Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A HYBRID PD-FUZZY CONTROLLER FOR ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPES

This paper presents two fuzzy-based controllers designed to scan non-contact atomic force microscopes (AFM) over a specimen surface. Firstly, we develop a conventional fuzzy controller to achieve asymptotic probe tip tracking for bounded tip trajectories. Secondly, a hybrid PD-fuzzy controller is designed for the same purpose where the PD gains are tuned online by means of fuzzy logic. Finally, we compare the efficacy and requirements of the two controllers and compare their results to those of other recently proposed controllers for the same purpose. We show improved performance using both of our controllers; the most significant advantage being increased controller bandwidth and thus faster AFM scan rates. However, the PD-fuzzy controller is found to impose more realistic actuation demands on the plant than the Fuzzy controller.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Planar transmission lines with finitely thick conductors and lossy substrates

Various types of lossy planar transmission lines are analyzed by extending the spectral domain approach. Introduction of the finite metallization model and choice of the proper basis functions for the model not only overcomes the computational difficulty, but also reduces drastically the computation labor for the calculation of the conductor loss. Numerical results include the effective dielectric constants, characteristic impedance and total losses for slot lines, coplanar waveguides and strip lines. Numerical computations show that the currents on the side walls of the metal conductors make a considerable contribution to the conductor loss and cannot be neglected and that the quasi-static approximation gives reasonable results for the loss calculation of coplanar waveguides if the metallization thickness effect is taken into consideration properly. <<ETX>>
Modeling cell and tissue electroporation

by Kyle Christopher Smith B.S.E. , Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 2003 Submitted to the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY February 2006 © Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2006. All rights reserved.
Employees’ Innovativeness in Manufacturing Industry: A Case Study from a Japanese Firm

No. 8, 2021, Pg. - Abstract This study aims to examine the relationship between technical knowledge, workspace culture, and employees’ innovativeness at a Japanese manufacturing firm. The theoretical model based on the social cognitive theory approach to employee innovativeness was developed. To answer the research questions, two hypotheses were formulated with moderating effect of workspace culture. Online survey questionnaires were distributed to these Japanese manufacturing employees. A total of 477 employees of all levels were involved in this study, making an overall 22.71 percent response rate. This study utilized the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to establish the validity and reliability of the measurement model and structural model to test the relationships. The findings of the study showed that technical knowledge has significant influences on employee innovativeness and workspace culture has a moderating role in the relationship between technical knowledge towards em ployees’ innovativeness. The findings offered several theoretical and practical implications to a selected Japanese firm and its policymakers. The limitations of the study are addressed and recommendations for future research work are also offered.
Strategies Resolving Spatial Fragmentation: Case Study in the Brownfield Zone of Budapest

The transitory belt of Budapest contains a great number of underused, brownfield areas awaiting rehabilitation as a result of the economic transformations of the last few decades. The paper deals with a characteristic problem of this belt, the visual and spatial fragmentation, and examines it at one specific location: the neighbourhood of the Gas Works area in Obuda. Through this example, it proposes specific urban design and landscape oriented spatial strategies that could be applied to this fragmented site. These strategies use densification tools, deal with the reprogramming of the open landscape, and propose urban landscape design interventions with the goal of hydrological management. The objective of the paper is to identify approaches dealing with the fragmentation of the neighbourhood and propose tools for articulating a more connected, visually more integrated environment.
46.2: Real‐Time Pen Tracking on Electronic Paper Displays

On most electronic paper displays (EPDs), low update rates lead to a poor user experience especially for pen‐based markups. The slow update causes a remarkable delay between pen motion and visibility of the stroke. Even worse, this delay varies depending on the current part of the update cycle. This paper presents a real‐time pen tracking method for EPDs, using a new display driver on an unmodified E Ink hardware platform. This method compares favorably to the iLiad E‐Reader.
The Stages of Quality Management Evolution in the Pacific Rim

The most important issue facing manufacturers is maintaining the improving product quality, since quality is related to long‐term competitiveness as measured by market share and profitability. Firms are implementing many different quality programmes to improve quality. Many times these programmes are not focused on what can be accomplished, since each company is at different stages in its quality development. Examines these development stages of quality management, so that manufacturers can estimate the quality development stage. After evaluating their quality stage manufacturing firms can improve quality systematically, by concentrating on those programmes that best suit their development.
IEEE Transactions

