Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robustness in dynamical and control systems

We compile some results on robustness of dynamical and control systems. As control theory is preoccupied with stability problems, the robustness put forward in this paper is related to stability. We ask the question whether an asymptotically stable system remains asymptotically stable when perturbations are affecting it. We analyze robustness of control systems by examining vector fields in Cr topology, by studying associated Lyapunov functions, and by studying corresponding input-output maps. In the first case, we conclude that there is an open set of perturbations such that the system that is affected by them stays asymptotically stable. In the second case, we estimate the size of perturbations that do not destabilize the system. In the third and last case, we provide conditions on the gains of the interconnected systems such that the closed loop system has finite gain.
Adaptive representations for video-based face recognition across pose

In this paper, we address the problem of matching faces across changes in pose in unconstrained videos. We propose two methods based on 3D rotation and sparse representation that compensate for changes in pose. The first is Sparse Representation-based Alignment (SRA) that generates pose aligned features under a sparsity constraint. The mapping for the pose aligned features are learned from a reference set of face images which is independent of the videos used in the experiment. Thus, they generalize across data sets. The second is a Dictionary Rotation (DR) method that directly rotates video dictionary atoms in both their harmonic basis and 3D geometry to match the poses of the probe videos. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach over several state-of-the-art algorithms through extensive experiments on three challenging unconstrained video datasets: the video challenge of the Face and Ocular Challenge Series (FOCS), the Multiple Biometrics Grand Challenge (MBGC), and the Human ID datasets.
Nonlinear Dot Plots

Conventional dot plots use a constant dot size and are typically applied to show the frequency distribution of small data sets. Unfortunately, they are not designed for a high dynamic range of frequencies. We address this problem by introducing nonlinear dot plots. Adopting the idea of nonlinear scaling from logarithmic bar charts, our plots allow for dots of varying size so that columns with a large number of samples are reduced in height. For the construction of these diagrams, we introduce an efficient two-way sweep algorithm that leads to a dense and symmetrical layout. We compensate aliasing artifacts at high dot densities by a specifically designed low-pass filtering method. Examples of nonlinear dot plots are compared to conventional dot plots as well as linear and logarithmic histograms. Finally, we include feedback from an expert review.
A Cause of Falsely High Noise Level in Signal Averaged Electrocardiogram Recordings

Signal averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) is a well-established noninvasive method of exploration in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. The time-domain SAECG analysis has a set of well-defined standards, including the value of accepted noise level. In very rare instances, the final noise level appears to remain unacceptably high even after carefully preparing the skin of the patient and averaging a great number of QRS complexes. We encountered three such cases in patients who had a SAECG done for a 40 Hz high-pass filter, which showed a high noise level in contrast with the visual impression of a good quality of the recording.
Deformation of conifold and intersecting branes

We study the relation between intersecting NS5-branes whose intersection is smoothed out and the deformed conifold in terms of the supergravity solution. We solve the condition of preserved supersymmetry on a metric inspired by the deformed conifold metric and obtain a solution of the NS5-branes which is delocalized except for one of the overall transverse directions. The solution has consistent properties with other configurations obtained by string dualities.
Recent advances in antireflective surfaces based on nanostructure arrays

Reducing the reflection and improving the transmission or absorption of light from wide angles of incidence in a broad wavelength range are crucial for enhancing the performance of the optical, optoelectronic, and electro-optical devices. Inspired by the structures of the insect compound eyes, nanostructure arrays (NSAs) have been developed as effective antireflective surfaces, which exhibit promising broadband and quasi-omnidirectional antireflective properties together with multifunctions. This review summarizes the recent advances in the fabrication and performance of antireflective surfaces based on NSAs of a wide variety of materials including silicon and non-silicon materials. The applications of the NSA-based antireflective surfaces in solar cells, light emitting diodes, detection, and imaging are highlighted. The remaining challenges along with future trends in NSA-based antireflective surfaces are also discussed.
Flexinterface: A Framework to Provide Flexible Mobile Phone User Interfaces - Addressing the Elderly Diversity

