Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Long-Term Performance of a 50-Year-Old Jetty in the South of Iran

A detailed investigation was carried out on a 50-year-old reinforced concrete jetty in a commercial port of Iran to assess the long-term performance as well as the structural condition. Destructive and nondestructive tests such as carbonation depth, electrical resistivity, chloride diffusion, X-ray diffraction, compressive strength, and water absorption were performed. The results revealed that the good quality of the concrete has protected reinforcement from corrosion. However, structural analysis showed minor weakness in some elements of the jetty; thus, consulting engineers finally decided to strengthen some elements with fiber-reinforced polymers.
Short-length large-mode-area photonic crystal fiber laser operating at 978 nm

The laser performance of a short-length Yb-doped rod-type photonic crystal fiber (PCF) laser is studied experimentally both in the three-level scheme and quasi-four-level scheme in this contribution. In the free oscillation mode, the rod-type PCF laser produce 13.6 W output power on the quasi-four-level system with center wavelength of 1030 nm. The laser operating on the three-level system is obtained with the introduction of specialized feedback around the 976 nm radiation. Up to 7 W output power is generated with wavelength centered in 978 nm.
Miniaturized superconducting metamaterials for radio frequencies

We have developed a low-loss, ultrasmall radio frequency (rf) metamaterial operating at ∼76 MHz. This miniaturized medium is made up of planar spiral elements with diameter as small as ∼λ/658 (λ is the free space wavelength), fashioned from Nb thin films on quartz substrates. The transmission data are examined below and above the superconducting transition temperature of Nb for both a single spiral and a one dimensional array. The validity of the design is tested through numerical simulations and good agreement is found. We discuss how superconductors enable such a compact design in the rf with high loaded-quality factor (in excess of 5000), which is in fact difficult to realize with ordinary metals.
An Empirically Grounded Search for a Typology of Project Management Offices

This article uses an empirical contribution to better understand the project management office (PMO). PMOs are an important aspect of project management practice. Their design and management is complicated by the great variability found among PMOs in different organizations. Lack of consensus on their structure and the roles they undertake prevent the establishment of formal standards on PMOs. Having a typology of PMOs can make the great variability much more manageable. However, the typology should be grounded in reality. The aim of this article is to exploit a rich database of descriptions of 500 PMOs to identify patterns in the data that can form the bases for one or more typologies of PMOs. Data on both the organizational context and the characteristics of PMOs were explored. The search for the bases of a typology relies on the identification of statistical associations (1) between the characteristics of PMOs and characteristics of their organizational context, (2) between the different characteristics of PMOs themselves, and (3) between the performance of PMOs and the characteristics of both PMOs and their organizational context. The analysis explores each of these avenues successively in the search for characteristics that are good or poor candidates for forming the basis of a typology of PMOs. The results of the analysis are then integrated into a model.
Student Engagement using Learning Management System in Computer Science Education

Combined learning among the world's top universities including Malaysia was commonly recognized. Many educational organizations, like Blackboard, WebCT and Moodle, have introduced Learning Management Systems (LMSs) or Course Management Systems (CMSs), depending on the capabilities and needs of the institutions ' programmes. The aim of this paper is to report the results of implementation of learning management system (LMS) using Moodle on student engagement in Computer Science (CS) classroom for two semesters. Furthermore, we also investigating the parameters that influence student engagement and how these scales relate to each stage of learning process to produce better learning performance. The respondents for this work are students who enrolled CS courses regardless of any year. The survey conducted using online and distributed to various type of subject taught in CS for the semester to confirm the students’ learning preferences using blended learning style. From the survey results, we examine the significance correlation of learning preference style with student engagement in campus-based learning. The results show that there is an impact of LMS usage on teaching, learning and assessment based on students’ learning preferences may show better learning engagement amongst students
Combined error at the output of two-dimensional recursive digital filters

The noise properties of two-dimensional (2-D) recursive digital filters, caused by finite register lengths, are considered. A combined error model is proposed, which takes into account three sources of error; roundoff accumulation, coefficient quantization, and input quantization. A statistical approach is used, in the space domain, which allows the computation of the statistics of the errors at the filter output.
Analysis of a New Mechanical Anti-Lock Brake System for Two-Wheeled Vehicles

