Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ergonomic Criterion in the Design of Roadside Information: Letters Size Methodology

Purpose: The purpose of the paper was to develop original letters size methodology for roadside information. Method: During moving on the roads, addressed to drivers and passengers is, among others, text information on information boards and signs including in the form of advertisements. Based on ergonomic principles and population data, optimisation can be made in the design of communicative messages. The author reviewed the issues concerning the visual process, optimal visual field, visual field defects, visual acuity characteristics and reading speed. This made it possible to select input data for the design of text information in terms of location in the visual field and the number of words on the sign board. Findings: Based on these analyses, computational algorithms were built to evaluate a proposed or already implemented information message. The developed formulae enabled the preparation of a prototype computer application to support the analysis of information systems. Practical Implications: The developed methodology makes it possible to integrate ergonomic criteria into the design process of text information. It can increase the effectiveness of information transfer and road safety. The most important areas of application are the design or evaluation of information systems: signs and road signs with text information, advertising for drivers. Originality/Value: The author has developed a method to evaluate the design and placement of text information systems dedicated to drivers (e.g., text-information signs, advertisements including text), which is based on quantitative data such as the size of the letters, the distance from the word board, the location of the text in the field of vision, the speed of the vehicle.
Radiation from aperture antennas with a coplanar waveguide feed

A more rigorous and generalized method for characterizing aperture antennas with a coplanar waveguide feed is developed. Two types of aperture antennas, the slot and loop, are investigated parametrically to illustrate this technique. The magnitude of S/sub 11/ parameters of these two types of antennas is shown. It is seen that the bandwidth of the loop antenna for a SWR (standing wave ratio) of <or=2 is about 26.7% and resonance occurred at the frequency of 14.6 GHz. For the slot antenna, the bandwidth is about 25.4% and resonance occurred at 10.6 GHz. <<ETX>>
Making meaning of empowerment and development in rural Malawi—International individualism meets local communalism

Empowerment is a prominent concept in psychology, and for decades, it has been a key term in global development policy, theory, and practice. However, in line with similar turns toward individualism in psychology, the prevalent understanding of the concept centers on individual capacity to change circumstances, with less focus on empowerment as a context-dependent or communal approach. In this article, adopting decolonial feminist psychology as a lens, we analyze how rural Malawians make meaning of the overarching empowerment and development approach of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in their villages, and how they perceive the approaches as fitting with local contexts. When development implementers largely ignore Malawi’s communal lifestyle, individualized empowerment initiatives can lead to individual and communal disempowerment and distress. Given psychology’s large influence on other arenas, and psychology’s implication with the individualized gender-development-empowerment nexus, we argue that it is imperative to explore the effects and experiences of this empowerment approach in different contexts. A more context-appropriate understanding of empowerment—as with most other psychological concepts—is needed.
Effectiveness of Chest PNF and breathing Exercises on Pulmonary Function and Chest Expansion in Male Smokers

Background: Cigarettes constitutes various harmful substances like Nicotine which leads to diseases like COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), atherosclerosis, and other respiratory and cardiopulmonary disease. This may leads to wheezing, frequent coughing with or without sputum, increased breathlessness and reduced endurance of respiratory muscles. The main objective of the study is to identify more significant effect of Chest proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and Breathing Exercises on pulmonary function and chest expansion in male Smokers. Method: This comparative study was executed on 50 subjects based on the criteria of the study, which were randomly divided into Group A & B. Subjects in Group A received chest proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique but subjects in Group B received breathing exercises for 2 weeks. Pulmonary functions were assessed by Spirometry and chest expansion was measured at axillary level, nipple level and Xiphisternum level by measuring tape. All measurements were taken at the baseline and on the last day of 2nd week. Independent t-test and paired t-test were used to analyse the data. Conclusion: More significant improvement in terms of pulmonary functions and Chest expansion was observed in group A who received chest proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in contrast to group B that received breathing exercises.
Social Choice about Privacy: Intelligent Vehicle‐highway Systems in the United States

Broad coalitions of companies, governments, and research institutions in several countries are currently designing massive electronic infrastructures for their roadways. Known collectively as intelligent vehicle‐highway systems (IVHS), these technologies are intended to ease toll collection and commercial vehicle regulation, provide drivers with route and traffic information, improve safety and ultimately support fully automated vehicles. Although many aspects of IVHS are uncertain, some proposed designs require the system to collect vast amounts of data on individuals′ travel patterns, thus raising the potential for severe invasions of privacy. To make social choices about IVHS, it is necessary to reason about potentials for authoritarian uses of an IVHS infrastructure in the hypothetical future. Yet such reasoning is difficult, often veering towards Utopian or dystopian extremes. To help anchor the privacy debate, places IVHS privacy concerns in an institutional context, offering conceptual frameworks t.
Nesting Success and Nesting Height in the Critically Endangered Medium Tree Finch (Camarhynchus pauper)

