Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electroluminescence from light-emitting devices based on erbium-doped ZnO/n-Si heterostructures: Enhancement effect of fluorine co-doping.

We report on erbium (Er) related electroluminescence (EL) in the visible and near infrared (NIR) regions from the light-emitting device (LED) based on the Er-doped ZnO (ZnO:Er)/n-Si isotype heterostructure formed by sputtering ZnO:Er film on n-Si/n+-Si epitaxial wafer. Herein, the ZnO:Er film exhibits n-type in electrical conduction. The aforementioned LED is electroluminescent only under sufficiently high forward bias with the negative voltage connecting to n+-Si substrate. Such forward bias enables the electrons from n-Si to enter into the ultra-thin SiOx (x ≤ 2) layer inherently existing between the ZnO:Er film and n-Si via Poole-Frenkel conduction mechanism and, subsequently, to drift into the ZnO:Er film thus becoming hot electrons, which impact-excite the Er3+ ions to emit characteristic visible and NIR light. Furthermore, the Er-related EL from the aforementioned LED can be significantly enhanced through adopting the strategy of co-doping F- ions into the ZnO host, which brings about twofold primary effects. Firstly, due to the atomic size compensation between F- and Er3+ ions, the ZnO crystal grains become larger to accommodate much more optically active Er3+ ions. Secondly, the partial substitution of F- ions for O2- ions around the Er3+ ion reduces the symmetry of pseudo-octahedral crystal field of Er3+ ion, thus increasing the probabilities of intra-4f transitions of Er3+ ions. We believe that this work sheds light on developing efficient silicon-based LEDs using the Er-doped oxide semiconductors.
HEADLAMP ILLUMINATION PROVIDED TO SIGN POSITIONS BY PASSENGER VEHICLES

Traffic sign visibility at night is largely determined by sign luminance. Sign luminance, in turn, is determined by viewing geometry, retroreflective characteristics of the sign material, and headlamp illumination. Computer modeling of sign luminance has advanced to allow sign luminance to be predicted based on data sets of retroreflective material performance and headlamp luminous intensity matrices. This research project sought to assess the amount and variability of illumination provided to sign positions by a sample of Texas vehicles. The Texas Transportation Institute measured vehicle dimensions and headlamp illuminance at prespecified points representing typical sign locations. Data collection included 25 passenger cars and 21 light trucks and vans. Vehicles were measured without aiming, but after cleaning the headlamps. Each lamp was measured independently and total illuminance at sign locations was calculated. The project found that the vehicle dimensions specified in computer models encompassed the vehicles measured. The illumination values obtained were also in the range of those provided by the composite lamps in the existing computer models. Theoretical sign luminance values for different types of retroreflective sheeting were calculated using the median illumination values from the vehicles measured. The project confirms the validity of using computer models to predict sign luminance. It also confirmed current TxDOT retroreflective sheeting policy. It is recommended that TxDOT consistently aim the headlamps of vehicles used to perform nighttime sign inspections to assure consistency of sign appearance.
A Radiometrically Precise Multi-Frequency Ice-Penetrating Radar Architecture

Ice-penetrating radar sounders are powerful geophysical tools for studying the englacial and subglacial conditions of Earth’s ice sheets. Data from these instruments is critical to enhancing understanding and modeling of ice-sheet dynamics and ice-sheet contributions to global sea level. Traditionally, ice-penetrating radar sounders have a single center frequency creating inherent ambiguity in their pulse-by-pulse received power due to the confounding effects of basal material and roughness. Interpreting ice-penetrating radar data in light of these ambiguities requires assumptions about the physical state of the ice sheet, large-scale empirical analyses, or ancillary data. Here, we demonstrate that a high radiometric fidelity, narrowband, multi-frequency radar sounder can overcome these issues by separating the frequency-dependent basal roughness signature from the frequency-independent basal material signature. We present a radar system architecture with three narrow frequency bands spaced orders of magnitude apart (center frequencies of 1, 10, and 100 MHz, each with 20% fractional bandwidth) and high radiometric resolution (±0.5 dB). This architecture will allow us to precisely constrain ice-sheet basal conditions on a pulse-by-pulse basis by disambiguating the effects of basal material and basal roughness in ice-penetrating radar data.
A WiFi-Based Sensor Network for Flood Irrigation Control in Agriculture

