Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Development and Performance of Current Comparators for Audio Frequencies

The design and construction of five different multiratio current comparators developed for use at audio frequencies is presented. The effectiveness of the various shields on the reduction of the current null detector error over the operating frequency range is shown. Equations are developed which illustrate the effect of several different arrangements of windings and grounded shields on the ratio winding error. All of the comparators are of the compensated type and each is rated at a secondary current of five amperes. Four have fixed primary windings which can be series-paralleled to obtain various ratios from 1 to 1 to 12 to 1. The fifth comparator is a feed-through type with a 100 turn secondary winding which provides ratios up to 100 to 1. Circuits are described which enable the calibration of these comparators to be performed, and the results of calibration at frequencies up to 16 kHz are given. A method of estimating the error at different ratios to within a part in a million, based on experimentally determined parameters and assumed uniform distribution, is also described. The main conclusion of the study is that for current transformer calibration the best design includes a grounded copper shield between the primary and secondary windings.
The Effect of Electrode Pattern on the Behavior of Piezoelectric Actuators in a Circular Diaphragm Structure

The relationship between electrical loading and the deflected behavior of circular composite plates relies on the piezoelectric properties of the material, thickness of each layer, edge conditions, and the electrode pattern used. In particular, this study examines the effect of electrode pattern on the resulting deflection of circular actuators. An analytical model is presented with which to optimize the electrode pattern, and then experimental results are obtained to validate the model. Four sets of clamped unimorph circular diaphragm actuators, with different `regrouped' electrode patterns and piezoelectric coverage, are tested. According to analytical and experimental results, it is shown that a factor of five increase in diaphragm deflection can be obtained with regrouping. This increase in transverse deflection allows optimization of volumetric displacement, which can enable minimization of the device to provide some advantages in space-limited applications.
Design and fabrication of a microelectromechanical systems polymeric micropump

This article introduces a polymeric micropump actuated by a PbZrTiO3 (lead zirconate titanate) bimorph. The pump body was made of polymethyl methacrylate substrate, and the passive valves were fabricated by SU-8 lift-off technique. First, the vibration performances of parts including lead zirconate titanate, membrane and valve were analyzed by finite element model. Then, the valve unit was assembled by ultrasonic bonding. An energy director was designed on the valve deck to realize precise positioning of the valve components. Finally, the flow performance of the micropump was studied by frequency-sweeping experiments, and the experimental results approximately coincided with the finite element model analysis. Under the driving frequency of 550 Hz and voltage of 210 V (peak–peak), the maximum flow rate reached 18.2 mL/min. This study provides an effective and a reliable way to fabricate polymeric micropumps.
Design and implementation of a bidirectional isolated DAB-based DC/DC converter for battery system

A home area network (HAN) incorporating a high-power high-efficiency charging/discharging battery system is capable of executing energy saving strategies in the smart grid, such as TOU or DR. This paper presents a bidirectional isolated DAB-based DC/DC converter for a Li+Fe battery system in the HAN. Battery energy is controlled by the phase angle between the primary bridge and the secondary bridge of the converter. Theoretical analysis and control implementation are described. A LABVIEW-based prototype is established to verify effectiveness.
Simulation codes for optically amplified transmission systems: evaluation and comparison of system performances at 1300 and 1500 nm

In this work we show the potentiality of numerical modelling in evaluating and optimizing the performance of optically amplified communication systems. The reliability of the developed numerical coded has been successfully tested in the framework of European projects in the telecommunications area (COST and ACTS projects) by comparison with analytical theories and experimental measurements. We present also a survey of the main strategies proposed to achieve very high capacity transmission systems, trying to draw some general guidelines for different systemistic solutions.
An improved iterative technique for the quasi-TEM analysis of generalized planar lines

The generalized bioconjugate gradient method (GBGM) and fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm are used for the quasi-transverse electromagnetic (TEM) analysis of generalized multistrip lines embedded in multilayered lossless/lossy, iso/anisotropic dielectric and/or magnetic media. Important computational improvement is achieved by including asymptotic extraction techniques in the determination of the spatial Green's function matrix. Comparisons with other iterative procedures are presented. Several practical structures are analyzed and numerical results are compared with previously published data. >
Simulación y análisis de desempeño de protocolos unicast para Redes VANET