When different introduced species across trophic levels (parasite, predator) invade island systems, they may pose significant threats to nesting birds. In this study, we measure nesting height and infer causes of offspring mortality in the critically endangered Medium Tree Finch (Camarhynchus pauper), an island endemic restricted to Floreana Island on the Galápagos Archipelago. Considering all nests at which a male built a nest, sang and attempted to attract a female (n = 222 nests), only 10.4% of nests produced fledglings (5% of nests had total fledging success, 5.4% of nests had partial fledging success). Of the 123 nests chosen by a female, 18.7% produced fledglings and of 337 eggs laid, 13.4% produced fledglings. Pairing success was higher for older males, but male age did not predict nesting success. All nests with chicks were infested with avian vampire fly larvae (Philornis downsi). We attributed the cause of death to avian vampire fly if chicks were found dead in the nest with fly larvae or pupae (45%) present. We inferred avian (either Asio flammeus galapagoensis or Crotophaga ani) predation (24%) if the nest was empty but dishevelled; and black rat (Rattus rattus) predation (20%) if the nest was empty but undamaged. According to these criteria, the highest nests were depredated by avian predators, the lowest nests by rats, and intermediate nests failed because of avian vampire fly larvae. In conclusion, there is no safe nesting height on Floreana Island under current conditions of threats from two trophic levels (introduced parasitic dipteran, introduced mammalian/avian predators; with Galápagos Short-Eared Owls being the only native predator in the system).
X-ray study of the human neck motion due to head inertia loading

Presented in this study are results from x-ray analysis of live human/neck motion in sled test simulations of low-speed frontal, lateral, and rear-end vehicle impacts. The methodology used may provide insight into the mechanism of neck injuries caused by the head inertia loading. The experimental results suggest that the most significant factor of the head/neck response is the initial curvature of the cervical and thoracic spine.
Three-Dimensional TID Hardening Design for 14 nm Node SOI FinFETs

The fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) has been the mainstream technology on the VLSI platform since the 22 nm node. The silicon-on-insulator (SOI) FinFET, featuring low power consumption, superior computational power and high single-event effect (SEE) resistance, shows advantages in integrated circuits for space applications. In this work, a rad-hard design methodology for SOI FinFETs is shown to improve the devices’ tolerance against the Total Ionizing Dose (TID) effect. Since the fin height direction enables a new dimension for design optimization, a 3D Source/Drain (S/D) design combined with a gate dielectric de-footing technique, which has been readily developed for the 14 nm node FinFETs, is proposed as an effective method for SOI FinFETs’ TID hardening. More importantly, the governing mechanism is thoroughly investigated using fully calibrated technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations to guide design optimizations. The analysis demonstrates that the 3D rad-hard design can modulate the leakage path in 14 nm node n-type SOI FinFETs, effectively suppress the transistors’ sensitivity to the TID charge and reduce the threshold voltage shift by >2×. Furthermore, the rad-hard design can reduce the electric field in the BOX region and lower its charge capture rate under radiation, further improving the transistor’s robustness.
Exploiting new university technologies in product innovation: an empirical of the information and communications technology industry of Canada

Universities are important sources of new technological knowledge for firms. This study examines cases of new university technology used specifically in new product innovation. Survey data was collected on 66 new product development projects within 52 established companies involving new technology from 26 universities. The companies were sampled from the information and communications technology sector in Canada. A key objective was to understand strategic importance of the new university technology to the firms. This paper presents the rich descriptive data that was obtained from the research model testing to be done at a later date. Data is presented for four main areas: general project information; product and market characteristics; technology transfer issues; and technological/strategic fit. Evidence suggests that new university technology is an importance strategic resource for product innovation and that the technologies are closely associated with the firm's core competencies. The resulting new products appear to be relatively new to the firm and to the marketplace and considerably enhance customer-perceived value. Firms seem to favour relationships with universities that are in close proximity. Exclusivity rights do not appear to be a dominant feature in the firm-university relationships.
Minnesota Task Force for Mileage-Based User Fee Policy

