Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vibration control of a single-link flexible manipulator using command shaping techniques

Abstract This paper presents experimental investigations into the development of feed-forward control strategies for vibration control of a flexible manipulator using command shaping techniques based on input shaping and low-pass and band-stop filtering. A laboratory-scale single-link flexible manipulator is used and various system responses are obtained. Initially, an unshaped bang-bang torque input is used to determine the dynamic response parameters of the system for design and evaluation of the control techniques. Feed-forward controllers are then designed based on the natural frequencies and damping ratios of the system. Experimental results of the response of the manipulator to the shaped and filtered inputs are presented in time and frequency domains. Performances of the techniques are assessed in terms of level of vibration reduction at the natural frequencies, time response specifications, robustness to natural frequency variation and processing time. The effects of the number of impulses and filter order on the performance of the system are investigated. Finally, a comparative assessment of input shaping and filtering techniques is presented.
Patientenakzeptanz nach Umstellung auf «Guided Biofilm Therapy»

Die «Guided Biofilm Therapy» (GBT) ist ein systematisches, risiko- und bedarfsorientiertes Prophylaxe- und Behandlungskonzept. Ein wesentlicher Unterschied zu herkömmlichen Betreuungsmethoden ist vor allem der reduzierte, gewebeschonende und gezielte Einsatz von Ultraschall- und Handinstrumenten. Dabei wird konsequent mit geeigneten Farblösungen der Biofilm dargestellt und die Mundhygieneinstruktion und die professionelle Zahnreinigung optimiert. Der Einsatz geeigneter Pulver gewährleistet dabei eine gewebeschonende und gezielte Biofilmentfernung. Während einzelne Behandlungen, Techni- ken und Materialien bereits gut untersucht und beschrieben worden sind, sind bezüglich Patientenakzeptanz noch wenig Daten vorhanden. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, sich im Rahmen einer Befragung von 100 konsekutiven Patienten aus dem klinikinternem Recall-System einen Eindruck über die Akzeptanz dieser Methode im Vergleich zur bis dato durchgeführten konservativen klassischen Recall-Betreuung, die vorwiegend auf Hand- und Ultraschallgeräten mit der klassischen Politur basiert, zu verschaffen. Das Pulverstrahl- gerät wies die beste Akzeptanz auf. Interessant war auch der Aspekt Angst vor/während der Recall-Sitzung: Es zeigte sich bei an sich niedrigem Niveau (10%) eine zusätzliche Reduktion auf 4%, da wohl insgesamt Handinstrumente viel weniger und nur sehr gezielt zum Einsatz kamen. Fazit: Durch den Einsatz von Plaquerelevatoren wird die Arbeit im Recall effizienter, effektiver und garantiert eine höhere Qualitätskontrolle, was auch von Patientenseite sehr geschätzt wird.
Smart Tourism Development in Small and Medium Cities: The Case of Macao

As a popular concept, smart tourism is widely used as a strategic tool to improve the competitiveness of world tourism destinations. Taking Macao as a case study, this research explores the relationship between government, academic research, and smart destination applications, with a view toward investigating the utilization of smart technology to achieve service innovation, effective communication with tourists, and enhance the travel experience. The study summarizes the current situation of smart tourism in Macao, finding that most of the smart services in Macao rely on users to obtain information spontaneously and do not achieve real interaction and service demand. Suggestions and advice for smart development are provided.
Parameter Setting for a Tubular SOFC Simulation Model

Several empirical assumptions deriving from observations and measurements of the physical processes are involved in the modeling of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). An insight of the main models proposed in the literature is given to present the characteristics and limits of these assumptions for the various existing configurations. The basic structure and equations of the models are discussed in details, focusing particularly on the parameters that are to be set to achieve reliability and accuracy. According to this discussion, a zero-dimensional model for a tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is then presented. The model demonstrates good capability in predicting SOFC characteristic curves as they appear in the literature.
Closed-Loop Reference Model Adaptive Control: with Application to Very Flexible Aircraft

