Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fault diagnosis of hybrid systems with applications to gas turbine engines

Stringent reliability and maintainability requirements for modern complex systems demand the development of systematic methods for fault detection and isolation. Many of such complex systems can be modeled as hybrid automata. In this thesis, a novel framework for fault diagnosis of hybrid automata is presented. Generally, in a hybrid system, two types of sensors may be available, namely: continuous sensors supplying continuous-time readings (i.e., real numbers) and threshold sensitive (discrete) sensors supplying discrete outputs (e.g., level high and pressure low). It is assumed that a bank of residual generators (detection filters) designed based on the continuous model of the plant is available. In the proposed framework, each residual generator is modeled by a Discrete-Event System (DES). Then, these DES models are integrated with the DES model of the hybrid system to build an Extended DES model. A "hybrid" diagnoser is then constructed based on the extended DES model. The "hybrid" diagnoser effectively combines the readings of discrete sensors and the information supplied by residual generators (which is based on continuous sensors) to determine the health status of the hybrid system. The problem of diagnosability of failure modes in hybrid automata is also studied here. A notion of failure diagnosability in hybrid automata is introduced and it is shown that for the diagnosability of a failure mode in a hybrid automaton, it is sufficient that the failure mode be diagnosable in the extended DES model developed for representing the hybrid automaton and residual generators. The diagnosability of failure modes in the case that some residual generators produce unreliable outputs in the form of false alarm or false silence signals is also investigated. Moreover, the problem of isolator (residual generator) selection is examined and approaches are developed for computing a minimal set of isolators to ensure the diagnosability of failure modes. The proposed hybrid diagnosis approach is employed for investigating faults in the fuel supply system and the nozzle actuator of a single-spool turbojet engine with an afterburner. A hybrid automaton model is obtained for the engine. A bank of residual generators is also designed, and an extended DES is constructed for the engine. Based on the extended DES model, a hybrid diagnoser is constructed and developed. The faults diagnosable by a purely DES diagnoser or by methods based on residual generators alone are also diagnosable by the hybrid diagnoser. Moreover, we have shown that there are faults (or groups of faults) in the fuel supply system and the nozzle actuator that can be isolated neither by a purely DES diagnoser nor by methods based on residual generators alone. However, these faults (or groups of faults) can be isolated if the hybrid diagnoser is used.
Two Port Reconfigurable Circular Patch Antenna for MIMO Systems

In this paper we demonstrate a novel reconfigurable multi-port circular patch antenna that improves the performance of a MIMO wireless communications system through pattern diversity. Different modes of the circular patch antenna can be excited by varying its radius with PIN diode switches. The performance achievable with such reconfigurable antennas in a 2×2 MIMO communication system is evaluated using computational electromagnetic ray tracing simulations and channel measurements in an indoor environment. The results show an improvement in throughput while reducing the physical size of the antenna array on the communication device. (7 pages)
Thinking smart: Incorporating Smart Buildings design theory, Building Information Modeling, and Integrated Project Delivery into architecture design school curriculum

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) methodologies are rapidly becoming fundamental core practices in the 21st-century architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. These two integrated industry design practices are the fundamental elements to the creation of Smart Buildings, the highest functioning efficient buildings in the world. The theory behind creation of these highly efficient structures is Smart Buildings design theory. Understanding the principles of Smart Buildings design theory assists architects in designing structures in a holistic way, beginning with the end in mind, establishing the role of responsible steward and practitioner towards a sustainable planet. In the United States, traditional buildings are responsible for 73% of electricity consumption and nearly 40% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Smart Buildings can help to conserve resources and protect the environment. Practicing architects and architectural students must be taught to think smart. One way to teach them is to evolve the architecture curriculum framework by inclusion of BIM and IPD, adapting modifications to an outdated approach to architecture education. This research project identified several key themes, both within and among the academy and the profession, relative to thinking smart and designing Smart Buildings. Technical software training courses are needed before such software finds its appropriate place in the architecture design studio. The AEC industry has an opportunity to transform its reputation as an industry of low technology and high inefficiency into one of high technology and extreme efficiency by shifting the existing paradigm and psychological mindset to BIM and IPD methodologies.
Measurements of the Early Development of Trailing Vorticity from a Rotor

