Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generation and Comparative Analysis of High-Voltage Gain Nonisolated DC–DC Converters With Ladder Switched Capacitor and Coupled Inductor

A design methodology for creating a set of high-voltage gain DC–DC converters is presented and discussed in this article. The proposed generation is based on ladder switched capacitor (SC) with coupled inductor. So, eight high-voltage converters with a single switch without increasing the number of components are proposed. Detailed evaluations about the derivation of each topology, comparative analysis among main features of each converter are presented. These converters are evaluated in different aspects, such as principle of operation, voltage gain, sensibility of the output voltage, total voltage stress (TVS), total current stress (TCS), ZCS, charging mode compared to the standard SCs cells, design guidelines, power density, power losses, and estimated efficiency. By these comparisons, the main feature and limitations of the analyzed converters are recognized. Thus, four topologies were chosen to be evaluated experimentally, considering 200 W, 30 V, 400 V, and 50 kHz. The combination of the techniques provides the best trend off on the comparative analysis carried out in this work. The results show that attention should be paid to choosing the best position to include a technique. In this case, the best choice was BCISC-V converter, which presented the best voltage gain, TCS, ZCS, and efficiency characteristics.
The Effect of Gel-Type Contributions in Lime-Sand Bricks, Alkali-Activated Slags and CEMI/CEMIII Pastes: Implications for Next Generation Concretes

Lime-sand bricks of different ages were investigated using IR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and X-ray diffraction/scattering. After subtraction of the dominant quartz contribution (80%), the IR spectra show the absorption peaks of the hydrothermally formed binder phases. The spectra also show the alteration of the binder during ageing under atmospheric conditions by the influence of CO2 forming carbonate and a condensed SiO2-gel (secondary gel). The alteration could also be proven in X-ray pattern, obtaining a separation between crystalline CSH and amorphous contributions in the freshly produced lime-sand brick, too. Here, the formation of CSHamorph could be understood as a precursor state (primary gel) to the crystallization of CSH phases. X-ray patterns of aged bodies of alkali-silicate solution activated slags (AAS), CEM-I/CEM-III pastes, and CEM-I concrete indicate that in all cases a similar amorphous CSH-type phase (CSHamorph) was formed, which is responsible for the hardening properties as the glue. The main X-ray peak of CSHamorph obtained using CuKα-radiation with a usual diffractometer is observed between 24° and 35° 2 Theta with maximum at about 29° 2 Theta, whereas it appears much more broadly distributed between 15° and 35° 2 Theta with maximum between 26° and 28° 2 Theta for a geopolymer body prepared using the reaction of alkali-silicate solution and metakaolin (AAMK). This is due to the network formed by siloxo and sialate units in the case of AAMK, given that any crystallization can be ruled out. The origin of increasing mechanical strength during the ageing of AAS mortars must be due to further crosslinking of the preformed siloxo chains. Thermal treatment up to 800 °C leads to a complete loss of any mechanical strength of the CEM pastes due to the destruction of crystalline CSH-phases, whereas geopolymer bodies maintain their strength. Implications for next generation concrete include that cement clinker could be completely replaced by using a using alkali silcate solution technology for gel formation.
Econometrics: A Bird's Eye View

As a unified discipline, econometrics is still relatively young and has been transforming and expanding very rapidly over the past few decades. Major advances have taken place in the analysis of cross sectional data by means of semi-parametric and non-parametric techniques. Heterogeneity of economic relations across individuals, firms and industries is increasingly acknowledged and attempts have been made to take them into account either by integrating out their effects or by modeling the sources of heterogeneity when suitable panel data exists. The counterfactual considerations that underlie policy analysis and treatment evaluation have been given a more satisfactory foundation. New time series econometric techniques have been developed and employed extensively in the areas of macroeconometrics and finance. Non-linear econometric techniques are used increasingly in the analysis of cross section and time series observations. Applications of Bayesian techniques to econometric problems have been given new impetus largely thanks to advances in computer power and computational techniques. The use of Bayesian techniques have in turn provided the investigators with a unifying framework where the tasks of forecasting, decision making, model evaluation and learning can be considered as parts of the same interactive and iterative process; thus paving the way for establishing the foundation of “real time econometrics”. This paper attempts to provide an overview of some of these developments.
On the application of the microgenetic algorithm to the design of broad-band microwave absorbers comprising frequency-selective surfaces embedded in multilayered dielectric media

