Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coenzyme Q at the Hinge of Health and Metabolic Diseases

Coenzyme Q is a unique lipidic molecule highly conserved in evolution and essential to maintaining aerobic metabolism. It is endogenously synthesized in all cells by a very complex pathway involving a group of nuclear genes that share high homology among species. This pathway is tightly regulated at transcription and translation, but also by environment and energy requirements. Here, we review how coenzyme Q reacts within mitochondria to promote ATP synthesis and also integrates a plethora of metabolic pathways and regulates mitochondrial oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q is also located in all cellular membranes and plasma lipoproteins in which it exerts antioxidant function, and its reaction with different extramitochondrial oxidoreductases contributes to regulate the cellular redox homeostasis and cytosolic oxidative stress, providing a key factor in controlling various apoptosis mechanisms. Coenzyme Q levels can be decreased in humans by defects in the biosynthesis pathway or by mitochondrial or cytosolic dysfunctions, leading to a highly heterogeneous group of mitochondrial diseases included in the coenzyme Q deficiency syndrome. We also review the importance of coenzyme Q levels and its reactions involved in aging and age-associated metabolic disorders, and how the strategy of its supplementation has had benefits for combating these diseases and for physical performance in aging.
Traversability Analysis of a Novel One-DOF Robotic Leg

In legged mobile robotics the most common approach is to design fully actuated legs with several degrees of freedom (DOF) in order to successfully navigate through rough terrains. However, simpler leg architectures with as few as one-DOF have been developed in the past to achieve the very same goal. The ability of these simpler legs to traverse uneven terrains is arguably limited with respect to multi-DOF designs, but in some applications the reduction of the DOF and hence, of the number of actuators, as well as the simplicity of the associated control could be a great advantage and the decisive argument. In this paper, the authors propose a novel one-DOF robotic leg that has been specially designed to achieve the greatest robustness possible with respect to the difficult terrains it has to traverse. In order to do that, a method to analyze and optimize any one-DOF robotic leg with respect to its ability to overcome obstacles is proposed here. This method is based on a simple and efficient novel technique to generate synthetic terrains combined with a simulation algorithm estimating the traversability of the particular one-DOF leg design under scrutiny. To illustrate the generality of the proposed method, it is used to design both an optimal leg with the architecture presented here for the first time and also, one with the most common one-DOF leg architecture found in the literature.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
New Media and Journalism: Assessing the Twitter using Patterns of Journalists

This study examines journalists’ Twitter using patterns and its relationship with attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control based on personal usage and professional usage. Twitter has become an important tool for journalists, not only for personal usage but also for professional usage. It provides a platform for fast communication. A quantitative research approach is deployed, and a survey of professional journalists (N=411) was conducted. The results of the survey indicate that Twitter using patterns of journalists have positive relationships with attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control.
Cross-Layer Design for UAV-Based Streaming Media Transmission

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based streaming media transmission may become unstable when the bit rate generated by the source load exceeds the channel capacity owing to the UAV location and speed change. The change of the location can affect the network connection, leading to reduced transmission rate; the change of the flying speed can increase the video payload due to more I-frames. To improve the transmission reliability, in this paper we design a Client-Server-Ground&User (C-S-G&U) framework, and propose an algorithm of splitting-merging stream (SMS) for multi-link concurrent transmission. We also establish multiple transport links and configure the routing rules for the cross-layer design. The multi-link transmission can achieve higher throughput and significantly smaller end-to-end delay than a single-link especially in a heavy load situation. The audio and video data are packaged into the payload by the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) before being transmitted over the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). The forward error correction (FEC) algorithm is implemented to promote the reliability of the UDP transmission, and an encryption algorithm to enhance security. In addition, we propose a Quality of Service (QoS) strategy so that the server and the user can control the UAV to adapt its transmission mode dynamically, according to the load, delay, and packet loss. Our design has been implemented on an engineering platform, whose efficacy has been verified through comprehensive experiments.
The State of Design

ABSTRACT This paper is the transcription of an opening speech delivered to the European Academy of Design's The Endless End conference on 4 May 2011 in Porto, Portugal. It examines the changing, and evolving, state of design in a postindustrial age. In particular, how a radical step-change, caused by intellectual technologies emerging from the Industrial Revolution, stimulated new systems of mass democratization that, in turn, were to transform our notions of individual freedom and social cohesion. In this context it considers design to be a key agent in the production and co-production of useful things and meaningful interactions with the latter gathering influence in a post-industrial society.
Influence of Prior Austenite Grain Size on the Dispersion of Fatigue Crack Propagation Thresholds in Weld Metal

