Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Wideband Filtering Switch: Its Synthesis and Design

This article presents a direct synthesis method for the design of a wideband filtering switch, where p-i-n diodes are incorporated into each resonator. As parasitic parameters are embedded in the p-i-n diodes, an ideal transformer is introduced in each resonator to provide the freedom to designate the proper values for inductances and capacitances in the resonators. According to the rejection specification in the ON state, an <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N$ </tex-math></inline-formula>th order bandpass filter (BPF) network with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N$ </tex-math></inline-formula> transmission zeros (TZs) is synthesized, followed by a new circuit model extraction procedure to extract lumped circuits in the BPF network. To simplify the network topology, two ideal transformers at input–output port remain after absorbing the ideal transformers between resonators. Then, the lumped circuit model is converted into a distributed circuit model in the synthesis process, maintaining the filtering response in a wide frequency range when the switch is in the ON state. Besides, the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N$ </tex-math></inline-formula> TZs of the filtering switch in the OFF state can be introduced and arranged to suitable positions. Consequently, high isolation within the stopband of the switch in the OFF state can be achieved. For demonstration purposes, two filtering switches with fractional bandwidths (FBWs) of 30% and 50% are fabricated and measured. Good agreement can be observed between the simulated and measured results, which validates the feasibility of the proposed method.
Pricing and hedging equity-indexed annuities via local risk-minimization

ABSTRACT Lin et al. (2009) employed the Esscher transform method to price equity-indexed annuities (EIAs) when the dynamic of the market value of a reference asset was driven by a generalized geometric Brownian motion model with regime-switching. Some rare events (release of an unexpected economic figure, major political changes or even a natural disaster in a major economy) can lead to brusque variations in asset prices, and hence we sometimes need to consider jump models. This paper extends the model and analysis in Lin et al. (2009). Specifically, we assume that the financial market has a regime-switching jump-diffusion model, under which we price the point-to-point, the Asian-end, the high water mark and the annual reset EIAs by exploiting the local risk-minimization approach. The effects of the model parameters on the EIAs pricing are illustrated through numerical experiments. Meanwhile, we present the locally risk-minimizing hedging strategies for EIAs.
ASSESSMENT OF THE RANSON SCORE IN ACUTE PANCREATITIS: ITS VALUE IN AN EMERGENCY SETTING UPON ADMISSION

Objective: Ranson criteria, introduced in 1974, was the first clinical prediction rule for acute pancreatitis in which five admission parameters and six (or five) late components collected within 48 hours were used to reach a clinical decision. This 48-hour follow-up requirement was not convenient for use in the emergency department setting. This study was undertaken to assess whether five admission Ranson parameters may have use in differentiating edematous pancreatitis from necrotizing pancreatitis in the emergency department setting. Material and Method: Patient data for this retrospective cohort study was gathered from 205 patients treated for acute pancreatitis from January 2018 to December 2022 in a tertiary care center. The patient files were extracted from the archives for clinical data gathering. Laboratory admission data and radiology reports were extracted from the automated laboratory reporting system. Result: The 205 acute pancreatitis patients were mostly female and in their sixth decade. The etiology was mostly biliary pancreatitis (76%). Patient history revealed that 80% was the first attack. The radiologic imaging study review revealed the majority of the patients had edematous pancreatitis (87%). Higher scores in admission Ranson score (aRS) weakly predicted increasingly higher probability (2.6% for aRS 0 to 28.6% for aRS 4-5
On the controllability of some systems of the parabolic kind with a reduced number of controls and of a KdV equation in the vanishing dispersion limit

This work is devoted to the study of some controllability problems concerning some models from fluid mechanics. First, in Chapter 2, we obtain the local null controllability of the Navier-Stokes system with distributed controls having one vanishing component. The main novelty is that no geometric condition is imposed on the control domain. In Chapter 3, we extend this result for the Boussinesq system, where the coupling with the temperature equation allows us to have up to two vanishing components in the control acting on the fluid equation. Chapter 4 deals with the existence of insensitizing controls for the Boussinesq system. In particular, we prove the null controllability of the cascade system arising from the reformulation of the insensitizing problem, where the control on the fluid equation has two vanishing components. For these problems, we follow a classical approach. We establish the null controllability of the linearized system around the origin by means of a suitable Carleman inequality for the adjoint system with source terms. Then, we obtain the result for the nonlinear system by a local inversion argument.In Chapter 5, we study some null controllability aspects of a linear KdV equation with Colin-Ghidaglia boundary conditions. First, we obtain an estimation of the cost of null controllability, which is optimal with respect to the dispersion coefficient. This improves previous results on this matter. Its proof relies on a Carleman estimate with an optimal behavior in time. Finally, we prove that the cost of null controllability blows up exponentially with respect to the dispersion coefficient provided that the final time is small enough.
Image Recognition Based on Two-Dimensional Principal Component Analysis Combining with Wavelet Theory and Frame Theory