In this paper, we present a procedure for synthesizing broad-band microwave absorbers incorporating frequency-selective surface (FSS) screens embedded in dielectric media using a binary coded genetic algorithm (GA). The GA simultaneously and optimally chooses the material in each layer, thickness of each layer, FSS screen periodicity in the z- and y-directions, its placement within the dielectric composite, and the FSS screen material. Additionally, the GA generates the cell structure of the FSS screen. The result is a multilayer composite that provides maximum absorption of both TE and TM waves for a prescribed range of frequencies and incident angles. This technique automatically places an upper bound on the total thickness of the composite.
Direct bonded quartz resonators

In contrast to other methods direct bonding allows for the joining of two materials without an intermediate layer as in soldering or gluing. Although often putting tremendous requirements on the surfaces to be joined in terms of cleanliness and smoothness - direct bonding generally provides extraordinary adhesion and stability. In the semiconductor industry the direct bonding of silicon has been successfully employed for many years. Recently we showed that the technology, with some modifications, could be applied also to single crystalline quartz, and that the direct bonding of quartz could be achieved with arbitrary cuts and in various directions. The ability to unite quartz wafers ultimately enables new resonator, filter, and sensor concepts, and the ability to bond pre-processed wafers make true all-quartz packages possible. In present work, we investigate the influence on a resonator by including a direct bonded interface.
Semantic Segmentation for People Detection on Beach Images

Nosso trabalho compara um conjunto de redes de segmentação semântica aplicados na detecção de pessoas em imagens de praia, como parte de um sistema de rastreamento automático para evitar que banhistas ultrapassem a região segura do mar. Em nossa análise, comparamos as redes de segmentação U-net, X-net, Linknet, e Unet++ usando os backbones prétreinados VGG-16 e VGG-19. Nós propomos nossa própria base de imagens, composta de 300 imagens. Os modelos foram avaliados utilizando a métrica F-score. Nossos resultados mostraram que a Linknet obteve o melhor valor de F-score, com 90.89%, enquanto a Linknet foi mais rápida que as outras redes, sem diferença estatística significativa.
A neural network approach to the elimination of road shadow for outdoor mobile robot

A new method of road tracking oriented environmental noise elimination is presented for implementing navigation and control of land autonomous vehicles (ALV). The concept of vision based environmental noise is firstly introduced for the purpose of road and/or obstacle edge detection. Then, a representation of pyramid is proposed for vision processing. Furthermore, a fuzzy neural network is designed and implemented to recognize the environmental noises such as shadow and water prints on the road. With structure optimization by genetic algorithm and special training by classified samples, we use the network to guide our THMR-III (Tsinghua University Mobile Robot, Model 3) in the outdoor real world. Experiments have shown good properties for the ALV's "perception-action" behaviors, including obstacle avoidance, road following, wandering, etc. Although the work is still going on, we can see from the present results the better quality, adaptability and robustness of the above approach.
A predictive control scheme for DC voltage and AC current in grid-connected photovoltaic inverters with minimum DC link capacitance

This paper describes a discrete time control algorithm for regulation of both DC voltage and AC currents in three-phase inverters. It is suitable for application in grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) generation plants due to the intrinsic ability to perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of the PV array. Furthermore, the transient response time is of the order of a few PWM sampling periods, therefore the energy storage requirements of the DC capacitor are significantly reduced, and a small nonelectrolytic type can be employed. Considering that the DC buffer capacitor of an inverter is often the limiting factor in terms of reliability, the proposed approach can lead to a substantial improvement in the way the entire system is perceived. The technique has similar harmonic performance to regularly sampled PWM, with a fixed switching frequency and low current distortion, and operates at unity power factor. This predictive method avoids problems of stability and loop interactions present in controllers employing cascaded DC voltage and AC current feedback loops. The theory of the algorithm is presented in this paper, together with simulation results.
Osteohistology of non-mammalian therapsids from Puesto Viejo Group, Argentina

