Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced modulation for optical communication systems

Ever increasing demand for network capacity is driving the development of optical communication systems to cover recently proposed Terabit Ethernet standards. Short haul applications need low cost and low complexity solutions with direct detection, as the cost of coherent detection comes down, it will become a good candidate for future short-haul applications to increase spectral efficiency and exploit advanced modulation formats. In this thesis, we investigate solutions for both current and future short-haul systems. In the first part, we focus on solutions for short haul applications. The first chapter is the first time demonstration of more than 100 Gb/s discrete multi-tone (DMT) transmission using an O-band silicon photonics (SiP). We experimentally compare DMT with pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) on O-band. Our experiment shows that by increasing fiber length more than 10 km, PAM outperforms DMT. For C-band, we use single sideband discrete multitone (SSB-DMT) to avoid chromatic dispersion-induced power fading effect. We study the effect of phase noise, chromatic dispersion, and receiver sensitivity to optimize DMT signal and extract theoretical equations to calculate bit error rate (BER) of SSB-DMT. Next, we analytically compare PAM on O-band with SSB-DMT on C-band and quantify the impact of hardware-imposed limitations on both modulation formats. Our study provides an analytical tool for short haul applications to select appropriate modulation format and hardware based on required reach, bit rate, etc. In the second part we examine complex modulation formats that will be enabled in the future by low cost, integrated components for coherent detection. We use an advanced modulation format in which we combined discrete Fourier transform spread with DMT to increase spectral efficiency. Hybrid modulation format has a lower peak to average power ratio (visa-vis DMT) and higher spectral efficiency (vis-a-vis single carrier QAM). In the first step, we experimentally compare the performance of the hybrid, standard DMT, and single carrier modulations using a SiP IQ modulator. Next, we develop a driving strategy for hybrid modulation format by trading off the modulator transfer function non-linearity and optical signal to noise ratio. Then hybrid modulation format is optimized to have maximum throughput. Using Monte Carlo simulation we compare optimized hybrid modulation format with standard DMT for different bit rates. Finally, we have a complexity comparison between hybrid
Switched-beam antenna array design for millimeter-wave applications

The limited coverage of wireless communication at the millimeter-wave frequency band due to large free-space path loss, i.e. large signal attenuation, has been a major problem. Furthermore, shadowing and small-scale fading may reduce the received signal even more. An array of rod antennas is designed to tackle those problems by providing high gain, broad scan range, and a shaped beam. Each patch, which couples the electromagnetic wave to the rod, is fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feedline. Each rod antenna demonstrates 18 dBi realized gain and 20° half power beamwidth (HPBW). Moreover, the 4 GHz bandwidth of the antenna provides high data rate for the gigabit wireless application. Furthermore, the Radio Frequency Microelectromechanical System (RF MEMS) switch is used to realize a switched antenna with a broad scan range. The design method and the characterization of the antenna are presented. The proposed antenna system is suitable for a wide range of applications, such as wireless high definition video/audio, USB and firewire replacement, Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar, and home/office backhaul application at millimeter-wave frequency.
PHOTOPRODUCTS IN DNA IRRADIATED IN VIVO *

Abstract— Ultraviolet irradiation of DNA in vitro and in vivo results in the formation of many different types of photoproducts. The general procedure for correlating such photoproducts with photo‐biological effects is outlined and is applied for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and for spore photoproducts.
Nuclear β‐catenin is a molecular feature of type I endometrial carcinoma

Two types of endometrial carcinoma can be distinguished: type I tumours, which are oestrogen‐related and are typically low‐grade endometrioid carcinomas; and type II tumours, which are unrelated to oestrogen stimulation and are often non‐endometrioid carcinomas. The molecular abnormalities involved in carcinogenesis appear to be different for these tumour types. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that an abnormality in the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway is a molecular feature of type I endometrial carcinoma. This study investigated nuclear β‐catenin by immunohistochemistry in 233 endometrial carcinomas and analysed its correlation with several immunohistochemical, histological, and clinical parameters, such as proliferation rate (Ki‐67), expression of oestrogen and progesterone receptors, and survival. Nuclear β‐catenin expression was observed in 39 cases (16%). All tumours expressing nuclear β‐catenin were endometrioid adenocarcinomas, were significantly better differentiated, and were more often hormone receptor‐positive than tumours without nuclear β‐catenin. No correlation with proliferation rate was found. It was found that several features of type I endometrial carcinoma occur significantly more often in tumours expressing nuclear β‐catenin, suggesting that an abnormality in the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway, resulting in nuclear β‐catenin immunopositivity, is a molecular feature of a subset of type I endometrial carcinomas. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lycopene: Its Properties and Relationship to Human Health

