Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attention augmented residual network for tomato disease detection and classification

: Deep learning techniques help agronomists eﬀiciently identify, analyze, and monitor tomato health. CNN (convolutional neural network) locality constraint and existing small train sample adversely influenced disease recognition performance. To alleviate these challenges, we proposed a discriminative feature learning attention augmented residual (AAR) network. The AAR network contains a stacked pre-activated residual block that learns deep coarse level features with locality context, whereas the attention block captures salient feature sets while maintaining the global relationship in data points, attention features augment the learning of the residual block. We used conditional variational generative adversarial network (CVGAN) image reconstruction network and augmentation techniques to enlarge the training sample size and improve feature distribution. We conducted several experiments to demonstrate the AAR network performance.The AAR network performed 97.04% accuracy without data generation and augmentation, 98.91% with data generation and augmentation, and 99.03% trained with data augmentation, which consistently improved tomato disease recognition and visualization effectiveness in both cases by learning salient features than deep and wide CNN baseline networks and other related works. Therefore, the AAR network can be a good candidate for improved tomato disease detection and classification task.
Design of wood structures ASD

Chapter 1: Wood Buildings and Design Criteria Chapter 2: Design Loads Chapter 3: Behavior of Structures Under Loads and Forces Chapter 4: Properties of Wood and Lumber Grades Chapter 5: Structural Glued Laminated Timber Chapter 6: Beam Design Chapter 7: Axial Forces and Combined Bending and Axial Forces Chapter 8: Wood Structural Panels Chapter 9: Horizontal Diaphragms Chapter 10: Shearwalls Chapter 11: Wood Connections--Background Chapter 12: Nailed and Stapled Connections Chapter 13: Bolts, Lag Bolts, and Other Connectors Chapter 14: Connection Hardware Chapter 15: Diaphragm-to-Shearwall Anchorage Chapter 16: Advanced Topics in Lateral Force Design APPENDIX A: EQUIVALENT UNIFORM WEIGHTS OF WOOD FRAMING APPENDIX B: WEIGHTS OF BUILDING MATERIALS APPENDIX C: SELECTED TABLES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, 2003 Edition APPENDIX D: SELECTED TABLES FROM MINIMUM DESIGN LOADS FOR BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES (ASCE 7-02) APPENDIX E: SI METRIC UNITS INDEX
Blending Classroom Activities with Multi-User Virtual Environment for At-Risk Primary School Students in an After-School Program: A Case Study

Various studies of Singapore schools have shown that the main factors that influence students’ academic performance include socio-economic status and attitudes toward school life. However, there are studies that have shown that teachers and teacher knowledge do make a difference regardless of social background. Hill and Rowe (1998), and Cuttance (1998, p. 1158-9) indicate that ‘up to 55% of the AbSTRACT
Comparative design of orthogonally stiffened plates for production and structural integrity - part 2: shape optimization

To improve the optimal stiffened plates obtained by size optimization in part 1 of this work (see previous abstract), shape optimisation is performed. Plate thickness, standardized beam cross sections, and beam spacing are used as discrete design variables. Three different optimality criteria are used for each stiffened plate configuration to produce one weight optimum, one work content optimum, and one total cost optimum structure. Structural, geometric, and producibility constraints are imposed by symmetry, the requirement for equally spaced stiffeners, and to maintain the basic characteristics of each stiffened panel. Producibility constraints are dictated by standardization in shipyard practice. Configuration 3 is excluded from the shape optimization analysis because its unequal longitudinal stiffener spacing makes its geometry unique. The overall optimum structure for each optimality criterion is identified. Finally, the effect of structural volume on the lifetime cost of the structure due to loss of cargo capacity is assessed.
Making IT Lean: Applying Lean Practices to the Work of IT

