Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Local Cerebral Blood Flow during Exposure to Bone Conduction Sound

Bone conduction headphones enable users to listen to audio without interfering with their ability to perceive surrounding sounds. Thus, they are being increasingly adopted not only as hearing aids but also for more general purposes. Although bone conduction sound provides different perceptual characteristics compared with normal air vibrations, the detailed perceptual mechanism of bone conduction sound remains unclear. We evaluate local cerebral blood flow during exposure to bone conduction sound using near-infrared spectroscopy. Nine healthy young men (age: $22.3\pm 0.67$ years) participated in this study. Spectroscopy probes were placed in the temporal (eight channels) and parietal (eight channels) lobes of each subject. Then, music was presented through either air conduction headphones or bone conduction headphones for 30 s. The integrated values of (de)oxyhemoglobin obtained while listening to music were compared between the headphones by applying the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results show that oxyhemoglobin concentration significantly increases in the parietal lobe under bone conduction compared with air conduction of sound ($p < 0.1$).
Chemical kinetics of carbon dioxide reactions with diethanolamine and diisopropanolamine in aqueous solutions

Differential rates of carbon dioxide absorption into aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and diisopropanolamine (DIPA) were measured over a wide range of carbonation ratios. Analysis of the chemical-reaction-rate-controlled data showed that the chemical reaction rates for all three aminoalcohols are first order with respect to the free-amine concentration.
Determination of a Suitable Shear Rate for Thickened Liquids Easy for the Elderly to Swallow

1 Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-tyou, Tokushima-shi, Tokushima 7708503, Japan 2 Social Welfare Juridical Person Atugijikoukai Mutuaihome, 1296 Shimokawairi, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa 243-0206, Japan 3 PEACH Atsugi of Community Nutritional Care Center, 2-21-8 Tobio, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa 243-0204, Japan 4 Department of Health Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 1-1-71 Ujina-Higashi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 7348558, Japan
A Single Busbar Model for Dynamic Studies of Power Systems Frequency

The increasingly higher penetration of renewable generation, progressively substituting classical synchronous machines, creates a scenario where the system inertia is significantly reduced. This poses new challenges for the frequency response of power systems — temporary power imbalances result now in deeper frequency excursions and greater rates of change of frequency with potential operational and protective challenges. Classical remedial actions as under-frequency load shedding, spinning reserves and primary frequency regulation play a central role along with novel technological strategies as synthetic inertia. The assessment of these alternatives for frequency control and protection requires suitable models where topological aspects of the network can be put aside. This paper describes the developing of a new modeling tool that, departing from the time response of the frequency of a system facing power imbalances, builds an equivalent single busbar model. It does so by first computing an approximation of four parameters that capture the essence of the frequency transient for the grid, which then refines using a genetic algorithm. The user can configure the set of lumped equivalent device models present in the single busbar model. Results of its application to the Argentine-Uruguayan system are described and commented.
Design and Analysis of an Data-Driven Intelligent Model for Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Internet of Things Environments

The targeted compounds included Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Pesticides (PESTs), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and so on in the Great Lakes Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN), which is a platform based on the IoT (Internet of Things) technology to collect environmental pollutants data. While previous studies usually employed traditional statistical approaches to analyze the IADN results, we performed a complete modeling workflow of the total concentrations of PCBs, PESTs, and PAHs (which is referred to as <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sum $ </tex-math></inline-formula> PCBs, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sum $ </tex-math></inline-formula> PEST s and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sum $ </tex-math></inline-formula> PAHs orderly) in 1990–2016 samples by using a machine learning algorithm combined with data-driven research method, which lets the model fit the data, so as to change the model to achieve the effect. The main results of this article are as follows, 1) identifying the spatial and temporal trends of POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) in the air of the Great Lakes; 2) An appropriate data-driven intelligent model was constructed for the data at EH (Eagle Harbor) and STP(Sturgeon Point) sampling sites, via which we estimated their <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sum $ </tex-math></inline-formula> PCBs, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sum $ </tex-math></inline-formula> PESTs, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sum $ </tex-math></inline-formula> PAHs in the following 4–5 years, showing the concentrations will continue declining with slight fluctuations; 3) The important role which IoT played in smart environmental protection was pointed out.
Joint Computational Offloading and Data-Content Caching in NOMA-MEC Networks

