Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fixed-Frequency Beam Steering of Microstrip Leaky-Wave Antennas Using Binary Switches

This paper presents a novel, easy-to-fabricate and operate, single-layer leaky-wave antenna (LWA) that is capable of digitally steering its beam at fixed frequency using only two values of bias voltages, with very small gain variation and good impedance matching while scanning. Steering the beam of LWAs in steps at a fixed frequency, using binary switches, is investigated, and a new half-width microstrip LWA (HW-MLWA) is presented. The basic building block of the antenna is a reconfigurable unit cell, switchable between two states. A macrocell is created by combining several reconfigurable unit cells, and the periodic LWA is formed by cascading identical macrocells. A prototype HW-MLWA was designed, fabricated, and tested to validate the concept. To achieve fixed-frequency beam scanning, a gap capacitor in each unit cell is independently connected or disconnected using a binary switch. By changing the macrocell states, the reactance profile at the free edge of the microstrip and hence the main beam direction is changed. The prototyped antenna can scan the main beam between 31° and 60° at 6 GHz. The measured peak gain of the antenna is 12.9 dBi at 6 GHz and gain variation is only 1.2 dB.
Exploitation of C-Band Sentinel-1 Images for High-Resolution Wind Field Retrieval in Coastal Zones (Iroise Coast, France)

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is one of the favorite tools for earth observation applications, i.e., oceanography, land use mapping, climate change since this device can offer the data at a high spatial resolution and in most meteorological conditions. This is more significant when the data acquired by the Sentinel-1, a new C-band satellite, are exploited. For high-resolution wind field extraction, two different approaches are proposed. In the scatterometry-based approach, wind direction is first extracted by the local gradient method at different scales, i.e., 1–5-km wind resolutions. It is then applied to the empirical geophysical model functions, i.e., CMOD (C-band), for surface wind speed estimation. The advantage of this approach is to deliver accurate wind speed estimates in the range of 2–25 m/s from different SAR data. However, it requires wind direction as an input parameter. This can lead to errors in wind speed estimation due to uncertain wind directions. Therefore, for comparison, in the second approach, we propose the use of the model without wind direction input proposed by Komarov et al. In general, the obtained wind fields based on two proposed approaches are quite similar, and they have good agreement with in situ measurements from the meteorological stations along the Iroise coast.
Defects analysis of Boeing 737-800 cabin using six sigma method at PT. XYZ

PT. XYZ is a company in the field of international aviation industry engaged in the business of Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) of aircraft. The company has a special unit involved in addressing the maintenance cabins called cabin maintenance unit. This unit has a defect record which shows the most commonly defects are found in Boeing 737-800 cabin. Thus, this research is focused on improving the quality Boeing 737-800 cabin using Six Sigma DMAIC method. This method is used to continuous improvement, so as to achieve zero defect. The results of sigma level showed that subjects had a broken placard level of 3.73 and 3.83 unlevel table. Sigma level not achieved in both subjects, so an improvements must be made in turns of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), training for mechanics, control the quality of aircraft cabin components in the warehouse, and focus on the inspection of aircraft components.
Pricing decisions in a dual-channel supply chain with dominant manufacturer

This paper investigates the dominance strategies exerted by the dominant manufacture for maintaining its dominant position in the channel system which is operating substitutable products and what influences they have on members of the whole channel system and the consumers. As to the channel system with two manufactures and one retailer, the pricing decisions are depicted to compare the optimal choice made by the system members under dominant manufactures' wholesale price dominance strategy and channel dominance strategy, respectively. It shows that only the dominant manufacturer can necessarily benefit from the wholesale price dominance strategy. Furthermore, both dominant manufacturer and retailer can benefit from the channel dominance strategy, and consumers can also benefit from it. The channel dominance strategy, however, is not always the optimal choice for the dominant manufacturer. Whatever dominance strategy is it, the weak manufacturer will suffer loss, but in channel dominance strategy, the market share of weak manufacturer will increase under certain circumstances.
A coherent Radon transform for small target detection

