Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A systematic evaluation of laying hen housing for improved hen welfare

In this field observational study, three types of laying-hen houses, i.e., high-rise (HR), manure-belt (MB), and cage-free floor-raised (FR), were monitored for air temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), and atmospheric ammonia (NH3) during winter and summer conditions in Iowa. Under winter conditions, the HR and MB houses had more comfortable temperature and NH3 levels than the FR houses where NH3 level reached 85-89 ppm and house temperature varied more with outside conditions. Under summer conditions, house temperature showed the least rise above ambient in the FR houses, and NH3 level was similar for all housing types. Examination of the hen health status revealed differences in pathogen frequency between housing systems for winter and summer, but not conclusively in favor of one system over another. The results of this study indicate that the benefits of each system were season-dependent. Further monitoring of the environment, bird health and production performance over an extended period (e.g., one year) to quantify the benefits and limitations of each system is warranted. Information of this nature will aid in optimization of hen housing systems for enhanced bird welfare and sustained production efficiency for the egg industry.
Control of legged locomotion using dynamical systems

Legged robots have gained an increased attention these past decades since they offer a promising technology for many applications in unstructured environments where the use of wheeled robots is clearly limited. Such applications include exploration and rescue tasks where human intervention is difficult (e.g. after a natural disaster) or impossible (e.g. on radioactive sites) and the emerging domain of assistive robotics where robots should be able to meaningfully and efficiently interact with humans in their environment (e.g. climbing stairs). Moreover the technology developed for walking machines can help designing new rehabilitation devices for disabled persons such as active prostheses. However the control of agile legged locomotion is a challenging problem that is not yet solved in a satisfactory manner. By taking inspiration from the neural control of locomotion in animals, we develop in this thesis controllers for legged locomotion. These controllers are based on the concept of Central Pattern Generators (CPGs), which are neural networks located in the spine of vertebrates that generate the rhythmic patterns that control locomotion. The use of a strong mathematical framework, namely dynamical systems theory, allows one to build general design methodologies for such controllers. The original contributions of this thesis are organized along three main axes. The first one is a work on biological locomotion and more specifically on crawling human infants. Comparisons of the detailed kinematics and gait pattern of crawling infants with those of other quadruped mammals show many similarities. This is quite surprising since infant morphology is not well suited for quadruped locomotion. In a second part, we use some of these findings as an inspiration for the design of our locomotion controllers. We try to provide a systematic design methodology for CPGs. Specifically we design an oscillator to independently control the swing and stance durations during locomotion, then using insights from dynamical systems theory we construct generic networks supporting different gaits and finally we integrate sensory feedback in the system. Experiments on three different simulated quadruped robots show the effectiveness of the approach. The third axis of research focus on dynamical systems theory and more specifically on the development of an adaptive mechanism for oscillators such that they can learn the frequency of any periodic signal. Interestingly this mechanism is generic enough to work with a large class of oscillators. Extensive mathematical analysis are provided in order to understand the fundamental properties of this mechanism. Then an extension to pools of adaptive frequency oscillators with a negative feedback loop is used to build programmable CPGs (i.e. CPGs that can encode any periodic pattern as a structurally stable limit cycle). We use the system to control the locomotion of a humanoid robot. We also show applications of this system to signal processing.
Winding loss analysis and new air-gap arrangement for high-frequency inductors

Based on the winding loss analysis of inductors, a portion of fluxes called as "by-pass" fluxes are revealed, which induce extra winding losses in inductor windings. A new airgap arrangement scheme for inductors with simple lumped air-gaps is proposed, in which the air-gaps are staggered in their positions to reduce the fluxes going into the winding window, resulting in much less winding losses than those with usual E-E or E-I type core. Finite element analysis is performed to analyze and verify the winding loss reduction for the new airgap arrangement scheme.
The Analysis of Air Force Institute of Technology Theses Related to Contracting

Abstract : At the end of March 2005, the final students will graduate from the Air Force Institute of Technology's (AFIT) contracting graduate degree curricula -- consisting at various times of both contract management and strategic purchasing course sequences -- which have been relocated to the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). With the end of the contracting graduate programs at AFIT, it is appropriate to ask what contributions AFIT theses have made to the contracting community. Scholars (e.g., Das and Hanfield, 1997) have argued that thesis and dissertation research is one useful method of determining contributions to the field. The author conducted a rigorous review of contracting-related theses done at AFIT to find out what contributions they have made to the contracting community and how future research, performed elsewhere, might continue to make contributions in the future. Through this study it was discovered that the majority of the contracting research conducted at AFIT pertained to purchasing planning, organization, policy, and personnel. There has been little research done on commercial purchasing issues, such as buyer-supplier relationship and supply chain integration. The majority of the research performed was in exploratory study format using mostly case studies, interviews, and surveys to collect data. The most common data analysis techniques used were descriptive statistics (36%) followed by anecdotal evidence (18%), "other" (16%), and modeling/simulation (15%).
A dual purpose battery charger for electric vehicles

