Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A simplified approach to the first order approximations of a closed loop, non isolated dc-dc converter with synchronous rectifier circuit behavior by using the ORCAD PSPICE

In this paper, we present the significance of computer simulation program, such as ORCAD PSPICE, in analyzing, first order approximations of circuit behavior, a closed loop, non-isolated dc-dc converter with synchronous rectifier circuit. Following techniques have been adopted to simplify the process of simulation. They are: (1) Ideal switches are incorporated in the power stage of the converter to eliminate the gate diver requirement which in turn reduces the simulation run time; (2) Diodes are connected in series with switches, which eliminates dead time control circuit, to prevent cross conduction of switches and (3) TL494 Pspice model, which is readily available in library of most of the versions of the ORCAD PSPICE, is employed for pulse width modulation. As an example, non-inverting synchronous buck boost converter is considered for demonstrating the approach. Simulation was carried out for an input voltage range of 6 to 35V and load resistance was varied from 12 to 48 Ohms. Output voltage was regulated at 12V for both input voltage and load current perturbation. Physical prototype was implemented and simulation result was tested for steady state output.
Loss of genetic diversity, recovery and allele surfing in a colonizing parasite, Geomydoecus aurei

Understanding the genetic consequences of changes in species distributions has wide‐ranging implications for predicting future outcomes of climate change, for protecting threatened or endangered populations and for understanding the history that has led to current genetic patterns within species. Herein, we examine the genetic consequences of range expansion over a 25‐year period in a parasite (Geomydoecus aurei) that is in the process of expanding its geographic range via invasion of a novel host. By sampling the genetics of 1,935 G. aurei lice taken from 64 host individuals collected over this time period using 12 microsatellite markers, we test hypotheses concerning linear spatial expansion, genetic recovery time and allele surfing. We find evidence of decreasing allelic richness (AR) with increasing distance from the source population, supporting a linear, stepping stone model of spatial expansion that emphasizes the effects of repeated bottleneck events during colonization. We provide evidence of post‐bottleneck genetic recovery, with average AR of infrapopulations increasing about 30% over the 225‐generation span of time observed directly in this study. Our estimates of recovery rate suggest, however, that recovery has plateaued and that this population may not reach genetic diversity levels of the source population without further immigration from the source population. Finally, we employ a grid‐based sampling scheme in the region of ongoing population expansion and provide empirical evidence for the power of allele surfing to impart genetic structure on a population, even under conditions of selective neutrality and in a place that lacks strong barriers to gene flow.
Indoor 3-D Localization Based on Received Signal Strength Difference and Factor Graph for Unknown Radio Transmitter

Accurate localization of the radio transmitter is an important work in radio management. Previous research is more focused on two-dimensional (2-D) scenarios, but the localization of an unknown radio transmitter under three-dimensional (3-D) scenarios has more practical significance. In this paper, we propose a novel 3-D localization algorithm with received signal strength difference (RSSD) information and factor graph (FG), which is suitable for both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) condition. Considering the stochastic properties of measurement errors caused by the indoor environment, RSSD measurements are processed with mean and variance in the form of Gaussian distribution in the FG framework. A new 3-D RSSD-based FG model is constructed with the relationship between RSSD and location coordinates by local linearization technique. The soft-information computation and iterative process of the proposed model are derived by using the sum-product algorithm. In addition, the impacts of different grid distances and number of signal receivers on positioning accuracy are explored. Finally, the performance of our proposed approach is experimentally evaluated in a real scenario. The results show that the positioning performance of the proposed algorithm is not only superior to the k-nearest neighbors (kNN) algorithm and least square (LS) algorithm, but also it can achieve a mean localization error as low as 1.15 m. Our proposed scheme provides a good solution for the accurate detection of an unknown radio transmitter under indoor 3-D space and has a good application prospect.
A Mobile-Based App (MyChoices) to Increase Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis by Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background HIV incidence is growing most rapidly in the United States among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Overwhelming evidence demonstrates that routine testing and expanded use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) would dramatically reduce the population burden of HIV; however, uptake of both interventions is suboptimal among young adults. The use of mobile phone apps by YMSM is ubiquitous and may offer unique opportunities for public health interventions. MyChoices is a theory-driven app to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake. It was developed by an interdisciplinary team based on feedback from a diverse sample of YMSM. Objective The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol for the refinement, beta testing, and pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the acceptability and feasibility of the MyChoices app. Methods This 3-phase study includes 4 theater testing groups for app refinement with a total of approximately 30 YMSM; for beta testing, including quantitative assessments and exit interviews, with approximately 15 YMSM over a 2-month period; and for a pilot RCT with 60 YMSM. The pilot will assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the MyChoices app, compared with referrals only, in increasing HIV testing and PrEP uptake. All participants will be recruited at iTech clinical research sites in Boston, MA, and Bronx, NY. Results App refinement is underway. Enrollment for the pilot RCT began in October 2018. Conclusions MyChoices is one of the first comprehensive, theory-driven HIV prevention apps designed specifically for YMSM. If MyChoices demonstrates acceptability and feasibility in this pilot RCT, a multicity, 3-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial of this app and another youth-optimized app (LYNX) versus standard of care is planned within iTech. If shown to be efficacious, the app will be scalable, with the ability to reach YMSM across the United States as well as be geographically individualized, with app content integrated with local prevention and testing activities. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/10694
A Historical, Detailed Toolmark Examination from 1916

