Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RF-DC converter efficiency optimization using source-pull techniques

In this paper a source-pull approach is followed to optimize RF-DC converter efficiency in Wireless Power Transmission/Wireless harvesters systems. This approach is applied to simple one stage RF/DC rectifier but also to a voltage multiplier in a Dickson charge pump configuration. The optimization process was made in two scenarios, while in the first case it was used to maximize the efficiency of the simple rectifier, in the second case, the circuit was optimized to generate higher values of output voltage. Both circuits were dimensioned to harvest energy from an emitting an Radio Station, and thus optimized for operation at the 100MHz band. The simple experimental rectifier was optimized for efficiency and the Dickson multiplier was optimized for output voltages maximization.
Single-mode and polarization-independent silicon-on-insulator waveguides with small cross section

The fabrication restrictions that must be imposed on the geometry of optical waveguides to make them behave as single-mode devices are well known for relatively large waveguides, with shallow etch depth. However, the restrictions for small waveguides (/spl sim/1 /spl mu/m or less in cross section) are not well understood. Furthermore, it is usually a requirement that these waveguides are polarization independent, which further complicates the issues. This paper reports on the simulations of the conditions for both single-mode behavior and polarization independence, for small and deeply etched silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguides. The aim is to satisfy both conditions simultaneously. The results show that at larger waveguide widths, waveguide etch depth has little effect on the mode birefringence because the transverse-electric (TE) mode (horizontal-polarized mode) is well confined under the rib region. However, at smaller rib widths, the etch depth has a large influence on birefringence. An approximate equation relating the rib-waveguide width and etch depth to obtain polarization-independent operation is derived. It is possible to achieve single-mode operation at both polarizations while maintaining polarization independence for each of the waveguide heights used in this paper but may be difficult for other dimensions. For example, a 1-/spl mu/m SOI rib waveguide with an etch depth of 0.64 /spl mu/m and rib width of 0.52 /spl mu/m is predicted to exhibit such characteristics.
A Neural Network Approach to Evaluate Agility of Cloud-Based Virtual Enterprise

As a new mode of Internet applications, cloud computing will become the future access to the dominant way of services and information. In cloud computing environment is more suitable for virtual enterprise, it is more powerful. In order to study how to measure Agility of Cloud-based Virtual Enterprise (CVE), the relationship between CVE and its member is analyzed first. Base on it, a new method using Bayesian Regularized Neural Network (BRNN) for Agility Evaluation of Virtual Enterprise is developed. A simulative example illustrates the usefulness of the proposed method. In contrast to the standard BP neural network, the result shows that BRNN overcome the over-fitting problems, it can be used to measure any size of CVE.
Functional Agents to Biologically Control Deoxynivalenol Contamination in Cereal Grains

Mycotoxins, as microbial secondary metabolites, frequently contaminate cereal grains and pose a serious threat to human and animal health around the globe. Deoxynivalenol (DON), a commonly detected Fusarium mycotoxin, has drawn utmost attention due to high exposure levels and contamination frequency in the food chain. Biological control is emerging as a promising technology for the management of DON contamination. Functional biological control agents (BCAs), which include antagonistic microbes, natural fungicides derived from plants and detoxification enzymes, can be used to control DON contamination at different stages of grain production. In this review, studies regarding different biological agents for DON control in recent years are summarized for the first time. Furthermore, this article highlights the significance of BCAs for controlling DON contamination, as well as the need for more practical and efficient BCAs concerning food safety.
Evaluation of Lithium-Ion Battery Equivalent Circuit Models for State of Charge Estimation by an Experimental Approach

To improve the use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicle (EV) applications, evaluations and comparisons of different equivalent circuit models are presented in this paper. Based on an analysis of the traditional lithium-ion battery equivalent circuit models such as the Rint, RC, Thevenin and PNGV models, an improved Thevenin model, named dual polarization (DP) model, is put forward by adding an extra RC to simulate the electrochemical polarization and concentration polarization separately. The model parameters are identified with a genetic algorithm, which is used to find the optimal time constant of the model, and the experimental data from a Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC) test on a LiMn 2 O 4 battery module. Evaluations on the five models are carried out from the point of view of the dynamic performance and the state of charge (SoC) estimation. The dynamic performances of the five models are obtained by conducting the Dynamic Stress Test (DST) and the accuracy of SoC estimation with the Robust Extended Kalman Filter (REKF) approach is determined by performing a Federal Urban Driving Schedules (FUDS) experiment. By comparison, the DP model has the best dynamic performance and provides the most accurate SoC estimation. Finally, sensitivity of the different SoC initial values is investigated based on the accuracy of SoC estimation with the REKF approach based on the DP model. It is clear that the errors resulting from the SoC initial value are significantly reduced and the true SoC is convergent within an acceptable error.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Neuronal Mechanisms in Temporal Coding: A Further Look at Neuronal Oscillations

