Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Woven Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites with Carbon Nanotubes Grown in-Situ

--------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT----------------------------------------------------------Woven glass fiber/Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced epoxy matrix was investigated for toughness enhancement by in-situ growth of CNTs on the glass fiber surface.Woven glass fibers were uniformly coated with an iron acetate catalyst using spin coating techniqueand CNTs were grown on the fibers using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique.Scanningelectron microscopy (SEM) studies have confirmed that CNTs were grown uniformly around these non-carbon fibers. Flexure test confirmed that the growth of 0.62 wt. % CNTs increased flexure strength and modulus of the glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix by 16.5% and 13.2%, respectively. In addition,the in-situ growth of CNTs increased flexure toughness and ductility by 30.58% and 8.6%,respectively, compared to the baseline properties of the glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Thermal analysis also presented an increase in both thermal stability and glass transition of CNTs grown epoxy composite compared to the baseline composite. The mechanical and thermal performance is the resultant effect of modified fiber/matrix interface and interfacial stress transfer.
On the Use of Feature Descriptors on Raw Image Data

Local feature descriptors and detectors have been widely used in computer vision in the last years for solving object detection and recognition tasks. Research efforts have been focused on reducing the complexity of these descriptors and improving their accuracy. However, these descriptors have not been tested until now on raw image data. This paper presents a study on the use of two of the most known and used feature descriptors, SURF and SIFT, directly on raw CFA images acquired by a digital camera. We are interested in understanding if the number and quality of the keypoints obtained from a raw image are comparable to the ones obtained in the grayscale images, which are normally used by these transforms. The results that we present show that the number and positions of the keypoints obtained from grayscale images are similar to the ones obtained from CFA images and furthermore to the ones obtained from grayscale images that resulted directly from the interpolation of a CFA image.
2-D Angle-of-Arrival Estimation with Two Parallel Uniform Linear Arrays

This paper proposes a novel estimator for two dimensional angles of arrival of multiple narrowband sources using two parallel uniform linear arrays (ULAs). Unlike the previous DOA matrix method, it is based on a reformulated signal model and takes advantage of the special structure of the arrays to estimate more sources. In addition, spatial smoothing technique is used to extend the proposed method to estimate coherent or highly correlated signals
Comparison of Sensory Integration and Operant Methods for Production of Vocalization in Profoundly Retarded Adults

Sensory integration, operant and combined therapies were used with 27 profoundly retarded, marginally vocal clients. The sensory integration and combined methods yielded significant increases in rate of vocalizations. The operant techniques also increased rate of vocalizations but the gains were more variable than for the sensory integration procedure and they were positively and highly correlated with pretest rates of vocalization. It appears that sensory integration methods can be an effective method for eliciting vocalizations when such behaviors are too infrequent for operant techniques.
OPWUM: Opportunistic MAC Protocol Leveraging Wake-Up Receivers in WSNs

Opportunistic forwarding has emerged as a promising technique to address the problem of unreliable links typical in wireless sensor networks and improve energy efficiency by exploiting multiuser diversity. Timer-based solutions, such as timer-based contention, form promising schemes to allow opportunistic next hop relay selection. However, they can incur significant idle listening and thus reduce the lifetime of the network. To tackle this problem, we propose to exploit emerging wake-up receiver technologies that have the potential to considerably reduce the power consumption of wireless communications. A careful design of MAC protocols is required to efficiently employ these new devices. In this work, we propose Opportunistic Wake-Up MAC (OPWUM), a novel multihop MAC protocol using timer-based contention. It enables the opportunistic selection of the best receiver among its neighboring nodes according to a given metric (e.g., the remaining energy), without requiring any knowledge about them. Moreover, OPWUM exploits emerging wake-up receivers to drastically reduce nodes power consumption. Through analytical study and exhaustive networks simulations, we show the effectiveness of OPWUM compared to the current state-of-the-art protocols using timer-based contention.
Engineering Aggregation Operators for Relational In-Memory Database Systems

In this thesis we study the design and implementation of Aggregation operators in the context of relational in-memory database systems. In particular, we identify and address the following challenges: cache-efficiency, CPU-friendliness, parallelism within and across processors, robust handling of skewed data, adaptive processing, processing with constrained memory, and integration with modern database architectures. Our resulting algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art by up to 3.7x.
Counterion exchange reactions on DNA: Monte Carlo and Poisson–Boltzmann analysis

