Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antecedents and Consequences of Trust and Loyalty in Physical Banks Affecting Mobile Payments

The way of payment has changed in recent years: people have turned away from physical payment methods to virtual payment methods. The traditional banking industry is facing challenges brought by new technologies. The main purpose of this study is to investigate customer trust and loyalty transferring from physical banks to mobile payments because mobile payment platforms are a self-service technology. The goal is to create an eco-platform to facilitate transition from a cash-based economy to a cashless economy. This study is the first attempt to integrate platform management, electronic marketing (online trust and online loyalty), and relationship marketing (offline trust and offline loyalty) into one model. We theoretically and empirically take certain factors into consideration to further explore the transfer impact of physical to mobile payments, which is not discussed in literature. The SEM (structural equation modelling) analysis from the 353 respondents in this study found that trust from both the physical and mobile contexts has positively influenced loyalty. Additionally, customers’ trust and loyalty transfer from the physical to the mobile environment has had a significantly positive effect between the physical and mobile environment. Corporate reputation and structure assurance have also significantly positively affected physical trust and mobile trust, respectively. The findings also reveal that the structure assurance plays an essential role in mobile payment. Users may have certain concerns about the procedure of transactions and their personal information. Theoretical and practical implications are provided.
A Corrected Blade Element Momentum Method for Simulating Wind Turbines in Yawed Flow

A new Blade Element Momentum (BEM) model is proposed for yawed wind turbine flows. This method differs from conventional methods in the use of correction factors for the induction. A set of results from potential flow methods is used to define a table of corrections over a wide range of operating conditions and locations within the flow field. The potential flow methods account for the distribution of vorticity in the wake. Applying the resulting corrections give better accuracy than conventional BEM methods. By generating the correction results a priori, the efficiency of the BEM method is preserved. The accuracy of this method and the conventional axial momentum based BEM method are evaluated by comparing results to that of the MEXICO experiment.
High-performance silicon scanning mirror for laser printing

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and characterization of the first MEMS scanning mirror with performance matching the polygon mirrors currently used for high-speed consumer laser printing. It has reflector dimensions of 8mm X 0.75mm, and achieves 80o total optical scan angle at an oscillation frequency of 5kHz. This performance enables the placement of approximately 14,000 individually resolvable dots per line at a rate of 10,000 lines per second, a record-setting speed and resolution combination for a MEMS scanner. The scanning mirror is formed in a simple microfabrication process by gold reflector deposition and patterning, and through-wafer deep reactive-ion etching. The scanner is actuated by off-the-shelf piezo-ceramic stacks mounted to the silicon structure in a steel package. Device characteristics predicted by a mathematical model are compared to measurements.
High-speed single-flux-quantum circuit using planarized niobium-trilayer Josephson junction technology

A simple test circuit of the rapid single‐flux‐quantum (RSFQ) logic family has been implemented in a planarized all‐refractory technology using only two superconducting layers and small Nb/AlOx/Nb Josephson junctions (nominally 1.5×1.5 μm2) with critical current density jc≊6 kA/cm2. A special layout design of the integrated circuit (including a SFQ pulse generator, Josephson transmission line, and T flip–flop) was used to reduce 3D inductances resulting from absence of the ground plane. For samples with various junction parameters, the maximum frequency of the SFQ pulse train, which could be divided by 2 by the flip–flop, ranged from 200 to 370 GHz.
Multi-modal search for multiobjective optimization: an application to optimal smart grids management

This paper studies the possibility to use efficient multimodal optimizers for multi-objective optimization. In this paper, the application area considered for such new approach is the optimal dispatch of energy sources in smart microgrids. The problem indeed shows a non uniform Pareto front and requires efficient optimal search methods. The idea is to exploit the potential of agents in population-based heuristics to improve diversity in the Pareto front, where solutions show the same rank and are thus equally weighted. Since Pareto dominance is at the basis of the theory of multi-objective optimization, most algorithms show the non dominance ranking as quality indicator, with some problem in finding sufficiently diverse solutions. Other algorithms, such as the Indicator Based Evolutionary Algorithm, use most commonly the Hypervolume indicator which also intrinsically shows diversity preserving problems. In this paper, the Glow-worm swarm optimizer is used as multimodal optimization method over a set of solutions ordered based on non dominance. After the introduction of this algorithm, its multiobjective implementation is briefly outlined. Then some tests are carried out on test functions taken from the literature giving quite encouraging results. Finally, the problem of optimal energy dispatch in smart microgrids is described and different applications are shown comparing the results with those obtained emplying the Non Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II. (6 pages)
A Physics-Based Musculoskeletal Driver Model to Study Steering Tasks

