dynamic stability. Methods: To estimate reliability, 33 males and 27 female kindergarten children (M aged=4.5 years old) performed the CUT on 2 different days. In the validity phase of the study, scores of all participants were obtained on three field test measures of core stability, core endurance and dynamic stability (CUT, HHLT and WTC). Results: Results indicate that the MCU test has no significant correlation on intra-class test-retest reliability (R=0.13, p>0.01). The criterion validity of the CUT for kindergarten children has is comparable to that of the HHLT(r=0.98, p<0.01) and WTC without obstacle(r=0.96, p<0.01), with low obstacle (r=0.96, p<0.01) and with high obstacle (r=0.98, p<0.01). Result indicates that the CUT test cannot produces reasonably accurate and stable measures of core stability, core endurance and dynamic stability. Conclusion: These preliminary findings provide evidences into the CUT test cannot produces reasonably accurate and stable measures of core stability, core endurance and dynamic stability for kindergarten children.
“Referees on a Field:” A Grounded Theory Analysis of How Student Affairs Professionals Think About External Demands on Practice

Abstract:Student affairs professionals face increasing pressure from ideologies, people, and organizations outside of higher education institutions. Historically, student affairs practice has been focused on student development theory. In this constructivist grounded theory study, we explore this tension using interviews with 21 early-career, mid-level, and senior student affairs practitioners. Our findings highlight the complex forces now shaping student affairs practice, including external demands related to (a) efficacy and efficiency of student services; (b) compliance with local, state, and federal laws; and (c) student and public relations crises. We theorize these pressures relative to Foucault’s thinking about surveillance and self-regulation within total institutional spaces, using these ideas to offer new insight into student affairs practice.
The Equation of the Universe

A new equation is found in which the concept of matter-space-time is mathematically connected; gravitation and electromagnetism are also bound by space-time. A mechanism is described showing how velocity, time, distance, matter, and energy, are correlated. We are led to ascertain that gravity and electricity are two distinct manifestations of a single underlying process: electro-gravitation. The force of gravitation arises of electromagnetism – inherently much stronger – divided by the cosmological space-time. The radius of space-time belongs to the family of electromagnetic waves: the wavelength is the radius of the universe and the period is its cosmological age. For the first time, the cosmological time, considered as a real physical object, is integrated into a "cosmological equation" which makes coherent what we know regarding the time (its origin, its flow…), the matter, and space. It sets up a mathematical model allowing us to interpret dark energy (or cosmological constant) as being both "negative" and "tired" energy. In fact, it is an equation of quantum cosmology that operates the reconciliation between the macrocosm and the microcosm to draw up a coherent view of the behavior of matter through space and time.
Adaptive optics developments at Keck observatory

The purpose of this paper is to report on new adaptive optics (AO) developments at the W. M. Keck Observatory since the 2000 SPIE meeting. These developments include completion of the Keck I AO system, interferometric combination of the full apertures of the two Keck telescopes using AO on both telescopes, commissioning of two science instruments with the Keck II AO system, first projection of the Keck II sodium laser beacon, progress on laser guide star AO, improved automation of the AO systems and a diversity of AO science programs.
On the pinning controllability of complex networks using perturbation theory of extreme singular values. Application to synchronisation in power grids

Pinning control on complex dynamical networks has emerged as a very important topic in recent trends of control theory due to the extensive study of collective coupled behaviors and their role in physics, engineering and biology. In practice, real-world networks consist of a large number of vertices and one may only be able to perform a control on a fraction of them only. Controllability of such systems has been addressed in [ 17 ], where it was reformulated as a global asymptotic stability problem. The goal of this short note is to refine the analysis proposed in [ 17 ] using recent results in singular value perturbation theory.
A site‐consistent method to quantify sufficiency of alternative IMs in relation to PSDA

In probabilistic seismic demand analysis, evaluation of the sufficiency of an intensity measure (IM) is an important criterion to avoid biased assessment of the demand hazard. However, there exists no metric to quantify the degree of sufficiency as per the criterion of Luco and Cornell (2007). This paper proposes a site‐specific unified measure for degree of sufficiency from all seismological parameters under consideration using a total information gain metric. This unified metric for sufficiency supports not only comparison of the performance of different IMs given a response quantity but also assessment of the performance of a particular IM across different response quantities. The proposed sufficiency metric was evaluated for a 4‐story steel moment frame building, and the influence of ground motion selection on the degree of sufficiency was investigated. It was observed that ground motion selection can have a significant impact on IM sufficiency. Because computing the total information gain requires continuous deaggregation across the IM space, an approximate deaggregation technique that allows for a more practical estimation of marginal deaggregation probabilities is proposed. It is expected that the total information gain metric proposed in this paper will aid in understanding the efficiency‐sufficiency relation, thus enabling the selection of a proper scalar IM for a given site and application in probabilistic seismic demand analysis.
A Case Study of University Students’ Performance in Arabic and Islamic Culture Courses Before and During the Pandemic (Face-to-Face and Online Instruction)

Abstract:In the present study, we examined whether students’ academic success in courses devoted to Arabic and Islamic culture changed when the familiar face-to-face delivery format (before the Covid-19 pandemic) was discarded in favor of an online synchronous delivery format (during the pandemic). The final class grades of students enrolled in one of four courses in a sequence devoted to Arabic culture and religion were compared while holding constant the variable instructor. The ability of early performance indicators to predict final class grades was also examined to assess whether there were differences between instructional deliveries. Superior performance and lower failure rates were observed online for courses at the beginning of the sequence, but not at the end of the sequence. These findings suggest that the impact of instructional delivery might vary depending on the students’ accumulated academic experience.