Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Analysis for Effective Capacity of a Cross-Layer Optimized Wireless Networks

— New generation mobile communication networks have the ability of supporting triple play. In order that, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) access techniques have been chosen to enlarge the system ability for high data rates networks. Many of cross-layer modeling and optimization schemes for Quality of Service (QoS) and capacity of downlink multiuser OFDM system were proposed. In this paper, the Maximum Weighted Capacity (MWC) based resource allocation at the Physical (PHY) layer is used. This resource allocation scheme provides a much better QoS than the previous resource allocation schemes, while maintaining the highest or nearly highest capacity and costing similar complexity. In addition, the Delay Satisfaction (DS) scheduling at the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, which allows more than one connection to be served in each slot is used. This scheduling technique is more efficient than conventional scheduling to investigate both of the number of users as well as the number of subcarriers against system capacity. The system will be optimized for different operational environments: the outdoor deployment scenarios as well as the indoor deployment scenarios are investigated and also for different channel models. In addition, effective capacity approach [1] is used not only for providing QoS for different mobile users, but also to increase the total wireless network's throughput .
Design of Area and Power Potent Booth Multiplier Using Multiplexer

The demand for the improvement of digital signal processing is highly increasing in present days. For this, more technological developments are required in computer and microprocessor applications for meeting high speed and power efficiency. Multiplier plays a crucial role in signal processing that will decide overall device speed, area, and power consumption. In order to accomplish better performance, multiplexer based 8*8-bit booth multiplier is designed and coding is done in Verilog. Simulation and synthesis are carried on Vivado 2017.2 software. The proposed design reduces the area, power, and delay when compared to the existing multipliers.
Optimal Allocation of Energy Storage Systems for Resilient Distribution Networks Focusing on Critical Loads

As modern-day power grids embrace more and more the new smart technologies, the distribution networks undergo a major conversion from passive to active systems, featuring various types of distributed energy resources including solar, wind generators, and storage. The energy storage systems (ESSs) capability to shift load and power generation in time comes as an efficient solution to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RES) and demand variation. Beside their benefits in daily operation enhancement of the electric grid, ESSs can be an essential support for the distribution power system in the event of a major blackout. The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimal allocation of ESSs for increased reliability and resilience of the distribution network, based on renewable distributed sources generation and taking into account the presence of critical loads. In this regard, a mixed-integer second-order cone programming method is applied, aiming to maximize the assistance of renewable sources integration, while considering the network operational constraints and the prioritization of important users.
Adaptive Finite-Time Coordinated Attitude Tracking Control for Spacecraft Formation with Unknown Time-Varying Inertia

This paper studies the adaptive finite-time coordinated attitude tracking control problem for spacecraft formation flying under directed communication topology in presence of unknown time-varying inertia and external disturbances. First, based on robust adaptive control method, we designed two adaptive components of the controller to accommodate the uncertainties of the system and compensate the external disturbance. In addition, combined with finite-time theory, consensus algorithm and graph theory, we proposed a robust adaptive finite-time coordinated attitude tracking control law to regulate the attitude to a common time-varying reference state in finite time. And, the control law applies to more extensive systems without requiring that the topology is strongly connected digraph or connected undirected graph. Finally, simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the presented control approach.
Characterization of Stochastically Distributed Voids in Sintered Nano-Silver Joints

To better understand the mechanical behaviour of a sintered nano-silver joint, it is quite necessary to develop a characterization method to quantitatively describe the stochastically distributed voids existing in it. In this paper, by virtue of a Cartesian coordinate system, the stochastically distributed voids in the sintered nano-silver joint are characterized with three parameters, which are the distance “l”, radius “r” and location angle “$\alpha$”. And then by fitting these extracted parameters into certain distributions, for instance Normal distribution for “l” and “r”, and Uniform distribution for “$\alpha$”, the distribution feature of the voids can be quantitively characterized. It is also found that the accuracy of these distribution parameters is highly dependent on the number of voids in the nano-silver joint. The proposed method is successfully to account for the pressure effect on void distribution in sintered nano-silver joints.
Industrial Communication Systems and Their Future Challenges: Next-Generation Ethernet, IIoT, and 5G

