Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantum cellular nonlinear networks using Josephson circuits

Quantum cellular nonlinear networks (CNNs) using superconducting circuits of Josephson junctions are proposed as an implementation of a massively parallel computing architecture. The quantum CNN architecture presents a novel computing. paradigm, other than quantum computing and classical computing based on binary logic, for the use of Josephson circuits. Some issues in actual implementation are tentatively discussed.
Review of Dolphin Hydrodynamics and Swimming Performance

Abstract : The principal objective of this project was to preform a comprehensive review of performance, kinematics, and swimming hydrodynamics by dolphins and other cetaceans. This report describes information obtained from the available literature including published research and technical reports from English-speaking and Russian sources. The project team specifically studied routine and maximum swimming speeds, morphological design related to hydrodynamic performance, drag reduction, swimming kinematics, thrust production and efficiency, behavior strategies employed for energy
Impact of lean practices on operations performance and business performance

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the relationship between lean practices, operations performance (OP), and business performance (BP). Design/methodology/approach – This survey-based study was a cross-sectional study. The samples were drawn by using stratified random sampling procedure from large Indonesian manufacturing companies based on the directory provided by the Data and Information Center of Indonesian Ministry of Industry with the final number of respondents of 139. Four main hypotheses were developed and tested statistically by applying multivariate data analyses. Findings – The results provided evidence that lean practices should be implemented holistically. Lean practices have a positive and significant impact on both OP and BP. Moreover, OP partially mediates the relationship between lean practices and BP. Research limitations/implications – The data used in this survey represent self-reporting by mainly the middle or top management in production. Practical implications – This study co.
Design of a family of new advanced airfoils for low wind class turbines

In order to maximize the ratio of energy capture and reduce the cost of energy, the selection of the airfoils to be used along the blade plays a crucial role. Despite the general usage of existing airfoils, more and more, families of airfoils specially tailored for specific applications are developed. The present research is focused on the design of a new family of airfoils to be used for the blade of one megawatt wind turbine working in low wind conditions. A hybrid optimization scheme has been implemented, combining together genetic and gradient based algorithms. Large part of the work is dedicated to present and discuss the requirements that needed to be satisfied in order to have a consistent family of geometries with high efficiency, high lift and good structural characteristics. For each airfoil, these characteristics are presented and compared to the ones of existing airfoils. Finally, the aerodynamic design of a new blade for low wind class turbine is illustrated and compared to a reference shape developed by using existing geometries. Due to higher lift performance, the results show a sensitive saving in chords, wetted area and so in loads in idling position.
Melting Ice With Your Mind: Representational Momentum for Physical States

When a log burns, it transforms from a block of wood into a pile of ash. Such state changes are among the most dramatic ways objects change, going beyond mere changes of position or orientation. How does the mind represent changes of state? A foundational result in visual cognition is that memory extrapolates the positions of moving objects—a distortion called representational momentum. Here, five experiments (N = 400 adults) exploited this phenomenon to investigate mental representations in state space. Participants who viewed objects undergoing state changes (e.g., ice melting, logs burning, or grapes shriveling) remembered them as more changed (e.g., more melted, burned, or shriveled) than they actually were. This pattern extended to several types of state changes, went beyond their low-level properties, and even adhered to their natural trajectories in state space. Thus, mental representations of objects actively incorporate how they change—not only in their relation to their environment, but also in their essential qualities.
Can Thin-Film Technology Help to Realize the Einstein Gravity Quantum Computer?

In [34] we gave a time dependent (oscillating) solution, which represented a metric satisfying the Einstein-Field-Equations [36,37] for the case of an arbitrary 2-EQ-bit (EQ=Einstein Quantum) processor. Here we intend to investigate these solutions with respect to possible extensions regarding more bits plus timidly start to explore the question of storage and machine design in connection with the quantum property named spin.
CONTRIBUTION OF HOTEL WEBSITE, ONLINE TRAVEL AGENT, AND OFFLINE TRAVEL AGENT TO ROOM REVENUE IN MELIA BALI

This research is about the contribution of each distribution channel towards room revenue in Melia Bali. The purpose of this research is to find out the contribution of hotel website, online travel agent, and offline travel agent towards room revenue at Melia Bali during 2015-2017. Data are collected in this research through interview, observation, and literature study. Data analysis method used is descriptive statistics. The result of the research shows that the biggest contribution of the distribution channel is offline travel agent. While the other distribution channels are having a fluctuations issue, where in year 2015 and 2016 the online travel agent distribution channels is higher than the hotel website. But in 2017, the hotel website has bigger contribution than online travel agents. The average contribution of hotel website towards room revenue in 2015-2017 is 17.03%. The distribution channel of online travel agent is 16.83% and the other five online travel agents that have the most contribution upon room revenue of Melia Bali in 2015-2017 are booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotelbeds, and Orbitz. Contribution on distribution channel of offline travel agent is 66.15% and the five offline travel agents that have the most contribution towards room revenue of Melia Bali in 2015-2017 are Flight Center, TUI Deutschland, Meier's Weltreisen, TMS Tours, and HIS Bali Tours and Travel.
NFC and mobile payments today

