Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Customized Packet Scheduling Algorithm for LTE Network

Advanced mobile networks are expected to provide omnipresent broadband access to a continuously growing number of mobile users. LTE system represents 4G mobile network. The key feature thereof is the adoption of advanced Radio Resource Management procedures in order to increase the system performance up to Shannon’s limit. Packet scheduling mechanisms, in particular, play a fundamental role, because they are responsible for choosing, with fine time and frequency resolutions, how to distribute scarce radio resources among different mobile stations, taking into account channel conditions and QoS requirements. This objective should be accomplished by providing an optimal trade-off between spectral efficiency and fairness. In this context, this paper proposes customized packet scheduling algorithm designed to adaptively alter scheduling schemes considering multiple input variables in order to maximize spectral efficiency as well as overall system performance.
Linear stability of a supersonic boundary layer on a plate under conditions of vibrational excitation and of viscous stratification

An asymptotic theory of the neutral stability curve for a supersonic boundary layer of a vibrationally excited molecular gas on a plate is developed. The initial mathematical model of flow consists of equations of two-temperature viscous heat-conducting gas dynamics, which are used to derive a spectral problem for a linear system of eighth-order ordinary differential equations within the framework of the classical linear stability theory. Unified transformations of the system for all shear flows are performed in accordance with the classical Lin scheme. The problem is reduced to an algebraic secular equation with separation into the inviscid and viscous parts, which is solved numerically. It is shown that the thus-calculated neutral stability curves agree well with the previously obtained results of the direct numerical solution of the original spectral problem. In this case, the critical Reynolds number increases with excitation enhancement of the internal degrees of freedom of molecules, and the neutral stability curve is shifted toward the domain of higher wave numbers. This is also confirmed by means of solving an asymptotic equation for the critical Reynolds number.
Surface roughness modeling in chemically etched polishing of Si (100) using double disk magnetic abrasive finishing

Abstract The present paper focuses on proposing a new method for determining the surface roughness of chemically etched polishing of Si (100) using double disk magnetic abrasive finishing (DDMAF). Based on chemical etching in KOH solution Vicker’s hardness of Si (100) at different concentration of KOH was determined in context to chemical etching phenomenon. A mathematical relationship was established to relate Vicker’s hardness of Si (100) as a function of the concentration of KOH. The penetration depth of abrasive particle into Si (100) workpiece was determined considering viz; the normal force acting on the abrasive particle under the influence of magnetic flux density and Vicker’s hardness of etched Si (100). The other modeling variables such as wear constant, penetration area of the abrasive particle into Si (100) workpiece which is dependent on the penetration depth of abrasive particle was modified in terms of magnetic flux density and concentration of KOH. The process parameters such as working gap, abrasive mesh number and the rotational speed of the primary magnet were also considered in modeling the surface roughness. The results of surface roughness obtained by the model were also experimentally validated. The theoretical and experimental findings agreed well with each other.
Cryogenic electronics and quantum dots on silicon-on-insulator for quantum computing

This thesis studies cryogenic electronics and quantum dots on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) for quantum computing. Different types of electron and hole quantum dots are fabricated with Leti's SOI nanowire (NW) and planar 28nm FD-SOI technology. In the first part, Pauli Spin Blockade (PSB) is studied for the first holes down to 60mK. We show that it is governed by a strong spin orbit coupling (SOC). The intradot relaxation rate of 120kHz was found for the first holes. The access barriers tunability realized with additional gates was proven to be efficient regarding the isolation of qubit from source/drain metallic leads. Following the recent demonstration of electron-dipole spin resonance (EDSR) achieved in electron quantum dots confined in the corners of silicon nanowire (CDs), we deeply investigated quantum dots in several multi-gate samples under different body-biasing conditions. Based on preliminary cryogenic transport measurements, an operation protocol for a compact two electron spin qubit gate has been proposed.Regarding cryogenic electronics required for an efficient control, manipulation and read-out of a large number of qubits, the low temperature digital and analog performance of 28nm FD-SOI MOSFETs was analysed from room temperature down to 4K. Significant improvements in transistor performance are achieved with a clear enhancement of carrier mobility and a strong reduction of subthreshold swing (SS), even for short-channel devices with gate length down to 28nm. The saturation of the subthreshold swing at low temperature is explained with a new analytical model developed in this thesis. By introducing a narrow tail in the density of states at the edges of the conduction and valence bands and using the Fermi-Dirac statistics, an excellent agreement of SS is achieved between experiments and modelling. The analysis of the SS-IDS metric under different forward body-biasing (FBB) conditions has revealed that the increased density of interface traps cannot be responsible for the SS saturation at low temperature. By adding a slight exponential variation in the interface trap density, we show that the SS-IDS curve can be well reproduced over more than 6 decades, paving a way for an efficient cryogenic design of CryoCMOS.In a second time, cryogenic performance of Ring Oscillators (RO) down to 4K was investigated. We have shown that the optimal supply voltage can be reduced down to 0.3V. This allows to efficiently reduce the dynamic and static power dissipations. At the same time, a small Energy-Delay product of 6.9fJ. ps with a delay per stage of 37ps were achieved at VDD=0.325V under aggressive FBB.Finally, in the last chapter, the duality of short-channel FD-SOI transistors operation as FETs or SETs is demonstrated at 4K. By benchmarking the QDs with respect to the common silicon platforms, we show that 28nm FD-SOI technology has a great potential for both cryogenic electronics and qubits.
FORMULATION, OPTIMIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF IBUPROFEN LOADED MICROEMULSION SYSTEM USING D-OPTIMAL MIXTURE DESIGN

