Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
When QUIC meets TCP: An experimental study

Recently, QUIC proposed by Google has drawn great attentions due to several attractive features which improve the page load time for Web applications. The features of QUIC lie across different protocol layers, and the benefits and the limitations introduced by each feature have not been understood sufficiently. In this paper, we focus on the transport aspect of QUIC, with the packet pacing mechanism for congestion control. We conduct an experimental study to evaluate the performance of QUIC as a general-purpose transport protocol, especially when QUIC is used concurrently with TCP, which is still the dominating transport protocol on the Internet. By doing so, we can exploit the potential of QUIC as a transport protocol in other application scenarios besides HTTP/2. It is also useful for the improvement of QUIC itself, because each object transmitted in one stream of a QUIC connection has to compete for resources with other transport protocols on the Internet. We do both testbed and real Internet experiments, on typical network environments such as 4G and WiFi. Our main findings indicate that, QUIC is less competitive than TCP in a network with little loss rate, large buffer, or large propagation delay; the 0-RTT connection establishment feature of QUIC has little advantage over TCP in practice; and the main benefit of QUIC lies in the multi-stream-based multiplexing mechanism.
D2.2 White-box methodologies, programming abstractions and libraries

This deliverable reports the results of white-box methodologies and early results of the first prototype of libraries and programming abstractions as available by project month 18 by Work Package 2 (WP2). It reports i) the latest results of Task 2.2 on white-box methodologies, programming abstractions and libraries for developing energy-efficient data structures and algorithms and ii) the improved results of Task 2.1 on investigating and modeling the trade-off between energy and performance of concurrent data structures and algorithms. The work has been conducted on two main EXCESS platforms: Intel platforms with recent Intel multicore CPUs and Movidius Myriad1 platform. Regarding white-box methodologies, we have devised new relaxed cache-oblivious models and proposed a new power model for Myriad1 platform and an energy model for lock-free queues on CPU platforms. For Myriad1 platform, the im- proved model now considers both computation and data movement cost as well as architecture and application properties. The model has been evaluated with a set of micro-benchmarks and application benchmarks. For Intel platforms, we have generalized the model for concurrent queues on CPU platforms to offer more flexibility according to the workers calling the data structure (parallel section sizes of enqueuers and dequeuers are decoupled). Regarding programming abstractions and libraries, we have continued investigat- ing the trade-offs between energy consumption and performance of data structures such as concurrent queues and concurrent search trees based on the early results of Task 2.1. The preliminary results show that our concurrent trees are faster and more energy efficient than the state-of-the-art on commodity HPC and embedded platforms.
A novel single-stage architecture for electric vehicle battery charger characterizing multiple operating mode

By adding some switches to the traditional 24-pulse thyristor-based rectifier, this paper presents a new multi-pulse flexible-topology thyristor-based rectifier (mPFTTR) which has several operating modes, besides the conventional series and parallel modes. The new mPFTTR may be a suitable application in a single-stage battery charger of electric vehicles (EVs), which can work in five different modes: series mode with 24 pulses (SM24P), parallel mode with 24 pulse (PM24P), hybrid modes with 24 pulses (HM24P), series mode with 12 pulses (SM12P) and parallel mode with 12 pulses (PM12P). As fast charging seems especially important to a battery charger due to the continuously growth of EVs on the road, the paper also presents the predictive current control strategy combined with a multi-step constant current charging method to fulfill the fast-current response. Simulation verifications are carried out, and results show that this combined control strategy can adjust the charging current rapidly, which the fast charging is achieved.
Three‐dimensional neural cultures produce networks that mimic native brain activity

Development of brain function is critically dependent on neuronal networks organized through three dimensions. Culture of central nervous system neurons has traditionally been limited to two dimensions, restricting growth patterns and network formation to a single plane. Here, with the use of multichannel extracellular microelectrode arrays, we demonstrate that neurons cultured in a true three‐dimensional environment recapitulate native neuronal network formation and produce functional outcomes more akin to in vivo neuronal network activity.
Optimal design of fuzzy logic controller for automatic voltage regulator

In this research, the application of Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) based Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) system is presented. The AVR is a device to control the reactive power and hold the terminal voltage of the synchronous generator at safer limits. In this paper FLC based, AVR system is analyzed with Triangular membership functions (MF). Two inputs, error voltage and change in error voltage are considered as inputs of the FLC. In this study, triangular MF is considered and checked the performance of fuzzy AVR system with different proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers in literature. It is found that the proposed FLC based AVR system reflects better performance in comparison to PID controller based AVR system.
Endoscopic techniques in tympanoplasty and stapes surgery