Realistic driver models can play an important role in developing new driver assistance technologies. A realistic driver model can reduce the time-consuming trial-and-error process of designing and testing products, and thereby reduce the vehicle's development time and cost. A realistic model should provide both driver path planning and arm motions that are physiologically possible. The interaction forces between a driver's hand and steering wheel can influence control performance and steering feel. The aim of this work is to develop a comprehensive yet practical model of the driver and vehicle. Consequently, a neuromuscular driver model in conjunction with a high-fidelity vehicle model is developed to learn and understand more about the driver's performance and preferences, and their effect on vehicle control and stability. This driver model can provide insights into task performance and energy consumption of the driver, including fatigue and cocontraction dynamics of a steering task. In addition, this driver model in conjunction with a high-fidelity steering model can be used to develop new steering technologies such as electric power steering.
The effect of Quercus infectoria pair cream on the severity of episiotomy pain in nulliparous women

Introduction: Episiotomy is an incision in the perineal area during the second stage of labor to facilitate delivery. Complications of perineal injuries are one of the most important health issues. Oak pair has long been used experimentally to heal wounds and reduce pain. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of oak pair (Quercus infectoria) cream on pain due to episiotomy in nulliparous women. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial experimental study was performed on 120 nulliparous women in Asali hospital in 2018. Individuals were randomly divided into oak pair cream, placebo, and normal saline groups. Data were collected by demographic and midwifery information questionnaires and numerical pain scales. The creams were used by the participants every 12 hours for 10 days, and the pain intensity was evaluated before the intervention and on days 1, 5, and 10. Data analysis was performed by SPSS using chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in pain intensity scores among the three groups of oak pair, placebo, and normal saline before the intervention (P = 0.20). Pain intensity on days 1, 5, and 10 after the intervention showed a significant difference between the three groups in favor of oak cream (P < 0.001). The results showed that there was a significant decrease in the mean pain intensity score of the oak pair receiving group over time (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Oak cream might be effective in reducing pain caused by episiotomy due to analgesic properties.
A review on wireless sensors fabricated using the low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology

ABSTRACT In recent years, with the development of wireless communication systems and intelligent auxiliary equipment, the development of various wireless sensors has attracted more and more scientific and commercial attention. A new type of LC (Lenz (inductor) – Capacitor) wireless sensor was designed and fabricated using Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) technology, including the advantages of low-cost wireless sensing of radio frequency (RF) communications and high operating temperature, miniaturisation, low weight, excellent thermal management, and multilayer printed circuit board of LTCC technology. LTCC technology offers functionalities such as high/low permittivity, low dielectric loss in a single multilayer package and multi-functional features by integration and interconnections. It also offers the highest interconnect density for the fabrication of 3D structures with multilayer additive fabrication of ceramic 2D sheets. In this article, an introduction to the LTCC technology and the mechanism of LC resonance wireless interrogation are overviewed. Then, we summarise the latest developments in wirelessgas, pressure, proximity and microfluidic sensors based on LTCC technology.
SAR in Parallel Transmission

Parallel transmission bears the potential of compensating B1 fleld inhomogeneities induced by wave propagation efiects in (ultra) high fleld whole body MR imaging. However, with increasing fleld strength, the RF power deposition and the associated local speciflc absorption rate (SAR) represent an important attention point with respect to patient safety. This paper presents simulations of a 3T whole body eight-channel transmit/receive body coil loaded with a human bio-mesh model. Phantom SAR simulations were carried out and validated by temperature measurements. A good correlation between SAR simulations and measured temperature was obtained, so that the FDTD method can be considered to be a valuable tool in determining (local) SAR for patient safety in multi-channel transmission MRI systems.
Finite element-artificial transmitting method for AOTFs with weighted coupling

A finite element method with artificial transmitting boundary incorporated is firstly applied for acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTF) with weighted coupling. Here, two kinds of weighting function are considered, one is Cosine function, the other is Gaussian function. And the numerical results are shown for AOTF with a tapered acoustical directional coupler with different weighing function on a LiNbO3 substrate. Through comparison, the optical filter responses of the TE-TM mode conversions of AOTF with Gaussian weighting function are better than AOTF with Cosine weighting function. The results are in good agree with others, which illustrates this method is useful in calculation on AOTF.
Design management of sustainability values: a learning organization perspective

