Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AC and DC shunts - can you believe their specs?

Little new information regarding high current shunts (greater than 100 A), especially ac shunts, has been published in the last 30 years to the authors knowledge. Since the advent of new measurement capabilities, sensors, and lower uncertainties, recent findings regarding the performance of ac and dc shunts are presented. The findings are significant for users and calibration laboratories. Errors due to current feed-point selection, ac/dc difference, frequency response, the proximity effects of ferromagnetic materials, and the effects of nearby conductors are discussed. Factors that must be included in the determination of measurement uncertainty are provided and discussed.
An in-plane low-noise accelerometer fabricated with an improved process flow

We present a bulk micromachined in-plane capacitive accelerometer fabricated with an improved process flow, by etching only one-fifth of the wafer thickness at the back of the silicon while forming the bar-structure electrode for the sensing capacitor. The improved flow greatly lowers the footing effect during deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), and increases the proof mass by 54% compared to the traditional way, resulting in both improved device quality and a higher yield rate. Acceleration in the X direction is sensed capacitively by varying the overlapped area of a differential capacitor pair, which eliminates the nonlinear behavior by fixing the parallel-plate gap. The damping coefficient of the sensing motion is low due to the slide-film damping. A large proof mass is made using DRIE, which also ensures that dimensions of the spring beams in the Y and Z directions can be made large to lower cross axis coupling and increase the pull-in voltage. The theoretical Brownian noise floor is 0.47 µg/Hz1/2 at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The tested frequency response of a prototype complies with the low damping design scheme. Output data for input acceleration from −1 g to 1 g are recorded by a digital multimeter and show very good linearity. The tested random bias of the prototype is 130 µg at an averaging time of around 6 s.
Improvement for MIMO Systems by Increasing Antenna Isolation and Shaping Radiation Pattern Using Hybrid Network

In this paper, a novel method is proposed to design a hybrid network (HN) to increase isolation and shape radiation patterns for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems. The HN is a combination of a decoupling feeding network (DFN) and a defected ground network (DGN), which are populated by several surface-mounted reactive components whose reactances are determined by the N-ary optimization algorithm. Two decoupling examples are presented to validate the design methodology and elaborate on the design procedure. Measurement results show that the HN helps to realize impedance matching with reflection coefficients below -10 dB, isolation improvement from -5.4 dB/-8.9 dB to below -20 dB, and low envelope correlation coefficient below 0.06 for MIMO antennas with the element separation of 0.160/0.240. Moreover, in both examples, the decoupling case with omnidirectional radiation patterns achieves a better throughput performance, compared with another decoupling case with directional radiation. In comparison to prior decoupling networks only focusing on isolation enhancement, the proposed HN achieves high isolation and desired radiation patterns simultaneously with a very accurate design methodology.
Heterotrophic bacteria outcompete diazotrophs for orthophosphate in the Mediterranean Sea

Unicellular photoautotrophic diazotrophs such as Crocosphaera spp. are ubiquitous in many oligotrophic and N‐limited oceans, as they can reduce N2 into bioavailable ammonia. The Mediterranean Sea is potentially an ideal environment for photoautotrophic diazotrophic activity, and yet N2‐fixation rates measured in the last two decades are typically very low and no diazotrophic blooms have been recorded in its offshore waters. Previous studies suggest that diazotrophs, as well as nondiazotrophic phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria, may be P‐limited, hence their low biomass and activity. Here, we amended surface seawater from six stations across a nutrient gradient in the Mediterranean Sea (east to west transect) with dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), and with seawater‐acclimated inocula of Crocosphaera watsonii, a unicellular cyanobacterial diazotroph, to examine if DIP can stimulate diazotrophy. Our results demonstrate that C. watsonii are poor competitors for DIP relative to native nondiazotrophic heterotrophic microbial populations, especially in the ultraoligotrophic eastern Mediterranean basin, resulting in low N2‐fixation rates. Moreover, the results indicate that when the ambient DIP concentrations are < 35 nmol L−1, unicellular photoautotrophic diazotrophs such as C. watsonii will likely be outcompeted for this macronutrient in the Mediterranean Sea, whereas above 35 nmol L−1 diazotrophy can be stimulated. Our findings support the “bypass theory” stating that photoautotrophs may be outcompeted by heterotrophic bacteria for DIP in nutrient‐poor regions such as the Mediterranean Sea.
Design Optimization and Finite Element Analysis of 3C-SiC Bio-Sensors Based on Dogbone Resonator

