Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Low-Noise Direct Incremental A/D Converter for FET-Based THz Imaging Detectors

This paper presents the design, implementation and characterization results of a pixel-level readout chain integrated with a FET-based terahertz (THz) detector for imaging applications. The readout chain is fabricated in a standard 150-nm CMOS technology and contains a cascade of a preamplification and noise reduction stage based on a parametric chopper amplifier and a direct analog-to-digital conversion by means of an incremental ΣΔ converter, performing a lock-in operation with modulated sources. The FET detector is integrated with an on-chip antenna operating in the frequency range of 325–375 GHz and compliant with all process design rules. The cascade of the FET THz detector and readout chain is evaluated in terms of responsivity and Noise Equivalent Power (NEP) measurements. The measured readout input-referred noise of 1.6 μVrms allows preserving the FET detector sensitivity by achieving a minimum NEP of 376 pW/Hz in the optimum bias condition, while directly providing a digital output. The integrated readout chain features 65-dB peak-SNR and 80-μW power consumption from a 1.8-V supply. The area of the antenna-coupled FET detector and the readout chain fits a pixel pitch of 455 μm, which is suitable for pixel array implementation. The proposed THz pixel has been successfully applied for imaging of concealed objects in a paper envelope under continuous-wave illumination.
Nonlinear operators for edge detection and line scratch removal

A nonlinear edge detection and line scratch removal method is proposed. The nonlinear operation is performed on the differences and sums of four neighbor pixels. For edge detection, the first derivative of the image brightness function is approximated by computing the maximum horizontal and vertical differences along the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. The edge-detected result appears to be similar to the one obtained using Robert's operator. The method can be used to smooth out a line scratch that manifests itself as a narrow, bright or dark, vertical line. The minimum (maximum) of two sums between horizontal neighbors is selected for bright (dark) vertical line removal. Several frames from a motion picture with line scratches have been processed using this method, and visually pleasing restoration results have been achieved with very little smoothing.
Effectiveness of Combined Smartwatch and Social Media Intervention on Breast Cancer Survivor Health Outcomes: A 10-Week Pilot Randomized Trial

Physical activity (PA) among breast cancer survivors (BCS) can improve this population’s health and quality of life (QoL). This study evaluated the effectiveness of a combined smartwatch- and social media-based health education intervention on BCS’s health outcomes. Thirty BCS (X¯age = 52.6 ± 9.3 years; X¯Wt = 80.2 ± 19.6 kg) participated in this 10-week, 2-arm randomized trial, with BCS randomized into: (1) experimental group (n = 16): received Polar M400 smartwatches for daily PA tracking and joined a Facebook group wherein Social Cognitive Theory-related PA tips were provided twice weekly; and (2) comparison group (n = 14): only joined separate, but content-identical Facebook group. Outcomes included PA, physiological, psychosocial, and QoL variables. Specifically, PA and energy expenditure (EE) was assessed by ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers while physiological, psychosocial, and QoL were examined via validated instruments at baseline and post-intervention. No baseline group differences were observed for any variable. Ten BCS dropped out of the study (experimental: 4; comparison: 6). Compared to completers, dropouts differed significantly on several outcomes. Thus, a per-protocol analysis was performed, revealing significant group differences for changes in social support (t = −2.1, p = 0.05) and barriers (t = −2.2, p = 0.04). Interestingly, the comparison group demonstrated improvements for both variables while the intervention group demonstrated slightly decreased social support and no change in barriers. Notably, both groups demonstrated similarly increased daily light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, EE, and steps of 7.7 min, 5.1 min, 25.1 kcals, and 339 steps, respectively, over time. Despite extensive user training, several experimental BCS found the Polar M400 use difficult—possibly decreasing intervention adherence. Future interventions should utilize simpler smartwatches to promote PA among middle-aged clinical/non-clinical populations.
Early results for active infective endocarditis

Introduction Cardiac surgery is frequently needed during active phase of infective endocarditis (IE). The purpose of this study was to analyze the immediate and late results and determine the risk factors for death. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 101 patients with IE operated in the active phase. The mean age was 40.5 ± 12.5 years. 16 patients (15.8%) were diagnosed with prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). 81 (80.9%) were in NYHA functional class III-IV. Blood cultures were positive in only 24 cases (23.9%). Results in-hospital mortality rate was 17.9% (18 cases). Multivariate analysis indentified five determinant predictor factors: congestive heart failure (CHF), renal insufficiency, high Euroscore, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (> 120 min) and long ICU stay. The median follow-up period was 4.2 (2-6.5) years. Overall survival rate for all patients who survived surgery was 97% at 5 years and 91% at 10 years. Conclusion Despite high in-hospital mortality rate, when patients receive operation early in the active phase of their illness, late outcome may be good.
Gaze typing in virtual reality: impact of keyboard design, selection method, and motion

