Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring mechanical properties of the tectorial membrane with a magnetizable bead

An instrument for applying time-varying forces to microscopic tissue samples was developed and used to measure mechanical properties of the isolated mouse tectorial membrane (TM). The TM is a gelatinous acellular tissue that is believed to play an important role in producing the stimulus for mechanically sensitive hair cells in the inner ear of vertebrates. However, the mechanical properties of the TM are unknown. Forces are applied to the TM with a magnetizable, silicon-iron bead (typically 10 micrometers in radius) attached to the surface of the tissue. A computer-controlled current source powers electromagnets which generate a time-varying magnetic field. The field produces a force on the bead, which exerts a tangential force on the surface of the TM. Resulting motions of the bead and adjacent tissue are measured using a video microscopy system with a resolution of 20 nanometers. Measurements have been obtained for TMs from 12 mice. The magnitude of the magnetic bead's displacement at 10 Hz was nearly proportional to the magnitude of the applied force for forces from 0.0001 to 0.1 micronewton. However, displacements were smaller for forces applied in the direction of maximum sensitivity of hair cells (radial direction) than for forces in the orthogonal in-plane direction (longitudinal direction). The magnitude of the bead displacement decreased as the frequency of the applied force increased from 10 to 100 Hz at 10 dB/decade for longitudinal forces and 8 dB/decade for radial forces. The angle of the displacement lagged that of the stimulus current by approximately 45 degrees across frequencies. Displacement of the adjacent tissue decreased as the distance from the magnetic bead increased, typically decreasing by 1/e over distances on the order of 12 micrometers. These results suggest that mechanical properties of the TM are anisotropic: stiffness in the radial direction is greater than stiffness in the longitudinal direction. This mechanical anisotropy correlates with anatomical anisotropies, especially the radially oriented micro-structure of the TM. Thesis Supervisor: Dennis M. Freeman Title: W.M. Keck Career Development Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering
Dimensions of gastronomic experience affecting on sharing experience: place attachment as a mediator and length of stay as a moderator

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the impact of gastronomic experience on sharing experiences, as well as place attachment as a mediator and length of stay as a moderator.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative method was used in this study. The paper conducted an online survey from 717 international tourists who visited Phuket, a city of gastronomy.FindingsThe result revealed that four dimensions of gastronomic experience – entertainment, escapist, education and aesthetic – affected sharing experience. The mediating role of place attachment was documented. As expected, the length of stay moderated the effect of the gastronomic experience on sharing experience through place attachment as a mediator.Practical implicationsThese results could help destination managers to develop tourist experiences and enhance customers' length of stay and place attachment. On the other hand, this research contributes to the understanding of the factors that affect sharing experience in the tourism industry with a special focus on the city of gastronomy.Originality/valuePrior research shows that tourism experience provides a future tourist behavior based on effective attitudinal variables. At the present, this research provides researchers with information on how to narrow the behavior gap through a range of marketing. This study gives additional insights into the indications of what visitors will transfer into behavior and why an area that has not been addressed previously in this context.
Hexa‐band internal printed slot antenna for mobile phone application

A promising internal printed slot antenna for hexa‐band operation in the mobile phone is presented. The antenna comprises a C‐shaped slot and an open‐ended monopole slot, and both are integrated into a compact configuration to occupy a small area of 21 × 45 mm2 in the top portion of the system circuit board. The integrated C‐shaped slot and monopole slot are fed in series using a 50‐Ω microstrip feedline. The antenna can provide two wide operating bands centered at about 900 and 2200 MHz to cover the GSM850/900/DCS/PCS/UMTS mobile communication and the 2.4‐GHz WLAN operation. Good radiation performances of the proposed antenna over the operating bands are also obtained. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 35–38, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22981
An improved three level ZVZCS DC/DC converter using a tapped inductor and a snubber capacitor

The conventional three-level high frequency phase-shifted DC/DC converter has a disadvantage that a circulating current flows through transformer and switching devices during the freewheeling interval. Due to this circulating current and RMS current stress, conduction losses of transformer and switching devices increases. To alleviate these problems, we propose an improved three-level zero voltage and zero current switching (ZVZCS) DC/DC converter using a tapped inductor, a snubber capacitor and two snubber diodes attached at the secondary side of transformer. The proposed ZVZCS converter is verified on a 7 kW, 30 kHz experimental prototype.
Image Reconstruction in Photoacoustic Computed Tomography with Acoustically Heterogeneous Media

