Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Voltage Balancing Algorithm for Modular Multilevel Converter: A Unique Solution

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has several submodules in cascade. To control the submodule capacitors voltage, a new generalized dynamic voltage balancing algorithm along with a simple pulse width modulator structure is proposed in this paper. With proposed pulse width modulator structure, the dynamic voltage balancing algorithm can be easily implemented with any type of carrier based pulse width modulation (including level-shifted and phase-shifted pulse width modulation) scheme without any modifications. This method does not require the sorting technique for selection of submodule capacitors voltage. The performance of the proposed voltage balancing algorithm is presented for MMC with three-level flying capacitor submodules (MMC-3L-FC). The proposed method is also applicable to the conventional two-level half bridge submodules as well. The effectiveness of the proposed voltage balancing algorithm is verified with the phase-shifted carrier-based pulse with modulation scheme. The results obtained from the MATLAB/SIMULINK simulations on 6-kV/ 2.5-MW system and the dSPACE DS1103-based laboratory prototype of 208-V/3-kVA MMC-3L-FC system are in close relationship, and thus, the proposed methodology is validated.
The Role of Value Compatibility in Trust Production and E-Commerce

This paper explores the role of value compatibility and trust in the ecommerce environment. Specifically, we explore how the perceived actions or lack of actions of organizations regarding moral, social, environmental and political issues affect ecommerce users in their trusting beliefs and their behavioral intentions toward those organizations. This is accomplished through having subjects rate the perceived value compatibility of different organizations along with testing their trusting beliefs and behavioral intentions. Trust is a multi-dimensional construct (McKnight et al., 2002) and is analyzed along the dimensions of ability, benevolence and integrity proposed by Mayer et al. (1995), McKnight et al. (2002), and Bhattacherjee (2002). The data is then analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in LISREL. In a pilot survey; we found support for value compatibility affecting trust strongly through the benevolence dimension and somewhat through the integrity dimension. We also found a direct link of value compatibility to behavioral Intentions. This demonstrates that value compatibility plays an important role in trust production and also has an effect on ecommerce through other mechanisms. Organizations would benefit from a deeper understanding of the role played by value compatibility in ecommerce.
Quasi-subharmonics in PWM inverters

Ultra-high speed electric machines (speed is in the order of 100 krpm) supplied by PWM inverters are extremely vulnerable to subharmonics. The main source of subharmonics is in the low frequency modulation ratio of the PWM inverters available. The paper presents methods for the calculation of subharmonics.
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY AGAINST HUMAN SPERM-SPECIFIC YLP 12 PEPTIDE SEQUENCE INVOLVED IN OOCYTE BINDING

The monoclonalantibody (mAb) against YLP 12 peptide was raised and its immunobiological properties were examined. In the Western blot procedure, the YLP 12 mAb recognized a specific protein band of ~50 - 5 kD in human sperm extract and ~72 - 5 kD in human testis extract. The myeloma Ig control did not recognize these specific protein bands. In the immunofluorescence studies, the YLP 12 mAb, and not the myeloma Ig, predominantly reacted with the acrosome regions of methanol-fixed human sperm. In the acrosome reaction assay, the YLP 12 mAb showed a significant ( p <.001) and a concentration-dependent inhibition of acrosome reaction. The myeloma Ig did not affect the acrosome reaction. There was no apparent effect of antibodies on sperm motility. Thus, the monoclonal antibody, if humanized by genetic engineering technology, may provide a useful immunocontraceptive agent.
A Formalization of the Process Algebra CCS in HOL4

An old formalization of the Process Algebra CCS (no value passing, with explicit relabeling operator) on has been ported from HOL88 theorem prover to HOL4 (Kananaskis-11 and later). Transitions between CCS processes are defined by SOS (Structured Operational Semantics) inference rules, then all algebaric laws (including the expansion theorem) were proved upon SOS transition rules. We have used HOL4's new co-inductive relation support to re-define strong and weak bisimulation equivalances, and shows that the new definitions are equivalent with old ones. Finally, there's decision procedure for automatic detection of CCS transitions. The aim is to provide an up-to-date sound and effective tool to support verification and reasoning about CCS, and to provide a formal logic basis for further theoretical developments in Concurrency Theory.
Associations between socioeconomic position and correlates of sedentary behaviour among youth: a systematic review