Industrial communication systems represent one of the most important innovations of the last decades in the context of factory and process automation systems. They are networks specifically designed to cope with the tight requirements of these challenging application fields such as real time, determinism, and reliability. Moreover, industrial networks are often deployed in environments characterized by strong electromagnetic interference, mechanical stress, critical temperature, and humidity. Over the last three decades, different classes of industrial networks have been developed according to changing requirements and available communication and information technologies. In this paper, we first provide an account of the state of the art, reviewing classical fieldbuses, real-time Ethernet networks, and industrial wireless networks, along with their most relevant features, applications, and performance figures. We introduce the complex standardization framework and analyze the market status and assumptions for future development. In the second part, we address the future perspectives focusing on new technologies, standards, and fields of application. In particular, we consider the time-sensitive networking (TSN) family of standards, Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) systems, high-performance wireless LANs, industrial applications of cellular networks, and Ethernet networks for automotive communication.
Training Reading and Writing through Text-based Games; Step 1: Adapting to Gamer Type

Text-adventure games were one of the first types of games to be developed. They were referred to as multi-user dungeons or MUD. With improvement in graphics, MUDs were mostly replaced by video games but still retained selected fan groups. The idea behind this work utilizes the benefits of a text-adventure or a text-based game to help players improve their reading as well as their writing skills. The game is played by navigating through text-based commands and forces the player to read, understand the concept and then respond by writing correctly. Building on the affinity to chats, this interface can help students to both learn a language or practice correct orthography. In a first phase of building a successful interactive game, the goal is to adapt the experience to the player type by changing the interaction style and theme. The work presented here concentrates on identifying and catering to Achiever and Explorer according to Bartle’s Taxonomy. The resulting game and prediction is evaluated with 35 students in order to fine-tune the classification system and 15 new students for testing the final system. Additionally, user feedback regarding language learning use and age-appropriateness of the task was collected.
Brain Computer Interface : Music stimuli recognition using Machine Learning and an Electroencephalogram

Music is one of the most relaxing aspect of a person’s life. Different people like different type of songs. They perceive the melodies and the beats of a song in varied ways depending on their "mood". A person’s "mood" can be tracked with the help of an EEG and Brain Computer Interface. The goal is to understand how a brain reacts to the stimulus of music and further understand the recognition patterns using machine learning and a neurosky mindwave headset, and add further research into music stimulus recognition by using test subjects and a prescribed list of songs.
Given a SDN Topology, How Many Controllers are Needed and Where Should They Go?

Software Defined Networking (SDN) presents a paradigm shift in network management and configuration. The idea of having an externalized control plane opens many unanswered questions regarding scalability, fault tolerance and performance of the controller. An important question that must be answered is, given a network topology, how many controllers are needed and where should they be placed to satisfy user-specific requirements and constraints. Such requirements range from latency constraints, failure tolerance and fair load distribution. These metrics compete with each other, thus no single best placement is available. In this paper, we focus on controller placement to minimize propagation latency (of control traffic) and CapEx associated with installing a new controller. We apply Silhouette Analysis and Gap statistics to compute the optimal number of controllers to use for a given topology. To determine the optimal locations to place the controllers, we use Partition Around Medoids (PAM) clustering algorithm. We evaluate our solution using the Internet2 topology and then expand our scope to over 10 publicly available WAN topologies. As expected, the answers to controller placement are topology-dependent. However, an evaluation of our algorithms on the Internet 2 topology, recommends two controllers as the optimal number of controllers to use. Surprisingly, our results indicate that one controller suffices to meet latency requirements (though certainly not reliability requirements). Finally, the techniques presented in this work can be extended to tackle other similar placement problems, such as baseband unit placement for 5G cloud radio access network (C-RAN) deployment and fog node placement which appears in the context of edge computing.
Fuzzy Sliding Mode Synchronous Control of Double-Container for Overhead Crane

The double-container overhead crane can grab two forty-inch containers at one time, greatly improving the efficiency of loading and unloading. However, the overhead crane system is unstable due to perturbation of system parameters and other uncontrollable factors. So, it is difficult to achieve synchronous control of twin-lift container. In order to deal with this problem, this paper proposes a synchronous control method for double containers of bridge crane, which based on the combination of mean deviation coupling synchronization control and fuzzy sliding mode control. The Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy control is used to estimate the uncertainty of the system effectively, which suppresses the chattering problem of the sliding mode control in the approaching stage. Finally, the stability of the controller proposed in this paper is proved by Lyapunov's theorem, and the effectiveness of the controller is demonstrated by using Matlab.
Predictive significance of the overvaluation of shape/weight in obese patients with binge eating disorder: findings from a randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up