This study aims to present an analysis on a new type of mechanical anti-lock brake system (ABS) and the device is suitable for two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles. Firstly, the structure of the mechanism, the principle of operation and operating stages of the device are discussed. Secondly, the force models of the system and the force equations with parameters are developed. Then, a numerical program for simulating the operation of the system is developed, and the relationship between operating force and braking force, as well as the efficiency of ABS in different situations (e.g. road friction coefficient, loading) are analyzed. Finally, the results of how each parameter affects the braking performance are discussed. In this paper, we present a complete analysis on this new mechanical ABS systematically. Through the simulation of various operating conditions, the characteristics of the system are investigated and clearly verified. It is shown that this type of mechanical ABS could be useful in some situations. However, the overall braking performance will be reduced. This new mechanical ABS might be useful with some possible modifications, and could be applied in other areas.
Enhancement of IVR images by combining an ICA shrinkage filter with a multi-scale filter

Interventional Radiology (IVR) is an important technique to visualize and diagnosis the vascular disease. In real medical application, a weak x-ray radiation source is used for imaging in order to reduce the radiation dose, resulting in a low contrast noisy image. It is important to develop a method to smooth out the noise while enhance the vascular structure. In this paper, we propose to combine an ICA Shrinkage filter with a multiscale filter for enhancement of IVR images. The ICA shrinkage filter is used for noise reduction and the multiscale filter is used for enhancement of vascular structure. Experimental results show that the quality of the image can be dramatically improved without any blurring in edge by the proposed method. Simultaneous noise reduction and vessel enhancement have been achieved.
Managing Communicative Intentions in Dialogue using a Collaborative

In order to understand natural language, it is necessary to understand the intentions behind it, (i.e., why an utterance was spoken). We model dialogue as collaboration between agents. Communicative intentions can then be seen as how an agent is trying to affect the collaboration. Most previous work on intention-recognition approaches to dialogue has focused on only a small subset of agent collaboration paradigms (i.e., master-slave), and thus is unable to account for dialogues in other paradigms, such as mixed-initiative collaboration. Previous work has also either modeled dialogues where the agents are only planning or dialogues where agents are only acting. This restricts dialogue-model coverage to only those cases and does not model dialogues where collaboration about acting and planning occurs. pp In this paper, we present a collaborative problem-solving model of dialogue. This model is able to account for a much wider array of dialogues than previous models have covered. It covers the spectrum of collaboration paradigms (from master-slave to mixed-initiative) as well as dialogues where interleaved acting and planning are taking place. pp We propose, for future research, to complete this model and to build a domain-independent intention-recognition system based on it for use within the TRIPS dialogue system.
On generalizations of the maximum power transfer problem

The necessary conditions for maximum power transfer to the outputs of a multiport are discussed. The condition Z = Z 0 *is sufficient. A solution to this problem is not generally unique, because the matrix Z must satisfy the matrix equation Z(Z 0 + Z 0 *)-1E 0 = - Z 0 (Z 0 + Z 0 *)-1E 0 + E 0 . When the power transfer is maximum, only the total power of the equivalent sources is equally divided between the "passive" multiport and the ports.
New avenues for HRM roles: A systematic literature review on HRM in hybrid organizations

In recent decades, the emergence of hybrid organizational forms has placed new demands on the role of human resource management (HRM) contributing to organizational goals. Moreover, research emphasizes that the increasing hybridity of contexts, stakeholder requirements, and goals lead to organizational tensions that, if not properly addressed, can lead to organizational downfall. However, although organization and management research recognize the importance of elaborating HRM roles for hybrid contexts, drawing upon findings from the hybrid literature has been widely neglected. Thus, by mapping the research landscape regarding hybridity, this article provides insight into the configuration of organizational HRM roles and functions that contribute to the development of hybrid goals and are associated to the management of tensions. Significantly, this article introduces three specific HRM roles—hybrid strategist, capability adapter, and identification generator—as essential HRM roles for hybrid contexts.
3D measurement of human plantar foot by projection moiré technique

An optical system composed of an LCD projector, a digital camera and a microcomputer aims to measure three-dimensionally human foot model and is based on projection moire technique. Four digital phase shifted parallel grating patterns are projected upon the specimen surface and observed by the camera. A phase map of moire fringes is produce digitally combining the fringe maps distorted by the foot whit those, left undistorted, by a reference plane. The 3D profile was calculated using two-dimensional greyscale images by dedicated software. This profile was compared to the measurement data of the same foot obtained from a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). A brief metrological analysis estimated an uncertainty value of 6.3% for the foot. The main advantages of this system were its easy set-up, use of standard optical components, absence of moving parts and its possible applicability in bioengineering.
Performance evaluation of concatenated coding schemes on multilevel QAM signalling in non-Gaussian products environment

