Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Passive wide area network solutions: Filterless and semi-filterless optical networks

Advances in optical coherent transmission and electrical compensation technologies (such as coherent receiver and forward error correction FEC) have stimulated ideas for novel optical network architectures. Recently proposed passive wide area network solution, referred to as filterless optical network [1–2] eliminates or minimizes the usage of active photonic reconfigurable network elements. In this approach, only the passive splitters and combiners for interconnecting the fiber links are utilized, which makes this network architecture more cost- and energy-effective as well as more reliable compared with networks based on active optical switching. However, the filterless optical network architecture implies some constraints on fiber interconnection design, maximum fiber-tree length and wavelength reuse due to its broadcast nature. Consequently, filterless solution always requires more resources (i.e. number of wavelengths) compared with the active switched optical networks which are allowed to utilize reconfigurable and coloured components. In order to improve the wavelength utilization while maintaining flexibility of resource allocation, this work extends the idea of filterless optical network by introducing some passive coloured components (e.g., fiber Bragg grating FBG, red/blue filters, etc) to drop local signals at some determined nodes. This approach is referred to as semi-filterless optical network. Furthermore, the semi-filterless solution maintains the passive feature, enabling high reliability and efficiency of cost and energy. Meanwhile, its non-broadcast property at some determined nodes has potential to decrease the transmission impairments and hence relax the constraints on fiber interconnection design and the maximal transparent length, which are strict in the filterless optical network. Our preliminary results confirm the advantages of semi-filterless solution.
Software Project Management Methodologies/Frameworks Dynamics "A Comparative Approach"

In order to manage a project and bring it to a successful completion, its project manager must have a complete understanding of the methods being used for the management of different parts of the project. Managers prefer specific project methodology/framework, while resist and face difficulties for an opportunity to manage another project with different methodology or a framework as they don't know how much commonality exists between the preferred and the new required methodology/framework. The crux of this paper is to present an understanding for managers and their organizations which can really augment their overall performance by having an understanding of different dynamics of different project management methodologies/frameworks and then use this understanding intelligently either by combining different powerful features or simply by knowing the equivalency with competitors which are using other project management methodologies/frameworks. This paper can be a good resource for the project managers having difficulty in deciding which and why a particular project management methodology/framework should be opted. To parameterize the scope of this paper, five important project management methodologies/frameworks were compared with PMBOK, which is a growing and established project management methodology. Finally a conclusion with a generic project management approach has been suggested.
A Study on Behavioral Intention of Sharp (#) Mail Potential Users Focused on Non-Repudiation Function

As a rapid change has taken place around 2010 in existing media, they have expanded into smart media through next-generation networking by adopting reinforced computing functions and platforms. Such a timely, new emerging paradigm has brought out new technology and service in the field of electronic document. Out of the electronic document systems, a new emerging one that is valid is Sharp(#) Mail, which is different from existing e-mail systems. As explosive growth is expected in Sharp(#) Mail since 2013, many providers have started their business with Sharp(#) Mail solution and service, which, however, is low in the practical use of them, contrary to expectations in Sharp(#) Mail. This study herein aims to provide data and implications in which theories can be used in business by drawing a conclusion that can invigorate Sharp(#) Mail from a theoretical perspective through analysis on individual-targeted acceptance factor for individuals' Sharp(#) Mail. Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was conducted for the study, which has much used in the research on users’ acceptance factor recently. For the subject of study, data were collected through the questionnaire survey developed to measure the use intention targeted for potential users who have an intention to use Sharp(#) Mail, research models and hypotheses were developed by using the PLS Path Modeling Approach to verify research hypotheses, and statistical analysis was conducted by using SMART PLS 2.0 analysis tool. Results derived from the study are as follows. Measurement results analyzed that as suggested in UTAUT, performance expectancy and social influence were a positive effect on potential users' use intension of Sharp(#) Mail. However, contrary to what is suggested in UTAUT, effort expectancy factor was analyzed as the outcome dismissed on significant effect relation with the use intention of Sharp(#) Mail users. As suggested in analysis results, this indicates that there is no significant effect of individuals' effort expectancy factor in that Sharp(#) Mail is a business-based solution used in a policy-wise, business-wise manner.
Tricuspid Valve Intervention at the Time of Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Background Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common finding in adults with congenital heart disease referred for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). However, indications for combined valve surgery remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate early results of concomitant tricuspid valve intervention (TVI) at the time of PVR. Methods and Results Observational studies comparing TVI+PVR and isolated PVR were identified by a systematic search of published research. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed, comparing outcomes between the 2 groups. Six studies involving 749 patients (TVI+PVR, 278 patients; PVR, 471 patients) met the eligibility criteria. In the pooled analysis, both TVI+PVR and PVR reduced TR grade, pulmonary regurgitation grade, right ventricular end‐diastolic volume, and right ventricular end‐systolic volumes. TVI+PVR, but not PVR, was associated with a decrease in tricuspid valve annulus size (mean difference, −6.43 mm, 95% CI, −10.59 to −2.27; P=0.010). Furthermore, TVI+PVR was associated with a larger reduction in TR grade compared with PVR (mean difference, −0.40; 95% CI, −0.75 to −0.05; P=0.031). No evidence could be established for an effect of either treatment on right ventricular ejection fraction or echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. There was no evidence for a difference in hospital mortality or reoperation for TR. Conclusions While both strategies are effective in reducing TR and right ventricular volumes, routine TVI+PVR can reduce TR grade to a larger extent than isolated PVR. Further studies are needed to identify the subgroups of patients who might benefit most from combined valve surgery.
Nesting innovations allow population growth in an invasive population of rose-ringed parakeets

