Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultra-Wideband GaN Power Amplifiers – From Innovative Technology to Standart Products

A number of the modern electronic systems applications require generation, processing, amplification, and emission of signals that have a continuous broadband spectrum or modulated signals with a relatively narrow spectrum whose frequency may change in broad ranges. The first group of applications may include UWB systems of short distance data transmission, radar systems with UWB signals of different kinds (pulse, multi-frequency, or quasi-noise), RFID-systems, and a number of others. The second group includes electronic warfare (EW) systems, EMC-testing systems, as well as universal measuring and testing equipment. Usually, signals with fractional bandwidth over 20% of band center or more than 500 MHz of absolute bandwidth are referred to UWB signals. As applied to the signal-processing devices, in particular, to amplifiers, the interpretation of the term UWB is somewhat different. Depending on the relative bandwidth the amplifiers are usually divided into the following kinds: narrowband (frequency coverage relation of the upper working frequency to the lower working frequency (W) is less than 1.2:1); wideband (W from 1.2:1 to 2:1), and ultra-wideband ones (W greater than 2:1). In the present article we shall speak about technologies of microwave ultra-wideband power amplifiers. The main parameters determining the possibility of using an power amplifier in a definite electronic system are as follows: a working frequency bandwidth (ΔF), the output power with the given criteria of distortion (Po), and the efficiency of transformation DC source power into the output power (DE). With the increase of the frequency coverage W the achieved DE is significantly lowered. Some typical dependence of DE on W, built for typical microwave transistor power amplifiers, is shown in Fig.1. The highest DE values (up to 70-80%) are realized due to different special circuits, named Harmonic Reaction Amplifiers (Colantonio et al., 2009). In these circuits a special combination of transistor source and load impedances and special biasing allows to achieve the forms of drain current and voltage close to the switching form which results in minimal losses of DC source energy. However, the frequency coverage W, in which these combinations may be realized, is usually limited by 1.1:1 to 1.2:1 values. Amplifiers with the frequency coverage up to 1.5:1 may be built by classical A/AB biasing schemes with multi-contour reactive input and output matching circuits. The forms of currents and voltages in such schemes are close to sinusoidal ones while the DE is limited by the values of 40-50%.
E-537 MWPC amplifier

The design of a fast MWPC amplifier for the beam chambers and the absorber chamber is completed and all parts are on order. A prototype 16 channel board has been built and satisfactorily tested. Artwork is completed for the board and out to be photographed. The board fabrication contract has been let. Listed below is a summary of the amplifier characteristics as well as test results obtained with the prototype.
African Swine Fever Virus pE199L Induces Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis

African swine fever (ASF) is a severe hemorrhagic disease in swine characterized by massive lymphocyte depletion and cell death, with apoptosis and necrosis in infected lymphoid tissues. However, the molecular mechanism regarding ASFV-induced cell death remains largely unknown. In this study, 94 ASFV-encoded proteins were screened to determine the viral proteins involved in cell death in vitro, and pE199L showed the most significant effect. Ectopic expression of pE199L in porcine cells (CRL-2843) and human cells (HEK293T and HeLa cells) induced cell death remarkably, showing obvious shrinking, blistering, apoptotic bodies, and nuclear DNA fragments. Meanwhile, cell death was markedly alleviated when the expression of pE199L was knocked down during ASFV infection. Additionally, the expression of pE199L caused a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome C, and caspase-9 and -3/7 activation, indicating that the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was involved in pE199L-induced apoptosis. Further investigations showed that pE199L interacted with several anti-apoptotic BCL-2 subfamily members (such as BCL-XL, MCL-1, BCL-W, and BCL-2A1) and competed with BAK for BCL-XL, which promoted BAK and BAX activation. Taken together, ASFV pE199L induces the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis, which may provide clues for a comprehensive understanding of ASFV pathogenesis.
A High-Bandwidth Force-Controlled Haptic Interface

The design and control of a 5 degree-of-freedom (DOF) haptic interface that provides accurate rendering of forces as well as a large range of motion is presented. We review a number of design approaches that have been considered in other haptic interfaces and the reasons for choosing a parallel mechanism for our design. The choice and motivation for the actuators, sensors, and materials used are also discussed. High bandwidth transmission of forces is achieved through a force control loop in each degree of freedom. Details of the single actuator control design process and the robustness of the controllers are also overviewed. The resulting interface is able to provide a workspace of about 40 cm in translation in 3 DOF and about ±60 degrees in 2 DOF of angular motion, and the force controllers have closed-loop bandwidths of about 175 Hz.
The Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) Pods Extract Affects the Central and Peripheral Serotonergic Systems in Rats With High-Calorie Diet-Induced Obesity

