Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CMOS-based microelectrode array for communication with electrogenic cells

This thesis reports on the design of a CMOS microelectrode array (MEA) for bidirectional interaction with electrogenic cells. The study of electrogenic cells (e.g. neurons, heart cells, retina cells, or muscle cells) opens a wide area of applications since a myriad of biochemical processes in vertebrates are based on the activity of these cells. MEAs facilitate recordings of electrical events in cell cultures at high spatiotemporal resolution, which facilitates a continuous study of the evolution of cell activity. Signal acquisition is based on extracellular recording. For extracellular record¬ ing, cells are cultured directly on top of a transducing element, which generally is either a metallic electrode or an open-gate transistor. When an action po¬ tential occurs in a cell, the local flow of ions in and out of the cell causes a voltage pulse in the cleft between cell and electrode. Extracellular recordings are non-invasive, which facilitates long measurement periods (months), in ad¬ dition MEAs provide multi-site measurement capabilities. The 6.5 x 6.5 mm2 chip presented in this thesis comprises 128 stimulationand recording-capable electrodes in an 8x16 array. The chip has been fabricated in commercial 0.6 pm CMOS-technology with several post-CMOS processing steps to realize biocompatible electrodes and to ensure chip stability in a physi¬ ological environment. The use of CMOS overcomes the interconnect challenge that limits today's bidirectional MEAs using passive substrates. The system comprises all necessary control circuitry and on-chip A/D and D/A conversion. A modular architecture has been implemented, where individual stimulationand signal-conditioning circuitry units are associated with each electrode. This approach offers important advantages in comparison to other CMOS MEAs published in the literature. The electronics features include continuous recording of all electrodes at a sam¬ pling rate of 20 kHz/electrode and an overall amplification of the electrode potential of 1000 or 3000. An equivalent-input noise of 8.9 \iVrms (1 Hz to 100 kHz) has been measured. An arbitrary stimulation pattern (with a maxi-
Comparison of Computational Electromagnetic Codes for Prediction of Low-Frequency Radar Cross Section

Abstract : Radar cross section (RCS) prediction of full-scale aircraft is of interest to military planners for a variety of applications. Several computational electromagnetic codes for RCS prediction are available with differing features and capabilities. The goal of this research is to compare the capabilities of three computational electromagnetic codes for use in production of RCS signature assessments at low frequencies in terms of performance, accuracy, and features: Fast Illinois Solver Code (FISC), Code for Analysis of Radiators on Lossy Surfaces (CARLOS-3D), and Science Applications International Corporation Fullwave solver (SAF). The comparison is accomplished through analysis of predicted and measured RCS of several canonical and simple objects and a complex target comprised of these constituent objects. In addition to RCS accuracy, memory requirements and computation time are key considerations for this code comparison. Verification of code performance in memory and processing time based on varying levels of unknowns is performed. A 1/36 scale body-ofrevolution missile model is the complex model constructed for measurement and prediction. The model corresponds to an 18-meter full-scale target and includes a cavity allowing mode propagation at frequencies of interest. The complex model is simulated at 400 and 500 MHZ corresponding to a 24 and 30 lambda target length, respectively. RCS of each constituent part of the model is also analyzed to establish a level of confidence in solution accuracy. Solution convergence is shown using increasing discretization levels. A comparison is also conducted between measured and predicted results for two PEC objects coated with magnetic radar absorbent material (MRAM). The RCS for a 12″? 12″ MRAM-coated PEC flat plate and a 9″? 9″ MRAM-coated PEC right circular cone are measured in the Air Force Research Laboratory? s compact RCS/antenna meaits impedanc
New approaches to idea generation and consumer input in the product development process

This thesis consists of five related essays which explore new approaches to help design successful and profitable new products. The primary focus is the front end of the process where the product development team is seeking improved input from customers and improved ideas for developing products based on that input. Essay 1 examines whether carefully tailored ideation incentives can improve creative output. The influence of incentives on idea generation is studied using a formal model of the ideation process. A practical, web-based, asynchronous “ideation game” is developed, allowing the implementation and test of various incentive schemes. Using this system, an experiment is run, which demonstrates that incentives do have the capability to improve idea generation, confirms the prediction from the theoretical analysis, and provides additional insight on the mechanisms of ideation. Essay 2 proposes and tests new adaptive question design and estimation algorithms for partial-profile conjoint analysis. The methods are based on the identification and characterization of the set of parameters consistent with a respondent’s answers. This feasible set is a polyhedron defined by equality constraints, each paired-comparison question yielding a new constraint. Polyhedral question design attempts to reduce the feasible set of parameters as rapidly as possible. Analytic Center estimation relies on the center of the feasible set. The proposed methods are evaluated relative to established benchmarks using simulations, as well as a field test with 330 respondents. Essay 3 introduces polyhedral methods for choice-based conjoint analysis, and generalizes the concept of D-efficiency to individual adaptation. The performance of the methods is evaluated using simulations, and an empirical application to the design of executive education programs is described. Essay 4 generalizes the existing polyhedral methods for adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis by taking response error into account in the adaptive design and estimation of choice-based polyhedral questionnaires. The validity of the proposed approach is tested using simulations. Essay 5 studies the impact of Utility Balance on efficiency and bias. A new definition of efficiency (M-efficiency) is also introduced, which recognizes the necessity to match preference questions with the quantities used in the ultimate managerial decisions. Thesis Supervisor: John R. Hauser Title: Kirin Professor of Marketing
Head linear and rotational accelerations and craniocervical loads in lateral impact

