Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a field wireless sensors network based on ZigBee technology

A Field wireless sensors network based on ZigBee technology is developed. It consists of a PDA, a ZigBee coordinator, and several ZigBee nodes. First, PDA manages the coordinator to collect field information according to an order through its serial port. Secondly the coordinator gathers the data from all the terminal nodes. Finally, the collected information is transmitted to the PDA. Here the field information refers to soil moisture, soil temperature, soil electrical conductivity, environment humidity, and the sensors' status. The hardware architecture of each node consists of a ZigBee module integrated with transceiver, a microcontroller, some field sensors, and a peripheral circuit. Software is made up of algorithm of reading and processing the data from the field sensors, communicating process between ZigBee coordinator and the PDA, and the network building. Compared with the traditional agriculture information collecting system, the field wireless sensors network developed is more convenient and lower cost.
A new joint time and frequency offset estimation method for OFDM systems

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems are more sensitive to timing and frequency offsets than single carrier systems. This Paper presents a method of joint time and frequency synchronization for OFDM systems. The synchronization technique is examined in both AWGN and multipath fading environments. Compared with conventional schemes, the proposed schemes can achieve smaller mean and mean square error (MSE) obtained by simulations.
Nutrient Removal from Wastewater Using Microalgae: A Kinetic Evaluation and Lipid Analysis

The objective of this study was to examine the performance of mixed microalgal bioreactors in treating three different types of wastewaters—kitchen wastewater (KWW), palm oil mill effluent (POME), and pharmaceutical wastewater (PWW) in semi‐continuous mode and to analyze the lipid content in the harvested algal biomass. The reactors were monitored for total nitrogen and phosphate removal at eight solid retention times (SRTs): 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 days. The nutrient uptake kinetic parameters were quantified using linearized Michaelis‐Menten and Monod models at steady‐state conditions. The nutrient removal efficiency and lipid production were found to be higher in KWW when compared with the other wastewaters. Saturated fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1) accounted for more than 60% of the algal fatty acids for all the wastewaters. The lipid is, therefore, considered suitable for synthesizing biodiesel.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein Targeting of Phospholamban: A Common Role for an N-Terminal Di-Arginine Motif in ER Retention?

Background Phospholamban (PLN) is an effective inhibitor of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, which transports Ca2+ into the SR lumen, leading to muscle relaxation. A mutation of PLN in which one of the di-arginine residues at positions 13 and 14 was deleted led to a severe, early onset dilated cardiomyopathy. Here we were interested in determining the cellular mechanisms involved in this disease-causing mutation. Methodology/Principal Finding Mutations deleting codons for either or both Arg13 or Arg14 resulted in the mislocalization of PLN from the ER. Our data show that PLN is recycled via the retrograde Golgi to ER membrane traffic pathway involving COP-I vesicles, since co-immunoprecipitation assays determined that COP I interactions are dependent on an intact di-arginine motif as PLN RΔ14 did not co-precipitate with COP I containing vesicles. Bioinformatic analysis determined that the di-arginine motif is present in the first 25 residues in a large number of all ER/SR Gene Ontology (GO) annotated proteins. Mutations in the di-arginine motif of the Sigma 1-type opioid receptor, the β-subunit of the signal recognition particle receptor, and Sterol-O-acyltransferase, three proteins identified in our bioinformatic screen also caused mislocalization of these known ER-resident proteins. Conclusion We conclude that PLN is enriched in the ER due to COP I-mediated transport that is dependent on its intact di-arginine motif and that the N-terminal di-arginine motif may act as a general ER retrieval sequence.
Compressive Sensing with Tent Chaotic Sequence