Lycopene is a carotenoid naturally present in tomatoes. Among the carotenoids, lycopene is a major component found in the serum. Several studies including animal, cell culture, and epidemiological investigations have demonstrated that dietary lycopene has the ability or potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease. The role of lycopene in human health is thought to be its role as an antioxidant, but recent studies have demonstrated that other mechanisms are responsible for its beneficial properties. These include intercellular gap junction communication, hormonal and immune system modulation, and metabolic pathways. This article summarizes the background information about lycopene and presents the most current knowledge with respect to its role in human health, stability, toxicity, and extraction methods.
Length–weight relationships of 216 North Sea benthic invertebrates and fish

Size-based analyses of marine animals are increasingly used to improve understanding of community structure and function. However, the resources required to record individual body weights for benthic animals, where the number of individuals can reach several thousand in a square metre, are often prohibitive. Here we present morphometric (length–weight) relationships for 216 benthic species from the North Sea to permit weight estimation from length measurements. These relationships were calculated using data collected over two years from 283 stations. For ten abundant and widely dispersed species we tested for significant spatial and temporal differences in morphometric relationships. Some were found, but the magnitude of differences was small in relation to the size-ranges of animals that are usually present and we recommend that the regression relationships given here, based on pooled data, are appropriate for most types of population and community analyses. Our hope is that the availability of these morphometric relationships will encourage the more frequent application of size-based analyses to benthic survey data, and so enhance understanding of the ecology of the benthic/demersal component of marine ecosystems and food webs.
Activation of αvβ3-Vitronectin Binding Is a Multistage Process in which Increases in Bond Strength Are Dependent on Y747 and Y759 in the Cytoplasmic Domain of β3

Integrin receptors serve as mechanical links between the cell and its structural environment. Using alpha(v)beta3 integrin expressed in K562 cells as a model system, the process by which the mechanical connection between alpha(v)beta3 and vitronectin develops was analyzed by measuring the resistance of these bonds to mechanical separation. Three distinct stages of activation, as defined by increases in the alpha(v)beta3-vitronectin binding strength, were defined by mutational, biochemical, and biomechanical analyses. Activation to the low binding strength stage 1 occurs through interaction with the vitronectin ligand and leads to the phosphorylation of Y747 in the beta3 subunit. Stage 2 is characterized by a 4-fold increase in binding strength and is dependent on stage1 and the phosphorylation of Y747. Stage 3 is characterized by a further 2.5-fold increase in binding strength and is dependent on stage 2 events and the availability of Y759 for interaction with cellular proteins. The Y747F mutant blocked the transition from stage 1 to stage 2, and the Y759F blocked the transition from stage 2 to stage 3. The data suggest a model for tension-induced activation of alpha(v)beta3 integrin.
Model evaluation in statistical population reconstruction

Statistical population reconstruction can be a valuable tool for monitoring the status and trends of game populations at large spatial scales using age-at-harvest data. Despite their utility and increasing use in demographic studies, it is necessary that these models be evaluated before their results are applied. We recommend practitioners evaluate their fitted population models using a variety of approaches, including residual analyses, point-deletion techniques and sensitivity analyses, and we illustrate these techniques using several case studies. Although we stress the value of these quantitative procedures, the final evaluation criterion should be the biological realism of the estimated demographic parameters and trends. Auxiliary field data should be used whenever possible in this final model check. After investigators are satisfied that the selected model(s) is/are adequate, this auxiliary data can be incorporated in a final stage of the analyses to further improve accuracy and precision of the population projections. The procedures we outline and recommendations we make will improve the credibility and utility of results of population reconstruction modeling.
Visualizing and Analyzing ADCP and CFD Data Using Python and Other Open Source Tools

An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) can be linked with a Global Positioning System (GPS) to collect spatially-referenced bathymetric and three-dimensional velocity profile datasets. These datasets provide a detailed view of natural and engineered systems’ hydraulics that can be used to develop and validate three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) hydraulic models. ADCPs and CFD models generate large quantities of data. Use of a scripting language such as Python to process and manipulate the datasets results in an efficient, transparent and reproducible method. Having both the observed (ADCP) and simulated (CFD) data in a common open format allows the datasets to be manipulated and compared programmatically and makes for easy side-by-side visualizations. The study team used ADCP datasets to validate four CFD models on the Connecticut River in Massachusetts, and this paper presents the key role that open source tools (including Python, the Geospatial Data Abstraction Library, NumPy, and ParaView, among others) played in the process. The study process included: 1) designing an appropriate field data collection scheme; 2) collecting the field data in a structured and consistent manner; 3) processing the ADCP and CFD model data and manipulating to/from model coordinate systems; 4) using open source tools to convert the data to a common format; and 5) to analyze the results and inform fish passage management decisions on the Connecticut River.
Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields on Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Properties of Formulated Carrot Juice

