Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical Compounds, Antitumor and Antimicrobial Activities of Dry Ethanol Extracts from Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm

Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. is used in traditional medicine and has various established biological activities, however, the species is considered to be a potentially invasive alien tree species for Bulgarian flora. However, there is still much to be studied about the phytochemical and biological characteristics of the species. The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition of the ethanol extracts of aerial plant parts, by GC-MS analysis, and to thereby evaluate their in vitro antitumor and antibacterial properties. All three extracts were tested against the HT-29 and PC3 tumor cell lines using the MTT assay. Fifty-six components were identified from leaf, flower, and stem bark extracts, and over 10% were the following constituents: pyrogallol, α-terpinyl acetate, neryl acetate, and α-terpinyl isobutanoate. The oxygenated monoterpenes predominated in the extracts, followed by the oxygenated aliphatics and phenylpropanoids. Significant antiproliferative activity on the HT-29 cell line (IC50–21.44 µg/mL and 23.63 µg/mL, respectively) was found for the flower and leaf extracts. Antibacterial activity was established for the following bacteria strains: Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Bacillus cereus NCTC 10320, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 6027, and Proteus vulgaris ATCC 6380. The stem bark and flower extracts showed better antimicrobial potential. K. paniculata could be considered as a potential source of biologically active substances with antitumor and antibacterial properties.
Safety of Vitamin D Food Fortification and Supplementation: Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies

The safety considerations of food-based solutions for vitamin D deficiency prevention, such as fortification and supplementation, are critical. On the basis of collective data from 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 20 national healthy surveys, as well as prospective cohort studies (PCSs) across the ODIN project (“Food-based solutions for optimal vitamin D nutrition and health through the life cycle”, FP7-613977), we analyzed the potential safety issues arising from vitamin D intakes and/or supplementation. These adverse consequences included high serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25(OH)D) concentrations (>125 nmol/L), high serum calcium concentrations, and vitamin D intakes in excess of the tolerable upper intake levels (ULs). In the RCTs (n = 3353, with vitamin D doses from 5–175 µg/day), there were no reported adverse effects. The prevalence of high S-25(OH)D was <10% when vitamin D supplements were administered, and <0.1% for fortified foods. Elevated serum calcium was observed among <0.5% in both administration types. No ODIN RCT participants exceeded the age-specific ULs. In observational studies (n = 61,082), the prevalence of high 25(OH)D among children/adolescents, adults, and older adults was <0.3%, with no evidence of adverse effects. In conclusion, high S-25(OH)D concentrations >125 nmol/L were rare in the RCTs and PCSs, and no associated adverse effects were observed.
A monolithic HEMT-HBT direct-coupled amplifier with active input matching

We have achieved the first active input matching of a monolithic microwave integrated circuit through the use of a common-gate (CG) HEMT directly coupled to the input of an HBT Darlington feedback amplifier. The HEMT and HBT devices were monolithically integrated on the same chip using selective MBE. This circuit features an active impedance match technique that eliminates the need for large microstrip matching components. The novel amplifier obtains greater than 10-dB gain over a DC-5 GHz band, a maximum IP3 of 27 dBm, and a minimum noise figure of 3.7 dB. In comparison with a HBT-only Darlington feedback design, the employment of the CG HEMT results in a 6-dB improvement in IP3 and a 1.5-2 dB reduction in noise figure. By adjusting the common-gate HEMT bias, the input return-loss can be tuned for near ideal 50 /spl Omega/ match (>20 dB). The actively matched HEMT-HBT amplifier demonstrates an active circuit technique, which can reduce the chip area and cost of HEMT-HBT MMICs while improving their performance.
Reduction of Energy Consumption by AC due to Air Tightness and Ventilation Strategy in Residences in Hot and Humid Climates

