Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dual polarised microstrip patch antenna with high port isolation

A probe fed stacked microstrip patch antenna for operation in dual polarisation mode is proposed. A slot loaded lower patch is presented to improve isolation between the two polarisation ports. Simulations and measurements show two linear polarisations with an isolation of more than 30 dB within the band 2.5-2.7 GHz. A return loss of -10 dB is achieved within the above-mentioned bandwidth for the proposed antenna. The radiation pattern for the antenna is similar to that of a conventional microstrip antenna and the measured cross-polar level is 16.5 dB below the peak co-polar level within the band 2.5-2.7 GHz.
Thermal energy storage for power generation

Studies strongly indicate that the United States will face widespread electrical power constraints in the 1990s, with most regions of the country experiencing capacity shortages by the year 2000. In many cases, the demand for increased power will occur during intermediate and peak demand periods. Much of this demand is expected to be met by oil- and natural gas-fired Brayton cycle turbines and combined-cycle plants. While natural gas is currently plentiful and reasonably priced, the availability of an economical long-term coal-fired option for peak and intermediate load power generation will give electric power utilities an option in case either the availability or cost of natural gas should deteriorate. 54 refs., 5 figs., 17 tabs.
Reconstruction of signal phases for signals closer than the DFT frequency resolution

Abstract. Radar signal processing is a promising tool for vital sign monitoring. For contactless observation of breathing and heart rate a precise measurement of the distance between radar antenna and the patient's skin is required. This results in the need to detect small movements in the range of 0.5 mm and below. Such small changes in distance are hard to be measured with a limited radar bandwidth when relying on the frequency based range detection alone. In order to enhance the relative distance resolution a precise measurement of the observed signal's phase is required. Due to radar reflections from surfaces in close proximity to the main area of interest the desired signal of the radar reflection can get superposed. For superposing signals with little separation in frequency domain the main lobes of their discrete Fourier transform (DFT) merge into a single lobe, so that their peaks cannot be differentiated. This paper evaluates a method for reconstructing the phase and amplitude of such superimposed signals.
Extending robust parameter design to noise by noise interactions with an application to hyperspectral imagery

Anomaly detection algorithms for hyperspectral imagery (HSI) are an important first step in the analysis chain. Improvements to anomaly detection algorithm effectiveness directly reduce the amount of data that must go through time intensive processing before final analysis. The effectiveness of most anomaly detection algorithms is a function of user selected algorithm parameters, or controls, and uncontrollable noise factors which introduce additional variance into the detection process. In the case of HSI, these noise factors are embedded in the image under consideration. Robust parameter design (RPD) offers a method to reduce the impact of these noise variables on anomaly detection algorithms by identifying control settings robust to the noise factors found in HSI. This paper extends standard RPD modelling by removing the assumption that squared noise terms and noise by noise interactions are negligible. A mean squared error approach proposed by Lin and Tu is applied which employs expected value and var.
Effective Very-wide-area 3D ToF Sensing

In this work, we propose a conceptually simple ToF sensing scheme which tackles the challenge of obtaining high lateral resolution, and long ranges. We present a rotary Time-of-Flight (ToF) 3D imaging system which avoids motion artifacts by drastically reducing the exposure time and leverages the sparse nature of the underlying scene response functions to reconstruct the 3D geometry of the scene by extending a conceptually simple greedy algorithm, such as Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP). The sensing and recovery strategies consist of two steps: Firstly, the spatial domain is sliced in several partitions and the signals are preliminary localized within them. Then, OMP is applied to recover depth and amplitude values in the refined spatial domain. Observation directions are defined over a regular 2D angular grid to yield a high-density regular point cloud. Thorough numerical simulations show that panoramic 3D reconstruction is possible from few measurements and that the proposed methodology performs better compared to classical OMP for equal number of measurements.
A Marginal Log-Likelihood Approach for the Estimation of Discount Factors of Multiple Experts in Inverse Reinforcement Learning

We focus on multiple experts performing a task in a Markov decision process (MDP) environment. A probabilistic assignment of trajectories to clusters and a mathematical framework which leverages the utility function are employed to jointly estimate the discount factor and reward. We treat the number of clusters as a hyperparameter which can be "freely" selected by the problem designer. In this work, we specifically treat the cluster of trajectories as a latent variable in the adapted maximum entropy inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) formulation; the introduction of this latent variable adds to the complexity of the IRL problem. To manage such complexity, we optimize a marginal log-likelihood function via Expectation Maximization. To test our approach, we have utilized behavioral data generated from three MDP environments. Experimental works show that our approach is promising towards the estimation of discount factors in IRL for non-interacting multiple experts.
Seabird Tissue Archival and Monitoring Project (STAMP) Data from
 1999-2010