Abstract : The wake behind a two-bladed model rotor in light climb was measured using particle image velocimetry, with particular emphasis on the development of the trailing vortex during the first revolution of the rotor. The distribution of vorticity was distinguished from the slightly elliptical swirl pattern. Peculiar dynamics within the "void" region may explain why the peak vorticity appeared to shift away from the center as the vortex aged, suggesting the onset of instability. The swirl and axial velocities (which reached 44% and 12% of the rotor tip speed, respectively) were found to be asymmetric relative to the vortex center. In particular, the axial flow was composed of two concentrated zones moving in opposite directions. The radial distribution of the circulation rapidly increased in magnitude until reaching a point just beyond the core radius, after which the rate of growth decreased significantly. The core-radius circulation increased slightly with wake age, but the large-radius circulation appeared to remain relatively constant. The radial distributions of swirl velocity and vorticity exhibit self-similar behaviors, especially within the core. The diameter of the vortex core was initially about 10% of the rotor-blade chord, but more than doubled its size after one revolution of the rotor.
Evaluating the State-of-the-Art in Business Process Management Tools and Methodologies

Although people have tried to control processes for centuries, with the more recent introduction of larger economies-of-scale and the toughening economic environment organisations are increasingly interested in improving their business processes. This has resulted in the emergence of Business Process Management (BPM), a field that has quickly grown into a multi billion euro industry. The development of the industry has led to an abundance of tools and methodologies that claim enormous benefits. In practice however, most organisations attain a low level of maturity in managing their business processes and largely continue to rely on standard office tooling. There is a large gap between theoretical BPM developments and its application in practice. The main goal of this research is to evaluate the state-of-the-art in BPM tools and methodologies and its suitability for satisfying the expectations of a large financial service provider? s financial accounting department starting with BPM. The expectations are elicited using a self-constructed catalogue of criteria and a case study has taken place at a financial accounting department of a large Dutch financial service provider. The empirical results gathered from the case study combined with an extensive literature review allow the main research goal to be answered. Although it is not possible to give a definitive verdict, BPM tools and methodologies do not appear to form a bottleneck in the practice of BPM. This thesis provides recommendations to tool and methodology developers through which they can improve their products and to organisations practicing BPM so they can improve their current approaches. A practical advice is given to the management of the case study department that allows them to determine their BPM strategy. Finally a number of alternative causes for the gap between theoretical BPM developments and practice are introduced.
The effects of footwear on impact force during running: a model-based study

A lumped-parameter model of the human body during running was previously developed. The model was used to study the effects of footwear on the impact force during running. However, the parameters of the model were considered constant regardless of the shoe type. Experimental studies have shown that the stiffness and damping of the human body are adjusted in accordance with the stiffness and damping of the shoe-ground system. In this paper, we study how the parameters of the model are adjusted, when the shoe parameters change. The original model is improved by adding a controller which resembles the function of the CNS. The effects of footwear on the impact force are studied by using the improved model. Three different bound limits are used for the model parameters to study the effects of the upper and lower parameter limits on the results. It has been shown that the model can explain the contradictory observations about the effects of footwear on the impact force.
Identification of upper limb motor modules based on electromyographic data analysis

Questa tesi ha lo scopo di identificare i moduli motori che caratterizzano la coordinazione dell’arto superiore, di verificare la presenza di similarita tra soggetti e vedere eventuali cambiamenti nei movimenti, e quindi nei moduli, causati dall'ictus. Hanno partecipato 15 soggetti sani e 15 pazienti colpiti da ictus, sono state registrate l’attivita EMG e la cinematica durante dei test. Nei soggetti sani sono stati estratti 4 moduli in grado di descrive i movimenti
Design innovation catalyst tools to facilitate organisational change

Organisations have recently looked to design to become more customer oriented and co-create a new kind of value and service offering. This requires changes in the organisation mindset, involving the entire company, innovation processes and often its business model. One tool that has been successful in facilitating this has been Osterwalder and Pigneur (2010) ‘Business Model Canvas’ and more importantly the design process that supports the use of this tool. The aim of this paper is to explore the role design tools play in the translation and facilitation process of innovation in firms. Six ‘Design Innovation Catalysts’ (Wrigley, 2013) were interviewed in regards to their approach and use of design tools in order to better facilitate innovation. Results highlight the value of tools expands beyond their intended use to include; facilitation of communicating, permission to think creatively, and learning and teaching through visualisation. Findings from this research build upon the role of the Design Innovation Catalyst and provide additional implications for organisations.
Digital well-being theory and research

