Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benefits and Privacy Concerns of a Home Equipped with a Visual Sensing System: A Perspective from Older Adults

Monitoring technology has the potential to allow older adults to remain in their homes longer than may otherwise be possible. However, often this monitoring technology captures images which may cause privacy concerns, especially when these images are captured in a home environment. We used Likert scales within a structured interview to investigate privacy concerns in an aware or smart home environment. Specifically, we were interested in how the type of image that was captured and the level of functioning of the person being monitored affected privacy concerns in a home environment. The data suggest that both device type as well as level of functioning affect privacy concerns in a variety of situations, providing the first evidence that certain privacy concerns are not independent of situation variables.
A RISC-microcontroller based photovoltaic system for illumination applications

This work presents the development of a solar powered public illumination system used for a waste recycle campaign in the city of Sao Paulo (Brazil). A lighting pole is installed in a street for area illumination. It has a translucent sign vinyl which shines in the sun and glows at night with fluorescent lamps; there are stainless steel receptacles used as recycle trash bin collectors at the base of the pole. The intented use of such a photovoltaic array to power the glassy advertisement works as a way of bringing solar energy into daily use, and to encourage companies in funding local recycle awareness campaigns. Solar energy is captured by a photovoltaic solar panel and delivered into a lead-acid battery through a flyback converter. The converter also performs the function of tracking the maximum power operating conditions. At night, a resonant push-pull current-fed inverter drives a fluorescent lamp. The system is controlled by a RISC PIC16C74 microcontroller, which searches the maximum power point by commanding the flyback converter with a hill-climbing algorithm, monitors the battery energy level, and turns on the fluorescent inverter with a real-time internal clock. Serial communication is provided for connection to a portable computer, which is used for battery life management and time clock settings. The paper shows the implementation of the whole system and describes comprehensive field tests.
Compact and broad-band millimeter-wave monolithic transformer balanced mixers

Three broad-band miniature monolithic transformer singly balanced diode mixers for operation in the microwave and millimeter-wave bands are reported in this paper. The coupled-line equivalent models are used to synthesize the initial design of these transformers up to 50 GHz. The first one is a broad-band spiral transformer mixer, and the second one is a 21-GHz Marchand-type transformer mixer. These two mixers with chip sizes around 0.29 mm/sup 2/ exhibit bandwidths of 105% and 54.5%, respectively. We also propose a 30-GHz single-coiled transformer mixer, which has comparable performance with the first two mixers and reduced chip size. The single-coiled transformer mixer achieves a bandwidth of 100% with the chip size smaller than 0.25mm/sup 2/. In order to save chip area, all these transformers provide broad-band matching to the diodes directly. To the authors' knowledge, these mixers achieve the widest bandwidths with the smallest chip sizes among all passive balanced mixers using monolithic-microwave integrated-circuit processes in dc-40-GHz frequency range.
Efficient resonant power conversion

The DC analysis of a series-resonant converter operating above resonant frequency is presented. The results are used to analyze the current form factor and its effect on the efficiency. The selection of the switching frequency to maximize the efficiency is considered. The derived expressions are generalized and can be applied to calculations in any of the switching modes for a series-resonant circuit. For switching frequencies higher than the resonant frequency, an area of more efficient operation is indicated which will aid in the design of this class of converters and power supplies. It is pointed out that (especially for power MOSFETs where ohmic losses dominate) it is more attractive to select switching frequencies that are higher than the resonant frequency because of the possibility of nondissipative snubbers. Slowing down the rise of the gate voltage and, hence, the slow decrease of ON resistance during turn-on is also not a drawback to high-frequency switching. Because of this safer operation, the standard intrinsic diode of the power MOSFET could be used at high frequencies instead of the more expensive FREDFET. >
Different group of non‐obstructive intermittent azoospermias among non‐obstructive azoospermia patients: A ten‐year retrospective cohort study with control group

We have identified patients among non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) cases in whom spermatozoa could not be detected despite treatment, but intermittent ejaculatory spermatozoon was found in their follow‐up. NOA was observed in the retrospective screening at a rate of 15.35% among infertile men (n = 1976/12,871), while non‐obstructive intermittent azoospermia (NO‐IA) was detected at a rate of 6.8% among NO‐IA (n = 135/1976) and 1.1% among all infertile men (n = 135/12,871). Spermatozoon was identified in the form of cryptospermia or extreme oligospermia in 58.13 (13.6–92.3) weeks on average in n = 55/135 patients among NO‐IA. Pregnancy and live birth were achieved at a rate of 43.6% (n = 24/55) and 29% (n = 16/55), respectively, in intracytoplasmic sperm injection. NO‐IA was composed of a group with no genetic pathological diagnosis, with lower follicle‐stimulating hormone, lutenizing hormone and clinical varicocele rates compared with those of NOA (<0.05) and higher testicular volumes and pathological scores (<0.05). A major activity was observed in total testosterone, lutenizing hormone, testicular volumes and the logistic regression of pathological scores (<0.05).
Immunoproteasome modulates NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated neuroinflammation under cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion conditions

