Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive Time Delay Estimation Method Based on Canonical Correlation Analysis

The localization of sources has a numerous number of applications. To estimate the position of sources, the relative delay between two or more received signals for the direct signal must be determined. Although the generalized cross-correlation method is the most popular technique, an approach based on eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) is also popular one, which utilizes an eigenvector of the minimum eigenvalue. The performance of the eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) based method degrades in the low SNR and the correlated environments, because it is difficult to select a single eigenvector for the minimum eigenvalue. In this paper, we propose a new adaptive algorithm based on Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) in order to extend the operation range to the lower SNR and the correlation environments. The proposed algorithm uses the eigenvector corresponding to the maximum eigenvalue in the generalized eigenvalue decomposition (GEVD). The estimated eigenvector contains all the information that we need for time delay estimation. We have performed simulations with uncorrelated and correlated noise for several SNRs, showing that the CCA based algorithm can estimate the time delays more accurately than the adaptive EVD algorithm.
DC and microwave performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs passivated with sputtered SiNx

The effects of sputtered and room temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (RT-PECVD) SiNx passivation on the dc and microwave performance of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are studied. The pulsed I–V characteristics from a class B quiescent bias point and transient measurements indicate that the sputtered SiNx passivation is more efficient in suppressing lag effects in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Dispersion-free sputtered SiNx passivated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs were obtained using this technique. Continuous-wave (CW) measurements without active cooling give a maximum output power density of 6.6 W mm−1 at Vgs = −4 V, Vds = 50 V and a maximum power added efficiency of 51.3% at Vgs = −4 V, Vds = 30 V at 3 GHz on 2 × 50 µm AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on the sapphire substrate, with a gate length of 2 µm and without field-plated gates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest level power density reported on the sapphire substrate without field-plate design. The extrinsic cut-off frequency (ft) and maximum oscillation frequency (fmax) are 51 GHz and 100 GHz, respectively, on 2 × 50 × 0.15 µm HEMTs. To our knowledge, the sputtered SiNx passivation for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs is a unique technique, which has never been published before.
A CGCM Study on the Northward Propagation of Tropical Intraseasonal Oscillation over the Asian Summer Monsoon Regions

This study performs numerical experiments to (1) examine the influences of Pacific and Indian Ocean couplings on the propagation of tropical intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) in the extended boreal summer (May-through-October) and (2) determine the relative contributions of the ocean coupling and internal atmospheric dynamics to the ISO propagation over the Asian-Pacific monsoon regions. For (1), three basin-coupling experiments are performed with a coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model (CGCM), in which the air-sea coupling is limited respectively to the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and both the Indian and Pacific oceans. For (2), three forced experiments are performed with the atmospheric GCM (AGCM) component of the CGCM, in which the sea surface temperature (SST) climatologies are prescribed from the CGCM experiments. Using extended Empirical Orthogonal Function and composite analyses, the leading ISO modes are identified and compared between the observation and the model experiments. The CGCM modeling results show that the Indian ocean coupling is more important than the Pacific Ocean coupling to promoting both zonal and meridional propagations of the summertime ISO. In this season, the Indo-Pacific warm pool retracts westward and shifts into the Northern Hemisphere allowing the Indian Ocean coupling to become more important. The Indian Ocean coupling is found to promote the northward propagation mainly through wind-evaporation feedback, whereas in observations the cloud-radiation feedback is found to be equally important. The AGCM modeling results indicate that monsoonal dynamics aid the meridional ISO propagation mainly in the low-level winds. Without the ocean coupling, the northward ISO convection feature is weaker and is limited by the northern boundary of climatic easterly vertical shear. The ocean coupling enables the simulated ISO-related convections to cross the northern boundary of the shear. This modeling study concludes that the Indian Ocean coupling plays a crucial rather than a secondary role for the observed northward propagation of summertime ISO.
IN SILICO ANALYSIS AND MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS STUDIES OF SELECTED PHYTOCONSTITUENTS FROM ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA AS POTENTIAL INHIBITORS OF MONOAMINE OXIDASE B

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the present study is to explore novel drug lead constituents from Andrographis paniculata for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Methods: Phytoconstituents from A. paniculata were screened, and their activity against the monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) protein was analyzed using Molegro Virtual Docker software. The binding energy and interaction of the phytoconstituents with the protein were analyzed. The phytoconstituents were also analyzed for their compliance toward Lipinski’s rule of five. Results: Molecular docking studies were performed using Molegro Docking software. The compound neoandrographolide exhibited more potent inhibitory activity with a MolDock score of −126.78 Kcal/mol compared to that of the standard drug Zelapar which exhibited a MolDock score of −49.95 Kcal/mol. The docked pose of the compound neoandrographolide fits exactly at the active site with a maximum number of H-bond interactions. Conclusion: The present study suggests that neoandrographolide could be used as a potent inhibitor of MAO-B protein. However, it has to be validated using in-vivo and in-vitro studies to suggest the potency of neoandrographolide to inhibit the target protein, which could make neoandrographolide as an effective drug lead for the treatment of Alzhemier’s disease. Keywords: Andrographis paniculata, Monoamine oxidase B protein, MolDock, Alzhemier’s disease.
Miniproposal : Functional MRI-based Mild Cognitive Impairment Diagnosis

