Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conception en vue de test de convertisseurs de signal analogique-numérique de type pipeline.

La Non-Linearite-Differentielle (NLD) et la Non-Linearite-Integrale (NLI) sont les performances statiques les plus importantes des Convertisseurs Analogique-Numerique (CAN) qui sont mesurees lors d’un test de production. Ces deux performances indiquent la deviation de la fonction de transfert du CAN par rapport au cas ideal. Elles sont obtenues en appliquant une rampe ou une sinusoide lente au CAN et en calculant le nombre d’occurrences de chacun des codes du CAN.Ceci permet la construction de l’histogramme qui permet l’extraction de la NLD et la NLI. Cette approche requiert lacollection d’une quantite importante de donnees puisque chacun des codes doit etre traverse plusieurs fois afin de moyenner le bruit et la quantite de donnees necessaire augmente exponentiellement avec la resolution du CAN sous test. En effet,malgre que les circuits analogiques et mixtes occupent une surface qui n’excede pas generalement 5% de la surface globald’un System-on-Chip (SoC), leur temps de test represente souvent plus que 30% du temps de test global. Pour cette raison, la reduction du temps de test des CANs est un domaine de recherche qui attire de plus en plus d’attention et qui est en train deprendre de l’ampleur. Les CAN de type pipeline offrent un bon compromis entre la vitesse, la resolution et la consommation.Ils sont convenables pour une variete d’applications et sont typiquement utilises dans les SoCs destines a des applicationsvideo. En raison de leur facon particuliere du traitement du signal d’entree, les CAN de type pipeline ont des codes de sortiequi ont la meme largeur. Par consequent, au lieu de considerer tous les codes lors du test, il est possible de se limiter a un sous-ensemble, ce qui permet de reduire considerablement le temps de test. Dans ce travail, une technique pour l’applicationdu test a code reduit pour les CANs de type pipeline est proposee. Elle exploite principalement deux proprietes de ce type deCAN et permet d’obtenir une tres bonne estimation des performances statiques. La technique est validee experimentalementsur un CAN 11-bit, 55nm de STMicroelectronics, obtenant une estimation de la NLD et de la NLI pratiquement identiques ala NLD et la NLI obtenues par la methode classique d’histogramme, en utilisant la mesure de seulement 6% des codes.
Assessment of the adhesive capacity of asphalt binders in the aggregate-binder bonds by means of new methodology

The main goal of this study is to present a new methodology to characterize the adhesive capacity (cohesion and adhesion capacity) of asphalt binders by means of new mechanical parameters. This methodology is based on the Fenix test, a test recently developed in Spain. This method assesses the cracking resistance of the asphalt mixtures, and it has been adapted to characterize the bonding power of asphalt binders. The main parameters achieved with this procedure are related to the energy dissipated during the breaking between the asphalt binder and the aggregate, when these materials are subjected to tensile stress; essential parameters related to the adhesive capacity of asphalt binders. The results of an experimental stage are presented in this research, in which the proposed methodology has been applied to analyse the behaviour of the binder in the aggregate-binder matrix according to temperature variation and the effect of water and ageing; taking into account aggregates of the same origin and with a different shape pattern. The results show that the parameters achieved from this new methodology allows characterizing the adhesive capacity of asphalt binders in the different conditions assessed.
Multi-point laser ignition of internal combustion engines using a spatial light modulator

Multi-point laser ignition (LI) is one of the key potential advantages that LI can offer over conventional spark ignition (SI). Previous research found that multi-point ignition produced more stable and faster combustion. This paper demonstrates a diffractive multi-point LI technology which is experimentally attempted at Liverpool University Laser Group. Sparks with arbitrary geometrical location in three dimensions are created by diffractive multi-beam through an optical plug. The diffractive multi-beam patterns are generated using a spatial light modulator (SLM) on which computer generated holograms (CGHs) are displayed. A Gratings and Lenses (GL) algorithm is used to accurately modulate the phase of the input laser beam and create multi-beam output.
Evidence for Upwelling of Corrosive "Acidified" Water onto the Continental Shelf

The absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into the ocean lowers the pH of the waters. This so-called ocean acidification could have important consequences for marine ecosystems. To better understand the extent of this ocean acidification in coastal waters, we conducted hydrographic surveys along the continental shelf of western North America from central Canada to northern Mexico. We observed seawater that is undersaturated with respect to aragonite upwelling onto large portions of the continental shelf, reaching depths of ∼40 to 120 meters along most transect lines and all the way to the surface on one transect off northern California. Although seasonal upwelling of the undersaturated waters onto the shelf is a natural phenomenon in this region, the ocean uptake of anthropogenic CO2 has increased the areal extent of the affected area.
EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING STRATEGIES ON PERFORMANCE OF MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES (MSEs) IN KENYA

