Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SNR estimation algorithms for channel quality detection in Ka/EHF band satellite systems employing fade mitigation techniques

The channel state of a satellite RF link is best provided as the Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) estimate of the received signal. This form of channel state is utilised by satellite capacity optimization techniques like Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM), which comes under the hood of Fade Mitigation Techniques (FMT). The performance of the SNR estimation algorithm, used as the channel state estimator, directly impacts the efficiency of the FMT. In this paper we analyse the contemporary SNR estimation algorithms considering only the rain attenuation as the fading process. Their performances are quantified in terms of the number of received symbols needed to obtain an estimate with a given error margin. Their suitability as a channel state estimator for a typical DVB type satellite system is analysed by considering the various assumptions involved in the algorithm, the effect of noise due to interference as encountered in such systems on the estimation algorithm.
Boron Nitride Nanomesh

A highly regular mesh of hexagonal boron nitride with a 3-nanometer periodicity and a 2-nanometer hole size was formed by self-assembly on a Rh(111) single crystalline surface. Two layers of mesh cover the surface uniformly after high-temperature exposure of the clean rhodium surface to borazine (HBNH)3. The two layers are offset in such a way as to expose a minimum metal surface area. Hole formation is likely driven by the lattice mismatch of the film and the rhodium substrate. This regular nanostructure is thermally very stable and can serve as a template to organize molecules, as is exemplified by the decoration of the mesh by C60 molecules.
Hemostasis and sealing of air leaks in the lung using high-intensity focused ultrasound.

BACKGROUND Operative management of parenchymal lung injury can be complicated by persistent hemorrhage and air leak, which might require resection. Techniques that preserve parenchyma are associated with improved survival. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been demonstrated as a useful method for hemostasis in experimental solid organ injuries. We wished to investigate whether this could be applied to lung injuries. METHODS An intraoperative HIFU device (frequency of 5.7 MHz, acoustic power of 65 W), equipped with a titanium coupler, was used. Incisions (average length of 2.5 cm, and depth of 5 mm) were made in the lungs of 11 pigs, which created both parenchymal hemorrhage and air leakage. In treatment experiments, 70 incisions were sealed with HIFU. The HIFU application started within 10 seconds of inducing the injury. Hemostasis was assessed by visual observation of sealed incisions. The possible air leakage was determined by submersing the sealed incision under the layer of water and observing for air bubble formation. In control experiments, five incisions were left untreated to monitor air leaks and bleeding for 2 minutes. RESULTS Hemostasis and pneumostasis (sealing of air leaks) of the treated incisions were achieved in 51 +/- 37 seconds (mean +/- SD) (range of 10-210 seconds) of HIFU application time. Over 95% of incisions were hemostatic within 2 minutes of HIFU application. The treatment time was not dependent on the incision length or depth. In control experiments, the air leaking and bleeding were still present at 2 minutes after the injury. CONCLUSION Intraoperative HIFU might provide an effective method of hemostasis and control of air leaks from lacerations caused by trauma.
Controlling formations of multiple mobile robots with inter-robot collision avoidance

In this paper, we investigate the problem of inter-robot collision avoidance in multiple mobile robot formation control. Two methodologies are utilized, namely Virtual Robot tracking by [Jongusuk and Mita, 2001] and l-l control by [Desai et al., 1998] to establish formation and avoid collision among robots. We point out that the framework in Virtual Robot tracking is potentially subject to collision among robots. This drawback is overcome in our design by incorporating a different reactive scheme in the incident possibility of collision. To prove the advantages of our framework, we demonstrate in simulation the case of three robots moving in formation and avoiding inter-robot collisions.
Switched IMM-EV Algorithms for State Estimation of Some Jump Markov Systems

Abstract We consider state estimation for a class of jump Markov linear discrete-time systems. For this, we present an algorithm employing switches among two interacting multiple-model extended-Viterbi (IMM-EV) estimators. The models we adopt for describing the systems can be used in problems such as the tracking of targets capable of abrupt maneuvers and fault detection of systems subject to possible component failures. A maneuver detection scheme, and a method for detecting maneuver termination are integrated into the proposed algorithm. Both methods determine when switches between two IMM-EV algorithms have to be invoked. A numerical example illustrates that the proposed algorithm can be an improvement to several known algorithms.
Assessment of fibre orientation in reinforced concrete using Fourier image transform