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) can improve the users’ computational capacity and battery life by moving computing services to the network edge. In addition, data-content caching on a MEC server improves the user quality of experience and decreases the backhaul network congestion. Moreover, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has recently been implemented to increase network throughput and capacity. Combining these techniques can improve the user performance and benefit the network. This paper investigates a combined computational offloading and data-content caching problem for NOMA-MEC systems. The aim was to achieve the minimum total completion latency of all users by jointly optimizing the offloading decision, caching strategy, computational resource, and power allocation. This satisfies the constraints within the scope of the potential violation for energy consumption, offloading decision, and the computation and storage capacity of the MEC server. The formulated problem is a mixed-integer non-linear programming and a non-convex problem. To solve this challenging problem, a block successive upper-bound minimization method was implemented to obtain efficient solutions. Numerous simulation results were presented to demonstrate the convergence and efficacy of the proposed algorithm. Compared with other schemes of all-offloading, local-only, and equal resources, our proposed algorithm can approximately reduce the total completion latency by 17.68%, 26.02%, and 70.98%.
CMOS-Compatible Fabrication of Low-Power Ferroelectric Tunnel Junction for Neural Network Applications

A low-cost fabrication process of Hf $_{{1}-{x}}$ ZrxO2 (HZO) nonvolatile memory (NVM) was proposed and its characteristics were investigated. We successfully fabricated a ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) device with tunable conductance for neural network applications. The proposed FTJ device exhibits excellent performances, such as large conductance ratio of ~40 for a 500-ns pulse and thus satisfied low-power consumption of write pulse (1 fJ per bit) and fast write speed (<500 ns) requirements. Furthermore, we revealed that the metal–ferroelectric–insulator–semiconductor structure had a higher tunneling electroresistance ratio than the metal–ferroelectric–insulator–metal structure. Moreover, the polarization operation of our FTJ devices achieved low-power analog-like conductance transition, multilevel operation, and even endurance characteristics is promising. These results demonstrate that the FTJ has high potential to be an ideal emerging memory for neuromorphic computing. Therefore, HZO-based devices are promising materials in neural network applications for next-generation devices.
Multiscale Entropy Analysis of Instantaneous Frequency Variation to Overcome the Cross-Over Artifact in Rhythmic EEG

Generally, for healthy adults, the entropy of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals gradually decreases from wake to sleep stages N1, N2, to N3, and increases during REM. However, some researchers found that multiscale entropy curves of sleep and wakefulness intercept, a cross-over phenomenon whose origin remains unexplored. The objective of the present work is to trace the origin of the cross-over phenomenon and to propose a workaround strategy. We simulated EEG by generating 1/f broadband signal and chirp signals with continuously varying frequencies. We then retrieved the rhythmic component from simulated EEG and real-world EEG and conducted MSE analysis of the instantaneous frequency variation (IFV) of the rhythmic component. The simulation revealed that this interception was ubiquitous in the MSE analysis of simulated EEG with rhythmic components of different frequencies. The cross-over point moved toward larger scale factors with the increasing sampling rate. We found that the MSE curve of IFV from real-world EEG for the wakefulness group was higher than that for sleep, showing no interception. These results suggest that (1) for a rhythmic signal like EEG, MSE analysis of the raw signal is highly affected by the rhythmic component, presenting artificial cross-over curves in sleep EEG study, (2) frequency variation of rhythmic components are complex signal which differs between wakefulness and sleep, in accordance with the complexity loss theory.
Towards a Modular and Distributed End-User Development Framework for Human-Robot Interaction

In an effort towards the democratization of Robotics, this article presents a novel End-User Development framework called Robot Interfaces From Zero Experience (RIZE). The framework provides a set of useful software tools for the creation of robot-oriented software architectures and programming interfaces, as well as the modeling and execution of robot behaviors, with a specific emphasis on social behaviors. Programming interfaces built on top of RIZE enable professionals with different backgrounds and interests to design, adapt, and scale-up robotics applications. As an example of a programming interface, we present Open RIZE, which exploits an End-User Programming paradigm combining blocks, tables, and forms-filling interfaces. Unlike previous approaches, robot behavioral code generated by Open RIZE is intrinsically modular, re-usable, scalable, neutral to the employed programming language, and platform-agnostic. In the article, we present the main design guidelines and features of Open RIZE. Additionally, we perform an initial usability evaluation of the Open RIZE interface in an online workshop. Preliminary results using the System Usability Scale with 10 novice end-users indicate that Open RIZE is easy-to-use and learn.
Impacto do manejo de resíduos orgânicos durante a reforma de plantios de eucalipto sobre indicadores de qualidade do solo

