Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PSO-Algorithm-Based Optimal Design of LCLC Resonant Converters for Space Travelling-Wave Tube Amplifiers Applications

Due to the advantages of zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) and zero-current-switching (ZCS), LCLC resonant converters are universally applied in two-stage electronic power conditioners (EPCs) of space travelling-wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs). In two-stage EPCs, as the output voltage is regulated by the first stage, the main functions of LCLC resonant converters are to boost the input voltage, provide galvanic isolation, and maintain high efficiency. However, the total power loss of an LCLC resonant converter is very challenging because of the multiple resonant components and their mutual couplings. In order to solve this problem, in this paper, a PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization)-algorithm-based, efficiency-oriented optimal design method of an LCLC resonant converter is proposed. Based on an analysis of working principles, the total power loss (with consideration of all the power losses, including the driving loss and the conduction loss of the main switches), transformer loss, and power loss of the rectifiers is calculated. After that, the total power loss is appointed as the objective function of the PSO algorithm, where the optimal circuit parameters are derived to minimize the total power loss. After the optimal circuit parameters are obtained, an LCLC resonant converter with the desired parameters is built. Finally, the proposed PSO-algorithm-based, efficiency-oriented optimal design method is validated by an example.
Outbound Tunnel Outbound Tunnel Inbound Tunnel Inbound Tunnel Gateway relay Endpoint relay

The prevalence of Internet censorship has prompted the creation of several measurement platforms for monitoring filtering activities. An important challenge faced by these platforms revolves around the trade-off between depth of measurement and breadth of coverage. In this paper, we present an opportunistic censorship measurement infrastructure built on top of a network of distributed VPN servers run by volunteers, which we used to measure the extent to which the I2P anonymity network is blocked around the world. This infrastructure provides us with not only numerous and geographically diverse vantage points, but also the ability to conduct in-depth measurements across all levels of the network stack. Using this infrastructure, we measured at a global scale the availability of four different I2P services: the official homepage, its mirror site, reseed servers, and active relays in the network. Within a period of one month, we conducted a total of 54K measurements from 1.7K network locations in 164 countries. With different techniques for detecting domain name blocking, network packet injection, and block pages, we discovered I2P censorship in five countries: China, Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. Finally, we conclude by discussing potential approaches to circumvent censorship on I2P.
The Allocation of Risk and Uncertainty in Infrastructure Investment

Infrastructure is one of the building blocks of regional advantage. In an era of rising national indebtedness, the public sector is increasingly reliant upon private financial interests for the provision and maintenance of infrastructure. Here, the focus is upon the allocation of risk and uncertainty between infrastructure investors and between investors and the public. Drawing upon a stylised infrastructure investment product and a case study of the ‘big battery’ in South Australia, it is shown that private investors may demand that the public sector bear the costs of infrastructure that fall outside of the "normal" risks obtaining when private capital is put to work to provide a public good. Acknowledgements. This paper was prepared as a Plenary Lecture for the 2018 Regional Studies Association conference in Lugano. Initial thoughts for the paper were presented at the Design School of Iowa State University and at a G20 working group convened by the OECD in early February 2018. This paper has also been presented at a seminar at Monash University. It bears the imprint of ongoing discussions with Noel Clark, Raffaele Della Croce, Tessa Hebb, Chris Kaminker, Eric Knight, Alex Money, Ashby Monk, Rajiv Sharma, and Phillip O’Neill about the financing and provision of infrastructure investment. Research assistance was provided by Seth Collins and Elena Pierard. I am also grateful for the assistance of Jennifer Sabourin and Selina Cohen. None of the above should be held responsible for the views expressed herein. Disclosure. Support for the research reported herein was provided by the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at Oxford University. No commercial parties were directly or indirectly involved in the funding of this research and/or the benefits derived thereof.
Wideband Quasi-Yagi Antenna with Broad-Beam Dual-Polarized Radiation for Indoor Access Points

─ This paper presents a wideband, broad beamwidth, dual-polarized antenna for the indoor access points. Its primary radiating elements are two quasi-Yagi antennas, which are arranged orthogonally. The antenna element employs two balanced directors to broaden bandwidth and avoid the structural conflict of the orthogonal installation. A microstrip-slotline transformer is used in the feeding structure for allowing the wideband operation and high port-to-port isolation. The dualpolarized quasi-Yagi antenna is incorporated with a metallic cavity in order to improve the unidirectional radiation in terms of gain, front-to-back ratio, and beamwidth. The final prototype has been fabricated and tested. The antenna yielded a wide impedance bandwidth covering a frequency range from 1.64 to 3.0 GHz (60%) for both ports with port-to-port isolation of a higher than 25 dB. In addition, at both ports, the antenna achieves stable unidirectional radiation with broad beamwidth, high front-to-back ratio, and high radiation efficiency. Index Terms ─ Balanced directors, beamdwidth, cavitybacked reflector, dual polarization, microstrip-slotline transformer, quasi-Yagi antenna.
Model based analysis of multimodal data sets for quantitative molecular and microcirculatory imaging