In this study, ribbon‐shaped amorphous cast‐iron fibres were used to reinforce a concrete matrix. X‐ray photographs have been taken to detect fibres in situ. Their orientation has been investigated by automatic image analysis methods. However, this measurement should not be influenced by the digitization on the square frame of the analyser. For that purpose, the Fourier transform was used rather than the rose of direction method. This analysis revealed the transverse isotropic nature of the spatial arrangement of these fibres, whose axis of revolution corresponds to the concrete casting axis. Such a morphological characterization of the fibre‐reinforced concrete reveals its mechanical behaviour.
An Iterative Dimensionality-Scaling System for Real-Time Health Monitoring Applications

Wearable health-monitoring systems must achieve a balance between the often opposing goals of hardware overhead and classification accuracy. Prior works have presented various approaches to dynamically scale the accuracy of these systems as a function of available resources. In this paper, we present a framework which retroactively improves the accuracy of prior estimates when resources become available, using a novel global cost minimization function. We benchmark our algorithm on an audio-based nutrition monitoring dataset. Results confirm the efficacy of our technique.
Characterization, Gene Cloning, and Sequencing of a Fungal Phytase, PhyA, From Penicillium oxalicum PJ3

A phytase from Penicillium oxalicum PJ3, PhyA, was purified near to homogeneity with 427-fold increase in specific phytase activity by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, and ion-exchange chromatographies. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and zymogram analysis of the purified enzyme indicated an estimated molecular mass of 65 kD. The optimal pH and temperature of the purified enzyme were pH 4.5 and 55°C, respectively. The enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by Ca2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). The Km value for sodium phytate was 0.545 mM with a Vmax of 600 U/mg of protein. The phyA gene was cloned, and it contains an open reading frame of 1,383 with a single intron (118 bp), and encodes a protein of 461 amino acids.
Depth psychotherapy with transgender people

This article presents an introductory and transpositive approach for doing depth psychotherapy with transgender individuals. Combining contemporary psychodynamic, Jungian and gender identity theory, this approach reflects the unique path of transgender identity development. Transgender identity is not viewed as inherently pathological. Rather, the issues that emerge in psychotherapy with transgender clients, like with all people, are about the self and self-in-relation, negotiating identity with outer reality. For the transgender person, however, psychological issues are particularly related to faulty mirroring during periods of identity construction because the transgender self is often invisible to the outside world. Transgender identity development involves a body/mind mismatch and is affected by social stigma associated with gender variance. Transgender individuals negotiate their transgendered self in a world that sees gender as binary, resulting in a tension between desire, authenticity and avoidance of stigma. A composite trajectory of pre-, during- and post-coming out of transgender identity development is presented and potential therapeutic themes and interventions for each of these phases are discussed. Challenges and resolutions are illustrated by poems from clients of the author's 37 years of clinical experience with this population.
Investigating the effects of stable personality traits on computer self-efficacy with repeated training

The importance of understanding what motivates individuals toward acceptance of technology, and what compels them to use it is becoming more essential due to the fact that organizations rely heavily on information technology. There is no lack of research in the area of information technology, but studies examining the effects of certain individual traits and training on computer self-efficacy, and the resulting increase in usage behavior are limited. Unless there is a clearer understanding of what motivates individuals to use technology, there is a likelihood that the technology will be under-used. There is indication throughout research that the Big-Five personality traits (Extraversion, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Agreeableness and Openness to Experience) may have an effect on an individual's level of computer self-efficacy. Those who have a higher level of computer self-efficacy may be more accepting of technology and may be more likely to use all its available features. This study examined the relationship between these personality traits and levels of computer self-efficacy. There were pre-tests to determine the beginning level of computer self-efficacy and likelihood to use. This was followed by two segments of training, with a time lapse of a week between, to see whether the training raises the level of computer self-efficacy. During each training segment, half the participants received training using behavior modeling, and the other half had behavior modeling with a retention enhancement activity. Partial least squares was used to test the models. We found that Openness to Experience was related to computer self-efficacy, and that computer self-efficacy did not increase following training sessions. These findings and the fact that intention to use decreased following the second training were important in understanding more about training and in learning about those factors that influence utilization of available technologies. We must understand how to effectively train workers on different levels of software complexity.
Fast image completion method using patch offset statistics

Image completion is a technique that involves repairing damaged images or filling in missing regions in a visually pleasing manner. In this work, a novel fast image completion approach is proposed, which finds the best textures to be filled into the unknown areas through internal statistics of natural images. Firstly, we create statistics from spatial offsets (relative positions) of similar patches in the image. From these statistics, a sparse representation of the most frequent offsets is derived. These offsets are then used to fill the missing region by combining a stack of shifted images using a weighted means method. Hereby, the offsets are considered in descending order in the filling routine according to their importance. Experimental results show that the proposed method yields subjective improvements compared to the state-of-the-art. Furthermore, the method synthesizes missing regions faster than existing methods.
Quantum Gravity at the Turn of the Millennium

