Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An efficient PEEC algorithm for modeling of LTCC RF circuits with finite metal strip thickness

In this letter, a simple but effective method is introduced to facilitate the partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) algorithm to model multilayered low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) embedded RF circuits with finite metal thickness. The method makes use of the quasistatic assumption that charges only reside on the surfaces of a conductor. In the calculation of the coefficient of potential matrix, one thick conductor plate is treated as two inter-connected zero-thickness plates. Recombining the two plates analytically can correctly account for the increase of plate-to-plate capacitance without adding extra elements to the resultant equivalent circuit model. Experimental results have verified the validation of the proposed method.
Modelling the urban water chain: Incentives and cost recovery in wastewater treatment in developing countries

To improve surface water quality in developing countries new approaches to design wastewater treatment schemes have been developed. We identify a compliance problem in these schemes which threatens their success. To analyze this problem, we integrate a compliance game into a model of the urban water chain. We illustrate the model with a numerical example on small scale leather processing. We find that the compliance problem indeed threatens the overall success of the treatment scheme and show under which conditions this is so. With an empirical calibration our model is a ready to use tool to provide quantitative results that can inform planners of urban wastewater treatment schemes.
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) peak detection using a wavelet transform technique

Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) is a separation technique that can be used as a sample pre-treatment step in chemical analysis. When coupled with a detection technique, identification of chemical species can be performed on the basis of the elution signals. However, the sensor signals are often complicated by high signal noise, varying baseline and overlapping peaks. There is thus a need for a signal processing technique capable of robustly detecting peaks in acquired sensor data. Here, we report on an algorithm that utilises the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) for the detection of analyte peaks. The algorithm that has been developed makes use of a wavelet equal to the first derivative of a Gaussian function and has been successfully applied to data obtained from a CCD sensor fabricated on a polymer microfluidic separation chip. The algorithm operates by taking the CWT of the sensor response. It then analyses patterns in the local maximum and minimum points evident across scales in the CWT coefficients to find the peaks in the time series data. The performance of two versions of the algorithm have been compared for synthetic data sets each with known baseline, peaks and noise. The improved algorithm has been shown to successfully find peaks with a high sensitivity and low False Discovery Rate within a range of sensitivities.
Optimisation of chirped and tapered microstrip Koch fractal electromagnetic bandgap structures for improved low-pass filter design

This study presents electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures in microstrip technology based on one-dimensional Koch fractal patterns (Koch fractal EBG (KFEBG)). This fractal geometry allows to adjust the radius r and distance a between patterns so that a low-pass filter response is obtained when the ratio r/a is higher than 0.5. However, in such case undesired strong ripples appear in the low bandpass region. We demonstrate that the performance in the passband of this filter can be improved by applying a tapering function to the Koch fractal dimensions and to the width of the microstrip line, while simultaneously chirping (modulating) the Koch fractal periodic pattern distance (a) so as to maintain a constant r/a ratio. Several tapering functions scaled by a factor K are presented, and the results of their application to the KFEBG microstrip structure are compared by means of relevant characteristic parameters. Optimal performance has been obtained for the Kaiser and Cauchy distributions applied to the Koch fractal pattern, combined with a rectangular and Cauchy distribution applied to the microstrip width, respectively.
Angle of arrival estimation of coherent signals using a shifted array correlation technique

Shifted array correlation (SAC) correlates M shifted array vectors with testing vectors to solve for M angles-of-arrival. In special cases and at high array signal-to-noise ratios (ASNRs), the resolution patterns generated by SAC are simply related to spatial smoothing patterns. Computer simulation results are presented to show some of the performance characteristics of the SAC technique as applied to the two wavefront problem. Numerical analysis of the two wavefront-signal case predicts the experimental difficulty of resolving two closely spaced coherent signals. Narrow spacings, on the order of 0.1 beamwidths, require ASNRs in excess of 50 dB. <<ETX>>
10 and 26 GHz differential VCOs using InP HBTs

We have built 10 and 26 GHz differential VCOs using InP HBTs. Both oscillators use a 3 stage emitter coupled pair ring section. The 10 GHz VCO is connected in the well known fashion but the 26 GHz circuit uses a patented summed output from each of the three ECP (Emitter Coupled Pair) stages. The circuits are powered from a single 5 V supply consuming 250 mW. The chip size is 870/spl times/975 /spl mu/m/sup 2/. The phase noise at a 100 kHz offset for the 10 and 26 GHz oscillators is 83 dBc/Hz and -70 dBc/Hz respectively.
Connecting inventory control and repair shop control : a differentiated control structure for repairable spare parts