Compelling evidence showed that both nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor family, pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes and the immunoproteasome participate in neuroinflammatory responses in cerebral ischaemia injury. Moreover, inhibition of either NLRP3 inflammasomes or the immunoproteasome attenuates both neuroinflammation and neurological deterioration during ischaemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanism between the immunoproteasome and NLRP3 inflammasomes under ischaemic stroke conditions remains to be established. In this study, using both in vitro and in vivo ischaemic models, we demonstrated that the immunoproteasome inhibition reduced the expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome‐associated proteins, including NLRP3, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein (ASC), caspase‐1 and mature cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐1β and IL‐18). It also downregulated the levels of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and pyroptotic‐ and apoptotic‐related proteins, and improved cell viability. In addition, inhibition of NF‐κB by the small molecule inhibitor Bay‐11‐7082 led to lower levels of NLRP3 inflammasomes and cleaved caspase‐1 proteins in BV2 cells after oxygen‐glucose deprivation and reoxygenation. Together, these findings suggest that the immunoproteasome may be responsible for inducing the expression and activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes via the NF‐κB pathway. Therapeutic interventions that target activation of the immunoproteasome/NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway may provide novel prospects for the future treatment of ischaemic stroke.
Optimizing Passenger Train Services: A Model and a Genetic Algorithm Solution

Planning for passenger train services plays a vitally important strategic role in railway transportation. The objective of such planning is to achieve maximum net revenue for the rail operator whilst maximizing some specified functions of overall community benefit. However, there usually exists a trade-off between attracting passenger traffic and reducing operating costs. This paper puts forward a non-linear integer-programming model to optimize that trade-off. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) is introduced to solve the optimization problem efficiently. The model is described in the paper, together with the solution method. The paper also gives an example application of the proposed model by designing a passenger train service plan for China’s GuangShen quasi-high-speed railway. The solution process is outlined in detail. A GA was found to be an effective technique to solve the stated transportation optimization problem. The procedure adopted here allows for practical considerations to be taken into account by providing a range of sub-optimal solutions in addition to the global optimal solution.
The validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of engagement in healthy ageing

Background/aim A long life to be spent in a healthy, independent and vigorous way is one of humanity’s biggest dreams. This is the engagement of individuals in healthy ageing processes. This study was carried out to conduct the Turkish validity and reliability study of the “Engagement in Healthy Ageing Scale” developed by Menichetti, Bonanomi, and Graffigna [3] to determine the engagement of individuals in healthy ageing and their experiences with healthy ageing. Materials and methods The quantitative research design was used in the study and descriptive findings were presented. Personal information form and the “Engagement in Healthy Ageing Scale” were used in the study’s data collection. In addition, the “Health Seeking Behaviour Scale”, and the “Self-Efficacy Scale” were used to conduct context validity. The data of the study were analysed with the help of SPSS and the LISREL package program. Results It was determined that the goodness of fit index values of the Engagement in Healthy Ageing Scale, which was adapted into Turkish, showed good fit and acceptable fit. To test the context validity, the correlational relationship of the Engagement in Healthy Ageing Promotion Scale with the Health Seeking Behaviour and Self-Efficacy scales were examined. As a result of the correlation analysis, it was determined that there is a positive relationship between engagement in healthy ageing and health-seeking behaviour and self-efficacy. Conclusion As a result of the research, it was determined that the Engagement in Healthy Aging Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool in Turkish culture (Appendix).
Applying the Theory of Constraints in the Course of Process Improvement

Applying the Theory of Constraints in the Course of Process Improvement Theory of constraints (TOC) is about thinking in logical, systematic, or structured processes similar to the PDCA learning loop. It is about analyzing cause and effect, verifying basic assumptions, exploring alternatives and process improvement. The goal of TOC is to maximize the efficiency of a process selectively at the most critical points and thereby maximize profitability, quality, or other corporate objectives. This paper include basic theoretical information about TOC and following application during process improvement. This paper was realised with VEGA support No. 1/0229/08 Perspectives of quality management development in coherence with requirements of Slovak republic market.
Indoor positioning using FM radio signals