This paper outlines our work to provide flexible smartphone interfaces targeting the elderly. Our research employs the Lancaster OpenCom middleware approach running on Android mobile phones. In this paper we present FlexInterface, an approach for a reconfigurable interface for elderly people and show how our model can help elderly people while interacting with mobile phones. We claim that flexible interfaces supports interaction in a more universal manner and in this paper we consider the elderly population. We carried out an assessment with the elderly to verify the feasibility of the proposal. The results suggest that there was a reduction in interaction time with the use of flexible interfaces and an increase in user
Investigate the Properties of Y211 Doping Effect in the New Superconducting Y7Ba11Cu18Oy Compound

The new superconductors of Y-based compound, Y7Ba11Cu18Oy(Y7-11-18), has been discovered by solid state reaction with the different ratios of raw materials. All obtained samples were analyzed and characterized by XRD and the FULLPROF program. The lattice parameters of Y7-11-18 were a=3.8268 Å, b=3.8810 Å and c= 69.8794 Å. The Y7-11-18 showed the sharp transition curve of resistivity (ρ) at the critical temperature (Tc) =94 K. The doping of Y2BaCuO5 (Y211) showed that the higher Y211, the lower Tc and c lattice parameter. The SEM and EDX micrographs showed the grain size about 1-5 μm and without impurities. The DTA analysis resulted the decreasing of peritectic temperature from 962.74 °C by the higher Y211 contents.
Factors Affecting Bleeding and Stent Thrombosis in Clinical Trials Comparing Bivalirudin With Heparin During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background—Patients treated with bivalirudin in randomized clinical trials of percutaneous coronary intervention generally have less bleeding but more acute stent thrombosis (ST) than do patients treated with heparin, but differences have varied among trials. Methods and Results—We modeled the risk of major hemorrhage and ischemic outcomes 30 days after percutaneous coronary intervention by treatment assignment and the use of adjunctive therapies in 18 randomized clinical trials enrolling 41 871 patients. Overall bivalirudin caused less major bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53–0.76), more ST (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.19–2.09), and no difference in mortality (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.77–1.14) than heparin. A risk–benefit analysis identified 19 fewer bleeds and 5 more STs for every 1000 patients treated with bivalirudin in place of heparin. No significant bleeding advantage of bivalirudin over heparin could be identified in randomized clinical trials when transradial access (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.57–1.41) and planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used with bivalirudin in the majority of patients (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.87–1.31). The use of prasugrel or ticagrelor eliminated bleeding differences (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.63–1.03) but did not reduce the risk of ST after bivalirudin (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.48–3.27). Conclusions—Substituting bivalirudin for heparin conferred a tradeoff between bleeding and ST. Transradial access, adjunctive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and potent P2Y12 inhibitors attenuated the bleeding advantage of bivalirudin over heparin but had no apparent effect on early ST. New approaches to reduce bleeding and ischemic complications during percutaneous coronary intervention warrant further investigation.
Egg-Derived Tri-Peptide IRW Exerts Antihypertensive Effects in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Background There is a growing interest in using functional food components as therapy for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. We have previously characterized a tri-peptide IRW (Ile-Arg-Trp) from egg white protein ovotransferrin; this peptide showed anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor properties in vitro. Given the pathogenic roles played by angiotensin, oxidative stress and inflammation in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), we tested the therapeutic potential of IRW in this well-established model of hypertension. Methods and Results 16–17 week old male SHRs were orally administered IRW at either a low dose (3 mg/Kg BW) or a high dose (15 mg/Kg BW) daily for 18 days. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were measured by telemetry. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment for vascular function studies and measuring markers of inflammation. IRW treatment attenuated mean BP by ~10 mmHg and ~40 mmHg at the low- and high-dose groups respectively compared to untreated SHRs. Heart rate was not affected. Reduction in BP was accompanied by the restoration of diurnal variations in BP, preservation of nitric oxide dependent vasorelaxation, as well as reduction of plasma angiotensin II, other inflammatory markers and tissue fibrosis. Conclusion Our results demonstrate anti-hypertensive effects of IRW in vivo likely mediated through ACE inhibition, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and anti-inflammatory properties.
Time-Division Quadruplexing Parallax Barrier Employing RGB Slits