Compressive sensing is a new sampling theory to capture signals at sub-Nyquist rate. To guarantee exact recovery from sparse measurements, specific sensing matrix, which satisfies the Restricted Isometry Property, should be well chosen. Random matrix has been proved to meet the property with high probability; however, the practical implementation is expensive in hardware design. Chaotic matrices which generated by Logistic sequence, Chua and Lorenz dynamical systems have been verified to be Toeplitz-structured and sufficient to satisfy the property. In this paper, we propose that another chaotic sequence - Tent map can also be used to construct the sensing matrix. By numerical performance, we show that, the proposed Tent chaotic sensing matrix has similar performance to random matrix or Logistic chaotic matrix for exact reconstructing compressible signals and images from fewer measurements. Copyright © 2014 IFSA Publishing, S. L.
Analysis of the current balancing device based on power electronic converter

The unbalanced current compensator for low voltage power systems is analyzed. For current balancing in four wire systems it is necessary to compensate the negative- and zero-sequence currents. For this purpose, the converter circuits with neutral wire are used. The paper considers the commonly used converters and focuses on distribution of currents in semiconductor switches as well as the neutral wire effect on the harmonic spectrum of currents. Also it is given the calculation of converter parameters based on the developed computer models of compensator.
Approximate Hough transform for video subsequence matching

In this paper, we study the problem of subsequence matching and address the efficiency issue in large-scale video retrieval. The subsequence matching task can be transformed to a 2D Hough space projection of pairwise frame similarities between two subsequences. We present an approximate Hough transform that replaces the 2D Hough space with a 1D Hough space, and thus reduce the time complexity for voting and searching over the Hough space. We apply the methodology in video stream monitoring where every stream subsequence is matched with a large amount of the reference dataset. The experiment compares with some state-of-the-art methods and the result shows the superior of our method in terms of efficiency.
Moving beyond the map: automated landmark based pedestrian guidance using street level panoramas

In the past people have used very different forms of directions depending on how those directions were acquired. If a person is giving another person directions in a familiar area, he will frequently use landmarks to describe the route [10]. If the person gets the route from a personal navigation system though, it will be displayed on a map and make use of street names for the directions. In this paper we present a system to automatically give landmark based navigation to pedestrians by using panoramic imagery to both find salient landmarks along a route automatically, and to present those landmarks to a pedestrian navigator in an immersive and intuitive manner. Our system primarily uses automatically detected business signs as landmarks, and currently works in a half dozen cities around the world. We have also evaluated our system and found that people can effectively navigate solely using landmark enhanced panoramas of decision points along the route.
User Space Storage System Stack Modules with File Level Control

Filesystem in Userspace (FUSE) is a typical solution to simplifying writing a new ﬁle system. It exports all ﬁle system calls to the user-space, giving programmer the ability to implement actual ﬁle system code in the user-space but with a small overhead due to context switching and memory copies between the kernel and the user-space. FUSE, however, only allows writing non-stackable ﬁle systems. The other alternative to simplify writing ﬁle system code is to use File System Translator (FiST), a tool that can be used to develop stackable ﬁle systems using template code. FiST is limited to the kernel space and requires learning a slightly simpliﬁed ﬁle system language that describes the operation of the stackable ﬁle system. In this work, we combine FUSE with FiST and present a stackable FUSE module which will allow users to write stackable ﬁle systems in the user-space. To limit the overhead of context switching operations, we provide this module in combination with our previously developed AT-TEST framework that provides ways to ﬁlter ﬁles so that only those with speciﬁc extended attributes are exported to the user-space daemon. Further, these attributes can also be exported to user-space where multiple functions can behave as stackable modules with dynamic ordering. Another advantage of such a design is that it allows non-admin users to have stackable ﬁle system implemented and mounted, for example, on their respective home directories. In our experiments, we observe that having stackable modules in user-space has an overhead
Consequences of non‐random species loss for decomposition dynamics: experimental evidence for additive and non‐additive effects