Marc Bischoff received his PhD from the University of Lausanne, Institute of Police Science and Criminology, and later became the head of the Institute. His final examination paper for his doctorate degree constitutes a toolmark analysis and comparison between a suspected axe and questioned cuttings of wood trunks. Bischoff uses the scientific method to test the hypothesis he formulated. Dated 1916, this report includes his notes, measurements, photomicrographs of the questioned toolmarks and the test impressions, detailed sketches, technical discussion, results, and conclusions. Recognizing the historical value of Bischoff's work, it seemed important to get it translated. Photocopies of Bischoff's original work were obtained. The case report, translated from French, is presented here along with a brief history of the Firearm and Toolmark Identification field and Bischoff's role in the beginning of this field. Bischoff's work stands as testimony to the long tradition of the field of forensic toolmark analysis.
Effects of Pecan Nut (Carya illinoiensis) and Roselle Flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents for Sardines (Sardina pilchardus)

The effects of pecan nut (Carya illinoinensis) and roselle flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents on shelf life extension of sardines (Sardina pilchardus) were evaluated over a period of 5 days at 7 ± 1 °C. Treatments consisted of the addition of 5% and 10% w/w pecan nut, 5% w/w roselle flower and a combination of 5% of each. Physicochemical (lipid oxidation, fatty acids, hexanal and biogenic amines), sensory and microbiological characteristics of fish samples were periodically analyzed. All treatments effectively improved physicochemical quality parameters, with 10% w/w pecan nut having the highest effectiveness. The presence of roselle flower reduced microbial growth. Our findings suggest that addition of a natural preservative combining pecan nut and roselle flower may extend the shelf life of fresh sardines during chilled storage while maintaining quality indexes.
Cannabidiol: A New Hope for Patients With Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut Syndromes

Objective: To review the efficacy, safety, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of pure, plant-derived cannabidiol (CBD; Epidiolex) in the treatment of Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Data Sources: Relevant information was identified through EMBASE and Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to October 2018). Product labeling and https://www.clinicaltrials. gov were also reviewed. Study Selection/Data Extraction: English language articles evaluating efficacy and safety in humans with treatment-resistant epilepsies were reviewed; additional pharmacology and pharmacokinetic studies in humans, animals, and in vitro were also included. Data Synthesis: Pure, plant-based CBD is a pharmaceutical grade extract that exhibits clinically significant antiseizure properties, with a hypothesized multimodal mechanism of action. In the GWPCARE trial series, CBD displayed superior efficacy in reducing key seizure frequencies (convulsive seizures in DS; drop seizures in LGS) by 17% to 23% compared with placebo as adjunctive therapy to standard antiepileptic drugs in patients 2 years of age and older. Common adverse effects were somnolence, diarrhea, and elevated hepatic transaminases. Noteworthy drug-drug interactions included clobazam, valproates, and significant inducers/inhibitors of CYP2C19 and 3A4 enzymes. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: A discussion regarding CBD dosing, administration, adverse effects, monitoring parameters, and interactions is provided to guide clinicians. CBD offers patients with DS and LGS a new treatment option for refractory seizures. Conclusion: This is the first cannabis-derived medication with approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. This CBD formulation significantly reduces seizures as an adjunct to standard antiepileptic therapies in patients ≥2 years old with DS and LGS and is well tolerated.
Distinct Proteomic Signatures in 16 HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Subspecies

