Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DC Fault Current Analyzing, Limiting, and Clearing in DC Microgrid Clusters

A new DC fault current limiter (FCL)-based circuit breaker (CB) for DC microgrid (MG) clusters is proposed in this paper. The analytical expressions of the DC fault current of a bidirectional interlink DC/DC converter in the interconnection line of two nearby DC MGs are analyzed in detail. Meanwhile, a DC fault clearing solution (based on using a DC FCL in series with a DC circuit breaker) is proposed. This structure offers low complexity, cost, and power losses. To assess the performance of the proposed method, time-domain simulation studies are carried out on a test DC MG cluster in a MATLAB/Simulink environment. The results of the proposed analytical expressions are compared with simulation results. The obtained results verify the analytical expression of the fault current and prove the effectiveness of the proposed DC fault current limiting and clearing strategy.
Tracking control of an uncertain heavy load robot based on super twisting sliding mode control and fuzzy compensator

This paper presents a new combined strategy to control an uncertain heavy load robot with position disturbance caused by flexible foot, and the control strategy is realized only by position feedback. Firstly, deformation during motion is analyzed, and the position transformation generated by this deformation is treated as periodic position disturbance and non‐periodic position disturbance. Then, a control method combined by computed torque controller (CTC), super twisting sliding mode (STSM) controller, and fuzzy compensator is designed for the robot dynamic system to track ideal trajectory. Meanwhile, a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller based on CTC is designed as a comparison to verify the trajectory tracking performance and robustness of the combined strategy under external disturbances. Finally, simulation results show that CTC‐STSM is clearly found to converge faster and to show stronger ability to suppress interference than CTC‐PID. The addition of fuzzy compensator (CTC‐STSM‐Fuzzy) can further reduce the sliding mode chattering effect and improve the performance.
High-Throughput, Label-Free Isolation of White Blood Cells from Whole Blood Using Parallel Spiral Microchannels with U-Shaped Cross-Section

Rapid isolation of white blood cells (WBCs) from whole blood is an essential part of any WBC examination platform. However, most conventional cell separation techniques are labor-intensive and low throughput, require large volumes of samples, need extensive cell manipulation, and have low purity. To address these challenges, we report the design and fabrication of a passive, label-free microfluidic device with a unique U-shaped cross-section to separate WBCs from whole blood using hydrodynamic forces that exist in a microchannel with curvilinear geometry. It is shown that the spiral microchannel with a U-shaped cross-section concentrates larger blood cells (e.g., WBCs) in the inner cross-section of the microchannel by moving smaller blood cells (e.g., RBCs and platelets) to the outer microchannel section and preventing them from returning to the inner microchannel section. Therefore, it overcomes the major limitation of a rectangular cross-section where secondary Dean vortices constantly enforce particles throughout the entire cross-section and decrease its isolation efficiency. Under optimal settings, we managed to isolate more than 95% of WBCs from whole blood under high-throughput (6 mL/min), high-purity (88%), and high-capacity (360 mL of sample in 1 h) conditions. High efficiency, fast processing time, and non-invasive WBC isolation from large blood samples without centrifugation, RBC lysis, cell biomarkers, and chemical pre-treatments make this method an ideal choice for downstream cell study platforms.
Study of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in chronic kidney disease patients

To compare the RNFL thickness between CKD patients and age matched healthy controls and to correlate RNFL thickness with duration of CKD. RNFL thickness was also assessed in CKD patients with and without haemodialysis. : One hundred and fifty eyes were included in the study and were labeled as group A. Equal number of age matched controls were included in group B. RNFL thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography for optic nerve head (ONH) scan.Mean of average RNFL thickness was studied to be thinner in group A in comparison to group B. Statistically significant thinning was also noted in superior and inferior quadrant of group A. Increase in average RNFL thickness and increase in superior and temporal quadrant RNFL thickness was noted in HD group as compared to non- HD group. A negative correlation was noted between RNFL thickness and duration of CKD. : This study concluded that RNFL thickness was found to be thinner in CKD patients as compared to healthy individuals. However RNFL thickness was found to be thicker in HD group as compared to non- HD group.
Seagrass Condition at Some Small Islands in The Taka Bonerate National Marine Park, South Sulawesi Indonesia

