Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ADAPTIVE TRANSMIT POWER CONTROL BASED ON SIGNAL STRENGTH AND FRAME LOSS MEASUREMENTS FOR WLANS

OF THE THESIS Adaptive Transmit Power Control based on Signal Strength and Frame Loss Measurements for WLANs by Hariharasudhan Viswanathan Thesis Director: Prof. Dipankar Raychaudhuri In the past few years, we witnessed a rapid penetration of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) into the home and enterprise. Emerging technology such as the IEEE 802.11n radio, which is getting increasingly affordable, makes delivering multimedia content over wireless networks possible and this would drive the technology further into our daily life. As the number of available wireless channels in the unlicensed spectrum is limited (3 nonoverlapping channels in 2.4GHz unlicensed band and up to 24 non-overlapping channels in 5GHz unlicensed band), they have to be shared by multiple WLANs consisting of Access Points (APs) and STAtions (STAs). In a Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) WLAN deployment, e.g. in an apartment building or hotel, transmissions in overlapping cells tend to interfere with each other. This will adversely impact the aggregate wireless network throughput and thus the quality of experience for applications such as multimedia streaming. Hence there is a need for automatic and adaptive resource management strategy to ensure a good overall network performance. In this thesis we propose an adaptive per-link Transmit Power Control (TPC) solution for WLANs. TPC can reduce interference, increase channel reuse, and eventually increase the overall capacity in dense 802.11 wireless networks. However intelligent algorithms are required to adapt transmit power in a practical and distributed way to achieve optimal performance. It becomes more challenging given different types of interference (cooperative and non-cooperative) in the unlicensed band as well as the hidden node problem. From a
Differences in Uveal Melanoma Age-Standardized Incidence Rates in Two Eastern States of Australia Are Driven by Differences in Rurality and Ultraviolet Radiation

Simple Summary Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare form of melanoma originating in the eye. Unlike cutaneous melanoma (CM), the role of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in UM aetiology is still unresolved. UM has a high incidence in Australia. Epidemiological analyses revealed heterogeneity in UM incidence between two eastern Australian states, Queensland (QLD) and Victoria (VIC). It was found that QLD has a 21% higher incidence of UM than VIC and, in fact, has one of the highest incidences in the world. A weak south-to-north trend in incidence along the eastern Australian coast is seen, and rural areas have a 24% greater burden than major city areas in both the states. The two states are similar demographically, but differ socially, industrially and latitudinally. This is important because it could indicate a minor UVR role in UM incidence, especially in QLD. Preventative measures by sun-protective behaviours may be important, especially in the northeastern Australian demographic. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the second-most-common melanoma in humans and has a high age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) in Australia. Regional patterns of UM ASRs in Australia are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine and compare UM ASRs in two geographically disparate eastern states, Queensland (QLD) and Victoria (VIC), by using cancer registry data that was obtained from 2001 to 2013. World-standardized UM ASRs and incidence-rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated. Higher UM ASR was also observed in anterior UM compared to posterior UM ASR. UM ASR remained unchanged from 2001 to 2013 in QLD but decreased in VIC. A south-to-north latitude trend in UM ASR along the east of Australia is weakly evident, and rural populations have higher UM ASRs than major city populations in both states. Differences in ultraviolent radiation (UVR) susceptibility, indigenous populations, social behaviours, chemical exposure, and socioeconomic status could all be contributing to differences in UM rates between QLD and VIC and between rural compared to major city areas. It is possible that a minority of cases in QLD and VIC might be prevented by sun-protective behaviours. This is important, because these findings suggest that QLD, which is already known to have one of the highest cutaneous melanoma (CM) ASRs in the world, also has one of the highest UM ASRs.
54.4: Zoomable LED Spot Light with High Angular Beam Sharpness

