Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling of GaAsP/InGaAs/GaAs strain-balanced multiple-quantum well solar cells

A model of strain balanced quantum well solar cells is presented, together with a high efficiency design for a GaAsP/InGaAs/GaAs device. The effect of tensile and compressive strain on bandstructure is considered in order to compute the electron and hole dispersion relation E(k) in conduction and valence bands. The optical transitions in quantum well and barrier are evaluated and the quantum efficiency, dark current and the photocurrent calculated. Experimental data quantum efficiency and dark current are compared with theoretical calculations in the presence of strain, showing a good agreement. The resulting model is initially applied to a GaAsP/InGaAs/GaAs solar cell and the structure optimised to yield the greatest output power. The model is also applied to the problem of determining the highest efficiencies achievable for quantum well solar cells as a function of strain and confirms the high efficiency potential of strained quantum well solar cells.
Brushed DC Motor Drives for Industrial and Automobile Applications with Emphasis on Control Techniques: A Comprehensive Review

The current paper presents an inclusive survey about the AC to DC and DC to DC converters for brushed DC Motor Drives. An essential number of different AC to DC and DC to DC topologies and control techniques, applied on the brushed DC motor drives are presented. This extensive literature review exposes advantages, disadvantages and limitations besides giving the basic operating principles of various topologies and control techniques.
Phylogeny and classification of the Xeromelissinae (Hymenoptera: Apoidea, Colletidae) with special emphasis on the genus Chilicola

Abstract A phylogenetic analysis and classification are provided for the bee subfamily Xeromelissinae based on 248 morphological characters, many of which are novel and illustrated. A total of 47 ingroup species was included in the analysis, representing at least two divergent members from each described genus or subgenus and seven taxa which did not readily fall within previously described subgenera. Three most parsimonious trees were found (length, 1508; consistency index, 40; retention index, 70). The result shows that Xeromelissa renders Chilimelissa paraphyletic, and the 20 known Chilimelissa species are reassigned to Xeromelissa, giving the following new combinations: X. luisa (Toro & Moldenke) (this is the type species of Chilimelissa), X. mucar (Toro & Moldenke), X. xanthorhina (Toro), X. brevimalaris (Toro), X. rosie (Toro and Packer), X. laureli (Toro and Packer), X. chusmiza (Toro), X. longipalpa (Toro), X. pedroi (Toro & Moldenke), X. australis (Toro & Moldenke), X. chillan (Toro & Moldenke), X. farellones (Toro & Moldenke), X. machi (Toro), X. minuta (Toro & Moldenke), X. nortina (Toro & Moldenke), X. sielfeldi (Toro & Moldenke), X. obscura (Toro & Moldenke), X. irwini (Toro & Moldenke), X. nolanai (Toro & Moldenke) and X. rozeni (Toro & Moldenke). Group support was estimated using symmetric resampling and group supported/contradicted (GC) ratios, which compare the frequency of each most parsimoniously resolved clade with the alternative arrangement that was most commonly found in resampling. Relationships among subgenera for Chilicola are weakly supported. By contrast, when three previously synonymized subgenera (Stenoediscelis, Heteroediscelis and Oediscelisca) are resurrected, there is good support for all subgenera (GC ≥ 99), except two: a paraphyletic Oediscelis and a polyphyletic Anoediscelis. Both of these subgenera became monophyletic following successive approximations character weighting. Four distinctive new subgenera are described: Unicarinicola Packer subgen.n. , Obesicola Packer subgen.n. , Capitatiscopa Packer subgen.n. and Toroediscelis Packer subgen.n. , and a revised key to the subgenera of Chilicola is provided.
DETERMINATION OF NUTRITIVE VALUE AND ANALYSIS OF MINERAL ELEMENTS FOR SOME MEDICINALLY VALUED MUSHROOMS FROM SHIMOGA FOREST REGIONS, KARNATAKA

