Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation structure optimization for high power reverse conducting GTO

High-power reverse conducting gate-turn-off thyristors (RC-GTOs) enable simpler circuits to be designed. However, GTO and antiparallel diode integration causes turn-off-capability degradation and undesirable GTO triggering by excess carriers flowing from the diode section. An isolation structure that uses a p-base grooving method and a selective lifetime control technique to solve this problem is investigated. A novel isolation structure that contains the drain region is also described. A high-power RC-GTO (4.5 kV, 1000 A) that is based on the optimized isolation structure is presented. The fabrication and electrical characteristics of the device are described. <<ETX>>
COMPLIANT ROBOT MOTION: FROM PATH PLANNING OR HUMAN DEMONSTRATION TO FORCE CONTROLLED TASK EXECUTION.

Still today, industrial robot assembly tasks are executed by replaying a preprogrammed trajectory, making them vulnerable to geometric uncertainties in the environment. Therefore, industrial assembly tasks are executed in expensive structured environments, which limits the use of robots to high volume and repetitive tasks, where the cost of the structured environment becomes relatively small. By equipping the robot with sensors, it can observe its environment and interact with its environment, allowing it to operate in less expensive, unstructured environments. Assembly tasks are only one example of compliant motion tasks, where a robot manipulates an object in contact with an environmental object. The force interaction between the contacting objects guides the manipulated object along the environmental object to overcome geometric uncertainties associated with the task. Aiming towards more intelligent and flexible robots, this thesis presents two high level approaches for sensor based compliant motion task specification. The first approach is based on a compliant motion path planner that generates a compliant path given the geometric models of the contacting objects. The path is expressed by the relative positions between the objects, and the desired contact formations. The second task specification method exploits the advanced manipulation skills of a human, to obtain a compliant path. While a human operator uses a demonstration tool to demonstrate the targeted compliant motion task, sensors on the demonstration tool measure contact forces, positions and velocities. Applying state of the art Bayesian sequential Monte Carlo methods (also known as particle filters), the sensor measurements are combined to simultaneously estimate continuous geometrical parameters and recognize the discrete contact formation between the objects. The simultaneous estimation is helped by the availability of a contact state graph of all possible contact formations. This thesis also presents the compliant task generator, an approach to automatically convert the output from the compliant path planner, or the output from a human demonstration, into a task specification for a hybrid robot controller. The planner or demonstration output is a geometric descrip-
The evaluation of the error characteristics of multiple GPS terminals

In recent years, LBS (Location Based Services) attracts attention due to the spread of mobile phone GPS, and it is applied to various applications. Now, when mobile phones become ubiquitous terminals, many mobile phone GPS terminals may be unevenly distributed within local locations. Our study examines the error characteristics of terminals that are located within a short distance. We used GPS loggers in this experiment because we intended to investigate the change effect of satellites. In this paper, we consider that positioning errors in GPS terminals depend on the difference in the number of satellites used for positioning calculation and the satellite numbers. In addition, we perform theoretical analysis of GPS errors and study the error characteristics of GPS loggers.
Conceptualizing Shadow IT Integration Drawbacks from a Systemic Viewpoint

Business units are increasingly able to fuel the transformation that digitalization demands of organizations. Thereby, they can implement Shadow IT (SIT) without involving a central IT department to create flexible and innovative solutions. Self-reinforcing effects lead to an intertwinement of SIT with the organization. As a result, high complexities, redundancies, and sometimes even lock-ins occur. IT Integration suggests itself to meet these challenges. However, it can also eliminate the benefits that SIT presents. To help organizations in this area of conflict, we are conducting a literature review including a systematic search and an analysis from a systemic viewpoint using path dependency and switching costs. Our resulting conceptual framework for SIT integration drawbacks classifies the drawbacks into three dimensions. The first dimension consists of switching costs that account for the financial, procedural, and emotional drawbacks and the drawbacks from a loss of SIT benefits. The second dimension includes organizational, technical, and level-spanning criteria. The third dimension classifies the drawbacks into the global level, the local level, and the interaction between them. We contribute to the scientific discussion by introducing a systemic viewpoint to the research on shadow IT. Practitioners can use the presented criteria to collect evidence to reach an IT integration decision.
Qualifying Fingerprint Samples Captured by Smartphone Cameras in Real-Life Scenarios