ABSTRACT The Puesto Viejo Group is an important unit for the knowledge Triassic faunas especially non-mammalian therapsids. This group crops out in the San Rafael Block, southwest Mendoza, Argentina. It is composed of the basal Quebrada de los Fósiles Formation (QF) which is overlaid by the Río Seco de la Quebrada Formation (RSQ). This report comprises tetrapod remains from the RSQ Formation at the Quebrada del Durazno area that includes, until now, exclusively therapsids. The aim of this study is to analyse the bone microstructure of cynodonts and dicynodonts to elucidate the histological features and growth patterns. Histological thin sections made in ribs and appendicular bones reveal a predominance of fibrolamellar bone tissue suggesting an overall fast bone growth, however, the presence of parallel-fibred bone suggest periods of slowing down of the growth. The existence of growth marks indicates periodic interruptions of growth, which is likely the expression of their ability to rapid respond to environmental changes. This contribution offers new insights into the bone microstructure of tetrapod assemblages from RSQ Formation during the Upper Triassic span.
New NDE perspectives with magnetoresistance array technologies : from research to industrial applications

Advances in magnetic sensors theoretically compensate for the major drawback of eddy current techniques for deep-lying defects detection. One solution, based on magnetoresistance arrays, is tested on industrial samples for experimental validation and inspection system characterisation. The intrinsic advantages of the array sensor come from the summation of each of its sensitive elements, which are, independently, electronically controlled. The overall result is high field dynamic performance, high linearity, high spatial resolution, high reproducibility, low magnetic noise and possible adaptation to some specific local sensitivities of the test-piece. The high spatial coverage comes from the juxtaposition of multiple sensitive elements, with almost no limit in size and preferential direction of sensitivity. The description enhances important integration potentials for industrial application, for plane and curved shapes surfaces, from small to large defects, surface or deep lying, in ferromagnetic or diamagnetic structures. The high level NDE performance of the acquisition system are demonstrated on real industrial applications (usually not attained with standard eddy current systems). Furthermore, this approach compensates some of the NDE difficulties-encountered with arrays, particularly with the low lift-off influence. In this way, a new array sensor system for industrial NDE is presented. Its performance is tested. Advantages of the technique are highlighted.
Applying lean approaches within product development : Enabler or disabler for combining efficiency and creativity?

This master thesis has been written for the institution of Integrated Product Development at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). The study has focused on how lean can be applied in Research & Development (R&D) and the effects on creativity and efficiency. Lean is well explained within the area of production, but has been given less attention in the application of R&D. The research that does exist point towards that the efficiency can be increased, but there are conflicting opinions concerning if this comes at the expense of creativity. The research was done by the use of a case study and included five companies. By the use of interviews, how the companies interpret lean, the working methodology of their R&D, and the effects that they perceive from their lean approach, has been explored. The findings indicate a need for actively facilitating creativity, due to reduction in slack time and skunk work, the importance of focusing on long-sighted research as well as short-term development, and the need of support from management along with educating personnel to succeed. It was also found that the companies in the study focus on flow, rather than waste reduction and that the reduction of disturbances could be of importance to both creativity and efficiency.
Risk factors associated with hand tractor related injuries among rice farmers in Thailand

