Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mach-Zehnder interferometer type optical waveguide coupler with wavelength-flattened coupling ratio

Coupling characteristics of a new optical wavelength-flattened coupler with the Mach–Zehnder configuration are described. A coupling ratio of 20 ± 1.9% in a wide wavelength region of 1.25 μm–1.65 μm is realised using silica waveguides on Si.
Optimal ON-resistance versus breakdown voltage tradeoff in superjunction power devices: a novel analytical model

A two-dimensional (2-D) analytical model for the calculation of breakdown voltage of recently proposed power super-junction (SJ) devices is presented. The model is able to correctly estimate electric field and breakdown voltage giving a deep insight in the design of SJ structures. Design criteria to minimize ON-resistance for a given breakdown voltage are discussed. Numerical 2-D simulations validate the proposed model.
Control of Processes with Time Delays

The need to control processes with time delays can be found in many aspects of the metals industry from refining to rolling mills. When the time delay becomes long compared with the system time constant or when the time delay varies, then control of the process becomes difficult using classical control methods. Yet, with the increasing demand to have tighter control of our processes, methods must be developed to achieve high quality control despite the time delay problem. This paper evaluates three controllers for their applicability to this problem: the classic P+I, Smith linear predictor, and the Clarke-Gawthrop self-tuning controller. Each of the controllers is implemented on an example process which is first order with a long time delay. Implementation details like selection of tuning parameters are discussed. This paper quantifies in terms of time delay and time constant what type of performance can be expected from the classic P+I controller. All three control strategies are evaluated for their response to step reference changes, step load disturbances and variations in the process time delay. No control strategy is ever the perfect solution, so the advantages and limitations of each strategy are presented and discussed.
Design and Analysis of a Lower Limb Exo-Skeleton Suit for Post Stroke Patient: Static and Ergonomic Analyses

This paper presents a study on the development of a lower limb exoskeleton suit (exo-suit) for post-stroke patients. The exo-suit is designed and developed for restoration of post-stroke patients' gait motion (ability to use their lower limb joints) and analysis on ergonomics and statics are also considered. The mechanical structure of the exo-suit is proposed according to the anatomy of Asian people with an average mass of eighty kilograms in order that it is fitted perfectly. The conceptual design is established and selected by a dedicated design matrix and compared using the matrix evaluation process, and then Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software CATIA is used to create the 3D model. The design has undergone an evaluation of static structural and ergonomic analysis via CATIA and ANSYS Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. Two materials are used in the static structural analysis, one is aluminium alloy, the other is steel material. The result of equivalent stress for both materials is within the allowable range of 29.511MPa to 1168.4 MPa. For RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) Analysis, the results showed that all three postures (static, intermittent, and repeated) yield acceptable final score which is 1 for intermittent and 2 for static and repeated postures.
Inhibitory Effects of CaCl2 and Pectin Methylesterase on Fruit Softening of Raspberry during Cold Storage

Quality of raspberry fruit experiences a rapid decline after harvest due to its vulnerable texture and high moisture content. Application of calcium chloride (CaCl2) combined with pectin methylesterase (PME) is efficient in delaying fruit softening. In this study, the effects of exogenous CaCl2 alone or in combination with PME on the structure of the cell wall, the molecular properties of pectin, and the amount of free water of raspberry during postharvest storage were investigated. The results showed that CaCl2 combined with PME treatment could maintain fruit firmness and inhibit weight loss. The treatment of CaCl2+PME maintained the cell wall structure via sustaining middle lamella integrity and reducing the activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as polygalacturonase, pectin methylesterase, β-galactosidase, α-L-arabinofuranosidase, and β-xylosidase. In addition, CaCl2+PME treatment could effectively increase the content of chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) and develop a cross-linked structure between Ca2+ and CSP. Moreover, CaCl2+PME treatment was of benefit in maintaining free water content. CaCl2 in combination with PME treatment could be a promising method for inhibiting softening and maintaining the quality of postharvest raspberry during cold storage.
NONLINEAR CONTROLLER DESIGN FOR POWER SYSTEM USING NOVAL MATHEMATICAL TECHNIQUE

In this paper design of nonlinear controller for power system is considered. Due to effects like sudden fault, electric equipment failure, severe storms etc. the parameters of electric power system does not maintain the fixed value which results in the parametric uncertainities. To overcome these parametric uncertainities, different control techniques have been analyzed by different researchers. The objective of this paper is to design controller to achieve transient stability improvement and voltage regulation. Different techniques for designing controller have been discussed and the mathematical tool used for carrying out the linearization is direct feedback linearization technique. In this paper different controllers like voltage regulator, excitation controller, co-ordinated controller and fuzzy controller has been discussed and the simulated results for co-ordinated and fuzzy controller has been compared. The fuzzy controller has been found to be simple and more adaptive compared to other controllers.
The Z2×Z2 -graded Lie superalgebras pso(2n+1|2n) and pso(∞|∞) , and parastatistics Fock spaces

The parastatistics Fock spaces of order p corresponding to an infinite number of parafermions and parabosons with relative paraboson relations are constructed. The Fock spaces are lowest weight representations of the Z2×Z2 -graded Lie superalgebra pso(∞|∞) , with a basis consisting of row-stable Gelfand–Zetlin patterns.
Does Increasing Immigration Affect Ethnic Minority Groups?

