Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimum switching loss pulse width modulation for reduced power conversion loss in reactive power compensators

Advanced bus-clamping switching sequences, which employ an active vector twice in a subcycle, are used to reduce line current distortion and switching loss in a space vector modulated voltage source converter. This study evaluates minimum switching loss pulse width modulation (MSLPWM), which is a combination of such sequences, for static reactive power compensator (STATCOM) application. It is shown that MSLPWM results in a significant reduction in device loss over conventional space vector pulse width modulation. Experimental verification is presented at different power levels of up to 150 kVA.
Unified theory of elementary fermions and their interactions based on Clifford algebras

Seven commuting elements of the Clifford algebra $Cl_{7,7}$ define seven binary eigenvalues that distinguish the $2^7=128$ states of 32 fermions, and determine their parity, electric charge and interactions. Three commuting elements of the sub-algebra $Cl_{3,3}$ define three binary quantum numbers that distinguish the eight states of lepton doublets. The Dirac equation is reformulated in terms of a Lorentz invariant operator which expresses the properties of these states in terms of Dirac 4-component spinors. Re-formulation of the Standard Model shows chiral symmetry breaking to be redundant. A $Cl_{3,3}$ sub-algebra of $Cl_{5,5}$ defines two additional binary quantum numbers that distinguish quarks and leptons, and describes the SU(3) gluons that produce the hadron substrate, explaining quark confinement. Finally, a $Cl_{3,3}$ sub-algebra of $Cl_{7,7}$ defines a further two binary quantum numbers that distinguish four fermion generations. The predicted fourth generation is shown to have no neutrino and a distinct substrate, suggesting that ordinary matter is confined and providing candidates for unconfined dark matter. Interactions between fermions in the first three generations are predicted, including those that produce flavour symmetry. Relationships are explored between the $Cl_{1,3}$ algebra and general relativity, and between $Cl_{5,5}$ and SO(32) string theory.
Learning Task-aware Robust Deep Learning Systems

Many works demonstrate that deep learning system is vulnerable to adversarial attack. A deep learning system consists of two parts: the deep learning task and the deep model. Nowadays, most existing works investigate the impact of the deep model on robustness of deep learning systems, ignoring the impact of the learning task. In this paper, we adopt the binary and interval label encoding strategy to redefine the classification task and design corresponding loss to improve robustness of the deep learning system. Our method can be viewed as improving the robustness of deep learning systems from both the learning task and deep model. Experimental results demonstrate that our learning task-aware method is much more robust than traditional classification while retaining the accuracy.
PENETRATION RESISTANCE, SOIL WATER CONTENT, AND WORKABILITY OF GRASSLANDS SOILS UNDER TWO TILLAGE SYSTEMS

Increase in the size of dairy cattle farms in northwest Spain has caused an intensification of forage production and reinforced the need for two crops per year. However, in this geographical area, the establishment of the winter crop is not always possible because of the high rainfall and the poor workability of the land. The objective of this study is to evaluate the no-tillage system as a possible solution for these workability problems. Although no-till planting systems have been accepted for many years in some regions, it is relatively new to the area where this study was conducted. Cone index (CI) values under two tillage systems were studied during three consecutive growing seasons (2000/2001, 2001/2002, and 2002/2003). The relationship between the penetration resistance and the soil water content of a sandy loam soil was studied during two consecutive growing seasons (2001/2002 and 2002/2003). Conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) were compared in a crop of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) in rotation with silage corn (Zea mays L.) during four growing seasons. Soil penetration resistance and soil water content were related to soil workability. The results showed higher cone index values under NT than under CT and a good correlation between penetration resistance and soil water content. NT showed a greater ability to bear traffic load and, therefore, an improvement in soil workability throughout the growing season. This improvement was more valuable in autumn at the time of ryegrass drilling, the critical time from the point of view of soil workability. In spite of the higher CI values, dry matter yields of Italian ryegrass were not significantly different under NT than under CT.
Low-IF topologies for high-performance analog front ends of fully integrated receivers