Existing research evidence indicates that children and adolescents of parents with a low socioeconomic position spend more time on sedentary behaviour than their counterparts. However, the mechanisms driving these differences remain poorly understood. The main aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence regarding the association between socioeconomic position and correlates of sedentary behaviour among youth (0–18 years) from developed countries. The literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO. A total of 37 studies were included. All but three studies examined screen‐based sedentary behaviours only. Methodological quality ranged from low to moderate. Education was the most commonly used indicator of socioeconomic position, followed by income. Socioeconomic position was inversely related to the presence of a TV in the child's bedroom, parental modelling for TV viewing, parental co‐viewing and eating meals in front of the TV. We found no/indeterminate evidence for an association between socioeconomic position and rules and regulations about screen time. The findings suggest possible factors that could be targeted in future intervention studies to decrease screen‐based sedentary behaviour in lower socioeconomic groups in particular.
Pathophysiology of Evolution of Small Airways Disease to Overt COPD

ABSTRACT Background: The slope of phase III (single breath nitrogen test), an index of ventilation inhomogeneity, has been used for early detection of COPD. Tidal airway closure (cyclic opening and closure of the peripheral airways during tidal breathing; ACT) and expiratory flow limitation (attainment of maximal expiratory flow during tidal expiration; EFLT) cause small airways disease (SAD). The relationships of these indices with COPD severity may reflect the progress from SAD to overt COPD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we have assessed for the first time the phase III slope, ACT and EFLT in 10 smokers with normal spirometry (group O) and 40 COPD patients with GOLD scores from I to IV. Results: In most group O smokers the phase III slope was increased, and further increased with GOLD severity (up to 800%pred in GOLD IV). A close correlation was found of slope with GOLD (r = 0.77). ACT was absent in smokers with normal spirometry and in most patients with mild COPD. EFLT first appeared in GOLD II patients and its prevalence progressively increased in GOLD III and IV patients. Conclusions: Most group O smokers exhibit increased phase III. With overt COPD there is a progressive increase in phase III and reduction of FEV1/FVC ratio from GOLD I to IV. A reduction of FEV1 occurs from GOLD stage II. As the disease progresses from moderate to severe, there is an increasing presence of ACT. Tidal EFL, with dynamic hyperinflation and severe dyspnea is present only in GOLD III and IV.
Beyond the Male Condom: The Evolution of Gender-Specific HIV Interventions for Women

Abstract As the number of HIV infections in women has increased, there has been a concomitant recognition that prevention efforts to reduce sexual transmission must address the gendered context in which risk behavior occurs. This paper provides a longitudinal perspective on the emergence of the HIV epidemic in U.S. women and the parallel development of interventions to reduce risk. In the first portion of this paper, we briefly discuss the growth of the epidemic among women and how public health responses reflected the early discourse about infected women. We also address methods of protection available to women, and the emerging recognition of the importance of gender relations. In the second half of this paper, we show how gender-specificity in prevention efforts has evolved, using a framework developed by Geeta Gupta (2001) and relying on published reviews of the intervention literature in the past 10 years. Finally, we discuss in detail several recent examples. We conclude with a discussion of future directions.
Protective Immunization of Mice with an Active-Site Mutant of Subtilase Cytotoxin of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT We have recently described a novel AB5 cytotoxin produced by certain Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains. The A subunit of this toxin is a subtilase-like serine protease, while the B pentamer mediates binding to host cell glycolipid receptors. The subtilase cytotoxin is lethal for mice, causing extensive microvascular thrombosis as well as necrosis in the brain, kidneys, and liver. In the present study, we have immunized mice with a purified derivative of the toxin with a Ser272 → Ala mutation in the A subunit which abolishes cytotoxicity. This elicited strong antibody responses, as judged by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which conferred protection against intraperitoneal challenge with purified toxin. Immunized mice were also protected from weight loss resulting from oral challenge with an E. coli K-12 clone expressing the active toxin.
Chandra observations of dying radio sources in galaxy clusters

Context. The dying radio sources represent a very interesting and largely unexplored stage of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) evolution. They are considered to be very rare, and almost all of the few known ones were found in galaxy clusters. However, considering the small number detected so far, it has not been possible to draw any firm conclusions about their X-ray environment. Aims. We present X-ray observations performed with the Chandra satellite of the three galaxy clusters Abell 2276, ZwCl 1829.3+6912, and RX J1852.1+5711, which harbor at their center a dying radio source with an ultra-steep spectrum that we recently discovered. Methods. We analyzed the physical properties of the X-ray emitting gas surrounding these elusive radio sources. We determined the global X-ray properties of the clusters, derived the azimuthally averaged profiles of metal abundance, gas temperature, density, and pressure. Furthermore, we estimated the total mass profiles. Results. The large-scale X-ray emission is regular and spherical, suggesting a relaxed state for these systems. Indeed, we found that the three clusters are also characterized by significant enhancements in the metal abundance and declining temperature profiles toward the central region. For all these reasons, we classified RX J1852.1+5711, Abell 2276, and ZwCl 1829.3+6912 as cool-core galaxy clusters. Conclusions. We calculated the non-thermal pressure of the radio lobes assuming that the radio sources are in the minimum energy condition. For all dying sources we found that this is on average about one to two orders of magnitude lower than that of the external gas, as found for many other radio sources at the center of galaxy groups and clusters. We found marginal evidence for the presence of X-ray surface brightness depressions coincident with the fossil radio lobes of the dying sources in A2276 and ZwCl 1829.3+691. We estimated the outburst age and energy output for these two dying sources. The energy power from the AGN outburst is significantly higher than the X-ray luminosity in both clusters. Indeed, it is sufficient that a small fraction of this power is dissipated in the intra-cluster medium to reheat the cool cores.
RHE: A JVM Courseware