The long-term aim for this project was to devise new algorithms for mapping the microcirculatory perfusion and the blood oxygenation in tissue using a combination of hyper/multi spectral imaging (HSI/MSI) and laser speckle imaging (LSI/LASCA) techniques. To solve this our project work has focused on novel inverse-model algorithms based on extensive computer simulations that accurately predict how photons propagate thru tissue. Within the project, we have also focused on refining the imaging setup to improve the signal quality and data acquisition speed to allow for accurate and fast imaging of the microcirculation.
Investigating the Role of BRCA 2 in Telomere Replication and Homology-Directed Repair

The correct function of telomeres is necessary for genomic integrity and is dependent on their proper replication and their protection by the shelterin complex. Defects in shelterin cause telomeres to be recognized as double-stranded breaks (DSBs) leading to the activation of DSB repair pathways including the homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathways. This can cause the formation of tumorigenic chromosome fusions. The breast cancer susceptibility protein BRCA2 is a necessary component of the HR pathway of DSB repair, but its role in HR at dysfunctional telomeres has remained largely unstudied. BCRA2 has additional roles in the stabilization and processing of stalled replication forks, although the mechanistic details of this are unclear. Telomeres present a major challenge to replication machinery due to their propensity to form complex secondary structures, and several HR proteins have been implicated in their proper replication. Here, we propose an investigation into the role of BRCA2 in HR at dysfunctional telomeres and in the proper replication of telomeric regions in response to replication stress. We hypothesize that BRCA2 depletion will inhibit the formation of HR-mediated chromosomal aberrations in the context of telomere dysfunction. We also predict that BRCA2 will be important in the restart of stalled replication forks at telomeres.
Impact of Brand Switching , Brand Credibility , Customer Satisfaction and Service Quality on Brand Loyalty

To be a leading company, it is a massive task to build brand loyalty. Brand is the only word that differentiates the goods and services from the other ones. Therefore, the dominated companies spend a lot on the brand to make it unique in order to develop the brand loyalty. Brand loyalty can be created by the numerous ways and strategies but most convenient ones are how much you fulfill your promises in the light of brand credibility and so on service quality is how much strong. If the customer is satisfied then it will show its loyalty towards brand and if not then it shift the intention towards other brand in term of brand switching. This study measures brand loyalty of banking clients of Bahawalpur in Pakistan. A field survey was conducted in Islamia University of Bahawalpur. The study was conducted by 200 respondents, analysis were conducted by mean of exploratory and confirmatory factor, for checking the data and common method variance. For checking the relationship regression analysis were done. The results were quite significant. Findings indicate that bank has performed satisfactorily in presenting a desired image of the target market. Hence, future researchers in the area should be kept in mind that product involvement and brand loyalty are not universal constructs; they should examine within specific consumers and product parameters.
monItoRIng In acRomEgaLIc patIEnts

acromegaly complicating pregnancy is rare.Glucose intolerance occurs in 50% of patients with acromegaly, sodium retention leads to hypertension in 25-35% of patients,with potential for exacerbation in pregnancy. ctreotide is a synthetic octapeptide of somatostatin,with plasma half-life of about 90 minutes, vs 2-6 minutes of somatostatin.We carried out a monitoring and a treatment with octretide of a 36-year-old woman,nulliparous, with active acromegaly despite doublé pituitary surgery.US imaging of fetal development has been performed, since the 10th till the 38th week.eco-color-doppler has been used to examine the umbilical and uterine arteries at 16,29,33,36 weeks, in agreement to octreotide infusion.The Doppler flow imaging has been made at beginning of headache,so that has been recorded placenta and uterine flow before and during and after octreotide infusion,till clearing up of headache.The comparison of uterine artery flussimetry show a statistical significant difference between the pre-oCT and post-oCT systolic velocity peak (P < 0.0001) and end diastolic velocity peak (P < 0.0005). The pregnancy was uneventful for both mother and fetus.Have been described the cases of women with acromegaly treated with octreotide during pregnancy.No malformations were noted but because of limited data, the use of somatostatin analogs cannot be recommended for use during pregnancy except under extraordinary circumstances.
Developing Two-Armed Robot Assistant: Selecting Lines of Research

