Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active-clamp DC/DC converters using magnetic switches

Although DC/DC power converters with coupled inductors can provide high voltage gain to meet the requirements of many emerging applications, their efficiency is degraded by losses associated with the leakage inductors. The active-clamp technique recycles the leakage energy, but at the price of increasing topology complexity. A family of high-efficiency, high step-up DC/DC power converters is proposed in this paper. The proposed converters, which use diodes and coupled windings instead of active switches to realize clamp functions, present better performance than their active-clamp counterparts. The efficiency of a 35 W front-end converter for a high intensity discharge lamp ballast is higher than 90% with 12 V input and 100 V output. The high efficiency is achieved because the leakage energy is recycled and the switch voltage stress is minimized.
More than a matter of qualification: Teachers’ thoughts on the purpose of social studies and history teaching in vocational preparation programmes in Swedish upper-secondary school

The aim of this article is to increase our understanding of how history and social studies teachers in vocational preparation programmes (VET) in Sweden relate to the obligation of preparing students for their future lives as citizens. Previous research on VET programmes has primarily emphasised predetermined roles of education. Different critical perspectives have established how different VET practices contribute to reproducing specific values and a type of knowledge that leaves less room for students to act as independent subjects. In part, the findings of this article contribute to problematising such a description. In a series of interviews, teachers expressed what can best be described as a clear will to prepare students for a future as broadminded and tolerant citizens. The multi-perspective approach emphasised by these teachers not only illustrates the socialisation and qualification functions of education, it also gives prominence to the importance of student subjectification. Furthermore, this article stresses that the teachers do not view the question of the purpose of their subjects in terms of either/or. Rather, it suggests they see their obligations as a matter of professional judgment and customised responses to unique didactic situations.
Professional Mobility as a Model for Overcoming Maladaptive Forms of a Person’s Psychological Defence in Conditions of Professional Development Crises

The article deals with the results of the analysis of the person’s professional mobility as a comprehensive tool for overcoming the professional crises. It also determines the existence of many unascertained psychological problems in its structure. One of these problems is the problem of overcoming maladaptive forms of a person’s psychological defence based on his professional mobility in stressful conditions of the professional development crises. Stressful uncertainty in the professional crisis and the high ambivalent tension, which the person is experiencing, characterize the specialist’s maladaptive development according to the “catastrophic” scenario. In the conditions of the professional development crisis a specialist cannot leave it adaptively and flexibly due to a limited number of rigidly patterned professional barriers and behaviour models. Such maladaptive patterned movement of a specialist towards the disintegrational destruction of the whole system of his professional development can be overcome constructively on the basis of his professional mobility model, selection and realization of the further professional movement vector. We consider the interactive strategy of a specialist’s behaviour for constructive overcoming professional crises in the system of his professional development, based on the development of the ability of directed transitions to new professional movement trajectories in the points of the system bifurcation, as the professional mobility.
Codage de la parole en bande élargie basé sur la structure MBE

This paper deals with the adaptation to wideband of the MBE coder which was initially developed for the telephone band. As the constraints of quality and bit rate for a wideband and a telephone band coder are different, and as the signal characteristics on these two bands are different too, we must reconsider the coder structure. Several improvements are proposed, some of which were already proposed for the telephone band such as the phonetic classification of the frames or the multiharmonic modelling of the spectrum. We also propose in order to reach a good quality, especially for high frequency voices, to model and synthesize, as part of the signal, the initial error between the synthetic and original spectra.
Influence of Doppler broadening model accuracy in Compton camera list-mode MLEM reconstruction

The Compton camera is a gamma ray imaging device expected to provide clinically relevant images in the SPECT applications where collimated cameras are sub-optimal. Its imaging performances depend not only on the design of the detection system but also on choices related to tomographic reconstruction. The aim of this work is to show that the accuracy in modelling the acquisition largely influences the quality of the images. For this purpose, we restrict here to Doppler broadening models in conjunction with the list-mode maximum likelihood expectation maximization (LM-MLEM) algorithm. The study was carried out with Monte-Carlo simulation. We show that the reconstructed point spread function is location-dependent when the model is not accurate, and the usual elongation artefacts well-known in Compton camera imaging will appear. The model we propose allows us to reconstruct isolated point sources and more complex non-uniform sources with improved resolution even in the direction orthogonal to the camera.
An analytical deep submicron MOS device model considering velocity overshoot behavior using energy balance equation

In order to evaluate the velocity overshoot phenomenon in the deep submicron MOS devices, the energy balance equation should be incorporated with the drift-diffusion equation that includes thermoelectric diffusion. This paper presents an analytical current model for deep submicron MOS devices by solving the energy balance equation. Our model results show good agreement with experimental results. We have successfully derived the drain current model composed of drift and thermoelectric currents. >
Verification of a Mobile Psychoacoustic Test System

