Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Building Greater Transparency in Supply Chains to Advance Sustainability

As company supply chains grow larger, more dispersed, and more complex, companies and their stakeholders are increasingly interested in knowing more about these supply chains and requesting greater transparency regarding them. This article examines several aspects that can assist companies in building greater transparency in supply chains, including supply chain mapping, traceability, third-party certification, and goal setting, as well as reporting on their progress toward achieving these efforts. In addition, this article provides summaries of how several companies are building greater transparency in their supply chains, efforts that also help companies better manage the environmental impacts from their supply chains.
Impact of data quality on photovoltaic (PV) performance assessment

In this work, data quality control and mitigation tools have been developed for improving the accuracy of photovoltaic (PV) system performance assessment. These tools allow to demonstrate the impact of ignoring erroneous or lost data on performance evaluation and fault detection. The work mainly focuses on residential PV systems where monitoring is limited to recording total generation and the lack of meteorological data makes quality control in that area truly challenging. Main quality issues addressed in this work are with regards to wrong system description and missing electrical and/or meteorological data in monitoring. An automatic detection of wrong input information such as system nominal capacity and azimuth is developed, based on statistical distributions of annual figures of PV system performance ratio (PR) and final yield. This approach is specifically useful in carrying out PV fleet analyses where only monthly or annual energy outputs are available. The evaluation is carried out based on synthetic weather data which is obtained by interpolating from a network of about 80 meteorological monitoring stations operated by the UK Meteorological Office. The procedures are used on a large PV domestic dataset, obtained by a social housing organisation, where a significant number of cases with wrong input information are found. Data interruption is identified as another challenge in PV monitoring data, although the effect of this is particularly under-researched in the area of PV. Disregarding missing energy generation data leads to falsely estimated performance figures, which consequently may lead to false alarms on performance and/or the lack of necessary requirements for the financial revenue of a domestic system through the feed-in-tariff scheme. In this work, the effect of missing data is mitigated by applying novel data inference methods based on empirical and artificial neural network approaches, training algorithms and remotely inferred weather data. Various cases of data loss are considered and case studies from the CREST monitoring system and the domestic dataset are used as test cases. When using back-filled energy output, monthly PR estimation yields more accurate results than when including prolonged data gaps in the analysis. Finally, to further discriminate more obscure data from system faults when higher temporal resolution data is available, a remote modelling and failure detection framework is ii developed based on a physical electrical model, remote input weather data and system description extracted from PV module and inverter manufacturer datasheets. The failure detection is based on the analysis of daily profiles and long-term PR comparison of neighbouring PV systems. By employing this tool on various case studies it is seen that undetected wrong data may severely obscure fault detection, affecting PV system s lifetime. Based on the results and conclusions of this work on the employed residential dataset, essential data requirements for domestic PV monitoring are introduced as a potential contribution to existing lessons learnt in PV monitoring.
Evaluation criteria for THUNDER actuators

THUNDERTM (thin-layer composite unimorph ferroelectric driver and sensor) represents a new class of piezoceramic- based actuators capable of generating significant displacements and forces in response to input voltages. The performance capabilities of THUNDERTM actuators are due to the component materials and process used in their construction. A typical THUNDERTM actuator is composed of metallic backing materials (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), a piezoceramic wafer, and adhesive in spray or film form. The materials are bonded under high pressures and temperatures and then cooled to room temperature after the adhesive has solidified. Due to the prestresses which result from the differing thermal properties of the component materials under cooling, the actuator is highly durable with respect to mechanical impacts and voltage levels. As a result of this construction voltages in excess of 800 V can be applied to new actuator models without causing damage. This provides the actuators with significant displacement and force capabilities. In this paper, we discuss the development of evaluation criteria which are suitable for characterizing the actuator capabilities and provide a legitimate methodology for comparing THUNDERTM properties with those of other smart material actuators. For example, the concept of blocked force is often used to quantify the force capabilities of an actuator. However due to the inherent curvature and mode of operation, standard techniques for measuring blocked forces are inappropriate for THUNDERTM actuators. Furthermore, changing operating conditions, frequency, etc., often make blocked force measurements ambiguous. We will discuss techniques for evaluating THUNDERTM properties in a manner which limits such ambiguities when comparing with other smart materials. We note that the evaluation issues discussed here are germane to a variety of high performance smart material transducers.
Thermal properties of capacitively coupled electrodes in interstitial hyperthermia

