Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated microelectromechanical systems: A perspective on MEMS in the 90s

The author examines the opportunities and challenges facing the development of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). It has now been established that micromachined sensors can be produced with high yield and merged with integrated electronics, both in monolithic chips and in hybrid multichip assemblies. For some types of sensors, accuracy is approaching 16 bits, and VLSI interface circuits are being defined to allow features such as self-testing and digital compensation to be used. Continuing technical challenges for full MEMS include the development of processes capable of three-dimensional microstructures, improved drive technologies for microactuators, better approaches to packaging and microassembly, and the creation of workstation-based simulators, operating from rich databases of materials and structural information. Formidable challenges in non-technical areas are also posed, including the definition of appropriate applications for MEMS and the accomplishment of the needed changes in established host systems to take advantage of their features. These issues are illustrated by several devices currently being developed, including integrated neuroelectronic interfaces, pressure and flow sensors, microvalves, and scan tips for near-field microscopy. <<ETX>>
Computational modeling with FEM and wavelet transforms to help in the detection of damages in nuclear power plants

In the nuclear industry, due to radiation, some structures, like beams, columns and pipeline inside the complex Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) are very difficult to inspect and, moreover, to determine the location of a potential crack. In such inaccessible zones, it should be very helpful, if one could detect a potential damage just knowing signals like, stress, displacement, or deformation distribution along part of the structure, for example. Nowadays, many researches are trying to establish numerical formulations to help in the detection of the location of a damage using numerical techniques associated to finite element or boundary element methods, among others. With a previous detection of the location of a crack, the region for inspection can be significantly reduced, and the prices of such examination task substantially reduced. This paper presents simple applications of the Wavelet Transforms for the detection of damages in structures. Different Wavelet Transforms are applied to the displacement or mode shape responses of simple structures under static or modal analysis. Using finite elements from ANSYS software, the modeling of damage is simulated by deleting some finite elements from the mesh. The static response (in displacement) of the damaged structure is employed in the analysis to detect the location of damages using two mother-Wavelet and the locations of cracks were successfully detected. It is also important to notice that such numerical technique may also be applied for health monitoring of NPP structures under operations. The results of all the analyses are presented and discussed in this paper. INTRODUCTION In the last decades, scientists have showed a large interest in researches associated to damage detection in structures. Such researches include the intensive use of numerical methods to help in the non-destructive techniques of structural performance monitoring and pathology detection [6] in civil, aerospace, and also nuclear ingineering. Although the literature on damage recognition is predominantly focused on methods that utilize frequency or stiffness variation information converted in structural signatures, a new formulation based on signal analysis [1,2,4] methods that uses wavelet transform is promising. Generally, the numerical methods make the comparison of signatures obtained before and after the onset of damage, and these signatures are defined in terms of displacements, frequencies, mode shapes, stress, among others. However, it should be very significant important that the indication of damage position could be showed without comparing structural signatures but just based on the response of damaged of the actual structure.
Extending the three-dimensional LOD-FDTD method to lumped load and voltage source with impedance

In this paper, the three-dimensional locally one-dimensional finite difference time domain (LOD-FDTD) method is extended to include lumped elements calculation. The algorithm of the three-dimensional (3-D) LOD-FDTD which includes lumped elements calculation is derived, and then, a complex metal cavity feed by a voltage source with lumped resistance and loaded by a lumped load is simulated. The numerical result is presented to show the validity of the algorithm. The proposed LOD-FDTD method is found to use less CPU time comparing with traditional finite difference time domain (FDTD) method.
High-gain soft-switching interleaved switched-capacitor DC–DC converter with phase-shedding technique

This study experimentally verifies the performance of a high-gain soft-switching interleaved switched-capacitor (ISC) DC–DC converter based on phase-shedding technique. Efficiency improvement especially under light load condition is achieved by introducing the phase-shedding technique, which adjusts the number of active interleaved converters based on the input power level. The interleaved configuration and modular characteristic of the converter increase the voltage gain as well as the current rating of the converter. Moreover, pulsating input current issue of conventional switched-capacitor converter is solved by the stray inductances distributed in the converter. The converter achieves high-voltage gain, improved efficiency, magnetic components free design and low output capacitance requirement. Simulation and experimental results taken from 1.5 kW prototype operating at 120 kHz are documented in this study to validate the operation and characteristics of the proposed ISC DC–DC converter.
ROBTET: a new teleoperated system for live-line maintenance

