Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wide spectral range operational and fabrication tolerant Si-wire WDM (de)multiplexers for optical interconnects

We propose, theoretically analyze and experimentally demonstrate a novel broadband operating Si-nanowire multistage delayed Mach-Zehnder interferometer (DMZI) based (De)MUXs utilizing wavelength insensitive couplers (WINCs) and the discrete phase shifters for the phase matching between cascade-connected DMZIs. Based on the coupled mode theory and transfer matrix method, the coupling characteristics of a Si-wire directional coupler (DC) and WINC are analytically discussed from the viewpoint of a wavelength sensitivity of coupling efficiency [κCoup(λ)]. We theoretically verify that the operating window of the proposed DeMUX can be as broad as >110 nm by introducing the WINC and the additional phase matching between multiple DMZIs. Based on the theoretical analysis, 300-mm waferscale ArF-immersion lithography process are used to fabricate the Si-wire-based 1×4Ch DeMUXs. It will be shown that >110-nm-wide operating window for the proposed DeMUXs with four kinds of channel spacings (Δν=400, 800, 1250, 1900GHz). The theoretically identified aspect of nearly constant κCoup(λ) by the WINC and the phase matching by the phase shifter is proven to be extremely effective way to make the production yield much better, because DeMUX spectral response keeps nearly constant even if insufficient fabrication accuracy makes spectral response be shifted toward longer or shorter wavelength side. In addition, it will be shown that operating spectral window could be made much wider by optimizing the WINC design parameters in the DeMUX configuration. The proposed scheme would be attractive for increasing available channel count without inducing any excessive losses, which makes the proposed scheme more practical in WDM optical transceivers.
Model-Based Verification of the DMAMAC Protocol for Real-time Process Control

Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols are responsible for managing radio communication that constitute the main energy consumer in wireless sensor-actuator networks. The Dual-Mode Adaptive MAC (DMAMAC) protocol is a recently proposed MAC protocol for process control applications in industrial automation. The goal of the DMAMAC protocol is to improve energy efficiency along with addressing real-time requirements for process control applications. The DMAMAC protocol switches between two operational modes that correspond to the two main states in process control: the transient state and the steady state. The stateswitch is a safety critical function of the DMAMAC protocol (along with other functional properties) motivating the application of formal verification techniques. In this article, we use timed automata and the Uppaal tool to verify the design of the DMAMAC protocol. We have created a time-based model in Uppaal that constitutes a formal specification of the DMAMAC protocol. Using this model, we have successfully verified key properties of the DMAMAC protocol, thereby increasing confidence in the design of the protocol.
A Heuristic for Reducing Fill-In in Sparse Matrix Factorization

We present a heuristic that helps to improve the quality of the bisection returned by the Kernighan-Lin and greedy graph bisection algorithms. This in turns helps to reduce the amount of fill-in produced by separator-based algorithms that reorder a matrix before factorization. We also describe the performance of our heuristic on graphs from the Harwell-Boeing collection of sparse matrix test problems, and compare them with known results by other methods on the same graphs.
Study of Challenges and Techniques in Large Scale Matching

Matching Techniques are becoming a very attractive research topic. With the development and the use of a large variety of data (e.g. DB schemas, ontologies, taxonomies), in many domains (e.g. libraries, life science, etc), Matching Techniques are called to overcome the challenge of aligning and reconciling these different interrelated representations. In this paper, we are interested in studying large scale matching approaches. We define a quality of Matching (QoM) that can be used to evaluate large scale Matching systems. We survey the techniques of large scale matching, when a large number of schemas/ontologies and attributes are involved. We attempt to cover a variety of techniques for schema matching called Pair-wise and Holistic, as well as a set of useful optimization techniques. One can acknowledge that this domain is on top of effervescence and large scale matching need much more advances. So, we propose a contribution that deals with the creation of a hybrid approach that combines these techniques.
Heat transfer coefficient of nucleate boiling in low concentration level of single and hybrid Al2O3-SiO2 water-based nanofluids

Experiments were conducted to identify the Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) in saturated pool boiling of single and hybrid water-based nanofluids. In these experiments, Al2O3 and SiO2 nanoparticles were selected and diluted into two separate single nanofluids, and they were mixed in a different ratio from 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0 percent to achieve a final total concentration of 0.001 vol. %. Successively, the mixtures were used to obtain the HTC values through experimental works. In the present work, it was found that in the lowest concentration (0.00025 vol.%) of Al2O3 nanofluid, the HTC enhanced considerably but deteriorated for SiO2 nanofluid. Separately, as for the hybrid nanofluids, the HTCs were dramatically enhanced at the initial stage but slowly deteriorated once the time variation increased, especially in a higher ratio of SiO2 nanofluid. The deposition of the nanoparticles onto the surface heater suggested being the main factor, where in the present case, the significant coexisting effect of the deposited hybrid nanoparticles (Al2O3 and SiO2) on the heated surface to the changes of ΔTW due to different nanoparticles properties.
Parity-based loss recovery for reliable multicast transmission

