Is it possible to produce DAISY talking books of acceptable quality without manually adjusting the reading order, inserting page numbers, fine-tuning lexicons, and so on? This question is especially urgent with regard to our open educational resources published on the OpenLearn website. This presentation recounts our experiences of a fully automated production process for DAISY talking books using only open source tools.

La réduction des dimensions des dispositifs CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) implique de nombreux défis dans la formation de jonctions. La recroissance par épitaxie en phase solide (SPER) à des températures inférieures à 600 °C est une technique attrayante dans la mesure où elle permet de réaliser des jonctions abruptes avec une forte concentration de dopants actifs et qui sont nécessaires pour les nœuds avancés tels que le 20 nm et au-delà. Dans ce manuscrit, on présente un modèle atomistique basé sur la méthode Monte-Carlo cinétique sur réseau (LKMC) afin de simuler la cinétique de SPER dans le silicium. Le modèle s'appuie sur la description phénoménologique des mécanismes microscopiques de recristallisation proposé par Drosd et Washburn dans [J. Appl. Phys. 53, 397 (1982)] en distinguant des événements {100}, {110} et {111} selon le plan local de recroissance et a été implémenté dans le simulateur MMonCa [Appl. Phys. Lett. 98, 233109 (2011)]. Il s'agit de la même base que le modèle de Martín-Bragado et Moroz [Appl. Phys. Lett. 95, 123123 (2009)] qui a été implémenté dans le simulateur commercial Synopsys SProcess KMC. Néanmoins, dans notre travail, la formation de macles lors des évènements {111} a été introduite ce qui a nécessité des changements importants dans l'implémentation. Le modèle a été calibré sur des résultats expérimentaux et permet de prédire l'anisotropie et la dépendance en température. En particulier, il a été utilisé afin d'expliquer la formation de zones défectueuses dans les dispositifs FDSOI à l'issue de la SPER à une température réduite. Le modèle LKMC a, en outre, été étendu dans le but d'inclure l'influence d'une contrainte non-hydrostatique et la recroissance accélérée du fait de la présence de dopants actifs. Les effets d'une contrainte non-hydrostatique ont été introduits en utilisant le concept de tenseur d'activation proposé par Aziz, Sabin et Lu dans [Phys. Rev. B 44, 9812 (1991)] et seulement quatre paramètres indépendants sont nécessaires. La présence de dopants ionisés cause une accélération de la vitesse de recroissance qui est attribué à un effet lié à la position du niveau de Fermi à l'interface amorphe/cristal. Un solveur 3D auto-cohérent de l'équation de Poisson avec le modèle de Thomas-Fermi a été implémenté et couplé avec le modèle LKMC afin de prendre en compte la courbure des bandes à l'interface amorphe/cristal. La correction phénoménologique de décalage du niveau de Fermi généralisé (GFLS) proposée par Williams et Elliman dans [Phys. Rev. Lett. 51, 1069 (1983)] a été utilisée pour modifier les fréquences de recristallisation des évènements microscopiques. Des simulations de la vitesse de recroissance en fonction de la température pour différentes concentrations de dopants ont montré un bon accord avec les données expérimentales. En résumé, dans ce manuscrit, un modèle unifié de SPER basé sur une approche LKMC est présentée. Il prend en compte l'influence de différents paramètres sur la cinétique de recroissance et ayant un intérêt technologique tels que la température, l'orientation cristalline, la contrainte et la présence de dopants. Le modèle est, en soi, tridimensionnel et permet donc d'explorer les phénomènes de recroissance impliquant plusieurs fronts de recristallisation et qui ont lieu lors du procédé de fabrication de dispositifs électroniques réels. / Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device scaling involves many technologicalchallenges in terms of junction formation. Solid phase epitaxial regrowth (SPER) at temperaturesbelow 600 ˝C is an attractive technique since it enables to form highly–activated andabrupt junctions that are required for advanced technology nodes such as 20 nm and beyond.In this manuscript, we present a comprehensive atomistic model relying on the lattice KineticMonte Carlo (LKMC) method to simulate SPER kinetics in silicon. The model is based onthe phenomenological description of the microscopic recrystallization mechanisms proposedby Drosd and Washburn in [J. Appl. Phys. 53, 397 (1982)] by distinguishing among {100},{110} and {111} events depending on the local regrowth plane and has been implemented inthe MMonCa simulator [Appl. Phys. Lett. 98, 233109 (2011)]. This is the same basis than theatomistic model of Martín–Bragado and Moroz proposed in [Appl. Phys. Lett. 95, 123123(2009)] and available in the Synopsys SProcess KMC commercial tool. Nevertheless, in ourwork the formation of twin configurations during {111} events has been incorporated givingrise to significant changes in the implementation. The model has been calibrated on single–directional SPER experiments and allows predicting the regrowth anisotropy and temperaturedependence. In particular, it has been used to explain the formation of defective regions inFDSOI devices annealed with a low processing temperature. In this work, the LKMC modelhas also been extended in order to include the influence of non–hystrostatic stress and dopant–enhanced regrowth that are technologically relevant. Non–hydrostatic stress effects have beenincorporated using the concept of activation strain tensor introduced by Aziz, Sabin and Luin [Phys. Rev. B 44, 9812 (1991)] and only four independent parameters are required. Thepresence of ionized dopants has been shown to cause an enhancement of the regrowth velocitywhich has been attributed to a Fermi level effect. A three–dimensional Thomas–Fermi–Poisson solver has been implemented and coupled with the LKMC model allowing to takeinto account the band bending at amorphous/crystalline interface. The phenomenological generalizedFermi level shifting (GFLS) correction proposed by Williams and Elliman in [Phys.Rev. Lett. 51, 1069 (1983)] has been used to modify the microscopic recrystallization rates.Simulations of the regrowth velocity as a function of temperature for different dopant concentrationshave shown a reasonable agreement with experimental data. In summary, in thismanuscript a unified SPER model relying on the LKMC approach is presented. It takes intoaccount various technologically relevant parameters influencing the regrowth kinetics such astemperature, crystalline orientation, stress and dopants. The model is per se three-dimensionaland can therefore be used to explore multi–directional regrowth phenomena that take place inreal electronic devices.