Many hearing difficulties can be explained as a loss of audibility, a problem easily detected and treated using standard audiological procedures. Yet, hearing can be much poorer (or more impaired) than audibility predicts because of deficits in the suprathreshold mechanisms that encode the rapidly changing, spectral, temporal, and binaural aspects of the sound. The ability to evaluate these mechanisms requires well-defined stimuli and strict adherence to rigorous psychometric principles. This project reports on the comparison between a laboratory-based and a mobile system’s results for psychoacoustic assessment in adult listeners with normal hearing. A description of both systems employed is provided. Psychoacoustic tests include frequency discrimination, amplitude modulation detection, binaural encoding, and temporal gap detection. Results reported by the mobile system were not significantly different from those collected with the laboratory-based system for most of the tests and were consistent with those reported in the literature. The mobile system has the potential to be a feasible option for the assessment of suprathreshold auditory encoding abilities.
Robust Asynchronous Fuzzy Predictive Fault-Tolerant Tracking Control for Nonlinear Multiphase Batch Processes with Time-Varying Tracking Trajectories

A T-S model-dependent robust asynchronous fuzzy predictive fault-tolerant tracking control scheme is developed for nonlinear multiphase batch processes with time-varying tracking trajectories and actuator faults. Firstly, considering the influence of the mismatch between the previous phase state and the current phase controller during the switching, a T-S fuzzy switching model including the match and mismatch case is established. Depending on the fuzzy switching model, a robust fuzzy predictive fault-tolerant tracking controller is designed by considering the situation whether the model rules correspond to the controller rules. Secondly, using the related theories and methods, the system stability conditions presented by the linear matrix inequality considering the above conditions are provided to guarantee the stability of the system. By solving these stability conditions, the T-S fuzzy control law gain of each phase, the minimum running time of each match case and the maximum running time of each mismatch case are obtained. Then, through the maximum running time, the strategy of the switching signal in advance is adopted to avoid the occurrence of asynchronous switching, so as to ensure that the system can operate stably. Finally, the simulation results verify that the designed controller is effective and feasible.
Extension of 193 nm dry lithography to 45-nm half-pitch node: double exposure and double processing technique

Immersion lithography and multiple exposure techniques are the most promising methods to extend lithography manufacturing to the 45nm node. Although immersion lithography has attracted much attention recently as a promising optical lithography extension, it will not solve all the problems at the 45-nm node. The 'dry' option, (i.e. double exposure/etch) which can be realized with standard processing practice, will extend 193-nm lithography to the end of the current industry roadmap. Double exposure/etch lithography is expensive in terms of cost, throughput time, and overlay registration accuracy. However, it is less challenging compared to other possible alternatives and has the ability to break through the κ1 barrier (0.25). This process, in combination with attenuated PSM (att-PSM) mask, is a good imaging solution that can reach, and most likely go beyond, the 45-nm node. Mask making requirements in a double exposure scheme will be reduced significantly. This can be appreciated by the fact that the separation of tightly-pitched mask into two less demanding pitch patterns will reduce the stringent specifications for each mask. In this study, modeling of double exposure lithography (DEL) with att-PSM masks to target 45-nm node is described. In addition, mask separation and implementation issues of optical proximity corrections (OPC) to improve process window are studied. To understand the impact of OPC on the process window, Fourier analysis of the masks has been carried out as well.
Service Quality, Satisfaction and Loyalty of Customers in Hotels: The Case of Northern Tanzania

The study explored the effect of hotels service quality on the customer satisfaction and loyalty in the northern region of Tanzania. It sought to scrutinize the effects of Reliability (RE), Tangibility (TAN), Empathy (Emp), Responsiveness (RESP), Assurance (ASS) on the loyalty (CUSL) and satisfaction (CUSAT) of customers. Utilizing PLS approach, it investigated how the satisfaction of customers mediates between the service offered and loyalty of customers using service quality (SERVQUAL Model). PLS technique was utilized as it solidly addresses service quality model intricacies and PLS software is available. 205 guests in hotels and guest houses during Christmas season of 2018 and New Year festivities of 2019 were sampled systematically and interviewed. The key findings revealed that while Responsiveness determined favorably satisfaction and loyalty of customers; Reliability performed dismally in both cases. The main finding was that customer satisfaction significantly and positively influence the loyalty of customers and hence the slogan ‘Tutarudi’ which is a Swahili word meaning ‘We shall come back’ and signifies loyalty and satisfaction. The paper recommends management to improve their capacity to achieve the assured service accurately and dependably; be aware of the expectation of their customers pertaining to reliability; and provide individualized care to customers by giving the services as promised.
Acoustic identification of the sympatric species Indo-Pacific finless porpoise and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin: an example from Langkawi, Malaysia

