Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A nonlinear transmission line model of the lightning return stroke

A nonlinear model of the lightning channel is presented. The model is based on the description of the channel by a nonuniform, lossy, transmission line. A nonlinear model for the losses, first developed by S.I. Braginskii (1958), is used with additional upper and lower limits. The termination at the cloud is modeled by an RC network. A numerical technique known as transmission-line modeling is used to solve the network model of lightning. The results show the strong effect of losses, cloud termination. and numerical approach on the simulated current waveshapes. >
Stress Promoted Nicotine Intake in a Rat Model of Tobacco Smoking

Epidemiological documents show an association of tobacco smoking rates and perceived stress levels. This study, using an animal model of nicotine self-administration, investigated effects of stress on nicotine-taking behavior. Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to intravenously self-administer nicotine. Thirty minutes before test sessions, animals were challenged with an intraperitoneal administration of a pharmacological stressor yohimbine. In the low nicotine-taking rats, yohimbine challenge enhanced lever-press responses and thereby nicotine intake. In contrast, no such effect was observed in the high nicotine-taking rats. After yohimbine challenge, nicotine intake in those originally low nicotine-taking rats remained at the heightened level. These findings demonstrate that exposure to stress facilitates nicotine self-administration in the rats previously consuming less nicotine and makes them to become high nicotine-taking subjects. The results of this study suggest that stressful life events may be effective in increasing tobacco smoking in light to moderate smokers and therefore increase the prevalence of nicotine dependence. As such, reducing stress levels in daily life may prove to be an effective approach to the prevention of nicotine addiction.
Wind Speed Retrieval Algorithm Using Ku-Band Radar Onboard GPM Satellite

The algorithm to retrieve wind speed in a wide swath from the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) was developed for the data of Dual Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) operating in scanning mode installed onboard a Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite. The data for Ku-band radar were used. Equivalent NRCS values at nadir were estimated in a wide swath under the geometrical optics approximation from off-nadir observations. Using these equivalent NRCS nadir values and the sea buoys data, the new parameterization of dependence between NRCS at nadir and the wind speed was obtained. The algorithm was validated using ASCAT (Advanced Scatterometer) data and revealed good accuracy. DPR data are promising for determining wind speed in coastal areas.
Configurable front-end converters for multicurrent locomotives operated on 16 2/3 Hz AC and 3 kV DC systems

A configurable converter topology is presented as front-end converter for a locomotive that can be operated as well on a high voltage AC-system as on a medium voltage DC-system. The configurable converter is realized on the base of a multilevel chain, where all modules are fed through reversible and isolated DC-DC stages. The medium frequency transformers used in the isolation stages of the DC-DC converters allow a significant weight reduction of the locomotive, in comparison with the classical low-frequency voltage-transformers. A first solution using hard switching techniques is presented, using a three-times silicon-conversion. A second solution based on ZVT/ZCS techniques is then presented, with the advantage of having ideally only a two times silicon conduction. Prototype modules have been realized with association of diodes and IGBTs in order to provide reverse-blocking devices. First results of the two-stage conversion are also presented.
TRANSIENT PROCESSES AND DYNAMIC OF VARIABLE SPEED PUMP STORAGE UNIT

In this paper, a mathematical model and the structure of variable speed pump storage unit (VSPSU) are proposed. Transient processes of VSPSU main parameters are analyzed. The influence of transients on the operating conditions of electrical power system is discussed. The system of non-linear differential equations given in matrix form and representing the VSPSU mathematical model is solved by digital integration. Electrodynamic transients of VSPSU generator and pump operation are simulated by imitation of the active and reactive power variation in the electrical power system. Marginal hydroelectric parameters of the pump storage unit are evaluated. Excitation control algorithms are based on the functional structures of voltage and current controllers represented by compensation units consisting of proportional integrating and integrating-differentiating filters.
Acoustic emission structural health management systems (AE-SHMS)

Many of today's methods of inspecting structures are very time consuming, labor intensive and in many cases (due to limited access), impractical. In addition, long shutdown times are required to perform the inspections, thus creating tremendous expenses associated with manpower, materials and lost production. With continuing advances in signal processing and communications a significant interest has been shown in developing new diagnostic technologies for monitoring the integrity of structures with known defects, or for detecting new defects, in real time with minimum human involvement. The continued use of aging structures, especially in regard to the airworthiness of aging aircraft, is a major area of concern. Recent developments in both active and passive Acoustic Emission monitoring as an advanced tool for 'Structural Health Management Systems (SHMS),' are illustrated by using two recently developed acoustic emission systems; the Acoustic Emission-Health and Usage Monitoring System (AE-HUMS) helicopter drivetrain health monitoring system, and the Acoustic Emission Flight Instrument System (AEFIS) composite health monitoring system. The data collected with these types of systems is processed with advanced data screening and classification techniques, which are employed to take full advantage of parametric and waveform-based acoustic emission.
Equivalent circuit analysis of solid-rotor induction machines with reference to turbocharger accelerator applications.