OF THE DISSERTATION Image Reconstruction in Photoacoustic Computed Tomography with Acoustically Heterogeneous Media by Chao Huang Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering Washington University in St. Louis, August 2014 Professor Mark Anastasio, Chair Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT), also known as optoacoustic or thermoacoustic tomography, is a rapidly emerging hybrid imaging modality that combines optical image contrast with ultrasound detection. The majority of currently available PACT image reconstruction algorithms are based on idealized imaging models that assume a lossless and acoustically homogeneous medium. However, in many applications of PACT these assumptions are violated and the induced photoacoustic (PA) wavefields are scattered and absorbed as they propagate to the receiving transducers. In those applications of PACT, the reconstructed images can contain significant distortions and artifacts if the inhomogeneous acoustic properties of the object are not accounted for in the reconstruction algorithm. In this dissertation, we develop and investigate a full-wave approach to iterative image reconstruction in PACT with acoustically heterogeneous lossy media. A key contribution of this work is the establishment of a discrete imaging model that is based on the exact PA wave
Reconfigurable intelligent surface aided coordinated multipoint transmission for the simultaneous wireless information and power transfer non‐orthogonal multiple access network

We consider a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) aided coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission to enhance the achievable rates of the cell edge users (CEUs) in a downlink non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) network enabled with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT). The RIS‐enabled SWIPT‐CoMP‐NOMA network improves the spectral efficiency and counterbalances the rate trade‐off introduced by SWIPT. The distribution model of the effective channel gain plays a vital role in ergodic capacity and outage probability analysis. In this article, we approximate the effective channel gains of the CEUs using the inverse Gaussian (IG) function and validate its accuracy using the well‐known Kolmogorov–Smirnov distance (KSD) test. Using the proposed channel gain model, we derive closed‐form expressions for the ergodic rates and outage probabilities of the CEUs. Using Monte‐Carlo simulations, we confirm the accuracy of the derived analytical expressions and show that the proposed IG function is more accurate than the Gamma function in estimating the outage probability. We also found that the proposed system always offers a higher ergodic rate than the SWIPT‐CoMP‐NOMA system.
Impacts of Different Median Barrier Shapes on a Roadside Environmental Noise Screen

Abstract The aim of this article was to investigate the environmental noise effects of different median barrier shapes in the presence of a plain roadside noise barrier. A two-dimensional boundary element method was used to calculate the insertion loss of different profiled barriers over a frequency range of 50–4,000 Hz. Erecting a 1-m plain median barrier in the middle of a 40-m-wide highway has shown a considerable reduction in efficiency of a 3-m plain roadside barrier. From this point, different profiled median barriers were designed to reduce the negative effects of median barriers. It was found that sloped barriers with 10° compared with other profiled barriers have better efficiency. Comparing the overall results of tested models, the best performance improvement related to the reference barrier was seen in the barrier model “KAI” by 1.41 dB (A).
The Roles of Rainfall and Runoff in the Sediment Transport Capacity of Interrill Flow

ABSTRACT Alaboratory study was conducted to examine the transport capacity of interrill flow. Experiments were performed in flows with and without rainfall to isolate the contributions to transport capacity from surface runoff and raindrop impact. Theory and measurement indicated that the runoff contribution was determined by discharge and bedslope. The transport capacity was greatly enhanced by raindrop impact, and the enhancement depended on rainfall intensity and bedslope. Rainfall momentum and kinetic energy fluxes were also significant in explaining the transport enhancement. Interrill transport capacity equations based on the separate runoff and raindrop impact contributions were developed. Simpler equations, with the two contributions lumped, were also investigated. Rainfall-disturbed flows were better able to transport the larger particles of the sediment mixture. However, observations of restricted flow competence suggested that the transport capacity of interrill flow is dependent on soil, as well as on hydraulic and rainfall properties.
Equipping students to be resourceful practitioners in community settings: A realist analysis

ABSTRACT Training programmes for counsellors and psychotherapists comprise complex combinations of different types of learning activity. However, research into the process and outcomes of therapy training has almost entirely comprised investigations of specific training elements. In addition, studies of training have not taken account of the potential influence of the social and organisational context within which training is delivered. The present paper reports on a realist analysis of learning mechanisms within a professional counsellor training programme in pluralistic-integrative counselling, drawing on multiple sources of data collected over a ten-year period. Training outcomes were oriented toward preparing trainees to be flexible and resourceful practitioners in non-medicalised community settings. Core learning mechanisms included building on pre-existing skills, knowledge and awareness, and acquiring conceptual tools appropriate to a collaborative style of working, within an immersive learning environment that supported focused reflection and engagement with personally challenging learning tasks. Implications for further research on therapist training, and programme design, are discussed.
A FRAMEWORK FOR TOOL SELECTION AND USE IN INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Integrated assessment is rapidly developing in the scientific as well as policy community. Different methods, techniques and procedures (i.e., tools) are used in these assessments. Often, the choice for using certain tools in an assessment is not well founded. This paper presents a framework that scientifically underpins the role of, and thus choice for, tools within an integrated assessment. The framework identifies four phases in an integrated assessment, which are derived from the complementarities between various forms of integrated assessments. Tasks have to be done within each of the four phases. Seven types of tools with similar characteristics are matched to those tasks. The tool framework is a theoretical construct, developed whilst keeping in mind perceptions and suggestions from eventual users. It is a first step in the development of an overarching framework for finding appropriate tools for different tasks in an assessment, and justifying the use of those tools.
CMBEAR: Python‐Based Recharge Estimator Using the Chloride Mass Balance Method in Australia

