Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing parametric solid modelling/reconfiguration, global shape modelling and free-form deformation for the generation of 3D digital models of femurs from X-ray images

At present, computer assisted surgery systems help orthopaedic surgeons both plan and perform surgical procedures. To enable these systems to function, it is crucial to have at one's disposal 3D models of anatomical structures, surgical tools and prostheses (if required). This paper analyses and compares three methods for generating 3D digital models of anatomical structures starting from X-ray images: parametric solid modelling/reconfiguration, global shape modelling and free-form deformation. Seven experiences involving the generation of a femur model were conducted by software developers and different skilled users. These experiences are described in detail and compared at different stages and from different points of view.
Genetic polymorphism of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) and mismatches against RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine observed on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea and globally

Backgroud RTS, S/AS01 is a Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein ( PfCSP ) based anti-malaria vaccine, but various genetic polymorphisms of PfCSP among global P. falciparum population could lead to mismatch against the PfCSP - based vaccine and reduce vaccine efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphisms and natural selection of PfCSP in Bioko as well as global P. falciparum population. Methods From January 2011 to December 2018, 148 blood samples were collected from P. falciparum infected Bioko patients and 96 monoclonal sequences of them were successfully acquired and analyzed with 2200 global PfCSP sequences mined from MalariaGEN Pf3k Database and NCBI. Results In Bioko, the N-terminus of PfCSP showed limited genetic variations and the numbers of repetitive sequences (NANP/NVDP) were mainly found as 40 (35%) and 41 (34%) in central region. Most polymorphic characters were found in Th2R/Th3R region, where natural selection (p>0.05) and recombination occurred. The overall pattern of Bioko PfCSP gene had no obvious deviation from African mainland PfCSP (Fst=0.00878, p<0.05). The comparative analysis of Bioko and global PfCSP displayed the various mutation patterns and obvious geographic differentiation among populations from four continents (p<0.05). The global PfCSP C-terminal sequences were clustered into 138 different haplotypes (H_1 to H_138). Only 3.35% of sequences matched 3D7 vaccine strain haplotype (H_1). Conclusions The genetic polymorphism phenomena of PfCSP were found universal. The overall vaccine efficacy might be influenced by the low proportion of vaccine-matched isolates in global parasites population. Genetic polymorphism and geographical characteristics should be considered for future improvement of RTS, S/AS01.
Design considerations for low-voltage on-board DC/DC modules for next generations of data processing circuits

By reducing the power supply voltage, a higher speed, lower power consumption, and higher integration density of data processing ICs can be achieved. A variety of ICs operating from 3.3 V are available. Next generations of ICs are expected to work even with lower voltages, i.e., in the 1-3 V range, to further enhance their speed-power performance. At the same time, during transients these new generations of data ICs will present very dynamic loads with high current slew rates. As a result, they will require point-of-load power supplies in order to minimize the effects of the interconnection parasitics. These on-board power supplies will be derived from the existing voltages available in the system (usually 5 V or 12 V), and will be required to have high power densities, high efficiencies, and good transient performance. This paper presents design considerations for these on-board power supplies and discusses their performance limits imposed by various circuit and system parasitics. <<ETX>>
Review of Policies and Practices for Hurricane Evacuation. I: Transportation Planning, Preparedness, and Response

Although evacuation planning and operations have long been topics of critical significance to the hazards preparedness and response community, only in the past several years have they emerged to become important issues among transportation professionals. The increased level of interest has been the result of several recent high-profile evacuations and the realization that, in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the potential need to rapidly evacuate large populations is perhaps greater than it has ever been. This paper is the first in a two-part series that reviews transportation engineering aspects of hurricane evacuations, addressing policies and practices for transportation system planning, preparedness, and response. (Part II focuses on traffic operations, management, and control.) Results of a survey of state evacuation practices are presented, including command and control strategies, types of evacuations used, and implementation and enforcement criteria. Evacuation modeling methods are reviewed and recent transportation community initiatives are discussed. Although this study focused primarily on issues pertaining to hurricane evacuations, many of the findings are also applicable to multihazard evacuation planning and operations.
Low profile dual‐band antenna based on a stacked configuration of EBG and plain patches

This paper investigates the dual‐frequency operation of a stacked microstrip antenna based on a small parasitic patch inserted slightly above an EBG patch. It is shown that the periodic texture of the EBG patch exhibits different behaviours for each frequency. It is also demonstrated that the high‐impedance concept is no longer valid when a parasitic patch is located too close to the EBG material. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 207–209, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20589
Novel micro torque measurement method for microdevices

