Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An improved artificial potential field method with a new point of attractive force for a mobile robot

In this paper, a modified path planning method based on the APF (artificial potential field) is proposed for the mobile robot navigation system. The path planning method is very important to the robot navigation system. The APF is a commonly used path planning method because of its advantages of simple processing and online realization in the unknown environment. However, the T-APF (traditional-APF) has shortcomings such as local minima and path inefficiency problems. To overcome these drawbacks, the NP-APF (new point-APF) is proposed. NP-APF is a specialized method for using the LiDAR. The key idea of the NP-APF is that it creates the new point of the attractive force what can improve performance of the APF by solving its drawbacks. The new point is created when the obstacles block a path which makes straight-line from the mobile robot to the goal, and it helps the mobile robot overcome local minima and path inefficiency problems. The new point is created at the most reasonable place where no obstacle is detected by the LiDAR. The simulation results show the improvement of performance compared with the T-APF.
Calibration of Camera Intrinsic Parameters Using A Single Image

This paper presents a new simple method to determine the intrinsic parameters of camera suffering from radial lens distortion. First, it is based on a single image and used the assumption that the principal point is set as the distortion center, under the Division Model. Besides, it also computes the center of radial distortion, which is important in obtaining optimal results. These initial estimations are refined by minimizing the image re-projection error using Levenberg-Marquardt, and accurate results are finally acquired. Finally, it achieves comparable measurement accuracy in contrast with the traditional multiple view based calibration method using chessboard target.
Differential Expression of microRNAs in Maize Inbred and Hybrid Lines during Salt and Drought Stress

Here, we analyzed whether the microRNA (miRNA) expression levels differ between maize inbred lines B73 and Mo17 and their reciprocal hybrids under salt and drought stress. We found that miR156, miR164, miR166, miR168, miR171 and miR319 are differentially expressed under abiotic stress. Interestingly, Mo17 × B73 showed the strongest change in miRNA expression in response to salt or drought stress, and was also the most resilient line when under abiotic stress in terms of water loss. In summary, our findings open the possibility that differential miRNA expression levels might be involved in heightened stress tolerance in maize hybrids.
Coupling Tumor Necrosis Factor-α with αV Integrin Ligands Improves Its Antineoplastic Activity

Despite the impressive results obtained in animal models, the clinical use of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) as an anticancer drug is limited by severe toxicity. We have shown previously that targeted delivery of TNF to aminopeptidase N (CD13), a marker of angiogenic vessels, improved the therapeutic index of this cytokine in tumor-bearing mice. To assess whether the vascular-targeting approach could be extended to other markers of tumor blood vessels, in this work, we have fused TNF with the ACDCRGDCFCG peptide, a ligand of αV integrins by recombinant DNA technology. We have found that subnanogram doses of this conjugate are sufficient to induce antitumor effects in tumor-bearing mice when combined with melphalan, a chemotherapeutic drug. Cell adhesion assays and competitive binding experiments with anti-integrin antibodies showed that the Arg-Gly-Asp moiety interacts with cell adhesion receptors, including αVβ3 integrin, as originally postulated. In addition, ACGDRGDCFCG-mouse TNF conjugate induced cytotoxic effects in standard cytolytic assays, implying that ACGDRGDCFCG-mouse TNF conjugate can also bind TNF receptors and trigger death signals. These results indicate that coupling TNF with αV integrin ligands improves its antineoplastic activity and supports the concept that vascular targeting is a strategy potentially applicable to different endothelial markers, not limited to CD13.
A 10-Bit High-Speed SAR A / D Converter

An Hybrid technique to the circuit implementation of 10-bit analog-to-digital converter(ADC) is proposed. This method demonstrates a simple technique to increase speed of successive approximation ADC’s that require as few as 2 comparisons for 10 bit conversion. This technique needs only 1/4 th conversion time of conventional successive approximation ADC. The approach divides input range into 256-quantization cells, separated by 255 boundary points; an 8-bit binary code 00000000 to 11111111 is assigned to each cell. A normal successive approximation converter requires 10 comparisons for 10-bit quantization, while our proposed technique reduces number of comparison requirements to 2 comparisons. An experimental prototype of 10-bit ADC using proposed technique was implemented using μp 8085. Use of Microprocessor has greatly reduced the hardware requirement and cost. This technique is best suitable when high speed combined with high resolution is required. The ADC Results of 10-bit prototype is presented. The results show that the ADC exhibits a maximum DNL of 0.47LSB and a maximum INL of 0.5LSB.
Low Noise Receivers at 1.6 THz and 2.5 THz Based on Niobium Nitride Hot Electron Bolometer Mixers