Purpose: Due to instability in the business environment organizations are forced to use approaches that are not standard. The study aimed at establishing the effect of EM strategies on performance of MSEs in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to explore the influence of Buzz marketing on performance of MSEs in Kenya, to ascertain the effect of Guerilla on performance of MSEs in Kenya, to determine the influence of new product marketing strategy on performance of MSEs in Kenya and to establish the impact of e-commerce on performance of MSEs in Kenya.Methodology: A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study targeted 20,000 MSEs. Managers were targeted in the MSEs. The study used a sample of three hundred and twenty nine. The sample was selected using simple random sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied in gathering of data. The researcher administered the questionnaires to the respondents and research assistants helped in the task. Analysis of the data collected was performed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics data analysis methods such as frequencies, means were applied to analyze numerical data gathered using closed ended questions. The study carried out a correlation analysis to measure the strength of the association of the variables being investigated. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to find how the study variables relate.Results: It was found that buzz marketing, guerilla marketing, new product marketing strategy and e-commerce marketing significantly and positively relate with performance of MSEs in Kenya. Recommendations: The study recommends management of MSEs to implement buzz marketing technique in their businesses this will help them overcome advertising clutter also the management should come up with different effective techniques that will create buzz in the market; MSEs should do their market research to help them come up with effective new product marketing strategies that will help them diversify target customer ranges and expand into new market segments especially before they introduce a new product to the market; and the government should have regular workshops where they teach MSE owners on various e-commerce and their advantages and also help them understand how they can apply them in their businesses.
Convergence analysis of iterative Interference Alignment algorithms

Interference Alignment (IA) is more appropriated for the high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) regime and it is considered suboptimal for low to middle SNR values, where mixed criteria algorithms that also take the direct channel into consideration are expected to be better. In this paper we investigate the performance of some of the most well known iterative algorithms for IA in the low and high SNR regimes, the Min Leakage algorithm, which is a pure IA algorithm, and the Max Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) and Minimum Mean-Square Error (MMSE) algorithms, which also take the direct channel into account. We illustrate that although the Max SINR and MMSE algorithms can find solutions close to IA at the high SNR regime, they are not as stable in that regime and a pure IA algorithm might perform better. To obtain good performance in both low and high SNR regimes we propose to initialize the mixed criteria algorithms with a pure IA solution, which does not degrade performance at low SNR values but increases stability and performance at the high SNR regime.
Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome was first described 30 years ago. The syndrome is defined as the concurrence of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) and uveitis without a known underlying systemic disease that can cause ocular and renal inflammation. As even the largest case series of TINU syndrome are retrospective with small numbers of patients and variable (and often short) follow-up, we still do not have a full understanding of the course of the uveitis. However, TINU syndrome is likely underrecognized, and in fact may be a relatively common cause of bilateral anterior uveitis of sudden onset, especially in younger patients. As such, it is important that ophthalmologists become more aware of the syndrome.
Digitally Equalized CMOS Transmitter Front-End With Integrated Power Amplifier

An energy-efficient, 3.5-GHz, direct-conversion RF transmitter with integrated 23-dBm, Class-B power amplifier (PA) is fabricated in a 0.13-μm CMOS process for the reliable transmission of 20-MHz bandwidth OFDM signals. Assisted by an integrated feedback path, a two-dimensional, digital look-up table (2-D LUT) adapted by complex gradient-descent algorithms compensates for the I/Q mismatch and memoryless nonlinearities of the whole transmit path, including the severe amplitude and phase distortions of the on-chip PA. Fifth-order Butterworth transmit filters with 34-MHz cutoff frequency sufficiently attenuate the aliases of the 80-MS/s digital-to-analog converters (DACs), while retaining high in-band fidelity without corrupting the predistorted signal. When a 20-MHz, 64-QAM OFDM signal with 9.6-dB peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) was transmitted, the measured average drain efficiency (DE) of the PA was 12.5% at 9.6-dB back-off and 17.5% at 7-dB back-off, and the corresponding error-vector magnitude (EVM) was measured to be - 29.6 dB and - 26.3 dB with equalization, respectively. A peak DE of 55% and a 25-dBm saturated output power were also measured for the same PA in a stand-alone package.
The transglobal leadership-based strategy of MSMEs performance optimization of Malang Raya and the implementation of quality of work life