Digital well-being concerns individuals’ subjective well-being in a social environment where digital media are omnipresent. A general framework is developed to integrate empirical research toward a cumulative science of the impacts of digital media use on well-being. It describes the nature of and connections between three pivotal constructs: digital practices, harms/benefits, and well-being. Individual’s digital practices arise within and shape socio-technical structural conditions, and lead to often concomitant harms and benefits. These pathways are theoretically plausible causal chains that lead from a specific manifestation of digital practice to an individual well-being-related outcome with some regularity. Future digital well-being studies should prioritize descriptive validity and formal theory development.
Evaluation of Implementation and Effectiveness of a Pilot Multi-Domain Program for Older Adults at Risk of Cognitive Impairment at Neighborhood Senior Centres – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background The efficacy of multi-domain interventions for dementia prevention has been investigated in a few large randomized controlled trials (RCT). To link research to community action, we evaluated the implementation and effectiveness of a community-based multi-domain program for older adults at risk of cognitive impairment. Methods Three enterprises implemented a 24-week, bi-weekly, multi-domain program for older adults at risk of cognitive impairment through neighborhood senior centres (SCs). The program comprised a combination of dual-task group physical exercise, pen-and-paper cognitive games, computerised cognitive training, and mobile application-based personalized nutritional guidance. An effectiveness-implementation hybrid design using a RCT design and informed by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework was adopted to evaluate the program. Cognition and quality of life were assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and EuroQol EQ-5D-5L (EQ-5D) respectively, at baseline and 24-weeks. Blood lipid panel and physical assessments were also conducted. Questionnaires on implementation outcomes were administered at the participants-, provider- and community-levels to participants, implementers, and SC managers. Program schedules and attendance were obtained from implementers and the research team conducted unannounced, random and non-intrusive observations of the program. Results The intervention program reached almost 50% of eligible participants, had an attrition rate of 22%, and was adopted by 8.7% of the SCs approached. The intervention was implemented as intended, except the nutritional component that was re-designed due to participants’ unfamiliarity with the application. There were no between-group differences in cognition, quality of life, and blood lipid panel, though there was a reduction in quality of life in the control group and improved physical function in the intervention group at 24-weeks. Intervention group participants reported improvement in their physical and cognitive functions. The program was well-received by participants and centre managers, who wanted the intervention to continue post-study. Conclusions A six-month multi-domain program for older adults at risk of cognitive impairment can be implemented through neighborhood SCs and elicit improvement in physical but not cognitive performance. Implementation evaluation highlight areas to improve on the uptake of such community-based interventions. Trial registration Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04440969. Registered 22 June 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04440969
Multiphysical Characterization of Medium-Frequency Power Electronic Transformers

Europe is currently making a great effort in order to improve the sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of its energy and transportation systems. A key role on these initiatives is played by efficient generation systems, like cogeneration, and clean or renewable energies, like wind or solar energy, as well as, by efficient and improved transportation technologies. In the evolution of these energy and transport systems, the development of Power Electronic Converters with greater functionality, higher reliability, higher efficiency, lower cost, and more sophisticated control will be essential. The main goal of future Power Electronic Converters will be to increase power density, reduce cost and improve reliability. This way, volume, weight and material reduction as well as reliability will gain the future market. A great contribution of these goals will be made by new high-power semiconductor devices, which permit the extension of the frequency range of power converters, and consequently the reduction of magnetic components. A good example of one of these systems are medium-frequency power conversion systems, also known as Power Electronic Transformers, which are able to convert electric power as convectional transformers but with increased features: volume and weight reduction, power transfer and quality control etc. The present work introduces a complete characterization of a medium-frequency power transformer, suitable for efficient Power Electronic conversion systems. The motivation of the present work stems out from the need to evaluate the constraints of conventional transformer characterization and design methodologies. The proposed expressions are able to successfully address the problematic related to non-sinusoidal waveforms, typical of medium-frequency power transformers. Moreover, a design methodology for the optimal design of medium-frequency power transformers is introduced. The characterization, as well as the design methodology, are verified by means of finite element simulations and measurement results.
Intermetallic Compound Layer Growth at the Interface between Sn-Ag and ENImAg Surface Finish

 ABSTRACT The growth of an intermetallic compound (IMC) can influence the behavior of solder joints. In this study, the different percentages of Ag in Sn-xAg (value x = 2.5 and 3.5 wt.%) solder alloy were involved along with ENImAg surface finish to reveal the solder joints reliability in term of IMC thickness, morphology and strength of solder joint under reflow and multiple reflows. The characterization and samples analysis were examined by OM and SEM/EDX. The observation revealed that the IMC of Sn-xAg/ENImAg which were formed on the interface were Ni 3 Sn 4 and NiSn-P layer after multiple reflows soldering. The kinetic growth of each IMC was observed. It revealed that the layer of IMC was thicker as the reflow increased and became thinner with higher mass percentages of Ag. For solder joint strength, the fracture surface with ductile characteristics at the Sn-Ag/ENImAg interface, which indicated that an increase of Ag wt. % in the solder, increases the strength of the solder joint. Upon the revelation of these observations, the reliability of the solder joint is related to the reflow condition and mass percentages of the element in the solder the whole device failure. As alternatives, Ni-based or electroless nickel (EN) is frequently used as a diffusion barrier layer between the solder and Cu substrate with a view to lessen the rapid reaction between
Does Nasal Septal Deviation and Concha Bullosa Have Effect on Maxillary Sinus Volume and Maxillary Sinusitis?: A Retrospective Study.

