Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asynchronous data fusion of infrared imaging and laser ranging for target tracking

In a multi-sensor system, sensors often provide data at different rates with different communication delays. To the asynchronous fusion for target tracking with infrared and laser sensors, that provide range and bearing information respectively, there mainly exist two problems need to be solved. One is temporal registration of different sensors since infrared sensor has a shorter sample time than laser sensor. The measurements are dealt with least square method, which makes full use of the high frequency characteristic of infrared sensor. The other is the choice of filtering algorithm because of the correlation of coordinate transformation when measurement equation is described in Cartesian coordinate. Converted measurement Kalman filter (CMKF) is a popular solution to the nonlinear estimation problem expect nonlinear filtering algorithm. Simulations of the algorithms adopted in the paper were carried out to track the target and the performance of different algorithms was compared. The results show that the algorithm based on CMKF yields better track performance than the fusion algorithm based on standard Kalman filter (KF) and a little worse than the algorithm based on unscented Kalman filter (UKF).
Design considerations for millimeter-wave power HBTs based on gain performance analysis

Critical design issues involved in optimizing millimeter-wave power HBTs are described. Gain analysis of common-emitter (CE) and common-base (CB) HBTs is performed using analytical formulas derived based on a practical HBT model. While CB HBT's have superior maximum-gain at very high frequencies, their frequency limit is found to be determined by the carrier transit time delay. Thus, to fully exploit the potential gain in a CB HBT, it is essential to maintain a high f/sub T/ even at high collector voltages. The advantage of using CB HBT's in a multifingered device geometry is also discussed. Unlike CE HBTs, CB HBTs are capable of maintaining a high gain even if the device size is scaled up by increasing the number of emitter-fingers. Moreover, it is found that reducing the wire parasitic capacitance allows emitter ballasting resistance to be used without affecting the gain. Fabrication of HBTs based on these design considerations led to excellent power performance in a CB unit-cell HBT at 25-26 GHz, featuring output power of 740 mW and power-added efficiency of 42%.
Effects of Variation of Quantum Well Number on the Performance of a Designed 635nm Ga 0.5 In 0.5 P/(Al 0.7 Ga 0.3 ) 0.5 In 0.5 P Multiple Quantum Well Red Laser

In this work, the effects of variation of the number of quantum well on the performance characteristics of a GaInP - based 635nm multiple quantum well (MQW) separate confinement heterostructure (SCH) Red laser have been obtained through computations. The peak material gain of Ga0.5In0. 5P/(Al0.5Ga0.5)0.5In0. 5P MQW edge emitting laser obtained from the analysis has been used for analyzing the performance characteristics of the designed laser. The number of QW is optimized as 3 for obtaining better performance characteristics where the threshold current of the designed device is 6.7 mA. A maximum output power of 71.18 mW , a maximum resonance frequency of 8.6 GHz and a maximum modulation bandwidth of 13.85 GHz have been obtained for this designed laser at 64 mA injection current at 300K temperature having a 3QW structure. Theory of Quantum well lasers suggests that QW laser diodes have narrow active region for which quantum confinement occurs. The wavelength of the light emitted by a quantum well laser is determined by the width of the active region rather than just the bandgap of the material from which it is constructed. This means that much shorter wavelengths can be obtained from quantum well lasers than from conventional laser diodes using a particular semiconductor laser. The added advantage of the QW lasers is its efficiency. Quantum well lasers have greater efficiency than a conventional laser diode due to the stepwise form of its density of states function. In this paper, the performance analysis and optimization of a 635nm Ga0.5In0. 5P/(Al0.5Ga0.5)0.5In0. 5P MQW Separate Confinement Heterostructure Red Laser are presented considering the effects of quantum well number variation.
UVC LED and Conducting Yarn-Based Heater for a Smart Germicidal Face Mask to Protect against Airborne Viruses

“Wear a mask. Save lives” is the slogan of WHO and all the government agencies over the world to the public. One of the most adopted prevention measures that can limit the spread of the airborne virus in the form of respiratory viral diseases, including the new strain of COVID-19, is wearing a proper mask. If the mask surface is heated to 65 to 70 °C, it could help potentially diminish any viruses or bacteria accumulated. The FAR-Ultraviolet -C (FAR-UV-C) dose for the influenza limit to 254 nm light is ~3 mJ/cm2/hour exposure is not harmful to the human skin and eyes. Here, we propose an intelligent mask served by FAR-UV-C and conducting a yarn-based heater that could potentially be activated in a controlled manner to kill the virus. The effective irradiation intensity for skin application would be under 0.1 µW/cm2. The exposure risk of UV-C is technically prevented by fabricating multi-layered fabrics with multiple functionalities. Along with experimental validation on bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), tinker cad simulation for circuit design, and comsol multiphysics for temperature profile study, we probed Moisture Management Test (MMT) in addition with cytotoxicity risk by MTT Assay for survivability to ensure safer application potential. This novel proposed design with the germicidal combination of heating and FAR-UV-C models, described here, is promising in retaliating and combating any airborne viruses.
An open source Geographic Information System (GIS) approach to water supply management, distribution and billing