Abstract Hand tractors are important machines used in the soil preparation process before sowing rice in the paddy’s of Thailand. Previous research on injuries in rice farming indicated that working with a hand tractor may be one of main causes of injuries. This study investigated the prevalence of hand tractor-related injuries, their association risk factors and characteristic of injuries. The data were collected by face-to-face interview to 377 farmers from nearly all districts in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Among these rice farmers, the prevalence of injury was 41%. The most common type of injury was cuts (43.9%) and the most common source of injuries was stepping on a golden apple snail shell (33.1%). The bivariate Poisson regression models showed that self-reported normal working conditions that were associated with the risk of injury included sleeping problems (RR = 1.39), “Hustle Work (working quickly to complete plowing)” (RR = 1.48), feeling fatigue before work (RR = 1.60), and normal use of a leveler as attached plow equipment (RR = 1.41). However, a multivariate model showed only normal use of a leveler as attached equipment was associated with an increased use of injuries (RR = 1.47) after controlling for the other factors that were significant in the bivariate models. These results suggest that job stress protection should be recommended or redesign of the leveler attachment developed for hand tractors used in rice paddy fields.
An Efficient Intra-Cluster MAC Protocol in Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks

Efficient intra-cluster communication on the MAC layer in the underwater acoustic sensor networks has always been the primary concern. However, the existing MAC protocols are not suitable for the intra-cluster communication. In this paper, we analyze some typical MAC protocols and the reasons for their unsuitability. We propose IC-MAC, an Intra-cluster MAC protocol based on a model of intra-cluster nodes location. This protocol realizes the slot synchronization between nodes, sleep mechanism and collision avoidance. Finally, we simulate IC-MAC, TDMA and T-Lohi for comparison. The results show IC-MAC has better performance in terms of throughput and end-to-end delay. Our design is also energy-efficient.
Charge-Based MOS Transistor Modeling: The EKV Model for Low-Power and RF IC Design

Foreword. Preface. List of Symbols. 1. Introduction. 1.1 The Importance of Device Modeling for IC Design. 1.2 A Short History of the EKV MOST Model. 1.3 The Book Structure. PART I: THE BASIC LONG-CHANNELINTRINSIC CHARGE-BASED MODEL. 2. Introduction. 2.1 The N-channel Transistor Structure. 2.2 Definition of charges, current, potential and electric fields. 2.3 Transistor symbol and P-channel transistor. 3. The Basic Charge Model. 3.1 Poisson's Equation and Gradual Channel Approximation. 3.2 Surface potential as a Function of Gate Voltage. 3.3 Gate Capacitance. 3.4 Charge Sheet Approximation. 3.5 Density of Mobile Inverted Charge. 3.6 Charge-Potential Linearization. 4. Static Drain Current. 4.1 Drain Current Expression. 4.2 Forward and Reverse Current Components. 4.3 Modes of Operation. 4.4 Model of Drain Current Based on Charge Linearization. 4.5 Fundamental Property: Validity and Application. 4.6 Channel Length Modulation. 5. The Small-Signal Model. 5.1 The Static Small-Signal Model. 5.2 A General Non-Quasi-Static Small-Signal Model. 5.3 The Quasi-Static Dynamic Small-Signal Model. 6. The Noise Model. 6.1 Noise Calculation Methods. 6.2 Low-Frequency Channel Thermal Noise. 6.3 Flicker Noise. 6.4 Appendices. Appendix : The Nyquist and Bode Theorems. Appendix : General Noise Expression. 7. Temperature Effects and Matching. 7.1 Introduction. 7.2 Temperature Effects. PART II: THE EXTENDED CHARGE-BASED MODEL. 8. Non-Ideal Effects Related to the Vertical Dimension. 8.1 Introduction. 8.2 Mobility Reduction Due to the Vertical Field. 8.3 Non-Uniform Vertical Doping. 8.4 Polysilicon Depletion. 8.4.1 Definition of the Effect. 8.5 Band Gap Widening. 8.6 Gate Leakage Current. 9. Short-Channel Effects. 9.1 Velocity Saturation. 9.2 Channel Length Modulation. 9.3 Drain Induced Barrier Lowering. 9.4 Short-Channel Thermal Noise Model. 10. The Extrinsic Model. 10.1 Extrinsic Part of the Device. 10.2 Access Resistances. 10.3 Overlap Regions. 10.4 Source and Drain Junctions. 10.5 Extrinsic Noise Sources. PART III: THE HIGH-FREQUENCY MODEL. 11. Equivalent Circuit at RF. 11.1 RF MOS Transistor Structure and Layout. 11.2 What Changes at RF? 11.3 Transistor Figures of Merit. 11.4 Equivalent Circuit at RF. 12. The Small-Signal Model at RF. 12.1 The Equivalent Small-Signal Circuit at RF. 12.2 Y-Parameters Analysis. 12.3 The Large-Signal Model at RF. 13. The Noise Model at RF. 13.1 The HF Noise Parameters. 13.2 The High-Frequency Thermal Noise Model. 13.3 HF Noise Parameters of a Common-Source Amplifier. References. Index.
Germination response across populations of the stenoendemic chasmophyte Campanula raineri (Campanulaceae)