A very brief review is given of the current state of research in quantum gravity. Over the past fifteen years, two approaches have emerged as the most promising paths to a quantum theory of gravity: string theory and quantum geometry. I will discuss the main achievements and open problems of each of these approaches, and compare their strengths and weaknesses.
Editing by Viewing: Automatic Home Video Summarization by Viewing Behavior Analysis

In this paper, we propose the Interest Meter (IM), a system making the computer conscious of user's reactions to measure user's interest and thus use it to conduct video summarization. The IM takes account of users' spontaneous reactions when they view videos. To estimate user's viewing interest, quantitative interest measures are devised based on the perspectives of attention and emotion. For estimating attention states, variations of user's eye movement, blink, and head motion are considered. For estimating emotion states, facial expression is recognized as positive or neural emotion. By combining characteristics of attention and emotion by a fuzzy fusion scheme, we transform users' viewing behaviors into quantitative interest scores, determine interesting parts of videos, and finally concatenate them as video summaries. Experimental results show that the proposed concept “editing by viewing” works well and may provide a promising direction to consider the human factor in video summarization.
Distribution of viral abundance in the reef environment of Key Largo, Florida

The distribution of viral and microbial abundance in the Key Largo, Fla. , reef environment was measured. Viral abundance was measured by transmission electron microscope direct counts and plaque titer on specific bacterial hosts in water and sediment samples from Florida Bay (Blackwater Sound) and along a transect from Key Largo to the outer edge of the reef tract in Key Largo Sanctuary. Water column viral direct counts were highest in Blackwater Sound of Florida Bay (1.2 x 10(7) viruses per ml), decreased to the shelf break (1.7 x 10(6) viruses per ml), and were inversely correlated with salinity (r = -0.97). Viral direct counts in sediment samples ranged from 1.35 x 10(8) to 5.3 x 10(8)/cm(3) of sediment and averaged nearly 2 orders of magnitude greater than counts in the water column. Viral direct counts (both sediment and water column measurements) exceeded plaque titers on marine bacterial hosts (Vibrio natriegens and others) by 7 to 8 orders of magnitude. Water column viral abundance did not correlate with bacterial direct counts or chlorophyll a measurements, and sediment viral parameters did not correlate with water column microbial, viral, or salinity data. Coliphage, which are indicators of fecal pollution, were detected in two water column samples and most sediment samples, yet their concentrations were relatively low (<2 to 15/liter for water column samples, and <2 to 108/cm(3) of sediment). Our findings indicate that viruses are abundant in the Key Largo environment, particularly on the Florida Bay side of Key Largo, and that processes governing their distribution in the water column (i.e., salinity and freshwater input) are independent of those governing their distribution in the sediment environment.
Mechanism-based categorization of aromatase inhibitors: a potential discovery and screening tool

Cytochrome P450 aromatase is a key steroidogenic enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens in vertebrates. There is much interest in aromatase inhibitors (AIs) both because of their use as pharmaceuticals in the treatment of estrogen-sensitive breast cancers, and because a number of environmental contaminants can act as AIs, thereby disrupting endocrine function in humans and wildlife through suppression of circulating estrogen levels. The goal of the current work was to develop a mechanism-based structure–activity relationship (SAR) categorization framework highlighting the most important chemical structural features responsible for inhibition of aromatase activity. Two main interaction mechanisms were discerned: steroidal and non-steroidal. The steroid scaffold is most prominent when the structure of the target chemical is similar to the natural substrates of aromatase – androstenedione and testosterone. Chemicals acting by non-steroidal mechanism(s) possess a heteroatom (N, O, S) able to coordinate the heme iron of the cytochrome P450, and thus interfere with steroid hydroxylation. The specific structural boundaries controlling AI for both analyzed mechanisms were defined, and a software tool was developed that allowed a decision tree (profile) to be built discriminating AIs by mechanism and potency. An input chemical follows a profiling path and the structure is examined at each step to decide whether it conforms with the structural boundaries implemented in the decision tree node. Such a system would aid drug discovery efforts, as well as provide a screening tool to detect environmental contaminants that could act as AIs.
C3-index: revisiting author's performance measure