Many studies in recent years have been devoted to the detection of fast oscillations in the Central Nervous System (CNS), interpreting them as synchronizing devices. We should, however, refrain from associating too closely the two concepts of synchronization and oscillation. Whereas synchronization is a relatively well-defined concept, by contrast oscillation of a population of neurones in the CNS looks loosely defined, in the sense that both its frequency sharpness and the duration of the oscillatory episodes vary widely from case to case. Also, the functions of oscillations in the brain are multiple and are not confined to synchronization. The paradigmatic instantiation of oscillation in physics is given by the harmonic oscillator, a device particularly suited to tell the time, as in clocks. We will thus examine first the case of oscillations or cycling discharges of neurones, which provide a clock or impose a “tempo” for various kinds of information processing. Neuronal oscillators are rarely just clocks clicking at a fixed frequency. Instead, their frequency is often adjustable and controllable, as in the example of the “chattering cells” discovered in the superficial layers of the visual cortex. Moreover, adjustable frequency oscillators are suitable for use in “phase locked loops” (PLL) networks, a device that can convert time coding to frequency coding; such PLL units have been found in the somatosensory cortex of guinea pigs. Finally, are oscillations stricto sensu necessary to induce synchronization in the discharges of downstream neurones? We know that this is not the case, at least not for local populations of neurones. As a contribution to this question, we propose that repeating patterns in neuronal discharges production may be looked at as one such alternative solution in relation to the processing of information. We review here the case of precisely repeating triplets, detected in the discharges of olfactory mitral cells of a freely breathing rat under odor stimulation.
Clinical Impact of Not Achieving Recommended Dose on Duration of Atomoxetine Treatment in Adults with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

To compare atomoxetine (ATX) length of therapy (LoT) among adults with ADHD who reached the recommended dose of 80 mg/day (ATX ≥ 80) versus those who did not (ATX < 80) analyzed separately in patients prescribed ATX as monotherapy (mono) and in combination with other ADHD medications (combo).
A Systematic Review of the Extent, Nature and Likely Causes of Preventable Adverse Events Arising From Hospital Care

Background Understanding the nature and causes of medical adverse events may help their prevention. This systematic review explores the types, risk factors, and likely causes of preventable adverse events in the hospital sector. Methods: MEDLINE (1970–2008), EMBASE, CINAHL (1970–2005) and the reference lists were used to identify the studies and a structured narrative method used to synthesise the data. Results: Operative adverse events were more common but less preventable and diagnostic adverse events less common but more preventable than other adverse events. Preventable adverse events were often associated with more than one contributory factor. The majority of adverse events were linked to individual human error, and a significant proportion of these caused serious patient harm. Equipment failure was involved in a small proportion of adverse events and rarely caused patient harm. The proportion of system failures varied widely ranging from 3% to 85% depending on the data collection and classification methods used. Conclusion: Operative adverse events are more common but less preventable than diagnostic adverse events. Adverse events are usually associated with more than one contributory factor, the majority are linked to individual human error, and a proportion of these with system failure.
Is Hindsight Really 20/20?: The Impact of Outcome Information on the Decision-Making Process

Abstract Previous research has reviewed the issue of biasability in forensic evaluation and has anecdotally related different forms of bias to forensic work; however, there is no empirical research that explores hindsight bias in forensic evaluation. Hindsight bias is the tendency for an individual to believe that a specific event, in hindsight, was more predictable than it was (in foresight). Using an international sample of 95 mental health professionals the current study explored the impact of outcome knowledge on the decision-making process in forensic evaluation. Using a 2 (suicide/self-harm v. homicide/other-harm) x 2 (outcome provided v. no outcome provided) between groups design, participants reviewed a hypothetical patient’s hospital chart and then indicated their opinion regarding the risk of harm the patient presented to self or others. Participants provided with outcome information were significantly more likely to indicate that they would have predicted the outcome than those who were not provided with outcome information. In addition, participants with outcome information endorsed higher risk ratings for violence than those who were not provided with outcome information, suggesting that context can impact the way in which information is perceived. Thus, participant’s evaluation of and decision-making about an event, in hindsight, may not meet the objective standard to which forensic mental health professionals aspire. The importance of recognizing and understanding this form of bias and its limitations as well as appropriate techniques to reduce biases and achieve a better quality of work are discussed.
A Global Population Genetic Study of Pantala flavescens