Gaze tracking in virtual reality (VR) allows for hands-free text entry, but it has not yet been explored. We investigate how the keyboard design, selection method, and motion in the field of view may impact typing performance and user experience. We present two studies of people (n = 32) typing with gaze+dwell and gaze+click inputs in VR. In study 1, the typing keyboard was flat and within-view; in study 2, it was larger-than-view but curved. Both studies included a stationary and a dynamic motion conditions in the user's field of view. Our findings suggest that 1) gaze typing in VR is viable but constrained, 2) the users perform best (10.15 WPM) when the entire keyboard is within-view; the larger-than-view keyboard (9.15 WPM) induces physical strain due to increased head movements, 3) motion in the field of view impacts the user's performance: users perform better while stationary than when in motion, and 4) gaze+click is better than dwell only (fixed at 550 ms) interaction.
Asynchronous Stochastic Quasi-Newton MCMC for Non-Convex Optimization

Recent studies have illustrated that stochastic gradient Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques have a strong potential in non-convex optimization, where local and global convergence guarantees can be shown under certain conditions. By building up on this recent theory, in this study, we develop an asynchronous-parallel stochastic L-BFGS algorithm for non-convex optimization. The proposed algorithm is suitable for both distributed and shared-memory settings. We provide formal theoretical analysis and show that the proposed method achieves an ergodic convergence rate of ${\cal O}(1/\sqrt{N})$ ($N$ being the total number of iterations) and it can achieve a linear speedup under certain conditions. We perform several experiments on both synthetic and real datasets. The results support our theory and show that the proposed algorithm provides a significant speedup over the recently proposed synchronous distributed L-BFGS algorithm.
Employment Trajectories beyond Retirement in Germany

Extending employment careers of individuals beyond normal retirement age is one way of dealing with the impact of demographic aging on fiscal sustainability of the German statutory pension system. One alternative of working longer is to start claiming pension benefits and at the same time staying in the labor force. Our research complements existing literature by studying determinants of transitions to post retirement jobs within the same work environment vs. a different work environment of birth cohorts 1940 to 1942. We estimate proportional sub-hazard models accounting for competing risks using unique German social security data linked to pension accounts. Our findings suggest that retirees in Germany transition much faster when working in the same environment. Transition probabilities in a different work environment differ significantly by cohort and gender. The cumulative incidence of entering the same work environment decreases with increasing wages in the career job. Retirees with lower labor market attachment show a higher cumulative incidence of transitioning in different work environments. We also confirm the influence of firm characteristics on entering different job trajectories beyond retirement.
Improving performance of sensorless vector control using artificial neural network against parametric uncertainty

Field oriented control (FOC) method is one of the most efficient control schemes for induction motors (IMs). Major drawbacks of FOC schemes is their high sensitivity to slip angular velocity perturbations and changing parameters in during of operation. The analytical equations are provided to investigate the effect variation of parameters on the performance of FOC. This paper proposes a robust modified FOC scheme based on artificial neural network (ANN) for speed control of IM, with regard to improve the system performance as well as ensure the stability, robustness and fast dynamic response. Rotor flux and speed have been estimated in rotor reference frame using stator voltages and currents to achieve the aforementioned objectives. The estimation based on ANN to compensate for uncertain parameters in the motor's dynamic model. Moreover, this estimation leads to lack use of flux and speed sensor, therefore, the method is cost effective. Using function approximation property of ANN, measurable motor variables can be estimated. Multilayer feed forward neural networks (FFNN) are used. The training of the neural network and the simulation of the identification of the system are exposed in this paper. Speed and flux estimator were implemented upon these ANN's using MATLAB/SIMULINK neural-network toolbox. The control strategy is proved feasible by simulation under load and parameter variation and the reference value change of system parameters. The results show that the performance of system is independent of system uncertainty of parameters and variation load and presents the faster dynamic behavior.
iEnhancer‐EL: identifying enhancers and their strength with ensemble learning approach

Motivation Identification of enhancers and their strength is important because they play a critical role in controlling gene expression. Although some bioinformatics tools were developed, they are limited in discriminating enhancers from non‐enhancers only. Recently, a two‐layer predictor called ‘iEnhancer‐2L’ was developed that can be used to predict the enhancer's strength as well. However, its prediction quality needs further improvement to enhance the practical application value. Results A new predictor called ‘iEnhancer‐EL’ was proposed that contains two layer predictors: the first one (for identifying enhancers) is formed by fusing an array of six key individual classifiers, and the second one (for their strength) formed by fusing an array of ten key individual classifiers. All these key classifiers were selected from 171 elementary classifiers formed by SVM (Support Vector Machine) based on kmer, subsequence profile and PseKNC (Pseudo K‐tuple Nucleotide Composition), respectively. Rigorous cross‐validations have indicated that the proposed predictor is remarkably superior to the existing state‐of‐the‐art one in this area. Availability and implementation A web server for the iEnhancer‐EL has been established at http://bioinformatics.hitsz. edu.cn/iEnhancer‐EL/, by which users can easily get their desired results without the need to go through the mathematical details. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Investigation on Contact Resistance Behavior of Switching Contacts Using a Newly Developed Model Switch

