Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Least Mean Squares Channel Estimation for Downlink Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access

This paper presents a Least Mean Squares (LMS)-based channel estimation approach for a two-user downlink single-input-single-output non-orthogonal multiple access (SISO-NOMA) system. The proposed techniques consider a pilot aided scenario in which training data is partially known at each user's receiver. Two LMS-based algorithms are adopted in providing an estimate of a flat fading Rayleigh channel with a Jake's Doppler spectrum. The first algorithm is a stochastic gradient descent method adapted with a constant step-size, while the second algorithm is a self-adaptive stochastic gradient descent method. Performance for both algorithms is assessed through simulation. Convergence characteristics of both algorithms are presented and compared (different stepsizes for the first algorithm); then the mean-squared error (MSE) evaluated for each step-size is presented. For the second algorithm, we present the convergence characteristics and then compare the MSE behavior of each algorithm in varying signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) conditions. For sufficiently low values of step-sizes, algorithm 2 outperforms algorithm 1 (values below 0.005). For higher step-size values, algorithm 1 shows better performance. The convergence of the algorithm for the user that has been allocated higher power is shown to have a higher speed relative to the user with a lower power ratio allocation.
2-D Planar Leaky-Wave Antenna with Fixed Frequency Beam Steering Through Broadside

A two-dimensional leaky-wave antenna fed by an array of fully integrated sources and able to provide fixed-frequency continuous beam steering through broadside is presented in this contribution. The structure is constituted by a “bull-eye” leaky-wave antenna fed by a proper arrangement of four surface-wave launchers, whose excitation coefficients are selected to control the beam pointing angle around broadside. The excitation of a dominant leaky-wave field over the aperture allows the structure to provide limited gain degradation scanning off broadside while steering in the elevation and azimuth planes in the far-field. Experimental results are reported, showing beam scanning in both planes at 20 GHz with gain values of about 10 dBi at broadside. Such a novel design is based on a low-cost and low-profile technology and it can be useful for radar and satellite systems, as well as automotive and other communication applications.
Comparative Analysis of Efficiency Measurement of Banks in the Turkish Banking System

The global developments at the beginning of 21st century raised different issues about the banking sector. International banks are being effective since 2001 in emerging markets while U.S. banking sector is dealing with the consequences of the crisis in 2008. Furthermore the flow of funds from developed countries to emerging markets had an increasing trend due to the globalization of the capital markets. Banks have a major role in Turkish financial system. The aim of this study is to measure and compare the efficiency of banks in Turkish banking industry. The first part of the study reports a descriptive summary about the general appearance of the Turkish banking system. The second part of the study discusses the theoretical aspects in measuring the efficiency of banks. In the third part of the study, a non-parametric method, data envelopment analysis is used to analyze the efficiency of foreign banks, private banks and participation banks. As a result the average efficiency score of foreign banks in 2008-2012 is slightly higher than the average efficiency of participation banks. Although there isn’t a very large difference, foreign banks and participation banks are more efficient than private banks.
Low‐temperature resistance in Polylepis tarapacana, a tree growing at the highest altitudes in the world

The Polylepis tarapacana forests found in Bolivia are unique with respect to their altitudinal distribution (4200–5200 m). Given the extreme environmental conditions that characterize these altitudes, this species has to rely on distinct mechanisms to survive stressful temperatures. The purpose of this study was to determine low-temperature resistance mechanisms in P. tarapacana. Tissue was sampled for carbohydrate and proline contents and micro-climatic measurements were made at two altitudes, 4300 and 4850 m, during both the dry cold and wet warm seasons. Supercooling capacity (−3 to −6 °C for the cold dry and −7 to −9 °C for the wet warm season) and injury temperatures (−18 to −23 °C for both seasons), determined in the laboratory, indicate that P. tarapacana is a frost-tolerant species. On the other hand, an increase in supercooling capacity, as the result of significant increase in total soluble sugar and proline contents, occurs during the wet warm season as a consequence of higher metabolic activity. Hence, P. tarapacana, a frost-tolerant species during the colder unfavourable season, is able to avoid freezing during the more favourable season when minimum night-time temperatures are not as extreme.
SOME COMMENTS ON THE SPECIES OF BROMUS SECT. BROMUS (POACEAE) IN IRAN