This paper presents a new teleoperated system for live-line maintenance developed for the IBERDROLA electrical utility. Its aim is to increase the safety and comfort of the workers and the overall efficiency, as well as to reduce labour requirements. Its design is based on other already developed systems but with a new approach. It consists of a pair of hydraulic-driven master-slave teleoperated manipulators, placed on top of an insulated boom, which execute directly on the hot line, the tasks commanded via master arms by an operator on the ground. Telepresence of the operator is accomplished through a 3-D vision system, a multimedia interface and the force-feedback capabilities of the manipulators. This paper describes in detail all these elements, as well as the teleoperation architecture that interface them, with special attention to the telepresence issues which seem to lack in similar systems.
A Parametric Study and Design of the Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BAVA)

Now days the ultra wide band antenna (UWB) is widely used in difierent appli- cations such as microwave imaging, wireless communications, ground penetrating radars, remote sensing and phased arrays. Since then the Vivaldi antenna is a suitable candidate for this appli- cations. This antenna has 3 main categories: 1- Co-planar Vivaldi antenna, 2- Antipodal Vivaldi antenna and 3- Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi antenna (BAVA). The BAVA has great advantages over the other types of antennas, as well as better radiation characteristics, wider bandwidth and better return loss characteristics. In this paper a parametric study and design of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna (BAVA) has been taken with the aim of using them as elements of wideband phased arrays. The study reported here was performed in the 1{20GHz by using com- mercial electromagnetic simulation software ANSOFT HFSS. The BAVA is constructed using RT/duroid 6002 (Rogers Corporation CT. USA) which has relative permittivity of 2.94. The simulation showed that the return loss is better than i10dB within the bands. This antenna is suitable for imaging radar or tissue scanning applications.
ACTIVITY OF SCAPULAR MUSCLES: COMPARISON OF OPEN AND CLOSED KINETIC CHAIN EXERCISES

The function of the shoulder region and cervical spine are regulated by the motor control of the scapula. It is important to selectively activate weak muscles and minimally involve tense muscles to improve scapular motor control. The objective of this study was to compare the activity of scapular muscles and the intramuscular balance during various open and closed kinetic chain exercises. Methods: This study included 20 female sedentary office workers. A surface electromyography was used to analyze the activity of the scapular muscle in the correct exercise starting position and during 6 different exercises. Additionally, the optimal intramuscular balance was examined. Results and conclusions: Open kinetic chain exercises is more suitable than closed kinetic chain exercises for training scapular active stability. Horizontal shoulder abduction with external rotation (scapula retraction and internal rotation) while in the prone position was optimal and could be recommended (as well as its modifications with a resistance band) for training programs to improve scapula active stability.
Crack Mechanism of Different Concrete Grades under Compressive Loading: Application in Rigid Pavement

The growth of cracks in concretes under different loadings in various structures and their consequent diminishing effect on the lifespan of structures is an age long structural problem. This research investigates the influence of compressive loading on the crack mechanism of different concrete grades 1: 1 : 3 (M 20 ), 1: 2: 4 (M 15 ) and 1: 3: 6 (M 10 ) using three brands of cements available in Nigeria namely Dangote (Type A), Elephant (Type B) and Bua (Type C). Particle Size Distribution (PSD), Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV), Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) was carried out on aggregates in accordance with relevant codes while; compressive test were performed on the hardened concrete while, the crack width was measured using microscopic technique. A Coefficient of uniformity (C u ) of 4.00, AIV of 46 % and an ACV of 47.7 % were obtained for the aggregate which are suitable for rigid pavements construction. Maximum compressive strength value of 24.96 N/mm 2 , 24.67 N/mm 2 and 24.89 N/mm 2 respectively was obtained for concrete M 20 for Type A, Type B and Type C cement at the 28 day. A corresponding crack width of 0.97 mm, 0.89 mm and 0.93 mm was obtained while; a yield period of 57.66 sec, 58.33 sec and 53.33 was obtained respectively. Comparing with the International Organization for Standardization, concrete grade M 20 any of the cement types is suitable for the construction of rigid pavements with heavy traffic volume while M 15 is recommended for low traffic volume.
Linear electrical generator topologies for direct-drive marine wave energy conversion- an overview

Wave energy is one of the most attractive forms of renewable energy. The reasons include its promising availability, predictability, persistence, and power density. This study focuses on all linear generator designs and technologies which have been used so far in direct-drive wave energy converters (DD-WECs). Currently, linear permanent magnet generators (LPMG) have been proposed as the most advantageous generator system developed for DD-WECs. After a brief description of linear generator based wave energy converters, all proposed state-of-the-art of LPMG topologies available in the literature are discussed and compared in terms of flux path, core type, location of PMs, and etc. In addition, other linear generator technologies such as linear switched reluctance and linear superconducting generators, as an alternative to LPMGs, are reviewed. Finally, based on the surveyed quantitative comparisons performed in previous works, eight major concepts are evaluated in terms of economic and operational aspects.
Sleep Apnea “Smart CO 2 ” Therapy Device

: Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder which currently prevents more than 20 million Americans from reaching “deep” sleep. Sleep apnea has been known to increase the risk of heart issues, high blood pressure, stroke, and other diseases. Current Sleep Apnea treatments, such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices, are rejected by nearly 50% of individuals who have used them because they are loud, uncomfortable, and may cause nasal congestion and dryness. Our team firmly believes that these side effects should not be ignored and therefore proposes a device which may reduce them. This alternative device incorporates “Smart CO 2 ” which was developed in the lab of our client, Dr. John Webster. The “Smart CO 2 ” system has been proven to reduce the occurrence of apneas and shows great potential as a long-term alternative to CPAP. “Smart CO 2 ” elevates the amount of CO 2 in the lungs by increasing dead space, effectively inducing mild hypercapnia which has been proven to improve ventilatory stimulation and the symptoms Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) may cause.
A Resistive GaN-HEMT Mixer for a Cable Modem Operable up to 250°C for Downhole Communications

It is necessary for the oil and gas industry to drill deeper due to decrease of easily accessible natural reserves. Temperatures of deep wells can exceed 210°C, and conventional cooling and heat extraction techniques are impractical in such a harsh environment. Reliable electronic designs that can sustain high temperature become necessary. This article presents a high-temperature passive radio frequency (RF) mixer for downhole communications. The proposed mixer is designed to upconvert or downconvert the incoming signal with low conversion loss (CL), high linearity, and reliable operation at the ambient temperature up to 250°C. GaN is a wide-bandgap technology that can provide a reliable operation at high ambient temperatures, and the proposed mixer adopts a commercial GaN high-electron-mobility transistor. Measurement results indicate that the proposed mixer achieves a CL of 7.1 dB at local oscillator (LO) power of 2.5 dBm for the downconversion from 230–253 to 97.5 MHz at 250°C and the input P1dB compre.
User Perception towards the Use of Wearable Cameras

A number of wearable lifelogging camera devices have been released recently, which allow consumers to capture images and other sensor data continuously from a first-person point of view. Unlike traditional cameras, lifelogging devices are always ‘on’ and capture images automatically. Such features may challenge the expectations of users concerning privacy and control over the capture of images. The objective of this research was to identify the perceptions among a sample of users after they had used a lifelogging camera. Twenty Malaysian respondents, including senior citizens and adults, participated in this study and were allowed to experience wearing a lifelogging camera for at least 3 hours throughout the day. They then reviewed the photos captured by the camera. The respondents had to answer a questionnaire on their perceptions of the captured photos and the activities that they carried out while wearing the camera. The results showed that the feedback from the respondents was positive as most of them felt glad when they browsed through their photos. The usability function of both the device and the image browser software that was provided received positive feedback from the users, especially from the senior citizens. However, issues of privacy and comfort in wearing the device were the main concerns among the respondents.
System for Corrosion Inspection and Monitoring

This paper contains has conducted research and analysis on different corrosion identification and monitoring methods to develop an autonomous corrosion inspection system to solve the challenge issued by the University Student Design and Applied Solutions Competition. This challenge is to build an autonomous corrosion detection and monitoring system to help provide new ideas and innovations to the Department of Defense. Using research and stakeholder analysis, this research produced a system to best meet the demands of the competition and determine the best possible solution to the design challenge. Our integrated team used a systems engineering approach to produce the design that will be fielded at the competition in April 2016.
Multi-Height-Based Lensfree On-Chip Microscopy for Biomedical Applications - eScholarship

Computational resources are constantly becoming faster, cheaper and more portable. Coupled with mass production and the use of sophisticated hardware components in the consumer electronics market, the abundance of computational power opens numerous opportunities in reducing the cost and extending the capabilities of traditional biomedical imaging and sensing devices. Toward this end, myriad computational imaging methods have been devised; among them is lensfree holographic imaging that provides a portable, cost- effective and yet powerful alternative to traditional bright field microscopy tools. Additionally, lensfree microscopy provides significantly larger fields-of-view (e.g., 30mm2) when compared to a typical bright-field transmission microscope with comparable resolution (e.g., 60-100i? ½ objective lens with a numerical aperture of 0.8-1.0). This dissertation introduces the unique architecture of lensfree on-chip microscopy, its computational reconstruction methods, and several biomedical-imaging applications that utilize on-chip imaging. Lensfree microscopy has a distinct architecture when compared to other imaging systems. First, rather than recording a direct image of the specimen, an on-chip in-line hologram is acquired. In addition, the sample is positioned in close proximity to the image sensor (typically sub-mm); and finally, lenses are not used between the object and the image sensor. These unique attributes enable the simplification of the microscope's hardware to solely an image sensor and a partially coherent light source (both temporally and spatially), thus resulting in a cost-effective and portable microscope where hardware is replaced with computational reconstruction methods. These computational methods can push the resolution of the on-chip microscope to a deeply sub-micron range (e.g., 225 nm) by employing pixel-super-resolution, a method that synthesizes one high-resolution image from various lower resolution images of the same object. Additionally, to image dense and confluent samples, multi-height-based phase- recovery is introduced in partially coherent holography. This iterative method recovers the lost phase of an optical field from few intensity measurements, each captured with a different sample-to-sensor distance. Lastly, to provide accurate colorization, especially challenging for holographic methods, two different algorithms are utilized, one based on Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm, and the other based on the YUV color space. Based on these computational reconstruction blocks, the performance of lensfree on-chip microscopy can be demonstrated in various biomedical imaging applications that require both high-resolution and high-throughput, including Papanicolaou smears, human breast cancer slides and sickle cell anemia blood smears.
Interpersonal dysfunction predicts subsequent financial exploitation vulnerability in a sample of adults over 50: a prospective observational study

