Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current Discrepancy Mitigation of Input-Parallel Output-Parallel Dual-Active-Bridge Converters Using Coupled Inductors

Due to the advantages such as bidirectional power flow, soft switching and high efficiency, input-parallel output-parallel dual-active-bridge converters are suitable for high-current application such as low-voltage dc distribution so as to increase the current capacity. However, in practical applications, parameter mismatches cause current imbalances among parallel modules, leading to imbalanced loss dissipation, and thus, the system performance is compromised. In this regard, this article proposes an automatic current-sharing method for input-parallel output-parallel dual-active-bridge converters using coupled inductors without any current sensors or digital algorithms to mitigate the issue and, thus, improve system reliability, at the minimum cost. The current-sharing method is analyzed in detail quantitatively and design consideration of the coupled inductor is presented to show its easy implementation. Additionally, module shading at light loads can be achieved using a passive selector with ease smoothly, guaranteeing high efficiencies all over the loading range. Simulation and experimental results verified that the current sharing is accomplished under both steady and dynamic operations.
Influence of Women’s Participation in Self-Help Groups on Their Social Networks in Tigania West Sub-County

The women participation in self-help groups has been established to have diverse effect on their social economic empowerment aspects including social networks. The self-confidence of the women members is often associated with the self-help groups through interactions with group members, exposure to a wide variety of skills and masterly of specific tasks that are undertaken within the self-help groups. The self-help groups also create and enhance social networks amongst the women. This is through the interaction with members, bonding and joint undertaking of various activities together. Through these processes the women develop social relationships amongst themselves. The women participation in self-help groups have enabled them to access credit through group lending and revolving loans amongst the members. The self-help groups create social security that enables the lending from financial institutions to the group in which they guarantee each other. The social ties amongst the group members enables the provision of the revolving loans in which the individual members are issued with loans and then thereafter other members are issued with loans after loan repayments. The study was guided by the research hypothesis that there is no statistically significant influence of women’s participation in self-help groups on their social network in Tigania West Sub-County. The study used descriptive and explorative research designs. The target population was 3610 women from 250 registered self-help groups. The number of women in the 250 groups was 3610. Sample size was determined using a formula by Nassiuma (2008) to get a sample size of 150. The results of the regression indicated that participation in women self-help groups led to an increase in level of social networks due to a positive beta coefficient of 0.380. The p-value less than 0.05 (significance level) indicates that participation in self-help groups has statistically significant influence on their social networks. This led to the rejection of the hypothesis stating that women’s participation in self-help groups has no statistically significant influence on their development of social network in Tigania West Sub-County. The significance of the results can be attributed to the importance of the social networks amongst the women in self-help groups. Participation in self-help groups has an influence on the social network of the group members due to interaction while undertaking group activities. This enhances their bonding and consequently social networking. Keywords : Self Help Group, Social Networks DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-18-01 Publication date: September 30 th 2020
Understanding the Interior Characteristics of a Deep Cavity Cavitand and Its Role in Modulating Photophysical Processes of Organic Molecules

of a dissertation at the University of Miami. Dissertation supervised by Professor Vaidhyanathan Ramamurthy. No. of pages in text. (328) The central tenet of this thesis is to explore the use of a deep cavity cavitand known by the trivial name ‘octa acid’ as a reaction cavity for manipulating photochemical and photophysical properties of organic molecules. The micropolarity of the interior of the cavitand was monitored by recording the fluorescence of different polarity probes. They all indicated that the interior of octa acid capsuleplex (2:1, host/guest complex) is nonpolar and does not contain water molecules despite the complex being present in water. Photophysical and NMR experiments suggested that the structure of the host/guest complex depends on the size and hydrophobicity of the guest molecule. We also probed the dynamics of guest molecules included within octa acid with the help of H NMR and EPR techniques. We have studied the photoinduced electron transfer from the donor incarcerated within octa acid nanocapsule to the acceptor free in solution. Comparison to the electron transfer in free solution showed significantly accelerated dynamics and essentially no solvent relaxation when the donor was encapsulated into the host molecule. In that context we were able to bind a dye molecule encapsulated within OA capsule to the semiconductor (TiO2) and hence monitor electron transfer from the dye to the semiconductor. The molecular communication between two molecules, one confined and excited (triplet or singlet) and one free and paramagnetic was studied through quenching of fluorescence and/or phosphorescence by nitroxides as paramagnetic radical species. Results presented in this thesis highlight the role of the lifetime of the encounter complex in electron-electron spin communication when the direct orbital overlap between the two molecules was prevented by the intermediary wall. In a separate work, we have shown that the high-energy axial conformer of propyloxy-substituted piperidine gets stabilized within octa acid capsule, which highlights the value of confined spaces in physical organic chemistry. This work also spans disciplines to understand the complexation patterns between nitroxides and cucurbiturils. One of the key findings of this work was that a selective triangular geometry of the supramolecular aggregate ([nitroxide@cucurbit[8]urils]3) leaded to spin exchange between the three radical centers. The use of supramolecular architectures to control the spatially dependent spin exchange between two/three covalently linked radical centers (biradicals/triradical respectively) has been explored.
TROCAS GASOSAS E CARACTERÍSTICAS ESTRUTURAIS ADAPTATIVAS DE CAFEEIROS CULTIVADOS EM DIFERENTES NÍVEIS DE RADIAÇÃO