1 Although litter decomposition is a fundamental ecological process, most of our understanding comes from studies of single‐species decay. Recently, litter‐mixing studies have tested whether monoculture data can be applied to mixed‐litter systems. These studies have mainly attempted to detect non‐additive effects of litter mixing, which address potential consequences of random species loss – the focus is not on which species are lost, but the decline in diversity per se. 2 Under global change, species loss is likely to be non‐random, with some species more vulnerable to extinction than others. Under such scenarios, the effects of individual species (additivity) as well as of species interactions (non‐additivity) on decomposition rates are of interest. 3 To examine potential impacts of non‐random species loss on ecosystems, we studied additive and non‐additive effects of litter mixing on decomposition. A full‐factorial litterbag experiment was conducted using four deciduous leaf species, from which mass loss and nitrogen content were measured. Data were analysed using a statistical approach that first looks for additive identity effects based on the presence or absence of species and then significant species interactions occurring beyond those. It partitions non‐additive effects into those caused by richness and/or composition. 4 This approach addresses questions key to understanding the potential effects of species loss on ecosystem processes. If additive effects dominate, the consequences for decomposition dynamics will be predictable based on our knowledge of individual species, but not statistically predictable if non‐additive effects dominate. 5 We found additive (identity) effects on mass loss and non‐additive (composition) effects on litter nitrogen dynamics, suggesting that non‐random species loss could significantly affect this system. We were able to identify the species responsible for effects that would otherwise have been considered idiosyncratic or absent when analysed by the methods used in previous work. 6 Synthesis. We observed both additive and non‐additive effects of litter‐mixing on decomposition, indicating consequences of non‐random species loss. To predict the consequences of global change for ecosystem functioning, studies should examine the effects of both random and non‐random species loss, which will help identify the mechanisms that influence the response of ecosystems to environmental change.
Relation between baroreflex sensitivity and carotid artery elasticity in healthy humans.

We investigated whether physiological variability in arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was related to differences in carotid elastic behavior among 19 young healthy subjects (age 18-26 yr). The diameter of the carotid artery (D) and its change during the arterial pulse (delta D) were monitored by a phase-locked echotracking device (UT-4 Hokanson), and pulse pressure (delta P) was measured in the brachial artery by sphygmomanometry. Distensibility coefficient (DC) for the common carotid artery was calculated using the formula DC = (2 x delta D/D)/delta P. Dynamic elastic parameters such as the maximum and mean rate of carotid artery expansion and the dominant harmonic frequency of the diameter curve were also determined. BRS was assessed by regressing R-F.intervals against systolic blood pressure, monitored by finger arterial pressure (FINAPRES), during an elevation of pressure, induced by intravenous bolus injection of phenylephrine. Using correlation and stepwise regression analysis, we found that BRS was significantly related to carotid artery distensibility (r = 0.778, P < 0.001) but was not related to any of the dynamic parameters of carotid pulsation.
Error Analysis in a Written Composition

Los aprendices comenten errores tanto en la comprension como en la produccion. Algunos teoricos han identificado que la dificultad para clasificar las diferentes fallas en comprension se debe al conocimiento inadecuado de una caracteristica sintactica particular. Por tanto, el error puede definirse como una desviacion de las normas del idioma objetivo. En esta experiencia profesional se analizara una composicion escrita sobre “Mi vida en Colombia” con base en la investigacion a traves de la elicitacion clinica (EC). Esta se centra en como el informante produce datos de cualquier tipo, por ejemplo, a traves de una entrevista general o solicitandole al aprendiz una composicion escrita. Se analizaran algunos errores producidos por un aprendiz de una lengua extranjera en su proceso de adquisicion, identificando sus posibles causas. Finalmente, se clasifican cuatro tipos de errores: omision, adicion, desinformacion y yuxtaposicion sintactica.
Analysis of conserved residues in the βpat‐3 cytoplasmic tail reveals important functions of integrin in multiple tissues