Theoretical, numerical and experimental studies are described that have been carried out to develop a solid-rotor induction machine design for a particularly demanding application as an accelerator drive for a diesel engine turbocharger. In this application the turbo-motor will be required to operate at speeds of up to 130 000 rpm and in temperatures that can exceed 200°C. The results show that the equivalent circuit gives predictions that are of sufficient precision for design purposes and provides a useful design tool. It is shown that the use of a solid rotor affects the value of the stator leakage reactance and influences the motor performance through this effect as well as by presenting a high rotor resistance.
Numerical Simulation of the Flow Interaction Between Turbine Main Annulus and Disc Cavities

This paper presents numerical simulations of the unsteady flow interactions between the main annulus and the disc cavity for an axial turbine. The simulations show the influence of the main annulus asymmetries (vane wakes, blade potential effect), and the appearance of rim seal flow instabilities. The generation of secondary frequencies due to non-linear interactions is observed, and the possibility of further low frequency effects and resonance is noted. The computations are compared to experimental results, looking at tracer gas concentration and mass-flows. Results are further analysed to investigate the influence of the rim seal flow on the blading aerodynamics. The flow that is ejected through the rim seal influences the unsteady flow impinging the blades. The influence of this rim-seal flow is even observed downstream of the blades, where it distorts the radial profile of stagnation temperature. Copyright © 2006 by ASME.
Automated computed tomography based parasitoid detection in mason bee rearings

In recent years, insect husbandry has seen an increased interest in order to supply in the production of raw materials, food, or as biological/environmental control. Unfortunately, large insect rearings are susceptible to pathogens, pests and parasitoids which can spread rapidly due to the confined nature of a rearing system. Thus, it is of interest to monitor the spread of such manifestations and the overall population size quickly and efficiently. Medical imaging techniques could be used for this purpose, as large volumes can be scanned non-invasively. Due to its 3D acquisition nature, computed tomography seems to be the most suitable for this task. This study presents an automated, computed tomography-based, counting method for bee rearings that performs comparable to identifying all Osmia cornuta cocoons manually. The proposed methodology achieves this in an average of 10 seconds per sample, compared to 90 minutes per sample for the manual count over a total of 12 samples collected around lake Zurich in 2020. Such an automated bee population evaluation tool is efficient and valuable in combating environmental influences on bee, and potentially other insect, rearings.
Impact of supply chain sensitivity to quality certification on quality management practices and performances

Recent studies on quality management, certification, and supply chain management emphasize that (1) ISO 9000 certification is becoming a must for many companies to compete, and (2) quality is a strategic variable that should be considered and managed not only within the single firm, but also across the supply chain of which the firm is part. Nevertheless, many empirical works on ISO 9000 concentrate on the impact of certification on companies' internal quality systems, whereas they do not pay the same attention to both upstream and downstream interactions across the supply chain, and to their influences on quality management practices and performance. This study examines whether the diffused adoption or knowledge/confidence in the ISO 9000 quality system requirements (i.e. 'sensitivity' to certification) by diverse supply chain members can really influence quality management practices/procedures and operational performance of individual firms in supply chains. These topics are examined through analysis of data gathered by means of a survey based on a sample of 100 Italian certified manufacturing companies. It was found that those firms with the most advanced internal quality systems tend to buy extensively from certified suppliers and to be reliant on the quality level of their deliveries. However, such trust on certified suppliers rarely implies the formalization of medium-long term cooperative programmes. As for performances, the impact of supply chain sensitiveness seems to be significant on punctuality, delivery speed and volume flexibility, while there are no significant effects on quality and cost performance.
Inorganic Clay/Sodium Lignosulfonate Graft Acrylamide and Maleic Anhydride Adsorbent Composites