The Radon transform can be used to implement grid based “track-before-detect” processors. The approach can be described as a range alignment step followed by non-coherent integration. In this paper, a modification of the conventional direct Radon transform is proposed to coherently integrate the energy of the target. In this way, the noise and clutter contributions to each projection angle can be minimized and the overall performance of the system will improve.
On the logarithmic region in wall turbulence

Abstract Considerable discussion over the past few years has been devoted to the question of whether the logarithmic region in wall turbulence is indeed universal. Here, we analyse recent experimental data in the Reynolds number range of nominally $2\times 1{0}^{4} \lt {\mathit{Re}}_{\tau } \lt 6\times 1{0}^{5} $ for boundary layers, pipe flow and the atmospheric surface layer, and show that, within experimental uncertainty, the data support the existence of a universal logarithmic region. The results support the theory of Townsend (The Structure of Turbulent Shear Flow, Vol. 2, 1976) where, in the interior part of the inertial region, both the mean velocities and streamwise turbulence intensities follow logarithmic functions of distance from the wall.
A modelling study on the hydrodynamics of a coastal embayment occupied by 1 mussel farms ( ría

17 The Ría de Ares-Betanzos is a partially stratified estuary in the NW Iberian upwelling 18 system where blue mussels are extensively cultured on hanging ropes. This type of 19 culture depends to a large extend on water circulation and residence times, since 20 mussels feed on suspended particles. Therefore, understanding the role of tides, 21 continental runoff, and winds on the circulation of this embayment has important 22 practical applications. Furthermore, previous works have stressed the potential 23 importance of aquaculture leases on water circulation within coastal ecosystems, with 24 potential negative feedbacks on production carrying capacity. Here we implemented and 25 validated a 3D hydrodynamic numerical model for the Ría de Ares-Betanzos to (i) 26
Comprehensive study of bias temperature instability on polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors

The negative and positive bias temperature instabilities are investigated on p-channel and n-channel TFTs with four different combinations. The stress-induced hump in the subthreshold region is observed for PBTI on p-channel TFTs and NBTI on n-channel TFTs. The hump is attributed to the edge transistors along the channel width direction. Higher electric field at the corners induces more trapped carriers in the insulator as compared to channel transistor. In contrast, no humps are observed for NBTI on p-channel TFTs and PBTI on n-channel TFTs. For NBTI on p-channel TFTs, the interface traps are generated by breaking the Si-H bonds and are responsible for the negative ¿VT. On the other hand, electrons are trapped in the insulator and induce positive ¿VT for PBTI on n-channel TFTs.
Virtual Direct Power Control Scheme of Dual Active Bridge DC–DC Converters for Fast Dynamic Response

One of the essential requirements for high-performance dual active bridge (DAB) dc–dc converters as the controlled dc voltage sources is to obtain the constant output voltage rapidly and accurately under all working conditions. In order to reach fast dynamic response, combing direct power control with feedforward control strategy, this paper proposes a virtual direct power control (VDPC) scheme with single-phase-shift control for DAB dc–dc converters to face with these following extreme conditions, such as start-up, load step-change, no-load, the input voltage fluctuation, and the desired output voltage step-change. The proposed VDPC scheme of DAB dc–dc converters can achieve no overshoot and fast transient response for the output voltage in load or input voltage disturbances and start-up stage. Dynamic response of the output voltage control has been also improved when the desired value steps up and down. Finally, four control schemes consisting of traditional voltage loop control, load current feed-forward control, model-based phase-shift control, and the proposed VDPC schemes are compared and tested in a scale-down DAB dc–dc converter experimental prototype. Experimental results verify the above excellent performance of the proposed VDPC scheme and the effectiveness of theoretical analysis.
Optimal efficiency based Gen-set control for series hybrid work machine

