Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High strain sensitivity controlled by the surface density of platinum nanoparticles

We report a controllable strain gauge factor obtained using a two-dimensional nanoparticle layer formed from platinum nanoparticles. A vacuum technique is used for room temperature nanoparticle deposition that allows control of the electrical resistance of the film, exhibiting semiconducting-like behavior when nanoparticle arrays cover the surface below a threshold value while above it a metallic behavior is prevalent. The highest sensitivity is obtained for intermediate density values of the nanoparticle assemblies, which could be explained using a tunneling and hopping current expression. The device, which exhibits more than one order of magnitude higher strain sensitivity than continuous metallic films, is fabricated at room temperature through standard lithographic processing allowing for miniaturization and easy integration in silicon technology or flexible substrates.
LMI approach in Stability improvement through reactive power control in DG based hybrid power system

Present research paper focuses reactive power management & voltage instability issues of a wind energy based dispersed power generating station. The iterative performances of PID controller as well as the robust H∞ damping controller of the hybrid power system is designed through linear matrix inequalities (LMI) approach. The stability aspects of dispersed wind energy based HPS are considered for discussion where the issue of reactive power compensation is addressed by linear static var compensator (SVC) controller. The control aspects of SVC as well as the whole hybrid system are taken care by H∞ linear matrix inequalities approach. The iterative LMI method has been implemented for tuning the gains of PID controller with H∞ design by the help of iterative LMI. The wind-diesel hybrid system is also implemented experimentally where a proto type hardware model has been established by taking the help of dSPACE real time control environment. In this case dSPACE 1104 is added for data acquisition and control. Experimental results obtained during practical case analysis justify the simulation results of MATLAB. Adaptability and robustness of the proposed controllers are achieved under fluctuating loads and wind power uncertainty.
Impact of Data Availability on Site Assessment and Predictive Behavior of Aquatic Invasive Species

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to determine the status of available documentation of the physiological ecology of several invasive aquatic species in relation to the ability to predict which sites will be susceptible to invasion. As of 2001, it was estimated that approximately 50,000 nonindigenous species had been introduced into the United States (Pimentel et al. 2000). Some are beneficial, including food crops (e.g. corn, wheat), livestock (e.g. cattle, sheep), landscape enhancement (e.g. crape myrtles, boxwoods), or biological pest controls (e.g. host-specific biological control insects and pathogens). Others, however, have caused major economic losses and harmful impacts to the environment. Over the past 40 years, introductions have increased because of human population growth and mobility and increased trade among nations (Pimentel et al. 2000). Fundamental to establishment success for any invasive species is a source of food and a place to live and reproduce (Worner and Gevrey 2006). Additionally, to understand invasiveness, one must be cognizant about the conditions required for invasion, species-specific characteristics, and ecosystem susceptibility (Worner 2002). Successful establishment of a species arriving in a new environment is dependent on a variety of biotic and abiotic factors, including climate and environmental conditions of the habitat being invaded. The biology of an invasive species may be well understood, but knowledge concerning environmental tolerances of invasive species is severely lacking. Predicting where a nonindigenous species will invade is a major challenge to invasive species researchers. In recent years, niche modeling tools have been used to forecast the spread of invasive species over broad landscapes. Tools such as BIOCLIM, CLIMEX, and GARP (Genetic Algorithm of Rule-Set Production) correlate the distribution of a species to climatic and/or environmental variables (Loo et al. 2007). GIS (Geographic Information Systems) allows spa
Reducing Out-of-Plane Deformation of Soft Robotic Actuators for Stable Grasping

For grasping (unknown) objects, soft pneumatic actuators are primarily designed to bend towards a specific direction. Due to the flexibility of material and structure, soft actuators are also prone to out-of-plane deformations including twisting and sidewards bending, especially if the loading is asymmetric. In this paper, we demonstrate the negative effects of out-of-plane deformation on grasping. A structural design is proposed to reduce this type of deformation and thus improve grasping stability. Comparisons are first performed on soft pneumatic actuators with the same bending stiffness but different resistances to out-of-plane deformation, which is realized by changing the cross-section of the inextensible layer. To reduce out-of-plane deformation, a stiffening structure inspired by spatial flexures is integrated into the soft actuator. The integrated design is 3D printed using a single material. Physical experiments have been conducted to verify the improved grasping stability.
Integrated Battery Charging Circuit and Model Predictive Current Controller for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

