Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved circuit model of open-ended coaxial probe for measurement of the biological tissue dielectric properties between megahertz and gigahertz

This note describes an improved equivalent circuit analysis model for open-ended coaxial probes for measurement of the dielectric properties of biological tissues below the gigahertz level. Some parameters in the conventional model that influence the measurement results were found to be still relative to the dielectric properties of the test sample and the terminal admittance of the probe was found to be dependent on the frequency. This was not found to be the case with the conventional model. According to the simulation results in frequency range from 30 MHz to 1 GHz, a polynomial expression was found to fit the frequency–admittance curve for terminal admittance and the equivalent circuit expression of probe terminal admittance was finally modified. The simulated annealing algorithm was used to calculate the dielectric properties of the new expression. The accuracy of the improved model was validated through a simulation test and experiment based on a series of solutions over 30 MHz–1 GHz. The new model was compared to the conventional model and was found to provide more accurate permittivity estimation over a wider frequency range than the conventional model if said range was between megahertz and gigahertz.
Diverse twins: analysing China’s impact on Italian and German exports using a multilevel quantile regressions approach

ABSTRACT Germany and Italy are the largest manufacturing producers in Europe and export over 70% of their products to OECD countries. While they share many characteristics, they are also diverse in term of specialization and destination markets. Italy has a productive structure largely based on labour intensive sectors, while Germany is mainly specialized in high-tech goods. We study whether these characteristics make the two countries vulnerable in different ways to the competitive pressure by emerging economies, especially China, which experienced the strongest increase in export market share during the last decades. We discuss the impact of China on the export performance of Italy and Germany on OECD markets. Using data for the period 1995–2009, we implement a novel model to account for two important data characteristics: their hierarchical hidden structure (captured by a multilevel model) and the heterogeneity of the export shares (captured by a quantile approach). Results show that Chinese competition on Italy’s and Germany’s market shares differ by sectors, but, on average, Italy is not more vulnerable than Germany. These results are relevant for policy implications and for an ex-post analysis of the ‘best response’ to the Chinese competition.
Portable monitoring for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose of review The demand for expedient diagnosis of suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has increased due to improved awareness of sleep disorders. Polysomnography (PSG) is the current preferred diagnostic modality but is relatively inconvenient, expensive and inefficient. Portable monitoring has been developed and is widely used in countries outside the United States as an alternative approach. A portable monitor records fewer physiologic variables but is typically unattended and can be performed in the home. Recent findings Numerous portable monitor studies have been performed over the past two to three decades. The US government and medical societies have extensively reviewed this literature several times in an attempt to determine if portable monitoring should be more broadly used for diagnosing OSA. In March 2008, the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a statement allowing the use of portable monitoring to diagnose OSA and prescribe continuous positive airway pressure. This has potentially opened the door for more widespread use of these devices. This review will focus on the literature that has examined portable monitoring as a diagnostic tool for OSA. Summary It is anticipated that portable monitoring as a diagnostic modality for OSA will be used more frequently in the United States following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ruling. Physicians and others considering the use of portable monitors should thoroughly understand the advantages and limitations of this technology.
Evaluation of the Grey Water Footprint Comparing the Indirect Effects of Different Agricultural Practices

Increasing global food demand and economic growth result in increasing competition over scarce freshwater resources, worsened by climate change and pollution. The agricultural sector has the largest share in the water footprint of humanity. While most studies focus on estimating water footprints (WFs) of crops through modeling, there are only few experimental field studies. The current work aims to understand the effect of supposedly better agricultural practices, particularly precision agriculture (variable rate application of fertilizers and pesticides) and conservation agriculture (minimum, strip, or no-tillage), on water deterioration and water pollution. We analyzed the results from an experimental field study in the northeast of Italy, in which four different crops are grown across three years of crops rotation. We compared minimum, strip, and no-tillage systems undergoing variable to uniform rate application. Grey WFs are assessed based on a field dataset using yield maps data, soil texture, and crop operations field. Leaching and associated grey WFs are assessed based on application rates and various environmental factors. Yields are measured in the field and recorded in a precision map. The results illustrate how precision agriculture combined with soil conservation tillage systems can reduce the grey water footprint by the 10%. We assessed the grey Water Footprint for all the field operation processes during the three-year crop rotation.
Multiple conversion ratio resonant switched-capacitor converter with active zero current detection