The assessment of seagrass bed condition in Indonesia still refers to the Decree of the State Minister for the Environment (KMNLH) no. 200 of 2004, which considers only one variable, namely the percentage of seagrass cover. To assess the seagrass beds condition to be more in-depth and meaningful, it is necessary to consider the addition of several variables, such as the biotic variables (seagrass species diversity including macroalgae and macro-benthos components) as well as the abiotic variables (reef flat areas and the substrate components). The purpose of this study is to determine the seagrass beds condition in several small islands in the Taka Bonerate National Marine Park by considering the additional analysis using both biotic and abiotic variables as mentioned above. The methodology used in this study is a combination of the use of the standard seagrass transect method, interpretation of satellite imagery related to the seagrass bottom habitat area, and its components on the reef flat of a particular island, as well as weighting and scoring based on those considered additional variables. By applying the criteria in the method, the seagrass bed conditions were then classified into three categories, namely seagrass in good, moderate, and unfavorable conditions, respectively. The results of the total score assessment on several small islands in Taka Bonerate Islands show that the seagrass bed in Latondu Besar Island is in good conditions with the highest score of (316) compared to Tarupa Besar, Jinato, Rajuni Kecil, and Tinabo Besar Islands with an average score of (173). The results of this study indicate that the assessment of seagrass conditions is more meaningful in terms of seagrass ecology than based on seagrass cover alone. However, this study requires a lot of validation for its application in assessing the condition of seagrass beds in other islands in Indonesia.
Exploring behavioral determinants of handwashing with soap after defecation in an urban setting in Bangladesh: findings from a barrier analysis

Social and behavior change (SBC) has long been recognized as a necessary step in the promotion of handwashing with soap (HHWS), and identifying the barriers and enablers of this behavior are key to increasing its adoption. Based on the health belief model (HBM), the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and other behavioral models, this barrier analysis study was conducted to identify the barriers and enablers of HWWS after defecation in an urban setting in Bangladesh. We conducted interviews with 45 adults who washed their hands with soap after defecation (doers) and compared them to 45 adults who did not (non-doers). The analysis showed that the main barriers of HWWS after defecation were related to perceived self-efficacy, difficulty to remember to buy soap, access to low-cost soap, low perceived severity of diarrhea, and not believing that HWWS would reduce diarrhea. Believing that it is Allah's will when one gets diarrhea was mentioned more frequently by the non-doers, while feeling clean and keeping free from illness were reported as benefits of HWWS significantly by the doers. The results suggest that an SBC strategy that addresses these key barriers and enablers would be more effective in promoting the adoption of HWWS.
Improved digital peak current predictive control for switching DC-DC converters

In the conventional digital peak current (DPC) predictive controlled switching dc-dc converters, the duty ratio in each switching cycle is usually calculated and predicted based on the status of the previous switching cycles. Therefore at least one-switching-cycle time delay usually exists in such a predictive control technique, which significantly degrades the control performance of digitally controlled switching dc-dc converters. To eliminate this one-switching-cycle time delay and to improve the control performance, an improved digital peak current (IDPC) predictive control technique for switching dc-dc converters is then proposed and studied in this study. The control laws of DPC and IDPC control with different pulse width modulations are derived and their stabilities are analysed. A simple digital slope compensation method is proposed to eliminate the sub-harmonic oscillations of DPC and IDPC control laws. Steady-state and transient performances of DPC- and IDPC-controlled buck converters are investigated and compared by experimental results. The comparison studies between DPC and IDPC control show that transient performance of IDPC is much better than that of DPC.
Analysis of Compression Pad Cavities for the Orion Heatshield