In solutions containing DNA and cations of more than one type, the competitive interactions of these cations with DNA can be modeled as an ion exchange process that can be described quantitatively by means of the theoretical approach reported in this paper. Under conditions of experimental interest the radial distribution function of each type of counterion is calculated from the results of canonical Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using the primitive model for DNA (having a helical charge distribution) and for the electrolyte ions. These ions consist of monovalent coions, monovalent counterions intended to represent Na+, and counterions of a second type designated Mz+, having variable size and charge (z ≥ 1). The competitive association of these counterions with DNA is described in terms of D, a parameter analogous to an ion exchange equilibrium quotient. Values of D are calculated from the results of our MC simulations and compared with corresponding predictions of the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) cell model and with results inferred from analyses of previously published nmr measurements. Over typical experimental concentration ranges (0.02M < [Na+] < 0.20M, 0.001 < [Mz+] < 0.160M), DMC and DPB both are predicted to be relatively independent of the bulk ion concentrations. For various specifications of the size and charge of the competing cation (Mz+), DMC and DPB exhibit similar trends, although the MC simulations consistently predict that the cations bearing a higher charge density than that of Na+ are somewhat stronger competitors than indicated by the PB calculations. For monovalent and divalent competitors of varying radii, theoretical predictions of D are compared with values obtained by fitting nmr measurements. If the hard‐sphere radii specified in the simulations are the (hydrated) ionic radii determined from conductance measurements, then the MC predictions and the corresponding nmr results are in reasonable agreement for various monovalent competitors and for a divalent polyamine, but not for Ca2+ and Mg2+.
Prevalence and Causes of Seizures at the Time of Diagnosis of Probable Alzheimer’s Disease

Background/Aims: To investigate the frequency of epilepsy at the time of diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Observational study, Cognitive Function Clinic population, over a 6-year period (2000–2005 inclusive). Results: In a cohort of 177 patients with newly diagnosed clinically probable AD, 12 (6.8%) had a history of seizure disorder and/or were using anti-epileptic medications at the time of diagnosis. In 6 of these cases (3.4%), seizure onset was approximately concurrent with the onset of cognitive decline, and no symptomatic or provoking factor for seizures other than AD was identified. Conclusion: Although epileptic seizures are more common later in the course of AD, nonetheless they may accompany the onset of, and be symptomatic of, the disease, perhaps reflecting a shared pathogenesis.
Research on image matching based on improved RANSAC-SIFT algorithm

In order to reduce the false matching rate and matching time, an improved algorithm based on RANSAC-SIFT was proposed. The feature points were extracted by SIFT algorithm firstly. Then most of the mismatching points were eliminated according to the constraints that matching distances tend to be consistent. Finally the remaining points were regarded as pre matching points for achieve fine matching with RANSAC algorithm. The experimental results show that the improved RANSAC algorithm has much improved the matching accuracy and compression matching time.
A Threshold for a Q-Sorting Methodology for Computer-adaptive Surveys

© 2017 Proceedings of the 25th European Conference on Information Systems, ECIS 2017. All rights reserved. Computer-Adaptive Surveys (CAS) are multi-dimensional instruments where questions asked of respondents depend on the previous questions asked. Due to the complexity of CAS, little work has been done on developing methods for validating their content and construct validity. We have created a new q-sorting technique where the hierarchies that independent raters develop are transformed into a quantitative form, and that quantitative form is tested to determine the inter-rater reliability of the individual branches in the hierarchy. The hierarchies are then successively transformed to test if they branch in the same way. The objective of this paper is to identify suitable measures and a “good enough” threshold for demonstrating the similarity of two CAS trees. To find suitable measures, we perform a set of bootstrap simulations to measure how various statistics change as a hypothetical CAS deviates from a “true” version. We find that the 3 measures of association, Goodman and Kruskal's Lambda, Cohen's Kappa, and Goodman and Kruskal's Gamma together provide information useful for assessing construct validity in CAS. In future work we are interested in both finding a “good enough” threshold(s) for assessing the overall similarity between tree hierarchies and diagnosing causes of disagreements between the tree hierarchies.
LIHP: a low latency layer-3 handoff scheme for 802.11 wireless networks

This paper presents the design and implementation of a low latency layer-3 handoff scheme for 802.11 wireless mobiles roaming between access points that are connected to different IP subnets. Called LIHP (link-layer initiated handoff protocol), the scheme uses link-layer frames (e.g., ARP and 802.11 management frames) as triggers to send route updates to the mobiles and to an access gateway, which serves as the gateway to the Internet for the mobiles. This approach allows for IP packet routing to and from a mobile to begin immediately after the mobile establishes a link-layer association with a new access point. Furthermore, the design does not require any modification to the mobiles. Each mobile is assigned a single IP address and maintains its IP address as it moves from one access point to another, thus preserving TCP connections across hand-offs. The access points (called access routers in LIHP) and the access gateway cooperate to track each mobile and forward packets using IP tunnelling. Experimental results from a prototype implementation show that the scheme can achieve layer-3 handoff latency on the order of a few milliseconds
Breast cancer incidence among atomic bomb survivors: implications for radiobiologic risk at low doses.