Abstract Certain traits of recipient environments, such as the availability of limiting resources, strongly determine the establishment success and spread of non-native species. These limitations may be overcome through behavioral plasticity, allowing them to exploit alternative resources. Here, we show how a secondary cavity nester bird, the rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri, innovates its nesting behavior as a response to the shortage of tree cavities for nesting in its invasive range in Tenerife (Canary Islands). We observed that some breeding pairs excavated their own nest cavities in palms, thus becoming primary cavity nester, whereas others occupied nests built with wood sticks by another invasive species, the monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus. The use of these novel nesting strategies increased the number of breeding pairs by up to 52% over 6 years, contributing to a 128.8% increase of the whole population. Innovative nests were located at greater heights above ground and were more aggregated around conspecifics but did not result in greater breeding success than natural cavities. Occupation of monk parakeet colonies by rose-ringed parakeets also benefited the former species through a protective-nesting association against nest predators. Our results show how an invasive species innovate nesting behaviors and increase nest-site availability in the recipient environment, thus facilitating its population growth and invasion process. Potential behavioral innovations in other invasive rose-ringed parakeet populations may be overlooked, and should be considered for effective management plans.
A Demand-Driven SAR Target Sample Generation Method for Imbalanced Data Learning

Since there are differences in the natural frequency of various synthetic aperture radar (SAR) target samples in reality, the problem of imbalanced data on the automatic target recognition (ATR) model gradually appears in recent years. The problem makes the classification boundary learned by the ATR model often fuzzy or even wrong. In this paper, a SAR target sample generation method was proposed, called demand-driven generative adversarial nets (DDGAN), which provided an effective way to implement imbalanced data learning. When the imbalanced data exacerbated the deterioration of the minority category target samples distribution, the proposed method generated samples to alleviate this negative impact. The proposed method innovatively used two convolutional neural networks to form the discriminator of DDGAN. Among them, a convolutional neural network was used to determine whether the generated sample is real or fake. Moreover, another convolutional neural network can simultaneously dig out the generation demands of different categories of target samples when recognizing the generated samples. The generation demands enabled DDGAN to allocate different generation capabilities to different target samples on demand, thereby alleviating the negative impact of data imbalance. At the same time, DDGAN can autonomously learn the generation demands from imbalanced training sets. Several experimental results based on the Moving and Stationary Target Acquisition and Recognition (MSTAR) data set showed the advantages of DDGAN. Compared with existing imbalanced learning algorithms, the proposed method had obvious superiority in recognition performance and data generation efficiency.
A Practical Real-Time Motion Cueing Algorithm for Crane Simulator

This paper addresses motion simulation issues involved in a crane simulator with a 6-Degree-Of-Freedom platform. The crane dynamical models in terms of a range of motion equations are built for the operator cab in various main operating conditions. The ways to make the motion to be reproduced are investigated and the corresponding real-time motion cueing algorithm is proposed based on a special curve-merging approach. The algorithm is of simplified form and the needed computing time is very short, which makes it very practicable. The crane simulation system with this algorithm being adopted has been successfully developed and put into practice. The field application showed that the algorithm is able to ensure achievement of satisfied motion cueing effects. The proposed motion simulation models and the corresponding algorithm will provide significant reference value for developing similar motion simulation systems for all types of large-scale cranes or construction machinery.
New Criterion for Prediction of Amorphous Alloy Compositions: A Сombination of Dense Packing of Spheres and the Lambda Criterion through the Coordination Number