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of transglobal leadership on quality of work-life, job involvement and its impact on the performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) employees throughout Malang Raya. Design/methodology/approach The population of the paper was all of MSME employees in Malang Raya and MSME developing in East Java regions, namely Sidoarjo, Pasuruan District, Pasuruan City, Kediri District, Jombang, Surabaya City, Blitar City and Blitar District. This paper uses GSCA for several reasons. First, it uses a structural model (involving several endogenous variables). Second, it involves unobservable variables that require a measurement model (variable measurement of the indicators). Third, it needs a comparative model testing that compares several groups of objects using the multigroup GSCA. Findings Transglobal leadership has a significant effect on quality of work life and job involvement in the five regions. It also has a significant effect on employee performance in the four regions, except Malang Regency. Quality of work life has a significant effect on job involvement in two regions, namely Malang City and Malang Regency, but not in the other three regions. Quality of work life and job involvement together has a significant effect on employee performance in all study sites. Originality/value These gaps motivate the researchers to comprehensively examine the relationship between QWL and employee performance, QWL and job involvement and job involvement and employee performance – these are the originality of the present study, in addition to different research locations. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malang are divided into three main groups, namely manufacturing business, merchandising business and service business.
Multiphase flow measurement by electrical capacitance tomography

Currently, almost all gas-oil-water multiphase flow meters used in the oil industry, for production monitoring and/or well testing, rely on radioactive source emitting gamma rays. These meters are, however, expensive and sometimes have logistic issues in deployment. A team of researchers from The University of Manchester and Schlumberger Cambridge Research have developed a research prototype flow meter based on non-radioactive, multi-modality measurements, including electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensors for sensing oil-continuous flow conditions. The prototype has been tested at NEL Multiphase Flow Facility. In this paper the principle of the ECT part of the research prototype and initial test results are presented.
Examining the influences of service quality and corporate image on students' loyalty of boarding schools in the UK: A study of Chinese students

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of service quality and corporate image on students’ loyalty of boarding schools in the UK. Valid responses obtained from Chinese students in British boarding schools (n =300) were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results of the empirical research on Chinese students reveal how students’ loyalty relies on the level of service quality and corporate image. Additionally, corporate image mediates the relationship between service quality and students’ loyalty. Different from previous studies that investigated service quality in the higher education sector, this study extends the extant literature by examining the importance of corporate image on boarding schools. The results also corroborate the applicability of the five dimensions of SERVQUAL model to the boarding school sector.
Sequential treatment with bolus and continuous infusion of recombinant factor VIIa for hip arthroplasty in a patient with haemophilia A and inhibitor

Summary. We describe a total arthroplasty of the hip in a 40‐year‐old male patient with haemophilia A and a high‐titre inhibitor to factor VIII, treated with rFVIIa. The patient received sequential therapy first as bolus in the early postoperative phase in order to obtain appropriate haemostasis and then as continuous infusion with lower doses to avoid frequent episodes of bleeding without a higher consumption of product. After an initial dose of 150 µg kg−1 for the first five days after surgery, we used bolus doses of 120–90 µg kg−1 every 2.5–3 h, achieving plasma FVII:C levels above 40 U mL−1. We then continued with continuous infusion at decreasing doses 15–7 µg kg−1 h−1 for 12 days (FVII:C 19–7 U mL−1). There were no bleeding complications nor signs of clotting activity. The rehabilitation programme was continued without prophylactic treatment. The total consumption of rFVIIa was 6.3 mg kg−1, implying a saving of at least 30% of the product with respect to previous publications.
The study of methods for post-pruning decision trees based on comprehensive evaluation standard

Post-pruning is a common method of decision tree pruning. However, various post-pruning tends to use a single measure as an evaluation standard of pruning effects. The single and exclusive index evaluation standard of decision tree is subjective and partial, and the decisions after pruning often have a bias. This paper proposes a decision tree post-pruning algorithm based on comprehensive considering various evaluation standards. At the same time considering the classification ability, stability and size, so as to reflect the integrity advantage of the decision tree. The user can choose each standard component weight value according to actual demand, to get a decision tree which has a tendency to meet the actual demand. The experimental results show that the post-pruning algorithm considering the classification accuracy, stability and the size of decision tree, in classification accuracy unchanged or fall under the premise of tiny range, makes a decision tree has a more balanced classification performance and less model complexity.
Perceptual Recognition of Words by Grade School Children

