Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Open Access book publisher

The aim of this book is to provide an overview on the importance of stoichiometry in the materials science field. It presents a collection of selected research articles and reviews providing up-to-date information related to stoichiometry at various levels. Being materials science an interdisciplinary area, the book has been divided in multiple sections, each for a specific field of applications. The first two sections introduce the role of stoichiometry in nanotechnology and defect chemistry, providing examples of state-of-the-art technologies. Section three and four are focused on intermetallic compounds and metal oxides. Section five describes the importance of stoichiometry in electrochemical applications. In section six new strategies for solid phase synthesis are reported, while a cross sectional approach to the influence of stoichiometry in energy production is the topic of the last section. Though specifically addressed to readers with a background in physical science, I believe this book will be of interest to researchers working in materials science, engineering and technology. following:
Autophagy in renal tubular injury and repair

Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process that maintains normal function and structure of the cell. It can be induced during stress and serves as an adaptive response for cell survival. Normal kidneys have high metabolic demands yet are relatively hypoxic, especially in the medulla and papilla. Injury or ageing aggravates metabolic perturbation and activates autophagy in many types of renal cells. In the kidney, tubular epithelial cells consume the most energy due to active transport mechanisms and therefore are the most susceptible to injuries from hypoxic or low‐energy states. This brief review will summarize current understandings of the biological function and molecular regulation of epithelial autophagy during tubular injury and repair.
Feature Compensation Techniques for ASR on Band-Limited Speech

Band-limited speech (speech for which parts of the spectrum are completely lost) is a major cause for accuracy degradation of automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems particularly when acoustic models have been trained with data with a different spectral range. In this paper, we present an extensive study of the problem of ASR of band-limited speech with full-bandwidth acoustic models. Our focus is mainly on band-limited feature compensation, covering even the case of time-varying band-limiting distortions, but we also compare this approach to more common model-side techniques (adaptation and retraining) and explore the combination of feature-based and model-side approaches. The feature compensation algorithms proposed are organized in a unified framework supported by a novel mathematical model of the impact of such distortions on Mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) features. A crucial and novel contribution is the analysis made of the relative correlation of different elements in the MFCC feature vector for the cases of full-bandwidth and limited-bandwidth speech, which justifies an important modification in the feature compensation scheme. Furthermore, an intensive experimental analysis is provided. Experiments are conducted on real telephone channels, as well as artificial low-pass and bandpass filters applied over TIMIT data, and results are given for different experimental constraints and variations of the feature compensation method. Results for other well-known robustness approaches, such as cepstral mean normalization (CMN), model retraining, and model adaptation are also given for comparison. ASR performance with our approach is similar or even better than model adaptation, and we argue that in particular cases such as rapidly varying distortions, or limited computational or memory resources, feature compensation is more convenient. Furthermore, we show that feature-side and model-side approaches may be combined, outperforming any of those approaches alone.
Knowledge management and innovation : An empirical study of Dutch SMEs

Western economies are increasingly viewed as knowledge-driven (Audretch and Thurik, 2001, 2004). Knowledge plays a crucial role in determining firm innovation capability and in enhancing working life quality of knowledge workers (Corso, Martini, Pelligrini, and Paolucci, 2001). Previous studies show that knowledge is managed in a different manner in SMEs. It is identified that knowledge is created, shared, transferred and applied via people based mechanisms in SMEs. Although research and policy interest in knowledge management is beginning to grow for SMEs (Sparrow, 2001; Wong, & Radcliffe, 2000), still relatively limited attention has been paid to understand the specifics of knowledge management issues for SMEs and to KM’s contribution to innovation performance in particular. Furthermore, most of studies are conducted by using methods on either qualitative case studies or very small samples. The aim of this study is to provide a quantitative insight of the relationship between KM and innovation performance of SMEs based on a large sample of Dutch SMEs, as well as the role of innovation orientation in this relationship. Our findings indicate that knowledge management- external acquisition and internal sharing- contribute positively to exploratory innovation performance of a firm. A full mediated effect of innovation orientation is identified in the relationship between external acquisition and exploratory innovation performance. We discuss how KM contributes to innovation performance, using the perspective of absorptive capacity. Based on a literature review on absorptive capacity, an implicit relationship between knowledge management practices and building a firm’s absorptive capacity is identified.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce the Extracellular Mitochondrial DNA-Mediated TLR9 Activation in Neonatal Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) released from dead or injured cells can activate inflammation, and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation can reduce inflammation and injury. However, it has not been tested whether the release of mtDNA can be reduced by MSC transplantation. We hypothesized that the level of extracellular mtDNA would be increased after hyperoxia-induced lung injury but reduced after lung injury attenuation by MSC therapy in our newborn rat model. In an in vitro study using a rat lung epithelial L2 cell line, we found that the level of extracellular mtDNA was significantly increased with H2O2-induced cell death but reduced after MSC co-incubation. In an in vivo study, we confirmed that the levels of cell death, extracellular mtDNA, and inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased in hyperoxic newborn rat lungs but reduced after MSC transplantation. The levels of extracellular mtDNA were significantly and positively correlated with the levels of the inflammatory cytokines. The TLR9/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, which is activated by binding to mtDNA, was also significantly upregulated but downregulated after MSC transplantation. We found a significant positive correlation between inflammatory cytokines and extracellular mtDNA in intubated neonates. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and extracellular mtDNA changed over time in a similar pattern in transtracheal aspirate samples from intubated neonates. In conclusion, increased levels of extracellular mtDNA are associated with increased inflammation in hyperoxia-induced lung injury, and attenuation of lung inflammation by MSC therapy is associated with reduced levels of extracellular mtDNA.
Homogeneous and Nonradioactive High-Throughput Screening Platform for the Characterization of Kinase Inhibitors in Cell Lysates