Purpose of reviewTotal endoscopic ear surgery is becoming more popular given the improved visualization of the middle ear and its related pathology as compared to the microscope. Whereas the endoscope has been used for close to two decades in cholesteatoma surgery with several significant studies, few studies have outlined the surgical outcomes, and also the complications, in patients undergoing endoscopic tympanoplasties and stapes surgeries. This review highlights those few studies. Recent findingsFew articles exist regarding endoscopic tympanoplasty and stapes procedures. In summarizing the literature over the previous 12 months, the perforation closure rate with total endoscopic ear surgery tympanoplasty is reported to range from 84.0 to 97.2%, with postoperative air-bone gaps ranging from 5.3 to 13.8 dB. As for endoscopic stapes, the rates of air-bone gap closures to under 10 dB are reported between 56.0 and 86.7%. Complication rates for both procedures are comparable to the microscopic literature. SummaryAlthough endoscopic tympanoplasty and stapes procedures appear to be well tolerated with comparable complication profiles to microscopic procedures, future studies exploring patient-centered outcomes, and also anticipated evolution of results, are warranted.
Kalman filter-based maximum power point tracking for PV energy resources supplying DC microgrid

The variable output from a PV array needs to be maximized with a MPPT algorithm. Numerous algorithms exist but have some difficulties when faced with rapid changes in environmental conditions that affect the PV output. In this paper a novel algorithm using a Kalman Filter is developed. Matlab simulations show that the algorithm is capable of tracking the PV output for maximizing the power. Comparison with the traditional Perturb and Observe (P&O) MPPT method show the superior performance of the KF algorithm.
Comparison Between a Thin Lens Antenna Made of Structured Dielectric Material and Conventional Lens Antennas, in Q-Band in a Compact Volume

In this letter, the performance of a diffractive gradient index lens antenna, constructed by using dielectric subwavelength structuration and manufactured by three-dimensional printing, is compared to the ones of conventional lens antennas in a small footprint configuration. It discusses the advantages and drawbacks of each configuration and compares the simulated and measured gain performances. It shows that structured lens antenna can achieve gain superior to conventional approaches, combined with a 1 dB bandwidth of 10.9%, thanks to the engineering of artificial gradient index. All these benefits are coming with a significant decrease in the antenna weight for the same footprint.
Balancing statistical and ethical considerations in planning clinical trials: recommendations for response-adaptive randomization urn designs

ABSTRACT During a clinical trial, balancing statistical and ethical considerations are important. Response-adaptive randomization methods use the information from past patients to increase the probability of the next patient receiving the better treatment while avoiding the statistical concern of selection bias. We compared three response-adaptive randomization urn designs, Randomized Play-the-Winner, Modified Play-the-Winner, and Birth-and-Death Urn with Immigration, to the traditional equal allocation design with respect to power and allocation of patients to the better treatment. Because these designs have been described separately, our motivation was to systematically compare them and provide recommendations. With simulations, we varied sample size and combinations of treatment and control success probabilities. We also compared the response-adaptive randomization designs using exact distribution algorithms and applied them to past clinical trial data that used an equal allocation design. We conclude that Modified Play-the-Winner tends to be unpredictable and can result in allocation of all of the patients to the better treatment. Randomized Play-the-Winner allocates more patients to the better treatment than Birth-and-Death Urn with Immigration, but Birth-and-Death Urn with Immigration is more consistent in its allocations. Randomized Play-the-Winner and Birth-and-Death Urn with Immigration produce allocations that have comparable powers to equal allocation design.
Unconscious Conflict Adaptation Without Feature-Repetitions and Response Time Carry-Over

Leading theories of cognition linked executive control to consciousness or awareness. Evidence from masked priming experiments questioned this link, but without addressing possible confounds. Responding to a target after a masked prime, participants are slower if prime and target present conflicting (incongruent) than nonconflicting (congruent) information. Crucially, congruence in the previous trial modulates this congruence effect, presenting a congruence-sequence effect. This has been interpreted as conflict adaptation by executive control processes, but alternative explanations through trial-to-trial feature-repetitions and response-time (RT) carry-over are possible. Here, we ruled out these alternative explanations by a mixed-model analysis of trials without trial-to-trial feature-repetitions and still found a congruence-sequence effect—that is, evidence for conflict adaptation, in the absence of conflict awareness. There was also no evidence that the participants’ awareness of their RTs played a role. These findings suggest that executive control can indeed operate in an awareness-independent fashion.
Effect of High-Volume Injection, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and Sham Treatment in Chronic Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Double-Blinded Prospective Study