Current results of a program for analysis of the compression pad cavities on the Orion heatshield are reviewed. The program was supported by experimental tests, engineering modeling, and applied computations with an emphasis on the latter presented in this paper. The computational tools and approach are described along with calculated results for wind tunnel and flight conditions. The models developed for use in preliminary design of the Orion heatshield are presented. Correlations of the computed results are also shown that could be used for prediction of heating augmentation due to cavity disturbances.
Intelligent control of wheeled vehicles with anti-braking systems

This paper develops a mixed fuzzy controller (MFC) to navigate escaping motions of wheeled vehicles under the assumption of Coulombs viscous friction. The piecewise mapping in geometric space instead of the traditionally pointwise coordinate transformation in algebraic space is developed for quasi-nonholonomic systems in the topological point of view. The escaping dynamics of wheeled vehicles, not only onto the constrained space but also onto the unconstrained space, occurs when the vehicle escapes from the constraint manifold during braking or cornering. Traditionally, such slippage phenomenon is usually ignored because of its high frequency and strong nonlinear features. The complementary Frobenius theorem (CFT) is assumed to release Pfaffian one-form constraints from "hard" to "soft" models. The proposed MFC consists of a traditional controller designed for the "hard" subsystem and a fuzzy controller designed for the "soft" subsystem. This paper is primarily focused on modelling, analysis and control issues of anti-lock braking problems for modern automobiles. Finally, detailed simulations of wheeled vehicles with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) under the assumption of Coulombs viscous friction are used to justify the MFC algorithm.
The strategic activities of electricity network operators within changing electricity distribution industry

The electricity network business is facing new challenges due to deregulation and market changes, customer requirements, while at the same time current service markets are advancing. New, optimised business models are required to support the development of business processes, and there is a need to determine the core businesses for electrical utilities in order to know the direction into which the resources and capabilities in the organisations shall further be developed. In this paper, we examine the changing business environment of electrical utilities and assess the future challenges for the network operation business processes of electric utilities and service providers.
STREA MCOMBINATIO NBEFOR EAND/O RAFTE RTH EACOUSTI CMODEL

Combinin g anumbe ro fdivers efeatur estream sha sprove nt ob ea ver yfl exibl ean dbeneficia ltechniqu ei nspeec hrecognition . I nthe contex to fhybri dconnectionist-HM Mrecognition ,featur estreams ca nb ecombine da tsevera lpoints . I nthi swork ,w ecompar etwo form so fcombination :a tth einpu tt oth eacousti cmodel ,b yconcatenatin gth efeatur estream sint o asingl evecto r(featur ecombinatio no rFC) ,an da tth eoutpu to fth eacousti cmodel ,b yaveragin gth elog so fth eestimate dposterio rprobabilitie so feach subwor duni t(posterio rcombinatio no rPC) . Base do nfou rfeatur estream swit hvaryin gdegree so fmutua ldependence ,w efind tha tth ebes tcombinatio nstrateg yi s acombinatio no ffeatur eand posterio rcombination ,wit hstream stha tar emor eindependent ,as measure db ya napproximatio nt oconditiona lmutua linformation, showin gmor ebenefi tfro mposterio rcombination.
Bridging the gap between AMR, GMR, and Hall magnetic sensors

By integrating a magnetic flux concentrator (IMC) at the surface of a Hall magnetic sensor, we can dramatically improve its characteristics. Here we compare the performance of a new IMC Hall sensor ASIC with the performance of traditional magnetic field sensors, such as AMR, GMR, and conventional Hall sensor ASICs. We find that the detectivities of AMRs and GMRs for AC magnetic fields are much better than those of Hall ASICs; for low-frequency fields, the performance gap is smaller; but for DC fields, the resolution of the IMC Hall ASIC is much better than that of GMRs and approaches the resolution of a nonswitched AMR. Also according other parameters, the IMC Hall ASIC is positioned in the gap between AMRs, GMRs, and the conventional Hall ASIC magnetic field sensors.
Secure electronic content distribution is essential.