NFC (Near Field Communication) and mobile payments are two areas that have received a significant amount of attention lately. NFC is a wireless communication technology already available on some mobile phones, with more to come in the near future, and mobile payments are a service whose usage is expected to grow at a significant rate in the coming years. This growth has been predicted before, and expectations have been let down, but NFC is thought to be the technology that will bring mobile payments to the masses. This thesis is focused on these two areas and how NFC can be of use in a protocol to conduct mobile payments. For this, a new protocol called mTrocos is presented that possesses several desirable characteristics such as anonymity, high security, good usability, unbanked, support for micropayments and no special hardware requirements. Its design is based on digital money concepts and ad-hoc key establishment protocols. The latter are useful because NFC is a wireless medium and offers no built-in security other than its limited range. A proof-of-concept implementation with an Android phone and a desktop NFC reader is detailed, proving that it works using only commodity equipment currently available. However, Android’s NFC API (Application Programming Interface) was found to be limited, which influenced the design of mTrocos, preventing it from relying only on NFC for the exchange of the messages. As part of the protocol’s evaluation, user tests were conducted which show that mTrocos is easy to use and that it is suited to the envisaged scenario: vending machines. Another conclusion is that NFC is a technology that improves the user experience and will be of great help for the growth of mobile payments.
Ripples in Communication: Reconfigurable and Adaptive Wireless Communication Systems based on Wavelet Packet Modulators

Wavelet Packet Modulation (WPM) is a multi-carrier transmission technique that uses orthogonal wavelet packet bases to combine a collection of information bits into a single composite signal. This system can be considered as a viable alternative, for wide-band communication, to the popular Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiplexing (OFDM) system. The main advantage of WPM is that the transmission characteristics of the system can be adapted according to the radio environment to maximize resource utilization. The WPM is a system under development and has not been studied extensively. In this research work the operation of aWPMradio is successfully evaluated. The thesis primarily focuses on the question of how efficient and robust wireless radios can be designed with the aid of wavelet theory. To do so the challenges involved in the practical implementation of the system are evaluated and understood. Suitable mechanisms that address communication theory figure-of-merits such as Peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), loss of time/phase/frequency synchronization, channel equalization are devised and tested. Furthermore, the advantages of the WPM system for wireless transmission are demonstrated in three scenarios,namely, 1. Wavelet packets for spectrum estimation. 2. Wavelet packets for dynamic spectrum access. 3. Design of new wavelets based on system requirements. The efficacy of the proposed algorithms is validated using computer simulations and numerical analysis. The results of the research show that the WPM is an effective addition to existing wireless transmission modes.
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors Microelectromechanical Systems Integration (Review Papers)

A review of the integration of the complementry metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) circuit with the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structures for sensing and RF applications has been presented. Specifically, the integrated mechanical sensors, chemical gas sensors, and biochemical sensors have been discussed. Application of MEMS as switches, varactors, and inductors and their integration in RF circuits has also been highlighted. The fabrication and design challenges for the CMOS-MEMS integration have been described. A new design methodology for integration of thermal effects in an integrated pressure sensor has been proposed. Defence Science Journal, 2009, 59(6), pp.557-567 , DOI:http://dx.doi. org/10.14429/dsj.59. 1560
Skeletal design of natural forms

This dissertation is a presentation of methods for the design of geometric shapes that mimic many forms found in a natural environment. It is argued that a skeleton provides an intuitive and interactive specification for these geometric shapes, and that these shapes are well represented mathematically as implicit surfaces. Substantial portions of the dissertation are devoted to the development of techniques that relate the skeleton to the implicit surface, providing for a geometrically smooth result. New techniques and presentations are given concerning convolution surfaces and conditions under which they are seamless and bulge-free. New techniques are also given to embed a volume within a surface. Models for the human hand and the botanical leaf illustrate the techniques.
AC/DC Smart Control and Power Sharing of DC Distribution Systems

Abstract : The purpose of this research is to develop a grid connected DC distribution system to ensure efficient integration of different alternate sources to the power system. An investigation of different AC and DC converter topologies and their control is conducted. A new converter topology for sharing DC power was developed to enhance the efficiency and stability of the alternate sources connected to the DC Distribution System. Mathematical model and control system design of the developed converters were included in the thesis.
Estimación de movimiento en imágenes de resonancia magnética cardiaca

