Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lessons from Covey: win-win principles for university-employer engagement

Purpose – In the UK, universities are coming under increasing pressure from government to strengthen university-employer co-operation and engagement in areas such as student placements, graduate internships, knowledge exchange, enterprise and work-based learning. Both the Higher Education (HE) White Paper (BIS, 2011) and the Wilson Review (BIS, 2012) encourage universities to focus on this agenda, putting businesses at the heart of the system alongside students to maximise innovation, promote growth and “ensure students come out of universities equipped to excel in the workforce”. (BIS, 2011, p. 39). The need for universities to engage with employers and build strong relationships to maximise mutual partnership value is integral to this work. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines the application of win-win principles (Covey, 1989) to employer engagement activities in HE via two case studies. Following an analysis of the results in each case study, they s.
Organic Semiconductors: Past, Present and Future

Organic electronics, such as displays, photovoltaics and electronics circuits and components, offer several advantages over the conventional inorganic-based electronics because they are inexpensive, flexible, unbreakable, optically transparent, lightweight and have low power consumption. In particular, organic displays exhibit high brightness, fast response time, wide viewing angle, and low operating voltage. [. ]
Reliability of vibration energy harvesters of metal-based PZT thin films

This paper describes the reliability of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters (PVEHs) of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) thin films on metal foil cantilevers. The PZT thin films were directly deposited onto the Pt-coated stainless-steel (SS430) cantilevers by rf-magnetron sputtering, and we observed their aging behavior of power generation characteristics under the resonance vibration condition for three days. During the aging measurement, there was neither fatigue failure nor degradation of dielectric properties in our PVEHs (length: 13 mm, width: 5.0 mm, thickness: 104 μm) even under a large excitation acceleration of 25 m/s2. However, we observed clear degradation of the generated electric voltage depending on excitation acceleration. The decay rate of the output voltage was 5% from the start of the measurement at 25 m/s2. The transverse piezoelectric coefficient (e31,f) also degraded with almost the same decay rate as that of the output voltage; this indicates that the degradation of output voltage was mainly caused by that of piezoelectric properties. From the decay curves, the output powers are estimated to degrade 7% at 15 m/s2 and 36% at 25 m/s2 if we continue to excite the PVEHs for 30 years.
An Adhoc Sensor network with an Infrared Imaging System for Controlling Room air temperature in a large Auditorium building.

This paper proposes an embedded wireless sensor network system for temperature control in a large auditorium. The objective is to save energy cost and reduce energy consumption. The room air temperature at various locations inside the auditorium will be controlled locally and the corresponding data will also be communicated to the system coordinator through a microcontroller based wireless communication system conforming to 802.15. 4/ IEEE standards. The user will have an interface to access the current and past temperature readings in different parts of the auditorium. The coordinator will have an Ethernet interface and run a simple data web server. The main feature of the proposal is an infrared imaging system which will be detecting the intensity of human presence at various locations inside the auditorium. The system will have current and previous images and control the airconditioning devices optimally.
Characteristics, Causes and Early Interventions for Preterm Birth - A Review Paper

The normal length of pregnancy is 40 weeks (plus or minus 2 weeks) as calculated from first day of the woman's last normal menstrual cycle. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines preterm birth as any birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, or fewer than 259 days since the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP). This is further subdivided on the basis of gestational age (GA):
A Study on the Impact of Ubiquitous Street Furniture on Human Behavior- Based on Media Poles Installed on Seoul′s Gangnam Boulevard

This study aims at investigating the impact on human behavior, of ubiquitous street furniture as represented by the media poles along Gangnam Boulevard. It attempted to predict the impact of media poles on human behavior by examining what constitutes the characteristics and functions of ″ubiquitous″ street furniture; by observing human street behavior; and by analyzing the installation process and functions of the media pole. In order to verify the predictions made, observational investigation and inquiry surveys were carried out targeting pedestrians on Gangnam Boulevard. According to the survey results, the demand for ubiquitous street furniture like these media poles was on the rise and among their many functions; their visual aspect had the most distinctive impact on human behavior. However, use of the media poles is on the decline, requiring their content to be upgraded, which will contribute to the development of a culture of communication.
The Experimental Study of the Influence of the Foot Articulated Structure on the Biped Robot Walking

