Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High step-up soft switching interleaved boost converters with cross-winding-coupled inductors and reduced auxiliary switch number

An interleaved boost converter is proposed to extend the voltage gain and to reduce the switch voltage stress compared with the conventional interleaved boost converter in high step-up applications. With the topology variation, only one set of active clamp circuit is necessary for the interleaved two phases to recycle the leakage energy and to absorb the voltage spikes caused by the leakage inductance of the winding-coupled inductors. Both the main switches and the clamp switch of the proposed converter are ZVT soft switching performances during the whole switching transition, which minimises the switching losses. The output diode turn-off current falling rate is controlled by the leakage inductance, which alleviates the output diode reverse-recovery problem and reduces the relative reverse-recovery losses. The experimental results based on a 40-380-V DC/DC prototype verify the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Damage Detection and Mitigation in Open Collaboration Applications

DAMAGE DETECTION AND MITIGATION IN OPEN COLLABORATION APPLICATIONS Andrew G. West • Insup Lee • Oleg Sokolsky Collaborative functionality is changing the way information is amassed, refined, and disseminated in online environments. A subclass of these systems characterized by “open collaboration” uniquely allow participants to modify content with low barriersto-entry. A prominent example and our case study, English Wikipedia, exemplifies the vulnerabilities: 7%+ of its edits are blatantly unconstructive. Our measurement studies show this damage manifests in novel socio-technical forms, limiting the effectiveness of computational detection strategies from related domains. In turn this has made much mitigation the responsibility of a poorly organized and ill-routed human workforce. We aim to improve all facets of this incident response workflow. Complementing language based solutions we first develop content agnostic predictors of damage. We implicitly glean reputations for system entities and overcome sparse behavioral histories with a spatial reputation model combining evidence from multiple granularity. We also identify simple yet indicative metadata features that capture participatory dynamics and content maturation. When brought to bear over damage corpora our contributions: (1) advance benchmarks over a broad set of security issues (“vandalism”), (2) perform well in the first anti-spam specific approach, and (3) demonstrate their portability over diverse open collaboration use cases. Probabilities generated by our classifiers can also intelligently route human assets using prioritization schemes optimized for capture rate or impact minimization. Organizational primitives are introduced that improve workforce efficiency. The whole of these strategies are implemented into a tool (“STiki”) that has been used to revert 350,000+ damaging instances from Wikipedia. These uses are analyzed to learn about human aspects of the edit review process; properties including scalability, motivation, and latency. Finally, we conclude by measuring practical impacts of our work, discussing how to better integrate our solutions, and revealing outstanding vulnerabilities that speak to research challenges for open collaboration security.
Array antenna errors calibrating using signal sources in unknown directions

A method (aimed at radar applications) of calibrating the sensors' location, gain and phase uncertainties of a linear equi-spaced (LES) array is presented. This method can be applied to arrays with arbitrary geometry too. A technique to estimate the level of array's error is developed also. Computer simulation and practical calibration example results illustrate that the method is effective.
Some Aspects of Gas Turbine Fuel Preparation and Turbomachinery Response to LCV Fuels

This thesis gives some background information on environmental issues as the scientific community at large currently sees it. It tries to relate the plethora of current combustion technologies which may be used in gas turbines to those issues. Some basic principles on combustion design are given. Different candidate fuels for gas turbine combustion are discussed. Combustion of bio-fuels is treated and provides background material for Papers 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Pre- and post-treatment technologies are covered briefly. Bluff body stabilized combustion is discussed in relation to Paper 3. In the case of liquid fuel combustion, the liquid must first be atomized before it can be burnt. A chapter on atomization discusses the various mechanisms involved in the break-up process of a liquid column being injected into gas. Papers 2, 8 and 9 deal with sprays. Laser based diagnostics tools are used extensively to analyze fluid flow. In Papers 2, 8 and 9 PIV and PDA have been used. An overview of these techniques is provided. Process simulation tools are used to model and analyze plants and machinery. A flow network is setup between components which act on a fluid to produce a desired outcome. The system may be a complete plant or e.g. a gas turbine. Papers 4, 5, 6 and 7 use this tool to analyze component behavior in one- and two-shaft industrial gas turbines and a combined cycle plant. All are fired with high, medium and low calorific fuels. (Less)
Cannabis Use is Associated with Lower Hippocampus and Amygdala Volume: High-Resolution Segmentation of Structural Subfields in a Large Non-clinical Sample