One of the main features of adaptive systems is an oscillatory convergence that exacerbates with the speed of adaptation. Over the past two decades several attempts have been made to provide adaptive solutions with guaranteed transient properties. In this work it is shown that Closed-loop Reference Models (CRMs) can result in improved transient performance over their open-loop counterparts in model reference adaptive control. In addition to deriving bounds on L-2 norms of the derivatives of the adaptive parameters which are shown to be smaller, an optimal design of CRMs is proposed which minimizes an underlying peaking phenomenon. The analytical tools proposed are shown to be applicable for a range of adaptive control problems including direct control, composite control with observer feedback and partial states accessible control. In addition a detailed study of the applicability of CRM adaptive control to very flexible aircraft is presented. Following the NASA Helios flight mishap in 2003 there has been a push for greater understanding of the aerodynamic–structural coupling that occurs in light, very flexible, flying wings. Previous efforts in that direction revealed that the flexible aircraft had instability in the phugoid mode for large dihedral angles and that including the flexible dynamics was necessary to arrive at an appropriate trim condition. In this thesis, we show how these large dihedral excursions can occur in the presence of turbulence, by constructing an overall nonlinear model that captures the dominant dynamics of a very flexible aircraft. The thesis closes with the application of CRM adaptive control to the VFA model. Thesis Supervisor: Anuradha M. Annaswamy Title: Senior Research Scientist
An Outcome-Oriented, Social–Ecological Framework for Assessing Protected Area Effectiveness

Abstract Both the number and the extent of protected areas have grown considerably in recent years, but evaluations of their effectiveness remain partial and are hard to compare across cases. To overcome this situation, first, we suggest reserving the term effectiveness solely for assessing protected area outcomes, to clearly distinguish this from management assessments (e.g., sound planning). Second, we propose a multidimensional conceptual framework, rooted in social–ecological theory, to assess effectiveness along three complementary dimensions: ecological outcomes (e.g., biodiversity), social outcomes (e.g., well-being), and social–ecological interactions (e.g., reduced human pressures). Effectiveness indicators can subsequently be evaluated against contextual and management elements (e.g., design and planning) to shed light on management performance (e.g., cost-effectiveness). We summarize steps to operationalize our framework to foster more holistic effectiveness assessments while improving comparability across protected areas. All of this can ensure that protected areas make real contributions toward conservation and sustainability goals.
Design of stabilizer for a multimachine power system based on the sensitivity of PSS effect

A new approach for designing power system stabilizers (PSS) in multimachine power systems is proposed. It is found that the sensitivity of PSS effect (SPE) defined earlier by the authors for PSS location selection is equal to the sensitivity of a mode with respect to the change of the PSS transfer function. The displacement of a system mode caused by the installation of a PSS can be predicted from the SPE. Based on this prediction the PSS location can be selected and the PSS parameters tuned. The proposed method has been used to design a PSS for a 13-machine power system to increase the damping of an interarea model. The time-domain simulation results indicate that the proposed method can predict the best PSS location to increase damping of the interarea mode. It is very simple to use SPE to tune PSS parameters. >
Application of Joint Electro-Chemical Detection for Gas Insulated Switchgear Fault Diagnosis

The integrity of the gas insulated switchgear (GIS) is vital to the safety of an entire power grid. However, there are some limitations on the techniques of detecting and diagnosing partial discharge (PD) induced by insulation defects in GIS. This paper proposes a joint electro-chemical detection method to resolve the problems of incomplete PD data source and also investigates a new unique fault diagnosis method to enhance the reliability of data processing. By employing ultra-high frequency method for online monitoring and the chemical method for detecting SF6 decomposition offline, the acquired data can form a more complete interpretation of PD signals. By utilizing DS evidence theory, the diagnostic results with tests on the four typical defects show the validity of the new fault diagnosis system. With higher accuracy and lower computation cost, the present research provides a promising way to make a more accurate decision in practical application.
SWINE MANURE PHOSPHORUS USE FOR CROP PRODUCTION IN IOWA