This paper introduces an active method for zero current switching (ZCS) for resonant switched capacitor converters (SCC) with wide dynamic range. The method is demonstrated on a Binary SCC that features wide range of conversion ratios. Due to the resultant high efficiency of the converter operating under soft-switching conditions, it is applicable for higher power levels up to the medium power range (100W). The resonant operation is achieved with single air core inductor and precise commutation at zero current. The sensing signals of the resonant currents are obtained from the flying capacitors rather than form the inductive element in which the current includes a dc component. The zero detection method developed is capable of compensating for both the processing delays (from detection to switching action) and for the large variations of the resonant characteristics (due to transition between sub-circuits) and for any other component variations. A prototype with maximum input voltage of 100V and 19 conversion ratios was built and tested experimentally. The current sensing was implemented with a simple, cost-efficient, passive, sensor. For proper construction of the higher power experimental prototype, a simple and efficient, isolated gate driver was also developed.
The Eurosystem's Asset Purchase Programme and Target Balances

TARGET balances have risen during the period of the Eurosystem’s asset purchase programme (APP). The APP gives rise to substantial cross-border flows of reserves at the time of asset purchases and beyond, reflecting the interaction of decentralised monetary policy implementation and the integrated euro area financial structure. This financial structure, in which only a handful of locations act as gateways between the euro area and the rest of the world, leads to rising TARGET balances at the time of APP purchases and the persistence of TARGET balances in the context of subsequent portfolio rebalancing. TARGET balances per se are not necessarily an indicator of stress in bank funding markets, financial market fragmentation or unsustainable balance of payments developments. JEL Classification: E58, G02, F32
Real-time life prediction of equipment based on optimized ARMA model

Prediction with large error by traditional Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) theory has long been hampering accuracy in the life prediction. In this paper, methodology based on optimized ARMA model is proposed to provide real-time life prediction for equipment by utilizing information of degradation of similar equipment. Firstly, average relative change is used to optimize the orders of ARMA model, and the optimal model parameters are obtained. Afterwards, the ARMA model for similar equipment is established to get its degradation path sets. Then we get the degradation path sets of similar equipment that has the maximum similarity with specific equipment degradation path by K-means clustering. After that we get the specific equipment degradation path by weighting the equipment degradation path sets which are obtained by figuring out K-means clustering center with least similarity. By this algorithm, we can update the degradation path through real-time measured value, so as to predict the life of equipment timely. To test the model, operating current degenerating data of a laser is applied in this case study, and our study revealed that predicting accuracy using optimized model is evidently better than using model based on function degradation data of single equipment.
Orthorhombic polymorphs of two trans-4-aminoazoxybenzenes.

The two isomeric compounds 4-amino-ONN-azoxybenzene [or 1-(4-aminophenyl)-2-phenyldiazene 2-oxide], i.e. the alpha isomer, and 4-amino-NNO-azoxybenzene [or 2-(4-aminophenyl)-1-phenyldiazene 2-oxide], i.e. the beta isomer, both C(12)H(11)N(3)O, crystallized from a polar solvent in orthorhombic space groups, and their crystal and molecular structures have been determined using X-ray diffraction. There are no significant differences in the bond lengths and valence angles in the two isomers, in comparison with their monoclinic polymorphs. However, the conformations of the molecules are different due to rotation along the Ar-N bonds. In the alpha isomer, the benzene rings are twisted by 31.5 (2) and 14.4 (2) degrees towards the plane of the azoxy group; the torsion angles along the Ar-N bond in the beta isomer are 24.3 (3) and 23.5 (3) degrees. Quantum-mechanical calculations indicate that planar conformations are energetically favourable for both isomers. The N-H.O hydrogen bonds observed in both networks may be responsible for the deformation of these flexible molecules.
Risk factors and clinical characteristics of in-hospital death in acute myocardial infarction with IABP support.

BACKGROUND Despite the widespread use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), there were few clinical trials regarding the deceased's feature. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factor led to in-hospital deaths among AMI patients with IABP support. OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of in-hospital death with IABP support in AMI patients. METHODS The clinical data of 572 consecutive IABP supported patients with AMI within 72 hours from symptom onset from July 2005 to July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The evolution of the risk factors of in-hospital death and clinical characteristics was compared in 81 non-survivors and the survivors. RESULTS Non-survivors had a more severe clinical profile at admission. Fewer patients were treated with emergency reperfusion therapy in the non-survivors group. Cardiogenic shock, Mechanical complications, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation and MODS were much common in non-survivors (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed advanced age (>65 years), prolonged time from symptom onset to first medical contact (FMC), Killip class III/IV, renal dysfunction(GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30% were risk factors associated with higher in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS IABP support may be more effective combined with revascularization for AMI patients whose hemodynamics is compromised. Patients accompanied with cardiogenic shock and other life-threatening complications are often uselesswith IABP support. Meanwhile, patient whose hemodynamics parameters have significant response to IABP may get benefits with IABP to improve in-hospital survival.
Protective ribosomal preparation from Shigella sonnei as a parenteral candidate vaccine

