Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of a Brushless PM Starter Generator for Low-Cost Manufacture and a High-Aspect-Ratio Mechanical Space Envelope

This paper presents the results of a brushless permanent magnet (PM) starter-generator design, which caters for low-cost manufacture and a highly constrained mechanical space envelope. The starter-generator design addresses the low-cost requirement through the use of aluminium winding conductors and ferrite PM. This presents several challenges which include, but are not limited to, the selection of an appropriate machine topology to realise a high specific output with the lower performance materials, minimizing the power losses associated with the higher resistivity of aluminium, and the enhancement of thermal performance. The problem is further exacerbated by the demanding space envelope, operating requirements, and the necessity of “design for manufacture. ” The selection of an appropriate machine topology is paramount in the present application as the limited mechanical space-envelope results in a “pancake” like geometry in which the aspect ratio of the stator outer diameter to the machine active length is high. To provide a solution satisfying all these challenging design requirements, an approach combining the theoretical electromagnetic and thermal analyses together with tests on machine subassemblies has been employed here. Such a method allows for a more informed design process, where the manufacture and assembly nuances affecting the starter-generator's performance are identified and accounted for prior to prototyping of the complete machine assembly. This paper discusses the employed design methodology in detail. A number of machine designs with alternative winding constructions have been considered providing an insight into challenges and limitations for the cost-effective winding construction utilizing aluminium conductors. The results from analysis of the starter generator suggest that the proposed machine design is capable of achieving the design requirements for both continuous and transient operating modes.
From homeostasis to behavior: Balanced activity in an exploration of embodied dynamic environmental-neural interaction

In recent years, there have been many computational simulations of spontaneous neural dynamics. Here, we describe a simple model of spontaneous neural dynamics that controls an agent moving in a simple virtual environment. These dynamics generate interesting brain-environment feedback interactions that rapidly destabilize neural and behavioral dynamics demonstrating the need for homeostatic mechanisms. We investigate roles for homeostatic plasticity both locally (local inhibition adjusting to balance excitatory input) as well as more globally (regional “task negative” activity that compensates for “task positive”, sensory input in another region) balancing neural activity and leading to more stable behavior (trajectories through the environment). Our results suggest complementary functional roles for both local and macroscale mechanisms in maintaining neural and behavioral dynamics and a novel functional role for macroscopic “task-negative” patterns of activity (e.g., the default mode network).
Effects of reflex-based self-defence training on police performance in simulated high-pressure arrest situations

Abstract We investigated the effects of reflex-based self-defence training on police performance in simulated high-pressure arrest situations. Police officers received this training as well as a regular police arrest and self-defence skills training (control training) in a crossover design. Officers’ performance was tested on several variables in six reality-based scenarios before and after each training intervention. Results showed improved performance after the reflex-based training, while there was no such effect of the regular police training. Improved performance could be attributed to better communication, situational awareness (scanning area, alertness), assertiveness, resolution, proportionality, control and converting primary responses into tactical movements. As officers trained complete violent situations (and not just physical skills), they learned to use their actions before physical contact for de-escalation but also for anticipation on possible attacks. Furthermore, they learned to respond against attacks with skills based on their primary reflexes. The results of this study seem to suggest that reflex-based self-defence training better prepares officers for performing in high-pressure arrest situations than the current form of police arrest and self-defence skills training. Practitioner Summary: Police officers’ performance in high-pressure arrest situations improved after a reflex-based self-defence training, while there was no such effect of a regular police training. As officers learned to anticipate on possible attacks and to respond with skills based on their primary reflexes, they were better able to perform effectively.
Perceptual Crosstalk Prediction on Autostereoscopic 3D Display

Perceptual crosstalk prediction for autostereoscopic 3D displays is of fundamental importance in determining the level of quality perceived by humans in terms of the display performance and the 3D viewing experience. However, no robust framework exists to quantify perceptual crosstalk while taking into account the hardware structure of a display as well as its content characteristics via content analysis. In this paper, we present a 3D perceptual crosstalk predictor (3D-PCP) that can be used to predict crosstalk in a unique way when viewing autostereoscopic 3D displays. 3D-PCP captures hardware features using an optical Fourier transform-light measurement device and content features through content analysis based on information theory. By deriving the disparity, luminance, color, and texture maps, this approach defines the visual entropy, mutual information, and relative entropy in order to investigate the influences of the 3D scene characteristics on perceptual crosstalk. The experimental results demonstrate that the 3D-PCP output is highly correlated with subjective scores.
Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms Can Classify Open-Text Feedback of Doctor Performance With Human-Level Accuracy