The multi-entity, long-term Seabird Tissue Archival and Monitoring Project (STAMP) has collected eggs from various avian species throughout the North Pacifc Ocean for over 20 years to create a geospatial and temporal record of environmental conditions. Over 2,500 samples are currently archived at the NIST Biorepository at Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina. Longitudinal monitoring efforts of this nature provide invaluable data for assessment of both wildlife and human exposures as these species often consume prey (e.g., fish) similar to, and from sources (e.g., oceanic) comparable to, human populations nearby. In some areas, seabird eggs also comprise a signifcant part of subsistence diets providing nutrition for indigenous peoples. Chemometric profles and related health implications are known to differ across species. Eggs, however, can be diffcult to assign to a species unless the bird is observed on the nest from which the sample was collected due to similar appearance within a genus and sympatric nesting behavior. This represents a large point of uncertainty for both wildlife managers and exposure researchers alike.
Fabrication of Anti-Corrosive Capacitive Vacuum Sensors with a Silicon Carbide/Polysilicon Bi-Layer Diaphragm and Electrical Through-Hole Connections on the Opposite Side

This paper reports a capacitive vacuum sensor with a bi-layer diaphragm made of silicon carbide (SiC) and polysilicon for uses in corrosive environments like etchers. The diaphragm side is completely covered with SiC to avoid corrosion, and electrical contacts are placed on the opposite side for easy packaging. This vacuum sensor design was realized with a sealing of the pressure reference room achieved by Au-Si eutectic bonding. In spite of incomplete sealing of the pressure reference room, the fabricated vacuum sensor was evaluated using a laser Doppler meter and an impedance analyzer.
Pirahy virus: Identification of a new and potential emerging arbovirus in South Brazil

Abstract Genomic and epidemiological surveillance are paramount for the discovery of new viruses with the potential to cross species barriers. Here, we present a new member of the genus Alphavirus found in Trichoprosopon and Wyeomia mosquitoes, tentatively named Pirahy virus (PIRAV). PIRAV was isolated from mosquito pools collected in a rural area of Piraí do Sul, South Brazil. In vitro assays revealed that PIRAV replicates and causes cytopathic effects in vertebrate cell lines such as Vero E6, SH-SY5Y, BHK-21 and UMNSAH/DF-1. Genomic signature analysis supports these results showing a dinucleotide and codon usage balance compatible with several hosts. Phylogenetic analyses placed PIRAV basal to the Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex. Genome analyses, electron microscopy, and biological characterization show findings that may alert for the emergence of a new arbovirus in South America.
Class E DC/DC converters with an inductive impedance inverter

The analysis, design equations, and experimental verification are presented for a class E DC/DC switching-mode high-efficiency resonant DC/DC converter with a transformer center-tapped rectifier. The analysis is performed at a constant current through the DC-feed choke and using the high Q/sub 1/ assumption (Q/sub 1/>or=5). The converter can operate under safe conditions for load resistances ranging from a full load to an open circuit. This feature has been obtained by using an inductive impedance inverter. The results of the analysis are then generalized for the entire family of class E DC/DC converters. Experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The measured total efficiency was 89% at 1 MHz with 15 W output power. A narrowband FM regulation ( delta f/f=12%) of the DC output voltage was achieved as the load was varied from a minimum resistance (full load) to an open circuit. >
A roadmap for the characterization of energy metabolism in human cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) are an increasingly employed model in cardiac research and drug discovery. A significant limitation with respect to clinical translation is their immature structural and functional phenotype. Cellular metabolism plays an integral role in determining phenotype but the metabolic profile of hiPSC-CM during maturation is poorly characterized. In this study we employ a combination of methods including extracellular flux and 13C-glucose flux analyses to study the metabolic profile of hiPSC-CM over a 12 week maturation period. Results show a progressive remodeling of pathways involved in energy metabolism and substrate utilization. The oxidative capacity of hiPSC-CM and particularly their ability to utilize fatty acids increased with time. In parallel, relative glucose oxidation was reduced while glutamine oxidation was maintained at similar levels. Anaerobic glycolysis as assessed by lactate production was maintained throughout the 12 week period but with significant alterations in proximal glycolytic enzymes such as hexokinase and phosphofructokinase. We also observed a progressive maturation of mitochondrial oxidative capacity at comparable levels of mitochondrial content between timepoints. The time-dependent restructuring of the hiPSC-CM metabolic profile indicates their potential to overcome the lack of full maturation previously reported and enhance their applicability for pharmacological studies and cardiac disease modeling.
Comparing Physical and Virtual Simulation Use in UGV Research

