Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
White Paper for the Conference on Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling, Austin, TX, May 2006 A Summary of Design Features of Activity-Based Microsimulation Models for U.S. MPOs

All of the model systems described in this paper share a similar overall structure, with a hierarchy of levels from “top” to “bottom”, with the lower choices predicted conditional on higher level choices. The levels are: • Population synthesis (geographic allocation of households) • Longer term decisions: auto ownership and (in some cases) work and school locations • Person/household-day level: number of tours and activities made for various purposes • Tour-level: The main destination and mode, begin/end times, and number of stops • Trip-level: Intermediate stop location, and the mode and departure time of each trip Within this structure, there are several important design features that distinguish the models, and these are summarized in the table below. The models are listed in the table more or less chronologically, with the earliest ones at the left and the later ones at the right. At the time of writing, the Bay Area (MTC) and Denver (DRCOG) models are in the design stage, and so the design characteristics shown for those models are those that are currently envisioned. Each paragraph below is a more detailed annotation of a row in the comparison table. Controls/categories for population synthesis: All of the model systems simulate persons one by one, and require a representative sample of households and persons for the base year and forecast years. All of the regions use zone-level data and forecasts of household size and income as control variables for sampling households from the regional PUMS households. In addition, most of the regions have used the number of workers in the household as a third control variable, both because it is important behaviorally, and because CTPP Table 1-75 provides a useful 3-way joint distribution of household size, number of workers and income for 2000. The Portland (METRO) and San Francisco (SFCTA) models have also used age of head of household as a control variable, and Atlanta (ARC), Bay Area and Denver. Are all considering using age or age-related variables as well (e.g. presence of children and/or senior citizens). The sample generation software created for Atlanta has a flexible system for designating and combining control variables, as well as facilities for testing how well the synthetic population matches other variables which have not been controlled for explicitly. An important test will be how well the age distribution is matched when age is not one of the explicit control variables. “Usual” work & school locations modeled at the top level? : There is a recognition that the choice of where to work and where to go to school are longer-term decisions that are not adjusted day to day, similar to the choice of residence (which is implicitly modeled in the synthetic sample). In most of the
Drain current transient and low-frequency dispersion characterizations in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

This paper presents a detailed trap investigation based on combined pulsed I/V measurements, drain current transient (DCT) measurements and low-frequency dispersion measurements of transconductance (LF Y21) and output conductance (LF Y22). DCT characterization is carried out over a 7-decade time scale. LF Y21 and Y22 measurements are carried out over the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1 GHz. These combined measurements were performed at several temperatures for AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors under class AB bias condition and allowed the extraction of the activation energy (Ea) and the capture cross section (σc) of the identified traps. Extensive measurements of these characteristics as a function of device bias are reported in this work to understand the dynamic trap behavior. This paper demonstrated a correlation between LF small-signal (LF Y21 and Y22) and large-signal voltage steps (DCT) results. These measurements allow identifying the same 0.64 eV deep level, attributed to a native defect of GaN, possibly located in the buffer layer.
Sketching: A Computational Paradigm for Personalized Searching

Work on computer-aided design in general and sketch recognition in particular has been jointly sponsored by the Division of Computer Research of the National Science Foundation (Grant Number DCR74-20974-A01, Machine Recognition and Inference Making in Computer Aids to Design) and the Office of Naval Research (Contract Number N0014-67-A-0204-0074, Context Definition through Idiosyncratic Systems).
Design and modeling of an autonomous multi-link snake robot, capable of 3D-motion

The paper presents the design of an autonomous, wheeless, mechanical snake robot that was modeled and built at Notre Dame University – Louaize. The robot is also capable of 3D motion with an ability to climb in the z-direction. The snake is made of a series links, each containing one to three high torque DC motors and a gearing system. They are connected to each other through Aluminum hollow rods that can be rotated through a 180° span. This allows the snake to move in various environments including unfriendly and cluttered ones. The front link has a proximity sensor used to map the environment. This mapping is sent to a microcontroller which controls and adapts the motion pattern of the snake. The snake can therefore choose to avoid obstacles, or climb over them if their height is within its range. The presented model is made of five links, but this number can be increased as their role is repetitive. The novel design is meant to overcome previous limitations by allowing 3D motion through electric actuators and low energy consumption.
EFFECT OF ANTHOCYANINS FROM DIFFERENT PLANT SOURCE ON THE OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF VACUUM-PACKED CHINESE-STYLE SAUSAGES DURING STORAGE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural anthocyanins from different sources, including roselle, black carrot and grape, on the physicochemical parameters and oxidative stability of vacuum packed Chinese-style sausages during storage. Results showed that all Chinese-style sausage samples with anthocyanins added regardless of plant sources had moisture content, aW and pH similar to the control. However, roselle anthocyanins added sausages showed all color parameters and visual color vary close to the control sausages. In addition, higher values of PV and TBARS were found during storage in all samples with anthocyanins added compared to the control. This finding indicates that the addition of anthocyanins can cause the lipid pro-oxidation effect in Chinese-style sausages.
Fuzzy Control of a Pneumatic Muscle Driven Parallel Robot for Ankle Rehabilitation