Background Machine learning techniques may be an effective and efficient way to classify open-text reports on doctor’s activity for the purposes of quality assurance, safety, and continuing professional development. Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of machine learning algorithms trained to classify open-text reports of doctor performance and to assess the potential for classifications to identify significant differences in doctors’ professional performance in the United Kingdom. Methods We used 1636 open-text comments (34,283 words) relating to the performance of 548 doctors collected from a survey of clinicians’ colleagues using the General Medical Council Colleague Questionnaire (GMC-CQ). We coded 77.75% (1272/1636) of the comments into 5 global themes (innovation, interpersonal skills, popularity, professionalism, and respect) using a qualitative framework. We trained 8 machine learning algorithms to classify comments and assessed their performance using several training samples. We evaluated doctor performance using the GMC-CQ and compared scores between doctors with different classifications using t tests. Results Individual algorithm performance was high (range F score=.68 to .83). Interrater agreement between the algorithms and the human coder was highest for codes relating to “popular” (recall=.97), “innovator” (recall=.98), and “respected” (recall=.87) codes and was lower for the “interpersonal” (recall=.80) and “professional” (recall=.82) codes. A 10-fold cross-validation demonstrated similar performance in each analysis. When combined together into an ensemble of multiple algorithms, mean human-computer interrater agreement was . 88. Comments that were classified as “respected,” “professional,” and “interpersonal” related to higher doctor scores on the GMC-CQ compared with comments that were not classified (P<.05). Scores did not vary between doctors who were rated as popular or innovative and those who were not rated at all (P>.05). Conclusions Machine learning algorithms can classify open-text feedback of doctor performance into multiple themes derived by human raters with high performance. Colleague open-text comments that signal respect, professionalism, and being interpersonal may be key indicators of doctor’s performance.
Statistical Feature-based Neural Network Approach for the Detection of Lung Cancer in Chest X-Ray Images

Lung cancer, if detected successfully at early stages, enables many treatment options, reduced risk of invasive surgery and increased survival rate. This paper presents a novel approach to detect lung cancer from raw chest X-ray images. At the first stage, we use a pipeline of image processing routines to remove noise and segment the lung from other anatomical structures in the chest X-ray and extract regions that exhibit shape characteristics of lung nodules. Subsequently, first and second order statistical texture features are considered as the inputs to train a neural network to verify whether a region extracted in the first stage is a nodule or not . The proposed approach detected nodules in the diseased area of the lung with an accuracy of 96% using the pixel-based technique while the feature-based technique produced an accuracy of 88%.
Energy minimization based resource scheduling for strict delay constrained wireless communications

This paper investigates the energy consumption minimization for resource scheduling in a wireless communication. We propose to take into account a strict delay constraint for each queued packet rather than an average delay constraint, in addition to a buffer overflow constraint. The associated optimization problem can be modeled as Constraint Markov Decision Problem where the actions are the number of packets sent on the known channel at each slot. The optimal random policy is exhibited through the resolution of standard linear programming. We show the gain in energy is substantial compared to naive policy.
The I1 dynein-associated tether and tether head complex is a conserved regulator of ciliary motility

We characterized the composition and three-dimensional structure of a conserved, dynein-associated tether/tether-head complex and its interactions with other ciliary structures. The complex is a conserved regulator of I1 dynein and a “missing link” within the signaling pathway that is critical for control of ciliary motility.
Stress-induced mutagenesis: Stress diversity facilitates the persistence of mutator genes

Mutator strains are expected to evolve when the availability and effect of beneficial mutations are high enough to counteract the disadvantage from deleterious mutations that will inevitably accumulate. As the population becomes more adapted to its environment, both availability and effect of beneficial mutations necessarily decrease and mutation rates are predicted to decrease. It has been shown that certain molecular mechanisms can lead to increased mutation rates when the organism finds itself in a stressful environment. While this may be a correlated response to other functions, it could also be an adaptive mechanism, raising mutation rates only when it is most advantageous. Here, we use a mathematical model to investigate the plausibility of the adaptive hypothesis. We show that such a mechanism can be mantained if the population is subjected to diverse stresses. By simulating various antibiotic treatment schemes, we find that combination treatments can reduce the effectiveness of second-order selection on stress-induced mutagenesis. We discuss the implications of our results to strategies of antibiotic therapy.
Extracting Rules for Successful Conditions for Artificial Insemination in Dairy Cattle Using Inductive Logic Programming