The role of agriculture in society is vital due to factors such as providing food for the population, is a major source of employment worldwide, and one of the most important sources of revenue for countries. Furthermore, in recent years, the interest in optimizing the use of water resources has increased due to aspects such as climate change. This has led to the introduction of technology in the fields by means of sensor networks that allow remote monitoring and control of cultivated lands. In this paper, we present a system for flood irrigation in agriculture comprised of a sensor network based on WiFi communication. Different sensors measure atmospheric parameters such as temperature, humidity, and rain, soil parameters such as humidity, and water parameters such as water temperature, salinity, and water height to decide on the need of activating the floodgates for irrigation. The user application displays the data gathered by the sensors, shows a graphical representation of the state of irrigation of each ditch, and allows farmers to manage the irrigation of their fields. Finally, different tests were performed on a plot of vegetables to evaluate the correct performance of the system and the coverage of the sensor network on a vegetated area with different deployment options.
Biomechanical characteristics of highly-trained single-arm amputee front crawl swimmers

The general aim of this thesis was to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge regarding the biomechanical characteristics of highly-trained single-arm amputee front crawl swimmers, thus allowing for the application of this knowledge to enhance swimming performance. With this in mind, five experimental studies were undertaken, which focused on three main areas: Firstly, how swimmers adjusted their stroke parameters in order to swim faster and which of the swimmers’ anthropometric characteristics were related to performance. Secondly, what inter-arm and leg-to-arm coordination patterns were exhibited by these swimmers and how inter-limb coordination was related to the attainment of maximum swimming speed. Thirdly, what three-dimensional arm movements were used by these swimmers during the front crawl stroke cycle and how these movements contributed to propulsion and as a consequence the overall progression of the swimmers through the water. The findings of this thesis suggest that when single-arm front crawl swimmers are sprinting: (a) the attainment of a high stroke frequency is more important than swimming with the longest possible stroke; (b) reducing the length of time the affected-arm is held stationary in front of the body will help attain a high stroke frequency; (c) the rhythmical alignment of leg kicks to arm strokes may enhance performance and contribute to the stability of inter-arm coordination; (d) amputees use a more linear underwater hand movement, than able-bodied swimmers and use one of three distinct movement patterns to pull their affected-arm through the water; (e) increases in intra-cyclic swimming velocity can be achieved with the unaffected-arm, but not so with the affected-arm. The findings of this thesis will be of interest to scientists working in the area of swimming biomechanics. They should also be of some practical benefit to unilateral arm-amputee front crawl swimmers and to those who coach and teach them.
A STUDY OF THE FLOW, PRESSURES, AND LOADS PERTAINING TO PRISMATIC VEE-PLANING SURFACES

A summary is made of the qualitative information available at the present time pertinent to an analysis of the flow conditions existing in the immediate vicinity of prismatic Vee-shaped bodies. From this information, the existence of a 'stagnation line' on each side of the planing prism is then deduced. This stagnation-line concept forms the basis for a theoretical prediction of the maximum pressure on the body during various planing conditions. The report is concluded with a discussion of the various matters arising during the course of its development, and some additional thoughts concerning the principles and theorems considered basic to the present theory of hydrodynamic planing.
Integrating Bayesian Analysis and Cumulative Probability Generates High Confidence Using a Single Microbial Source Tracking Marker.