This paper proposes a circuit design of single-phase bi-directional on-board charger (OBC) using starter generator and its drive inverter in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). There are numerous power electronics components in a HEV. The proposed circuit has a battery charging ability by adding power relays into the generator drive system. Therefore, the conventional OBC can be removed from the vehicle and thus the power density of the vehicle is increased. Because the proposed charging circuit allows bi-directional power delivery from grid to vehicle, a model predictive current controller is proposed to achieve the fast-dynamic response and improve the harmonic characteristic of grid current. The simulation results verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed integrated charging system design and its control method.
LIMITS TO REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN A PARTIALLY SELF‐INCOMPATIBLE HERB: FECUNDITY DEPRESSION AT SERIAL LIFE‐CYCLE STAGES

Like many angiosperms, Crinum erubescens is partially self‐compatible, producing fewer seeds upon selfing than after outcrossing. In this paper we test the relative magnitude of the prefertilization and postfertilization effects of self‐incompatibility, inbreeding depression, or both in a natural population of this hermaphroditic tropical herb. We characterize prefertilization effects by examining pollen tube growth, while postfertilization effects are characterized by examination of embryo abortion and seed maturation. Statistical methods are developed to test the magnitude of these effects from one life‐cycle stage to the next.
Switching Performance Evaluation and Loss Analysis of SiC-based Neutral Point Clamped Bidirectional AC/DC Converter

This paper presents a comprehensive switching performance evaluation and the loss breakdown analysis of a 3-level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) bidirectional AC/DC converter with SiC MOSFETs. The switching transient of SiC devices in different 3-level commutation loops is characterized and compared for design optimization. The loss analysis for the NPC converter at various operating modes is carried out, based on a detailed loss model for both power switch and filter inductor. Based on the evaluation, a 15-kW 3-level NPC bidirectional AC/DC converter is implemented with SiC devices to operate at various conditions for design verification.
Cascaded H Bridge based Three-Phase Four-Wire UPQC

This paper presents a cascaded H bridge (CHB) multilevel inverter based three phase four wire unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) without any transformer in the shunt part. This proposed topology used for the mitigation of multiple power quality problems such as voltage harmonic, voltage sag, current harmonics, reactive power compensation and current unbalance. The proposed UPQC have isolated H bridge in the series side of UPQC compares to conventional UPQC for saving the transformer in the shunt part. However, this proposed topology introduces unbalance due to the Zero sequence in output load voltage due to the isolated H bridge. To overcome the unbalance in load voltage, an additional error amplifier is used in the control circuit. In the proposed topology there are no additional switches required for neutral wire. The neutral wire of the distribution system is directly connected to the neutral point of CHB. So the major advantage of the proposed topology is less component count such as switches and transformer count. The proposed topology is analyzed and results are verified through the MATLAB/Simulink
Performance Analysis of Tidal Power Generation System on Load Frequency Control

The integration of tidal power generation system (TPGS) into power system are increasing continuously because of its predictable nature, unlimited supply and environmentally friendly nature. Despite its benefits, TPGS operates at maximum power point and does not support in primary frequency regulation (PFR). As a result, frequency may go beyond acceptable range under severe power system disturbance events and it may lead to load shedding and blackout. To keep the frequency deviation in acceptable range, obtainability of standby capacity is vital condition of TPGS. Therefore, this paper closely analyzes PFR using power reserve margin of deloaded TPGS and droop control to optimize the power output. Dynamic simulations under different penetration levels of TPGS and different values of droop control are carried out to investigate performance of frequency regulation of an isolated multi-source power plants with TPGS. From the MATLAB simulation results analysis, it may be established that TPGS maintain stable operation under different operating conditions and also reduces the burden on conventional power sources.
Rectifier Topology Comparison in 6.78 MHz Highly Resonant Wireless Power Systems

This paper analyzes and compares the following three rectifiers in highly resonant wireless power systems: 1) full bridge (FB) rectifier, 2) voltage doubler (VD) and 3) current-mode class D (CD) rectifier, also known as a current doubler. The input impedances of these rectifiers are derived, as well as the relationship between the output voltage and coil current. It is demonstrated that each rectifier topology has different output voltage, current and power capabilities when driven by the same coil set. Recommended topologies are given for three specific types of applications. Three experimental rectifiers were built: a full bridge rectifier using Schottky diodes, a voltage doubler using Schottky diodes, and a current mode class D rectifier using GaN FETs. When operating in a 6.78 MHz wireless power system powered by a class D amplifier and a loosely coupled coil set, the full bridge rectifier resulted in 83% total system efficiency at 45 W output power, while the voltage doubler achieved 80% at 26 W, and the current doubler reached 87% at 58 W.
Prolonged Opioid Use After Knee Arthroscopy in Military Veterans