The key to improve the image recognition rate lies in the extraction of image features. In this paper, a feature extraction method is proposed for the images with similar feature in the strong noise background, which is two-dimensional principal component analysis combined with wavelet theory and frame theory. Considering that the image will be influenced by man-made and environmental noises, the algorithm of this paper considers the improvement of many algorithms. Firstly, the images are preprocessed by images enhancement based on feature enhancement. The images are processed by wavelet transform. Then, the preprocessed image matrices are used to obtain the eigenvectors, and the eigenvectors are interpolated with frame, which makes more sufficient information in the frame theory and better extracts the features on the image. Finally, this algorithm is compared other algorithms in the standard ORL face recognition database. The comparison of recognition rate and recognition time by simulation experiment is carried out in order to obtain the validity of the proposed algorithm.
Speech-like movements emerge from simulated peri-oral muscle activation space without neural control

Muscle synergies have been proposed as a solution to the degrees of freedom problem inherent in the biomechanics of speech production [Gick & Stavness, 2013, Front. Psych, 4, 977]. However, the majority of experiments involving the extraction of muscle synergies prove theoretically insufficient to determine whether such synergies are of neural origin or simply reflect the lower dimensionality of an under-sampled biomechanical/neural task space [Kutch & Valero-Cuevas, 2012, PLoS computational biology, 8(5), e1002434]. Therefore, to what extent biomechanics of the human vocal tract may constrain the “ecological state space” of a speaker during locution remains uninvestigated. As a proof of concept, we created a simplified version of the peri-oral region using FEM modeling in a physics-based simulator (ArtiSynth [Lloyd et al., 2012, Soft tissue biomech…surgery, pp. 355]). Systematic simulations enabled us to model the full kinematic/biomechanical space. Visualization of the resulting biomechanical state space using t-SNE [van der Maaten & Hinton, 2008, J.MLR. , 9, 2579] illustrates that speech-like movements (e.g., lip rounding or spreading) emerge as self-organizing structures (muscle synergies) critically without a direct neural controller. These results are discussed in the context of current and future explorations of motor control of speech. [Funded by NSERC. ]Muscle synergies have been proposed as a solution to the degrees of freedom problem inherent in the biomechanics of speech production [Gick & Stavness, 2013, Front. Psych, 4, 977]. However, the majority of experiments involving the extraction of muscle synergies prove theoretically insufficient to determine whether such synergies are of neural origin or simply reflect the lower dimensionality of an under-sampled biomechanical/neural task space [Kutch & Valero-Cuevas, 2012, PLoS computational biology, 8(5), e1002434]. Therefore, to what extent biomechanics of the human vocal tract may constrain the “ecological state space” of a speaker during locution remains uninvestigated. As a proof of concept, we created a simplified version of the peri-oral region using FEM modeling in a physics-based simulator (ArtiSynth [Lloyd et al., 2012, Soft tissue biomech…surgery, pp. 355]). Systematic simulations enabled us to model the full kinematic/biomechanical space. Visualization of the resulting biomechanical state spac.
Strategies for employees to effect change to improve performance of public organizations

Seventy percent of organizations fail in their organizational change initiatives because of failure to involve employees in the change process. Some managers lack the strategies to implement change initiatives successfully. Using Kotter’s eight-step change model as the conceptual framework, this qualitative case study was conducted to explore public sector managers’ strategies to include employees in implementing organizational change. Semi-structured interviews were used to identify public sector managers’ strategies that include employees in implementing organizational change. Interviews were conducted with eight participants who met the inclusion criteria for this study. Data analysis included methodological triangulation and Yin’s five-phase data analysis. The five resulting principal themes are effective communication, creating and sustaining employee engagement, leadership style effect, developing training programs and processes, and strengthening organizational culture. The findings indicate that managers should focus on how well their subordinates understand the overarching goals of the vision and mission of change initiatives. These findings have potential implications for positive social change that include catalyzing employees to have a healthier attitude at work, have a better sense of work–life balance, and have a sense of belonging. Understanding the contribution of an engaging workforce may enable organizations to improve performance and profits by catalyzing monetary and non-monetary contributions to benefit citizens.
Structure and the Thermal Management of a 3-D Silicon Carbide MOSFET Module

