Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An L-Band SiGe HBT Active Phase Shifter Based on Two-Stage Amplifier Designs with Resistor-Loaded LPF/HPF-Switching Interstage Networks

An L-band 4-bit SiGe HBT active phase shifter is presented. It is based on two-stage amplifier designs with resistor-loaded LPF/HPF-switching interstage networks. A phase shifting can be accomplished by varying the value of a bridging resistor and/or a characteristic resistance of the filter. The implemented active phase shifter has achieved a gain greater than 20dB, a gain error less than 1.8dB and a phase error less than 9 degrees at 0.8 GHz for all bits.
Developing a machine learning-based grade level classifier for Filipino children’s literature

Reading is an essential part of children’s learning. Identifying the proper readability level of reading materials will ensure effective comprehension. We present our efforts to develop a baseline model for automatically identifying the readability of children’s and young adult’s books written in Filipino using machine learning algorithms. For this study, we processed 258 picture books published by Adarna House Inc. In contrast to old readability formulas relying on static attributes like number of words, sentences, syllables, etc., other textual features were explored. Count vectors, Term FrequencyInverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF), n-grams, and character-level n-grams were extracted to train models using three major machine learning algorithms–Multinomial Naïve-Bayes, Random Forest, and K-Nearest Neighbors. A combination of K-Nearest Neighbors and Random Forest via voting-based classification mechanism resulted with the best performing model with a high average training accuracy and validation accuracy of 0.822 and 0.74 respectively. Analysis of the top 10 most useful features for each algorithm show that they share common similarity in identifying readability levels–the use of Filipino stop words. Performance of other classifiers and features were also explored.
Development of a System of Anonymizing Mobile Calls

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows people to use the Internet, rather than a traditional telephone network. VoIP is becoming more and more popular due to its significant advantages. VoIP telephony has become the most developed and frequently used cellular service. It also created new threats to caller’s privacy. Due to the high degree of interest in ensuring anonymization of calls in the GSM network. Previous research on the development of algorithms to increase anonymization in IP-telephony and their implementation. In this work, we developed a new mechanism for achieving anonymity in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications). The lowest probability of anonymity disclosure in this algorithm is achieved by redirecting calls from one mobile operator to another. In addition, GPSS-Studio implements a model for redirecting incoming calls using multi-channel modeling. Probabilistic-temporal characteristics of the distribution of incoming calls to specific nodes.
Miniaturized Circularly Polarized RFID Reader Antenna Based on Crossed-Vertical SRR

In this paper, miniaturized circularly polarized (CP) antenna using crossed-vertical split-ring resonator (C-VSRR) is presented and analyzed. The metallic screws, patch and ground layer are used to achieve a current loop path, which is equivalent to an inductor. The gap between two bowtie patches can be considered as a gap capacitor. Miniaturization could be achieved by controlling the resonance frequency of the VSRR for this metamaterial-inspired antenna. In CP configuration, two VSRRs are placed orthogonally, and their resonance frequencies are slightly offset. The crossed driven dipoles are used to excite the C- VSRR. As a result, two crossed magnetic components and 90° phase difference are achieved, which realizing the CP operation. The metallic screws, metallic ground and a thin PCB substrate are used to build this antenna, so the dielectric loss could be basically eliminated. Significant advantages of this antenna are shown, such as compact size, good efficiency, low-cost and easy fabrication. Its bandwidth could well cover 902–928 MHz, which is well poised for RFID application.
Swarm Robotics Foraging Approaches

Foraging problem is most important in robotics because it has a lot of applications and further research areas. In the last decade, swarm robotics systems are widely studying because hardware components became cheaper, and multi-agent cooperative interaction behavior models actively researched. Swarms systems are robust and autonomous, but every single agent has a too simple behavior for doing assigned tasks like foraging to be accomplished. This work reviewed approaches to a swarm of simple robot’s behavior design for solving the more complex problem as foraging.
RF Characterization of 28 nm FD-SOI Transistors Up to 220 GHz

This paper shows the RF characterization results obtained up to 220 GHz on 28 nm fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) MOS transistors. The standard 2-dummies Open-Short de-embedding method was compared to a 3-dummies Pad-Short-Open de-embedding method. Both methods were applied to the S-parameters measurements and were used to extract the RF performances of 310/330 GHz /T/fmax of this advanced transistor technology.
An Improved Pointwise Convolutional Block for Efficient Model Compression

