Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LQG approach for the high-precision track control of ships

Design ideas and experiences gained during the development of an adaptive high precision track controller for ships are summarised. The controller is installed on a number of different ships, using a variety of position measurement systems. The design follows the spirit of the LQG paradigm combined with a model following feedforward strategy. The ship is kept to a manoeuvring trajectory through a combination of feedforward and LQG feedback control. The variances and weighting coefficients for the LQG controller are chosen systematically. The large number of design parameters is reduced by appropriate model scaling. In addition, a decomposition structure of the Kalman filter is exploited to reveal the important tuning parameters.
High-Temperature SOI/SiC-Based DC-DC Converter Suite

A complete design strategy (mechanical and electrical) for a 25 W 28 V/5 V dc-dc converter utilizing SiC and SOI electronics is presented. The converter includes a high-temperature SOI-based PWM controller featuring 150 kHz operation, a PID feedback loop, maximum duty cycle limit, complementary or symmetrical outputs, and a bootstrapped high-side gate driver. Several passive technologies were investigated for both control and power sections. Capacitor technologies were characterized over temperature and over time at 300, power inductors designed and tested up to 350, and power transformers designed and tested up to 500. Northrop Grumman normally-off SiC JFETs were used as power switches and were characterized up to 250. Efficiency and mass optimization routines were developed with the data gained from the first prototype. The effects of radiation on SiC and SOI electronics are then discussed. The results of the first prototype module are presented, with operation from 25 up to an ambient temperature of 240 .
Three new records of lichenised fungi from India

Three lichen species, namely Amandinea errata and Baculifera xylophila, belonging to family Caliciaceae, and Baeomyces rufus, of family Baeomycetaceae, are newly reported for the Indian lichen biota. A brief morphotaxonomic description of each species, along with their ecology and distribution, is also provided.
Historical energy analysis of the Norwegian dwelling stock

The building sector is a big consumer of energy and is responsible for a considerable share of the greenhouse gas emissions within most developed countries. Based on the development in underlying drivers and using system analysis methods, the historical development in energy flows in the Norwegian residential building stock, the associated costs and greenhouse gas emissions are estimated. The results show that although a 39% decrease occurred in energy consumption per square metre in the use phase, the total energy consumption increased due to increased stock size. Further, the total energy consumption was substantially dominated by the use phase. The energy-related costs increase even more than energy consumption due to increased energy prices, but the greenhouse gas emissions decrease due to changes in the energy mix. The per-capita results follow the same trends as the aggregated results, whereas there have been larger improvements in the system on a per-square-metre basis. Based on underlying drivers, the model ensures inclusion of development trends that are not easily explained by the direct factors energy efficiency, energy mix and energy prices. Le secteur du bâtiment est un gros consommateur d'énergie et est responsable d'une part considérable des émissions de gaz à effet de serre dans la plupart des pays développés. En se basant sur l'évolution des facteurs sous-jacents et en utilisant des méthodes d'analyse des systèmes, sont estimés l'évolution historique des flux d'énergie dans le parc bâti résidentiel norvégien, les coûts qui s'y rapportent et les émissions de gaz à effet de serre. Les résultats montrent que, bien qu'une diminution de 39% soit intervenue dans la consommation d'énergie par mètre carré dans la phase d'utilisation, la consommation totale d'énergie a augmenté en raison de la taille accrue du parc. En outre, la consommation totale d'énergie a été fortement dominée par la phase d'utilisation. Les coûts liés à l'énergie augmentent encore plus que la consommation d'énergie du fait de l'augmentation des prix de l'énergie, mais les émissions de gaz à effet de serre diminuent en raison des changements intervenus dans le mix énergétique. Les résultats par personne suivent les mêmes tendances que les résultats agrégés, alors que des améliorations plus importantes se sont produites dans le système sur la base du mètre carré. En se basant sur les facteurs sous-jacents, le modèle assure l'inclusion de tendances évolutives qui ne s'expliquent pas facilement par les facteurs directs d'efficacité énergétique, de mix énergétique et de prix de l'énergie. Mots clés: parc bâti, empreinte carbone, analyse des coûts, parc de logements, analyse dynamique des flux de matériaux, empreinte économique, consommation d'énergie, efficacité énergétique, émissions de gaz à effet de serre
Design of the High-Speed High-Resolution Latched Comparator

Based on the latch and comparison theory, a high-speed high-resolution latched comparator is designed in this paper by using a standard 0. 18μm/1.8V CMOS process. With the sampling frequency of 400MHz, the Cadence Spectre simulation results show that the regeneration time is around 230ps and only 11.83mV offset voltage, power consumption is 2.12mW, the minimum voltage resolution is 0.2mV without any input offset error. The circuit is applicable for the design of a high-speed high-resolution A/D converter.
Shared passengers and goods urban transport solutions