Objective— HDL (high-density lipoprotein) in plasma is a heterogeneous group of lipoproteins typically containing apo AI as the principal protein. Most HDLs contain additional proteins from a palate of nearly 100 HDL-associated polypeptides. We hypothesized that some of these proteins define distinct and stable apo AI HDL subspecies with unique proteomes that drive function and associations with disease. Approach and Results— We produced 17 plasma pools from 80 normolipidemic human participants (32 men, 48 women; aged 21–66 years). Using immunoaffinity isolation techniques, we isolated apo AI containing species from plasma and then used antibodies to 16 additional HDL protein components to isolate compositional subspecies. We characterized previously described HDL subspecies containing apo AII, apo CIII, and apo E; and 13 novel HDL subspecies defined by presence of apo AIV, apo CI, apo CII, apo J, &agr;-1-antitrypsin, &agr;-2-macroglobulin, plasminogen, fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, paraoxonase-1, apo LI, or complement C3. The novel species ranged in abundance from 1% to 18% of total plasma apo AI. Their concentrations were stable over time as demonstrated by intraclass correlations in repeated sampling from the same participants over 3 to 24 months (0.33–0.86; mean 0.62). Some proteomes of the subspecies relative to total HDL were strongly correlated, often among subspecies defined by similar functions: lipid metabolism, hemostasis, antioxidant, or anti-inflammatory. Permutation analysis showed that the proteomes of 12 of the 16 subspecies differed significantly from that of total HDL. Conclusions— Taken together, correlation and permutation analyses support speciation of HDL. Functional studies of these novel subspecies and determination of their relation to diseases may provide new avenues to understand the HDL system of lipoproteins.
Too Much to Handle? Take Advantage of Working across Multiple Virtual Team Projects

Fast-forming, fast-dissolving virtual teams have become an important part of the modern organizational life. Managing multiple group projects in the groupware environment is therefore increasingly becoming significant. Prior studies have focused on the negative effects caused by multitasking such as interruption handling and work resumption. In this paper, we discuss the potential positive effects of working across multiple virtual team projects aiming at provoking research directions about management of multiple virtual team projects through collaborative technologies. Les equipes virtuelles ephemeres sont une part importante de la vie moderne en entreprise et la gestion de projets de groupe au moyen de collecticiels devient de plus en plus significative. Les etudes anterieures ont etudie l’effet negatif du fonctionnement multitâche, notamment l’interruption et la reprise des travaux. Dans cette communication, on discute des effets positifs potentiels de travailler au sein de differentes equipes virtuelles dans le but de degager un axe de recherche sur la gestion de projets de groupe au moyen de technologies collaboratives.
Experiences of caregivers of people with dementia in a Korean dementia simulation program

Objectives Experiencing dementia-related challenges in a dementia simulation program can be useful for caregivers to understand perspectives of people with dementia possibly leading to improvement in the quality of care and positive outcomes in caregivers and people with dementia. Previous studies about dementia simulation programs have been conducted in Western countries and no research has been conducted in Asian countries. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore experiences of caregivers of people with dementia who participated in a Korean dementia simulation program. Methods A descriptive phenomenological study using thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti 8 software was used. A total of 28 Korean caregivers were interviewed about two weeks after participating in the Korean dementia simulation program that was modified from a program developed in USA by considering Korean cultures. Results Three key themes with seven subthemes emerged. The present study demonstrated that participation in the program helped caregivers have more empathy, affected their care strategies positively leading to emotional and social benefits on the care dyads, and increased awareness in possible changes due to aging and the risk of dementia. Conclusions The present study was the first study that demonstrated caregivers’ positive experiences in and benefits from participation in a dementia simulation program in an Asian country. Caregivers in the other Asian countries may have similar benefits from participation in dementia simulation programs.
A Survey of Energy-Efficient Communication Protocols with QoS Guarantees in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks

In recent years, wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) have emerged as a prominent technique for delivering multimedia information such as still images and videos. Being under the great spotlight of research communities, however, multimedia delivery over resource- constraint WMSNs poses great challenges, especially in terms of energy efficiency and quality-of-service (QoS) guarantees. In this paper, recent developments in techniques for designing highly energy-efficient and QoS-capable WMSNs are surveyed. We first study the unique characteristics and the relevantly imposed requirements of WMSNs. For each requirement we also summarize their existing solutions. Then we review recent research efforts on energy-efficient and QoS-aware communication protocols, including MAC protocols, with a focus on their prioritization and service differentiation mechanisms and disjoint multipath routing protocols.
Modeling Arboviral Infection in Mice Lacking the Interferon Alpha/Beta Receptor

Arboviruses are arthropod-borne viruses that exhibit worldwide distribution and are a constant threat, not only for public health but also for wildlife, domestic animals, and even plants. To study disease pathogenesis and to develop efficient and safe therapies, the use of an appropriate animal model is a critical concern. Adult mice with gene knockouts of the interferon α/β (IFN-α/β) receptor (IFNAR(−/−)) have been described as a model of arbovirus infections. Studies with the natural hosts of these viruses are limited by financial and ethical issues, and in some cases, the need to have facilities with a biosafety level 3 with sufficient space to accommodate large animals. Moreover, the number of animals in the experiments must provide results with statistical significance. Recent advances in animal models in the last decade among other gaps in knowledge have contributed to the better understanding of arbovirus infections. A tremendous advantage of the IFNAR(−/−) mouse model is the availability of a wide variety of reagents that can be used to study many aspects of the immune response to the virus. Although extrapolation of findings in mice to natural hosts must be done with care due to differences in the biology between mouse and humans, experimental infections of IFNAR(−/−) mice with several studied arboviruses closely mimics hallmarks of these viruses in their natural host. Therefore, IFNAR(−/−) mice are a good model to facilitate studies on arbovirus transmission, pathogenesis, virulence, and the protective efficacy of new vaccines. In this review article, the most important arboviruses that have been studied using the IFNAR(−/−) mouse model will be reviewed.
Etude des répétitions en français parlé spontané pour les technologies de la parole