Agricultural soil use induces changes in soil physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics. These changes can eventually lead to a loss of soil quality and a consequent reduction in plant growth and productivity. The analysis of biochemical and microbiological soil quality indicators is relevant to monitor changes in soil quality and in the performance of key soil functions, such as the capacity of nutrient cycling and storage. This study reports on physical, chemical, and biochemical/microbiological quality indicators of soil under eucalyptus plantation, evaluated 5.5 years after the site had undergone different management practices during stand replanting. Evaluations were based on the determination of 18 physical or chemical besides 12 biochemical or microbiological attributes that are considered soil quality indicators. The microbiological and biochemical attributes proved more adequate than the chemical or physical indicators to detect soil quality changes due to management. The greatest disturbance caused by the removal or burning of organic material on the soil surface was evidenced by the higher qCO2 and lower qMIC in the upper soil layer (0 to 5 cm). The principal component analysis underlying the graphical representation demonstrated that soil under secondary forest, taken as reference for soil quality, was very distant from that under eucalyptus, demonstrating that the introduction of eucalyptus monoculture causes significant changes in soil quality. The soil quality of a eucalyptus stand left unharvested after the first normal seven years cycle (11 year-old stand) was the closest to the area with native forest, followed by the soils under eucalyptus subjected to management systems that prioritized organic residue conservation during stand replanting. Contrarily, areas from which the organic material at the soil surface was removed or burned appeared very distant from the reference area. Our results show that the management system adopted during eucalyptus stand replanting influenced, in the medium term, the potential of soils to store and cycle nutrients via microbial biomass and associated biochemical activities. The fact that the 11 years old eucalyptus stand was closest to the reference area may suggest that the adoption of longer cycles for eucalyptus plantations, contrasting with the actual model of short rotation eucalyptus forests in Brazil (about seven years), is relevant to maintain soil sustainability for eucalyptus production in the long run, in spite of the lower mean annual productivity. In this case, the option for a higher productivity in the short and medium term, or for the sustainability of soil use, with the consequent maintenance of its quality for the future generations, should be reevaluated from the data presented here.
Atrazine dissipation in conventional-till and no-till sorghum

Atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropyl amino-s-triazine) dissipation was compared in conventional-till and no-till Holdredge loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Argiustolls) during the sorghum phase of a 3-yr winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]-fallow rotation. Dissipation was similar in both tillage treatments and the half-life of atrazine in the surface 10 cm of soil was estimated by linear regression to be approximately 42 and 50 d in conventional-till and no-till plots, respectively. Movement of the herbicide below the upper 10 cm of soil was not significant during the 105-d sampling period and only traces of atrazine (< 0.05 mg/kg) were found at the 40-cm depth. Rectangular hyperbola equations were fit to quantitative data and could be used to estimate atrazine levels in the soil profile. Laboratory incubation suggested nonbiological hydrolysis to be the primary means of degradation. Similar atrazine dissipation in conventional-till and no-till plots was attributed to the relatively uniform acidity of the soil, which catalyzed atrazine hydrolysis. Long-term application of NH₄NO₃ to all plots may have contributed to surface soil acidity and minimized the effect of tillage on atrazine dissipation.
Seasonal Variation in Primary Productivity and its Interrelationship with Chlorophyll in the Lake Jaisamand (Rajasthan, India)

Lake Jaisamand near Udaipur (Rajasthan) is one of the oldest man-made lakes in India. The primary productivity of the lake showed a bimodal pattern with a first peak of a higher magnitude in July (7.605 g/m2d C) and the second of a lower magnitude (5.851 g/m2 dC) in December. The minimum production was 2.455 g/m2 dC in November. The chlorophyll values were high during low water levels of summer and low during monsoon months when the water level rises, thereby dispersing the phytoplankton biomass and decreasing its density per unit of water volume. From the results obtained it appears that beside temperature and transparency, the trophogenic area and seasonal water level fluctuations have a considerable influence on the primary productivity in this lake. Based on annual production rates and chlorophyll values lake Jaisamand could be regarded as an eutrophic waterbody.
Self-Diffusion of Poly(propylene imine) Dendrimers in Methanol

The self-diffusion coefficients have been determined for five generations of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers in methanol at three different temperatures5, 25, and 45 °Cover the whole concentration range. Pulsed field gradient spin echo NMR has been used. The Stokes−Einstein hard sphere radii have been calculated in the zero concentration limit. They were equal, within error, to the radii found from the viscosity. The high-generation dendrimers have three concentration regimes: a dilute, a semidilute, and a concentrated regime. For the lower generations, only a dilute and a semidilute regime can be found. In the dilute regime, the self-diffusion coefficient decreases as a function of the concentration. In the semidilute regime, this decrease continues. In part of the semidilute and in the concentrated regime diffusion was very slow, and we were not able to measure the long time self-diffusion coefficient. As the transition from semidilute to concentrated solutions corresponds to a decrease of the radius .
Rapid Whole Blood Clot Retraction Assay on Quartz Crystal Microbalance