Differences in the radiation levels can cause modifications in the structural and functional characteristics of the leaves, which can respond differentially by anatomical, morphological and photosynthetic modifications. The objective of the present work was to verify the possible modifications in the foliar anatomy and photosynthetic characteristic of coffee plants in the formation phase submitted to different radiation levels. After the planting of the coffee plants in the field, they were submitted to five radiation levels (full sun and under plastic screens providing 35, 50, 65 and 90% shade). The treatments were appraised as to the gas exchange and foliar anatomy ten months after the installation of the assay in field. The amount of incident radiation influences the internal structure of the coffee plants leaves and their respective functions. The 90% shade level is not recommended for the cultivation of the coffee plant, because it reduces the photosynthetic rate, presenting lower mesophyll and palisade parenchyma thickness. The 35% shade level is more recommended for coffee plant cultivation in a shaded environment. At that level, improvement of the internal structure of the leaves occurs that can favor interesting physiological characteristics to optimize the development of that culture.
Biogeomorphology of Bedrock Fluvial Systems: Example from Shawnee Run, Kentucky, USA

OF DISSERTATION BIOGEOMORPHOLOGY OF BEDROCK FLUVIAL SYSTEMS: EXAMPLE FROM SHAWNEE RUN, KENTUCKY, USA The dynamic interactions between fluvial processes and vegetation vary in different environments and are uncertain in bedrock settings. Bedrock streams are much less studied than alluvial in all aspects, and in many respects act in qualitatively different ways. This research seeks to fill this lacuna by studying bedrock streams from a biogeomorphic perspective. The first part of this research aims to identify the impacts of woody vegetation that may be common to fluvial systems and rocky hillslopes in general, or that may be unique to bedrock channels. A review of the existing literature on biogeomorphology — mostly fluvial and rocky hillslope environments — was carried out, and field examples of biogeomorphic impacts (BGIs) associated with fluvial systems of six various bedrock environments were then examined to complement the review. This research shows that bedrock streams exhibit both shared and highly concentrated BGIs in relation to alluvial streams and bedrock hillslope environments. It shows that while no BGIs associated with bedrock streams are unique to the environment, the bioprotective function related to rootbanks (when the root itself creates the stream bank) and the processes related to bioweathering and erosion are rarely addressed in alluvial fluvial literature, despite their importance in bedrock fluvial environments. The second part of the dissertation is largely grounded upon the important BGIs associated with bedrock fluvial environments identified in the first part. Drawing from ecological lexicon, this part introduces some biogeomorphic concepts, most importantly biogeomorphic keystone species and equivalents, with respect to different biotic impacts on surface processes and forms. Later, it explores these concepts by examining the general vs. species-specific BGIs of trees on a limestone bedrockcontrolled stream, Shawnee Run, in central Kentucky. Results suggest that Platanus occidentalis plays a keystone role by promoting development of biogeomorphic pools in the study area. Further, some species play equivalent roles with respect to surface processes and landforms by promoting development of avulsion-associated islands and can be recognized as biogeomorphic equivalents. Finally, this dissertation also examines the relative importance of systematic up-to downstream vs. local scale variation explaining channel morphology and biogeomorphological phenomena in Shawnee Run. Results show that local scale variation − primarily attributable to the local scale structural controls, incision status and edaphic variation − largely explains channel morphology and vegetation patterns. These patterns may therefore be common in bedrock rivers strongly influenced by geological controls.
Icing-EdgeNet: A Pruning Lightweight Edge Intelligent Method of Discriminative Driving Channel for Ice Thickness of Transmission Lines