A general purpose measurement system has been developed which can measure very low torques of the order of 10-7? N? m. The new method proposed here uses wind pressure to apply a load to a turbine attached to the output shaft of a device. It can therefore be used for all rotating microdevices. The use of wind pressure reduces the loss during measurements, and makes it possible to measure low levels of torque easily by simply attaching the turbine to the device. In the present study, the measurement principle of the new system has been verified. The static friction torque was measured by the traditional method of using a thread wound around the motor shaft in order to examine the validity of the proposed method, and a comparison of the two methods with the measured data is presented. In addition, a prototype micromotor, 1.6? mm in diameter, has been fabricated and used to demonstrate that the new system is able to measure torques of the order of 10-7? N? m while the motor is in operation.
Impedance Control System for a Biped Skating Robot

This paper studied impedance control problem for a biped skating robot. Impedance control for ground reaction force which is realized through varying load impedance between supporting leg and ground to maintain flexible contact is vital to motion control problem. Biped skating motion is divided into three phase, i.e. leg swing phase, weight reception phase and supporting phase. During weigh reception and supporting phase, one the of the robot legs has pushed onto ground to generated reaction force which must be controlled for dynamic stability. During swing phase a PID controller is used. Impedance control is realized by varying the load impedance between supporting leg and ground to maintain flexible contact. By proposed impedance control method, a dynamic stable skating movement controller was successfully developed for the biped robot with skating speed of 0.13 m/s.
A Multidimensional View of Intellectual Capital: The Impact on Innovation Performance

The current economic trend worldwide is for an industrial economy based on tangible assets to convert into a non-tangible economy based on intellectual capital. Lately, a multidimensional view of intellectual capital and its implications on innovation performance have generated renewed research interests. Based on these facts, the relationship amongst different antecedent factors such as culture and trust on intellectual capital components was analysed. In addition, a correlation among intellectual capital components (as non-tangible assets) and innovation performance for the banking sector was established. The positivism philosophy, deductive approach and quantitative methods were used as the research methodology to accomplish the research objectives. In this process, a questionnaire survey and purposive sampling technique were used to collect the responses from 364 employees of the Iraqi commercial banks. The obtained data were analysed statistically using the SPSS v25 and AMOS v24 software. The results revealed a significant impact of culture and trust (antecedent factors) on various intellectual capital components. Furthermore, a strong connection between these antecedent factors and intellectual capital components was evidenced, confirming the study hypotheses. Interestingly, intellectual capital components were found to enhance significantly the innovation performance of the banks, leading to better competitive advantages. In addition, it provided evidence on the impacts of inter-relationships amongst human, structural and relational capitals. Consequently, the study provides academicians and practitioners valuable insights into and guidance on how developing intellectual capital enhances competitive performance, especially in the context of Iraqi commercial banks.
Assessment of the Implementation of Tuberculosis and Diabetes Care in health systems: A Situational Analysis in Western Nigeria for consideration

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) coexists with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Smoking increases the risk of TB as well as DM. Health systems are poorly prepared in many low middle income countries (LMICs) and are currently facing the "triple burden of smoking, TB, and DM" that drives these countries into the vicious cycle of poverty. Methods: A cross-sectional study method was carried out to assess the proportion of TB care centers that included integration measures for diabetic care as well as those providing DM care that included integration measures for TB. A list of 49 health care centers in Lagos offering TB care and managing Diabetes patients were recruited. A focus Group Discussion(FGD) and Individual interviews were conducted to investigate health care providers ' knowledge, attitudes and practices and the barriers encountered in the process of integrating TB and DM care. Results: Out of the 49 health care centres recruited in this study, 6% of health care units are aware of a surveillance to screen for diabetes in tuberculosis patients, while 2% of health facilities confirmed awareness of a surveillance to screen for tuberculosis in diabetes patients. 91% of health centres either verified the lack of or no understanding of monitoring of both diseases. The percentage of health facilities that have existing guideline on TB and DM screening was evaluated, it was perceived that 8% of health facilities had implemented a guideline to screen for DM in TB patients, while 4% of these Care Centres have implemented a guideline for diabetes patients to be screened for TB. Conclusion TB/DM integrative screening, treatment and management could be better attained if both co-morbidities integration program is initiated in the healthcare centres and policies of western states and Nigeria as a whole.
A power-efficient improved recycling folded cascode amplifier

An improved recycling folded cascode amplifier for wide-bandwidth ΣΔ modulator is presented in this article. The proposed amplifier introduces internal positive-feedback pairs to achieve a significant boost in transconductance and DC gain without increasing power or area budget. The proposed recycling folded cascode amplifier was implemented in SMIC standard 65 nm CMOS process. Compared to other recycling folded cascode structures, simulation results show that the proposed amplifier achieves the enhancement of gain-bandwidth and DC gain with the best figure-of-merits.
Helicopter vibration reduction in forward flight with induced-shear based piezoceramic actuation

