Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flexible Blade Design for Wind Energy Conversion Devices

Wind turbines are designed to operate optimally at a certain set of ambient conditions, termed the design point. An unavoidable consequence of wind turbine design is that away from this point, efficiency can drop drastically which inhibits energy conversion, especially in highly varying winds. Numerous strategies have been employed, for example blade pitch and torque control systems, which mitigate these losses, but such systems are economically costly and are usually only present in larger scale applications. For small Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) as well as most Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs), pitch control strategies in particular are either too complex or simply not economically feasible. Recent research into flexible bladed wind turbine rotor design has shown that continuous, passive blade morphing can increase aerodynamic lift, reduce drag, and even delay stall for two-dimensional airfoil sections. These studies, however, do not take into account centrifugal or gravitational loadings which can change the morphing direction of the flexible material. In this thesis, a fully three-dimensional Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) solver is developed and used to simulate a flexible HAWT rotor, with comparisons to experimental results, also conducted herein. The experimental findings, which compare geometrically identical rigid and flexible rotors, show a marked increase in average torque and operational envelope over a wide range of flow conditions. Through the analysis of the associated FSI simulations, these performance increases are attributed to small changes in local attack angles, acting to mitigate losses associated with flow separation. After validation with experimental data, the FSI solver is then utilized to investigate the effects of flexible blade design on a VAWT, the first analysis of its kind. Results indicate that efficiency increases are realized not by improving the maximum rotor torque, which varies along VAWT rotation, but by increasing the torque minima through passive deflection of the blades. This morphing action augments the local attack angle to decrease the magnitude of low- pressure regions created due to blade stall, acting to improve average rotor torque and increase energy capture of the flexible VAWT design when compared to a geometrically identical rigid one
Extending Satellite Lifetimes in Geosynchronous Orbit with Servicing

This paper studies the potential demand for on-orbit satellite servicing in geosynchronous orbit (GEO). This paper assumes that the capability to perform on-orbit servicing in GEO exists and that operational vehicles could consider servicing alternatives as vehicles approach their end of operational life. Using a database of spacecraft anomalies maintained by The Aerospace Corporation, cases of GEO satellites launched since 1990 that are no longer operational are identified. The end of life may be due to unexpected failure or due to planned depletion of consumables. Each mission is evaluated to determine whether a servicing mission might have extended the useable lifetime of the spacecraft. Several degrees of servicing are determined to address different ways a satellite’s operational life ends. An evaluation summary is presented to show the need for different types of servicing, and specific cases of non-operational satellites demonstrate the different servicing needs. By studying launches over a period of 20 years, 86 spacecraft were identified which could benefit from servicing. Relocation and refueling missions are the simplest servicing missions to implement in the near-term, and also represent categories with the largest demand. Repair missions, particularly internal repair, likely present a much more difficult category.
Perbandingan preferensi oviposisi lalat tentara hitam (Hermetia illucens) terhadap berbagai media penarik bertelur