Background Undue influence of body shape or weight on self-evaluation – referred to as overvaluation – is considered a core feature across eating disorders, but is not a diagnostic requirement for binge eating disorder (BED). This study examined the concurrent and predictive significance of overvaluation of shape/weight in obese patients with BED participating in a randomized clinical trial testing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral weight loss (BWL). Method A total of 90 participants were randomly assigned to 6-month group treatments of CBT or BWL. Assessments were performed at baseline, throughout- and post-treatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups after completing treatments with reliably administered semi-structured interviews and established measures. Results Participants categorized with overvaluation (n = 52, 58%) versus without overvaluation (n = 38, 42%) did not differ significantly in demographic features (age, gender and ethnicity), psychiatric co-morbidity, body mass index or binge eating frequency. The overvaluation group had significantly greater levels of eating disorder psychopathology and poorer psychological functioning (higher depression and lower self-esteem) than the non-overvaluation group. Overvaluation of shape/weight significantly predicted non-remission from binge eating and higher frequency of binge eating at the 12-month follow-up, even after adjusting for group differences in depression and self-esteem levels. Conclusions Our findings suggest that overvaluation does not simply reflect concern commensurate with being obese or more frequent binge eating, but also is strongly associated with heightened eating-related psychopathology and psychological distress, and has negative prognostic significance for longer-term treatment outcomes. Overvaluation of shape/weight warrants consideration as a diagnostic specifier for BED as it provides important information about severity and treatment outcome.
A combined Network Access Control and QoS scheme for Software Defined Networks

In networks that implements Quality of Service (QoS) functions, it is important that only privileged users are granted access to the most premium services such as a specific bandwidth reservation via certain paths. To achieve this, Network Access Control must be coupled with QoS functions. In this paper, we demonstrate how this can be accomplished in an SDN based network. Specifically, we propose a QoS architecture that extends the ONOS SDN controller with dynamic management of traffic control queues in OpenFlow switches. Network Access Control is provided by an authentication module in ONOS, ensuring that all clients are authenticated before they are given access to the network and privileged services. The proposed scheme is implemented and tested in a virtual environment. The results show that the solution provides a simple method for access control and QoS with minimal control traffic overhead.
Experiencing Augmented Reality in Power Engineering Education

Augmented Reality is one of the emerging technologies with promising results in engineering education. While increasing the learning commitment and motivation, additional information is available and interdisciplinary links with connected domains are easier. Especially within laboratory experiments, augmented reality may show views of inner or unapproachable devices, field views, equipment handling and support lab experiments with guidance and supplementary information. The paper presents the results of the first stage implementation of Augmented Reality within laboratories in the field of power engineering. The feedback survey showed that students consider Augmented Reality to be a useful tool, best suited to allow a closer connection to practice and a faster learning for the lab work.
Antigenic and structural similarities between Mycobacterium tuberculosis 50- to 55-kilodalton and Mycobacterium bovis BCG 45- to 47-kilodalton antigens

The relationship between Mycobacterium tuberculosis 50- to 55-kDa protein and Mycobacterium bovis BCG 45- to 47-kDa antigen was examined by using immunological and biochemical criteria. Reciprocal cross-reactivity with a rabbit polyclonal antiserum against the M. bovis BCG protein and with a monoclonal antibody raised against the M. tuberculosis antigen was observed. The epitope recognized by this antibody was apparently present only in proteins of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis BCG among the 11 mycobacterial species tested. The amino-terminal sequences and total amino acid contents of these proteins showed strong similarities. Both antigens are glycoproteins as assessed by binding of concanavalin A, labeling of carbohydrate moieties with biotin-hydrazide, and digestion of carbohydrates with jack bean alpha-D-mannosidase, which produced a reduction of the molecular weights of the proteins and totally eliminated concanavalin A binding. Both M. tuberculosis and M. bovis BCG proteins are secreted, since they were found mainly in the culture medium. Analysis of M. tuberculosis 50- to 55-kDa antigen by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed at least seven different components, as previously described for the M. bovis BCG antigen. Solid-phase immunoassays showed that the purified M. tuberculosis 50- to 55-kDa protein was recognized by serum specimens from 70% of individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis from a total of 77 Mexican patients examined.
Exploiting Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications for Enhanced Situational Awareness

Situational awareness (i.e., perception of ones environment with respect to time and space) is a primary tenet for safe and robust operation of autonomous vehicles. The current SA generated for operation of an autonomous vehicle is limited to its immediate surrounding, thus limiting its utility in global optimization tasks, such as optimal routing, hazard warnings, etc. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is a process where basic safety messages (BSMs) are exchanged amongst nearby vehicles for preventing potential collisions. The messages are broad-casted via dedicated short-range radio communication devices and typically contain the vehicle’s speed, heading and braking status. In this paper, we explore methodologies for improving Situational awareness by including additional sensor information in V2V communications. In particular, by incorporating Radar information, we explore the particular problem of creating an occupancy grid that can technically span hundreds of meters to aid numerous autonomous driving and active safety tasks. The presented approach is illustrated via a simulated autonomous highway driving scenario.
A Framework for Constructing and Assessing Knowledge Management Systems for Engineering Institutes