The objective of this study was to process a developed carrot juice-based beverage by pulsed electric fields (PEF) and determination of its physical, chemical, and microbiological properties before and after PEF processing. Results revealed that PEF processing did not cause any significant change in pH, titratable acidity (TA), °Brix, conductivity, color (L*, a*, and b*), nonenzymatic browning index (NBI), metal ion, and vitamin C concentration (p > 0.05). There was a significant reduction on the total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total mold and yeast, total enterobactericeae and Escherichia coli O157:H7 counts resulting with 4.30 ± 0.26, 3.4 2 ± 0.40, 4.46 ± 0.36, and 3.57 ± 0.32 log cfu/mL, respectively (p ≤ 0.01). PEF processing could be successfully used to process a carrot juice based beverage with significant amount of microbial reduction.
A Systematic Review of Research on Social Work Practice with Single Fathers

This paper presents a systematic literature review that explored social work practice with single fathers. The literature search identified 7 studies, both qualitative and quantitative in nature. The small number of studies identified that met the inclusion criteria suggests that single fathers are under-researched in social work, which aligns with their relative invisibility in practice and welfare debates. The findings suggest that social workers did not genuinely or comprehensively understand the needs of single fathers and did not effectively engage with them. This paper’s discussion relates these findings to Doucet’s interpretations of borderwork and border crossing and relates these concepts to questions of whether social work is inclusive of single fathers or assesses their needs fairly. The discussion is located within wider discourses that propose that societal assumptions about the feminised role of caring and lone parenthood exclude fathers and place responsibility for children primarily on mothers. This paper found that current research into social work with single fathers has not effectively considered the array of social influences on their capacities to parent and thus areas for future research are suggested to promote an agenda of inclusion for single fathers and greater awareness for social work and social work practitioners.
The admixture zone of Betula humilis Schrk. phylogenetic lineages follows the eastern central European suture zone

Background: Contemporary genetic variation across species ranges reflects Pleistocene climatic changes. The highest genetic diversity is usually found within areas of known or presumed glacial refugia and within the admixture zones of phylogenetic lineages. Aims: The aim of our study was to evaluate the genetic diversity in the populations of Betula humilis, an endangered species, to distinguish between the refugial and suture zone hypotheses. Methods: We used the PCR-RFLP method to analyse the chloroplast DNA variation in populations of B. humilis, distributed across north-eastern Poland, western Belarus and Latvia. Rarity index (DW) was calculated for each population based on ‘frequency-down-weighted marker values’. We tested phylogeographic structure by using the Permut software. Results: The area studied was phylogeographically structured; DW values were low. Conclusions: Based on the low DW values, we rejected the hypothesis of a periglacial refugium in north-eastern Poland and Belarus. Most likely, the substantial genetic diversity in the area under study is a consequence of the mixing of phylogenetic lineages derived from distinct glacial refugia. The admixture zone of B. humilis follows the eastern central European suture zone.
A HYBRID IMPROVEMENT APPROACH FOR ECG SIGNAL ENHANCEMENT

The electrocardiogram records the cardiovascular action, is widely utilized for diagnosing heart diseases. Thus, the ECG turned into a normal piece of any complete medical evaluation. Moreover, the ECG became a basic device that allows observing a patient who is at home. R-peak is the basis peak for reliable health condition observing. The ECG has been treated as one of the least difficult techniques for automatic detection of the QRS complex. Nevertheless, the ECG signal transmission is often accompanied by noise due to poor channel conditions. This paper aims to remove the noise from the ECG signal to present a signal that makes a visual interpretation easier. Numerous techniques launched to improve the ECG signal. Accordingly, we address the ECG signal through three techniques: Empirical Mode Decomposition, Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition, and Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition. Moreover, we will make some improvements to the ECG signal using the Butterworth filter and Wavelet filter. Finally, this research provides a comparison of the result obtained from all models based on four different types of classification algorithms: K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machine, Naive Bayes, and Random Forest. Consequently, we are investigating various tests to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach to discover the best steps to address the ECG signals.
Seasonal and diurnal variation in vocal behaviour of the South Island robin

Abstract The proportion of time spent by South Island robins (Petroica australis australis) of different sex, age, and status giving full song, subsong, and downscales, on a monthly and diurnal basis, is described. Females never gave full song. Males did so throughout the year, but least while moulting. Since bachelors sang significantly more than paired males, song probably functioned largely to attract females. Breeding males sang most during the pre-laying stage. From January to April adult males sang significantly more than immature males, but from May to July the reverse was true. Robins sang mainly in the early morning. Robins generally spent less than 0.5% of time during any stage of the breeding cycle giving sub-song. Outside the breeding season, males spent significantly more time giving sub-song than females, and adult males sang more than immature males. Robins in all categories gave more sub-song during the moult than afterwards. The diurnal pattern of sub-song production was bimodal. About ha.
A Synthetic Hydrogel Composite with the Mechanical Behavior and Durability of Cartilage

