Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Periodical corrugated structure for forming sampled fiber Bragg grating and long-period fiber grating with tunable coupling strength

A novel corrugated structure on an optical fiber is proposed and demonstrated to produce tunable long-period index modulation based on photoelastic effect. The corrugated structure is a periodic variation made by chemical etching on the cladding radius of an optical fiber. By imposing this corrugated structure upon a built-in fiber Bragg grating (FBG), a superstructure grating with tunable reflectance is formed. In addition, couplings between the fundamental core mode and cladding modes take place under such a corrugated structure when the phase-matching condition is satisfied. Thus, the device can also act effectively as a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) with tunable coupling strength. We also develop the coupled-mode theory based on Fourier series expansion to describe such a corrugated sampled Bragg grating. The phase-matching condition for various sampling orders can be derived, and the calculated spectra are compared with those based on the fundamental matrix method. Optical measurements demonstrate some unique characteristics of these devices, and good qualitative agreements between simulation and measurement verify the viewpoint that long periodic index modulation is indeed induced by such a corrugated structure through the photoelastic effect when a tensile force is applied.
Employee Voice, Employee Involvement, and Organizational Change Readiness: Mediating Role of Commitment-to-Change and Moderating Role of Transformational Leadership

This study explores the antecedents for organizational change readiness for altering the status quo and empirically validates few potent tools which facilitate change. By drawing on change management literature, this study examines the influence of employee voice (EV) and employee involvement (EI) on commitment-to-change (CTC), considering the latter as a mediating variable in the relation between antecedent human resources practices (EV and EI) and organizational change readiness (OCR). Subsequently, the moderating role of transformational leadership was analyzed on these posited relationships. The hypotheses proposed in the research model are tested on a sample of 516 employees from an Indian public sector organization, applying Baron and Kenny’s (1986) technique for establishing mediation and Ping’s approach to moderated structured equation modeling for moderation. The findings suggest that CTC partially mediates the relationship between EV and OCR, but it does not mediate between EI and OCR. Likewise, the study results also empirically validate that the relationship between EV and CTC is enhanced if leadership is transformational, also the hypothesis positing the moderating role of transformational leadership between EI and CTC was supported.
Robust iterative decoding of turbo codes in heavy-tailed noise

The advancements in channel coding theory over the past decades have been accomplished by considering of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels. Much less is known about the consequences when the standard AWGN assumption is not fulfilled in realistic environments and, more importantly, the appropriate countermeasures. The paper investigates the robustness of turbo codes decoded by existing quadratic-type algorithms in heavy-tailed, non-Gaussian noise channels. It illustrates that impulsive noise constitutes a major impairment in turbo decoding by studying the a posteriori probabilities computed by the constituent decoders, in addition to a formal account in terms of error probability performance. It is found that the performance of turbo codes is extremely sensitive to the shape of the underlying noise density function, being considerably degraded when this function departs from Gaussianity into a heavy-tailed distribution. A robust variant of existing decoders for reliable decoding of turbo codes in heavy-tailed noise is proposed and studied. The robustness is achieved by the enforcement of a non-quadratic soft metric into the decoder for good estimation of the transition probabilities and reliable extraction of extrinsic information.
Simple Method to Stabilize I‐Beams against Lateral Buckling

Lateral restrained and free buckling of I‐beams often represent a limiting factor in their bending performance. Consideration of this becomes increasingly more important when the engineer seeks full advantage of new thermomechanically rolled high‐yield‐strength steels. The writers present a solution to this problem consisting of warping‐preventing devices in form of U‐sections connected to the web and flanges of the I‐section. General expressions based on Fourier expansion of the displacements, enabling the determination of the elastic critical loads given the characteristics of the stiffeners (i.e., number, stiffness, and position along the axis of the I profile) are developed. Typical examples illustrate that the proposed stiffeners are very efficient, in particular if they are placed near their optimum position. Therefore the same examples show the efficiency of the stiffeners as a function of their position. Just one or two stiffeners near their optimum positions increases the elastic critical stress .
Combining User-Centered Design with the Persuasive Systems Design Model; The Development Process of a Web-Based Registration and Monitoring System for Healthcare-Associated Infections in Nursing Homes

— To improve the usefulness and user-friendliness of eHealth interventions, a framework for the development of eHealth technology has been developed. It combines User-Centered Design with the Persuasive System Design model. The current paper is aimed at offering a (practical) method for the integration of these two design approaches. Via a case study, the paper demonstrates how User-Centered Design and the Persuasive Systems Design model can complement and mutually enrich each other.
Hand Preference in Adults' Referential Gestures during Storytelling: Testing for Effects of Bilingualism, Language Ability, Sex and Age