Immigration is increasing around the world. Academic work suggests that increasing immigration reduces social cohesion and subjective well-being, but these studies mainly focused on white majority populations. Using the 2002 to 2014 European Social Survey, we analyze data from 5,149 ethnic minority respondents living in twenty-four European countries. We examine the association between immigration and respondents’ well-being, mediated by two critical cognitive mechanisms: perceived discrimination and generalized trust. We find that in the short term, immigration is associated with greater perceived discrimination, which in turn is associated with lower trust and well-being. Over the longer term, though, immigration is associated with lower perceived discrimination from ethnic minorities, yielding greater generalized trust and perceived well-being.
Building Hongqiao Integrated Transport Hub to Serve Regional Economy

The overall operation of Hongqiao Integrated Transportation Hub commenced at the end of 2010.This article provides comprehensive introduction on Hongqiao Integrated Transport hub, including the derivation of the project, its function positioning (the status of the transport hub in Yangtze Delta River area and city of Shanghai ), development planning(in order to make investment and expenses balance), planning of road traffic( the bus system is given priority), planning of the information system(a screen shown with schedule information for each traffic mode), planning of intermodal transportation of air-rail(the key is to realize remote check in at Yangtze Delta) and planning of disaster prevention (setting up an allied emergency command center). These explorations provide lots of experiences to the booming construction of integrated transport complex.
Strange and familiar: robot love and artificial intelligence in science fiction theatre script writing: a response to the imminent Technological Singularity

ABSTRACT This article reflects on my process in script-writing responses to the threat of Artificial Superintelligence ending the Anthropocene. This point is often theoretically termed Technological Singularity, a hypothesised extinction point caused by uncontrolled and irreversible technological acceleration. While scholars debate the timing and existential effect of such Technological Singularity, my creative research positions human–robot relationships as the key to surviving super intelligent machines’ apocalyptic potential. This script-writing innovation into representations of Technological Singularity is based on research on intimate emotions between humans and technology, in particular within the fields of Lovotics and Affective Computing. Combining this research with the defamiliarising science fiction strategy of cognitive estrangement, I have produced a science fiction theatre script. Unlike the more common Terminator-style-scripted responses, my work significantly differs in its ‘Make Love, Not War’ positioning.
Management of Software Projects with GAs

A Project Scheduling Problem consists in deciding \who does what" during the softwareproject lifetime. This is a capital application in the practice of software engineering, since thetotal budget and human resources involved must be managed optimally to end in a successfulproject. In short, the main interest of a company is to reduce the time and the cost of theproject, and these two goals are in con°ict. The problem addressed in this article accounts fortimes, human skills, budget, and global complexity. This makes our study very realistic andsimilar to an actual software project planning scenario [3]. In this work we tackle the problemby using genetic algorithms to solve 36 diﬁerent software project scenarios. Thanks to ournewly developed instance generator we can perform structured studies about the in°uence inthe solutions of the most important attributes of the problem. Our conclusions show thatGAs are quite °exible and accurate techniques for this application, and can be an importanttool for project managers [1]. Metaheuristics and, in particular, GAs are not as intensivelyapplied in the software engineering domain as they are in ﬂelds like engineering, mathematics,economy, telecommunications, or bioinformatics [2]. However, the work of Clarke
New beginnings in post graduate medical education. Latin American Medical Education Leaders Forum

Introduction: The consequences of the Covid-19 epidemic have been catastrophic for Latin America in 2021. This study explores experiences, lessons learned, and practice changes during this critical time in post-graduate medical education in Latin America. Methods: A panel of 53 post-graduate medical education leaders from 8 Latin American countries and Canada was invited to participate in the 2021 Latin American Medical Education Leaders Forum to share their experiences, lessons learned, and main educational practice changes given the Covid-19 pandemic scenario. Participants were selected following a snowball technique with the goal of obtaining a diverse group of experts. Small group discussions were conducted by bilingual facilitators based on a semi-structured questionnaire. The plenary session with the main conclusions of each group was recorded and fully transcribed for a thematic analysis using a framework methods approach. Results: Participants´ profiles included 13 experienced clinician-educators, 19 program directors, and 23 deans or organizational representatives. Seven specific themes emerged. They followed a pattern that went from an initial emotional reaction of surprise to a complex collective response. The responses highlighted the value of adaptability, the application of new digital skills, a renovated residents’ protagonism, the strengthening of humanism in medicine, the openness of new perspectives in wellness, and finally, an unresolved challenge of assessment in medical education in a virtual post-pandemic scenario. Conclusion: A diverse panel of medical educators from Latin America and Canada identified changes triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic that could transform postgraduate medical education in the region.
A PEEC with a new capacitance model for circuit simulation of interconnects and packaging structures

