Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel edge detection algorithm based on the dissimilarity texture for aerial power line images

In this paper, we address the problem of extracting the edge of power lines from aerial images, which is a critical step for the identification of the components equipped on power lines and for the diagnosis of the broken-strands on power lines. As for the problem, a novel idea is proposed based on the fact that the textural differentiation of Dissimilarity distributions between power line and background in a square window can be represented by some points of local peaks on the statistical curves such that the edge of power lines can be detected. Based on the novel idea, an algorithm named Square Window wIth Four symmeTrical axiSes (SWIFTS) is developed. Experiments and analyses demonstrate that the SWIFTS algorithm has better performance than other classical method in terms of extracting the edge of power lines, preserving the bent information of the edge at the point of broken-strand.
Smart Cities: Definitions, Dimensions, Performance, and Initiatives

Abstract As the term “smart city” gains wider and wider currency, there is still confusion about what a smart city is, especially since several similar terms are often used interchangeably. This paper aims to clarify the meaning of the word “smart” in the context of cities through an approach based on an in-depth literature review of relevant studies as well as official documents of international institutions. It also identifies the main dimensions and elements characterizing a smart city. The different metrics of urban smartness are reviewed to show the need for a shared definition of what constitutes a smart city, what are its features, and how it performs in comparison to traditional cities. Furthermore, performance measures and initiatives in a few smart cities are identified.
Virtual Coupling Based Control Methodology for Lower Extremity Exoskeleton

As one of the most important examples of human-orientated system, the exoskeleton can improve the strength and endurance of the wearer. The exoskeleton has multi-degrees of freedom. As a result, a stable controller for the exoskeleton is difficult to design. The adoption of a purely positional control strategy may lead to large contact forces. Hence, an admittance control strategy is devised aimed at limiting both internal and contact forces. To verify the rationality and feasibility of the control strategy, we introduce a method utilizing virtual prototype and collaborative simulation.
Suggested Practices for Installations Using Horizontal Directional Drilling

In recent years, the utilization of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) in urban areas for the installation of telecommunication, utilities, or municipal services has experienced a rapid growth. The hazards and complexity of working in urbanized areas, together with the ever increasing volume of construction activities, make the development of suggested practices much needed for engineers and inspectors whose primary responsibility is to oversee the project to a safe and successful completion. This paper presents suggested practices for underground installations of pipelines and conduits using HDD technology. Written feedback from numerous consulting engineers, contractors, owners, and research institutions in North America were solicited in the development of this paper. Contracting and construction aspects of HDD projects including design rules-of-thumb are incorporated to provide designers with the necessary tools for enhancing the probability of a successful HDD project. Topics include contract considerations, contractor bid submission, site evaluation, preconstruction, drilling operations, drilling fluid collection and disposal, site restoration, construction, and postconstruction evaluation. Additionally, provisions for measurement and payment are presented and discussed.
Computer Aided Design of the Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Air Electrode

This paper adopted molecular dynamics technique to simulate the nano-scale transport phenomena inside air electrode of the URSOFC. A molecular model consist of 135 atoms has been built as the simulation target. Born-Meyer-Buckingham potential function is used and a perovskite type structure is built. Simulation results demonstrate hopping mechanism of oxygen ions inside air electrode by calculating mean square displacement of oxygen ions. Also, the effect of the operating temperature for the ionic conductivity is able to be predicted by the present study.
Epstein-Barr virus inactivates the transcriptome and disrupts the chromatin architecture of its host cell in the first phase of lytic reactivation

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a herpes virus also termed HHV 4 and the first identified human tumor virus, establishes a stable long-term latent infection in human B cells, its preferred host. Upon induction of EBV’s lytic phase the latently infected cells turn into a virus factory, a process, that is governed by EBV. In the lytic, productive phase all herpesviruses ensure the efficient induction of all lytic viral genes to produce progeny, but certain of these genes also repress the ensuing antiviral responses of the virally infected host cells, regulate their apoptotic death or control the cellular transcriptome. We now find that EBV causes previously unknown massive and global alterations in the chromatin of its host cell upon induction of the viral lytic phase and prior to the onset of viral DNA replication. The viral initiator protein of the lytic cycle, BZLF1, binds to >105 binding sites with different sequence motifs in cellular chromatin and in a concentration dependent manner. Concomitant with DNA binding, silent chromatin opens locally as shown by ATAC-seq experiments, while previously wide-open cellular chromatin becomes inaccessible on a global scale within hours. While viral transcripts increase drastically, the induction of the lytic phase results in a massive reduction of cellular transcripts and a loss of chromatin-chromatin interactions of cellular promoters with their distal regulatory elements as shown in Capture-C experiments. Our data document that EBV’s lytic cycle induces discrete early processes that disrupt the architecture of host cellular chromatin and repress the cellular epigenome and transcriptome likely supporting the efficient de novo synthesis of this herpesvirus.
Airborne Reconnaissance In The Civilian Sector: Agricultural Monitoring From High-Altitude Powered Platforms