This article reports the first hydrogel with the strength and modulus of cartilage in both tension and compression, and the first to exhibit cartilage‐equivalent tensile fatigue strength at 100 000 cycles. These properties are achieved by infiltrating a bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofiber network with a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid sodium salt) (PAMPS) double network hydrogel. The BC provides tensile strength in a manner analogous to collagen in cartilage, while the PAMPS provides a fixed negative charge and osmotic restoring force similar to the role of aggrecan in cartilage. The hydrogel has the same aggregate modulus and permeability as cartilage, resulting in the same time‐dependent deformation under confined compression. The hydrogel is not cytotoxic, has a coefficient of friction 45% lower than cartilage, and is 4.4 times more wear‐resistant than a PVA hydrogel. The properties of this hydrogel make it an excellent candidate material for replacement of damaged cartilage.
Alopecia por diluição da cor: relato de caso

Color dilution alopecia is characterized by follicular dysplasia that leads to alopecia characterized by an abnormal distribution of melanin in the hair. There are few reports of mixed breed dogs and the diagnosis can be reached based on trichogramma and confirmed by histopathological evaluation. The aim of this study was to report a case of Color dilution alopecia in a mixed breed dog treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro that had generalized hypotrichosis. Trichogramma was performed and was observed the presence of melanin aggregates along the hair shafts. Histopathological evaluation showed the presence of atypical macromelanossomas and melanin plugs into follicular structures scattered throughout the superficial dermis and deep, mild acanthosis with hyperkeratosis and absence of many follicles. The changes observed were consistent with color diluted alopecia. It is concluded that in order to obtain the diagnosis of color diluted alopecia, clinical history is important as well as a well-done clinical and dermatological examination, with the exclusion of possible diagnoses and the skin histopathology, which is an important tool for diagnosis
Do Investors Understand Really Dirty Surplus

ABSTRACT: This study addresses whether firms’ share prices correctly reflect two accounting measures: dirty surplus and really dirty surplus. Dirty surplus is readily observable from the financial statements, but really dirty surplus, which arises from recognizing equity transactions such as employee stock option exercises at other than fair market value, is not. Findings show that dirty surplus and really dirty surplus are irrelevant for forecasting abnormal comprehensive income. However, findings also indicate that investors appear to undervalue really dirty surplus. Hedge returns are insignificant when portfolios are formed based on dirty surplus, but are significantly positive based on really dirty surplus. Really dirty surplus positive hedge returns are robust to a variety of sensitivity tests. Taken together, the findings are consistent with either investors over-valuing firms that have large negative really dirty surplus or really dirty surplus being correlated with an unmodeled risk factor.
Comparing the Effects of Leadership and Organizational Culture on Innovation in Technology-Based Organizations and Other Industries

Leadership, organizational culture and innovation are mentioned in the literature as key factors for the success of organizations and their competitive advantage. Some studies have shown that transformational leadership supports the organizational innovation (e.g. Gumusluoglu and Ilsev, 2009; Jung, Chow and Wu, 2008; Jung, Wu and Chow, 2003; Mumford, Scott, Gaddis and Strange, 2002). Others’ research has asserted that organizational culture is an important aspect of organizational life that stimulates creativity and innovation (Amabile et al., 1996; Chandler, Keller and Lyon; 2000; Martins and Terblanche, 2003). Moreover, Bass and Avolio (1993) have argued that transformational leadership and organizational culture are interconnected factors, such that transformational leaders working in the existing culture are concerned with changing organizational Abstract
A Semantic Question Answering in a Restricted Smart Factory Domain Attaching to Various Data Sources

Industrial manufacturing has become more interconnected between smart devices such as the industry of things edge devices, tablets, manufacturing equipment, and smartphones. Smart factories have emerged and evolved with digital technologies and data science in manufacturing systems over the past few years. Smart factories make complex data enables digital manufacturing and smart supply chain management and enhanced assembly line control. Nowadays, smart factories produce a large amount of data that needs to be apprehensible by human operators and experts in decision making. However, linked data is still hard to understand and interpret for human operators, thus we need a translating system from linked data to natural language or summarization of the volume of linked data by eliminating undesired results in the linked data repository. In this study, we propose a semantic question answering in a restricted smart factory domain attaching to various data sources. In the end, we will perform qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the semantic question answering, as well as discuss findings and conclude the main points with regard to our research questions.