ABSTRACT The passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) technique has been widely used to detect odontocetes that emit echolocation clicks. However, identifying sympatric dolphins and porpoises using clicks, which is important especially for conservation purposes, remains challenging. In this study, a species identification technique at the family group level using PAM was applied to classify the click trains of two sympatric odontocetes, the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides, N.p.) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis, S.c.). A threshold was identified to discriminate between the two species using the two-band intensity ratios at 130 and 70 kHz. In addition to the significant difference in the two-band intensity ratio, analyses of the click train characteristics revealed that the click train duration and inter-click interval were significantly longer for S.c. than for N.p., indicating that these parameters enable more accurate species identification. Although this study provides a clear means of discriminating between the two species to reveal their distributions and habitat usage, additional studies are recommended to determine whether the same method can be employed to discriminate between other species known to have overlapping distributions in the region, such as Tursiops aduncus or Orcaella brevirostris.
Early warning and emergency response of landfill

In this paper we argue that early warning systems for engineering facilities can be developed by combining and integrating existing technologies and theories. As example, we present an efficient integration of fuzzy expert systems, fault tree analysis and World Wide Web technologies to their application in the development of the Landfill Operation Management Advisor (LOMA), a novel early warning and emergency response system for solid waste landfill operations. The aim of LOMA is to provide assistance to landfill managers on their efforts in preventing accidents and operational problems and to help them to develop emergency response plans if these operational problems shall occur. Additional aim is to disseminate information and knowledge to the public on landfill
Imaging with [99mTc]HMPAO – a novel perspective: investigation of [99mTc]HMPAO leg muscle uptake in metabolic diseases

Background Sensitive imaging modalities in the diagnosis of microcircular complications of the lower extremities induced by metabolic diseases are becoming a focus of interest. Purpose To investigate the [99mTc]HMPAO uptake of the legs in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, and to search for associations with clinical parameters and nerve conducting studies. Material and Methods A total of 57 patients with controlled T2DM and 46 obese participants without DM were enrolled in the study. [99mTc]HMPAO SPECT/CT examinations were performed to evaluate the radiopharmaceutical accumulation of the legs. For the quantitative assessment of tracer uptake, standardized uptake value (SUVpeak) was measured in fixed spheric volumes of interest placed on both sural muscles on the attenuation-corrected images. Measurement of current perception threshold applying Neurometer (NM-01/CPT) was used to evaluate peripheral nerve dysfunction. Laboratory parameters assessing the glucose homeostasis of the study participants were also measured. Results In the diabetic group, significantly lower leg SUV values were detected compared to the non-DM obese group (median: 0.517 vs. 0.607; P < 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.0001), age (P = 0.0283), HbA1c (P = 0.0068), and glucose level (P = 0.0044) proved to be significant predictors of muscle tracer uptake. Neurometer studies showed positive correlation with HbA1c levels in the T2DM group (P = 0.0002). Conclusion We assume that [99mTc]HMPAO uptake of leg muscles is associated with microcirculation, so quantitative [99mTc]HMPAO SPECT/CT might be a sensitive method for evaluating lower limb microvascular alterations. BMI, age, HbA1c, and glucose level may be significant predictors of peripheral vascular abnormalities triggered by metabolic disturbances.
GC hard mask open tool CD monitoring and matching

Critical dimension control of gate stack hard mask open is essential to good process yield. A sector monitoring scheme was developed to provide prompt feedback of any litho or etch process drift to protect product jobs. To match GC hard mask open CDs from multiple etch tools oxygen gas flow was employed to calibrate the CDs and provide the matching conditions for all the etch chambers.
Spectroscopic electromagnetic analysis approach to non-contact circuit board test and diagnosis

Described in this paper is ongoing research in the development of methods to detect failures and anomalies within electronic components and printed circuit boards based upon observations of the interaction of energy applied to their physical materials and consequent radiated emissions that lie within the electromagnetic spectrum. These emissions are created using stimulus applied directly to power and signal input/output connections and indirectly using non-contact methods, and may be detected, analyzed and interpreted to make diagnostic and prognostic determinations for printed circuit boards and electronic components. Non-contact sensing of emissions provides unlimited virtual connections to signals generated by internal devices and circuits, resolving limitations inherent to physical I/O connectors. Results achievable using this method are described in terms of fault resolution and isolation, and the ability to distinguish between actual and pending failures.
On the development of symmetrically stabilized five‐phase oscillators and some implications