Background: Overweight and obesity have become a global epidemic that presents a risk to health. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of many important functions of the body as in the periphery (as a hormone), as well as in the central nervous system as a neurotransmitter, which can be involved in central mechanisms that control food intake. The present work aimed to study the features of serotonin metabolism functioning under the effect of the kidney beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) pods extract in experimental obesity, which was induced by the consumption of high-calorie diet. Phaseolus vulgaris is the plant that possesses plenty of curative and therapeutic properties in particular for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. It has been known that plant extracts, unlike synthetic drugs, can be used practically without toxic effects. Methods: Experiments were carried out on four groups of white nonlinear male rats (10 rats per group) during a 10-week period. Studies of the serotonergic system functioning were performed using ion-exchange chromatography, spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods. Results: The consumption of kidney beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) pods extract has a therapeutic effect on the obesity development in rats, as evidenced by changes in the functioning of the central and peripheral serotonergic systems. Tryptophan and serotonin levels have increased in duodenum mucosa compared to the obese rats, also had shown an increase of the serotonin synthesis enzymes activity (tryptophan hydroxylase and tryptophan decarboxylase) and a simultaneous decrease in the activity of monoamine oxidase. Central tryptophan and serotonin levels, as well as the activity of enzymes of the serotonin synthesis have increased compared to the obese rats while a simultaneous decrease in the activity of monoamine oxidase was observed. Conclusions: The obtained results indicated a therapeutic effect of the kidney beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) pods extract on the dysfunction of the serotonergic system under obesity development. J Endocrinol Metab. 2021;11(5):123-133 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem650
Beamspace Channel Estimation with Beam Squint Effect for the Millimeter-Wave MIMO-OFDM Systems

In this paper, we investigate two novel beamspace channel estimation schemes for millimeter-wave MIMO-OFDM systems relying on a uniform linear antenna array. Based on the sparse nature of the beamspace channel, compressive sensing-based methods can be adopted. Most of the existing wideband beamspace channel estimation schemes take the common support assumption that the support of all sub-carriers from a single path component keeps unchanged. However, due to the beam squint effect caused by time delays among different antennas, this assumption is no longer satisfied. Based on the above, we analyze the frequency-dependent sparse structure of the beamspace channel due to beam squint and propose the block simultaneous orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm where support is jointly estimated by using beamspace windows. Moreover, considering the power focusing effect of beam squint, we propose the two-stage beamspace channel estimation scheme, where the first stage is for the angle of arrival estimation, and the second stage is for updating path gain to reconstruct the beamspace channel. Simulation results demonstrate that proposed schemes can estimate the channel under the beam squint effect with high accuracy but low pilot overheads.
Real-Time Facial Emotion Recognition Framework for Employees of Organizations Using Raspberry-Pi

There is a significant interest in facial emotion recognition in the fields of human–computer interaction and social sciences. With the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the field of human behavioral prediction and analysis, especially human emotion, has evolved significantly. The most standard methods of emotion recognition are currently being used in models deployed in remote servers. We believe the reduction in the distance between the input device and the server model can lead us to better efficiency and effectiveness in real life applications. For the same purpose, computational methodologies such as edge computing can be beneficial. It can also encourage time-critical applications that can be implemented in sensitive fields. In this study, we propose a Raspberry-Pi based standalone edge device that can detect real-time facial emotions. Although this edge device can be used in variety of applications where human facial emotions play an important role, this article is mainly crafted using a dataset of employees working in organizations. A Raspberry-Pi-based standalone edge device has been implemented using the Mini-Xception Deep Network because of its computational efficiency in a shorter time compared to other networks. This device has achieved 100% accuracy for detecting faces in real time with 68% accuracy, i.e., higher than the accuracy mentioned in the state-of-the-art with the FER 2013 dataset. Future work will implement a deep network on Raspberry-Pi with an Intel Movidious neural compute stick to reduce the processing time and achieve quick real time implementation of the facial emotion recognition system.
A review on the molecular basis underlying the protective effects of Andrographis paniculata and andrographolide against myocardial injury