Though pointwise convolutions play critical roles in compact networks such as ShuffleNet [1] and MobileNet Series [2], [3], unfortunately, they typically account for the majority of the parameters of the entire network, preventing further reductions in model size. To address this shortcoming while retaining model performance, we propose a brand new pointwise convolutional block, termed as the “Improved Pointwise Convolution” (IPC) block. For each channel feature of the input tensor in IPC block, the corresponding scores are first adaptively computed and then all of the scores are used to perform pointwise convolution with the input tensor. We design an effective mechanism to construct the IPC block, which therefore provide three significant advantages: (i) The parameters of the regular pointwise convolu-tions no longer need to be stored on physical devices, thus contributing to remarkably reduction in model size. (ii) The tradeoff between model size and performance can be controlled by adjusting two hyper-parameters in the IPC block. (iii) The IPC block can be a substitution for regular pointwise convolution in neural networks especially in compact networks. Compared to other popular compact models, experiments on CFAR-10 demonstrate that the IPC block has the superior ability in further model compression without affecting their accuracy.
Trust Routing Protocol Based on Cloud-Based Fuzzy Petri Net and Trust Entropy for Mobile Ad hoc Network

The trust-based routing mechanisms are proposed to enhance the security of the mobile ad hoc network (MANET), which use the performance metrics of a node to evaluate the trust value of the node. However, some performance metrics are fuzzy, which are easier to be described qualitatively than to be expressed quantitatively. Therefore, the inability to quantitatively express these performance metrics leads to the inaccuracy in the calculation of the trust values of nodes. Meanwhile, some routing mechanisms add the path with the highest credibility to routing table without considering the hop counts of the route in route selection, which reduces quality of service (QoS) of the routing. Aiming at the above problems, firstly, we use cloud model to deal with the fuzziness of performance metrics. Specifically, a trust reasoning model based on cloud model and fuzzy Petri net (FPN) is presented to evaluate the credibility of nodes. Then we propose a routing algorithm based on trust entropy. Routes with the minimum trust entropy are selected to add to routing table. This routing algorithm can reflect the comprehensive effect of route hops and the trust values of nodes on routing selection, thus improving QoS in MANET. Finally, the TUE-OLSR protocol is established based on the trust entropy routing algorithm and the optimized link state routing (OLSR) protocol. What’s more, the effectiveness of TUE-OLSR protocol is verified by simulation experiments, which illustrate that TUE-OLSR protocol performs better than existing trust-based OLSR protocols in terms of packet delivery ratio and average latency.
Parkinson's disease versus stroke versus seizure

We aimed to compare the number of search results and trends returned by Google for the terms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), stroke, and seizure. Each of these disorders belongs to different clinical syndromes such as movement disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, and epilepsy. In addition, the prevalence of these diseases varies, with ischemic stroke being the fifth cause of death; in the United States, stroke is estimated to occur in more than 700,000 people every year. [3] In its turn, the cumulative lifetime incidence of seizure is about 4%. [4] However, PD affects only approximately 1 to 2 people/1000 at any time; the prevalence of this movement disorder increases with age to affect 1% of the population aged above 60 years. [5]
Extending capabilities of artificial intelligence for decision-making and healthcare education

Medical profession requires extensive knowledge and accuracy from the existing data for improved decision-making. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an appropriate technology used to improve the knowledge, skill, quality of treatment, capability, confidence, and effective decision-making process. It has the capability to revolutionize the healthcare industry. It can identify high-risk patients and their associated treatments and can help train doctors for the understanding of diseases and diagnostic treatment for better patient health. We discuss various advantages and limitations of AI in the context of healthcare sector. Various significant capabilities of AI for decision-making are identified and presented, and its significant capabilities for healthcare education are consolidated herewith. AI is helpful for appropriate planning, diagnosis, and associated activities, such as education, training, research, and development of healthcare. This technology provides some excellent capabilities to notice the changes and predict the disease of the patient. AI is now being applied for developing personal health history, and industry is contemplating a great potential for its implementation. However, cost and privacy issues are yet to be taken care of.
Anti-Acinetobacter baumannii activity of Rumex crispus L. and Rumex sanguineus L. extracts