A zoomable LED spot light with high angular beam sharpness has been made. The prototype is measured luminaire efficiency of 33.2%, total flux output of 4320 lm and central illuminance of 8940 lux at a distance of three meter. A qualitative definition as F/B ratio (F: field angle; B: beam angle) to evaluate the angular beam sharpness is proposed. The prototype has an F/B ratio of 1.35 compared to F/B ratio of 2 for the conventional low‐power LED spot lights. Finally, a novel design with in‐rod reflectors and a single integrator rod that has F/B ratio of 1.1 is also presented.
Improving the color perception of anomalous trichromats through computerized simulation

The human eye is more capable of color discrimination in a wide color gamut display. W. A. Thornton hypothesized that they may also enhance color discrimination for color-deficient observers. Compared with normal color vision observers (NCO), anomalous trichromats (AT) have color loss due to difference in cone sensitivity. The large color gamut display system provides a promising solution for solving this problem. We propose a new geometric method to compute the color stereo of AT based on different display color gamuts. The proposed method is fast and efficient to improve color perception for different types of AT.
Evaluation of the Enhancing Education Through Technology: Middle School Technology Project -Year 2

This report contains findings from the first year of a two-year evaluation of the Middle School Technology Project (MSTP) and focuses on the implementation of the Plan during the 2003-04 school year. We employed an experimental design with matched groups of students in a treatment group and a control group. Both groups were selected randomly. Data collection included classroom observations; teacher, coach and administrator interviews; and shadowing of instructional coaches. In addition to analyzing existing CAT/6 and CST data, we administered two performance-based assessments, the Balanced Assessment in Mathematics and the Partnership for Assessment in Standards-Based Science. The following were key findings:
Magnetostriction: revealing the unknown

Giant magnetostrictive materials began to be developed during the 1970s. One material in particular was developed by the Naval Ordnance Lab for use in sonar applications. TERFENOL-D, named for its primary constituents of terbium, iron and dysprosium and place of invention, generates usable strains of 1 mil per inch of material in an applied magnetic field, TERFENOL-D actuators provide 220 N to 880 N of force. Oil well logging shear wave generation using TERFENOL-D sources is accomplished with 1 A of current, providing 3,000 N of force. TERFENOL-D exhibits inverse magnetostriction, or the Villari effect, making it able to provide on demand nondestructive evaluation and inspection of structures, commonly referred to as magnetotagging.
A Risk Analysis Method using Textual Data on Bulletin Board Sites

This paper introduces a risk analysis method that analyzes corporate reputations using articles on bulletin board sites. The method downloads articles from bulletin board sites selected by a user. The method extracts important threads corresponding to the user's interests and characteristic expressions in the threads by analyzing the articles. The method shows analysis results to the user with three viewpoints. The paper introduces a risk analysis system based on the method Lastly, the paper shows the effect of the risk analysis system by applying it to articles collected from bulletin board sites.
The state of Canada’s biosecurity efforts to protect biodiversity from species invasions

Invasive alien species (IAS) pose threats to native biodiversity globally and are linked to numerous negative biodiversity impacts throughout Canada. Considering the Canadian federal government’s commitments to environmental stewardship (e.g., the Convention on Biological Diversity), the successful management of IAS requires an understanding of how federal infrastructure, strategies, and decisions have contributed to previous outcomes. Here, we present an analysis of current efforts by the federal government to prevent IAS establishment in Canadian ecosystems and the unique challenges associated with Canadian IAS management. We then examine historical and current case studies of IAS in Canada with variable outcomes. By drawing comparisons with IAS management in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, we discuss how the Canadian government may refine its policies and practices to enable more effective responses to IAS threats. We conclude by considering how future interacting stressors (e.g., climate change) will shape how we address IAS threats, and list six lessons for successful management. Most importantly, Canada must regard biodiversity impacts from IAS with as much urgency as direct economic impacts that have historically garnered more attention. Although we focus on Canada, our findings may also be useful in other jurisdictions facing similar challenges with IAS management.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Working Memory Training to Address Language Impairments in Aphasia: A Case Study