Mushrooms had long been used for medicinal and food purposes since decades. It is now increasingly recognized that correct diet, controls and modulates many functions of human body and consequently participates in the maintenance of state of good health, necessary to reduce the risk of many diseases. Determination of nutritive value and analysis of mineral elements of 4 wild mushroom (Lycoperdon umbrinum, Ganoderma sinense, Hygrocybe cantharellus and Calocera viscosa) species were analyzed from young and matured sporocarps were collected from the Shimoga forest regions of Karnataka. The macro nutrient profiles in general revealed that the wild mushrooms contains the moisture in range of (83.6-90.26%), lipids (1.4-2.79%), carbohydrate (23.7347.5%), crude protein (5.4-33.5%), crude fiber (8.4-13.2%), ash (1.92-9.2%) and nutritive value (84.44-125.84 Cal/100 gm). Among the macronutrients, Ca (46.85-73.62 %) is dominant, which is followed by Na (1.01-1.91 %), K (0.51-0.81 %), P (0.33-0.51 %) and Mg (0.10-0.22 %); in case of micronutrients Fe (84.33-103-63 %) was dominant followed by Mn (32.89-83.5 %), Cu (26.25-60.38 %), Zn (11.45-35.0 %) and Pb (13.33-16.3 %) in the same time Cd was completely absent in all mushroom samples. The results were subjected for statistical analysis. Hence, these nutrient contents revealed that mushrooms were low energy, healthy food and may also be used as a protein supplementary diet. This paper sums up diverse beneficial health effects of mushrooms to humans, in the form of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, food and drugs and medicines. WO
Intuitive Visualization of Temporal Uncertainty

Information retrieved from the real world often contains some kind of inherent uncertainty. In recent years there has been an effort to incorporate this aspect of data into visualizations. This is also true for the representation of temporal data. How this can be done in an intuitive way is still one of many open questions regarding temporal uncertainty visualization. This thesis presents two subsequent user studies, which aim at providing insights into this matter. In the first study, called the Drawing Study, 32 participants are asked to draw their own visualization designs, based on predefined scenarios and tasks. These drawings are analyzed through an open coding approach. The analysis yields a list of hypotheses regarding the intuitiveness of temporal uncertainty visualization. From this list a selection of hypotheses leads to more concrete research questions, which form the basis for the second study, called the User Survey. In this online survey 60 participants compare and rate different visualization approaches in several scenarios. This rating of intuitiveness yields valuable insights for future visualization design. The results indicate that icon representations are not considered intuitive, even though they might seem to be at first glance. It can be argued that icons just need to be designed specifically for certain tasks and scenarios to be perceived intuitive. Furthermore, the results suggest that most people prefer to have uncertainty presented to them, even if it is not relevant for the task at hand. This finding could have important implications for the design of future visualizations.
Towards Understanding the Raman Spectrum of Graphene Oxide: The Effect of the Chemical Composition

Raman spectroscopy is a technique widely used to detect defects in semiconductors because it provides information of structural or chemical defects produced in its structure. In the case of graphene monolayer, the Raman spectrum presents two bands centered at 1582 cm−1 (G band) and 2700 cm−1 (2D band). However, when the periodic lattice of graphene is broken by different types of defects, new bands appear. This is the situation for the Raman spectrum of graphene oxide. It is well established that the existence of these bands, the position and the intensity or width of peaks can provide information about the origin of defects. However, in the case of the graphene oxide spectrum, we can find in the literature several discrepant results, probably due to differences in chemical composition and the type of defects of the graphene oxide used in these studies. Besides, theoretical calculations proved that the shape of bands, intensity and width, and the position of graphene oxide Raman spectrum depend on the atomic configuration. In the current work, we will summarize our current understanding of the effect of the chemical composition on the Raman spectrum of graphene oxide. Finally, we apply all this information to analyze the evolution of the structure of graphene oxide during the thermal annealing of the heterostructures formed by graphene oxide sandwiches in a hexagonal boron nitride.
Indoor Thermal Performance Analysis of Vegetated Wall based on CFD Simulation