Previous studies have shown that gestures are mediated by the left hemisphere. The primary purpose of this study was to test whether most gestures are also asymmetrical, i.e., produced with the right hand. We also tested four predictors of the degree of right-hand gesture use: bilingualism, language ability, sex, and age. These factors have been related to differences in the degree of language lateralization. English monolinguals, French–English bilinguals, and French monolinguals watched a cartoon and told the story back. For the gestures they produced while speaking, we calculated the percentage produced with the right hand. As predicted, the majority of gestures were right-handed (60%). Bilingualism, language ability, and age were not significantly related to hand choice in either English or French. In English, males tended to produce more right-handed gestures than females. These results raise doubts as to whether hand preference in gestures reflects speech lateralization. We discuss possible alternative explanations for a right-hand preference.
Single Image Dehazing Algorithm Based on Modified Dark Channel Prior

SUMMARY Single image dehazing algorithm based on Dark Channel Prior (DCP) is widely known. More and more image dehazing algorithms based on DCP have been proposed. However, we found that it is more effective to use DCP in the RAW images before the ISP pipeline. In addition, for the problem of DCP failure in the sky area, we propose an algorithm to segment the sky region and compensate the transmission. Extensive experimental results on both subjective and objective evaluation demonstrate that the performance of the modiﬁed DCP (MDCP) has been greatly improved, and it is competitive with the state-of-the-art methods. key words: image dehazing,
A lateral driver model for vehicle–driver closed-loop simulation at the limits of handling

This paper presents a lateral driver model for vehicle–driver closed-loop simulation at the limits of handling. An appropriate driver model can be used to evaluate the performance of vehicle chassis control systems via computer simulations before vehicle tests which incurs expenses especially at the limits of handling. The driver model consists of two parts. The first part is an upper-level controller employing force-based approach to reduce the number of unknown vehicle parameters. The feedforward part of the upper controller has been designed by using the centre of percussion. The feedback part aims to minimise ‘tangential error’, defined as the sum of body slip angle and yaw error, to match vehicle direction and road heading angle. The part is designed to regenerate an appropriate skid motion similar to that of a professional driver at the limits. The second part is a lower-level controller which converts the desired front lateral force to steering wheel angle. The lower-level controller also consists of feedforward and feedback parts. A two-degree-of-freedom bicycle model-based feedforward part provides nominal steering wheel angle, and the feedback part aims to eliminate unmodelled error. The performance of the lateral driver model has been investigated via computer simulations. It has been shown that the steering behaviours of the proposed driver model are quite close to those of a professional driver at the limits. Compared with the previously developed lateral driver models, the proposed lateral driver model shows good tracking performance at the limits of handling.
Risk factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure among patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease in Vietnam

Background Uncontrolled blood pressure rates are high in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease, worsening the disease progression and leading to end-stage renal disease. However, studies on uncontrolled blood pressure in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease and its associated factors in Vietnam are scarce. Objectives: This study aimed at identifying uncontrolled blood pressure rates and risk factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure among Vietnamese patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease. Methods A cross-sectional, correlational study design was employed among 182 participants coming to follow up at two tertiary hospitals in Vietnam. The participants were selected by a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using Participant Demographic Information Form, Clinical Characteristics Form, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and an automated office oscillometric upper arm device. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact Test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results 63.2% of the participants could not control their BP less than 130/80 mmHg. Poor sleep quality (OR 2.076, 95%CI 1.059-4.073, p=.034) and severe comorbidities (OR 2.926, 95%CI 1.248-6.858, p=.013) were risk factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure among Vietnamese patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease. Interestingly, the study found a high rate of awareness toward the importance of blood pressure control but a low rate of known blood pressure targets. Conclusion Uncontrolled blood pressure rates among Vietnamese patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease were high. Sleep quality and comorbidity severity were significantly associated with uncontrolled blood pressure in this population. To achieve blood pressure targets, nurses and other healthcare providers should pay more attention to the patients with poor sleep quality and severe comorbidities.
Phase change memory technology

The authors survey the current state of phase change memory (PCM), a nonvolatile solid-state memory technology built around the large electrical contrast between the highly resistive amorphous and highly conductive crystalline states in so-called phase change materials. PCM technology has made rapid progress in a short time, having passed older technologies in terms of both sophisticated demonstrations of scaling to small device dimensions, as well as integrated large-array demonstrators with impressive retention, endurance, performance, and yield characteristics. They introduce the physics behind PCM technology, assess how its characteristics match up with various potential applications across the memory-storage hierarchy, and discuss its strengths including scalability and rapid switching speed. Challenges for the technology are addressed, including the design of PCM cells for low reset current, the need to control device-to-device variability, and undesirable changes in the phase change material that c.
Engineering Practice and Engineering Ethics