Governing equations are obtained for helicopter rotor blades with surface bonded piezoceramic actuators using Hamilton's principle. The equations are then solved for dynamic response using finite element discretization in the spatial and time domains. A time domain unsteady aerodynamic model is used to obtain the airloads. The nonlinear relationship between the piezoelectric shear coefficient and applied ac field is represented as a polynomial curve fit. The nonlinear effects are investigated by applying a sinusoidal voltage to the helicopter rotor blade. The rotor blade is modeled as a two-cell box section with piezoelectric layers surface bonded to the top and bottom of the box beam. Comparison of results with linear and nonlinear shear coefficients is presented. Use of a nonlinear relationship (compared to linear) to achieve targeted reductions in strains or displacements results in a reduction in the requirement of applied amplitude of the sinusoidal field. A rate feedback control law is implemented which feeds back the higher harmonics of the time rate of change of strain in the azimuthal direction. The sensed voltage is then applied to the rotor blade, resulting in a vibration reduction of approximately 43% for a four-bladed, soft-in-plane hingeless rotor in forward flight.
Use of Active Learning to Design Wind Tunnel Runs for Unsteady Cavity Pressure Measurements

Wind tunnel tests to measure unsteady cavity flow pressure measurements can be expensive, lengthy, and tedious. In this work, the feasibility of an active machine learning technique to design wind tunnel runs using proxy data is tested. The proposed active learning scheme used scattered data approximation in conjunction with uncertainty sampling (US). We applied the proposed intelligent sampling strategy in characterizing cavity flow classes at subsonic and transonic speeds and demonstrated that the scheme has better classification accuracies, using fewer training points, than a passive Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) strategy.
Vehicular Emissions in Roadway Tunnels: A Critical Review

Traffic-induced emissions are a major source of air pollutants, particularly in urban areas. Adequate characterization and quantification of the contribution of this source depend to a large extent on the use of reliable pollutant emission factors. Recently, in addition to characterizing vehicle-induced pollutants, tunnels have been used to evaluate on-road emission factors. Accurate determination of those factors depends on the reliability of field measurements and the use of appropriate mathematical models to simulate the behavior of pollutants inside a tunnel. Different models, with various degrees of complexity, have been developed to estimate vehicle emission factors, and to simulate the fate and transport of pollutant emissions in tunnels. This article presents a critical review of research work conducted to characterize and simulate vehicle-induced pollutants in tunnels. Air-quality standards in tunnels, tunnel ventilation, and factors affecting pollutant concentration in tunnels with corresponding control measures are first addressed. Limitations and research needs are discussed in the context of the current state of the art in tunnel air-quality modeling.
Radiation evaluation of 3.3 volt 16 M-bit DRAMs for solid state mass memory space applications

This paper presents the results of a radiation evaluation programme carried out on 9 different types of commercially available low voltage (3.3 V) 16 Mbit DRAMs. Device preparation details, testing issues and results obtained, for both Single Event Effects (SEE) and Total Ionising Dose (TID), are individually presented and compared, and recommendations given in respect of earlier 5.0 V 16 Mbit types tested.
Comparative genome analysis of Bacillus okhensis Kh10-101T reveals insights into adaptive mechanisms for halo-alkali tolerance

Background: Bacillus okhensis, isolated from saltpan near port of Okha, India, was initially reported to be a halo-alkali tolerant bacterium.We previously sequenced it’s 4.86 Mb genome, here we analyze its genome and physiological responses to high salt and high pH stress. Results: B. okhensis is a halo-alkaliphile with optimal growth at pH 10 and 5% NaCl. 16S rDNA phylogenetic analysis resulted in habitat based segregation of 106 Bacillus species into 3 major clades with all alkaliphiles in one clade clearly suggesting a common ancestor for alklaliphilic Bacilli. We observed that B. okhensis has been adapted to survive at halo-alkaline conditions, by acidification of surrounding medium using fermentation of glucose to organic acids. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the surface proteins which are exposed to external high pH environment of B. okhensis were evolved with relatively higher content of acidic amino acids than their orthologues of B. subtilis. It posess relatively more genes involved in the metabolism of osmolytes and sodium dependent transporters in comparison to B. subtilis. Growth of B. okhensis is Na+ dependent, with a minimum requirement of 4% NaCl at neutral pH but 0.5% NaCl is enough at pH 10. It tolerated sudden increase of salt concentration of its medium, and exhibited an elongated cellular phenotype. But, could not tolerate a sudden shift of pH from 7 to 11, and cell envelope got damaged, confirming the pH regulation through cell wall reinforcement is key to survival at high-pH condition. We observed that hydroxyl ions damage the cell, but not Na+ ions, becuase at high pH Na+ ions were not accumulated inside. Conclusion: B. okhensis uses acidification of the external medium and pH dependent cell wall reinforcement to survive sodic environments. Interestingly, its growth is highly Na+ dependent and the genome encodes for a high proportion of acidic amino acids in majority of surface proteins in comparison to their orthologues of B. subtilis, a direct evidence of adaptive evolution.
BALANCE CONTROL DURING LEVEL WALKING IN CHILDREN WITH SPASTIC DIPLEGIC CEREBRAL PALSY