This article is a taxonomic review after Flora Iranica concerning some species of Bromus sect. Bromus. Comparing the holotype, isotype and paratype of B. pseudobrachystachys with the lectotype of B. brachystachys and also reexamination of three Iranian and Iraqi herbarium sheets putatively determined under the latter’s name showed all belong to the former. B. racemosus, B. arvensis and B. secalinus are confirmed to occur in Iran. Despite B. tigridis was identified from Turkey based on the sheet Sorger & Buchner 82-62-54, the Iranian specimen was identified as B. racemosus. Furthermore, a new record of this section i.e., B. macrocladus is reported here from mountains of
Feedforward Control with Input Voltage for Bidirectional Isolated Full Bridge DC-DC Converter Based on Single-Phase-Shift Modulation

In this paper, a feedforward control method with input voltage based on single-phase-shift (SPS) modulation is proposed for full-bridge isolated dc-dc converter to improve the dynamic response speed of output voltage in the case of input voltage fluctuation. By feeding the input voltage directly to the optimal phase-shift controller in a certain proportion, the influence of transmission delay and inertia of the converter on the dynamic performance of the output voltage is avoided. Finally, a full-bridge isolated dc-dc converter simulation model is built based on MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results show that the proposed input voltage feedforward control method can significantly improve the dynamic response performance of the converter when the input voltage suddenly changes.
Dynamically reconfigurable metamaterial-based scatterer

Metamaterials are artificially created media, which allow introducing additional degrees of freedom into electromagnetic design by controlling constitutive material parameters. Reconfigurable metamaterials can further enlarge those capabilities by time variable as an additional controllable parameter. Here we demonstrate the first of a kind reconfigurable volumetric metamaterial-based scatterer, which electromagnetic properties are controlled dynamically with light. In particular, hybridized resonances in arrays of split ring resonators give rise to a collective mode, which poses properties of artificial high-frequency magnetism. Resonant behavior of each individual ring is controlled with a photocurrent, which allows obtaining fast of macroscopic effective permeability. As the result, artificial RF magnon resonant excitation within a subwavelength spherical scatterer is governed by light intensity. Four-dimensional control (both space and time) over electromagnetic scattering open new venues for modern applications, including wireless communications and automotive radars to name just few.
Factors Influencing the Long-Term Stability of Electronic Tongue and Application of Improved Drift Correction Methods

Temperature, memory effect, and cross-contamination are suspected to contribute to drift in electronic tongue (e-tongue) sensors, therefore drift corrections are required. This paper aimed to assess the disturbing effects on the sensor signals during measurement with an Alpha Astree e-tongue and to develop drift correction techniques. Apple juice samples were measured at different temperatures. pH change of apple juice samples was measured to assess cross-contamination. Different sequential orders of model solutions and apple juice samples were applied to evaluate the memory effect. Model solutions corresponding to basic tastes and commercial apple juice samples were measured for six consecutive weeks to model drift of the sensor signals. Result showed that temperature, cross-contamination, and memory effect influenced the sensor signals. Three drift correction methods: additive drift correction based on all samples, additive drift correction based on reference samples, and multi sensor linear correction, were developed and compared to the component correction in literature through linear discriminant analysis (LDA). LDA analysis showed all the four methods were effective in reducing sensor drift in long-term measurements but the additive correction relative to the whole sample set gave the best results. The results could be explored for long-term measurements with the e-tongue.
Mg-Zn-Ca Alloys for Hemostasis Clips for Vessel Ligation: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Their Degradation and Response