In order to investigate the long-term behavior of contact resistance in low-voltage contactors under the influence of electric arcs in polymer housings, a new model switch was developed. The model switch permits the modification of different factors such as contact gap, contact force, closing and/or separation speed of the contacts, and arc-chamber materials among others. Several experimental series using Ag/Ni10 contacts were carried out as a reference. The contact resistance was determined using two different measurement current sources. Contact resistance data were analyzed using Weibull functions as well as nonparametric statistics. Information regarding surface structures, their chemical composition, and formed crystalline phases of contact and ambient materials on the contact surfaces was obtained through several material analysis methods. This paper presents the main characteristics of the model switch and some experimental results about contact resistance behavior under the influence of ac-arcs in outgassing polymer surroundings.
Notes on the taxonomy and distributions of the tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus, Cebidae) of South America

A good understanding (categorization) of the diversity and distribution of the tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus) has proved to be extraordinarily intractable. Its lack is now hampering conservation efforts, for, despite them being, in general, wide-ranging and adaptable, their forests are being destroyed to the extent that many populations are now evidently seriously threatened. Conservation measures require that we know better their diversity not only to protect them in the wild but also to establish captive breeding programs. In this paper, we present some notes which resulted from our analysis of a recent published hypothesis regarding their systematics by C. P. Groves, in his influential synthesis Primate Taxonomy (2001). We are not presenting another hypothesis (taxonomy), but review aspects of some of the names and synonyms of Groves’ taxonomy, and briefly discuss its concordance with the results of a largely unpublished PhD thesis of tufted capuchin systematics completed by Cecília Torres de Assumpção in 1983. Keywords: Primates, taxonomy, Platyrrhini, Cebidae, Cebus, tufted capuchin monkeys.
Beyond time management: how the latest research on time perspective and perceived time use can assist clients with time-related concerns

In this article questions such as “What is a good use of time? ” and “How can one’s relationship with time contribute to their well-being? ” are raised and discussed with regard to empirical research on various aspects of psychology of time. In the fist part of the paper, the construct of time perspective is considered. It is argued that a balanced time perspective is associated with the highest levels of well-being. The second part draws on qualitative and quantitative research and addresses the concept of perceived time use. Four factors, are shown to play a major role in how people spend their time and how happy they feel with it: liking what one does and perceiving it as worthwhile, balance, responsibility and achievement, and time anxiety and lack of control. The last part of the paper considers practical implications of psychology of time for coaches and other professionals.
Estimating Depth Range Required for 3-D Displays to Show Depth-Compressed Scenes Without Inducing Sense of Unnaturalness

It is often difficult to show deep 3-D scenes with sufficient quality on 3-D displays with light-ray reconstruction, such as light-field and integral 3-D displays, because their depth-reconstruction range is restricted. Scenes with substantial depth cannot be shown properly because the reconstructed images outside the range inevitably blur. Although promising methods for providing better quality 3-D visualization by contracting the scene depth to fit within the restricted depth range have been proposed, the size of the depth range required for showing deep 3-D scenes with perceptually appealing quality is not yet known. To reveal the required depth, we conducted evaluation experiments under practical viewing conditions using a 3-D-display simulator that provides binocular and motion disparities. Even with deep 3-D scenes (originally with a depth of 250 m), we found that a depth range of at least 1 m was necessary to show these scenes with sufficient quality in terms of naturalness using a nonlinear depth compression method. These results provide a design goal for future 3-D-television development, suggesting that 3-D displays can naturally show a variety of scenes that originally had substantial depths if they can reproduce a depth of 1 m.
Assessing Clinical Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer with Assays for Invasive Circulating Tumor Cells