This paper presents the optimized design and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of a bio sensor based on cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) for pathogen detection. Silicon Carbide is chosen due to its excellent material properties and chemical stability compared to silicon in varying environmental conditions. The desired resonance frequency is optimized using matlab and the finite element analysis is carried out using COMSOL and Intellisuite software’s. The effect of the residual stress on the desired mode of resonant frequency and the fabrication feasibility of the proposed resonator fabrication are studied using FEA analysis. The mathematical modeling of thermally actuation and piezoresistive sensing for the design resonator bio sensors are illuminated. The close agreement between the analytical model and finite element analysis verify the design of proposed bio sensors.
Increasing the accuracy of differential global positioning system by means of use the Kalman filtering technique

Differential GPS (DGPS) is the system used for improving accuracy in GPS position and velocity estimation. Measurements can be obtained in real time with a high level of accuracy. We present a modified Kalman filter for DGPS to enhance the estimation of the position and velocity. The realized algorithm in DGPS system can be implemented by low cost commercial C/A code GPS modules. The Kalman filter used reduces the anti-common errors between the users and reference station. Two variants of the filters have been investigated. The experimental testing of the performance of DGPS with Kalman filtering has been realized and discussed in the paper. The investigated procedures of Kalman filtering could be used for better positioning in the applications.
Design of RFID tag antennas using an inductively coupled feed

An inductively coupled feed method is explored to design UHF radio frequency identification tag antennas. An analytical model for the proposed feed structure is derived and used to perform simple and wideband impedance match between an antenna and a tag chip without any additional matching networks. The proposed design methodology is verified by comparing the calculations and measurements, which show good agreement.
A real-time control for path following of an USV

Abstract Control design for marine autonomous vehicles is a subject of great interest in the control systems. These vehicles are strongly non linear and show complex hydrodynamics effects that make difficult the control design. Besides, the use of underactuated vehicles is very important for different reasons like simplicity, cost, efficiency, etc, so these vehicles and their use for collaborative tasks are main topics of investigation. A non linear control for path following for USVs is presented in this work with an infrastructure capable of performing multiple AUV and ROV in collaborative tasks. So this control law and this infrastructure will be used in future projects for formation control of USVs.
A joint location and outsourcing sustainability analysis for a strategic offshoring decision

With economic globalisation and the emergence of extended enterprises derived from interrelationships among organisations, there has been a steady increase in offshore outsourcing activities. Subsequently, the strategic importance of offshoring decisions is important. Traditional offshoring decisions mainly emphasise outsourcee (supplier) selection problems, with their focus upon economic factors. Sustainability, which has recently been regarded as a competitive necessity in most industries, rarely enters into the modelling or discussion. Furthermore, additional and integrated facility location factors need to be included into the offshoring decision process. To help integrate these factors and concerns, this paper constructs a model for evaluation and selection of various offshoring alternatives by simultaneously considering facility location factors, supplier selection metrics, and sustainability factors. The model allows for input from a variety of managerial decision-making levels and involves the dynamic perspectives of the competitive environment in its evaluation process. An illustrative case is applied to demonstrate the efficacy of the model. Feedback from practising managers who are responsible for outsourcing/offshoring decisions also support the validity of the model. The paper closes with a discussion of managerial implications and an outlook on aspects for further research.
Comparison of different alternatives to drive piezoelectric transformers

Usually, the performance of piezoelectric transformers (PTs) is optimum when they are sinusoidally driven. The PT can also be driven with a quasi-square voltage waveform. Although PT performance is not optimized with a squared driving, corresponding topologies can be simpler and the whole converter can be improved. Those alternatives that keep an interesting trade-off between complexity and PT efficiency are compared, helping to select the best approach for different applications. All the analyzed alternatives are based on the half bridge topology plus an input matching network.
Voltage noise, switching rates, and multiple phase-slips in moderately damped Josephson junctions

We study the voltage noise properties including the switching rates and statistics of phase-slips in moderately damped Josephson junctions using a novel efficient numerical approach combining the matrix continued-fraction method with the full counting statistics. By analyzing the noise results obtained for the RCSJ model we identify different dominating components, namely the thermal noise close to equilibrium (small current-bias regime), the shot noise of (multiple) phase-slips in the intermediate range of biases and the switching noise for yet higher bias currents. We extract thus far inaccessible characteristic rates of phase-slips in the shot noise regime as well as the escape and retrapping rates in the switching regime as functions of various junction's parameters. The method can be extended and applied to other experimentally relevant Josephson junction circuits.
Performance Auditing in the Public Sector: Reconceptualising the Task

Performance auditing (PA) is a prominent feature of public administration in many countries and is, today, often characterised through words such as efficiency, effectiveness and economy. The PA literature, however, considers a far wider variety of characteristics to be relevant and, therefore, a broader definition to be appropriate. This paper reviews the history of definitions of PA and concludes that it has thus far been defined in ways that lack clarity and leave definitional difficulties unresolved. The paper adopts a heuristic approach in examining elements making up past PA definitions and concludes that it is time to reconceptualise PA. Hence a new definitional framework for PA is proposed which rejects the so-called three Es construct and instead offers the five elements of independence, authorisation, discovery, synthesis and publication. This framework, it is argued, is stronger than any previous definitions, relevant to both the public and private sectors and also helpful in interpreting the place of many alternatives to PA such as investigative journalism, open book policies, whistleblower legislation and Gateway Reviews.
Thrust analysis and measurements of tubular linear actuator with cylindrical halbach array