The total P content in manure varies with the animal species, age, and diet and also with the manure storage method. Some manures may have up to 80 to 100 lb P2O5 per ton (some poultry manures, for example) whereas others may contain only 5 to 10 lb P2O5 per ton. The proportions of organic, inorganic, and water-soluble P in manure also vary greatly. For example, more than 80% of the P of liquid swine manure usually is in inorganic forms while the rest is present as organic P. On the other hand, solid manure from beef and dairy cattle can have less than 50% inorganic P with the rest in organic forms. Estimates of manure P that becomes available to the first crop after application range from 60 to 100% in the North Central Region (Peters et al., 2004). The inorganic and more labile organic P forms in manure become readily available for crops shortly after being applied to the soil and the water-soluble P may be retained to a different degree by the soil. Therefore, more research is needed regarding the potential of manure to supply crop P needs and to help producers achieve more efficient nutrient management practices. Two different studies were conducted during recent years on Iowa farmers' fields to study utilization of liquid swine manure by crops and manure application impacts on soil-test P (STP). One study focused on manure P utilization by crops and used a conventional research plot methodology. A second study used a strip-trial methodology to evaluate a variable-rate manure application method. This short article summarizes the major results of these studies. Utilization of Phosphorus in Liquid Swine Manure Sixteen trials based on a conventional research plot methodology were conducted on farmers’ corn and soybean fields. Each trial (nine for corn and seven for soybean) evaluated three liquid swine manure treatments and four P fertilizer rates (0 to 60 lb P2O5/acre as triple superphosphate) that were superimposed to each manure treatment. Manure rates for corn were calculated to supply 75 lb/acre or 150 lb N/acre assuming that all manure N was available for the crop. The high N rate used is the highest of a range of fertilizer N rates recommend in Iowa for
Signal Detection and Jammer Localization in Multipath Channels for Frequency Hopping Communications

Abstract : Frequency hopping (FH) is the prevailing spread spectrum method in military communications, largely due to its low probability of detection and interception. In this project we developed a novel signal processing scheme for code-blind reception of multiple frequency hopped transmissions over multipath channels. This technique is based on the principle of dynamic programming and/or expectation-maximization, coupled with multidimensional harmonic and low-rank analysis. It is able to jointly estimate hop timing, hop frequency, and direction-of-arrival (DOA) of multiple FH signals in the presence of frequency collisions, without the knowledge of signal hop patterns. The method can also be used to obtain locate information and operation characteristics of active FH jammers. The associated identifiability of 2-D and multidimensional frequency estimation is also investigated.
Learning the Covariance Dynamics of a Large-Scale Environment for Informative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Sensors

This work addresses problems regarding trajectory planning for unmanned aerial vehicle sensors. Such sensors are used for taking measurements of large nonlinear systems. The sensor investigations presented here entails methods for improving estimations and predictions of large nonlinear systems. Thoroughly understanding the global system state typically requires probabilistic state estimation. Thus, in order to meet this requirement, the goal is to find trajectories such that the measurements along each trajectory minimize the expected error of the predicted state of the system. The considerable nonlinearity of the dynamics governing these systems necessitates the use of computationally costly Monte-Carlo estimation techniques, which are needed to update the state distribution over time. This computational burden renders planning to be infeasible since the search process must calculate the covariance of the posterior state estimate for each candidate path. To resolve this challenge, this work proposes to replace the computationally intensive numerical prediction process with an approximate covariance dynamics model learned using a nonlinear time-series regression. The use of autoregressive time-series featuring a regularized least squares algorithm facilitates the learning of accurate and efficient parametric models. The learned covariance dynamics are demonstrated to outperform other approximation strategies, such as linearization and partial ensemble propagation, when used for trajectory optimization, in terms of accuracy and speed, with examples of simplified weather forecasting.
Quantification of economic, environmental and operational benefits due to significant penetration of Microgrids in a typical LV and MV Greek network