Author ranking indices, like h-index and its variants, fail to resolve ties while ranking authors with low index values (major volume including the young ones). In this work we leverage the citations as well as collaboration profile of an author in a novel way using a weighted multi-layered network and propose a page-rank variant to obtain a new author performance measure, C3-index. Experiments on a massive publication dataset reveal several interesting characteristics of our metric: (i) we observe that C3-index is consistent over time, (ii) C3-index has high potential to break ties among low rank authors, (iii) C3-index can be used to predict future achievers at the early stage of their career.
Lasting associations between early-childhood temperament and late-adolescent reward-circuitry response to peer feedback

Abstract Behavioral inhibition, a temperament identifiable in infancy, is associated with heightened withdrawal from social encounters. Prior studies raise particular interest in the striatum, which responds uniquely to monetary gains in behaviorally inhibited children followed into adolescence. Although behavioral manifestations of inhibition are expressed primarily in the social domain, it remains unclear whether observed striatal alterations to monetary incentives also extend to social contexts. In the current study, imaging data were acquired from 39 participants (17 males, 22 females; ages 16–18 years) characterized since infancy on measures of behavioral inhibition. A social evaluation task was used to assess neural response to anticipation and receipt of positive and negative feedback from novel peers, classified by participants as being of high or low interest. As with monetary rewards, striatal response patterns differed during both anticipation and receipt of social reward between behaviorally inhibited and noninhibited adolescents. The current results, when combined with prior findings, suggest that early-life temperament predicts altered striatal response in both social and nonsocial contexts and provide support for continuity between temperament measured in early childhood and neural response to social signals measured in late adolescence and early adulthood.
Parallel evolutionary algorithm in high-dimensional optimization problem

An implementation of the combined evolutionary algorithm for searching extremum of functions with many parameters is proposed. The algorithm designed to optimize parameters of the molecular-dynamics reactive force field potential ReaxFF also can be efficient in many other extrema-searching problems with arbitrary complex objective function. The algorithm itself is a hybrid of two evolutionary methods: Genetic Algorithm which uses the principle of natural selection in the population of individuals; and Particle Swarm Optimization which imitates the self-organization of the particle swarm. Individuals in population as far as swarm’s particles are treated can be considered as trial solution’s vectors. Combination of these two methods provides an opportunity to work with objective functions with unknown complex structure which often has a composition of specific peculiarities insurmountable by simple algorithms. Genetic Algorithm parameterization regarding choosing its main strategies for computations with different objective functions has been analyzed. Results for classical test functions convergence speed testing presented. Effectiveness of the algorithm working at the computational system with shared memory and at analogous distributed system has been compared and good scalability of implemented algorithm at distributed computational system demonstrated.
Nitric oxide formation contributes to beta-adrenergic dilation of resistance coronary vessels in conscious dogs.

The contribution of the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway to beta-adrenergic dilation of resistance coronary vessels was examined in conscious dogs instrumented for measuring coronary blood flow (CBF), left ventricular (LV) wall thickening, and LV and aortic pressures and for intracoronary injections of acetylcholine (0.003 micrograms/kg), nitroglycerin (0.175 micrograms/kg), and graded doses of isoproterenol (0.0005 to 0.004 micrograms/kg). Peak increases in CBF with intracoronary isoproterenol (0.001 micrograms/kg) averaged 105 +/- 10% from baseline. With acetylcholine, CBF increased by 158 +/- 11%, and with nitroglycerin, CBF increased by 139 +/- 10%. After the administration of intracoronary N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 micrograms/kg per minute for 12 minutes) to block nitric oxide synthesis from L-arginine, baseline CBF was not altered, and CBF increased by 49 +/- 7% with isoproterenol and by 94 +/- 6% with acetylcholine; both values were smaller (P < .01) than those before the arginine analogue. With nitroglycerin, CBF was increased by 145 +/- 11%, not significantly different from the value before L-NAME. Intracoronary L-arginine (1.0 mg/kg per minute for 12 minutes), the precursor of nitric oxide synthesis, partially reversed the inhibition of L-NAME on CBF responses to acetylcholine and isoproterenol. After beta 1-adrenergic blockade, CBF responses to isoproterenol and acetylcholine were also reduced (P < .05) by the arginine analogue. When increases in CBF were prevented, peak changes in coronary vascular conductance with intracoronary bolus doses of acetylcholine and isoproterenol were attenuated (P < .01) by L-NAME. Thus, nitric oxide formation is an important intermediate in beta-adrenergic dilation of resistance coronary vessels in conscious dogs.