Increasing attention is being focused on unmanned, airborne sensor platforms for long-endurance reconnaisance, monitoring, and communications purposes. Until recently most of this activity has been driven by military needs and applications. Preliminary performance and design analyses for such vehicles have identified enabling technologies, competing vehicle design concepts, and basic operational characteristics. As the various concepts and key technologies mature, it is apparent that applications exist in the civilian sector for this class of aircraft. In particular, fixed-wing, high-altitude powered platforms (HAPPs) capable of long-endurance flight (several days minimum) at altitudes above 18 km (59,000 ft) offer unique capabilities. Over a local or regional extent of land, a dedicated HAPP can provide frequent, if not continuous, observation cycles. Long endurance on station greatly increases the probability of obtaining cloud-free information which, as part of a continuing, near-real-time data stream, could be rapidly processed and made available to users within hours. This capability would provide an unparalleled amount of information not otherwise available. This paper describes some HAPP concepts, characterized by their propulsion modes (incorporating microwave, solar, and chemical energy sources), which may he available by the 1990's. In addition, some promising mission applications for the civilian sector are identified. An agricultural monitoring mission, described in some detail, illustrates the unique performance benefits vis-a'-vis conventional aircraft or orbiting spacecraft.
Are biological structures smart?

There is widespread agreement among engineering scientists that the next major step in the design, development and manufacture of structural components will most likely be a focus on building smart structures. Therefore the question posed above will be examined in the context of design of engineering structures and structural components. We begin by defining the key words here: smart and structures. By structure we mean an assembly or its components which serves an engineering function. Therefore, in addition to familiar examples such as airplanes, helicopters, bridges, buildings, roads, railways, ships, etc., a wide variety of objects such as microchips, semiconductors, accelerometers, strain gages, tennis rackets, musical instruments, cooking utensils, etc. quaIif' to be described as structures or structural components. These components may be subjected to wind, ice, heat, loads, noise, radiation, etc. Extending the context a little further, we are mainly concerned with these structures or structural components maintaining their structural integrity in performing their design function throughout the period of their estimated life. The dictionary dennition of the word '1smatt" is not very complimentary. However, the engineering community has adapted the word and in its usage over nearly a decade now, the word has come to define a certain extraordinary ability of a structural component in performing its function. Thus a structure or structural component may be defined as "smart" if it can sense a variable such as strain, pressure, temperature, etc. and process the same to initiate any action needed, in order to continue to perform the functions for which it was designed. Some prefer the word intelligence to describe the above characteristics but that word implies features fr and above those intended here, such as, for example, cognitive abilities. For the present we interpret smartness, in realistic terms, to mean the inherent ability of structural members to sense, diagnose and actuate in order to retain their integrity. Within the scope ofthese definitions, we study some specific examples and examine the extent oftheir smartness and relevance to engineering design
Mini Quadrotor UAV: Design and Experiment

AbstractThe purpose of this work is to design a new layout for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for experimental customized control-system validation. Geometrical and structural properties have been computed, and commercial off-the-shelf equipment has been selected. The flight control system, both hardware and software, has been custom developed; the same applies for the mathematical model describing the flight dynamics. Two proportional-derivative (PD) controllers have been designed and experimentally tested. A different control strategy with a state feedback controller has been implemented, assigning a robust eigenstructure and the desired dynamic specifications. An adaptive algorithm, which guarantees a uniformly bounded response for both the inputs and the outputs, has been presented. An L1 adaptive controller has been studied and implemented, including the state predictor and the adaptive and control laws. Tests with the PD controller have shown slowly stable response even in the event of nu.
The Role of Oral Histories in the Conduct of Fisheries Social Impact Assessments in Northeast US