In tropical countries, cooling loads have become the largest energy consumption in many buildings. The increase of thermal resistance of the building envelope surfaces will reduce the thermal losses and in that way it improves the thermal indoor climate. Vertical greenery systems have been considered as one of the design trends in the field of architectural and construction for increasing building thermal performance. However, the record of such study is very much limited especially in assessing its performance and also to consider the use of CFD Simulation as validation purpose. This study discussed on the effect of vegetated wall to improve building thermal performance. A CFD Simulation was conducted to assess the effects of vegetated wall on the indoor thermal performance of a building model by setting the thermal properties of vegetated wall. Results of data simulation was compared to data from field measurement. Based on CFD Simulation showed the interior surface temperature of bare wall model was dominant in the range between 28.0°C to 32.2°C. While the lower result showed by vegetated façade with 28.0°C-28.5°C. In the field data measurement, the overall room temperatures in the model with vegetated wall are in the range between 23.0°C to 24.7°C. As for bare wall model, the distribution of indoor temperatures is 26.4°C to 30.2°C. According to the horizontal and vertical distribution of indoor thermal environment, it shows that both interior surface temperature and indoor temperature of building model was much lower after greenery applied. The function of vegetated wall can reduce indoor temperature by 1.7°C, played a natural cooling effect for the room. Through CFD simulation, bare wall had a greater potential for increasing temperature through the building façade. The role of vegetated wall gives significant effect in cooling and insulation of building.
Recognition of sentences in silence, and at noise, in free Field, in carriers from hearing loss from moderate degree

Summary Introduction: In daily routine from the audiologists, the complaints are frequent about the difficulty of understanding of speech in a noisy environment. Audiologic tests that use the sentences as stimulus, have been objects of research, because besides check the real hearing abilities from the patient, provide a direct approach with situations of communications and provide information that will guide the more adequate conduct to be indicated for the individual with hearing complaints. Objective: Determine the thresholds of recognition of sentences in silence and the relation sign/noise in a group of individual carriers of the bilateral neurosensory hearing loss and symmetric from moderate degree. Method: Retrospective study, clinic and experimental. Were evaluated 50 individuals, being 16 adults of middle age and 34 elderly. Was performed a anamnesis and the basic audiological evaluation. Posteriorly, using the test of List of Sentences in Portuguese, was performed the research of the thresholds of recognition of sentences in silence and the relation sign/noise with a fixed level of noise of 65 dB NPS(A). Results: The average LRSS obtained for all subject was of 60,90 dB NPS (A), and the average of relations S/R was of +3,20 dB NPS (A). Conclusion: The analysis of variables allowed to obtain the average LRSS, affirm that it had correlation with the triton mean of the better ear from subjects and that the threshold of audibility seems to be the only parameter to influence the recognition in the silence. Besides, make it possible to obtain of the mean of relations S/R, which demonstrate the difficulty that the individual with hearing loss present in noisy environment.
Application of Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry for the Monitoring of Dopant Distribution in Optical Crystals Grown by TSSG Method

Direct analysis of matrix and admixture elements in non-conducting crystals is a relevant analytical task in terms of quality assurance of optical materials. The current study aimed to develop a method capable to assess the inhomogeneity of optical crystals with sufficient sensitivity. K1−xRbxTiOPO4 (x = 0.002 and 0.05) and KGd1−yNdy(WO4)2 (y = 0.05) were grown using the top-seeded solution growth method (TSSG). The samples were analyzed by microsecond direct current pulsed glow discharge time-of-flight mass spectrometry (µs-PDC TOF GDMS). The data were compared with the results obtained by scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM EDX) and spectrophotometry and validated by the analysis of certified reference material. Sample glow discharge sputtering and analysis were optimized and implemented in real samples. Sample coating with a silver layer and sample pressing in the metallic matrix were proposed to ensure effective sputtering for K1−xRbxTiOPO4 and KGd1−yNdy(WO4)2, respectively. Using the designed method, the inhomogeneity of the dopant’s distribution was demonstrated along the growth axis and in the case of K1−xRbxTiOPO4, also in the growth sectors of different faces. The designed method is applicable for the direct analysis of optical crystal and may be implemented in quality assurance in the manufacturing of optical materials.
Study of Quasi-Static Magnetization with the Random-Field Ising Model