Reduced resolution per view and limited viewing zone are the two main issues of autostereoscopic systems based on parallax barrier. Our previous system managed to deal with both of the two issues by using time-division quadruplexing and furthermore replacing the generated 4-view conventional image pattern with 2-view image pattern, where the same image is observed from two of the four viewpoints. However, lack of refresh rate leads to emergence of stripe-shaped noise, which occurs during blinks and horizontal saccades. In this paper, we introduce parallax barrier employing RGB (Red-Green-Blue) slits, where the RGB components of each image pixel are time-division multiplexed as well as the image resolution is. Our experiments with different color combinations show that a tradeoff exists between crosstalk and stripe noise. We also find that the barrier pattern RGBK (Red-Green-Blue-Black) provides the most balanced performance among all the tested combinations.
High-Performance Polymer Fibers

Since the pioneering work of Carothers which led to the introduction of strong nylon fibers by DuPont in the 1930s, polymer scientists have pursued the development of high-performance fibers to replace natural or metallic products, both to improve mechanical properties and to reduce weight. That development was relatively slow and evenly paced until DuPont again revolutionized the field with the release of Kevlar™, an aromatic polyamide with unprecedented mechanical properties. Since then, the field has literally boomed with new developments, and now organic fibers are available with properties that compete with the best inorganics and are far superior to metal fibers. Strong motivation for the invention of new organic fibers comes from the aerospace industry, which seeks fibers to use in reinforced composite structural materials. Composites bring new advances in stiffness (airplane wings can't bend too much! ) in weight savings (every kilogram saved in the structure of an airplane saves $120 over its lifetime, and in a spacecraft $10,000), and in radically new ideas, such as radar-invisibility (stealth)5 and mission-adaptive wings (in-flight variable-shape wings). Hence, for a variety of specialty applications, otherwise commercially indefensible materials become viable. It may be somewhat counter intuitive to materials scientists unfamiliar with polymers to expect polymer mechanical properties to be greater than in the best metals. The origin of high strength and stiffness in a polymer fiber is the covalent bond, especially when aligned in an ordered array of long chain molecules.
Synthesis, characterisation and applications of conducting polymer coated textiles

This thesis describes preparation and characterisation of a range of novel conducting polymer coated textiles, which have potential in applications such as static dissipation, EMI shielding, heating elements, composite structures and many military applications. Conducting polypyrrole coated textiles such as nylon Lycra and polyester fabrics have been synthesised using different approaches (Chapter 3). The present study concentrates on preparation of conducting polypyrrole coated textile using an in-situ polymerisation method. A range of characterisation techniques for the inherently conducting polymer (ICP) coated fabrics were used: the stability of the surface resistivity, cyclic voltammetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that the PPy-coated nylon Lycra fabric could be used as a wearable strain gauge. The strain gauge characteristics have been investigated using both an Instron machine and a “SmartMotor”. The use of molecular templates to facilitate the polymerisation and the integration of inherently conducting polymers (ICPs) into textiles has been investigated (Chapter 4). Poly(2-methoxyaniline-5 sulfonic acid) or [PMAS] is a water-soluble, fully sulfonated polyaniline that has been used as molecular template. In the first step – “dyeing” of PMAS into the textile, the effect of fabric pre-treatment, solution pH as well as solution temperature have been investigated. In the second step the effects of the ratio of PMAS to aniline, the ratio of aniline to ammonium persulfate and the polymerisation temperature on the polymerisation reaction have also been studied. Characterisation of the templated polyaniline coated fabric prepared using the above “Two step” process
A Fully Integrated Adaptive Multiband Multimode Switching-Mode CMOS Power Amplifier

