Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-speed wavelength selective operation of PLZT-based arrayed-waveguide grating

A wavelength selective, (Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O3 (PLZT)-based, arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) with eight output channels at a spacing of 200 GHz is reported. The wavelength channel is selected by controlling the voltages applied to electrodes on the AWG. High-speed wavelength selection was successfully demonstrated with a response time of less than 40 ns. The extinction ratio was larger than 13 dB, and the 3 dB optical bandwidth was 110 GHz. The insertion loss was 19 dB including a coupling loss of 10 dB and a waveguide propagation loss of 3 dB.
Morbidity and mortality patterns of pedestrian injuries by age at the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital from 2000 to 2014

Abstract This study evaluates morbidity and mortality patterns of 2,093 pedestrian injuries at the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital during 2000–2014 by age. Most were male between the ages of 35–64, with the highest occurrence of injuries during 8pm-4am. The most common injury was lower extremity injuries (46.6%), followed by intracranial injuries (35.5%), except in the youngest age group where the opposite pattern was observed. Pedestrians in the 65–74 and 75–84 age groups had a greater proportion of upper extremity fractures (31.1% and 32.7%, respectively) and those in the 55–64 and 65–74 groups had a higher proportion of lower extremity fractures (43.8%), compared to the youngest group. Hepatic injuries (13.4%) commonly affected subjects <16 years, whereas older patients frequently sustained rib, sternum, larynx and trachea fractures. Compared to the youngest group, the risk of death increased 14-fold (95%CI: 5.90, 33.18) and 24.6-fold (95%CI: 8.10, 74.41) in those aged 65–74 and older than 84, respectively. Given these findings, implementing pedestrian safety legislation, educational programs, urban planning and preventive measures must be tailored to the needs of each age group.
Synthesizing Broadband Time-Histories at Near Source Sites; Case Study, 2003 Bam Mw6.5 Earthquake

The main objective of this article is to synthesize the 2003 Bam earthquake. A hybrid method is proposed for synthesizing the near-fault broadband timehistories; a theoretical green's function method and a stochastic finite-fault approach for generating time histories at low and high frequencies, respectively. A genetic algorithm is developed to optimize the differences between synthesized and recorded ground motions. The proposed technique can be used for dynamic nonlinear analysis of structures and site specific hazard analysis of the regions with lack of sufficient data and also for retrofitting the damaged structures during Bam earthquake, particularly the well-known adobe buildings of Arg-e-Bam.
Robust Secure Transmit Design with Artificial Noise in the Presence of Multiple Eavesdroppers

This paper studies secure wireless transmission from a multi-antenna transmitter to a single-antenna intended receiver overheard by multiple eavesdroppers with considering the imperfect channel state information (CSI) of wiretap channel. To enhance security of communication link, the artificial noise (AN) is generated at transmitter. We first design the robust joint optimal beamforming of secret signal and AN to minimize transmit power with constraints of security quality of service (QoS), i.e., minimum allowable signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) at receiver and maximum tolerable SINR at eavesdroppers. The formulated design problem is shown to be nonconvex and we transfer it into linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The semidefinite relaxation (SDR) technique is used and the approximated method is proved to solve the original problem exactly. To verify the robustness and tightness of proposed beamforming, we also provide a method to calculate the worst-case SINR at eavesdroppers for a designed transmit scheme using semidefinite programming (SDP). Additionally, the secrecy rate maximization is explored for fixed total transmit power. To tackle the nonconvexity of original formulation, we develop an iterative approach employing sequential parametric convex approximation (SPCA). The simulation results illustrate that the proposed robust transmit schemes can effectively improve the transmit performance
Predicting discomfort glare from outdoor lighting installations

In addition to sky glow and light trespass, discomfort glare from outdoor lighting installations is a growing concern to the public. A series of experimental investigations was performed to assess the relative impacts of light source photometric characteristics on subjective ratings of discomfort glare. The results converge, demonstrating the influence of light source illuminance, surround illuminance and ambient illuminance on subjective judgements of discomfort glare. A simple model relating these photometric quantities is proposed for making predictions of discomfort glare from outdoor lighting installations. This model can be readily incorporated into existing frameworks for evaluating light pollution as well as into lighting calculation software.
Environmental costs and benefits in life cycle costing