When it comes to integratability, the zero-intermediate frequency (IF) receiver is an alternative for the heterodyne or IF receiver. In recent years, the zero-IF receiver has been introduced in several applications, but its performance cannot be compared to that of the IF receiver yet. This lower performance is closely related to its baseband operation, resulting in filter saturation and distortion, both caused by DC-offsets and self-mixing at the inputs of the mixers. The low-IF receiver has a topology which is closely related to the zero-IF receiver, but it does not operate in the baseband, only near the baseband. The consequences are that, as for the zero-IF receiver, the implementation of a low-IF receiver can be done with a high degree of integration, however, its performance can be better. In this paper, the fundamental principles of the low-IF receiver topology are introduced. Different low-IF receiver topologies are synthesized and fully analyzed in this paper. This is done by applying the complex signal technique-a technique used in digital applications to the study of analog receiver front ends.
Genome Sequence of Halobacterium sp. Strain BOL4-2, Isolated and Cultured from Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Halobacterium sp. strain BOL4-2 was isolated from an Andean salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, in Bolivia. Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing revealed a 2.4-Mbp genome with a 2.0-Mbp chromosome and four plasmids (2 to 299 kb). Its isolation from an environment experiencing multiple extremes makes the strain interesting for astrobiology. ABSTRACT Halobacterium sp. strain BOL4-2 was isolated from an Andean salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, in Bolivia. Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing revealed a 2.4-Mbp genome with a 2.0-Mbp chromosome and four plasmids (2 to 299 kb). Its isolation from an environment experiencing multiple extremes makes the strain interesting for astrobiology.
Cooling For Non-Lactating Ewes to Alleviate the Thermal Heat Stress

The aim of this experiment was to determine, showering and ventilating effects on non-lactating ewes for relieving heat stress in subtropical climate conditions. Sixty crossbred non-lactating Cukurova Assaf ewes (75% East-Friesian +25% Awassi) in Sheep Research Farm of Cukurova University were selected according to their ages, and assigned into three different treatments: one time shower (OTS), two times shower (TTS) and not showered (Control). Two treatment groups were ventilated from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, while Control group was not ventilated. The physiological data such as rectal temperature, respiration and pulse rate, and skin temperatures (from head and udder) were recorded 3 times a day (8 00 -9 00 ; 16 00 -17 00 ; 24 00 -01 00 ). It has been concluded that, depending on the air temperature, head temperatures, udder temperatures, respiration rates, rectal temperatures and pulse rates of control group increased during the day and, decreased to the normal level at night. Additionally, interactions effect (group x times) was significant for rectal, head and udder temperatures of experimental ewes. In conclusion, shower application two times per day during the experimental period days could be effectively used to eliminate heat stress in sheep husbandry.
A Case Study of English Language Learning Strategies for University Students of Engineering Design Specialty

This research aims at investigating language learning strategies of students of English as a foreign language in China. Using the questionnaire SILL as an instrument, qualitative and quantitative research methods are used. 33 valid questionnaires of university students of Engineering Design Specialty have been collected. The data have been analyzed using SPSS Version 20. The results show that the university students of Engineering Design Specialty sometimes use the English learning strategies at medium level. They sometimes use Compensation strategies, Cognitive strategies, Metacognitive strategies, Affective strategies and Social strategies, and they generally do not use Memory strategies.
Modeling the Dynamics of an Infrastructure Project

Abstract: Contractors frequently encounter various problems during project construction, even when properly employing traditional project management techniques and tools. These problems result in low project performance and poor project outcome. A dynamic simulation model is proposed to capture the dynamics of construction projects in the construction phase. Eight key feedback structures from previous models of project dynamics and the unique characteristics of construction projects are identified as dynamic hypotheses. They include the structures of labor, equipment, material, labor and equipment interaction, schedule, rework, safety, and quality. Subsequently, a formal simulation model is mathematically formulated in terms of stock and flow diagrams. The model is then calibrated into a real project under construction. Part of testing indicates that the simulated behavior of the model and the actual behavior of the project are similar. This implies that the model is able to simulate the dynamics of the project and, consequently, to enhance project monitoring and control.
Mechanism of the Modified Carbon Nanotubes Toughening DSP Cement Mortar

The analysis is made for the modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and the mechanical properties and microstructure of the modified carbon nanotubes toughening DSP cement mortar, the existence and toughening effect of modified carbon nanotubes on the fracture surface of materials were analyzed. Results shows that, the surface of the carbon nanotubes in the sample is covered with cement hydration products, with the carbon nanotubes in drawing state on the fracture surface and both ends of the tube connected firmly with cement materials, thus carbon nanotubes improve the toughness of materials effectively.
INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS: Literature and Taxonomy

▪ Abstract Industrial symbiosis, as part of the emerging field of industrial ecology, demands resolute attention to the flow of materials and energy through local and regional economies. Industrial symbiosis engages traditionally separate industries in a collective approach to competitive advantage involving physical exchange of materials, energy, water, and/or by-products. The keys to industrial symbiosis are collaboration and the synergistic possibilities offered by geographic proximity. This paper reviews the small industrial symbiosis literature and some antecedents, as well as early efforts to develop eco-industrial parks as concrete realizations of the industrial symbiosis concept. Review of the projects is organized around a taxonomy of five different material exchange types. Input-output matching, stakeholder processes, and materials budgeting appear to be useful tools in advancing eco-industrial park development. Evolutionary approaches to industrial symbosis are found to be important in creating.
Distribution of oil, grease and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coastal water and sediments of Suez Bay

