Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting aggregated wind power production of multiple wind farms using hybrid wavelet‐PSO‐NNs

This paper describes the problem of short‐term wind power production forecasting based on meteorological information. Aggregated wind power forecasts are produced for multiple wind farms using a hybrid intelligent algorithm that uses a data filtering technique based on wavelet transform (WT) and a soft computing model (SCM) based on neural network (NN), which is optimized by using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid intelligent WT + NNPSO model, which takes into account the interactions of wind power, wind speed, wind direction, and temperature in the forecast process, the real data of wind farms located in the southern Alberta, Canada, are used to train and test the proposed model. The test results produced by the proposed hybrid WT + NNPSO model are compared with other SCMs as well as the benchmark persistence method. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed technique is capable of performing effectively with the variability and intermittency of wind power generation series in order to produce accurate wind power forecasts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Slot spiral antenna

When compared to printed cavity-backed spirals, slot spiral antennas offer the possibility of designs that are conformal and very thin. We discuss the physical characteristics of a cavity-backed slot spiral, as well as the associated infinite balun and termination designs. Simulations of the proposed cavity-backed spiral are presented and used to optimize the antenna's various parameters. Comparisons of measurements and calculations are also given, to validate the gain and axial-ratio computations. Several options for miniaturizing this design, using capacitive and inductive loadings, are also presented.
Seismic Wavelet Estimation Using High-Order Statistics and Chaos-Genetic Algorithm

Accurate and effective seismic wavelet estimation has an extreme significance in the seismic data processing of high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio and high fidelity. The emerging non-liner optimization methods enhance the applied potential for the statistical method of seismic wavelet extraction. Because non-liner optimization algorithms in the seismic wavelet estimation have the defects of low computational efficiency and low precision, Chaos-Genetic Algorithm (CGA) based on the cat mapping is proposed which is applied in the multi-dimensional and multi-modal non-linear optimization. The performance of CGA is firstly verified by four test functions, and then applied to the seismic wavelet estimation. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation demonstrate that CGA has better convergence speed and convergence performance.
Building Pathology, Investigation of Sick Buildings —Toxic Moulds

This paper considers the requirements for investigation of sick buildings including some guidelines for assessment of exposure risks with a particular focus on dampness, proliferation of moulds, and dispersion of fungal spores in indoor environments. Building pathology, indoors air quality management and management of bio-deterioration, and health problems in buildings are complex issues requiring multi-disciplinary investigations and environmental monitoring. Lack of maintenance, chronic neglect, and building defects leading to water ingress, condensation, and dampness in the building fabric will often produce proliferation of pathogenic toxic moulds, and other microbial and biological effects that could cause allergic response in sensitive people and generally lead to ‘‘sick buildings. ’’ A general guide has been provided by this paper for environmental assessment of toxic moulds in indoor environments, including a suggested guideline for assessing the threshold levels for fungal spores in indoor air.
Evaluating the Appropriateness and Feasibility of the Care Partner Hospital Assessment Tool (CHAT)

Hospital practitioners rely on care partners of older adults to provide complex care without identifying and addressing their needs. The Care Partner Hospital Assessment Tool (CHAT) was developed to identify the education skill training needs of care partners of hospitalized older adults. This two-phased mixed-method study evaluated the appropriateness and feasibility of the CHAT. The phase 1 quantitative survey with caregiving experts indicated 70–100% agreement for the length and helpfulness of the CHAT (n = 23). These results were supported by phase 2 qualitative interviews with hospital administrators and practitioners, which revealed the following themes: (1) intuitive and clear design worth sustaining and (2) concerns and proposed solutions for implementation. Findings suggest the CHAT is an appropriate and feasible tool for hospital practitioners to tailor their education and skills training to address care partners’ needs. Identifying care partners’ needs is an important step in ensuring they are prepared to complete their caregiving responsibilities.
Time as space vs. time as quantity in Spanish: a co-speech gesture study

There is a distinction between languages that use the duration is length metaphor, like English (e.g., long time), and languages like Spanish that conceptualise time using the duration is quantity metaphor (e.g., much time). The present study examines the use of both metaphors, exploring their multimodal behaviour in Spanish speakers. We analyse co-speech gesture patterns in the TV news setting, using data from the NewsScape Library, that co-occur with expressions that trigger the duration is quantity construal (e.g., durante todo ‘during the whole’) and the duration is length construal in the from X to Y construction (e.g., desde el principio hasta el final ‘from beginning to end’). Results show that both metaphors tend to co-occur with a semantic gesture, with a preference for the lateral axis, as reported in previous studies. However, our data also indicate that the direction of the gesture changes depending on the construal. The duration is quantity metaphor tends to be performed with gestures with an outwards direction, in contrast with the duration is length construal, which employ a left-to-right directionality. These differences in gesture realisation point to the existence of different construals for the concept of temporal duration.
Educational Data Mining versus Learning Analytics: estamos reinventando a roda? Um mapeamento sistemático