In this work a comprehensive solution for the Gatanga Water Trust (GWT) has been developed to assist it in managing its water supply and distribution. The solution comprises two subcomponents: a mapping component and a billing component which are tightly coupled together. The proposed system uses stable open source products for the mapping component and the database. At present the GWT uses outdated maps and sketches for design and installation of a new water supply infrastructure. A billing system is in place which is used to manage client accounts, record meter readings, prepare bills and record payments made. This presents a somewhat disjointed approach to management of the water supply and its attendant infrastructure. The database that stores the account information is very different (softcopy) from that storing the spatial information (hardcopy/paper based). In the proposed solution, a single database is used, centralized or distributed. The mapping component provides an interface through which preliminary design of new and planned infrastructure can be done. After installation, these are reflected in the database and the information becomes available as soon as it is stored. The billing component uses the same database to manage account information. Since the information is managed in one system, there is a streamlined and orderly flow from data collection to the final products from the system. The proposed solution leverages advancement in technology by providing two approaches - a desktop application for users within the Trust's intranet and a web mapping application for users utilizing the wider internet.
Comparison of RV, ARV and WRV Based on MEM

Realized Volatility (RV) has been widely used since it was put forward. Some scholars put forward the improved form of RV aiming at better performance in describing the volatility. This paper select 2 main form of improvements: Adjusted Realized Volatility (ARV) and Weighted Realized Volatility (WRV) and make a comparison of RV, ARV and WRV of a contract of stock index of futures in China. Considering 3 methods are all non-negative, the MEM is a proper model. The empirical analysis includes 2 parts: one is statistical information, the other is modeling result. In the first part, the paper shows 4 kinds of statistics and the autocorrelation series; in the second part, the paper choose 3 possible distribution of stochastic error term and modeling MEM for RV, ARV and WRV. Then compare the significance of coefficients and likelihood value of different models.
Doppler Shift Estimation of MIMO-OFDM Systems Based on Auto-correlation Function of Channel Estimate

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) techniques have been considered as a strong candidate for the next-generation - wireless communication systems, due to their well-known advantages in high data-rate wireless transmission as well as high frequency spectrum efficiency. In the mean time, channel state information (CSI) is required for precise detection and recovery of signals. Therefore, channel estimation plays a significant role in MIMO-OFDM systems. On the other hand, due to the high mobility of wireless terminals, Doppler shift (DS) can be one of the major side-effects of utilizing MIMO-OFDM techniques, which may lead to severe performance loss. Many schemes on DS estimation have been developed for broadband single-input single-output (SISO) systems. A commonly used method is to exploit the auto-correlation property of the channel impulse response (CIR) estimated by well-developed channel estimation approaches, which not only has high accuracy but also moderate computational complexity. Hence, we first investigate an efficient channel estimation method in this thesis. We will then focus on Jakes' model based DS estimation schemes, and further extend to independently identically distributed (i.i.d.) MIMO-OFDM fading channels with both Rayleigh and Rician distributions. In the first part of the thesis, a training-sequence (TS) based least square (LS) channel estimation scheme is presented for MIMO-OFDM systems along with plenty of computer simulations and corresponding analyses. Experimental study shows that the CIR estimates obtained by the LS method are reliable under moderate channel conditions, and can efficiently be utilized for DS estimation. The second part of the thesis first studies the auto-correlation function (ACF) based DS estimation schemes for SISO-OFOM systems in Rayleigh fading channels, and then extends it to Rician fading channels by developing a new approach along with the analysis of its accuracy and complexity. Thereafter, we apply those approaches to MIMO-OFOM systems and present a few enhanced methods by using non-linear interpolation under certain circumstances. Detailed computer simulations and comparisons are performed, confirming that the proposed ACF based schemes give satisfactory estimation performance over i.i. d. Rayleigh or Rician fading channels with various channel conditions.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions’ Determinants: New Empirical Evidence from Quasi-Poisson and Negative Binomial Regression Models