This paper describes a method of pattern extraction to identify successful conditions for artificial insemination in dairy cattle using inductive logic programming. The fertility of lactating dairy cows is economically important but the mean reproductive performance of Holstein cows has declined during the past three decades. The Milk production increases after birth and gradually decreases after several weeks, but it increases again upon the next birth. Increasing the probability of successful artificial insemination is thus economically important. However the success rate of artificial insemination is 20 to 30 %. The amount of progesterone is closely related to the estrus cycle, and can be measured from raw milk. In this study, we extracted variation pattern from time-series data related to dairy cattle including the amount of progesterone using ILP. The success pattern or failure patterns for artificial insemination extracted by the ILP system can be used for decision making on artificial insemination.
Openness and CO 2 emissions in Africa

This study investigates how information and communication technology (ICT) complements globalisation in order to influence CO2 emissions in 44 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000-2012. ICT is measured with internet penetration and mobile phone penetration whereas globalisation is designated in terms of trade and financial openness. The empirical evidence is based on the Generalised Method of Moments. The findings broadly show that ICT can be employed to dampen the potentially negative effect of globalisation on environmental degradation like CO2 emissions. Practical, policy and theoretical implications are discussed. JEL Classification: C52; O38; O40; O55; P37
Advances in self-centering steel plate shear wall testing and design

The self-centering steel plate shear wall (SC-SPSW) was developed as part of a NEESR-SG research project aimed at leveraging the benefits of self-centering post-tensioned steel frames with the strength and ductility of steel plate shear walls. Initial proof-of-concept numerical simulations showed that the SC-SPSW was capable of providing enhanced seismic performance, including recentering under design-level earthquakes. This paper will present recent advances in experimental testing of the new lateral force-resisting system, as well as, design recommendations that followed from these experiments and supporting finite element analyses. The extensive test program consisted of three major components: (i) large-scale quasi-static testing of SC-SPSW subassemblies, (ii) quasi-static and shake table testing of third-scale, threestory SC-SPSWs, and (iii) pseudo-dynamic testing of two full-scale, two-story SC-SPSW at multiple seismic hazard levels. Major outcomes of these experimental and numerical studies include: validation of seismic performance of various SC-SPSW configurations, development of a new post-tensioned (PT) beam-to-column connection to eliminate frame expansion that is typical of self-centering systems, incorporation of PT column base connections into the SCSPSW performance-based seismic design procedure, and recommendations for SC-SPSW design, detailing, and modeling. The results of this research program can be used to inform designers and bring SC-SPSWs closer to implementation. 1 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 2 Graduate Student Researcher, Dept. of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260 3 Assistant Research Fellow, National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering, Taipei, Taiwan 4 Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 5 Professor, Dept. of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260 6 Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Clayton PM, Dowden DM, Li C-H, Berman JW, Bruneau M, Tsai K-C, Lowes LN. Advances in Self-Centering Steel Plate Shear Wall Testing and Design. Proceedings of the 10 National Conference in Earthquake Engineering, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Anchorage, AK, 2014. DOI: 10.4231/D3GM81P60 Advances in Self-Centering Steel Plate Shear Wall Testing and Design P. M. Clayton, D. M. Dowden, C. -H. Li, J. W. Berman, M. Bruneau, K. -C. Tsai, L. N. Lowes
Analytic model for spread‐spectrum clock generator circuit characterization

The spread‐spectrum clock generator (SSCG) is one of the most efficient techniques to reduce the radiated emission of electronic devices. Despite its popularity, there exists no analysis that can be used as the design guidance to accurately project SSCG performance. In this paper, we develop a mathematical model to analyze SSCG EMI reduction and the clock period deviation performance. For model validation, Cadence Spectre simulations are conducted. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics and Serotype Distribution of Childhood Cases of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Following Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination in England and Wales, 2006–2014

Background The 7-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV7 and PCV13, respectively) are highly effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by vaccine serotypes. Vaccine failure (vaccine-type IPD after age-appropriate immunization) is rare. Little is known about the risk, clinical characteristics, or outcomes of PCV13 compared to PCV7 vaccine failure. Methods Public Health England conducts IPD surveillance and provides a national reference service for serotyping pneumococcal isolates in England and Wales. We compared the epidemiology, rates, risk factors, serotype distribution, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of IPD in children with PCV13 and PCV7 vaccine failure. Results A total of 163 episodes of PCV failure were confirmed in 161 children over 8 years (4 September 2006 to 3 September 2014) in 10 birth cohorts. After 3 vaccine doses, PCV7 and PCV13 failure rates were 0.19/100000 (95% confidence interval [CI], .10-.33 [57 cases]) and 0.66/100000 (95% CI, .44-.95 [104 cases]) vaccinated person-years, respectively. Children with PCV13 failure were more likely to be healthy (87/105 [82.9%] vs 37/56 [66.1%]; P = .02), present with bacteremic lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (61/105 [58.1%] vs 11/56 [19.6%]; P < .001), and develop empyema (41/61 [67.2%] vs 1/11 [9.1%]; P < .001) compared to PCV7 failures. Serotypes 3 (n = 38 [36.2%]) and 19A (n = 30 [28.6%]) were responsible for most PCV13 failures. Six children died (4% [95% CI, 1%-8%]), including 5 with comorbidities. Conclusions PCV failure is rare and, compared to PCV7 serotypes, the additional PCV13 serotypes are more likely to cause bacteremic LRTI and empyema in healthy vaccinated children.
Organizational Capabilities and Knowledge Management Success: Evidences from Two Mid-Sized Indian IT Companies