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop, optimize and characterize a stable microemulsion, with an improvement of the solubility of a poorly aqueous soluble drug, ibuprofen. Methods: Various oils (oleic acid, cottonseed oil, olive oil, argan oil, and labrafac® WL 1349), surfactants (tween® 80, tween® 40, tween® 20) and co-surfactants including polyethylene glycol 400, ethanol, 1-butanol, and propylene glycol were selected after solubility studies. Then, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams with surfactant/co-surfactant ratio of 1:2, 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 were constructed and a D-optimal mixture design method was used to optimize the ibuprofen loaded microemulsion. The optimized microemulsion was evaluated for several characteristics including globule size, zeta potential, pH, conductivity, refractive index and stability studies. Results: Optimized microemulsion obtained was composed of oleic acid (6.88% w/w), tween® 80/1-butanol (3:1, 63.11% w/w) and water (30.00% w/w). The results obtained showed an average globule size of 117.5 nm, a zeta potential of-6.47 mV and a transmittance of 96.95±0.77%. The optimized formulation showed an improvement in the solubility of ibuprofen with unchanged characteristics for one month. Conclusion: The use of pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and mathematical modeling allows to obtain an optimal microemulsion with perfect stability for 1 mo and a better solubilization capacity of ibuprofen.
Novel S-Bend Resonator Based on a Multi-Mode Waveguide with Mode Discrimination for a Refractive Index Sensor

In this paper, a multi-mode waveguide-based optical resonator is proposed for an integrated optical refractive index sensor. Conventional optical resonators have been studied for single-mode waveguide-based resonators to enhance the performance, but mass production is limited owing to the high fabrication costs of nano-scale structures. To overcome this problem, we designed an S-bend resonator based on a micro-scale multi-mode waveguide. In general, multi-mode waveguides cannot be utilized as optical resonators, because of a performance degradation resulting from modal dispersion and an output transmission with multi-peaks. Therefore, we exploited the mode discrimination phenomenon using the bending loss, and the resulting S-bend resonator yielded an output transmission without multi-peaks. This phenomenon is utilized to remove higher-order modes efficiently using the difference in the effective refractive index between the higher-order and fundamental modes. As a result, the resonator achieved a Q-factor and sensitivity of 2.3 × 103 and 52 nm/RIU, respectively, using the variational finite-difference time-domain method. These results show that the multi-mode waveguide-based S-bend resonator with a wide line width can be utilized as a refractive index sensor.
Spectral parameter recovery of cerebral and extra-cerebral tissues using broadband near-infrared spectroscopy

A continuous wave broadband near-infrared spectroscopy method is developed based on twolayered fitting of optical properties, to recover the haemoglobin concentrations and scattering parameters in cerebral and extra-cerebral tissues along with fitting for the extra-cerebral layer thickness. It is shown that tissue oxygenation for deep tissue and superficial tissue thickness is recovered with less than 4% error, whereas a homogeneous fit having an error of 15%.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Levels in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Perimenopausal Women With Depression: A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study

Objective The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is associated with the processing of negative emotions. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of mental disorders. We aimed to determine the changes in GABA levels in the ACC of perimenopausal women with depression. Methods We recruited 120 perimenopausal women, who were followed up for 18–24 months. After reaching menopause, the participants were divided into a control group (n = 71), an anxiety group (n = 30), and a depression group (n = 19). The participants were examined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). TARQUIN software was used to calculate the GABA concentrations in the ACC before and after menopause. The relationship of the GABA levels with the patients’ scores on the 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Scale and 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale was determined. Results GABA decreased with time. The postmenopausal GABA levels were significantly lower in the depression group than in the anxiety group and were significantly lower in both these groups than in the normal group. The postmenopausal GABA levels were significantly lower than the premenopausal levels in the normal, anxiety, and depression groups (P = 0.014, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). The premenopausal GABA levels did not significantly differ between the normal vs. anxiety group (P = 0.907), normal vs. depression group (P = 0.495), and anxiety vs. depression group. The postmenopausal GABA levels were significantly lower in the depression group than in the anxiety group and were significantly lower in both these groups than in the normal group, normal vs. anxiety group (P = 0.022), normal vs. depression group (P < 0.001), and anxiety vs. depression group (P = 0.047). Conclusion Changes in GABA concentrations in the anterior cingulate cortex are related with the pathophysiological mechanism and symptoms of perimenopausal depression.
Design, fabrication and laser damage comparisons of low-dispersive mirrors