Summary In the current CE environment we see many activitiesin content protection and DRM, which could lead to asituation with many (conflicting) standards and unnec-essary limitations on the flow of content over variousdevices. As a result, the main challenge in the CE envi-ronment is to develop DRM solutions that allow inter-acceptable exchange of content that is acquired via anyof the main distribution channels to the customer,being discs media, broadband, broadcast, and wireless.To achieve this, a number of important architecturaland research issues have to be resolved, including: ▲ development of an overall DRM architecture ▲ development of a standard DRM solution for homenetworks ▲ development and enhancement of existing copy pro-tection techniques–enhance medium-based techniques to support per-sonalization and rights management–enhance storage and link protection to supportDRM–develop a solution to close the analog whole.These solutions can only emerge through tightcooperation between the stakeholders and through thedevelopment of open standards.
PROPHYLACTIC EFFECT OF A PROBIOTIC INTERVENTION IN CHILDREN PRONE TO ACUTE UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Relevance. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are common in children and often progress with secondary complications such as otitis media, bronchitis, or pneumonia, especially in children with recurrent URTIs. Probiotics displayed immunomodulatory effects in children and adults, supporting immune functions to prevent winter diseases or common colds. Objectives. We assessed the effectiveness of a 6-week prophylaxis with probiotics (Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52, Bifidobacterium infantis Rosell®-33 and Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell®-71) for preventing primary infections and/or secondary complications in URTI-prone children. Methods. URTI-prone children were randomly divided into the probiotics (3×109 CFU/day; 6 weeks) or control arm (no preventive intervention). The number of URTIs, duration and related complications were monitored for 6 months. Resistance index, number of medical visits, and antibiotics prescriptions were also recorded. Results. After 2 months, probiotics reduced the number of URTIs (-2.34±0.13 vs -0.24±0.14; P<0.0001) and duration in (-1.13 ±0.18 vs -0.18±0.18 days; P=0.0011), and the number of secondary complications (-53% vs -5.8%; RR 0.5313 95% CI [0.3534, 0.7986] P= 0.0058). Probiotic lowered resistance index (P<0.0001), number of medical consultations with specialized physicians (P=0.0033) and antibiotics prescriptions (P<0.0001). Conclusions. Overall, a 6-week prophylaxis with combined probiotic (Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52, Bifidobacterium infantis Rosell®-33 and Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell®-71) in URTI-prone children exerted a significant and clinically important health benefit, decreasing the number and duration of URTI episodes and secondary complications and reducing the resistance index to a near-normal value. Furthermore, potential societal benefits of reducing health care use and inadequate antibiotic prescriptions in children favours the use of this probiotic product as a preventive strategy against URTIs and their consequences in frequently sick children. This trial was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04525040).
Mineralogical, Geochemical, and Rock Mechanic Characteristics of Zeolite-Bearing Rocks of the Hatrurim Basin, Israel

The Hatrurim Basin, Israel, is located on the western border of the Dead Sea Transform. This is one of the localities of a unique pyrometamorphic complex whose genesis remains problematic. This paper deals with zeolite-bearing rock that is known in the Hatrurim Basin only. The strata subjected to zeolitization is called the “olive unit” and consists of anorthite–pyroxene (diopside–esseneite) hornfels. Zeolitization occurred in an alkaline environment provided by the interaction of meteoric water with Portland-cement-like rocks of the Hatrurim Complex. The resulting zeolite-bearing rocks contain 20–30% zeolitic material. The main zeolitic minerals are calcic: thomsonite-Ca ± Sr, phillipsite-Ca, gismondine-Ca, and clinoptilolite-Ca. The remainder is calcite, diopsidic pyroxene, garnets (either Ti-andradite and/or hydrogrossular), and less frequently, fluorapatite, opal, and others. Their major mineralogical and chemical compositions resemble carbonated zeolite-blended Portland mortar. Rocks show different values of porosity. Their mechanical characteristics are much better for samples with porosity values below 24%. The related parameters are like those of blended concretes. The minimal age of zeolitization is 5 Ka. The natural zeolite-bearing rocks are resistant to weathering in the Levant desert climate.
Substrate noise coupling in NMOS transistor for RF/analog circuits