Protein kinases are directly implicated in many human diseases; therefore, kinase inhibitors show great promises as new therapeutic drugs. In an effort to facilitate the screening and the characterization of kinase inhibitors, a novel application of the AlphaScreen technology was developed to monitor JNK activity from (1) purified kinase preparations and (2) endogenous kinase from cell lysates preactivated with different cytokines. The authors confirmed that both adenosine triphosphate (ATP) competitive as well as peptide-based JNK inhibitors were able to block the activity of both recombinant and HepG2 endogenous JNK activity. Using the same luminescence technique adapted for binding studies, the authors characterized peptide inhibitor mechanisms by measuring the binding affinity of the inhibitors for JNK. Because of the versatility of the technology, this cell-based JNK kinase assay could be adapted to other kinases and would represent a powerful tool to evaluate endogenous kinase activity and test a large number of potential inhibitors in a more physiologically relevant environment.
A novel model of retinopathy of prematurity simulating preterm oxygen variability in the rat.

PURPOSE To examine changes in the retinal vasculature of rat pups after 14 days of minute-by-minute small variations in oxygen. METHODS Arterial oxygen data from a preterm infant who developed severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was translated to equivalent values for the rat. Newborn rat pups were raised for 14 days in a cage in which a computer controlled the atmosphere to mimic the fluctuating oxygen profile (group V). Positive controls (P) of 12-hour cycles of 80% and 21% were run concurrently, as were room air controls (C). All were killed at day 14. RESULTS Groups V and P had significantly larger avascular retinal areas than C [median, interquartile range (IQR) 1.7%, 0-7.9%; 10%, 8.1-13%; 0%, 0-0%, respectively; each group n = 30]. Group P had a higher capillary branch count than C (median, IQR: 310/mm(2); 253-311 mm(2); versus 277/mm(2), 272-364/mm(2), respectively), but this was not significant using a multilevel analysis. Group V had significantly reduced capillary counts compared with C (median, 261/mm(2); IQR, 215-290/mm(2); P < 0.05 multilevel analysis). No neovascularization was seen in any group, though abnormal terminal vessels were seen at the avascular/vascular retina interface in 73% of rats in group P and 21% of rats in group V. In situ hybridization on serial sections demonstrated VEGF in the inner nuclear layer of the retina in P and V, whereas C showed trace levels only. CONCLUSIONS The vaso-obliterative stage of ROP can be induced in rats using clinically relevant oxygen levels.
Acute effects of walking with Nordic poles in persons with mild to moderate low-back pain