While biometrics has been extensively adopted by industry and governments for identification and forensics purposes relying on dedicated biometric sensors and systems, the consumer market driven by innovations in consumer electronics (smartphones, tablets, etc.) is believed to be the next sector that biometric technologies can find wider applications. Compared to dedicated biometric sensors, the sensors embedded in such general-purposed devices may suffer from sample quality instability, which has significant impact on biometric performance. The concern on sample quality may jeopardize the market confidence in consumer devices for biometric applications. In this paper, we propose an approach to assessing the quality of fingerprint samples captured by smartphone cameras under real-life uncontrolled environments. Our approach consists of a sample processing pipeline during which a sample is divided into blocks and a set of local quality features are extracted from each block, including 3 pixel-based features, 4 autocorrelation based features, and 5 frequency features from the autocorrelation result. Afterwards, a global sample quality score is calculated by fusing all image blocks’ qualification status. Thanks to the extracted features’ capability in discriminating high-quality foreground (fingerprint area) blocks from low-quality foreground ones and background ones, the proposed approach does not require foreground segmentation in advance and thus we call it a one-stop-shop approach. Experiments compare the proposed approach with NFIQ and the proposed pipeline using standardized quality features, and demonstrate our approach’s better performance in qualifying smartphone-camera fingerprint samples. Index Terms — fingerprint recognition, sample quality assessment, smartphone camera, autocorrelation.
Multi-Modal Sensing and Robotic Manipulation of Non-Rigid Objects: A Survey

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive survey of recent advancements in modelling and autonomous manipulation of non-rigid objects. It first summarizes the recent advances in sensing and modelling of such objects with a focus on describing the methods and technologies used to measure their shape and estimate their material and physical properties. Formal representations considered to predict the deformation resulting from manipulation of non-rigid objects are then investigated. The third part provides a survey of planning and control strategies exploited to operate dexterous robotic systems while performing various tasks on objects made of different non-rigid materials.
Spacecraft Robot Kinematics Using Dual Quaternions

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in servicing orbiting satellites. In most cases, in-orbit servicing relies on the use of spacecraft-mounted robotic manipulators to carry out complicated mission objectives. Dual quaternions, a mathematical tool to conveniently represent pose, has recently been adopted within the space industry to tackle complex control problems during the stages of proximity operations and rendezvous, as well as for the dynamic modeling of robotic arms mounted on a spacecraft. The objective of this paper is to bridge the gap in the use of dual quaternions that exists between the fields of spacecraft control and fixed-base robotic manipulation. In particular, we will cast commonly used tools in the field of robotics as dual quaternion expressions, such as the Denavit-Hartenberg parameterization, or the product of exponentials formula. Additionally, we provide, via examples, a study of the kinematics of different serial manipulator configurations, building up to the case of a completely free-floating robotic system. We provide expressions for the dual velocities of the different types of joints that commonly arise in industrial robots, and we end by providing a collection of results that cast convex constraints commonly encountered by space robots during proximity operations in terms of dual quaternions.
Personal values and credit scoring: new insights in the financial prediction

Abstract The objective of quantitative credit scoring is to develop accurate models of classification. Most attention has been devoted to deliver new classifiers based on variables commonly used in the economic literature. Several interdisciplinary studies have found that personality traits are related to financial behaviour; therefore, psychological traits could be used to lower credit risk in scoring models. In our paper, we considered financial histories and psychological traits of customers of an Italian bank. We compared the performance of kernel-based classifiers with those of standard ones. We found very promising results in terms of misclassification error reduction when personality attitudes are included in models, with both linear and non-linear discriminants. We also measured the contribution of each variable to risk prediction in order to assess importance of each predictor.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF BLOOD LACTATE AND APACHE II IN SEPTIC PATIENTS

PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 54 septic patients out of 249 critically ill patients admitted to the ICU of our University Hospital in 4 months period during 1999. There were 37 men and 17 women with age ranging from 15 to 81 years. Twenty four patients were clinical, 9 had elective surgery and 21 emergency surgery. APACHE 11 was calculated an admission to the ICU. Blood lactate values were taken for the first five days of the stay at the ICU. MOF and mortality were also recorded. Sepsis was diagnosed according to ACCP/SCCM criteria, while MOF was diagnosed according to Marshall and Meakings criteria. Blood lactate was measured by gasometric method (Radiometer-Kopenhagen BL3, normal value < 2,4 mmol/ 1). Statistical methods used: Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney and Student t-test, p value < 0,05 were considered significant.
A 200-MHz 16-bit super high-speed signal processor (SSSP) LSI

A 200-MHz 16-b BiCMOS super high-speed signal processing (SSSP) circuit has been developed for high-speed digital signal processor (DSP) LSIs. In order to produce extremely fast LSI circuits, several novel techniques have been combined for integration of the SSSP. They include a redundant binary convolver architecture, a double-stage pipelined convolver architecture, and submicrometer BiCMOS drivers with large capacitive load drivability. The SSSP performs 200-MHz addition. The chip, which was fabricated with 0.8- mu m BiCMOS and triple-layer metallization technology, has an area of 5.87 mm*5.74 mm and contains 20150 transistors. It operates at a clock frequency of 200 MHz with a single 5-V power supply and typically consumes 800 mW. >
Study on the Monitoring Technique of Partial Discharge of GIS by UHF Method