Low dispersive with broad bandwidth mirrors serve as indispensable elements in ultrafast laser systems. We report on three coatings, quarter-wave high reflection mirror, metal-dielectric mirror and ternary composite mirror, which are suitable for broad bandwidth high reflection (BBHR) with 800nm center wavelength. Mirrors based on quarterwave Ta2O5/SiO2 layers are designed and fabricated. By depositing the quarter-wave HfO2/SiO2 layers on the metallic material, we have achieved the mirror with lager low-dispersive bandwidth, this design takes advantage of broad high reflection bandwidth of metal and high laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) of HfO2. Moreover, we have deposited HfO2/SiO2 layers on Ta2O5/SiO2 layers, since HfO2 demonstrates higher damage threshold than Ta2O5, such combination reach an ideal trade-off between the low-dispersive bandwidth and high LIDT comparing with traditional quarter-wave Ta2O5/SiO2 layers. Our BBHR mirrors are produced by means of dual-ion-beam sputtering technique. The designs afford low group delay dispersion (GDD) for reflected light over the broad bandwidth in order to minimize temporal broadening of the fs pulses. The design’s GDD behaves in a smooth way, and its electric field intensities show promise for high LIDTs. Reflectivity and GDD measurements indicate good performance of the BBHR design. LIDTs of the produced BBHR mirrors are also tested and compared.
The Philosophy of Turkish and Ghanaian Curriculum Design Orientations of Teacher Candidates

This study aims to investigate the curriculum orientations of schools in Turkey and Ghana and to examine the relationship between curriculum orientations. The quantitative method (descriptive study) was adopted in this questionnaire survey-based study. This study was conducted in the Firat University, Elazig-Turkey and University of Education - Winneba, Kumasi-Ghana. Mean and standard deviation for the overall of the curriculum orientations and for each orientation were obtained. The results showed that the mean of Turkish students was higher than Ghanaian students in term subject-centred curriculum orientation. Meanwhile the for student-centred and problem-centred curriculum design orientations the means of Ghanaian students were higher than those of Turkish students. The country variable was found to be highly effective in classifying teachers in terms of curriculum design. Gender and department independent variables significantly differentiate teachers' views about curriculum design in some dimensions.
Early cross-modal interactions and adult human visual cortical plasticity revealed by binocular rivalry

In this research binocular rivalry is used as a tool to investigate different aspects of visual and multisensory perception. Several experiments presented here demonstrated that touch speci cally interacts with vision during binocular rivalry and that the interaction likely occurs at early stages of visual processing, probably V1 or V2. Another line of research also presented here demonstrated that human adult visual cortex retains an unexpected high degree of experience-dependent plasticity by showing that a brief period of monocular deprivation produced important perceptual consequences on the dynamics of binocular rivalry, re flecting a homeostatic plasticity. In summary, this work shows that binocular rivalry is a powerful tool to investigate different aspects of visual perception and can be used to reveal unexpected properties of early visual cortex.In this research binocular rivalry is used as a tool to investigate different aspects of visual and multisensory perception. Several experiments presented here demonstrated that touch specifically interacts with vision during binocular rivalry and that the interaction likely occurs at early stages of visual processing, probably V1 or V2. Another line of research also presented here demonstrated that human adult visual cortex retains an unexpected high degree of experience-dependent plasticity by showing that a brief period of monocular deprivation produced important perceptual consequences on the dynamics of binocular rivalry, reflecting a homeostatic plasticity. In summary, this work shows that binocular rivalry is a powerful tool to investigate different aspects of visual perception and can be used to reveal unexpected properties of early visual cortex.
Highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensors based on chopped carbon fibers sandwiched between silicone rubber layers for human motion detections