En este trabajo de investigacion se realizo la implementacion de algoritmos de estimacion para medir parametros de movimiento cardiaco sobre imagenes de resonancia magnetica (MRI, por su sigla en ingles). Los resultados que aqui se presentan son la obtencion de vectores de desplazamiento y frecuencia de movimiento del corazon. Para seleccionar el metodo mas adecuado se realizo un estudio comparativo del desempeno de diferentes algoritmos basados en flujo optico, de los cuales se escogio la tecnica propuesta por Horn y Schunck, debido a que su utilizacion define una baja tasa de error en la estimacion frente a una carga computacional aceptable.
On Analog Circuit Design Methodology via Multi-Objective Geometric Programming

This paper concerns a design methodology for analog circuit problems, which is based on formulating the problem as a multi-objective geometric program (GP). Multiple objectives are combined into a scalar objective thru certain convex functions and thus can be solved using regular GP algorithms. In contrast to single-objective optimization, simultaneous consideration of all objectives yields a compromising solution among objectives. By varying individual objective’s weight factor, a Pareto (or trade-off) curve can be constructed, providing designers with a useful decision-making information.
Blockchain w systemie finansowym

Artykuł otwiera dyskusję nad wykorzystaniem sieci blockchain w systemie finansowym oraz nad jego współczesną ewolucją. Systematyzuje informacje związane z tematyką rejestrów rozproszonych w finansach. Celem artykułu jest zwrócenie uwagi na możliwą zmianę kierunku w rozliczeniach między instytucjami finansowymi. Autor wykorzystał do analizy dostępną literaturę, artykuły naukowe, źródła internetowe dotyczące zastosowania technologii blockchain w finansach. Autor ma nadzieję, że dyskusja nad tym tematem rozpocznie cykl artykułów i analiz dotyczących sieci blockchain w systemie finansowym, a z czasem możliwa będzie implementacja tej technologii na skalę międzynarodową.
Use of data loggers to investigate temperature trends above and below cover objects used by plethodontid salamanders

Amphibians utilize microhabitats to find refugia that will keep them functioning properly by regulating thermoregulatory behavior and for respiration. Microclimates of cover objects and the influence they may have in the selection of refugia by plethodontid salamanders are inherently difficult to study over long periods of time. Herein we provide a case study in which we used U23-003 HOBO Pro v2 2X Temperature Data Loggers to investigate temperature trends under and above cover objects selected by plethodontid salamanders in the field. Overall, data loggers were user-friendly for setup, deploymentt, and data offload and provided abundant data.
Mobile telephone simulator study

This study consists of four separate experiments that were conducted in the VTI (Swedish National Road Administration) driving simulator. The common theme was to investigate in which way the driver behavior and traffic safety are influenced when the driver attends to another technical device while driving. Results demonstrated that mobile conversation while driving caused increased mental workload.
Traffic jam : ten years of 'sustainable' transport in the UK

This book is about transport developments in the UK since the publicationof the landmark White Paper 'A new deal for transport' in 1998. The sections include: policy and politics; progress in policy implementation; and signposts to the UK's transport future. Topics discussed include sustainable transport policy, the effects of devolution in the UK, making best use of roads, rail transport, buses and light rail, walking, cycling, air transport, maritime transport, Transport for London, a comparison of the UK with Europe, and policy issues.
ANALYSIS OF THE EMERGENCE AND EVOLUTION OF COLLECTIVE ACTION: AN EMPIRICAL CASE OF SPANISH GROUNDWATER USER ASSOCIATIONS

This paper analyses the emergence and evolution of collective action in relation to intensive groundwater user by looking at the case of groundwater user associations in Spain. The paper analyses the rules in norm or constitutional level and the typology of collective organizations, to then offer an empirical analysis of the main factors in the emergence and evolution of collective action in Spanish groundwater user associations. It identifies some key endogenous and exogenous factors that either facilitate or hinder collective action by groundwater users, as well as documenting their evolution through time towards a more diverse institutional range, partly explained by reaching increasing resource limits, which triggers looking for additional resources to minimize and manage risk and uncertainty. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An investigation of the structure-function relationship in human cervical tissue