The chloride mass balance (CMB) method is widely used to estimate long‐term rates of groundwater recharge. In regions where surface water runoff is negligible, recharge can be estimated using measurements of chloride concentrations of groundwater and precipitation, and an estimate of long‐term average rainfall. This paper presents the Chloride Mass Balance Estimator of Australian Recharge (CMBEAR), a Jupyter (Python) Notebook that is set up to rapidly apply the CMB method using gridded maps of chloride deposition rates across the Australian continent. For an Australian context, the chloride deposition rate and rainfall maps have been provided. Thus, CMBEAR requires only a spreadsheet with the groundwater chloride concentration, the latitude and longitude of the sample location, and some simple user inputs. CMBEAR may be easily applied in other regions, providing that a gridded chloride deposition map is available. Recharge estimates from CMBEAR are compared against published applications of the CMB method. CMBEAR is also applied to a large dataset from the Northern Territory and is used to produce a gridded map of recharge for western Victoria. CMBEAR provides a reproducible and straightforward approach to apply the CMB method to estimate groundwater recharge.
Early Improvement with Vortioxetine Predicts Response and Remission: A Post Hoc Analysis of Data from a Clinical Trial Conducted in Japan

Aim Several weeks of treatment with an antidepressive agent may be required before efficacy is demonstrated in patients with major depressive disorder. This study investigated the predictive value of early partial improvement with vortioxetine for treatment response and remission. Methods This was a post hoc analysis of an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 study of vortioxetine (10 mg or 20 mg) in Japanese patients aged 20–75 years with recurrent major depressive disorder and a Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score of at least 26. The key outcomes were the predictive value of early partial improvement (reduction in MADRS total score of ≥20% from baseline to week 2) with vortioxetine for MADRS response (≥50% decrease in score from baseline) and remission (decrease in score to ≤10) at week 8. Results Relevant data were available for 478 patients; 62/158 patients receiving placebo, 71/162 receiving vortioxetine 10 mg, and 66/158 receiving vortioxetine 20 mg were early improvers. Early improvers receiving vortioxetine (10 mg or 20 mg) were more likely than non-early improvers to achieve a week 8 response (71.2–73.2% vs 29.7–38.0%) or remission (50.7–51.5% vs 17.4–18.7%). Positive predictive values for response and remission with vortioxetine were ~70% and ~50%, respectively; negative predictive values were ~70% and ~80%, respectively. Conclusion Improvement with vortioxetine may be predicted by early partial improvement in MADRS score. Some patients may benefit from longer-term treatment even without early improvement, another finding that may aid clinical decision-making. ClinicalTrials.gov registration for primary study: NCT02389816.
Depression, anxiety, and stress among Ugandan university students during the COVID-19 lockdown: an online survey

Background COVID19 pandemic forced most countries to lockdown, leading to the prolonged closure of many learning institutions. This dramatic shift led to increase of mental illness symptoms among university students. Objective To determine the prevalence and factors associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among Uganda's university students during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods We conducted a one-month online survey using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results Participants n=321 were enrolled with mean age, 24.8(SD=5.1) years and 198(61.7%) were males. The prevalence of mental health symptoms among participants was 80.7%, 98.4%, and 77.9% for depression, high levels of anxiety, and stress, respectively. Statistically significant association between mental health symptoms on multi-logistic regression was found with Males (depression=2.97[1.61–5.48] and stress=1.90[1.07–3.35]), engagement in leisure activity (depression= 1.87[1.01–3.49] and stress=1.98[1.10–3.56]), and being finalist (stress=0.55[0.31- 0.97]). Use of addictive substances seem to potentially alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in the short term. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest a high prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among university students during the COVID-19 lockdown. Students' mental health should be monitored by all stakeholders, especially as the pandemic progresses.
Embodied energy analysis of multi storied residential buildings in urban India