This work presents the development of a new criterion which can indicate unknown compositions for amorphous metallic alloys. This new criterion was based on dense packing of spheres combined with the lambda criterion through the coordination number. A simplified mathematical development is presented, and software was developed with the purpose of indicating alloys with best glass forming ability (GFA). This software includes and concatenates several other criteria. For this purpose, we performed a mathematical analysis of the criteria, which included: (i) λ_min criterion which uses the minimum topological instability parameter and is used as an indication of phase competition during the solidification. (ii) the γ parameter, which reflects the relative GFA between bulk metallic glasses (BMG), and it is based on characteristic temperatures, such as: the glass transition temperature - Tg, the crystallization onset temperature - Tx and the liquidus temperature - Tl. (iii) the parameter Zc that is the critical thickness for bulk glass formation, which corresponds to the maximum dimension in which the molten can be formed without any crystals precipitation and (iv) the parameter Rc that is the critical cooling rate for glass formation, which decreases inversely to the Zc values. Through a mathematical formalism combining all the parameters, the software can decide the most suitable composition range to produce a new alloy. The results are presented and compared with the ones available in the literature. The results indicate good agreement with the literature since it is not a general theory, but intends to meet some specific cases with a reasonable convergence and which still need to be better studied.
Control of wind oscillations of Rio-Niterói bridge, Brazil

Cross-winds of relatively low velocities have been observed over the years to cause large amplitude vortex-induced oscillations of the Rio-Niteroi bridge, the world's largest steel twin-box-girder bridge. These oscillations, which were recorded by the automatic long-term monitoring system and by video cameras installed on the bridge, revealed the existence of the lock-in phenomenon and hence the urgent need to attenuate the aeroelastic oscillations. To this end, a novel system of multiple synchronised dynamic attenuators has been installed in the central span of the bridge. A short account is given of how an experimentally calibrated mathematical–numerical model for the aeroelastic behaviour was used to assist in designing feasible mechanical control devices to upgrade the serviceability of this bridge and users' comfort. The conceptual design of the passive control system, together with its main geometric and physical characteristics, are briefly described herein. The efficiency of the control system is .
Aligning the Language Criteria of a Group Oral Test to the CEFR: The Case of a Formal Meeting Assessment in an English for Occupational Purposes Classroom

The Malaysian Education Blueprint (MEB) 2015-2025 has set in motion efforts from all stages of education to align programs, courses, and syllabuses to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) benchmark. This exercise has brought on major revamps in all aspects of English language education in the nation. This study will present such an undertaking in a public university in Malaysia and detail how the language criteria for an oral group test of an English for Occupational Purposes course have been aligned to the stipulated CEFR level. The actual assessment task involved groups of four or five students conducting a meeting of their established company. Data for the study came from an analysis of the audio recordings of nine group meetings, along with post-assessment interviews and focus group discussions involving three EOP instructors. Based on the data analysis, this study recommends a revised set of language criteria for the assessment. Furthermore, it demonstrates how an alignment of the scoring criteria with the descriptors of the targeted CEFR scale can be achieved through a systematic comparison of the language functions (LFs) produced in the meeting task to the targeted CEFR descriptor scales. The revised language component for the meeting assessment could help ease instructors’ assessment of students interactional skills and allow them to gauge better their students’ attainment of the skills required in a formal meeting context.
Printed copper-nanoplate conductor for electro-magnetic interference

As one of the conductive ink materials with high electric conductivity, elemental copper (Cu) based nanocrystals promise for printable electronics. Here, single crystalline Cu nanoplates were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. Size engineering of Cu nanoplates can be rationalized by using the LaMer model and the versatile Cu conductive ink materials are suitable for different printing technologies. The printed Cu traces show high electric conductivity of 6 MS m−1, exhibiting electro-magnetic interference shielding efficiency value of 75 dB at an average thicknesses of 11 μm. Together with flexible alumina ceramic aerogel substrates, it kept 87% conductivity at the environmental temperature of 400 °C, demonstrating the potential of Cu conductive ink for high-temperature printable electronics applications.
New Remains of Scandiavis mikkelseni Inform Avian Phylogenetic Relationships and Brain Evolution