Low noise receivers based on superconducting niobium nitride (NbN) hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixers have been designed, fabricated and measured in the terahertz (THz) frequency range for applications in astronomy and cosmology. The NbN HEB mixer consists of a planar antenna and an NbN bridge connecting across the antenna's inner terminals on high-resistivity Si substrates. Double sideband (DSB) receiver noise temperatures of 920 K at 1.6 THz and 1630 K at 2.5 THz have been obtained at 4.2 K without corrections. Effects of Parylene C AR coating on the lens have been studied; with such a coating a lowest DSB receiver noise temperature of 1135 K at 2.5 THz has been obtained at 4.2 K.
Nucleotide sequence, genomic organization and chromosome localization of 5S rDNA in two species of Curimatidae (Teleostei, Characiformes)

The 5S ribosomal DNA (5S rDNA) of higher eukaryotes is organized in repeat units of tandem arrays composed of a 5S rDNA coding region, conserved even among non-related taxa, and a variable non-transcribed spacer sequence (NTS). To contribute to knowledge on the organization and evolution of vertebrate 5S rDNA we used PCR, nucleotide sequencing, Southern blot hybridization and chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to investigate 5S rDNA tandem repeats in the South American Curimatidae fish Steindachnerina insculpta and Cyphocharax modesta. 5S rDNA repeats of 180 base pairs (bp) from both species were PCR-generated and sequenced evidencing the shortest 5S rDNA monomer so far described in eukaryote species. Southern blotting revealed that both species contained two tandem 5S rDNA classes, the PCR amplified fragment composed of 180 bp monomers and a class of 1600 bp monomers not detected by PCR. Chromosome mapping of the 5S rDNA repeats identified a major locus in both species and a second minor locus only in C. modesta. The Southern blot and chromosome mapping data indicate the presence of different types of 5S rDNA tandem repeats in the Curimatidae genome.
The Implementation of G2B Inter-Organizational Information Systems: A Dialectical Design Perspective

Although the interactions between information technology and the context of government-to-business relations challenge the implementation of information systems, the challenges are currently underresearched. Therefore, this paper analyzes the mutual shaping between technology integration and the context. Based on an empirical study of the deployment of electronic cash registers for value-added tax administration, the analysis explains how government-business dialectics inform the design of relations between institutional, technological and organizational factors. The explanations lead to the argument for a dialectical design perspective on implementation that facilitates a systematic comprehension of (1) the inducements of design; (2) the relationships between the factors as design qualities; (3) the real and perceptual characteristics that define the soundness of the system; and (4) the paradigmatic distinctions between institution-organization design, organization-technology redesign, and functionality design of technology. This perspective leads the conceptualization of implementation in this context, and overcomes the limitations associated with the notable existing perspectives.
A new algorithm for convergence verification in circuit level simulations

In this paper we present a new algorithm, based on Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) verification, for assessing convergence in circuit-level simulation and its implementation in the NGSPICE open source circuit simulator. We start from the analysis of false convergence problems appeared in the analysis of test circuits that we found to be related to the convergence checks that NGSPICE simulator inherits from SPICE3F5. These checks are inaccurate in some cases, so we propose to replace them with a new, efficient, algorithm based on KCL verification. The methodology to verify KCL of the circuit is detailed in this paper, along with the extraction flow, required to compute every KCL contribution. We finally present a case study of a circuit showing non converging solution, while the same circuit can be solved using the proposed algorithm.
The Role of Competitiveness in the Cognitive Absorption of Video Games

The holistic experience of IT artifacts can be seen in the immersive interaction of video game players. This interaction has been attributed to a State of Flow with the IT artifact. This state, which often results in users devoting a significant amount of time and effort with the IT, has been captured through the construct of cognitive absorption. In this research in progress paper, we describe how interactions with an IT – in particular with video games – can be perceived as being competitive. Moreover, we aim to investigate the process through which emotional responses to a competitive situation emerge and how they influence the experience of cognitive absorption. Further, we aim to examine the role of personality traits on the video game players’ emotional experience. The findings of this research in progress can ultimately highlight the role of emotions for immersive game-based learning environments.
OO A COMPOSITE PLASTICITY MODEL FOR CONCRETE

• A submitted manuscript is the author's version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Compensation between Resolved and Unresolved Wave Drag in the Stratospheric Final Warmings of the Southern Hemisphere

AbstractThe role of planetary wave drag and gravity wave drag in the breakdown of the stratospheric polar vortex and its associated final warming in the Southern Hemisphere is examined using reanalyses from MERRA and a middle-atmosphere dynamical model. The focus of this work is on identifying the causes of the delay in the final breakdown of the stratospheric polar vortex found in current general circulation models. Sensitivity experiments were conducted by changing the launched momentum flux in the gravity wave drag parameterization. Increasing the launched momentum flux produces a delay of the final warming date with respect to the control integration of more than 2 weeks. The sensitivity experiments show significant interactions between planetary waves and unresolved gravity waves. The increase of gravity wave drag in the model is compensated by a strong decrease of Eliassen–Palm flux divergence (i.e., planetary wave drag). This concomitant decrease of planetary wave drag is at least partially respons.
Geometry Design, Principles and Assembly of Micromotors