The cervix plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, acting as a mechanical barrier to hold the fetus inside the uterus during gestation. Altered biochemical and mechanical properties of the cervical tissue are suspected to play an important role in spontaneous preterm birth. Slight changes in the biochemical properties are known to cause softening of the cervical tissue thus weakening the structure. Premature softening of the cervical tissue is associated with spontaneous preterm birth and the clinical condition known as cervical insufficiency. "Cervical insufficiency" is clinically defined as a history of spontaneous preterm birth associated with a painless contraction-free delivery. Diagnosing cervical insufficiency remains elusive in the medical community because the etiology of this disease is unknown. Therefore, there is a need to establish a better understanding of this disease to aid in the identification and management of patients. This doctoral study explores the relationship between the biochemical and mechanical properties of human cervical tissue. The structure-function relationship is investigated by measuring the stress-response of the tissue in various modes of deformation and assaying the tissue for biochemical content. To generate material properties which reflect the tissue's biochemical content, micro-structurally based constitutive relationships are fit to the experimental data from mechanical tests. Values of the constitutive model parameters corresponding to the best fit to the material response in all modes of deformation represent the "mechanical properties" of the sample. Mechanical properties and the structural properties of the collagen and proteoglycans of each sample are compared, and it was found that the mechanical and biochemical properties vary for women with different obstetric backgrounds. Pregnant tissue is softer than nonpregnant tissue, and nonpregnant tissue from women with previous vaginal deliveries is softer than nonpregnant tissue from women with no previous vaginal deliveries. These changes in mechanical characteristics correspond to a shift in biochemical content with the softer tissue having a higher collagen solubility and an altered glycosaminoglycan content. An improved knowledge of the structure-function relationship is an important first step in understanding how the microstructure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) relates to its macroscopic mechanical response. In addition, the identification of key biochemical regulators of mechanical properties can constitute the basis for pharmacological intervention to correct pathological abnormalities in tissue response. Thesis Supervisor: Simona Socrate Title: d'Arbeloff Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
ISO 9000'S EFFECTS ON ACCIDENT REDUCTION IN THE U.S. MOTOR CARRIER INDUSTRY

This report aims at establishing a correlation between the voluntary ISO 9000 certification by motor carriers and traffic safety. The report shows that improvement of operating and quality performance improved safety performance. As part of the analysis, several ISO 9000 certified and non-certified motor carrier companies were compared based on their social and financial performance prior to, during and after the certification process. The authors have shown that there is a positive increase in performance during and after the certification process. The number of motor carrier companies certified by ISO 9000 is limited and unique. The uniqueness arises from the fact that the certified organizations haul specialized products such as automobiles and hazardous materials. That shows that most organizations are certified due to mandatory reasons. In conclusion, the observations and results have thrown light in a new direction that indicates that there exists a significant relationship between the quality assurance and safety performance of a motor carrier organization. The authors feel that further research is necessary to investigate the circumstances under which ISO 9000 and other programs for upgrading motor carrier performance help lead to an increase in safety.
Sensor Web for Spatio-Temporal Monitoring of a Hydrological Environment

The Sensor Web is a macroinstrument concept that allows for the spatio-temporal understanding of an environment through coordinated efforts between multiple numbers and types of sensing platforms, including, in its most general form, both orbital and terrestrial and both fixed and mobile. Each of these platforms, or pods, communicates within its local neighborhood and thus distributes information to the instrument as a whole. The result of sharing and continual processing of this information among all the Sensor Web elements will result in an information flow and a global perception of and reactive capability to the environment. As illustrated, the Sensor Web concept also allows for the recursive notion of a web of webs with individual distributed instruments possibly playing the role of a single node point on a larger Sensor Web instrument. In particular, the fusion of inexpensive, yet sophisticated, commercial technology from both the computation and telecommunication revolutions has enabled the development of practical, fielded, and embedded in situ systems that have been the focus of the NASA/JPL Sensor Webs Project (http://sensorwebs.jpl.nasa.gov/). These Sensor Webs are complete systems consisting of not only the pod elements that wirelessly communicate among themselves, but also interfacing and archiving software that allows for easy use by the end-user. Previous successful deployments have included environments as diverse as coastal regions, Antarctica, and desert areas. The Sensor Web has broad implications for Earth and planetary science and will revolutionize the way experiments and missions are conceived and performed. As part of our current efforts to develop a macrointelligence within the system, we have deployed a Sensor Web at the Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project (CAVSARP) facility located west of Tucson, AZ. This particular site was selected because it is ideal for studying spatio-temporal phenomena and for providing a test site for more sophisticated hydrological studies in the future.
No-load characteristics of electret motor with brushes

An electret is a dielectric material that produces a quasi-permanent external field. Electrets have been utilized in a wide variety of applications. Electret motors utilizing the slot effect have been suggested by Jefimenko and Walker (1970, 1971). They have developed motors possessing good shielding and relatively large driving force. In these motors, the electric charges were sprayed on the electrodes of rotor by a corona discharge from point electrodes and the motors needed high voltages of several kilovolts for their operation. Thus, one can expect that electret motors with brushes should run at considerably lower voltages. The authors describe the fundamental characteristics of the electret motors with brushes under the no-load condition. >