Adam Witold Stadler, Andrzej Kolek, Krzysztof Mleczko, Zbigniew Zawiślak, Andrzej Dziedzic and Wojciech Stęplewski
The paper aims to get the knowledge about electrical properties, including noise, of modern polymer thick-film resistors (TFRs) in a wide range of temperature values, i.e. from 77…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to get the knowledge about electrical properties, including noise, of modern polymer thick-film resistors (TFRs) in a wide range of temperature values, i.e. from 77 K up to room temperature. The sample resistors have been made of different combinations of resistive compositions, either ED7100 or MINICO (M2013, M2010), and conducting pastes (for contacts) Cu- or Au-based, deposited on FR-4 laminate.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper opted for an experimental study using either current noise index measurement in room temperature for large batch of samples or noise spectra measurement in temperature range 77-300 K for selected samples. Obtained noise maps, i.e. plots of power spectral density of voltage fluctuations vs frequency and temperature, have been used for evaluation of noise describing parameters like material noise intensity C and figure of merit K, for TFRs made of different combinations of resistive/conductive materials. Comparison of the parameters gives the information about the quality of the technology and matching the conductive/resistive materials.
Findings
Experiments confirmed that the main noise component is 1/f resistance noise. However, low-frequency noise spectroscopy revealed that also noise components of Lorentzian shape, associated with thermally activated noise sources exist. Their activation energies have been found to be of a few tenths of eV.
Research limitations/implications
The noise intensity of polymer TFRs depends on technology process and/or contacts materials. The use of Au contacts leads to better noise properties of the resistors. The results of the studies might be helpful for further improvement of thick-film technology, especially for manufacturing low-noise, stable and reliable TFRs.
Practical implications
The paper includes indications for the materials selection for thick-film technology to manufacture low-noise, reliable and stable TFRs.
Originality/value
Experimental studies of electrical properties of polymer TFRs by means of noise spectra measurements in wide range of temperature is rare. They give fundamental knowledge about noise sources in the modern passive electronic components as well as practical indications of selection material for thick-film technology, to obtain high performance components and get technological advantage.
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Mateus Manfrin Artêncio, Alvaro Luis Lamas Cassago, Janaina de Moura Engracia Giraldi, Silvia Inês Dallavalle Pádua and Fernando Batista Da Costa
A region can be registered as a geographical indication (GI) when its human or natural characteristics influence product attributes. However, GI registration is a complex process…
Abstract
Purpose
A region can be registered as a geographical indication (GI) when its human or natural characteristics influence product attributes. However, GI registration is a complex process that can lead applicants to conflicts and resource waste. Since metabolomics can support product typicality, it can be an effective tool to evidence the place-product link, essential for GI registration. With the aim of increasing GI registration efficiency, this research aimed to map the Brazilian GI registration process from end to end, using business process model and notation (BPMN), and evaluate the application of metabolomics techniques as facilitator.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative exploratory study was proposed, with the Brazilian GI registration process as unit of analysis. Primary data was obtained through twelve in-depth interviews with GI producers, members of supporting institutions and metabolomics experts. Based on the collected data, the complete GI registration map was designed with bpmn.io software.
Findings
Results provided a clear view of the GI registration process. Interviewees considered the selection of the appropriate GI category, the establishment of GI common rules, product specification and the confirmation of the place-product link as the most demanding requirements. Since the last two involve specifying the influence of the origin on products, the use of metabolomics was suggested as a powerful tool to complete these stages.
Research limitations/implications
The theoretical contribution is provided by the interweave of the three scientific fields mentioned (GI, business process management (BPM) and metabolomics) to contribute to the still small body of literature on GI-related processes. Additionally, other theoretical contributions are the presentation of a GI registration map associated to the use of “omics” techniques as process facilitator.
Practical implications
The practical contribution of this work is the establishment of an end-to-end view of the entire GI registration process, which makes easier for applicants to engage, plan resources and achieve the GI label. Furthermore, metabolomics acts as a facilitator since its data can be used for different purposes on the way to GI registration.
Social implications
Results can be used to facilitate GI registration, reducing resources demanded from applicants. GI labels provide product protection, better selling prices and competitive advantages for producers, which are positive outcomes in countries with a commodity-based economy like Brazil.
Originality/value
The originality of the study lies in the approach used to map the GI registration process, as well as the suggestion of metabolomics as facilitator in some of its stages.