The performance of a concatenated coding scheme is studied over nonlinear channels when additive white Gaussian noise is considered in both the up and downlink. Bandwidth-efficient trellis codes using a 32-QAM signal set are used as inner codes and 3/4 rate convolutional codes as outer codes to achieve an overall bandwidth efficiency of 3 bit/s/Hz. Simulation results show that this coding system compared with an uncoded 8-PSK scheme, 3/4 convolutionally encoded 16-QAM systems and some TCM techniques, provides significant coding gains over linear and nonlinear channels.
An obstacle identification algorithm for a laser range finder-based obstacle detector

The capability of detecting and identifying obstacles on the expected path and taking appropriate collision avoidance actions automatically is critical for safe operation of autonomous agricultural vehicles. This article presents an obstacle detection and identification algorithm for an on-tractor laser range finder-based obstacle detector. This algorithm consists of a template matching function and a Kalman filter for detecting the location of an obstacle, reconstructing the silhouette of the detected obstacle, and estimating its relative motions. Field validation test results verified that this obstacle detector was capable of detecting a moving object within a semicircle of 8 m radius and reconstructing a 2D silhouette of the obstacle progressively in real time. The errors of this obstacle detector in estimating the position, speed, and moving direction of the obstacle relative to the tractor were 0.052 m, 0.11 m / s, and 1.2 degrees, respectively. Such accuracies are sufficient for providing safety warning and collision avoidance for autonomous tractors in field operation.
ANALYSIS OF THE 2010-2017 MEGADROUGHT IN CHILE USING THE STANDARDIZED PRECIPITATION INDEX

Since 2010, a large part of Chile is in an ongoing period of drought, causing impacts on the population and water resources systems. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct drought behavior studies in Chile focused to identify appropriate measures to mitigate the effects of a drought event, to face a dry and warm future regional climate scenario. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the dry period 2010-2017, known as "megadrought", that affected Central-Southern Chile using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which is solely based on precipitation and widely used to monitoring meteorological droughts. The methodology applied is based on the study of the SPI and its characteristics, and its subsequent calculation at 12 months time scale in the area between the regions of Valparaíso and Magallanes in Chile (32°-56°S). Characteristics of duration, intensity and magnitude of drought were obtained. Additionally, a comparison with another extreme drought event was made. The results indicate that 99.4% of stations were affected by megadrought, with a moderate intensity classification and variable duration and magnitude. Likewise, it mainly concentrated in 2014 and 2016, with the highest values of duration, intensity and magnitude. In spatial terms, the highest values of duration and magnitude were obtained in the region of Biobío (37°S) during 2010-2017 with 33 months of dry condition, moderate intensity classification and -44.8 magnitude. Finally, the megadrought magnitude was 33% greater than 1998-1999 drought event in Chile, mostly because of its long duration, besides of the greater area of affectation.
Social, clinical and psychometric factors affecting self-rated oral health, self-rated health and well-being in elders

Background The study aims to explore the social influences, gradients and predictors of self-rated oral health (SROH) and self-rated health (SRH) and well-being in Greek elders. Methods Cross-sectional study, of elderly men and women, aged 65 years and over (N=743), in two municipalities in Greece. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed for dentate and edentulous participants. For the association between socioeconomic exposures and binary outcomes, logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR, 5% CI); levels of association and Cramer’s V were applied to calculate associations and p-values. Results Household income, education level and last main occupation were predictors and determinants of both SROH and self-rated health (SRH). All objective socioeconomic measures (income, education and occupation) and subjective social status (SSS) were predictors of SROH and SRH; however, the objective socioeconomic measures were not predictors of satisfaction with life (SWL). SSS was statistically significant for SROH, SRH and SWL, p<0.01. Conclusions Gender, municipality, long-standing illness, SSS and loneliness were predictors of SWL in the examined dentate population. For SROH and SRH, the results showed that household income less than 800 euros per month, education level, occupation and SSS were significant predictors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effect of subjective and objective socioeconomic measures and find inequalities in both oral and general health and in the gradient of SROH among elderly adults in Greece.
Genetic-based design of a tetra-band high-efficiency radio-frequency energy harvesting system

