Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Equivalent Circuit Simulation Model of Cantilevered Piezoelectric Bimorph Energy Harvester

This paper presented an equivalent circuit simulation model of the cantilevered piezoelectric bimorph energy harvester for predicting the electrical power output of the energy harvester. The alternating voltage in the equivalent circuit model is identified from FE transducer model and the parameters of the resistance, capacitance and inductance in the equivalent circuit model are identified from FE actuator model. To valid the equivalent circuit simulation model, the power output values are compared with those obtained from the coupled piezoelectric-circuit finite element analysis. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the equivalent circuit simulation model.
Design process optimization, virtual prototyping of manufacturing, and foundry-portable DFM (Invited Paper)

We consider modern design for manufacturing (DFM) as a manifestation of IC industry re-integration and intensive cost management dynamics. In that regard DFM is somewhat different from so-called design for yield (DFY) which essentially focuses on productivity (yield) management (that is not to say that DFM and DFY do not have significant overlaps and interactions). We clearly see the shaping of a new "full-chip DFM" infrastructure on the background of the "back to basics" design-manufacturing re-integration dynamics. In the presented work we are focusing on required DFM-efficiencies in a "foundry-fabless" link. Concepts of "virtual prototyping of manufacturing", "design process optimization", and "foundry-portable DFM" models are explored. Both senior management of the industry and leading design groups finally realize the need for a radical change of design styles. Some of the DFM super-goals are to isolate designers from process details and to make designs foundry portable. It requires qualification of designs at different foundries. In their turn, foundries specified and are implementing a set of DFM rules: "action-required", "recommended", and "guidelines" while asking designers to provide netlist and testing information. Also, we observe strong signs of innovation coming back to the mask industry. Powerful solutions are emerging and shaping up toward mask-centered IP as a business. While it seems that pure-play foundries have found their place for now in the "IDM+" model (supporting manufacturing capacity of IDMs) it is not obvious how sustainable the model is. Wafer as a production unit is not sufficient anymore; foundries are being asked by large customers to price products in terms of good die. It brings back the notion of the old ASIC business model where the foundry is responsible for dealing with both random and systematic yield issues for a given design. One scenario of future development would be that some of the leading foundries might eventually transform themselves into IDMs. Another visible trend: some of the manufacturing capacities started to diversify business by providing services for new emerging markets (for example, new energy and medicine applications). Finally it is very unclear what’s going to happen to fabless players. We continue building on the "Think SPICE again! " methodology introduced last year and expanding on previous platforms' discussion. Model expression of DFM, most probably, will be supplied by the equipment suppliers and yield management community. Actual content for a design intent model will be provided by manufacturing. Much like SPICE it describes the behavior and not what the actual measurement in manufacturing is. When the model is available and populated, a design automation solution can be created that will allow a designer to extract, analyze, simulate, and optimize the circuit prior to handoff to manufacturing.
Competitiveness assessment system for China's construction industry

How can competitiveness be defined and measured within China's construction industry to evaluate the overall performance and also allow enterprises to assess and improve their competence? The Competitiveness Index for the Construction Industry (CICI) is a new single index that can measure relative competitiveness of the construction industry at China's provincial level. The principles and process of the system development are elaborated. Using the CICI, the competitiveness of the construction industry in ten target provinces and/or municipalities is evaluated, the competitiveness of Shandong Province's building sector is further analysed, and the system's limitations and further research work are identified. It is concluded that currently there is no so-called ‘powerful province/municipality’ in the construction industry, that according to the status quo and the tendency of development, it is most probable for Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong provinces may be the first to achieve this goal, and that the indicators of Relevant industries and Structure are the bottleneck that hampers enhancing the competitiveness of Shandong's building sector. Comment la compétitivité peut-elle être définie et mesurée dans le secteur de la construction en Chine pour évaluer les performances globales et pour permettre également aux entreprises d'évaluer et d'améliorer leurs compétences? L'indice de compétitivité de l'industrie de la construction (CICI) est un nouvel indice simple qui peut mesurer la compétitivité relative de ce secteur au niveau provincial chinois. Les principes et processus de développement du système sont élaborés. Au moyen du CICI, on évalue la compétitivité de l'industrie de la construction dans dix provinces et (ou) municipalités; la compétitivité du secteur du bâtiment de la province de Shandong fait l'objet d'une autre analyse tandis que sont identifiées les limitations du système et que sont décidés des travaux complémentaires de recherche. L'article conclut en disant qu'actuellement il n'existe pas ce qu'on pourrait appeler des provinces/municipalités puissantes dans l'industrie de la construction et que, conformément au statu quo et à la tendance de développement, il est vraisemblable que les provinces de Jiangsu, Zhejiang, et Shandong soient les premières à atteindre cet objectif et que les indicateurs du Relevant industries and Structure constituent le goulot d'étranglement qui empêche d'améliorer la compétitivité dans le secteur du bâtiment de Shandong. Mots clés: système d'évaluation, compétitivité, industrie de la construction, marchés de la construction, performances de la construction, indicateurs, productivité, police publique, entreprises nationalisées, Chine
Experimental Aerodynamic Study of Tandem Flapping Membrane Wings