A new wearable parallel robot has been designed and constructed for ankle joint rehabilitation treatments. The robot employs four pneumatic muscle actuators (PMA) together with cables to achieve three rotational degrees of freedom (dof) of its end platform. Parallel topology of the robot, unpredictable environment along with the time varying and non-linear behavior of actuators impose modeling and control challenges which are difficult to comprehend. In this paper an optimal fuzzy dynamic model of the pneumatic muscle has been developed to accurately predict the muscle behavior. The model is capable of mapping the complex relationship in length, force and pressure of the PMA with higher accuracy. This model has been further used to develop a fuzzy control scheme for the ankle robot. Experimental results are obtained to study and model the simultaneous actuation of all the actuators. Comparison with the previous dynamic modeling and control schemes demonstrates an improved performance of the proposed fuzzy controller. © 2009 ASME
DISEASE AND ALTERNATIVE FOOD IN THE INTERMEDIATE PREDATOR STABILIZE CHAOTIC DYNAMICS-CONCLUSION DRAWN FROM A TRI-TROPHIC FOOD CHAIN MODEL

Parasite are an integral part of virtually all food webs and species communities. Here we have considered a tri-trophic food chain model with disease circulating in the intermediate predator and there is an alternative food source of the intermediate predator. We have analyzed the local stability of the model system around the biologically feasible equilibria. We also introduce the ecological as well as the disease basic reproduction numbers and analyzed the community structure of the model systems by the help of these numbers. We have worked out theconditions of persistence of the model system. Our numerical results reveals that in low infection level the system shows chaotic dynamics but in high infection level chaotic dynamics becomes stable focus. So our finding contradicts predictions from previous models suggesting a destabilizing effect of parasites. We have also observed the role of alternative food on chaotic dynamics. When the alternative food increases the chaotic dynamics remain same but when the alternative food decreases chaos disappears and the infected intermediate predator is washed out from the system.
TARGET TRACKING ATTITUDE MANEUVER OF A BIAS MOMENTUM MICRO SATELLITE USING TWO WHEELS

A 70 kg micro-piggyback satellite, "//-Lab Sat", is currently under development and will be launched in the near future by a Japanese H-IIA launcher. One of its missions will be to release two truncated cone-shaped targets with representative dimensions of about 10cm and obtain CMOS camera images of them. The targets will be released using springs with a velocity of about 1 cm/s. Since there are uncertainties regarding the release direction of the targets, it would be advantageous if the satellite could alter its attitude to track them. /x-Lab Sat is a bias momentum micro-satellite with two wheels, and three-axis attitude maneuvers are not easy for this hardware configuration. Two algorithms have been developed for 3-axis attitude maneuvering control of this configuration; one method utilizes the dynamic characteristics of spinning bodies, and the other applies sliding motion control. This paper describes these algorithms and presents the results of numerical simulations.
Su p porting Knowledge Management in Un i vers i ty Soft w are R& D Groups

One important success factor for Software Research and Develop- ment organizations is their ability to systematically manage knowledge and information. Based on our experiences, we examine the characteristics and the activities that need knowledge-based support in software R&D organiza- tions in academic environments. A tailored KM solution is outlined consid- ering knowledge content, process, organization and technical infrastructure required. The approach is currently being established and evaluated in the context of an international research project.
Globalization, Education and Emiratisation: A Study of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates Government has pursed educational excellence for its citizens through the provision of free education for all nationals from K‐12 to University. Furthermore, from the earliest days of federation the United Arab Emirates Government has encouraged private education providers to establish educational operations under the governance of the Commission for Academic Accreditation. The growth and globalization of education has contributed to an increase in the number and quality of private and/or international educational institutions entering the United Arab Emirates. These private educational institutions provide gateways to western educational qualifications and ideologies, while generating revenue as new markets are developed. More recently the United Arab Emirates Government has embarked on an affirmative action program to satisfy the employment and career aspirations of its citizens with a focus that links employment and education. In this paper, the author examines the discourse of globalization of a developing nation in the context of the United Arab Emirates education system and examines the implications for the United Arab Emirates Government. The conclusion suggests that education is not the panacea for the problems faced by the United Arab Emirates Government, but recommends the inclusion of health based education into the current curriculum reform along with the acceleration of the articulation and accreditation program.
AN ENHANCEMENT AND STITCHING SYSTEM FOR X-RAY IMAGES

