Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low power radiolocation through long range wide area networks: A performance study

Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) technologies have recently triggered many research efforts and standardization activities due to the inherent possibility of both providing long range wireless communications and guaranteeing a long life for very cheap sensing devices. At the same time, the increasing interest of telco operators into such kind of networks is due to the wide range of applications that can be supported by LPWAN, including low power radiolocation. Among the available LPWAN access schemes, LoRaWAN protocols enable a hierarchical network structure over sub-gigahertz unlicensed spectra, with coordinated gateways listening for data delivered by battery-operated end-devices. A proper positioning scheme for gateways enables radiolocation duties through multilateration. However, the LoRaWAN Aloha-based capacity puts an implicit restriction on the radiolocation performances, while explicit duty cycle policies further limit the resource availability on unlicensed frequencies. To characterize the throughput of low power radiolocation applications, this contribution introduces a scalable and detailed probability model, while validating the same through a large simulation campaign. The results clearly show that the availability of multiple channel enhances the capacity of LoRaWAN networks while insuring predictable time delay between consecutive successful radiolocation events.
Utilizing I-V non-linearity and analog state variations in ReRAM-based security primitives

The underlying variability in the ReRAM device operation, while undesired in many applications, can be advantageous for hardware security primitives. ReRAM devices also come with the advantage of having non-linear multi-state operation. By comparison with previous reported ReRAM PUFs, which utilized spatial variations in the devices' binary ON/OFF states, we proposed to use sneak path currents and device / network nonlinearity as its main source of randomness to implement robust, reconfigurable and dense security primitives. In particular, in this work we present an in-depth discussion of how device non-linearity is affected by the read bias and the thermal stresses applied to the ReRAM crossbar. For the experimental demonstration, we used a three-dimensional stack of two 10×10 Al2O3/TiO2−x-based ReRAM crossbars with good uniformity for the memristors in both crossbar layers. The results highlight the utility of device non-linearity to extract more complex and more reliable one-way functions from relatively small ReRAM crossbar arrays.
Memory-based hardware-accelerated system for high-speed human detection

The real-world applicability of modern computer vision and recognition applications is limited by its real-time performance. Hardware-based systems can provide fast solutions for real-time limited problems; however, hardware-friendly solutions usually lack the flexibility to handle highly complex tasks. On the other hand, software-based solutions are used to tackle complex tasks and allow for greater flexibility but lack the speeds which hardware systems can provide. Inspired by the function of the human memory, we propose a hardware-accelerated multi-prototype and nearest neighbor (NN) search-based learning and classification system, which overcomes these flexibility limitations. A major deficiency for NN-based implementations is the computational demand for the searching and clustering processes. An FPGA-implemented coprocessor architecture for the Euclidean distance search was designed to resolve this deficiency. We benchmarked the system on the complex application of human detection. The experimental results revealed that the system outperformed other implementations by significantly reducing training times and attained a per sample detection speed of 2.24 s. Graphical Abstract
Analyzing learning during Peer Instruction dialogues: A resource activation framework

Peer Instruction (PI) is an evidence based pedagogy commonly used in undergraduate physics instruction. When asked questions designed to test conceptual understanding, it has been observed that the proportion of students choosing the correct answer increases following peer discussion; however, relatively little is known about what takes place during these discussions or how they are beneficial to the processes of learning physics [M. C. James and S. Willoughby, Am. J. Phys. 79, 123 (2011)]. In this paper a framework for analyzing PI discussions developed through the lens of the “resources model” [D. Hammer, Am. J. Phys. 64, 1316 (1996); D. Hammer et al., Information Age Publishing (2005)] is proposed. A central hypothesis for this framework is that the dialogue with peers plays a crucial role in activating appropriate cognitive resources, enabling the students to see the problem differently, and therefore to answer the questions correctly. This framework is used to gain greater insights into the PI discussions of first year undergraduate physics students at the University of Edinburgh, UK, which were recorded using Livescribe Smartpens. Analysis of the dialogues revealed three different types of resource activation corresponding to increasing cognitive grain size. These were activation of knowledge elements, activation of linkages between knowledge elements, and activation of control structures (epistemic games and epistemological frames). Three case studies are examined to illustrate the role that peer dialogue plays in the activation of these cognitive resources in a PI session. The implications for pedagogical practice are discussed.
ACCRETION AND MAGNETIC RECONNECTION IN THE CLASSICAL T TAURI BINARY DQ TAU