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study is to select the lines of research for implementing constructive and firmware solutions to create universal robot that would perform different simple tasks. Methods: Such technical solutions will be used for further development of different types of robots of either anthropomorphic or of any other random configuration designed for performing a wide spectrum of tasks in industrial, social or domestic environments. Findings: The study presents the results of the analysis of information sources and patent research studies on the areas as follows: principles of building hardware and software complexes for two-armed assistant robots that would partially replace manual labor in remote object handling operations; algorithms for controlling kinematic joints of the manipulator that implement the principles of inverse kinematics and dynamics to ensure safe working environment for man in the process of human-robot collaboration; methods of coordinated control over two manipulators. Applications/Improvements: The results of the study can be applied to constructive and firmware solutions in the process of creating a universal robot to replace manual labor in remote autonomous operations.
Statistical evaluation of the wind loads as proposed by the *

In this study, wind loads resulting from wind speeds are examined by using statistical methods. For this purpose, the wind speed data are collected from different regions of Turkey. In addition to these data, the published data and information in the inte comparing the wind load statistics. The ratios of mean to nominal load values are determined for calibration purposes. While the mean values of wind loads are computed by considering the underlying uncertainties, the nominal values of wind loads are taken directly from the Turkish standard TS 498 (Design Loads for Buildings). Although some of the loads acting on a structure, such as dead and live loads are independent of the geographical location of the st are highly dependent on the regional location of the structure. statistics to represent the whole Turkey, it is required to select some reference regions. In this study, eleven regions are chosen. values given in TS 498 are sufficient, they are overestimated in some other regions. In addition, it is necessary that the calculation method of the wind load proposed by TS 498 should be revised and also the nominal values of wind loads should be modified.
The specialist board a technology workbench for document analysis and understanding

Document analysis and understanding (DAU) designates the task of transforming data from printed media into a symbolic form allowing a further processing by electronic means. In order to be able to solve different DAU problems, we have developed the so-called Specialist Board as a technology workbench for the recognition, categorization and structured representation of documents. The model provides a collection of software specialists for the various DAU subtasks and is basically used for rapid prototyping. In this paper we will show how these specialists can be successfully organized and combined for solving different problems. Furthermore, we will introduce the fundamental principles of the model and discuss the various specialists of the workbench.
Design and Kinematic Analysis of a Light Weight and High Stiffness Manipulator for Humanoid Robots

The mechanical design and kinematic analysis method of a light weight and high stiffness manipulator with 7DOFs for humanoid robot is presented.Firstly,dynamic simulation,finite element analysis and experiments testing are combined together to design a manipulator with light weight,high stiffness and compact structure.Meanwhile,look-up database and inverse kinematics calculation are used to imitate the posture of human's arm to obtain optimal inverse kinematic solution.In the proposed algorithm,the problem of the multiple solutions of the inverse kinematics brought by the redundant DOF is solved and the joints' angle which make the manipulator's posture natural can be derived conveniently.Experiments show the feasibility of the method.
PILAR Acoustic Gunshot Detection & Localization system : Principles of acoustic localization of small caliber gunshots .

Purely passive by nature, and intrinsically inexpensive in mass production, the acoustic surveillance technology presents a considerable potential for attended or unattended ground as well as for embarked sensors. The particulars of army actions theatres from the 80’s have given priority to the monitoring of cease-fire agreements and the protection of the forces engaged in peacekeeping operations against sniper fire.
EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS ON THE GERMINATION OF WHEAT SEEDS : ENZYMATIC ASSAY

Stress caused by heavy metals is a major problem which affects agricultural productivity and, implicitly, human health. Natural flora presents differences of tolerance to heavy metals. Some plants grow well in a soil enriched with heavy metals, while others cannot develop in such conditions. This study investigates the effect of heavy metals on plant viability at molecular level and draws attention to the danger of the widespread use of toxic compounds.
Superior activity of a modified histone deacetylase inhibitor in inhibiting growth of human gastric cells by promoting p 21 WAF 1 expression

Objective: To investigate the application of a modified histone deacetylase inhibitor named D3 for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Material and methods: We designed to investigate its exact mechanism of D3 anti-cancer function. Activity of D3 against human gastric cancer cells (BGC-823, SGC-7901) and normal gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) were investigated in vitro by using proliferation assays, cell cycle assays, apoptosis assays, RNA interference, promoter acetylation assays, as well as analysis of related molecules. Result: D3 strongly inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells compared with SAHA. The 50% growth-inhibitory concentrations of D3 for GES-1, BGC-823, SGC-7901 treated for 48 h were 3.2±0.09 μM, 3.77±0.1 μM, 4.97±0.2 μM while that of SAHA were 12.9±0.26 μM, 28.93±0.4 μM, 27.1±0.4 μM respectively. We found that D3 caused more significant G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis than SAHA in a density-dependent manner. In addition, levels of Bcl-xl and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in BGC823 cells decreased after treatment with either SAHA or D3; moreover, D3 had a higher inhibition activity. D3 induced hyperacetylation of histone H3 and H4 around the promoter region of p21WAF1. Conclusion: D3 could represent a novel pharmacological agent with potential benefit for patients with
The Impact of Universities of the Third Age upon the Health and Welfare of their Membership