Villa, S. , Ceriani, R. M. , Cerabolini, B. E. L. & Pierce S. : Germination response across populations of the stenoendemic chasmophyte Campanula raineri (Campanulaceae) [In Magrini, S. & Salmeri, C. (eds), Mediterranean plant germination reports – 3]. Fl. Medit. 31: 267-270. 2021. http://dx.doi. org/10.7320/FlMedit31.267 This study describes a successful germination protocol for Campanula raineri (Campanulaceae), a protected rock-face dwelling species, endemic to the Italian calcareous Prealps. Germination tests were performed on seed lots from nine different populations across the geographical range of the species. Mean germination rates higher than 80% were reached within 28 days for almost all of the populations under analysis. The populations from the highest elevations exhibited the highest mean germination rates.
Measuring the knowledge creation process in Pakistani banks: Scale development and validation

Knowledge creation within an organization arises from socialization, externalization, combination and internalization of knowledge resources. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge management literature by providing an empirical validation of the knowledge creation process in the context of Pakistani banks. A sample of 346 cases was selected randomly from 50 branches of three knowledge-intensive banks in Karachi. The results confirm the presence of knowledge creation in Pakistani banks and the validation process of the scale was used to measure this. Our findings can help managers develop successful knowledge creation and sharing strategies that utilize tacit and explicit knowledge resources more effectively.
Modeling and Optimization of Continuous Scanning Probe Inspired of the Kirigami Structure

In this paper, a modeling methodology for a continuous scanning probe of Micro-CMM inspired by the Kirigami structure was investigated. The displacement of the probe and the stress of the structure were computed by using the finite element method of Ansys software as the input parameter of the grey relation analysis to optimize the geometry parameter of the structure such as the thickness of the flexure sheet, the width of the flexure hinge, and the length of the flexure hinge. The thickness of the flexure sheet was 0.3 mm, the width of the flexure hinge was 1.5 mm, the length of the flexure hinge was 3 mm, which lead to the highest displacement of the probe. The contribution and the interaction of the thickness factor to the remaining elements are remarkable. The displacement of the probe can be reached at 4.546 mm.
Nutraceuticals Synergistically Promote Osteogenesis in Cultured 7F2 Osteoblasts and Mitigate Inhibition of Differentiation and Maturation in Simulated Microgravity

Microgravity is known to impact bone health, similar to mechanical unloading on Earth. In the absence of countermeasures, bone formation and mineral deposition are strongly inhibited in Space. There is an unmet need to identify nutritional countermeasures. Curcumin and carnosic acid are phytonutrients with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects and may exhibit osteogenic properties. Zinc is a trace element essential for bone formation. We hypothesized that these nutraceuticals could counteract the microgravity-induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation and function. To test this hypothesis, we cultured 7F2 murine osteoblasts in simulated microgravity (SMG) in a Random Positioning Machine in the presence and absence of curcumin, carnosic acid, and zinc and evaluated cell proliferation, function, and differentiation. SMG enhanced cell proliferation in osteogenic medium. The nutraceuticals partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SMG on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and did not alter the SMG-induced reduction in the expression of osteogenic marker genes in osteogenic medium, while they promoted osteoblast proliferation and ALP activity in the absence of traditional osteogenic media. We further observed a synergistic effect of the intermix of the phytonutrients on ALP activity. Intermixes of phytonutrients may serve as convenient and effective nutritional countermeasures against bone loss in space.