Cet article rapporte les résultats d’une étude quantitative des répétitions menée à partir d’un corpus de français parlé spontané d’un million de mots, étude réalisée dans le cadre de notre première année de thèse. L’étude linguistique pourra aider à l’amélioration des systèmes de reconnaissance de la parole et de l’étiquetage grammatical automatique de corpus oraux. Ces technologies impliquent la prise en compte et l’étude des répétitions de performance (en opposition aux répétitions de compétence, telles que nous nous sujet + complément) afin de pouvoir, par la suite, les « gommer » avant des traitements ultérieurs. Nos résultats montrent que les répétitions de performance concernent principalement les mots-outils et apparaissent à des frontières syntaxiques majeures.
Comparative efficacy of valnoctamide and sec‐butylpropylacetamide (SPD) in terminating nerve agent–induced seizures in pediatric rats

Children and adults are likely to be among the casualties in a civilian nerve agent exposure. This study evaluated the efficacy of valnoctamide (racemic‐VCD), sec‐butylpropylacetamide (racemic‐SPD), and phenobarbital for stopping nerve agent seizures in both immature and adult rats.
Intermittent Dieting: Theoretical Considerations for the Athlete

Athletes utilise numerous strategies to reduce body weight or body fat prior to competition. The traditional approach requires continuous energy restriction (CER) for the entire weight loss phase (typically days to weeks). However, there is some suggestion that intermittent energy restriction (IER), which involves alternating periods of energy restriction with periods of greater energy intake (referred to as ‘refeeds’ or ‘diet breaks’) may result in superior weight loss outcomes than CER. This may be due to refeed periods causing transitory restoration of energy balance. Some studies indicate that intermittent periods of energy balance during energy restriction attenuate some of the adaptive responses that resist the continuation of weight and fat loss. While IER—like CER—is known to effectively reduce body fat in non-athletes, evidence for effectiveness of IER in athletic populations is lacking. This review provides theoretical considerations for successful body composition adjustment using IER, with discussion of how the limited existing evidence can be cautiously applied in athlete practice.
Cognitive decline after elective and nonelective hospitalizations in older adults

Objective To determine whether emergent and urgent (nonelective) hospitalizations are associated with faster acceleration of cognitive decline compared to elective hospitalizations, accounting for prehospital decline. Methods Data came from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a prospective cohort study of community-dwelling older persons without baseline dementia. Annual measures of cognition via a battery of 19 tests were linked to 1999 to 2010 Medicare claims records. Results Of 777 participants, 460 (59.2%) were hospitalized over a mean of 5.0 (SD = 2.6) years; 222 (28.6%) had at least one elective and 418 (53.8%) at least one nonelective hospitalization. Mixed-effects regression models estimated change in global cognition before and after each type of hospitalization compared to no hospitalization, adjusted for age, sex, education, medical conditions, length of stay, surgery, intensive care unit, and comorbidities. Persons who were not hospitalized had a mean loss of 0.051 unit global cognition per year. In comparison, there was no significant difference in rate of decline before (0.044 unit per year) or after (0.048 unit per year) elective hospitalizations. In contrast, decline before nonelective hospitalization was faster (0.076 unit per year; estimate = −0.024, SE = 0.011, p = 0.032), and accelerated by 0.036 unit (SE = 0.005, p < 0.001) to mean loss of 0.112 unit per year after nonelective hospitalizations, more than doubling the rate in those not hospitalized. Conclusions Nonelective hospitalizations are related to more dramatic acceleration in cognitive decline compared to elective hospitalizations, even after accounting for prehospital decline. These findings may inform which hospital admissions pose the greatest risk to the cognitive health of older adults.
Speaking in EST

L'A. veut demontrer l'effet du travail de groupe sur l'aptitude orale des etudiants en classe d'anglais scientifique et technologique (AST). Ces classes ont generalement pour but de donner aux etudiants les moyens necessaires pour avoir acces aux informations en anglais dans leur domaine de travail et l'aptitude orale n'est pas placee au premier plan. La methode proposee peut compenser cette negligence