Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
APTPU: Approximate Computing Based Tensor Processing Unit

We propose an approximate tensor processing unit (APTPU), which includes two main components: (1) approximate processing elements (APEs) consisting of a low-precision multiplier and an approximate adder, and (2) pre-approximate units (PAUs) which are shared among the APEs in the APTPU’s systolic array, functioning as the steering logic to pre-process the operands and feed them to the APEs. We conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the performance of the APTPU across various configurations and various workloads. The results show that the APTPU’s systolic array achieves up to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$5.2\times \textit {TOPS}/mm^{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4.4\times \textit {TOPS}/W$ </tex-math></inline-formula> improvements compared to that of a conventional systolic array design. The comparison between the proposed APTPU and in-house TPU designs shows that we can achieve approximately <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.5\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.2\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> area and power reduction, respectively, while realizing comparable accuracy. Finally, a comparison with the state-of-the-art approximate systolic arrays shows that the APTPU can realize up to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.58\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.78\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula>, reduction in delay, power, and area, respectively, while using similar design specifications and synthesis constraints.
An Exploration of Employer Participation in Internships and Other
 Work-Based Learning Experiences

Research shows that employers play a key role in work-based learning (WBL) programs such as internships but are seldom involved in conversations around the topic (Greenfield & Stevens, 2018). While the benefits of work-based learning are well documented, employers are often unaware of the benefits they would receive from participating in an effort to strategically link education and workforce preparation (Greenfield & Stevens, 2018). This study qualitatively examined the experiences of employers that provide work-based learning opportunities, primarily internships, for postsecondary students. Findings illuminated the importance of developing and maintaining strong community partnerships and establishing recruitment pipelines. The results also indicated that lack of information impedes growth, virtual experiences are essential, and financial constraints impact participation.
Intrinsic linewidth of quantum cascade laser frequency combs

The frequency noise power spectral density of a free-running quantum cascade laser frequency comb is investigated. A plateau is observed at high frequencies, attributed to the quantum noise limit set by the Schawlow-Townes formula for the total laser power on all comb lines. In our experiment, a linewidth of 292 Hz is measured for a total power of 25 mW. This result proves that the four-wave mixing process, responsible for the comb operation, effectively correlates the quantum noise of the individual comb lines.
New Method for High Water Pressure Tunnel Design Based on Machine Learning for Smart Grid Energy Management and Groundwater Environmental Balance

In recent years, underwater shield tunnels are being developed according to large-scale sections. The problems of large buried depth and high water pressure have posed major challenges to the safety of segmented structures. The load-bearing capacity and damage of segmented structures under high water pressure features have always attracted attention. Based on a machine learning approach to smart grid energy management, this paper proposes a design method for high voltage tunnels in a balanced groundwater environment and tests the capacity of the high voltage tunnels. Based on the high water pressure failure test phenomenon of the large-section shield tunnel of the GIL project, this paper analyzes the failure characteristics and laws of the segment structure under high water pressure conditions. On this basis, an evaluation index for the load-bearing performance of the segment structure is proposed, and control suggestions are given based on the research results. According to the fault characteristics and the section structure law, the section performance evaluation index is proposed, and the control parameter recommendations are given based on the test results. Valuable discoveries and breakthroughs have been made in the failure of the prototype segment structure and the difference in the mechanical properties of the segment structure in the form of the high water pressure tunnel assembly. The research results show that under the condition of staggered assembly of high-voltage tunnels, the maximum dislocation amount of the high-voltage tunnel structure during instability failure is 10 mm, and the bolt strength is improved. The more important aspect is the existence of concave and tenon between the rings. In structure, the maximum stress of the bolts between the rings is only 38.6% of the yield stress at the time of instability failure. This indicates that the distributed concave-convex tenon between the segments not only can control the dislocation of the segments but also can ensure that the longitudinal bolts are well protected. It is safe to ensure the pressure resistance of the high water pressure tunnel.
Scales of quasi-arithmetic means determined by an invariance property