Supplemental dose--response analyses of breast cancer incidence data for Japanese A-bomb survivors during the period 1950 to 1969 were presented. The first analysis led to an unpublished result cited in a report on risks associated with mammography in mass screening for breast cancer, namely, that the inference for a radiation among the A-bomb survivors did not depend solely on interpolation between values at 0 and high doses. In the second analysis, a theoretical form suggested by radiobiologic principles was used to investigate the extent to which linear interpolation may overestimate or underestimate breast cancer risk at low doses. The functional form, I(D) = (.cap alpha./sub 0/+.cap alpha./sub 1/D+.cap alpha./sub 2/D/sup 2/)2/sup /sup -/. beta. /sub 1/D/sup -/. beta. /sub 2/D/, where I(D) denoted breast cancer incidence at dose D and where all parameters were constrained to be positive, was treated as a basically linear form for description of the risk at low doses, with additional parameters to allow for upward curvature over the low-to-intermediate range and downward curvature at high doses. The analysis provided direct evidence of a radiation breast carcinogenesis effect at doses under 49 rads kerma (< 40 rads to breast tissue). Evidence for an effect was contributed by the data frommore » both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The incidence data were too sparse to express all the subtleties of the above functional form for the dose response, and the form was simplified by the elimination of some parameters. The risk estimate obtained with the use of a simple linear model was not greater than estimates obtained with more general models that fit the data more closely. « less
Optimal Coordination of Flexible Manufacturing Systems, with Automatic Generation of Collision- and Dealock-Free Working Schedule

The ever more rapidly changing markets pose high demands on the modern industry, often making it necessary to have varied and frequently updated product portfolios. As a consequence, modern industrial systems need to be easily adaptable to different kinds of products, which makes the use of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) increasingly popular. An FMS generally contains a number of moving actors, such as production robots, conveyor belts, etc, that can be configured for different tasks. However, a big challenge with FMS is their high complexity, which makes FMS coordination a time and resource demanding undertaking. In this thesis, the challenge of FMS coordination is accepted, with the goal of developing methods for automatic and off-line generation of a correct, safe and time optimal working logic for the moving actors of a given FMS. This means that the order of operations in the studied FMS should minimize the total cycle time of the system and respect all specifications, while avoiding collisions and blocking situations between the moving actors. To represent possible and specified FMS behavior, deterministic finite automata (DFA) models are used. A method to automatically generate such models is presented, whereafter much work is laid at developing optimization methods, applicable to DFAs. While we start out with considering normal FMS behavior, a method for treating FMS that suffer from uncontrollable operations, such as machine breakdown or manually ordered product inspection, is also presented. When relating our results to the real world, we noted that the optimal control logic often induces uneven movement patterns to the FMS actors. This inconvenience is thus studied and amended. Finally, combining our results with some existing techniques, a framework for automatic generation of control code from 3D simulation models of FMS is presented. In developing this framework, functionality common to most robot simulation environments is used where possible to facilitate the portability of the approach between different simulation tools.
Sense of humour and adolescents' cognitive flexibility

Abstract Objective: There is a lack of research on humour among adolescents in South Africa. This article examines cognitive flexibility and humour. The objective was to investigate the roles of gender and language as possible moderating variables in the relationship between adolescents' cognitive flexibility and sense of humour. Design: A correlational research design was used in which pupils were asked to complete the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale to assess their sense of humour. In order to determine the cognitive flexibility of the sample group, Martin and Rubin's Cognitive Flexibility Scale was applied. Setting and subjects: The initial sample comprised 1 203 adolescents (Grade 11 and 12 pupils) randomly selected from the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Of these, a final 392 adolescents qualified after eliminating criteria had been applied. Results: No significant correlations were found between the total group or for the two genders. Significant positive correlations were found between cognitive flexibility and two of the scores for humour (creating and expressing humour), as well as for the total score for Afrikaans-speaking participants. Significant negative correlations were found between cognitive flexibility and all five of the scores for humour for the Nguni language speakers. Conclusion: This study recommends that culturally sensitive measuring instruments should be developed.
Isolation, culture and main characteristics of mouse fat‐storing cells: Interaction with viruses

Fat‐storing cells were isolated from 15‐day‐old mouse sinusoidal cell cultures (Kupffer or endothelial cells), where they had multiplied abundantly; they were then purified by a negative selection method based on the fact that they do not possess Fc receptors, as do both other types of cells.
Clinical application of near-infrared thoracoscope with indocyanine green in video-assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy.