Microbial source tracking can identify waterbodies at risk of contamination using host-associated molecular markers. No assay used for microbial source tracking is both 100% host-specific and sensitive for human or animal fecal contamination. Using literature sensitivity and specificity values, Bayes' Theorem for conditional probability was applied to the human feces-associated HF183 marker in a microbial source tracking context. Type I and Type II error rates were examined across a range of priors. Conditional probabilities were investigated using two human-associated markers, HF183 and HumM2 concurrently. Cumulative probability analysis was used to explore the likelihood of true contaminant detection using multiple samples. Probability of human fecal contamination was calculated for all combinations of positive and negative marker results given three samples. Results demonstrate the respective influence specificity and sensitivity values exert on likelihood of true positive and true negative. Using practical priors, high levels of confidence (99%) in results were observed when HF183 and HumM2 were used concurrently. Cumulative probability analyses showed that multiple samples from a single location can provide >95% level of confidence in positive and negative results, suggesting that when multiple samples are necessary to account for in situ variability, a single marker can yield sufficiently reliable results.
Can people detect the trustworthiness of strangers based on their facial appearance?

Although cooperation can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, cooperating only pays off for the individual if others can be trusted to cooperate as well. How do people detect trustworthy interaction partners? While people readily rely on the facial appearance of strangers to judge their trustworthiness, the question of whether these judgments are accurate remains debated. The present research examines whether having access to the facial appearance of counterparts provides a strategic advantage to participants when making trust decisions. Furthermore, we investigated whether people show above-chance accuracy in trustworthiness detection (a) when they make trust decisions vs. provide explicit trustworthiness ratings, (b) when judging male vs. female counterparts, and (c) when rating cropped images (with non-facial features removed) vs. uncropped images. Results showed that incentivized trust decisions (Study 1, n = 131) and predictions of counterparts’ trustworthiness (Study 2, n = 266) were unrelated to actual trustworthiness. Moreover, accuracy was not moderated by stimulus type (cropped vs. uncropped faces) or counterparts’ gender. Overall, these findings suggest that people are unable to detect the trustworthiness of strangers based on their facial appearance.
TCRM_A_193971 1209..1216

Chin-Chou Huang 1–5 Min-Ji Charng 2,3 1Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; 2Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; 3Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang–Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; 4Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; 5Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan Abstract: Evolocumab, which can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by approximately 60% and prevent cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease, is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Some studies have investigated its efficacy and safety in the treatment of the homozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), and others have focused on its efficacy and safety in Asians with high cardiovascular risk. Although no direct evolocumab clinical trials have been conducted in Chinese HoFH patients, its efficacy and safety in the Chinese population should be similar to those in other ethnic groups.
Large eddy simulations of the turbulent flow between a rotating and a stationary disk


AbstractLarge eddy simulations of the flow between a rotating and a stationary disk have been performed using a dynamic and a mixed dynamic subgrid-scale model. The simulations were compared to direct numerical simulation results. The mixed dynamic model gave better overall predictions than the dynamic model. Modifications of the near-wall structures caused by the mean flow three-dimensionality were also investigated. Conditional averages near strong stress-producing events led to the same conclusions regarding these modifications as studies of the flow generated by direct numerical simulation, namely a distinct asymmetry of the vortices producing sweeps and ejections.
Client-Consultancy Relationship in ERP Implementation: From Consultancy Aspect: A Case Study in Turkey

Consultancy practices have significant influence on the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) project success. In this sense, client-consultant relationship comes into prominence in terms of project achievement. Therefore client-consultant relationship needs to be understood in depth in order to strengthen the consultancy practices and eliminate problems between two parties. Hence, in this research client-consultant relationship is examined from ERP consultancy aspect during ERP implementation phase in Turkey. Some factors that influence this relationship is evaluated and existing client-consultant models are analyzed whether they are compatible with the client-consultant relationship within ERP concept. Cultures basis as an influential factor is examined in order to understand this impacts on this relationship. ERP consultancy profile and partially client profile are drawn in order to have deep insight of this relationship.
The Emergence of Cloud Storage and the Need for a New Digital Forensic Process Model