 This paper sets out to examine whether Universities of the Third Age (U3As) benefit the health and welfare of their members.  There are many research papers which examine U3A members: in general they record a high level of satisfaction, and also find that members compare well to non-members in terms of cognitive skills and general health.  However, these studies do not show that U3A membership causes these attributes. It is possible that intelligent, healthy people join U3A and thereby make the statistics look good.  The logical step is to find studies of older people which involve experiences similar to those offered by U3As: where these use experimental methods, we can examine them as evidence bearing upon the benefits of U3A membership.  U3As appear to offer their membership three kinds of valuable experience: they offer a huge range of courses, the possibility for some form of physical exercise, and the possibility of social links and interactions.  About 60 research papers were located relevant to these three types of experience. The most startling result was that all three had direct bearing upon cognitive functions. Studying courses helped stave off mental decline and promoted wellbeing. Even people undertaking physical activity, after testing, turned out to be appreciably better on cognitive measures than those who took no such exercise.  In addition, it is clear that social linkages play a substantial part in promoting health in older people. One study estimates the value of social linkages as being roughly equal to the benefits of stopping smoking.  The conclusion is that the activities promoted by Universities of the Third Age are strongly beneficial to the physical health and the cognitive health and wellbeing of their members.
Partition of Platinum-Group Elements between arsenide and sulfide minerals in magmatic NiCu sulfide systems

The partition coefficients of platinum-group elements (PGE) between arsenide and sulfide minerals (DPGE) have been calculated by determining in situ concentrations of these elements by LA-ICP-MS in coexisting arsenide (maucherite) and sulfide (pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite) minerals from the Beni Bousera Cr-Ni mineralization (North Morocco). Maucherite contains significant amounts of all PGE (average values, 8.3 ppm Os, 25.8 ppm Ir, 7.5 ppm Ru, 8.6 ppm Rh, 61.7 ppm Pd and 7.5 ppm Pt), whereas sulfides have contents commonly below 0.2 ppm. With the exception of Pt, mass balance calculation indicates that arsenides and sulfides account for the bulk of PGE in the samples. The calculated DPGE reveal the strong affinity of PGE by arsenide minerals: DIr = 923, DRh = 540, DPt = 325, DPd = 254, DOs = 145 and DRu = 50. The maucherite grains, which occur included within the sulfides (mostly pyrrhotite), can attribute to: 1) direct crystallization from sulfide melt before mss crystallization, or 2) crystallization from an arsenide melt segregated by immiscibility from a sulfide melt. Because of maucherite melts incongruently above 830oC, well below the temperature of crystallization of mss (around 1000oC), maucherite probably represents the crystallization product of droplets of arsenide melt and the calculated partition coefficients, the partition values of PGE between arsenide and sulfide melts.
Surrogate modelling for solving optimization problems with polymorphic uncertain data

The solution of optimization problems with polymorphic uncertain data requires to combine stochastic and non-stochastic approaches. In this paper, a concept is presented, which allows one to consider uncertain a priori parameters and uncertain design parameters quantified by stochastic numbers and intervals. To solve optimization problems in structural mechanics by means of iterative optimization algorithms (e.g. particle swarm optimization), often multiple runs of nonlinear finite element models with varying a priori and design parameters have to be performed. For each design to be optimized, an interval analysis in combination with Monte Carlo simulations is necessary. This can only be realized by substituting the nonlinear finite element model by numerically efficient surrogate models. In this paper, a strategy for neural network based surrogate modelling is presented. Instead of just replacing the deterministic finite element simulation, it is focused on surrogate models to replace the stochastic simulation. The approach is verified by an analytical solution and applied to optimize the concrete cover of a reinforced concrete bridge structure taking the variability of material parameters and construction imprecision into account.
Reduced-segments V and VIII liver transplantation for an acute liver failure patient with multiple osteochondromas

We describe a case of acute liver failure with multiple osteochondromas (MO) which was cured by transplantation of reduced-segments V and VIII liver and the large MO mainly located in the right ribs. A 45 year-old man presented with abdominal distention and jaundice and was confirmed to have acute liver failure, which was caused by hepatitis B associated-cirrhosis. Conservative treatment failed to improve the symptoms, and the general condition of the patient grew worse. As a last resort, liver transplantation was performed. During the operation, because of the abnormal recipient liver fossa caused by MO, reduced-segments V and VIII liver transplantation was performed. The patient survived the procedure and the perioperative period. MO is a benign disease, but it can bring adverse effects through oppressing vital organs. Reduced-segments V and VIII liver transplantation is considered as a highly technical procedure that can be performed by experienced surgeons.