Literature on KM has greatly emphasized the role of IT as a decisive element in the success of KM while other capabilities are ignored or are not taken into account together. How these capabilities work together to support KM is a subject under-explored in the literature. The present study makes an attempt to bridge this gap and tries to answer the following research questions: a how organizational capabilities manifest themselves in the knowledge management processes; b how do the capabilities support the KM initiatives; and c how similar knowledge management systems can lead to different KM success patterns with difference in capabilities. Paper makes use of qualitative case study research design to explore the above questions in two mid-sized Indian IT Companies. Findings of the study show that companies operating in the same industry and having similar knowledge management systems can exhibit different level of success and acceptance based on their organizational capabilities.
Blood Pressure Variability and Outcome in Patients with Acute Nonlobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage following Intensive Antihypertensive Treatment

Background: Blood pressure (BP) variability has been associated with stroke risk. We elucidated the association between systolic BP (SBP) variation and outcomes in patients with nonlobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) following intensive antihypertensive treatment upfront. Methods: We screened consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH who underwent intensive antihypertensive treatments targeting BP <140 mmHg between 2008 and 2016. SBPs were monitored hourly during the acute period (⩽7 days after symptom onset) in the intensive care unit. SBP variability was determined in terms of range, standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CoV), and mean absolute change (MAC). The primary outcomes included hematoma growth and poor clinical outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≥3. The secondary outcome was an ordinal shift in mRS at 3 months. Results: A total of 104 individuals (mean age, 63.0 ± 13.5 years; male, 57.7%) were included in this study. In multivariable model, MAC (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.21; P = 0.012) rather than the range of SD or CoV, was significantly associated with hematoma growth even after adjusting for mean SBP level. Sixty-eight out of 104 patients (65.4%) had a poor clinical outcome at 3 months. SD and CoV of SBP were significantly associated with a 3-month poor clinical outcome even after adjusting for mean SBP. In addition, in multivariable ordinal logistic models, the MAC of SBP was significantly associated with higher shift of mRS at 3 months (adjusted OR, 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02–1.15; P = 0.008). Conclusions: The MAC of SBP is associated with hematoma growth, and SD and COV are correlated with 3-month poor outcome in patients with supratentorial nonlobar ICH. Therefore, sustained SBP control, with a reduction in SBP variability is essential to reinforce the beneficial effect of intensive antihypertensive treatment.
Coiling Versus Microsurgical Clipping in the Treatment of Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND Open microsurgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms has long been the gold standard, yet advancements in endovascular coiling techniques have begun to challenge the status quo. OBJECTIVE To compare endovascular coiling with microsurgical clipping among adults with unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms (MCAA) by conducting a meta-analysis. METHODS A systematic search was conducted from January 2011 to October 2015 to update a previous meta-analysis. All studies that reported unruptured MCAA in adults treated by microsurgical clipping or endovascular coiling were included and cumulatively analyzed. RESULTS Thirty-seven studies including 3352 patients were included. Using the random-effects model, pooled analysis of 11 studies of microsurgical clipping (626 aneurysms) revealed complete aneurysmal obliteration in 94.2% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 87.6%-97.4%). The analysis of 18 studies of endovascular coiling (759 aneurysms) revealed complete obliteration in 53.2% of cases (95% CI: 45.0%-61.1%). Among clipping studies, 22 assessed neurological outcomes (2404 aneurysms), with favorable outcomes in 97.9% (95% CI: 96.8%-98.6%). Among coiling studies, 22 examined neurological outcomes (826 aneurysms), with favorable outcomes in 95.1% (95% CI: 93.1%-96.5%). Results using the fixed-effect models were not materially different. CONCLUSION This updated meta-analysis demonstrates that surgical clipping for unruptured MCAA remains highly safe and efficacious. Endovascular treatment for unruptured MCAAs continues to improve in efficacy and safety; yet, it results in lower rates of occlusion.