Fatigue crack propagation threshold is an important property for the structures with long life, such as nuclear turbine welded rotor. The fatigue crack propagation thresholds of multi-layer, multi-pass SAW weld metal of nuclear turbine rotor simulate are tested. But a big dispersion is found among test values, even at the same stress ratio . The dispersion of critical points between stable propagation zone and near-threshold zone is confirmed as an important reason. After the observation of microstructures around the critical points by backward inference method in different specimens, a good correspondence between the sizes of prior austenite grains and the maximum sizes of monotonic plastic zone at the crack tip is established. The inhomogeneous microstructures in SAW weld metal are the basic cause to dispersion of fatigue crack propagation thresholds at the same stress ratio.
Smart sensor research at the French Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées

Highlights two works being carried out by the French Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussees in the field of smart sensors. The first concerns the knowledge of loads applied to bridges in order to evaluate extreme load effects and fatigue load effects over their lifetime. To achieve these goals, a data acquisition system based on smart sensors extracting and classifying extrema in the traffic loads signal has been developed. The second concerns distributed systems software cost reduction by means of a generic model. The aim of the model is the design of a software generator for smart sensor‐based systems. The key of the system is in the description of an instrumentation plan under the form of a data dependence graph (DDG). The goal of the generator is to map and “execute” that DDG on the physical architecture according to the number of transducers, their affectation to the smart sensors and a PC‐based system controller.
Available Transfer Capability Determination Incorporating Reactive Power Flows and Network Uncertainties under a Deregulated Environment

Abstract As deregulation unfolds and privatization of the power sector takes shape, a host of new technical challenges is generated to market participants and power system researchers. One of the key concepts is to quantify the remaining transfer capability in the supply system for further transactions, which is termed “available transfer capability. ” Generally, in available transfer capability determination using linear sensitivity factors, such as power transfer distribution factors, the effect of reactive power flow in lines is neglected. This leads to a number of potential errors in available transfer capability calculation, and accuracy is very much affected. The main contribution of this article is to describe a simple, fast, and non-iterative method that incorporates the effect of reactive power flow directly in available transfer capability determination. A new set of distribution factors, namely the apparent power transfer distribution factor for base-case operation and the line outage apparent power transfer distribution factor for contingency-case operation, has been introduced. Since the capability of a system is highly affected by network uncertainties, single-area available transfer capability and multi-area available transfer capability are estimated for the system uncertainties using the above factors. The validity of the proposed method has been tested on IEEE 30-bus system and a practical Indian utility 69-bus system. The accuracy of the proposed method is analyzed by comparing with Newton–Raphson load flow program results.
The implementation of a simple local matched load in FDTD computation of microstrip circuits

A kind of simple local matched load (LML) derived from the concept of unsplit PML is presented and implemented in the FDTD computation of microstrip circuits. Since it is used below the metal strip of the microstrip locally, it is convenient to fit the complex circuits that have multi-branch structures. The difference equations in LML have the same form with those in the background medium, so it is easy to implement. Two examples are given to test the effectiveness of LML. The computation results are compared with the results simulated by MS-office software and those in from IEEE Trans. on MTT, vol38, no.7, p.849-56, 1990.
Deep reactive ion etching: a promising technology for micro- and nanosatellites

We discuss deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) as a promising technology that can be readily applied in the micromanufacturing of low-thrust propulsion systems to be used on future generations of micro- and nanosatellites. This dry processing technique permits the fabrication of high-aspect-ratio silicon structures and intricate morphologies, both with tight tolerances, in a repetitive and controllable fashion that lightweight space vehicles will exploit with the introduction of smaller thrust components for precise maneuvering and attitude control. The etching approach described herein is counted among the present state of the art techniques utilized in the current trend toward miniaturization of sensors and actuators. This trend is being propelled by the increased technological capability as the enabling factor for size reduction. Scaling laws, especially the cube-square law, can be successfully applied for obtaining macropower from microdevices manufactured with the silicon technology that has developed for microelectronics applications, including DRIE. The application of this plasma etching technique in the fabrication and testing of silicon supersonic micronozzles is also described.
Modelling TDR response in heterogeneous composite materials