Silicon carbide (SiC) device has higher switching frequency, higher breakdown voltage, and lower on-state voltage drop, which makes it subversive potential in the high power density applications. However, the traditional packaging structure cannot cope with the high power density of SiC devices, so the existing commercial SiC power module can only be used in derating applications. This paper proposed a 3-D packaging design method for high power density MOSFET power module, in which the cooling system is integrated inside the module to reduce the thermal resistance and the temperature difference of the SiC MOSFET chips. At the same time, the heat dissipation process of the new structure is modeled and analyzed, and the accuracy of the model is proved by experiment and simulation.
Metamaterial-embedded dual wideband microstrip antenna for 2.4 GHz WLAN and 8.2 GHz ITU band applications

ABSTRACT A compact dual-band antenna designed for operating in IEEE 802.11b/g WLAN (2.4–2.484 GHz) and ITU frequency bands (8.01–8.5 GHz) is presented in this communication. The antenna has two distinct resonant modes generated with the help of three U-shaped transmission lines and a modified ground plane. A periodic repeating pattern of metamaterial unit cells integrated on the same plane of the substrate has enhanced the antenna performances using improved loading method. The measured bandwidth of the metamaterial-embedded antenna is increased by 16% in the lower operating band and 6% in the upper operating band. The compact proposed antenna provides wide measured bandwidths of about 40% (2–3 GHz) in the lower and 16% (8.19–9.63 GHz) in the upper frequency spectra. The maximum measured gain of the proposed antenna is increased around 3.63 dB at 2.36 GHz and 1 dB at 8.45 GHz. The proposed antenna radiator is about 89.6% compact with respect to a conventional antenna. An excellent agreement of the simulation with the benchmark results validates the design of the proposed structure.
Robust multi-objective optimization for energy production scheduling in microgrids

ABSTRACT In order to achieve better economic and environmental benefits of microgrids (MGs) under multiple uncertainties in renewable energy resources and loads, a novel energy production scheduling method is proposed based on robust multi-objective optimization with minimax criterion. Firstly, a mixed integer minimax multi-objective formulation is developed to capture uncertainties as well as minimize economic and environmental objectives. Secondly, the primal problem is decomposed into a bi-level optimization problem, which attempts to seek robust scheduling scheme set under the worst-case realization of uncertainties in a multi-objective framework. Finally, a hierarchical meta-heuristic solution strategy, including multi-objective cross entropy algorithm and δ+ indicator, is designed to solve the reconstructed problem. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed scheduling method can effectively attenuate the disturbance of uncertainties as well as reduce energy costs and emissions, as compared with single-objective robust optimization and multi-objective optimization scheduling approaches. This study could offer useful insights which help decision-makers balance robustness and comprehensive benefits in the operation of MGs.
Stereo-based visual localization without triangulation for unmanned robotics platform

In this paper we propose a novel method for localization based on matching two stereo images. It is based on minimizing the sum of square distances between each 3D point and four corresponding 3D rays. The method shows good results for practical localization purposes. Moreover it is robust to the presence of feature point correspondences with zero disparity, which is usually a problem for classical methods. The algorithm is tested in comparison to the classical method. It has linear complexity with respect to feature point correspondence number.
A Vehicle–Bridge Interaction Element: Implementation in ABAQUS and Verification

Vibration analysis of bridges induced by train loads is a crucial aspect of railway design, particularly considering the complexity of vehicle components such as bogie-suspension systems. Consequently, railway engineers have endeavored to improve the computational efficiency and applicability of train models using the finite-element method. This paper introduces a toolbox implemented in ABAQUS through a user-defined element (UEL) subroutine, which incorporates the vehicle–bridge interaction (VBI) element theory. This toolbox effectively handles diverse vehicle–bridge interaction systems. In the proposed theory, the wheel-track contact force is derived based on the bridge response, eliminating the need for an iterative process and significantly reducing computational workload compared to classical physics-based analysis. The presented approach is validated through a moving sprung mass model and a moving rigid bar model. Furthermore, a case study is conducted on a three-dimensional finite-element model of a high-speed railway bridge in China, based on a design sketch, to showcase the capabilities of the developed scheme. The study demonstrates the practical application of the proposed methodology in analyzing vehicle–bridge structures with high complexity.
“Signature Pedagogies” on Assessment and Evaluation in Teacher Education

Our study identified the pedagogical routines regarding the assessment and evaluation of pre-service teachers. A document analysis, a questionnaire-based inquiry, and several interviews were conducted in order to investigate the surface structure of the signature pedagogies involved in teacher education and training. The findings highlight that pre-service teachers have a traditional mindset regarding assessment, as a result of signature pedagogies imprinted in their formation, patterns of industrial school from the beginning of the 20th century.
Influence of a valley exit jet on the nocturnal atmospheric boundary layer at the foothills of the Pyrenees

