Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The heterogenous integration of GaN thin-film metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors onto silicon

The heterogeneous integration of GaN thin-film metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors onto a host substrate of SiO/sub 2/-Si is reported. Thin-film GaN photodetectors were separated from the lithium gallate (LiGaO/sub 2/) growth substrate using selective etching, and contact bonded onto a SiO/sub 2/-Si host substrate. The thin-film MSMs exhibited a dark current of 13.36 pA and an UV photoresponse at 308 nm of 0.11 A/W at a reverse bias voltage of 20 V. This first demonstration of GaN thin-film device integration onto SiO/sub 2/-Si using a low-temperature integration process, combined with the advances in GaN material quality on LiGaO/sub 2/ substrates, enables the integration of GaN devices with Si circuitry for heterogeneously integrated systems.
From Structure Prediction to Genomic Screens for Novel Non-Coding RNAs

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are receiving more and more attention not only as an abundant class of genes, but also as regulatory structural elements (some located in mRNAs). A key feature of RNA function is its structure. Computational methods were developed early for folding and prediction of RNA structure with the aim of assisting in functional analysis. With the discovery of more and more ncRNAs, it has become clear that a large fraction of these are highly structured. Interestingly, a large part of the structure is comprised of regular Watson-Crick and GU wobble base pairs. This and the increased amount of available genomes have made it possible to employ structure-based methods for genomic screens. The field has moved from folding prediction of single sequences to computational screens for ncRNAs in genomic sequence using the RNA structure as the main characteristic feature. Whereas early methods focused on energy-directed folding of single sequences, comparative analysis based on structure preserving changes of base pairs has been efficient in improving accuracy, and today this constitutes a key component in genomic screens. Here, we cover the basic principles of RNA folding and touch upon some of the concepts in current methods that have been applied in genomic screens for de novo RNA structures in searches for novel ncRNA genes and regulatory RNA structure on mRNAs. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the different strategies and how they can complement each other.
Construction of Biorthogonal Discrete Wavelet Transforms Using Interpolatory Splines

Abstract We present a new family of biorthogonal wavelet and wavelet packet transforms for discrete periodic signals and a related library of biorthogonal periodic symmetric waveforms. The construction is based on the superconvergence property of the interpolatory polynomial splines of even degrees. The construction of the transforms is performed in a “lifting” manner that allows more efficient implementation and provides tools for custom design of the filters and wavelets. As is common in lifting schemes, the computations can be carried out “in place” and the inverse transform is performed in a reverse order. The difference with the conventional lifting scheme is that all the transforms are implemented in the frequency domain with the use of the fast Fourier transform. Our algorithm allows a stable construction of filters with many vanishing moments. The computational complexity of the algorithm is comparable with the complexity of the standard wavelet transform. Our scheme is based on interpolation and, as such, it involves only samples of signals and it does not require any use of quadrature formulas. In addition, these filters yield perfect frequency resolution.
Haptic simulator for training of Total Knee Replacement

This paper presents a novel orthopaedic surgery simulator, capable of analyzing, processing and displaying medical images. These newly added capabilities allows the reconstruction of multiple three-dimensional models, and their integration into a virtual environment. The main contribution of this work is the developement of a new mixed graphical model (surface and volumetric) that allows simulation of bone machining in real time.
Fabric manipulation utilizing contacts with the environment

This paper presents a method of fabric manipulation utilizing contacts with rigid environment. During its manipulation, the fabric can be replaced and deformed favorably by the contacts. We first show that a single-handed manipulator can deal with a rectangular piece of fabric by utilizing the environment. We discuss in detail a motion involving placing, one of the basic tasks in fabric manipulation. We also describe a wiping motion, involving ways to deform and replace fabrics, as an application of fabric manipulations utilizing contacts with rigid environment.
Real-time Rendering of Enhanced Shallow Water Fluid Simulations

The visualization of simulated fluids is critical to understand their motion, with certain light effects restricted or with added computational complexity in the implementation if real-time simulation is required. We propose some techniques that improve the rendering quality of an enhanced shallow waters simulation. To improve the overall appeal of the fluid representation, lower scale details are added to the fluid, coupling external non-physical simulations, and advecting generated surface foam. We simulate caustics by raytracing photons in light and screen-space, and apply refraction and reflections also in screen-space, through a number of render passes. Finally, it is shown how a reasonably sized fluid simulation is executed and rendered at interactive framerates with consumer-level hardware.
Three-Dimensional Gesture Tracking Algorithm Based on Microstructure of Hand Motion