Abstract Andrographolide is the major compound found in the medicinal plant, Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, which accounts for its medicinal properties. Both the plant extract and compound have been reported to exhibit potential cardiovascular activities. This review summarises related studies describing the biological activities and target mechanisms of A. paniculata and andrographolide in vivo and in vitro. The current evidence unambiguously indicated the protective effects provided by A. paniculata and andrographolide administration against myocardial injury. The intervention ameliorates the symptoms of myocardial injury by interfering with the inductive phase of a) inflammatory response mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling molecules; b) oxidative stress via activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2) and reduction of enzymes responsible for generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; c) intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms in apoptosis regulated by upstream insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α); d) profibrotic growth factors thus reducing cardiac fibrosis, improving endothelial function and fibrinolytic function. In conclusion, A. paniculata and andrographolide possess therapeutic potential in the management of myocardial injury, which requires further validation in human clinical trials.
Intercomparison of Calculated Incident Power Density and Temperature Rise for Exposure from Different Antennas at 10–90 GHz

Recently, international exposure guidelines/standards for human protection from electromagnetic fields were revised. For frequencies between 6-300 GHz, the permissible incident power density is defined as the reference level, which is derived from a new metric “absorbed/epithelial power density” based on thermal modeling. However, only a few groups computed the power density and the resultant temperature rise at frequencies greater than 6 GHz, where their exposure conditions were different. This study presents the first intercomparison study of the incident power density and the resultant temperature rise in a human body exposed to different frequency sources ranging from 10 to 90 GHz. This intercomparison aims to clarify the main causes of numerical calculation errors in dosimetry analyses through objective comparison of computation results from six organizations using their numerical methods with various body and antenna models. The intercomparison results indicate that the maximum relative standard deviation (RSD) of peak spatially averaged incident power densities for dipole and dipole array antennas is less than 22.1% and 6.3%, respectively. The maximum RSD of the heating factor, which is defined as the ratio of the peak temperature elevation at the skin surface to the peak spatially averaged incident power density in free space, for dipole and dipole array antennas is less than 43.2% and 41.2%, respectively. The deviations in the heating factors caused by different body models and dielectric/thermal parameters are within 33.1% and 19.6% at 10 and 30 GHz, respectively, when the antenna-to-skin model distance is greater than 5 mm. Under this condition (>5 mm), the deviation in the heating factors caused by different antenna models at 30 GHz does not exceed 26.3%. The fair agreement among the intercomparison results demonstrates that numerical calculation errors of dosimetry analyses caused by the definition of spatially averaged incident power density are marginal.
Leakage detection in a real distribution network using a SOM

One great challenge for waterworks is effective leakage detection. This paper presents a method based on the self-organising map for leakage detection in a water distribution network. The data used for training and validating the test results consist of vectors of the flow meter readings and knowledge of reported leak locations. The most important factor facilitating the self-organising-map-based modelling of leaks is the developed leak function. The results of the experiments presented show that the model trained on flow data can detect leaks in a defined distribution network area.
Embedded software-based self-test for system-on-a-chip design

Rapid advances in semiconductor technology have made it possible to realize the full potential for integrating on a single chip such different components as processors, memory, buses, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) components, and mixed-signal components. The increasing heterogeneity and programmability associated with the system-on-a-chip architecture (SoC), together with the ever-increasing operating frequencies and technology changes pose great challenges to Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) testing. Traditional hardware-based self-testing techniques such as scan-based Built-in Self Test (BIST) have limitations due to performance and area overhead as well as abnormal power consumption caused by the application of non-functional patterns. Moreover, integration of Design-for-Testability (DfT) circuitry into SoC architecture brings with it a need to resolve various complex timing issues related to multiple clock domains, multiple frequencies, and test-clock skews which are unique in the test mode. These traditional techniques could slow down the time-to-market of a new SoC design. In this dissertation, we propose embedded software-based self-testing techniques which reuse the on-chip resources for self-test. In this methodology, the programmable cores are used for on-chip test generation, measurement, response analysis, and even diagnosis. After the programmable cores have been self-tested, they are reused for testing on-chip buses, interfaces and other non-programmable cores. The advantages of this methodology include at-speed testing, low hardware overhead, and application of functional patterns. In this dissertation, we discuss the details of the proposed techniques as well as the roadmap we are following and the challenges we are facing in developing the embedded software-based self-testing paradigm.
Enhancement of Growth and Yield of Arachis hypogeae L. Using Different Biofertilizers