Purpose – From a methodological point of view, life cycle costing (LCC) is well developed with respect to conventional costs. However, when it comes to costs related to environmental issues, neither the items nor their estimation have been well developed. This paper aims at investigating the possibilities of using life cycle assessment (LCA) results to identify and estimate environmental costs or benefits in an LCC.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins by looking at the driving forces for introducing environmental costs in companies, continues by identifying external and internal environmental cost issues, and concludes with an attempt to estimate the internal costs.Findings – Some of the items of an LCC have to do with increased/decreased sales, others with good will. Both are difficult to estimate, but LCA or LCA‐like investigations may be helpful in identifying relevant issues. Future costs to the product system may also be estimated, for example, with a distance‐to‐target type of weighting. L.
Dual-beam actuation of piezoelectric AlN RF MEMS switches monolithically integrated with AlN contour-mode resonators

This work reports on piezoelectric aluminum nitride (AlN) based dual-beam RF MEMS switches that have been monolithically integrated with AlN contour-mode resonators. The dual-beam switch design presented in this paper intrinsically compensates for the residual stress in the deposited films, requires a low actuation voltage (5 to 20 V) and facilitates active pull-off to open the switch and exhibits fast switching times (1 to 2 µs). This work also presents the combined response (cascaded S parameters) of a resonator and a switch that were co-fabricated on the same substrate. The response shows that the resonator can be effectively turned on and off by the switch. A post-CMOS compatible process was used for the co-fabrication of both the switches and the resonators. The single-chip RF solution presented constitutes an unprecedented step forward towards the realization of compact, low-loss and integrated multi-frequency RF front-ends.
Using a just-in-time selling strategy to strengthen supply chain linkages

A two-stage JIT-selling strategy is proposed as an alternative for strengthening buyer–seller linkages throughout the supply chain. The impact of implementation of such a strategy on organizational performance is investigated. Stage 1 of the JIT-selling strategy requires implementation and execution of selling tactics that build value during the selling process based on the organization's JIT related capabilities, such as zero-defect production, on-time delivery and quantity precision. Stage 2 requires development of single-source relationships with customers that result in the full integration of on-site sales representatives into customers’ purchasing processes. Data related to implementation of the JIT-selling strategy and organizational performance were collected from 175 manufacturers, and the relationship between the constructs was assessed using correlation and structural equation modelling techniques. Results support the proposition that implementation of a JIT-selling strategy to strengthen supply chain linkages will result in improved organizational performance.
Generic Method of Grading Building Defects Using FMECA to Improve Maintainability Decisions

To improve building maintainability by preventing defects, a scientific maintainability scoring system necessitates a centralized database of defects and their systematic analysis or grading. Unlike causes, impacts of defects are not well defined. This research establishes bottom-up, qualitative failure mode effect and criticality analysis (FMECA) as a suitable defect grading tool and develops criticality parameters applicable for buildings. For two major systems, nine subsystems, and 62 components of Singapore commercial buildings, 319 defects were identified. Thirty-four experienced facility managers graded 45% of them as critical in a five-point Likert scale during a face-to-face questionnaire. Most critical defects were from five mechanical-electrical subsystems, namely, sanitary plumbing, HVAC, elevator, electrical, and fire protection. They are rare but significantly affect users and system performance. Though four civil-architectural subsystems were simpler, their defects showed higher frequency an.
COVID-19 anxiety and organizational commitment among front-line nurses: Perceived role of nurse managers' caring behavior

Background & Aim: Anxiety related to the COVID-19 is prevalent amongst the nursing workforce potentially affecting nurses’ well-being and their organizational commitment. The nurse manager’s caring behavior has been recognized as a crucial indicator of nurses' resilience with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 anxiety on front-line nurses’ organizational commitment and their perception of nurse managers' caring behavior. Methods & Materials: This study utilized an explanatory research design; hence, a convenient sample consisted of 60 registered nurses working at three selected medical intensive care units located in one of the Cairo University Teaching hospitals, Egypt was selected. Data were collected using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, Nursing Staff Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, and Nurse Managers' Caring Behavior Questionnaire. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for the data analysis where the descriptive statistics, Simple Linear, and Stepwise multiple regression analysis were applied. Results: The highest-rated anxiety problem of COVID-19 was appetite loss (x ̅=3.03, SD = ±0.88). Human respect as one of the perceived nurse managers caring behaviors emerged as a strong predictor (Partial R2 = 0.104, p= .017) in increasing the front-line nurses’ organizational commitment, while COVID-19 anxiety has a significant decreasing effect (Partial R2 = 0.435, p<0.001) on it. Conclusion: COVID-19 anxiety has affected the front-line nurses’ organizational commitment and their perceived nurse managers' caring behavior. COVID-19 anxiety should be addressed and rectified by providing appropriate managerial caring behavior and support to boost nurses ‘organizational commitment.
Influence of germination on physicochemical, thermo‐pasting, and antioxidant properties of moong grain (
 Vigna radiata
 )