Sustainable issues are complex and intertwined, transcending traditional project boundaries and calling for a design process that supports innovation and learning. The aim of this study is to investigate how and why the management of sustainability values poses a challenge for a design team. Case study research is selected to leverage industry knowledge and the innovation of Target Value Design (TVD), an integrated design management process with a focus on client value delivery. Since one of the most challenging aspects of sustainability is its systemic nature, the design team is evaluated through the lens of a learning organization, which is grounded in systems thinking. While the TVD process supports value delivery from an organizational perspective, the evaluation of the findings points to three key considerations that affect the delivery of sustainability beyond the measures of green building criteria. First, the need to articulate explicit sustainability values in order to build a shared vision and action plan. Second, a mind shift toward a whole systems approach in order to identify trans-disciplinary opportunities for innovative solutions. And third, the restructuring of the design team roles. This study has practical implications for the management of complex sustainability projects, and for human resource development.
Modified step-up boost converter with coupled-inductor and super-lift techniques

In this study, a modified efficient step-up boost converter is proposed. The proposed structure employs coupled-inductor and super-lift techniques to achieve high voltage gain. The super-lift stage absorbs the available energy in the leakage inductance of the coupled inductor, clamps the off-state voltage of the main switch, and reaches a moderate voltage gain. Moreover, the coupled-inductor technique offers high voltage gain, low off-state voltage for the main switch, and alleviates the reverse-recovery problem of the output diode. Hence, using these two techniques, the proposed converter achieves high step-up voltage gain and eliminates the drawbacks of the conventional boost converter. The proposed converter is analysed in details and a hardware prototype with the input voltage of 15 V, output voltage of 200 V and the nominal power of 100 W is utilised for the experimental investigation.
Effect of Leg Extension Angle on Knee Flexion Angle during Swing Phase in Post-Stroke Gait

Background and Objectives: Leg extension angle is important for increasing the propulsion force during gait and is a meaningful indicator for evaluating gait quality in stroke patients. Although leg extension angle during late stance might potentially also affect lower limb kinematics during the swing phase, the relationship between these two remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between leg extension angle and knee flexion angle during pre-swing and swing phase in post-stroke gait. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine stroke patients walked along a 16 m walkway at a self-selected speed. Tilt angles and acceleration of pelvis and paretic lower limb segments were measured using inertial measurement units. Leg extension angle, consisting of a line connecting the hip joint with the ankle joint, hip and knee angles, and increments of velocity during pre-swing and swing phase were calculated. Correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between these parameters. Partial correlation analysis adjusted by the Fugl-Meyer assessment-lower limb (FMA-LL) was also performed. Results: On the paretic side, leg extension angle was positively correlated with knee flexion angle during the swing phase (r = 0.721, p < 0.001) and knee flexion angle and increments of velocity during the pre-swing phase (r = 0.740–0.846, p < 0.001). Partial correlation analysis adjusted by the FMA-LL showed significant correlation between leg extension angle and knee flexion angle during the swing phase (r = 0.602, p = 0.001) and knee flexion angle and increments of velocity during the pre-swing phase (r = 0.655–0.886, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Leg extension angle affected kinematics during the swing phase in post-stroke gait regardless of the severity of paralysis, and was similar during the pre-swing phase. These results would guide the development of effective gait training programs that enable a safe and efficient gait for stroke patients.
Theory of optical signal amplification and processing by quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers

This work presents a theory of optical signal amplification and processing by quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA's) based on the density matrix equations to treat electron-light interaction and the optical pulse propagation equations. The theory includes the linear optical response as well as the incoherent and coherent nonlinear response of the new devices with arbitrary spectral and spatial distribution of quantum dots in the active region under the multimode light. The incoherent nonlinear response was due to the incoherent spectral hole burning and the reduction in the carrier density by the stimulated emission. The coherent nonlinearity was due to the dynamic spectral hole burning caused by the population beating at the electronic states resonant to the multimode light and the carrier density pulsation caused by the carrier relaxation dynamics. Based on the theory, we numerically simulated the operation of quantum-dot SOA's, and succeeded in presenting their diverse promising features in a very systematical manner. We expect amplifiers with low power consumption, high saturation power, broad gain bandwidth, and pattern-effect-free operation under gain saturation, and also signal processing devices to realize high-speed (40 to 160 Gb/s) pattern-effect-free wavelength conversion by the cross-gain modulation with low frequency chirping and symmetric highly-efficient 1 to 2 THz wavelength conversion by the nondegenerate four-wave mixing. We point out that the nonlinear optical response due to the spectral hole burning plays a decisive role in the high-speed optical signal processing. Many of the theoretical predictions in this paper agree well with recent experimental demonstrations of device performance. This work will help not only design practical quantum-dot devices working in the photonic networks but also understand how carrier dynamics relates to the optical response of quantum dots with optical gain under current injection.
Are engineers becoming more enterprising? A study of the potentials of entrepreneurship education