Background: Injection therapies are often considered alongside exercise for chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy (AT), although evidence of their efficacy is sparse. Purpose: To determine whether eccentric training in combination with high-volume injection (HVI) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections improves outcomes in AT. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 60 men (age, 18-59 years) with chronic (>3 months) AT were included and followed for 6 months (n = 57). All participants performed eccentric training combined with either (1) one HVI (steroid, saline, and local anesthetic), (2) four PRP injections each 14 days apart, or (3) placebo (a few drops of saline under the skin). Randomization was stratified for age, function, and symptom severity (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles [VISA-A]). Outcomes included function and symptoms (VISA-A), self-reported tendon pain during activity (visual analog pain scale [VAS]), tendon thickness and intratendinous vascularity (ultrasonographic imaging and Doppler signal), and muscle function (heel-rise test). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks of follow-up. Results: VISA-A scores improved in all groups at all time points (P < .05), with greater improvement in the HVI group (mean ± SEM, 6 weeks = 27 ± 3 points; 12 weeks = 29 ± 4 points) versus PRP (6 weeks = 14 ± 4; 12 weeks = 15 ± 3) and placebo (6 weeks = 10 ± 3; 12 weeks = 11 ± 3) at 6 and 12 weeks (P < .01) and in the HVI (22 ± 5) and PRP (20 ± 5) groups versus placebo (9 ± 3) at 24 weeks (P < .01). VAS scores improved in all groups at all time points (P < .05), with greater decrease in HVI (6 weeks = 49 ± 4 mm; 12 weeks = 45 ± 6 mm; 24 weeks = 34 ± 6 mm) and PRP (6 weeks = 37 ± 7 mm; 12 weeks = 41 ± 7 mm; 24 weeks = 37 ± 6 mm) versus placebo (6 weeks = 23 ± 6 mm; 12 weeks = 30 ± 5 mm; 24 weeks = 18 ± 6 mm) at all time points (P < .05) and in HVI versus PRP at 6 weeks (P < .05). Tendon thickness showed a significant decrease only in HVI and PRP groups during the intervention, and this was greater in the HVI versus PRP and placebo groups at 6 and 12 weeks (P < .05) and in the HVI and PRP groups versus the placebo group at 24 weeks (P < .05). Muscle function improved in the entire cohort with no difference between the groups. Conclusion: Treatment with HVI or PRP in combination with eccentric training in chronic AT seems more effective in reducing pain, improving activity level, and reducing tendon thickness and intratendinous vascularity than eccentric training alone. HVI may be more effective in improving outcomes of chronic AT than PRP in the short term. Registration: NCT02417987 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Gender-Affirming Pharmacological Interventions for Youth With Gender Dysphoria: When Treatment Guidelines Are Not Enough

Youth with gender dysphoria, also known as transgender youth, are increasingly presenting to multidisciplinary clinics within academic pediatric centers across the United States. Gender-affirming pharmacological interventions for adolescents with gender dysphoria may be used to promote positive psychological well-being and mental health outcomes. Interventions range from completely reversible to partially irreversible, based on the age and sexual maturity of the adolescent. For each intervention, dilemmas and controversies exist regarding age at treatment initiation, treatment duration, safety, and cost. Pharmacists’ awareness of these considerations and interventions is important when providing evidence-based gender-affirming care to this underserved population.
Professional Stress and Burnout in U.S. Military Medical Personnel Deployed to Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND Studies of medical staff members have consistently documented high levels of burnout compared to those in other professions. Although there are studies of burnout in military medical staff, there are gaps in understanding the experience of medical staff while they are deployed and few occupationally-related factors associated with decreased burnout have been identified in this population. PURPOSE To assess work-related variables accounting for burnout over and above rank, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and professional stressors in the deployed environment. METHODS U.S. military medical staff members were surveyed in Afghanistan. The survey assessed burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization), PTSD symptoms, perception of professional stressors, self-care behaviors, taking care of team members (team care), general leadership, and health-promoting leadership. Participants provided informed consent under a protocol approved by the institutional review board at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and coordinated through the Washington Headquarters Service and the Joint Casualty Care Research Team located in Afghanistan. A total of 344 individuals provided their consent (83.3%) and completed the survey. RESULTS Correlations found significant positive relationships between perception of professional stressors and levels of burnout. Significant negative correlations were found between burnout and self-care, team care, general leadership, and health-promoting leadership. Regression analyses found self-care and team care accounted for less burnout even after controlling for rank, PTSD symptoms, and professional stressors. Health-promoting leadership accounted for less burnout even after controlling for these same covariates and general leadership as well. CONCLUSION Although a cross-sectional survey, results provide three specific directions for reducing burnout in deployed medical staff. By emphasizing self-care, team care, and health-promoting leadership, policy makers, researchers, and leaders can address factors that influence burnout in this, and other occupational contexts. In addition, the constructs of team care and leadership offer novel contributions to the study of burnout in medical personnel.
Fiber Laser Welding of Dissimilar 2205/304 Stainless Steel Plates

