Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
225–280 GHz receiver for rotational spectroscopy

A fully integrated CMOS receiver for mm-wave rotational spectroscopy is demonstrated. The receiver consists of a sub-harmonic mixer based receiving front-end which down-converts 225-280 GHz RF input to 20 GHz intermediate frequency, a 20-GHz AM demodulator followed by a baseband buffer amplifier, and an 122-139 GHz local oscillator chain which is comprised of a frequency quadrupler and a driver amplifier. The receiver exhibits responsivity of 400-1200 kV/W and noise equivalent power of 0.4 to 1.2 pW/√Hz from 225 to 280 GHz. Detection of ethanol, propionitrile (EtCN), acetonitrile (CH3CN) and acetone in a mixture is demonstrated using the receiver in a rotational spectrometer setup. This is the first demonstration that a CMOS receiver can be used for rotational spectroscopy and that a CMOS circuit can support an existing application at frequencies above 200 GHz.
Automated activity detection as a pre-processing stage of video camera feeds

Abstract In this paper, we describe a simple but effective and fast video activity detection algorithm to provide an efficient pre-processing tool for video camera feeds. It also presents a range of applications, including post-production of TV camera video streams, analysis of surveillance videos, visual scene classification and camera control for automated recordings. Given a video sequence, our algorithm detects moving pixels by modelling their differences in Gaussian distribution through online estimation of their statistics to determine an adaptive threshold for final classification of active or static scenes. The originality of our contribution can be highlighted as: a powerful activity detection tool inside videos to facilitate efficient visual content analysis; online estimation of statistics and adaptive determination of a threshold for automated classification of active or static scenes. Extensive testing supports that the proposed algorithm achieves excellent performances.
Limiting the propagation of localization errors in multi-hop wireless network

This paper concerns a study of the process of localizing the nodes of a multi-hop wireless networks, i.e., of having the node computing their coordinates with 'respect to a suitable reference system. We consider networks where the nodes perform measurements of distance and angle of arrival from nodes within their transmission radius. We describe a simple localization protocol, termed range-based centroid (RBC), that starting from a single node (the beacon) with given coordinates localizes all the network nodes with reasonable accuracy. We then propose a new localization protocol that achieves greater accuracy by containing the propagation of the localization error as the process progresses away from the beacon. We quantify the improvements of the proposed protocol, termed MEC2 (for minimum enclosing circle containment) by simulations. In the considered scenarios, MEC2 keeps the localization error within 21% of the nodes' transmission radius, with 20-30% improvements over RBC
Erim Report Series Research in Management Spatial Structure and Productivity in U.s. Metropolitan Areas Spatial Structure and Productivity in U.s. Metropolitan Areas Spatial Structure and Productivity in U.s. Metropolitan Areas

AND KEYWORDS Abstract Recent concepts as megaregions and polycentric urban regions emphasize that external economies are not confined to a single urban core, but shared among a collection of close-by and linked cities. However, empirical analyses of agglomeration and agglomeration externalities so-far neglects the multicentric spatial organization of agglomeration and the possibility of 'sharing' or 'borrowing' of size between cities. This paper takes up this empirical challenge by analyzing how different spatial structures, in particular the monocentricity – polycentricity dimension, affect the economic performance of U.S. metropolitan areas. OLS and 2SLS models explaining labor productivity show that spatial structure matters. Polycentricity is associated with higher labor productivity. This appears to justify suggestions that, compared to relatively monocentric metropolitan areas, agglomeration diseconomies remain relatively limited in the more polycentric metropolitan areas, while agglomeration externalities are indeed to some extent shared among the cities in such an area. However, it was also found that a network of geographically proximate smaller cities cannot provide a substitute for the urbanization externalities of a single large city. Availability The ERIM Report Series is distributed through the following platforms: Classifications The electronic versions of the papers in the ERIM report Series contain bibliographic metadata by the following classification systems: Abstract Recent concepts as megaregions and polycentric urban regions emphasize that external economies are not confined to a single urban core, but shared among a collection of close-by and linked cities. However, empirical analyses of agglomeration and agglomeration externalities so-far neglects the multicentric spatial organization of agglomeration and the possibility of 'sharing' or 'borrowing' of size between cities. This paper takes up this empirical challenge by analyzing how different spatial structures, in particular the monocentricity – polycentricity dimension, affect the economic performance of U.S. metropolitan areas. OLS and 2SLS models explaining labor productivity show that spatial structure matters. Polycentricity is associated with higher labor productivity. This appears to justify suggestions that, compared to relatively monocentric metropolitan areas, agglomeration diseconomies remain relatively limited in the more polycentric metropolitan areas, while agglomeration externalities are indeed to some extent shared among the cities in such an area. However, it was also found that a network of geographically proximate smaller cities cannot provide a substitute for the urbanization externalities of a single large city. Acknowledgement Evert Meijers wishes to thank the funding provided by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The paper has benefited from well thought-out comments by Nick …
Modeling Non-Verbal Behavior in Multimodal Conversational Systems (Modellierung nicht-verbalen Verhaltens in Multimodalen Dialogsystemen)