The recent years have seen an explosive growth of research applied to sensory systems in the areas of life sciences, physical sciences and engineering. Such activities require inter-disciplinary collaboration between scientists, engineers, and practitioners to solve complex real world problems. The emerging CASS activities in Sensory Systems should create innovative solutions for today's problems and pose new challenges for the CASS community to build new bridges at the frontiers of Systems Engineering. From an engineering perspective sensory circuits and systems are demanding with extreme power limitations, requiring robustness and reliability in different operation environments. In applications like implants, integration of sensors and transducers for both power and signaling is required. In many ways, sensory circuits and systems are challenging the state-of-the-art circuit design, and cross-field collaboration is important for utilizing existing technologies. It is hoped that new and strong research should emerge form these efforts and make way technology progress. Topics of this special issue are intended to cover a broad spectrum involving Smart Sensors and Sensory Systems. These include, but are not limited to: • Image Sensors • MEMS • Acoustic Sensors • Chemical Sensors • Vision Systems • Chemical Sensors • Sensor devices and interface circuits • Sensory models • Networked Sensors • Olfactory Sensors • Neuromorphic Circuits
Wind-induced self-excited loads on bridges

To investigate the frequency and amplitude effects on flutter derivatives, as well as the nonlinear characteristics of the aerodynamic forces on bridge sections, a vibration excitation system was designed and built for forced vibration experiments in the wind tunnel. Based on experimental results, it was shown that flutter derivatives are moderately dependent of the amplitude and frequency. The fast Fourier transform was also applied to investigate the nonlinearity of the aerodynamic forces. Results indicated that responses of thin-plate and streamlined sections were close to linear. However, the response of bluff sections contained relatively large higher order harmonics, even when the sectional model was driven by a small amplitude and nearly pure sinusoidal excitation.
Kangaroo mother care practice and its associated factors among postnatal mothers who gave birth in public general hospitals of Eastern and Central zone, Tigray, North Ethiopia

Background:Kangaroo mother care (KMC) practice ‘is the early, prolonged and continuous skin-to skin contact between the mother and her low birth weight baby that practiced in the hospital and after early discharge until at least the 40 th weeks of postnatal period with exclusive breast feeding and proper follow-up’. Low birth weight is an underling factor in 60-80% of all neonatal deaths. Therefore, this study aimed to assess kangaroo mother care practice and its associated factors among post natal mothers who gave birth in public hospitals of Eastern and Central zone, Tigray, North Ethiopia.Methods:An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern and central zone of Tigray Region from March –August/2019. A total of 411 study participants were selected using simple random sampling technique. Binary and Multiple logistic regression analysis were used to see the association of independent variables to the outcome variable at a P<0.05 using SPSS version 20.0 software.Results:A total of 397 study participants were included in the study with a response rate of 96.6%. Of these, the mean age of the respondents was 27.4(±5.7). More than half (54.4%) of mothers were practiced KMC to their low birth weight baby. Mothers age [AOR (95%CI):0.21(0.05,0.95)], occupational status of mothers [AOR (95%CI): 0.11(0.04,0.34)], occupational status of fathers [AOR (95%CI): 4.1(1.54,11.07)], monthly income[AOR(95%CI): 0.27(0.09,0.76)], place of delivery [AOR(95%CI):0.29(0.11,0.76) and complications of newborn baby at birth [AOR(95%):3.1(1.21,8.09)] were the factors significantly associated with kangaroo mother care practice.Conclusion:There was low proportion of mothers practiced kangaroo mother care to their low birth weight baby. Hence, health care providers should demonstrate for family members and mothers on how to practice kangaroo mother care immediately after delivery in health institution and to be continued at home.
A hierarchical structural model of assessing innovation and project performance

Research in construction innovation highlights construction industry as having many barriers and resistance to innovations and suggests that it needs champions. A hierarchical structural model is presented, to assess the impact of the role of the project manager (PM) on the levels of innovation and project performance. The model adopts the structural equation modelling technique and uses the survey data collected from PMs and project team members working for general contractors in Singapore. The model fits well to the observed data, accounting for 24%, 37% and 49% of the variance in championing behaviour, the level of innovation and project performance, respectively. The results of this study show the importance of the championing role of PMs in construction innovation. However, in order to increase their effectiveness, such a role should be complemented by their competency and professionalism, tactical use of influence tactics, and decision authority. Moreover, senior management should provide adequate resources and a sustained support to innovation and create a conducive environment or organizational culture that nurtures and facilitates the PM's role in the construction project as a champion of innovation.
The effect of thermal gradients on the performance of battery packs in automotive applications