As a chronic neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is mainly characterized by progressive perceptive and cognitive deficits and is unfortunately irreversible and incurable [1]. Because of neurofibrillary tangles, neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration and so forth, the disease will become severe with ageing and ultimately lead to death [2]. Nowadays, it has been become the most prevalent dementia and resulted in millions of deaths per year. Although, as mentioned above, AD is incurable, it is possible to slow down the degeneration process, and thus it is of vital importance to diagnose the patients as early as possible [2,3]. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is regarded as a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia, and thus attracts more and more attentions by researchers. Studies show that the rate of progression from MCI to AD is approximately 10% to 15% per year [1]. Early detection and proper treatment of MCI is believed to be able to reduce the conversion rate. Recently, various neuroimaging techniques have been applied to early detection of AD, including structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [4], functional MRI [3], positron emission tomography (PET). Specifically, functional MRI-based methods are adopted by various literatures and the performance is really inspiring [2,3,5]. However, most of existing research on functional MRI based MCI diagnosis is based on vanilla machine learning and deep learning methods, which have no specific designs to deal with functional MRI-based MCI data and thus the results are suboptimal. To improve the diagnosis accuracy, since machine learning and deep neural network have already been successfully applied to different tasks for dealing with natural and medical images [2,3,4,5,6], we thus aim to modify existed machine learning to handle functional-MRI data. The modifications can be conducted by considering the prior knowledge of MCI pathologies and symptoms [1]. Our research will also try to develop advanced machine learning methods to improve the performance, including recently proposed graph neural network [6] and capsule network [7].
Maternal Mortality at the Community Level : An innovative approach to measurement

Introduction: Globally 350,000-500,000 women die each year from complications during pregnancy and childbirth (WHO, 2010). Despite intensive efforts over the past decade to improve the quality of data collection for maternal mortality, methodological challenges remain. In the least developed countries, vital registration systems are incomplete or nonexistent, census data collection typically occurs only on a decennial basis, and research-intensive data collection such as population-level household surveys are costly and unsustainable. In countries where the majority of births happen at home, vital registrations systems fail to record maternal deaths that occur outside of health facilities. The overall lack of reliable data on maternal mortality at district or regional level hinders prevention efforts, advocacy, prioritization, and budget allocation.
3 D registration based on a multi-references local parametrisation : Application to 3 D faces

In this paper, we intend to introduce a 3D registration approach based on a local parametrisation defined around several reference points already taken on the surface. Such parametrisation is obtained from a coordinate system which is composed by a set of indexed levels of geodesic curves and radial lines. Then, a sampling criterion through a generalized version of the Shannon theorem allows the determination of the minimum resolution of that representation. The proposed algorithm requires then several iterative mini-registrations operated on the local parametric points with the suited resolution around the landmarks. Experimentations are realized on the 3D facial surfaces from the Bosphorus database [7] in order to test the performance of the registration approach. Its robustness under small reference points positions distortion is also studied.
Use of Soybean in Cereal Based Food Formulation and Development of Nutritionally Improved Foods

Since the 1960s, soy protein products have been used as nutritional and functional food ingredients in several food categories available to the consumer. Currently the food industry has incorporated soy protein, either as flours, textured, concentrates or protein isolates in the manufacture of numerous products (infant formulas, bakery products, dairy and meat) because it is a good quality protein, low cost and good functionality (Singh et al., 2008). Cereal foods are an important source of energy in the diet of a large part of the world population. However, the protein quality of grain is low compared to that of animal origin. The nutritional benefits of adding legumes protein to grain are well known (Gomez, 1985; Messina, 1999). Cereals have gained value, not only because they are the most important starch source in the diet and their content of other nutrients is not negligible, but also because a wide variety of products novel and convenient can be obtained from them. These last characteristics are ones of the most important for modern consumers. Cereal food industry has demonstrated their speed in exploiting these changes in food consumption model, and the large variety of cereals products existing nowadays is eloquent. Regarding nutritional aspects, soybean could be used in cereal based products in order to improve nutritional quality of these types of foods (Gonzalez, 2009). It has been shown (Perez et al., 2008) that until 12% replacement of corn grits by soybean grits a good extrudate texture is maintained. This mixture have nutritional benefits, since the protein content and quality are superior to those of a traditional "snack", because the addition of soy cannot only increase the protein level of corn extrudate (10% vs. 7%), but also improves the profile of amino acids by the known effect of complementation between the proteins of cereals and legumes, allowing maize chemical score increased from approx. 46% to 76.5% (without taking into account the digestibility). Moreover, soybean flour is a rich source of iron, zinc and calcium (Liener, 1972), so it could when it is added improve the content of these minerals when added to foods formulated with other components. However, the bioavailability of iron is markedly reduced, not only because of the effect of the same protein (Lynch et al., 1994), but also for its high content of
Modeling the Optimal Trajectory of a Skimmer Ship to Clean Oil Spills in the Open Sea