This paper presents a fully integrated adaptive multiband multimode switching-mode power amplifier (SMPA) in CMOS technology. The power amplifier (PA) module, consisting of input matching, driver, output stage, load transformation network (LTN), and auxiliary circuitry, utilizes optimized driving waveforms to increase output power and efficiency of a SWPA. The PA module is packaged in a 32 quad flat no-lead package. Based on the detailed analysis on appropriate driving waveforms, the SMPA is designed to maximize its output power and efficiency with minimum on-chip harmonic terminations. Furthermore, an adaptive gain control technique is proposed to control the SMPA gain at back-off while boosting the power-added efficiency (PAE) using a fully integrated tunable LTN. Employing both techniques concurrently enables us to have a multiband multimode SMPA. Measurements on a PA module designed in 90-nm CMOS and incorporating theses findings result in peak PAE of 43% for an output power of 27.1 dBm, associated with a large-signal gain of 22.1 dB at 1.97 GHz, when the devices are biased at 2.8 V. With the tunable LTN PAE at 4- and 6-dB backoff is 30% and 23%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first fully integrated multiband multimode SMPA in CMOS technology.
Steam‐exploded wheat straw fibers as reinforcing material for polypropylene‐based composites. Characterization and properties

Composites of wheat straw fibers with polypropylene (iPP) and maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (iPPMA) were prepared. Before being mixed with polypropylene matrices, the wheat straw fibers were subjected to a steam explosion process that induces morphological and structural changes in lignocellulosic materials. Such changes are able to enhance the interactions with the thermoplastic matrix. Compared with iPP, the modified matrix (iPPMA) has shown higher mechanical performances (tensile and impact behavior) and a remarkable decrease of water absorption, that is one of the main drawbacks of natural fiber composites. Finally, the presence of covalent bonds between maleic anhydride and steam-exploded (STEX) fibers, by means of an esterification reaction, produced during the melt-mixing process, can explain the resulting good interfacial adhesion found in iPPMA-based composities. Aus Weizenstrohfasern und Polypropylen (iPP) bzw. mit Maleinsaureanhydrid modifiziertem Polypropylen (iPPMA) wurden Composite hergestellt. Die Weizenstrohfasern wurden vor dem Einmischen in die Polypropylenmatrix einem Dampfexplosionsprozes unterworfen, der bei Lignocellulosematerialien morphologische und strukturelle Veranderungen bewirkt, die zu einer Verbesserung der Wechselwirkungen mit der thermoplastischen Matrix fuhren konnen. Die modifizierte iPPMA-Matrix weist im Vergleich zur iPP-Matrix bessere mechanische Eigenschaften (Zug- und Schlagverhalten) und eine bemerkenswerte Verringerung der Wasseraufnahme, einer der Hauptnachteile von Compositen mit Naturfasern, auf. Die gute Grenzflachenhaftung in den iPPMA-Compositen kann mit den beim Mischen der Fasern mit der Polymerschmelze gebildeten kovalenten Esterbindungen zwischen den Maleinsaureanhydrid-Segmenten und den dampfbehandelten Fasern erklart werden.
Designs of 2 P-2 P 2 N Energy Recovery Logic Circuits

Abstract: In this study, we propose a P-type energy recovery logic named as 2P-2P2N to reduce the leakage dissipations in nanometer CMOS processes with gate oxide materials. A combinational circuit 4-bit carry lookahead adder and a sequential circuit D flip-flop are realized. Near threshold techniques are used to reduce their power dissipations. All the circuits are simulated by HSPICE using 65 nm PTM technology. The results show that the 2P-2P2N circuits adopting near threshold techniques consume about 82.9-88.4% less power than conventional static CMOS logic and about 45.6-53.2% less power than 2N-2N2P adiabatic logic.
Linear algebra and sequential importance sampling for network reliability