Los cambios constantes de la topologia en las redes VANET (vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks) la velocidad de movimiento de los nodos, entre otros problemas, generan desafios tecnologicos en el enrutamiento de estas redes, lo que ha llevado a la implementacion de diferentes protocolos. El estudio y analisis de las caracteristicas y desempeno de los protocolos comunmente empleados por las VANETs, permite la formulacion de posibles solu-ciones a esos desafios. Para hacer esto se precisa del uso de herramientas, como los simuladores de las redes. En este trabajo se presenta una definicion de las VANETs, asi como de sus caracteristicas, una clasificacion y descripcion de algunos protolos comunmente usados por estas y se realiza una investigacion mediante la simulacion del comportatamiento de una red, para finalmente, presentar el analisis de resultados y conclusiones del comportamiento de los protocolos AODV, DSR y DSDV, se escogen estos por ser los mas usados por su rendimiento.
Critical success factors of lean manufacturing practices for the Malaysian automotive manufacturers

Lean manufacturing (LM) and ISO 14001 are business process strategies which are employed by the group of companies to enhance their production in manufacturing and business issues. LM focus on the systematic elimination of waste and non-value added activity from the production process for improved environmental performance. This pilot study was conducted to investigate critical success factors (CSFs) towards successful LMP implementation among automotive manufacturing industry in Malaysia. The questionnaires were designed and distributed to the 50 respondents. The results of reliability analysis show that customer focus is a critical factor influencing the direct LMP implementation success. This study recommends that the future research explore the influence of LMP on environmental performance in Malaysian automotive industry.
Beyond Peak Oil: Will Our Cities Collapse?

Global oil seems to be at or close to its full capacity, meaning that oil production is at its peak and soon will begin to decline. This paper discusses what this decline in oil production and availability will mean for the future of cities. Four possible scenarios are suggested: collapse, the ruralization of cities; divided cities in which those with the most means will move to city centers while the dispersed suburbs become the home of the poor; and the resilient, sustainable, solar city. To move toward this last scenario, it is important to take the threat seriously and create peak-oil strategies. Cities should be planned and built with reduced car dependence and peri-urban agricultures should be rebuilt. It is also important to facilitate localism, regulate for the post-oil transition and prepare risk management scenarios for the future.
Introduction of Innovative Approaches in the Activities of Local Self-Government Bodies of Ukraine

The article is devoted to the problems of finding and introducing modern innovative approaches to the activities of local self-government bodies of Ukraine. It has been found that overcoming the problems of old and inefficient models and management methods that do not meet the requirements of modern communities is possible only through the development of high-quality and effective theoretical, methodical, organizational, and legal support for the process of local self-government. The definition of the concept of “local self-government” is summarized, using the regulatory margin and considering this concept in the context of modern realities, which now constantly face this institution of management. The author's interpretation of the category “local self-government” was developed for the needs of solving the problems and problems set out in the article. An organizational and legal mechanism for introducing innovative approaches to the activities of local self-government bodies has been developed as the main element of the definition of the category “local self-government. ” Problems related to the effective functioning of institutions for the provision of “electronic” public services have been investigated. Innovative approaches to improving mechanisms for the provision of “electronic” public services by local authorities have been developed and justified. A general methodology for reengineering the administrative and management processes of local self-government bodies in the form of phases and stages of its implementation has been developed. It was concluded that the continuous development of the system of local self-government does not allow the development of sustainable types of innovative approaches to solve problem areas of local self-government “forever,” but requires the constant monitoring of foreign experience of advanced countries and the constant development of new and progressive innovative mechanisms that will continue to introduce decentralization reform and the creation of strong and effective local self-government bodies
ACPEC: A Resource Management Scheme Based on Ant Colony Algorithm for Power Edge Computing

With the development of power IoTs (Internet of Things) technology, more and more intelligent devices access the network. Cloud computing is used to provide the resource storage and task computing services for power network. However, there are many problems with traditional cloud computing such as the long-time delay and resource bottleneck. Therefore, in this paper, a two-level resource management scheme is put forward based on the idea of edge computing. Furthermore, a new task scheduling algorithm is presented based on the ant colony algorithm, which realized the resource sharing and dynamic scheduling. The data of simulation show that this algorithm has a good effect on the performance of task execution time, power consumption, and so on.
The design and implementation of NASA's advanced flight computing module

This paper describes the first MCM module of the AFC program which implements the functionality of a 32-bit RISC radiation hardened space flight computer. This module was designed jointly by engineers at JPL and TRW using a collaborative partnership agreement. The MCM was fabbed at nCHIP Corporation. The AFC program also plans to design, develop, and fab two more MCM modules: the Mass Memory MCM, and Programmable I/O MCM. These three MCMs will then be stacked as part of a scalable (stackable) core avionics architecture. The flight computer MCM described in this pager contains 33 die in a single 2 by 4 inch AlN package from Coors, with a total of 442 pins. The MCM uses nCHIP's die stack approach for both SRAM and EEPROM.
A novel fiber optic bolt loosening monitoring sensor system for aircraft bolt joints