Regular walking with or without Nordic poles is effective over time at reducing discomfort in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). Nordic pole use increases balance and stability, distributes weight through the arms and torso, and decreases loading of the spine and lower limbs. The purpose of this study was to determine if Nordic poles would reduce perceived acute discomfort while self-paced walking in individuals with LBP. We also examined whether walking with or without poles increased heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) or speed of movement. Subjects included 20 adults (12 males, 8 females; mean age of 45.1±16.3) who were experiencing LBP of at least six months’ duration (Oswestry Disability Index (ODI): mean 17 ± 8%, range 6–36% indicating minimal to moderate disability) with no current active flare-up. Participants walked a predetermined dirt-path course (805 m or 0.5 mi) with and without poles in randomized order. Data were analyzed using a 2 X 2 repeated measures ANOVA (Condition X Time), where Condition was poles vs no poles and Time was pre- and post-walk. HR and RPE increased significantly from walking the course, whereas pain did not change. There were also no differences between walking with or without poles for pain (ODI Sec #1: 0.2 points, p=0.324), HR (4 bpm, p=0.522) and RPE (0 points, p=0.759). The mean course time (sec) was slower with poles: 617±87 vs 566±65 (p<0.001). Unexpectedly, there was a noticeable drop in pain following the warm up which was done using poles (0.9 points, p<0.001). Nordic pole use is well tolerated in those with current back pain and can be encouraged, however it cannot be recommended as a superior method of addressing acute symptoms when walking.
The Component Timed-Up-and-Go test: the utility and psychometric properties of using a mobile application to determine prosthetic mobility in people with lower limb amputations

Objective: Using a custom mobile application to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Component Timed-Up-and-Go test to assess prosthetic mobility in people with lower limb amputation. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: National conference for people with limb loss. Subjects: A total of 118 people with non-vascular cause of lower limb amputation participated. Subjects had a mean age of 48 (±13.7) years and were an average of 10 years post amputation. Of them, 54% (n = 64) of subjects were male. Intervention: None. Main measure: The Component Timed-Up-and-Go was administered using a mobile iPad application, generating a total time to complete the test and five component times capturing each subtask (sit to stand transitions, linear gait, turning) of the standard timed-up-and-go test. The outcome underwent test–retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and convergent validity analyses through correlation with self-report measures of balance and mobility. Results: The Component Timed-Up-and-Go exhibited excellent test–retest reliability with ICCs ranging from . 98 to . 86 for total and component times. Evidence of discriminative validity resulted from significant differences in mean total times between people with transtibial (10.1 (SD: ±2.3)) and transfemoral (12.76 (SD: ±5.1) amputation, as well as significant differences in all five component times (P < .05). Convergent validity of the Component Timed-Up-and-Go was demonstrated through moderate correlations with the PLUS-M (rs = −.56). Conclusion: The Component Timed-Up-and-Go is a reliable and valid clinical tool for detailed assessment of prosthetic mobility in people with non-vascular lower limb amputation. The iPad application provided a means to easily record data, contributing to clinical utility.
Efficient, robust and accurate fitting of a 3D morphable model

3D morphable models, as a means to generate images of a class of objects and to analyze them, have become increasingly popular. The problematic part of this framework is the registration of the model to an image, a.k. a. the fitting. The characteristic features of a fitting algorithm are its efficiency, robustness, accuracy and automation. Many accurate algorithms based on gradient descent techniques exist which are unfortunately short on the other features. Recently, an efficient algorithm called inverse compositional image alignment (ICIA) algorithm, able to fit 2D images, was introduced. We extent this algorithm to fit 3D morphable models using a novel mathematical notation which facilitates the formulation of the fitting problem. This formulation enables us to avoid a simplification so far used in the ICIA, being as efficient and leading to improved fitting precision. Additionally, the algorithm is robust without sacrificing its efficiency and accuracy, thereby conforming to three of the four characteristics of a good fitting algorithm.
The Robotics API: An object-oriented framework for modeling industrial robotics applications

During the last two decades, software development has evolved continuously into an engineering discipline with systematic use of methods and tools to model and implement software. For example, object-oriented analysis and design is structuring software models according to real-life objects of the problem domain and their relations. However, the industrial robotics domain is still dominated by old-style, imperative robot programming languages, making software development difficult and expensive. For this reason, we introduce the object-oriented Robotics Application Programming Interface (Robotics API) for developing software for industrial robotic applications. The Robotics API offers an abstract, extensible domain model and provides common functionality, which can be easily used by application developers. The advantages of the Robotics API are illustrated with an application example.
High Performance S-Band GaN T/R Module Using Hybrid Microwave Integrated Circuit