Lalat tentara hitam (Hermetia illucens) merupakan serangga yang sekarang digunakan sebagai salah satu agen hayati untuk mengendalikan limbah organik dengan merubahnya menjadi biomasa tubuh yang bernilai ekonomi. Dalam hal memaksimalkan kemampuan dari serangga ini, maka pemeliharaan buatan dan rekayasa siklus hidup lalat tentara hitam perlu dilakukan sehingga didapatkan proses pengurangan limbah organik yang optimal serta peningkatan biomassa panen. Salah satu faktor pembatas dalam pemanfaatan serangga ini dalam skala besar adalah pada produksi telur. Pada produksi telur digunakan perangkap telur yang dikombinasikan dengan media atraktan. Penggunaan perangkap telur dan media atraktan bertujuan untuk memfasilitasi panen telur agar lebih efektif karena telur akan terkonsentrasi pada satu lokasi. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan pengujian kinerja dari berbagai media atraktan dalam upaya mencari bahan yang paling optimal dalam menarik lalat tentara hitam meletakkan telur pada perangkap telur. Media atraktan yang digunakan adalah sayur kol busuk, buah pepaya busuk, ampas tahu dan pakan ikan. Kinerja media atraktan kemudian dievaluasi berdasarkan berat telur yang didapat pada perangkap telur. Studi ini melaporkan bahwa sebagian besar atraktan dapat menarik lalat tentara hitam. Berdasarkan hasil uji statistik dengan Kruskal-Wallis diketahui terdapat perbedaan signifikan pada berat telur yang didapat dari setiap atraktan yang digunakan dimana atraktran berupa tepung ikan merupakan atraktan yang paling efektif dengan berat telur rata-rata per perangkap adalah 2,17 gr. Di sisi lain atraktan yang terbuat dari ampas tahu merupakan atraktan yang paling tidak diminati dimana berat rata-rata telur per perangkap adalah 0,06 gr.
Enhancement and recognition of whispered speech

The goal of this thesis is to study whispering from a signal processing perspective. Although it is a common mode of speech, there is little research on the subject, and even less in the traditional processing fields. To fill this gap, this thesis focuses on three areas: whisper to voice speech conversion, noise mitigation for speech coding, and speech recognition. In the speech conversion task, the relationships between normal and whispered speech are cast as a statistical estimation problem. To model whispered speech, new statistical models of speech based on jump Markov linear systems (JMLS) are developed to determine interframe relationships in the mixed excitation linear prediction (MELP) model. In addition, new methods for modifying linear prediction spectra are developed and used to explore the acoustic differences between phonated and whispered speech. These algorithms are combined to create estimates of the MELP parameters of normal speech, which are in turn synthesized using with a MELP decoder to create normal speech. In order to remove noise from whispered speech, several algorithms for estimating spectral parameters from noisy environments are proposed. These schemes are based on direct estimation of the LPC parameters instead of the spectrum. To improve these estimates, the JMLS based spectral models described above are applied to develop spectral smoothers. These methods are shown to achieve better performance than tradition speech enhancers on whispered speech when the noise is nearly stationary. Finally, speech and speaker recognition tasks are conducted on whispered speech data. When speech recognition systems trained on normal speech were applied to whispered speech, the performance was found to drop significantly due to the model mismatch. Methods that modified the spectrum were found to help slightly, but the greatest performance gain was made with model adaptation methods. Overall, most speech processing algorithms for normal speech are applicable to whispers. However, there is usually a performance drop from normal speech to whispered speech that can be improved by using methods that are designed for whispered speech. In addition, many of the methods developed for whispered speech are applicable to normal speech.
Design of a Novel Pipeline Time-to-Digital Converter Based on Dual-Slope Interpolation and Time Amplification

ABSTRACT In this paper, a novel pipeline time-to-digital converter (TDC) is presented which employs dual-slope analog interpolation and time amplification techniques for digitizing the time interval between two input signals. The proposed converter will be a 9-bit pipeline TDC which contains three 2.5 b/stage TDCs based on analog interpolation and a delay line TDC stage. The proposed converter features low circuit complexity, low sensitivity to temperature, power supply and process (PVT) variations, and high accuracy compared with the TDCs that have previously been proposed. This converter improves the resolution and the dynamic range. Also, the converter reduces the active chip area, the power consumption, and the figure of merit. In addition, the integral nonlinearity and differential nonlinearity errors are improved. In order to evaluate the idea, the proposed TDC is designed in TSMC 0. 18μm CMOS technology and simulated. Comparison of the theoretical and simulation results confirms the benefits of the proposed TDC.
What Influences Rice Farmers’ Choices of Credit Sources in Côte d’Ivoire? An Econometric Analysis using the Multinomial Conditional Logit Model