Two national commissions have encouraged the development of a mileage-based charging system as a future alternative to the fuel tax. A 2012 Government Accountability Office report recommends a federal pilot program for evaluating mileage-based user fees. The state of Oregon has taken the lead in testing and moving toward a limited application of mileage-based user fees, and several states have initiated demonstrations, surveys, and policy studies. The findings and recommendations are presented from a 2011 policy task force study in Minnesota, and the lessons learned from this effort are discussed. The task force concluded that fairness was a primary reason for considering a mileage-based user fee system; the system is not just a means of raising revenue to fund future transportation infrastructure. As vehicles become more fuel efficient, some vehicle users are paying less per mile through the gas tax for transportation services than are others, and some are paying nothing at all if they drive electric vehicles.
Time of Concentration and Peak Discharge Formulas for Planes in Series

Based on the kinematic-wave equations, a time of concentration formula for overland flow over a series of planes is derived. The formula is applicable to a cascade of planes, to planes of different roughnesses, to planes of different flow regimes, to planes of different soil types and infiltration rates resulting in different net intensities, to planes subject to different rainfall intensities, and to planes with a combination of all these variables. For practical applications, the formula is developed in terms of the Manning resistance coefficient that is applicable to turbulent or near turbulent flow only. For the series of planes subject to uniform rainfall excess, under the full-area contribution, the corresponding peak discharge formula in terms of the Manning resistance coefficient is derived. This formula can also be used to estimate the peak discharge under the partial-area contribution. The derived formulas are all consistent with the published formulas for a single plane.
A Literature Survey on the Applications of Internet of Things

Internet of Things can ensure easy and comfortable life of the human. This present era is mostly digitized and appliances can be operated remotely by human, calling these as smart devices, smart home, smart city etc. This paper is the literature review covering the IoT applications in various fields, sectors such as smart cities and homes, health center, railway system, air pollution in environment, power/energy sector, agriculture, water monitoring for aquaculture,Space-IoT and specifies the advancements in those areas. Streszczenie. Internet Rzeczy może zapewnić człowiekowi łatwe i wygodne życie. Ta obecna era jest w większości zdigitalizowana, a urządzenia mogą być obsługiwane zdalnie przez człowieka, nazywając je inteligentnymi urządzeniami, inteligentnym domem, inteligentnym miastem itp. Niniejszy artykuł jest przeglądem literatury obejmującej zastosowania IoT w różnych dziedzinach, sektorach, takich jak inteligentne miasta i domy, ośrodek zdrowia, sieć kolejowa, zanieczyszczenie powietrza w środowisku, energetyka/energetyka, rolnictwo, monitoring wód dla akwakultury, Space-IoT i określa postęp w tych obszarach. (Przegląd literatury dotyczący zastosowań Internetu rzeczy)
Residential heat comfort practices: understanding users

The user-centred approach to heat consumption in housing is a highly relevant, but often neglected, aspect of residential energy consumption. The practice–theory approach is presented as a development within the socio-technical approach. A detailed analysis of empirical evidence from different households living in similar buildings in a suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark, shows significant variation in energy consumption due to different usage patterns of both the house and its heating system. An analysis using practice–theory finds that technologies, embodied habits, knowledge, and meanings are the main components in the understanding of both what holds this practice together as a collectively shared practice and the different socio-material configurations of each of the individual households. Un aspect hautement pertinent, mais souvent négligé, de la consommation énergétique résidentielle consiste en une approche de la consommation de chauffage dans les logements axée sur l'utilisateur. L'approche, basée sur la théorie de la pratique, est présentée comme un développement intervenant dans le cadre de l'approche socio-technique. Une analyse détaillée des données empiriques probantes provenant de différents ménages vivant dans des bâtiments similaires d'une banlieue de Copenhague, au Danemark, montre l'existence de variations importantes de la consommation énergétique en raison de modes d'utilisation différents, qu'il s'agisse de la maison ou du système de chauffage. Une analyse faisant appel à la théorie de la pratique permet de constater que les technologies, les habitudes ancrées, les connaissances et les significations sont les principaux éléments qui donnent à comprendre à la fois ce qui permet à cette pratique de se maintenir en tant que pratique collectivement partagée et les différentes configurations socio-matérielles de chacun des ménages concernés. Mots clés: systèmes de contrôle chauffage domestique demande énergétique habitudes environnement intérieur comportement des habitants convention sociale confort thermique
Methodology for the Automated Visual Detection of Bird and Bat Collision Fatalities at Onshore Wind Turbines