Low quality and small size of X-ray images causes difficulties for doctors to diagnose comprehensively. This paper presents a panorama system for x-ray medical images with low quality and small size based on SURF. The main steps of this system are: first to enhance the low quality images by MSR; secondly, to match separated images by SURF; lastly to blend the images by multiband blending method. Experiments showed that the presented system can not only enhance the contrast and clearness of the medical image with low quality but also observe it synthetically.
A Framework for Real-Time Construction Project Progress Tracking

A construction project begins with a work plan that includes a budget, a schedule, and an engineered approach designed to complete the project in the most effective manner. Effective project management requires controlling all aspects of a construction project: quality and quantity of work, costs, and schedules to guarantee the success of the project. Performance monitoring of the entire construction project is crucial. One way of measuring overall performance is by using an aggregate performance measure called Earned Value. Earned value is used to measure cost and schedule performance against a baseline plan. All work is planned, budgeted, and scheduled in time phased planned value increments constituting a cost and a schedule measurement baseline. Earned Value is mainly used to monitor the progress of work and compare accomplished work with planned work. A proposed new model based on wireless communications technologies, to track the progress of percentage completed in a construction project is being investigated in this paper. The model is based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. It will greatly increase productivity and efficiency, reduce labor hours and time required for tracking, and give more accurate result in estimation. This new technology includes an automated system of reading RFID tags placed on items that send out either a tracking number, or other information for that item, directly to the reader. Keeping track of the material used on site, based on the estimated quantity will permit making a better estimate of the amount of work done on a construction site.
Design of Wireless Temperature Acquisition and Control System Based on nRF24L01

A design scheme of wireless temperature acquisition and control system based on nRF24L01 was introduced and the architecture of the system and its hardware and software design were expounded.The system has strong anti-interference ability and high reliability by use of low-power microcontroller ATmega16 and 2.4 GHz radio frequency chip nRF24L01 in hardware design and high real-time performance and low power consumption by use of method of time slice round-robin in software design to realize multi-task scheduling.The test result showed that the system has easy control,high accuracy and wide temperature range,which can reliably realize acquisition of temperature and transmission of wireless data.
A ratio limit theorem for (sub) Markov chains on {1,2, …} with bounded jumps

We consider positive matrices Q, indexed by {1,2, …}. Assume that there exists a constant 1 L < ∞ and sequences u 1 < u 2 < · ·· and d 1 d 2 < · ·· such that Q(i, j) = 0 whenever i < ur < ur + L < j or i > dr + L > dr > j for some r. If Q satisfies some additional uniform irreducibility and aperiodicity assumptions, then for s > 0, Q has at most one positive s-harmonic function and at most one s-invariant measure µ. We use this result to show that if Q is also substochastic, then it has the strong ratio limit property, that is for a suitable R and some R– 1-harmonic function f and R –1-invariant measure µ. Under additional conditions µ can be taken as a probability measure on {1,2, …} and exists. An example shows that this limit may fail to exist if Q does not satisfy the restrictions imposed above, even though Q may have a minimal normalized quasi-stationary distribution (i.e. a probability measure µ for which R –1 µ = µQ). The results have an immediate interpretation for Markov chains on {0,1,2, …} with 0 as an absorbing state. They give ratio limit theorems for such a chain, conditioned on not yet being absorbed at 0 by time n.
Natural Resources and Human Security

The state of natural resources is related to the security of humankind and the harmonious development of society.Based on the view of sustainable development,this paper reexamines the basic nature of natural resources from the aspect of human security and finds an ultimate solution to the problem of natural resources and human security from philosophical point of view.
LTE Baseband Algorithms for Uplink

LTE is a next generation mobile system from the 3GPP with a focus on wireless broadband.The aim of LTE is to achieve high data rates in both uplink & downlink, and to achieve high spectral efficiencies.The main focus of the work is to develop baseband algorithms in the uplink in order to achieve uplinksynchronization between the user and the base station and also for the detection of the control data that is transmitted. For the base station to obtain the knowledge of the presence of the user and also about its position, the user has to transmit synchronization signals to the base station, which are transmitted on the Physical Random Access CHannel (PRACH) in LTE. These signals are used to obtain the uplink timing correction and hence synchronize with the base station. It is very important for the base station to detect the control data that has been transmitted by the user on Physical Uplink Control CHannel (PUCCH). The control data may consist of the response of the UE to the data packets that were transmitted by the base station, request for resource allocation etc.So efficient algorithms are necessary for the accurate detection of the control data at the base station. The current work presents algorithms that are essential for obtaining uplink synchronization and also for efficient detection of the control channel data.
A Comparison of Metamodeling Techniques for Engine Cycle Design Data

