Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of Slow-Growing Male Muscovy Ducks Exposed to Different Dietary Levels of Quebracho Tannin

Simple Summary Different inclusion levels of Quebracho tannin (QT) in the diet of growing male Muscovy ducks of a slow-growing type were explored under free-range conditions. As a result of the dietary treatments tested in this trial, the growth performance or the total blood proteins were not affected. By contrast, dietary QT did not lead birds to produce less moist excreta, as observed in other bird species, as a desirable aspect for intensively raised poultry. A marked improvement in carcass yield was observed as a desirable economic trait in the extensive slow-type duck farming system. Abstract The study of the nutritional effects of tannins is complex due to the large chemical diversity; consequently, in poultry nutrition the biological responses may vary greatly. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of dietary Quebracho tannins (QT) on growth and production performance in slow-growing type Muscovy ducks. For this purpose, a 42-d trial was carried out on 126 male ducks (42-d old at start), fed on three levels of dietary QT inclusion in the diet (0% as control diet, vs. 1.5% vs. 2.5% on an as fed basis). Birds were reared under free-range conditions. A linear increase in feed intake as a function of QT inclusion in the diet was observed (p < 0.05). No difference as to final body weight, overall average daily weight gain (ADG) and total feed conversion ratio (FCR) in relation to dietary treatments was observed. Carcass yields were positively improved in QT birds (p < 0.05). No adverse responses were recorded in total blood protein and liver weight. Dietary QT might be safely used up by to 2.5% in 42- to 84-d aged male Muscovy ducks.
Folic Acid Impairs the Uptake of 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate in Human Umbilical Vascular Endothelial Cells

Background: Adequate folate status supports endothelial structure and function. Folic acid (FA), an oxidized synthetic folate, which is present in the plasma of patients consuming fortified food or FA supplements, may impair cellular uptake of physiological, reduced folates. We studied the effect of FA on uptake of the dominant circulatory folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5MTHF) in endothelial cells. Methods and Results: For short-term effects of FA, primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were maintained in growth medium containing 200 nM 5MTHF and preincubated with 20 nM FA 10 minutes before the 5MTHF uptake assessment. For long-term effects, HUVECs were cultured for 3 passages in growth medium containing either 200 nM 5MTHF, or a combination of 100 nM 5MTHF and 100 nM FA. 5MTHF uptake was assessed after exposing cells to 200 nM [13C5]-5MTHF, after which intracellular [13C5]-5MTHF was quantified using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Acute FA exposure caused a 57% reduction in 5MTHF uptake compared with control conditions (51 ± 12 vs. 22 ± 7 fmol·min−1·mg−1 protein; P = 0.01). Long-term exposure to FA reduced 5MTHF uptake by 41% (51 ± 12 vs. 30 ± 11 fmol·min−1·mg−1 protein; P = 0.05) and reduced total cellular 5MTHF levels by 47 ± 21% in HUVEC (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Unmetabolized FA, which appears in the plasma after consumption of fortified food or FA supplements, may impair uptake of 5MTHF, the dominant bioactive form of folate, in HUVEC.
Amplificador de potencia doble-banda (1.8 GHz y 2.6 GHz) con alta eficiencia

Este trabajo ha sido financiado por el Gobierno de Espana bajo los proyectos TEC2014-58341-C4-1-R y TEC2014-58341-C4-2-R del MINECO, por el FEDER, por el FSE, a traves de la beca FPI del MINECO del primer autor (BES-2012-061813). Ademas, el primer autor agradece la beca de movilidad predoctoral del MINECO (EEBB-I-15-10447)
Fake news: una oportunidad para la alfabetización mediática