In Côte d’Ivoire, the low participation of smallholder farmers in the credit market remains a matter of concern. This study examines the key determinants of rice farmers’ participation in the credit market. We use a Multinomial Conditional Logit model to consider the characteristics related to the use of different credit sources. A total of 588 rice farmers were randomly sampled from seven rice areas. Our findings reveal that gender, age, education level, experience in rice farming, rice plot size, lowland rice farming, extension contact, membership of a farmer-based organization, marketing of paddy rice, and off-farm income significantly influence the use of different credit sources. While credit requirements such as saving plus collateral, kinship/friendship, membership, favoured client, loan maturity, and the distance between borrowers and lenders are credit source-specific variables that significantly determine rice farmers’ choices between different credit sources. These empirical results show that in addition to farmer-specific variables, policymakers should consider the characteristics of credit sources for developing a credit market suitable for smallholder farmers.
Biogas Technology in Current Indian Scenario as Applicable to itsProduction, Maintenance and Utilization of the Slurry as OrganicManure after its Enrichment

The gas which is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic waste material is known as biogas. This gas is highly inflammable. It is also known as marsh gas and popularly called as gobar gas. Biogas is mainly a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide. In addition a small amount of hydrogen and a trace amount hydrogen sulphide and ammonia may also exist. Based on the nature of feeding biogas plant would be broadly divided into 3 types namely Batch type which is the one in which the organic waste materials to be digested under anaerobic condition are charged only once into a container which may be called as digester and no more feeding will be there till the end of operation. Semi continuous type in which a predetermined quantity of feed material mixed with water is charged into the digester from one side at specified interval of time say once a day and the digested material equivalent to the volume of the feed flows out of the digester from the other side. The digestion volume remains always constant and third type which is continuous type in which the feed material is continuously charged to the digester with simultaneous discharge of the digested material. Current study deals with the design of an operating and maintenance of the digester for the smooth operation and efficient gas production. The procedure is designed thorough study of the bio digester at different loading conditions. It also deals with the importance of biogas slurry as an organic fertilizer which is a byproduct of bio gasification and its utilization. Enrichment and application of biogas slurry as manure. In Indian scenario, Biogas can be a substitute for dung and firewood and it can meet the rural energy demand and also become a clean source of energy. It is a renewable energy source and can become a replacement for natural gas and Liquid petroleum gas. Different tests that can help in accessing biogas as a contender for new generation energy source are controlled cooking test, kitchen performance test, boiling test etc. 1.0 m3 of biogas is equal in energy content to 1.7 L of bioethanol, 0.97m3 of natural gas and 1.1 L of gasoline.
Severe Weather Effects on Water Quality in Central Arizona

Extreme weather events affect surface water supplies. Water quality measurements in Central Arizona were used to quantify changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and turbidity following dust storms, floods, and drought‐associated wildfires. This article describes specific extreme events, quantifies changes in DOC and turbidity, and discusses the effects of water quality changes on treatment processes and public perceptions of water quality. Study findings show a co‐occurrence of some dust storm events (high particulate matter) and increased surface water turbidity, attenuation of high DOC loads following upper watershed storm events, significant increases in total organic carbon and turbidity following severe flooding in 2005, and differing effects of upland and lowland wildfires on water quality. Finally, a means to mitigate these effects on both perceived and actual water quality by integrating information from radar systems, stream gauge readings, and online water quality analyzers is suggested.
TWO-PARAMETER PLPV MODELING OF NONSTATIONARY HARMONICALLY RELATED MULTISINE DISTURBANCES FOR REDUCED-ORDER GAIN-SCHEDULING CONTROL

A two-parameter polytopic linear parameter-varying (pLPV) modeling approach for nonstationary harmonically related multisine disturbances is presented, and a pLPV controller based on this model is introduced. An exact model for disturbances with known nonstationary frequencies is used. The number of the scheduling parameters is reduced to two using the disturbance model presented. The controller only consists of the disturbance model. Therefore, the controller order is the minimal order required for asymptotic disturbance rejection. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the controller using an active vibration control (AVC) test bed.
FORMULATION, OPTIMIZATION, AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS CONTAINING EPLERENONE