A dual purpose, high power, off-board battery charger for electric vehicles is presented. For higher viability and increased usage of the charger, grid conditioning capabilities are included in the concept. Conventional power electronic converter topologies are used in a new application, which combines fast EV battery charging with active filtering. Furthermore bi-directional power flow capabilities are provided to accommodate grid peak power requirements. Both simulation and experimental results are presented in this paper which demonstrate the capabilities of the new charger.
The orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing controversy: OAM as a subject of MIMO

Recently the orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing scheme has been proposed to increase without limit the channel capacity between a transmitter and a receiver node communicating in line of sight. A controversy arose about the far-field effectiveness of this method and about it being or not a subset of MIMO communication schemes. In this contribution we first illustrate that OAM multiplexing can be completely understood as line of sight MIMO, and hence that the technique cannot bring additional advantages in far field communications. Secondly, we show that it is possible to build similar line of sight near field MIMO systems based on lenses with similar or better performance than their OAM counterparts.
Flip-chip on FR-4 integrated circuit packaging

Technology advances have made it possible to extend the IBM C4 (Controlled Collapse Chip Connection) IC attachment method, also known as flip-chip, to printed circuit boards with low-cost dielectrics, such as FR-4. This new technology is referred to as Flip Chip Attach (FCA). In the past, C4 attachment had been limited to ceramic substrates due to the high temperature (360/spl deg/C) required to renew the low tin solder on the chips, and the need for the substrate to have its thermal expansion relatively closely matched to that of the silicon chip. The development of methods to deposit uniform, small (approximately 1/spl times/10/sup -3/ mm/sup 3/) volumes of eutectic tin/lead solder on printed circuit cards has allowed C4 bumped chips to be reflow soldered to the cards using standard SMT joining time/temperature profiles. The high melt (3-5% tin, balance lead) solder bump on the chip is used simply as a solder wettable device lead in this case. The resulting solder joint is not a true controlled collapse joint, but the process still maintains the self-aligning characteristic of C4, due to the surface tension of the molten eutectic solder and the low mass of the chip. The other enabling technology development for FCA is the use of a controlled expansion epoxy encapsulant between the chip and the substrate to minimize the cyclic strain on the solder joints induced by thermal expansion mismatch between the silicon chip and the FR-4 card. Without the use of such an encapsulant, the thermal cycle fatigue life of the FCA joints would be totally unacceptable, and the technology would be useless. In this paper we will explain how the enabling technologies work to make FCA a viable packaging method, and present reliability data for several different chips using FCA packaging. <<ETX>>
Developing Electronic ESP Book for Information Systems Students

The research is financed by Ministry of Education and Culture, Indonesia Abstract English for Specific Purpose (ESP) course provides English skills and knowledge based on the students’ major. The topics in ESP course are specific and developed in specially-designed learning materials. This research aimed to develop electronic book for ESP course in Information Systems department with Research and Development method by ADDIE model, that stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The e-book was designed based on the data collected in needs analysis through questionnaire, interview, and document analysis. The data showed that the currently used ESP learning materials needed to be replaced with more suitable learning materials. Based on that, the e-book was designed to comprise the recent topics in Information Systems. The e-book was divided into five chapters and the materials were presented through activities that were designed to develop students’ English skills. The temporary e-book was then validated by experts and tested in the try-out with the students’ representative. The e-book obtained positive feedback and was revised based on the suggestion given. The result showed that the e-book is in a good quality and feasible to be used in ESP course.
L’archiviazione delle pagine dei quotidiani online

Questo articolo analizza i metodi utilizzati dai siti d’informazione per permettere ai nativi digitali la preservazione e l’accesso nel corso del tempo ai propri contenuti. Prima di tutto si e descritto quali tipologie di documenti sono presenti su tali siti. In secondo luogo, confrontando gli archivi dei principali quotidiani digitali, si ipotizzano due tipi di interventi possibili: un primo volto a migliorare l’interrogazione per “metadati descrittivi” e un secondo incentrato sull’interrogazione full text attraverso strumenti di ricerca semantica. Si e voluta inoltre sottolineare la necessita di preservare queste testimonianze digitali conservandone il piu possibile l’integrita. In conclusione, si evidenzia il legame inscindibile tra la ricerca storica sulle fonti native digitali e gli studi di archivistica informatica.
A Collaborative Multilateral Localization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