To control the degradation rate of magnesium (Mg) alloys, chitosan (CHI) and L-glutamic acid (LGA) were used as coatings on Mg-Zn-Ca alloys via dip coating. In this study, either two or seven CHI/LGA layers were applied as a coating on Mg-2.8Zn-0.8Ca alloy (ZX31) and Mg-2.8Zn-0.8Ca hemostasis clips (ZX31 clips). The morphologies, compositions, and surface roughness of the specimens were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and surface measurement devices. The degradation rates and behavior of the specimens were evaluated by immersing them in simulated body fluids and by applying these ZX31 clips on rabbits’ uterine tubes for five weeks. The specimen with seven layers (ZX31(CHI/LGA)7) exhibited improved corrosion behavior when compared with ZX31 or ZX31(CHI/LGA)2, with a reduced degradation rate of the Mg alloy in a simulated body environment. In vivo experiments showed that ZX31 clips exhibited good biocompatibilities in each group but could not maintain the clamping function for five weeks. The weight loss of ZX31(CHI/LGA)7 was significantly lower than that of the other groups. Consequently, it was verified that CHI can be used as a protective layer on a magnesium alloy surface via in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Effect of turbulence on the performance of an inverted three-lobe Pressure dam bearing

This paper analyzes the effect of turbulence on the performance of an inverted three- lobe pressure dam bearing which is produced by incorporating a pressure dam in the upper lobe and two relief tracks in the lower two lobes of an ordinary inverted three- lobe bearing. For analysis purpose different values (0, 1500, 3000, and 6000) of Reynolds number are considered to study the effect of turbulence. The results shows that for an inverted three lobe bearing supporting rigid or flexible rotors, the zone of infinite stability as well as minimum threshold speed increases with increase in turbulence, thus indicating better stability at higher turbulence level.
A robust score test of homogeneity for zero-inflated count data

In many applications of zero-inflated models, score tests are often used to evaluate whether the population heterogeneity as implied by these models is consistent with the data. The most frequently cited justification for using score tests is that they only require estimation under the null hypothesis. Because this estimation involves specifying a plausible model consistent with the null hypothesis, the testing procedure could lead to unreliable inferences under model misspecification. In this paper, we propose a score test of homogeneity for zero-inflated models that is robust against certain model misspecifications. Due to the true model being unknown in practical settings, our proposal is developed under a general framework of mixture models for which a layer of randomness is imposed on the model to account for uncertainty in the model specification. We exemplify this approach on the class of zero-inflated Poisson models, where a random term is imposed on the Poisson mean to adjust for relevant covariates missing from the mean model or a misspecified functional form. For this example, we show through simulations that the resulting score test of zero inflation maintains its empirical size at all levels, albeit a loss of power for the well-specified non-random mean model under the null. Frequencies of health promotion activities among young Girl Scouts and dental caries indices among inner-city children are used to illustrate the robustness of the proposed testing procedure.
Characterization and Fine Mapping of a Yellow-Virescent Gene Regulating Chlorophyll Biosynthesis and Early Stage Chloroplast Development in Brassica napus

Chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development are crucial to photosynthesis and plant growth, but their regulatory mechanism remains elusive in many crop species. We isolated a Brassica napus yellow-virescent leaf (yvl) mutant, which exhibited yellow-younger-leaf and virescent-older-leaf with decreased chlorophyll accumulation and delayed chloroplast development. We mapped yvl locus to a 70-kb interval between molecular markers yvl-O10 and InDel-O6 on chromosome A03 in BC2F2 population using whole genome re-sequencing and bulked segregant analysis. The mutant had a ‘C’ to ‘T’ substitution in the coding sequence of BnaA03.CHLH, which encodes putative H subunit of Mg-protoporphyrin IX chelatase (CHLH). The mutation resulted in an imperfect protein structure and reduced activity of CHLH. It also hampered the plastid encoded RNA polymerase which transcribes regulatory genes of photosystem II and I. Consequently, the chlorophyll a/b and carotenoid contents were reduced and the chloroplast ultrastructure was degraded in yvl mutant. These results explain that a single nucleotide mutation in BnaA03.CHLH impairs PEP activity to disrupt chloroplast development and chlorophyll biosynthesis in B. napus.
Communication Skills, Problem-Solving Ability, Understanding of Patients’ Conditions, and Nurse’s Perception of Professionalism among Clinical Nurses: A Structural Equation Model Analysis