Purpose This study aimed to determine whether nasal septal deviation and concha bullosa affect the maxillary sinus volume, and whether this effect is associated with the prevalence of chronic sinusitis. Materials and Methods This study retrospectively reviewed 209 paranasal sinus CT (PNS CT) images of patients with sinonasal symptoms from January 2017 to December 2018. The maxillary sinus volume was measured twice by a radiologist, and statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4. Results Intersex comparison of the maxillary sinus volume (on left and right sides) revealed that the volume was significantly larger on both the sides (p < 0.0001) in men compared with that in women. Concha bullosa was found to occur mainly in the concave cavity of the septal deviation (p < 0.0001). No significant association was found between nasal septal deviation and maxillary sinusitis (p = 0.8756) as well as between concha bullosa and maxillary sinusitis prevalence (p = 0.3401) or maxillary sinus volume (both: p = 0.6289, Rt.: p = 0.9522, Lt.: p = 0.9201). Conclusion Although nasal septal deviation and the location of concha bullosa may affect each other, maxillary sinus volume and maxillary sinusitis were neither associated with nasal septal deviation nor concha bullosa.
Web-based GIS Decision Support System for Paddy Precision Farming

Precision farming offers numerous benefits and advantages to the farming community for farm productivity improvement. Previous research has led to the development of the offline based Precision Farmer©. This research extends further than the previous work by developing a Web Paddy GIS. The need for this arises due to limitations of Precision Farmer© such as portability, offline system accessibility and affordability by the end users which include semi-literate farmers. The objectives of this research were to design web-based Geographical Information System decision support system data model for paddy precision farming (Web Paddy GIS) and to develop and implement the web-based GIS decision support system for paddy precision farming using open source software. This new system has been developed to function on Windows and Linux platforms. User satisfaction tests were conducted concerning website acceptability and performance testing were made during this research. The research demonstrates that Web Paddy GIS can successfully run on both platforms. However, the Linux platform has proven to be superior to Windows, based on factors such as CPU usage and speed. The system was implemented for an area in Selangor, Malaysia. This research presents a novel contribution addressing web-based precision farming for the semi-literate paddy farming community of a developing country. The development of a Web Paddy GIS is very useful for paddy farmers, farm managers, decision makers and researchers.
Palm-based animal feed and MPOB's energy and protein centre.

Malaysia imported well over 2 million tonnes per annum of energy feed as corn in the last three years and another 1 million tonnes of protein supplement, mainly soyabean and fish meal. Well over 200 000 t of crude palm oil (CPO) were used in livestock feed. These feeds are essential items in the formulation of compound feed or ration for commercial livestock. Oil palm and palm oil industries provide several products and by-products which are suitable to be used as animal feed. They are available from the plantation, milling, crushing and refining. Livestock feed from palm products presents an excellent opportunity for replacing imported feed. Also it can be exported to regional and international markets.
Matching Document Pairs using Multi-Feature Semantic Fusion Based on Knowledge Graph

Discriminating the homology and heterogeneity of two documents in information retrieval is very important and difficult step. Existing methods mainly focus on word-based document duplicate checking or sentence pairs matching except manual verification which need a lot of human resource cost. The word-based document duplicate checking can not judge the similarity of two documents from the semantic level and the matching sentence pair methods can not effectively mine the semantic information from a long text which is frequent retrieval results. A concept-based Multi-Feature Semantic Fusion Model (MFSFM) is proposed. It employs multi-feature enhanced semantics to construct a concept map for represent the document, and employs a multi-convolution mixed residual CNN module to introduce local attention mechanism for improve the sensitivity of conceptual boundary information. To improve the feasibility of the proposed MFSFM based on concept maps, two multi-feature document data sets are set up. Each of them consists of about 500 actual scientific and technological project feasibility reports. Experimental results based on the actual datasets show that the proposed MFSFM converges quickly while expanding the latest methods of natural language matching at the accuracy rate.