Tuning the electromechanical performance in piezoresistive composite strain sensors is primarily attained through appropriately employing the materials system and the fabrication process. High sensitivity along with flexibility in the strain sensing devices needs to be met according to the application (e.g. human motion detection, health and sports monitoring). In this paper, a highly stretchable and sensitive strain sensor with a low-cost fabrication is proposed which is acquired by embedding the chopped carbon fibers sandwiched in between silicone rubber layers. The electrical and mechanical features of the sensor were characterized through stretch/release loading tests where a considerably high sensitivity (the gauge factor about 100) was observed with very low hysteresis. This implies high strain reversibility (i.e. full recovery in each cycle) over 700 loading cycles. Moreover, the sensors exhibited ultra-high stretchability (up to ∼300% elongation) in addition to a low stiffness meaning minimal mechanical effects induced by the sensor for sensitive human motion monitoring applications including large and small deformations. The results suggest the promising capability of the present sensor in reflecting the human body motion detection.
Test-Flexible Admissions Policies and Student Enrollment Demographics: Examining a Public Research University

Abstract:A growing number of postsecondary institutions in the United States have removed standardized testing as a requirement for admission. Researchers, however, have suggested that these "test-optional" policies may not benefit underrepresented populations as intended, but instead serve as an additional revenue source for the institution. In this study, we utilize a synthetic control method to extend this research by considering whether a more nuanced "test-flexible" policy, which allows qualifying students to decide whether to submit test scores instead of an institution-wide policy, influences student enrollment demographics at a public university.
Fluid–Structure Interaction Modeling Applied to Peristaltic Pump Flow Simulations

In this study, fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modeling was applied for predicting the fluid flow in a specific peristaltic pump, composed of one metallic roller and a hyperelastic tube pumping a viscous Newtonian fluid. Hyperelastic material dynamics and turbulence flow dynamics were coupled in order to describe all the physics of the pump. The commercial finite element software ABAQUS 6.14 was used to investigate the performance of the pump with a 3D transient model. By using this model, it was possible to predict the von Mises stresses in the tube and flow fluctuations. The peristaltic pump generated high pressure and flow pulses due to the interaction between the roller and the tube. The squeezing and relaxing of the tube during the operative phase allowed the liquid to have a pulsatile behavior. Numerical simulation data results were compared with one cycle pressure measurement obtained from pump test loop data, and the maximum difference between real and simulated data was less than 5%. The applicability of FSI modeling for geometric optimization of pump housing was also discussed in order to prevent roller and hose parts pressure peaks. The model allowed to investigate the effect of pump design variations such as tube occlusion, tube diameter, and roller speed on the flow rate, flow fluctuations, and stress state in the tube.
Towards Autonomous MAV Exploration in Cluttered Indoor and Outdoor Environments

We introduce our new quadrotor platform realizing autonomous navigation in unknown indoor/outdoor environments. All navigation tasks are conducted on-board. We developed a monolithic, mechanically damped perception unit which is equipped with a stereo camera pair an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a Core2Duo board, an OMAP3530 processor, and an FPGA board. Stereo images are processed on the FPGA by the Semi-Global Matching algorithm with a resolution of 0.5 MPixel at a rate of 14.6 Hz. Keyframe-based stereo odometry is fused with IMU data compensating time delays of about 250 ms that are induced by the vision pipeline. The system state estimate is used for control and on-board 3D mapping. An operator can set waypoints in the map, while the quadrotor autonomously plans its path avoiding obstacles. We show experiments with the quadrotor flying from inside a building to the outside and vice versa, flying through a window and a door respectively. A video of the experiments is part of this work.
Review of structural models for the compositional interpretation of metallic glasses

Composition interpretation of metallic glasses with high glass-forming abilities is an important issue, which relies on insights into their complex atomic structures. With the aim of illustrating the advance in structural modelling of metallic glasses, representative atomic and electronic structural models are summarised in this review, including Bernal’s dense random packing model, Gaskell’s stereochemical model, Miracle’s efficient cluster packing model, Nagel and Tauc’s nearly free electron model, Häussler’s global resonance model, and our cluster-plus-glue-atom and cluster-resonance models. Their capabilities as well as limitations to interpret compositions of good glass formers are focused. With aides of these theoretical models, fairly accurate interpretation and eventually design of metallic glasses with large glass-forming abilities could be envisaged.
Parallel Gene Transfer Operations for the Bacterial Evolutionary Algorithm

Bacterial evolutionary algorithm (BEA) is a special evolutionary method, originally developed to optimize fuzzy system parameters, but it is also useful in many design and engineering problems. In the latter case, applications kill most of their time with the evaluation of the objective function. One possible way to speed up BEA is the use of many CPUs, and evaluate the objective functions of different individuals on them simultaneously. This can be realized e.g. with a cluster of workstations or with an SMP/SMC system. Unfortunately, the BEA in its original form is not suitable for parallelization, because one of the two main operations, the gene transfer is sequential. In this article we propose three new alternatives of BEA and present the results of test calculations with 5 test problems, on 1 to 16 processors to find a good parallel version of BEA.