Summary Non-verbal behavior is an integral part of conversational dialog. When people engage in dialogue they utilize non-verbal behavior both to structure the flow of the conversation as well as to provide feedback about their current understanding of the discourse while the other one is speaking. In this article, we investigate the function of non-verbal behavior and show how it is integrated into a discourse model used within a conversational dialogue system.
Extending the Hybridization of Metaheuristics with Data Mining to a Broader Domain

The incorporation of data mining techniques into metaheuristics has been efficiently adopted to solve several optimization problems. Nevertheless, we observe in the literature that this hybridization has been limited to problems for which the solutions are characterized for sets of elements. In this work, we develop a hybrid data mining metaheuristic based on GRASP and VND to solve the one-commodity pickup-and-delivery traveling salesman, a problem for which solutions are defined by sequences of elements. This way, we extend the domain of combinatorial optimization problems which can benefit from the combination of data mining and metaheuristic. Computational experiments showed that this hybridization with data mining process improves the pure algorithm both in average quality of solution and execution time.
Event Related Networks: On the Time-varying Small-World Topology of Functional Brain Networks

In recent years, different techniques have been used to study the topology of the functional brain networks. Nevertheless, only time-independent networks from long periods of brain activity have been reported. Here we propose a novel approach that allows to represent the evolution of the topologies in the time-frequency space: the Event Related Networks (ERN). Based in the traditional scheme used to study the event related potentials, the ERN framework allows to analyze the reconfigurations underwent by the brain networks as a response to external stimuli. Applied over a visual stimulus paradigm, it shows how the brain networks vary their functional connectivity in time and frequency, while maintaining their small-world structure. We consider that our approach provides a new methodology to elucidate the role of connectivity patterns over the ongoing brain dynamics.
Firm Size and Growth in the United Kingdom Life Insurance Industry

This study tests whether the organic growth rates of United Kingdom (UK) life insurance firms are independent of size, as predicted by Gibrat's (1931) Law of Proportionate Effects. Using data for 1987-1996 and the three subperiods, 1987-1990, 1990-1993, and 1993-1996, we find that smaller life insurance firms tended to grow faster than larger ones in the 1987-1990 period and that larger life insurers tended to grow faster than smaller ones in the 1990-1993 and 1993-1996 periods. But over the ten-year period, we find no significant difference between the growth rates of small and large firms, thus supporting Gibrat's Law as a long-run tendency in the UK life insurance industry. When we examine firm-specific determinants of asset growth, we find evidence in 1987-1996 and 1987-1990 that more diversified life insurance firms experienced higher growth rates on average than more specialized life insurers. We also find that the growth of life insurance firms was related to input costs during the 1990-1993 and 1993-1996 subperiods.
The impact of market competition and budgetary participation on performance and job satisfaction: Evidence from the Australian banking and financial services sectors