A systematic series of wind-tunnel tests was conducted on an ornithopter configuration consisting of two sets of symmetrically flapping wings, located one behind the other in tandem. It was discovered that the tandem arrangement can give thrust and efficiency increases over a single set of flapping wings for certain relative phase angles and longitudinal spacing between the wing sets. In particular, close spacing on the order of 1 chord length is generally best, and phase angles of approximately 0 ± 50 deg give the highest thrusts and propulsive efficiencies. Asymmetrical flapping was also studied, which consists of the two sets of wings rocking relative to one another 180 deg out of phase. It was found that the performance of such an arrangement is poor, relative to the best performing symmetrical tandem flapping.
Topic models do not model topics: epistemological remarks and steps towards best practices

The social sciences and digital humanities have recently adopted the machine learning technique of topic modeling to address research questions in their fields. This is problematic in a number of ways, some of which have not received much attention in the debate yet. This paper adds epistemological concerns centering around the interface between topic modeling and linguistic concepts and the argumentative embedding of evidence obtained through topic modeling. It concludes that topic modeling in its present state of methodological integration does not meet the requirements of an independent research method. It operates from relevantly unrealistic assumptions, is non-deterministic, cannot effectively be validated against a reasonable number of competing models, does not lock into a well-defined linguistic interface, and does not scholarly model topics in the sense of themes or content. These features are intrinsic and make the interpretation of its results prone to apophenia (the human tendency to perceive random sets of elements as meaningful patterns) and confirmation bias (the human tendency to perceptually prefer patterns that are in alignment with pre-existing biases). While partial validation of the statistical model is possible, a conceptual validation would require an extended triangulation with other methods and human ratings, and clarification of whether statistical distinctivity of lexical co-occurrence correlates with conceputal topics in any reliable way.
XIX. Contribution to the anatomy of hatteria (rhynchocephalus, Owen)

The remarkable Saurian which forms the subject of this memoir, appears to have been first mentioned in a diary by Mr. Anderson, the companion of Captain Cook, to whom “a monstrous animal of the lizard kind” was described by the two New Zealand boys who joined the expedition whilst staying in Queen Charlotte’s Sound (Cook’s Third Voyage, 2d edit., 1785, vol. i. p. 153). Polack (New Zealand, 1838, vol. i. p. 317) speaks of it as a creature well known to the settlers. “The gigantic lizard or guana exists principally in the island of Victoria. Some are found in the isles of the Bay of Plenty. The natives relate ogre-killing stories of this reptile, but doubtless it is harmless. ” Dr. Dieffenbach has the merit of having first made us acquainted with it. In his 'Travels in New Zealand,' vol. ii. (1843) p. 205, he has the following notes:—“I had been apprized of the existence of a large lizard, which the natives called Tuatera, or Narara, with a general name, and of which they were much afraid. But although looking for it at the places where it was said to be found, and offering great rewards for a specimen, it was only a few days before my departure from New Zealand that I obtained one, which had been caught at a small rocky islet called Karewa, which is about two miles from the coast, in the Bay of Plenty. From all that I could gather about this Tuatera, it appears that it was formerly common in the islands; lived in holes, often in sandhills near the sea-shore; and the natives killed it for food. Owing to this latter cause, and no doubt also to the introduction of pigs, it is now very scarce; and many even of the older residents of the islands have never seen it. The specimen from which the description is taken I had alive, and kept for some time in captivity; it was extremely sluggish, and could be handled without any attempt at resistance or biting. "
TRAVELER PERFORMANCE AND INFORMATION AVAILABILITY: AN EXPERIMENT IN ROUTE CHOICE

The ability of transit patrons to fully use a transit system depends on their ability to understand traveler information. Past studies indicate that travelers are often incapable of answering basic questions, such as “What are the names and numbers of the bus routes that pass nearest your home? ” using available guides. An experiment was conducted to see how travelers’ ability to understand transit information affects their performance in choosing travel routes. New students at a major university were observed as they traveled by foot or bus from the campus to a small library 1½ miles away. Those subjects supplied with maps reached the destination significantly faster than those given no transit information. However, subjects supplied with both schedules and maps were actually slower than those using maps alone. Results indicate that travelers are unable to adjust their routes in response to a bus schedule. Subjects also made mistakes reading maps that cost them travel time or walking effort. These results.
De novo assembly of 20 chickens reveals the undetectable phenomenon for thousands of core genes on sub-telomeric regions