The objective of the study was to determine lateral impact-induced three-dimensional temporal head center of gravity linear and angular accelerations, and craniocervical forces and moments from post mortem human subject (PMHS) sled tests and compare with the European side impact dummy, ES-II, responses. Anthropometrical data were obtained and x-rays were taken. Specimens were seated on a sled, restrained using belts, and lateral impact acceleration was applied. Injuries to craniocervical structures were identified using pre- and posttest radiography and computed tomography. A similar testing protocol with the exception of biological evaluations was adopted for ES-II dummy tests. Lateral head linear accelerations were lower in the dummy than PMHS. Head rotational accelerations were suggestive of mild traumatic brain injury with potential for loss of consciousness during in vivo situations. Forces and moments at the craniocervical junction were lower in the dummy than PMHS with injuries confining to soft tissue structures. Relatively severe lateral impact pulse produces minor craniocervical trauma.
VISCOELASTIC RESPONSE OF THE HUMAN BRAIN TO SAGITTAL AND LATERAL ROTATIONAL ACCELERATION BY FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

In this study a new three-dimensional human head finite element model (FEM), the WSU Brain Injury Model, representing a 50th percentile male human head, was used to study brain response to rotational impacts. An angular acceleration pulse taken from J.M. Abel's monkey test data (1978) was scaled to study human brain response. The scaling method used maintained approximately equal shear strain level in the brain and equal displacement of the head. Viscoelastic responses of the brain to impulsive sagittal and lateral rotational accelerations were obtained. Differences in brain response between sagittal and lateral rotational impact were found. The influence of the brain material properties on model response was investigated. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD E201282.
Transforming Organisations Through Groupware: Lotus Notes in Action

From the Publisher: Lotus Notes is one of the most successful and versatile groupware products on the market today and is used widely in both large and small organisations. Transforming Organisations Through Groupware - Lotus Notes in Action contains a selection of carefully chosen case studies which illustrate the implementational, organisational and commercial consequences of using Lotus Notes. These case studies have been chosen for their international appeal and, unlike other books on Lotus Notes, concentrate on the added value that can be gained by using Notes - rather than on the technical aspects of how to make the software work.
Guest Editorial Optimal Design of Electric Machines

The papers in this special section cover the advances in multi-objective design and optimization based on genetic algorithms, surrogate, polynomial regression, and particle swarm optimization techniques. Design of novel trans-rotary magnetic gear, hybrid machines for dc generation, and two degrees of freedom split-stator induction machines highlight new magnetic configurations and their performance evaluations. Multiphysics analysis of magnetothermal and magnetostructural behavior of Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM) and brushless doubly fed machines shed light on analytical and practical aspects of design in electromechanical converters. Finally, control of torque undulation, loss minimization, low speed high torque operation, and advanced digital control of adjustable speed motor drives conclude this unique collection of papers.
Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change Modeling the Prospects for Hydrogen Powered Transportation Through 2100

