Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linearity improvement technique for CMOS continuous-time filters

A linearity improvement technique using a combination of passive resistors and current-steering MOS transistors as a variable resistance element is applied in the implementation of low-distortion continuous-time filters in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This work is motivated by the fact that to date, most of the techniques in continuous-time, electronically tunable filters perform quite poorly in linearity. The proposed technique relies on the linearity of the passive resistors and the tunability of the current-steering MOS transistors operating in the triode region. By novel application of systematic feedback loops and by placing the nonlinear elements inside the feedback, the distortion resulting from the nonlinear devices is greatly reduced by the filter loop gain. Theoretical and experimental results, in agreement, show a significant improvement in linearity. For an audio-band (22-kHz) fifth-order Bessel filter implementation, linearity better than-90 dB THD is demonstrated given a 2 kHz, 4 V p,p signal in a 5-V system. The filter implementation includes a simple and novel automatic frequency-tuning method, which employs a switched-capacitor reference resistor instead of applying a conventional phase-locked loop technique or its variations. Also included in the filter implementation is a linear programming approach to optimize the dynamic range, under the constraint of a fixed capacitor area that is assumed to be the dominant factor in the total chip area. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank Professor Bang-Sup Song, my advisor, for his close and insightful guidance throughout the course of my Ph.D. studies. His standards were the best in the field and his insights were always correct. I hope I have become a highly effective engineer and a better person as a whole because of the knowledge and experience that I have gained working with him.mittee members, for their generous availability and kind patience. My special thanks to Professor Jones for his encouragement and enthusiasm throughout my studies. I especially appreciated his consideration of my well-being at the personal level. I appreciate the help of Paul Ferguson and his team at Analog Devices, Seung-Hoon Lee at Sogang Unversity, Korea, for the use of IC layout and circuit simulation tools, and Pat Rakers and Christ Lash at Motorola for testing of my prototype IC. I extend thanks to my officemates and to everyone in the Digital and Analog Circuits group in the Coordinated Science Laboratory. I could not have completed my work without their support. I have benefited much from the discussions with …
Wideband S-C Band Monolithic Phase Shifter

A wideband monolithic phase shifter operating in the 2-8 GHz frequency range is reported. Six GaAs FETs per bit are used as switch elements in a bridge configuration which alternatively becomes a highpass or a low-pass section. Their low impedance state is modeled as a resistor, the high impedance state as a combination of capacitors and resistors. In the design approach, the high impedance state equivalent shunt capacitor is not resonated. Instead, these capacitors become part of the resulting high-pass, low-pass sections. In this way the maximum theoretical bandwidth that a high-pass, low-pass section can provide is achieved despite the nonideal switching elements.
Applications of Continuous Spatial Models in Multiple Antenna Signal Processing

This thesis covers the investigation and application of continuous spatial models for multiple antenna signal processing. The use of antenna arrays for advanced sensing and communications systems has been facilitated by the rapid increase in the capabilities of digital signal processing systems. The wireless communications channel will vary across space as different signal paths from the same source combine and interfere. This creates a level of spatial diversity that can be exploited to improve the robustness and overall capacity of the wireless channel. Conventional approaches to using spatial diversity have centered on smart, adaptive antennas and spatial beam forming. Recently, the more general theory of multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) systems has been developed to utilise the independent spatial communication modes offered in a scattering environment. Underlying any multiple antenna system is the basic physics of electromagnetic wave propagation. Whilst a MIMO system may present a set of discrete inputs and outputs, each antenna element must interact with the underlying continuous spatial field. Since an electromagnetic disturbance will propagate through space, the field at different positions in the space will be interrelated. In this way, each position in the field cannot assume an arbitrary independent value and the nature of wave propagation places a constraint on the allowable complexity of a wave-field over space. To take advantage of this underlying physical constraint, it is necessary to have a model that incorporates the continuous nature of the spatial wave-field. This thesis investigates continuous spatial models for the wave-field. The wave equation constraint is introduced by considering a natural basis expansion for the space of physically valid wave-fields. This approach demonstrates that a wave-field over a finite spatial region has an effective finite dimensionality. The optimal basis for representing such a field is dependent on the shape of the region of interest and the angular power distribution of the incident field. By applying the continuous spatial model to the problem of direction of arrival estimation, it is shown that the spatial region occupied by the receiver places a fundamental limit on the number and accuracy with which sources can be resolved. Continuous spatial models also provide a parsimonious representation for modelling the spatial communications channel independent of specific antenna array configurations. The continuous spatial model is also applied to consider limits to the problem of wireless source direction and range localisation.
Modeling the Effects of Behavior Moderators for Simulation-Based Human Factors Design

