Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Output Impedance of Active Clamp Topology in Multiphase Converters

Passive current sharing in multiphase converters, where resistive losses are not dominant, is a quite complex goal. In this paper an averaged model of an active clamp converter was obtained. It has been checked that these topologies present high output impedance. This property is used like a lossless passive equalization. Simulated results of the average model accuracy and current sharing are presented.
Underwater flow noise measurements with a towed body

ABSTRACT The transmission behaviour of a thin plate excited by turbulent wall pressure fluctuations is investigated in an underwater experiment. The flat plate made of fibre-reinforced plastic is mounted laterally flush to a towed body and a turbulent boundary layer develops along the flat plate region for towing speeds between U = 2.4 m/s, . , 6.2 m/s (4.6 kn to 12.0 kn). A reduction index is determined from the ratio of the (Corcos corrected) power spectral density (PSD) of wall pressure fluctuations and the (spatially incoherent part of the) PSD of interior hydroacoustic noise. A comparison with results from a previous study [1] on the transmission behaviour of a thick sandwich plate (fibre-reinforced plastic plate with outer polyurethane layer) is performed. The measurements were conducted with RV ELISABETH MANN BORGESE in Sognefjord, Norway, in 2014.
Reprogramming in Heterogeneous Sensor Networks

— With advances in sensor networking technology, new applications involving remote and real-time data collection are becoming popular and becoming increasingly deployed. For applications that are deployed in remote locations or deployed at a large scale, over-the-air remote programming may be needed to update the application code executing on the sensor nodes. Deluge is a protocol that provides the capability of remotely re- programming nodes in a wireless sensor networks. This protocol accomplishes reprogramming by injecting messages containing the code image into the network, which are then installed by the sensor nodes. While this protocol is very useful, it is applicable only to homogeneous networks wherein all nodes in the network must be programmed with the same code. This paper proposes a protocol that allows remote reprogramming of only a specific node in the network with a new code image. This allows different nodes to be programmed with different images, which is required in heterogeneous applications. The protocol has been implemented using Java and nesC on a network of sensor nodes. We have conducted extensive experimentation to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed protocol. We present results to show that our protocol is able to reprogram specific nodes in less time as compared to the original Deluge protocol, and is able to simultaneously deploy multiple applications on different subset of nodes.
Dynamic Access-Point Configuration Approach for Elastic Wireless Local-Area Network System

Recently, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) have increased popularity around the world, because users can easily access to the Internet through associations with access points (APs), using mobile devices like smart phones, tablets, and laptops. In a WLAN network, it is common that the number of users is always changing by time and they are not evenly distributed in the field. To optimize the number of active APs and the host associations in the network depending on traffic demands from users, previously, we proposed the AP configuration algorithm for the elastic WLAN system. Unfortunately, this algorithm can find the solution for the fixed user state in the network, although it is usual that users repeat joining and leaving the network. In this paper, we propose the extension of the AP configuration algorithm to deal with this dynamic nature of the WLAN network. Here, it is considered that at most one host may join or leave at the same time, and any communicating AP cannot be suspended and any communicating host cannot change its associated AP. Through numerical experiments using the WIMNET simulator in two network instances, the effectiveness of the proposal is demonstrated.
Population differentiation and species cohesion in two closely related plants adapted to neotropical high‐altitude ‘inselbergs’, Alcantarea imperialis and Alcantarea geniculata (Bromeliaceae)

Isolated granitic rock outcrops or ‘inselbergs’ may provide a window into the molecular ecology and genetics of continental radiations under simplified conditions, in analogy to the use of oceanic islands in studies of species radiations. Patterns of variability and gene flow in inselberg species have never been thoroughly evaluated in comparison to related taxa with more continuous distribution ranges, or to other species in the same kingdom in general. We use nuclear microsatellites to study population differentiation and gene flow in two diploid, perennial plants adapted to high‐altitude neotropical inselbergs, Alcantarea imperialis and Alcantarea geniculata (Bromeliaceae). Population differentiation is pronounced in both taxa, especially in A. imperialis. Gene flow in this species is considerably lower than expected from the literature on plants in general and Bromeliaceae in particular, and too low to prevent differentiation due to drift (Nem < 1), unless selection coefficients/effect sizes of favourable alleles are great enough to maintain species cohesion. Low gene flow in A. imperialis indicates that the ability of pollinating bats to promote gene exchange between inselbergs is smaller than previously assumed. Population subdivision in one inselberg population of A. imperialis appears to be associated with the presence of two colour morphs that differ in the coloration of rosettes and bracts. Our results indicate a high potential for inselbergs as venues for studies of the molecular ecology and genetics of continental radiations, such as the one that gave rise to the extraordinary diversity of adaptive strategies and phenotypes seen in Bromeliaceae.
A novel overlap FFT filter-bank using windowing and smoothing techniques to reduce adjacent channel interference for flexible spectrum access