Abstract: Purpose：By investigating the variation of the human walking gait kinematics with respect to the foot deformation constraint, prove that bionic design of feet are the necessity for biped robots to imitate human walking better in terms of flexibility, stability and efficiency. The results will be significant for future research and development of biped robots. Methods: A human being was assumed as a perfect biped robot which had ideal motion drive and control. The walking gait parameters of two healthy men with foot deformation unconstrained and constrained were tested respectively by the inertia motion capture suit, and then they were processed by programming and analyzed by comparison. Results: The data analysis showed that when subjects walked with foot deformation constrained, their angular displacements of lower limb joints generally increased, the curves of angular velocity and accelerations fluctuated in certain walking phases, the walking pace and stride length decreased obviously, the single support phase shortened while the double support phase lengthened. At the same time, subjects felt subjectively that their body motion was less flexible, the walking posture was difficult to control, and the walking stability was more strenuous to keep. Conclusion: Combining the logical analogies with the detailed experimentation results, it is inferred that biped robots with rigid feet will have to suffer awkward and unstable walking gait, heavier and strenuous steps, and lower energy efficiency while walking. The paper concludes the necessity of bionic design of the robot feet for improving the walking quality of the biped robots. The conclusion and the experiment data will be of significant value for future work of robot design and evaluation.
Mobile Edge Service for Charging Control

5G systems will provide a flexible charging capabilities including policy control based on spending limits for a subscription. Edge computing possesses the potential for exposing policy control and charging capabilities to third party applications close to the end users. In this paper, we propose a new mobile edge service that provides open access to functions related to monitoring the usage limits regardless the way of measurement i.e. monetary, volume, duration, etc. Currently, this function is a part of the core network functionality. Using the proposed service interfaces, an intended application may track the usage of network resource by a subscriber and to request applying of enforcement action to user traffic such as quality of service downgrade, traffic redirection or blocking close to the end user. The description of the proposed mobile edge service is provided in form of typical use cases, data model, interface definition, and formally verified state models.
A wavelength division multiplexer based on a cocentric core fiber

We report and demonstrate a new type of fiber wavelength division multiplexer based on central-circular cocentric core fiber. Using splicing technique to connect the central-circular cocentric core fiber and single mode fiber, then, tapering at the fusion point of two fibers. The light source whose wavelengths are 980nm and 1480nm input from the single mode fiber, then two wavelengths transferred separate well at the tapering area of the cocentric fiber. The simulation results are agreement with the theoretical analysis of the theoretical model.
A 32x32 pixel FLASH laser radar system incorporating InGaAs PIN and APD detectors

We report on the demonstration of an InGaAs PIN and Avalanche Photodiode (APD) based "FLASH" 3-dimensional imaging system. The system utilizes a unique LADAR readout integrated circuit (ROIC) designed to operate using either PIN or APD based devices fabricated on a common cathode substrate. In addition to a digital range count that is output from each of the 1024 pixels, on-chip signal processing enables sub-six inch range resolution in a single FLASH image. The uniformity of the breakdown voltage, gain, and dark current of the InGaAs APDs fabricated for this demonstration greatly simplifies the ROIC architecture, as input offset voltage trimming is unnecessary. The ROIC architecture enables advanced LADAR applications such as first pulse suppression, programmed range interrogation, and return pulse shape sampling enabling dramatic improvements in range accuracy using advanced ranging algorithms.
A baseline study of the effect of freshwater biofilms in an hydraulic conduit

A program is underway at the University of Tasmania investigating ways to control biological growths in hydraulic conduits. The broad aim of this research is to minimise the effects of biological growths to optimize conduit performance and maintenance procedures, and increase the economic return from existing hydraulic infrastructure. This paper presents results from experiments carried out on a newly constructed re-circulating water tunnel purpose built to investigate the effect of freshwater biofilms in hydraulic conduits. A baseline study of boundary layer velocity profiles and total drag measurements of a specially prepared rough test plate has been conducted to determine the plate’s roughness characteristics. Experimental measurements from the water tunnel are complemented with three-dimensional physical roughness data obtained from innovative photogrammetric methods. The roughness data from the water tunnel and photogrammetry are compared and are shown to agree by within 20%.
Advancements in Electric Machines

PROGRAM State-of-the art of electric machines, associated components and contemporary trends of their development will be discussed. Recently, new topologies of high torque density motors, high speed motors, integrated motor drives and special motors have been developed. Progress in electric machines technology is stimulated by new materials, new areas of applications, impact of power electronRRVS Section and Computer/Control Systems Chapter Meeting October 006
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among High School Children in Mangaluru

