Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new UV-curing elastomeric substrate for rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices

Rapid prototyping in the design cycle of new microfluidic devices is very important for shortening time-to-market. Researchers are facing the challenge to explore new and suitable substrates with simple and efficient microfabrication techniques. In this paper, we introduce and characterize a UV-curing elastomeric polyurethane methacrylate (PUMA) for rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices. The swelling and solubility of PUMA in different chemicals is determined. Time-dependent measurements of water contact angle show that the native PUMA is hydrophilic without surface treatment. The current monitoring method is used for measurement of the electroosmotic flow mobility in the microchannels made from PUMA. The optical, physical, thermal and mechanical properties of PUMA are evaluated. The UV-lithography and molding process is used for making micropillars and deep channel microfluidic structures integrated to the supporting base layer. Spin coating is characterized for producing different layer thicknesses of PUMA resin. A device is fabricated and tested for examining the strength of different bonding techniques such as conformal, corona treating and semi-curing of two PUMA layers in microfluidic application and the results show that the bonding strengths are comparable to that of PDMS. We also report fabrication and testing of a three-layer multi inlet/outlet microfluidic device including a very effective fluidic interconnect for application demonstration of PUMA as a promising new substrate. A simple micro-device is developed and employed for observing the pressure deflection of membrane made from PUMA as a very effective elastomeric valve in microfluidic devices.
Cultivating deep learning in field-based tourism courses: finding purpose in “trouble”

ABSTRACT Despite well-established links between travel, learning and education in tourism studies, there is scant discussion around the ways in which “trouble” emerges and unfolds in experience-based and field course-learning scenarios. This exploratory research aims to understand this neglected aspect of tourism education, drawing attention to its pedagogical value and to debate the purpose of trouble within the field. Specifically, we examine written and drawn memories of trouble encountered by tourism educators who lead and organise field courses. Analysis of findings reveal that unintended instances can become purposeful for both students and educators. We also highlight some of the strategies used by educators to capitalise on trouble, supporting reflection, adopting different personas, and in some cases intentionally creating “trouble”. This paper encourages educators to stay with, or more specifically to sway towards trouble, imparting insights around how to create purpose from trouble thereby inspiring educators to facilitate more critically oriented tourism field courses.
Design criteria for BJT amplifiers with low 1/f AM and PM noise

In this paper we discuss guidelines for designing linear bipolar junction transistor (BJT) amplifiers with low 1/f amplitude modulation (AM) and phase modulation (PM) noise. These guidelines are derived from a new theory that relates AM and PM noise to transconductance fluctuations, junction capacitance fluctuations, and circuit architecture. We analyze the noise equations of each process for a common emitter (CE) amplifier and use the results to suggest amplifier designs that minimize the 1/f noise while providing other required attributes such as high gain. Although we use a CE amplifier as an example, the procedure applies to other configurations as well. Experimental noise results for several amplifier configurations are presented.
Does aquatic sediment pollution result in contaminated food sources?

The sediment pollution of the aquatic environment by waste due to anthropogenic activity is of an increasing concern. The contaminants coming from the aquatic environment can enter the aquatic food chain and accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish used for human consumption. The aim of this study was to sum up the current level of knowledge concerning the pollution of aquatic sediments and its transfer to aquatic foods as well as to indicate whether such contamination has the potential to affect the health and welfare of aquatic organisms as well as the quality and safety of the species intended for human consumption. Based on the results of scientific studies, the European Food Safety Authority, and the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, contamination of fish and seafood occurs predominantly through their diet and the levels of bioaccumulative contaminants are higher in fish which rank higher in the food chain. Contamination of aquatic habitats can not only significantly affect behavior, development, and welfare of aquatic organisms, but it can also affect the safety of fish and seafood for human consumption.
Practical Secure Hardware Design for Embedded Systems

The design of secure hardware is often overlooked in the product development lifecycle, leaving many devices vulnerable to hacker attacks resulting in theft of service, loss of revenue, or a damaged reputation. Many times, products must be redesigned after a harmful incident, which raises overall development costs and increases time-to-market. This paper focuses on general concepts for secure hardware design coupled with practical examples. Topics in this paper include recommendations on incorporating security into the product development cycle, attack and threat models, and design solutions for enclosure, circuit board, and firmware layers.
Redefining the meaning of teaching in the era of (post-) performativity: the voices of Singaporean teachers