Hydrogen fueled transportation has been proposed as a low carbon alternative to the current gasolinepowered fleet. Using a computable general equilibrium model of the world economy we explore the economic viability of hydrogen transportation in several different tax and carbon dioxide stabilization policy scenarios. We represent the capital, labor, fuel and other costs of hydrogen production and hydrogen powered vehicles in the economic model. We examine scenarios where the hydrogen fuel price and vehicle cost are varied over a wide range to evaluate what technology improvements would be needed, in terms of cost reductions, for hydrogen vehicles to penetrate the market. We consider scenarios with and without climate policy, and in competition with other reduced-carbon fuel substitutes, such as ethanol-blend fuels. We find that hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles could make a significant contribution to de-carbonization of the transportation fuel cycle if production of hydrogen itself is not carbon-intensive. Cost targets needed for the technology to penetrate in the USA are such that the hydrogen fuel would need to be in the range of 1 to 1.7 times the 1997 price of gasoline and the vehicle mark-up above an average fuel cell automobile would need no more than 1.3 to 1.5 times an average conventional vehicle. At the lower end of these cost ranges, the vehicle fleet could be competitive by 2020 but at the upper end we would only see entry of the fleet toward the end of the century. High fuel taxes in Europe makes fuel-efficient hydrogen fuel cell technology more competitive there than in the USA. Along with cost reductions, these results assume that technical issues are solved and that market hurdles of establishing the fuel distribution system are overcome. For those involved in hydrogen vehicle research this analysis provides cost targets that would need to met and, given they are achieved, an idea of when vehicles could be competitive and under what conditions.
Development of a Diagnostic Algorithm with Acoustic Emission Sensors and Neural networks for Check Valves

Check valve failure is one of the worst problems in nuclear power plants. Recently, many researches have been based on new technology using accelerometers and ultrasonic and magnetic flux detection have been carried out. Here, we have suggested a method that uses acoustic emission sensors for detecting the failures of check valves through measuring and analyzing backward leakage flow, a system that works without disassembling the check valve. For validating the suggested acoustic emission sensor methodology, we designed a hydraulic test loop with a check valve. We have assumed in this study that check valve failure is caused by disk wear or by the insertion of a foreign object. In addition, we have developed diagnostic algorithms by using a neural network model to identify the type and size of the failure in the check valve. Our results show that the proposed diagnostic algorithm with acoustic emission sensors is a good solution for identifying check valve failure without necessitating any disassembly work.
Strategic Mission Implementation: A Value Focused Approach

Abstract : This paper offers an approach for performance-based decision making and budgeting that objectively orders alternatives according to established mission criteria. We employ a model using Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) to address the contemporary focus on performance and mission-oriented results. The laboratory equipment budget at the US Air Force Academy is used to illustrate how over $1 million of funding was allocated without the divisive claims of departmental inequity. We provide an objective rubric for assessing how well aligned the organization's decisions are relative to its stated mission. Finally, we note that the approach accommodates the flexibility to allocate initial budget allocation as well as year-end residual. As organizations make significant strides toward implementing performance-based decision and budgeting systems, VFT shows considerable promise for improving strategic mission implementation.
Core Tests: Easy to Perform, not Easy to Interpret

Taking concrete core samples is relatively easy and performed quite frequently. The difficulty is with sample selection, testing and interpreting results. Various questions to consider regarding core samples are: why take a core sample? ; from where in a test structure will the core be taken? ; what core sample test is to be done, for what purpose? ; what size core sample should be taken? ; in which moisture content should cores be tested? and various and related other factors which have a bearing on the test results obtained. Careful performance of all required tests, strict compliance with accepted standards and practices and sound interpretive judgement of results will maximize the effectiveness of using core samples and result in more accurate test data.
Predictive potentiality of artificial neural networks for predicting the electrical conductivity (EC) of drinking water of Hyderabad city

Electrical Conductivity (EC) is an important parameter of drinking water. The determination of electrical conductivity provides a prompt and expedient way to measure the accessibility of electrolytes in the water. There are convinced health effects on human life through these electrolytes, like disorder of salt and water balance in infants, heart patients, individuals with high blood pressure, and renal diseases. Salty taste is one of the aesthetic effects of EC if it exceeds 150 mS/m and if greater than 300 mS/m it does not slake the thirst. The drinking water supplied to Hyderabad city is taken from River Indus and the EC of this river remains questionable. The values of EC in drinking water of Hyderabad at selected locations were recorded. From 49 samples, the average values ranged from 658 to762. In order to determine the optimal value of EC with in the distribution system, where it deteriorates, it is necessary to predict it at different locations. The use of conventional methods to predict parametric values in the distribution systems is suffered from certain precincts. To get better drinking water quality by tumbling operational costs, Advance process control and automation technologies are the tools to be used normally. The application of Artificial Neural Networks in Water Supply Engineering is enticing and more accepted because of its high predictive accuracy. In this paper Radial Basis Neural Network has been demonstrated. The data sets are prepared for training the model. It was observed that the model has high predictive potentiality to predict the values of Electrical conductivity at 07 locations of distribution system of water supply in Hyderabad city.
Threshold voltage extraction methods for MOS transistors