In series hybrid drivelines primary power producer produces majority of the required traction and auxiliary power. Optimizing the efficiency of the primary power producer helps minimizing the fuel consumption of the whole driveline. In this paper primary power producer is a diesel-generator (Gen-set). Diesel is both, torque and speed controlled. Fuel consumption chart, as a function of diesel speed and torque, is used to find optimal efficiency operating point in regard of system load. Supercapacitor is connected to dc-link via actively controlled dc/dc-converter. This supercapacitor module is controlled to provide residual power and it supports gen-set so that the optimal operating point can be used during all phases of the vehicle operation. Control design is tested using simulation model that has been verified with actual hardware components. Results are presented and analyzed, proving that the concept of optimal efficiency control contributes significantly to reduced fuel consumption.
Frataxin‐deficient neurons and mice models of Friedreich ataxia are improved by TAT‐MTScs‐FXN treatment

Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a rare disease caused by deficiency of frataxin, a mitochondrial protein. As there is no cure available for this disease, many strategies have been developed to reduce the deleterious effects of such deficiency. One of these approaches is based on delivering frataxin to the tissues by coupling the protein to trans‐activator of transcription (TAT) peptides, which enables cell membranes crossing. In this study, we tested the efficiency of TAT‐MTScs‐FXN fusion protein to decrease neurodegeneration markers on frataxin‐depleted neurons obtained from dorsal root ganglia (DRG), one of the most affected tissues. In mice models of the disease, we tested the ability of TAT‐MTScs‐FXN to penetrate the mitochondria and its effect on lifespan. In DRG neurons, treatment with TAT‐MTScs‐FXN increased cell survival, decreased neurite degeneration and reduced apoptotic markers, such as α‐fodrin cleavage and caspase 9 activation. Also, we show that heat‐shock protein 60 (HSP60), a molecular chaperone targeted to mitochondria, suffered an impaired processing in frataxin‐deficient neurons that was relieved by TAT‐MTScs‐FXN addition. In mice models of the disease, administration of TAT‐MTScs‐FXN was able to reach muscle mitochondria, restore the activity of the succinate dehydrogenase and produce a significant lifespan increase. These results support the use of TAT‐MTScs‐FXN as a treatment for Friedreich ataxia.
Integration of wind energy resources in the utility control and information technology infrastructures

Around the world, a rapidly increasing growth of distributed energy resources (DER) based on renewable energy sources (RES) can be observed. This is due to the increase in energy demand combined with restriction in building new large scale power plants and a search for carbon-free technologies for energy production. Among the existing renewable distributed generation technologies, wind turbines (WT) shows a quick development, leading to large installations worldwide. This paper discusses the integration of distributed generators (especially wind turbines) in the utility control and information technology infrastructures of power system operators. The communication standard IEC 61850 and its extensions is first described, followed by an example of mapping wind turbine components in communication infrastructure. A distribution network comprising several distributed generation sources is then described from the control and communication point of view. At the end, simulation results of an application of production cost minimization and network constraint management are presented. These to illustrate the new possibilities that a system-wide approach to the control of DERs can provide.
The Impact of Corporate Restructuring on Industrial Research and Development

This paper investigates whether the recent wave of corporate restructuring in the United States has had a negative impact on research arid development investment by industrial firms. Using a newly constructed sample of about 2500 manufacturing firms from 1974 to 1987, I examine three major classes of restructuring events: leveraged buyouts and other "going private" transactions, mergers and acquisitions in general, and substantial increases in leverage.The major conclusions are first, that leveraged buyouts do not occur in RD rather, the evidence seems consistent with an agency cost and cash flow-driven model of buyouts. Second, major increases in leverage are followed by substantial declines in the R&D intensity of the firms in question, and the effect takes at least three years to work through. Finally, although the evidence on acquisitions by publicly traded firms is mixed, the basic conclusion is that any declines in the R&D intensity of acquiring firms relative to their past history appear to be associated with the leverage structure of the transaction rather than the acquisition itself.
Municipal Solid Waste Management Problems in Nigeria: Evolving Knowledge Management Solution