Introduction Lean Lean Improvement Model Narrative of the Book A Word about our References References The Work of IT The IT View of IT IT Work as Process-Based Work People-Process-Technology IT as Service-Based Work Business-IT Alignment IT Operations Lean IT Making IT Lean Summary References The OM Perspective Process Types Process Types in IT Work Customer Contact Workflow Model Workflow Concepts Volume, Variety, and Variation Concepts of Flow Waiting in Line Capacity Looking at the IT Factory Process Analysis Process Improvement Quality Improvement Summary References The Lean Improvement Model Lean Thinking Customer Value Value Stream Flow Elimination of Waste Continuous Improvement Lean Learning A3 Thinking Plan-Do-Check-Act Lean Problem-Solving Lean Tools Lean Enablers Summary Appendix: Examples of Waste in IT Work References Lean Problem-Solving: Identifying and Understanding Problems Identifying Waste Stumbling on Waste from Pain Points Tool: Process Mapping Tool: Swim-Lane Diagram Tool: RACI Chart More on Process Mapping Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Tool: Cause and Effect Diagram Identifying Waste in Clearly Identified Workflows Tool: Value Stream Map Tool: 5 Whys Tool: Pareto Chart Clarifying Difficult-to-Identify Workflows Tool: Go-and-See (Gemba) Surfacing Waste and Exposing Problems Tool: Removal of Work-in-Progress (WIP) Tool: 5S Sort Straighten Shine Standardize Sustain Tool: Visual Management Tool: A3 Reports Summary References Lean Problem-Solving: Identifying and Managing Solutions Starting with Root Causes Identifying Solutions Tool: Brainstorming Planning, Implementing, and Improving Solutions Tool: PDCA Tool: Checklists Tool: Mistake Proofing Creating Flow Tool: Pull (versus Push) Tool: One-Piece Flow (versus Batch) Tool: Rapid Changeover Tool: Work Cell Optimization Automation of IT Operations Improving Nonlinear Processes Continuous Improvement Kaizen Tool: Rapid Improvement Events Summary References Lean IT Service Management IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Incident Management Problem Management Service Request Fulfillment Service Desk External View of the Service Desk Internal View of the Service Desk Lean Service Desk Applying Lean to Other ITSM Processes Availability Management Event Management Change Management Implementing Lean ITSM Summary References Implementing and Sustaining Lean IT Improvements Continuous Improvement Rapid Improvement Events Lean Enablers Dealing with Obstacles Tool: 5 Questions Lean Culture Metrics and Measurement Lean IT at Work Lean IT in a Healthcare Company Lean IT at a Health Insurance Company Lean IT in a Hospital Summary References Looking at Lean IT Future Drivers of IT Work The Role of Lean References Index
A novel method of analytically extracting model parameters for stacked transformers

An accurate compact model for stacked transformers is proposed. The parasitics between the primary metal coils and the substrate are taken into consideration. The model parameters can be analytically extracted from open‐loaded S‐parameters measured from two‐port test structures. The modeling methodology renders excellent agreement with the data from both simulation and measurement over the frequency range of 0.1–20 GHz for a monolithic stacked transformer manufactured in 0.18‐µm Radio frequency Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (RF CMOS) technology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of a Photovoltaic/Battery Hybrid System for Powering the High Arctic Data Communications System

Abstract : The High Arctic Data Communications System (HADCS) was established to provide reliable communication between CFS Alert and Ottawa. This system includes a ground link from Alert to Eureka and a satellite link from Eureka to Ottawa. The ground link is necessary because Alert is over the horizon with respect to suitable satellites in stationary orbit. HADCS includes six unmanned microwave repeaters that are located on the top of mountains between Alert and Eureka. Typical power requirements for these sites are given in Table 1. These repeater stations are powered at the present time using SAFT 608Z 2000 Ah air depolarized (zinc-air) primary cells. Each repeater has two banks of batteries; one prime and one backup with 8 to 10 battery boxes of 14 cells in each box. Cell and battery data are given in Table 2. Annual battery maintenance is required. Each summer the prime battery bank is removed, the existing back-up bank is taken into active service (i.e., becomes the prime bank) and a fresh set of batteries is installed as the back-up bank. The old set of batteries has to be removed for disposal. Because of the remoteness of the HADCS sites and the weight of the battery system (about 2 tons per site), replacement of the batteries is a major operation. It takes about 3 weeks and involves approximately 25 people as well as the use of one or two Chinooks and two twin Huey helicopters during this period.
Cost and performance analysis of physical security systems

Analysis of cost and performance of physical security systems can be a complex, multi-dimensional problem. There are a number of point tools that address various aspects of cost and performance analysis. Increased interest in cost tradeoffs of physical security alternatives has motivated development of an architecture called Cost and Performance Analysis (CPA), which takes a top-down approach to aligning cost and performance metrics. CPA incorporates results generated by existing physical security system performance analysis tools, and utilizes an existing cost analysis tool. The objective of this architecture is to offer comprehensive visualization of complex data to security analysts and decision-makers.
A comparison of IT project's team performance of internal versus outsourced employees.

