Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiplicity of solutions to class of nonlocal elliptic problems with critical exponents

In this paper, we establish existence of infinitely many weak solutions for a class of quasilinear stationary Kirchhoff‐type equations, which involves a general variable exponent elliptic operator with critical growth. Precisely, we study the following nonlocal problem: −M(𝒜(u))diva(|∇u|p(x))|∇u|p(x)−2∇u=λf(x,u)+|u|s(x)−2uinΩ,u=0on∂Ω, where Ω is a bounded smooth domain of ℝN , with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions on ∂Ω, the nonlinearity f:Ω¯×ℝ→ℝ is a continuous function, a:ℝ+→ℝ+ is a function of the class C1,M:ℝ0+→ℝ+ is a continuous function, whose properties will be introduced later, λ is a positive parameter and p,s∈C(Ω¯) . We assume that 𝒞={x∈Ω:s(x)=γ∗(x)}≠∅ , where γ∗(x)=Nγ(x)/(N−γ(x)) is the critical Sobolev exponent. We will prove that the problem has infinitely many solutions and also we obtain the asymptotic behavior of the solution as λ → 0+. Furthermore, we emphasize that a difference with previous researches is that the conditions on a(·) are general overall enough to incorporate some interesting differential operators. Our work covers a feature of the Kirchhoff's problems, that is, the fact that the Kirchhoff's function M in zero is different from zero, it also covers a wide class of nonlocal problems for p(x) > 1, for all x∈Ω¯ . The main tool to find critical points of the Euler–Lagrange functional associated with this problem is through a suitable truncation argument, concentration‐compactness principle for variable exponent found in Bonder and Silva (2010), and the genus theory introduced by Krasnoselskii. The result of this paper extends or complements, or else completes recent papers and is new in several directions for the stationary Kirchhoff equations involving the p(x)‐Laplacian type operators.
Discrete element modelling of geogrid-reinforced aggregates

A discrete element model has been developed for geogrid-reinforced ballast. A model for unreinforced ballast has first been developed and evaluated using simulations of large-scale triaxial experiments and comparing with available data. A model for the geogrid has also been developed by bonding many small balls together to form the desired geometry and evaluated by simulating standard tests. The discrete element method (DEM) has then been used to model the interaction between ballast and geogrid by simulating pull-out tests and comparing with experimental data. The DEM simulations have been shown to predict well the peak mobilised resistance and the displacement necessary to mobilise peak pull-out force. The effect of the ratio of the geogrid aperture size to ballast particle diameter on pull-out resistance has also been investigated. The zone of influence of the geogrid has also been examined by simulating larger-scale pull-out tests in addition to cyclic triaxial tests. The method holds much promise as .
Self and Mutual Inductance Behavioral Modeling of Square-Shaped IPT Coils With Air Gap and Ferrite Core Plates

The design and optimization of coils for Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) systems is an iterative process conducted in Finite Element (FE) tools that takes a lot of time and computational resources. In order to overcome such limitations in the design process, new empirical equations for the evaluation of the self-inductance and mutual inductance values are proposed in this work. By means of a multi-objective genetic programming algorithm, the self-inductance, the mutual inductance and the coupling factor values obtained from FE simulations of IPT link are accounted by analytical equations, based on the geometric parameters defining the IPT link. The behavioral modeling results are compared with both FE-based and experimental results, showing a good accuracy.
Modelling the relationship between process parameters and mechanical properties using Bayesian neural networks for powder metal parts

A neural network based system is presented in this paper for modelling mechanical behaviour of powder metal parts as a function of processing conditions. The neural network selection is made using a Bayesian framework, which enables prediction of mechanical properties to be made, indicating a level of confidence in the result. The system gives good prediction accuracy for a number of commercially available ferrous powder materials; the performance for two different powder grades is reported. In order to select process parameters that meet the required mechanical properties for the part, a prototype process 'advisor' is developed using these neural network models. Three different neural networks are trained to predict tensile strength, elongation and hardness for ferrous powder grades, and are used in the process 'advisor' to recommend suitable process parameters.
Fruit Characteristics of Ten Greenhouse-Grown Mango Varieties during Postharvest Ripening at Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity

ABSTRACT Fruit characteristics of 10 mango varieties (Mangifera indica cv ‘Chok Anan,’ ‘Gold Nugget,’ ‘Hong Jin Long,’ ‘Jin Sui,’ ‘Keitt,’ ‘Mallika,’ ‘Nam Doc Mai,’ ‘Neelum,’ ‘Tainong No. 1ʹ, and ‘Zihua’), grown in a greenhouse, were evaluated during postharvest ripening. Mango fruits were harvested at 130 days after full bloom and then ripened for 3, 5, and 7 days after harvest (DAHs) at ambient temperature and relative humidity. All fruit skin colors became redder except for ‘Keitt’ and ‘Tainong No. 1ʹ, as reflected in increasing a* values (a color space coordinate describing green-red coloration). Of the 10 varieties, fruit weights of eight varieties did not significantly change among DAHs. Fruit weights of ‘Nam Doc Mai’ and ‘Zihua’ decreased at 7 DAH. Only the flesh weights of ‘Zihua’ changed among all varieties. Of all the varieties, fruit lengths and fruit diameters of eight varieties did not change among DAHs. Soluble solid contents did not change in four varieties and increased in six varieties. Titratable acidity decreased in six varieties but did not change in the other varieties. The fruit skin firmness decreased in all varieties among DAHs. Changes in fruit characteristics depended on mango varieties or the length of postharvest ripening period or both. Principal component analysis showed that fruit diameter, SSC, L*, b*, and firmness were essential variables. These findings could be used to provide consumers with information about fruit characteristics associated with the ripening of various mango cultivars.
Spectrum Sensing for Efficient Sharing of LTE and DVB-T Systems

This paper addresses a problem of spectrum sharing and coexistence between Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems and Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T). Previous studies have shown that coexistence of LTE and DVB-T without protection guard may cause interference. However by applying Cognitive Radio (CR) access technique, the probability of interference will decrease and the available spectrum can be used more efficiently. The main objective in spectrum sensing in a given band is to optimize the performance of the LTE as secondary network. This performance can be tested using a statistical analysis tool incorporating Monte Carlo and Spectral Emission Mask (SEM) technique. In addition, the CR access technique is used to sense the spectrum over the primary users’ (Pu’s) band to detect the existence/absence of a Pu and use the free spectrum for LTE system as a secondary system. In this study coexistence of two different configurations was examined. The simulation results show that based on power level allocated to the secondary transmitter and in a given configuration, varying protection distances will be needed. Furthermore, tuning the transmission power levels and incorporating protection distances, can lead to more spectrum usage opportunities without harmful interference to the Pu (DVB-T receiver).
The Faster Detection of the Step Initiation and the Prediction of the First Step’s Heel Strike Time with the Vertical GRF

A new approach for the detection of the step initiation in the lower extremity exoskeleton is presented. As the detection of the step initiation is the important factor for the lower extremity exoskeleton to shadow the operator’s movement as soon as possible, many studies have been done to detect it faster by using heel-off time or toe-off time. We detect the step initiation faster than other approaches with the vertical ground reaction forces. Also, we predict the first step’s heel strike time with the regression equations based on the vertical ground reaction forces as soon as we detect the step initiation. It could enable the lower extremity exoskeleton to shadow the operator’s movement much faster.
Role of inflammatory markers and their trends in predicting the outcome of medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric calculus