Aiming at describing human hand 3D tracking from a new perspective and reducing the time cost of hand motion tracking, a novel model-based approach to 3D hand tracking from single camera is presented. First of all this paper introduces the hand model and the virtual platform based on data glove as the basic conditions of microstructure research. Then, the basic concept of microstructure of hand motion is proposed. By applying microstructure of hand motion to exploring hand state prediction, the microstructure in the process of grasping an object is emphatically described. Finally, a human hand 3D tracking algorithm based on microstructure of hand motion is put forward. The main innovation of the algorithm is to avoid our algorithm excessively relying on the dynamic model forecast. By predicting the current state on the whole grasping process with microstructure, rather than predicting the current state on a few frames before, the proposed algorithm can sample on the most likely particles. This method avoids impossible or less likely particles as far as possible. In order to validate validity and performance of the algorithm, a great deal of experiments are completed. The results show that, compared with the particle filter (PF) gesture tracking algorithm, the proposed algorithm has low time cost.
Minimizing staircase errors in the orthogonal layered manufacturing system

The factors that generally affect the slicing error in layered manufacturing (LM) processes are first analyzed, and issues pertaining to the current methods to deal with the slicing error are discussed in this paper. A method based on a recently developed and implemented orthogonal LM system to reduce the overall slicing error is presented. In this method, the flat region is separated from the stereolithography (STL) model and different processing methods are applied to the different areas in the part geometry. In addition, the mathematical model for calculating the slicing error is derived and an approach based on a genetic algorithm has been developed to optimize the build orientation in terms of minimizing the slicing error. Case studies are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the method. Note to Practitioner-The staircase effect has been the major concern for industry to widely adopt rapid prototyping technologies. It will not only worsen the surface quality but also create errors on the parts built. This paper introduces a novel approach to minimizing staircase errors based on a multidirectional deposition approach. A mathematical method combined with a generic algorithm is used to minimize the slicing errors. From the case study given, the approach has been proven to be effective in minimizing staircase errors and thus improving the rapid prototyping (RP) built part quality.
A data-driven approach for sensor fault diagnosis in gearbox of wind energy conversion system

Due to the increase in worldwide energy demand, wind energy technology has been developed rapidly over the past years. With a fast growing of wind power installed capacity, an efficient monitoring system for wind energy conversion system (WEC) is required to ensure operational reliability, high availability of energy production and at the same time reduce operating and maintenance (O&M) costs. The state of the art methodologies for WEC condition monitoring are signal analysis, observer-based approach, neural networks, etc. In this paper, an effective and easy adaptable multivariate data-driven method for wind turbine monitoring and fault diagnosis is introduced, which consists of three parts: 1) off-line training process 2) on-line monitoring phase 3) on-line diagnosis phase. The performance of this method is validated for detection of sensor abnormalities that have occurred in real wind turbines.
The Returns to Education: A Review of the Macro-Economic Literature

Average schooling in US states is highly correlated with state wage levels, even after controll ing for the direct effect of schooling on individual wages. We use an instrumental variables strategy to determine whether this relationship is driven by social returns to education. The instruments for average schooling are derived from information on the child labor laws and compulsory attendance laws that affected men in our Census samples, while quarter of birth is used as an instrument for individual schooling. This results in precisely est imated private returns to education of about 7 percent, and small social returns, typically less than 1 percent, that are not significantly different from zero.
Disruption of Chtf18 Causes Defective Meiotic Recombination in Male Mice

CHTF18 (chromosome transmission fidelity factor 18) is an evolutionarily conserved subunit of the Replication Factor C-like complex, CTF18-RLC. CHTF18 is necessary for the faithful passage of chromosomes from one daughter cell to the next during mitosis in yeast, and it is crucial for germline development in the fruitfly. Previously, we showed that mouse Chtf18 is expressed throughout the germline, suggesting a role for CHTF18 in mammalian gametogenesis. To determine the role of CHTF18 in mammalian germ cell development, we derived mice carrying null and conditional mutations in the Chtf18 gene. Chtf18-null males exhibit 5-fold decreased sperm concentrations compared to wild-type controls, resulting in subfertility. Loss of Chtf18 results in impaired spermatogenesis; spermatogenic cells display abnormal morphology, and the stereotypical arrangement of cells within seminiferous tubules is perturbed. Meiotic recombination is defective and homologous chromosomes separate prematurely during prophase I. Repair of DNA double-strand breaks is delayed and incomplete; both RAD51 and γH2AX persist in prophase I. In addition, MLH1 foci are decreased in pachynema. These findings demonstrate essential roles for CHTF18 in mammalian spermatogenesis and meiosis, and suggest that CHTF18 may function during the double-strand break repair pathway to promote the formation of crossovers.
Explicit Method to Optimize Surface Mesh Quality