We investigate how FEC (Forward Error Correction) can be combined with ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) to achieve scalable reliable multicast transmission. We consider the two scenarios where FEC is introduced as a transparent layer underneath a reliable multicast layer that uses ARQ, and where FEC and ARQ are both integrated into a single layer that uses the retransmission of parity data to recover from the loss of original data packets.To evaluate the performance improvements due to FEC, we consider different types of loss behaviors (spatially or temporally correlated loss, homogeneous or heterogeneous loss) and loss rates for up to 106 receivers. Our results show that introducing FEC as a layer below ARQ can improve multicast transmission efficiency and scalability and that there are substantial additional improvements when the two are integrated.
Rapid and accurate identification of Staphylococcus species by tRNA intergenic spacer length polymorphism analysis

PCR-amplified tRNA gene (tDNA) intergenic spacer length polymorphism (tDNA-ILP) was analyzed for its ability to identify to the species level type strains (n = 18) and clinical isolates (n = 163) of staphylococci. Amplified products obtained by PCR with outwardly directed consensus tDNA primers were separated by agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses. The results were compared with those obtained by biochemical identification and ribotyping. Each type strain presented a specific tDNA-ILP pattern. PCR with fluorescent primers allowed for the detection of labelled DNA fragments on polyacrylamide gels by using an automated laser fluorescence sequencer and provided enhanced pattern resolution in comparison with that by analysis on agarose gels. tDNA patterns indistinguishable from those of the type strains were produced by clinical isolates of all tested species except for some isolates of S. aureus (n = 3) and S. haemolyticus (n = 1), which showed variant patterns. Strains of S. saprophyticus and S. xylosus showed very closely related profiles, and S. cohnii subspecies were indistinguishable. The identities obtained by tDNA-ILP analysis agreed with those obtained by the biochemical method to the species level for 99% (162 of 163) of the strains tested and to the subspecies level for 96% (156 of 163) of the strains tested. These results indicate that fluorescence-labelled PCR analysis of tDNA-ILP provides an accurate and rapid molecular method for the identification of human staphylococci.
The point of transition on the dose‐effect curve as a reference point in the evaluation of in vitro toxicity data

Dose‐effect evaluation is an increasingly important step of health risk assessment. The foreseen increase of in vitro methods argues for the development and evaluation of a clearly defined reference points for dose‐effect modelling of in vitro data. In the present study, the traditional use of a concentration corresponding to 10% or 50% of the maximal effect (EC10 or EC50) is compared with a strategy, under which, a reference point (Benchmark dose, BMDT) is calculated that represents the dose where the slope of the dose‐effect curve changes the most (per unit log‐dose) in the low dose region. To illustrate the importance of the reference point, dose‐effect data on CYP1A1 enzyme activity for 30 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were evaluated in order to calculate relative potencies, in relation to 2,3,7,8‐TCDD, with confidence intervals (CIs). The present study shows that the interpretation of the results as potency and rank orders potentially depends on the choice and definition of the reference point (BMDT, EC10 or EC50). This is important as potency ranking may be used as a method for screening and prioritization, in research, in policy development or in pharmaceutical development. The use of the BMDT implies a focus on the change of structure in the parameter's dose–response rather than a particular percentage change in the response in such a parameter. In conclusion, the BMDT may be used as an alternative base for evaluation of dose‐effect relationships in vitro. It offers an objective geometrical definition of a reference point in the low‐dose region of the dose‐effect curve. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pure Formamidinium‐Based Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes with High Efficiency and Low Driving Voltage

A formamidinium(FA)-based perovskite showns superior optoelectronic properties including better stability than methylammonium-based counterparts. Pure FA-perovskite-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with high efficiency are reported. Interestingly, the LED clearly shows a sub-bandgap emission at 1.7 V (bandgap 2.3 eV). This important discovery provides further insights of the charge transport mechanism in perovskite-based optoelectronic devices.
Investigating flexible textile-based coils for wireless charging wearable electronics