A parenteral Shigella ribosomal vaccine (SRV) was investigated in animals for safety, antibody-inducing capacity, and protective activity. Ribosomal preparations from a Shigella sonnei phase I avirulent strain were obtained and shown to possess chemical, sedimentation, and other properties typical of bacterial ribosomes. No endotoxin contamination was revealed by a ketodeoxyoctonate assay, although the presence of some kind of O antigen was evidenced by serological findings and the high activity of SRV in inducing the O-antibody response and immunological memory in animals. SRV was nontoxic in mice, guinea pigs, and monkeys and induced no local reactions when injected subcutaneously in reasonable doses. Significant protection against a local Shigella infection (Sereny test) was seen in guinea pigs injected with SRV (efficiency index, about 60%) and the specificity of the protection was evident from cross-challenge experiments. The protective efficiency of SRV was especially high in rhesus monkeys challenged orally with virulent Shigella cells (89%, as calculated from the summarized data of several experiments in 71 animals). Protection in monkeys was long lasting and could be demonstrated several months after injection of SRV. An inexpensive technique can be used for the production of SRV on a large scale. The high immunogenicity of SRV is discussed in terms of the amplifying effect of the ribosome, which serves as a delivery system for polysaccharide O antigen. Further study of SRV as a candidate vaccine for humans seems justified by the data obtained.
Clinical epidemiological analysis of the mortality rate of liver transplant candidates living in rural areas

MELD score has been used to predict 90‐day mortality of subjects listed for liver transplantation (OLT). Validation of MELD score for patients on the waiting list in transplant programmes serving rural areas in North America is lacking. A retrospective cohort of patients affected by end‐stage liver disease was studied to assess the mortality rate within 90 days after being listed at our transplant centre. Secondary aims were to identify differences between predicted and observed 90‐days mortality using MELD and MELDNa scores at the time of listing. Among 126 patients included in this study, waiting list mortality was 35.0%. Ninety‐day mortality was 21.1%, which was significantly greater than the mortality estimated by the MELD (9.1%, 95% CI: 6.6–11.5) and MELDNa (9.3%, 95%CI: 6.0–12.5). Despite this underestimation, AUC for MELD and MELDNa was 0.80 and 0.78 respectively. In our study, independent predictors of waiting list mortality were age, diagnosis of cholestatic disease and residence over 500 km from our transplant centre. MELD and MELDNa underestimated the 90‐day mortality in patients with liver failure living in rural areas. Validation of these models should be performed in other transplant centres serving patients with limited access to specialized services.
Gene Expression Analysis of Human Epidermal Keratinocytes after N-Acetyl L-Cysteine Treatment Demonstrates Cell Cycle Arrest and Increased Differentiation

Objectives: Several cancer prevention programmes have previously been executed using treatment of antioxidant compounds. The antioxidant N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC), a membrane-permeable aminothiol, is a sulfhydryl reductant reducing oxidised glutathione, as well as being a precursor of intracellular cysteine and glutathione. A previous report based on the cellular response to NAC treatment showed that NAC induced a 10-fold more rapid differentiation in normal primary keratinocytes as well as a reversion of a colon carcinoma cell line from neoplastic proliferation to apical-basolateral differentiation. In order to investigate molecular events underlying thechanges in proliferation and differentiation induced by NAC treatment, we performed global gene expression analysis of normal human epidermal keratinocytes in a time series. Methods: Treated samples were compared to untreated samples through a reference design using a spotted cDNA array comprising approximately 30,000 features. B statistics was used to identify differentially expressed genes, and RT-PCR of a selected set of genes was performed to verify differential expression. Results: The number of differentially expressed genes increased over time, starting with 0 at 30 min, 73 at 3 h and increasing to 952 genes at 48 h. Results of the expression analysis showed arrest of the cell cycle and an upregulation of cytoskeletal reorganisation, implicating increased differentiation. A comparison to gene ontology groups indicated downregulation of a large number of genes involved in cell proliferation and regulation of the cell cycle. Conclusions: A significant fraction of the differentially expressed genes could be classified according to their role in the differentiation process, demonstrating that NAC regulates the conversion from proliferation to differentiation at a transcriptional level.
[Agreement between measured and calculated by predictive formulas resting energy expenditure in severe and morbid obese women].