Localization technology is one of the key supporting technologies in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, a collaborative multilateral localization algorithm is proposed to localization issues for wireless sensor networks. The algorithm applies anchor nodes within two hops to localize unknown nodes, and uses Nelder-Mead simplex optimization method to compute coordinates of the unknown nodes. If an unknown node can not be localized through two-hop anchor nodes, it is localized by anchor nodes and localized nodes within two hops through auxiliary iterative localization method. Simulation results show that the localization accuracy of this algorithm is very good, even in larger range errors.
A Novel High CMRR High Input Impedance Differential Voltage-Mode KHN-Biquad Employing DO-DDCCs

Summary In this work, a novel circuit configuration for realizing a differential voltage-mode Kerwin-Huelsman-Newcomb (KHN) biquad filter with high common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) is presented. The proposed circuit is based on using the dual output differential difference current conveyor (DO-DDCC). The circuit uses three DO-DDCCs, two capacitors and five resistors. All the passive elements are grounded, which is important in integrated circuit implementation point of view. The differential voltage input signal is applied to high input impedance terminals, which is important in the voltage-mode operations. SPICE simulation results are included to verify the theory.
Assessing resilience in a regional road-based transportation network

Resilience deals with the response of the system in the face of shock and its ability to continue to provide the expected service delivery levels. In the transportation infrastructure, system shocks due to man-made and natural causes occur frequently and result in substantial economic losses; it is therefore crucial to enhance the resilience of this infrastructure. Improving the resilience of systems creates a need for developing metrics that measure the current resilience of the system and provides a benchmark for evaluating different strategies for improving resilience. In this paper, we propose a framework for assessing the resilience of a regional road network. The methodology introduced in this paper is the Networked Infrastructure Resilience Assessment (NIRA) framework, which allows decision-makers to assess the resilience of networked infrastructures from a multi-metric perspective. The resilience metrics measure the impact of disruptions on the system performance measures. The three identified metrics for road networks are the travel time resilience, environmental resilience and cost resilience. The resilience values are measured by introducing hypothetical disruptions to a network model of a regional transportation network. The NIRA framework is applied to the transportation corridor between Boston and New York City. We also investigate the impact of disruptions on the traveller's mode choice.
Quality function deployment in construction design: application in low‐cost housing design

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a design management tool to enhance the quality aspect of products and services as well as to increase customer satisfaction. This paper describes the concept and technique of QFD as applied to the construction industry with special focus on a low‐cost housing scheme. The benefits of QFD on the aspects of reliability in quality, cost and time for low‐cost housing from the customers’ viewpoint are also presented.
EDIBLE

The research was conducted with the aim to determine the effect of the mixture between corn starch and glycerol as edible coating on the physical and chemical properties of avocados during storage. The study used a non factorial RAL (complete randomized design) method with the comparison of glycerol, corn starch and aquades as follows: G1 = 2.5ml glycerol + 10g corn starch + 500 ml aquades; G2 = 5ml glycerol + 10 g corn starch + 500 ml aquades; G3 = 7.5 ml glycerol + 10 g corn starch + 500 ml aquades; G4 = 10 ml glycerol + 10 g corn starch + 500 ml aquades. Each treatment was stored for 15 days with observations starting at 0 days, 3 days, 6 days, 9 days, 12 days, and 15 days. The giving of edible coating gave a significant effect on weight loss and sensory test of avocado during 15 days of storage, and gave no significant effect on total acid content and vitamin C content of avocados. Storage duration has an effect on weight loss and sensory test. The best edible coating layer in all concentration treatments was in treatment (G1) using 2.5 ml glycerol because it was better at inhibiting weight loss and changing the color of avocados.
Energy-Water Nexus in Texas

In “Energy-Water Nexus in Texas”, author Amy Hardberger discusses the water requirements of producing energy in Texas. In the first half of the article she addresses the use of water for energy, the need for energy to access water, and the current energy-water nexus in Texas. The second half of the report focuses on future energy-water use in Texas along with the policy decisions that could affect use. Hardberger stresses the importance of the energy-water nexus in planning and management. Next, she makes several policy recommendations including a requirement water and energy analyses in new power plant applications. In closing, Hardberger reminds the reader that improving water efficiency will help reduce costs to consumers and help further the supply of water and energy.
Performance of quadrature amplitude modulation with nonlinear transmit amplifiers in Rayleigh fading