This study was intended to confirm the structural relationship between clinical nurse communication skills, problem-solving ability, understanding of patients’ conditions, and nurse’s perception of professionalism. Due to changes in the healthcare environment, it is becoming difficult to meet the needs of patients, and it is becoming very important to improve the ability to perform professional nursing jobs to meet expectations. In this study method, structural model analysis was applied to identify factors influencing the perception of professionalism in nurses. The subjects of this study were 171 nurses working at general hospitals in city of Se, Ga, and Geu. Data analysis included frequency analysis, identification factor analysis, reliability analysis, measurement model analysis, model fit, and intervention effects. In the results of the study, nurse’s perception of professionalism was influenced by factors of communication skills and understanding of the patient’s condition, but not by their ability to solve problems. Understanding of patient’s condition had a mediating effect on communication skills and nursing awareness. Communication skills and understanding of the patient’s condition greatly influenced the nurse’s perception of professionalism. To improve the professionalism of clinical nurses, nursing managers need to emphasize communication skills and understanding of the patient’s condition. The purpose of this study was to provide a rationale for developing a program to improve job skills by strengthening the awareness of professional positions of clinical nurses to develop nursing quality of community.
Biological attributes affect the data of description of tiger moths (Arctiidae) in the Brazilian Cerrado

Previous studies have shown that macroecological variables such as body size and geographical range size may influence the probability of a species being described. We evaluated the description pattern of tiger moth species from the Brazilian Cerrado, and tested whether the date of description was influenced by the species biological attributes (body size, colour pattern, geographical range size, altitudinal range, latitudinal range, longitudinal range, degree of specificity to the Cerrado, and number of species of the same genus). The relationship between date of description for several arctiid taxa and predictor variables was investigated using simple and multiple regressions. All predictor variables explained significant variance in the year of description in some arctiid taxonomic groups. However, the relative importance of each predictor varied among taxa. Our analyses suggested that the tiger moths yet to be discovered in the Cerrado region will probably be small, with a restricted distribution, and endemic to the biome. We also showed, for the first time, that colour pattern is a significant variable in determining the description date of an animal group, with aposematic species being described first. We noted a significant decrease in numbers of tiger moth taxonomists in recent decades. The training of new tiger moth taxonomists is urgent because there is a significant relationship between the number of taxonomists and the number of described species.
Practicality Assessment of the Improved ICT-Based Dementia Care Mapping Support System

Objectives: Authors have developed an ICT (Information-Communication Technology)-based Dementia Care Mapping (DCM™) support system and assessed its usefulness previously using videos. The aim of this study is to evaluate practicality of the improved support system by actual mapping. Methods: We obtained highly reliable mapping data by a team of 3 mappers (M1, M2, and M3), who mapped 5 elderly people with dementia continuously over 4 hours in 2 sites. M1 mapped by conventional paper-based DCM™, while M2 and M3 mapped using the support system. Collected mapping data (n = 8, total of 232.5 hours = 2790 time frames) were compared. Results: The concordance rates between M1 and M2/M3 were over 70%; the required level for DCM™ evaluation purposes, with 1 exception. We also obtained users’ positive ratings regarding the system usability. Conclusion: Practicality of the ICT-based DCM™ support system was confirmed for evaluation purposes, demonstrating the system is ready for practical use.
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG NASSARIID GASTROPODS