The paper attempts a synthesis of problems relating to municipal waste management in Nigeria and proposes a conceptual knowledge management approach for tackling municipal waste problems in cities across Nigeria. The application of knowledge management approach and strategy is crucial for inculcating a change of attitude towards improving the management of waste. The paper is a review of existing literatures, information, policies and data on municipal waste management in Nigeria. The inefficient management of waste by individuals, households, consumers and waste management companies can be attributed to inadequate information on waste management benefits, lack of producers' involvement in waste management as well as poor implementation of government policies. The paper presents an alternative approach providing solutions promoting efficient municipal waste management. Keywords—Environment, Knowledge management, Municipal
Beyond Knowledge and Agency: HIV Risk for Women of Color in HIV-Dense Neighborhoods

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) poses a formidable risk to the health of women, who made up almost 20% of new HIV infections in 2014 in the U.S. (the most recent year for which data are available). Women represent 25% of those infected with HIV. Sixty-two percent of infected women are African American; Latina and White women each represent 17% of cases in women. The CDC reports that heterosexual transmission accounts for 87% of HIV cases in women. However, it is not clear why some women in HIV-dense neighborhoods become infected, and others do not.
Reforming of Coke Oven Gas Over a Ni / γ Al 2 O 3 Catalyst to Produce Syngas for Methanol Synthesis

The CO2 reforming of coke oven gases (COG) was carried out over a Ni/γAl2O3 catalyst in order to obtain a suitable syngas for methanol synthesis. The influence of different operating conditions, such as temperature and volumetric hourly space velocity (VHSV), was studied. It was found that the H2 present in the feed gas promotes the Reverse Water Gas Shift reaction (RWGS), which produces water. Nevertheless, the Ni/γAl2O3 catalyst showed a high selectivity to the CO2 reforming reaction and it was possible to avoid the RWGS under certain operating conditions. Moreover, a part of the reaction could take place via a different path (RWGS followed by the steam reforming of methane instead of the direct dry reforming of methane). The deactivation of the Ni/γAl2O3 catalyst was also studied. Both the methane and the carbon dioxide conversions remained steady for 50 hours without showing any sign of deactivation. However, the sinterization of the nickel particles and the presence of carbon deposits seemed to indicate that the catalyst would eventually loose catalytic activity.
A system-on-chip platform for the internet of things featuring a 32-bit RISC-V based microcontroller

A tested and measured 32-bit microcontroller used as an open-source platform for Internet of Things is presented. An AXI-4 lite bus is used for communication considering the possible implementation of accelerators for specialized applications. The implemented SoC occupies a 2.1mm x 2.1mm area in a 130nm CMOS. The SoC has a dynamic power of 167µW measured from a 1.2V when the core is clocked at 100MHz. The SoC has been tested at maximum speed of 160MHz. It is the first silicon-proven 32-bit microcontroller sporting a RISC-V core.
uncorrected Eff ects of cold stress during transportation on hatchability and chick quality of broiler breeder eggs

In this experiment 72,000 broiler breeder eggs (Ross 308 strain) collected from 36-week-old fl ocks were subjected to cold stress during transportation. Eggs were allocated to 4 temperature groups (treatments): 1.2 °C, 1-2 °C, 2.5-3.9 °C, 4-6 °C, and a control group, 21-22 °C. Each treatment had 14,400 eggs, and data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. Th e results of this study showed that cold stress had a signifi cant eff ect on percentage of egg weight loss (P < 0.001), and minimal egg weight loss occurred in the control group. Th e percentage of exploders and early hatched chicks and chick weight were higher in the below zero temperature treatment than the other groups (P < 0.01). Cold stress had a signifi cant eff ect on chick length, hatchability, and the hatching of fertile eggs (P < 0.001). Th e eff ects of cold stress on chick yield and body weight uniformity were signifi cant (P < 0.01). Th e eff ect of cold stress on hatchery byproduct effi ciency was signifi cant (P < 0.001), but did not aff ect fertility. Cold stress also had signifi cant eff ects on early (1-8 days), middle (9-17 days), and late mortality (20-21 days); total embryo mortality; and exposed brain. Ectopic viscera was signifi cant (P < 0.001), and most mortality was observed in below 4 °C treatments. Total percentages of malpositions and deformity (P < 0.001) and egg contamination at 1-9 days (fi rst stage) and 10-21 days (second phase) were aff ected by cold stress (P < 0.001). Cold stress also had a signifi cant impact on the number of cull chicks; percent of string navel, button navel, total string, and button; omphalitis; full body cavity; red hocks; dehydration; dirty chickens; and stubby down. Cold stress aff ects performance during incubation and overall chick quality.
Partial discharge-induced degradation characteristics of oil-impregnated insulating material used in oil-immersed power transformers