Objective: To examine the effect of Rumex crispus (R. crispus) and Rumex sanguineus (R. sanguineus) plant extracts against isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) from wounds, including multidrug-resistant strains. Methods: Six prepared Rumex extracts were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial activity of extracts and pure compounds (catechin, quercetin, isoquercitrin, emodin, and gallic acid) was examined by a microtiter plate method, while for determination of compound binary combinations activity a checkerboard method was applied. Active fractions of extracts were detected by agar-overlay high-performance thin- layer chromatography-bioautography assay followed by liquid chromatography - diode array detection - mass spectrometry analysis. Results: A total of 28 compounds were detected in two extracts of R. crispus and 26 compounds in four different R. sanguineus extracts, with catechin as a dominant component. Anti-A. baumannii activity was confirmed for all six R. sanguineus and R. crispus extracts at the concentration range from 1 to 4 mg/mL. Neither examined single compounds nor their binary combinations exhibited an anti-A. baumannii activity (MIC>256 μg/mL). The bioautography showed that fractions with the most prominent anti-A. baumannii activity tended to contain more polar compounds, predominantly flavonol (quercetin and kaempherol) glycosides; but also fractions containing flavanone (eriodictyol) glycosides and anthraquinone (emodin) glycosides; and less polar eriodictyol aglycone. Conclusions: The results justify and elucidate the traditional application of R. sanguineus and R. crispus extracts for wound healing, indicating the necessity for their further examination in combat against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii isolates from wounds.
Effect of Biospray Dressings on Eosinophil Infiltration in the Nasal Mucosa and Serum IgE Levels After Nasal Provocation in Experimental Allergic Rhinitis

Purpose To investigate the effect of biospray dressing on the extent of eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa and the level of serum IgE in experimental allergic rhinitis with nasal provocation. Method Twenty-four BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the normal control group, allergic rhinitis (AR) group, dexamethasone (DEX) treatment group, and biospray dressing (BD) group. The mice in the latter 3 groups were prepared for animal models of AR according to standard protocols. Mice in the BD group were administered a nasal spray before the nasal provocation, and those in the DEX group were administered an intraperitoneal injection of DEX. The nasal mucosa and serum were collected from each group. Nasal mucosa eosinophil infiltration was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to analyze the serum IgE expression. Results Eosinophil infiltration (AR vs BD P = .009) in the nasal mucosa and serum IgE expression (AR vs BD P = .001) were significantly lower in the BD group than in the AR group. There were no significant differences in the extent of eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa or serum IgE expression between the BD and DEX groups. Conclusion Biospray dressings can significantly reduce allergen provocation in the nasal cavity and have a protective effect on the nasal mucosa. They can be used for the prevention and treatment of AR.
A rheumatoid arthritis patient complicated with adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency and unilateral renal agenesis: a first case report

Abstract A 40-year-old woman with unilateral renal agenesis (URA) and a history of urolithiasis was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Her arthritis was refractory to methotrexate (MTX) and she developed urolithiasis twice within two years. For refractory RA and recurrent urolithiasis, she was admitted to our hospital. She showed typical RA manifestations and administration of adalimumab successfully ameliorated her symptoms. Moreover, we revealed that her recurrent urolithiasis was caused by adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency, which is a rare autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder leading to renal stones, crystal nephropathy and renal failure. For prevention of recurrence of urolithiasis and those complications, we immediately treated her with a xanthine oxidase inhibitor febuxostat and urolithiasis has not relapsed without any side effects of febuxostat with MTX and adalimumab for more than a year. This is a first case report of RA patient complicated with URA and APRT deficiency. Since renal involvements often worsen prognosis and hamper aggressive immunosuppressive treatment for RA, immediate diagnosis and treatment of such rare but treatable extra-articular involvements contribute to better management of RA. Recently, since epistatic gene interactions are going to be known to account for the susceptibility of certain diseases, this case might be of genetic importance to consider the role of URA and APRT in RA.
miR-106B-25 Cluster expression: a comparative human and canine osteosarcoma study

Background Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumour in dogs and human beings, characterised by similar genetic and clinical features. With the aim to define similarities and differences in the biological aspects involved in OS progression, a comparative study was performed to create a model to improve patient outcome. Methods First, the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) belonging to the cluster miR-106b-25 (miR-106b, miR-25 and miR-93-5p) in human and canine OS tissue was compared. Results miR-25 and miR-106b presented a variable expression not significantly different from the corresponding normal bone, while miR-93-5p expression was increased in all OS specimens, with higher levels in the canine subset compared with human. Accordingly, its target p21 presented a weaker and less homogeneous immunostaining distribution in the canine group. Given the high expression of miR-93-5p in all OS specimens, the functional response of human 143B and canine DAN OS cells to miRNA inhibition was evaluated. Although p21 expression increased after miR-93-5p inhibition both at mRNA and protein level, a more significant cell response in terms of proliferation and apoptosis was seen in canine OS cells. Conclusions In conclusion, canine OS tissue and cell line presented higher expression levels of miR-93-5p than human OS. In addition, the introduction of miR-93-5p inhibitor caused a cell response in 143B and DAN that differed for the more intense functional impact in the canine OS cell line.
Patterns of change in α and β taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in the secondary succession of semi-natural grasslands in the Northern Apennines