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are defined as musculoskeletal symptoms or pain that reflect a number of conditions, which affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, bones and joints. The World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned a report describing the impact of impaired musculoskeletal health among the younger population. Anthropometric measures, school bag weight, faulty postures, studentfurniture mismatch are some of the common risk factors associated with MSDs among school going children. Objectives: To find the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among high school children in Mangaluru and to find the influence of risk factors for the musculoskeletal disorders. Study Design: A cross sectional study. Method: 326 high school children aged 12-16 years from different parts of Mangaluru district participated in the study. A questionnaire was designed to collect the general information. Assessment of the musculoskeletal disorders was done using the Standardized Nordic questionnaire (SNQ). Results: Out of the 326 students assessed, prevalence of MSDs was found to be 40.2 %. While 40.4 % participants reported of discomfort with the dimensions of the desk and bench, 73.3% of the students cited that they carried heavy bags for at least 5-15 min on a daily basis and 74.8 % of the students stated that they travelled for at least 5 – 15 min of duration on a daily basis. Conclusion: The prevalence of MSDs among school children was notable. It was also noted that, factors like, school bag weight, anthropometric measures, duration of school bag carriage, duration of travel, mode of transportation to and fro from school, furniture mismatch etc were evident among the population who suffered from MSD. Therefore, preventive and educational activities regarding the MSDs could be included among the population of school children to curb the future complications of these MSDs.
Rating City and County of Denver Urban Pavement Constructability Using a Profiler

The international roughness index (IRI) was developed in 1986 to generate a longitudinal roadway profile analysis tool for asphalt surfaces. The IRI is typically applied to freeway and rural highway facilities where uninterrupted spans of asphalt are expected. The city and county of Denver (CCD) in cooperation with the University of Colorado Denver have examined the application of the IRI to urban roadway facilities. Elements of urban roadways that influence IRI values include drainage infrastructure and cross-street access. This paper details the equipment and methodology used to address challenges in assessing urban constructed roadways with the IRI. Repeatability studies were completed using five different inspectors involved in the data collection activities. The results indicated that repeatability varied between different inspectors by approximately 2%. A before-repair and after-repair study was completed on newly resurfaced roadways around the CCD in an attempt to establish a set of baseline values for the application of the IRI to urban roadways. The IRI values for a sample of 23 test cases showed a weighted average postpaving improvement of approximately 36%. Recommended urban IRI values for good and acceptable surfaces are suggested at 150 in. /mi (2,367.44 mm/km) and 220 in. /mi (3,472.24 mm/km), respectively.
Aggregation of Epistemic Uncertainty: A New Interpretation of the Certainty Factor with Possibility Theory and Causation Events

Information aggregation has a long history of studies. It has been used in decision-making, sensor fusion, information retrieval, affective intelligence and many other applications for combining certainties, reliabilities, sentiments and other degrees of information to judge something in the real world. The paper dares to revisit a traditional and seemingly forgotten representation of uncertainty called Certainty Factors, and discusses a new interpretation with Possibility theory and causation events. Then it develops a few aggregation functions of uncertainties derived from distinct pieces of evidence. The Certainty Factors had been criticized due to lack of sound mathematical interpretation from the viewpoint of Probability theory. Thus, the paper first tries to establish a theory for a sound interpretation using Possibility theory. Then it examines the aggregation based on the interpretation. It proposes four combination functions with sound theoretical basis, one of which is exactly the same as the combination criticized for long time.
Characterizing Embedded Web Browsing in Mobile Apps

Modern mobile operating systems support displaying Web pages in native mobile applications. When an app user navigates to a specific location containing a Web page, the Web page will be loaded and rendered from within the app. Such kind of Web browsing, as we call embedded Web browsing, is different from traditional Web browsing, which involves typing a URL on a browser and loading the Web page. However, little has been known about the prevalence or performance of such embedded Web pages. In this paper, we conduct, to the best of our knowledge, the first measurement study on embedded Web browsing on Android. Our study on 22,521 popular Android apps shows that 57.9 and 73.8 percent of apps embed Web pages on two popular app markets, that is, Google Play and Wandoujia, respectively. We design and implement EWProfiler, a tool that can automatically search for embedded Web pages inside apps, trigger page loads, and retrieve performance metrics to analyze the embedded Web browsing performance at scale. Based on 445 embedded Web pages obtained by EWProfiler in 99 popular apps from the two app markets, we investigate the characteristics and performance of embedded Web pages, and find that embedded Web pages significantly impede the app user experience. We investigate the effectiveness of three techniques, i.e., separating the browser kernel to a different process, loading pages from the local storage, and pre-rendering, to optimize the performance of embedded Web browsing. We believe that our findings could draw the attention of Web developers, browser vendors, app developers, and mobile OS vendors together toward a better performance of embedded Web browsing.
Bi-axial fracture strength characteristic of an ultra-thin flash memory chip