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have been reported to have various levels of deficits in balance control, which can be described using the relationship between the body's centre of mass (COM) and the centre of pressure (COP). This study aimed to investigate the balance control of children with spastic diplegic CP during level walking. The COM-COP inclination angles and angular velocities, as well as temporal-spatial variables from 12 children with spastic diplegic CP (seven girls and five boys, aged 12.4 ± 4.4 years) and 12 normal controls (eight girls and four boys, aged 11.2 ± 4.4 years) were obtained using a motion analysis system and two forceplates. With compromised balance control as a result of neuromusculoskeletal pathologies, the CP group walked with reduced walking speed and stride length (p < 0.05), but increased stride time and step width (p < 0.05), indicating reduced gait efficiency. They also showed significantly reduced anterioposterior COM-COP inclination angles and angular velocities (p < 0.05), but increased mediolateral COM-COP inclination angles and angular velocities (p < 0.05) when compared to the normal controls. The latter phenomenon may be related to an increased risk of falling in these patients. Therefore, it appears that programs and/or devices for preventing falls are needed for children with spastic diplegic CP.
Intravenous (IV) Monitoring and Refilling System

Intravenous (I.V.) Monitoring and Refilling System is a system for monitoring I.V. therapy and notifying abnormal drip rate and refilling of the I.V. bag. The system has a portable receiver device (for the nurse/nurse station) and a transmitter device (for the patient). The study uses Radio Frequency (RF) medium. RF module was used for transmitting and receiving of the current status data of the monitoring and notifying system. The system has also fiber optic sensors for detecting and counting the drip rate of the I.V. bag. The control panel of the system is placed on the transmitter (patient side). The main objective of the monitoring system is to process an accurate I.V. therapy, prevent the possible backflow of the blood by stopping the I.V. set attached to the system. It makes the I.V. therapy setup fast and easy allowing more time for nurses to perform duties other than monitoring the IV therapy of patients assigned to them. System test results show that transmission delay is not evident in closed area and can transmit accurately without delay up to 70 meters. A 100% detection rates were also recorded for different drip rates and percent IV bag content. Comparing the operating frequency of the I.V. monitoring and refilling system to other medical equipment, the RF module used in the system has an operating frequency that is unique among all the technologies and equipment that may be present in a hospital or clinical setting. The system can also cut down the cost of such medical equipment by 72% if compared to the infusion pump available in the market.
PRELIMINARY MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF A HORIZONTAL PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER

ABSTRACT Wave energy converters (WECs) have been proposed thattake advantage of spatially varying pressure differentials (PDs)in a wave ﬁeld to drive a ﬂuid ﬂow. In order to accurately as-sess the pressure forcing on PD devices, physics-based relation-ships between major device parameters and device performanceneed to be determined. Herein, a transfer function is developedthat relates horizontally oriented PD device conﬁgurations andwave conditions to the amount of pressure forcing available tothe device. Investigation of the transfer function conﬁrms intu-itive expectation, but also yields surprising results. The transferfunction can be applied to a wave spectrum to create a pressureresource spectrum. By manipulating the device length and ori-entation, an optimal conﬁguration can be found that maximizesthe total harnessable pressure resource for a given wave condi-tion or a wave climate. Optimal device lengths for directionalseas are longer than those for non-directional seas, and a widerange of suboptimal conﬁgurations yields a reasonable pressureresource. The pressure resource transfer function is a fundamen-tal tool for understanding how horizontal PD WECs work anddesigning an optimal device.KEYWORDS: wave energy converter; pressure differential;horizontal; transfer function; modeling; optimization
A 100mA fractional step-down charge pump with digital control

A switched capacitor step-down DC-DC converter (charge pump) is proposed. High efficiency is achieved by combination of fractional conversion ratios (different step-down modes of operation), output voltage sensing and pulse skipping based digital control techniques. Two control techniques were implemented with automatic change between modes and their results are discussed and compared. The power module has 9 switches, implemented with 14 power transistors, and a current limit circuit to mitigate the in-rush current in startup phase. This circuit has been designed in AMS C35B4 (0.35um) CMOS process. The charge pump was designed to provide a maximum load current of 100mA. The peak-to-peak output voltage ripple is less than 30mV with two 3uF flying capacitors and one 20uF output capacitor. Peak and average efficiencies, with maximum load current, are over 80% and 68%, respectively.