This paper presents a control structure for integrating decisions on spare parts inventory control and the control of repair shops for maintenance spare parts. A dierentiated control structure is proposed for the various repair shop types recognized in practice. Decisions functions are mapped and assigned to either the repair shop manager or the inventory manager. An overview of related literature is presented and open research topics are identied.
Isolation and Characterization of Secondary Metabolites of Asplenium indicum by Using Thin Layer Chromatography

TLC is a simple inexpensive technique used to support the identify the bioactive components. The bioactive components are generally found in most of the plant parts and used as traditional medicine. The present investigation was carried out to isolate and characterized bioactive components from epiphytic fern Asplenium indicum . This fern was collected from Mahabaleshwar from Satara district of Maharashtra. The extract is separated on silica TLC plates and bands are visualized under ultraviolet light and chromatogram of Asplenium indicum revealed 6 bands. Then chromatogram spray para anisaldehyde reagent and they exposed to iodine chamber chromatogram revealed 6 bands respectively. In the present work of TLC analysis of Asplenium indicum exhibited the presence of colour spots indicates the presence of bioactive constituents. These are flavonoids, phenols, steroids and terpenoids. TLC-IR spectrum of Asplenium indicum showed 7 functional groups. In present investigation of TLC-IR analysis of epiphytic ferns under study exhibited the presence of functional groups like primary amines, hydroxy, aromatics, alcohol, carboxylic acid, ester, ether alkanes etc. Therefore the epiphytic ferns may play important role in antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor biological activity. So this fern may be used in the pharmaceutical industries, for further use.
An Energy Saving Train Operation Control Model Based on Time-Space Network Formulation

From operation management strategy perspective, a multi-objective time-space network optimization model of train energy consumption on a high speed rail line is proposed on the basis of train time table predetermined. The models objectives are to minimize circulation of rail stock and total energy consumption, and decision variables are number of train units in stations, while constraints include node flow conservation, passenger demand and capacity limitation. Finally, a simulation case is provided and solved for comparison and an optimization analysis is carried on via weighting method to illustrate the models feasibility and effectiveness.
Battery Management System for Electric Drive Vehicles – Modeling, State Estimation and Balancing

Electric-drive vehicles (EDVs) have drawn more and more attention worldwide. As one of the most important parts of EDVs, battery management systems (BMSs) manage the huge amount of battery cells in EDVs and assures their safety. To achieve these goals, re‐ searches in BMS, such as battery modeling, battery state estimation, and battery balanc‐ ing have gained a new vigor. This chapter will review the existing researches and introduce several advances in these areas.
Multiple hypothesis tracking for a distributed multiple platform system

Methods have been developed to apply Multiple Hypothesis Tracking (MHT) to a distributed multiple platform system for tracking missile targets. The major issue that must be addressed is the requirement for a single integrated air picture (SIAP) to be maintained across the multiple platforms. Communication delays and failures mean that the platforms will, in general, form different MHT hypotheses with resultant different output tracks presented to the users. Thus, logic, described in this paper, has been developed to ensure that similar data association decisions will be made across the multiple platforms.
Erythrocyte degradation, metabolism, secretion, and communication with immune cells in the blood during sepsis: A review

Sepsis is a health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It was assumed that erythrocytes were affected by sepsis. However, in recent years, a number of studies have shown that erythrocytes affect sepsis as well. When a pathogen invades the human body, it infects the blood and organs, causing infection and sepsis-related symptoms. Pathogens change the internal environment, increasing the levels of reactive oxygen species, influencing erythrocyte morphology, and causing erythrocyte death, i.e., eryptosis. Characteristics of eryptosis include cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and surface exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS). Eryptotic erythrocytes increase immune cell proliferation, and through PS, attract macrophages that remove the infected erythrocytes. Erythrocyte-degraded hemoglobin derivatives and heme deteriorate infection; however, they could also be metabolized to a series of derivatives. The result that erythrocytes play an anti-infection role during sepsis provides new perspectives for treatment. This review focuses on erythrocytes during pathogenic infection and sepsis.
Collaborative Maintenance Simulation System Using Virtual Mockup

Applying maintenance simulation using virtual mockup in product design phase enables maintainability test before prototyping physical products, and it is expected to reduce product development costs. The simulation results can be reused as contents of service manuals and RAM (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability) analysis data. Maintenance simulation should provide realistic representation of physical property of virtual product, assembly relation between parts and manipulation process to verify feasibility of product design. The simulation system should be extended to collaborative virtual environment to perform collaborative maintenance procedures. In this paper, the three layered system architecture and the physics based collaborative interaction technique are proposed to extend current maintenance simulation into collaborative virtual environment. The proposed system was implemented as ViMMS (Virtual Mockup Maintenance Simulation system), and compared with case study results of VADE (Virtual Assembly Design Environment). As a result, the ViMMS encompassed broader range of maintenance tasks by using physics based collaborative interaction technique.
A microstrip multiple beam forming lens