In the US and elsewhere, a social impact assessment is required when the government implements regulations affecting the human environment. Because there is no standardized approach for conducting social impact assessments, an array of methods and data types are used. While greater validity is currently given to quantitative data and methods, we argue that the use of focused oral histories provides more timely and in-depth information on current conditions and potential impacts than is otherwise available in the limited time frame in which social impact assessments are often conducted. Further, oral histories provide a contextual framework for understanding quantitative results. Here we discuss the process by which oral histories contribute to the conduct of social impact assessments.
A novel wideband coupled-line Gysel power divider with function of impedance matching

A new coupled-line circuit structure is proposed to design compact wideband Gysel power dividers with function of impedance matching between source and load. Based on traditional even- and odd-mode technique, closed-form equations are obtained for direct and accurate synthesis. By applying coupled lines and reducing their electrical lengths, this novel Gysel power divider has four main advantages: high power-handling capability, small size, enhanced bandwidth, and source-to-load impedance matching. The measured bandwidth ( & dB) of the fabricated Gysel power divider operating at 2 GHz is 62.6%, while the traditional one is 40.8%. Meanwhile, the size of this novel Gysel power divider is only 25.5% of the traditional one when the same substrate is used and the same operating band is considered.
Study on the Specific Harmonic Suppression of Active Power Filter

Aiming at the problems that the traditional active power filter (APF) which is with limited bandwidth and is difficult to realize zero steady-state error control, we use a strategy based on multiple synchronous rotating coordinate for each harmonic separation to achieve the detection of selective harmonic and proportion-integral (PI) control. Then it’s able to implement zero steady-state error compensation. After establishing the mathematical model of harmonic rotating coordinate for the APF, we proposed a simple strategy of current coupling and decoupling. The simulation results and the prototypes’ practical operations proved that the control strategy can compensate for the selective harmonic effectively and respond to the changes of the conditions in time. Meanwhile it has good characteristics in dynamic response.
Forecasting hysteresis behaviours of magnetorheological elastomer base isolator utilizing a hybrid model based on support vector regression and improved particle swarm optimization

Due to its inherent hysteretic characteristics, the main challenge for the application of a magnetorheological elastomer- (MRE) based isolator is the exploitation of the accurate model, which could fully describe its unique behaviour. This paper proposes a nonparametric model for a MRE-based isolator based on support vector regression (SVR). The trained identification model is to forecast the shear force of the MRE-based isolator online; thus, the dynamic response from the MRE-based isolator can be well captured. In order to improve the forecast capacity of the model, a type of improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) is employed to optimize the parameters in SVR. Eventually, the trained model is applied to the MRE-based isolator modelling with testing data. The results indicate that the proposed hybrid model has a better generalization capacity and better recognition accuracy than other conventional models, and it is an effective and suitable approach for forecasting the behaviours of a MRE-based isolator.
FBG Close-Loop Dynamic Demodulation Method and System with Temperature Compensation

A FBG fast demodulation system with close loop control is presented. Based on filter edge, the demodulation speed is very high. The system overcomes the strict command on matched FBG fabrication and eliminates the temperature induced error. With close loop control, the temperature induced FBG wavelength shift is compensated well.
1.2 V sub-nanoampere A/D converter

CMOS-based integrated biochemical sensors generate photo currents at sub-nanoampere (nA) levels, which present a challenge for digital data acquisition. Proposed is a MOS current-mode analogue-to-digital converter with sub-nA sensitivity. Its inherent low-voltage low-power and small-size capabilities are ideal for portable chemi- or biosensor applications.
Modelling of current percolation channels in emerging resistive switching elements

Metallic oxides encased within Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) structures can demonstrate both unipolar and bipolar switching mechanisms, rendering them the capability to exhibit a multitude of resistive states and ultimately function as memory elements. Identifying the vital physical mechanisms behind resistive switching can enable these devices to be utilized more efficiently, reliably and in the long-term. In this paper, we present a new approach for analysing resistive switching by modelling the active core of two terminal devices as 2D and 3D grid circuit breaker networks. This model is employed to demonstrate that substantial resistive switching can only be supported by the formation of continuous current percolation channels, while multi-state capacity is ascribed to the establishment and annihilation of multiple channels.
Investigation of water supply systems in semi-arid regions of Iran: A case study of western part of Tehran Province