Many of the UK's professional engineering institutes, and education generally, promote the development of enterprise skills: enterprise ability is considered appropriate for the modern economy graduates will operate in; and enterprise should increase levels of innovation, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship in the engineering professions, thus contributing to competitiveness. The current paper draws from a study of enterprise education in three universities, and looks specifically at engineering students. The paper compares perceptions, expectations and enterprise skills development amongst engineering and non-engineering students. The study finds that many engineering students do aim to start firms but this tends to be cited as later than that reported by other students. Engineering students also understand that enterprise skills are relevant to employment and personal development. However, perceptions of enterprise skills development are less common than for other students. This is likely to be because engineering students tend to report they have many enterprise skills anyway.
Lean Six Sigma – getting better all the time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess Lean Six Sigma to identify important advances over the last ten to 15 years and discuss emerging trends that suggest how the methodology needs to evolve. The goal is to aid those who want to use the method to improve performance as well as assist those developing improvement methodologies.Design/methodology/approach – The use and development of Lean Six Sigma is reviewed including the origins of the method, the what, why and benefits of the method, how the approach is different, the integration of Lean and Six Sigma, implementation mistakes made, lessons learned and developments needed in the future.Findings – It is found that organizations have many different improvement needs that require the objectives and methods contained in the lean and Six Sigma methodologies. It is also found that deployment and sustaining improvements are major issues that can be overcome by building a sustaining infrastructure and making improvement a business process. Critical is.
Preview-based control of suspension systems for commercial vehicles

An active suspension with preview is developed for the rear axle of a commercial vehicle. The obtained improvements are promising and justify further investigation of the more feasible semi-active suspensions with preview. The inherent non-linearity of semi-active suspensions with switching shock absorbers and the need for controllers that can handle a broad class of control objectives has led to the development of several numerical control methods for both multi-level and continuously variable shock absorbers. The most promising control method and shock absorber type are selected and mounted in a test vehicle. Some first experimental results are discussed.
Planar diplexer for microwave integrated circuits

A planar microwave diplexer based on the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technique is presented in the paper. The SIW-microstrip transition and SIW filter are experimentally investigated, and then a C-band SIW diplexer is designed and fabricated using a standard PCB process. The relative bandwidths of up and down channels are 3% and 4.8% at 5.96 GHz and 5.42 GHz, respectively. The measured results show good channel isolation, moderate insert losses and small return losses in pass-bands. The diplexer takes a planar form and can be easily integrated in microwave integrated circuits (MICs).
Analysis of Future Growth in Korea Movie Industry

The significance of the image content industry, as a flagship industry of the cultural content industry, is emerging globally as a high value-added trend. Since the movie industry has diverse related industries along with a positive spillover effect from cultural and economic perspectives, it ultimately strengthens national brands as well as national competitiveness. As a national strategy cultural content industry, the movie industry in each country around the world utilizes its own diverse self-protective systems. The Korean movie industry has emerged as a 10 million-strong movie-goer market; however, in reality, it is vulnerable to high film production costs and utility. The current domestic media market demands a new paradigm through the media industry as a whole; nonetheless, it is inherently limited to past film production and distribution channels. In this study, I seek to evaluate the status quo and propose a new direction for the Korea movie industry.
Additive layered manufacturing: sectors of industrial application shown through case studies

In modern industry, mass production has migrated to third world countries. To be competitive, European companies are forced to rapidly switch towards manufacturing of short series of customised products with added value. In European industry, a great effort has been made in order to customise products and give them an added value by developing new fabrication technologies. Additive layered manufacturing (ALM), also known as rapid manufacturing (RM), is a powerful tool that offers the necessary competitiveness to European companies. ALM comprises the use of layer-by-layer manufacturing in order to build a part by addition of material. Fabrication is performed directly from the 3D CAD model, which is sliced into layers that are printed one upon the other. Also known as free form fabrication, additive fabrication ‘unlocks’ design potential since part design obeys functionality, pushing the limits of manufacturability. In this paper, the authors review ALM technologies and the state-of-the-art of ALM applications in tooling, biomedicine and lightweight structures for the automotive and aerospace sectors. The authors present their experience in industrial application of additive fabrication through various industrial technology transfer projects made to transfer ALM technology to SMEs. Various case studies are presented and the achieved benefits of ALM are shown.