Moong grains (MG) were germinated for the different time period (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days) and the effect of germination time on the quality of MG flour was determined. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in nutritional composition, functional properties, and antioxidant activity of MG flour was observed upon germination. In comparison to control samples, increase in protein content (27.94–35.80 g/100g), the total color difference (15.56–22.18), total phenolic content (2.31–6.84 GAE/100g), and total flavonoid content (3.82–9.35 QE/100g) occurred upon the germination. Functional properties such as WAC and OAC also increased from 1.61–3.48 g/g and 0.92–1.38 g/g, respectively, with the increase in germination time. The initial, mid, and end temperature of gelatinization decreased from 87.90 to 67.90°C, 88.00 to 98.30°C, and 88.20 to 68.70°C, respectively. Germination led to the reduction in pasting temperature and pasting viscosity of flour thereby reducing the cooking time. Principal component analysis bi‐plot also demonstrated the variability in different properties of flour with respect to germination time. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Germination of food grain is a traditional practice to enhance the bioavailability of micronutrient. Germination time is an important factor affecting the physicochemical, functional, pasting, and antioxidant properties of MG. The present study will provide cumulative information for the selection of industrial and household germination process time for the desired quality end products.
Experimental investigation of performance and emission parameters of a small diesel engine using CNG and biodiesel

The use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in diesel engines can be considered one of the optimum alternative solutions for reducing fuel consumption rate and exhaust gas emissions from diesel engine. CNG can ideally replace diesel fuel; 90% of the diesel was replaced by CNG, while remaining 10% was used as a pilot fuel. Biodiesel was used as a pilot fuel in this research. Methyl ester of sunflower oil was the main component of the biodiesel product. The results of the engine performance tests showed that increasing the biodiesel percentage in the pilot fuel reduce the combustion chamber peak pressure, and the exhaust engine temperature. The exhaust gas emissions CO and NOx concentrations were found to be low when biodiesel was used, however UHC was found to be higher.
Aeroacoustic analysis of a rod-airfoil flow by means of time- resolved PIV

The present study investigates an experimental approach for aeroacoustic prediction of vortex-structure noise based on time-resolved Particle Image Velocimetry (TR-PIV). The test conflguration consists of a NACA0012 airfoil immersed in the wake of an cylindrical rod. The velocity fleld around the airfoil measured by the PIV experiment is used to evaluate the corresponding pressure fleld as solution of the planar Poisson equation for the pressure. The resulting pressure evaluated at the airfoil surface constitutes the source term of the implemented Curle’s aeroacoustic analogy. An alternative formulation based on the integral aerodynamic loads is also followed. The results of the aeroacoustic prediction are compared with microphone measurements conducted simultaneously, in terms of spectra and directivity pattern. The results show a good agreement with the microphone measurements for the evaluation of the tonal component corresponding to the frequency
Electrical transduction in nanomechanical resonators based on doubly clamped bottom-up silicon nanowires

The frequency response of double-clamped bottom-up grown silicon nanowires is measured electrically by means of a frequency modulation (FM) detection scheme. In comparison with other electrical methods, FM detection is simpler and it allows the use of smaller actuation signals. We have been able to resolve the first three mechanical resonance modes up to frequencies higher than 350 MHz. The FM detection scheme relies on a transduction mechanism that presents a linear dependence of the change of conductance with the nanowire deflection/actuation signal. The modeling of the system corroborates that two different transduction mechanisms (linear and quadratic) co-exist.
Towards competence‐based VET: dealing with the pitfalls

This article builds on a previous 2004 Journal of Vocational Education and Training (JVET) contribution by Biemans et al., in which several possible pitfalls in designing and implementing competence‐based education (CBE) were discussed. The present article reports on the results of an extensive research programme on competence development and CBE consisting of four empirical studies carried out in schools for secondary and higher vocational education in the life sciences in the Netherlands in the years 2004 to 2008. Based on the research findings, the article examines how the CBE pitfalls have been dealt with in Dutch VET. The conclusion can be drawn that the various pitfalls have received attention during the design and implementation of CBE, but not all problems have been solved yet. The article provides clues as to how the various pitfalls might be further addressed in the future to improve the quality of competence‐based VET.
Tilted receiver angle error compensated indoor positioning system based on visible light communication