Objective: Symptomatic ureteric stones cause surrounding inflammation-promoting obstruction. C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WC), and neutrophil percentage (NP) tend to rise after inflammatory response. Monitoring response during the course of medical expulsive therapy (MET) may help in deciding early intervention, thereby decreasing morbidity. We assessed the role and trends of these markers in predicting the outcome of MET. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ninety-two patients with distal ureteric calculus of size >5 mm were included in this prospective study from April 2017 to March 2018 after ethical committee approval. CRP, NP, and WC were measured on day 1, 7, and 14 of MET, and analysis was done. Results: On univariate analysis, stone size and mean values of CRP, WC, and NP on day 1, 7 and 14 in stone nonpassers were significantly higher compared to stone passers (P < 0.05). Receiver operator curve analysis showed area under the curve value of 0.798 (P = 0.001) for CRP and cut off value determined was 1.35 mg/dL. Multivariate analysis of different variables showed significant association of higher CRP (>1.35 mg/dL) and larger stone size (>7 mm) with MET failure. Decreasing trend of CRP was seen in both groups, but values were higher in stone nonpassers. WC and NP showed decreasing trend in stone passers but persistently high in stone nonpassers. Conclusions: Higher CRP and larger stone size were associated with failure of MET. WC and NP showed decreasing trend in stone passers and persistently higher in nonpassers, which may potentially predict failure of MET, however, their role need to be further studied.
Electrostatically Driven Large Aperture Micro-Mirror Actuator Assemblies for High Fill-Factor, Agile Optical Phase Arrays

Abstract : Aircraft laser beamsteering is accomplished using a single gimbaled mirror housed inside a turret, which protrudes from the fuselage and causes unwanted turbulence, vibrations, and weight. The Air Force is currently investigating the use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) micro-mirror arrays to replace aircraft beamsteering technology. MEMS micro-mirror arrays provide a unique solution to address these issues. Unfortunately, current MEMS micro-mirror technology cannot meet all the beamsteering requirements in a single assembly. These include high fill-factor, large aperture, 25 degrees of out-of-plane deflection, 4-axis tilt, and actuation speeds below 1 ms. In this research, a novel MEMS actuation scheme to address all these requirements using electrostatically driven bimorph cantilever beams was designed, modeled, fabricated, and characterized. Modeling results show a linear relationship between the number of cantilever beams and maximum deflection. Characterization of fabricated micro-mirror assemblies supports the modeling for individual actuators as well as for micro-mirror platform assemblies. Fabricated devices reached vertical deflections greater than 170 micrometer with pull-in voltages of 20 V and an optical range of 16 degrees. These large deflections, low pull-in voltage, and reasonable optical range shown in this research demonstrate the feasibility of using MEMS micro-mirror arrays to address aircraft beamsteering issues.
Robust control of a variable speed control moment gyroscope

Gyroscopes are multi-body mechanical systems which present coupled three-dimensional motion. The dynamics is nonlinear and dominated by the gyroscopic effect, which finds practicalapplications in Aerospace and Naval Engineering. They can be used as attitude and angular velocity sensors, and in inertial navigation systems. They also can be used as actuators in closed loop attitudecontrol systems in aircraft, spacecraft and in ships, presenting several advantages over other deviceswith the same objective. In this paper, we focus in gyroscopes as actuators, known as Control Moment Gyroscopes. We initially present a new method to find the kinematics and dynamics mathematical model of the system, using the Cartan’s connection and covariant derivative. We also linearize the model in an equilibrium point, and design two parallel control laws to control the angular positions of the gyroscope’s gimbals. The inner control loop is designed in order to damp the natural nutation frequency. The external control law is a multivariable robust control law that effectively provides robustness to the system (LQG/LTR). With this control law, the system is classified as a variable rotor’s speed control moment gyroscope. Practical results are presented for an experimental setup.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) Essential Oil Feed Supplement Protected Broilers Chickens against Clostridium perfringens Induced Necrotic Enteritis