Location based services are becoming an indispensable part of the life. Wide adoption of the Global Positioning System in mobile devices, combined with Wi-Fi and cellular networks, have practically solved the problem of outdoor localization and opened a new market. This, however, is the case only for outdoors. There are numerous areas of ubiquitous computing, which require the knowledge of user position indoors. Awareness of user's location is important in such areas as smart environments, assisted daily living, behaviour analysis studies. Over the past years, a significant effort has been dedicated to development of indoor localization systems. The results vary in characteristics, performance, and cost. Despite the effort, the existing indoor positioning systems are still limited: they either require expensive infrastructure (UWB, ultrasound), have limited coverage (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, DECT) or low accuracy (cellular networks). The cost of commercial systems is prohibitive for their wide adoption (Ubisense). The main objective of this thesis was to determine the feasibility of indoor positioning using FM radio signals, generated either by local transmitters or by broadcasting FM stations. The performance of FM localization cannot be simply predicted from other technologies, such as Wi-Fi or GSM, due to significantly lower frequencies (around 100~MHz vs. units of GHz) leading to differences in signal propagation. Moreover, FM represents a popular and well-established technology, readily available in many mobile devices. At the infrastructure side, broadcasting FM stations provide almost ubiquitous coverage, while short-range FM transmitters are available license-free from conventional electronics markets. The results indicate that indoor positioning using broadcasting FM stations outperforms in terms of accuracy both Wi-Fi and GSM indoor localization systems (for confidence levels up to 90% and in all cases, respectively). Due to the passive nature of the client devices, the system can be used in sensitive areas where local radio transmission, such as Wi-Fi or GSM, is prohibited for safety or security reasons. Finally, an FM receiver has significantly lower power consumption than a Wi-Fi module and provides 2.6 to 5.5 times longer battery life in localization mode.
Radar Measurement of Ocean Waves

Over the past two decades a number of advances have been made in the use of radar systems for the measurement of ocean waves, building on early work at universities and the Naval Research Lab (NRL) to investigate the potential for extracting wave field measurements from the sea clutter seen in shipboard radar images. This early work was the foundation for modern wave radar systems, with hardware systems ranging from commercial off the shelf (COTS) incoherent navigation radar to specially developed, calibrated, coherent instrumentation radar and phased-array systems. Software algorithms and image analysis techniques have also been in constant development, which have evolved from 2D analysis of digitized images into modern techniques performing real-time 3D transformation of high resolution images. Most of these systems are being utilized to measure the directional wave spectra, with some systems also providing wave height estimates and sea surface elevation maps. More recently, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) and others have begun to utilize these techniques for shipboard measurement of open ocean waves. All these efforts have led to higher fidelity data, as well as data that were previously unobtainable. In this paper we provide an overview and history of the development of COTS incoherent wave radar systems, analysis techniques, and capabilities, from early characterization of sea clutter return to the latest developments in image inversion and sea surface topography. This review and summary provides a foundation on which to develop analysis techniques for the higher fidelity data, using lessons learned to improve future analysis. While not intending to be exhaustive, this paper seeks to highlight the insights gained from both historical and recent applications of these techniques, as well as the difficulties and issues associated with shipboard measurements such as ship motion, logistical constraints, and environmental factors.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Bare Metal Stents on Resveratrol-Coated Balloons in Porcine Coronary and Peripheral Arteries

Balloon angioplasty and stent implantation are standard techniques to reopen stenotic vessels. Often, balloons or stents coated with cytostatic drugs are used to prevent re-occlusion of the arteries. Resveratrol, which is known for its numerous beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, is used as an antioxidant additive on paclitaxel-coated balloon catheters. What is still unclear is whether resveratrol-only balloon coating in combination with a bare metal stent (BMS) also has positive effects on vascular healing. Here, we analyzed neointimal thickening, fibrin deposition, inflammation, vasa vasorum density, and reendothelialization after implantation of BMS via a resveratrol coated balloon approach in a porcine model. In general, resveratrol treatment did not result in significantly altered responses compared to the control group in peripheral arteries. In coronary arteries, an increase in vasa vasorum density became evident three days after resveratrol treatment compared to the control group and abolished up to day 7. Significant effects of the resveratrol treatment on the fibrin score or intima-media area were transient and restricted to either peripheral or coronary arteries. In conclusion, local single-dose resveratrol treatment via a resveratrol-only coated balloon and BMS approach did not lead to adverse systemic or local effects, but also no significant beneficial effects on vascular healing were detected in the current study.
Does the seed disperser matter? The influence of dispersal type on survival of Araucaria angustifolia seeds