Virtual learning environments allow the gathering of several student data. Two research areas have emerged with the purpose of analyze these data and use the results to enhance learning and teaching processes: Educational Data Mining (EDM) and Learning Analytics (LA). However, since the appearance of the LA field, there is a discussion about this being a new research area or just a new name to the EDM field. This paper seeks to distinguish both areas through a systematic mapping of the literature. As results, differences were found in the use of algorithms, tools and techniques. Thus, it is clear that there are differences between both fields.
Construction analysis based on total quality management and six sigma methodologies

This paper focuses on comprehensive study that analyses the total quality management (TQM) practices in connection with the relationship between organization strategy and its performance. By analyzing TQM in the context of organization strategy around a number of important factors, this paper seeks to advance the understanding of TQM and six sigma in general context which highlights the causes of quality problem and building quality into the production process. It is also notable here that the six sigma is pivotal in enhancing the management process. As an outcome, it can be deduced from this study that the important factors of TQM are those basic elements that greatly lead to good performance. It is also shown that the total quality management is affected by the quality leader’s contribution. Key words: Quality control, total quality management, construction, quality assurance, six sigma.
Sub-nanojoule pulse compression in small core area photonic crystal fibers below the zero dispersion wavelength

Compression of sub-nanojoule laser pulses using a commercially available photonic crystal fiber with zero dispersion wavelength of 860 nm is discussed. Theory shows that by the optimization of input and output chirp parameters up to the third-order, high quality, sub-6 fs pulses can be generated from a cost efficient experimental setup. As a verification of our theoretical results, two-fold pulse compression starting from 24 fs transform limited seed pulses is experimentally demonstrated.
Neonatal Intra-Ventricular-Hemorrhage Prevention in Premature at < 30 Weeks Gestational Age

Introduction: Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) is a devastating condition mostly in preterm infants at < 30 weeks GA with large morbidities and mortality usually in the first 72 hours after birth. Prevention seems to be the only way to completely deal with this problem. The IVH prevention in this age group has been studied and includes some strategies such as prenatal corticosteroids, cesarean delivery, careful extraction among others, but still, it has an unacceptably high incidence in this population.Objective: To measure the application of a quality improvement project develop from the "Drive to Zero IVH Prevention Project" presented in a Epiclatino lecture in our unit.Material and method: We design a before and after observational study and measured the incidence of IVH before and after October 2017 when a minimum manipulation protocol was implemented at the Clínica del Country (CDC) unit. We also compare these findings to those of other units in the EpicLatino network. All patients born <30 weeks GA with less than 2 days of age, who survived at least 3 days, and had a neuroimaging taken were included. We compared demographics, diagnosis, and frequency of IVH cases, before Nov 2017 and after from CDC and the from 2018-2019 EpicLatino registry using a bivariate analysis. Results: We collected data from 46 cases before, 40 after implementation, and 203 cases from the EpicLatino registry. Demographic characteristics were very similar in the post-intervention with few statistically significant differences in antenatal steroid use (97.5% post, 96% before and 79.3% Epilatino, p=0.016), prolonged rupture of membranes (15% post, 4% before and 15% EpicLatino, p <0.001), vaginal deliveries (7.5% post, 10.9% before and 24.1% Epilatino, p=0.01), suspended chorioamnionitis (12.5% post, 6% before and 20.2% Epiclatino). We found a significant reduction in IVH after the protocol was implemented with only 5 (7.5%) cases post-intervention compared to 19 (29.4%) case before, and when compared to the 81 (39.1%) cases in the registry, p< 0.001. Most of the cases that occurred in the post-intervention occurred before admission to the unit due to obstetric trauma.Discussion: If a well-controlled delivery minimizing obstetric trauma is achieved, a minimal manipulation protocol appears to significantly decrease the incidence of HIV. Controlled, multicenter studies are still required to confirm these findings.
Static timing analysis of high-speed boards

Static timing analysis, as is well known, is becoming an indispensable tool for the verification of IC designs. Less well-known is its applicability to the design of high-speed printed-circuit boards. Timing is the key to performance in today's designs. Given the soaring clock rates in the components of circuit boards, a faster transmission of signals from one component to another will improve system performance. It is impossible to analyze by hand every important signal path in a layout of any size; but static timing analysis is exhaustive and therefore a convenient method of ensuring that the design meets its timing requirements. Along with the higher clock rates come shorter signal rise times, which exaggerate reflections, distortions, overshoots, undershoots, and other transmission line effects. Static timing analysis systematically includes such effects in the timing verification. Many tools are available for static timing analysis on ICs and circuit boards. But Motive, from the Quad Design Group of Viewlogic Systems, Camarillo, Calif. , tackles nearly the complete spectrum of electronic design, from application-specific ICs (ASICs) and field-programmable gate arrays to circuit boards and even systems consisting of daughter boards and backplanes. Motive's modularity-its ability to utilize a model created at one level of a design in the analysis of a higher level of the design-is one of its most useful features.
High-sensitivity photodetectors with on-chip pinhole for laser scanning microscopy