Recently, ultra-thin chips with thicknesses of under 35 µm have emerged as an option for thinner, high performance electronic devices. For reliable electronic devices and high throughput packaging processes, the mechanical properties of ultra-thin chips need to be accurately understood. In this study, the fracture strength of an ultra-thin flash memory chip was measured using a ball-on-ring (BOR) test. To evaluate and validate the bi-axial strength in the BOR test, a finite element analysis was performed. It was compared with the analytical solution based on Hertzian contact theory. Flash memory chip specimens with different thicknesses were prepared and their bi-axial strengths were tested with respect to various wafer thinning process parameters such as grinding speed and polishing time. Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the residual stress generated during the wafer thinning process. The surface roughness of the silicon wafer was measured using an atomic force microscope under various wafer thinning conditions. From the study, the fracture strength characteristics of the ultra-thin chip could be established as a function of the wafer thinning parameters.
AUSTRIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS' IDIOSYNCRASIES AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SYSTEM

The aim of this paper is to present the findings of a PhD research (Heinzl, 2007) conducted on the Universities of Applied Sciences in Austria. The research is to establish an idiosyncrasy model for Universities of Applied Sciences in Austria showing the effects of their idiosyncrasies on the ability to successfully conduct technology transfer. Research applied in the study is centred on qualitative methods as major emphasis is placed on theory building. The study pursues a stepwise approach for the establishment of the idiosyncrasy model. In the first step, an initial technology transfer model and list of idiosyncrasies are established based on a synthesis of findings from secondary research. In the second step, these findings are enhanced by the means of empirical research including problem-centred expert interviews, a focus group and participant observation. In the third step, the idiosyncrasies are matched with the factors conducive for technology transfer and focused interviews have been conducted for this purpose. The findings show that idiosyncrasies of Universities of Applied Sciences have remarkable effects on their technology transfer abilities. This paper presents four of the models that emerge from the PhD research: Generic Technology Transfer Model (Section 5.1); Idiosyncrasies Model for the Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences (Section 5.2); Idiosyncrasies-Technology Transfer Effects Model (Section 5.3); Idiosyncrasies-Technology Transfer Cumulated Effects Model (Section 5.3). The primary and secondary research methods employed for this study are: literature survey, focus groups, participant observation, and interviews. The findings of the research contribute to a conceptual design of a technology transfer system which aims to enhance the higher education institutions' technology transfer performance.
Behavioral modeling and simulation of multi-standard RF receivers using MATLAB/SIMULINK

This paper presents a SIMULINK block set for the behavioral modeling and high-level simulation of RF receiver frontends. The toolbox includes a library with the main RF circuit models that are needed to implement wireless transceivers, namely: low noise amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, filters and programmable gain amplifiers. There is also a library including other blocks like the antenna, duplexer filter and switches, required to implement reconfigurable architectures. Behavioral models of building blocks include the main ideal functionality as well as the following non-idealities: thermal noise characterized by the Noise Figure (NF) and the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and nonlinearity expressed by the input-referred 2nd- and 3rd-order intercept points, IIP2 and IIP3, respectively. In addition to these general parameters, some block specific errors have been also included, like oscillator phase noise and mixer offset. These models have been incorporated into the SIMULINK environment making an extensive use of C-coded S-functions and reducing the number of library block elements. This approach reduces the simulation time while keeping high accuracy, what makes the proposed toolbox very appropriate to be combined with an optimizer for the automated high-level synthesis of radio receivers. As an application of the capabilities of the presented toolbox, a multi-standard Direct-Conversion Receiver (DCR) intended for 4G telecom systems is modeled and simulated considering the building-block requirements for the different standards.
Interlacing for improved performance of laminates with embedded devices

A structural tailoring technique known as interlacing was developed and applied to 24-ply unidirectional graphite - epoxy specimens. Glass slides, representing inert actuators or sensors, were embedded using six different interlacing configurations, defined by the location of the continuous and discontinuous plies through laminate thickness. Eighteen specimens were step loaded under quasistatic uniaxial tension; damage initiation and progression were monitored. The onset of damage at and near the inclusion was delayed and the ultimate strength of the structure was increased substantially by distributing the discontinuity of the inclusion through the thickness via interlacing.
Aeronautical Communications for Personal and Multimedia Services Via Satellite

The demand for making air travel more pleasant, secure and productive for passengers is one of the winning factors for both airlines and the aircraft manufacturing industry for which aeronautical communications is one of the enablers. This article describes current trends in the area of aeronautical passenger communication towards personal and wireless in-cabin communications and multimedia data networks. Technological challenges are summarized as well as market potentials.