Discovery of bio-inspired, self-propelled and externally-powered nano-/micro-motors, rotors and engines (micromachines) is considered a potentially revolutionary paradigm in nanoscience. Nature knows how to combine different elements together in a fluidic state for intelligent design of nano-/micro-machines, which operate by pumping, stirring, and diffusion of their internal components. Taking inspirations from nature, scientists endeavor to develop the best materials, geometries, and conditions for self-propelled motion, and to better understand their mechanisms of motion and interactions. Today, microfluidic technology offers considerable advantages for the next generation of biomimetic particles, droplets and capsules. This review summarizes recent achievements in the field of nano-/micromotors, and methods of their external control and collective behaviors, which may stimulate new ideas for a broad range of applications.
Knee joint loading in the open and square stance tennis forehands

Sandamas, Paul 2013. Knee joint loading in the open and square stance tennis forehands. Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyvaskyla. Master's Thesis in Biomechanics. 80 pages. The aim of this study was to calculate and compare the resultant forces and moments in the knee joint of the open and square stance tennis forehands. An additional aim was to incorporate the ground reaction forces to shed light on the role of the lower body in aiding pelvic rotation in these two different forehands. The two types of forehand strokes hit by 7 right-handed university team level tennis players were filmed and the ground reaction forces on each foot were measured simultaneously. A link segment model of the lower limbs was used along with the inverse dynamics approach to calculate the resultant joint forces and moments in both knees during both the forward swing and follow-through phases of the shot. The ground reaction forces and resultant knee joint forces and moments of the open stance (OS) strokes were compared with those obtained for the square stance (SS) forehands. Although the average swing times, peak racket velocities and peak transverse plane pelvic velocities were similar, significant kinetic differences (P<0.05) were recorded in the knee joints between the strokes. The SS created greater abduction moments in the left knee during the forward swing and follow-through (0.7 and 0.95 Nm/kg) than the OS (0.2 and 0.32 Nm/kg), respectively. The largest external rotation moments were found in the SS left knee during the follow-through (0.31 Nm/kg) and in the OS right knee prior to impact (0.24 Nm/kg). Despite this, significantly (P<0.05) greater ground reaction torque (TZ) was generated by the right leg in the OS stroke before impact (0.27 Nm/kg), than by the left leg in the SS during the follow-through (0.09 Nm/kg). The data did not support the hypothesis that the peak knee external rotation moments would be greater in the square stance. Analysis of the ground reaction forces together with the knee kinetic and pelvic motion data suggests that the square stance utilises the forward step as an aid to pelvic rotation, whereas; the open stance relies more on the extension, abduction and external rotation of the right leg to aid pelvic rotation.
Improving the perturb and observe Maximum Power Point Tracking by using Sliding Mode control

In this paper the Sliding Mode (SM) control, used to reject the 100Hz oscillation of the voltage of the photovoltaic field in a grid connected system, is discussed. With respect to the classical linear voltage control the SM gives rise to a wider regulation band but, unfortunately, in presence of a fast irradiance variation the SM conditions could be violated producing a divergence of the operating point with respect to the desired one. In order to prevent such a drawback, an appropriate voltage compensation loop is used to interface the Sliding Mode with the Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm. Simulation results confirm the goodness of the proposed algorithm. The proposed approach is currently patent pending.
University of Groningen PcMtr , an aromatic and neutral aliphatic amino acid permease of Penicillium

The gene encoding an aromatic and neutral aliphatic amino acid permease of Penicillium chrysogenum was cloned, functionally expressed and characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae M4276. The permease, designated PcMtr, is structurally and functionally homologous to Mtr of Neurospora crassa, and unrelated to the Amino Acid Permease (AAP) family which includes most amino acid permeases in fungi. Database searches of completed fungal genome sequences reveal that Mtr type permeases are not widely distributed among fungi, suggesting a specialized function. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Clustering Network Topology Control Method Based on Responsibility Transmission