UNLABELLED Failure to identify all the possible bullous lesions was considered an important reason for the higher recurrence rate after the VATS bullectomy. We applied the latest near-infrared (NIR) thoracoscope with indocyanine green (ICG) to detect bullous lesions for patients with spontaneous pneumothorax. Two male patients with spontaneous pneumothorax and poorly identified bullae intraoperatively were included in this pilot study. An NIR thoracoscope with two different doses of ICG injection (0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg) was used to detect bullous lesions during VATS bullectomy. Partial lung resections of the bullous lesions were performed under syncretic mode. Data was managed with ImageJ software. No procedure-related complications were observed. The fluorescent signal was detected in normal lung tissue 10.5 seconds (mean, 10-11 seconds) after the ICG bolus, and lasted up to 525 seconds (mean, 480-570 seconds). The bullous lesions showed an obviously decreased fluorescent densities comparing to adjacent normal tissue. At the dosage of 0.6 mg/kg, ICG emits sufficient fluorescence to demonstrate the precise border of bullae, with the max SBR of 6.32. All resected specimens were confirmed as bullous lesions microscopically. NIR thoracoscope with intravenous ICG is a safe, accurate and real-time method to detect bullous lesions of lung tissue difficult to be found under normal light in human subjects. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02611245 (https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/).
Field study of air change and flow rate in six automobiles.

UNLABELLED For many people, a relatively large proportion of daily exposure to a multitude of pollutants may occur inside an automobile. A key determinant of exposure is the amount of outdoor air entering the cabin (i.e. air change or flow rate). We have quantified this parameter in six passenger vehicles ranging in age from 18 years to <1 year, at three vehicle speeds and under four different ventilation settings. Average infiltration into the cabin with all operable air entry pathways closed was between 1 and 33.1 air changes per hour (ACH) at a vehicle speed of 60 km/h, and between 2.6 and 47.3 ACH at 110 km/h, with these results representing the most (2005 Volkswagen Golf) and least air-tight (1989 Mazda 121) vehicles, respectively. Average infiltration into stationary vehicles parked outdoors varied between approximately 0 and 1.4 ACH and was moderately related to wind speed. Measurements were also performed under an air recirculation setting with low fan speed, while airflow rate measurements were conducted under two non-recirculate ventilation settings with low and high fan speeds. The windows were closed in all cases, and over 200 measurements were performed. The results can be applied to estimate pollutant exposure inside vehicles. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS There is increasing recognition of the often disproportionately large contribution of in-vehicle pollutant exposures to overall measures. This has highlighted the need for accurate and representative quantification of determinant factors to facilitate exposure estimation and mitigation. The ventilation rate in a vehicle cabin is a key parameter affecting the transfer of pollutants from outdoors to the cabin interior, and vice-versa. New data regarding this variable are presented here, and the results indicate substantial variability in outdoor air infiltration into vehicles of differing age. The efficacy of simple measures to reduce outdoor air infiltration into 'leaky' vehicles to increase occupant protection would be a worthwhile avenue of further research.
Artificial Transmembrane Segments.

Transmembrane segments of proteins generally consist of a long stretch of hydrophobic amino acids, which can function to initiate membrane insertion (start-stop sequences), initiate translocation (signal-anchor sequences), or stop further translocation of the following polypeptide chain (stop-transfer sequences). In this study, we have taken Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase, a transported and water-soluble protein, and examined the requirements for converting it into a transmembrane protein with particular orientation. Since the wild type enzyme is transported, there is no predisposition against membrane translocation, yet it is not a membrane protein, so it does not possess any intrinsic membrane topogenic preferences. A series of potential transmembrane segments was introduced into an internal position of the enzyme to test the ability of each to initiate translocation, stop translocation, and adopt a particular orientation. For this purpose, cassette mutagenesis was used to incorporate new structural segments composed of polymers of alanines and leucines. The threshold value of hydrophobicity required to function as a stop-transfer sequence was determined. For a transmembrane segment of typical length (21 residues), this value is equivalent to the hydrophobicity of 16 alanines and 5 leucines. Interestingly, much shorter segments will also suffice to stop translocation, but these must be composed of more highly hydrophobic residues (e.g. 11 leucines). When the wild type amino-terminal signal peptide is deleted or made dysfunctional, sufficiently hydrophobic internal segments can initiate translocation of the following polypeptide and function as a signal anchor. Furthermore, in so doing, the orientation of the protein is changed from N-C to N-C