Las noticias falsas no son un fenomeno nuevo, pero si lo es la amplitud con que pueden reproducirse en las redes sociales. Cuando hoy, en varios idiomas, se habla de fake news, se da cuenta de ese fenomeno. La perdida de centralidad de la fuente y la posibilidad de «viralizacion» –otro termino de epoca– disminuyen a menudo el interes por la veracidad de la noticia y las capacidades criticas de lectura para identificar lo falso. En la medida en que grandes proporciones de la poblacion se informan en las redes, estas cuestiones tienen consecuencias politicas muy directas, como se vio en varios sucesos recientes
Speed sensorless of a bearingless induction motor based on super-twisting-model reference adaptive system

In view of the magnetic chain recognition accuracy problem of the bearingless induction motor (BIM) under direct torque control (DTC), a speed sensorless based on Super-Twisting-model reference adaptive system (MRAS) is proposed. The speed sensoerless makes rotor flux on the foundation of Super-Twisting second-order sliding mode as a reference model. The speed sensorless is constructed by using MRAS to obtain accurate velocity observations. In addition, through the construction of stator resistance adaptive, the stator resistance can be identified and corrected on-line, so as to solve the problem of the speed identification error when the stator resistance changes at the start. The simulation and experimental results show that the speed sensorless based on Super-Twisting-Model reference adaptive system and stator resistance adaptive is test more accurate, this method can not only have strong robustness to the variations of stator resistance, but also have characteristics of wide speed regulation and fast transient torque response simultaneously.
Loop filter design for fourth-order charge-pump PLL using linearized discrete-time model

In contrast to the existing approaches, the design is based on a discrete-time model with loop delay. In addition to the closed-loop stability, this method deals with the practical considerations: ripple swing, reference spur, and stability margin. One advantage of the proposed method is that it allows one to specify the Alter poles in advance. The loop Alter design problem is formulated as an H-inAnity optimization problem for which a recently developed convex programming skill (i.e., LMI) is used. Behavior-level simulation, which takes account of the charge-pump current mismatch and the phase frequency detector timing error, is performed.
Patients' attitudes toward internet cancer support groups.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore patients' attitudes toward Internet cancer support groups (ICSGs) through an online forum. RESEARCH APPROACH Qualitative study using a feminist perspective. SETTING Internet and real settings. PARTICIPANTS 16 patients with cancer. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH An online forum was held for one month with six discussion topics. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Attitudes toward ICSGs. FINDINGS Through the data-analysis process, four themes were found related to patients' attitudes toward ICSGs. First, the participants universalized patients' needs for and attitudes toward ICSGs. Second, most of the participants wanted to use ICSGs for emotional support, information, and interactions. Third, many of the participants used ICSGs because they could reach out to other patients with cancer without traveling and without interrupting their busy schedules. Finally, many participants were concerned about the security of interactions on ICSGs, so they wanted ICSGs that could ensure privacy and safeguard the anonymity and confidentiality of what they shared online. CONCLUSIONS Patients view ICSGs positively. Additional studies should examine gender-specific and multilanguage ICSGs by recruiting more ethnic minority patients. INTERPRETATION Despite concerns about the security of Internet interactions, ICSGs would be an excellent source of social support that is acceptable to patients with cancer.
Wireless DC Motor Drives with Selectability and Controllability

This paper proposes and implements the concept of wireless DC motor drives, which can achieve the abilities of selective driving and controllable speed. Due to different resonant frequencies of the multiple energy receivers of the associated DC motor drives, the transmitter can be purposely tuned to the specified resonant frequency which matches with the specified receiver, hence driving the specified motor selectively. In the meantime, the burst fire control is used to regulate the operating speed of the motor working at the resonant frequency, hence retaining the maximum power transmission efficiency. Both finite element analysis and experimentation are given to verify the validity of the proposed wireless DC motor drive system. For exemplification, three different resonant frequencies, namely 60 kHz, 100 kHz and 140 kHz, are selected to energize three DC motors. Under the burst fire control method, the speed of each motor can be regulated separately and the wireless power transfer (WPT) system can achieve the measured power transmission efficiency of about 60%.
Comment bâtir un internet low tech