There is mixed evidence that individuals who use cannabis have reduced hippocampal and amygdalar gray matter volume, potentially because of small sample sizes and imprecise morphological characterization. New automated segmentation procedures have improved the measurement of these structures and allow better examination of their subfields, which have been linked to distinct aspects of memory and emotion. The current study applies this new segmentation procedure to the Human Connectome Project Young Adult dataset (N = 1081) to investigate associations of cannabis use with gray matter volume in the hippocampus and amygdala. Results revealed significant bilateral inverse associations of hippocampal volume with recent cannabis use (positive THC urine drug screen) and total lifetime consumption (ps<.001), as well as association of the left amygdala total lifetime consumption (p<.001). Hippocampal subfield analyses indicated these associations were primarily driven by the head of the hippocampus, the first section of the cornu amonis (CA1), and the subicular complex, which have been linked to verbal working memory, episodic memory, and spatial memory respectively. In the amygdala, the association was driven by subfields in the basolateral complex, which links the amygdala to the cortex and is critical in emotion regulation. No associations were detected for age of cannabis initiation or lifetime presence of cannabis use disorder. In one of the largest studies to date, these results support the hypothesis that cannabis use is linked with hippocampal and amygdalar volume and clarify both the specific subfields and the specific aspects of cannabis use that are responsible for these links.
Thin film bulk wave acoustic resonators (FBAR) for wireless applications

For some time, FBAR technology has lagged behind ceramic technology and surface acoustic wave resonator (SAW) technology for commercial applications. There were several technologies that had to be developed before FBAR technology became viable for rf filters. First, a process is needed that can make the resonators manufacturable, robust and repeatable. Second, maximizing the coupling coefficient, k/sub t//sup 2/ and the Q of the resonator (k/sub t//sup 2/ Q product) is necessary. Another technology needed is a method to eliminate ripple (or "suck out") associated with lateral mode excitation. Lastly, a method is needed for maintaining a uniform thickness (for frequency control and a means to target frequency to within +-0.03%). If one overcomes these sets of hurdles, the rewards are high. The Quality factor, Q, inherent in these structures is impressive (over 2500) and the intrinsic k/sub t//sup 2/ has been inferred to be close to the theoretical maximum of 6.5%. The k/sub t//sup 2/ Q product (Figure of Merit for FBAR filters) have been as high as 100 for our devices. These two properties can be combined in a filter to achieve low pass band insertion loss and extremely sharp skirts. One intrinsic advantage of FBAR over SAW technology is the ability to handle input power in excess of 4 Watts. Resistance to Electrical Static Discharge (ESD) is another desirable property of FBAR devices. Finally, FBAR technology is intrinsically a "low temperature" process technology-compatible with semiconductor technology. This implies future integration of FBARs with semiconductor circuits.
An Adaptive Channel Estimation Based on Polynomial Fitting for LTE Uplink in High Doppler Spread Scenario

Channel estimation plays a crucial role in improving the overall system performance in long term evolution (LTE) systems. However, it is demonstrated that conventional channel estimation algorithms have poor performance in the presence of a large Doppler frequency shift. To mitigate the adverse effect of Doppler frequency shift on transmission signals, an adaptive anti-Doppler shift method based on polynomial fitting for LTE uplink is proposed in this paper. Furthermore, an adaptive strategy is exploited to improve estimation accuracy and reduce estimation mean square error (MSE), achieving better system performance. Simulations results validate the effectiveness of anti-Doppler algorithm.
Bridge fatigue life prediction using Mittag-Leffler distribution

This paper is aimed at developing a statistical approach for fatigue life prediction of steel bridges with structural health monitoring data. The present approach obtains the static cumulative damage index by using the Mittag–Leffler distribution in conjunction with the statistical form of Miner's rule and investigates the influence of annual traffic increase on the evolution of the dynamic service life by a modified statistical formula of Miner's rule, which includes the relationship between the levels of stress range and the annual traffic increase rate. The proposed method is exemplified to specifically predict the static fatigue life of the Neville Island Bridge and the dynamic fatigue life of the Birmingham Bridge.
Nutations and Inelasticity of the Earth

The adopted nutation series correspond to an elliptical uniformly rotating Earth with an elastic inner core, a liquid core and an elastic mantle. There exist nowadays a difference between the theoretical results and this theory. In this paper, we introduce the mantle inelasticity in the equations in order to give an idea of its contribution to the nutations.
Identificação dos elementos do trabalho padronizado na construção civil