This paper examines the impact of the intensity of market competition and budgetary participation on performance and job satisfaction. The responses of 77 senior managers, drawn from a cross-section of Australian banking and financial services sectors, to a questionnaire survey were analyzed by using a multiple regression technique. The results showed that the higher the intensity of market competition, the more positive is the relationship between budgetary participation and performance and job satisfaction.
TPS46, a Rice Terpene Synthase Conferring Natural Resistance to Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus)

Plant terpene synthases (TPSs) are key enzymes responsible for terpene biosynthesis, and can play important roles in defense against herbivore attack. In rice, the protein sequence of TPS46 was most closely related to maize TPS10. However, unlike maize tps10, tps46 was also constitutively expressed in rice even in the absence of herbivore attack. Potential roles or constitutive emissions of specific volatiles may due to the constitutive expressions of tps46 in rice. Therefore, in the present study, RNA interference (Ri) and overexpression (Oe) rice lines were generated to investigate the potential function of TPS46 in Oryza sativa sp. japonica. Interestingly, the rice plants become more susceptible to Rhopalosiphum padi when expression of tps46 was silenced compared with Wt in greenhouse conditions. Artificial infestation bioassays further confirmed that Ri rice lines were susceptible to R. padi, whereas Oe rice lines were repellent to R. padi. Based on GC-MS and ToF-MS analysis, a total of eight volatile products catalyzed by TPS46 in rice were identified. Among them, only limonene and Eβf could be detected in all the Ri, Oe, and Wt lines, whereas other six volatiles were only found in the blend of volatiles from Oe lines. Moreover, the amount of constitutive limonene and Eβf in the Ri lines was significantly lower than in Wt lines, while the amounts of these two volatiles in the Oe line were obviously higher than in control rice. Our data suggested that the constitutive emissions of Eβf and limonene regulated by the constitutive expression of tps46 may play a crucial role in rice defense against R. padi. Consequently, tps46 could be a potential target gene to be employed for improving the resistance of plants to aphids.
How do you know what works, works for you? An investigation into the attitudes of senior leaders to using research evidence to inform teaching and learning in schools

ABSTRACT Improving performance is a high stakes undertaking for schools who are operating within highly prescriptive testing and inspection regimes and a dynamic policy environment requiring Senior Leaders to be innovative and well-informed regarding best practice both nationally and internationally. In this context there can be a tendency to fall back on the ‘what works’ rhetoric often involving initiatives which, whilst popular with practitioners, may not be based on solid research findings (Biesta, 2007. “Why ‘What Works’ Won’t Work: Evidence-Based Practice and the Democratic Deficit in Educational Research.” Educational Theory 57 (1): 1–22). The introduction of teaching schools with a commitment to developing evidence based practice requires an engagement with educational research to give strategies evidential authority. This project examines the situation currently in five secondary and five primary schools in the North West of England. Data was collected using one to one semi-structured interviews from Senior Leaders (n10) in order to discover how they access knowledge to develop both policy and professional learning in their schools. It was evident in some cases that the concept of developing professional learning networks for teachers was one to which senior leaders were committed, however there was also evidence that the work of these networks did not systematically involve the use of research evidence to inform professional learning and development.
Exploring the public stigma of substance use disorder through community-based participatory research