Thermal gradients arising inside a battery pack for automotive applications are calculated for 200 A discharge via a multiparticle thermal-electrochemical coupled high fidelity model for a 12P7S 4.8 Ah cell pack. The effect of such gradients at the cell level are studied in a first approximation under a corresponding discharge at 15 A, by discretising the cell into units at fixed temperatures throughout the discharge. The immediate time evolution of load distribution through the various parts of the cell shows a complex behaviour, dependent on parameters such as temperatures, state of charge and load characteristics.
Fatigue characteristics of polycrystalline silicon thin-film membrane and its dependence on humidity

This paper describes fatigue characteristics of a polycrystalline silicon thin-film membrane under different humidity evaluated by out-of-plane resonant vibration. The membrane, without the surface of sidewalls by patterning of photolithography and etching process, was applied to evaluate fatigue characteristics precisely against the changes in the surrounding humidity owing to narrower deviation in the fatigue lifetime. The membrane has 16 mm square-shaped multilayered films consisting of a 250 or 500 nm thick polysilicon film on silicon dioxide and silicon nitride underlying layers. A circular weight of 12 mm in diameter was placed at the center of the membrane to control the resonant frequency. Stress on the polysilicon film was generated by deforming the membrane oscillating the weight in the out-of-plane direction. The polysilicon film was fractured by fatigue damage accumulation under cyclic stress. The lifetime of the polysilicon membrane extended with lower relative humidity, especially at 5%RH. The results of the fatigue tests were well formulated with Weibull's statistics and Paris’ law. The dependence of fatigue characteristics on humidity has been quantitatively revealed for the first time. The crack growth rate indicated by the fatigue index decreased with the reduction in humidity, whereas the deviation of strength represented by the Weibull modulus was nearly constant against humidity.
Northridge earthquake : lifeline performance and post-earthquake response

This monograph describes the earthquake performance, emergency response, and recovery for the following lifeline systems: electric power, water, wastewater communications, roads and bridges, railroads, ports, airports, gas, and liquid fuels. In addition, the impact of lifeline disruption on emergency response capabilities of hospitals and fire suppression elements of the emergency response community are discussed. For each lifeline, damage, emergency response methods used to cope with damage and disruption, and the restoration and recovery processes are described. Implemented and proposed changes in equipment and facility design specifications, operating procedures, and emergency response plans are also explained. Each section summarizes the lessons learned, makes recommendations to improve system earthquake response, and identifies needed research.
PERFORMANCE OF TURKISH CALABRIAN PINE (PINUS BRUTIA TEN.) TIMBER JOINTS CONSTRUCTED WITH METAL PLATE CONNECTORS

Performance of metal-plate-connected (MPC) wood-truss-joints constructed with Turkish calabrian pine was investigated. Total of 120 joints were constructed using 38 mm by 89 mm lumber and three diff erent sizes of metal plate connectors. Joints ultimate strength, stiff ness, and load at critical slip values were evaluated using four-way plate test method. Eff ect of metal plate size and test method on the ultimate strength, stiff ness, and load at critical slip values was also investigated. Results indicate that method of loading and plate size signifi cantly infl uence the ultimate strength, load at critical slip and stiff
The UTAH/M.I.T. Dextrous Hand: Work in Progress

The Center for Biomedical Design at the University of Utah and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the Massachu setts Institute of Technology are developing a tendon-oper ated multiple-degree-of-freedom dextrous hand (DH) with multichannel touch-sensing capability. Our goal is the design and fabrication of a high-performance yet well-behaved sys tem that is fast and stable and that includes considerable operational flexibility as a research tool. The paper reviews progress to date on project subtasks and discusses design issues important to hardware and control systems develop ment in terms of (1) structures that contain tendons, actua tors, joints, and sensors; (2) both pneumatic and electric tendon actuation systems; (3) optically based sensors that detect touch; (4) subcontrol systems that provide internal management of the DH; and (5) preliminary higher control systems that supervise general operation of the hand during execution of tasks and that provide integration of vision and tactile information.
Automated detection of oestrus and mastitis in dairy cows.

