Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultra-wideband bandpass filters using broadside-coupled microstrip-coplanar waveguide

Bandpass filters that cover the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency range (3.1–10.6 GHz) are presented. The filters utilise broadside-coupled microstrip–coplanar waveguide making them suitable for printed circuit board technology. To achieve a wide upper stopband, radial slots and stepped impedance resonators are employed either to suppress or to relocate the harmonic responses outside the band of interest. The presented design procedure relies on a quasi-static analysis and conformal mapping. The simulated and measured results of the proposed filters prove their suitability for UWB. Furthermore, the presented filters have a wide upper stopband that extends above 20 GHz, a compact size and less than 0.12 ns peak-to-peak variation in the group delay across the passband.
Tumour treating fields in glioblastoma: is the treatment tolerable, effective, and practical in UK patients?

Abstract Background Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) in combination with standard therapy, prolongs survival in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). The aim of the current study was to assess the feasibility of integrating TTF into a standard UK neuro-oncology service with a focus on patient tolerability, compliance, and treatment delivery. Methods A prospective study was performed of UK patients with IDH 1 Wild Type, MGMT Unmethylated GBM treated with TTF, in conjunction with conventional therapy. Patient compliance data, device-specific tolerability questions, and an evaluation of disease progression and survival were collected. Monthly quality of life (QoL) questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 with BN-20) examined the trend of global health, psychosocial function, and symptom progression. Results Nine patients were enrolled with a median age of 47 (seven males; two females). Overall, compliance with TTF was 89% (range 16–97%). Only one patient failed to comply with treatment. Patients tolerated the device with minimal side effects. Eight patients described mild to moderate skin irritation, whilst all patients were keen to recommend the device to other patients (100%). Most patients found the weight and size of the device to be its biggest drawback (72%). Progression-free survival was 5.5 months and median overall survival was 14.9 months. Conclusions TTF was well-tolerated amongst a small cohort of UK patients, who were able to comply with treatment without any significant complication. QoL questionnaires showed no sustained deterioration in global health, physical and emotional function until the final months of life when the disease burden was greatest.
Short-Arc Association and Orbit Determination for New GEO Objects with Space-Based Optical Surveillance

For Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) objects, space-based optical surveillance has advantages over regional ground surveillance in terms of both the timeliness and space coverage. However, space-based optical surveillance may only collect sparse and short orbit arcs, and thus make the autonomous arc association and orbit determination a challenge for new GEO objects without a priori orbit information. In this paper, a three-step approach tackling these two critical problems is proposed. First, under the near-circular orbit assumption, a multi-point optimal initial orbit determination (IOD) method is developed to improve the IOD convergence rate and the accuracy of the IOD solution with angles-only observations over a short arc. Second, the Lambert equation is applied to associate two independent short arcs in an attempt to improve accuracy of the single-arc IOD semi-major axis (SMA) with the use of virtual ranges between the optical sensor and GEO object. The key idea in the second step is to generate accurate ranges at observation epochs, which, along with the real angle data, are then used to achieve much improved SMA accuracy. The third step is basically the repeated application of the second step to three or more arcs. The high success rate of arc associations and accurate orbit determination using the proposed approach are demonstrated with simulated space-based angle data over short arcs, each being only 3 min. The results show that the proposed approach is able to determine the orbit of a new GEO at a three-dimensional accuracy of about 15 km from about 10 arcs, each having a length of about 3 min, thus achieving reliable cataloguing of uncatalogued GEO objects. The IOD and two-arc association methods are also tested with the real ground-based observations for both GEO and LEO objects of near-circular orbits, further validating the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
An Incremental Placement Flow for Advanced FPGAs With Timing Awareness

As interconnects dominate circuit performance in modern field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), placement becomes a crucial stage for timing closure. Traditional FPGA placers seldom consider the timing constraints and, thus, may lead to illegal routing solutions. In this article, we present an incremental timing-driven placement flow for advanced FPGAs. First, a timing-based global placement strategy is designed to guide heterogeneous blocks to desired locations with satisfied timing constraints. Then, a timing-aware packing algorithm is developed to mitigate the design complexity while improving the timing results. Finally, we propose a critical path-based optimization method to generate optimized layout without timing violations. We evaluate our algorithm based on industrial circuits using an advanced FPGA device. The experimental results show that our placer achieves a 5.1% improvement in worst slack and produce placements that require 16.7% less time to route when compared with the leading commercial tool Xilinx Vivado.
A general mathematical model for gears cut by CNC hobbing machines