This article presents a comprehensive design framework and realization approach for a state-of-the-art, compact, ultra-lightweight, highly efficient, cost-effective S-band gallium-nitride (GaN) dual transmit/receive (T/R) module. The T/R module design considers the behavioral model of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMIC), insertion characteristics of passive components, and microwave traces. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) based controller board generates the required T/R module controls, timing signals, and DC voltage bias sequencing for the various components. A thermal equivalent circuit model uses thermal conductivity and MMIC/passive components’ heat dissipation to determine the thermal margin for the safe operation of the devices. The thermal analysis determines the most critical competent of the T/R module and cooling mechanism for safe operation. The T/R module is realized using multilayer digital and microwave printed circuit board (PCB) technology and leverages advanced surface mount technology (SMT) manufacturing for low-cost volume production with high repeatability and reliability. In the presented design, two T/R modules are housed in a single thermally efficient Aluminium 6061-T6 enclosure, allowing the sharing of power and control circuits between the two modules to achieve the compact shape and size of the module. The T/R module is realized and evaluated for transmit and receive parameters, i.e., output power, receiver gain, noise figure, power consumption heat dissipation, power added efficiency, band-pass filter response, attenuator and phase shifter error, pulse width, duty cycle, and control timing parameters. The measured results of the T/R module are compared with state-of-the-art T/R modules available in open literature, matching or exceeding the performance. A passive golden reference unit (GRU) is used for mass production of factory-calibrated (phase-matched) T/R modules, which eliminates the requirement of periodic field calibration of the active phased array antenna (assuming uniform aging and environmental factors for produced T/R modules).
Game-based learning: The use of Kahoot in teacher education

Recently, technologies have been increasingly used in the educational context, not only because they facilitate communication and access to information, but also because of their motivational potential. Game-based learning through digital tools such as Kahoot! combines game dynamics with the potential of monitoring student learning. In this sense, this article reports a study carried out in a teacher program, in order to analyze future teachers and teacher educators' perspectives on the use of the game-based learning platform Kahoot! The participants point out students' greater involvement and participation and the promotion of learning as main advantages of this digital tool.
Performance metrics and design considerations for a free-space optical orbital-angular-momentum–multiplexed communication link

The capacity of free-space optical (FSO) communication links could potentially be increased by the simultaneous transmission of multiple orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams. For such an OAM multiplexing approach, one requires the collection of adequate power as well as proportion of the phase front for a system with minimal crosstalk. Here we study the design considerations for an OAM-multiplexed free-space data link, analyzing the power loss, channel crosstalk, and power penalty of the link in the case of limited-size receiver apertures and misalignment between the transmitter and the receiver. We describe the trade-offs for different transmitted beam sizes, receiver aperture sizes, and mode spacing of the transmitted OAM beams under given lateral displacements or receiver angular errors. Through simulations and some experiments, we show that (1) a system with a larger transmitted beam size and a larger receiver aperture is more tolerant to lateral displacement but less tolerant to the receiver angular error, and (2) a system with a larger mode spacing, which uses larger OAM charges, suffers more system power loss but less channel crosstalk; thus, a system with a small mode spacing shows a lower system power penalty when system power loss dominates (e.g., a small lateral displacement or receiver angular error), whereas that with a larger mode spacing shows a lower power penalty when channel crosstalk dominates (e.g., a larger lateral displacement or receiver angular error). This work could be beneficial to the practical implementation of OAM-multiplexed FSO links.
Linking objective web-design factors to facets of subjective aesthetic perception

The present study examined how objective design factors of a website such as bilateral symmetry, color hue, color saturation, and color brightness can be linked to different facets of subjective aesthetic perception. Our results from multiple online studies suggest that each design factor affects the facets of the Visual Aesthetics of Website Inventory [4] in a different way. Our findings may help designers to systematically target specific facets of visual aesthetics.
Quantifying acceleration: Power/performance trade-offs of application kernels in hardware

As the traditional performance gains of technology scaling diminish, one of the most promising directions is building special purpose fixed function hardware blocks, commonly referred to as accelerators. Accelerators have become prevalent in industrial SoC designs for their low power, high performance potential. In this work we explore thousands of implementations of classical software workloads in hardware. This thorough, detailed design space search of hardware accelerators gives architects a quantitative way to reason about the differences in implementations. The exploration presented in this work shows that the space is full of poor design choices. By thoroughly analyzing each benchmark, we show which provide the most performance when implemented in hardware given a fixed power budget and explain which design techniques work best for each workload.
AISeL ) All Sprouts Content Sprouts 1130-2009 Emerging Role of Enterprise System in Radical Organizational Change

In this paper we analyze the role of Enterprise Systems (ES) in shaping a companyâs transformation process by conducting an in-depth case study in a large European high-tech company. Although there are previous studies concerning organizational transformation and ES implementation process, the role of ES as an instrument for de-institutionalization is not well understood. By drawing on the framework of neo-institutional theory we seek to understand how ES facilitates discarding of the old ways of doing things and the simultaneous forming of the new institutional arrangements. This paper seeks to provide valuable insights into the de-institutionalization process and the role of ES in a companyâs re-organization. The findings show how ES in use serves as an agent and a platform for de-institutionalization and later as a powerful force in forming the new institutional arrangement.