Abstract This paper proposes strategies for reducing energy consumption for cooling in residences in hot and humid climates. Based on the results of fieldwork measurements and questionnaire surveys, a simulation of indoor thermal environments in consideration of air conditioner operation was carried out, in order to evaluate energy consumption by air conditioners. This simulation program takes into account both heat and moisture transfer in building materials. In order to simplify the calculation and due to lack of measurement of ventilation volumes, the ventilation volumes are assumed as constant values depending on open or closed windows. The combined effects of building air-tightness and the opening time of windows for ventilation were examined. Making an entire building airtight results in a small reduction in energy consumption, as the air-conditioned area increases. Meanwhile, simply making an air-conditioned room airtight is more effective for reducing cooling energy consumption. Irrespective of this, nighttime ventilation of non-air-conditioned spaces is quite effective in reducing sensible cooling load. Thus, introduction of not only a high degree of insulation but also air-tightness along with well controlled ventilation is required to achieve energy savings in hot and humid climates.
Short or Long Memory Estimators

Abstract This paper contributes to the question of how to choose estimator memory length in system identification. Traditional approaches to this problem have been based on stationary models for parameter time variations. This leads to a fixed trade-off between the “size” of parameter variations and the “size” of noise. However, in practice, one often experiences non-stationary parameter behaviour. The latter problem leads to the desirability of some form of time varying estimator memory. In particular, a short memory is desirable when rapid parameter changes occur. However, a long memory is desirable when infrequent parameters change occur so as to give maximal noise discrimination. The current paper discusses these issues at a conceptual rather than theoretical level. We illustrate the ideas by reference to parameter estimation in zinc galvanizing lines.
The Genetic Basis of Anthocyanin Acylation in North American Grapes (Vitis spp.)

Hydroxycinnamylated anthocyanins (or simply ‘acylated anthocyanins’) increase color stability in grape products, such as wine. Several genes that are relevant for anthocyanin acylation in grapes have been previously described; however, control of the degree of acylation in grapes is complicated by the lack of genetic markers quantitatively associated with this trait. To characterize the genetic basis of anthocyanin acylation in grapevine, we analyzed the acylation ratio in two closely related biparental families, Vitis rupestris B38 × ‘Horizon’ and ‘Horizon’ × Illinois 547-1, for 2 and 3 years, respectively. The acylation ratio followed a bimodal and skewed distribution in both families, with repeatability estimates larger than 0.84. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping with amplicon-based markers (rhAmpSeq) identified a strong QTL from ‘Horizon’ on chromosome 3, near 15.85 Mb in both families and across years, explaining up to 85.2% of the phenotypic variance. Multiple candidate genes were identified in the 14.85–17.95 Mb interval, in particular, three copies of a gene encoding an acetyl-CoA-benzylalcohol acetyltransferase-like protein within the two most strongly associated markers. Additional population-specific QTLs were found in chromosomes 9, 10, 15, and 16; however, no candidate genes were described. The rhAmpSeq markers reported here, which were previously shown to be highly transferable among the Vitis genus, could be immediately implemented in current grapevine breeding efforts to control the degree of anthocyanin acylation and improve the quality of grapes and their products.
Experiment of boost motor driver with EDLCS

A boost motor driver with electric double layer capacitors is proposed. The driver capable of boosting the DC link voltage has two advantages over conventional boost motor drivers. The first is that they can reduce an input power peak. The second is that they can utilise large regenerative energy. It is experimentally verified that the driver boosts the DC link voltage stably and has good performance featuring these advantages.
Design of hybrid refractive-diffractive objective lens of head-mounted projective displays

Based on the requirements of the modern head-mounted display on the image quality, distortion, size and weight, we design a diffractive-refractive objective lens for the head-mounted projective display with the field of view of 50 degree, exit pupil diameter of 10mm, effective focal length of 20mm and 1.3 inch micro-display. It is shown that the designed optical system, comparing with the traditional ones, has smaller size, lighter weight and compacter structure with better aberrations performance. With the other unique properties such as the ability of allowing correct occlusion of real and virtual objects in augmented environments, the depth perception of the objects in real scene, independent viewpoints and no crosstalk in multi-user environments, the designed system has a potential applications in collaborative environments, wearable computers and visualization training.
Three-phase interleaved high-step-up converter with coupled-inductor-based voltage quadrupler