A hobbing machine's cutting mechanism is a mechanism with multi-degree offreedom during the cutting process. In this paper, we propose a general gear mathematical model simulating the generation process of a 6-axis CNC hobbing machine based on the cutting mechanism of CNC hobbing machine and worm-type hob cutter. The proposed gear mathematical model can be applied to simulate different types of gear cutting. Some examples are included to verify the mathematical model. Also, a novel type of gear named Helipoid which can be used in crossed axes transmission is proposed. The proposed general gear mathematical model can facilitate a more thorough understanding of generation processes and toward the development of novel types of gears.
The MOS controlled super junction transistor (SJBT): a new, highly efficient, high power semiconductor device for medium to high voltage applications

The paper presents a new MOS controlled silicon power device with columnar super junction structures. The super junction bipolar transistor (SJBT) is an extension of the super junction MOSFET principle: due to it's p-emitter at the anode the device is bipolar in nature albeit with substantially different characteristics as compared to an IGBT. It's electrical performance rivals advanced trench IGBTs.
A CASE STUDY OF HOW VERTICAL SPINDLE PULVERIZER PERFORMANCE IS RELATED TO OVERALL PLANT PERFORMANCE

Pulverizer performance optimization is the first step to a successful combustion optimization program and the inter-relationships of the pulverizers must be considered when attempting to optimize combustion, overall unit performance, operability, reliability, and capacity. Pulverizer capacity seems to be an industry challenge while many units today are undergoing drastic fuel changes. Considering there seems to be a huge disconnect when correlating mill performance with such issues as fuel line distribution, heat rate, NOx and environmental control equipment performance, it is the intent of this technical paper to provide better understanding of how mechanical optimization & tuning of the pulverizers can yield overall improved plant performance. Low NOx firing and/or optimization of the burner belt combustion with a limited amount of furnace residence time is absolutely essential to optimizing plant performance. For example, when pulverizer performance is poor, it is also often related to not only high furnace exit gas temperatures, increased slagging and/or high LOI, but also degrading electrostatic precipitator (ESP) performance from the coarse particle ash. Furthermore, reliability of the boiler (ie. tube leaks, fouling, and slagging) can also be impacted negatively by secondary combustion and consequent super heater and re-heater tube metals overheating and/or wall wastage often occurs from non-optimized fuel distribution being delivered from the pulverizers. Whether the reason for improving mill performance is for the aforementioned items and/or perhaps simply to reduce power generation costs with improved fuels flexibility, the purpose of this case study is to review the basics of vertical spindle mill performance improvements. The data used to support this paper is from a compilation of actual field testing & tuning results. Furthermore, Storm Technologies, Inc. (STI) suggests the aforementioned steps as an effective approach to optimization.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Molybdenum disulfide dc contact MEMS shunt switch

Atomic force microscopy pulsed force mode verifies that molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has a smaller surface adhesion energy than graphene. MEMS switches based on MoS2 may have less stiction problems. Suspended MoS2 two-end fixed beams were fabricated, and their mechanical properties including Young's modulus were characterized by atomic force microscope (AFM) indentation. MoS2 dc contact MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) switches were demonstrated with a pull-in voltage of less than 10 V.
Methodologies for integrating auto-ID data with existing manufacturing business information systems

Auto-ID systems can provide frequent, and unique item level information at all points in the supply chain. In order to do so however, these systems must be tightly linked to existing Business Information Systems. The purpose of this study is to provide background information on manufacturing business information system (BIS), and to provide guidelines for the introduction of Auto-ID provided information into these systems. This study will also help users to prepare for new business processes, and to identify which systems may accompany Auto-ID provided information. This paper represents part of the activities of the Business Information and Industrial Control Action Group (BIICAG). Yoon Chang, Duncan McFarlane, Robin Koh, Christian Floerkmeier, Laxmiprasad Putta white paper Methodologies for Integrating Auto-ID Data with existing Manufacturing Business Information Systems Published November 1, 2002. Distribution restricted to Sponsors until February 1, 2003. CAM-AUTOID-WH-009 ©2002 Copyright 1 Methodologies for Integrating Auto-ID Data with existing Manufacturing Business Information Systems white paper
<formula formulatype="inline"><tex Notation="TeX">$S$</tex> </formula>- and <formula formulatype="inline"><tex Notation="TeX">$C$</tex> </formula>-Band Ultra-Compact Phase Shifters Based on All-Pass Networks

Ultra-compact phase shifters are presented. The proposed phase-shifting circuits utilize the lumped element all-pass networks. The transition frequency of the all-pass network, which determines the size of the circuit, is set to be much higher than the operating frequency. This results in a significantly small chip size of the phase shifter. To verify this methodology, 5-bit phase shifters have been fabricated in the S - and C -band. The S -band phase shifter, with a chip size of 1.87 mm × 0.87 mm (1.63 mm2),has achieved an insertion loss of 6.1 dB ±0.6 dB and rms phase-shift error of less than 2.8° in 10% bandwidth. The C -band phase shifter, with a chip size of 1.72 mm × 0.81 mm (1.37 mm 2), has demonstrated an insertion loss of 5.7 dB ± 0.8 dB and rms phase-shift error of less than 2.3° in 10% bandwidth.
Integrated rounding method for real number bit distribution over DMT systems