Frequent and infrequent stimulus words were presented tachistoscopically to grade school children. Faster recognition of the frequent words was consistent with adult data. It was clearly demonstrated that infrequent stimulus words required more sensory information than frequent stimulus words before recognition could occur. The lack of a response bias in these young Ss was only suggestive, since there was some tendency not to give many presolution responses. Suggestions were offered as to methods of increasing the number of prercognition responses.
Bluetooth Scatternet Formation Performance: Simulations vs. Testbeds

Bluepleiades is a Bluetooth scatternet formation protocol which has been proven to perform well both analytically and by simulations. In this paper we present the implementation of Bluepleiades on two distinct platforms: the DBT-120 and the BTnodes. Our testbed shows that Bluepleiades can be implemented in practice but exhibits decreased performance in terms of capability of discovering neighbors and setting up links over time. This is due to the fact that the Bluetooth hardware we used, does not fully support some critical non mandatory features of the Bluetooth specifications which could instead be exploited to significantly improve the overall performance. This experimental study provides important insights on the importance of a full implementation of the Bluetooth specification to improve scatternet formation efficiency in real systems
Economic Assessment of the Long Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants: Approaches and Experience

This publication describes the various approaches to the techno–economic assessment of a project for the long term operation of a nuclear power plant in its specific market environment. It examines the process of defining the technical scope required to prolong the operating licences of nuclear power plants and highlights the need for further studies on technical cost drivers and economic assessments in order to better define the cost boundaries of long term operation. Information is also provided on the new IAEA software LTOFIN, which was developed to assist in performing long term operation economic assessments within the process described in the publication.
Durability of Lime Treated Soil Reinforced by Natural Fiber under Bending Force

— Earth structures constructed of marine clay soils have tendency to crack. In order to improve the flexural strength and brittleness, a technique of mixing short fibers is introduced to the soil lime mixture. Coir fiber was used in this study as reinforcing elements. An experimental investigation consisting primarily of flexural tensile tests was conducted to examine the influence of coir fibers on the flexural behaviour of the reinforced soils. The test results that the coir fibers were effective in improving the flexural strength and Young’s modulus of all soils examined and ductility after peak strength for reinforced marine clay soil treated by lime. 5% lime treated soil and 1% coir fiber reinforced soil specimens’ demonstrated good strength and durability when submerged in water and retained 45% of their air-cured strengths.
Implementation of group sequential logrank tests in a maximum duration trial.

To control the Type I error probability in a group sequential procedure using the logrank test, it is important to know the information times (fractions) at the times of interim analyses conducted for purposes of data monitoring. For the logrank test, the information time at an interim analysis is the fraction of the total number of events to be accrued in the entire trial. In a maximum information trial design, the trial is concluded when a prespecified total number of events has been accrued. For such a design, therefore, the information time at each interim analysis is known. However, many trials are designed to accrue data over a fixed duration of follow-up on a specified number of patients. This is termed a maximum duration trial design. Under such a design, the total number of events to be accrued is unknown at the time of an interim analysis. For a maximum duration trial design, therefore, these information times need to be estimated. A common practice is to assume that a fixed fraction of information will be accrued between any two consecutive interim analyses, and then employ a Pocock or O'Brien-Fleming boundary. In this article, we describe an estimate of the information time based on the fraction of total patient exposure, which tends to be slightly negatively biased (i.e., conservative) if survival is exponentially distributed. We then present a numerical exploration of the robustness of this estimate when nonexponential survival applies. We also show that the Lan-DeMets (1983, Biometrika 70, 659-663) procedure for constructing group sequential boundaries with the desired level of Type I error control can be computed using the estimated information fraction, even though it may be biased. Finally, we discuss the implications of employing a biased estimate of study information for a group sequential procedure.
An integrated approach to analyze strategy map using BSC – FUZZY AHP: A case study of Dairy companies

In an environment, which is highly competitive and everything changes rapidly, managers of organizations face with problems such as how to identify important factors preventing organizations from optimum use of available resources and capacities and invest more on key factors. To achieve this goal, we need to develop an effective strategy map for organizations. The strategy map is a constructional and expanding procedure to identify relationships among all the organization's strategic goals, which play a key role in achieving competitive advantage. Undoubtedly, representing a model to identify and to evaluate the important items for each of available goals in strategy map of each organization is a significant help for management to access higher competition benefits. In this paper, strategic objectives in the strategy map of one of the best producer of electric auto part makers in Iran called Electric Vehicle Co. East are evaluated based on balanced score card perspective and to assign appropriate values to available factors we use a hybrid method consist of AHP technique with Fuzzy logic. Normal 0 false false false RU X-NONE X-NONE