The theory of binary star formation predicts that close binaries (a < 100 au) will experience periodic pulsed accretion events as streams of material form at the inner edge of a circumbinary disk (CBD), cross a dynamically cleared gap, and feed circumstellar disks or accrete directly onto the stars. The archetype for the pulsed accretion theory is the eccentric, short-period, classical T Tauri binary DQ Tau. Low-cadence (∼daily) broadband photometry has shown brightening events near most periastron passages, just as numerical simulations would predict for an eccentric binary. Magnetic reconnection events (flares) during the collision of stellar magnetospheres near periastron could, however, produce the same periodic, broadband behavior when observed at a one-day cadence. To reveal the dominant physical mechanism seen in DQ Tau’s low-cadence observations, we have obtained continuous, moderate-cadence, multiband photometry over 10 orbital periods, supplemented with 27 nights of minute-cadence photometry centered on four separate periastron passages. While both accretion and stellar flares are present, the dominant timescale and morphology of brightening events are characteristic of accretion. On average, the mass accretion rate increases by a factor of five near periastron, in good agreement with recent models. Large variability is observed in the morphology and amplitude of accretion events from orbit to orbit. We argue that this is due to the absence of stable circumstellar disks around each star, compounded by inhomogeneities at the inner edge of the CBD and within the accretion streams themselves. Quasiperiodic apastron accretion events are also observed, which are not predicted by binary accretion theory.
Current issues and new directions in Psychology and Health: What are the oughts? The adverse effects of using social norms in health communication

We are continuously influenced by other people. We are influenced by what they do, what they say and what they do not say. Other people’s behaviour guides our own actions because it provides social proof regarding what is considered appropriate or inappropriate conduct in a given situation (Cialdini, 1984, chap. 4). Imagine the following: You are at church and the preacher is highly engaged in his sermon. He talks passionately about how the Lord will guide all of us to our destiny, about the sins we may or may not have committed and about how we can pay penance for such sins. He concludes by providing recommendations on how we can follow a path of righteousness (for future reference of course) and then invites all to stand up and sing ‘All for Jesus’. In response, everyone gets up and starts singing passionately while clapping and dancing exuberantly. What would you do? Chances are that you would stand up and sing as well. Soon, you would start clapping your hands and when you look down you will perhaps even find yourself gently shaking your hips to the rhythm of the music. While most European Christians may find this kind of behaviour somewhat inappropriate or at least a little unusual, it is in fact a fairly typical description of a North American gospel church service. If this kind of church service is unfamiliar to you and you found yourself sitting in the church described above, you would most likely let your actions be guided by the actions of those around you. In other words, you would likely conform to the behaviour or the social norm of the group because, in that particular situation, it would appear to be the most adaptive response. Social norms are important predictors of behaviour and their predictive role is the context in which they are generally discussed. However, in this editorial, we will not focus on the predictive role of social norms. Rather, we will discuss why people conform to social norms and then extend this knowledge to the field of health communication and behaviour change. We will elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages of using social norm messages, and then offer alternatives for the use of social norms in health communication messages.
Single-trial classification of an EEG-based brain computer interface using the wavelet packet decomposition and cepstral analysis

Single-Trial Classification of an EEG-Based Brain Computer Interface using the Wavelet Packet Decomposition and Cepstral Analysis S. Lodder Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa. Thesis: MScEng (E&E) December 2009 A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) monitors brain activity by using signals such as EEG, EcOG, and MEG, and attempts to bridge the gap between thoughts and actions by providing control to physical devices that range from wheelchairs to computers. A crucial process for a BCI system is feature extraction, and many studies have been undertaken to find relevant information from a set of input signals. This thesis investigated feature extraction from EEG signals using two different approaches. Wavelet packet decomposition was used to extract information from the signals in their frequency domain, and cepstral analysis was used to search for relevant information in the cepstral domain. A BCI was implemented to evaluate the two approaches, and three classification techniques contributed to finding the effectiveness of each feature type. Data containing two-class motor imagery was used for testing, and the BCI was compared to some of the other systems currently available. Results indicate that both approaches investigated were effective in producing separable features, and, with further work, can be used for the classification of trials based on a paradigm exploiting motor imagery as a means of control.
Genome‐wide association study follow‐up identifies cyclin A2 as a regulator of the transition through cytokinesis during terminal erythropoiesis

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) hold tremendous promise to improve our understanding of human biology. Recent GWAS have revealed over 75 loci associated with erythroid traits, including the 4q27 locus that is associated with red blood cell size (mean corpuscular volume). The close linkage disequilibrium block at this locus harbors the CCNA2 gene that encodes cyclin A2. CCNA2 mRNA is highly expressed in human and murine erythroid progenitor cells and regulated by the essential erythroid transcription factor GATA1. To understand the role of cyclin A2 in erythropoiesis, we have reduced expression of this gene using short hairpin RNAs in a primary murine erythroid culture system. We demonstrate that cyclin A2 levels affect erythroid cell size by regulating the passage through cytokinesis during the final cell division of terminal erythropoiesis. Our study provides new insight into cell cycle regulation during terminal erythropoiesis and more generally illustrates the value of functional GWAS follow‐up to gain mechanistic insight into hematopoiesis.Am. J. Hematol. 90:386–391, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Leukemia inhibitory factor, a cytokine at the interface between neurobiology and immunology.