The reliability polynomial of a graph gives the probability that a graph is connected as a function of the probability that each edge is connected. The coefficients of the reliability polynomial count the number of connected subgraphs of various sizes. Algorithms based on sequential importance sampling (SIS) have been proposed to estimate a graph's reliability polynomial. We develop a new bottom-up SIS algorithm for estimating the reliability polynomial by choosing a spanning tree and adding edges. This algorithm improves on existing bottom-up algorithms in that it has lower complexity ≈ O(E2) as opposed to O(EV3), and it uses importance sampling to reduce variance.
An analogue of Shannon information theory for networked control systems. Stabilization via a noisy discrete channel

The paper addresses feedback stabilization problems in a remote control setup, where the measurements are communicated to the controller over a noisy digital channel. A discrete-time partially observed time-invariant linear systems are studied. It is shown that the classic Shannon's noisy channel capacity constitutes the border separating the cases where the plant can and, respectively, cannot be feedback stabilized almost surely. A quantized feedback control law stabilizing the system almost surely is proposed.
Barriers and facilitators to implementing continuous quality improvement programs in colonoscopy services: a mixed methods systematic review

Background and aim: Continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs may result in quality of care and outcome improvement. However, the implementation of such programs has proven to be very challenging. This mixed methods systematic review identifies barriers and facilitators pertaining to the implementation of CQI programs in colonoscopy services and how they relate to endoscopists, nurses, managers, and patients. Methods: We developed a search strategy adapted to 15 databases. Studies had to report on the implementation of a CQI intervention and identified barriers or facilitators relating to any of the four groups of actors directly concerned by the provision of colonoscopies. The quality of the selected studies was assessed and findings were extracted, categorized, and synthesized using a generic extraction grid customized through an iterative process. Results: We extracted 99 findings from the 15 selected publications. Although involving all actors is the most cited factor, the literature mainly focuses on the facilitators and barriers associated with the endoscopists’ perspective. The most reported facilitators to CQI implementation are perception of feasibility, adoption of a formative approach, training and education, confidentiality, and assessing a limited number of quality indicators. Receptive attitudes, a sense of ownership and perceptions of positive impacts also facilitate the implementation. Finally, an organizational environment conducive to quality improvement has to be inclusive of all user groups, explicitly supportive, and provide appropriate resources. Conclusion: Our findings corroborate the current models of adoption of innovations. However, a significant knowledge gap remains with respect to barriers and facilitators pertaining to nurses, patients, and managers.
P2X receptor signaling inhibits BDNF-mediated spiral ganglion neuron development in the neonatal rat cochlea

Type I and type II spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) innervate the inner and outer hair cells of the cochlea, respectively. This neural system is established by reorganization of promiscuous innervation of the hair cells, immediately before hearing is established. The mechanism for this synaptic reorganization is unresolved but probably includes regulation of trophic support between the hair cells and the neurons. We provide evidence that P2X receptors (ATP-gated ion channels) contribute such a mechanism in the neonatal rat cochlea. Single-cell quantitative RT-PCR identified the differential expression of two P2X receptor subunits, splice variant P2X2-3 and P2X3, in a 1:2 transcript ratio. Downregulation of this P2X2-3/3 receptor coincided with maturation of the SGN innervation of the hair cells. When the P2X2-3 and P2X3 subunits were co-expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the resultant P2X receptor properties corresponded to the SGN phenotype. This included enhanced sensitivity to ATP and extended agonist action. In P4 spiral ganglion explants, activation of the P2X receptor signaling pathway by ATPγS or α,βMeATP inhibited BDNF-induced neurite outgrowth and branching. These findings indicate that P2X receptor signaling provides a mechanism for inhibiting neurotrophin support of SGN neurites when synaptic reorganization is occurring in the cochlea.