In this paper, we introduce a novel technique to improve surface mesh quality while maintaining all essential surface characteristics. In contrast to previous methods we do not constrain node movement to the underlying discrete surface. Instead our approach allows keeping resultant mesh very close to the surface approximated by the original mesh. Proposed method is explicit, that is we do not need any parameterization of the original mesh. All operations are performed directly on the surface. As a result our technique is robust and runs at interactive speeds. Several quantitative measures and error-metrics are presented to prove the effectiveness of proposed technique and compare it with the previous approaches. Key-Words: Surface mesh quality, surface characteristics, error-metrics
Post-silicon Resource Binding Customization for Low Power

In this paper, we propose the first method for post-silicon customization of resource binding for low power application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) design. We devise and implement a new synthesis framework that generates a diverse set of resource binding candidates where any one of the candidates could be selected post-silicon. Orthogonal arrays are used to construct multiple candidates with diversified resource usage patterns. We tune the resource usage to match the unique power characteristic of each IC by selecting the best binding candidate that minimizes the pertinent chip’s power consumption. We show efficient methods for embedding multiple binding candidates inside one design. Experimental evaluations on benchmark circuits demonstrate the effectiveness and low overhead of the proposed methods. For example, our post-silicon tuning achieves an average of 10% power savings on the benchmark circuits for variations present in 45nm technology. The power savings of post-silicon binding customization are expected to increase with scaling and miniaturization of CMOS feature sizes that inherently incur higher variations.
A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy influenced approach to deliver employability effectively to Undergraduate Information Systems students - an IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis) study

Research literature highlights a gap in the provision of degree programmes being offered to students in relation to the skill set that is needed by employers. To bridge this gap universities need to seek an alternative approach to teaching and learning that is educationally credible, yet addresses the needs of the employability agenda. The aim of this research is to develop a capability model for HE teaching and learning, in the first instance, for Information Systems undergraduate students that embeds CBT tools and techniques into a modified constructivist curriculum studied by those students. The model successfully embeds PDP and employability as an integral part of the degree experience for those students at Northumbria University. The teaching approach is influenced by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) as part of this innovative teaching model, developed from existing and emerging educational psychology. The study explores the relationships, the dialogue and perceptions, between staff and students and investigates the student experience relating to their self-efficacy and self-actualisation during that period, with a particular emphasis on employability skills and attributes. The research employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with data collected from six purposively selected participants. The data is qualitative and adheres to IPA methodology protocols resulting in a holistic understanding of the students’ perceptions and behavioural practices. The results demonstrate the importance for academia to consider the individual differences and learning styles of their students in relation to the programme design and delivery methods. Analysis of the data reinforces the shift required in the curriculum framework in order to influence the employability skills and ‘graduate attributes’ of the students. The findings provide institutions with a research rich approach to deliver high quality degree programmes that will ensure the future proofing and validity of the provision. Specific attention is focussed on a new approach to teaching – PEDaLL (Personal, Employability, Development and Lifelong Learning) - that Higher Education Institutions can use to influence policy and reshape organisational culture. Furthermore, this research contributes to meaningful staff development for educators, the embedding of employability within programmes and addressing the requirements of the student Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR).
miR-203 and miR-320 Regulate Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2-Induced Osteoblast Differentiation by Targeting Distal-Less Homeobox 5 (Dlx5)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small, non-coding RNAs (17–24 nucleotides), which regulate gene expression either by the degradation of the target mRNAs or inhibiting the translation of genes. Recent studies have indicated that miRNA plays an important role in regulating osteoblast differentiation. In this study, we identified miR-203 and miR-320b as important miRNAs modulating osteoblast differentiation. We identified Dlx5 as potential common target by prediction algorithms and confirmed this by knock-down and over expression of the miRNAs and assessing Dlx5 at mRNA and protein levels and specificity was verified by luciferase reporter assays. We examined the effect of miR-203 and miR-320b on osteoblast differentiation by transfecting with pre- and anti-miRs. Over-expression of miR-203 and miR-320b inhibited osteoblast differentiation, whereas inhibition of miR-203 and miR-320b stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization. We show that miR-203 and miR-320b negatively regulate BMP-2-induced osteoblast differentiation by suppressing Dlx5, which in turn suppresses the downstream osteogenic master transcription factor Runx2 and Osx and together they suppress osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, we propose a role for miR-203 and miR-320b in modulating bone metabolism.
Online engagement and well-being at higher education institutes: A German case study