This paper proposes a high-efficient DC-DC solution with the features of galvanic isolation, high-voltage gain, zero voltage switching operation, low input current ripple and high-power density. The converter is implemented by a three-phase coupled inductor bridge to remove the bulky input electrolytic capacitors. The introduced active clamp circuit recycles the energy stored in the leakage inductance and absorbs the voltage spikes on the main switch voltage. The series configuration with a voltage doubler at the second side contributes to a high-voltage gain and reduces the voltage stress across the rectifier devices. The output diode reverse-recovery problem is naturally mitigated by the leakage inductance of the coupled inductors. Moreover, the active control with a neutral-point potential balance and a phase-deficient operation of the proposed converter are also studied. A converter prototype is designed and evaluated to verify the theoretical analysis and demonstrate a superior performance over the prior studies.
Dynamic Performance Analysis of Extended Range/Plug-In Electric Bus

A new type powertrain system architecture for city electric bus was introduced, which combines the function of Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (P-HEV). Five driving modes were designed and its dynamics were analyzed. Numerical method on dynamics was proposed. The dynamic performance parameter of five drive modes were calculated and analyzed. The results indicate that the dynamic performance reaches the limit value at full drive mode and meet the requirement of city bus.
Effects of multiple electrode pairs on the performance of a micromixer using dc-biased ac electro-osmosis

Recently, ac electro-osmosis (ACEO) has attracted intensive attention due to its capabilities of pumping and mixing enhancement with relatively low voltages. In this paper, we report the effects of electrode arrangement on the performance of a micromixer using dc-biased ACEO with respect to flow rate and ac frequency. The mixer consists of two inlet channels and a straight main microchannel with gold electrode pairs deposited on its bottom, and utilizes asymmetric vortex flows generated by dc-biased ACEO for mixing. The results indicate that there is significant dependence of mixing performance on the number of electrode pairs, especially for different flow rates. For example, the single electrode pair resulted in the best mixing performance at the highest flow rate of 9 µL min−1 (average velocity of 2.5 cm s−1) while three or four electrode pairs provided the maximum mixing performance for the flow rate lower than 4 µL min−1 (4.11 cm s−1). Also, we found that a mixing index of 95% can be achieved by using three electrode pairs while a single electrode pair leads to a mixing index of 85% for a given condition.
A novel electromagnetically coupled microstrip antenna with a rotatable patch for personal handy-phone system units

In this paper, we propose a novel electromagnetically coupled microstrip antenna with a rotatable patch to overcome the problems associated with the conventional whip antenna for the personal handy-phone system (PHS). The structure of the newly developed antenna installed in actual PHS units is described. Its fundamental characteristics such as radiation pattern, bandwidth, and gain are shown. The performance of the antenna in actual propagation environments is also clarified. It is shown that this novel antenna is superior to the conventional whip antenna and achieves efficient performance in commercial PHS service.
Hydrological and Fiscal Impacts of Residential Development: Virginia Case Study

This study examined hydrological and fiscal effects of residential growth patterns in Virginia. Eleven scenarios that consider a fixed increase in population and vary housing arrangement within a tract ~tract form! , tract arrangement within the watershed ~tract pattern! , and shared open space land cover were examined. The analytical tools included a geographic information system, a statistical land value model, tract development budgets, and a hydrological model ~HSPF! Low density development has the greatest hydrological impact due to highest per capita impervious area. Varying tract form has more impact on land values and tax receipts than varying tract pattern. Low density development has the highest increase in revenues net of public sewer, water, and education ~bus transportation! costs. Higher density settlements reduce hydrological impacts but bear a high cost to local governments in reduced property tax revenues.
The mediator role of learning capability and business innovativeness between total quality management and financial performance