Dans les societes de consommation modernes comme dans les pays en developpement, l’internet sans fil est en progression. Mais si les pays riches mettent l’accent sur la connectivite permanente et l’augmentation continuelle des debits, les pays pauvres, eux, accedent a l’internet via des reseaux nettement plus rudimentaires et souvent asynchrones. Alors que l’approche « haute technologie » ou « high-tech » tire les couts et la consommation d’energie toujours plus haut, les solutions de faible technicite ou « low-tech » permettent d’obtenir des reseaux beaucoup moins onereux, a fort rendement energetique, adaptes aux energies renouvelables et resistants aux perturbations. Les technologies de reseau alternatives offrent des solutions interessantes, dont on peut s’inspirer pour donner un acces a l’internet lorsque les ressources energetiques sont limitees. Leur atout majeur reside dans le fait qu’elles peuvent etre mises en œuvre sans attendre la contribution de l’Etat ou des entreprises : en cooperant tous ensemble, nous pouvons construire une infrastructure de communication robuste. En temoignent les differents reseaux communautaires construits en Europe, dont le plus grand affiche deja plus de 35 000 utilisateurs.
Fuzziness Measurement of Fuzzy Sets and Its Application in Cluster Validity Analysis

To measure the fuzziness of fuzzy sets, this paper introduces a distance-based and a fuzzy entropy-based measurements. Then these measurements are generalized to measure the fuzziness of fuzzy partition, namely partition fuzziness. According to the relationship between the validity of fuzzy partition and its partition fuzziness, a family of cluster validity functions is proposed based on the modified partition fuzziness. The new cluster validity functions overcome the increasing tendency of the traditional partition fuzziness with the cluster number, which provides an effective analysis methodology for fuzzy cluster validity. The experimental results with different testing data sets illustrate the effectiveness, reliability, sensitivity and applicability of the proposed cluster validity function.
Phubbing: Which Personality Traits Are Prone to Phubbing?

Smartphones play an important role in our lives thanks to the opportunities they offer in terms of access, interaction, and communication. However, in addition to these positive aspects, smartphones have transformed into objects of dependence due to gaming, social media, and access to the Internet and are beginning to harm the quality of face-to-face communications that take place between different individuals. The current study examined the relationship between Big Five Personality Traits and phubbing. Participants were 545 university students (383(71%) female, 156(29%) male, M age = 18.84, SD = 1.18) who completed the questionnaire package of the Big Five Personality Inventory and the Phubbing Scale. A hierarchical regression analysis was used with Big Five Personality Traits to explain variance in phubbing. The results showed that neuroticism and conscientiousness were significant predictors of phubbing, which account for 7% of the total variance. In the study, it was determined that the participants consisted of individuals with high levels of income, daily access to the Internet and social media users. Results are discussed in light of the literature.
A Broadband Focal Plane Array Camera for Real-time THz Imaging Applications

We present a large-format, sub-millimeter-resolution, focal plane array sensor for THz imaging. Each pixel in the sensor array consists of broadband THz antennas monolithically integrated with ultra-fast heterostructure backward diodes for THz sensing. With the aid of in-house hybrid electromagnetic modeling tools, the focal plane array is optimized for diffraction limited image resolution and conjugate impedance matching for highest THz sensitivity. The camera is designed to operate in the 0.6–1.2 THz band with 5 frames-per-second image acquisition speeds, making it ideal for THz imaging applications, such as security screening, non-destructive evaluation and chemical, pharmaceutical, and medical imaging. The simulation results are validated by measurements to demonstrate sub-millimeter resolution with a pixel optical responsivity of 600 V/W at 0.7 THz.
Reducing the Number of Elements in Multiple-Pattern Linear Arrays by the Extended Matrix Pencil Methods