We studied the secondary succession in semi-natural grasslands (dry grasslands and hay meadows) located in the eastern side of the Tuscan Apennines (Tuscany, Central Italy). We compared these habitats, investigating: (i) the changes in species richness, composition and phylogenetic diversity during the succession; (ii) whether the trends in species loss and species turnover in taxonomic diversity matched those in phylogenetic diversity. We performed a stratified random sampling, in a full factorial design between habitat type and succession stage (60 sampled plots, 10 × 2 types of habitat × 3 stages of succession). We constructed a phylogenetic tree of the plant communities and compared the differences in taxonomic/phylogenetic α- and β-diversity between these two habitats and during their succession. We identified indicator species for each succession stage and habitat. Looking at α-diversity, both habitats displayed a decrease in species richness, with a random process of species selection in the earlier succession stages from the species regional pool. Nevertheless, in the latter stage of dry grasslands we recorded a shift towards phylogenetic overdispersion at the higher-level groups in the phylogenetic tree. In both habitats, while the richness decreased with succession stage, most species were replaced during the succession. However, the hay meadows were characterized by a higher rate of new species’ ingression whereas the dry grasslands became dominated with Juniperus communis. Accordingly, the two habitats showed similar features in phylogenetic β-diversity. The main component was true phylogenetic turnover, due to replacement of unique lineages along the succession. Nevertheless, in dry grasslands this trend is slightly higher than expected considering the major importance of difference in species richness of dry grasslands sites and this is due to the presence of a phylogenetically very distant species (J. communis).
The impacts of combined social and economic empowerment training on intimate partner violence, depression, gender norms and livelihoods among women: an individually randomised controlled trial and qualitative study in Afghanistan

Introduction We assessed whether the Women for Women International (WfWI) economic and social empowerment programme could reduce women’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) and depression in Afghanistan. Methods We conducted a two-arm individually randomised controlled trial in six urban and peri-urban communities. Communities were selected by WfWI for being conflict affected and showing signs of economic vulnerability (eg, little or no education, living in extreme poverty). Individual eligibility were female, aged 18–49, able to consent to participate and one woman per household. At 22 months, three primary outcomes were assessed: past year physical IPV experience; past year severe IPV experience; depressive symptoms. There was no blinding to arms. We conducted an intention-to-treat analysis, controlling for age. We also conducted qualitative interviews at endline, analysed using thematic analysis. Results 1461 women (n=933 married) were recruited and randomised. Retention at endline was n=1210 (82%). Primary outcomes were in the hypothesised direction, but showed no significant impacts: physical IPV (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.88 (0.62 to 1.23)), severe IPV (aOR 0.75 (0.50 to 1.11)) and depressive symptoms (β −0.35 (−1.19 to 0.48)). Women reported reduced food insecurity (β −0.48 (−0.85 to –0.12)), higher earnings (β 3.79 (0.96 to 6.61)) and savings (β 11.79 (9.95 to 13.64)). Women reported less gender-inequitable attitudes (β −0.89 (−1.15 to –0.62)), more household decision-making (β 0.35 (−0.04 to 0.74)) and increased mobility (aOR 1.78 (1.27 to 2.50)). Twenty-eight in-depth interviews were conducted. Conclusion The intervention did not impact IPV or depression. The intervention did improve livelihoods, create more gender-equitable relationships and increase women’s mobility. Translating these gains into IPV and depression reduction is critical. Trial registration number NCT03236948, registered 2 August 2017.
A Novel Synthesis of the Graphene Oxide-Silver (GO-Ag) Nanocomposite for Unique Physiochemical Applications

Graphene oxide-silver nanocomposite (GO-Ag) was fabricated via the sonochemical method, which shows unique physiochemical properties. Graphene oxide (GO) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by modified Hummer’s and Chemical reduction methods, respectively. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The surface morphology of synthesized nanoparticles was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The thermoluminescence property of the nanocomposite was analyzed by irradiating the samples in gamma radiation at 1 kGy. Electrochemical reversibility of the GO-Ag nanocomposite was examined by cyclic voltammetry. The photocatalytic application of the nanocomposite was studied using degradation of methylene blue dye. Results reveal that doping of AgNPs on the GO surface not only improves its dye degradation property but also enhances its thermoluminescence property. This knowledge will be helpful in determining the antibacterial property of the GO-Ag nanocomposite in the future.