The soundness of an oil-immersed power transformer under an operating voltage is evaluated in partial discharge (PD) test of long-duration ac withstand voltage test. The acceptance criterion for this PD test is 500 pC according to IEC standard; however, only insufficient basic data backing this criterion are available. In addition, the harmful level of the insulation performance has not necessarily been perceived in such a manner as the present one, for example, only the insulation breakdown, instead of the insulation performance degradation, has been assumed to be harmful. This paper was intended to determine the harmful PD level causing the insulation performance of the transformer to be degraded, and investigated the degradation level of an oil-impregnated press-board (PB) used between windings, at which PD is more likely to occur when ac voltage is applied than at any other oil-impregnated insulating paper material used in transformer. The degradation level was quantitatively evaluated through comparison of the lightning impulse (LI) breakdown voltage between the unused PB and what had been exposed to PD. As a result, if the material was exposed to PD of 20,000 pC or more when the voltage was applied for an hour, the residual LI withstand voltage for the insulating material itself tended to decrease along with the magnitude and application time of PD. On the other hand, in the case of the PD charge of 10,000 pC or less, the residual LI withstand voltage barely decreased even if the material was exposed to PD for more than 1 hour. Consequently, the conclusion was reached that the harmful PD level as the insulating material itself used in the oil-immersed power transformer is approximately 15,000 pC. It was also confirmed that PD exceeding this permissive level for several minutes caused the insulation performance to be degraded.
TLR 3 modulates immunopathology during a Schistosoma mansoni egg-driven Th 2 response in the lung

We examined the role of TLR3 in Th2-driven pulmonary granulomatous disease, using wildtype (TLR3) and TLR3 gene-deficient (TLR3 / ) mice in a well-established model of Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced pulmonary granuloma. The intravenous bolus injection of S. mansoni eggs into S. mansoni-sensitized TLR3 mice was associated with an increase in TLR3 transcript expression in alveolar macrophages and ex vivo spleen and lung cultures at day 8 after egg injection. Lungs from TLR3 / mice showed an increase in granuloma size, greater collagen deposition around the granuloma, and increased Th2 cytokine and chemokine levels compared with similarly sensitized and challenged TLR3 mice. Macrophages from TLR3 / mice exhibited an M2 phenotype characterized by increased arginase and CCL2 expression. Significantly greater numbers of CD4CD25 T cells were present in the lungs of TLR3 / mice compared with TLR3 mice at day 8 after egg embolization. Cells derived from granulomatous lung and lung draining lymph nodes of TLR3 / mice released significantly higher levels of IL-17 levels relative to TLR3 cells. Thus, our data suggest that TLR3 has a major regulatory role during a Th2-driven granulomatous response as its absence enhanced immunopathology.
Continuous clustering trajectory stream of moving objects

The clustering of trajectories over huge volumes of streaming data has been recognized as critical for many modern applications. In this work, we propose a continuous clustering of trajectories of moving objects over high speed data streams, which updates online trajectory clusters on basis of incremental line-segment clustering. The proposed clustering algorithm obtains trajectory clusters efficiently and stores all closed trajectory clusters in a bi-tree index with efficient search capability. Next, we present two query processing methods by utilising three proposed pruning strategies to fast handle two continuous spatio-temporal queries, threshold-based trajectory clustering queries and threshold-based trajectory outlier detections. Finally, the comprehensive experimental studies demonstrate that our algorithm achieves excellent effectiveness and high efficiency for continuous clustering on both synthetic and real streaming data, and the proposed query processing methods utilise average 90% less time than the naive query methods.