Designing systems, interfaces, procedures and artifacts in simulated environments before they are developed and deployed has the potential to greatly decrease the costs of design and development and, in some cases, can provide significant safety advantages. Creating realistic models of humans is an important aspect of the modeling problem, but existing models tend to model typical humans and fail to account for the significant differences seen from person to person or even by the same person in different circumstances. In the modeling literature, models of the factors that lead to such differences (including personality, affect, training, etc.) are typically called behavior moderators or performance moderators. This paper describes the MINDS (Modeling INdividual Differences and Stressors) project, which builds on previous work in behavior moderator modeling by supporting richer representations of moderators, moderator dynamics, and moderator interactions and by providing moderator-integration approaches for common behavior-modeling technologies, including production rules, fuzzy logic, and Bayesian networks. We provide a demonstration scenario from a military-operation domain.
Forecasting in Optimizing Dual System for Energy Generation and Irrigation

A nonlinear decision-control model for real-time operation of a dual-purpose water system for electrical energy generation and irrigation is presented. Maximal return depends on the implemented flow-rate forecasting method and varying costs for energy sold to an external utility. The results of two forecasting models and the historical data are compared, indicating the importance of an accurate data base for supporting the decision towards optimal operation of time-dependent water systems.
Design and fabrication of stretchable proximity-tactile sensor using carbon micro coils

This paper presents a stretchable proximity-tactile sensor (PTS) using Carbon Micro Coils (CMC). The PTS consists of pairs of multiple active electrodes and a common ground electrode on the same plane. Thus, the sensor is tolerable to the repetitive contacts from external forces. The top layer consists of dielectric elastomer substrate mixed with 5% of CMC, so that it can respond to the proximity and tactile stimuli. Electrodes are located under the top layer and optimally organized to reduce the number of wirings. The sensor is fabricated by molding and casting methods. As the result, a 4 × 4 sensor prototype is made and its performance are experimentally evaluated.
Fundamentals of Modern VLSI Devices

A thoroughly updated third edition of an classic and widely adopted text, perfect for practical transistor design and in the classroom. Covering a variety of recent developments, the internationally renowned authors discuss in detail the basic properties and designs of modern VLSI devices, as well as factors affecting performance. Containing around 25% new material, coverage has been expanded to include high-k gate dielectrics, metal gate technology, strained silicon mobility, non-GCA (Gradual Channel Approximation) modelling of MOSFETs, short-channel FinFETS, and symmetric lateral bipolar transistors on SOI. Chapters have been reorganized to integrate the appendices into the main text to enable a smoother learning experience, and numerous additional end-of-chapter homework exercises (+30%) are included to engage students with real-world problems and test their understanding. A perfect text for senior undergraduate and graduate students taking advanced semiconductor devices courses, and for practicing silicon device professionals in the semiconductor industry.
Improving quality of human resources at Go Vap District tax branch

The purpose of this subject is to improve quality of human resources at Go Vap District tax branch. On that basis, a number of measures is recommended to help the Go Vap District tax branch to improve factors affect the satisfaction of staff, which in turn affect the quality of human resources. The recommended research model was built on the basis of the theory of human resource management, the satisfaction of labors. Inherited from studies of theory, the preliminary research establishes ten components affecting the satisfaction of staff Go Vap District tax branch with the name call (1) Work, (2) Opportunity to develop, (3) Responsibility, (4) Salary, (5) Time pressure, (6) Staff relations. A quantitative study with a sample size 145 staff Go Vap District tax branch is carried out to assess the scale and test theoretical models. Cronbach Alpha reliability tests and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed that the scale will meet the reliability, value and acceptance. Thus, based on the research findings, policy makers, managers of Go Vap District tax branch will further understand the level of interest, satisfaction of staff; then apply appropriate changes to boost satisfaction of staff. Following the testing of scale by Cronbach Alpha, we have recognized six factors which have great effects on satisfaction of staff. Regression analysis shows six components are statistically significant and affects the satisfaction of labors, proved that the five hypothesis of the study is acceptable. Most powerful factor to the satisfaction are Salary, Time pressure, Work, Opportunity to develop, Staff relations, Responsibility.
HbA1c and Blood Pressure Levels in Type 2 Diabetes: How Many Patients are on Target?