Integrin cytoplasmic tails contain motifs that link extracellular information to cell behavior such as cell migration and contraction. To investigate the cell functions mediated by the conserved motifs, we created mutations in the Caenorhabditis elegans βpat‐3 cytoplasmic tail. The β1D (799FK800), NPXY, tryptophan (784W), and threonine (797TT798) motifs were disrupted to identify their functions in vivo. Animals expressing integrins with disrupted NPXY motifs were viable, but displayed distal tip cell migration and ovulation defects. The conserved threonines were required for gonad migration and contraction as well as tail morphogenesis, whereas disruption of the β1D and tryptophan motifs produced only mild defects. To abolish multiple conserved motifs, a β1C‐like variant, which results in a frameshift, was constructed. The βpat‐3(β1C) transgenic animals showed cold‐sensitive larval arrests and defective muscle structure and gonad migration and contraction. Our study suggests that the conserved NPXY and TT motifs play important roles in the tissue‐specific function of integrin. Developmental Dynamics 239:763–772, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On Reconstructing 3 D Feature Boundaries

Raw point data collected by 3D scanning techniques are usually rendered by building an interpolating robust polygonal mesh. This approach is accurate and fast but provides no means for large scale subsequent modifications. Only local interactive or non-interactive tools are provided that are usually targeted to correcting small imperfections and eliminating noise effects. CAD applications require robust and editable CAD models to support processes such as reproduction, design modification and redesign. In this paper we present a curve approximation method used in a feature-based approach to building feature-based CAD models from 3D point clouds. This approach is based on discovering features on the point cloud by detecting local changes in the morphology of the point cloud. This results in a number of regions that represent object features. The boundaries of the features are approximated by a collection of piecewise cubic rational Bezier curves that best fit the detected border point cloud and are G1 continuous.
Characterization of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis native haptens as outer membrane O-type polysaccharides independent from the smooth lipopolysaccharide

Brucella native haptens (NHs) extracted with hot water from smooth (S)-type B. abortus and B. melitensis were purified to high levels of serological activity and compared with the polysaccharide obtained by acid hydrolysis (PS) of the S lipopolysaccharide (S-LPS). By 13C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, NHs showed the spectrum of a homopolymer of alpha-1,2- or alpha-1,2- plus alpha-1,3-linked 4-formamido-4,6-dideoxy-D-mannose (N-formylperosamine) previously reported for the LPS O chain. However, while PS contained up to 0.6% 3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosonate, this LPS-core marker was absent from NH. High performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography showed heterogeneity in NH purified from whole cells but not in PS. By immunoprecipitation, polysaccharides indistinguishable from NH were demonstrated in extracts obtained with phenol-water, saline at 60 degrees C, and ether-water treatments, and none of these treatments caused S-LPS hydrolysis detectable with antibodies to the O chain and lipid A. Two lines of evidence showed that NH was in the cell surface. First, NH became biotinylated when B. abortus live cells were labelled with biotin-hydrazide, and the examination of cell fractions and electron microscopy sections with streptavidin-peroxidase and streptavidin-coloidal gold, respectively, showed that labelling was extrinsic. Moreover, whereas only traces of NH were found in cytosols, the amount of NH was enriched in cell envelopes and in the outer membrane blebs spontaneously released by brucellae during growth. Interactions between NH and S-LPS were observed in crude cell extracts, and such interactions could be reconstituted by using purified NH and LPS. The results demonstrate that NH is not a hydrolytic product of S-LPS and suggest a model in which LPS-independent O-type polysaccharides (NH) are intertwined with the O chain in the outer membrane of S-type brucellae.
Subglottic Secretion Drainage and Objective Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective:Current guidelines recommend endotracheal tubes with subglottic secretion drainage to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Subglottic secretion drainage is associated with fewer ventilator-associated pneumonia diagnoses, but it is unclear to what extent this reflects fewer invasive pneumonias versus fewer false-positive diagnoses due to less secretions and/or less microbial colonization of the oropharynx. We, therefore, undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of subglottic secretion drainage on duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay, ventilator-associated events, mortality, antibiotic utilization, stridor, and reintubations to better understand the net benefits and limitations of this intervention. Data Sources:We searched Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica Database, and PubMed from inception through February 22, 2015, without language restrictions. Study Selection:Randomized controlled trials comparing subglottic secretion drainage versus no subglottic secretion drainage in adult patients on mechanical ventilation. Data Extraction:Eligible trials were abstracted and assessed for risk of bias by two reviewers. Data Synthesis:We identified 17 eligible trials with a total of 3,369 patients. Subglottic secretion drainage was associated with lower ventilator-associated pneumonia rates (risk ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.51–0.67; I2 = 0%), but there were no significant differences between groups in duration of mechanical ventilation (weighted mean difference, −0.16 d; 95% CI, −0.64 to 0.33; I2 = 0%), ICU length of stay (weighted mean difference, +0.17 d; 95% CI, −0.62 to 0.95; I2 = 0%), hospital length of stay (weighted mean difference, −0.57 d; 95% CI, −2.44 to 1.30; I2 = 0%), ventilator-associated events (risk ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.65–1.43), or mortality (risk ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84–1.03; I2 = 0%). Two studies observed significantly less antibiotic use with subglottic secretion drainage whereas a third did not. There were no significant differences between groups in stridor or reintubations. Conclusions:Subglottic secretion drainage is associated with lower ventilator-associated pneumonia rates but does not clearly decrease duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay, ventilator-associated events, mortality, or antibiotic usage. Further data are required to demonstrate the benefits of subglottic secretion drainage.
Effectiveness of alternative listening devices to conventional hearing aids for adults with hearing loss: a systematic review protocol