The growing appreciation of the active interface between the immune system and the nervous system includes recognition of the cell surface molecules and the transducing mechanisms that are shared between the two systems. Perhaps even more compelling is the identification of intercellular messengers that mediate active signaling between the two systems. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, well known for their role in the communication between neurons, are also capable of activating monocytes and macrophages and inducing chemotaxis in immune cells. Transmitters and neuropeptides released by local neuronal processes are, therefore, well suited for mediating the ability of neurons to participate in inflammatory reactions at sites of injury or infection, as discussed below. In addition, immune tissues such as the spleen and lymph nodes are innervated, and pharmacological manipulations indicate that transmitters and neuropeptides are likely to regulate immune functions (1, 2).
Attracting mutualists and antagonists: plant trait variation explains the distribution of specialist floral herbivores and pollinators on crops and wild gourds.

UNLABELLED • PREMISE OF THE STUDY Floral traits play important roles in pollinator attraction and defense against floral herbivory. However, plants may experience trade-offs between conspicuousness to pollinators and herbivore attraction. Comparative studies provide an excellent framework to examine the role of multiple traits shaping mutualist and antagonist interactions. • METHODS To assess whether putative defensive and attractive traits predict species interactions, we grew 20 different Cucurbitaceae species and varieties in the field to measure interactions with pollinators and herbivores and in the greenhouse to assess trait variation. Cucurbits are characterized by the production of cucurbitacins, bitter nonvolatile terpenoids that are effective against generalist herbivores but can attract specialist beetles. We determined whether plant traits such as cucurbitacins predict herbivore resistance and pollinator attraction using an information-theoretic approach. • KEY RESULTS Mutualists and floral antagonists were attracted to the same cucurbit varieties once they flowered. However, rather than cucurbitacin concentration, we found that the size of the flower and volatile emissions of floral sesquiterpenoids explained both pollinator and floral herbivore visitation preference across cucurbit taxa. This pattern held across cucurbit taxa and within the Cucurbita genus. • CONCLUSIONS Surprisingly, floral sesquiterpenoid volatiles, which are associated with direct defense, indirect defense, and attraction, rather than defense traits such as cucurbitacins, appeared to drive interactions with both pollinators and floral herbivores across cucurbit taxa. Identifying the relevant plant traits for attraction and deterrence is important in this economically valuable crop, particularly if pollinators and floral herbivores use the same plant traits as cues.
Cyclodextrin microparticles for drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye: aqueous dexamethasone eye drops

Delivery of steroids to the retina is currently undertaken with invasive injections into the vitreous cavity. This paper describes a non‐invasive method to deliver steroids in therapeutic levels to the retina in rabbits. Dexamethasone was formulated as somewhat water‐soluble dexamethasone/γ‐cyclodextrin (γCD) microparticles in a low‐viscosity aqueous eye drop suspension. The mean (± standard deviation) diameter of the particles was 20.4 ± 10.3 μm, with no particles larger than 60 μm. The aqueous suspension formulation was tested in rabbits and compared with an aqueous dexamethasone eye drop solution containing randomly methylated β‐cyclodextrin (RMβCD). The dexamethasone concentration was identical in both formulations (15 mg mL−1). The drug was administered to the left eye but determined in both eyes. The amount reaching different eye tissues via the topical route was determined by subtracting the amount found in the right eye from the amount found in the left eye. Two hours after single application of the dexamethasone/γCD eye drops to rabbits the mean (± s.d.) concentration in vitreous was 29 ± 16 ng g−1, 86% of which reached vitreous via the topical route and in retina the concentration was 57 ± 22 ng g−1 (49% via topical route). For the RMβCD the values were 22.6 ± 9 and 66 ± 49 ng g−1 (73 and 14% via topical route), respectively. These steroid levels are comparable with the dexamethasone concentration achieved 1 month after intravitreal injection. The aqueous dexamethasone/γCD eye drop formulation was chemically stable during 7 months storage and well tolerated with no visible short‐term side effects.
Design of motor function restoration system based on myoelectric signals recognition

In this paper, a system aiming at motor function restoration based on myoelectric signals recognition has been presented. This system contains four main components: analog front, AD converter, digital signal processor, and functional electrical stimulator. Functions and designing consideration of each component, and a myoelectric signals recognition algorithm with low computational complexity have been introduced. Finally, the testing results of the system will be presented and the qualified performance for the further animal experiment is demonstrated.
Troponin: a risk marker beyond heart disease