BACKGROUND:Chronic postoperative pain occurs with an appreciable incidence after elective surgery. Known risk factors include perioperative pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Military veterans are a population at particular risk for PTSD and hence may be at increased risk for chronic pain after surgery. Our goal was to identify risk factors for chronic postoperative pain in young veterans after minor elective surgery, including the contribution of PTSD. METHODS:We reviewed the medical and pharmacy records of veterans (18–50 years old), undergoing elective knee arthroscopy from 2007 to 2010 at the Veteran’s Administration Puget Sound Health Care System. The data included demographics, ASA physical status class, comorbidities, anesthesia medications, and opioid prescriptions starting 3.5 months before surgery and ending 3.5 months after surgery. We documented the presence of PTSD based on either the patient’s problem list or the clinical notes. We used prolonged postoperative opioid prescription longer than 3 months after surgery as a surrogate for chronic postoperative pain. RESULTS:We identified 145 patients who met inclusion criteria. The median age was 39 ± 8 years old. Eighty-seven percent of the patients were men. The prevalence of PTSD was 32% (95% confidence interval, 25%–41%). PTSD was associated with increased incidence of smoking (P = 0.009) and preoperative opioid use (P = 0.0006). Preoperative opioids were prescribed in 44% (63 of 145) of the patients: in 64% (30 of 47) of patients with PTSD, compared with 34% (33 of 98) in patients without PTSD (P = .0006). Chronic postoperative pain was identified in 30% (43 of 145) of patients. The strongest independent predictor of chronic postoperative pain was an opioid prescription before surgery (odds ratio = 65.3; 95% confidence interval, 014.5–293.0). In patients older than 27.5 years who did not receive opioids before surgery, PTSD may also have been a risk factor for chronic postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS:This single-center retrospective study suggests that the most important predictor of chronic postoperative pain is preoperative opioid use. For patients not taking opioids preoperatively, PTSD may increase the risk of prolonged postoperative opioid prescriptions and chronic postoperative pain, potentially related to patient age.
Development of a Four-Bar Linkage Integrated with a Polypyrrole Actuator and a Resistive Sensor Toward Biomimetic Pleopods

Developing a highly integrated mesoscale (a few millimeter-centimeter) mechanism is dauntingly challenging work, and yet many technological improvements in soft robotics keep pushing the boundary. In this work, we proposed a new approach to develop a compliant mechanism integrated with a conductive polymer actuator and a resistive sensor. A polypyrrole (PPy) was utilized to fabricate a unimorph bending actuator through electropolymerization owing to its low operating voltage and high energy density. Also, carbon blacked filled polydimethylsiloxane (CPDMS) was directly contact printed on a flexural joint of a compliant mechanism to sense its motion. The performance of a PPy actuator and CPDMS sensor were individually investigated, which would be valuable at followup studies. In addition, inspired by pleopods (i.e. swimming legs) of aquatic arthropods, a CPDMS sensor integrated four-bar-linkage driven by a PPy actuator was developed for future applications in mesoscale swimming robots. After immersing in an electrolyte solution, the PPy actuator successfully drove the linkage structure with 5 V while the CPDMS sensor was able to partially sense the motion.
Underdetermined DOA Estimation of Wideband LFM Signals Based on Gridless Sparse Reconstruction in the FRF Domain

An underdetermined direction of arrival (DOA) estimation method of wideband linear frequency modulated (LFM) signals is proposed without grid mismatch. According to the concentration property of LFM signal in the fractional Fourier (FRF) domain, the received sparse model of wideband signals with time-variant steering vector is firstly derived based on a coprime array. Afterwards, by interpolating virtual sensors, a virtual extended uniform linear array (ULA) is constructed with more degrees of freedom, and its covariance matrix in the FRF domain is recovered by employing sparse matrix reconstruction. Meanwhile, in order to avoid the grid mismatch problem, the modified atomic norm minimization is used to retrieve the covariance matrix with the consecutive basis. Different from the existing methods that approximately assume the frequency and the steering vector of the wideband signals are time-invariant in every narrowband frequency bin, the proposed method not only can directly solve more DOAs of LFM signals than the number of physical sensors with time-variant frequency and steering vector, but also obtain higher resolution and more accurate DOA estimation performance by the gridless sparse reconstruction. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Iraqi License Plate Localization and Recognition System Using Neural Network