This paper deals with design and analysis of the moving-magnet linear actuator with cylindrical Halbach array. On the basis of two-dimensional (2-D) finite-element analysis, this paper predicts thrust characteristics according to design parameters such as magnet height, air-gap length, coil thickness, and pole number. Then, we manufactured equipment made on an experimental basis of moving-magnet linear actuator with cylindrical Halbach array by employing parameters obtained from design results. Finally, this paper presents test results such as thrust measurements, which are given to confirm the finite-element analysis, according to load current and mover position.
Generalized negative‐refractive index transmission line based on defected ground structure

The planar generalized negative‐refractive index transmission line (G‐NRI TL) is proposed using only distributed structures, such as defected ground structure, stub with rectangular patch, wire‐bonded interdigital capacitor, and short stub.The characteristics, such as dispersion relation and frequency response of the G‐NRI TL are analyzed by circuit analysis, full wave simulation, and measurement. The results show a good agreement. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2223–2225, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25467
80 Gbit/s simultaneous photonic demultiplexing based on OTDM-to-WDM conversion by four-wave mixing with supercontinuum light source

A novel method for all-optical all-channel simultaneous demultiplexing based on OTDM-to-WDM conversion by four-wave mixing with a highly chirped rectangular shaped supercontinuum source is proposed. Error-free 80 to 10 Gbit/s demultiplexing operation in eight channels is experimentally demonstrated.
Determination of the piezoelectric constants of LGN, LGS, and LGT

The piezoelectric constants of LGN (langanite, La/sub 3/Ga/sub 5.5/Nb/sub 0.5/O/sub 14/), LGS (langasite, La/sub 3/Ga/sub 5/SiO/sub 14/) and LGT (langatate, La/sub 3/Ga/sub 5.5/Ta/sub 0.5/O/sub 14/) have been determined over a temperature range of -55/spl deg/C to +125/spl deg/C from measurements of the equivalent circuit parameters of suitably oriented plano-convex resonators. Apart from the piezoelectric temperature coefficients for LGT, which appear to be the first reported, the new values are compared with values previously reported.
A Case Report on Diabetic Neuropathy Treated with Bee Venom Acupuncture and Combined Korean Medicine

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of bee venom acupuncture for a diabetic neuropathy patient.Methods: A diabetic neuropathy patient received twenty-one bee venom acupuncture treatments for a total of 99 days. The Neuropathy Pain Scale (NPS) was used to evaluate the weekly peak pain during the treatment period.Results: After the treatments, the NPS scores improved, and the frequencies of peak pain decreased.Conclusions: This clinical case indicates that bee venom acupuncture combined with Korean medicine may be effective for treating diabetic neuropathy patients.
Asymmetric Microelectrodes for Nanoliter Bubble Generation via Electrolysis

Microfabricated devices for gas bubble generation via water electrolysis typically employ two electrodes of identical size (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$i$ </tex-math></inline-formula>.<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$e$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. interdigitated electrodes or microelectrode pairs). Contrary to this practice, asymmetrically sized electrode pairs offer distinct advantages in the formation of single, trapped nanoliter-volume gas bubbles in microfluidic devices. Although such principles may apply generally to MEMS or micro-scale water electrolysis devices, our model system consisted of a Parylene C microfluidic structure to contain the bubble and embedded thin-film Pt electrodes immersed in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> phosphate buffered saline solution. The geometric area of one microelectrode was constant (working electrode) while that of the second electrode (counter electrode) was varied over five orders of magnitude. Although increased counter electrode size increases overall device size, it provides improvements in various performance metrics. The largest tested counter electrode size resulted in 41% energy savings per bubble, improved bubble volume uniformity, enabled successful discrimination between O<sub>2</sub> versus H<sub>2</sub> gas generation, and achieved bubble stability exceeding 500 minutes (a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$25\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> improvement over previous work). The underlying theory motivating the use of asymmetric electrodes is detailed and followed by experimental demonstration. Finally, a discussion on tradeoffs to assist in the design of MEMS-based electrolytic bubble generation devices is provided. [2021-0172]
Bio-Oils Characteristic from Oil Palm Biomass from Different Fast Pyrolysis Techniques