The icing monitoring of transmission lines is of great significance to prevent freezing disasters of transmission lines and ensure the security and stability of power system. Measurement methods based on image recognition is gradually applied for icing monitoring but fails to distinguish the icing thickness under the extreme meteorological conditions. Therefore, this article built an ice monitoring system based on edge intelligence to achieve the ice thickness identification at the icing monitoring terminal and proposed a lightweight vision identification method based on discriminative-driven channel pruning for icing monitoring terminals with limited computing resources. In this method, the lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) MobileNetV3 is utilized for feature extraction, and the multiscale target detection network SSD is used to extract the high-dimensional feature information for ice monitoring. Then, the channel pruning driven by discrimination is used to further compress model, so as to obtain a lightweight identification method suitable for ice monitoring terminals with limited resources. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are verified in comparison with other CNN-based target detection methods and traditional ice monitoring methods. The experimental results showed that the proposed method has 74.5% recognition accuracy for the ice images collected under extreme meteorological conditions. Moreover, the model size is only 11 MB, which can be deployed in ice thickness monitoring terminals with limited computing resources.
In-Vehicle Object-Level 3D Reconstruction of Traffic Scenes

Emerging automotive applications such as in-vehicle Augmented Reality (AR) and fully automated parking require a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s three-dimensional surrounding represented as an object-level environmental model. In this model, not only 3D poses (positions and orientations) and 3D sizes of detected objects are registered, but 3D shapes (geometries) need to be reconstructed precisely. A combination of 3D object detection and 3D surface reconstruction techniques, referred to as object-level 3D reconstruction, is fundamental to building such environmental models. However, the possibilities to incorporate object-level 3D reconstruction in a car have not been sufficiently explored either in academic research or in the industry. This primarily stems from the cost and resource constraints associated with the automotive domain. In this paper, we address these constraints by proposing implementations of in-vehicle object-level 3D reconstruction in two specific use cases: (i) augmented reality and (ii) automated parking. For augmented reality, we propose a cost-efficient solution called monocular 3D Shaping that requires only a single frame from a monocular camera as input. For automated parking, we propose a resource-efficient alternative that generates more precise 3D reconstruction results by taking advantage of additional 3D sensors (such as Lidars). The crux of our proposed approaches lies in the use of a Latent Shape Space, where various 3D shapes are represented using only two parameters. As a result, highly complex 3D shapes can now be transmitted using a low- to medium-bandwidth in-vehicle communication infrastructure in a cost-effective manner.
The effect of regular fitness training, sex hormones, and turnover of selected bone markers on sclerostin levels in young women

Introduction Regular physical activity (PA) is a recognized factor stimulating bone formation. In recent years, osteocytes have been shown to be involved in the metabolism of bone tissue in addition to osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of regular fitness training, sex hormones, and selected bone turnover markers on sclerostin levels in young women. Material and methods The cross-sectional study involved 78 women including 39 who regularly engaged in fitness training (for 1 h three times a week for 3 months) and 39 leading a sedentary lifestyle. Anthropometric measurements and glucose, lipids, insulin, estradiol, testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), vitamin D, osteocalcin, β isomer of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTx) and sclerostin levels were measured. Results Activity of women (study group) who were on a high level of PA ranged between 2262 and 6606 MET/min/week (mean, 3843.16; SD = 1230). All of the control group were on low level of PA (198-1617 MET/min/week; mean, 841.06; SD = 302.01). Significantly higher levels of iPTH and β-CTx were observed in the study than in the control group (p < 0.01). We did not observe differences in vitamin D (p > 0.12), osteocalcin (p > 0.23), or sclerostin levels (p > 0.37) between groups. There were significant negative correlations between log10 sclerostin and log10 DHEA levels (r = –0.24; p < 0.05). A multivariate stepwise backward linear regression model for sclerostin as an independent variable, with the explanatory variables physical activity, estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA levels, did not reveal any effect on changes of sclerostin levels. The model with the explanatory variables vitamin D, iPTH, β-CTx, and osteocalcin also did not show effects on changes of sclerostin levels. Conclusions Our results show that regular fitness training, sex hormones, vitamin D, iPTH, β-CTx, and osteocalcin did not influence circulating sclerostin levels in young women.
Thermoregulation of the lizard Barisia imbricata at altitudinal extremes