Objective: The proposed work was aimed at optimization, formulation, and characterization of transdermal patches of eplerenone for efficient transdermal delivery of the drug. Methods: The log p estimation of eplerenone is 1.34, it was closer to standard worth. Log P value in a range of 1 to 4 indicates higher permeation through the skin. FTIIR study was carried out individually for drug, each polymer, and finished product (Patches) compared eplerenone and FTIR spectra of pure drug and polymer. The calibration curve of eplerenone in Phosphate buffer pH 6.8 was analyzed. Results: The selected range of eplerenone was found to be linear. A regression coefficient (R2) at 245 nm was found to be 0.994. Drug content outcomes additionally discovered uniform in all clusters in a range of 97 % to 98 %, that batches arranged with ERS 100 show great mechanical properties contrast with different polymers however helpless glue properties. The flatness of 4 cm2 patches ranges from 348±0.087 mg to 387±0.527 mg. skin irritation it was produced irritation with negligible erythema following 10 d and unequivocal erythema, promptly obvious edema was produced following 12 d. Conclusion: These after-effects of the in vivo skin irritation study recommended that advanced batch S9 doesn't show any kind of significant disturbance on rodent skin for as long as 14 d and it was securely utilized around 24 h. the optimized batch S9 drug was constantly discharged through the Wistar rodent skin up to 16 hr and the delivery design was like an in vitro dissolution profile of the market product.
Prune-Able Fuzzy ART Neural Architecture for Robot Map Learning and Navigation in Dynamic Environments

o Mobile robots must be able to build their own maps to navigate in unknown worlds. Expanding a previously proposed method based on the fuzzy ART neural architecture (FARTNA), this paper introduces a new on-line method for learning maps of unknown dynamic worlds. For this purpose the new Prune- Able Fuzzy ART neural architecture (PAFARTNA) is introduced. It extends the FARTNA self-organizing neural network with novel mechanisms that provide important dynamic adaptation capabilities. Relevant PAFARTNA properties are formulated and demonstrated. A method is proposed for the perception of object removals, and then integrated with PAFARTNA. The proposed methods are integrated into a navigation architecture. With the new navigation architecture the mobile robot is able to navigate in changing worlds, and a degree of optimality is maintained, associated to a shortest path planning approach implemented in real-time over the underlying global world model. Experimental results obtained with a Nomad 200 robot are presented demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
PNO: SERVIÇO WEB PARA CONCESSÃO INTERATIVA E TUTORADA DE PLANOS DE NEGÓCIO PNO: WEB SERVICE FOR INTERACTIVE AND TUTORED CONCEPTION OF BUSINESS PLANS PNO: SERVICIO WEB PARA LO DISEÑO INTERACTIVO Y TUTORADO DE PLANES DE NEGOCIO

The object of study consists in a web service for interactive and tutored conception of business plans. The action-research-development methodology is applied in two stages: preliminary exploration and asserted development. The first stage took place through exploratory interviews, a focus group session and the comparative acknowledgement of existing solutions. The qualitative analysis of the exploration stage results supplied confirmation towards the relevance of a Portuguese-speaking community oriented platform. Results indicated that reviewers show particular concern for the financial analysis and market study chapters of the business plan. The availability of specialist-driven recommended plan
E-learning in business

Training for employees improves work efficiency and for this reason companies should invest in their employees' development. Realising the training necessity is, however, only the beginning. The choice of an appropriate training leaves much doubt. Yet, choosing a method of education is the most difficult part of the process. Apart from traditional training - which is still the most popular one - Internet training gains in popularity. The choice between an e-learning and a traditional training happens to be complicated. It depends on many factors - the size of a company and its needs. A small company that needs a training for a few employees will need completely different solutions from a corporation which, having hundreds or thousands of employees to be trained, may find it beneficial to organise an internal training, information and communication system. This article shows advantages and disadvantages of both traditional and e-learning training, which should be considered by companies choosing methods of their employees' training.
Repeated treatments of Capan-1 cells with PARP1 and Chk1 inhibitors promote drug resistance, migration and invasion