The topic of this paper is modeling based on Hamiltonian spin interactions. Preliminary studies on the identification of quasi-static magnetizing field in a magnetic system were presented. The random-field Ising model was then used to simulate the simplified ferromagnetic structure. The validation of algorithms and simulation tests were carried out for the 2D and the 3D model spaces containing at least 106 unit cells. The research showed that the response of a slowly driven magnetic system did not depend on the external field sweep rate. Changes in the spatial magnetization of the lattice were very similar below a certain rate of the external field change known as the quasi-static boundary. The observed differences in obtained magnetization curves under quasi-static conditions stemmed from the random nature of the molecular field and the avalanche-like magnetization process
Social Interactions and Stigmatized Behavior: "Donating" Blood Plasma in Rural China

Despite the resultant disutility, some people, in particular, the poor, are engaged in behaviors that carry social stigma. Empirical studies on stigmatized behavior are rare, largely due to the formidable challenges of collecting data on stigmatized goods and services. In this paper, we add to this limited empirical evidence by examining the behavior of "donating" blood plasma in exchange for cash rewards in China. We do so using two primary data sets: the first is a three-wave, census‐type household survey that enables us to examine the evolving patterns and determinants of "donating" plasma. The second is data on detailed gift exchange records of all households. The data allow us to define reference groups, measure the intensity of social interactions, and identify peer effects using a novel network structure‐based instrumental variable strategy. We find that peer effects influence decisions to "donate" plasma. For example, a one‐standard‐deviation increase in income from "donating" plasma in the peer group increases the value of own plasma "donation" by 0.15 standard deviations. Families with sons have more incentives to "donate" plasma to offset the escalated costs of getting their sons married in a tight marriage market that favors girls.
Using High-Bandwidth Voltage Amplifier to Emulate Grid-Following Inverter for AC Microgrid Dynamics Studies

AC microgrid is an attractive way to energize local loads due to remotely located renewable generation. The AC microgrid can conceptually comprise several grid-forming and grid-following power converters, renewable energy sources, energy storage and local loads. To study the microgrid dynamics, power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL)-based test setups are commonly used since they provide high flexibility and enable testing the performance of real converters. In a standard PHIL setup, different components of the AC microgrid exist as real commercial devices or electrical emulators or, alternatively, can be simulated using real-time simulators. For accurate, reliable and repeatable results, the PHIL-setup should be able to capture the dynamics of the microgrid loads and sources as accurately as possible. Several studies have shown how electrical machines, dynamic RLC loads, battery storages and photovoltaic and wind generators can be emulated in a PHIL setup. However, there are no studies discussing how a three-phase grid-following power converter with its internal control functions should be emulated, regardless of the fact that grid-following converters (e.g., photovoltaic and battery storage inverters) are the basic building blocks of AC microgrids. One could naturally use a real converter to represent such dynamic load. However, practical implementation of a real three-phase converter is much more challenging and requires special knowledge. To simplify the practical implementation of microgrid PHIL-studies, this paper demonstrates the use of a commercial high-bandwidth voltage amplifier as a dynamic three-phase power converter emulator. The dynamic performance of the PHIL setup is evaluated by identifying the small-signal impedance of the emulator with various control parameters and by time-domain step tests. The emulator is shown to yield the same impedance behavior as real three-phase converters. Thus, dynamic phenomena such as harmonic resonance in the AC microgrid can be studied in the presence of grid-following converters.
The Effects of Bank Mergers on Small Business Lending in Germany

In this paper, we examine the impact of mergers among German savings banks on the extent to which these savings banks engage in small business lending. The ongoing consolidation in the banking industry has sparked concerns about the continuous availability of credit to small businesses which has been further fueled by empirical studies that partly confirm a reduction in small business lending in the aftermath of mergers. However, using a proprietary data set of German savings banks we find strong evidence that in Germany merging savings banks do not significantly change the extent to which they lend to small businesses compared to prior to the merger or compared to the contemporaneous lending by non-merging banks. We investigate the merger related effects on small business lending in Germany from a bank-level perspective. Furthermore, we estimate small business lending and its continuous adjustment process simultaneously using recent General Method of Moments (GMM) techniques for panel data as proposed by Arellano and Bond (1991).
Maternal dietary diversity and dietary quality scores in relation to adverse birth outcomes in Tanzanian women.