The field experiment was conducted in split design with three replicates in Arunagirimangalam village, Thiruvanamalai District to study the effect of groundnut haulm compost of single and combined inoculation of FYM, different biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, Rhizobium) on growth, photosynthetic pigments, biochemical properties and yield of Arachis hypogeae L. The results of this experiment revealed that groundnut haulm with combined inoculation of biofertilizers significantly increased growth, photosynthetic pigments, biochemical and yield parameters of the test crop. Among various combinations, single inoculums of groundnut haulm performed better than control while groundnut haulm with combined inoculation of Rhizobium found better over single inoculation treatments. In general, it could be concluded that groundnut haulm compost and mixed with Rhizobium may be a good tool to improve the crop yield productivity and quantity and soil health.
Ultra-wide bandwidth, low voltage, and chirp-free optical intensity modulator: design and performance analysis

A novel wavelength-selective InGaAs/InP coupled asymmetric quantum well electrorefraction type optical intensity modulator is proposed. The device is based on contradirectional exchange Bragg grating coupled-waveguide structure, which avoids the use of an interferometer. For a non-optimized device the bandwidth is 111 GHz at 1.67 V and it is chirp-free. The device can be integrated with lasers, optical amplifiers, photodetectors etc. It can also be integrated in tandem.
Reliability Based Factors of Safety for VIV Fatigue Using NDP Riser High Mode VIV Tests

Understanding the level of conservatism in a riser system design for vortex-induced vibration (VIV) fatigue is an important issue for operators. This study represents a demonstration of the calibration methodology to derive consistent values for the Factor of Safety (FoS). The exercise is performed here based on medium scale VIV data and utilizing the most commonly used VIV prediction software by industry. The results emphasize the need for (i) a coherent approach to estimate the FoS to be used and (ii) monitoring/measurement of software improvements as this may increase risk of failure if the influence of such improvements on the FoS is not quantified.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Technology can`t replace people, but it is a helpful tool: A qualitative study on patients’ experiences of using a smartphone-application post-cardiac rehabilitation (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a crucial part of the treatment of patients with cardiac diseases and adherence of healthy behavior is a prerequisite to improve long-term prognosis. Unfortunately, adherence to healthy behavior adapted in CR is challenging for many cardiac patients in the long-term. Recently, we demonstrated that follow-up conducted via an application (app) for one year significantly improved adherence to healthy behavior post-CR. In order to increase the knowledge and understanding of mobile Health (mHealth) interventions that can promote acceptance and adherence, qualitative research investigating patients’ experiences with these interventions are warranted. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate patient experiences with individualized long-term follow-up conducted via an app for one year and their thoughts about what features promoted adherence to healthy behavior post-CR. This to increase the understanding of significant findings previously reported as well as to guide future development of similar interventions in the field of adherence. METHODS Ten patients who had participated in a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of follow-up conducted via an app on adherence to healthy behavior post-CR were included in this qualitative study with individual semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Median age was 65, ranging from 46 to 72 years old, and both genders were represented. Interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Primarily, codes and themes were inductively developed. RESULTS The analysis resulted in four themes describing the patients’ experiences with follow-up conducted via an app for one-year post-CR: 1) The person behind the app is crucial for motivation and adherence, 2) The app as a commitment, 3) The app as a path to independence, and 4) Suggestions for improvements. Additionally features experienced as beneficial to promote adherence were individualized feedback as well as the use of goalsetting. The significance of the person behind the app that provided individualized feedback turned out to be a consistent finding. This person seemed to promote motivation in general and to enable other known behavioral change techniques to be motivating as well. CONCLUSIONS The person behind the app (the supervisor) seems to be one of the main features which promoted adherence to healthy behavior post-CR. This indicates that healthcare providers must actively participate in the patients´ process of adherence to healthy behavior, also when using interventions including an app. Future development of interventions in the field of adherence should strive to develop tools that enable an ongoing collaborative relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider. The follow-up should be based on the patient’s own goals and individualized feedback should be provided.