In this paper, a modified partial-element equivalent-circuit (PEEC) model, i.e., (L/sub p/, A/spl I.oarr/, R, /spl epsiv/f)PEEC, is introduced. In such a model, no equivalent circuit, but a set of state equations for the variables representing the function of circuit, are given to model a three-dimensional structure. Unlike the original (L/sub p/, P, R, /spl epsiv/f) PEEC model, the definition of vector potential A/spl I.oarr/ with integral form and the Lorentz gauge are used in expanding the basic integral equation instead of the definition of the scalar potential /spl phi/ with integral form. This can directly lead to the state equations, and the capacitance extraction can be replaced by the calculation of the divergence of A/spl I.oarr/, which is analytical. For analysis of most interconnect and packaging problems, generally containing complex dielectric structures, the new model can save a large part of computing time. The validity of the new model is verified by the analysis in time and frequency domain with several examples of typical interconnect and packaging structures, and the results with this new method agree well with those of other papers.
Assessing building performance in use 5: conclusions and implications

The implications of the Probe post-occupancy survey project are discussed (methods and findings have been discussed in papers 1 to 4). Recent pressures to improve the UK building industry and its products have so far focused on production and not performance in use. Feedback, however, reveals successes which are not immediately apparent even to experts (when newly completed, the best all-round performer in Probe did not make the shortlist for an environmental award), and that innovations can easily have unintended consequences. Meanwhile, persistent chronic low-level problems need to be tackled if we are to move towards the triple bottom line of more sustainable practice and create a base of sound practice upon which innovations can flourish. Factors for success include making sure essential features are in place; seeking simplicity, usability, manageability and responsiveness; identifying and managing downside risks; a culture of feedback with better benchmarking and constant review against client and design intentions; and more involvement of the supply side in improving and learning from the performance of buildings in use. Seven main themes are explored and initial actions suggested for the key industry players, clients and government. Dans cet article, les auteurs examinent les implications du projet Probe d'évaluation de la fonctionnalité de bâtiments après emménagement (les méthodes et les résultats ont été examinés dans les articles 1 à 4). Récemment, les pressions exercées pour améliorer en Grande-Bretagne l'industrie du bâtiment et ses produits se sont, jusqu'à présent, concentrées sur la production et non sur le rendement en service. Toutefois, les informations reçues en retour révèlent des succès qui n'apparaissent pas immédiatement, même aux yeux des experts (à leur achèvement, les bâtiments ayant obtenu les meilleures notes dans le cadre du projet Probe n'ont pas été retenus pour une récompense au titre de la protection de l'environnement) et font apparaître que des innovations peuvent facilement avoir des conséquences inattendues. Pendant ce temps, il reste à résoudre de petits problèmes chroniques mais persistants si l'on souhaite aboutir au résultat essentiel qui consiste en des pratiques plus durables et à créer une plate-forme de pratiques saines à partir de laquelle les innovations pourront prospérer. Les facteurs de succès sont nombreux: il faut s'assurer que les caractéristiques essentielles sont en place, rechercher la simplicité, l'aptitude à l'usage, l'aptitude à la gestion et à la réactivité, recenser et gérer les risques en aval, ériger en culture le retour de l'information avec de meilleurs repères et se référer en permanence aux intentions des clients et des concepteurs, s'impliquer davantage du côté « approvisionnements » en améliorant et en tirant des enseignements des rendements de bâtiments en service. Les auteurs explorent sept grands thèmes et suggèrent aux principaux acteurs de l'industrie, aux clients et aux autorités officielles de premières mesures à prendre.
Integrated Disease Management for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Primary Care, from the Controlled Trial to Clinical Program: A Cohort Study