BACKGROUND Preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), and low birth weight (LBW) are risk factors for morbidity and mortality among infants. High-quality maternal diets during pregnancy may protect against these adverse birth outcomes. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the association of maternal dietary diversity and quality during pregnancy with birth outcomes among women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS We analyzed data from 7553 HIV-negative pregnant women enrolled in a multivitamin trial at 12-27 weeks of gestation. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls. Dietary diversity scores (DDS; range: 0-10) were computed as the number of food groups consumed by women, using FAO's Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women index. The Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS; range: 0-42) assessed maternal diet quality based on consumption of 21 healthy and unhealthy food groups. Log binomial regression methods were used to assess associations of DDS and PDQS with PTB, SGA, LBW, and fetal loss. RESULTS In the previous 24 h, 99.9% of all women had consumed cereal and staples, 57.9% meats, 4.7% eggs, and 0.5% nuts and seeds. Median DDS was 3.0 (IQR: 2.5-3.5). For the PDQS, all women consumed ≥4 servings/wk of green leafy vegetables and refined grains. Higher DDS was associated with lower risk of SGA (RR highest compared with lowest quintile: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.89). Higher PDQS was associated with lower risk of PTB (RR highest compared with lowest quintile: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.66), LBW (RR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.70), and fetal loss (RR: 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34, 0.82). CONCLUSIONS PDQS was inversely associated with PTB, LBW, and fetal loss, and DDS was inversely associated with SGA. These findings suggest that in addition to dietary diversity, diet quality should be considered as important in understanding dietary risk factors for poor birth outcomes.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00197548.
Tunneling spectroscopy of graphene nanodevices coupled to large-gap superconductors

We performed tunneling spectroscopy measurements of graphene coupled to niobium/niobium-nitride superconducting electrodes. Due to the proximity effect, the graphene density of states depends on the phase difference between the superconductors and exhibits a hard induced gap at zero phase, consistent with a continuum of Andreev bound states. At energies larger than the superconducting gap, we observed phase-dependent energy levels displaying the Coulomb blockade effect, which are interpreted as arising from spurious quantum dots, presumably embedded in the heterostructures and coupled to the proximitized graphene.
A low-rank approximation for large-scale 3D controlled-source electromagnetic Gauss-Newton inversion

ABSTRACTWe have developed an approximation to the Hessian for inversion of 3D controlled source electromagnetic data. Our approach can considerably reduce the numerical complexity in terms of the number of forward solutions as well as the size and complexity of the calculations required to compute the update direction from the Gauss-Newton equation. The approach makes use of “supershots,” in which several source positions are combined for simultaneous-source simulations. The resulting Hessian can be described as a low-rank approximation to the Gauss-Newton Hessian. The structure of the approximate Hessian facilitates a matrix-free direct solver for the Gauss-Newton equation, and the reduced memory complexity allows the use of a large number of unknowns. We studied the crosstalk introduced in the approximation, and we determined how the dissipative nature of marine electromagnetic field propagation reduces the impact of this noise. Inversion results from recent field data demonstrated the numerical and pra.
Evaluation of Customer Behaviour Irregularities in Cameroon Electricity Network using Support Vector Machine

Non-Technical Losses (NTLs) in the Cameroonians electricity network are approximately 30 to 40% of production and are estimated at several billion CFA francs per year for National Electricity Company (ENEO); Hence the importance of finding effective solutions to fight against these losses. The purpose of this work was to develop a tool for the fraud detection for Cameroon National Electricity Company (ENEO) using support vector machines which consisted in data preprocessing base on the load profile, development of a model for classification, parameter optimization and detection of customers irregularities and prediction.