A novel fiber optic bolt loosening monitoring sensor is proposed and applied to an experimental model of aircraft lug assemblies. The lug assembly is fabricated with a stainless steel lug, a composite sandwich panel, and 10 carbon-steel bolts, nuts, and washers. The bolt loosening monitoring system is configured with a single-mode fiber and an optical time-domain reflectometer. Sections of the single-mode fiber line are mounted on the respective 10 bolt/nut joints and function as bending sensor nodes to detect bolt loosening events. Then, the other end of the single-mode fiber is connected to the optical time-domain reflectometer, to measure optical loss in the backscattering light attenuation trace, induced by the macro-bending of the sensor nodes. In addition, the bolt loosening angle and locations can be determined, by analyzing the optical time-domain reflectometer traces. The experiments for multi-bolt monitoring demonstrate that the single single-mode fiber line incorporated with optical time-domain reflectometer is able to detect simultaneously which bolts were loosened with an angle resolution of 1.45°, even under temperature variation. Since the optical time-domain reflectometer and SMF combination allows monitoring tens of kilometers, just one system can monitor thousands of bolt joints. Therefore, numerous bolt joints in large structures can be economically monitored in real time.
Barriers and facilitators to discussing parent mental health within child health care: Perspectives of parents raising a child with congenital heart disease

This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to discussing parent mental health within child health care for parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Seventy-nine parents of young children with CHD who received care across 40 hospitals in the United States responded to questions about barriers and facilitators to discussing their mental health with their child’s health care providers. Responses were analyzed using qualitative research methods. Parents described multiple barriers: (1) belief that parent mental health support was outside the care team’s scope of practice, (2) perceived expectation to “stay strong,” (3) fear of negative judgment or repercussion, (4) individual preferences for communication/support, (5) desire to maintain care resources on their child, (6) perceived need to compartmentalize emotions, and (7) negative reactions to past emotional disclosure. Parents also described several facilitators: (1) confidence in the care team’s ability to provide support, (2) intentional efforts by the care team to provide support, (3) naturally extroverted tendencies, and (4) developing personal connections with health care providers. It is important that health care providers normalize the impact of child illness on the family and create an environment in which parents feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges.
Low-Phase-Noise, High Switching Speed Digitally Controlled Ring Oscillator in 0.18 µm Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor

In this paper a 14-bit digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with operating frequency up to 4.2 GHz in 0.18 µm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology is presented. To improve the phase noise, digital control is used that avoids continuous conduction of transistors and controlling transistors operate either in triode or cutoff region. The circuit uses multiple-loop feed forward architecture to increase the switching speed. The DCO has a wide frequency tuning range from 490 MHz to 4.2 GHz. The measured phase noise of the DCO is -121.2 dBc/Hz at a 4-MHz offset from a 3.86-GHz center frequency and power consumption of 48 mW. Due to the phase noise reduction and high switching speed, the DCO has a -164.1 dBc/Hz figure of merit (FOM) that is an improvement of -4 dBc/Hz over the previously published results in the same technology. The chip area is 300×300 µm2.
A study of constrained models for the kinematic analysis of the human knee joint

In a number of clinical applications such as ligament repair, joint replacement or prosthesis’ design, the understanding of knee kinematics is of fundamental importance. Here, the determination of the joint rotation axes is crucial for the interpretation of joint kinematics. However, concurring definitions of knee joint axes based on anatomic landmarks are in use. Regarding any of these definitions, there is a large variability between observers and different sessions or trials. In order to reduce observer dependence, mathematical procedures based on movement analysis, so-called functional methods, have been developed. Presently, a number of alternative concepts exist allowing for the determination of joint rotation axes [1]. The finite helical axis (FHA) as an invariant description of joint displacements is a powerful tool; however, the FHA is not easy to interpret clinically [2]. Further approaches aim to bridge the gap between clinicians and engineers. The clinical protocol may be conserved while, subsequently, mathematical optimization is employed to reorient the clinically determined rotational axes, aiming at an optimal fit between the data and the underlying kinematic model [3,4]. Therein, the intact human tibio femoral joint (no ligament damage or osteoarthritis) is modeled as a compound hinge joint exhibiting only two rotational axes, flexion/extension (FE) and tibial rotation (TR). It has been shown that, in an angular range of about 40° to 80° of knee flexion during weight bearing flexion exercises, the knee performs an almost plane movement. Furthermore, the flexion range from 0° to 40° is dominated by tibial rotation and flexion [3]. Optimization techniques determine the FE axis in the former angular regime, and the TR axis is found by minimizing the varus-valgus rotation in the latter regime. Here, it is usually assumed that the FE and TR axes are orthogonal and intersect. However, [5] state that the TR axis is anterior to the FE axis and not perpendicular to it. A kinematic model that does not match the natural geometry of the joint is expected to yield unphysical displacements. It is the aim of this contribution to study one particular aspect in detail, namely the effect of an orthogonality constraint when applied to data from a knee exhibiting an arbitrary angle between the rotational axes.
Carrier-induced phase noise in angle-modulated optical-fiber systems