This paper details lessons learned from human-robot interaction (HRI) research conducted with physical and virtual unmanned vehicle (UV) test beds. Two subject matter experts (SMEs) were interviewed regarding their experiences using the test beds, and content was categorized to address validity issues and practical concerns that researchers should consider when studying human operation of UVs. Interview data revealed that from a practical standpoint, virtual simulation is favored over physical simulation. Virtual simulation was also highlighted for permitting greater internal and construct validity than physical simulation. For tele-operation studies, however, physical simulation was identified as more externally valid than virtual simulation, but this advantage diminished for research at higher levels of autonomy. In general, this paper can serve as a resource for researchers who must choose between the two simulation methods.
Shelf-life extension of meat products by cellulose acetate antimicrobial film incorporated with oregano’s essential oil

This study aimed to apply cellulose acetate (CA) films incorporated with oregano essential oil (OEO) to inhibit bacteria growth associated with spoilage of meat products (Weissella viridescens (microaerophilic) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (aerobic)) and evaluate its effect on the shelf life of vacuum-packed sliced ham (VPSH). CA films were produced using acetone solvent, adding 25, 35, 50, or 75 mg of OEO per film. Antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of films were determined. CA films in Petri dishes showed a better antimicrobial effect against W. viridescens than P. fluorescens. As VPSH, presents a microaerophilic environment, product shelf life was determined fitting Baranyi and Roberts’ model to W. viridescens’ growth experimental data, at 8 °C. OEO did not modify films’ mechanical properties. Application of the CA film with 75 mg of OEO decreased value of W. viridescens, increased its value, resulting in a ham` shelf-life increased by eight days, demonstrating excellent application potential.
Lithium Tracer Diffusion in Sub-Stoichiometric Layered Lithium-Metal-Oxide Compounds

Cathode materials based on lithium-metal-oxide compounds are an essential technical component for lithium-ion batteries, which are still being researched and continuously improved. For a fundamental understanding of kinetic processes at and in electrodes the Li diffusion is of high relevance. Most cathode materials are based on the layered LiCoO2 (LCO) and LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2 (NMC333). In the present study Li tracer self-diffusion is investigated in polycrystalline sintered bulk samples of sub-stoichiometric Li0.9CoO2 at 145 °C ≤ T ≤ 350 °C and compared to Li0.9Ni0. 33Mn0.33Co0.33O2 in the temperature range between 110 and 350 °C. For analysis, stable 6Li tracers are used in combination with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The Li tracer diffusivities D* of both compounds with a sub-stoichiometric Li concentration are identical within error limits and can be described by the Arrhenius law with an activation enthalpy of (0.76 ± 0.13) eV for LCO and (0.85 ± 0.03) eV for NMC333, which is interpreted as the migration energy of a single Li vacancy. This means that a modification of the transition metal (M) layer composition within the LiMO2 structure does not significantly influence lithium diffusion in the temperature range investigated.
PCIA: A Tool to Move from Conflict-Ignorance to Conflict Sensitivity within Development, Humanitarian Aid and Peacebuilding Work

This article looks into one way of assessing the conflict impact of a development, humanitarian or peacebuilding activity or intervention in a conflict area. Following an explanation of the origins and purpose of Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment, the practical consequences are examined with reference to examples and experiences in Angola. This article illustrates the importance of being sensitive to the conflict environment in which one is operating. The ‘conflict sensitive’ concept was triggered by the authors' observation – from field missions and evaluation methodologies – that there is a high level of conflict ignorance among many development, humanitarian and peacebuilding workers.
Systems that detect and repair their own mistakes

Making mistakes is an inescapable aspect of everyday life. We constantly make mistakes, recognize them and try to correct them. Mistakes are inevitable because of the incompleteness of our knowledge of the world, its inherent uncertainty and its being in a constant state of change. We can never know for sure that what we know is true and the actions that we take based on these beliefs can therefore be misguided. Sooner or later we act based on some false belief or the world changes in an unexpected way and we fail to achieve our goal. But the fact that we can recognize and repair these errors mitigates their effects. Software systems face the same problems. The difference is that they do not usually have as robust a capability as we have to detect and respond to their mistakes. This is part of what makes them seem brittle and user-unfriendly. This problem is not likely to get any better as the systems exhibit more complex behaviors in more realistic domains. Our work begins to address that problem by focusing on the computational capabilities required of software systems for them to be able to autonomously recognize and respond to their own mistakes. We study in particular, mistaken beliefs, intentions and actions in agents that have some goals to achieve. Intuitively enough, the basic capabilities required are an ability to inspect their past behavior and computations and the past states of the world and to use that to determine their future behavior. These abilities are not typically available in software systems. We have implemented a general logical framework in which one can specify the behavior of an agent that supports this kind of representation and computation. We have implemented agents that detect and respond appropriately to their mistakes in some aspects of language processing. We have also implemented a system that handles its mistaken beliefs in any domain that can be described using the language of non-monotonic logic. This system was tested on a test suite that we compiled from examples of non-monotonic reasoning in the literature. We finally provide a design of the representations and algorithms for handling mistakes in an agent that acts in the world and has mistaken beliefs, intentions and actions. Implementing such an agent is the next step in this work.
Major approaches to minimally traumatic surgery in dentistry: a systematic review