The ultra-high-frequency(UHF) method has been proved an effective way for the measurement of partial discharge in GIS. With the high frequency narrow-band method by configuring the spectrum analyzer as zero-span mode, the PD signal from the UHF sensor installed inside the GIS can be phase-resolved to show the point on the AC wave where the discharge occurs. The POWs of different insulation defects in GIS and fingerprint are presented. Different defects of GIS can be identified by the POW modes and fingerprint.
RNase H1 directs origin-specific initiation of DNA replication in human mitochondria

Human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication is first initiated at the origin of H-strand replication. The initiation depends on RNA primers generated by transcription from an upstream promoter (LSP). Here we reconstitute this process in vitro using purified transcription and replication factors. The majority of all transcription events from LSP are prematurely terminated after ~120 nucleotides, forming stable R-loops. These nascent R-loops cannot directly prime mtDNA synthesis, but must first be processed by RNase H1 to generate 3′-ends that can be used by DNA polymerase γ to initiate DNA synthesis. Our findings are consistent with recent studies of a knockout mouse model, which demonstrated that RNase H1 is required for R-loop processing and mtDNA maintenance in vivo. Both R-loop formation and DNA replication initiation are stimulated by the mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding protein. In an RNase H1 deficient patient cell line, the precise initiation of mtDNA replication is lost and DNA synthesis is initiated from multiple sites throughout the mitochondrial control region. In combination with previously published in vivo data, the findings presented here suggest a model, in which R-loop processing by RNase H1 directs origin-specific initiation of DNA replication in human mitochondria.
Experiences, needs, and perceptions of paternal involvement during the first year after their infants’ birth: A meta-synthesis

Objectives Fatherhood has evolved in recent decades from ‘a moral teacher’ to ‘an involved father’. However, fatherhood experiences have not been examined in detail. This meta-synthesis aimed to examine fathers’ experiences, needs, and perceptions of their involvement with their infants during the first 12 months of birth. Method Six electronic databases were systematically searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, ProQuest (grey literature). The search resulted in 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist. All 13 studies met the appraisal criteria and were included in the meta-synthesis. The findings of the 13 studies were synthesized using the steps of Sandelowski and Barroso in conducting meta-synthesis. Results The 13 included studies comprised studies conducted in the West, Africa, and Asia. Fatherhood experiences differed according to different sociocultural contexts. Three themes were identified: (1) trajectory of the father-infant relationship, (2) reinforcements and hindrances to involvement, and (3) change from self-oriented to family-oriented behavior. Changes in a father’s relationship with his infant were influenced by relationships with his spouse and family members after the birth of the infant. Reinforcements, hindrances, and needs to fathers’ involvement were identified. Fathering responsibility and parenting satisfaction that developed overtime influenced a father’s behavior, changing from self-oriented to family-oriented. Significance This is the first meta-synthesis that examined fathers’ experiences, needs, and perceptions of their involvement with their infants during the first 12 months of birth. Multiple factors were found to influence the socially-defined fathering ideology. Cultural practices of fatherhood and fathers’ own perceptions shaped their actual fathering behaviors. The findings of this study may guide healthcare professionals as frontline personnel to understand fathers’ needs and experiences in order to promote fathers’ involvement in the early days after their infants’ birth.
Community perceptions of paediatric severe anaemia in Uganda

Background Severe anaemia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in sub-Saharan Africa. There is limited research on the beliefs and knowledge for paediatric severe anaemia in the region. The effect of these local beliefs and knowledge on the healthcare seeking of paediatric severe anaemia remains unknown. Objective To describe community perceptions of paediatric severe anaemia in Uganda. Methods Sixteen in-depth interviews of caregivers of children treated for severe anaemia and six focus group discussions of community members were conducted in three regions of Uganda between October and November 2017. Results There was no common local name used to describe paediatric severe anaemia, but the disease was understood in context as ‘having no blood’. Severe anaemia was identified to be a serious disease and the majority felt blood transfusion was the ideal treatment, but concomitant use of traditional and home remedies was also widespread. Participants articulated signs of severe pediatric anemia, such as palmar, conjunctival, and tongue pallor. Other signs described included jaundice, splenomegaly, difficulty in breathing and poor appetite. Poor feeding, malaria, splenomegaly and evil spirits were perceived to be the common causes of severe anaemia. Other causes included: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), haemoglobinuria, fever, witchcraft, mosquito bites, and sickle cell. Splenomegaly and jaundice were perceived to be both signs and causes of severe anaemia. Severe anaemia was interpreted to be caused by evil spirits if it was either recurrent, led to sudden death, or manifested with cold extremities. Conclusion The community in Uganda perceived paediatric severe anaemia as a serious disease. Their understanding of the signs and perceived causes of severe anaemia to a large extent aligned with known clinical signs and biological causes. Belief in evil spirits persists and may be one obstacle to seeking timely medical care for paediatric severe anaemia.
IgA tetramerization improves target breadth but not peak potency of functionality of anti-influenza virus broadly neutralizing antibody