Diane Vaughan’s analysis of the causes of the Challenger accident suggests ways to apply science and technology studies to the teaching of engineering ethics. By sensitizing future engineers to the ongoing construction of risk during mundane engineering practice, we can better prepare them to address issues of public health, safety, and welfare before they require heroic intervention. Understanding the importance of precedents, incremental change, and fallible engineering judgment in engineering design may help them anticipate potential threats to public safety arising from routine aspects of workplace culture. We suggest modifications of both detailed case studies on engineering disasters and hypothetical, ethical dilemmas employed in engineering ethics classes. Investigating the sociotechnical aspects of engineering practice can improve the initial recognition of ethical problems in real-world settings and provide an understanding of the role of workplace organization and culture in facilitating or impeding remedial action.
Design and Analysis of a Compact Printed UWB Antenna Using Non Uniform Matching and Half-Wavelength Circular Slot

In this paper, antenna ultra wideband enhancement by non-uniform matching and half-guided wavelength circular embedded slots is presented and analysed in detail. A printed compact rectangular monopole antenna with two convex circled corners has been analysed firstly. A good impedance matching is achieved in the IEEE radar engineering X-band satellite co mmunications by lowering below -50 d B value at 9.5 GHz. The current density can reach 52 A/m with convex corners; this value is large compared to 32 A/ m obtained with stepper corners. In addition, the measured radiation patterns at various frequencies show clearly that the antenna displays nearly an omn idirectional radiation pattern in the E plane (xz) and the H-p lane (yz) in both co-and cross-polarizations. The group delay indicates that this antenna is reliable so that a transmitted signal will not be seriously distorted. Two circu lar half-wavelength slots are embedded in the radiating patch to improve S11 in the WLAN band. Accordingly ultra-wideband behaviour is achieved along a bandwidth is ranging fro m 3.5 GHz to 12.5 GHz. Due to its compact size of 30 x 35 mm 2 and its good impedance matching especially in the X band, the designed antenna is able to satisfy some of the requirements of an airborne SAR and is also well suited for remote sensing applications.
Effects of buffelgrass removal and nitrogen addition on soil microbial communities during an extreme drought in the Sonoran Desert

Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), an invasive perennial grass in arid regions of the United States, has drastically modified natural ecosystems. Understanding the aboveground–belowground links between buffelgrass invasion and soil microbial communities will be critical for developing a comprehensive understanding of arid ecosystems and for deploying successful control strategies. In a randomized block‐field experiment located in Tucson, AZ, U.S.A. , we investigated the effects of buffelgrass removal via hand pulling and nitrogen addition (and their interaction) on soil microbial communities during an extreme drought (summer 2020). We found that experimental treatments did not significantly impact bacterial and archaeal community diversity and composition, while plant removal affected fungal community diversity and composition. In addition, the removal treatment increased the proportion of putative chitinolytic bacteria (genus Lysobacter) and decreased the proportion of putative fungal endophytes (genus Darksidea). Buffelgrass manual removal appeared to favor fungal endophyte death around and inside of leftover intact roots, which may result in an increase of chitinolytic bacteria thriving on the degradation of fungal cell walls. Overall, our results suggest that hand removal—which is a common type of buffelgrass control—can alter soil fungal communities and the proportion of certain microbial functional groups. As these changes could subsequently affect native plants, more research is needed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the effect of buffelgrass control efforts on target plants as well as surrounding ecosystem dynamics.
Design and implementation of planar ultra-wideband antennas with multiple notched bands based on stepped impedance resonators

A new family of microstrip-fed ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas with multiple (triple/quadruple) notched bands is proposed. The notched bands are generated by a band notched filter composed of double stepped impedance resonators (SIRs). Through tuning the characteristic impedance and the electrical length of each section of the SIRs, multiple notched bands as well as the desired high attenuation can be created in desired frequencies. Frequency domain measurements have been conducted to examine the band notched characteristics of the proposed antennas. Based on the analysis of antenna transfer function (S21), group delay and gain of the proposed antenna, it is shown that the proposed antenna is suitable for UWB applications or for multi-band applications.
A reduced size lattice-ladder neural network

An idea to incorporate filters in the common structure of an artificial neural network (ANN) is motivated by the need to process time-varying signals using ANN. IIR filters are more advantageous than FIR filters - they require less coefficients, can handle long duration signals, however their stability is not guaranteed and requires special attention. We propose new ANN structure, which is based on the lattice-ladder realization of IIR filters incorporated as multilayer perceptron synapses. It is of small size, has simple monitoring of filter stability, trains rapidly, and is easy expandable in filter orders.
Infrastructure and core quality management practices: how do they affect quality?