Abstract Background: In their 2016 report, the National Academy of Sciences identified that the existing literature on the stigma of substance use disorder (SUD) is sparse compared to the stigma of mental illness. Methods: This study utilizes a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to identify stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination of SUD from the perspectives of important stakeholders such as current users, former users, family members, and service providers. Results: Findings from twelve focus groups (n = 99) revealed a total of 66 stigma themes. Stereotype themes for people with SUD included dangerous, self-destructive, and no job potential. Themes for prejudice included fear, pity, confusion, and indifference. Themes for discrimination included avoidance, being suspicious, and drug testing. Conclusion: Thematic analyzes revealed that the stigma of SUD shares similarities with the stigma of mental illness, but important differences exist. Among these differences are criminal stereotypes, subtle prejudice such as curiosity, and discrimination through drug testing. Implications for future research are discussed.
A Combination Polymorphism of the Glutathione Synthesis Genes can be a Predictive Biomarker for Anti-Tuberculosis Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Japanese Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: To identify certain genes related to anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) for Japanese patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), we examined an association study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes in glutathione synthesis with susceptibility to ATDH. Method: We studied 100 TB patients treated with anti-TB drugs. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of 17 tag SNPs in 3 genes between TB patients with and without ATDH were compared by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test in three different inheritance models. A genetic testing was carried out using a single or combination of the associated SNP(s) as a biomarker. Results: Statistical analyses indicated that a C/C genotype of rs553822 in glutamate cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit (GCLC) and an A/T or T/T genotype of rs12140446 in glutamate cysteine ligase, modifier subunit (GCLM) independently contributed to susceptibility to ATDH. Genetic testing showed that the TB patients without these polymorphisms of GCLC and GCLM could safely be treated with anti-TB drugs on the basis of the higher value for the specificity and negative predictive value. Conclusion: GCLC and GCLM are ATDH-related genes and may be useful as a new biomarker to predict the high-risk TB patients susceptible to ATDH.
Thermophilic potentially pathogenic amoebae isolated from natural water bodies in Poland and their molecular characterization

The free-living amoebae (FLA) may live in the environment and also within other organisms as parasites and then they are called amphizoic. They are potentially pathogenic for humans and animals and are found in water that is a source of infection. The aim of this study was molecular detection and identification of these FLA in natural water bodies in North-Western Poland to evaluate the risk of the pathogenic amoebae infections. We examined surface water samples collected from 50 sites and first, the tolerance thermic test was performed in order to select thermophilic, potentially pathogenic strains. For molecular identification of FLA, regions of 18S rDNA, 16S rDNA and intergenic spacers were amplified. Acanthamoeba T4 and T16 genotypes of 18S rDNA gene and 18S rDNA of H. vermiformis were detected. We identified two variants of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype, two variants of Acanthamoeba T16 genotype and one variant of H. vermiformis. Identification of the T16 genotype and H. vermiformis in water was for the first time in Poland. Additionally, we made attempts to adapt the RLB method for detection and differentiation of FLA species and strains. PCR seems to be more sensitive than RLB hybridization, though.
Hydroxyl-radical-induced oxidation of 5-methylcytosine in isolated and cellular DNA

The methylation and oxidative demethylation of cytosine in CpG dinucleotides plays a critical role in the regulation of genes during cell differentiation, embryogenesis and carcinogenesis. Despite its low abundance, 5-methylcytosine (5mC) is a hotspot for mutations in mammalian cells. Here, we measured five oxidation products of 5mC together with the analogous products of cytosine and thymine in DNA exposed to ionizing radiation in oxygenated aqueous solution. The products can be divided into those that arise from hydroxyl radical (•OH) addition at the 5,6-double bond of 5mC (glycol, hydantoin and imidazolidine products) and those that arise from H-atom abstraction from the methyl group of 5mC including 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and 5-formylcytosine (5fC). Based on the analysis of these products, we show that the total damage at 5mC is about 2-fold greater than that at C in identical sequences. The formation of hydantoin products of 5mC is favored, compared to analogous reactions of thymine and cytosine, which favor the formation of glycol products. The distribution of oxidation products is sequence dependent in specific ODN duplexes. In the case of 5mC, the formation of 5hmC and 5fC represents about half of the total of •OH-induced oxidation products of 5mC. Several products of thymine, cytosine, 5mC, as well as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8oxoG), were also estimated in irradiated cells.
Silica-Triggered Autoimmunity in Lupus-Prone Mice Blocked by Docosahexaenoic Acid Consumption

Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (cSiO2, quartz) is etiologically linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) and other human autoimmune diseases (ADs). In the female NZBWF1 mouse, a widely used animal model that is genetically prone to lupus, short-term repeated intranasal exposure to cSiO2 triggers premature initiation of autoimmune responses in the lungs and kidneys. In contrast to cSiO2’s triggering action, consumption of the ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) prevents spontaneous onset of autoimmunity in this mouse strain. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that consumption of DHA will prevent cSiO2-triggered autoimmunity in the female NZBWF1 mouse. Mice (6 wk old) were fed isocaloric AIN-93G diets containing 0.0, 0.4, 1.2 or 2.4% DHA. Two wk after initiating feeding, mice were intranasally instilled with 1 mg cSiO2 once per wk for 4 wk and maintained on experimental diets for an additional 12 wk. Mice were then sacrificed and the lung, blood and kidney assessed for markers of inflammation and autoimmunity. DHA was incorporated into lung, red blood cells and kidney from diet in a concentration-dependent fashion. Dietary DHA dose-dependently suppressed cSiO2-triggered perivascular leukocyte infiltration and ectopic lymphoid tissue neogenesis in the lung. DHA consumption concurrently inhibited cSiO2–driven elevation of proinflammatory cytokines, B-cell proliferation factors, IgG and anti-dsDNA Ig in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma. DHA’s prophylactic effects were further mirrored in reduced proteinuria and glomerulonephritis in cSiO2-treated mice. Taken together, these results reveal that DHA consumption suppresses cSiO2 triggering of autoimmunity in female NZBWF1 mice as manifested in the lung, blood and kidney. Our findings provide novel insight into how dietary modulation of the lipidome might be used to prevent or delay triggering of AD by cSiO2. Such knowledge opens the possibility of developing practical, low-cost preventative strategies to reduce the risk of initiating AD and subsequent flaring in cSiO2-exposed individuals. Additional research in this model is required to establish the mechanisms by which DHA suppresses cSiO2-induced autoimmunity and to ascertain unique lipidome signatures predictive of susceptibility to cSiO2-triggered AD.
A Cascaded Approach for Social Media Text Normalization of Turkish

Text normalization is an indispensable stage for natural language processing of social media data with available NLP tools. We divide the normalization problem into 7 categories, namely; letter case transformation, replacement rules & lexicon lookup, proper noun detection, deasciification, vowel restoration, accent normalization and spelling correction. We propose a cascaded approach where each ill formed word passes from these 7 modules and is investigated for possible transformations. This paper presents the first results for the normalization of Turkish and tries to shed light on the different challenges in this area. We report a 40 percentage points improvement over a lexicon lookup baseline and nearly 50 percentage points over available spelling correctors.
Dsense: Data-driven stochastic energy management for wireless sensor platforms

Wirelesssensornetworksarebeingwidely deployedfor providingphysicalmeasurementso diverseapplications.Energy is a preciousresourcein suchnetworksasnodesin wireless sensorplatformsaretypically poweredby batterieswith limited power and high replacementcost. This paperpresents dSENSE:a data-drivenapproach for energy managementin sensorplatforms. dSENSEis a node-level power managementapproachthatutilizesknowledgeof theunderlyingdata streamsas well as applicationdataquality requirementsto conserve energy ona sensornode. dSENSEemploys senseon-change—a samplingstrategy that aggressi vely conserves power by reducingsensingactivity on the sensornode. Unlike mostexisting energy management techniques, this strategy enablesexplicit controlof thesensoralongwith theCPU andthe radio. Our approachusesanefficient statisticaldata streammodelto predictfuturesensorreadings.Thesepredictions are coupledwith a stochasticschedulingalgorithm to dynamicallycontrol the operatingmodesof the sensornode components.Usingexperimentalresultsobtainedon PowerTOSSIM with a real-world datatrace,we demonstratethat our approachreducesenergy consumptionby 29-36%while providing strongstatisticalguaranteesondataquality.