The paper deals with the development of a symmetrically stabilized five-phase oscillator. the development results from two origins. It employs on one hand a five-phase conservative oscillator. On the other hand the stabilization process of the oscillator is due to similar non-linear damping terms in earlier developments of stabilized three-phase oscillators. A new feature of the present system is that it possesses an interesting steady state limit-cycle behaviour. the two possible steady state oscillations are similar, since both of them consist of a five-phase balanced set of phasors which are arranged symmetrically. However, each mode of possible steady state oscillation possesses its own unique frequency, although the amplitudes are equal. Another interesting feature of the oscillator is related to the way in which the various possible solutions (oscillatory, steady state, stable and unstable dynamic behaviours) evolve from initial conditions. There seem to exist regions where the system solutions appear sensitive to minute changes in initial conditions. It appears that completely different types of dynamic behaviours can develop from initial conditions in close proximity, which may lead eventually to the development of slightly modified systems with chaotic dynamics. the paper concludes by suggesting an application of multiphase oscillators for feeding phased array antennas.
Exploring the Binding Pattern of Geraniol with Acetylcholinesterase through In Silico Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and In Vitro Enzyme Inhibition Kinetics Studies

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is a key element in enhancing cholinergic transmission and subsequently relieving major symptoms of several neurological and neuromuscular disorders. Here, the inhibitory potential of geraniol and its mechanism of inhibition against AChE were elucidated in vitro and validated via an in silico study. Our in vitro enzyme inhibition kinetics results show that at increasing concentrations of geraniol and substrate, Vmax did not change significantly, but Km increased, which indicates that geraniol is a competitive inhibitor against AChE with an IC50 value 98.06 ± 3.92 µM. All the parameters of the ADME study revealed that geraniol is an acceptable drug candidate. A docking study showed that the binding energy of geraniol (−5.6 kcal mol−1) was lower than that of acetylcholine (−4.1 kcal mol−1) with AChE, which exhibited around a 12.58-fold higher binding affinity of geraniol. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the RMSD of AChE alone or in complex with geraniol fluctuated within acceptable limits throughout the simulation. The mean RMSF value of the complex ensures that the overall conformation of the protein remains conserved. The average values of Rg, MolSA, SASA, and PSA of the complex were 3.16 Å, 204.78, 9.13, and 51.58 Å2, respectively. We found that the total SSE of AChE in the complex was 38.84% (α-helix: 26.57% and β-sheets: 12.27%) and remained consistent throughout the simulation. These findings suggest that geraniol remained inside the binding cavity of AChE in a stable conformation. Further in vivo investigation is required to fully characterize the pharmacokinetic properties, optimization of dose administration, and efficacy of this plant-based natural compound.
Tendances observées sur les régimes hydrologiques de l’Arc Alpin

Depuis 2008 le projet Européen AdaptAlp a pour vocation d’étudier les impacts du changement climatique dans les Alpes et d’évaluer les stratégies d’adaptation pour y faire face. Un des objectifs de ce projet est de faire un état des lieux des changements passés dans les régimes hydrologiques des rivières alpines. Un nouveau jeu de données de 177 séries de débit journalier a été ainsi collecté, afin de couvrir l’ensemble de l’Arc Alpin. Ces séries représentent des bassins versants de montagne exempts d’influences anthropiques majeures et couvrent au moins 40 ans de mesures. L’ensemble des rivières étudiées balaie tout le spectre de comportements hydrologiques typiques des régions de montagne : des rivières purement glaciaires et nivales aux régimes mixtes, soumis aux influences conjuguées de précipitations liquides et solides. De nombreux indices hydrologiques sont définis afin de caractériser les basses, moyennes et hautes eaux, en termes d’intensité et de saisonnalité. Une analyse statistique locale permet de tester la stationnarité et d’évaluer les tendances pour chaque site. Puis la significativité de ces changements à l’échelle régionale est estimée. Les résultats montrent à l’échelle des Alpes des changements significatifs pour les étiages hivernaux qui tendent à être moins sévères. Les crues nivales présentent des changements de saisonnalité marqués : onde de fonte plus précoce et de durée allongée. Cependant aucune évolution nette dans leur intensité n’a été détectée à l’échelle globale.
Heterogeneous Catalysts in Grammar School

The discovery of new catalytically active materi- als is one of the holy grails of computational chemistry as it has the potential to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources and reduce the energy consumption of chemical industry. Indeed, heterogeneous catalysts are essential for the production of synthetic fuels and many commodity chemicals. Consequently, novel catalysts with higher activity and selectivity, increased sustainability and longevity, or improved prospects for rejuvenation and cyclability are needed for a diverse range of processes. Unfortunately, computational catalyst discovery is a daunting task, among other reasons because it is often unclear whether a proposed material is stable or synthesizable. This perspective proposes a new approach to this challenge, namely the use of generative grammars. We outline how grammars can guide the search for stable catalysts in a large chemical space and sketch out several research directions that would make this technology applicable to real materials.