The threshold voltage of the MOS transistor is a very important parameter used in all circuit simulation programs. The aim of this paper is to compare several largely applied threshold voltage extraction methods used both for long channel and short channel MOSFETs. This methods use either the linear operation region or the saturation operation region of the transistors. The new derivative extraction method proposed in this paper doesn't depend on the operation region for long channel devices and gives comparable results for short channel devices. It is a very simple and accurate extraction method. The experimental data used in the paper were measured using a HP4155B system. The mathematical calculation and the threshold voltage extraction are performed using MATHCAD designed programs.
Continuously Variable Transmission Control System for Toyota Intelligent Idling Stop System

As requirements for protecting the global environment are being heightened on a worldwide scale in recent years, the development of low fuel consumption technologies in order to inhibit the discharge of CO 2 is an important issue for the automotive industry. Recently, Toyota has developed a Super CVT for the 1.3-to 1.5-liter class vehicles to further improve their fuel economy. This CVT has been adopted on vehicles equipped with the 'idling stop system'. The 'idling stop system' automatically stops the engine when the vehicle is stopped and the transmission shift lever is in the 'D' position (e.g. when the vehicle is at a stoplight). This improves the fuel economy of the vehicle by eliminating fuel consumption while the vehicle is stopped. The conventional CVT poses unique conditions such as startoff time lag or shock after the engine is restarted. These conditions occur because the CVT oil pump cannot generate hydraulic pressure while the engine is stopped. To solve these problems, the Super CVT system has been developed in order to optimally control the hydraulic pressure while the engine is being stopped automatically. This is accomplished through the use of an electric oil pump in addition to the conventional CVT oil pump. As a result, this system ensures convenient and reliable operation when the engine is restarted.
Repetitions

Here Glissant distinguishes between ‘atavistic’ and ‘composite’ cultures. The former are based on the ideas of a sacred ‘Genesis’ and of ‘filiation’, i.e., an uninterrupted line of descent. ‘Composite’ cultures are creolized, based on a mixture of cultures and with a historical (i.e., formed by colonization) rather than mythical origin: what he terms a ‘digenesis’. But not all multi-ethnic societies are composite: the USA is an example of a culture in which the different groups remain separate.
Damping subsynchronous oscillation using UPFC-a FACTS device

This paper presents the results of a study on the application of the recently developed FACTS device, the unified power flow controller (UPFC), for the damping of torsional oscillations that occur in a series compensated AC system. The IEEE first benchmark system is considered for this study. In order to suppress unstable torsional mode oscillations, a UPFC is employed at the generator terminal. A compensator with two feedback signals is employed to generate two supplementary damping signals. An approach based on modal control theory is developed for the design of the compensator.
Treatment effects of Chinese medicine (Yi-Qi-Qing-Jie herbal compound) combined with immunosuppression therapies in patients of IgA nephropathy with high-risk of ESRD (TCM-WINE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerular disease worldwide. It has a high incidence in Asians and is more likely to progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). For high-risk IgAN, which is clinically characterized by massive proteinuria and renal dysfunction, however, there has been no international consensus on treatment options. Compared with other developed countries, IgAN patients in China are often found to have severe kidney function loss at initial diagnosis. Yi-Qi-Qing-Jie Formula Granule (a compound recipe of Chinese medicinal herbs, YQF) has shown potential renal protection in our previous clinical studies. To further confirm the efficacy and safety of YQF in the treatment of high-risk IgAN, we design a prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Methods/Design: The TCM-WINE study is a single-center, prospective, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. We plan to randomize 60 participants with biopsy-proven IgAN to YQF combined group (YQF compound, combined with prednisolone, and cyclophosphamide if necessary) and immunosuppression group (placebo-YQF, combined with prednisolone, and cyclophosphamide if necessary). The two groups will enter 48-week in-trial treatment phase and receive post-trial follow-up till study completion (3-year). All patients will receive optimal supportive care. The primary composite outcome is defined as the first occurrence of 40% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from the baseline lasting for 3 months, initiating continuous renal replacement treatment or death due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), during the 3-year study phase. The secondary endpoint events are defined as the mean annual eGFR decline rate (eGFR-Slope, ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year) which is calculated by the eGFR regression curve for each eligible patient, and proteinuria remission (prescribed as proteinuria<0.5g/day) at week 24, 36, 48 during the in-trial phase. The remission rate of symptoms and inflammation status will be evaluated respectively at week 48. Safety monitoring and assessment will be undertaken during the study. Discussion: TCM-WINE study will evaluate effects and safety of YQF combined therapy compared with immunosuppression monotherapy on basis of optimal supportive treatment in high-risk IgAN. The evidence from this study will provide a novel, effective and safe Chinese characteristic therapy for high-risk IgAN patients. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT03418779. Registered on 18 June 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03418779