A flexible filter-bank is one of the key components to efficiently utilize non-contiguous unused spectrum on a secondary basis. As bandwidth of transmitted signals can vary according to vacant spectrum available for secondary use, it is necessary to reduce adjacent channel interference (ACI) as much as possible for efficient and flexible spectrum utilization. This paper proposes a novel overlap FFT filter-bank using windowing and smoothing techniques to reduce ACI and windowing and smoothing parameters are designed to minimize ACI. Computer simulation results show the proposed overlap FFT filter-bank can achieve 70dB smaller ACI compared with the conventional overlap FFT filter-bank when roll-off factor, ee=0.
Early Patterns of Care for Occupational Back Pain

Study Design. Cross-sectional analysis. Objectives. To describe the early health care utilization for occupational back pain. To identify factors associated with health care seeking and provider choice among persons with occupational back pain. Summary of Background Data. Back pain is the most prevalent work-related injury, yet little is known about patterns of care for occupational back pain. Materials and Methods. The sample includes 1104 workers with incident episodes of low back pain. Outcomes measures include whether or not workers received care and the types of providers seen. Predictors of outcomes include demographics, injury severity, history of back pain, occupation, and employer. Results. Eight percent of workers did not receive care in the first 4 to 16 weeks after filing a workers’ compensation claim. Injury severity, gender, occupation, and employer were significant predictors of the decision to seek care. Almost 90% of workers who received care were treated by medical physicians, often in combination with physical therapists or chiropractors. Age, occupation, injury severity, and whether the employer or worker chose the initial health care provider were associated with the choice of provider. Employers selected providers for 78% of injured workers who received care. Medical physicians were the providers most often chosen by both employers and workers, but workers were more likely than employers to select chiropractors. Conclusions. A small but significant number of injured workers do not seek care for their back pain. Medical physicians treat all but a small fraction of the workers who receive care. The decision to seek care and the choice of providers is associated with injury severity, occupation, and employer actions.
“Media violence is made to attract and entertain people”: Responses to Media Literacy Lessons on the Effects of and Institutional Motives behind Media Violence

This study investigated the following research question: How do sixth-graders respond to a media literacy lesson that was designed to, among other goals, introduce the concept of the presence of commercial interest in media production, particularly regarding the prevalence of media violence? Forty-seven responses were analyzed thematically using constant comparison. Students’ responses illustrate their critical thinking and understanding about producers’ intent in including violence in media, although recognizing the commercial interest behind media violence still seems to be a challenge. Findings also suggest the task of striking a balance between instilling critical thinking skills and acknowledging children’s personal media experiences.
TNT-NLG , System 2 : Data Repetition and Meaning Representation Manipulation to Improve Neural Generation

End-to-End (E2E) neural models that learn and generate natural language sentence realizations in one step have recently received a great deal of interest from the natural language generation (NLG) community. In this paper, we present “TNT-NLG” System 2, our second system submission in the E2E NLG challenge, which focuses on generating coherent natural language realizations from meaning representations (MRs) in the restaurant domain. We tackle the problem of improving the output of a neural generator based on the open-source baseline model from Dusek et al. (2016) by vastly expanding the training data size by repetition of instances in training, and permutation of the MR. We see that simple modifications allow for increases in performance by providing the generator with a much larger sample of data for learning. Our system is evaluated using quantitative metrics and qualitative human evaluation, and scores competitively in the challenge.
Identifying overlapping language communities: The case of Chiriquí and Panamanian signed languages

Abstract In this paper, I use a holographic metaphor to explain the identification of overlapping sign language communities in Panama. By visualizing Panama’s complex signing communities as emitting community “hotspots” through social drama on multiple stages, I employ ethnographic methods to explore overlapping contours of Panama’s sign language communities in both time and space, similar to what a hologram accomplishes. Based on rapid appraisal of Panama’s signed languages through 2 weeks of participant observation, interviews, and lexical comparisons, and contextualization of this data in a broad 5-year project that included fieldwork in 15 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, I propose recognition of overlapping Chiriquí and Panamanian Signing Communities using distinct signed languages: Lengua de Señas Panameñas and Lengua de Señas de Chiriquí.
Some tests for log-concavity of life distributions