The use of time domain reflectometry (TDR) techniques for measuring the moisture content of composite materials is a mature art but usually makes assumptions about the homogeneity of the material, since the response of a parallel transmission line to transverse dielectric variation is non-linear. Further, because the electric field distribution depends on the moisture distribution within the material, an analytic solution to the sensitivity distribution in the transverse }ilane is impracticable, so numerical solutions are required. We describe an integral equation approach to model the response of the TDR system to a heterogeneous dielectric body. Then, in conjunction with a suitable dielectric model of the composite material, the TDR response to moisture content distribution may be quantified.
Harmonic Detection and Suppression of Frequency Doubling of Speed Measuring Radar Based on Closed-Loop Gain Control

This paper investigates the problem of frequency doubling with speed measuring radars. The main reason for it is that the gain of the reflected wave receiver cannot cope with all the possible waves reflected by cars of different distances away from the radar. Strong signals will saturate the receiver and generate harmonics which interferes with the speed measuring. Based on this, a harmonic detection and frequency doubling suppression method is developed in this paper and the effectiveness of the method is verified by experimental results.
Antecedents and enablers of supply chain agility and its effect on performance: a dynamic capabilities perspective

This paper investigates the fundamental building blocks of supply chain agility, which are conceptualised as supply- and demand-side competence. While the former refers to production and supply management related activities, the latter refers to distribution and demand management related activities. The model further assesses the influence of supply chain agility on operational performance, as well as its mediating role in the relationship between supply- and demand-side competence and performance. Within this framework, process compliance, i.e. how well supply chain management processes are internally executed by the firm's employees, is viewed as an enabler (moderator) on the relationship between supply chain competencies and supply chain agility. Theoretical substantiation is provided by the resource-based view of the firm augmented with the dynamic capabilities perspective. The model is tested with data from 121 supply chain management professionals. Implications for both academic theory development and supply chain and production management practice are provided.
Experimental Study of Factors That Affect Thermal Comfort in an Upward-Displacement Air-Conditioned Room

Experiments were carried out to determine the effect of an underfloor air-conditioning system on comfort. The four factors evaluated were the type of outlet, the distance between the outlet and the occupant, the velocity of the supply air, and the temperature of supply air. It was found that the distance between occupant and outlet has a significant influence on thermal comfort, the velocity and temperature of the supply air have a moderate influence, and the type of outlet has little influence. Recommended values of these factors were developed that would achieve thermal comfort. The results provide reference data on air distribution in underfloor air-conditioned rooms.
Compact triple‐band dual‐polarized microstrip patch antenna for wireless applications

A compact and simple structure antenna with triple‐band and dual‐polarized for wireless local‐area network (WLAN), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), and UWB applications is presented. This antenna consists of a microstrip feed line, a square annular slot and two embedded inverted L‐shaped slots. The dimensions of the proposed antenna are 40 × 40 × 1.5 mm3. Based on the −10‐dB return loss, the operating bands can be used in 2.4 GHz with circular polarization for WLAN, 3.8 GHz for WiMAX, and 6.2–8.3 GHz (28% at the operating frequency of 7.1 GHz) for UWB with linear polarization. Both experimental and simulated results show that the antenna is a good candidate for WLAN, WiMAX, and UWB applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:778–783, 2014
Investor Activity in Chinese Financial Institutions: A Precursor to Economic Sustainability

One requirement for sustainable economic development is established, trusted, and utilized financial institutions to facilitate investment. The rapid development of financial markets in China, combined with the recency and magnitude of middle-class wealth, has resulted in a rapidly changing investment landscape, as well as changes in people’s investing activities. The extent to which economic growth is sustainable will depend, at least in part, on how financial institutions are perceived, as well as the extent to which they are utilized. The objective of this study was to examine the investment behaviors of individual investors as a way to ascertain the perceived level of trust and stability in the relatively recently developed financial institutions. The influence of market information acquisition on asset allocation and value investment in China was analyzed. This study used secondary data from a China securities corporation from previous research. The analyses utilized the general decision-making style test to assess respondents’ decision-making models and quantitative research methodology culminating in the use of correlation analysis. The results indicated that the acquisition of market information had a positive correlation with the number of assets and investment portfolios. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are provided. The results may be of interest to individual and institutional investors in China, as well as those with an interest in current trends in market information acquisition, asset allocation, and value investment in China.
Evaluation Of Combustion Toxicity From Various Materials Using A New Testing Apparatus

The Building Research Institute is developing an apparatus for toxicity testing of building materials. The toxicity of combustion products of typical materials are evaluated by animal exposure tests using the new apparatus. The weights of the materials when generating combustion products sufficient to cause incapacitation of mice under given exposure conditions (steady state) are obtained and combined with the time to incapacitation. It is shown that the relative degrees of toxicities of combustion products of materials may be expressed by those values (ECT).
Anthropomorphic Optimization of a Rope-Driven Prosthetic Finger