Among terrestrial arthropods, the dragonfly species Pantala flavescens is remarkable due to their nearly global distribution and extensive migratory ranges; the largest of any known insect. Capable of migrating across oceans, the potential for high rates of gene flow among geographically distant populations is significant. It has been hypothesized that P. flavescens may be a global panmictic population but no sufficient genetic evidence has been collected thus far. Through a population genetic analysis of P. flavescens samples from North America, South America, and Asia, the current study aimed to examine the extent at which gene flow is occurring on a global scale and discusses the implications of the genetic patterns we uncovered on population structure and genetic diversity of the species. This was accomplished using PCR-amplified cytochrome oxidase one (CO1) mitochondrial DNA data to reconstruct phylogenetic trees, a haplotype network, and perform molecular variance analyses. Our results suggested high rates of gene flow are occurring among all included geographic regions; providing the first significant evidence that Pantala flavescens should be considered a global panmictic population.
An MCMC fitting method for triaxial dark matter haloes

Measuring the 3D distribution of mass on galaxy cluster scales is a crucial test of the A cold dark matter (ACDM) model, providing constraints on the behaviour of dark matter. Recent work investigating mass distributions of individual galaxy clusters (e.g. Abell 1689) using weak and strong gravitational lensing has revealed potential inconsistencies between the predictions of structure formation models relating halo mass to concentration and those relationships as measured in massive clusters. However, such analyses employ simple spherical halo models while a growing body of work indicates that triaxial 3D halo structure is both common and important in parameter estimates. Though lensing is sensitive only to 2D projected structure and is thus incapable of independently constraining 3D models, the very strong assumptions about the symmetry of the lensing halo implied with circular or perturbative elliptical Navarro, Frenk & White (NFW) models are not physically motivated and lead to incorrect parameter estimates with significantly underestimated error bars. We here introduce a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method to fit fully triaxial models to weak lensing data that gives parameter and error estimates that fully incorporate the true uncertainty present in nature. Using weak lensing data alone, the fits are sensitive to the Bayesian priors on axis ratio; we explore the impact of various general and physically motivated priors, and emphasize the need for future work combining lensing data with other data types to fully constrain the 3D structure of galaxy clusters. Applying the MCMC triaxial fitting method to a population of NFW triaxial lenses drawn from the shape distribution of structure formation simulations, we find that including triaxiality cannot explain a population of massive, highly concentrated clusters within the framework of ACDM, but easily explains rare cases of apparently massive, highly concentrated, very efficient lensing clusters. Our MCMC triaxial NFW fitting method is easily expandable to include constraints from additional data types, and its application returns model parameters and errors that more accurately capture the true (and limited) extent of our knowledge of the structure of galaxy cluster lenses.
Investigating MOOC Arabic Learners' Motivation in Language Online Courses (MOOCs)

When designing MOOCs, learner motivation cannot be treated as a minor issue but as a major issue to guarantee the success and encouragement for completing these online courses. The question under study is to explore the motivation of Arabic learners in language online courses in light of the self-determination theory. The research sample consisted of 106 students from different Arabic countries. This chapter employed the quantitative research approach and administered academic motivation scale (AMS) among MOOC learners to assess their academic motivation. Findings showed that majority of participants were extrinsically motivated while others were intrinsically motivated. Investigating MOOC Arabic Learners’ Motivation in Language Online Courses (MOOCs)
Formation and evolution of S0 galaxies: a SAURON case study of NGC 7332

ABSTRACT We present SAURONintegral-ﬁeld observations of the S0 galaxy NGC7332. Existing broad-band ground-based and HST photometry reveals a double disk structure and a boxy bulgeinterpreted as a bar viewed close to edge-on. TheSAURONtwo-dimensional stellar kinematicmaps conﬁrm the existence of the bar and inner disk but also un cover the presence of a coldcounter-rotating stellar component within the central250 pc. The Hβ and [O III ] emissionline maps show that the ionised gas has a complex morphology and kinematics, includingboth a component counter-rotating with respect to the starsand a fainter co-rotating one.Analysis of the absorption line-strength maps show that NGC7332 is young everywhere. Thepresence of a large-scale bar can explain most of those properties, but the fact that we see asigniﬁcant amount of unsettled gas, together with a few pecu liar features in the maps, suggestthat NGC7332 is still evolving. Interactions as well as bar-driven processes must thus haveplayed an important role in the formation and evolution of NGC7332, and presumably of S0galaxies in general.Key words: galaxies: abundances – galaxies: elliptical and lenticular, cD – galaxies: evo-lution – galaxies: formation – galaxies: individual (NGC73 32) – galaxies: kinematics anddynamics – galaxies: stellar content
Optimal Welfare-to-Work Programs

A Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program is a mix of government expenditures on various labor market policies targeted to the unemployed (e.g., unemployment insurance, job search monitoring, social assistance, wage subsidies). This paper provides a dynamic principal-agent framework suitable for analyzing chief features of an optimal WTW program such as the sequence and duration of the different policies, the dynamic pattern of payments along the unemployment spell, and the emergence of taxes/subsidies upon re-employment. The optimal program endogenously generates an absorbing policy of last resort ('social assistance') characterized by a constant lifetime payment and no active participation by the agent. Human capital depreciation is a necessary condition for policy transitions to be part of an optimal WTW program. The typical sequence of policies is quite simple: the program starts with standard unemployment insurance, then switches into monitored search and, finally, into social assistance. The optimal benefits are decreasing during unemployment insurance and constant during both job search monitoring and social assistance. Whereas taxes (subsidies) can be either increasing or decreasing with duration during unemployment insurance, they must decrease (increase) during a phase of job search monitoring. In a calibration exercise, we use our model to analyze quantitatively the features of the optimal program for the U.S. economy. With respect to the existing U.S. system, the optimal WTW scheme delivers sizeable welfare gains to unskilled workers because the incentives to search for a job can be retained even while delivering more insurance, and using costly monitoring less intensively.
Absorptive Capacity and Information Systems Research: Review, Synthesis, and Directions for Future Research

Absorptive capacity is a firm's ability to identify, assimilate, transform, and apply valuable external knowledge. It is considered an imperative for business success. Modern information technologies perform a critical role in the development and maintenance of a firm's absorptive capacity. We provide an assessment of absorptive capacity in the information systems literature. IS scholars have used the absorptive capacity construct in diverse and often contradictory ways. Confusion surrounds how absorptive capacity should be conceptualized, its appropriate level of analysis, and how it can be measured. Our aim in reviewing this construct is to reduce such confusion by improving our understanding of absorptive capacity and guiding its effective use in IS research. We trace the evolution of the absorptive capacity construct in the broader organizational literature and pay special attention to its conceptualization, assumptions, and relationship to organizational learning. Following this, we investigate how absorptive capacity has been conceptualized, measured, and used in IS research. We also examine how absorptive capacity fits into distinct IS themes and facilitates understanding of various IS phenomena. Based on our analysis, we provide a framework through which IS researchers can more fully leverage the rich aspects of absorptive capacity when investigating the role of information technology in organizations.
Correlators of supersymmetric Wilson-loops, protected operators and matrix models in N=4 SYM

We study the correlators of a recently discovered family of BPS Wilson loops in = 4 supersymmetric U(N) Yang-Mills theory. When the contours lie on a two-sphere in the space-time, we propose a closed expression that is valid for all values of the coupling constant g and for any rank N, by exploiting the suspected relation with two-dimensional gauge theories. We check this formula perturbatively at order (g4) for two latitude Wilson loops and we show that, in the limit where one of the loops shrinks to a point, logarithmic corrections in the shrinking radius are absent at (g6). This last result strongly supports the validity of our general expression and suggests the existence of a peculiar protected local operator arising in the OPE of the Wilson loop. At strong coupling we compare our result to the string dual of the = 4 SYM correlator in the limit of large separation, presenting some preliminary evidence for the agreement.
Dual Effect of Ceramide on Human Endothelial Cells: Induction of Oxidative Stress and Transcriptional Upregulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase

Background—Generation of the second-messenger molecule ceramide by stimulated sphingomyelinase activity has been implicated in the inflammatory processes contributing to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, reports of stimulatory effects of ceramide on endothelial NO production in animal models suggest antiatherosclerotic effects of the molecule. Therefore, we investigated long-term effects of ceramide on NO generation in human endothelial cells. Methods and Results—In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in HUVEC-derived EA.hy 926 endothelial cells, C6-ceramide (N-hexanoyl-d-erythro-sphingosine) reduced the generation of bioactive NO (RFL-6 reporter-cell assay). At the same time, the signaling molecule increased endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) mRNA (RNase protection assay) and protein expression (Western blot). C6-ceramide stimulated eNOS transcription by a signaling mechanism involving protein phosphatase PP2A but did not modify the stability of the eNOS mRNA. Endothelial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased by C6-ceramide [5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2′, 7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H2DCFDA) oxidation-based fluorescence assay], and this effect was partially reversed by the NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). On the other hand, (6 R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-l-biopterin (BH4) normalized in part the ceramide-induced reduction in bioactive NO. Conclusions—Ceramide produces oxidative stress in human endothelial cells, thereby reducing bioactive NO. The partial reversal of this reduction by BH4 and the diminution of ROS generation by L-NAME suggest that ceramide promotes NADPH oxidase activity of eNOS, leading to ROS formation at the expense of NO synthesis. The ceramide-induced upregulation of eNOS gene transcription can be considered an ineffective compensatory mechanism. The decreased bioavailability of NO is likely to favor a proatherogenic role of ceramide.