Java Virtual Machine (JVM) education has become essential in training embedded software engineers as well as virtual machine researchers and practitioners. However, due to the lack of suitable instructional tools, it is difficult for students to obtain any kind of hands-on experience and to attain any deep understanding of JVM design. To address this issue, the authors designed the RHE, or Reduced Harmony for Education, a lightweight instructional JVM. The RHE is extremely simple and yet contains all essential modules of a JVM. Furthermore, it comes with several test programs designed to familiarize users with the modules of JVM. In the past few years, the authors have successfully used the RHE to train new engineers on the JVM technology. The training experience shows that with the RHE, it takes less than 40 h for engineers with little or no prior knowledge of JVM design to become familiar with the essential JVM components.
Quantum Noise Removal in X-Ray Images with Adaptive Total Variation Regularization

Medical X-ray images are prevalent and are the least expensive diagnostic imaging method available widely. The handling of ﬁlm processing and digitization introduces noise in X-ray images and suppressing such noise is an important step in medical image analysis. In this work, we use an adaptive total variation regularization method for removing quantum noise from X-ray images. By utilizing an edge indicator measure along with the well-known edge preserving total variation regularization, we obtain noise removal without losing salient features. Experimental re-sults on diﬀerent X-ray images indicate the promise of our approach. Synthetic examples are given to compare the performance of our scheme with traditional total variation and anisotropic diﬀusion methods from the literature. Overall, our proposed approach obtains better results in terms of visual appearance as well as with respect to diﬀerent error metrics and structural similarity.
A Novel Soft-Input Soft-Output Reduced Complexity MIMO Trellis Detector

In this paper we propose a novel trellis based soft-input soft-output MIMO detector with significantly reduced search space. The performance of the detector is measured by evaluating the ultimate communication rate that is achievable for a system employing the novel detector; this limit corresponds to a mutual information that can be determined by standard methods. We also derive an expression that bounds the mutual information of interest and that can be optimized by numerical methods. Numerical results for many MIMO setups that illustrate the performance of the detector are also provided.
Flicker Suppressor by Thyristor

One of the difficulties which are encountered by direct connection of the accelerator to the utilities is the effect of pulsed reactive power on the utilities with respect to the customer's interference and the system stability. To suppress the voltage flickers caused by the pulsed reactive power, several types of machines have been investigated, namely capacitor banks with thyristor switches, series capacitors, saturable reactor and reactor with thyristors. Among these, the reactor with thyristors was employed in KEK accelerator with respect to performance, maintenance, technical feasibility and economical point. The actual operation of reactive power control by ignition angle of thyristor was satisfactory. The swing of 14 MVAr reactive power was stabilized within ±5% and the voltage flicker was suppressed from 3% to 0.5% which is enough less than the permissible value suggested by the electrical company. The harmonic current which is associated with thyristor was absorbed to ac filters that was also served as the reactive power compensator.
Infection with the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini modifies intestinal and biliary microbiome

Opisthorchis viverrini is a fish‐borne trematode endemic in East Asia. Following ingestion, the flukes locate to the biliary tree, where chronic infection frequently leads to cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The mechanisms by which O. viverrini infection culminates in CCA remain unknown. An unexplored aspect is its influence on the host microbiome. In the hamster, infection with this pathogen reliably leads to CCA. Genomic DNAs of microbiota from colorectal contents and bile of hamsters and from whole O. viverrini were examined in this model of fluke‐induced CCA. Microbial communities were characterized by high‐throughput sequencing of variable regions 7–9 of prokaryotic 16S ribosomal DNA Of ~1 million sequences, 536,009 with useable reads were assignable to 29,776 operational taxonomy units (OTUs) and, in turn, to 20 phyla and 273 genera of Bacteria or Archaea. Microbial community analyses revealed that fluke infection perturbed the gastrointestinal tract microbiome, increasing Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae, while decreasing Porphyromonadaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Eubacteriaceae (P<0.05). More than 60 OTUs were detected in the biliary system, which confirmed bacteriobilia and a noteworthy community of microbes associated with the parasites. The fluke‐associated microorganisms included potential pathogens from the Enterobacteriaceae and Listeriaceae and others, including Cyanobacteria and Deinococci, usually found in external environments. Given that opisthorchiasis is distinguished from other helminth infections by a robust inflammatory phenotype with conspicuously elevated IL‐6, and that inflammation of the biliary system leads to periductal fibrosis, which is a precursor of CCA, the flukes and their microbiota may together drive this distinctive immune response. —Plieskatt, J. L. , Raksawan, D. , Mulvenna, J. P., Krause, L. , Sripa, B. , Bethony, J. M. , Brindley, P. J. Infection with the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini modifies intestinal and biliary microbiome. FASEB J. 27, 4572–4584 (2013). www.fasebj. org
Dynamical evaluation Of academic performance in e-learning systems using neural networks modeling (time response approach)