A padronizacao e uma ferramenta de gestao voltada para a reducao da variabilidade no processo produtivo. No contexto do Sistema Toyota de Producao (STP), a padronizacao e efetivada por meio do Trabalho Padronizado (TP). Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo propor as especificacoes que devem compor um padrao para processos produtivos da construcao civil a partir da adaptacao do conceito de TP. Foi realizado um estudo de caso em canteiro de obra, na etapa executiva de estrutura de concreto armado, em uma construtora da cidade de Londrina/PR. Os elementos constituintes do TP puderam ser detectados no contexto da construcao, porem algumas adaptacoes mostraram-se necessarias, resultando em especificacoes que contem os tres componentes do padrao citados na literatura: meta, restricoes e metodo. A definicao de metas mostrou-se valida por direcionar o estabelecimento do metodo. As especificacoes do metodo mostraram-se mais abrangentes do que aquelas citadas na literatura do STP, incluindo especificacoes relativas aos kits de recursos para cada pacote de trabalho e a forma de transporte e armazenagem dos mesmos nos postos de trabalho. Por outro lado, os resultados apontaram para um menor grau de detalhamento da rotina de operacoes padrao, tendo como foco o trabalho em equipe. Apesar das particularidades da construcao civil, o TP mostrou-se como uma ferramenta potencialmente eficaz para a reducao da variabilidade no processo produtivo.
Integrating Management and Engineering Processes in Software Product Development

The intangible nature of software means that traditional processes for managing product development are not sufficiently effective. This, in combination with the increasing share of software in technical products, has had the effect of making it difficult to identify improvement proposals for engineering processes in many cases. This thesis uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate methods that involve the entire development organisation in software process improvement. The research is performed in cooperation with several companies developing software products in different countries. The studied organisations range from small development companies, using light, informal methodologies, to large corporations, with thousands of developers, using large frameworks of formal process models. The need for organisations to use both local experience as well as generally accepted best practice in process improvement is addressed. A method that uses input from the whole organisation for strategic software process improvement is created and evaluated. The introduction of one agile methodology, Extreme Programming, is studied in a small team and a decision support method is evaluated for introducing the methodology. Also, a framework based approach to process improvement is applied to testing practices. The approach allows a small, rapidly evolving, company to introduce suitable practices that solve problems apparent in the current state of the company. This allows the processes to evolve in small steps without introducing formal practices too early in the company’s evolution. An integration of agile methods and high-level product management processes is proposed and evaluated on both the engineering level and the product management level of organisations. The integration allows contrasting elements of the processes to remain effective within each respective domain and in some instances even perform synergetically. (Less)
Developing a reconfigurability index using multi-attribute utility theory

Reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMSs) have been acknowledged as a promising means of providing manufacturing companies with the required production capacities and capabilities. This is accomplished through reconfiguring the system elements over the time for a diverse set of individualised products often required in small quantities and with short delivery lead time. This necessitates the requirement of mapping the manufacturing system capabilities and other characteristics by developing a suitable index. In this paper an index has been developed to measure the reconfigurability of RMSs keeping in mind their various core characteristics such as modularity, scalability, convertibility and diagnosability. These characteristics have been mapped together using multi-attribute utility theory. One could easily use this index to find the reconfigurability of a system possessing different characteristics. An illustrative example is provided to reveal the application of the proposed methodology on a given system. Insight gained would be of much interest to the decision makers managing the complexity of a manufacturing system for diversified products.
Intelligent load-frequency control in a deregulated environment: Continuous-valued input, extended classifier system approach

This study presents an intelligent solution for load-frequency control in a restructured power system using a modified traditional frequency response model, suitable for a bilateral-based deregulation policy. The new approach is based on an extended classifier system with continuous-valued inputs (XCSR) which is the most successful learning classifier systems. The proposed intelligent solution does not require an accurate model of the system and is more flexible in specifying the control objectives. Also it is an automated learning-based approach. It means there is not any need to training data and expert knowledge of the system to determine the states and actions, which is a very time-consuming and difficult stage of designing reinforcement learning-based solutions. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, its performance on a three-area restructured power system with possible contract scenarios, large load demands and area disturbances has been compared with multi-agent reinforcement learning-based controller. The results show that the proposed intelligent solution achieves good robust performance for a wide range of load changes in the presence of system nonlinearities and has good ability to track the contracted and non-contracted demands.
A hands-on learning and training program in power system protection