Previously, the matrix pencil method (MPM) and the forward-backward MPM (FBMPM) were used to effectively reduce the number of antenna elements in the single-pattern linear arrays. This work extends the MPM and FBMPM-based synthesis methods to the synthesis of multiple-pattern linear arrays with a smaller number of elements. The extended MPM (resp., the extended FBMPM) method organizes all the multiple pattern data into a composite Hankel (resp., composite Hankel-Toeplitz) matrix from which the minimum number of elements and the common poles corresponding to element positions can be obtained with similar processing used in the original MPM or FBMPM synthesis method. In particular, the extended FBMPM inherits the advantage of the original FBMPM that a useful restriction is put on the distribution of poles, which makes the element positions obtained much more accurate and robust. Numerical experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed methods. For the tested cases, the element saving is about 20% ~ 25% for reconfigurable shaped patterns, and can be even more for electrically large linear arrays with scanned pencil-beams.
Online adaptive data acquisition enabling ultra-low power real-world EEG

A continuing challenge to measuring EEG outside of laboratory environments is high noise and low SNR, which traditionally is overcome using low-noise, high-resolution DAQ components. These devices have a high power consumption and require frequent charging, making them impractical for fieldable EEG technology. Here, we discuss an alternative approach that achieves high-resolution signal acquisition with ultra-low power consumption by modulating components of the analog front-end on a sample-by-sample basis. In this work we show that an adaptive data acquisition system can sample neural activity with sufficient resolution for a common BCI task with an average power consumption that is low enough to make it feasible to power the system entirely using energy harvested from the environment.
Demographic, dietary, and urinary factors and 24-h urinary calcium excretion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Higher urinary calcium is a risk factor for nephrolithiasis. This study delineated associations between demographic, dietary, and urinary factors and 24-h urinary calcium. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Cross-sectional studies were conducted of 2201 stone formers (SF) and 1167 nonstone formers (NSF) in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (men) and Nurses' Health Studies I and II (older and younger women). RESULTS Median urinary calcium was 182 mg/d in men, 182 mg/d in older women, and 192 mg/d in younger women. Compared with NSF, urinary calcium as a fraction of calcium intake was 33 to 38% higher in SF (P values < or =0.01). In regression analyses, participants were combined because associations with urinary calcium were similar in each cohort and in SF and NSF. After multivariate adjustment, participants in the highest quartile of calcium intake excreted 18 mg/d more urinary calcium than those in the lowest (P trend =0.01). Caffeine and family history of nephrolithiasis were positively associated, whereas urinary potassium, thiazides, gout, and age were inversely associated, with urinary calcium. After multivariate adjustment, participants in the highest quartiles of urinary magnesium, sodium, sulfate, citrate, phosphorus, and volume excreted 71 mg/d, 37 mg/d, 44 mg/d, 61 mg/d, 37 mg/d, and 24 mg/d more urinary calcium, respectively, than participants in the lowest (P values trend < or =0.01). CONCLUSIONS Intestinal calcium absorption and/or negative calcium balance is greater in SF than NSF. Higher calcium intakes at levels typically observed in free-living individuals are associated with only small increases in urinary calcium.
Direction of arrival estimation using quadratic time frequency distributions

The paper introduces a novel time-frequency linearly constrained minimum variance (LCMV), also known as Capon method, for the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of nonstationary signals impinging on a multisensor array receiver. The results are compared with the conventional Capon method of DOA estimation technique. In Capon method, the weights are chosen to minimize the weighted array power output subject to the unity gain constraint in the desired look direction. Time-frequency distributions localize the signal power in the time-frequency domain and as such enhance effective Signal to noise ratio (SNR), leading to improved DOA estimates. Time-frequency distributions result in signal separation in the time-frequancy domain and hence fewer signals can be selected for processing. Therefore, the interference signals are eliminated by selecting proper timefrequency regions. This paper focuses on the class of frequency modulated (FM) signals because of their clear representation in time-frequency plane.
Pore based indexing for High-Resolution Fingerprints