SUMMARYThe effect of the use of a Microgrid Central Controller (MGCC) to achieve co-ordinated operation of various DG sources, storage devices andcontrollableloadswithregardstothepotentialeconomicbeneﬁtsandthepowerlossesavoidedinthe localnetworkispresented.Additionally,theeffectofconnecting numeroustypical Microgridsinatypicalmediumvoltage(MV)networkregardingpowerlossesandthe emissionsavoidedisstudied. The emissions avoidance calculation is based on the marginal emissions curve of the upstream network, quantifying also the calculatedlosses reduction impact on emissions avoidance. The presented results, based on a variety of realistic market prices time-series, various levels ofrenewable energy resource (RES) production and demand from different seasons, show clear beneﬁts in terms of both losses and emissionsavoidance.Finally,thispaperperformsasensitivityanalysisonthepotentialimpactoftheDGtopologywithinaMicrogridonlossesandemissionsavoidance. Copyright # 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.key words: Microgrids; distributed generation; environmental assessment; power losses; renewable energy sources (RESs); markets
THE EFFECT OF INTERNAL AUDIT TOWARDS INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS.

Internal audit is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve and organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes (Institute of Internal Auditing). In most business organisations nowadays, the internal audit is not only functioned as internal control reviewer but also played an important role as business risk assessor. Meanwhile internal control system is a set of policies and procedures established by management to enable the organisation to achieve its objectives. It is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of business objectives (The Committee of Sponsoring Organisation of the Treadway Committee, 1992). Internal audit is expected to assess risk and then setting up strategies to manage the risk through development of systematics and structured control procedures. Hence, the intention of this paper is to explore the effect of internal auditing towards internal control system effectiveness in higher learning institutions in Selangor. Internal control systems were looked from the perspectives of control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication and monitoring (Badara & Saidin, 2013). This paper is a conceptual paper and conducted by reviewing previous studies as research designs. This paper concludes that, internal audit may influence internal control system effectiveness of higher learning institutions and it needs to be proven empirically by field work study.
Fire-Retardant Characteristics of Water-Blown Molded Flexible Polyurethane Foam Materials

Polyurethane flexible foam materials have a wide range of industrial applications. These applications include flexible foams for packaging, polyurethane-based foam materials for seat cushions in buses, railways, the airline industry, prisons, and domestic bedding. There is a substantial need for the development of flexible molded foam materials with low heat release rates and smoke release rates. In this study, an extensive series of flexible, molded polyurethane seat cushion materials based on polymeric MDI and polyether polyols were prepared and further modified with commercially available flame retardant additives. The flame retardant behavior of these foam materials was evaluated using Cone Calorimeter (ASTM-E 1354), vertical Bunsen burner test for cabin and cargo component materials [FAR 25.853 (a), Appendix F, Part I, (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii)], and oil burner test for seat cushions [FAR 25.853 (c), Appendix F, Part II]. Several formulations that passed the 12-second vertical Bunsen burner test were identified. These include the formulations modified with Firemaster® HP-36, Decabromodiphenyl oxide/antimony oxide/Firemaster®HP-36, Fyrol® FR-2, and Fyrol® FR-2/graphite powder. A formulation modified with Antiblaze®-230 and a cross-linking agent passed both 12-second and 60-second vertical Bunsen burner tests. But, all of these materials did not pass the oil burner tests for seat cushions. Using the cone calorimeter, materials with a reduction in peak heat release rate of up to 57% were prepared and with up to a fourfold increase in char residue in the cone. However, most FR formulations showed an increase in carbon monoxide and smoke generation. Lowest peak HRR data were obtained with Firemaster® HP-36/Sb2O3 and Dow Silicones®1-9641 at 25kW/m2 and with Fyrol® FR2/cross-linker at 35 kW/m2 exposure. It appears that there is no correlation between cone calorimeter results and vertical Bunsen burner test results.
Critical factors affecting success Of a blast furance project