Adsorbent composites comprising of inorganic clay/sodium lignosulfonate graft-polymerized with acrylamide and maleic anhydride were synthesized by free radical solution copolymerization. The synthesized copolymers presented high adsorption capacity when the monomer ratio of acrylamide to maleic anhydride was 3:2 and montmrillonite was introduced as inorganic clay. The equilibrium adsorption of Pb2+ on these copolymers was well represented by Langmuir model which indicated that the Pb2+ adsorption was a monolayer chemical adsorption. The calculated adsorption capacity of the copolymers could reach a maximum of 176.70 mg/g for Pb2+ and 24.95 mg/g for Cu2+. In addition, these copolymers could selectively remove Pb2+ from Pb2+/Cu2+ binary solution and the maximum selective coefficient of Pb2+ to Cu2+ was 11.939.
Dynamic model of an hybrid plant based on MCFC fuel cells and microturbine for process analysis and control

CESI (Centre Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Italiano) and AFCo (Ansaldo Fuel Cells SpA) have launched a joint project that aims at developing and demonstrating a small-sized hybrid system that combines the MCFC (Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell) technology with a microturbine (MTG). A 100 kW cogeneration power plant is under construction at the CESI site in Milan. The plant will be connected to the low-voltage electrical grid. Due to the high degree of technological innovation of this hybrid plant, a simulator has been developed as an important tool for process design support and plant automation definition (control system and plant procedures specification). The purpose of this document is to present the dynamic computer simulation model of the hybrid plant and some examples of application. In an experimental project of innovative nature, such a model supplies helpful information for the definition of automation procedures for correct and safe plant operation. These procedures can then be validated by simulation. The simulator also supports the project design verifying the dynamic behaviour of some critical components. The model has been developed using LegoPC (a CESI proprietary dynamic modular code) and LegoSim (an interactive real time environment developed by CESI integrating LegoPC with MATLAB-Simulink).
Recapitulating the Angiogenic Switch in a Hydrogel-Based 3D In Vitro Tumor-Stroma Model

To ensure nutrient and oxygen supply, tumors beyond a size of 1–2 mm3 need a connection to the vascular system. Thus, tumor cells modify physiological tissue homeostasis by secreting inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines. This leads to the activation of the tumor microenvironment and the turning of the angiogenic switch, resulting in tumor vascularization and growth. To inhibit tumor growth by developing efficient anti-angiogenic therapies, an in depth understanding of the molecular mechanism initiating angiogenesis is essential. Yet so far, predominantly 2D cell cultures or animal models have been used to clarify the interactions within the tumor stroma, resulting in poor transferability of the data obtained to the in vivo situation. Consequently, there is an abundant need for complex, humanized, 3D models in vitro. We established a dextran-hydrogel-based 3D organotypic in vitro model containing microtumor spheroids, macrophages, neutrophils, fibroblasts and endothelial cells, allowing for the analysis of tumor–stroma interactions in a controlled and modifiable environment. During the cultivation period of 21 days, the microtumor spheroids in the model grew in size and endothelial cells formed elongated tubular structures resembling capillary vessels, that appeared to extend towards the tumor spheroids. The tubular structures exhibited complex bifurcations and expanded without adding external angiogenic factors such as VEGF to the culture. To allow high-throughput screening of therapeutic candidates, the 3D cell culture model was successfully miniaturized to a 96-well format, while still maintaining the same level of tumor spheroid growth and vascular sprouting. The quantification of VEGF in the conditioned medium of these cultures showed a continuous increase during the cultivation period, suggesting the contribution of endogenous VEGF to the induction of the angiogenic switch and vascular sprouting. Thus, this model is highly suitable as a testing platform for novel anticancer therapeutics targeting the tumor as well as the vascular compartment.
Removal of DC-offset in current waveforms using digital mimic filtering

This paper presents a theoretical investigation of the capability of popular digital filters used in relaying applications to suppress DC offset in current waveforms over a broad range of time constants as encountered on real power systems. First, three mathematical performance indices are introduced to be able to compare filters on the same basis. Then the concept of the FIR type of digital mimic filter is described. It is shown that, for filters exhibiting a null response at frequency zero on their frequency response, the addition of a digital mimic circuit, tuned to the middle of the range of time constants to be suppressed, will almost completely eliminate the effect of an exponentially decaying component. Moreover, this is possible without sacrificing the original response speed, although it increases susceptibility to noisy components. >
Fault ride through capability for grid interfacing large scale PV power plants

Integration of dynamic grid support is required for distributed power systems that are interconnected with medium voltage grids. This study proposes a comprehensive control solution to enhance fault ride through (FRT) capability for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants. Based on positive and negative sequence control schemes and PV characteristics, the approach alleviates dc-bus double-line-frequency ripples, reduces voltage stress on inverter power switches and DC-link capacitors, and minimises undesirable low-order voltage and current harmonics that are presented on the ac side. The study proposes a new feature to achieve superior FRT performance by using the overload capability of grid-tied inverters. A weak electric grid is used for the test case including a wind turbine induction generator, diesel engine driven synchronous generators and various loads. A comprehensive simulation verified the capability of the proposed control schemes for mitigating the voltage dip, enhancing the voltage response and further improving the stability of interconnected distributed generation in reaction to severe unbalanced voltage conditions because of asymmetrical grid faults.
Safety and Efficacy of the East Coast Fever Muguga Cocktail Vaccine: A Systematic Review