Most of the existing fingerprint indexing algorithms are based on either macro-level (level-1) details such as singularities or level-2 details such as minutiae in the fingerprint image. Level-3 features such as pores have not been explored much for fingerprint indexing as it requires fingerprint scanners with resolution greater than 1000 dpi. However, pores in fingerprint images are known to contain a significant amount of discriminatory information. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the effectiveness of pore features for fingerprint indexing. This paper presents a fingerprint indexing algorithm based on pore features which are extracted by applying Delaunay triangulation on the detected pores. Experiments are performed on the publicly available High Resolution Fingerprint (HRF) database (DBII). Performance measures from our experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed indexing algorithm and indicate that pore features alone are viable for fingerprint indexing.
THE EFFECTS OF MENTAL (PSYCHOLOGICAL) WELL BEING LEVELS ON HAPPINESS LEVELS OF KOCAELI UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF SPORTS SCIENCE

In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether mental (psychological) well-being has an effect on the level of happiness of Kocaeli University Faculty of Sports Science students according to age, gender, department, class and perceived academic achievement. The research group constitutes 182 randomly chosen students in the 2015-2016 school year. In the study in order to evaluate mental well-being levels of the students "Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale" which was developed by Tennant et al. (2007) and adapted to Turkish by Keldalı (2015) and in order to evaluate happiness levels of the students "Happiness Scale of Oxford" which was developed by Hills and Argyle (2002) and adapted to Turkish by Doğan and Sapmaz (2012) and in order to gather information on socio-demographic backgrounds of the students a personal information form developed by the researchers were used as data gathering tools. According to the findings of the research, there was a significant positive correlation between mental (psychological) well-being and happiness. As a result this study showed that mental well-being has a positive effect on happiness for Kocaeli University Faculty of Sports Science Students.
Parallel and distributed random coordinate descent method for convex error bound minimization

In this paper we propose a parallel and distributed random (block) coordinate descent method for minimizing the sum of a partially separable smooth convex function and a fully separable non-smooth convex function. In this algorithm the iterate updates are done independently and thus it is suitable for parallel and distributed computing architectures. We prove linear convergence rate for the proposed algorithm on the class of problems satisfying a generalized error bound property. We also show that the theoretical estimates on the convergence rate depend on the number of blocks chosen randomly and a natural measure of separability of the objective function. Numerical simulations are also provided to confirm our theory.
The Challenges Patients Experience in Speaking About Death: A Guide for Home Healthcare and Hospice Clinicians

Clinicians caring for people with a life-limiting illness may aspire to speak about the patient's approaching death as part of the holistic care being provided. However, the intensity of the illness may affect the patient's ability to express his or her thoughts about dying. This article explores the challenges that the patient experiences in communicating at this time.
Estrategias para disminuir la agitación y el delirio postoperatorio en anestesia ambulatoria

La agitacion y deliro postoperatorio son un problema comun posterior a la anestesia general. Esto ocasiona insatisfaccion y retrasos en el alta de los pacientes, ademas de los evidentes problemas en el manejo postanestesico inmediato que pueden incluir desde la decanulacion de la via venosa, hasta hemorragias de la herida quirurgica, caidas e incluso golpes al personal, entre otros. La incidencia de agitacion postoperatoria en cirugias relacionadas con la misma es de mas de la mitad (62%) de la poblacion(1), siendo mas afectados los pacientes preescolares. Estudios como el de Voepel-Lewis et al.(2) colocan a la cirugia de otorrinolaringologia como un factor de riesgo independiente para agitacion postoperatoria, asi como un tiempo corto de despertar, en menores de edad, infl uye el despertar en ambientes extranos y la inmadurez psicologica. Sin embargo, la agitacion tambien puede estar presente en ninos y adultos mayores. Otros factores relacionados son: dolor, hipotension sostenida transoperatoria, personalidad ansiosa, padres muy aprehensivos, asi como en caso de cirugia urologica y oftalmologica. Un renglon especial se guarda al uso de sevofl urano como factor contribuyente de agitacion postoperatoria, aunque se ha encontrado tambien con el uso de otros halogenados(3).