License plate recognition (LPR) system is an important system in our life. LPR is an image processing and a character recognition system that used to recognize any car from the others. An automatic license plate recognition system for the three different Iraqi car license plates was proposed in this paper. Differentiating between the three styles were done depending on the plate size. Two hidden layers Back propagation neural network (BPNN) with Resilient Back propagation (RP) algorithm is used for plate recognition after segmenting each number, character and word into sub images. The software used is MATLAB R2014a. The algorithm is successfully constructed with sample of images correctly identified.
Knowledge, Beliefs, Dietary, and Lifestyle Practices Related to Bone Health among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Osteoporosis is a growing health problem in Asian countries with a rapidly expanding aging population. Adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs regarding osteoporosis will encourage individuals to adopt measures to protect bone health. This study aimed to investigate the association between knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding osteoporosis and bone health among Malaysians Chinese aged 40 years and above. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 367 Malaysians Chinese (182 men, 185 women) aged ≥ 40 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia. They completed a questionnaire on knowledge, beliefs, and practices of osteoporosis and underwent bone mineral density scan using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device. The subjects showed moderate knowledge and high level of health beliefs regarding osteoporosis, but poor osteoprotective practices. Osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs were significantly different based on subjects’ demographic characteristics (p < 0.05). Additionally, osteoporosis knowledge was correlated positively with beliefs, coffee or tea intake (p < 0.05) but not with other lifestyle practices. Osteoporosis health beliefs was associated positively with physical activity, dairy and calcium intake (p < 0.05). However, bone health was not associated with knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding osteoporosis (p > 0.05). The present findings highlight the need of formulating osteoporosis prevention program targeting Malaysians Chinese, especially men, to improve their knowledge, health beliefs, and practice.
Mobility Management in SDN and NFV-based Next-Generation Wireless Networks: An Overview and Qualitative Evaluation

The majority of contemporary 5G networks employ HetNets which improve data rate and the number of serving users over previous cell architecture. HetNets are comprised of different small-cell types such as femtocells and microcells. The tradeoff of these smaller cells is that they do not meet QoS requirements for flexibility and low latency because the increased frequency of handoffs increases network delay. This paper compares the state- of-the-art mobility management approaches that use SDN and (or) NFV concepts in 5G cellular networks. These approaches are evaluated in terms of scalability, signaling cost, probability of handoff failures, and system load balance.
Remote Control Method with Force Assist Based on Collision Prediction Calculated from Each Turning Radius in Mobile Robot

This paper proposes the remote control method with the force assist based on the collision prediction calculated from each turning radius in a mobile robot. The remote control system consists of the control device and the mobile robot. By using the force assist in the remote control system, the operator recognizes the environmental information as the tactile sensation. For the realization of the force assist, the environmental information has to be transmitted from the mobile robot to the control device. In addition, the precise force assist is achieved from the high resolution environmental data. However, the communication time delay occurs by increasing environmental data. From this viewpoint, this paper proposes the data compression method based on the collision prediction. This collision prediction is calculated from the environmental information and the prediction trajectory of each turning radius. Not the whole environmental data but the collision prediction for each prediction trajectory is sent from the mobile robot to the control device. As the result, the amount of the data is drastically decreased. In addition, it is possible to realize the force assist having the almost same performance as the conventional method. The validity of the proposed method was confirmed from the experimental results.
Expression of neurotrophins and Trk receptors in the avian retina

Using the RNase protection assay, we have found that nerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) are expressed in the avian retina during development. The expression peaks around embryonic days 12–15, with decreasing levels at later stages of development. Abundant levels of NGF and BDNF but low levels of NT‐3 mRNA were found in the adult retina. We also found that light/darkness regulated the levels of NGF and BDNF mRNAs but not the levels of NT‐3 mRNA in the 5‐day‐old chicken retina. It was demonstrated that NGF and BDNF mRNA levels were up‐regulated by light exposure. The cellular localization of mRNA expression for the neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC in the retina was studied using in situ hybridization. The patterns of NGF and trkA mRNA expression were very similar and were localized to the external part of the inner nuclear layer on the border with the outer plexiform layer and corresponded to the localization of horizontal cells. NT‐3 labeling was also found over the external part of the inner nuclear layer, whereas trkC mRNA was found over all layers in the retina. BDNF labeling was found over all layers in the retina, whereas TrkB labeling was intense over cells in the ganglion cell layer, which is in agreement with the response of ganglion cells to BDNF stimulation. Functional neurotrophin receptors were suggested by the response of retinal explants to neurotrophin stimulation. These data indicate that the neurotrophins play local roles in the retina that involve interactions between specific neuronal populations, which were identified by the localization of the Trk receptor expression. The data also suggest that NGF and BDNF expression is regulated by normal neuron usage in the retina. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.