Cloud computing is just one of many recent technologies that have highlighted shortcomings in the development of formal digital forensic processes, which up until now have been focused on a particular group of practitioners, such as law enforcement, and have been too high-level to be of significant practical use, or have been too detailed and specific to accommodate new technology as it emerges. Because the tools and procedures employed by digital forensic practitioners are generally outside the knowledge and understanding of the courts, they need to be described in such a way that they can be understood by the layperson. In addition, they should also conform to some standards of practice and be recognised by other practitioners working in the field (Armstrong, 2003; Kessler, 2010). Unfortunately, as Cohen (2011) points out, the whole field of digital forensics lacks consensus in fundamental aspects of its activities in terms of methodology and procedures. There has been a lot of activity around different aspects of cloud computing, and in Australia this has centered on the protection of personal data (Solomon, 2010). On an international scale, there have been several articles written by lawyers (Gillespie, 2012; Hutz, 2012; Kunick, 2012) discussing other legal considerations of accessing data in the cloud; however, this chapter looks at the issues surrounding digital evidence acquisition and introduces a new high-level process model that can assist digital forensic practitioners when it comes to presenting evidence in court that originated in the cloud.
Morphological and Transcriptomic Analysis of the Inhibitory Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production

Lactobacillus plantarum, as a natural bio-preservative, has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. In this study, 22 L. plantarum strains were tested against the aflatoxin-producing fungus, Aspergillus flavus; strain IAMU80070 showed the highest antifungal activity. At a concentration of 5 × 105 colony-forming units (CFU) mL−1, it completely inhibited A. flavus growth and decreased aflatoxin production by 93%. Furthermore, ultrastructural examination showed that IAMU80070 destroyed the cellular structure of hyphae and spores. To explore the inhibitory effect of IAMU80070 on A. flavus at the transcriptional level, transcriptome data were obtained and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The aflatoxin biosynthetic process was the most significantly downregulated functional category, while genes implicated in the synthesis and organization of cell wall polysaccharides were upregulated. Quantitative real-time PCR results verified the credibility and reliability of the RNA sequencing data. These results provided insight into the transcriptome of A. flavus in response to the antagonistic effects of L. plantarum IAMU80070.
PEAK-PERIOD CONTROL OF A FREEWAY SYSTEM-SOME THEORETICAL INVESTIGATIONS

A SERIES OF THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS PERTAINING TO THE CONTROL OF A FREEWAY SYSTEM DURING PEAK TRAFFIC PERIODS ATTEMPTS TO ANSWER SUCH QUESTIONS AS' WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF OPERATION OF A HIGHWAY SYSTEM, WHAT TYPE OF CONTROL TECHNIQUE SHOULD BE USED, WHAT TYPE OF TRAFFIC DETECTION IS REQUIRED, AND WHERE IS IT TO BE LOCATED{ TO PRODUCE OPTIMAL OPERATION OF THE ENTIRE FREEWAY SYSTEM WHAT CONTROL METHODS ARE NECESSARY{ AN ARBITRARY STREET AND/OR FREEWAY SYSTEM IS ANALYZED TO DETERMINE THE OBJECTIVE FUNCTION OR GOAL OF OPERATION FOR THE SYSTEM. INPUT-OUTPUT ANALYSIS IS USED. A THEORY OF FLOW AT BOTTLENECKS IS DEVELOPED TO EXPLAIN THE REDUCTION OF FLOW RATE AT SOME BOTTLENECKS DURING CONGESTION WHILE THE FLOW RATE AT OTHER BOTTLENECKS REMAINS AT ITS CAPACITY LEVEL DURING CONGESTION. THIS IS A MACROSCOPIC FLOW MODEL BASED ON BASIC CONTINUITY EQUATIONS. SEVERAL CRITERIA ARE ESTABLISHED FOR CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF EACH IN A FINAL CONTROL SYSTEM IS DISCUSSED.
Using Decision Tree Modeling to Analyze Factors Contributing to Injury and Fatality of Run-Off-Road Crashes in Ohio

