Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Higher management education ? should Six Sigma be added to the curriculum?

The present day curriculum in the management education at the Masters level offers operations and general management as principle streams and touches upon Six Sigma in just one or two paragraphs in the chapter on quality management. The world has grown much beyond this; quality management has come to stay and gained much importance. It calls for an in-depth implementation of Six Sigma in the day-to-day working in the professional's life, be it conducting business research methods in marketing and improving the bottom line of their manufacturing facility or service set-up. Therefore, it is necessary for the student to have deeper knowledge of the subject to be better equipped to deal with these challenges. The authors of this paper suggest that the introduction of the subject of Six Sigma as a full subject at the academic level itself, and conclude that all the students of management must leave the institution as certified Black Belts.
Adaptive Coding and Modulation Scheme for Ka Band Space Communications

Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, KoreaRain attenuation can cause a serious problem that an availability of space communication link on Ka band becomes low. To reduce the effect of rain attenuation on the error performance of space communications in Ka band, an adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) scheme is required. In this paper, to achieve a reliable telemetry data transmission, we propose an adaptive coding and modulation level using turbo code recommended by the consultative committee for space data systems (CCSDS) and various modulation methods (QPSK, 8PSK, 4+12 APSK, and 4+12+16 APSK) adopted in the digital video broadcasting-satellite2 (DVB-S2).
Polymeric variable optical attenuators based on magnetic sensitive stimuli materials

Magnetically-actuable, polymer-based variable optical attenuators (VOA) are presented in this paper. The design comprises a cantilever which also plays the role of a waveguide and the input/output alignment elements for simple alignment, yet still rendering an efficient coupling. Magnetic properties have been conferred to these micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) by implementing two different strategies: in the first case, a magnetic sensitive stimuli material (M-SSM) is obtained by a combination of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and ferrofluid (FF) in ratios between 14.9 wt % and 29.9 wt %. An M-SSM strip under the waveguide-cantilever, defined with soft lithography (SLT), provides the required actuation capability. In the second case, specific volumes of FF are dispensed at the end of the cantilever tip (outside the waveguide) by means of inkjet printing (IJP), obtaining the required magnetic response while holding the optical transparency of the waveguide-cantilever. In the absence of a magnetic field, the waveguide-cantilever is aligned with the output fiber optics and thus the intrinsic optical losses can be obtained. Numerical simulations, validated experimentally, have shown that, for any cantilever length, the VOAs defined by IJP present lower intrinsic optical losses than their SLT counterparts. Under an applied magnetic field (Bapp), both VOA configurations experience a misalignment between the waveguide-cantilever and the output fiber optics. Thus, the proposed VOAs modulate the output power as a function of the cantilever displacement, which is proportional to Bapp. The experimental results for the three different waveguide-cantilever lengths and six different FF concentrations (three per technology) show maximum deflections of 220 µm at 29.9 wt % of FF for VOASLT and 250 µm at 22.3 wt % FF for VOAIJP, at 0.57 kG for both. These deflections provide maximum actuation losses of 16.1 dB and 18.9 dB for the VOASLT and VOAIJP, respectively.
Kinetic inductance as a microwave circuit design variable by multilayer fabrication

We report on the development of a reliable NbN/Al/Nb/NbN multilayer fabrication technique for combining design elements with and without kinetic inductance in superconducting microwave circuits. As a proof-of-concept we demonstrate the application of the proposed technique to build a slow microwave propagation line matched to 50 Ω terminals. Fabrication details along with the design and measurements are discussed. At 8 GHz the presented device operates as a dc controllable full-turn phase shifter. We suggest that by exploiting the kinetic inductance as a design variable one can greatly improve operation parameters for a variety of standard microwave designs such as step-impedance filters and resonators.
Theoretical Investigation of Wheel/Rail Non-Linear Interaction due to Roughness Excitation

A study is presented of the non-linear dynamic interaction between a wheel and rail, excited by rough-ness on the wheel and rail contact surfaces. A moving irregularity model is used to represent the wheel/ rail interaction process in the time-domain. A low order multiple degree-of-freedom system is developed to approximate the infinite track for numerical simulations. The effects of the non-linear contact on the wheel/rail dynamic interaction are investigated through calculations, analysis and comparisons with the results from a linear contact model. The difference between the non-linear and linear interactions is found to be small if the roughness level is not extremely severe and a typical static contact preload exists. The difference increases for low preloads or for high roughness amplitudes. For example, if the wheel and rail surfaces are in good condition (r.m.s. amplitudes of roughness below 15 mm), the linear model can be used without significant error for all static loads down to 25 kN (equivalent to an unloaded container wagon). When the track is corrugated with an r.m.s. amplitude of 25 mm, good agreement between linear and non-linear models is obtained for static loads of 50 kN and above, typical of passenger stock or loaded freight vehicles, but differences of up to 4 dB in one-third octave force levels are found at 25 kN. Differences between the linear and non-linear models are found to occur when the r.m.s. roughness amplitude is more than 0.35 times the static deflection of the contact zone; significant loss of contact occurs at amplitudes about 1.5 times greater than this.
A comparative study on solar array parameter extraction methods