Urban goods transport, long considered not to be a priority issue, seems to be attracting interest today not only by traditional actors, such as local administrations and logistics firms, but also by new actors, such as local public sector transport companies. The first part defines the concept of shared passenger and goods urban transport and describes the existing solutions by means of an international survey. An analysis is then made of the experiences of pioneering European urban transport operators and finally economic factors are examined along with the conditions which could make those solutions an interesting alternative to the traditional provision of logistics services. Finally, possible scenarios for Milan are proposed, based on an analysis of the urban transport system of this regional capital. Il trasporto urbano delle merci, a lungo considerato come un problema non prioritario, sembra oggi attirare interesse non solo da parte degli attori tradizionali, come le amministrazioni locali e le imprese logistiche, ma anche da parte di nuovi attori, quali le aziende del trasporto pubblico locale. Nella prima parte e definito il concetto di trasporto urbano congiunto di passeggeri e merci e sono descritte le soluzioni esistenti, attraverso una survey a scala internazionale. Sono successivamente analizzate le esperienze di operatori europei pionieri nel trasporto urbano e vengono, infine, esaminati i fattori economici e le condizioni che potrebbero rendere tali soluzioni un’alternativa interessante alla produzione tradizionale di servizi logistici. Infine, sono proposti alcuni possibili scenari per Milano, ipotizzati a partire dall’analisi del sistema di trasporto urbano del capoluogo lombardo.
Micro flexible ultrasound imaging array systems.

Medical ultrasonography has continued to be an important biomedical imaging modality for its various advantages. Conventional medical ultrasound systems typically utilize a rigid transceiver phase array, with a relatively small transceiver contact area. A micro conformal system increases observation aperture by using a large, flexible transducer array that conforms to curved body surfaces, providing increased angular coverage and 3‐D imagery. In addition, the frequency‐modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signaling format requires lower peak power than pulse‐echo systems and exhibit more favorable receiver noise characteristics. This paper provides an overview of the hardware development of the micro flexible ultrasound array system. The image formation procedure is first presented in the form of pulse‐echo imaging modality. Subsequently, image reconstruction algorithms are formulated for the FMCW imaging format. In addition, the equivalence between the pulse‐echo and FMCW imaging modes is developed. This ena.
Identifying the most influential parameter affecting natural ventilation performance in high-rise high-density residential buildings

Natural ventilation contributes to comfort, reduction of energy use for air conditioning and improving indoor air quality in high-rise high-density residential buildings. Measures to improve its performance should be of interest to the general public. Among factors that have an impact on natural ventilation performance of residential units, openings configuration is perhaps the most investigated. Much research work has been done on investigating the impact of different configuration parameters, but most previous studies are focused on only one impact parameter. In this study, computational fluid dynamics simulations are conducted for evaluating the combined impact of different configuration parameters so as to identify the configuration parameter that has the highest impact on natural ventilation performance of residential units. Statistical analysis of simulation results revealed that amongst the five studied parameters (i.e. ventilation mode, window type, orientation, window-to-wall ratio and living room area), natural ventilation performance, represented by mean age of air, is most affected by the ventilation mode adopted (i.e. cross or single-sided ventilation).
An Evaluation of Control Systems and Mass Emission Rates from Dryer-Drum Hot Asphalt Plants

The problems associated with the design and operation of appropriate air pollution control equipment for particulate emissions from dryer-drum hot asphalt plants are discussed by outlining the basic process involved, the quantities of particulate matter being emitted, and possible methods of control. The most difficult problem seems to be the emission of a fine aerosol of unburned hydrocarbons generated as a result of the simultaneous heating and mixing of the asphaltic material. From the information presented, it was concluded that in most circumstances the venturi scrubber would be the most viable alternative to meet the 0.04 gr/dscf limitation imposed by the New Source Performance Standards promulgated by the EPA.
The Development of a Dual Injection Hydrogen Fueled Engine With High Power and High Efficiency

To achieve high power and high efficiency in a hydrogen fueled engine for all load conditions, the dual injection hydrogen fueled engine that can derive the advantage of both high efficiency from external mixture hydrogen engine and high power from direct cylinder injection hydrogen engine was introduced. For verifying the feasibility of the above engine, the high pressure hydrogen injector of ball valve type actuated by a solenoid was developed. A systematic experimental study was conducted by using a modified single cylinder dual injection hydrogen fueled engine which was equipped with both an intake injector and a high pressure in-cylinder injector. The results showed that (1) the developed high pressure hydrogen injector with a solenoid actuator had good gas-tightness and fine control performance, (2) the transient injection region, in which injection methods are changed from external fuel injection to direct-cylinder injection, ranged from 59 to 74 percent of the load, and (3) the dual injection hydrogen fueled engine had the maximum torque of direct-cylinder fuel injection and the maximum efficiency of external fuel mixture hydrogen engines.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Ecosystem biomimetics for resource use optimization in buildings