The main objective of this study was to determine the factors that contribute significantly to the levels of injury severity when run-off-road (ROR) crashes occur. This study used a 5-year crash data for years 2008 - 2012 from the state of Ohio. The decision tree model in conjunction with generalized ordered logit model was used to investigate characteristics of injury and fatality of run-off-road crashes in Ohio. The decision tree modeling was used for exploratory data analysis identified eight factors that explain a large amount of the variation in the response variable, injury severity. These predictor variables include road condition, ROR crash types, posted speed limit, vehicle type, gender, alcohol-related, road contour, and drug-related. Also, complex interactions between parameters were identified. The results from the generalized ordered logit regression show that the following are significant factors in increasing the likelihood of ROR injury severity levels: alcohol and drugs use, curves and grades, female victims, overturn/rollover crashes, ROR crashes on dry roadway surfaces. Additionally, buses, truck, and emergency vehicles, and ROR crashes on roadways with posted speed limits of 40 mph or higher increase the probability of injury severity.
Comparison of Open Reduction Alone and Open Reduction Plus Pemberton Osteotomy Techniques in the Treatment of Developmental Hip Dysplasia at Walking Age.

Objective Open reduction (OR) alone and OR plus Pemberton periacetabular osteotomy (PPO) techniques are commonly used in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip at walking age. However, discussions on the timing of acetabular osteotomy are still ongoing. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of patients who underwent Ferguson OR (FOR group) and OR plus PPO group. Materials and Methods Between 2008 and 2017, we performed surgery on the hips, which we thought were used for closed reduction but could not be reduced as closed, or that the reduction was not stable. Patient follow-up was ≥12 months. The study included 75 hips of 57 patients of which 20 (26.7%) patients with FOR and 55 (73.3%) patients with PPO. Preoperative and postoperative acetabular indices (AIs), additional surgical intervention rates, and avascular necrosis (AVN) rates were compared. The Kalamchi-McEwen classification system was used to evaluate AVN. Results The average age of the patients was 12.38 (9-14) months. The mean follow-up period was 38.95 (12-140) months. AVN developed in 21 (24%) hips (6 (8%) type 1, 13 (17.3%) type 2, and 2 (2.7%) type 3). AVN developed in 7 (35%) hips in the FOR group and 14 (25.5%) hips in the PPO group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p=0.416). Revision surgery was performed in 2 (3.7%) cases of the PPO group and 6 (31.5%) cases of the FOR group. Statistically, the PPO group had less revision surgery (p=0.004). The PPO group had an AI of 13.33° (5°-27°) that was significantly lower (p<0.001) than that of 27.98° (18.39°) of the FOR group. Conclusion Ferguson and Pemberton techniques are current and effective in the treatment of patients with developmental hip dysplasia at walking age. There was no significant difference between the two groups when examined from the point of view of AVN, but the results of PPO surgery were found to be better with respect to AI and revision surgery.
VALIDATION OF A TRAFFIC MODEL

Simulation is very useful for generating traffic data. However, for validating a traffic model, field data are essential. Because of the random variation of the traffic arriving at signalized intersections, a large number of observations are necessary at a particular intersection. To obviate the collection of a large amount of data, the Bootstrap technique was applied to a limited amount of field data that were collected at three fixed-time signalized intersections. In addition, the data were supplemented by simulation to cover a wide range of cycle lengths, types of flow, degrees of saturation, and ratios of the variation in the mean of the number of arrivals per cycle. A recently developed traffic model based on a Markov process and a geometric probability distribution, the Modified Geometric Model (M Geom Model), was used to estimate the measures of effectiveness commonly used for optimization purposes, namely, delay and stops. Satisfactory results were obtained, indicating that a limited amount of field data is required for validating a traffic model.
Active optical components

1. Overview PART 1. Laser Sources 2. Longwavelength Laser Source 3. High Power Semiconductor Lasers for EDFA Pumping 4. Tunable Laser Diodes 5. Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser Diodes PART II: Optical Diodes 6. Lithium Niobate Optical Modulators 7. Electroabsorption Modulators PART III: Photodetectors 8. P-I-N Photodiodes 9. Avalanche Photodiodes PART IV: Fabrication Technologies 10. Selective Growth Techniques and Their Applications in WDM Device Fabrication 11. Dry Etching Technology for Optical Devices PART V: Optical Packaging Technologies 12. Optical Packaging/Module Technologies: Design Methodologies 13. Packaging Technologies for Optical Components: Integrated Module Index