This paper presents a comparative study on different solar array parameter extraction methods such as a modified Newton-Raphson-based technique proposed in this work and two other popular techniques such as Bouzidi’s Newton-Raphson method and Villalva’s iterative method. A single-diode-five-parameter model is considered in this study for modelling the solar (PV) panel. The parameters of interest such as series resistance, shunt resistance, diode ideality factor, dark saturation current and photo-generated current are extracted under standard test conditions (STC) using open circuit voltage, short circuit current and maximum power point voltage and current from manufacturer’s data-sheet. Comparative assessment of the above parameters extraction methods envisages that the modified Newton-Raphson extraction method provides accurate parameters with simple calculations.
Coordinated operation of energy storage and on-load tap changer on a UK 11kV distribution network

The move towards a Smart Grid electricity system is a target of the UK government over the next 20 to 40 years. The use of energy storage as part of the smart grid has been identified as the UK's electricity system continues to evolve due to proliferation of low carbon technologies, increasing electricity demand, and ageing assets. This paper looks at using Energy Storage Systems (ESS) as an investment alternative for DNOs to meet future challenges caused by growing demand, integration of renewables, in this case PV, and ageing infrastructure (cables, and transformer). This paper evaluates the impact that a projected demand increase would have on an 11kV distribution network in the UK with an examination of overpower, voltage excursion, tap change operations and power losses. The paper then discusses the impact of reinforcing a network with ESS and coordinating its operation with On-Load Tap Changers (OLTC) to fix or mitigate ascertained issues with the aim of deferring costly network upgrades and thereby provide benefit to the DNO and customers. (4 pages)
Design and control system of inverter-driven permanent magnet synchronous motors for high torque operation

This work describes a current vector control method for permanent magnet (PM) synchronous motors suitable for high-torque operation. The current phase angle is controlled according to load conditions in order to use the reluctance torque effectively. Characteristics such as torque, efficiency, power capability and so on are greatly improved by this control method in comparison with the conventional control method. The performance characteristics are greatly affected by the motor parameters, which depend on the rotor configurations and permanent magnet geometries. The available maximum torque and power capability are also examined for the several types of PM motor, taking into consideration the inverter capacity. The tendency toward magnetic saturation and demagnetization of the permanent magnet is also examined. >
Performance Potential of Mechanical Ventilation Systems with Minimized Pressure Loss

Abstract In many locations mechanical ventilation has been the most widely used principle of ventilation over the last 50 years but the conventional system design must be revised to comply with future energy requirements. This paper examines the options and describes a concept for the design of mechanical ventilation systems with minimal pressure loss and minimal energy use. This can provide comfort ventilation and avoid overheating through increased ventilation and night cooling. Based on this concept, a test system was designed for a fictive office building and its performance was documented using building simulations that quantify fan power consumption, heating demand and indoor environmental conditions. The system was designed with minimal pressure loss in the duct system and heat exchanger. Also, it uses state-of-the-art components such as electrostatic precipitators, diffuse ceiling inlets and demand-control ventilation with static pressure set-point reset. All the equipment has been designed to minimize pressure losses and thereby the fan power needed to operate the system. The total pressure loss is 30–75 Pa depending on the operating conditions. The annual average specific fan power is 330 J/m3 of airflow rate. This corresponds to 10–15% of the power consumption for conventional mechanical ventilation systems thus enabling the system to fulfil future energy requirements in buildings.
300 Ghz transmission system

A 300 GHz transmission system, designed for terahertz communication channel modelling and propagation studies, is introduced. It consists of an autarkic transmitter and detector units based on Schottky diode mixer technology. The system performance is characterised with regard to link budget and noise. For demonstration, analogue video signals have been transmitted over distances of up to 22 m.
High-Q bulk-mode SOI square resonators with straight-beam anchors