It is well known that if denotes the set of power means, then the mapping is both 1 − 1 and onto for any non-constant sequence of positive numbers. Briefly, the family of power means is a scale. If I is an interval and is a continuous, strictly monotone function, then is a natural generalization of the power mean, so called quasi-arithmetic mean generated by f. A famous theorem says that the only homogeneous, quasi-arithmetic means are power means. We prove that, upon replacing the homogeneity requirement by an invariant-type axiom, one gets a family of quasi-arithmetic means building up a scale, too.
Prevalence and Determinants of Chronic Pain Post-COVID; Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Chronic pain is increasingly recognized as part of long COVID syndrome, mainly in the form of myalgias. However, chronic pain has several forms, and according to our clinical experience, COVID-19 survivors suffer from numerous painful syndromes, other than myalgias. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of chronic pain, describe the commonest painful syndromes and identify pain determinants in a random population of COVID-19 survivors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Medical School, University of Cyprus. A random population of 90 COVID-19 survivors was recruited. Demographic and COVID-19 related clinical characteristics were recorded. The painDETECT and DN4 questionnaires were used to evaluate the painful syndromes. Results: The prevalence of chronic pain was estimated to be 63.3%. The most common site of pain was low back (37.8%), followed by joints (28.9%) and neck (12.2%). Patients with chronic pain compared to subjects without pain were older (50.5 ± 15.9 versus 42.2 ± 12.6, p = 0.011) and more likely to be female (71.9% versus 45.5%, p = 0.013). One in six subjects (16.7%) reported new-onset pain post COVID-19. The prevalence of neuropathic pain was estimated to be 24.4%. After adjusting for age and gender, headache during COVID-19 was a statistically significant predictor of neuropathic pain, increasing 4.9 times (95% 1.4–16.6, p = 0.011) the odds of neuropathic pain. Conclusion: Chronic pain—especially neuropathic—is widely prevalent in COVID-19 survivors. One in six subjects will develop new-onset pain that will persist beyond the acute phase of the disease and, therefore, should be considered a symptom of long COVID syndrome.
Combined Use of Sleep Quality and Duration Is More Closely Associated With Mortality Risk Among Older Adults: A Population-based Kyoto-Kameoka Prospective Cohort Study

Background Whether sleep quality and duration assessed from multiple domains, either individually or in combination, are strongly associated with mortality risk in older adults remains unelucidated. We aimed to clarify these relationships. Methods We enrolled 7,668 older (age ≥65 years) Japanese adults in the Kyoto-Kameoka prospective cohort study who provided valid responses to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in a mail-in survey. Sleep quality and duration were classified into six groups using the previously validated PSQI: short sleep duration (SSD: <360 min/day)/sleep disturbance (SD: ≥5.5 PSQI points), n = 701; SSD/non-sleep disturbance (NSD: <5.5 PSQI points), n = 100; optimal sleep duration (OSD: 360–480 min/day)/NSD, n = 1,863; OSD/SD, n = 2,113; long sleep duration (LSD: >480 min/day)/NSD, n = 1,972; LSD/SD, n = 919. Mortality data were collected from February 15, 2012, to November 30, 2016. We evaluated the relationship between all-cause mortality risk and sleep quality and duration (and their combinations) using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model that included baseline covariates. Results The median follow-up period was 4.75 years (34,826 person-years), with a total of 616 deaths. After adjusting for confounders, compared with other groups, SSD/SD and LSD/SD had the highest hazard ratio (HR) of mortality (SSD/SD: HR 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–2.19; SSD/NSD: HR 1.27; 95% CI, 0.47–3.48; OSD/NSD: reference; OSD/SD: HR 1.20; 95% CI, 0.91–1.59; LSD/NSD: HR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03–1.77; LSD/SD: HR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.37–2.45). However, mortality risk was not associated with the interaction between sleep quality and duration. Conclusion Older adults with sleep disturbances involving SSD and LSD have a strong positive association with mortality risk, suggesting an additive effect between sleep quality and duration.
Regional recombinant novelty, related and unrelated technologies: a patent-level approach

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the impact of regional technological relatedness on the emergence of recombinant novelty (i.e., new combinations of subclasses occurring for the first time) in French regions using patent data over the period 1990–2010. We find that relatedness favours incremental innovations that reuse already applied combinations, whereas increasing levels of relatedness reduce the likelihood of novelty. However, the impact is less negative when combined technologies are new, unrelated or not locally specialized because it facilitates learning and technological recombination. We also find that universities and large incumbents are less dependent on relatedness than small and novel players to create novelty.
Effects of Hysteresis on the Dynamic Deformation of Artificial Polymeric Heart Valve

The deformation behavior of an artificial heart valve was analyzed using the explicit dynamic finite element method. Time variations of the left ventricle and the aortic pressure were considered as the mechanical boundary conditions in order to reproduce the opening and closing movements of the valve under the full cardiac cycle. The valve was assumed to be made from a medical polymer and hence, a hyperelastic Mooney–Rivlin model was assigned as the material model. A simple formula of the damage mechanics was also introduced into the theoretical material model to express the hysteresis response under the unloading state. Effects of the hysteresis on the valve deformation were characterized by the delay of response and the enlargement of displacement. Most importantly, the elastic vibration observed in the pure elastic response under the full close state was dramatically reduced by the conversion of a part of elastic energy to the dissipated energy due to hysteresis.
Thermal Stability of Contractile Proteins in Bat Wing Muscles Explains Differences in Temperature Dependence of Whole-Muscle Shortening Velocity