The advent of cardiac troponin assays has revolutionised the daily assessment and management of patients presenting to emergency rooms with undifferentiated chest symptoms suspicious for acute cardiac ischaemia. This has enhanced the identification of myocyte necrosis thus forming a key part of the contemporary definition for myocardial infarction (MI). 1 Seminal work by Katus et al 2 led to the demonstration by Hamm et al 3 of the clinical applicability of the test in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Negative troponin being associated with a good prognosis and a positive troponin with an increased frequency of adverse cardiovascular events. Subsequent technical refinements have produced four generations of assays in order to attain the guideline standard of <10% coefficient of variation at the 99th centile of a normal reference population. Point-of-care systems have also been developed and deployed by some to reduce the turnaround time of results and improve patient's flow in busy departments. The relationship between troponin detection in these assays and poor prognosis has been seen not only in ACS but also in myocardial disease, following cardiac procedures, non-cardiac procedures, acute neurological disease, acute respiratory disease chronic renal disease, pulmonary embolism, exposure to certain toxins, sepsis and critical illness of any aetiology. Indeed, the prognosis …
A Millimeter-Wave System-on-Package Technology Using a Thin-Film Substrate With a Flip-Chip Interconnection

In this paper, a system-on-package (SOP) technology using a thin-film substrate with a flip-chip interconnection has been developed for compact and high-performance millimeter-wave (mm-wave) modules. The thin-film substrate consists of Si-bumps, ground-bumps, and multilayer benzocyclobutene (BCB) films on a lossy silicon substrate. The lossy silicon substrate is not only a base plate of the thin-film substrate, but also suppresses the parasitic substrate mode excited in the thin-film substrate. Suppression of the substrate mode was verified with measurement results. The multilayer BCB films and the ground-bumps provide the thin-film substrate with high-performance integrated passives for the SOP capability. A broadband port terminator and a V-band broad-side coupler based on thin-film microstrip (TFMS) circuits were fabricated and characterized as mm-wave integrated passives. The Si-bumps dissipate the heat generated during the operation of flipped chips as well as provide mechanical support. The power dissipation capability of the Si-bumps was confirmed with an analysis of DC-IV characteristics of GaAs pseudomorphic high electron-mobility transistors (PHEMTs) and radio-frequency performances of a V-band power amplifier (PA). In addition, the flip-chip transition between a TFMS line on the thin-film substrate and a coplanar waveguide (CPW) line on a flipped chip was optimized with a compensation network, which consists of a high-impedance and low-impedance TFMS line and a removed ground technique. As an implementation example of the mm-wave SOP technology, a V-band power combining module (PCM) was developed on the thin-film substrate with the flip-chip interconnection. The V-band PCM incorporating two PAs with broadside couplers showed a combining efficiency higher than 78%.
A pilot study evaluating a peer led and professional led physical activity intervention with blue-collar employees.

OBJECTIVE To measure the effect of a physical activity intervention, based on social cognitive theory, delivered by a peer and a professional leader. DESIGN Quasi-experimental. SETTING Three locations at a large Mid-Western railroad. SUBJECTS One hundred and forty-eight skilled labor employees participated: one hundred and twenty completed the study. MEASURES Self-reported energy expenditure, self-efficacy and stages of change. RESULTS ANOVA and categorical analysis using rates and proportions were used for evaluation. The peer group had a non-significant short-term increase in energy expenditure of 3%, which returned to baseline post intervention. The professional and control groups showed a non-significant decrease in energy expenditure of 5% and 9%, respectively. The peer (p < 0.002) and professional groups (p < 0.004) showed significant increases in average stages scores. The peer group maintained increases over time (p < 0.001). The peer and professional led groups showed a 54% and 24% increase in the number of employees reporting regular physical activity over time, respectively. The peer group also showed positive trends in self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS The peer intervention enhanced self-efficacy and self-reported physical activity. A job layoff at the professional led site confounded comparisons between locations. Employees reported high energy expenditure and high BMI values, suggesting that a weight management intervention may be more appropriate and appealing in this population.
Imputing KCs with Representations of Problem Content and Context

Cognitive task analysis is a laborious process made more onerous in educational platforms where many problems are user created and mostly left without identified knowledge components. Past approaches to this issue of untagged problems have centered around text mining to impute knowledge components (KC). In this work, we advance KC imputation research by modeling both the content (text) of a problem as well as the context (problems around it) using a novel application of skip-gram based representation learning applied to tens of thousands of student response sequences from the ASSISTments 2012 public dataset. We find that there is as much information in the contextual representation as the content representation, with the combination of sources of information leading to a 90% accuracy in predicting the missing skill from a KC model of 198. This work underscores the value of considering problems in context for the KC prediction task and has broad implications for its use with other modeling objectives such as KC model improvement.