Detection models for oestrus and mastitis in dairy cows were developed, based on sensors for milk yield, milk temperature, electrical conductivity of milk, cow's activity and concentrate intake, and on combined processing of the sensor data. The detection model generated alerts for cows, that need the farmer's attention, because of a possible case of oestrus or mastitis. A first detection model for cows, milked twice a day, was based on time series models for the sensor variables, where the parameters were fitted on-line for each cow after each milking by a Kalman filter. This model was tested during two years on two experimental farms, and under field conditions on four farms during several years. A second detection model, for cows milked in an automatic milking system (AMS), was based on a generalisation of the first model. Two data sets (one small, one large) were used for testing. The results of both models for oestrus detection were good, for mastitis varying. Fuzzy logic was used for the classification of mastitis and oestrus alerts with both detection models, to reduce the number of false positive alerts. Input for the fuzzy logic model were alerts from the detection models and additional information. The number of false positive alerts decreased considerably, while keeping the number of detected cases at the same level. The models make automated detection possible in practice.
Update on the Composite Indicators of Structural Change towards a More Knowledge-Intensive Economy

This report aims at assessing whether the economic structure of Europe is becoming more knowledge-intensive, in comparison with other countries (EU, EFTA and non-European benchmarks US, Japan, China). This entails the measurement of key dimension of structural change with a simple policy tool. The present work builds on and updates the results of the previous Feasibility Study on the development of composite indicators of structural change (Vertesy et al., 2012). It also builds on a previous study by Malerba et al. (2011) that identified indicators measuring changes in the actual sectoral composition of the economy. In this study we construct a composite indicator on structural change at the country level, including indicators on R&D, skills, sectoral specialization, international specialization and internationalization. This composite is a supply-oriented indicator that is largely based on past performance (the outcomes of past efforts that are already measurable in terms of actual value added and employment levels in knowledge-based activities, revealed competitive advantages, supply of skilled human resources, etc.). All these indicators are related to the overall structure of the economy and are slow to change. In order to capture short-term characteristics of structural change related to the dynamics of smaller and younger firms, future research should focus on the development of a longitudinal database collecting indicators on the share of gazelles and the share of high-growth firms in terms of employment and turnover. As the Commission’s in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre’s mission is to provide EU policies with independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support throughout the whole policy cycle. Working in close cooperation with policy Directorates-General, the JRC addresses key societal challenges while stimulating innovation through developing new standards, methods and tools, and sharing and transferring its know-how to the Member States and international community. Key policy areas include: environment and climate change; energy and transport; agriculture and food security; health and consumer protection; information society and digital agenda; safety and security including nuclear; all supported through a cross-cutting and multi-disciplinary approach. LB -N A -2 6 4 0 9 -E N -N
The impact of tutoring in the digital academic literacy programme on graduate attributes at the University of the Western Cape

This study reports on the impact of a Tutor Work - Study Programme, within the Digital Academic Literacy Programme (DAL) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa. This study was prompted by the need to investigate the impact of peer (student) tutoring initiatives on tutors’ learning, academic studies and future career preparation. This paper seeks to make a contribution to the broadening of conceptions regarding impact of tutoring programmes from knowledge gains in the recipients, to gains (and impediments) conferred to tutors supporting the delivery of the material. While the enquiry focuses primarily on the DAL tutors, it also includes an account of the impact of the tutors on the delivery and facilitation of programme, and on the registered UWC students served by it. A mixed - methodology is employed, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data, drawn from
Electromigration—A brief survey and some recent results

Recently, electromigration has been identified as a potential wear-out failure mode for semiconductor devices employing metal film conductors of inadequate cross-sectional area. A brief survey of electromigration indicates that although the effect has been known for several decades, a great deal of the processes involved is still unknown, especially for complex metals and solute ions. Earlier design equations are improved to account for conductor film cross-sectional area as well as film structure, film temperature, and current density. Design curves are presented which permit the construction of high reliability "infinite life" aluminum conductors for specific conditions of maximum current and temperature stress expected in use. It is also shown that positive gradients, in terms of electron flow, of temperature, current density, or ion diffusion coefficient foreshorten conductor life because they present regions where vacancies condense to form voids.