The multi-electrode current source (MECS) interstitial hyperthermia system, which is used for treatment of cancer, employs segmented electrodes inserted in plastic tubes implanted in the treatment volume. The mean power deposition of the individual electrodes is controlled by varying the duty cycle of the RF signal applied to the electrodes, using thermocouples inside the electrodes for thermometry. A non-zero loss angle results in self-heating of the catheter. The thermal influence of self-heating was investigated and an analysis of the measurement of temperatures inside the catheter during and after heating is presented. Analytical models and a high-resolution numerical model were used for the calculation of steady state and transient distributions, respectively. The model results are compared with experimental data obtained in a muscle equivalent phantom. Results indicate that there is no difference between temperature inside and outside the catheter when using lossless catheter materials (e.g. PE and PTFE). Self-heating in the catheter wall has an adverse effect on the uniformity of the stationary temperature distribution and the reliability of temperature measurement with internal thermometry. These problems remain within acceptable limits for mildly lossy materials; the difference between the temperature inside and outside is only 6% when using low-loss Nylon. Analysis of the thermal decay after power-off shows that low-loss materials allow more time to obtain an accurate estimate of the tissue temperature at the catheter wall during power-on. This effect is enhanced by the presence of minute air layers in the applicator. Distortion of temperature gradients along the catheter was also investigated. Key factors are the thermal conduction across the catheter wall, and especially the presence of minute layers of air between consecutive layers of the probe. The distortion extends less than two millimetres, which is acceptable. The simulation results are compatible with measurements in phantoms and show that, if the proper choice of materials is made, the MECS applicator answers our expectations and that the temperature measurement inside the catheter can be used for direct feedback treatment control.
On the Use of Engineering Geological Information in Rock Grouting Design

Underground rock construction is dependent on appropriate assessments of the geological settings at the project site. Relevant geological information must be collected, interpreted and communicated clearly with the aid of engineering geological prognoses. The general quality of the geological prognoses can be improved if the information relates to the engineering application and the project requirements. The work presented in this thesis aims to clarify ways in which this can be taken into account in grouting design throughout the construction process. Attention has been given to geological information that can increase understanding of the hydraulic properties of the rock mass. This was done by compiling relevant geological parameters and introducing hydraulic domains to define the various expected forms of hydraulic behaviour at a project site. A fracture transmissivity distribution model was presented for evaluating the sealing efficiency of grouting measures. The distribution model was also found useful for identifying differing flow configurations in the rock mass and indicating limitations in analytical models, which could be valuable for grouting design and inflow predictions. A study was also made of the current use of geological information in grouting design in Swedish tunnel projects. The study indicated that pre-defined grouting design classes are generally adapted to differing requirements but are less clearly modified in order to suit the variation in geological settings. Hydraulic domains are suggested to be used together with stated requirements to establish grouting classes adapted to both favourable and unfavourable scenarios, which is in accordance with the observational method. It is suggested that engineering geological prognoses based on hydraulic domains are made in the early phases of a project to facilitate identification of grouting design prerequisites and reduce the risk of encountering unforeseen ground conditions in later phases.
On Positivity Preserving Finite Volume Schemes for Compressible Euler Equations

Abstract : We consider positivity preserving property of first and higher order finite volume schemes for one and two dimensional compressible Euler equations of gas dynamics. A general framework is established which shows the positivity of density and pressure whenever the underlying one dimensional first order building block based on exact or approximate Riemann solver and the reconstruction are both positivity preserving. Appropriate limitation to achieve high order positivity preserving reconstruction is described. Finite volume schemes, Gas dynamics, Stability, Positivity preserving.
Assessment of core stability: developing practical models

ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First, I would like to thank GOD, without him none of this would be possible. I would like to thank Dr. Li Li for allowing me to study at LSU. I have been fortunate to have you as the chair of my dissertation committee and as my advisor. You have played an integral role in achieving my goal of becoming a sports scientist. Your dedication and professionalism has helped me and will continue to help me over the years. Next, I would like to thank the other members of my committee for their cooperation, Mores and Rebecca Christofferson of the School of Veterinary Medicine for their help creating our Core Stability Index. To my mother Rosie and my father George, thank you for your encouragement throughout the years. I would not be where I am today without their love and support. To all of my friends and co-workers, I would like to thank you for being a part of this journey. Most importantly, to my future dear wife Jenn, I have been fortunate to have found someone like you. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity to spend my life with you. You have been there unconditionally through this long and difficult time. Thank you and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you. ABSTRACT Core stability is a concept in the health and fitness professions which became popular in the early 1990s. Professionals such as physicians, physical therapists, biomechanists, and chiropractors use the concept to educate patients on the recovery from or prevention of injuries. Despite its popularity, core stability remains a generalized term, which is poorly understood and it lacks a universal definition and gold standard assessment. This makes it difficult to identify the role of core stability in athletic injury prevention and performance. To better assess core stability, the objective for this dissertation was to construct a reliable core stability index using measurements which best define and evaluate core stability. The purpose of our first experiment was to introduce and determine the intra-rater reliability of clinical measurements which may relate to core stability. Following a literature review 35 tests were identified and evaluated. The 35 tests assess five different components of coefficients were calculated to establish intra-rater reliability. There were highly reliable tests in each of the five groups. Overall, core endurance tests were the most reliable measurements, followed by …
Chance-constrained scheduling model of grid-connected microgrid based on probabilistic and robust optimisation

This study presents a chance-constrained scheduling model based on probabilistic and robust optimisation to handle the uncertainty of renewable energy generation and loads in microgrids. In order to generate appropriate scenarios, a large number of scenarios are generated by a Latin hypercube sampling Monte Carlo method and reduced by a fast forward selection algorithm. With the aggregated scenarios, a probabilistic scheduling model is established to obtain the expectation of schedules in different probability scenario. Aiming at taking full use of the generated scenarios, a robust optimisation is applied to the probabilistic model to consider the worst situations. The scheduling model proposed in this study combines the probabilistic and robust optimisation, in which the probabilistic one utilises the aggregated scenarios to introduce the probability characteristic of uncertainty and the robust one utilises the eliminated scenarios to consider the worst case of uncertainty. Finally, the proposed scheduling model is applied to a designed grid-connected microgrid, and the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheduling model.
Avionics Navigation Systems. Edited by Myron Kayton and Walter Fried. Wiley-Interscience, New York. 666 pp. Illustrated. 235s.

Advanced Materials. C. Z. Caroll-Porczynski. Astex Publishing, Guildford. 1969. 382 pp. Illustrated. 95s. The reader of a technical book expects it either to educate him in his own speciality or to satisfy his general curiosity. In the former case a detailed well-considered presentation which, particularly in the case of books on materials, judiciously balances the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject is needed; in the latter an interesting narrative should lead the reader from page to page, explaining away the difficulties and avoiding undue technical details. The present volume does neither and it is indeed difficult to think for whom it was produced. The serious student will find no theoretical treatment of such topics as fibre strengthening while the practical man will despair of descriptions and diagrams that appear to have been taken directly from the Patent literature, not usually considered to be the most informative of sources. The curious will be rapidly deterred by the dull, catalogue-like style. The present book is a second edition of a work originally printed in 1962 and is brought up to date by the addition of a Part 2. The presentation of this composite is most misleading. On reading the Preface and Introduction the reader may be forgiven for thinking that most of the Chapters in Part 1 have been extensively revised. Reference to the original printing shows, however, that the original text is unchanged, even in the pagination. The quality of the illustrations in the actual volume reviewed is inferior to that of the original printing. It is particularly regrettable that the Introduction, which sets the scene for the whole volume, has not been amended. What was a reasonable review of the materials situation in 1962 is now no longer accurate. Much has happened in the past seven years! The new Part 2 gives the impression of a haphazard collection of a lot of data, put together with no real thought for the subject and little attention to detail. The repetition, word for word, of passages on pages 282 and 288 illustrates this, as also do such things as the absence of Figure 134 referred to on page 299, the absence of references 2 and 3 quoted on pages 311 and 315, etc. Even the material presented lacks clarity of exposition and in one important topical area, that of carbon fibres, the treatment is definitely misleading. The best Chapter in Part 2 is that on Ceramic Fibre Composites, written by P. T. B. Shaffer. The 1962 printing may well have served as a valuable introduction to a then new subject. Re-issuing it in its present form in 1969 achieves nothing. One cannot help but feel that P. T. B. Shaffer could have produced a more informative and interesting book. —A. R. G. BROWN.
MOSFET ZTC condition analysis for a self-biased current reference design