Abstract The permanganate index (PI), oil and grease (O&G), and 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in surface sediment and water samples collected at 13 sites along the western coast of Suez Bay (SB). PI and O&G in the SB coastal seawater ranged from 9.6 mg O2 l−1 and 17.0 mg l−1 to 16.0 mg O2 l−1 and 37.0 mg l−1, respectively. The level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in water and sediment in the SB offshore area was determined by gas chromatography/flame ionization detection. The concentration ranged from 0.574 to 16873.2 ng g−1 in the sediment and 0.502 to 43.540 ng l−1 in water. The collected data were compared with values reported in the literature. The possible source and origin of pollution was also assessed based on the determined relative PAH levels at the study sites, the ratio of low molecular mass PAHs (LPAHs) to high molecular mass PAHs (HPAHs), and molecular indices of samples.
Design of Unsymmetrical Band-Pass Filters

The paper presents a new approach to the synthesis of band-pass filters, in particular of filters with electrical characteristics which are not symmetrical with respect to their center frequency when plotted on an arithmetic frequency scale. The synthesis proceeds in three steps: approximation, representation by means of fictitious network elements in the low-pass domain, and subsequent low-pass, band-pass transformation. The approximation process leads to network functions defined by polynomials containing complex coefficients. It is shown that these functions can be handled with available synthesis procedures, if suitable modifications are made. This technique is based upon the properties of quasi-Hurwitz polynomials, treated in the Appendix. These procedures then lead to a network representation in the low-pass domain, which includes two fictitious network elements, namely constant positive or negative imaginary quantities. After a low-pass, band-pass transformation has been applied the network becomes physically realizable. It is shown that unsymmetrical lossless networks can be developed into canonic forms in the low-pass domain. A practical example is given.
The Effect of Pricing Frame on Purchase Intention: A Mediated Moderation Model of Product Type

With the development of Internet and e-commerce, pricing frame (like partitioned pricing vs. combined pricing) plays an important role in behavioral decision-making. Previous studies found that compared with combined pricing, partitioned pricing prevailed in its influence on purchase intention, but some found the reverse results. Researchers categorized them into the different kinds of moderating roles, which included the variables related to price composition, consumer's characteristics, seller's reputation and external situations, etc. But the role of product type (hedonic goods vs. utilitarian goods) was seldom investigated. Meantime, some studies found its underlying emotional reactions of consumers before they bought or decided to buy the hedonic goods, which called anticipatory guilt. So this was the main focus of this study. We developed three hypotheses and designed two online experiments in the 2 (pricing frame: partitioned pricing vs. combined pricing)×2 (product type: hedonic goods vs. utilitarian goods) between-subjects design. The results of Experiment 1 showed that the main effect of pricing frame on purchase intention was significant, which favored partitioned pricing. Meanwhile, product type moderated the effect of pricing frame on purchase intention. Specifically, compared with combined pricing, partitioned pricing increased the purchase intention for hedonic goods, but not utilitarian goods. Further, in Experiment 2, we found that the moderation effect was fully mediated by anticipatory guilt, which verified a mediated moderation effect. These findings confirmed and extended previous studies suggesting that partitioned pricing prevailed more than combined pricing, especially in the online business context. Moreover, there was some boundary conditions of product type on the effect of partitioned pricing. Furthermore, the emotional reactions of anticipatory guilt was investigated to mediate the interaction effect. Our findings can also be a useful guideline for marketing business to adopt the suitable pricing tactics to enhance the purchase intention.
Lachesis: a middleware for customizing OS scheduling of stream processing queries

Data streaming applications in Cyber-Physical Systems enable high-throughput, low-latency transformations of raw data into value. The performance of such applications, run by Stream Processing Engines (SPEs), can be boosted through custom CPU scheduling. Previous schedulers in the literature require alterations to SPEs to control the scheduling through user-level threads. While such alterations allow for fine-grained control, they hinder the adoption of such schedulers due to the high implementation cost and potential limitations in application semantics (e.g., blocking I/O). Motivated by the above, we explore the feasibility and benefits of custom scheduling without alterations to SPEs but, instead, by orchestrating the OS scheduler (e.g., using nice and cgroup) to enforce the scheduling goals. We propose Lachesis, a standalone scheduling middleware, decoupled from any specific SPE, that can schedule multiple streaming applications, run in one or many nodes, and possibly multiple SPEs. Our evaluation with real-world and synthetic workloads, several SPEs and hardware setups, shows its benefits over default OS scheduling and other state-of-the-art schedulers: up to 75% higher throughput, and 1130x lower average latency once such SPEs reach their peak processing capacity.
Consumer Choices in Live Streaming Retailing, Evidence from Taobao eCommerce