At present, drought problem has been resulted social and economical effects in several arid and semiarid regions of Iran. Especially, on environmental and agricultural aspects. Tehran Province involves three river basins and seven regions according to the classification of water management study units employed in the Master plan. In this regard, longterm records (27 years) of precipitation and runoff that concern to more than four hydro meteorological stations, which located in different sites have been analyzed. Water production in the study area despite that Tehran's water supply is currently groundwater (40%) and surface water (60%) conveyed from Karaj, Latian and Lar dams. The area recently experienced its worst water crisis due to excessive water consumption by Tehranis and that will be further aggravated not only by the impacts of uncontrolled immigration to the capital city of Tehran along with rapid population growth but also by uncontrolled pumping up of groundwater. Appropriate measure are thus required to exploit new surface water resources, as well as the effective use of available water recourses including a legal framework and institutional strengthening to limiting ground water use.
Spiral inductors for V-band wireless ICs

This paper presents spiral inductors for V-band (50GHz-75GHz) wireless Integrated Circuits (ICs). The effects of variation of various design parameters of spiral inductors viz. number of turns, internal radius and width & spacing of metal turns on self resonant frequency and quality factor of inductor are studied. Based on the observations spiral inductor for V-band wireless ICs has been designed. The proposed 1.5 Turn spiral inductor, which has an internal radius of 11μm and spiral & underpass metal thicknesses of 0. 3μm, gives an inductance of 6.6nH with a quality factor of 7.3 at 60GHz.
Salivary β2- microglobulin Levels in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectiveβ2 microglobulin one of the biomarkers which are used to oral malignancy and pre-malignance lesion diagnosis. The components of the microglobulin system can help in growing and development of tumors directly or indirectly. The current study aims to evaluate the salivary β2- microglobulin level in malignance and pre-malignance lesion. The statistical population of research consists of 75 people which 25 people were healthy, 25 were infected by oral Lichen Planus (OLP) and remaining were infected by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The salivary data was performed by none –stimulated spitting method. The sample was performing during 9-12 AM and samples were transmitted to the laboratory immediately and salivary beta2microglobin was recorded based on the factory instructions by ELISA optical density method with 45Nm wavelength for each sample. Data analysis was performed by SPSS 24 software and ANOVA and post-hoc least significant difference (LSD) test.ResultsThe salivary β2 microglobulin level in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and oral lichen plan (OLP) patient is significantly higher than the healthy group. Therefore, we can use this index as a modern treatment protocol for malignancy and a pre-malignance oral lesion.
Two-handed Haptic Manipulation for CAD and VR Applications

AbstractIn this paper, we propose to increase realism and complexity of haptic applications for Virtual Reality and CAD applications. To achieve this goal, we use a Haptic Workstation which allows to acquire the posture and position of both hands, and to apply forces on the fingertips and wrists. We propose techniques to calibrate and improve the comfort of these kinds of devices in order to integrate them into Virtual Environments. However, a two-handed haptic device does not present only advantages. Indeed, It is much more complicated to compute forces on two hand models, than on a single point or fingertip. For this reason, we propose a framework to optimize this computation.
AERODYNAMICS AND AEROACOUSTICS OF HELICOPTER MAIN-ROTOR/TAIL-ROTOR INTERACTION

Preliminary results from an ongoing effort to model the interaction aerodynamics and aeroacoustics of main- and tail rotor of a helicopter in subsonic flow are presented. The configurations studied are a) a two-blade main- and tail rotor in hover, and b) a four-blade main- and a two-blade tail rotor in climb flight. The numerical approach consists of computing the unsteady pressure on the main- and tail rotor blade surface with a 3-D unsteady free wake panel method and using this as input to a Ffowcs Williams Hawkings equation based aeroacoustic code to evaluate the noise characteristics. Parameters varied for the hover configuration are the lateral spacing between the main- and tail rotor axis and the sense of tail rotor rotation. Main rotor interaction effects a significant change in the noise directivity pattern and noise level of the tail rotor. Tail rotor contribution to the total noise dominates during the climb flight.