The cross-border movement of capital has suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic since December 2019. Nevertheless, it is unrealistic for multinational companies to withdraw giant global value chains (GVCs) overnight because of the pandemic. Instead, active discussions and achievements of deals in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are expected in the post-COVID-19 era among various other market entry modes, considering the growing demand in high technologies in societies. This paper analyzes particular determinants of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) during the pandemic year (2020) based on cross-sectional datasets by employing quasi-Poisson and negative binomial regression models. According to the empirical evidence, COVID-19 indices do not hamper M&A deals in general. This indicates that managerial capabilities of the coronavirus, not the outbreak itself, determined locational decisions of M&A deals during the pandemic. In this vein, it is expected that the vaccination rate will become a key factor of locational decision for M&A deals in the near future. Furthermore, countries that have been outstanding in coping with COVID-19 and thus serve as a good example for other nations may seize more opportunities to take a leap forward. In addition, as hypothesized, the results present positive and significant associations with M&A deals and the SDG index, confirming the resource-based theory of internationalization. In particular, the achievement of SDGs seems to exercise much influence in developing countries for M&A bidders during the pandemic year. This indicates that the pandemic demands a new zeitgeist that pursues growth while resolving existing but disregarded environmental issues and cherishes humanitarian values, for all countries, non-exceptionally, standing at the start line of the post-COVID-19 era.
Distributionally Robust Optimization: A review on theory and applications

In this paper, we survey the primary research on the theory and applications of distributionally robust optimization (DRO). We start with reviewing the modeling power and computational attractiveness of DRO approaches, induced by the ambiguity sets structure and tractable robust counterpart reformulations. Next, we summarize the efficient solution methods, out-of-sample performance guarantee, and convergence analysis. Then, we illustrate some applications of DRO in machine learning and operations research, and finally, we discuss the future research directions.
INTERPRETATION OF TESTING RESULTS FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE PANELS

In the context of 'capacity design' and the requirements of failure mode control, the accurate and realistic interpretation of test results assumes a role of utmost importance. Moreover, the separation of overall action-deformation characteristics into components reflecting the true response mechanism enables preferential design in favor of a more ductile mechanism to another. In this context, the paper highlights common pitfalls in the control and interpretation of tests on mixed-mode reinforced concrete members; such misinterpretations were identified in recent publications and may lead to erroneous conclusions. Means of minimizing testing errors and possible remedial action are also briefly outlined.
Effects of training service dogs on service members with PTSD: A pilot-feasibility randomized study with mixed methods

ABSTRACT This pilot-feasibility randomized control trial examined effects of an adjunctive short-term service dog training program (SDTP) for service members in out-patient treatment for PTSD. Twenty-nine volunteer participants were randomly assigned to either the SDTP (n = 12) or waitlist (n = 17); 20 participants were available for post-treatment evaluation. SDTP protocol consisted of six structured one-hour sessions with a dog-trainer conducted over two weeks, intended to train a service dog to help a fellow Veteran. SMs completed symptom questionnaires (PTSD, insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety), and the SDTP group completed a post-intervention quantitative interview. Most effect sizes demonstrated moderate symptom reductions, both between-groups and within the SDTP group. Between-group effects were strongest for intrusive thoughts (Hedge’s g = −0.66; 95%CI: −1.72, 0.23) and overall PTSD symptoms (g = −0.45; 95%CI: −1.47, 0.45); within-SDTP group effects were strongest for stress (d = −1.31, 95%CI: −2.17, −0.42), intrusive thoughts (d = −0.78, 95%CI: −1.55, 0.01) and hypervigilance (d = −0.77, 95%CI: −1.48, −0.04). Qualitative analyses indicated participants found SDTP in some ways challenging yet beneficial in multiple aspects of personal and social lives. Future work should examine optimal treatment parameters (e.g., duration, “dosing”) when training dogs as an adjunct to other PTSD treatment.
A two-dimensional simulation of organic transistors

In this paper, we analyze the operation of organic thin-film transistors (TFT's) using two-dimensional (2-B) numerical simulation to: (1) validate the use of simple MOSFET theory to describe the above-threshold behavior; (2) clarify the subthreshold characteristics, and short-channel effects; and (3) illustrate the operation of organic bilayer devices. Our analysis clarifies a number of issues that can help in device design. We also point out differences between the material parameters used in Si-MOSFET and organic FET simulation, and discuss the circumstances under which a semiconductor device simulator can be used for the simulation of organic transistors.
A Bibliometric Overview of Tourism Family Business

Family businesses are of particular economic relevance in the international hospitality and tourism industry. However, there are few studies that address their specific characteristics and objectives. The aim of this study is to produce a bibliometric overview that reveals the structure underpinning the analysis of the tourism family business in the business and management research field. The study also reveals the evolution of this research over time, as well as the most relevant related concepts and study gaps. Through a keyword co-occurrence analysis and a systematic review of 129 studies on tourism family businesses published between 1997 and 2020, the main contributions were organized into four thematic clusters, which include specific theoretical approaches. The clusters are Entrepreneurship, Marketing Orientation and Innovation Performance; Capabilities and Competitiveness; Sustainability; and Strategy and Economic Performance. On the basis of these results, this study introduces an integrative framework for tourism family business research, clarifying the rich diversity of research paths that seek to explain tourism business competitiveness, and identifying potential directions for future research aimed at further developing the field.
Thermal modeling and experimental characterization of the C4/surface-mount-array interconnect technologies