Mucosal immunoglobulins comprise mainly secretory IgA antibodies (SIgAs), which are the major contributor to pathogen-specific immune responses in mucosal tissues. These SIgAs are highly heterogeneous in terms of their quaternary structure. A recent report shows that the polymerization status of SIgA defines their functionality in the human upper respiratory mucosa. Higher order polymerization of SIgA (i.e., tetramers) leads to a marked increase in neutralizing activity against influenza viruses. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of SIgA polymerization remain elusive. Here, we developed a method for generating recombinant tetrameric monoclonal SIgAs. We then compared the anti-viral activities of these tetrameric SIgAs, which possessed variable regions identical to that of a broadly neutralizing anti-influenza antibody F045-092 against influenza A viruses, with that of monomeric IgG or IgA. The tetrameric SIgA showed anti-viral inhibitory activity superior to that of other forms only when the antibody exhibits low-affinity binding to the target. By contrast, SIgA tetramerization did not substantially modify anti-viral activity against targets with high-affinity binding. Taken together, the data suggest that tetramerization of SIgA improved target breadth, but not peak potency of antiviral functions of the broadly neutralizing anti-influenza antibody. This phenomenon presumably represents one of the mechanisms by which SIgAs present in human respiratory mucosa prevent infection by antigen-drifted influenza viruses. Understanding the mechanisms involved in cross neutralization of viruses by SIgAs might facilitate the development of vaccine strategies against viral infection of mucosal tissues.
MicroRNA signature constituted of miR-30d, miR-93, and miR-181b is a promising prognostic marker in primary central nervous system lymphoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that inhibit gene function by suppressing translation of target genes. However, in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), the biological significance of miRNAs is largely unknown, although some miRNAs are known to be prognosis markers. Here, we analyzed 847 miRNAs expressed in 27 PCNSL specimens using microarray profiling and surveyed miRNA signature for prognostic prediction. Of these, 16 miRNAs were expressed in 27 PCNSL specimens at a frequency of 48%. Their variable importance measured by Random forest model revealed miR-192, miR-486, miR-28, miR-52, miR-181b, miR-194, miR-197, miR-93, miR-708, and let-7g as having positive effects; miR-29b-2*, miR-126, and miR-182 as having negative effects; and miR-18a*, miR-425, and miR-30d as neutral. After principal component analysis, the prediction formula for prognosis, consisting of the expression values of the above-mentioned miRNAs, clearly divided Kaplan-Meier survival curves by the calculated Z-score (HR = 6.4566, P = 0.0067). The 16 miRNAs were enriched by gene ontology terms including angiogenesis, cell migration and proliferation, and apoptosis, in addition to signaling pathways including TGF-β/SMAD, Notch, TNF, and MAPKinase. Their target genes included BCL2-related genes, HMGA2 oncogene, and LIN28B cancer stem cell marker. Furthermore, three miRNAs including miR-181b, miR-30d, and miR-93, selected from the 16 miRNAs, also showed comparable results for survival (HR = 8.9342, P = 0.0007), suggestive of a miRNA signature for prognostic prediction in PCNSL. These results indicate that this miRNA signature is useful for prognostic prediction in PCNSL and would help us understand target pathways for therapies in PCNSL.
Determinants of drug-target interactions at the single cell level

The physiochemical determinants of drug-target interactions in the microenvironment of the cell are complex and generally not defined by simple diffusion and intrinsic chemical reactivity. Non-specific interactions of drugs and macromolecules in cells are rarely considered formally in assessing pharmacodynamics. Here, we demonstrate that non-specific interactions lead to very slow incorporation kinetics of DNA binding drugs. We observe a rate of drug incorporation in cell nuclei three orders of magnitude slower than in vitro due to anomalous drug diffusion within cells. This slow diffusion, however, has an advantageous consequence: it leads to virtually irreversible binding of the drug to specific DNA targets in cells. We show that non-specific interactions drive slow drug diffusion manifesting as slow reaction front propagation. We study the effect of non-specific interactions in different cellular compartments by permeabilization of plasma and nuclear membranes in order to pinpoint differential compartment effects on variability in intracellular drug kinetics. These results provide the basis for a comprehensive model of the determinants of intracellular diffusion of small-molecule drugs, their target-seeking trajectories, and the consequences of these processes on the apparent kinetics of drug-target interactions.