Muscle contractile properties are dependent on temperature: cooler temperatures generally slow contractile rates. Contraction and relaxation are driven by underlying biochemical systems, which are inherently sensitive to temperature. Carollia perspicillata, a small Neotropical bat, experiences large temperature differentials among body regions, resulting in a steep gradient in temperature along the wing. Although the bats maintain high core body temperatures during flight, the wing muscles may operate at more than 10°C below body temperature. Partially compensating for these colder operating temperatures, distal wing muscles have lower temperature sensitivities in their contractile properties, including shortening velocity, relative to the proximal pectoralis. Shortening velocity is correlated with the activity of myosin ATPase, an enzyme that drives the cross-bridge cycle. We hypothesized that the thermal properties of myofibrillar ATPase from the pectoralis and forearm muscles of the bat wing would correlate with the temperature sensitivity of those muscles. Using myofibrillar ATPases from the proximal and distal muscles, we measured enzyme activity across a range of temperatures and enzyme thermal stability after heat incubation across a range of time points. We found that forearm muscle myofibrillar ATPase was significantly less thermally stable than pectoralis myofibrillar ATPase but that there was no significant difference in the acute temperature dependence of enzyme activity between the two muscles.
Occidentalism, Undergraduate Literary Reading, and Critical Intercultural Pedagogy

The purposes of this paper are to investigate Taiwanese undergraduate students’ responses to a selected fictional text, and to propose a critical intercultural pedagogical approach of reading global literature in the EFL educational context based on the insights from the research findings. The authors first critically analysed Xiaolu Guo’s third novel, A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers, in terms of Occidentalism, in order to unpack the ideologies underlying her representation of the British and the Chinese. The analysis of the text was conducted through a qualitative approach of critical content analysis. After that, a semi-structured interview was adopted to scrutinise Taiwanese undergraduate students’ perceptions of the ideologies underlying the fiction. The analysis of the text identified three themes of British-Chinese binary opposition together with the juxtaposition of ethnocentric Occidentalism and reverse Occidentalism. The findings obtained from interviews indicated that two of the three dichotomies, i.e. individualism versus collectivism and cosmopolitan versus rooted, underlying the fictional text were commonly perceived by the interviewed undergraduates while they had diverse views on the second dichotomy, sexual freedom versus sexual reticence. Furthermore, some students’ responses to the fiction signified a subtle, implicit and delicate form of reverse Occidentalism. Based on the above research findings, the authors configured a critical intercultural pedagogy for raising students’ capability of decoding and deconstructing Occidentalist ideologies underlying global literature.
Environmentally Specific Servant Leadership and Employee Workplace Green Behavior: Moderated Mediation Model of Green Role Modeling and Employees’ Perceived CSR

While employee workplace green behaviors (EWGBs), which contribute toward goals of organizational sustainability, have developed as an important research topic in the last decade, environmentally specific servant leadership (ESSL) is considered an important enhancer of employees’ green behaviors. From a social learning perspective, we developed a theoretical model to explore the mediating role of green role modeling and the moderating effect of employees’ perceived CSR on the relationship between ESSL and EWGB. In order to test the hypotheses, we adopted a two-wave research design and collected survey data from 512 employees from eight companies in Shandong Province, China. Structural equation modeling and the PROCESS macro for SPSS were utilized to analyze the data from the survey. The results of the quantitative analysis suggest that ESSL has positive impact on both employees’ in-role green behavior and extra-role green behavior. Meanwhile, green role modeling has a mediating effect on the relationship between ESSL and EWGB. Moreover, employees’ perceived CSR moderates the mediating relationship between ESSL and EWGB through green role modeling. The findings indicate that organizations should promote managers’ environmentally specific servant leadership and establish their own CSR policies and practices in order to motivate employee workplace in-role and extra-role green behaviors, which, in turn, contribute to sustainability, environmental protection and societal development. Overall, the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for the research on ESSL and EWGB are also discussed.
Barriers to Physical Activity among Full-Time Students: A Case Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic

(1) Background: Physical inactivity is a major public health problem that affects a significant number of adolescents throughout the world. Attaining regular physical activity is a major challenge for adolescents who study full-time. This study aimed to examine the associations between barriers to physical activity, physical activity levels, and time exposed to sedentary behavior during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among adolescent full-time students at an institute of professional and technical education. (2) Methods: We employed mixed methods in this case study, which enrolled 119 adolescent students (52.9% of whom were female). More specifically, we applied the Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and conducted semi-structured interviews. Our statistical analysis was based on Poisson regression with robust variance, and our qualitative analysis was based on content analysis. (3) Results: The adolescents frequently presented with a “low” level of physical activity (44.4%, n = 52). The following barriers were associated with a low level of physical activity: lack of time (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.546; confidence interval (CI) 1.111–2.151), lack of motivation (PR 1.573; CI 1.102–2.245), preference for other activities (PR 1.521; CI 1.073–2.155), lack of facilities close to home (PR 1.576; CI 1.077–2.307), laziness (PR 1.463; CI 1.031–2.076), and no way of getting to a facility (PR 1.619; CI 1.005–2.606). (4) Conclusions: We observed that physical activity barriers in the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and environmental dimensions were associated with low levels of physical activity. The students reported that full-time study was a barrier to physical activity that contributed negatively to their physical activity levels and time exposed to sedentary behaviors.
Differential Expression of Anti-Inflammatory RNA Binding Proteins in Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a type of immunological complex glomerulonephritis characterized by chronic renal inflammation which is exacerbated by infiltrating leukocytes and fueled by a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A profound understanding of the pathogenesis of LN is necessary to identify the optimal molecular targets. The role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in post-transcriptional gene regulation in the immune system is being explored in greater depth to better understand how this regulation is implicated in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Tristetraprolin (TTP), Roquin-1/2, and Regnase-1 are 3 RBPs that play a critical role in the regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators by gating the degradation and/or translational silencing of target mRNAs. In this study, we proposed to focus on the differential expression of these RBPs in immune cells and renal biopsies from LN patients, as well as their regulatory impact on a specific target. Herein, we highlight a novel target of anti-inflammatory treatment by revealing the mechanisms underlying RBP expression and the interaction between RBPs and their target RNAs.
Evaluation of the Regenerative Potential of Platelet-Lysate and Platelet-Poor Plasma Derived from the Cord Blood Units in Corneal Wound Healing Applications: An In Vitro Comparative Study on Corneal Epithelial Cells

Background: Cord blood platelet lysate (CB-PL) and cord blood platelet poor plasma (CB-PPP) have been applied with success in wound healing applications. Pathologies such as Sjogrens’s Syndrome (SS) and chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) can lead to severe ophthalmology issues. The application of CB-PL and CB-PPP may be strongly considered for damaged cornea healing. This study aimed to the evaluation of the beneficial properties of CB-PL and CB-PPP in corneal wound healing applications. Methods: Initially, the CB-PL and CB-PPP were produced from donated cord blood units (CBUs), followed by biochemical analysis. Corneal epithelial cells (CECs) were isolated from wistar rats and then cultured with medium containing 20% v/v either of CB-PL or CB-PPP. To define the impact of CB-PL and CB-PPP, biochemical, morphological analysis, scratch-wound assays, and immunoassays in CECs were performed. Results: CB-PL and CB-PPP were characterized by good biochemical parameters, regarding their quality characteristics and biomolecule content. CECs’ morphological features did not change after their cultivation with CB-PL or CB-PPP. A scratch wound assay and molecular analysis of CECs expanded with CB-PL indicated higher migratory capacity compared to those cultured with CB-PPP. Conclusion: CB-PL and CB-PPP exhibited good properties with respect to cell migration and proliferation, and could be considered an alternative source for eye drop production, to possibly be used in cornea wound healing applications.
Application of LQR theory to optimization of vibration isolation of sitting human body

Human body can be considered as a very complex, active biomechanical system. However, majority of existing biomechanical models of sitting human operator body were built as passive, lumped parameter systems (Coermann 1962, Gierke 1971, Hopkins, 1971, Muskian 1976, Ksi1? ek 1979, Potiemkin 1979, ISO 7962, Kiene 1989, Smith 1992, Mansfield 1996, Yoshimura 1996 andWei 1998). The structures of these models were a priori assumed and the parameters of these structures were identified by comparison of the corresponding theoretical and experimental quantities such as transmissibility functions, impedances or apparent masses. The first active human biomechanical models (AHBM) of the sitting human body were proposed and presented in (Ksi1? ek 1997a, 1997b, 1998, 1999a, 1999b). In the presented paper these models were adopted as the objects subjected to vibration. Investigation concerning an aspect of synthesis of optimal vibration isolation for such models was target of the work. The optimization of vibration isolation of the active models was already considered in different aspects in (Ksi1? ek 2003, 2004, 2005). In the presented paperthe optimization of vibration isolation based on the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) theory (Bryson 1981, 2002, Mathworks 2001), was applied as the first design step in seeking a state – feedback law, that minimizes chosen a priori cost function named further the criterion of optimization of vibration isolation system. The form of this function was assumed taking into account structure of AHBM-VIS system and existing international standards concerning human body expositions to vibration (ISO 2631, PN-91/N-01354 and Engel 1993).