The performance of an employee is an integral part of a project’s success. In order for companies to realise their project objectives, it is essential that both internal and outsourced employees are performing optimally. This study aims to identify the factors that affect internal and outsourced employees, as well as to determine if there is a difference in employee performance in terms of information technology project deliverables. A sample of 74 employees was used from Derivco, which is based in La Lucia Ridge, Durban. The sample included both outsourced and internal employees. The data was collected by means of a questionnaire which included likert based questions. The data showed that outsourced employees performed better than internal employees as they had a greater probability of meeting the business requirements of a project. The literature review suggested that there were 20 possible variables that could influence employee performance. The results of this study concluded that 17 of the 20 variables identified from the literature review were important. The results of this study will benefit both employees and the organisation. Employees can gain a better awareness of their performance as well as helping the organisation in developing a better program to improve both internal and outsourced employees’ performance. The study extends the work of several models such as the Bennet and Franco et al. (2001) performance model and Develin’s (1989) organisational model. These models created a foundation for understanding teams, employees and the employer characteristics, in order to determine their performance patterns. However, particular attention is given to the Bennett and Franco model (2001) as well as the Sharpley model (2002). The reason for selecting these models is that the factors investigated in these frameworks are similar to those investigated in this research. The research aims to investigate whether South African organisations face similar impacts to the models described. The Bennett and Franco et al. (2001) and Sharpley (2002) models are based on perception, motivation, performance and an individual or internal motivation process. The findings of this research indicate that employees face similar factors to those shown in the Bennett, Franco and Sharpley models.
Fly-by-wire sidestick controller evaluation

Operational factors associated with sidestick controller-incorporating advanced airliner flight deck configurations were investigated in a simulation study at NASA-Ames in which 62 pilots participated. An evaluation was made of the requirement for the coupling of pilot and copilot sidestick controllers, as well as for the coupling of the aircraft autopilot to the sidestick. Tests were conducted on sidestick characteristics and control modes, anternative configurations for sidestick coupling, and alternative configurations for autopilot coupling. Design recommendations are made on the basis of the results obtained.
Wearable Sensor-Based Real-Time Sonification of Motion and Foot Pressure in Dance Teaching and Training

As with tasks involved with motion and gesture, teaching dance can take advantage of auditory displays that map specific dance steps into their acoustic counterparts. Wearable sensors based on acoustic “fingerprints” accompany the dance movements in real-time. This kind of audio feedback has a positive influence on motor movement and perception. For example, joint angles, weight distribution, and energy of jumps are easily recognized through sound. With practice, a student can hear if a complex movement was correctly executed. The auditory system can hear complex patterns of rapid motion, especially aspects of a dance that are not easily seen.
Miniaturized wide‐band rat‐race coupler

New designs of wide‐band rat‐race couplers are proposed. The wide‐band operation is achieved with the use of the microstrip nonuniform transmission line sections for the branches of the conventional rat‐race coupler. The design formulas are developed using ABCD matrix and the even‐ and odd‐mode analysis. The theoretical analysis has been verified by measurements of the two manufactured wideband rat‐race couplers, one operate within 0.85–1.92 GHz and other within 1.55–3.55 GHz frequency range with the equal normalized characteristic impedance functions. For both fabricated couplers, the isolation parameter is better than 15 dB over a 77% relative bandwidth. Also, it is shown that the designed wide‐band rat‐race coupler can be realized in higher frequency bands with the fixed fractional bandwidth. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 23: 675–681, 2013.
MODELO DE CONTROLE ESTRATÉGICO DE CUSTOS: UM ESTUDO DE CASO EM UMA EMPRESA DO SEGMENTO DE SEGURANÇA 1

There is evidence showing that a better competitive performance can be achieved through an alignment between management control and strategy in each company. Understanding the relationship between them could contribute to improve the organizational effectiveness. This paper discusses a research model that shows the links between a company’s strategy and its cost-related management control. This model is applied to a service company in the security industry trough a case study. Thus it is possible to identify the relationship between strategy and cost management control as well as some gaps. The filling of these gaps would offer an opportunity to increase the company’s organizational effectiveness.
Coefficient sensitivity and structure optimization of multidimensional state-space digital filters

In this paper, a new coefficient sensitivity measure for multidimensional (n-D) digital systems in state-space representation is proposed. This is motivated by the fact that coefficients equal to 0 or /spl plusmn/1 can be implemented exactly using finite wordlength and thus have no contribution to coefficient quantization errors. The relationship between commonly used sensitivity measures for 2-D and n-D systems and the new one proposed in this paper is discussed. It is shown that in evaluating the accuracy between a finite wordlength implementation of a transfer function and the ideal one, the proposed sensitivity measure is more useful than the commonly used ones. Further, the proposed measure confirms that realizations with Schur and/or Hessenberg structures can be used to obtain more accurate finite wordlength implementations of transfer functions than the ones obtained using fully parametrized minimum sensitivity structures.
Finite time Synchronization of Inertial Memristive Neural Networks with Time Varying Delay