The gene numbers and evolutionary rates of birds were assumed to be much lower than that of mammals, which in sharp contrast to the huge species number and morphological diversity of birds. It is very necessary to construct a complete avian genome and analyze its evolution.We constructed a chicken pan-genome from 20 de novo genome assemblies with high sequencing depth, newly identified 1,335 protein-coding genes and 3,011 long noncoding RNAs. The majority of these novel genes were detected across most individuals of the examined transcriptomes but were accidentally measured in each of the DNA sequencing data regardless of Illumina or PacBio technology. Furthermore, different from previous pan-genome models, most of these novel genes were overrepresented on chromosomal sub-telomeric regions, surrounded with extremely high proportions of tandem repeats, and strongly blocked DNA sequencing. These hidden genes were proved to be shared by all chicken genomes, included many housekeeping genes, and enriched in immune pathways. Comparative genomics revealed the novel genes had three-fold elevated substitution rates than known ones, updating the evolutionary rates of birds. Our study provides a framework for constructing a better chicken genome, which will contribute towards the understanding of avian evolution and improvement of poultry breeding.
Monitoring Potentially Toxic Element Pollution in Three Wheat-Grown Areas with a Long History of Industrial Activity and Assessment of Their Effect on Human Health in Central Greece

Agricultural lands, especially those where wheat is cultivated, in the vicinity of intense anthropogenic activities may be laden with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), resulting in increased risk for human health. In this study we monitored three regions located in central Greece, currently cultivated with wheat: Domokos and Eretria, two areas with abandoned chromium mines, but never studied before, and the industrial area of Volos, near a major steel factory. All soils were alkaline with medium CaCO3 content. As expected, Cr was extremely high in the first two areas (705.2 in Eretria and 777.5 mg kg−1 in Domokos); Ni was also found elevated (1227 in Eretria, 1315 in Domokos and 257.6 mg kg−1 in the steel factory), while other harmful metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) were rather low. As a result, pollution load index, a cumulative index showing the contamination level of an area, was higher than 1.0 in all three areas (Eretria = 2.20, Domokos = 2.28, and steel factory = 1.61), indicating high contamination and anthropogenic inputs. As for the wheat parts (shoots and grains), they were found to have no elevated concentrations of any of the measured metals in all three study areas, probably due to the alkaline soil pH that decelerates metal mobility. This was also confirmed by the very low soil-to-plant transfer coefficient values for all metals. In assessing the possible risk concerning human health, we found that the soil-to-human pathway would induce no significant risk (exhibited by hazard index of less than 1.0), while the risk from grain-to-human resulted in considerable risk for human health in the steel factory of Volos (where HI > 1.0). Our findings suggest that rural areas never studied before with a history in some offensive anthropogenic activity can prove to be a contamination hotspot; we regard this study as a pivotal for similarly never-visited-before areas casually cultivated with wheat (or other important crops for human nutrition). We further recognize the need for a more in-depth study that would acknowledge the geochemical speciation of the studied metals and also monitor other important crops and their possible uptake of PTEs.
A laryngoscope for office-based imaging of human vocal folds using OCT

We developed a laryngoscope with an integrated OCT beam path for office-based non-contact imaging of human vocal folds. In combination with conventional videolaryngoscopy superficial and subsurface lesions can be detected. For error-free interpretation of OCT images obtained in office-based examination motion artifacts have to be considered. To demonstrate the implications on OCT images we simulated probe and patient movements for different commercial systems representing the three OCT modalities and analyzed the OCT data. Our results show that time domain and fourier domain OCT with a swept light source are probably better suited for noncontact imaging of awake patients than the current generation of fourier domain OCT engines with spectrometer design.
Understanding the pattern and mechanism of spatial concentration of urban land use, population and economic activities: a case study in Wuhan, China