Society is increasingly mirrored in the digital sphere. Unknown is how well this maps back in real-life aspects like the feeling of well-being or community engagement. Our tool `BeWell@KIT' was employed to parse 140 Facebook pages comprising the online social media presence of a large public German university. Discourse attributes are established and investigated to identify the interaction between digital discourse and real-world events. We find evidence of critical system-wide events directly impacting the expressed well-being and engagement of the community, while also displaying an uptick in the psychological concepts `belongingness' and `resilience. ' Our study indicates that digital expressions of well-being support the healthy functioning of the community at large.
Fortification of alcoholic beverages (12% v/v) with tea (Camellia sinensis) reduces harmful effects of alcohol ingestion and metabolism in mouse model

Background An animal model was used to study the health benefits inherent in tea fortified alcoholic beverages fed to laboratory mice. Objectives An investigation of the effects of tea fortified alcoholic beverages 12% alcohol (v/v) on antioxidant capacity and liver dysfunction indicators in white Swiss mice including packed cell volume (PCV), albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glutathione (GSH) was carried out. Methods Plain, black, green and purple tea fortified alcohols were developed with varying tea concentrations of 1, 2 and 4 g/250 mL in 12% v/v. Control alcoholic beverages without teas were also developed. A permit (number IRC/13/12) was obtained for the animal research from the National Museums of Kenya, Institute of Primate Research prior to the start of the study. Alcoholic beverages were orally administered every 2 days for 4 weeks at 1 mL per mouse, and thereafter animals were euthanised and liver and blood samples harvested for analyses. Assays on body weight (bwt), packed cell volume (PCV) albumin, total protein, ALP and GSH were performed. Results were statistically analysed using GraphPad statistical package and significant differences of means of various treatments determined. Results Consumption of tea fortified alcohols significantly decreased (p=0.0001) bwt at 0.32–9.58% and PCV at 5.56–22.75% for all teas. Total protein in serum and liver of mice fed on different tea fortified alcohols ranged between 6.26 and 9.24 g/dL and 2.14 and 4.02 g/dL, respectively. Albumin, ALP and GSH range was 0.92–2.88 µg/L, 314.98–473.80 µg/L and 17.88–28.62 µM, respectively. Fortification of alcoholic beverages lowered liver ALP, replenished antioxidants and increased liver albumin, improving the nutritional status of the mice. Conclusions The findings demonstrate tea's hepatoprotective mechanisms against alcohol-induced injury through promotion of endogenous antioxidants. The beneficial effects of tea in the fortified alcoholic beverages could be used to develop safer alcoholic beverages.
Clinical comparison of tympanic membrane displacement with invasive intracranial pressure measurements

A non-invasive method of assessing intracranial pressure (ICP) would be of benefit to patients with abnormal cerebral pathology that could give rise to changes in ICP. In particular, it would assist the regular monitoring of hydrocephalus patients. This study evaluated a technique using tympanic membrane displacement (TMD) measurements, which has been reported to provide a reliable, non-invasive measure of ICP. A group of 135 hydrocephalus patients was studied, as well as 13 patients with benign intracranial hypertension and a control group of 77 volunteers. TMD measurements were carried out using the Marchbanks measurement system analyser and compared between the groups. In 36 patients, invasive measurements of ICP carried out at the same time were compared with the TMD values. A highly significant relationship was found between TMD and ICP but intersubject variability was high and the predictive value of the technique low. Taking the normal range of ICP to be 10–15 mmHg, the predictive limits of the regression are an order of magnitude wider than this and therefore Vm cannot be used as a surrogate for ICP. In conclusion, TMD measurements do not provide a reliable non-invasive measure of ICP in patients with shunted hydrocephalus.
Perceived Competence and Physical Activity in Older Adults

The association between older adults’ self-perceived physical competence and continued involvement in physical activity (PA) was examined. Seventy-two older adults (60–79 years) completed the Physical Self Perception Profile (PSPP; Fox and Corbin, 1989) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess the relationship between physical self-perception and various dose responses in PA participation (vigorous, moderate, walking, inactive/sitting levels). Results indicated a positive correlation between all subscales of the PSPP and both moderate exercise and vigorous exercise. In addition, Sport, Body, and Strength were positively correlated with walking. Age (60–69 vs. 70–79 years) and gender, however, were found to modify those relationships. Mann Whitney University tests revealed that participants in the younger grouping were significantly more likely to spend a greater amount of time walking than those in the older adult grouping. Moreover, males were significantly more likely to participate in vigorous exercise and reported a higher perception of sports competence than their female counterparts. The results of this study suggest that perceived competence be assessed during pre-exercise screening in order to customize exercise programs that will increase the likelihood of continued PA engagement.