My thesis coucerns in a level of a climate among the schoolmates in the 5. class in the small school and subsequently in the 6. class in the fully organized primary school. The climate was compared by the same scholars during two classes. The sample coucerns in 3 classes in the small schools in the villages in the surroundings of Jindřichův Hradec and 3 classes in the fully organized schools in the Down. In the practical part was used a questionnaire MCI, specifically, his current form. Aime of a thesis was to find out which chmate there is in the small schools, if the participants further work with this situation and, finály, whether the chmate ganges with a transfer the pupils into a fully organized primary school.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2004-03-30Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:21:14Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 oliveira_vjs_me_ilha.pdf: 825294 bytes, checksum: 1231181cf2748d4fec35e435930c317b (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Nesse trabalho, propõe-se o projeto e implementação de um sintetizador de sinais ortogonais utilizando técnicas de circuito integrado e processo CMOS. O circuito do sintetizador baseia-se em um modelo matemático que utiliza multiplicadores e integradores analógicos, para geração de bases de funções ortogonais, tais como os polinômios de Legendre, as funções de base coseno e seno, a smoothed-cosine basis e os polinômios de Hermite. Funções ortogonais são bastante empregadas em processamento de sinais, e a implementação deste método matemático é capaz de gerar vários tipos de funções em um mesmo circuito integrado. O projeto proposto utiliza blocos analógicos funcionais para implementar o sintetizador. Os blocos que compõem o sintetizador foram projetados utilizando circuitos diferenciais, processamento em modo de corrente e técnicas de low-voltage. Algumas topologias utilizadas estão descritas na literatura, sendo que algumas foram adaptadas e mesmo modificadas, como no caso do multiplicador de corrente. Outras tiveram que ser propostas. As simulações e os resultados experimentais mostraram que o sintetizador é capaz de gerar funções ortogonais com amplitude e distorções satisfatórias. O sintetizador pode ser alimentado em 3V, tal qual foi projetado, tem faixa de entrada de ±20 μA e apresenta DHT (distorção harmônica total) inferior a 4% no quinto e último estágio em cascata. / In this work, a design and implementation of a synthesizer of orthogonal signals using CMOS technology and design technique for integrated circuits is proposed. The synthesizer circuit used analog multipliers and integrators for produce orthogonal functions such as Legendre polynomials, cosine and sine basis of functions, smoothed-cosine basis and Hermite polynomials. Orthogonal functions can be employed in signal processing and the implementation proposed can generate several kinds of functions in the same integrated circuit. In the synthesizer design building blocks was employed. The synthesizer’s blocks were design using differential circuits, low-voltage and current-mode techniques. Some topologies from papers were adapted or modified, as in the case of the current multiplier. Other topologies had to be proposed. The simulation and experimental results have shown that the synthesizer is able to produce orthogonal functions with satisfactory quality in distortions and amplitude. The synthesizer has a 3V supply voltage, a input current range of ±20 μA and it presents less than 4% of THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) in the last output in cascade.