Knowledge management is a systematic approach to synchronize the efforts of an organization, to store, retrieve, use, and share knowledge, work information, and expertise of individuals and working teams in the organization to achieve its goals. In academia, knowledge is generated through human efforts exerted in education, learning, research, and innovation. Unlike the business sector, a limited number of studies have addressed knowledge management in academic institutions. The present work introduces a methodology to construct a knowledge management system for engineering institutes and proposes associated assessment tools for measuring institutional performance towards achieving its prescribed goals.
Preprocessed Sentinel-1 Data via a Web Service Focused on Agricultural Field Monitoring

ESA provides Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar satellite data freely for research and industry. The Sentinel-1 data have shown the potential for remotely monitoring conditions in individual agricultural fields on a weekly basis. Researchers have access to the same Sentinel-1 dataset, so independent validation should be possible. Well documented studies performed with Sentinel-1 will allow other researchers the ability to reproduce the experiments and either validate or repudiate the presented findings. Based on the current state-of-the-art study, a web service was provided for the agricultural domain, which can be downloaded freely from Github. The running web service provides the ability to monitor local conditions by using the recorded Sentinel-1 information, combined with a priori knowledge from broad acre fields. Correlating the Sentinel-1 data to actual conditions related to a specific application is still a task that individual researchers must perform to utilize the service. In this paper, we present our methodology for converting the Sentinel-1 data to a form that is more accessible to researchers in the agricultural domain. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to make the Sentinel-1 data available efficiently, so that the experts in this field can focus on correlating and comparing it to reference data and measurements collected in the field. The function of the web service is illustrated with concrete application examples in the agricultural domain.
Recent developments in esophageal motor disorders

Purpose of review Every year more insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of esophageal motor disorders is obtained. This review highlights some interesting literature published in this area during the last year. Recent findings Longitudinal and circular muscle contractions act in a well coordinated fashion to allow normal peristalsis. Techniques such as intraluminal impedance, high-resolution manometry and intraluminal ultrasound provide useful additional information on esophageal function both in the normal and abnormal situation. The dynamics of the gastroesophageal junction can be studied with a newly developed probe, and the mechanism behind transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations is still being unravelled. New manometric criteria for nutcracker esophagus have been proposed, whereas further evidence is reported supporting an association between diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease and esophageal dysmotility and spasm, respectively. Finally, several long-term follow-up results of surgical myotomy and pneumodilatation have been reported. Summary Due to the perfection of esophageal measuring techniques, our knowledge of esophageal function continues to increase. The studies reviewed here provide interesting information on the pathogenesis and treatment of several esophageal motor disorders.
Modular Data Link Layer Processing for THz communication

In this paper, we demonstrate a modular baseband and modular data link layer processors for wireless communication, which has been designed for a 200 GHz frontend. Although the individual system elements are well known, we combine the performance of parallel baseband and data link layer cores to cover a larger bandwidth. We combine three cores and achieve a single 1.5 GHz channel $( 3 \times 500$ MHz). This paper is focused on the digital elements of the demonstrator, especially on the data link layer aspects and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) processing. We discuss the performance of the back-to-back connected demonstrator, with the focus on the data link layer implementation that is included in the baseband chip. The peak data rate achieved by the presented demonstrator is 1920 Mbps. The solution uses forward error correction mechanisms based on convolutional codes at the code rate equal to 3/4 and accepts bit error rate (BER) up to $10^{\mathbf {-2}}$. Point-to-point and mesh network topologies are supported.
Temperature Sensors Based on FBG and Folded Mach-Zehnder Interferometery

Optical fiber-the core of optical sensing technology has contributed to the increased interest in the applications of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG). Due to the latest advancements in FBG, they are now widely used in natural disaster mitigation. Fiber Bragg Grating (FGB) sensors have a great advantage that they can be embedded onto complex systems for easy and accurate measurement. In this paper the phase variations in the reflected spectrum is analyzed as FBG is subjected to temperature variations. The phase modulation can be mapped on to corresponding intensity modulation using Folded Mach Zehnder interferometer which was implemented using MATLAB software.