Live streaming retailing, a new form of e-commerce equipped with live streams, brings more interactive and vivid shopping experiences to consumers. The overall scale of China's live streaming retailing was estimated to reach 1,050 billion RMB in 2020 [1]. As live streaming retailing flourishes, answers to the following questions are crucial for brands, retailers, and streamers: Who like live streaming retailing? What aspects do consumers care about? What marketing strategies should retailers and streamers use to attract consumers? Prior researches mainly explore the motivations of consumers’ watching and engagement behaviors in live streams from the perspective of the technology acceptance and consumers’ social needs. This study further explores consumers’ actual purchasing behaviors in the context of live streaming retailing and brings marketing strategies into consideration. A questionnaire survey towards 222 consumers who watch Taobao live streams frequently and an interview to a streamer with over 500,000 fans on Taobao are conducted to solve the above three questions. First, this paper identifies the demographic factors contributing to consumers’ watching and purchasing behaviors in live streams. Second, this paper presents further analysis of consumers’ diverse behaviors in the clothing and beauty products categories: Beauty product lovers care about the streamers’ popularity the most, and clothing product lovers rank price as the number one factor. Third, this paper studies the marketing strategies of streamers. Limited discounts appear to be the most effective way to increase consumers’ watching and purchasing behaviors. These findings not only give insight into better understanding how live streaming retailing affects consumer choices but also help brands and retailers leverage this new business model more effectively.
Scanflow: an end-to-end agent-based autonomic ML workflow manager for clusters

Machine Learning (ML) is more than just training models, the whole life-cycle must be considered. Once deployed, a ML model needs to be constantly managed, supervised and debugged to guarantee its availability, validity and robustness in dynamic contexts. This demonstration presents an agent-based ML workflow manager so-called Scanflow1, which enables autonomic management and supervision of the end-to-end life-cycle of ML workflows on distributed clusters. The case study on a MNIST project2 shows that different teams can collaborate using Scanflow within a ML project at different phases, and the effectiveness of agents to maintain the model accuracy and throughput of the model serving while running in production.
4D Surface Mesh Reconstruction from Segmented Cardiac Images using Subdivision Surfaces

With the advances in cardiovascular imaging technologies in recent years, 4D (3D+time) patient-specific modeling of the heart has attracted many research interests. Computational modeling approaches such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element (FE) have been increasingly used to quantitatively diagnose and predict cardiovascular diseases. In these methods, the geometrical reconstruction of the heart anatomy is usually an indispensable step. This work presents a robust method for reconstructing time-varying subdivision surfaces from the segmentation masks of cardiac images. We first reconstruct a 3D mesh for the first time step by iteratively fitting an initial mesh based on error and tension terms. Each subsequent time step uses the model from its previous time step as the control mesh for subdivision surface fitting. This method preserves the 1-to-1 vertex correspondence between meshes in different time steps and allows us to control the mesh quality (i.e. resolution, smoothness, and accuracy). Furthermore, in contrast to contour-based algorithms, our method can handle non-trivial topological changes such as holes and tunnels. The method has been tested on 3D and 4D datasets of different modalities (i.e. CT and MRI), resolutions, and chambers. For creating visually appealing results, we show that synthetic textures can be mapped to the 4D reconstruction due to the vertex correspondence. We also quantitatively evaluate the reconstructed 3D meshes in terms of mesh quality and conformity to the data.
Experience Paper: Danaus: isolation and efficiency of container I/O at the client side of network storage

Containers are a mainstream virtualization technique commonly used to run stateful workloads over persistent storage. In multi-tenant hosts with high utilization, resource contention at the system kernel often leads to inefficient handling of the container I/O. Assuming a distributed storage architecture for scalability, resource sharing is particularly problematic at the client hosts serving the applications of competing tenants. Although increasing the scalability of a system kernel can improve resource efficiency, it is highly challenging to refactor the kernel for fair access to system services. As a realistic alternative, we isolate the storage I/O paths of different tenants by serving them with distinct clients running at user level. We introduce the Danaus client architecture to let each tenant access the container root and application filesystems over a private host path. We developed a Danaus prototype that integrates a union filesystem with a Ceph distributed filesystem client and a configurable shared cache. Across different host configurations, workloads and systems, Danaus achieves improved performance stability because it handles I/O with reserved per-tenant resources and avoids intensive kernel locking. Danaus offers up to 14.4x higher throughput than a popular kernel-based client under conditions of I/O contention. In comparison to a FUSE-based user-level client, Danaus also reduces by 14.2x the time to start 256 high-performance webservers. Based on our extensive experience from building and evaluating Danaus, we share several valuable lessons that we learned about resource contention, file management, service separation and performance stability.