Pyrolysis is one of the effective ways to convert biomass into energy and value added products. Till date, no comparative study has been done on the characteristic of bio-oils of oil palm shell (OPS) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) from various fast pyrolysis techniques. This includes fluidized bed, fixed bed, rotating cone, microwave and others. Thus, the main objective of this paper was to analyze the characteristics of OPS and EFB bio-oils obtained from these processing techniques. Temperature was found to be the key parameter for the quality of bio-oils. Besides the various pyrolysis techniques, the lignocellulosic constituents of oil palm biomass also influence the chemical composition of the bio-oils. Overall, chemical analysis of OPS and EFB bio-oil through GC-MS has shown variation in the amount of phenol and its derivatives.
Heat transfer characteristics with insertion of tri-helical static mixers in pipes

In this study, the heat transfer enhancements of flow through insertion of tri-helical static mixer (THSM) in pipes are under investigation. FLUENT is utilised to simulate the temperature and velocity fields. The parameters include the arrangement of elements, type of static mixers, and the aspect ratio of the element. Experimental work is compared with that of numerical simulation for validation. Results show the cross-sectional contours of temperature for various types of THSM at a specified Reynolds number. In addition, results of friction factor and Nusselt number for THSM are compared with that for Kenics static mixer (KSM). It is also found that the Nusselt number for pipe with inserting of shift-alternating type THSM is the highest among the three types of THSM. However, the friction factor for pipe with inserting of shift-alternating type THSM is also the highest.
Increased productivity with AC drives for mining excavators and haul trucks

This paper reviews how the effective implementation of AC drive systems on mining excavators (shovels and draglines) and haul trucks has led to dramatic increases in productivity. The review focuses on the major factors that influence productivity: production rate; reliability; maintenance cost; power grid compatibility; system intelligence; and efficiency. Key features of the haul truck drive are powerful GTO technology and the ability to operate on overhead trolley lines at twice the power of existing haulers. Depending upon the truck's gross vehicle weight (GVW), the on-grade speed can increase by up to 80%. The system is designed for operation on 2600 V lines, but can also operate on existing 1600 V lines using a novel diesel boost mode. The drive system also features software for enhanced drivability, optimum engine control, and an electronic dash display. The key feature of the excavator drive is its active front end (AFE) technology, using 3.3 kV IGBTs, that achieves powerful dynamic performance, while providing exceptional compatibility with the line in terms of power factor and total harmonic distortion (THD). The shovel achieves current THD of 3.5% and the dragline 0.5%. The drive system also features a contextual maintenance system.
Concept Definition: A New Model

Proposes that, inorder to optimize concept definition, organizations should manage it as a distinct and separate entity, running concurrently with development activities. In order to manage core technical competences continuously, and to balance the organization′s portfolio of products, maintains that concept definition should be an ongoing activity. Uses current literature to support these contentions; and offers a new model of the early development process. Discusses composition, responsibilities and integration of the major components of the model and concludes with a brief discussion of the organizational impact of this new approach to concept definition.
Novel Single-Stage Bidirectional Isolated DC–AC Converter Based on Inversely Coupled Inductor

This article proposes a novel single-stage bidirectional isolated dc–ac converter based on an inversely coupled inductor, which is feasible to be used in cascaded dc–ac solid-state transformer topologies. The topology description is presented, followed by a simple modulation scheme, then direct single-stage power transmission can be realized. The operating principles of the converter are given in detail. The steady-state and transient performance of the converter can be improved owing to the employment of an inversely coupled inductor. By combining magnetic integration technology with an inversely coupled inductor, the volume and number of magnetic components can be reduced. The detailed analysis of the duty cycle loss is carried out in this article as well. Finally, an experimental prototype is established to further verify the correctness of the proposed topology. The maximum efficiency achieved in the experimental 1-kW prototype is 94.37%.
CO2 Capture Cost Reduction: Use of a Multiscale Simulations Strategy for a Multiscale Issue

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is one important option for CO2 mitigation (International Energy Agency, 2009) . Post-combustion capture processes using amines are considered one of the preferred options for CCS. However, the cost of avoided CO2 is very large and must be reduced. The present article aims to show that combining different simulation tools used on different scales makes possible afine analysis of CO2 capture costs and the associatedparameters responsible for these costs on different scales. It is first shown, from a macro-scale techno-economic analysis, that investments represent about one half of the total CO2 cost. Focusing on this cost, a sensitivity analysis, via Aspen calculations performed on a meso-column scale, enables one to identify key mass-transfer parameters that control absorption column design. It is shown that the most important mass-transfer parameter is the interfacial area, the gas and liquid mass transfer coefficients having almost no influence. Finally, from CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics ) simulations performed both on a large and on a local scale, some insights are given in order to optimize column design, first via the determination of large-scale distributor/packed bed interactions, and second via the determination of local pressure drop or local mass transfer parameters. It is also discussed how simulations should be performed on different scales in a two-way coupling approach in order to ensure fruitful results in the development of new technologies and further in CO2 capture cost reduction.