ABSTRACT Performativity is a dominant mode of regulation in many education systems that has caused a significant shift in teaching and teacher professionalism, yet minimal attention has been paid to understanding it in non-Western contexts. This study explores Singaporean teachers’ perceptions of teaching within its unique and normalised performative structure. Based on the interview data of 15 secondary school teachers, there was a clear gap between the teachers’ inclusive notion of teaching beyond the exam and the performative norm of exam-oriented teaching. However, there was little room for teachers to practise such a notion because it was not appreciated and recognised by the accountability system and the social climate. This study suggests that the gap between the teachers’ conception of teaching and the norm does not necessarily indicate a conflict and is rather reducible because the teachers embraced the significance of the norm while calling for teaching more and better than the norm. To realise such teaching, a supportive environment and structure must be established that encourage teachers to practise diverse ideas and approaches to teach beyond the norm.
A Wideband Direct Data Domain Genetic Algorithm Beamforming

In this paper, a wideband direct data-domain genetic algorithm beamforming is presented. Received wideband signals are decomposed to a set of narrow sub- bands using fast Fourier transform. Each sub-band is transformed to a reference frequency using the steering vector transformation. So, narrowband approaches could be used for any of these sub-bands. Hence, the direct data- domain genetic algorithm beamforming can be used to form a single 'hybrid' beam pattern with sufficiently deep nulls in order to separate and reconstruct frequency com- ponents of the signal of interest efficiently. The proposed approach avoids most of drawbacks of already-existing statistical and gradient-based approaches since formation of a covariance matrix is not needed, and a genetic algo- rithm is used to solve the beamforming problem.
Comparative study between a battery and super-capacitor of an electrical energy storage system for a traditional vehicle

Highlights • Efficacy of lead battery was evaluated and compared versus ultra-capacitors and alternate battery. • Several parameters were evaluated such as the weight and reliability. Abstract Lead-acid batteries are widely used in the conventional cars as a main electrical energy storage system to supply the power for the following start. In this paper, the efficacy of lead batteries was evaluated and compared against ultra-capacitors and alternative battery designs via a simulation-based model of the complete process. Specifically, several parameters were assessed such as the weight and reliability. The results confirm the consistency of lead-acid batteries as an appropriate replacement to super-capacitors. The findings were also confirmed by actual measurements carried out in the car.
Demonstrating the more electric engine: a step towards the power optimised aircraft

Early in 2008, as part of the European funded power optimised aircraft (POA) technology project, Rolls-Royce ran a substantial engine test programme to demonstrate the feasibility of more electric engine technologies. This study outlines the technologies that were developed as replacements for conventional turbofan engine components, discussing the key features of the power electronics, generation and motor drive systems integrated within the aircraft engine and goes on to discuss outcomes from the test programme and draw conclusions to the applicability of more electric technologies for future applications. The main findings of systems-level modelling and simulation, which was employed to de-risk the engine electrical network design ahead of the hardware build, are also discussed. The study presents a summary of the major technical challenges faced in the development and operation of the engine system together with the solutions employed to overcome them. A selection of test results is provided to illustrate examples of the electrical system operation and to show a comparison between the modelled and tested results. The study concludes by exploring how the technical achievements of the engine demonstration and of the wider POA programme are providing the foundation for further work to realise the full potential of the more electric aircraft.
Electrically tunable split-ring resonators at microwave frequencies based on barium-strontium-titanate thick films

Split-ring resonators (SRRs) implemented using ferroelectric materials to modify their resonance frequency by means of a tuning voltage are presented for the first time. SRRs have been used to load a microstrip transmission line on a multilayered substrate including a thick film of barium-strontium-titanate (BST) to obtain a tunable stopband response. The characteristics of the BST layer allow the application of 140 V as tuning voltage to obtain frequency tunability values of around 12.5 . The applied technology is suitable for the fabrication of cost-effective and reliable planar microwave devices.
International Journal of Engineering

Election prediction has always been of interest to many people. In the last decade, an increasing influence of social networks and the possibility of sharing opinions and ideas has rendered election prediction based on social network data analysis. This paper, drawing on Twitter data and sentiment analysis, uses the proportion of positive messages rate to negative messages rate as an effective indicator for predicting elections. Then, using the aging estimation method, it predicts the values of this indicator in future time windows. The experiments conducted on Twitter data related to the 2020 United States presidential election in a four-month time window indicate that the indicator values and eventually the election results can be predicted with high accuracy. doi : 10.5829/ije.2022. 35.02b. 13
A parameter study of stripline-fed Vivaldi notch-antenna arrays