We consider the testing problem for log-concavity of a life distribution where the alternative is that the distribution is not log-concave. We suggest an exact test for the (restricted) class of log-concave distributions having a point mass at the left end point of the support. We prove consistency of the test which is based on the distance between logarithm of the empirical distribution function and its Least Concave Majorant (LCM), and extend it to the general case. We propose yet another test based on a new transform called Total Time since Failure (TTF), whose properties we study. In particular the strong uniform convergence of sample TTF to population TTF is shown under some general conditions for distributions with finite support. We show that the TTF-based test for log-concavity is consistent under the same set-up. We provide simulation-based cut-off points for both the tests and study their power properties.
Anti-cholesterolemic Effect of Aqueous Extract of the Leaves of Chromolaena odorata (L) King and Robinson (Asteraceae): Potential for the Reduction of Cardiovascular Risk.

The effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Chromolaena odorata (L.) on the packed cell volume (PCV), daily weight gain, plasma lipid profiles and atherogenic indices of cholesterol loaded rats was investigated. The test group received daily, by intra-gastric gavages, 100 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract and 10 g/kg of cholesterol; the test control received 10 g/kg cholesterol and water; while the control received only water. The PCV, mean daily weight gain, and plasma concentrations of triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, non-HDL and total cholesterol, as well as the atherogenic indices [cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient and atherogenic index of plasma] of the treated animals were all significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of the test control and control. The plasma HDL-cholesterol level of the treated animals was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of the test control, although significantly lower than that of the control. These results suggest a possible protective role of the extract against the development of cardiovascular complications, due to dyslipidemic conditions, whether primary or secondary to diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity.
Development of A Program Theory on The Success in Research of Faculties: A Multiple Case Study of TRF-CHE Outstanding New Researchers in Social Science and Humanities

The objective of this research is to develop the program theory of successful researchers based on Chen’s change model, which includes 3 components to the success: interventions, determinants and outcomes. The research is done by studying 3 selected cases who received awards for The Thailand Research Fund and Office of the Higher Education Commission. The research process includes the following steps: 1) set up preliminary change model using concepts from related theory and research 2) develop interview questions and gather verifications to explain interventions and determinants in the change model and supporting success factors 3) collect data according to the nature of variables. 4) analyze data of each case individually, and 5) synthesize multiple cases to modify change model for success and find conclusion for the program theory of successful researchers. The research results indicate that the program theory of successful researchers, which is developed based on Chen’s change model, can be explained with the research outcomes of awarded researchers. The main 3 potentials of their success are self-development, language skills and research skills. The supporting factors for the success are good companions who support knowledge and inspiration, and the organization that allows flexibility and freedom of thoughts and provides full supports for research.
Patterns for Process-Oriented Integration in Service-Oriented Architectures

Service-oriented architectures are increasingly used in the context of business processes, but the proven practices for the integration of services and processes are not well explained so far. For the integration of services and processes many different concerns, ranging from technical to architectural to businessrelated concerns, must be considered, and combinations of these concerns that are well working in a given architecture are not obvious. In this paper we tackle this problem by presenting patterns for process-oriented integration of services in a service-oriented architecture. The patterns follow a general conceptual distinction into a macroflow and a microflow level, distinguishing long-running, business processes from short-running, technical processes. The architectural pattern PROCESS-BASED INTEGRATION ARCHITECTURE guides the design of a generic architecture based on this distinction, and it is refined by a number of design patterns which depict individual design decisions within the scope of this architectural pattern.
Student Engagement with Difference at a Canadian University

Mutual respect is an essential component of a peaceful society in which everyone is honoured and treated as equals. Using a phenomenological approach, this study examined the experiences of nine post-secondary students in culturally diverse classrooms in an urban Canadian university. Through individual interviews, using phenomenological reduction, findings suggest that participants defined and engaged with cultural diversity in a variety of ways and exhibited various levels of intentionality of engagement and non-engagement with each other. Participants observed differences pertaining to language, culture, ethnicity, skin colour, and religion. From these discussions of difference, participants proposed practical pedagogical practices that might promote cross-cultural competencies, including: active participation, open dialogues, out of the classroom learning, and non-adherence to clocks and desks in cookie cutter order. The study revealed that implementing Freirian critical pedagogy and Cummins’ empowerment model in culturally diverse post-secondary classrooms can increase the students’ comfort level, which strengthens their ability to learn in their classrooms and from each other.
Effect of a Patient Education Intervention on Asthma Control and Patient-Doctor Relationship