Substrate noise issues are important for the smooth integration of analog and digital circuitries on the same die. The substrate coupling mechanism with simulation and measurement in a 0.13 µm common source NMOS is demonstrated. The coupling mechanism is related with resistance of ground interconnects; also the importance of coupling mechanism is demonstrated. The results are showing the variation of resistance with distance between the contacts, the inductance and impedance for inductive and capacitive coupling.
Competition and Banking Industry Stability: How Do BRICS and G7 Compare?

This study examines banking industry stability in BRICS and G7 from the period 2005 to 2014. The results show that stability level in a prior period affects stability in the subsequent period. Also, the study reveals that competition improves stability, which validates the competition-stability proposition. Economic growth enhances stability in BRICS but not in G7. Inefficiency weakens stability in BRICS; however, its impact in G7 is insignificant. Profitability, capitalization, and inflation enhance stability in G7; however, they show no meaningful impacts in BRICS. These findings contribute to literature and policy discussion on banking industry stability JEL Codes: G21, G28, G32, L11
New diagnosis approach to epoxy resin transformer partial discharge using acoustic technology

This paper first investigates the correlation between acoustic signals and electric power-source signal angles using ultrasonic detection technique. This paper then compares said acoustic signals' three-dimensional patterns with their polar-coordinate patterns and, with angle-zones established, provides a new analyzing and identification method for partial discharge (PD) fault types. This method is applicable to field inspection and measurement and can help identify epoxy-resin transformers' PD fault types. We first produce specific PD fault types in the laboratory and receive PD signals using ultrasonic technique. Then, we adopt polar-coordinate patterns to analyze their characteristics, deduce said characteristics into zone-identification patterns, and apply the D parameters to identify fault types. After utilizing this analyzing method to field epoxy-resin transformers, we learn that its diagnosis ability is fine and effective.
Effect of Some Managerial Practices on Behaviour and Performance of Egyptian Balady Goats

Provision of adequate housing is essential to assure the welfare of farm animals. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of space allowance and tethering on behaviour and performance of Egyptian balady goats. Total 42 castrated bucks, 8 months of age, were randomly allocated to 2 experiments. Experiment one; 28 animals were divided into groups of 7 bucks with space allowances of 0.5, 1, 1.5 or 2 m /buck. Experiment two; 14 bucks were allocated to 2 equal groups (tethered and loosed groups). The most 2 patterns of behaviour were significantly affected (P 0.05). Tethering the animals had effect in behaviour, but the most of the differences didn't reach the significance. Even though, tethered group was the highest in rumination and the lowest in walking behaviors, with significant differences. Total body weight gain and average daily gain were significantly higher in loosed group.
Conceptual design metrics for daylighting

Daylight is a key component of green building; however, no prevailing metric has emerged to help identify buildings that are well-daylit buildings. This paper proposes a ‘daylighting dashboard’; a visual representation of a design’s potential to meet eight design goals: average illuminance, coverage, diffuse daylight, daylight autonomy, circadian stimulus, glazing area, view and solar heat gain. This metric allows for informed decisions to be made early in the conceptual phase of design, and highlights aspects of design that may need further development, while there is still the opportunity to make modifications. These eight goals should be prioritized as appropriate for individual projects, rating systems or code requirements. This early indication of performance of conceptual design alternatives is likely to guide architects to better daylit buildings.
Performance of a power conversion system for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES)

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests of a power conversion system (PCS) for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) applications. The PCS uses a two-quadrant chopper and a voltage-source power converter. Operating modes of the chopper are discussed. Operation of SMES to provide independent control of real and reactive power, operation as a static VAr compensator, low frequency modulation of the real power and speed of response are demonstrated. A circuit is presented for testing an SMES PCS that does not require a superconducting coil.