In this paper a self-biased current reference based on Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) Zero Temperature Coefficient (ZTC) condition is proposed. It can be implemented in any Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication process and provides another alternative to design current references. In order to support the circuit design, ZTC condition is analyzed using a MOSFET model that is continuous from weak to strong inversion, showing that this condition always occurs from moderate to strong inversion in any CMOS process. The proposed topology was designed in a 180 nm process, operates with a supply voltage from 1.4V to 1.8 V and occupies around 0.010mm2 of silicon area. From circuit simulations our reference showed a temperature coefficient (TC) of 15 ppm/oC from -40 to +85oC, and a fabrication process sensitivity of σ/μ = 4.5% for the current reference, including average process and local mismatch variability analysis. The simulated power supply sensitivity is estimated around 1%/V.
On the operating principle of an LTE handset antenna with multiple closely-located radiators

—Analysis of the operating and design principles of an LTE handset antenna is carried out. The antenna utilises a combination of fed and aperture-matched radiators that are located close to each other physically and electrically. These radiators, together with ﬁxed matching circuits, provide good matching and efﬁciency performance at LTE frequencies 698– 960MHz and 1.7GHz upwards. The effect of individual parts or components on the antenna performance is analysed. Results of the current work provide general design rules that can be applied to other implementations as well, with an emphasis on getting as good a low-band performance as possible.
Energy Trading and Market Equilibrium in Integrated Heat-Power Distribution Systems

The increasing utilization of cogeneration plants and energy conversion facilities accelerates the integration of energy systems, which introduces both opportunities and challenges into system operation and management. Thorough mathematical models and analytical methods that take into account the energy flow interdependence and strategic behaviors in multi-carrier energy systems are highly desired. This paper studies an integrated heat-power distribution system from the market perspective. The nonlinear AC optimal power flow (OPF) model is used to clear the distribution power market, which exactly accounts for network losses. To facilitate computation, convex relaxation is applied and polyhedral outer approximation of second-order cone is performed, leading to a linear market clearing model. An optimal thermal flow (OTF) model is employed to clear the heat market. Energy consumptions of heating devices are charged according to locational marginal prices. The market equilibrium is interpreted by a fixed point between OPF and OTF and reformulated as a mixed-integer linear program. Dedicated optimization models are set forth to investigate the market impact of strategic providers and elastic demands in which the market equilibrium condition serves as constraint. Case studies validate the effectiveness of the proposed model and method.
Molecular beam epitaxy

This article reviews the major physico-chemical aspects of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), especially as applied to the deposition of thin epitaxial films of III-V compound and alloy semiconductors. The experimental requirements to achieve the necessary levels of control, purity and uniformity are described first to establish the basic features of the technique. This is followed by a rather detailed treatment of the growth process, including thermodynamic considerations, surface reaction kinetics and film growth dynamics. Because MBE provides a unique means of preparing clean surfaces having controlled stoichiometry and reconstruction, the evaluation of their crystallographic and electronic structure is dealt with at some length. The structure and composition of semiconductor-semiconductor interfaces, together with the formation of quantum wells and periodic superlattices, are topics of increasing importance and as such also receive considerable attention. Dopant incorporation is dealt with rather more briefly by reference to specific examples and finally some mention is made of materials other than III-V semiconductors which have been prepared by MBE.
Analysis of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging data using principal component analysis

An analysis method for diffusion tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging data is described, which, contrary to the standard method (multivariate fitting), does not require a specific functional model for diffusion-weighted (DW) signals. The method uses principal component analysis (PCA) under the assumption of a single fibre per pixel. PCA and the standard method were compared using simulations and human brain data. The two methods were equivalent in determining fibre orientation. PCA-derived fractional anisotropy and DT relative anisotropy had similar signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and dependence on fibre shape. PCA-derived mean diffusivity had similar SNR to the respective DT scalar, and it depended on fibre anisotropy. Appropriate scaling of the PCA measures resulted in very good agreement between PCA and DT maps. In conclusion, the assumption of a specific functional model for DW signals is not necessary for characterization of anisotropic diffusion in a single fibre.
Statics and dynamics of worm-like surfactant micelles

In certain surfactant solutions, such as aqueous cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in 0.1 M KBr, the amphiphiles are found to assemble reversibly into long, flexible worm-like micelles. Above a few per cent surfactant, these form an entangled viscoelastic fluid, reminiscent of a polymer solution. The authors review some recent experimental and theoretical progress concerning the equilibrium statistics and dynamics of these systems, which differ from normal polymer solutions in that the chains can break and reform reversibly.