Oil spill contamination in the open sea has been at the origin of some of the worst environmental disasters. One of the major cleaning techniques is the use of skimmer ships that contain various pumps distributed along its waterline to suck the oil from the surface of the water directly into storage units. We want to improve this process. We developed a model to simulate the effect of the skimmer ship on the evolution of the oil spill. This model, based on a finite volume approximation of an advection-diffusion-reaction equation, considers: the motion of oil spots resulting from the movement of the source of contamination; the diffusion and transport by wind and sea currents; and the phenomena associated with the action of the skimmer ship, assuming that it follows a pre-assigned trajectory. We introduce a nonlinear diffusion term to obtain finite speed diffusion. Also, we use an absorbing boundary condition, to account for the oil exiting the computational domain. To reduce numerical artificial diffusion, we use second order numerical schemes to discretize the advection terms. We also apply splitting schemes to decrease the computational complexity. To improve the whole process, we optimize the trajectory of a skimmer ship to maximize the amount of recovered oil during a fixed period of time, using an optimization method. The novel approach we advocate here is validated by comparing our numerical results with real life measurements from the Prestige spill, which took place in Spain in 2002. We were able to reproduce the satellite image of the spot after 4 days of pollution. We also prove that the optimal trajectory we get cleans the area near the coast up to 55 percent before the Prestige ship broke up. This percentage was improved to 88 percent by using a second ship on the entire area.
Comparative Survey of Distributed Energy Aware Clustering Algorithm

Wireless Sensor networks, a huge number of small sensors are deployed to create a network which cooperate together to set up a sensing network. To develop applications and protocols for sensor network, the maximum network lifetime and minimal energy consumption should be considered as important parameters. Improved network lifetime, scalability and load balancing are important parameters for wireless sensor networks. Clustering is very useful technique through which we can affect these factors. The method of clustering prolongs network topology by using energy, bunch and centrality factors and also the distances between nodes for formulating clusters. A supervisor node is assumed which elects new cluster head when existing cluster head fails. This property causes a raise in network lifetime. This survey compares the performance of distributed energy-aware clustering algorithm such as LEACH, FEED, HEED, EADC protocol. The report is based on energy consumption, network lifetime and scalability from the previous works that has been done.
Fabrication of nanoparticles by pulsed laser ablation in liquids is one of the research areas in which Dr

TAMPERE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Master’s Degree Programme in Science and Bioengineering Elias, Yimam: Fabrication of Vanadium Oxide Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation Master of Science Thesis, 62 pages, 1 Appendix page August 27 2014 Major: Nanotechnology Examiner: Professor Tapio Niemi
Pre-Ozonation-Coagulant Interactions in Direct Filtration

Pre-ozonation–coagulant interactions effects in relation to the coagulant type and dosage in direct fi ltration of surface waters were investigated. The performance of the process was evaluated by monitoring the effl uent quality and head loss development through the fi lter bed. Two identical pilot scale fi lter columns fi ltering the same raw water were operated in parallel. The raw water was brought from Omerli Reservoir in Istanbul. Before fi ltering, the raw water fl ow was split into two equal fl ows. One of the streams was pre-ozonated and the other was aerated using contact chambers with equal volumes equipped with same number and type of diffusers. In coagulation experiments, one of the fi lters was operated using aluminum sulfate as a coagulant while the other one was run with ferric chloride. For similar fi lter run times, the effl uent quality was always better with pre-ozonation compared to aeration. It was also observed that, aluminum sulfate application gave more favorable results for both particle and turbidity removal compared to ferric chloride. Ives’ fi lterability index which incorporates the important fi ltration design parameters such as: effl uent quality, the head loss and the velocity of fi ltration into a dimensionless number was used for the comparison of the experimental results.
Shifting Power Relations and the Ethics of Journal Peer Review