abstract: The recording of biosignals enables physicians to correctly diagnose diseases and prescribe treatment. Existing wireless systems failed to effectively replace the conventional wired methods due to their large sizes, high power consumption, and the need to replace batteries. This thesis aims to alleviate these issues by presenting a series of wireless fully-passive sensors for the acquisition of biosignals: including neuropotential, biopotential, intracranial pressure (ICP), in addition to a stimulator for the pacing of engineered cardiac cells. In contrast to existing wireless biosignal recording systems, the proposed wireless sensors do not contain batteries or high-power electronics such as amplifiers or digital circuitries. Instead, the RFID tag-like sensors utilize a unique radiofrequency (RF) backscattering mechanism to enable wireless and battery-free telemetry of biosignals with extremely low power consumption. This characteristic minimizes the risk of heat-induced tissue damage and avoids the need to use any transcranial/transcutaneous wires, and thus significantly enhances long-term safety and reliability. For neuropotential recording, a small (9mm x 8mm), biocompatible, and flexible wireless recorder is developed and verified by in vivo acquisition of two types of neural signals, the somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) and interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs). For wireless multichannel neural recording, a novel time-multiplexed multichannel recording method based on an inductor-capacitor delay circuit is presented and tested, realizing simultaneous wireless recording from 11 channels in a completely passive manner. For biopotential recording, a wearable and flexible wireless sensor is developed, achieving real-time wireless acquisition of ECG, EMG, and EOG signals. For ICP monitoring, a very small (5mm x 4mm) wireless ICP sensor is designed and verified both in vitro through a benchtop setup and in vivo through real-time ICP recording in rats. Finally, for cardiac cell stimulation, a flexible wireless passive stimulator, capable of delivering stimulation current as high as 60 mA, is developed, demonstrating successful control over the contraction of engineered cardiac cells. The studies conducted in this thesis provide information and guidance for future translation of wireless fully-passive telemetry methods into actual clinical application, especially in the field of implantable and wearable electronics. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Electrical Engineering 2020

abstract: Power management integrated circuit (PMIC) design is a key module in almost all electronics around us such as Phones, Tablets, Computers, Laptop, Electric vehicles, etc. The on-chip loads such as microprocessors cores, memories, Analog/RF, etc. requires multiple supply voltage domains. Providing these supply voltages from off-chip voltage regulators will increase the overall system cost and limits the performance due to the board and package parasitics. Therefore, an on-chip fully integrated voltage regulator (FIVR) is required. The dissertation presents a topology for a fully integrated power stage in a DC-DC buck converter achieving a high-power density and a time-domain hysteresis based highly integrated buck converter. A multi-phase time-domain comparator is proposed in this work for implementing the hysteresis control, thereby achieving a process scaling friendly highly digital design. A higher-order LC notch filter along with a flying capacitor which couples the input and output voltage ripple is implemented. The power stage operates at 500 MHz and can deliver a maximum power of 1.0 W and load current of 1.67 A, while occupying 1.21 mm2 active die area. Thus achieving a power density of 0.867 W/mm2 and current density of 1.377 A/mm2. The peak efficiency obtained is 71% at 780 mA of load current. The power stage with the additional off-chip LC is utilized to design a highly integrated current mode hysteretic buck converter operating at 180 MHz. It achieves 20 ns of settling and 2-5 ns of rise/fall time for reference tracking. The second part of the dissertation discusses an integrated low voltage switched-capacitor based power sensor, to measure the output power of a DC-DC boost converter. This approach results in a lower complexity, area, power consumption, and a lower component count for the overall PV MPPT system. Designed in a 180 nm CMOS process, the circuit can operate with a supply voltage of 1.8 V. It achieves a power sense accuracy of 7.6%, occupies a die area of 0.0519 mm2, and consumes 0.748 mW of power. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Electrical Engineering 2019