This paper presents various thermal management options available for controlled-collapse-chip-connection (C4) die attached to a ceramic surface-mount-array (SMA) substrate, as they apply to low-end/midrange computer products. The Motorola 88110 RISC microprocessor was used as a thermal test vehicle to verify theoretical models, for a limited set of boundary conditions. A thermal test board was designed to accommodate the 25 mm substrate and its use will be discussed. The focus is the internal package resistance and the effects of parameters such as: the C4 bumps, the thermal paste, and the thermal paste thickness. However, the die junction-to-ambient resistance is presented for attached commercially-available heat sinks convectively cooled (to 4 m/s) for typical workstation computer-systems operational constraints. <<ETX>>
Interprofessional work in health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE to map the scientific production on interprofessional relationships in health in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD this is a scoping review performed in PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases, covering the period of publication in 2020, using the acronym PCC (Population = health professionals; Concept = interprofessional relationships; Context = health services) and respective search strategies. RESULTS fourteen scientific articles were selected and the content discussed in the manuscripts was standardized, analyzed and organized into categories of affinities and similarities of their results: 1 - Interprofessional collaboration; 2 - Collaborative practice; 3 - Interprofessional work; 4 - Interactive and interprofessional learning. CONCLUSION the pandemic demanded quick and effective responses that were only possible through collaboration and interprofessionalism dimensions. Interprofessional work in health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic confirms the importance of interprofessional work and its dimensions for the provision of more comprehensive, resolute and safer health services.
Scaling theory for double-gate SOI MOSFET's

A scaling theory for double-gate SOI MOSFETs, which gives guidance for device design (silicon thickness t/sub si/; gate oxide thickness t/sub ox/) that maintains a subthreshold factor for a given gate length is discussed. According to the theory, a device can be designed with a gate length of less than 0.1 mu m while maintaining the ideal subthreshold factor. This is verified numerically with a two-dimensional device simulator. >
Exploring Latent Topics and Research Trends in Mathematics Teachers’ Knowledge Using Topic Modeling: A Systematic Review

Mathematics teachers’ knowledge is considered one of the most critical factors in instruction and student achievement. As such, various studies have focused on mathematics teachers’ knowledge. Despite the expansion of the field, however, a systematic review was rarely implemented. Therefore, this study aimed to identify major research topics and trends on mathematics teachers’ knowledge by analyzing abstracts of 3485 scholarly articles published from 1987 to 2021. Using a text-mining technique, 11 underlying topics were found in the articles. The topics were classified based on their relationships and the following four groups were identified: “assessment”, “teachers’ knowledge for teaching”, “students’ knowledge and understanding”, and “teachers’ professional learning”. Over time, the analysis of research trends showed that professional development is the most popular topic, followed by pedagogical content knowledge and students’ mathematical understanding. Moreover, the popularity of these topics has not changed considerably over time. This study provides implications based on these results.
Generation and Characterization of the Drosophila melanogaster paralytic Gene Knock-Out as a Model for Dravet Syndrome

Dravet syndrome is a severe rare epileptic disease caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene coding for the Nav1.1 protein, a voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit. We have made a knock-out of the paralytic gene, the single Drosophila melanogaster gene encoding this type of protein, by homologous recombination. These flies showed a heat-induced seizing phenotype, and sudden death in long term seizures. In addition to seizures, neuromuscular alterations were observed in climbing, flight, and walking tests. Moreover, they also manifested some cognitive alterations, such as anxiety and problems in learning. Electrophysiological analyses from larval motor neurons showed a decrease in cell capacitance and membrane excitability, while persistent sodium current increased. To detect alterations in metabolism, we performed an NMR metabolomic profiling of heads, which revealed higher levels in some amino acids, succinate, and lactate; and also an increase in the abundance of GABA, which is the main neurotransmitter implicated in Dravet syndrome. All these changes in the paralytic knock-out flies indicate that this is a good model for epilepsy and specifically for Dravet syndrome. This model could be a new tool to understand the pathophysiology of the disease and to find biomarkers, genetic modifiers and new treatments.
Effect of shape of patterns on the performance of microstrip photonic band‐gap filters

In this paper, two different uniform photonic band‐gap (PBG) structures used as stopband filters for microstrip lines at 5.4 GHz are proposed and compared in terms of the pattern shapes' effect on the S‐parameters. This suggests the use of a 1D pattern to reduce the transversal size of the filters. The devices consist of 50Ω microstrip transmission line and periodical patterns including circles and squares etched on the ground plane of microstrip line. No drilling through the substrate is needed. The filters exhibit well‐defined stopband and are simulated by 3D full‐wave electromagnetic analysis using HFSS™. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1007–1011, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21585