Peer review of manuscripts has recently become a subject of academic research and ethical debate. Critics of the review process argue that it is a means by which powerful members of the scientific community maintain their power, and achieve their personal and communal aspirations, often at others' expense. This qualitative study aimed to generate a rich, empirically‐grounded understanding of the process of manuscript review, with a view to informing strategies to improve the review process. Open‐ended interviews were carried out with 35 journal editors and peer reviewers in the United Kingdom, the USA and Australia. It is clear from this research that relations of power and epistemic authority in manuscript review are complex and dynamic, and may have positive and negative features, and that even where power is experienced as controlling, restrictive and illegitimate, it can also be resisted. In conclusion, the manuscript review process is best thought of not in terms of simple dominance of reviewers and editors over authors, but rather as a shifting “net” of power relations. These complex power relations need to be understood if reviewers are to be encouraged to participate in the process and to do so in the the most ethical and effective manner.
Horizontal Well Spacing and Hydraulic Fracturing Design Optimization: A Case Study on Utica-Point Pleasant Shale Play

Abstract Recent drilling and hydraulic fracturing activities in the Utica-Point Pleasant shale play have recorded true vertical depth of over 13,500 feet. Drilling wells at this depth is very costly and challenging. With the current commodity pricing, drilling in such conditions becomes unaffordable. One immediate solution to the current low energy prices is optimizing well spacing to enhance hydrocarbon recovery and, thus, the commercial feasibility of the project. Horizontal well spacing constitutes a fundamental parameter for the success of a shale-drilling venture. Determining the optimum horizontal well spacing in shale reservoirs represents a challenging task because of the complexity of controlling factors. These factors can be categorized into three groups: geological, engineering, and economic. Geological modeling and reservoir simulation are the standard tools utilized in the industry to integrate these controlling factors. In this study, we employed these tools to perform sensitivity analysis of reservoir characteristics and future production optimization for a deep drilling case study in the Utica-Point Pleasant formations. We sought to find the optimum horizontal well spacing scenario as well as hydraulic fracturing design, in order to attain the highest net present value for 50 years of gas production. Our reservoir model represented a portion of Utica-Point Pleasant formations at the depth of 13,000 feet and the dry gas window. A commercial reservoir simulator was coupled with an optimization algorithm to reach the best solution with a minimum simulation cost. Although the outcome of our study is subjective to the chosen asset, the workflow provides a good example of horizontal well spacing and hydraulic fracturing design optimization.
Microcontroller Based Power Factor Correction Using IC L6561

Proposed system presents an efficient AC/DC converter with power factor correction by using IC L6561. The Microcontroller 89s52 used to generate triggering pulses for semi converter based on firing angle control mechanism. Semi converter gives controlled DC output with variable voltage range. IC l6561 based on borderline control techniques used for power factor correction. The objective of proposed system is to give reliable power control over the output of AC to Dc converter and improve the power factor. The major application of this system is for domestic purposes and also can be used in industry purpose.
The Buginese’s Knowledge of Traditional Medicine in South Sulawesi

This study aims to reveal the knowledge systems and procedures for the treatment of the Bugis community in South Sulawesi. There are various kinds of plants that are traditionally used by the Buginese as a cure for various kinds of diseases. This study was descriptive qualitative research where the collected data obtained through deep interview and presented descriptively. This study took place at Bila village in south Sulawesi. Several informants who have knowledge in using herbs and medicinal plants for traditional medicine were interviewed intensively to obtain more information. The results showed that the villager has known the knowledge system in the form of: 1) Knowing 50 type of plants for traditional medicine which consist of (a) 20 type of plants which consumed for daily life and; (b) 30 type of plants which can not be consumed daily; 2) Knowing the procedure of the herbs to treat 157 types of diseases consisting of (a) Lasa ri Saliweng (external diseases), 116 types of diseases and (b) Lasa ri Laleng (Internal Disease), 41 types of disease.
Analysis of acid-induced asr gene promoter of Enterobacteriaceae

Enterobacteria in response to an external acidification strongly induce the transcription of asr gene. In this study mutational analysis of E. coli asr promoter has been performed to locate regions important for acidtriggered transcriptional activation. Our study revealed that deletions within the predicted pho box located at the –21/–38 region of the asr promoter did not absolutely abolish acid-induced transcription indicating the existence of additional cis-regulatory elements involved in transcription regulation. Moreover, the consecutive deletions of upstream sequences located in the –40/–70 region were found important for the acid-triggered transcriptional activation of asr. A comparative sequence analysis of the promoter region of asr gene homologues of other enterobacteria demonstrated a high degree of conservation suggesting a common environmental stress-induced regulatory pathway.