An ecomimetic method is developed as an innovative and transdisciplinary design approach rooted in the field of biomimetics. This new method emulates the interrelated complexity of the parts of an ecosystem with the intent to design buildings that are more efficient, effective and holistic. Ecomimetics refers to the design of buildings that mimic ecosystem processes and functions. This approach provides potential opportunities for climate change adaptation and mitigation by optimizing the use of resources in buildings. One challenge to the application of ecomimetics in architecture is the lack of systematic methods supported by scientific research, which may prevent development in this field. A theoretical basis and the initial development of an ecomimetic design method is presented, with a description of each step of the design process. Ecological systems are selected for functional properties that match architectural design goals, and then design tools are used to abstract and transfer those properties to architectural systems. The design tools integrated in the method are from the fields of ecological engineering, systems dynamics and architecture. The case of the Eastgate Center in Harare, Zimbabwe, is used to illustrate the method.
Slew rate enhancement method for folded-cascode amplifiers

A new circuit is proposed to enhance the slew rate (SR) of the folded-cascode amplifier (FCA). The proposed circuit is automatically activated during the slewing phase. Simulation results show a four-times improvement in the SR and close to 40% reduction in the settling time, compared to a conventional FCA.
Using Terrain Navigation to Improve Marine Vessel Navigation Systems

Terrain navigation has been used extensively by underwater vehicles in the last decade. By comparing bathymetric measurements with a digital terrain model (DTM), one can estimate a global position of a vehicle underwater, where global positioning system (GPS) signals are unavailable. With the increasing threat of GPS signal jammers and spoofers to marine vessels, GPS-independent techniques are becoming more interesting for surface vessels as well. This paper explores the idea and challenges of using terrain navigation to detect GPS spoofing and as a substitute position source during GPS jamming. A robust navigation system is suggested based on a GPS-aided inertial navigation system (INS) augmented by terrain navigation. The INS and terrain navigation system of the HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) was adapted to a surface vessel and tested in two experiments on the coast of Norway in scenarios simulating GPS jamming. The results from the experiments clearly indicate the feasibility of such a system, if a DTM of the area is available and the terrain is well suited for terrain navigation.
Glucose Metabolism Indices and the Development of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cohort Study of Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Persons

Objective Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a major global health issue, and abnormalities of glucose metabolism are a risk factor responsible for development of CKD. We aimed to investigate associations between glucose metabolism indices and CKD in a Chinese population and determine which index is superior for predicting incident CKD. Methods We performed a community-based population on 5232 subjects aged ≥40 years without baseline CKD. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g. We examined the associations of glucose metabolism indices, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour (2 h) oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin level, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and HOMA-β and the development of CKD. Results With an average follow-up of 3.6 years, 6.4% of the subjects developed CKD. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that FPG, HbA1c, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were all significantly correlated with UACR and eGFR. The association persisted in multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for age and sex. Compared with other glucose indices, HOMA-IR exhibited the strongest associations with CKD in COX multivariate regression analysis (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04–1.31). Conclusion HOMA-IR is superior to other routine indices of glucose metabolism for predicting the development of CKD in middle-aged Chinese persons. Screening with HOMA-IR may help prevent the development of CKD in the general population.
Effectiveness of Class C Fly Ash on Mitigating Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete Pavement

Throughout the state of Nebraska, Portland cement concrete pavements (PCCP) use Platte River sand and gravel exclusively as a fine aggregate. It has been well established that this aggregate is a reactive aggregate that can potentially lead to alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Fly ash has been used as an economic and effective way for ASR mitigation. However, Class C fly ash produced by Nebraska power plants has been identified as a major contributor to the premature deterioration of PCCP. This paper presents the experimental work performed to assess the effect of using Class C fly ash in PCCP to control ASR. The ASTM C 1567 test method was adopted to evaluate the expansion in 16 different mixes that contain different proportions of Class C fly ash, Class F fly ash, slag, and cement. Four mixes have been chosen for overall performance testing based on the ASTM C 1567 test results and material cost. These mixes, which contain at least 15% Class C fly ash in addition to Class F fly ash and/or slag, showed better performance over the current standard mix.
Laser-machined cascaded micro cavities for simultaneous measurement of dual parameters