Most bit loading algorithms proposed in the literature originally distribute a non-integer number of bits to the subcarriers of a discrete multitone (DMT) system and then, employing an iterative algorithm they round these assigned numbers to integers. Introduced is the concept of ‘the quality factors’ of the subcarriers and a new rounding algorithm is proposed based on them. Simulations comparing this proposal and the rounding proposed in the literature reveal that the proposed scheme results in power savings up to 11.1%, without affecting negatively the bit error rate.
Remote Tactile Displays for Future Soldiers

Abstract : This report is a consolidated description of past work performed to develop the University of Central Florida's tactile belt display system and to evaluate its potential for use as a covert means of communication to the individual warfighter. Previously, the results from these evaluations were distributed as technical reports, meeting presentations, and live demonstrations spanning the past several years. This report documents the full body of work and combines it into one document. Researchers expected the use of tactile displays to reduce demands on and interference with the Soldiers overtaxed visual and auditory channels, thereby improving overall performance capacity and mission readiness. As part of the development process, tactile system characteristics were reviewed and assessed to ensure system effectiveness. Several studies were performed to determine optimal system characteristics. After an effective system was developed, it was evaluated for military applications such as covert communication and target cueing in realistic mission context. This report contains these studies and documents the tactile belt display system's effect on Soldier performance.
Jigsaw Learning Model for Increasing Competence to Diagnose and Repaire Single Phase Motor Running-Capacitor Type

Vocational high school students are unusual to discussions in group to solve problems, because they get a curriculum that focuses on practice and industrial-oriented. This research aim so that vocational students can also become professionals in solving problems with discussions and practice. Jigsaw learning model is one of the methods of learning used in this research. Students can diagnose errors in one-phase electric motors through expert team discussions. This research took the data with pre-test and post-test, and also the practice test with the accuracy of diagnosing and repairing. The results showed the ability of students increased from the average value of 65.91 to 81.45 (23.58%).
Expanding Finance-Based Scheduling to Devise Overall-Optimized Project Schedules

Construction contractors often finance projects using bank credit lines that allow contractors to withdraw money up to certain credit limits. Finance-based scheduling provides schedules that ensure that the contractor's indebtedness at any time during the construction stage does not exceed the credit limit. Generally, constricted credit limits tend to yield prolonged schedules. Provided that credit limits can be adequately relaxed, compressed schedules of compressed-duration activities can be attained. Devising a compressed schedule calls for the incorporation of time-cost trade-off (TCT) analysis to strike a balance between the decreased overhead costs and the increased direct costs of the activities. Since employing TCT analysis usually causes great fluctuations in the daily resource requirements by mixing compressed-duration activities of high resource demand with others of low resource demand, therefore, the need for resource management techniques becomes inevitable to ensure efficient utilization of resources. This note used genetic algorithms to expand finance-based scheduling to devise schedules for relaxed credit limits. A prototype system was developed and coded using VISUAL BASIC, then demonstrated using a five-activity example project. The prototype was validated by comparing the results with those obtained by using the integer programming. Expanding finance-based scheduling to handle the whole spectrum of credit limits helps devise overall-optimized schedules that consider cash, time, cost, and resources.
Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Cell Culture and Their Applications

Cell culture is one of the most important and commonly used in vitro tools to comprehend various aspects of cells or tissues of a living body such as cell biology, tissue morphology, mechanism of diseases, cell signaling, drug action, cancer research and also finds its great importance in preclinical trials of various drugs. There are two major types of cell cultures that are most commonly used- two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional culture (3D). The former has been used since the 1900s, owing to its simplicity and low-cost maintenance as it forms a monolayer, while the latter being the advanced version and currently most worked upon. This chapter intends to provide the true meaning and significance to both cultures. It starts by making a clear distinction between the two and proceeds further to discuss their different applications in vitro. The significance of 2D culture is projected through different assays and therapeutic treatment to understand cell motility and treatment of diseases, whereas 3D culture includes different models and spheroid structures consisting of multiple layers of cells, and puts a light on its use in drug discovery and development. The chapter is concluded with a detailed account of the production of therapeutic proteins by the use of cells.
Crucial Role of Mesoscale Convective Systems in the Vertical Mass, Water and Energy Transports of the South Asian Summer Monsoon