Smart and interactive textiles have been attracted great attention in recent years. This research explored three different techniques and processes in developing textile-based conductive coils that are able to embed in a garment layer. Coils made through embroidery and screen printing have good dimensional stability, although the resistance of screen printed coil is too high due to the low conductivity of the print ink. Laser cut coil provided the best electrical conductivity; however, the disadvantage of this method is that it is very difficult to keep the completed coil to the predetermined shape and dimension. The tested results show that an electromagnetic field has been generated between the textile-based conductive coil and an external coil that is directly powered by electricity. The magnetic field and electric field worked simultaneously to complete the wireless charging process.
Rapid delamination of GaN coatings with femtosecond laser lift-off technique

In this work we present femtosecond laser lift off (LLO) technique for GaN coating separation from sapphire substrates. We demonstrate that using rapid raster scanning technique it is possible to achieve successful delamination of GaN coatings with low surface roughness without any stitching artifacts and at industrial processing rate. Several delamination regimes can be identified in femtosecond LLO: thermal decomposition, stress induced peeling. These results show that femtosecond laser LLO could surpass nanosecond LLO by the achieved quality and overall control of delamination processes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Three Dimensional Nanostructures Based on Interconnected Carbon Nanomaterials

Synthesis and Characterization of Three Dimensional Nanostructures Based on Interconnected Carbon Nanomaterials by Ryota Koizumi This thesis addresses various types of synthetic methods for novel three dimensional nanomaterials and nanostructures based on interconnected carbon nanomaterials using solution chemistry and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. Carbon nanotube (CNT) spheres with porous and scaffold structures consisting of interconnected CNTs were synthesized by solution chemistry followed by freeze-drying, which have high elasticity under nano-indentation tests. This allows the CNT spheres to be potentially applied to mechanical dampers. CNTs were also grown on two dimensional materials--such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)--by CVD methods, which are chemically interconnected. CNTs on rGO and h-BN interconnected structures performed well as electrodes for supercapacitors. Furthermore, unique interconnected flake structures of alpha-phase molybdenum carbide were developed by a CVD method. The molybdenum carbide can be used for a catalyst of hydrogen evolution reaction activity as well as an electrode for supercapacitors.
Restoring nervous system structure and function using tissue engineered living scaffolds

Neural tissue engineering is premised on the integration of engineered living tissue with the host nervous system to directly restore lost function or to augment regenerative capacity following nervous system injury or neurodegenerative disease. Disconnection of axon pathways - the long-distance fibers connecting specialized regions of the central nervous system or relaying peripheral signals - is a common feature of many neurological disorders and injury. However, functional axonal regeneration rarely occurs due to extreme distances to targets, absence of directed guidance, and the presence of inhibitory factors in the central nervous system, resulting in devastating effects on cognitive and sensorimotor function. To address this need, we are pursuing multiple strategies using tissue engineered "living scaffolds", which are preformed three-dimensional constructs consisting of living neural cells in a defined, often anisotropic architecture. Living scaffolds are designed to restore function by serving as a living labeled pathway for targeted axonal regeneration - mimicking key developmental mechanisms- or by restoring lost neural circuitry via direct replacement of neurons and axonal tracts. We are currently utilizing preformed living scaffolds consisting of neuronal clusters spanned by long axonal tracts as regenerative bridges to facilitate long-distance axonal regeneration and for targeted neurosurgical reconstruction of local circuits in the brain. Although there are formidable challenges in preclinical and clinical advancement, these living tissue engineered constructs represent a promising strategy to facilitate nervous system repair and functional recovery.
Management of acute Achilles tendon rupture with tendon-bundle technique

Objective * These authors contributed equally to this work. To explore tendon-bundle technique for treating Achilles tendon rupture with no defects. Methods Patients with full unilateral Achilles tendon rupture with no defects were included. The Achilles tendon medial edge surgical repair approach was used, revealing horsetail-like rupture bundles. Tendon bundles were anatomically realigned and repaired end-to-end using 5-0 sutures. Patients were followed-up for 1 year, and assessed for differences between the repaired versus healthy limb. Results Out of 24 patients (18 male, 6 female; aged 19–56 years) at 1 year following surgery, mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 92.4 ± 5.9; mean differences between the surgically repaired versus contralateral side in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angle were 3.5 ± 2.3° and 5.6 ± 3.2°, respectively; mean difference in calf circumference between the two sides was 0.9 ± 0.5 cm; and mean increase in Achilles tendon width versus the healthy side was 0.8 ± 0.2 cm. By 1 year post-surgery, there were no significant between-side differences in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angle, or calf circumference. Conclusions Tendon-bundle surgery resulted in good ankle function restoration and low complication rates. Tendon-bundle surgery may reduce blood supply destruction and maximally preserve Achilles tendon length, and may be effective for treating Achilles tendon rupture with no defects.
Rotations in Curved Trajectories for Unconstrained Minimization