This paper explores a relatively new methodological approach for the field integrating learning and education, with other research areas, such as neurobiological, cognitive, and computational sciences. Specifically, presented work is an interdisciplinary piece of research aiming to simulate appropriately a challenging and critical issue concerned with academic performance in e-learning systems. Namely, considering face to face tutoring phenomenon observed while an interactive e-learning process is performed. Referring to strong interest announced by educationalists to know how neurons' synapses inside the brain are interconnected. Together to perform communication processing among brain regions. Herein, a special attention has been developed towards dynamical academic evaluation of timely based brain learning via face to face (FTF) interactive tutoring. In other words, this piece of research presents an interdisciplinary realistic dynamic investigation. For academic performance phenomenon associated with e-learners' contribution as time response performed human's brain neuronal function. Accordingly, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNS) have been adopted for realistic modeling of academic performance evaluation based on timely dependant student's response till attaining learning convergence (desired output). After running of designed realistic simulation program, some interesting results have been presented. Interestingly, individual differences' phenomenon observed via after statistical analysis of obtained simulation results.
How to Time Travel in Highly Immersive Virtual Reality

What would it be like to be able to time travel to the past, meet your previous self, and override your previous actions in order to achieve a better outcome? While we cannot (yet? ) achieve physical time travel, digital technologies now allow us to experience virtual time travel. We have developed a method for implementing time travel in highly immersive virtual reality (VR) and here we describe the underlying technology in the context of a scenario that involves a shooting event in a virtual gallery. Our method includes two layers of abstraction: i) a narrative layer that represents scenarios as a set of events and state transitions, and uses preconditions to enforce consistency, and ii) a VR layer that includes low level controllers for low level synchronization and animation. The narrative layer is designed to ensure that following time travel the events would unfold exactly as they did in the previous time around, except for the specific changes resulting from the actions of the time traveling participant. The VR layer controls the fine details, including recording and replaying motion capture data and audio, which allows the participants to experience their own previous selves as animated avatars. The system was used for a psychological experiment, and in this paper we focus on the technical method and on the lessons learned from implementing VR time travel.
Evaluation of Bengal gram ( Cicer arietinum ) husk as a source of tannin and its interference in rumen and post-rumen nutrient digestion in sheep

Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum) husk (BGH) was evaluated for the content of tannin and its interference in digestion. The BGH contained (% DM) 76.0 NDF, 65.2 ADF, 6.1 ADL and 8.4 tannin. The gas production (ml/200 mg DM/24 h) from BGH incubated with rumen inoculum was 45.0, which increased to 61.3 when polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) was added. The magnitude of the increase in gas production was not explained by the quantity of tannin-bound protein (acid detergent insoluble nitrogen 6.25) or the total protein. This suggested that carbohydrate could be the main substrate bound by tannin in BGH. The availability of tannin-bound substrate in the postrumen digestive tract was assessed through a metabolic trial. Twelve male lambs aged between 6 and 8 months were divided into three groups of four animals in each group. BGH was incorporated in the diet at 0, 6.8 and 14% by replacing deoiled rice bran (DORB). Incorporation of BGH in the diet increased OM digestibility (P<0.002) from 63.3% (Group I) to 68.1% (Group II) and 72.4% (Group III). The observed differences among the diets was quantitatively explainable by the difference in ME content (8.5 MJ) of BGH and DORB after PEG addition. The faecal excretion (g/ day) of organic neutral detergent solubles (ONDS) (54.5, 55.3 and 46.7), and neutral detergent soluble nitrogen (NDSN) (4.4, 4.4 and 3.9) for the three groups were similar. Therefore, it is Animal Feed Science and Technology 85 (2000) 131±138 * Corresponding author. Fax: 91-80-3414848. E-mail address: ukm@123india.com (U. Krishnamoorthy) 1 Present address: Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore 560001, India. 0377-8401/00/$ ± see front matter # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. PII: S 0 3 7 7 8 4 0 1 ( 0 0 ) 0 0 1 3 1 0 speculated that the tannin-bound substrate in BGH is carbohydrate, protected from rumen fermentation but digested in the small intestine. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.