Background: Achieving HbA1c and blood pressure targets is an important strategy for preventing chronic vascular complications in diabetes. The aim of this paper was to determine the proportion of type 2 diabetes patients who meet the recommended HbA1c and arterial blood pressure targets and the determinants of failure to do so.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an outpatient endocrine clinic at a university hospital. HbA1c was measured with a certified HPLC method, with a goal of 7%, except for patients with advanced chronic complications where 8% was the goal. Blood pressure was measured with a validated device after a 5-minute rest, and the overall expected target was 140/90 mmHg. Results: A total of 602 type 2 diabetes patients were analyzed: 62% were female, 14% self-reported as black, the mean age was 63±11 years, the mean diabetes duration was 17±9 years, and the median (IQR) HbA1c was 8.0% (7.0-9.5%). Macrovascular disease was present in 198 (33%) patients, diabetic retinopathy in 283 (47%), peripheral neuropathy in 258 (43%) and diabetes kidney disease in 337 (56%). Regarding metabolic control, 403 (67%) patients were not at the adjusted target HbA1c level, and the main determinants of poor glycemic control were female gender, black skin color, younger age, and insulin use. Regarding blood pressure, 348 (58%) patients were not at the recommended targets, and a more advanced age was the main associated factor. Conclusions: Since more than half of Brazilian type 2 diabetes outpatients do not meet the recommended HbA1c and blood pressure target values, there is a major call to overcome therapeutic inertia and treat to target each individual patient. Female, black and younger individuals seem to be associated with a worse glycemic profile.
Visuomptor behaviours during functional task performance with a myoelectric prosthesis

Myoelectric hand prostheses are controlled via electromyographic (EMG) signals measured at the residual forearm musculature. Active functional use requires control of force and motion of the prosthetic hand in the absence of proprioceptive and tactile feedback from the hand. Many amputees often choose not to use their prosthesis in this way in everyday life. Current clinical tools provide little insight into why this is, and the few studies of motor control strategies and motor learning provide only a very partial explanation. Further studies are therefore required to inform the development of new prostheses and improved training protocols. Moreover, despite the general agreement that amputees compensate for missing proprioception through vision, at the start of the PhD there were no studies of gaze behaviour in upper limb amputees. The aims of the thesis were to: 1. To identify visuomotor behaviours that change over learning to use a myoelectric prosthesis and; 2. To identify the visuomotor behaviours of established users of myoelectric prostheses and their relationships with results from validated clinical evaluation tools. To allow investigation of visuomotor behaviours, an everyday task was chosen, namely reaching for and acquiring a carton, then pouring water from it into a glass. A novel coding scheme for objective analysis of gaze data during task performance was developed and validated. Additionally, methods for describing upper limb kinematics were implemented. Using these tools a study of learning to use a myoelectric prosthesis simulator in anatomically intact subjects revealed a number of variables whose values change dramatically with the introduction of the prosthesis and remain different from baseline, even after practice. For example, subjects remained slower at reaching and more variable in their movement and gaze behaviour. Additionally, subjects had to pay considerable attention to the immediate task requirements. The latter findings may be interpreted as showing that prosthesis use may be attentionally demanding. A second study was then carried out involving established trans-radial myoelectric prosthesis users. Similar behaviours to those reported in the first study (following only a very brief period of practice) were observed, giving insight into why current prostheses remain difficult to use in everyday life; amputees had to pay a high degree of visual attention to the immediate requirements of the task, thus limiting their ability to plan subsequent actions of the task. Additionally, subjects who performed well on the task, were also found to perform well on the clinical evaluation tools.
Evaluation of welding damage in welded tubular steel structures using guided waves and a probability-based imaging approach

Welded tubular steel structures (WTSSs) are widely used in various engineering sectors, serving as major frameworks for many mechanical systems. There has been increasing awareness of introducing effective damage identification and up-to-the-minute health surveillance to WTSSs, so as to enhance structural reliability and integrity. In this study, propagation of guided waves (GWs) in a WTSS of rectangular cross-section, a true-scale model of a train bogie frame segment, was investigated using the finite element method (FEM) and experimental analysis with the purpose of evaluating welding damage in the WTSS. An active piezoelectric sensor network was designed and surface-bonded on the WTSS, to activate and collect GWs. Characteristics of GWs at different excitation frequencies were explored. A signal feature, termed ‘time of maximal difference’ (ToMD) in this study, was extracted from captured GW signals, based on which a concept, damage presence probability (DPP), was established. With ToMD and DPP, a probability-based damage imaging approach was developed. To enhance robustness of the approach to measurement noise and uncertainties, a two-level image fusion scheme was further proposed. As validation, the approach was employed to predict presence and location of slot-like damage in the welding zone of a WTSS. Identification results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed approach for identifying damage in WTSSs and its large potential for real-time health monitoring of WTSSs.
Response Inhibition and Impulsiveness in Smoking and Non-Smoking Young Tattooed Women