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The goals of this study are to evaluate the association between levels of invasive circulating tumor cells (iCTCs) with CRC outcomes and to explore the molecular characteristics of iCTCs. Peripheral blood from 93 patients with Stage I–IV CRC was obtained and assessed for the detection and characterization of iCTCs using a functional collagen-based adhesion matrix (CAM) invasion assay. Patients were followed and assessed for overall survival. Tumor cells isolated by CAM were characterized using cell culture and microarray analyses. Of 93 patients, 88 (95%) had detectable iCTCs, ranging over 0–470 iCTCs/mL. Patients with Stage I–IV disease exhibited median counts of 0.0 iCTCs/mL (n = 6), 13.0 iCTCs/mL (n = 12), 41.0 iCTCs/mL (n = 12), and 133.0 iCTCs/mL (n = 58), respectively (p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier curve analysis demonstrated a significant survival benefit in patients with low iCTC counts compared with in patients with high iCTC counts (log-rank p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox model analysis revealed that iCTC count was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival (p = 0.009). Disease stage (p = 0.01, hazard ratio 1.66; 95% confidence interval: 1.12–2.47) and surgical intervention (p = 0.03, HR 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15–0.92) were also independent prognostic factors. Gene expression analysis demonstrated the expression of both endothelial and tumor progenitor cell biomarkers in iCTCs. CAM-based invasion assay shows a high detection sensitivity of iCTCs that inversely correlated with overall survival in CRC patients. Functional and gene expression analyses showed the phenotypic mosaics of iCTCs, mimicking the survival capability of circulating endothelial cells in the blood stream.
Temperaments of young stars: rapid mass accretion rate changes in T Tauri and Herbig Ae stars

Variability in emission lines is a characteristic feature in young stars and can be used as a tool to study the physics of the accretion process. Here, we present a study of Hα variability in 15 T Tauri and Herbig Ae stars (K7 - B2) over a wide range of time windows, from minutes, to hours, to days, and years. We assess the variability using linewidth measurements and the time series of line profiles. All objects show gradual, slow profile changes on time-scales of days. In addition, in three cases there is evidence for rapid variations in Hα with typical timescales of 10 min, which occurs in 10 per cent of the total covered observing time. The mean accretion rate changes, inferred from the linefluxes, are 0.01–0.07 dex for time-scales of <1h, 0.04–0.4 dex for time-scales of days, and 0.13–0.52 dex for time-scales of years. In Costigan et al., we derived an upper limit finding that the intermediate (days) variability dominated over longer (years) variability. Here, our new results, based on much higher cadence observations, also provide a lower limit to accretion rate variability on similar time-scales (days), thereby constraining the accretion rate variability physics in a much more definitive way. A plausible explanation for the gradual variations over days is an asymmetric accretion flow resulting in a rotational modulation of the accretion-related emission, although other interpretations are possible as well. In conjunction with our previous work, we find that the time-scales and the extent of the variability is similar for objects ranging in mass from ∼0.1 to ∼5M� . T his confirms that a single mode of accretion is at work from T Tauri to Herbig Ae stars – across a wide range of stellar masses.
A Reputation-based Shared Transport System. A Case Study of E-collaboration in the City of Ambato

The governments of cities like Ambato face difficult geographic conditions for establishing a clean and efficient transportation system. This paper shows the results of 1) a theoretical study that measured the expected incidence of a reputationbased shared transportation system for e-collaboration and social welfare in a medium-size community and 2) an experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of a value-based reputation system with malicious user detection in such a scenario of e-collaboration. The study was conducted based on economic savings. The theoretical study involved the participation of 185 young citizens and 160 in the experimental evaluation. The theoretical results show that ecollaboration is meant to be successful in a shared transportation system in Ambato providing that trust is guaranteed. The experiment results show that the proposed model made it possible to detect 85% of malicious service consumers and that the satisfaction with the recommendations of the system is pretty high. These results are encouraging for using the proposed method in the implementation of a shared transport system in medium-size cities. Therefore, it is assumed that the obtained results are extrapolates to the context of a generic e-collaborative system.
Bacterial communities in natural versus pesticide‐treated Aphis gossypii populations in North China

The cotton‐melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is a worldwide‐spreading species, and pesticide‐resistant populations are increasing rapidly. In this study, investigations were performed based on Illumina HiSeq sequencing of the 16S rDNA V4 region for the bacterial communities embodied as intracellular symbionts under natural and in pesticide‐treated populations of A. gossypii. The results revealed that more than 82% of bacterial communities belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria in which the maximum proportion (53.24%) was of the genus Arsenophonus; Hamiltonella composed 22.31; and 1.37% was of the genus Acinetobacter. The relative abundance of Hamiltonella was obvious, vertically transmitted, divided into two groups, and its infection influenced the bacterial communities in A. gossypii. Symbiont density and composition were changed in samples tested on different days. Azadirachtin and phoxim influenced on the composition of bacterial communities. Different biomarkers were used for pesticide‐treated samples with LEfSe results. These findings will increase awareness regarding bacterial communities in naturally occurring populations of A. gossypii and pave the way to study the relationship between symbionts and pesticide resistance.