In this paper, the performance of 6.35 MHz Lamé-mode square resonators with different dimensions of straight-beam anchor supports is presented, with quality factor values exceeding one million in ambient pressures as high as 150 Pa. A maximum Q value of 1.70 million was experimentally measured for some of the square resonators at a vacuum pressure of 36 µTorr. The Q values of square resonators were relatively independent of pressure at levels below 100 Pa, which suggests that Q is pressure limited due to air damping only when pressures become higher than 100 Pa. Dimensions of straight-beam anchors placed at the four corners of the square resonator lead to tradeoffs among achievable Q, power handling capabilities and motional resistance. Longer anchor beams generally provide good signal-to-noise performance of a square resonator at lower dc bias; however, the resonator goes into the nonlinear regime at lower ac–dc drive amplitudes, which means reduced power handling capability. The benefit of shorter anchors is that the resonator is able to operate in a linear mode under high drive conditions. Depending on the type of application, anchor dimensions can be chosen such that the resonator's performance is optimal in terms of a quality factor, motional resistance and power handling. The resonators were fabricated using the silicon-on-insulator multi-user MEMS process from MEMSCAP.
A design methodology for a very low noise figure common-source LNA

The design of common source (CS) Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA) for wireless receivers is presented. The design trade-offs between main criteria are discussed. An extra gate-to-source capacitor is added to the input transistor to reduce the transistor dimension while still satisfying the noise matching. The small MOSFET also improves the LNA linearity with comparatively small drain-source current. The extra gate-to-source capacitor is introduced by the bonding-pad parasitic capacitor; hence a negative effect parasitic capacitance is turned into a useful capacitor. The simulated Noise Figure (NF) of two single-ended LNAs using 0.18 μm CMOS process achieve 0.62 dB and 0.92 dB at 2.4 GHz and 5.25 GHz respectively while matching a 50 ohm impedance.
Generic empiric propagation model for low power wireless networks operating at the 868 MHz band in smart cities

The tremendous growth of low power wireless technologies oriented to smart city applications has conduced to evaluate the propagation aspects under typical communication scenarios in urban environments where in contrast to cellular technologies the transmitter and or the receiver antenna can be deployed at different heights near ground. Thus, the authors introduce a unified empiric parametrised propagation model with validated parameters from the measurements to study the propagation characteristics in near-ground scenarios. The proposed model considers the antenna's height as well as external power losses because of objects that may block the line-of-sight to the receiver. The main results of this research demonstrate that in near-ground wireless links, the wireless range is severely reduced because of diffraction caused by ground. However, in scenarios where the receiver is always higher than the transmitter the diffraction is null and the path loss slope is less than free space, with the consequence of a considerably higher wireless range. The propagation model presented here is a valuable tool for network planning where typical cellular propagation models might not be appropriate.
Multi-agent Systems in Diabetic Health Care

This thesis discusses how Multi-agent Systems (MAS) should be designed in the context of diabetic health care. Three fields are touched: computer science, socio-psychology and systems science. Agent Technology is the core technology in the research. Theories from socio-psychology and systems science are applied to facilitate the discussion about computer agents. As the integration of socio-psychology and systems science, Activity Systems Theory is introduced to give a synthesized description of MAS. Laws and models are introduced with benefits on both individual agent and agent communities. Cybernetics from systems science and knowledge engineering from computer science are introduced to approach the design and implementation of the individual agent architecture. A computer agent is considered intelligent if it is capable of reactivity, proactivity and social activity. Reactivity and proactivity can be realized through a cybernetic approach. Social activity is much more complex, since it considers MAS coordination. In this thesis, I discuss it from the perspectives of socio-psychology. The hierarchy and motivation thinking from Activity Systems Theory is introduced to the MAS coordination. To behave intelligent, computer agents should work with knowledge. Knowledge is considered as a run-time property of a group of agents (MAS). During the MAS coordination, agents generate new information through exchanging the information they have. A knowledge component is needed in agent’s architecture for the knowledge related tasks. In my research, I adopt CommonKADS methodology for the design and implementation of agent’s knowledge component. The contribution of this research is twofold: first, MAS coordination is described with perspectives from socio-psychology. According to Activity Systems Theory, MAS is hierarchically organized and driven by the motivation. This thesis introduces a motivation-driven mechanism for the MAS coordination. Second, the research project Integrated Mobile Information Systems for health care (IMIS) indicates that the diabetic health care can be improved by introducing agent-based services to the care-providers and care-receivers. IMIS agents are designed with capabilities of information sharing, organization coordination and task delegation. To perform these tasks, the IMIS agents interact with each other based on the coordination mechanism that is discussed above.
Industrial experience and research into the causes of SARS virus transmission in a high-rise residential housing estate in Hong Kong