In consideration of the importance of the prosthetic finger having the motion law of human finger. We first establish the relationship between spring stiffness and joint angles of the prosthetic finger through the analysis of the prosthetic finger kinematic. Then collect the joint angles of human index finger during natural bending by using the CyberGloveII-22 data glove. Based on this, an anthropomorphic optimization method is proposed in order to let the prosthetic dinger have the motion law of human index finger. The method in this paper can also be used to plan the trajectory of the finger.
Flexible 640 x 480 pixel infrared camera module for fast prototyping

In various military, space and civilian infrared-based applications, there is an important need for fast prototyping. At the very heart, stands a requirement for flexible camera modules that provides a multitude of output formats as well as fast adaptability. Based on this concept, INO has developed an advanced compact camera module that can provide both raw data output as well as fully processed images under a variety of formats such as NTSC, PAL, VGA and GigE. This tool can be used to perform a rapid demonstration of an application concept. The IRXCam-640 camera core is a very flexible module that is based on a 640 x 480 pixels uncooled FPA but which may be rapidly modified to accommodate for other resolutions and sensor types. Providing 16-bit raw signal and 8-bit final image outputs at 60 Hz, the electronics gives total access to the detector configuration parameters. The output is available in NTSC, PAL, and GigE. An additional VGA output can be used as input for a microdisplay. TECless operation minimizes module size and power consumption. If required for absolute measurements, a TEC integrated to the detector package can be controlled with external electronics. The camera core can be configured for outdoors operation from -30°C to +60°C with 200°C scene dynamic range at maximum sensitivity. Windowing capability provides flexibility of frame frequency and operating field of view. The camera can be further coupled with a microscan mechanism to provide a high resolution 1280 x 960 pixel image. In this paper, the camera module is reviewed as well as its performances.
Parameters Affecting Braking Energy Recuperation Rate in DC Rail Transit

Rail systems are well-known for their energy efficiency. Energy resources used in mass rail transit systems is predominantly electricity around the world. Energy consumption of a wide mass rail transit network operator in a city can easily be the biggest electricity consumer of the city. Therefore, it is very important that the efficiency is increased. This is also an essential requirement for sustainable development. Some trains used in mass transit systems are equipped with regenerative braking. This allows trains to brake in regenerative mode and feed the other trains on the line, if there is a demand. Researches showed that up to 40% of the total traction energy consumption could be supplied by this regenerative braking energy, if it is 100% used. This usage rate depends on many different parameters such as train operation frequency (headway), train-set auxilary power consumption rate, nominal braking acceleration rate, braking effort vs. velocity curve of trains. Power system configuration such as substation locations and distances, catenary system resistance, and nominal power feeding voltage level has also considerable effect on recuperation rate. In the paper, some of these parameters’ impacts will be examined with the help of a multi-train, multi-line DC rail system simulator. The results will be given in comparison tables and discussed. Lastly, new emerging technologies such as flywheels and super capacitors to capture the un-used braking energy will be briefly given.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Therapeutic Effect of Banana Flower (Banana Male Bud) on Diabetic Rats

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of four concentrations of dried banana male bud (DBMB) on blood glucose level in male diabetic rats. Thirty male albino rats were divided into two main groups; first group: as control negative (n=5) and second group: diabetic rats (n=25), divided into five equal subgroups as follows: diabetic untreated rats (as control positive), diabetic rats treated with 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% DBMB. Results of the biological study revealed that injection rats with alloxan exhibited hyperglycemia and elevation in lipid profile (cholesterol, triacylglycerol & VLDL-c), liver enzymes aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST & ALT), and kidney function (uric acid & urea nitrogen). Treatment with the four levels of DBMB revealed gradual improvement in serum glucose, triacylglycerol, VLDL-c and all the other parameters when compared to untreated diabetic group. The most pronounced improvement was in the treated group that received the highest level of DBMB. The histopathological examination of liver, kidney and pancreas tissues confirmed this improvement at treatment with 10% DBMB. Fortified pan bread with 5% DBMB showed the best results in most of the sensory properties. In conclusion, the present Ibrahim S. Salem, Ahmed A. Ameen and Mona S. Mohammed 90 study illustrates that DBMB has potent hypoglycemic activity and can be used as a supplement in the diet of diabetics.