We manufactured new high-sensitivity solid-state detectors, specifically designed for measurements in laser scanning microscopy (LSM). These single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD's) improve the performance achievable with an LSM apparatus in the optical inspection of microelectronic devices and circuits. Innovative detector structures that incorporate an on-chip pinhole filter are presented. Experimental measurements show that SPAD's perform better than standard photomultiplier tubes.
Transient thermal impedance considerations in power semiconductor applications

Cost-effective thermal design in power switching applications must consider the effect of thermal impedance of the packaging. A test method is presented for determining the transient thermal impedance of a package. Empirical measurements of the thermal impedance of some standard plastic packages, showing the effective thermal impedance under pulsed conditions, are also given. As an example of a practical application of the data presented, an application for switching motor control is considered. <<ETX>>
Optical transmission with single-mode fibres and edge-emitting diodes

Edge-emitting diodes operating at 1.3 μm wavelength are used to launch between 5 and 10 μW of optical power into single-mode fibres at a driving current of 100 mA. This permits the transmission of 140 Mbit/s over a distance of more than 10 km.
A new methodology for the statistical descriptions of Particle‐by‐Particle measurements of liquid droplets in cumulus clouds

Statistical and microphysical properties of liquid cloud droplets (with diameter 2–50 μm) in the growing stage of cumulus clouds are illustrated by in situ Particle‐by‐Particle (PbP) measurements. A contrasting statistical behaviour for the cloud core, following Poisson statistics with an indication of random spatial distribution, and the cloud edge which unveils non‐Poisson statistics, tells of a heterogeneous spatial distribution. A new metric from the joint probability distribution function of droplet inter‐arrival distance and droplet size is proposed for quantifying the dynamics–microphysics interaction in cumulus clouds. We found that the interaction is stronger for the cloud edge compared to the undiluted core region. The scale dependency of mixing is studied using PbP data, and reveals a sharp change at length‐scales below a critical value of around 40–60 cm, above which microphysical change of mixing is almost constant. This critical length‐scale separates the mixing regimes between the homogeneous and inhomogeneous processes. Observation of such a critical length‐scale of mixing from in situ measurements (at sub‐metre scale) is the key finding of this study.
Assay format diversity in pre-clinical immunogenicity risk assessment: Toward a possible harmonization of antigenicity assays

ABSTRACT A major impediment to successful use of therapeutic protein drugs is their ability to induce anti-drug antibodies (ADA) that can alter treatment efficacy and safety in a significant number of patients. To this aim, in silico, in vitro, and in vivo tools have been developed to assess sequence and other liabilities contributing to ADA development at different stages of the immune response. However, variability exists between similar assays developed by different investigators due to the complexity of assays, a degree of uncertainty about the underlying science, and their intended use. The impact of protocol variations on the outcome of the assays, i.e., on the immunogenicity risk assigned to a given drug candidate, cannot always be precisely assessed. Here, the Non-Clinical Immunogenicity Risk Assessment working group of the European Immunogenicity Platform (EIP) reviews currently used assays and protocols and discusses feasibility and next steps toward harmonization and standardization.
Recent Progress on 3D NAND Flash Technologies

Since 3D NAND was introduced to the industry with 24 layers, the areal density has been successfully increased more than ten times, and has exceeded 10 Gb/mm2 with 176 layers. The physical scaling of XYZ dimensions including layer stacking and footprint scaling enabled the density scaling. Logical scaling has been successfully realized, too. TLC (triple-level cell, 3 bits per cell) is now the mainstream in 3D NAND, while QLC (quad-level cell, 4 bits per cell) is increasing the presence. Several attempts and partial demonstrations were made for PLC (penta-level cell, 5 bits per cell). CMOS under array (CuA) enabled the die size reduction and performance improvements. Program and erase schemes to address the technology challenges such as short-term data retention of the charge-trap cell and the large block size are being investigated.
Development of a Hybrid Simulation for an Ocean Wave Energy Converter