A method is presented to compensate for the performance degradation of a 16-QAM modulation scheme due to nonlinear distortion which does not resort to complicated processing and equalization. The symbol error probability performance of the proposed receiver is derived analytically and compared with the uncompensated demodulation technique. We consider a compensated diversity receiver for independent Rayleigh fading channels, where the average signal-to-noise ratios of the diversity branches are not necessarily equal. It is shown that the compensated technique is a viable approach for such non-constant envelope higher order modulation schemes.
Applications of the advanced FRP composites to restore and improve urban infrastructure

An engineering grand challenge, identified by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), is to restore and improve urban infrastructure. It is widely known that the aging and failing urban infrastructure is a worldwide challenge. Most recently, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has assigned a grade of “D+” to the US infrastructure, across sixteen categories. ASCE estimates that it will cost each American family $31,00 annually in personal disposable income unless the backlog of projects and deferred maintenance are duly addressed nationwide. Engineers of 21st century will have the formidable challenge of restoring and improving infrastructure in view of limited resources and funding. Regarding the transportation systems, it has been recognized that innovative design and advanced materials can provide a more sustainable solution. In this paper, the application of the advanced fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite, a novel construction material—christened the material of 21st century—will be.
Modelling of vibratory pile driving in sand

A model for vibro-driving of rigid piles in sand is proposed incorporating the interaction of the vibrator–pile–soil system. The vibro-driver force and the non-linear soil resistance (dynamic f–w and q–w relationships) have been quantified in terms of in situ stress, relative density and particle size. The influence of relative density (0·65 and 0·90), particle size (effective grain size of 0·2 mm and 1·2 mm) and in situ stress (up to 20 psi) on the vibro-driving of a closed-ended pipe pile was investigated experimentally using a large-scale laboratory testing system. The vibro-driving model predicted the observed driving history reasonably well. A computer program (UHVIBRO) has been developed to analyse vibratory pile driving using the dynamic soil resistance relationships developed along with correlation factors from the systematic laboratory study.
An organisation development approach to the improvement of road traffic safety in Zimbabwe

In the study, I explored how to achieve sustained road-traffic accidents reduction in Zimbabwe. Road traffic accidents are indiscriminant and each year hundreds of people lose their lives in road traffic accidents in Zimbabwe. A mixed methods research approach was used to conduct the study. The study was therefore done in two phases. Phase 1 was a quantitative survey using questionnaires, and phase 2 was a qualitative case study using semi-structured interviews. A sample of 500 road-users drawn at random from internet databases formed the respondents for the quantitative phase of the inquiry. A further 20 snowball selected participants, formed the qualitative inquiry group. The key findings from the study were that effective intervention planning, timely measurement, adequate resourcing, and inclusive organization development interventions were the key drivers of successful road safety programmes. Additionally, critical interventions for sustainable road traffic safety in Zimbabwe included; community consultation and involvement in road traffic safety strategy formulation and implementation, mainstreaming road traffic safety education in the schools’ curricula, behavioral changes, financial, and engineering interventions.
ÖSS Başarı Durumunun İl, Bölge ve Okul Türlerine Göre Analizi

The aim of this study was to analyze the achievements of university candidates in the 2001 and 2002 OSS examinations through considering the schools they have graduated from, and the cities and the regions they live in. After high school education, higher education in Turkey includes 2-year and 4-year graduate programs and open university (AOF) programs. Nearly 11% of the successful candidates were accepted to 4-year graduate programs, 10-12% to 2-year graduate programs and 20-30% of them to open university programs. In this study, the OSS exam results were analysed according to the candidates’ entrance rates into these programs considering their school types, cities and the regions in which they took the exam. In that respect, the most successful candidates were from Science High schools, private Science High schools and Anatolian High Schools respectively. Candidates from Antalya, Ankara, Aydin and Izmir had the most consistent OSS achievement. Considering the regions, candidates from Ege and Ic Anadolu were the most successful. Candidates from the Marmara and Akdeniz regions were average and candidates from the Karadeniz, Dogu and Guneydogu regions were below average.
Partial discharge source recognition by means of clustering of spectral power ratios

Partial discharge (PD) detection can give useful information for the diagnosis of electrical apparatus, but data interpretation can be impossible if several sources are simultaneously active. Pulse characterization can be used to identify the source origin in PD measurements. The distribution of energy at different frequencies helps in distinguishing several types of discharges. The parameterization of pulses by means of spectral power ratios (PR) has been studied as a reliable technique to represent different characteristics in high-frequency current pulses in high-voltage tests. In this study, the separation of PD sources by means of PR maps is proposed. This approach has proven to be effective in the identification of PD sources when two electrical insulation systems are simultaneously subjected to discharge activity in controlled experiments where internal, surface and corona discharges were occurring. The flexibility of the system to improve cluster separation is shown, and measurements are also made on a real insulated power cable, where two simultaneous PD sources were successfully identified.