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Darko Belavic, Marko Hrovat, Marko Pavlin and Janez Holc
Diffusion patterning is a dielectric patterning technology, which is used in the screen printed thick film technology for higher density multilayer circuits. This technology is…
Abstract
Diffusion patterning is a dielectric patterning technology, which is used in the screen printed thick film technology for higher density multilayer circuits. This technology is suitable for producing lower cost multichip modules and requires a low additional investment in conventional thick film technology production lines. Comparisons of via resolution capability of diffusion patterning versus conventional thick film technology are described and discussed. Preliminary experimental results obtained with a test circuit showed that 200μm lines and 200μm vias could be achieved with acceptable yield and with minimal modification to standard production lines. The electronic circuit for the pressure sensor was designed and realised with the verified technology as a low‐cost ceramic multichip module. A few results of an investigation of some thick film materials, which comprise the “set” of pastes for diffusion patterning technology, are presented.
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Farshad Hashemi Rezvani, Behrouz Behnam, Hamid Reza Ronagh and M. Shahria Alam
The purpose of this paper is to determine the failure progression resistance of the steel moment-resisting frames subjected to various beam-removal scenarios after application of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the failure progression resistance of the steel moment-resisting frames subjected to various beam-removal scenarios after application of the design earthquake pertinent to the structure by investigating a generic eight-story building.
Design/methodology/approach
The structure is first pushed to arrive at a target roof displacement corresponding to life safety level of performance. To simulate the post-earthquake beam-removal scenario, one of the beam elements is suddenly removed from the structure at a number of different positions. The structural response is then evaluated by using nonlinear static and dynamic analyses.
Findings
The results show that while no failure is observed in all of the scenarios, the vulnerability of the upper stories is much greater than that of the lower stories. In the next step, the structural resistance to such scenarios is determined. The results confirm that for the case study structure, at most, the resistance to failure progression in upper stories is 58 percent more than that of lower stories.
Originality/value
Failure and fracture of beam-to-column connections resulting in removal of beam elements may lead to a chain of subsequent failures in other structural members and eventually lead to progressive collapse in some cases. Deficiency in design or construction process of structures when combined by application of seismic loads may lead to such an event.
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Estefania Julia Dierings de Souza, Aline Machado Pereira, Mauro Fontana, Nathan Levien Vanier and Marcia Arocha Gularte
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of rice flour obtained from rice grains with different levels of amylose on technological, nutritional and sensory…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of rice flour obtained from rice grains with different levels of amylose on technological, nutritional and sensory properties of cookies made with a blend of rice and cowpea flour.
Design/methodology/approach
The cookies preparation was set at a ratio of rice flour and cowpea beans 70:30. The studied formulations were: LA: low amylose rice flour; MA: medium-amylose rice flour; HA: high amylose rice flour. The quality of the obtained cookies was analyzed for proximate composition, in vitro protein digestibility, thickness, diameter, dispersion factor, texture, color, amino acid profile and sensory properties.
Findings
Proximate composition and in vitro protein digestibility showed no differences between the three studied formulations. The medium and low amylose rice flour cookies showed the lowest hardness values. The combination of rice and beans allowed a good balance of essential amino acids. The cookies formulated with high amylose rice flour presented lighter coloration, low hardness and greater sensory preference.
Originality/value
Rice and cowpea flours are an alternative source for the preparation of gluten-free bakery products, such as cookies. The high amylose content of rice flour has less negative interference in the texture characteristics of the cookies. The combination of rice and beans flour provides a balance of essential amino acids.
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Haitao Ding, Wei Li, Nan Xu and Jianwei Zhang
This study aims to propose an enhanced eco-driving strategy based on reinforcement learning (RL) to alleviate the mileage anxiety of electric vehicles (EVs) in the connected…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose an enhanced eco-driving strategy based on reinforcement learning (RL) to alleviate the mileage anxiety of electric vehicles (EVs) in the connected environment.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, an enhanced eco-driving control strategy based on an advanced RL algorithm in hybrid action space (EEDC-HRL) is proposed for connected EVs. The EEDC-HRL simultaneously controls longitudinal velocity and lateral lane-changing maneuvers to achieve more potential eco-driving. Moreover, this study redesigns an all-purpose and efficient-training reward function with the aim to achieve energy-saving on the premise of ensuring other driving performance.
Findings
To illustrate the performance for the EEDC-HRL, the controlled EV was trained and tested in various traffic flow states. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique can effectively improve energy efficiency, without sacrificing travel efficiency, comfort, safety and lane-changing performance in different traffic flow states.
Originality/value
In light of the aforementioned discussion, the contributions of this paper are two-fold. An enhanced eco-driving strategy based an advanced RL algorithm in hybrid action space (EEDC-HRL) is proposed to jointly optimize longitudinal velocity and lateral lane-changing for connected EVs. A full-scale reward function consisting of multiple sub-rewards with a safety control constraint is redesigned to achieve eco-driving while ensuring other driving performance.