Purpose - The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how Industry 4.0, with a focus on automation, can influence the need for production personnel in production. Industry 4.0 is upon us, therefore it is interesting to see what importance does production personnel have for prodcution today? And how is the production staff's role in production affected by increased automation? Method - In order to fulfil the purpose of this thesis a study was made to enlighten the problem area. Together with literature study, a solid theoretical reference frame was created that further strengthens the problem area. Lastly, interviews were made with three businesses. Once all this information was gathered, an analysis was made, that lead to conclusions.  Findings - The result of this study shows that employees today are not as interchangeable as feared. The first step is semi-automation, but that does not equal the cancellation of the working man. Instead there will be a cooperation between the employees and machine. There is a risk that the number of employers in production will decrease, but machines will never replace them entirerly. The result shows that production personnel have no reason to fear technology or see it as a threat, beacuse the employee today is till an important resource.  Implications - According to the result, automation as a whole is not as big of a threat today as feared, the first step is instead semi-automation. Since the writer chose to look at bigger companies instead of focusing on smaller ones that lack the possibility to even out the difference between automation and production personnel, it might have been interesting to have their view of the matter. It might have shown a different result.  Limitations - This thesis strives to answer above mentioned questions, focus has been put on bigger, and more developed, companies. Furthermore, no attempt has been made to look closer at the employees of these companies, instead all interviews have been made with personnel working at an executive level as well as those knowledgeable in automation.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Initial analysis was conducted to test significance of dam parity, litter size, birth season, birth year, kidding season and kidding age on lactation milking performance of various milk production traits and components, as well as to calculate phenotypic correlation between dam kidding age and these traits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out using 16 407 non-pedigreed lactation records to test for non-genetic significant effects, while Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated using Minitab software. The second analysis included 2 960 fully pedigreed lactation records that were analysed to estimate (co) variance components and direct heritability values for milk production and component traits applying uni-variate linear analysis, as well as genetic and phenotypic correlations between them using bi-variate linear analysis. Both analyses used secondary data of all grade and registered Saanen goats participating in the official Milk Recording and Performance Testing Scheme of the Animal Improvement Institute of the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa. From ANOVA, dam parity and year of birth significantly influenced (p < 0.05) all traits investigated, with better lactation milking performances estimated in 3rd parity groups and animals born during recent years respectively. Birth season only affected (p < 0.05) MY, urea and NR with animals born during spring season yielding a better lactation milking performance. Kidding season influenced (p < 0.05) all traits except PY and urea, with highest lactation milking performance estimated in animals kidding during spring season. All traits except FY and PY were significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by litter size, with multiple litter kidding groups yielding highest, while kidding age effects were not significant (p > 0.05) on NR, SCCI and urea. Pearson’s correlation estimations showed negative associations between kidding age (rp = -0.30, -0.004, - 0.057, -0.051, -0.015, -0.265 and -0.271 for urea, MY, FY, PY, LY, NR and P respectively) except for SCCI (rp= 0.189). From uni-variate and bi-variate linear analyses, direct heritability estimates ranged from moderate to high (h2 = 0.42 ± 0.03, 0.38 ± 0.03, 0.39 ± 0.03, 0.22 ± 0.03, 0.40 ± 0.03, 0.38 ± 0.03, 0.28 ± 0.05 and 0.20 ± 0.03 for MY, FY, PY, LY, Urea, NR, P and SCCI respectively), with MY having highest value. Genetic correlation estimates between MY and traits such as FY, PY, urea, NR and P were all high and positive indicating favorable correlated responses (rg =0.97, 0.94, 0.95, 0.99 and 0.74 respectively). Furthermore, phenotypic correlation estimates between MY and these traits except P (rp = 0.33) were close to their respective genetic xv correlation values (rp=0.95, 0.91, 0.92 and 0.92 for FY, PY, urea and NR respectively). Genetic correlation between MY and LY, and between MY and SCCI were not significant (p > 0.05), while phenotypic correlations between MY and these traits were significant (p <0.05), positive and low (rp=0.03 and 0.02 for LY and SCCI respectively). It was concluded that non-genetic factors determine to what extent the genetic potential of an animal is expressed thus, their inclusion in genetic evaluation models is crucial. Selecting for increased MY would increase herd lactation NR and improve lactation milking performance of other traits such as FY, PY and P. Selection against SCCI needs to be applied more in the population to avoid losses attributed to intra mammary infections / National Research Foundation (NRF)

<div>In spatio-temporal data analysis, the problem of non-separable space-time covariance functions is important and hard to deal with. Most of the famous constructions of these covariance functions are fully symmetric, which is inappropriate in many spatiotemporal processes. The Non-Fully Symmetric Space-Time (NFSST) Matern model by Zhang, T. and Zhang, H. (2015) provides a way to construct a non-fully symmetric non-separable space-time correlation function from marginal spatial and temporal Matern correlation functions.</div><div>In this work we use the relationship between the spatial Matern and temporal Cauchy correlation functions and their spectral densities, and provide a modification to their Bochner’s representation by including a space-time interaction term. Thus we can construct a non-fully symmetric space-time Matern-Cauchy model, from any given marginal spatial Matern and marginal temporal Cauchy correlation functions. We are able to perform computation and parameter estimate on this family, using the Taylor expansion of the correlation functions. This model has attractive properties: it has much faster estimation compared with NFSST Matern model when the spatio-temporal data is large; it enables the existence of temporal long-range dependence (LRD), adding substantially to the flexibility of marginal correlation function in the time domain. Several spatio-temporal meteorological data sets are studied using our model, including one case with temporal LRD.</div>

Is it possible to produce DAISY talking books of acceptable quality without manually adjusting the reading order, inserting page numbers, fine-tuning lexicons, and so on? This question is especially urgent with regard to our open educational resources published on the OpenLearn website. This presentation recounts our experiences of a fully automated production process for DAISY talking books using only open source tools.