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is a well-known traditional medicine and a cooking spice. Recent practice has also applied the essential oil from oregano (OEO) in poultry due to its great potential for an antibiotic alternative. Our objective was to evaluate the potential effects of OEO (with carvacrol and thymol as the main active ingredient) on preventing necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens (Cp) in chickens. In the feeding trial, a total of 450 one-day-old commercial Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned in 5 experimental groups during a 26-day production period (d19 to d 26 was the Cp challenge stage), and each group consisted of 6 replicate pens (15 birds each pen). All treatments were: basal diet (control group); basal diet and Cp challenge (model group); Cp challenge and 10 mg/kg enramycin (positive control group); Cp challenge and 200 mg/kg OEO product (OEO low dosage group, OEOL); Cp challenge and 300 mg/kg OEO product (OEO high dosage group, OEOH). OEO feed supplement at both dosages had significant effects on increasing the body weight gain (BWG) and reversing the dropped feed intake (FI) induced by Cp challenge. Histopathological changes in the ileums of broiler chickens with NE induced by Cp were alleviated by OEO, which was mutually confirmed by the intestinal lesion scores. Dosage did not influence the protective effect of OEO on intestinal lesion scores. Furthermore, OEO was found to have limited effects on tight junction-related gene expressions (Occludin and ZO-1). The broilers of the OEOL and OEOH groups significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α mRNA in the ileum and only the OEOH group was found to inhibit the IFN-γ expression of IFN- induced by Cp challenge. Finally, despite the fact that in vitro antibacterial effects by OEO were observed, considering its high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value, we inferred that the protective effects by OEO against Cp challenge were not attributable to its direct antibacterial effects. We proposed OEO as a promising substitute for antibiotics against NE induced by Cp during poultry production.
Active health monitoring of an aircraft wing with embedded piezoelectric sensor/actuator network: I. Defect detection, localization and growth monitoring

This work focuses on an ultrasonic guided wave structural health monitoring (SHM) system development for aircraft wing inspection. In part I of the study, a detailed description of a real aluminum wing specimen and some preliminary wave propagation tests on the wing panel are presented. Unfortunately, strong attenuation and scattering impede guided waves for large-area inspection. Nevertheless, small, low-cost and light-weight piezoelectric (PZT) discs were bonded to various parts of the aircraft wing, in a form of relatively sparse arrays, for simulated cracks and corrosion monitoring. The PZT discs take turns generating and receiving ultrasonic guided waves. Pair-wise through-transmission waveforms collected at normal conditions served as baselines, and subsequent signals collected at defected conditions such as rivet cracks or corrosion detected the presence of a defect and its location with a novel correlation analysis based technique called RAPID (reconstruction algorithm for probabilistic inspection of defects). The effectiveness of the algorithm was tested with several case studies in a laboratory environment. It showed good performance for defect detection, size estimation and localization in complex aircraft wing structures.
Theoretical investigation and experimental verification of the nonanalytic form of the conversion equations in a frequency divider by two: Research Articles

The conversion matrix, usually represented in a conventional complex-number form, assumes a nonanalytic, real-imaginary form when the frequency of the small signal fs is equal to one-half the local oscillator (LO) frequency f0. This is due to interference phenomena between the input small signal at fs = f0/2 and the converted signal again at f0 - fs = fs = f0/2; the interference is dependent on the phase relation between the input small signal and the LO. The conversion matrix with fs = f0/2 is used in the design of frequency dividers by two. The conversion equations have been rewritten for the case of fs = f0/2, and the conversion matrix has been found to assume a real-imaginary form. Consequently, Barkhausen's criterion has been reassessed for this case. Experiments are performed that confirm this formalism, and computer simulations based on a nonlinear model for the nonlinear device are presented, showing similar results. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2006.
Characterizing autistic traits in treatment-seeking young adults with substance use disorders.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Recent work highlights an increase in the overlap of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Little is known about the presence of ASD symptoms in SUD-treatment-seeking populations. METHODS The informant-rated Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) was completed at intake to an outpatient SUD clinic for youth aged 16-26 (N = 69). Comparisons were made between those with elevated SRS-2 scores on demographic, psychiatric, and substance use variables. RESULTS Parents of sixty-nine patients with SUD completed the SRS-2. Fourteen (20%) (average age 18.7 ± 2.5) had elevated SRS-2 Total T-scores (≥66) and 55 (average age 18.1 ± 2.8) had non-clinical SRS-2 Total T-scores. There were few differences between groups; however, those with elevated SRS-2 Total T-scores were more likely to have a stimulant use disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 7.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77, 101.88; p = 0.05) or an opioid use disorder (OR = 5.02, 95% CI = 0.59, 43.27; p = 0.08) than patients with normal SRS-2 Total T-scores as well as alcohol use in the week prior to intake. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of treatment-seeking SUD outpatients suffer from clinically elevated autistic traits. These findings highlight the importance of assessing for autistic traits in SUD treatment settings yet additional research is needed to determine if these findings are specific to the presence of ASD or secondary to sequelae of specific SUD presentations. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This study is, to our knowledge, the first to have examined the prevalence, morbidity, or clinical characteristics, associated with ASD symptoms in a SUD-specific population.
Statistical analysis of patterns of PCDDs and PCDFs in stack emission samples and identification of a marker congener