The concept of total quality management (TQM) has attracted many researchers from a variety of disciplines. In particular, the literature has addressed the impact of TQM on a firm’s operations and performance. However, disparate perspectives on the relationship between TQM and a firm’s financial performance have emerged. In this paper, we suggest an interconnected relationship among TQM, organisational learning capability (OLC), business innovativeness, and a firm’s financial performance and propose that OLC and business innovativeness mediate the relationship between TQM and a firm’s financial performance. By studying 193 firms in Turkey, we found that: (1) TQM affects OLC and a firm’s business innovativeness, (2) OLC influences a firm’s business innovativeness and (3) a firm’s business innovativeness affects its financial performance. Also, we found that OLC and business innovativeness in a firm mediate the relationship between TQM and the firm’s financial performance.
Adaptive Driving Speed Guiding to Avoid Red Traffic Lights

This paper proposed anAdaptive Driving Speed Guiding (ADSG) concept, which can assist drivers to avoid red traffic lights and thus improve the driving efficiency. The functional workflow of ADSG is defined and a smartphone based system compositionis designed. In order to figure outa legal, feasible and efficient guidance speed, 2 algorithms are designed, simulated and evaluated in the paper. After the evaluation a control strategy is raised, which combines the advantages of the 2 algorithms.
A Machine Learning Approach to Predicting Diabetes Complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is considered to be life-threatening. It can affect any part of the body over time, resulting in serious complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. In this work, several supervised classification algorithms were applied for building different models to predict and classify eight diabetes complications. The complications include metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, neuropathy, nephropathy, diabetic foot, hypertension, obesity, and retinopathy. For this study, a dataset collected by the Rashid Center for Diabetes and Research (RCDR) located in Ajman, UAE, was utilized. The dataset consists of 884 records with 79 features. Some essential preprocessing steps were applied to handle the missing values and unbalanced data problems. Furthermore, feature selection was performed to select the top five and ten features for each complication. The final number of records used to train and build the binary classifiers for each complication was as follows: 428—metabolic syndrome, 836—dyslipidemia, 223—neuropathy, 233—nephropathy, 240—diabetic foot, 586—hypertension, 498—obesity, 228—retinopathy. Repeated stratified k-fold cross-validation (with k = 10 and a total of 10 repetitions) was employed for a better estimation of the performance. Accuracy and F1-score were used to evaluate the models’ performance reaching a maximum of 97.8% and 97.7% for accuracy and F1-scores, respectively. Moreover, by comparing the performance achieved using different attributes’ sets, it was found that by using a selected number of features, we can still build adequate classifiers.
Optimum eigenfilters and matched filters

The authors propose three criteria for maximising the signal-to-noise ratio in detecting a signal in noise. In the stochastic case, the optimal filter maximising the average power of the signal to the average power of the noise is an eigenfilter, and is usually considered as the stochastic counterpart of the matched filter. This interpretation is inexact. However, the optimum eigenfilter can be viewed as a filter matched to the principal component of the signal's power spectral density. A fast, efficient technique for the computation of the optimum eigenfilter is proposed. Simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Atmospheric and snow nitrate isotope systematics at Summit, Greenland: the reality of the post-depositional effect