Phase noise in angle-modulated optical-fiber communication systems arising from optical power fluctuations is analyzed. The nonlinear refractive index of silica is the physical mechanism which converts power fluctuations into phase fluctuations. The effects of self-phase modulation (an optical wave acting on itself) and cross-phase modulation in wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) systems (one optical wave modulating a channel at a different wavelength) have been calculated. The phase noise generated in single-channel systems is negligible for laser fluctuations less than 1-mW rms. In WDM systems containing as few as four channels the phase noise exceeds tolerable levels (0.15 rad) for power fluctuation of 1 mW in each channel.
The Utility of Meditation and Mindfulness-Based Interventions in the Time of COVID-19: A Theoretical Proposition and Systematic Review of the Relevant Prison, Quarantine and Lockdown Literature

As of July 20, 2021, Covid-19 has killed 4,086,000 people, infected at least 190,169,833 others, and devastated the world’s economy. To slow the spread of the virus, numerous governments instituted “lockdown” policies and quarantines, limiting social interactions to the immediate household. The experience of isolation and uncertainty have contributed to increased fear, anxiety, and loneliness; with limited options of research-supported interventions. Although different in nature, the experiences of quarantine and lockdown have been likened to incarceration. Past research has found meditation and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to be effective psychological treatments for prisoners and may therefore translate well into effective methods for the maintenance of psychological well-being for individuals quarantined during the pandemic. More recently, research investigating the effects of meditation and MBIs during the pandemic have demonstrated preliminary evidence for beneficial psychological improvements. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), the current narrative review paper: 1) examines the parallels and differences between the experience of quarantine and imprisonment, 2) investigates the mechanisms through which meditation and mindfulness enact their effects, and 3) systematically reviews literature on the benefits of various types of meditation and MBIs for inmates and individuals in lockdown or quarantine. With this knowledge, the public can garner applicable insight into the potential use of meditation and MBIs for individuals forced to cope with pandemic lockdowns and quarantines. Two hundred and twenty one (221) articles were identified through Pubmed and Google Scholar, and 24 articles were ultimately included in the manuscript.
APATITIC NANOPOWDERS AND COATINGS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

The use of artificial biomaterials has been acclaiming potential therapeutic scope in diverse clinical applications. This review started with the description of the basics of biomaterials, and desirable properties, which are the prerequisites to understand biomaterials. The orthopedic biomaterials, their classification and the importance of calcium phosphate (CaP) materials for hard-tissue applications were utterly discussed. Furthermore, among the various CaP biominerals, the importance of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and its synthesis techniques was comprehensively reviewed. The sol–gel route for the synthesis of HAP nanoparticles and deposition of coatings were systematically studied. Among the metallic substrates, Ti6Al4V alloy remained the focus of this study. Moreover, several film pre-preparation methods were also given due importance. The importance of other surface modification techniques, especially in the context of Ti6Al4V substrates, was also discussed. Among several coating techniques to deposit CaP coatings, special attention was paid to the spin and dip coating techniques. In addition to monolithic HAP coatings, reinforced and antimicrobial HAP coatings were also reviewed from broad perspectives. Therefore, this review provides an in-depth insight into the preparation and properties of apatitic nanoparticles and their coatings for orthopedic and dental applications.
Production of custom-made recycled water for various reuse purposes: lessons learned from one of the world's largest recycling facilities

A new concept developed for the successful implementation of integrated resource management in urban and protected areas is the production of ‘designer’ or custom-made recycled water for various reuse purposes. The Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segundo, California is an excellent example and the only facility in the world and the United States producing five distinct types of recycled water. This paper presents the plant design, critical milestones, water quality challenges faced and problems solved towards consistently meeting the needs of a diverse client base through delivery of a leading-edge range of custom-made recycled waters.