The topology control is an effective approach which can improve the quality of wireless sensor network at all sides. Through studying the mechanism of sensor network data transmission, the nature of data transmission in wireless sensor network is concluded as a kind of responsibility transmission. By redefining the responsibility and availability of nodes, the strategy for cluster head selection is studied, the responsibility and availability is determined by the combination of the residual energy, location and current flow of nodes. Based on the above, new clustering network topology control algorithm based on responsibility transmission CNTCABRT and hierarchical multi-hop CNTCABRT is presented in this paper, whose algorithm structure is along the famous LEACH algorithm. Experimental result demonstrates its promising performance over the famous LEACH algorithm in the cluster head selection, the size of cluster, the deployment of nodes and the lifetime of nodes, and several innovative conclusions are proposed finally.
Towards Computational Auditory Scene Analysis: Melody Extraction from Polyphonic Music

This paper describes an ecient method for the identifica- tion of the melody voice from the frame-wise updated magnitude and frequency values of tone objects. Most state of the art algorithms em- ploy a probabilistic framework to find the best succession of melody tones. Often such methods fail, if there are several musical voices with a comparable strength in the audio mixture. In this paper, we present a computational method for auditory stream segregation that processes a variable number of simultaneous voices. Although no statistical model is implemented, probabilistic relationships that can be observed in melody tone sequences are exploited. The method is a further development of an algorithm which was successfully evaluated as part of a melody ex- traction system. While the current version does not improve the overall accuracy for some melody extraction data sets, it shows a superior per- formance for audio examples which have been assembled to show the eects of auditory streaming in human perception.
Validated Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometric Method for Quantification of Milnacipranin Human Plasma for Pharmacokinetic Study: ARandomized, Open-Label, Two-Period, Comparative Crossover Study in Healthy Korean Male Volunteers

A sensitive and specific liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, operating in the positiveionization mode, for quantifying of milnacipran in human plasma using milnacipran-d10 as internal standard (IS) was developed and validated. The analyte and IS were extracted by simple one step protein precipitation (PP). The chromatographic separation was performed on a Gemini C18 column (150 X 2.0 mm, 5 um) under isocratic conditions using a mixture of acetonitrile/0.1% formic acid (50:50, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.25 ml/min. Quantitation was performed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode to study parent → product ion transitions of m/z 247.2 →100.1 for milnacipran and m/z257.2→240.3 for IS, respectively. Linearity in plasma was obtained over the concentration range 2 ~ 500 ng/ml, with a coefficient of determination (r 2 ) of 0.9999. The method was has
SSI based control for single-stage single-phase PV-grid tied system with self-adjusting capability to voltage fluctuations

In this paper, a SSI (Sinusoidal Signal Integrator) based control technique is proposed for a single-stage single-phase solar photovoltaic (PV) grid tied with self-adjusting capability to voltage fluctuations. This system configures a solar PV array supplying the active power to single-phase grid and connected linear/nonlinear loads. The system aims at improving power quality, eliminating grid current distortions like harmonics, notches, bias etc., providing reactive power compensation while working under UPF (Unity Power Factor) mode. The proposed control technique for the system also provides capability for stable continuous operation during voltage disturbances in a grid such as voltage fluctuations (sag and swell). The control algorithm consists of MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technique and SSI based control for extraction of the fundamental component of load current. Simulation is done using MATLAB software and behaviour of the system is verified under varying loading and environmental conditions.
Quantitative colorimetric analysis of liquid crystal films (LCF) for phantom dosimetry in microwave hyperthermia

A fully quantitative analysis of liquid crystal film (LCF) color patterns, in phantom thermal dosimetry for microwave hyperthermia, is presented. An accurate determination of absorption rate density (ARD) is achieved by color image computer processing. This work is proven to be an improvement upon the semi-quantitative or qualitative descriptions of LCF colors performed essentially by visual analysis of photographs. Temperature-induced chromatic distributions are acquired as R, G, B (red, green, blue) signals by a CCD camera connected to a PC frame grabber board. These data, stored onto three 512*512 memory buffers, are then converted to H, S, I (hue, saturation, intensity) colorimetric system. Provided a suitable calibration of the LCF, the H quantity can be transformed to temperature using a monotonic relationship. In this way, a temperature accuracy lower than 0.2 degrees C and a spatial resolution less than 1 mm are obtained. A sequence of thermal maps can be acquired and stored on disk at a maximum rate of 1 image/2 s, and then the ARD is calculated at each pixel of the map using the least squares method. <<ETX>>
A frequency warping approach for vocal tract length normalization

A method of vocal tract length normalization (VTLN) is proposed. It uses bilinear transform (BLT) to modify the filterbank in Mel-frequency cepstrum based on the average third formant F/sub 3/. The effectiveness of this method is examined on vowel and isolated digit recognitions. The baseline vowel recognition models are trained on males data and the baseline isolated digit models are trained on adult men's data respectively. When the MFCC coefficients of test data are transformed by BLT, the recognition accuracy of females' vowels is improved by 11.67% and the recognition accuracies of adult women and children's isolated digits are improved by 19.5% and 13% respectively.