To the Editor: Asthma control is the focus of modern asthma management, while only 2% of Chinese patients are controlled. [1] A good patient‐doctor relationship is one of the first steps in the successful management of asthma; patients can know more information about their condition and the processes of their health through talking thoroughly with doctors. Due to large numbers of outpatients, most physicians in China spend no more than 5 min with a patient in clinics, limiting the opportunity to give the appropriate treatment and discuss further knowledge about asthma with the patients. [2]
Generation of hanging drops with defined solution concentrations using a sliding hanging drop chip

Traditionally, hanging drop method has been widely used for three-dimensional (3D) cell sphere culture, which in comparison to two-dimensional (2D) cell culture provides a cell culture environment to better mimic the in vivo conditions. Recently, it has been shown that microfluidic technology can provide attractive tools for hanging drop cell culture due to its ability of handling low volume liquid and potential of building high-throughput systems. In this paper, we present a new approach which can be used to build a simplified hanging drop chip system integrated with drug testing function. Without using other external equipment, cell culture and drug application processes can be easily done by using a conventional pipette and sliding the chip.
Roadmaps of epigenetic reprogramming : surface markers and reporter genes

Deciphering the mechanisms of epigenetic reprogramming provides fundamental insights into cell fate decisions, which in turn reveal strategies to make the reprogramming process increasingly efficient. Here we review recent advances in epigenetic reprogramming to pluripotency with a focus on the principal molecular regulators. We examine the molecular trajectories connecting somatic and pluripotent cells, genetic and chemical methodologies for inducing pluripotency, the role of endogenous master transcription factors in establishing the pluripotent state, and functional interactions between reprogramming factors and epigenetic regulators. Defining the cross-talk among the diverse molecular actors implicated in cellular reprogramming presents a major challenge for future inquiry.
Unsupervised Feature Selection for Pattern Discovery in Seismic Wavefields

This study presents an unsupervised feature selection approach for the discovery of significant patterns in seismic wavefields. We iteratively reduce the number of features generated from seismic time series by first considering significance of individual features. Significance testing is done by assessing the randomness of the time series with the Wald-Wolfowitz runs test and by comparing observed and theoretical variability of features. In a second step the in-between feature dependencies are assessed based on correlation hunting in feature subsets using Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs). We show the improved discriminative power of our procedure compared to manually selected feature subsets by cross-validation applied to synthetic seismic wavefield data. Furthermore, we apply the method to real-world data with the aim to define suitable features for earthquake detection and seismic phase classification in seismic recordings.
ec 2 00 3 Oscillations and leptogenesis : what can we learn about right-handed neutrinos ? 1

Inverting the type-I seesaw formula, we reconstruct the mass matrix of the heavy right-handed neutrinos N i. We analyze how the data on neutrino oscillations affect the structure of this matrix. Under the assumption of hierarchical Dirac-type neutrino masses m Di , we compute the mixing angles among N i , their masses M i and the lepton asymmetries ǫ i generated in their decays. Unless special cancellations take place, one finds M i ∝ m 2 Di and the generated baryon-to-photon ratio η B is much smaller than the observed value. We show that successful baryogenesis via leptogenesis occurs in a unique special case, which corresponds to mass degeneracy and maximal mixing of N 1 and N 2 .
Robot Control Overview: An Industrial Perspective

One key competence for robot manufacturers is robot control, defined as all the technologies needed to control the electromechanical system of an industrial robot. By means of modeling, identification, optimization, and model-based control it is possible to reduce robot cost, increase robot performance, and solve requirements from new automation concepts and new application processes. Model-based control, including kinematics error compensation, optimal servo referenceand feed-forward generation, and servo design, tuning, and scheduling, has meant a breakthrough for the use of robots in industry. Relying on this breakthrough, new automation concepts such as high performance multi robot collaboration and human robot collaboration can be introduced. Robot manufacturers can build robots with more compliant components and mechanical structures without loosing performance and robots can be used also in applications with very high performance requirements, e.g., in assembly, machining, and laser cutting. In the future it is expected that the importance of sensor control will increase, both with respect to sensors in the robot structure to increase the control performance of the robot itself and sensors outside the robot related to the applications and the automation systems. In this connection sensor fusion and learning functionalities will be needed together with the robot control for easy and intuitive installation, programming, and maintenance of industrial robots.