Ambient temperature is a primary factor affecting the physiology and activity of reptiles. Thermoregulation involves a series of mechanisms to maintain an organism’s body temperature within a narrow range. The study of thermal ecology of lizards is relevant for understanding their distribution, life history, ecology and thermal requirements. Moreover, determining how species are able to attain physiologically active body temperatures in challenging environments is necessary for assessing the risk of extinction due to climate change, especially for threatened endemic species. We evaluated and compared the thermal ecology of two populations of the viviparous lizard Barisia imbricata, at contrasting elevations (2200 and 3700 m). We obtained variation in thermal data from winter through autumn for multiple years. We determined thermal efficiency indices based on field active body temperatures, preferred temperatures (in a thermal gradient), and operative environmental temperatures (according to null models). We also recorded substrate and air temperatures at the time of capture. Mean body temperature of both populations showed a positive correlation with environmental temperatures. We found significant seasonal differences in body temperature in both populations, and between body temperatures of the two populations. Our results suggest that B. imbricata is an eurythermic species and can thermoregulate actively at any given time. However, when environmental temperatures are within the range of preferred temperatures, the species does not engage in thermoregulatory behavior. This information expands knowledge on the range of possible thermal responses to environmental variation within a species.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency in patients with severe toxicity after 5-fluorouracil: a retrospective single-center study

Background 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an agent frequently used in the treatment of solid cancers. A deficiency in the enzyme that catabolizes 5-FU leads to severe toxicity. The gene responsible for this enzyme is DPYD, located on chromosome 1q22. The most prevalent alteration described is DPYD*2A, which leads to a splicing defect and thus skipping of the translation of an entire exon. The objectives of this retrospective study were to describe the frequencies of DPYD gene mutations in a Belgian population and to correlate them with the grade of toxicity. Methods This was a retrospective, single-center study conducted at the University Hospitals Leuven, by reviewing a database of patients screened for DPYD gene mutations between May 2009 and June 2015 after prolonged grade 3-4 toxicity. Polymerase chain reaction sequencing of exons 2, 6, 10, 11, 13, 18, 19 and 22, and pyrosequencing of exon 14 were performed by an in-house laboratory. Results Of the 80 patients screened, 65 were heterozygous or compound heterozygous for DPYD and 3 had a homozygous mutation. The most prevalent mutation in our population was DPYD*9A. Conclusions Despite previous reports, in our small retrospective study the most prevalent variation in patients with severe adverse events was DPYD*9A. As this variant has previously been reported to be benign, we suggest that screening for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency should be extended across multiple exons of the DPYD gene.
Fair Computation Efficiency Scheduling in NOMA-Aided Mobile Edge Computing

Mobile edge computing (MEC) is considered to be a promising paradigm to enable the new generation of wireless networks. Meanwhile, inspired by the great potential of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique to improve the spectrum efficiency, this letter jointly considers these two technologies and studies a partial computation offloading scheme. Specifically, uplink NOMA is used in MEC where multiple mobile devices (MDs) partially offload their computing tasks to MEC server on the same time-frequency resource block, distinguishing in the power domain. We formulate a max-min computation efficiency (MMCE) problem to achieve the fair CE among MDs. To solve this non-convex problem, a heuristic search algorithm is adopted to obtain the optimal policy, including uplink transmit power allocation policy and local computing resource allocation policy. Simulation results show the superiority of the proposed scheme by contrast with several baseline schemes.
Does university performance have an economic payoff for home regions? Evidence for the Spanish provinces

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the impact of the university system performance on labour productivity growth for Spanish provinces during the period 2009–2016, showing a general positive link. These results enrich the debate on the economic spillovers of universities on their home regions. More specifically, we explore whether better managerial practices, which translate into more efficient organisations, have an economic effect on the territory. We decompose the effect into efficiency changes (approximations to the frontier) and changes due to technical progress (shifts of the frontier). Our results suggest that this impact is mostly driven by shifts in the frontier. However, the effect is only significant for provinces with productivity levels above the median. Therefore, our study suggests that the relative underperformance of the Spanish university system could be one of the factors slowing down the convergence path of Spanish provinces.