In this study, we exploit genetic algorithms to design a rectenna required to harvest ambient radio-frequency (RF) energy from four different RF bands in critical (ultra-low power) conditions. For this purpose a set of multi-resonant annular-ring patch antennas are pixel-wise described inside an electromagnetic simulator to provide the `population' of individuals among which the genetic tool is able to select the most adapted one with respect to the design specifications. The further use of circuit-level non-linear simulation tool, based on Harmonic balance technique, allows the rigorous multi-band design of the whole rectenna system in RF stationary conditions at several received power levels. The result is a novel compact, lightweight and highly efficient tetra-band rectenna, able to harvest RF energy from GSM 900, GSM 1800, UMTS and WiFi sources available in the ambient. At these frequency bands high radiation efficiency is desired as an essential prerequisite for optimally handling very low-power densities. Very good agreement with measurements of both the radiating and rectifying designs is demonstrated in real office scenarios. Finally the rectenna is connected to a power management unit and the resulting assembly is tested in terms of stored energy while harvesting from a mobile cell-phone call.
PZT-based active damage detection techniques for steel bridge components

This paper presents the results of experimental studies on piezoelectric lead-zirconate–titanate (PZT)-based active damage detection techniques for nondestructive evaluations (NDE) of steel bridge components. PZT patches offer special features suitable for real-time in situ health monitoring systems for large and complex steel structures, because they are small, light, cheap, and useful as built-in sensor systems. Both impedance and Lamb wave methods are considered for damage detection of lab-size steel bridge members. Several damage-sensitive features are extracted: root mean square deviations (RMSD) in the impedances and wavelet coefficients (WC) of Lamb waves, and the times of flight (TOF) of Lamb waves. Advanced signal processing and pattern recognition techniques such as continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and support vector machine (SVM) are used in the current system. Firstly, PZT patches were used in conjunction with the impedance and Lamb waves to detect the presence and growth of artificial cracks on a 1/8 scale model for a vertical truss member of Seongsu Bridge, Seoul, Korea, which collapsed in 1994. The RMSD in the impedances and WC of Lamb waves were found to be good damage indicators. Secondly, two PZT patches were used to detect damage on a bolt-jointed steel plate, which was simulated by removing bolts. The correlation of the Lamb wave transmission data with the damage classified by in and out of the wave path was investigated by using the TOF and WC obtained from the Lamb wave signals. The SVM was implemented to enhance the damage identification capability of the current system. The results from the experiments showed the validity of the proposed methods.
SUPERVISORY FAULT TOLERANT CONTROL BASED ON DWELL-TIME CONDITIONS

Abstract The problem of the active fault tolerant control (FTC) with reconfiguration mechanism for linear systems with external disturbances is addressed with application of the supervisory control approach. Starting from the well known in FTC literature conditions for independent design of fault detection, isolation and fault compensation systems we propose new set of united conditions and the computational procedure providing mutual performance of the system. The efficiency of the approach is demonstrated on a flight system benchmark example.
Synthesis of multiple output coupled resonator circuits using coupling matrix optimisation

Coupled resonator circuits are the basis for the design of many bandpass microwave filters. Design techniques used for two-port coupled resonator circuits are extended here to multiple output circuits such as power dividers and diplexers. The design approach is based on synthesis of coupling matrix for multiple coupled resonators with multiple outputs using gradient-based optimisation. It allows the synthesis of power dividers with arbitrary power division, as well as diplexers and multiplexers with novel topologies. Since there is no need to use separate energy distribution networks such as circulators, manifolds or other junctions, the components can be miniaturised. An X-band unequal power divider and diplexer have been designed and realised using waveguide cavity resonators to confirm the new design methodology.
An Extended Design Platform Identification Method

Nowadays a general platform has played an important role in the product design process. As the traditional similarity measure used in module division is to the design stage in which the features and set are static, it is impossible to find the similar components in alterative design stages. For this reason, a new common platform design method on extension-distance is presented. According to build the relative function, the threshold used in the key module identification is easy to generate. Then the tolerance-constraint functions in the customized components division for the common platform generation. Then the adaptability measure is used to find the optimal case in the database. The measure has been used in the gasoline saw common platform design process.
Printed omnidirectional access‐point antenna for 2.4/5‐GHz WLAN operation

A new design of the printed omnidirectional antenna for applications in 2.4/5‐GHz dual‐WLAN‐band access points is proposed. The antenna consists of a conventional collinear antenna for 2.4 GHz operation and two U stubs for 5 GHz operation. The two U stubs are located near the points where the maximum currents at about 5.5 GHz occurring on the strips of the collinear antenna and arranged back‐to‐back in the same phase for achieving better antenna gain. Detailed analyses of the U stub on the impedance matching over the 5 GH band is presented. A prototype with good omnidirectional radiation across the 2.4/5‐GHz WLAN bands is demonstrated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 2403–2407, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23629