Finite time synchronization control of inertial memristor-based neural networks with varying delay is considered. In view of drive and response concept, the sufficient conditions to ensure finite time synchronization issue of inertial memristive neural networks is given. Based on Lyapunov finite time asymptotic theory, a kind of feedback controllers is designed for inertial memristorbased neural networks to realize the finite time synchronization. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, close loop error system can be proved finite time and fixed time stable. Finally, illustrative example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Distalization with a C-DFD modified with mini-screws. A case report

There are currently many devices used for molar distalization when there is a Class II malocclusion; some of these devices include headgear, tooth-supported and bone-supported pendulums, the distal jet, and the sliding jig, among others. All of them have undesirable side effects. This case report aims to illustrate the results obtained by using a device with cortical and bone anchorage to treat a Class II malocclusion of a patient with a skeletal and dental class II malocclusion. A Cortical Dual Force Distalizer (C-DFD, a cortical-anchoring appliance designed at CES University in Medellin, Colombia was used. This device was modified by using a couple of mini-screws to reinforce anchorage, thus achieving upper distalization of molars and avoiding treatment with extractions. The C-DFD is a bone-supported distalizer that achieves a more controlled and in-body distal movement of the first upper molar, avoiding the inclinations produced by other distalizers.
Education and Income Better Boost the Health of Non-Hispanic White than Black Americans

Background. Socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as education and income influence population health including but not limited to self-rated health (SRH). Based on Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs), however, we observe weaker health effects SES indicators for non-Hispanic Blacks compared to non-Hispanic Whites. While such diminished returns of SES resources are shown in nationally representative data and Michigan data, there is still a need to replicate these findings in other settings. This is particularly relevant because the effects of social SES indicators are not universal but vary across geographic locations. This cross-sectional study tested racial differences in the effects of high educational attainment and income on SRH among Californian adults. Methods. Survey of California Adults on Serious Illness and End-of-Life is a representative survey of Californian adults conducted for the California Health Care Foundation. The independent variables were educational attainment and income. The main outcome was poor/fair SRH. Age, gender, marital status, and employment were control variables (confounders). Racial group membership was the effect modifier. Linear regression model was utilized to analyze the data. Results. Overall, higher education and income were associated with better SRH. Race showed significant statistical interactions with education and income on SRH, indicating weaker boosting effects of high education and income on SRH of non-Hispanic Blacks than non-Hispanic Whites. At least some of the diminished return of education on health for non-Hispanic Blacks than non-Hispanic Whites was due to income. Conclusions. While high education and income improve SRH of Californians, these effects are unequal between non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites with education and income showing diminished health returns for non-Hispanic Blacks than non-Hispanic Whites. More than the availability of education and income, what populations can do with their education and income may be important. Under segregation, racism, and discrimination, education and income have weaker effects on changing the living condition of the historically oppressed racial group. To close the existing racial gap in health, we need much more than equalizing access to education and income. Education quality of urban public schools should be improved. Types of occupations that are available in Black communities should be improved. Meanwhile, non-Hispanic Black middle class should be helped so they can better leverage their SES resources and turn to outcomes. Such changes need a through change to the living conditions of non-Hispanic Blacks across all SES levels.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Government: The Role of Discretion for Engagement with Public Policy

We investigate the relationship of corporate social responsibility (CSR) (often assumed to reflect corporate voluntarism) and government (often assumed to reflect coercion). We distinguish two broad perspectives on the CSR and government relationship: the dichotomous (i.e., government and CSR are / should be independent of one another) and the related (i.e., government and CSR are / should be interconnected). Using typologies of CSR public policy and of CSR and the law, we present an integrated framework for corporate discretion for engagement with public policy for CSR. We make four related contributions. First, we explain the dichotomous and the related perspectives with reference to their various assumptions and analyses. Second, we demonstrate that public policy for CSR and corporate discretion coexist and interact. Specifically, we show, third, that public policy for CSR can inform and stimulate corporate discretion and, fourth, that corporations have discretion for CSR, particularly as to how corporations engage with such policy.
Comparative analyses of space-to-space central power stations

The technological and economical impact of a large central power station in Earth orbit on the performance and cost of future spacecraft and their orbital transfer systems are examined. It is shown that beaming power to remote users cannot be cost effective if the central power station uses the same power generation system that is readily available for provision of onboard power and microwave transmission and reception of power through space for use in space is not cost competitive with onboard power or propulsion systems. Laser and receivers are required to make central power stations feasible. Remote power transmission for propulsion of orbital transfer vehicles promises major cost benefits. Direct nuclear pumped or solar pumped laser power station concepts are attractive with laser thermal and laser electric propulsion systems. These power stations are also competitive, on a mass and cost basis, with a photovoltaic power station.