ABSTRACT Quantifying the aggregation patterns of urban population, economic activities, and land use are essential for understanding compact development, but little is known about the difference among the distribution characteristics and how the built environment influences urban aggregation. In this study, five elements are collected in Wuhan, China, namely population density, floor area ratio, business POIs, road network and built-up area as the representative of urban population, economic activities and land use. An inverse S-shape function is employed to fit the elements’ macro distribution. An aggregation degree index is proposed to measure the aggregation level of urban elements. The kernel density estimation is used to identify the aggregation patterns. The spatial regression model is used to identify the built environment factors influencing the spatial distribution of urban elements. Results indicates that all urban elements decay outward from the city center in an inverse S-shape manner. The business Point-of-Interest (POI) density and population density are highly aggregated; floor area ratio and road density are moderately aggregated, whereas the built-up density is poorly aggregated. Three types of spatial aggregation patterns are identified: a point-shaped pattern, an axial pattern and a planar pattern. The spatial regression modeling shows that the built environment is associated with the distribution of the urban population, economic activities and land use. Destination accessibility factors, transit accessibility factors and land use diversity factors shape the distribution of the business POI density, floor area ratio and road density. Design factors are positively associated with population density, floor area ratio and built-up density. Future planning should consider the varying spatial concentration of urban population, economic activities and land use as well as their relationships with built environment attributes. Results of this study will provide a systematic understanding of aggregation of urban land use, population, and economic activities in megacities as well as some suggestions for planning and compact development.
Large-signal model of a resonating cantilever-based transducer for system level electrical simulation

In this work, we present a non-linear electromechanical model of an electrostatically excited cantilever that can be used to perform system level electrical simulations. This model is implemented by using an analog hardware description language (VHDL-AMS) that allows its use in a common IC CAD environment like CADENCE. Small-signal and large-signal simulations are performed and the results are compared with a simple linear model (RLC//C) showing the benefits of this model. This model is validated by its fit with the experimental results obtained from a monolithic sub-micrometer cantilever based sensor
Parametric yield enhancement of a microresonator using statistical optimization tools

High volume ICs production companies (telecom, etc) show a growing interest in MEMS components, especially RF and optical ones. Prototypes of integrated inductances and optical switches demonstrate very promising performances. The transition to the high volume production implies the development of Design For Manufacturability (DFM) tools featured to handle MEMS specific processes and related problems such as yield loss due to process dispersion. These tools must be part of a MEMS dedicated CAD environment. This paper presents results of what could be yield enhancement using usual statistical optimization tools and methods, and a new approach currently developed by MEMSCAP and LIRMM, based on response variability minimization.
Design for Environment-A Framework

SUMMARY A number of environmentally oriented design tools are presented and discussed. The tools are placed in the framework of product development procedures which anchors the tools in the development projects. The overall aim is to incorporate environmentally oriented questions into existing professional design tools and methods, thus avoiding the appearance of new environmentally oriented design tools which do not fit into the structure of existing design tools.
Do Environmental Compliances Reduce Agricultural Profitability? An Inference from Indonesia

This research seeks to find the effect of environmental compliances on profitability in the agricultural business sector. This research is quantitative by testing the nexus between environmental compliances (environmental cost and reputational incentive) and agricultural profitability. The sample of this study identified agricultural public firms in Indonesia including five sub-sectors consisting of farming, fisheries, livestock, plantation, and forestry. Financial statements and annual reports in terms of the environment were utilized in this research. Final samples were 12 public agricultural companies. The research model was analysed using the regression with common, fixed and random effect models and were checked the robustness using Generalized Method of Moment (GMM). The result of this research found no effects on the nexus between environmental cost and profitability. It indicates that the environmental cost spent by agricultural firms doesn’t reduce the profitability. The emerging effect can be found on reputational incentive leading the increase into the extent of agricultural profitability both return on assets and return on equity.
A stripline re-entrant coupler network for cofired multilayer microwave circuits

A stripline coupler network is presented that is suitable for cofired multilayer circuit applications. The network contains a tandem arrangement of two re-entrant coupler structures that can provide tight coupling (3 dB) and is insensitive to conductor registration or misalignments. In addition, circuit modeling and EM simulation for a coupler design using Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC) is presented along with experimental results.
Simultaneous network reconfiguration and DG using EP method

SUMMARY Distributed generation (DG) sources have recently become more significant in the distribution system due to the increasing demand of electricity energy. Choosing the most suitable size of DG is an essential step to ensure tremendous effect on its operation and power system control. An optimal DG size will result in the reduction of electrical power loss as well as the cost of operation. Power loss reduction can also be achieved through optimal network reconfiguration. By considering optimal network reconfiguration and DG sizing, the effectiveness and efficiency of the system can be improved while having lower power loss in the power system. Therefore, this paper presents the simultaneous method to identify the optimal network reconfiguration and DG sizing using evolutionary programming. The main goal of this work was to reduce the power loss and increase the voltage profile, while at the same time fulfill the operating constraints. The developed method was tested on 33-bus and 69-bus system with different operating conditions. The test results showed a great improvement of power loss reduction and overall voltage profile of the system. The implementation of reconfiguration and DG technique in 33-bus and 69-bus systems which were operated simultaneously had shown tremendous improvement in terms of the number of iterations to reach the optimal value of power losses and DG sizing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.