In this study, an attempt on pulsed-fiber laser welding on an austenitic-duplex stainless steel butt joint configuration was investigated. The influence of various welding parameters, such as beam diameter, peak power, pulse repetition rate, and pulse width on the weld beads geometry was studied by checking the width and depth of the welds after each round of welding parameters combination. The weld bead dimensions and microstructural progression of the weld joints were observed microscopically. Finally, the full penetration specimens were subjected to tensile tests, which were coupled with the analysis of the fracture surfaces. From the results, combination of the selected weld parameters resulted in robust weldments with similar features to those of duplex and austenitic weld metals. The weld depth and width were found to increase proportionally to the laser power. Furthermore, the weld bead geometry was found to be positively affected by the pulse width. Microstructural studies revealed the presence of dendritic and fine grain structures within the weld zone at low peak power, while ferritic microstructures were found on the sides of the weld metal near the SS 304 and austenitic-ferritic microstructure beside the duplex 2205 boundary. Regarding the micro-hardness tests, there was an improvement when compared to the hardness of duplex and austenitic stainless steels base metals. Additionally, the tensile strength of the fiber laser welded joints was found to be higher when compared to the tensile strength of the base metals (duplex and austenitic) in all of the joints.
Location based clustering implemented for multicast backbone MANET

The Ad Hoc network is widely in Army, Disaster relief operations, Search and rescue operations etc., The important research area of wireless communications is Ad Hoc networks, This type of network is self configuring network here the nodes can move anywhere at any time. Various researches are leads developing new protocols for routing and security improves and this research paper we proposed the idea of implementing the new routing protocol for MANET. The network is moving network, while fast moving may cause communication failure, to overcome this problem the location based routing protocols are presented here, one prominent approach here is using latest technology of backbone is implemented through routing protocols.
Antigenic differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2 glycoproteins and their importance for type-specific serology.

The ability to discriminate between herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infections by serological means is of increasing importance for clinical virological diagnostics. HSV type-specific serology has a number of applications, e.g. to guide duration and dosage of antiviral therapy, to allow for stringent epidemiological analyses, to evaluate efficacy of HSV vaccine candidates, and to help the clinician during counseling of couples where one has genital herpes. The genomes of the two HSV types appear to be sufficiently intratypically stable and intertypically discrepant to permit such a discrimination. Despite recent advances in methodology, the ideal HSV type-specific serological assays still remain to be developed. The viral antigens utilized for such an assay should evoke strong antibody responses, but only against unique determinants, in order to be able to combine high sensitivity and specificity. Of all the HSV envelope proteins, the most promising candidate antigens, i.e. HSV-1 glycoprotein G (gG-1) and its HSV-2 counterpart gG-2, contain relatively long type-unique stretches of amino acids. However, whether the type-specific determinants preferentially localize to the unique or homologous stretches of gG is still unknown. Paradoxically, type-specific monoclonal antibodies to the moderately type-specific antigen, HSV-1 glycoprotein C, have hitherto been mapped to homologous rather than to type-unique stretches. A definition of human type-specific epitopes on gG-1 and gG-2, as well as a broader search for new candidate HSV antigens, might be needed to fully discriminate dual infections from high titer single HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections.
Interactive fuzzy programming procedure for Trilevel Quadratic Fractional Programming

In this paper we proposed to study the Trilevel Quadratic Fractional Programming Problem through Interactive Fuzzy Programming procedure. In this procedure, First of all the upper levels determine their fuzzy goals and they possess their preference in the form of constraints. Then, lower level optimizes its goals by considering the preference of upper levels and hence a satisfactory solution can be achieved by modifying the satisfactory degrees of the upper level decision makers until the overall satisfactory balance between all the levels of decision makers will not be attained. This procedure can be effectively used in determining the satisfactory optimum solution of required multilevel programming problem. To check the practicability of our proposed method, we are also yielding a numerical example of quadratic fractional programming problem with three levels.
Validation of the Korean Version of the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale

Objective The Delirium Motor Subtype Scale (DMSS) is a validated and reliable instrument developed from various methods previously used to assess delirium motor subtypes. It focuses on pure motor disturbances with a relative specificity for delirium. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of a Korean version of the DMSS (K-DMSS). Methods We recruited 145 patients who were older than 60 years and had been referred for psychiatric consultation for delirium. These patients were evaluated using the K-DMSS, Liptzin & Levkoff criteria, and the Korean version of the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (K-DRS-R98) to compare delirium motor subtypes. Results The internal consistency of the K-DMSS in assessing delirium motor subtypes was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha=0.79). Delirium motor subtypes identified with the K-DMSS and K-DRS-R98 showed almost perfect agreement (Cohen's Kappa=0.81), while those identified with the K-DMSS and Liptzin & Levkoff criteria showed substantial agreement (Cohen's Kappa=0.78). Conclusion Our results suggest that the K-DMSS is a valid and reliable tool for identifying delirium subtypes.