Zoochoric dispersion is fundamental for the colonization of habitats by plants with large and heavy seeds such as the Paraná pine (Araucaria angustifolia). This is an endangered conifer from South America whose recruitment is heavily impacted by animals, but the way that different zoochoric dispersal modes and deposition sites can affect its successful establishment is not known yet. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of dispersal mode (accordingly to the seed disperser), distance from adult conspecifics, and disposition site on long-term recruitment success. The experimental design included two environments (forest and open field) and each of them received 30 micro-habitat sampling stations (simulating deposition sites: 10 under conspecific; 10 far from conspecifics, next to a landmark; and 10 far from conspecifics, without a landmark), and each microhabitat had three levels of dispersal type simulating animal treatment (intact buried seed; intact seed over the ground; partially preyed seed over the ground), each with five seeds, totaling 900 seeds. In the forest environment, an experiment was also conducted to verify the fate of seeds using the spool and line technique. The environment and the micro-habitat alone did not explain seed survival, although the dispersal type given by the animal disperser was significant for survival and the buried seeds were the only ones that survived until the last survey. With the spool and line seed experiment, we attested that most of the Paraná pine seeds were preyed after removal (81.5%), and only buried seeds survived, reinforcing the role of scatter-hoarding animals as important agents in the Paraná pine dispersal. This way, our results showed that Paraná pine seeds suffer a very high predation rate, and that only a few seeds escape from predators and recruiting (only 1.1% of the all seeds used in the two experiments), indicating that the survival of seeds is a critical step in the life cycle of this plant, highlighting the role of dispersal mode in recruiting success.
Tinkering with technology: Human factors, work redesign, and professionals in workplace innovation

Professionals in workplace innovation operate in practice as collective designers and political entrepreneurs as well as applied scientists. They apply and adapt human factors and organizational knowledge and techniques to enable projects to succeed in complex, culturally diverse, and politically charged change processes. This creates a major challenge for their professional training. They require a self-understanding, ability, and will that enables them to act as reflective practitioners continuously improving the practical skills of their “craft. ” This article draws on the reflections of professionals in workplace innovation to argue this case, and seeks to inform further reflection by presenting a view of their role as professional bricoleurs. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
26.2: A Single‐Inductor Multi‐Output Converter with Multi‐Vector Current Control in Power‐saving Driving Skill of Electronic Paper Displays (EPDs)

Electronic paper display (EPD) shows the trend of state‐of‐the‐art display technique. It not only holds image/text without consuming energy but also presents thin and flexibility like ordinary paper. Single‐inductor multi‐output (SIMO) converter, with innovative multi‐vector current‐control methodology, precisely tracks and quantifies the actual demanded‐energy and addresses excessive‐energy for power‐efficient and space‐minimized requirements of EPDs. The testing chip occupies 0.45 mm2 in 0.25 μm CMOS technology and achieves the power conversion efficiency larger than 85 % at the order of 0.5 m W output power.
A comprehensive analytical on-current model for polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors based on effective channel mobility

A comprehensive analytical ON-state drain current model for poly-Si thin film transistors (TFTs) is developed to accurately fit both transfer and output characteristics of either low or high temperature processed poly-Si TFTs in both n- and p-types, with the same unified analytical form. The model is physical explicitly based and mathematically accurate, with no artificial factors introduced. To accomplish this, (1) the most appropriate model precisely describing the gate voltage dependent mobility degradation effect in poly-Si TFTs is determined from three previously employed models; (2) grain boundary barrier controlled carrier conduction model is adequately incorporated; and (3) a mathematically accurate analytical form for drain current is derived based on gradual channel approximation by introducing a new fitting parameter to describe the effective average channel mobility. Channel length modulation effect is introduced in modeling output characteristic. Applicability and accuracy of the model are de.
Optimized NFC Circuit and Coil Design for Wireless Power Transfer with 2D Free-Positioning and Low Load Sensibility

This paper proposes a method for optimizing and designing a wireless power transfer system operating at 13.56 MHz. It can be used as guidelines for designing coils for the new-trending technology that enables NFC devices to not only to communicate but also to charge. Since NFC wireless charging is an emerging technology, it is of interest to propose optimizations and a dedicated circuit design for such systems. This work proposes an optimization procedure to calculate the dimensions of a transmitter and receiver pair that assures the highest efficiency while considering all possible positions of a receiver that is placed on a desired surface. This procedure seeks to facilitate and automate the design of rectangular-shaped coils, whereas the literature proposes mainly square-shaped coils. Afterwards, a circuit analysis was conducted, and the series-parallel compensation network is proposed as the most promising topology of the receiver to assure a low efficiency sensibility to load variations for 13.56 MHz wireless power transfer systems. A pair of optimized transmitter and receiver coils is prototyped, and the experimental results are tested against the theory. The transmitter of 7 cm×11.4 cm and receiver of 4 cm ×4 cm are separated by 10 mm. The receiver can move on a surface of 8 cm ×12 cm and the load can vary from 36 Ω to 300 Ω while assuring a minimum and maximum efficiency of 80% and 88.3%, respectively.