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships within the neogastropod family Nassariidae are poorly understood as are relationships between the Nassariidae and other fossil and extant buccinid taxa. The poor resolution of nassariid and buccinoidean relationships is due to: 1) the complex distribution among these gastropods of characters commonly used in classification; 2) a number of Mesozoic and Paleogene genera whose relationships to extant buccinoidean lineages are poorly constrained; and 3) a lack of previous efforts to address these problems on a rigorous, phylogenetic basis. The results of a phylogenetic analysis of nassariid genera did not decisively support the monophyly of the family. The buccinid subfamily Photinae was an extant sister group to the Nassariinae in a phylogenetic analysis of extant taxa and on many cladograms from an analysis combining fossil and extant taxa. In addition, Buccitriton (representing the Paleogene Tritiaria group) was a sister taxon to the Nassariinae in all analyses in which it was included, regardless of the identity of the extant nassariine sister group. This suggests that the photines, which likely arose from a Tritiaria ancestor, are the closest living relatives to the Nassariinae. Many Paleogene fossil “buccinoid” taxa appear to be more distantly related to the Nassariinae and possibly to the rest of the nassariids as well. Stratigraphic range data combined with the results of this study suggest that the Nassariinae diversified rapidly in the early Miocene and achieved a cosmopolitan distribution early in their history. A largely Indo-Pacific subclade was consistently deeply-nested within the Nassariinae, suggesting that nassariines invaded the Indo-Pacific region most recently. The timing of this invasion is difficult to estimate but had occurred by the end of the Miocene. Further analyses using molecular sequence data, relative stratigraphic position, or focusing in more detail on the Paleogene taxa are required to resolve the identity of the sister group to the Nassariinae with greater confidence.
Development of Texas bluebonnets into floricultural crops

The term “bluebonnet’ is used by Texa to describe plants that most ornamental ho culturists would refer to as “lupines. ” The are six species of Lupinus native to Texas (Table 1) and all have official state flow status. Lupinus subcarnosus Hook. was originally made the state flower in 1901 via resolution approved by the Texas Senate House of Representatives (Andrews, 198 Soon thereafter, however, confusion and c troversy arose when Texans realized that m than one Lupinus species is native to the sta The controversy was finally resolved in 19 when subsequent legislation designated native Lupinus as the state flower. The controversy surrounding the design tion of the official state flower is indicative o the emotional attachment Texans have to b bonnets. These flowers are unmatched in t ability to evoke feelings of state pride a loyalty. Indeed, the bluebonnet has becom symbol of Texas. Tourist, novelty, and g shops abound with items such as t-shirts, tionery, postcards, towels, paintings, wall han ings, and pottery, all highlighting the bluebo net. Because of the popularity of bluebonn in Texas, we have undertaken two proje aimed at increasing the availability of the plants to the public. These projects have pro to be an excellent means of communicat the value of horticultural research and exte sion programs.
The relationship between gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids in the renal calcium oxalate stones disease

The relationship of gut microbiota and calcium oxalate stone has been limited investigated, especially with no study of gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in nephrolithiasis. We provided Sprague Dawley rats of renal calcium oxalate stones with antibiotics and examined the renal crystals deposition. We also performed a case‐control study by analyzing 16S rRNA microbial profiling, shotgun metagenomics and SCFAs in 153 fecal samples from non‐kidney stone (NS) controls, patients with occasional renal calcium oxalate stones (OS) and patients with recurrent stones (RS). Antibiotics reduced bacterial load in feces and could promote the formation of renal calcium crystals in model rats. In addition, both OS and RS patients exhibited higher fecal microbial diversity than NS controls. Several SCFAs‐producing gut bacteria, as well as metabolic pathways associated with SCFAs production, were considerably lower in the gut microbiota among the kidney stone patients compared with the NS controls. Representation of genes involved in oxalate degradation showed no significance difference among groups. However, fecal acetic acid concentration was the highest in RS patients with high level of urinary oxalate, which was positively correlated with genes involvement in oxalate synthesis. Administration of SCFAs reduced renal crystals. These results shed new light on bacteria and SCFAs, which may promote the development of treatment strategy in nephrolithiasis.