Samples from three major categories of thermal sources, namely municipal solid waste incinerators, hazardous waste incinerators and the iron and steel industry, were evaluated for common patterns of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. The major contributors to the total of the 17 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners and to the I-TEQ were identified. It was found that Cl8DD was the most abundant congener in most samples. However, the highest contribution to the toxic equivalent (1-TEQ) was attributable to 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF. More than 30% of the TEQ was a result of the presence of this congener. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the emission pattern from the iron and steel industry were slightly different from those of the waste incineration. It was not possible to differentiate between emissions from municipal solid waste and hazardous waste incinerators. Linear regression identified 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF as a potential marker analyte to predict I-TEQ concentrations of emission samples. However, whilst in theory such correlations may open new possibilities for application of screening techniques to predict the total I-TEQ of a sample of known origin by determining a single marker congener or surrogate compound, the study suggests that a screening technique based on the direct measurement of the total I-TEQ of a sample is likely to offer a more robust conceptual foundation for PCDD/F screening.
Short Note Rupture Termination and Jump on Parallel Offset Faults

Proper evaluation of seismic hazard depends on accurate estimates of potential earthquake size. In areas with complex, multisegment fault systems, such an estimate in turn depends on an ability to predict the circumstances under which rupture may jump between fault segments. Many observational and numerical studies have analyzed the phenomenon of jumping rupture, but none has focused on how the process of rupture termination on the primary (nucleating) fault segment affects the ability of rupture to jump to a secondary fault segment. In the current study, I model the dynamics of a simple 2D strike-slip fault system with two parallel segments ar- ranged with either a compressional or extensional stepover. I vary the suddenness with which the initial shear stress tapers to zero on the primary section. If the initial shear stress goes to zero over a very small (100 m) distance, rupture readily jumps both compressional and extensional stepovers of 1 km. If the initial shear stress tapers to zero over 1 km, rupture can jump the compressional stepover, but not the exten- sional stepover. If the initial shear stress tapers to zero over 2.5 km, rupture cannot jump either the compressional or the extensional stepover. The results illustrate the importance of the slip gradient (and the resultant static stress field) and the accelera- tion of the rupture front (and the resultant generation of stopping phases) in determin- ing the probability of jumping rupture.
The internet of things: mapping the value beyond the hype

The Internet of Things (IoT)—sensors and actuators connected by networks to computing systems—has received enormous attention over the past five years. A new McKinsey Global Institute report, The Internet of Things: Mapping the value beyond the hype, attempts to determine exactly how IoT technology can create real economic value. Our central finding is that the hype may actually understate the full potential—but that capturing it will require an understanding of where real value can be created and a successful effort to address a set of systems issues, including interoperability. To get a broader view of the IoT’s potential benefits and challenges across the global economy, we analyzed more than 150 use cases, ranging from people whose devices monitor health and wellness to manufacturers that utilize sensors to optimize the maintenance of equipment and protect the safety of workers. Our bottom-up analysis for the applications we size estimates that the IoT has a total potential economic impact of $3.9 trillion to $11.1 trillion a year by 2025. At the top end, that level of value—including the consumer surplus—would be equivalent to about 11 percent of the world economy.