Purpose Integrated disease management (IDM) for COPD in primary care has been primarily investigated under clinical trial conditions. We previously published a randomized controlled trial (RCT) where the IDM intervention improved quality of life (QoL) and exacerbation-related outcomes. In this study, we assess the same IDM intervention in a real-world evaluation and identify patient characteristics associated with improved outcomes. Methods This historical cohort study included patients enrolled for 12 (±3 months) in the Best Care COPD IDM program. The main outcome was a ≥3 point improvement in COPD assessment test (CAT). Secondary outcomes were COPD exacerbations requiring antibiotics and/or prednisone, unscheduled physician visits, emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Results Data for 571 patients (all patients) were included, 158 met the reference RCT eligibility (RCT matched). Improved QoL was observed in 43% (95% CI:38.9,47.2) of all patients, 47% (95% CI:39.5,55.6) of RCT matched vs 92% (95% CI:79.2,95.1) in the reference RCT intervention arm (n=72). Reductions (12 months IDM vs prior year) were observed in the proportion of patients experiencing exacerbation-related events (all patients): antibiotics/prednisone (−9.0%,95% CI:-13.9,-3.9); unscheduled physician (−33.1%,95% CI:-38.2,-27.9); emergency department (−9.6%,95% CI:-13.5,-5); and hospitalizations (−6.8%,95% CI:-10.0,-3.7). For the RCT matched group all reductions were comparable to the reference RCT intervention arm. The strongest predictors of improved QoL were baseline CAT, CAT≥20 vs CAT<10 (OR 15.6,95% CI:7.91,30.83), GOLD group B (OR 6.4,95% CI:3.42,11.85) and D (OR 5.64,95% CI:2.80,11.37) vs GOLD group A. Patients with prior antibiotic/prednisone use, FEV1 <30% predicted and GOLD group D were less likely to have no urgent health service utilization (OR 0.5,95% CI:0.30,0.68), (OR 0.2,95% CI:0.07,0.78) and (OR 0.3,95% CI:0.14,0.51), respectively. Conclusion Best Care COPD improved QoL and reduced exacerbation-related outcomes in a manner directionally similar to the RCT from which it emanated. Baseline QoL, exacerbation history, and GOLD category were identified as possible predictors of IDM impact and will inform future program development and resource allocation.
Quasi-phasematched optical parametric oscillators using bulk periodically poled LiNbO3

We review progress of quasi-phasematched (QPM) optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) in bulk periodically poled LiNbO3. Using the electric field poling process, we can reliably fabricate 0.5-mm thick crystals with uniform domain structures over 15-mm long. Periodically poled material retains the low loss and bulk power handling properties of single domain LiNbO3, and QPM allows noncritical phasematching with the highest value of the nonlinear coefficient. OPOs pumped by 1.064-micrometers pulsed Nd:YAG lasers have been operated over the wavelength range 1.45 micrometers to 4.0 micrometers with tuning by temperature or QPM period. We have shown oscillation threshold as low as 0.020 mJ with a Q-switched pump laser, and pumping over two times threshold without damage. We have also demonstrated a doubly resonant oscillator near 1.96 micrometers pumped directly with a cw diode laser at 978 nm.
Geometrical modeling of a two-dimensional sensor array for determining spatial position of a passive object

This paper presents a model of an active sensor array which can determine the spatial position of a passive object by illuminating the object via a small set of emitters and measure the intensity of the reflection by means of a small set of receivers. All emitters and receivers are located in the same two-dimensional plane. The model is based on geometrical observations and provides a mapping of the measured reflected intensities to spatial position. The mapping is derived from intersection sets of prolate spheroids with emitters and receivers in the focal points, and it is shown that the mapping, therefore, has a series of interesting properties. The optimal positions of emitters and receivers are also derived.
Assessment of customer outage costs due to electric service interruptions: residential sector

The assessment of the benefit or worth of reliability is perceived as being a major contribution in providing the additional detail in the justification of new system facilities and operating reliability levels provided the required information can be obtained in a consistent and coherent manner. The costs incurred by consumers, customer interruption costs (CIC), as a result of interruptions in their electricity supply are considered key indicators of customer expectations and therefore of reliability worth. The assessment of CIC through surveys is considered to yield the most definitive results. Since the worth of these factors is difficult to quantify, consistent convergence of respondents' opinions on issues related to the electricity service can be useful in lending credibility to the interruption costs derived from surveys. The paper is based on extensive surveys conducted at UMIST. It reports on the customer characteristics of the residential respondents and their experience of interruptions, the undesirability of some effects of interruptions and the variation of undesirability of effects with frequency of interruption, season, time of day and weekday/weekend. The customers' ratings of these aspects are also tested for statistical correlation with the customer and experience of interruption variables. Remarkable agreement on the opinions is displayed across the RECs leading to the expectation that the corresponding CIC derived from the studies will be comparable as well.
A high‐power Cartesian feedback transmitter including a compact inverted Doherty amplifier

A high‐power Cartesian feedback transmitter including a compact inverted Doherty amplifier is presented. The system efficiency was further improved using a bias line adjustment method for the compact inverted Doherty amplifier. After the bias line adjustment from a λ/4 line for the Doherty amplifier, a power‐added efficiency (PAE) of 6.9% points was improved from 41.3 to 48.2% at an output power level of 45 dBm. The whole Cartesian feedback transmitter system exhibited an efficiency of 40% and an adjacent channel leakage ratio of‐51 dBc at an output power of 45 dBm for 859 MHz band π/4‐DQPSK applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 944–946, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23265