According to previous studies, tattooing may express addiction-like behavior. A common problem of tattooed individuals is impulsive behavior. This study investigated the interaction between response inhibition, impulsiveness and smoking in young, tattooed women. Women aged 18-35 years with (N=60) and without (N=60) tattoos completed a Go/NoGo task to assess response inhibition and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11). Significantly higher rates of smoking, higher BIS-11 scores and larger impairment in response inhibition on the Go/NoGo task were observed in the tattooed women. The tattoo effect in the Go/NoGo task and the BIS-11 measures remained significant after adjustment for smoking status. Significant correlation was found between slowness of response-time in the Go/NoGo task and the total and non-planning impulsivity scores of the BIS-11. No significant associations were found between the BIS-11 and number of commission/omission errors and variability of response time in the Go/NoGo task. This study is the first to demonstrate that tattooed women exhibit lower response inhibition capacity and higher impulsiveness than non-tattooed controls. Smoking does not explain the psychometric/neurocognitive differences between tattooed women and controls.
Mine TCGA Database for Tumor Microenvironment-Related Genes of Prognostic value in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a significant role in the development of cancer. However, the roles of TME in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are not well studied. In our study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed tumor microenvironment-related genes as biomarker for predicting the prognosis of LUSC.Methods: We combined The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissue using Expression data (ESTIMATE) datasets to identified differentially expressed genes in lung squamous cell carcinoma microenvironment. Then, functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were conducted. The top six genes in the PPI network were regarded as tumor microenvironment-related hub genes. Finally, the relationship between hub genes and tumor-infiltrating immune cells was deciphered using TIMER.Results: Our study revealed that immune and stromal scores are associated with specific clinicopathologic variables in LUSC. These variables include gender, age, distant metastasis and prognosis. In addition, a total of 874 upregulated and 72 downregulated genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated a correlation between DEGs and the tumor microenvironment, tumor immune cells differentiation and activation. C3AR1, CSF1R, CCL2, CCR1, TYROBP, CD14were selected as the hub genes. A positive correlation was obtained between the expression of hub genes and the abundance of six immune cells.Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that ESTIMATE algorithm-based stromal and immune scores may be a reference indicator of cancer prognosis. We identified five TME-related genes, which could be used to predict the prognosis of LUSC patients.
Restatements for Pre-IPO Financial Statements.

This study examines the likelihood of restatements for the financial statements disclosed before the initial public offerings (IPO) and the nature of these misstated financial statements. We find that before the IPO date, IPO firms are more likely to issue materially misstated financial statements than other public firms. Compared to the other IPO issuers, firms that restate their pre-IPO financials exhibit higher discretionary accruals and experience severe IPO underpricing. Also, the stock market reacts more negatively to the restatement announcements for pre-IPO financials than those of other public firms. Overall, our findings indicate that IPO firms are likely to issue misstated financial statements to succeed in their public debuts and equity financing.
Review of current regulation methods for VS-PWM inverters

The paper presents a review of recently used current regulation methods for VS-PWM inverters. A variety of methods, different in concept is described, as follows: on-off hysteresis free running and fixed frequency regulators (phase independent, look-up table based, space vector based); linear regulators (carrier based, working in stationary and rotating coordinates); and predictive regulators (minimum and constant switching frequency). Also, modern trends in current regulation-neural networks and fuzzy logic based regulators-are presented. <<ETX>>
Comparison Between Blind And Ultrasound Guided Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion

The goal of this study is to compare between the blind technique and US guided technique in insertion of the LMA and confirming its position. A 102 patients who underwent elective surgery were randomly selected and grouped into 2 groups, 51 in each group. Group B: using the blind technique in positioning of the LMA and confirming its position by the fiberoptic score and group U: using the US in positioning the LMA and confirming its position by the fiberoptic score The laryngeal mask insertion time for 1st group was significantly shorter than that for the 2nd group. The fiberoptic glottic view scores for 2nd group was significantly better than that for the ones for 1st group. The side effects and complications had no statistical difference between the two groups.