This letter demonstrates, for the first time, a novel, rapid automated whole blood clot retraction assay utilizing quartz crystal microbalance resonant frequency monitoring. Tissue factor is selected to initiate coagulation. The test turnaround time is 10–20 min, during which a real-time coagulation trace is recorded in parallel with a reference coagulation trace. The reference sample is the same blood sample that is treated by platelet aggregation inhibitor, and the difference between the two traces indicates the quantitative platelet effect on clotting. This differential approach enables determination of a hematocrit-independent parameter characterizing the intensity of clot retraction. In the case of samples with normal hemostatic characteristics, the intensity of retraction is a linear function of platelet count, whereas the retraction is reduced in the case of platelet hypofunction. Moreover, in combination with a clotting time parameter derived from the same coagulation trace, the method allows primary differentiation between three groups of bleeding disorders of various etiology, including platelet disorders, defects in plasma factors, and hypofibrinogenaemia.
Optimization of a Nanosecond Pre-Ionization Switch’s Breakdown Jitter Characteristic Based on a Probability Distribution Model of Electron Avalanche’s Initiation

The breakdown jitter characteristic of a self-triggered pre-ionization switch that works under pulses with the rising time of about one hundred nanoseconds was improved based on the probability distribution model of electron avalanche’s initiation. Contrary to what we might imagine, premature pre-ionization nearly brought about no improvement on the breakdown jitter characteristic. To reduce the switch jitter, analysis of the probability distribution model indicated that the generating rate of initial electrons should maintain a high value when the electric field in the gap was high enough to initiate an effective electron avalanche. Experimental results proved that adjusting the breakdown time of the trigger gap or letting the electrons in the arc channel of the trigger gap become a steady source of initial electrons could both reduce the breakdown time delay jitter to 1ns-2ns when the breakdown time was about 95% of the peak time, this means that high energy transfer efficiency and low jitter were realized simultaneously.
The Determinant of E-Government Services Adoption among Citizen in Indonesia

E-government is a digital government service for citizens. Through e-government, many benefits can be achieved, both for government and citizens. These benefits can only be realized if citizens use e-government services. Therefore, it is essential to look at what makes citizens want to use e-government services. The study identifies factors in the adoption of citizens to e-government services in Indonesia. The research model is based on the UTAUT model. A total of 400 respondents in Surabaya have filled out a questionnaire distributed online and offline. The SEM-PLS is used to test the proposed hypothesis. The results showed that performance expectations, effort expectations, and facilitating conditions influence citizens’ intention to use e-government services.
Privacy-Preserving Compressive Sensing for Real-Time Traffic Monitoring in Urban City

Traffic monitoring is a crucial means to solve traffic problems by collecting vehicular datain an urban road network. However, the leakage of sensitive data increases the risk of attackers spying on drivers’ privacy. To achieve real-time traffic monitoring without leaking data privacy, we propose a privacy-preserving compressive sensing (PPCS) mechanism to timely achieve the entire road network traffic conditions and design a series of feasible and securecomputation protocols to accelerate the speed of data processing. Specifically, we utilize the cloud to extract the spatial-temporal correlation between different road segments and compute a small number of road segments’ traffic congestion rates. Notably, we adopt compressivesensing (CS) technology to estimate other unknown road segments’ traffic conditions based onseveral known values. Besides, a comprehensive security analysis indicates that the PPCS proposed can protect vehicular data from being disclosed. Finally, we validate the effectiveness and efficiency of the mechanism through simulated experiments of computational costs and communication overhead.
Chosen-Ciphertext Secure Key Encapsulation Mechanism in the Standard Model

Key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM) is a foundational cryptography primitive, which can provide secure symmetric cryptographic key material for transmission by using public key algorithms. Until now, many Chosen-Ciphertext (IND-CCA) secure KEM schemes are constructed from Chosen-Plaintext (IND-CPA) or One-Way (OW-CPA) secure PKE via the generic Fujisaki-Okamoto (FO) transformations (TCC 2017). However, the security relies on the Random Oracle Model (ROM). To the best of our knowledge, there are no IND-CCA secure KEM schemes based on Learning Parity with Noise (LPN) assumption that can against post quantum attacks in the standard model. In this work, we propose the first direct construction of LPN-based KEM, which is secure in the standard model. In particular, we use double-trapdoor technique to answer adversary’s decryption queries correctly and a Target Collision Resistant (TCR) hash function to check the validity of the ciphertext. The encapsulated key is determined by a special LPN problem (with no random oracle required). The scheme is IND-CCA secure against post-quantum attacks under the low-noise LPN assumptions by a series of games and the security reduction is tight. Compared with previous schemes on 128-bit security level, our CCA-secure scheme only holds 50.78MB public keys, 62.50MB secret keys and 4.54KB ciphertexts, which is more efficient than the schemes of Döttling et al. (ASIACRYPT 2012), Kiltz et al. (PKC 2014) and Yu et al. (CRYPTO 2016) ((7.27GB, 7.24GB, 7.03KB), (80.89MB, 46.23MB, 6.80KB) and (70.95MB, 70.65MB, 86.50KB) respectively).