OBJECTIVE To compare measured resting energy expenditure (REE) with that predicted by formulas derived from populations with normal weight or obesity and from women with severe and morbid obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS 66 women (aged 35.6 +/- 10.3 y and BMI of 44.7 +/- 4.9 kg/m2) were evaluated by indirect calorimetry with a metabolic monitor Deltatrac (Datex Inst., Finland), before undergoing gastric bypass. REE was calculated with the following equations: Harris-Benedict's with both actual and adjusted weight, Ireton-Jones', Mifflin's, and Carrasco's Fast Estimation, which corresponds to 16.2 kcal x kg actual weight. RESULTS (mean +/- sd). Measured REE was 1797 +/- 239 kcal/day. All formulas, except Harris-Benedict's with adjusted weight, overestimated REE. The Ireton-Jones' equation presented the greater overestimation (689 +/- 329 kcal/day), whereas Mifflin's equation overestimated REE only by 6 +/- 202 kcal/day. No significant differences were detected between measured and calculated REE by Mifflin's and Carrasco's Fast Estimation. Accuracy (defined as difference between calculated and measured REE within +/- 10%) was greater with Mifflin's equation (68%), followed by Harris-Benedict's with actual weight (64%) and Carrasco's Fast Estimation (61%). By using the Bland-Altman analysis, significant correlations were observed between calculated-measured REE and mean REE (calculated + measured/2) with all equations except Carrasco's Fast Estimation. This means that all but one formula underestimate or overestimate REE depending on the level of measured REE. CONCLUSION In severe and morbid obese women, Mifflin's and Carrasco's Fast Estimation equations provided the best performance to estimate REE. Before recommending an equation in an a subset of individuals it is necessary to make previous validation studies to determine that equation with the best predictive power for this particular group of patients.
The effects of funding policies on academic research

Academics today are under increasing institutional pressure to win external research funding, at a time when such funding is becoming ever more targeted and policy-driven. This thesis explores the effects of this and other funding policy constraints on academics’ freedom to carry out the research that they believe is intrinsically important – their choices over what research they conduct, and their ability to do so. In particular, it considers the effects of increasing pressure from funders that the research they fund should demonstrate both societal relevance and impact, and fit with either the funders’ or government priorities. The study took an inductive approach, and is based on interviews conducted with a number of academics across a range of disciplines and institutions (both research intensive and newer institutions). The study finds that academic research today - and thus knowledge production itself - is being pulled in competing directions due to pressures to satisfy the requirements of both the Research Excellence Framework and today’s ‘impact agenda’, elements which require different types of research activity and skills. Furthermore, using a Bourdieusian framework, we see that the impact agenda has changed the stakes in the field, as ‘demonstrable impact’ becomes a sought-after form of capital, causing a potential crisis for hitherto dominant agents (Bourdieu’s ‘hysteresis’ effect). The findings also indicate the extent to which funding policies have resulted in an emphasis on impact and income as what is seemingly most valued by institutions and other stakeholders, rather than the intrinsic academic merit of the research itself.
Modelling , optimisation , design and analysis of integrated energy systems Thermo-environomic analysis of a cider production facility and heat pumping

The goal of this project is to perform thermal, economic, and environmental analysis of a cider production facility. The students are required to apply the knowledge acquired during the course. Every step is related to one day of the course. The students will be guided by the course assistants. francois.marechal@epfl.ch
A large-scale multi-pose 3D-RGB object database

We present a new RGB-D database for multi-pose object recognition tasks. With the help of a multi-axis rotation framework, we are capable of capturing depth and color data of arbitrary small objects from virtually any viewpoint. In addition, recording is performed in a nearly lossless fashion, avoiding typical bleeding artifacts present in related reference data bases. This contribution presents the main advantages of our setup and contrasts it against other reference data bases. Furthermore, it outlines possible use cases and application scenarios of our data set and is complemented by experiments with standard machine learning techniques used in, e.g., object recognition tasks within the robotics domain. The experiments demonstrate the validity of our data base as they corroborate that viewpoint variance is indeed an important factor to take into account for object detection, which, from our perspective, is sometimes not considered at the required level. Detection accuracy is high if samples can be trained on data taking into account as many viewpoints as possible.
Inheritance of the 8.1 ancestral haplotype in recurrent pregnancy loss

A segment of DNA called the 8.1 ancestral haplotype is hypothesized to cause fetal loss due to a ‘selfish gene’ effect. The hypothesis was not supported, although the haplotype tended to be inherited more often than expected among girls (p=0.11) in a study of 110 mother-child pairs. Further studies are warranted.
Behavioural Aspects of Benchmark Quotation – The WIBOR Case

In the post‑crisis environment, market indices are one of elements of the financial market which have to be reformed. The EU Regulation on indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments reflects a need for the reform of benchmark determination in order to make indices transparent, representative and resistant to manipulation. The reform changes the conduct of rate contributors (the so‑called panellists). The article analyses behavioural reactions of WIBOR panellists by indicating sources of the growth of inertia and the drop of dispersion of published benchmarks. Those reactions decrease the risk of banks and, at the same time, increase the divergence between an index and the actual cost of funds, which may threaten the stability of the financial market.