In a positioning system based on visible light communication, significant error occurs in localisation when the receiver has a tilt angle. The performance of the positioning system, which uses received signal strength and trilateration when Rx is tilted, has been researched and it is demonstrated that the estimated location changes in the same direction that the Rx is tilted and the shape of the estimated position is bent, theoretically and experimentally. The bent shape and error in an estimated position were compensated for by the multiplying weighting factor and by shifting the estimated position, respectively.
The Effects of Mechanical Coupling on the Electrical Impedance of MEMS Resonators for UHF Filter Applications

Abstract : This thesis presents finite elements based simulations of electromechanical transfer functions for resonator and filter geometries. These Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations are performed using the ANSYS software and demonstrate the significance of mechanical coupling between MEMS longitudinal-mode bar (L-Bar) resonators. An analytical model and equivalent circuit are derived for a single L-Bar resonator. The analytical derivation is validated with an PEA model having the same material parameters and boundary conditions. The center frequency and resonant impedance produced by the FEA model are within 1% of the analytical values. A boundary condition study is undertaken to determine the sensitivity of the L-Bar resonator model to changes in the peripheral geometry and displacement constraints. A comparison of FEA results indicates that a simple resonator model with only tether supports yields impedance and center frequency values comparable to those of more complex geometries. When compared to initial experimental results from an actual resonator, the simulated electrical output corresponds well to the actual transfer function. This study also introduces a method for calculating the parameters of the resonator's equivalent circuit model from simulated (or measured) transfer function data. The method is tested on simulation data for which a mechanical Quality factor is designated. Comparing the prescribed mechanical Q to the extracted circuit Q provides a consistency check for the technique. The parameter extraction technique is a useful first attempt to devise a comprehensive method for determining circuit parameters that will reliably reproduce the transfer function of an actual resonator. Finally, a new resonator topology is presented that employs mechanical coupling between L-Bar resonators to improve upon the output of a single bar and create alternative configurations for filter design at Draper. The new coupled bar geometry can be
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF EMBANKMENT FOUNDATION LIQUEFACTION COUNTERMEASURES

Computational simulations are presented for a unique series of centrifuge tests conducted to assess the performance of liquefaction countermeasure techniques. In these centrifuge tests, the dynamic response of an embankment supported on a liquefiable foundation (medium sand) is investigated. The experimental series included: (i) a benchmark test without a liquefaction countermeasure, (ii) foundation densiflcation below the embankment toe, and (iii) use of a sheet-pile containment enclosure below the embankment. This series of experiments documents a wide range of practical liquefaction response mechanisms (including countermeasure implementation). In order to numerically simulate the above centrifuge tests, a new calibrated soil stress-strain constitutive model is incorporated into a two-phase (solid-fluid) fully coupled Finite Element formulation. Comparison of the computational and experimental results demonstrates: (i) importance of post-liquefaction dilative soil behavior in dictating the dynamic response and deformation characteristics of the embankment-foundation system, and (ii) capabilities and limitations of the numerical modeling procedure.
Knowledge-Based System for SWMM Runoff Component Calibration

A knowledge-based system for automating the calibration of the runoff model of the widely used storm water management model (SWMM) is described. The paper focuses on the key components of the knowledge-based system: (1) The results of a sensitivity study of calibration parameters; (2) the strategy used for parameter selection and value assignment so as to match simulated and measured hydrographs; and (3) the knowledge representation scheme used to implement the calibration strategies. An example of the application of the developed system on a catchment in Singapore is also presented and discussed.
Design of a deployable structure with shape memory polymers

Auxetic (negative Poisson's ratio) configurations have recently been used to build prototypes of deployable structures using classical shape memory alloys (Nickel-Titanium-Copper). Chiral configurations, featuring three or more inter-connected spiral-wound hubs, exploit efficient tensile-rotational mechanisms. These structures offer high deployability ratios in structural elements with load-bearing characteristics. Shape memory polymers have the potential to replace these shape memory alloys and other stored-energy actuators, and have the attractive properties of low mass, high actuation strain, easy fabrication and tuneable thermal properties. In this work we discuss how shape memory polymers (SMP) integrated into a chiral core could offer enhanced deployable characteristics and increase the efficiency of the auxetic deformations in these unusual cellular structures. We consider the spiral-wound fundamental component needed for SMP n-chiral prototypes and present test results showing actuation motion of expanding SMP deployable structures. Applications likely to benefit from these structures include lightweight elements for structural engineering applications, deployable structures for space applications and implantable medical devices.