This paper compares the accuracy of three different classes of metamodels for representing a computational engine cycle analysis. Polynomial response surfaces, radial basis functions, and artificial neural networks were regressed for cruise point thrust specific fuel consumption as a function of cycle design parameters including pressure ratios, turbine inlet temperature, and turbine loading. The basis data for the regressions were computed by executing a space-filling design of experiments in a numerical thermodynamic cycle analysis. To determine the best model for each response, a series of parametric studies was conducted by systematically varying metamodel parameters and determining the effects on regression quality, as measured by error metrics and the coefficient of determination. It is anticipated that the approach for metamodel comparison developed in the paper can be generalized to computational data sets in other domain areas.
Analysis of Propagation of Surface Cracks of Work Roll for Hot Strip Mills.

The stress intensity factors for surface cracks of work roll in hot strip mills are analyzed by means of the body force method. In the numerical analysis the contact between the crack surfaces is taken into account. The results of analysis show that the crack propagates mainly by means of the shear mode. The stress intensity factors for the shear mode are greatly affected by the friction coefficient between crack surfaces.
Bend measurement with chirp of fiber Bragg grating

The first measurements of curvature with chirp of fiber Bragg grating are described. The grating is bonded at a slant onto the lateral surface of a beam and chirped by the bend-induced strain gradient. The bandwidth of the grating is proportional to the curvature of the beam and independent of temperature, resulting in a curvature measurement with a resolution of 0.036 m-1 within the range of 4 m-1. Simultaneously, the thermal response of the central Bragg wavelength provides a temperature measurement within the range of 0-45 °C.
Distributed underwater acoustic field measurement system based on digital hydrophones

A self-contained ocean acoustic measurement system is designed in the form of vertical array,based on digital hydrophones.The system consists of multiple digital hydrophones,which are connected to each other via cable.The number of elements and distance between each element can be adjusted.The collected datas are either stored or uploaded in real time by digital hydrophones,and high-speed serial data transmission system is optimally designed based on RS-485 bus,rising/falling edges of serial signal enable bit synchronization time-clock recovery,and data frame is realized with the 8 B/10 B encoded mode,and bus provides remote data transmission along twisted-pair cable at the transmission rate of 15 MB/s,and a primitive synchronization scheme is also given on the bus in reference to IEEE 1588 timing protocol,whose synchronization the maximum error is 0.5 μs. Finally,tests prove that the acquisition effect is good,the system is reliable,with low overall power consumption and each array element is accurate and synchronous,and it can be widely used in underwater array element measurement.
Characterization of photonic crystal silicon-on-insulator optical circuits fabricated by a CMOS foundry

Prototype silicon photonic circuits in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer fabricated using a CMOS-based single layer process, are thoroughly characterized. Thousands of devices were fabricated on a single 200 mm diameter wafer using deep UV lithography at the IMEC silicon photonics foundry. The devices studied integrate three key elements: i) input/output grating couplers, ii) waveguides, and iii) microcavities. The photonic crystal cavities are symmetrically coupled to input and output single mode channel waveguides, which couple light into tapered waveguides that are terminated by two-dimensional photonic crystal gratings couplers. The grating coupler efficiencies and bandwidths are studied independently from the other device components, both experimentally and by simulations, using free-space optics. At a fixed angle of incidence, light over a bandwidth of approximately 14 nm (TE) and 30 nm (TM) is coupled from grating to grating, in both experiments and simulations. The centre frequency of this coupling spectrum is tuned by varying the angle of incidence on the grating, by coating the grating with photoresist, and by varying the size of the holes that form the grating. The maximum net single-grating coupling efficiencies are measured to be 15% (26%) for TE (TM) coupling. Taking into account the limited aperture of the collection optics, and aberrations of the input coupling lenses, these measured net efficiencies are reasonably consistent with simulated true efficiencies of 21%(49%) found using Lumerical FDTD Solutions and MODE Solutions commercial software. Resonant transmission measurements from free space, via an input grating, through the complete integrated photonic circuit, including the photonic crystal microcavity, and offchip via an output grating are measured for a number of different cavities. The transmission of light from the end of one tapered waveguide, through the cavity, to the end of the other tapered waveguide is found to be ∼ 10%. The maximum microcavity quality factor measured is ∼ 5000. This work demonstrates that fully integrated photonic circuits can be successfully fab-