Immunisation of livestock with high quality vaccines is considered an essential approach to controlling many animal diseases. The only currently available commercial vaccine to protect cattle from East Coast fever (ECF), a tick-borne disease caused by Theileria parva, is an unconventional “infection and treatment method” (ITM) involving administration of a combination of live T. parva isolates, referred to as the “Muguga cocktail”, and simultaneous treatment with long-acting oxytetracycline. Veterinary vaccine research and development typically involves studies designed to demonstrate vaccine quality, safety, and efficacy; however, as there were no such purpose-designed registration studies conducted for the Muguga cocktail, evidence for safety and efficacy is solely based on that which is available in the clinical literature. An extensive systematic review was conducted to analyse the evidence available in the literature in order to establish the safety and efficacy of the Muguga cocktail vaccine. A combination of meta-analyses and narrative summaries was conducted. A total of 61 studies met the criteria to be included in the systematic review. The majority of studies demonstrated or reported in favour of the vaccine with regards to safety and efficacy of the Muguga cocktail vaccine. Proximity to buffalo often resulted in reduced vaccine efficacy, and reports of shed and transmission of vaccine components affected the overall interpretation of safety. Better understanding of control options for this devastating livestock disease is important for policymakers and livestock keepers, enabling them to make informed decisions with regards to the health of their animals and their livelihoods.
The Built Environment of Higher Education and Research: Architecture and the Expectation of Innovation

Informed by the belief that higher education and research (HER) plays an important role in knowledge-based innovation, the last decade in particular has seen a flurry of building activity in cities around the world. This has led to many new or restructured urban campuses and buildings dedicated in particular to supporting interactions between researchers, firm members and ⁄or citizens which, in turn, are seen to contribute to urban and regional innovation. This article, first of all, briefly describes a few concrete examples of HER buildings to illustrate the expectations surrounding these built environments. This is followed by a more extensive analysis of three bodies of literature that study the production and use of HER buildings: (i) research on universities and real estate development, (ii) urban and regional studies on the role of HER institutes in generating human and social capital and (iii) science and technology studies on architecture and spaces of science. A concluding section points to some of the limitations of and possible productive interactions between these three strands. It argues that there is a major need for comparative synthetic research that can: evaluate finished and ongoing building projects; analyse the actual interactions between researchers, firm members and ⁄or citizens in and as a result of these buildings; and provide concrete suggestions for the improvement of future HER buildings.
Light Dimming Algorithm Based on Users' Activities for Wireless Sensor Networks

In order to solve the problem of small storage space and low calculation power in lighting dimming system for wireless sensor networks, a light dimming algorithm based on users activities for wireless sensor networks is proposed. It adopts linear programming to get the optimal solution of the light dimming model and get a relatively optimal illumination adjustment vector. Experiment results indicate that the lighting system has the lower energy consumption and achieve the goal of energy saving and emission reduction using the proposed light dimming algorithm.
Effect of Application Roy's Adaptation Model on Women's Satisfaction and Quality of Life after Mastectomy

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and main cause of cancer death in women and nurses can provide holistic care through application of nursing models. Aim: To evaluate the effect of application Roy's adaptation model on women's satisfaction and quality of life after mastectomy. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted on the Oncology department at Benha University Hospital and Health Insurance Hospital at Benha city, Egypt. Sampling: A Purposive sample included 100 women involving two groups (study and control). Tools: Three tools were utilized to collect data and included a structured interviewing questionnaire, Breast-QTM-Mastectomy Module and Roy's Adaptation Model. Results: there was a highly significant difference between study and control groups regarding total knowledge, total satisfaction and total quality of life after two weeks of program implementation and after three months of follow up (P ≤ 0.001). Also, there were high significant differences in all domains of maladaptive behaviors after the program implementation in the study group (P ≤ 0.001), while it was not significantly different in the control group. Conclusion: The application of Roy's adaptation model was effective on improving post mastectomy women's knowledge, satisfaction and quality of life also, promoted women's adaptation to the disease and treatment regimen. Recommendation: An educational program should be provided to all nurses on the oncology departments to promote their knowledge to educate women about disease and management.