Introduction: It is estimated that in minimally traumatic dental surgery, synthesis studies with meta-analysis and decision analysis represent almost 29% of all studies. Most of the selected studies were carried out in the USA, Netherlands, and UK. These three countries and 15 journals accounted for nearly 50% of all publications. The remaining works were published in another 61 journals and originated from 32 other countries, including Brazil. Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate, through literature review and case reports, the evolution and consequent importance of improving minimally traumatic surgery techniques in dentistry. It was hypothesized that there were statistically significant results about advances in the attempt to minimize trauma. Methods: The research was carried out from July 2021 to October 2021 and developed based on Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, and Cochrane Library. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were systematic review studies, meta-analysis, controlled and randomized cases, non-randomized clinical cases, and opinion articles, which addressed the term minimally traumatic surgery in dentistry. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument. The risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results: Since the most primordial extraction techniques were created and developed, several attempts have been made to minimize the professional's effort, reduce surgical time and alleviate bleeding and inflammatory processes, edema, pain, and ecchymosis that can affect the patients, in the trans and postoperative periods. Thus, the maximum preservation of the integrity of the soft tissues (papillae and free and inserted gingival band) adjacent to the prosthetic spaces should be sought; preservation of the alveolar bone ridge level. Based on the histological concept in which living tissues are formed by cells joined by thin elastic tissue and with nerve fibrils, capillaries, lymphatic and blood vessels. The disruption of these cells by surgical trauma provides the release of enzymes that delay healing. For this reason, surgical trauma should be minimized. Conclusion: There are many attempts to minimize the professional effort, reduce surgical time and alleviate bleeding and inflammatory processes, edema, pain, and ecchymosis that can affect patients. Thus, the maximum preservation of the integrity of the soft tissues adjacent to the prosthetic spaces and the preservation of the level of the ridge of the alveolar bone to achieve a minimization of surgical trauma must be sought.
Domoic Acid and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Connected to Coastal Upwelling along Coastal Inhambane Province, Mozambique: A New Area of Concern

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing globally in frequency, persistence, and geographic extent, posing a threat to ecosystem and human health. To date, no occurrences of marine phycotoxins have been recorded in Mozambique, which may be due to absence of a monitoring program and general awareness of potential threats. This study is the first documentation of neurotoxin, domoic acid (DA), produced by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia along the east coast of Africa. Coastal Inhambane Province is a biodiversity hotspot where year-round Rhincodon typus (whale shark) sightings are among the highest globally and support an emerging ecotourism industry. Links between primary productivity and biodiversity in this area have not previously been considered or reported. During a pilot study, from January 2017 to April 2018, DA was identified year-round, peaking during Austral winter. During an intense study between May and August 2018, our research focused on identifying environmental factors influencing coastal productivity and DA concentration. Phytoplankton assemblage was diatom-dominated, with high abundances of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Data suggest the system was influenced by nutrient pulses resulting from coastal upwelling. Continued and comprehensive monitoring along southern Mozambique would provide critical information to assess ecosystem and human health threats from marine toxins under challenges posed by global change.
Quality of Nursing Homes Admitting Working-Age Adults With Serious Mental Illness.

OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study examined the association between nursing home quality and admission of working-age persons (ages 22-64 years) with serious mental illness. METHODS The study used 2015 national Minimum Data Set 3.0 and Nursing Home Compare (NHC) data. A logistic mixed-effects model estimated the likelihood (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of a working-age nursing home resident having serious mental illness, by NHC health inspection quality rating. The variance partition coefficient (VPC) was calculated to quantify the variation in serious mental illness attributable to nursing home characteristics. Measures included serious mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders), health inspection quality rating (ranging from one star, below average, to five stars, above average), and other sociodemographic and clinical covariates. RESULTS Of the 343,783 working-age adults newly admitted to a nursing home in 2015 (N=14,307 facilities), 15.5% had active serious mental illness. The odds of a working-age resident having serious mental illness was lowest among nursing homes of above-average quality, compared with nursing homes of below-average quality (five-star vs. one-star facility, AOR=0.78, 95% CI=0.73-0.84). The calculated VPC from the full model was 0.11. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate an association between below-average nursing homes and admission of working-age persons with serious mental illness, suggesting that persons with serious mental illness may experience inequitable access to nursing homes of above-average quality. Access to alternatives to care, integration of mental health services in the community, and improving mental health care in nursing homes may help address this disparity.