Curved Trajectories Algorithm (CTA) is a package for the minimization of unconstrained functions of several variables with intervals on the variables. The core algorithm is novel in that steps may follow polynomial space curves instead of straight lines. The space curves result from truncations of a Taylor series expansion of the Gradient inverse function. When the series is convergent and the current guess of the solution is far, appropriate rotations of the space curve may allow further progress at a step. Improvements are significant for some functions, reducing the number of Hessians required or improving the accuracy of the solution. This idea may be useful to other minimization packages.
Support in everyday activities with a home-based electronic memory aid for persons with memory impairments

Purpose. The purposes of this study was to examine the possibilities of a home-based electronic memory aid with sensors for persons with memory impairments, as support to carry out everyday activities in their own home environments. Method. The method involved a single-subject study with a multiple baseline AB design. Five participants identified three activities each that they usually forget to carry out. An electronic memory aid with individually spoken reminders was installed in the participant's home. There were automatic computer registrations of completed activities during the study phase of 12 weeks. Assessments of functioning and quality of life (QoL) were conducted before and after the intervention and at follow-up after 2 months. Results. Four participants improved in completing most of the self-chosen activities when the electronic memory aid was used. Performance and satisfaction with performance and QoL improved, but there was no memory function improvement. There were technical problems with the aid, which had a negative effect for users. Conclusions. Electronic memory aids have a large potential for supporting persons with cognitive impairments. It is important to conduct follow-up afterwards, because the use of an aid and the need of support change over time and put high demands on technical reliability of the electronic memory aid.
Practical statistics in pain research

Pain is subjective, while statistics related to pain research are objective. This review was written to help researchers involved in pain research make statistical decisions. The main issues are related with the level of scales that are often used in pain research, the choice of statistical methods between parametric or nonparametric statistics, and problems which arise from repeated measurements. In the field of pain research, parametric statistics used to be applied in an erroneous way. This is closely related with the scales of data and repeated measurements. The level of scales includes nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales. The level of scales affects the choice of statistics between parametric or non-parametric methods. In the field of pain research, the most frequently used pain assessment scale is the ordinal scale, which would include the visual analogue scale (VAS). There used to be another view, however, which considered the VAS to be an interval or ratio scale, so that the usage of parametric statistics would be accepted practically in some cases. Repeated measurements of the same subjects always complicates statistics. It means that measurements inevitably have correlations between each other, and would preclude the application of one-way ANOVA in which independence between the measurements is necessary. Repeated measures of ANOVA (RMANOVA), however, would permit the comparison between the correlated measurements as long as the condition of sphericity assumption is satisfied. Conclusively, parametric statistical methods should be used only when the assumptions of parametric statistics, such as normality and sphericity, are established.
Acceptability and adherence of a candidate microbicide gel among high-risk women in Africa and India

Vaginal microbicides currently under development are substances that may prevent the transmission of HIV. Qualitative, in-depth post-trial interview data from a Phase III clinical trial of 6% Cellulose Sulfate microbicide gel in two sites in Africa (Uganda and Benin) and two in India (Chennai and Bagalkot) were examined in order to better understand factors that influence microbicide acceptability and adherence in a clinical trial setting. Women found the gel relatively easy to use with partners with whom there were no expectations of fidelity, in situations where they had access to private space and at times when they were expecting to engage in sexual intercourse. Adherence to gel seemed significantly more difficult with primary partners due to decreased perceptions of risk, inconvenience or fear of partner disapproval. Findings suggest that women in a variety of settings may find a microbicide gel to be highly acceptable for its lubricant qualities and protective benefits but that adherence and consistent use may depend greatly on contextual and partner-related factors. These findings have important implications for future trial designs, predicting determinants of microbicide use and acceptability and marketing and educational efforts should a safe and efficacious microbicide be found.
Effects of tillage on runoff from a bare clayey soil on a semi-arid ecotope in the Limpopo Province of South Africa

Runoff constitutes one of the major water losses from agricultural fields in semi-arid areas. However, by adopting appropriate soil management practices, the runoff can be harnessed for improving crop yields. The main objective of this study was to quantify rainfall-runoff relationships under in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) using simulated rainfall, and to compare these results to those obtained with annually tilled conventional tillage (CON) (control). IRWH is a special type of no-till (NT) crop production practice that promotes runoff from a crusted runoff strip into basins where the water infiltrates beyond evaporation but is available for crop use. Runoff was related to time to runoff, total runoff, final runoff rate and runoff coefficient. This experiment demonstrated that by adopting IRWH production technique smallholder farmers could harness an additional 45.54 m3·ha-1 of water compared to the CON system. The extra water harvested could meet about 1% of maize water requirements.