Today developing nations are witnessing an unprecedented pace of urbanization in the wake of industrialization and globalization. This is giving rise to an ever increasing demand for housing and infrastructure to support the growing population and its activities. Energy is the single-most significant driver of this urban development and buildings stand as the most visible expressions of this development. However, buildings are known to be highly energy intensive and considering energy supply from conventional sources, these buildings have substantial negative environmental impacts. While operational energy of buildings have been mapped and assessed for different building typologies and various climatic zones, the embodied energy captive in the building fabric has received relatively lesser attention. Thus, efforts towards energy management and conservation in building operations have sufficiently addressed the concerns and have been reflected in the many building-rating systems prevailing across the world, though there had been limited research in the field of embodied energy measurement of contemporary multi-storied residential buildings constructed with modern technology. This assumes more significance in view of today’s energy constrained world where exhaustive database on energy expended through all possible avenues need to be recorded in order to optimize and regulate this capital energy component of the building industry. In this backdrop, the present paper discusses the process and results of embodied energy analysis of one such typical multi-storied residential apartment of steel reinforced concrete construction in the metropolitan city of Calcutta (now Kolkata) in India and compares it with reported findings of some similar researches in Japan and India.
Comparison of visual estimation and line-point intercept vegetation survey methods on annual grass–invaded rangelands of Wyoming

Abstract Scientists and natural resource managers require suitable vegetation survey methods to assess the success of rangeland restoration projects. Visual estimation and point intercept methods are commonly used to evaluate vegetation cover. This study compared the performance of one visual (quadrat-based) and two line-point intercept (LPI, canopy and basal) methods to assess biodiversity and cover and to estimate biomass production on sites invaded by introduced annual grasses across Wyoming, USA. Greater species richness and higher Shannon index values were measured in quadrats, while introduced annual and native perennial graminoid cover values were higher in LPI canopy in general. Overall, these outcomes indicate quadrats as the most suitable survey method when biodiversity monitoring is the primary objective, while suggesting LPI canopy when monitoring vegetation cover is prioritized. Finally, our regression models indicated quadrat-based estimates as the most reliable to predict introduced annual and native perennial graminoid biomass.
Pelvic and breast ultrasound abnormalities and associated metabolic disturbances in girls with premature pubarche due to adrenarche

Premature adrenarche (PA) has been suggested as a risk factor for future health problems, such as metabolic syndrome and early menarche. However, not all girls with PA have these features and it is not certain who will develop them. We propose that these abnormalities might be identified earlier, even before they are visible.
Multi-agent hybrid shop floor control system

A manufacturing system is composed of many activities that can be monitored and controlled at different levels of abstraction. A shop floor can be considered an important level at which to develop a Computer Integrated Manufacturing system (CIM). However, a shop floor is the dynamic environment where unexpected events continuously occur, and impose changes to planned activities. To deal with this problem, the shop floor should adopt an appropriate control system that is responsible for the coordination and control of the manufacturing physical flow and information flow. In this paper, a hybrid control system is described with a shop floor activity methodology called Multi-Layered Task Initiation Diagram (MTD). The architecture of the control model identifies three levels; i.e. the shop floor controller (SFC), the intelligent agent controller (IAC) and the equipment controller (EC). The methodology behind the development of the control system is an intelligent multi-agent paradigm that enables the shop floor control system to be an independent, autonomous, and distributed system, and to achieve an adaptability to change the manufacturing environment.
What Causes the Child Penalty? Evidence from Adopting and Same-Sex Couples

New parenthood causes large decreases in labor market incomes for mothers but not fathers, a stylized fact known as the “child penalty. ” We combine a simple household model with estimates of child penalties in heterosexual nonadopting, adopting, and same-sex couples to better understand what causes the child penalty in heterosexual nonadopting couples. Our results largely rule out giving birth and the father’s advantage in the labor market as mechanisms, leaving preferences, gender norms, and discrimination as the main explanations. In addition, our paper provides novel evidence on the impact of children on labor market outcomes of adopting and same-sex couples.
Sampling-based Inverse Reinforcement Learning Algorithms with Safety Constraints

Planning for robotic systems is frequently formulated as an optimization problem. Instead of manually tweaking the parameters of the cost function, they can be learned from human demonstrations by Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL). Common IRL approaches employ a maximum entropy trajectory distribution that can be learned with soft reinforcement learning, where the reward maximization is regularized with an entropy objective. The consideration of safety constraints is of paramount importance for human-robot collaboration. For this reason, our work addresses maximum entropy IRL in constrained environments. Our contribution to this research area is threefold: (1) We propose Constrained Soft Reinforcement Learning (CSRL), an extension of soft reinforcement learning to Constrained Markov Decision Processes (CMDPs). (2) We transfer maximum entropy IRL to CMDPs based on CSRL. (3) We show that using importance sampling in maximum entropy IRL in constrained environments introduces a bias and fails to achieve feature matching. In our evaluation we consider the tactical lane change decision of an autonomous vehicle in a highway scenario modeled in the SUMO traffic simulation.