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 triggered concerns regarding the ability of buildings to resist disease transmission. In particular, the outbreak that occurred in the high-rise residential blocks in the Amoy Gardens housing estate, sounded an alarm to the local practice of design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of building services systems. Virus transmission through the vertical drainage stack is believed to have been one of the causes of disease transmission in Amoy Gardens. In this paper, the authors share their experiences and research findings on the building drainage system. The paper includes a review of the outbreak incident in Amoy Gardens; and of the observations and site measurements of foul air and water back flow in the drainage system of another vacant high-rise residential housing estate. In addition, tracer gas measurements were studied in order to verify the upwards flow of air in the vertical stack. These field studies allow comparisons between the gas flow from the drainage system to the living accommodation, and confirm the hypothesized infection route. Finally, the authors make recommendations on the proper design and operation of high-rise building drainage systems. Practical application: Sanitary drainage systems form a critical engineering component in maintaining hygienic conditions in buildings. In fact the issue has been addressed over several hundreds of years, for example during the Black Death outbreak worldwide. Despite this, the SARS outbreak demonstrates that there is still room for improvement on the safety of soil waste disposal in buildings. The findings in this paper shed light on the understanding of the outbreak in Hong Kong, and on the critical aspects to avoid performance failure in soil waste disposal.
Classification of Fungal Infected Wheat Kernels Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Hyperspectral Imaging and Support Vector Machine

A classification algorithm was developed to differentiate individual fungal infected (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus glaucus, and Penicillium spp.) and healthy wheat kernels. A near-infrared reflectance hyperspectral imaging system captured hyperspectral images at 20 wavelengths spaced evenly between 1000 nm and 1600 nm. Four statistical features (mean, variance, skewness, and kurtosis) were extracted from the hyperspectral image data of single kernels at each wavelength. The statistical features at all wavelength levels composed the pattern vector of a single kernel. The dimensionality of pattern vectors was reduced by principal component analysis. A multi-class support vector machine with kernel of radial basis function was used for classification. Using the statistical features, the wheat kernels infected by Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus glaucus, and Penicillium spp. and healthy wheat kernels were classified with accuracies of 92.9%, 87.2%, 99.3%, and 100%, respectively. Almost perfect classification was obtained under the infected vs. healthy model. There was 10.0% misclassification between Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus glaucus infected wheat samples.
Navigated targeting of liver lesions: pitfalls of electromagnetic tracking

One of the major challenges related to percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors is the exact placement of the instrument within the lesion. Previous studies have shown the benefit of computer-assisted needle insertion based on optical tracking of both the instrument and internal fiducials used for registration. However, the concept has not been accepted for clinical use. This may in part be attributed to the line-of-sight constraint imposed by optical tracking systems which results in the use of needles thick enough to avoid bending. Electromagnetic (EM) tracking systems allow the localization of medical instruments without line-of-sight requirements, but are known to be less robust to the influence of metallic and/or ferromagnetic objects. In this paper, we apply a previously introduced fiducial-based system for navigated needle insertion with an EM tracking system and assess the overall targeting error using a static phantom in two different settings: in a non-metallic environment (REF) and on a CT stretcher (CT). While accurate needle insertion could be achieved in the reference environment (REF: 2.6±0.7 mm), targeting errors dropped drastically in the presence of metal (CT: 10.4±6.1 mm). For accurate and robust computer-assisted needle insertion, EM field distortions should thus either be avoided by assuring a suitable environment or by using methods for shielding or error compensation.
WIRBELERREGTE QUERSCHWINGUNGEN BEI BRUECKEN

Schlanke Bauwerke koennen durch periodische Wirbelabloesungen zu Querschwingungen angeregt werden. Hierdurch koennen Ermuedungsschaeden hervorgerufen werden. Bei Brueckentragwerken sind insbesondere die Staender oder Haenger (Bogenbruecken) sowie die Windverbaende (Bogenbruecken, Fachwerkbruecken) schwinggefaehrdet, wie an Hand von Beispielen belegt wird. Fuer die Berechnung der wirbelerregten Querschwingungen wird ein Nachweiskonzept in Anlehnung an EDIN 4131 entwickelt. Das Verfahren wird durch zwei Beispiele erlaeutert. Weiterhin werden einige konstruktive Empfehlungen sowie Hinweise auf Schwingungsmessungen gegeben. (A*)
A model for the etch stop location on reversed biased pn junctions

This paper reports a model to predict accurately where the silicon electrochemical etching terminates on a reversed biased pn junction. One of the most suitable and successful etch stop techniques is the electrochemical etch stop (ECES), achieved by reverse biasing a pn junction. Although it has been expected, it is clear from published results that the ECES does not terminate at the metallurgical junction. In most applications, accurate control of the obtained membrane thickness is compulsory. Therefore, the understanding of the premature stop of the etching process and the prediction of its exact location is of major importance in the MEMS field.