A recent paper1 has described the design and performance of a waveguide-fed parallel plate lens which provides five beams from a sixteen element antenna array, with sidelobes ≈ − 20 dB and beam crossovers ≈ − 10dB, in the frequency band 8–12 GHz. A microstrip version of this lens has been designed, constructed and tested, with the addition of a beam port overlap network to now provide nine beams with crossovers ≈ − 2 dB. Fair performance is achieved at midband, but internal reflections are found to limit the bandwidth of the microstrip lens design.
Early adopters versus the majority: Characteristics and implications for academic development and institutional change

The diffusion of innovation curve has become common parlance when considering the adoption of technology-enhanced learning in higher education. Innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority and laggards indicate the different rates of technology adoption. This study explored the views and experiences of staff at one research-led institution within one of four colleges, to determine whether there were differences between the characteristics and digital academic practices of teachers, based on their self-identification as one of the five types in a questionnaire. Subsequently, two focus groups allowed comparisons between early adopters and early majority. The questionnaire found differences in terms of using a VLE to foster deep thinking through discussion, teachers’ digital practices and attributes, previous engagement with developmental TEL opportunities, perceived level of support from management, and perceived usefulness of CPD events. Focus groups revealed qualitative differences in terms of the amount of time participants invested in learning new technologies, sources of TEL support, preference for different types of academic development, and how they engaged with exemplars in their own or other disciplines. In addition to recommendations for different types of academic development for different groups, the study highlighted the importance of early adopters in leading digital practice. Institutions need to recognise and support the unique contribution made by early adopters. They contribute to the resilience, agility and digital capabilities of an institution in responding to rapid changes, such as the Covid19 pandemic, in terms of supporting and leading other staff, and prompting the institution to expand its digital education infrastructure.
GIS and the Scientific Inputs to Planning. Part 2: Prediction and Prescription

In the second of two papers in which the author looks at how GIS can support analytical activities in urban planning, the potential contribution of the technology in predictive and prescriptive analysis is discussed. These activities are defined in terms of their substantive content, and the potential contributions of GIS are explored under the headings of visualisation, data organisation and management, and spatial analysis. It is argued that GIS has limited use in predictive analysis but is potentially well adapted to handling prescriptive problems. In a concluding section the author picks up points made in both papers, identifying general principles for GIS-based planning analysis and suggesting that GIS technology offers opportunities to improve the quality of planning decisions through its support of both formal and informal analysis.
Investigation of electrical characteristics on surrounding-gate and omega-shaped-gate nanowire FinFETs

In this paper, electrical characteristics of small nanowire fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) are investigated by using a three-dimensional quantum correction simulation. Taking several important electrical characteristics as evaluation criteria, two different nanowire FinFETs, the surrounding-gate and omega-shaped-gate devices, are examined and compared with respect to different ratios of the gate coverage. By calculating the ratio of the on/off current, the turn-on resistance, subthreshold swing, drain-induced channel barrier height lowering, and gate capacitance, it is found that the difference of the electrical characteristics between the surrounding-gate (i.e., the omega-shaped-gate device with 100% coverage) and the omega-shaped-gate nanowire FinFET with 70% coverage is insignificant. The examination presented here is useful in the fabrication of small omega-shaped-gate nanowire FinFETs. It clarifies the main difference between the surrounding-gate and omega-shaped-gate nanowire FinFETs and exhibits a valuable result that the omega-shaped-gate device with 70% coverage plays an optimal candidate of the nanodevice structure when we consider both the device performance and manufacturability.
Pipeline Analog-Digital Converters Dynamic Error Modeling for Calibration Integral Nonlinearity Modeling, Pipeline ADC Calibration, Wireless Channel K-Factor Estimation