Convective vertical transport is critical in the monsoonal overturning but the relative roles of different convective systems are not well understood. This study used a cloud classification and tracking technique to decompose a convection-permitting simulation of the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) into sub-regimes of mesoscale convective system (MCS), non-MCS deep convection (non-MCS), congestus, and shallow convection/clear-sky. Isentropic analysis is adopted to quantify the contributions of different convective systems to the total SASM vertical mass, water, and energy transports. The results underscore the crucial roles of MCSs in the SASM vertical transports. Compared to non-MCSs, the total mass and energy transports by MCSs are at least 1.5 times stronger throughout the troposphere, with a larger contributing fraction from convective updrafts compared to upward motion in stratiform regions. Occurrence frequency of non-MCSs is around 40 times higher than that of MCSs. However, per instantaneous convection feature, the vertical transports and net MSE export by MCSs are about 70-100 and 58 times stronger than that of non-MCSs. While these differences are dominantly contributed by differences in the per-feature MCS and non-MCS area coverage, MCSs also show stronger transport intensities than non-MCSs over both ocean and land. Oceanic MCSs and non-MCSs show more obvious top-heavy structures than their inland counterparts, which are closely related to the widespread stratiform over ocean. Compared to the monsoon break phase, MCSs occur more frequently (~1.6 times) but their vertical transport intensity slightly weakens (by ~10%) during the active phases. These results are useful for understanding the SASM and advancing the energetic framework.
Visual modality research in virtual and mixed reality simulation

Military organizations worldwide continue to invest heavily in research, development, and fielding of virtual and mixed reality simulations and simulators for training. However, the future fiscal environment will be challenging for both simulation as well as the US Army as a whole. Thus, wise design decisions must be made when developing virtual simulations for training. In order to optimize the effectiveness of these simulations, developers must employ trade-off analysis and scientific methods to derive empirical evidence, in order to ensure that the simulation under development is optimized to meet the training requirements, while still adhering to cost and schedule constraints. This paper specifically focuses on the task of employing the optimal visual modality in virtual and mixed reality simulations. This paper reviews the literature on training simulation benefits and taxonomy, and examines the training efficacy of virtual and mixed reality simulation. Major concepts and applications of virtual and mixed reality simulation training efficacy are discussed. A key component of virtual simulation, visual modality, is examined through a literature review and recommendations for visual display design parameters are provided.
A Privacy Enhanced Authentication Scheme for Securing Smart Grid Infrastructure

The rapid advancements in smart grid (SG) technology extend a large number of applications including vehicle charging, smart buildings, and smart cities through the efficient use of advanced communication architecture. However, the underlying public channel leads these services to be vulnerable to many threats. Recently, some security schemes were proposed to counter these threats. However, the insecurities of some of these schemes against key compromise impersonation (KCI) and related attacks or compromise on efficiency calls for a secure and efficient authentication scheme for SG infrastructure. A new scheme to secure SG communication is presented in this article to provide a direct device-to-device authentication among smart meter and neighborhood area network gateway. Designed specifically to resists KCI and related attacks, the proposed scheme is more secure and completes the authentication procedure by using the least communication cost as compared with related schemes, which is evident through security and efficiency comparisons.
Optimum design of magnet shape in permanent-magnet synchronous motors

In order to improve the efficiency of the permanent-magnet synchronous motor, which is closely related to its magnet shape, we have designed magnets in various shapes. A parallel top sine wave design has proved to be an optimum plan. This design adds three time components of induced phase voltage, which enables the amplitude of induced line voltage to increase about 14.9%. The design's simplified approximate arc configuration has important engineering applications.
Human-Altered Soils at an Archeological Site of the Bronze Age: The Tyater-Araslanovo-II Settlement, Southern Cis-Ural Region, Russia

This paper presents the results of studying the soils at the archeological site of the Tyater-Araslanovo-II settlement located in the Republic of Bashkortostan, eastern European Russia. The settlement functioned in the 15th–12th centuries BCE (the Late Bronze Age). We compared the soil properties at four sites in the study area: archeological (1), buried (2), affected by long pyrogenic exposure (3), and background site (4). In soil samples, the total carbon content, the fractional composition of humus and organic matter characteristics, alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen, total phosphorus, mobile phosphorus, potassium, absorbed calcium and magnesium, pH, particle size distribution, basal soil respiration, and optical density were estimated. The study results showed the anthropogenic impact on the archeological site’s soils. The newly formed AU horizon at the archeological site (1), affected by the cattle summer camp, was richer in soil nutrients and agrochemical properties, namely, the content of exchangeable and gross forms of phosphorus, alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen, and exchange cations of the soil absorbing complex compared to the reference soil (4). For the pyrogenic layer (AU[hh]pyr) from the ancient furnace (fireplace) (3), the mobile and total forms of phosphorus were several times higher than those in the reference soil (4) but inferior regarding other agrochemical parameters. Thus, the activities of ancient people (especially cattle breeding) greatly influenced the properties of the soil.