Abstract Objectives The goal of this study was to test whether interpersonal dysfunction, characterized by loneliness and/or dissatisfaction with relationships, is an imminent predictor of financial exploitation vulnerability (FEV) among adults age 50+ within a 6-month observation period. This study also tests whether FEV prospectively predicts interpersonal dysfunction. Methods Twenty-six adults aged 50 or older completed a study involving baseline data collection and 13 follow-ups over 6 months. Linear mixed models were used for primary analyses. Results After adjustment for demographic, psychological and cognitive covariates, there were between-person effects of FEV and interpersonal dysfunction across follow-ups, suggesting that those with generally higher interpersonal dysfunction compared to other participants also reported greater FEV (B(SE) = 1.09(.33), p = . 003). There was a within-person effect (B(SE) = . 08(.03), p = . 007) of elevated interpersonal dysfunction predicting greater FEV two weeks later across all follow-ups. Within-person effect of FEV was not predictive of interpersonal dysfunction (B(SE) = . 25(.15), p = . 10). There was also a significant effect of age (B(SE) = –. 06(.02), p = . 007), such that older individuals had lower FEV throughout follow-ups. Conclusion Among adults age 50+, individuals with higher interpersonal dysfunction relative to others in the study reported greater FEV throughout the 6-month observation period. Increased loneliness and social dissatisfaction, relative to one’s average level, predicts subsequent increases in FEV, and may be an imminent risk factor for exploitation.
Telephone-based support for physical activity: Results and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic

Physical activity is essential to maintain physical and mental well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person physical activity opportunities were limited. This paper describes a telephone-based physical activity support strategy among racially/ethnically diverse patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adult patients at a large, Federally Qualified Health Center with an on-site exercise facility referral were eligible to transition to telephone support with personal fitness advisors during the pandemic stay-at-home orders. Baseline surveys assessed physical activity and environmental characteristics; follow-up phone calls used motivational interviewing and physical activity goal setting strategies. From March 23-July 23, 2020, 72 patients participated in 270 phone calls, or 3.8 (±2.1) calls per participant. Participants were, on average, aged 51.3 (±11.6) years, 87.5% female, 31.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 47.2% non-Hispanic Black. Patients meeting physical activity guidelines pre-pandemic reported more planned exercise (100.0% vs. 55.3%; p<0.001), exercise days at home (5.0 vs. 1.7; p<0.001), and accomplishment of personal physical activity goals (57.0% vs. 39.7%; p = 0.11) than patients not meeting guidelines pre-pandemic. Patients with a home treadmill participated in twice the rate of calls compared to those without (RR = 2.22; 95%CI:1.35,3.64), but no other home environmental characteristics predicted participation rate. Pre-pandemic physical activity behavior appeared to predict pandemic physical activity and telephone-based physical activity support was effective for maintaining physical activity for some participants. Long term applications of this work will support continuity of clinic-community partnerships for health behavior change and provide a model for patient physical activity support by community health centers without on-site exercise facilities.
Perineuronal Nets Degradation and Parvalbumin Interneuron Loss in a Mouse Model of DEPDC5-Related Epilepsy

DEPDC5, the key gene within the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, is one of the most common causative genes in patients with epilepsy and malformation of cortical development (MCD). Although somatic mutations in the dorsal cortical progenitors generate the malformed cortex, its pathogenesis of hyperexcitability is complex and remains unclear. We specifically deleted Depdc5 in the mouse forebrain dorsal progenitors to model DEPDC5-related epilepsy and investigated whether and how parvalbumin interneurons were non-cell autonomously affected in the malformed cortex. We showed that long before seizures, coincident with microglia inflammation, proteolytic enzymes degraded perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the malformed cortex, resulting in parvalbumin (PV+) interneuron loss and presynaptic inhibition impairment. Our studies, therefore, uncovered the hitherto unknown role of PNN in mTOR-related MCD, providing a new framework for mechanistic-based therapeutic development.