This thesis deals with the characterization, modeling and calibration of pipeline analog-digital converters (ADC)s. The integral nonlinearity (INL) is characterized, modeled and the model is used to design a post-correction block in order to compensate the imperfections of the ADC. The INL model is divided into: a dynamic term designed by the low code frequency (LCF) component depending on the output code k and the frequency under test m, and a static term known as high code frequency (HCF) component depending solely on the output code k. The HCF is related to the pipeline ADC circuitry. A set of adjacent piecewise linear segments is used to model the HCF. The LCF is the dynamic term depending on the input signal characteristics, and is modeled using a polynomial with frequency dependent coefficients. Two dynamic calibration methodologies are developed to compensate the imperfections of the pipeline ADC. In the first approach, the INL model at hand is transformed into a post-correction scheme. Regarding the HCF model, a set of gains and offsets is used to reconstruct the HCF segments structure. The LCF polynomial frequency dependent coefficients are used to design a bank of FIR filters which reconstructs the LCF model. A calibration block made by the combination of static gains/offsets and a bank of FIR filters is built to create the correction term to calibrate the ADC. In the second approach, the calibration (and modeling) process is extended to the upper Nyquist bands of the ADC. The HCF is used directly in calibration as a look-up-table (LUT). The LCF part is still represented by a frequency dependent polynomial of which the coefficients are used to develop a filter bank, implemented in the frequency domain with an overlap-and-add structure. In brief the calibration process is done by the combination of a static LUT and a bank of frequency domain filters. The maximum likelihood (ML) method is used to estimate the K-factor of a wireless Ricean channel. The K-factor is one of the main characteristics of a telecommunication channel. However, a closed-form ML estimator of the Kfactor is unfeasible due to the complexity of the Ricean pdf. In order to overcome this limitation, an approximation (for high K-factor values) is induced to the Ricean pdf. A closed-form approximate ML (AML) for the Ricean K-factor is computed. A bias study is performed on the AML and the bias derived value is used to improve the AML estimation, leading to a closed-form bias compensated estimator (BCE). The BCE performance (in terms of variance, bias and mean square error (MSE)) is simulated and compared to the best known closed-form moment-based estimator found in the literature. The BCE turns to have a superior performance for low number of samples and/or high K-factor values. Finally, the BCE is applied on real site wireless channel measurements in an urban macro cell area, using a 4-antenna transmit/receive MIMO system.
How Risk Signaling Influences Binge Drinking Impression Formation: An Evolutionary Experimental Approach

Background. Evolutionary theory-driven alcohol prevention programs for adolescents are lacking. This study introduced a binge drinking impression formation paradigm to test whether emphasizing sexual dysfunction induced by alcohol abuse lowers positive attitudes and expectancies related to binge drinking when compared with cognitive or long-term health consequences. Method. In a between-subjects experiment, 269 French high school students (age, M = 15.94, SD = 0.93, 63.20% women) watched professional-quality videos emphasizing sexual impotence (n = 60), cognitive impairment (n = 72), or long-term effects (cancer, cardiovascular disease, n = 68) induced by alcohol and then had to evaluate a drinking scene. We predicted that the video on impotence would be the most impactful when compared with the other videos. Results. Results showed that women evaluated the target as less attractive after viewing the cognitive video compared with the video on impotence. Men were more willing to play sports against the target after viewing the cognitive video, compared with the video on impotence. Conclusions. These results showed that evolutionary meaning might shape impressions formed by participants depending on the context. This study calls for further replications using the same design and materials.
A Systematic Review of the Use of St. John’s Wort for Smoking Cessation in Adults

St. John’s wort (SJW) has been researched and clinically used for treating various psychiatric disorders, including depression. Few clinical trials have studied its use in smoking cessation. This systematic review provides comprehensive evidence of the studies conducted to date. Five databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of SJW for smoking cessation in adults. The trials included the use of SJW alone, or along with nicotine replacement therapy, chromium, or behavioral therapies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used to report this systematic review. Overall, four RCTs met the eligibility criteria, and the risk of bias analysis was conducted using the Cochrane criteria. Abstinence, along with other physical symptoms, were measured as outcomes at the end of the follow-up period. Studies reported variable abstinence rates and a decrease in cravings at the end of 12-14 weeks. However, there was minimal to no difference reported between the intervention and placebo groups in all of the clinical trials. One of the studies reported minimal physical side effects. Overall, SJW was well tolerated. Quality analysis of the included studies showed low concerns in two studies while the other two studies showed high concerns in the risk of bias judgment. More clinical trials with larger sample sizes should be conducted in the future to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of SJW for smoking cessation.
The next generation of the organizational culture profile

This paper examines the development of a new version of the Organizational Culture Profile (OCP) (O'Reilly, Chatman and Caldwell, 1991). The current study aimed to overcome the limitations associated with the Q-sort methodology used in earlier versions by developing a revised version based on a Likert scale and using a large, diverse, Australia-wide sample (N=1918). The statistical software package, AMOS (Arbuckle and Wothke, 1999) was used to undertake confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) which tested the theoretically derived, hypothetical structure of factors and substantiated the content validity. Composite factor reliability coefficients (Fleishman and Benson, 1987) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients indicated high internal consistency for each of the seven factors. The results should encourage researchers and practitioners to use the instrument for empirical and diagnostic purposes. This paper is a work in progress. Material in the paper cannot be used without permission of the author.