Abstract. The effect of post–depositional processing on the preservation of snow nitrate isotopes at Summit, Greenland remains a subject of debate which hinders the interpretations of ice–core nitrate concentrations and isotope records. Here we present the first year–round observations of atmospheric aerosol nitrate and its isotopic compositions at Summit, and compare them with published surface snow and snowpack observations. The atmospheric δ15N(NO3–) remained negative throughout the year, ranging from –3.1 ‰ to –47.9 ‰ with a mean of (–14.8 ± 7.3) ‰, and displayed no apparent seasonality that is different from the distinct seasonal δ15N(NO3–) variations observed in snowpack. The spring average aerosol δ15N(NO3–) was (–17.9 ± 8.3) ‰, significantly depleted compared to snowpack spring average of (4.6 ± 2.1) ‰, with surface snow δ15N(NO3–) of (–6.8 ± 0.5) ‰ that is in between. The differences in aerosol, surface snow and snowpack δ15N(NO3–) are best explained by the photo-driven post–depositional processing of snow nitrate, with potential contributions from fractionation during nitrate deposition. In contrast to δ15N(NO3–), the atmospheric Δ17O(NO3–) was of similar seasonal pattern and magnitude of change to that in snowpack, suggesting little to no changes in Δ17O(NO3–) from photolysis, consistent with previous modeling results. The atmospheric δ18O(NO3–) varied similarly as atmospheric Δ17O(NO3–), with summer low and winter high values. However, the difference between atmospheric and snow δ18O(NO3–) was larger than that of Δ17O(NO3–), and the linear relationships between δ18O/Δ17O(NO3–) were different for atmospheric and snowpack samples. This suggests the oxygen isotopes are also affected before preservation in the snow at Summit, but the degree of change for δ18O(NO3–) is larger than that of Δ17O(NO3–) given that photolysis is a mass-dependent process.
Functional handmade minions - consumers and experienced tasters sensory evaluation of the new product

The study examines consumer sensory preferences of 12 different handmade pastry products in the form of minions, made of rice and flaxseed flour, tapioca starch with natural taste ingredients and with addition of prebiotic (inulin), herbs and other ingredients. The sensory evaluation was performed by professionals (experienced tasters). Preferred minion flavour was tested at group of 324 consumers (hotel guests) of different nationality. ANOVA and t-test were performed to reveal differences in attitudes related to socio-demographic characteristics of the consumers. Also, determination of taste preferences according to consumer nationality was examined as an additional consumer care aspect. The evaluation of equality of the samples? average rates, as well as the groups of minions, is done by parametric or nonparametric model of variance analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied in order to group the investigated minions regarding their sensory properties, while the sum of ranking differences (SRD) was used to determine the minions with the best sensory properties. Consumers and experienced tasters have almost the same opinion about the sensory quality of minions, which indicates that assessment of the consumer can be considered as a representative opinion in the near future. Such functional food - minions could be widely used as a substitute for the most common commercial sweets rich in sugar and fat.
Novel Step-Up Topologies of Zigzag Autotransformer

Zigzag autotransformer is widely used in multi-pulse rectifier system. However, the traditional zigzag autotransformer does not have the step-up function. Meanwhile, by improving the zigzag autotransformer structure, the output voltage can be increased without additional auxiliary components. Therefore, based on the 12 pulse rectifier system, this paper analyzes and designs three zigzag autotransformer step-up topologies, establishes the corresponding mathematical topology, studies the relationship between the transformation ratio and system main parameters, and deduces the step-up range of the three topologies. When the transformation ratio is greater than or equal to 1.0353 and less than 2.0705 and when the transformation ratio is greater than or equal to 2.0705, the equivalent capacity of the three topologies are compared. Based on the comparison, the optimal topology is obtained in different cases. Finally, according to the theoretical analysis, the simulation parameters are set, the simulation circuit is built, and the results are analyzed combined with corresponding mathematical topologies.
Intelligent imaging systems for automotive applications

In common with many other application areas, visual signals are becoming an increasingly important information source for many automotive applications. For several years CCD cameras have been used as research tools for a range of automotive applications. Infrared cameras, RADAR and LIDAR are other types of imaging sensors that have also been widely investigated for use in cars. This paper will describe work in this field performed in C2VIP over the last decade - starting with Night Vision Systems and looking at various other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Emerging from this experience, we make the following observations which are crucial for "intelligent’ imaging systems: 1. Careful arrangement of sensor array. 2. Dynamic-Self-Calibration. 3. Networking and processing. 4. Fusion with other imaging sensors, both at the image level and the feature level, provides much more flexibility and reliability in complex situations. We will discuss how these problems can be addressed and what are the outstanding issues.