This paper presents the development of a wave energy Oscillating Water Column (OWC) converter test-bed for validation of generator performance and control strategies. OWC converters utilize ocean wave motion to create a bi-directional airflow, which is in turn converted by an air turbine connected to an electric generator. The testbed has been developed at the Wallace Energy Systems and Renewables Facility (WESRF) at Oregon State University. The testbed combines both numerical and physical simulation, with the hydrodynamics and aerodynamics being numerically simulated, and the induction electrical generator and grid connection being physically realized. Experimental demonstration of the system in operation is presented.
MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING ELECTRICITY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION IN NIGERIA

Electricity generation, transmission and distribution are three stages of delivering electricity to consumers. The delivery of electricity to consumers in Nigeria has multidimensional problems. This paper focused on capacity of electricity generation in Nigeria and the major factors affecting electricity generation, transmission and distribution in the country. The factors are none diversification of sources of energy used in electricity generation, poor maintenance culture, electrical power transmission line losses due to long distance between generating stations and load centers etc. Restructuring the Nigerian radial interconnected electricity generation station grid system which has National Control Centre atOshogbo and replace it with a regional interconnected grid system in order to reduce transmission line losses and improve reliability of the Nigerian grid system among others was recommended.
Oil and Gas Rights

Mineral rights are unique in the United States because they can be owned by individuals whereas governmental entities control mineral rights in all other countries. This gives oil and gas companies greater access to exploration and production opportunities in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world, and explains why the U.S. typically has 40% or more of the world’s rigs working here at any given time even though we have less than 5% of the world’s oil and gas reserves. The boom in U.S. shale gas drilling is tipping the scale even further and creates a host of new legal and environmental complexities. The most common form of agreement, called a lease, accommodates the facts that landowners often want to share in the profits of production but do not have the skills or resources to drill for oil and gas, and that oil and gas companies want access to minerals without having to buy the land. A lease has attributes suitable to both parties. The complexity of mineral rights, the competition for resources, and the high stakes involved make for some interesting situations — not the least of which is the fact that drilling and production often occurs on land where the surface owner has nothing to gain and much to lose. Paul Parsons will give us an interesting tour of mineral rights that you won’t want to miss! ￻
Microfluidics Technology for the Design and Formulation of Nanomedicines

In conventional drug administration, drug molecules cross multiple biological barriers, distribute randomly in the tissues, and can release insufficient concentrations at the desired pathological site. Controlling the delivery of the molecules can increase the concentration of the drug in the desired location, leading to improved efficacy, and reducing the unwanted effects of the molecules under investigation. Nanoparticles (NPs), have shown a distinctive potential in targeting drugs due to their unique properties, such as large surface area and quantum properties. A variety of NPs have been used over the years for the encapsulation of different drugs and biologics, acting as drug carriers, including lipid-based and polymeric NPs. Applying NP platforms in medicines significantly improves the disease diagnosis and therapy. Several conventional methods have been used for the manufacturing of drug loaded NPs, with conventional manufacturing methods having several limitations, leading to multiple drawbacks, including NPs with large particle size and broad size distribution (high polydispersity index), besides the unreproducible formulation and high batch-to-batch variability. Therefore, new methods such as microfluidics (MFs) need to be investigated more thoroughly. MFs, is a novel manufacturing method that uses microchannels to produce a size-controlled and monodispersed NP formulation. In this review, different formulation methods of polymeric and lipid-based NPs will be discussed, emphasizing the different manufacturing methods and their advantages and limitations and how microfluidics has the capacity to overcome these limitations and improve the role of NPs as an effective drug delivery system.
Channelopathy of Dravet Syndrome and Potential Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabidiol

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a channelopathy, neurodevelopmental, epileptic encephalopathy characterized by seizures, developmental delay, and cognitive impairment that includes susceptibility to thermally induced seizures, spontaneous seizures, ataxia, circadian rhythm and sleep disorders, autistic-like behaviors, and premature death. More than 80% of DS cases are linked to mutations in genes which encode voltage-gated sodium channel subunits, SCN1A and SCN1B, which encode the Nav1. 1α subunit and Nav1. 1β1 subunit, respectively. There are other gene mutations encoding potassium, calcium, and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels related to DS. One-third of patients have pharmacoresistance epilepsy. DS is unresponsive to standard therapy. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid present in Cannabis, has been introduced for treating DS because of its anticonvulsant properties in animal models and humans, especially in pharmacoresistant patients. However, the etiological channelopathiological mechanism of DS and action mechanism of CBD on the channels are unclear. In this review, we summarize evidence of the direct and indirect action mechanism of sodium, potassium, calcium, and HCN channels in DS, especially sodium subunits. Some channels’ loss-of-function or gain-of-function in inhibitory or excitatory neurons determine the balance of excitatory and inhibitory are associated with DS. A great variety of mechanisms of CBD anticonvulsant effects are focused on modulating these channels, especially sodium, calcium, and potassium channels, which will shed light on ionic channelopathy of DS and the precise molecular treatment of DS in the future.