ABSTRACT PARP1 and Chk1 inhibitors have been shown to be synergistic in different cancer models in relatively short time treatment modes. However, the consequences of long-term/repeated treatments with the combinations in cancer models remain unclear. In this study, the synergistic cytotoxicity of their combinations in 8 tumor cell lines was confirmed in a 7-day exposure mode. Then, pancreatic Capan-1 cells were repeatedly treated with the PARP1 inhibitor olaparib, the Chk1 inhibitor rabusertib or their combination for 211–214 days, during which the changes in drug sensitivity were monitored at a 35-day interval. Unexpectedly, among the 3 treatment modes, the combination treatments resulted in the highest-grade resistance to Chk1 (~14.6 fold) and PARP1 (~420.2 fold) inhibitors, respectively. Consistently, G2/M arrest and apoptosis decreased significantly in the resulting resistant variants exposed to olaparib. All 3 resistant variants also unexpectedly obtained enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities. Moreover, the combination treatments resulted in increased migration and invasion than olaparib alone. The expression of 124 genes changed significantly in all the resistant variants. We further demonstrate that activating CXCL3-ERK1/2 signaling might contribute to the enhanced migratory capabilities rather than the acquired drug resistance. Our findings indicate that repeated treatments with the rabusertib/olaparib combination result in increased drug resistance and a more aggressive cell phenotype than those with either single agent, providing new clues for future clinical anticancer tests of PARP1 and Chk1 inhibitor combinations.
Entrepreneurial Innovation as Survival Strategy in Family Business

Business innovation is about creating more effective processes, generating and implementing new ideas, improving dynamic product qualities and services, as well as effecting positive changes in the business model, reference to existing environment, to deliver improved values. A very important step towards business survival is to constantly scan the market environment, to enable firms generate good ideas to respond to changes in the marketplace, improve productivity, efficiency and remain competitive. As posited by Leenen, (2005), innovations are the expression of entrepreneurial activity that allows a firm to increase its return on investments, achieve greater market share, and strengthen its overall competitive position while contributing to its long-term survival. It is about the introduction of new products, new services, new processes, the opening of new markets, the creation of a neworganization within an industry, or the monopolization of a new source of raw material, all with superior capability to challenge the status quo in the marketplace, while giving the entrepreneurs competitive advantage. (Autio, et al., 2014; DorinandAlexandru; 2014). Abstract: The study investigated the contribution of entrepreneurship innovation to the achievement of long-term orientation of family businesses. Specifically, the study examined the various factors contributing to the success of innovative processes in family firms. Primary data collected through the instrumentality of structured questionnaire administered on senior staff of twenty-five (25) purposively selected family firms operating in the southwestern Nigeria, and personal interview on five (5) CEOs also purposively selected were analysed with the aids of descriptive statistics to determine the contribution of each identified variables. Findings revealed that, whereas the popular notion is that family firms are conservative and risk-averse, these attributes are largely responsible for their shrewdness, cautiousness and carefulness in avoiding wasteful investments and ensuring they are very effective and prudent in their innovative processes thereby recording outstanding high innovative output per dollar. The paper concludes that family firms are always able to achieve their long-term ambition only through constant innovative processes. to change and improve value offerings; process innovation - changes in the method of production effected by producers to improve their offerings and gain competitive advantage in the marketplace; position - changes in the perception of an established product/service that leads to appreciable improvement in its consumers; and paradigm - the superior ability to the underlying model (the way and manner a product is utilized or engaged) as as changes in its conceptual mode of operations. All of these in order to maintain relationship with existing while winning to improve their market share.