Fiber-optic cascaded micro Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavities fabricated by 157-nm laser micromachining is demonstrated, for simultaneous measurement of high temperature and refractive index, or high temperature and strain, respectively. The sensor head consists of a short air extrinsic F-P cavity and an intrinsic single-mode fiber F-P cavity. These two micro cavities possess different response coefficients to temperature, stain and refractive index, which are ultilized for dual parameters measurement. Experimental results shows dual parameters meausurement could been achived from 50℃ ~380℃ based on such a sensing structure.
Measuring Accessibility: An Exploration of Issues and Alternatives

Accessibility is an important characteristic of metropolitan areas and is often reflected in transportation and land-use planning goals. But the concept of accessibility has rarely been translated into performance measures by which policies are evaluated, despite a substantial literature on the concept. This paper is an attempt to bridge the gap between the academic literature and the practical application of such measures and provide a framework for the development of accessibility measures. Issues that planners must address in developing an accessibility measure are outlined, and two case studies suggestive of the range of possible approaches are presented.
Design and testing of fixed‐wing MAVs

Purpose – This study aims to design and test some fixed‐wing micro aerial vehicles (MAV). Design/methodology/approach – The MAV wing planform in this study was designed based on previous results and the need to reduce the weight of the MAV. The MAV had a wing planform with a 6 percent Gottingen‐329 camber airfoil, a 20° swept‐back leading edge and a straight trailing edge. The fuselage was designed to contain a motor, an electronic control system and a video camera with a built‐in transmitter. The battery was located outside the fuselage to trim the center of gravity and enable the battery to be changed easily when it has run out. Two exaggerated vertical stabilizers were installed to prevent the MAV from rolling. The materials, the power plant and the electronics used to fabricate the MAV herein were either the lightest or the smallest from that could be obtained off‐the‐shelf. Since, MAVs should be expendable, the cost was kept under US$250 (including the cost of an onboard video camera system, which cos.
Capacity Planning for an Integrated Waste Management System Under Uncertainty: a North American Case Study

In this paper, a grey integer-programming (GIP) formulation for the capacity planning of an integrated waste management system under uncertainty is applied to a North American case study. The GIP model is formulated by introducing concepts of grey systems and grey decisions into a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) framework. The approach has an advantage in that uncertain information (presented as interval numbers) can be effectively communicated into the optimization processes and resulting solutions, such that feasible decision alternatives can be generated through interpretation and analysis of the grey solutions according to projected applicable system conditions. Moreover, the GIP solution algorithm does not lead to more complicated intermediate models, and thus has lower computational re quirements than other integer-programming methods that deal with uncertainties. The proposed model is used for the long-term planning of waste management facility expansion/utilization in the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth (RMHW), Ontario, Canada. The binary decision variables in the model represent the ranges of facility expansion/development alternatives within a multi-period, multi-facility and multi-scale context, and the grey continuous variables represent waste flows along the routes connecting the municipalities and the waste management facilities. The results indicate that reasonable solutions have been generated through this grey mathematical programming approach. The case study results are potentially useful for MSW decision-makers in the RMHW for the long-term planning of the Region's waste management activities and for formulating related local policies/ regulations regarding waste generation and management, and may stimulate the interest of waste management professionals in other jurisdictions on the use of this type of modelling approach for their specific long-range planning applications. © 1997 ISWA
Need for and Relevance of Customer Relationship Management in Engineering Colleges

Abstract Modern education, with special reference to igher education (HE), is far htaken out of the traditional meaning of education. A number of business features have infiltrated these institutions of HE where students assume the place of a customer. In the present business scenario ustomer relationship c management (CRM) technology assumes an important role in managing customers. Therefore a relevant question would be to know whether educational institutions need to implement this technology to manage their constituent relationships. This paper makes an attempt to evaluate studies on commercial features of a modern educational system and then present the findings of a study conducted to know the relevance of CRM Technology in HE. An evaluation is also made to know the awareness of the concept of CRM among the educators. The findings show that the educators’ awareness of CRM strategies is good, of CRM concepts is poor and of practice is average. Further, an overwhelming majority of the respondents felt that CRM is relevant for educational institutions in the present scenario.
The Method of On-Line Detection of Antiicing Additive Concentration in Jet Fuel

Ethylene glycol methyl fan is the main components of Anti icing additive of jet fuel. the volume percent of Anti icing additive in fuel is 0.1～0.15%. It is a typical detection problem of trace substances in complex organic phase to detecting the content of only 0.1 to 0.15% of the ether substances in jet fuel comprising of by hundreds of kinds of organic matter , so there is no on-line measurement method by now. In this paper , a means is offered that combine micro extraction technology and on-line optical spectroscopy technique . by this way, anti icing additive concentration can be real-time measured and the precision can reach 5%, can meet the need of oil blending control and quality detection.