The project management is a subsection of operational management that links to an economic activity. This emphasizes the process of making decisions and operationalising the strategies and tactics to reach the goal through owners, contractors, engineers and consultants within the planned constraints via meeting the schedule. Critical success factors are the bottom line for the successful completion while countering the factors of failure. This research study mainly focuses on relining of blast furnace as a project and so as to identify the critical success factors that influence the project success in a private steel manufacturing company in India. Blast furnaces experience stress in terms of thermal, physical and ware characteristics causing deterioration of the interior blasting architecture. These deformational effects are mitigated through periodic maintenance. The deformation caused by mechanical properties needs to replacement of the lining termed as relining of the shell. Variables for the critical success factors were operationalised through questionnaire survey to identify the critical success factors. Data were collected and evaluated by statistical methods to identify the most critical success factors that influence the project success. The results reveals that project manager related factors are the most important critical success factor for a blast furnace relining project. By taking the critical success factors as important key inputs and fine tuning these factors in such a way project time and cost are saved.
Economic design of X-bar control charts for use in monitoring continuous flow processes

SUMMARY This paper develops the economic design of an A'-bar chart for monitoring continuous flow processes such as those encountered in refining, chemical processing and mining. The economic model permits one to optimally select the subgroup size, the sampling interval, and the control limit width based upon an economic criterion. This economic model is then applied to a realistic set of costs from the chemical industry. A sensitivity analysis is performed to illustrate the effects of incorrectly estimating the cost components of the model.
Miniaturisation of dual band monopole antennas loaded with screen printed cobalt nanoparticle ink

In this study, miniaturisation of dual band monopole antennas has been investigated with the screen printed magnetic thick films of cobalt nanoparticle ink. The resonant frequencies of antennas were tuned by printing of the ink with different layer thicknesses on top of the antenna elements. The influence of magnetic layers on resonance frequency, return loss, total efficiency and radiation pattern were measured and compared with a reference antenna without layers. For example, five layers of magnetic film (total thickness of 90 µm) on the monopole antenna tuned the frequency by 137 and 297 MHz in the lower (900 MHz) and upper frequency (1800 MHz) bands, respectively. The total efficiency of a magnetic film loaded monopole antenna in the upper frequency band was found to be increased marginally or remain unchanged. The radiation patterns of the antenna remained essentially unchanged, despite the presence and use of the magnetic thick films.
CEN/TC 126 Acoustic properties of building elements and of buildings & COST Action TU0901 Integrating and Harmonizing Sound Insulation Aspects in Sustainable Urban Housing Constructions

Objective of the seminar The main objective of the seminar was the presentation of recent studies in building acoustics and their potential use in standardization works; including studies/results in link with the CEN/TC 126 applicability studies related to the ISO NWIP 16717 on Evaluation of sound insulation spectra by single-number values. The background was the ongoing discussion on the need to include low frequencies in sound insulation ratings and the opportunity – between the TU0901 Final Conference and CEN/TC 126 meetings the same week – to present and discuss studies relevant as input for the development of ISO NWIP 16717. These studies included results from COST TU0901 and related projects like in the Swedish Akulite project, a Finnish study and other studies.
Bit rate and protocol independent clock and data recovery

A design for a bit rate and protocol independent clock and data recovery circuit (CDRC) for use in optoelectronic regenerators is presented. A conventional phase-locked loop (PLL) has been extended to a combined phase/frequency-locked loop by adding two additional frequency detectors (FDs). This architecture guarantees reliable clock synchronisation of the input data with different line codes over a frequency range spanning multiple octaves.