Purpose – This empirical study seeks to resolve the conflicting findings in the quality management (QM) literature about how different QM practices, specifically, infrastructure QM practices and core QM practices, affect quality performance.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the Socio‐Technical Systems theory and research related to QM implementation and performance, the study proposes a research model of the relationship between infrastructure and core QM practices and their direct and indirect effects on quality performance. The empirical data were drawn from 226 manufacturing plants in the USA. The research model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique.Findings – In the structural model, two integrated factors were used to represent the two types of QM practices: the infrastructure QM includes top management support, customer relationship, and supplier relationship, and workforce management; and the core QM consists of quality information, product/service design, and process .
A digital twin network solution for end-to-end network service level agreement (SLA) assurance

With the gradual development of the 5G industry network and applications, each industry application has various network performance requirements, while customers hope to upgrade their industrial structures by leveraging 5G technologies. The guarantee of service level agreement (SLA) requirements is becoming more and more important, especially SLA performance indicators, such as delay, jitter, bandwidth, etc. For network operators to fulfill customer’s requirements, emerging network technologies such as time-sensitive networking (TSN), edge computing (EC) and network slicing are introduced into the mobile network to improve network performance, which increase the complexity of the network operation and maintenance (O&M), as well as the network cost. As a result, operators urgently need new solutions to achieve low-cost and high-efficiency network SLA management. In this paper, a digital twin network (DTN) solution is innovatively proposed to achieve the mapping and full lifecycle management of the end-to-end physical network. All the network operation policies such as configuration and modification can be generated and verified inside the digital twin network first to make sure that the SLA requirements can be fulfilled without affecting the related network environment and the performance of the other network services, making network operation and maintenance more effective and accurate.
A SLAM Model Based on Omni-Directional Vision and Odometer

A new SLAM measurement model based on omni-directional vision and odometer is proposed in this paper. A virtual stereo vision composed of an omni-directional vision sensor and an odometer. Scale Invariant Feature Transform is used to extract stable and available vision features from the omni-images. The 3-D locations of these features are initialized by the pixel coordinates and the odometer data by stereo projection, and the locations will be corrected during the SLAM process when they are observed again. It is demonstrated that the new model can make a good accuracy with FastSLAM algorithm, and the accuracy is greatly improved corresponding to the classical vision sensor.
Progressive Die Sequence Design for Deep Drawing Round Cups Using Finite Element Analysis

A methodology for progressive die sequence design for forming round cups using finite element method (FEM) based simulations is discussed. The process sequence design developed was applied to forming of an automotive part and was compared with the design obtained from past experience. The methodology proposed in this paper has shown that the integration of design experience and FEM simulations can enhance the robustness of the procedure for die design sequence and reduces the die development cost considerably.
Implementation of three-level inverter using a novel space vector modulation algorithm

In this paper, a 2.2 kW three-level voltage source inverter for AC motor application is presented. The hardware design is described. In order to achieve low dv/dt of the output voltage, a novel algorithm of space vector modulation (SVM) is applied. According to the algorithm, a fixed output vector 111 is added in every control period to achieve smooth change between vectors. Potential stability of neutral point voltage of DC-link capacitors is also achieved by a convenient method. The modulator is implemented with DSP and PLD (programmable logic device). Some simulation results and experimental results are given.
Fast sampling and counting 𝑘-SAT solutions in the local lemma regime

We give new algorithms based on Markov chains to sample and approximately count satisfying assignments to k-uniform CNF formulas where each variable appears at most d times. For any k and d satisfying kd<n o(1) and k≥ 20logk + 20logd + 60, the new sampling algorithm runs in close to linear time, and the counting algorithm runs in close to quadratic time. Our approach is inspired by Moitra (JACM, 2019) which remarkably utilizes the Lovász local lemma in approximate counting. Our main technical contribution is to use the local lemma to bypass the connectivity barrier in traditional Markov chain approaches, which makes the well developed MCMC method applicable on disconnected state spaces such as SAT solutions. The benefit of our approach is to avoid the enumeration of local structures and obtain fixed polynomial running times, even if k=ω(1) or d=ω(1).