Introduction Hearing loss is a major public health concern, affecting over 11 million people in the UK. While hearing aids are the most common clinical intervention for hearing loss, the majority of people that would benefit from using hearing aids do not take them up. Recent technological advances have led to a rapid increase of alternative listening devices to conventional hearing aids. These include hearing aids that can be customised using a smartphone, smartphone-based ‘hearing aid’ apps, personal sound amplification products and wireless hearing products. However, no systematic review has been published evaluating whether alternative listening devices are an effective management strategy for people with hearing loss. Methods and analysis The objective of this systematic review is to assess whether alternative listening devices are an effective intervention for adults with hearing loss. Methods are reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 checklist. Retrospective or prospective studies, randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials, and before-after comparison studies will be eligible for inclusion. We will include studies with adult participants (≥18 years) with a mild or moderate hearing loss. The intervention should be an alternative listening device to a conventional hearing aid (comparison). Studies will be restricted to outcomes associated with the consequences of hearing loss. We will search relevant databases to identify published, completed but unpublished and ongoing trials. The overall quality of included evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE system, and meta-analysis performed if appropriate. Ethics and dissemination No ethical issues are foreseen. The findings will be reported at national and international conferences, primarily audiology, and ear, nose and throat, and in a peer-reviewed journal using the PRISMA guidelines. Review registration number PROSPERO CRD4201502958.
Vers un modèle théorique du transfert : les contraintes à respecter

Cet article releve differentes contraintes requises pour l'elaboration d'un modele theorique du transfert, contraintes eventuellement sous-jacentes a des interventions pedagogiques plus efficaces. Deux principes sont d'abord formules: a) le transfert constitue un processus economique et adaptatif qui permet au systeme cognitif de contourner certaines de ses limites; b) le transfert s'inscrit dans une demarche de resolution de probleme dirigee selon une structure de buts. L'autrice examine ensuite les principaux courants theoriques concernant le transfert, dont le concept de similarite et l'articulation des divers sous-processus du transfert (acces aux connaissances anterieures, mise en correspondance, evaluation, adaptation). L'article prend fin en soulignant l'interet des recherches sur la categorisation et sur le raisonnement par cas comme moyens d'approfondissement des mecanismes facilitant l'accessibilite et l'adaptation.