Postgraduate studies in electrical engineering have been an integral part of specialized training in several areas, such as power system analysis, reliability evaluation, power system control, system protection, material science, analog and digital electronics, signal processing and communications. Most universities provide courses and training in all or some of these disciplines. The University of Saskatchewan has had an active graduate program in electrical engineering since the late 1950s. Training in power system protection is as important, if not more, for engineers working in electric power utility and industrial sectors. It is interesting to note that, in North America, only a few universities offer courses in power system protection at the graduate and/or postgraduate levels. One of the universities that have offered courses for training in the area of power system protection for over thirty years is the University of Saskatchewan. This paper briefly describes the power system protection program offered at the University of Saskatchewan and outlines the facility that is used to provide hands-on experience in designing relays and applying them in utility and industrial environments. A brief account of the development of the courses in the program and the laboratory facilities is also provided.
An Assessment of Spatial Context on Eye Movement During a Visual Search Task

Contextual cueing is the implicit association of objects (or ‘cues’) in a visual scene due to repeated exposure, either spatially or semantically. These associations can aid people in detecting a specific target. The goal of this study was to investigate whether, and how, people utilize “distractors” as contextual cues during a visual target search and how spatial location of objects affects that association. Forty undergraduate participants performed a luggage-screening task in which spatial context was manipulated. First, participants were trained using 25 luggage images, each of which contained a target (i.e., knife) and a specific distractor (i.e., iPod). During the post-training session, participants screened 100 bags with a target base rate set at 50%. The bags contained either the distractor and the target (25 bags), the target only (25 bags), the distractor only (25 bags), or neither the distractor nor the target (25 bags). Participants’ fixation durations, dwell times, saccade counts, and scan paths were assessed. It was found that when the spatial context of the distractor and target were relatively close, participants appeared to encode the objects together, thereby improving search efficiency. By moving the distractor across the image from the target, eye movement patterns changed. The results suggest a higher activation threshold of the distractor when it was present adjacent to the target as compared to when it was moved farther away.
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Composite Laminates by Using Fiber Optic AE Sensor

Considering the damage that composite material under loading may occur, acoustic emission (AE) technique is adopted to perform non-destructive evaluation (NDE). In order to obtain the acoustic emission emitted from the composite material, a novel fiber optic AE sensor which is based on single mode fiber optical fused-tapered coupler design is developed. Futhermore, its fabrication process was described and performance was studied. Results of a pencil break test on the composite laminate show that the fiber optic AE sensor have better frequency response than the commercial piezoelectric sensor. During a tension experiment of a carbon fiber composite specimen , the fiber optic sensor which was mounted on it detected the enormous acoustic emission signals. To analyze their characteristic parameter, such as amplitude, duration, can identify the type of failure to composite materials, including Matrix cracking , Interface stripping, fiber breakage. Experimental results would offer the reference to damage identification to complicate composite structures.
Two Layered Embedded Encryption for Multiple Frequency RFID Tags

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification system. The data storage and retrieval on special devices are carried by RFID tags or transponders. RFID tag applications include enterprise supply chain management to improve the efficiency of inventory tracking and management. These replace bar codes and other low cost remote sensors earlier in use.
The Role of the Lifeworld Concept in Wiki Adoption and Use

ABSTRACT Wikis can be useful collaborative tools within a design environment for sharing knowledge and expertise. However, there is still a need for research to explain the reasons for their success and failure in organizations. In this paper, we examine the role and influence of wiki adoption and use on the lifeworld of a group of designers in an interior design firm in China. We propose a framework of where and how wiki use impacts on the lifeworld of the designers that can be used to guide designers in their adoption of such tools. In particular, the study highlights the implications of taking an overly instrumental approach in their adoption that can detract from the potential benefits of their use.
Effect of liftoff on accuracy of phase velocity measurements made with electromagnetic-acoustic transducers

Electromagnetic-acoustic transducers (EMATs) work on transduction principles which allow them to operate with a clearance (liftoff) between them and a conducting specimen. They have the potential for on-line ultrasonic measurements of rapidly moving materials.Liftoff causes changes in the effective inductance and resistance of the EMAT. Consequently, it causes a phase shift in the output voltage of a receiving EMAT. This can cause errors when the EMAT is used for velocity measurements.In this paper, we develop a model for the effect of liftoff. The model gives good agreement with measured liftoff-induced arrival time changes. The model can be extended to the case of an EMAT used with a voltage stepup transformer.The maximum signal is obtained for EMATs operating at resonance; however, the maximum sensitivity to liftoff also occurs then. Thus, a tradeoff must be made between optimum signal and suppressing liftoff artifacts. Our model, and experimental results, can be used to make these tradeoffs.