Although an increasing number of studies are combining skeletal and neural morphology data in a phylogenetic context, most studies do not include extinct taxa due to the rarity of preserved endocasts. The early Eocene avifauna of the Fur Formation of Denmark presents an excellent opportunity for further study of extinct osteological and endocranial morphology as fossils are often exceptionally preserved in three dimensions. Here, we use X-ray computed tomography to present additional material of the previously described taxon Scandiavis mikkelseni and reassess its phylogenetic placement using a previously published dataset. The new specimen provides novel insights into the osteological morphology and brain anatomy of Scandiavis. The virtual endocast exhibits a morphology comparable to that of modern avian species. Endocranial evaluation shows that it was remarkably similar to that of certain extant Charadriiformes, yet also possessed a novel combination of traits. This may mean that traits previously proposed to be the result of shifts in ecology later in the evolutionary history of Charadriiformes may instead show a more complex distribution in stem Charadriiformes and/or Gruiformes depending on the interrelationships of these important clades. Evaluation of skeletal and endocranial character state changes within a previously published phylogeny confirms both S. mikkelseni and a putative extinct charadriiform, Nahmavis grandei, as charadriiform. Results bolster the likelihood that both taxa are critical fossils for divergence dating and highlight a biogeographic pattern similar to that of Gruiformes.
Improvement of Lithium-Ion Battery Charging From the State-of-the-Art Industrial JEITA Guidelines to a Hybrid Temperature-Regulated Current Control

This article addresses some practical issues of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) battery charging guidelines and common industrial practices. The issues involve the temperature-dependent charging profile that may not lead to optimal charging time. A hybrid temperature-regulated current control (HTRCC) is proposed and compared with common JEITA charging profile in order to minimize the charging time within the thermal limits of the battery. The form factor of the charging current is used for a quick verification that HTRCC can shorten the charging time. Based on an electro-thermal battery model, the minimum charging speed improvement rate compared to JEITA charging profile is also predicted. Practical measurements of the charging profile and charging time are included to confirm the theoretical analysis.
The Effects of Fiscal Measures During COVID-19

This paper empirically examines the effects of fiscal policy measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a novel database of daily fiscal policy announcements-classified by type of fiscal measure-and high-frequency economic indicators for 52 countries from January 1 to December 31, 2020. The results suggest that fiscal policy announcements have been effective in stimulating economic activity, boosting confidence, and reducing unemployment, but their effect varies by type of measure and country characteristics. Emergency lifeline measures (which form the bulk of below-the-line measures) are more effective when containment policies are stringent, providing cashflow support to firms and households. Demand-support measures (which comprise most of above-the-line measures) are more effective when containment measures are relaxed.
Planning and Implementation of a Seismic Monitoring System for the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge in Cape Girardeau, MO

The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge is a new cable-stayed Mississippi River crossing in Cape Girardeau, Missouri that opened on December 13, 2003. The site is known for its proximity to the New Madrid Fault, necessitating a design for a M7.5 event. It is the first major bridge structure in the Central and Eastern United States (CEUS) where seismic (and wind) monitoring was considered from the early stages of design. A multi-agency team effort was used to design a system, acquire the sensors and other instrumentation, provide for installation and performance testing, and establish a suitable protocol for operation and data dissemination. The instrumentation of the bridge including two free-field arrays with downholes was completed in March 2005. Data is now being streamed in real-time and transmitted via the internet to the user community for analyses and conducting structural health monitoring. The purpose of this paper is to describe the entire process so the experience can be studied and used as a guide for future bridge projects, especially those in the CEUS. The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge consists of a three span cable-stay river crossing and an eleven span steel plate girder Illinois approach. The total bridge length is 3,965 feet (1210 m) with a 1,150-foot (350 m) main river span. Cape Girardeau is approximately 50 miles due north of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), the location of three large (M > 7.5) and numerous smaller earthquakes during the winter of 1811–1812. A Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) geotechnical engineer, Chris Dumas, originally conceived seismic instrumentation of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge in 1996. Several meetings were conducted in 1996 and 1997 between various stakeholders associated with the bridge and seismic instrumentation networks. As an outcome of this series of meetings, a seismic instrumentation plan for the structure was developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and authored by Mehmet Celebi. However, at the time no funding source for the project existed so acquisition of the system did not proceed. In the subsequent Transportation Efficiency for the 21st Century (TEA-21) Federal Highway Bill, the FHWA sponsored a 6-year seismic research program with the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) at the State University of New York - Buffalo. The program included funding for the final design and hardware acquisition of the seismic instrumentation system for the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. Total funding set aside for the purchase of the hardware including 84 channels of accelerometers and data acquisition and transmission systems, as part of this program, was $375,000.