A parameter study of Vivaldi notch-antenna arrays demonstrates that the wide-band performance of these antennas can be improved systematically. Stripline-fed Vivaldi antennas are comprised of: (1) a stripline-to-slotline transition; (2) a stripline stub and a slotline cavity; and (3) a tapered slot. The impedances of the slotline cavity and the tapered slot radiator combine at the transition to yield an equivalent series impedance on the feedline. The stripline stub can be represented by a series reactance. The resistance and reactance of the antenna impedance yield insights into the effects of various design parameters. In particular, it is found that the minimum operating frequency can be lowered primarily by increasing the antenna resistance through a change of design parameters. However, beyond a limit for each design parameter, the in-band performance begins to deteriorate. Plots of antenna impedance versus frequency for several parameter variations have been obtained by using a full wave method of moments analysis of infinite arrays. These plots provide a means for designers to systematically improve array performance with bandwidths in excess of 6:1 having been achieved.
A Modified Crank-Nicolson Numerical Scheme for the Flory-Huggins Cahn-Hilliard Model

In this paper we propose and analyze a second order accurate numerical scheme for the Cahn-Hilliard equation with logarithmic Flory Huggins energy potential. A modified Crank-Nicolson approximation is applied to the logarithmic nonlinear term, while the expansive term is updated by an explicit second order AdamsBashforth extrapolation, and an alternate temporal stencil is used for the surface diffusion term. A nonlinear artificial regularization term is added in the numerical scheme, which ensures the positivity-preserving property, i.e., the numerical value of the phase variable is always between -1 and 1 at a point-wise level. Furthermore, an unconditional energy stability of the numerical scheme is derived, leveraging the special form of the logarithmic approximation term. In addition, an optimal rate convergence estimate is provided for the proposed numerical scheme, with the help of linearized stability analysis. A few numerical results, including both the constant-mobility and solution-dependent mobility flows, are presented to validate the robustness of the proposed numerical scheme. AMS subject classifications: 35K35, 35K55, 49J40, 65K10, 65M06, 65M12
Environmentally constrained economic dispatch using the LaGrangian relaxation method

This paper presents a general formulation of the environmentally constrained economic dispatch (ECED) problem based on the requirements of Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and others which may be imposed by local air quality regulations. The formulation considers multiple NO/sub x/ constraints and incorporates the utilization of the affected units (those named in the legislation) along with SO/sub 2/ constraints. It also proposes a new algorithm to solve the problem for large power systems. This algorithm has the ability to handle a large number of various types of linear and nonlinear environmental constraints. It is reliable, and viable for both offline and online applications. Test results on a large size power system demonstrate the possible savings which can be realized by using the algorithm. Details of the problem formulation and the solution technique are given in the paper. >
Evolution of the Crossover Modulus with Oxidative Aging

This study is based on recovered binders from a hot-mix asphalt comparative test site constructed in Arizona in 2001 with mix collected during construction and cores collected in 2005 and 2010. The intent of the study is to evaluate the potential of using the evolution of the binder crossover modulus with time and depth in the pavement to determine the change in linear viscoelastic properties of the binder during the life of the pavement. The crossover modulus is one of three parameters in the Christensen–Anderson (CA) complex shear modulus model. The CA model is used in this study to develop complex modulus and phase angle master curves of the binder as a function of field time, depth, and temperature. The master curves generated demonstrate the change in SHRP specification parameters, such as m-value and creep stiffness, as well as in the mix dynamic modulus with time and depth on the road. In addition, although asphalt dependent, a linear relationship between oxygen uptake and the log of the crossover modulus is reported.
Telemedicine in COVID-19 pandemic: Anaesthetic assessment of elective surgical patients through mobile application-based questionnaire

The pre-anaesthetic assessment aims to assess and optimise patients to decrease perioperative morbidity and mortality. It also improves patient satisfaction by allaying anxiety; minimises operative cancellations by facilitating a tailored anaesthetic plan; and reduces postoperative complications. [1] In our institution, all patients are assessed by the Pre-admission anaesthetic clinic (PAAC) anaesthetist or nurse prior to surgery.
A Multi-RNN Research Topic Prediction Model Based on Spatial Attention and Semantic Consistency-Based Scientific Influence Modeling