The number of collision fatalities is one of the main quantification measures for research concerning wind power impacts on birds and bats. Despite being integral in ongoing investigations as well as regulatory approvals, the state-of-the-art method for the detection of fatalities remains a manual search by humans or dogs. This is expensive, time consuming and the efficiency varies greatly among different studies. Therefore, we developed a methodology for the automatic detection using visual/near-infrared cameras for daytime and thermal cameras for nighttime. The cameras can be installed in the nacelle of wind turbines and monitor the area below. The methodology is centered around software that analyzes the images in real time using pixel-wise and region-based methods. We found that the structural similarity is the most important measure for the decision about a detection. Phantom drop tests in the actual wind test field with the system installed on 75 m above the ground resulted in a sensitivity of 75.6% for the nighttime detection and 84.3% for the daylight detection. The night camera detected 2.47 false positives per hour using a time window designed for our phantom drop tests. However, in real applications this time window can be extended to eliminate false positives caused by nightly active animals. Excluding these from our data reduced the false positive rate to 0.05. The daylight camera detected 0.20 false positives per hour. Our proposed method has the advantages of being more consistent, more objective, less time consuming, and less expensive than manual search methods.
Draft Methodology for Selecting the Appropriate Storage Area Design in Intermodal Logistics Center

At present, intermodal logistics centers play an important role in the world in context of transport and logistics services. The purpose of this paper is to propose the methodology for selecting the appropriate storage area design for intermodal transport units (ITU ́s) in intermodal logistics center. In this matter, four different scenarios of storage area design were taken into. Storage area configuration can significantly influence the logistics and transport services productivity and can have a significant impact on the economics effectiveness of the enterprise. In the paper, the AHP method is used in the context of selecting the appropriate design. This method is able to assess each design in regard to each of the determined criterion and finally prioritize all the designs.
Wavelength-tunable hybrid laser diode realized by using an electrostatically tuned silicon micromachined Fabry-Perot interferometer

We investigated a possibility to use an external micromechanical Fabry-Perot Interferometer, FPI, as a tuning component ina wavelength tunable hybrid laser diode. A silicon micromachined electrostatically tunable Fabry-Perot device was placed ina short distance to the front facet of a laser diode. Together with the front facet of the laser, the FPI formed an extremelyshort external cavity structure. This structure provided a spectrally adjustable optical feedback to the laser diode cavity. Inour experiment a 980-nm single-quantum-well high-power laser diode was used. The FPI device and the front facet of thelaser diode formed a 30-micron external cavity. As a result, a quasi-continuos tuning in a 4-nm wavelength range wasexperimentally observed. Theoretical work was done in modeling the effective feedback from the external cavity. Gaussianbeam approximation and field overlap methods were applied.Keywords: Tunable laser diode, short external cavity, optical feedback, micro-electro-mechanical systems
OPTICS TRANSITION BETWEEN INJECTION AND COLLISION OPTICS FOR THE HL-LHC UPGRADE PROJECT ∗

Plans for the luminosity upgrade of the LHC collider at CERN (HL-LHC) are based on implementation of magnets with larger apertures in the interaction regions, together with the ATS [1] technique to reach very low values of the beta function at the collision points. Aperture restrictions mean that the collision optics can only be applied after ramping to high energy. The transition from injection to collision optics will be carried out in two stages, and will involve varying the strengths of the quadrupoles within the straight sections. Solutions for the optics transition have to meet a variety of challenging constraints, including constraints on the phase advances and Twiss parameters throughout the straights involved in the transition, specified minimum and maximum strengths of the quadrupoles, etc. Moreover, to minimise the time taken for the transition and to simplify the overall process, the variation of the quadrupole strengths should be as smooth as possible, especially for the strongest quadrupoles. Avoiding changes of slope as much as possible will also minimize hysteresis effects in the super-conducting matching quadrupoles involved in the process. This paper presents one possible solution for the optics transition, calculated for the HLLHCv1.0 [2] version of the optics and layout of the HLLHC.
Field-extracted lumped-element models of coplanar stripline circuits and discontinuities for accurate radiofrequency design and optimization

Presents original lumped-element models of a large variety of coplanar stripline (CPS) circuits and discontinuities for accurate design and optimization of radiofrequency integrated circuits. These circuit models are extracted by applying a recently proposed deembedding technique called short-open calibration to calibrate the calculated field parameters obtained from the full-wave method of moments (MoM). It is realized by defining the two calibration standards, i.e., short and open elements, to evaluate and remove the error terms existing in the deterministic MoM algorithm, such as the approximation of port discontinuity and inconsistency of two-dimensional and three-dimensional characterizations of CPS external lines. In contrast to the static models, these field-extracted models can account for all the physical effects subject to the core area of CPS discontinuity, including frequency dispersion, high-order modes, and radiation loss. With this scheme, several CPS circuits and discontinuities are investigated over a wide frequency range to formulate their lumped-element models.