The evolution of the nocturnal atmospheric boundary layer at the foothills of a major mountain range is studied, exploring the influence of thermally driven winds. Observations made in Lannemezan (in the foothills of the Pyrenees, about 10 km from the exit of the Aura Valley) during the Boundary‐Layer Late Afternoon and Sunset Turbulence (BLLAST) experimental field campaign are taken together with high‐resolution mesoscale simulations of some selected intensive observation periods. We find that the nocturnal boundary layer features in Lannemezan are different from those reported in flat terrain regions due to the influence of thermally driven winds. Close to sunset, a thermal gradient between the plain and the mountains favours the initiation of mountain–plain circulations, while at the mountain slopes locally generated downslope winds are formed. The organization of the flow in the Aura Valley generates a valley exit jet close to midnight, which propagates through the foothills while its speed and height decrease. As a result, a maximum wind speed of about 5–10 m/s from the southern sector is found in Lannemezan between 50 and 200 m above the ground, depending on the intensity and direction of the mesoscale winds. Turbulence (above and below the jet nose) and the jet features affect the relative importance of the terms of the surface energy balance and the temperature evolution at lower levels. The organization of the flow at lower levels in the Aura Valley and the thermal gradient between the valley and the foothills are the most important factors in the formation and maintenance of the valley exit jet, strongly modulated by the intensity and direction of the mesoscale winds.
Imaging charge migration in the asymmetric molecule with the holographic interference in strong-field tunneling ionization

Coherent superposition of several electronic states in molecules induces attosecond charge migration. We theoretically demonstrate a way to observe this attosecond charge migration in the asymmetric molecule HeH2+ using strong-field photoelectron holography, complementary to our previous work (He M et al 2018 Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 133204) where the charge migration in the symmetric molecule was monitored. We disentangle the holographic interference from other types of interference in the photoelectron momentum distribution with the Fourier frequency filter method. By employing the holographic fringes originating from the ground state of HeH2+ as a reference, we develop a feasible approach to visualize the charge migration in the asymmetric molecule with attosecond temporal resolution.
High quantum efficiency transmission-mode GaAlAs photocathode with a nanoscale surface structure

To obtain a high quantum efficiency transmission-mode GaAlAs photocathode, a photocathode with a graded Al composition structure is designed, in which the Al composition of the emission layer is decreased gradually from bulk to surface, and the outermost layer is GaAs. Based on the graded Al composition structure, GaAlAs photocathodes with different thicknesses of GaAs layers are prepared. The experimental results show that the quantum efficiency of the GaAlAs photocathode in blue-green light significantly increased when the thickness of the outermost GaAs achieves a dozen nanometers. The peak quantum efficiency of a GaAlAs photocathode with a nanoscale GaAs layer could achieve 31%, which appears at 620 nm. The nanoscale surface structure has a quantum confinement effect, which is the main factor in the increased quantum efficiency of the GaAlAs photocathode.
The Extracellular Lipopeptides and Volatile Organic Compounds of Bacillus subtilis DHA41 Display Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Activity against Soil-Borne Phytopathogenic Fungi

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) is a devastating soil-borne fungus causing Fusarium wilt in watermelon. The present study investigated the biochemical mechanism underlying the antifungal activity exhibited by the antagonistic bacterial strain DHA41, particularly against Fon. Molecular characterization based on the 16S rRNA gene confirmed that DHA41 is a strain of Bacillus subtilis, capable of synthesizing antifungal lipopeptides, such as iturins and fengycins, which was further confirmed by detecting corresponding lipopeptide biosynthesis genes, namely ItuB, ItuD, and FenD. The cell-free culture filtrate and extracellular lipopeptide extract of B. subtilis DHA41 demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of Fon, Didymella bryoniae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Fusarium graminearum, and Rhizoctonia solani. The lipopeptide extract showed emulsification activity and inhibited Fon mycelial growth by 86.4% at 100 µg/mL. Transmission electron microscope observations confirmed that the lipopeptide extract disrupted Fon cellular integrity. Furthermore, B. subtilis DHA41 emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that exhibited antifungal activity against Fon, D. bryoniae, S. sclerotiorum, and F. graminearum. These findings provide evidence that B. subtilis DHA41 possesses broad-spectrum antifungal activity against different fungi pathogens, including Fon, through the production of extracellular lipopeptides and VOCs.