Computer science discipline includes many research fields, which mutually influence and promote each other's development. This poses two great challenges of predicting the research topics of each research field. One is how to model fine-grained topic representation of a research field. The other is how to model research topic of different fields and keep the semantic consistency of research topics when learning the scientific influence context from other related fields. Unfortunately, the existing research topic prediction approaches cannot handle these two challenges. To solve these problems, we employ multiple different Recurrent Neural Network chains which model research topics of different fields and propose a research topic prediction model based on spatial attention and semantic consistency-based scientific influence modeling. Spatial attention is employed in field topic representation which can selectively extract the attributes from the field topics to distinguish the importance of field topic attributes. Semantic consistency-based scientific influence modeling maps research topics of different fields to a unified semantic space to obtain the scientific influence context of other related fields. Extensive experiment results on five related research fields in the computer science (CS) discipline show that the proposed model is superior to the most advanced methods and achieves good topic prediction performance.
An Improved Carrier-Based SVPWM Method Using Leg Voltage Redundancies in Generalized Cascaded

The carrier-based space vector pulse width modula- tion (SVPWM), which is considered as simple and efficient PWM technology, can be also used in multilevel inverters. The method was originally designed for the two-level inverter and developed to the diode-clamped multilevel inverter structure. However it may be noted that it also cause bad switch utilization in cascaded mul- tilevel inverter. This paper introduces an improved carrier-based SVPWM scheme, which is fully suitable for cascaded multilevel in- verter topologies because it can achieve the optimized switch uti- lization through the redistribution of the triangular carrier waves considering leg voltage redundancies while having the advantages of the conventional carrier-based SVPWM. Using experimental re- sults, the superior performance of new PWM method is shown.
Surface optofluidic implementations towards the development of a biosensor

Microfluidics is a multidisciplinary field that uses minute volumes of liquids to attempt complex functionalities. These complicated functionalities often require manipulating interfaces through external forces. In addition, optics have become a fundamental necessity for most microfluidic devices. We combine these two concepts and call it surface optofluidics. Here, we focus on the advantages of surface optofluidics for the development of a biosensor, specifically focusing on the flexibility and adaptability offered by these techniques. To introduce the advantages presented by surface optofluidics, devices using droplet electrowetting techniques are discussed. We then discuss biosensing through structured electrodes on surfaces. The electrodes are used to align asymmetric bacteria. The aligned bacteria are detected optically. This method of detection is improved by incorporating two different surface optofluidic methods. Concentration and motion control of the bacterium is demonstrated with electric fields on three dimensionally structured electrodes and an optothermal nanoparticle carpet. Finally, we show preliminary work in the study of single bacterium behavior using nanoparticles as labels to detect its specific alignment in space.
KDM6B promotes PARthanatos via suppression of O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase repair and sustained checkpoint response

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a DNA damage sensor and contributes to both DNA repair and cell death processes. However, how PARP-1 signaling is regulated to switch its function from DNA repair to cell death remains largely unknown. Here, we found that PARP-1 plays a central role in alkylating agent-induced PARthanatic cancer cell death. Lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B) was identified as a key cell death effector in PARthanatos. Knockout of KDM6B or loss of KDM6B demethylase activity conferred cancer cells resistance to PARthanatic cell death in response to alkylating agents. Mechanistically, KDM6B knockout suppressed methylation at the promoter of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) to enhance MGMT expression and its direct DNA repair function, thereby inhibiting DNA damage-evoked PARP-1 hyperactivation and subsequent cell death. Moreover, KDM6B knockout triggered sustained Chk1 phosphorylation and activated a second repair machinery to fix DNA damage evading from MGMT repair. Inhibition of MGMT or checkpoint response re-sensitized KDM6B deficient cells to PARthanatos induced by alkylating agents. These findings provide new molecular insights into epigenetic regulation of PARP-1 signaling mediating DNA repair or cell death and identify KDM6B as a biomarker for prediction of cancer cell vulnerability to alkylating agent treatment.
Social Influences on Engagement With HIV Testing, Treatment and Care Services Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Living in Rural Uganda

Men who have sex with men in Uganda are a heterogenous, discriminated population, experiencing high HIV burden, limited access to HIV testing, and low treatment adherence. We contribute to the lack of information about men who have sex with men in rural Uganda by using socio-ecological analyses to examine the social influences shaping their engagement with HIV services. Based on in-depth interviews with 16 men, our findings reveal the inhibitive influence of interpersonal relationships with sexual partners, peers and families, and institutional influences within health service and non-governmental organizational settings. Yet men take action to strategize and seek support to enhance engagement with HIV care in heavily criminalized and stigmatized settings. Future HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care responses could draw on what affected individuals and communities are already doing to enhance access to HIV services and the effective support strategies of some non-governmental organizations and healthcare workers.