Background Traditionally, people with aphasia (PWA) are treated with impairment-based language therapy to improve receptive and expressive language skills. In addition to language deficits, PWA are often affected by some level of working memory (WM) impairments. Both language and working memory impairments combined have a negative impact on PWA's quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the application of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) combined with computerized WM training will result in near-ransfer effects (i.e., trained WM) and far-transfer effects (i.e., untrained language tasks) and have a positive effect on the quality of life of PWA. Methods The participant was a 63-year-old Greek-Cypriot male who presented with mild receptive aphasia and short-term memory difficulties. Treatment was carried out using a multiple baseline (MB) design composed of a pretherapy or baseline testing phase, a therapy phase, and a posttherapy/follow-up phase. The treatment program involved iTBS application to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), an area responsible for WM, for 10 consecutive sessions. The participant received a 3-minute iTBS application followed by 30-minute computer-assisted WM training. Outcome measures included a WM screening test, a standardized aphasia test, a nonverbal intelligence test, story-telling speech samples, a procedural discourse task, and a questionnaire addressing quality of life. These measures were performed three times before the treatment, immediately upon completion of the treatment, and once during follow-up testing at 3 months posttreatment. Results We found a beneficial effect of iTBS and WM training on naming, reading, WM, reasoning, narrative, communication efficiency, and quality of life (QoL). Implications for Rehabilitation. Noninvasive brain stimulation combined with computerized WM training may be used in aphasia rehabilitation to improve WM and generalize to language improvement.
Multifunctional adjustable biquadratic active RC filters: design approach by modification of corresponding signal flow graphs

An useful modification of well known signal flow graph technique for the circuit synthesis is described in this paper in order to obtain the filters working in the current mode, with maximally variable parameters, namely characteristic frequency, quality factor, bandwidth and basic gain. Procedure is based on reciprocal conversion of the branch variables (VI and IV) with the adjustable conversion constants. The obtained structures are discussed in detail and then is described an example of current-mode multifunctional RC active biquadratic filter, what is today very popular analogue application. Theoretic assumptions are supported by experimental results using modern functional blocks CC II(-).
Índice de governança eletrônica dos estados Brasileiros (2009): no âmbito do poder executivo

This research aims to propose an index to measure and monitor the development of electronic governance in Brazilian States and the Federal District, specifically within the executive branch. Bibliographic research was used to construct the theoretical platform and identify electronic governance practice. The IGEB (Electronic Governance Index of Brazilian States) was proposed in view of subgroups of equally weighted practices and validated through structural equation modeling. Research data were collected from the websites of the States and the Federal District between February 18th and 28th 2009. The IGEB permitted verifying the percentage of practice the States and the Federal District had already put in practice, highlighting Sao Paulo with 71.40% of the suggested practices, and Mato Grosso do Sul with only 37.31%. It is concluded that, in general, the most developed states rank best, that is, they have implamented the highest number of electronic governance practices.
Coping with Stress Reactions Using Biofeedback Therapy in Elite Athletes: Case Report

Professional athletes very often struggle with stress and anxiety throughout their careers, which can affect their overall performance in competitions. Biofeedback can provide them with an easy-to-use tool that allows them to control their emotional reactions and learn how to decrease their physiological reactions to the stress of their body. Excessive arousal can lead to overthinking and both mental and physical exhaustion. This case study describes the specific case of a professional athlete who had problems with high emotionality which interfered with the quality of training and competitive performance as well. The therapy consisted of six sessions, including a stress profile. The stress profile was performed to identify the reactions of different bodily functions (breathing, heart activity, muscle tone, electrodermal activity, peripheral temperature) on the variations of stressors. It also included education on the possibility of influencing the psychophysiological state and the principles of stress reactions. Subsequent biofeedback training focused on the features indicated. In the final session, a retest was performed using the stress profile, and an evaluation of the therapy success was conducted. After biofeedback therapy, a significant improvement occurred regarding the control of the bodily functions and lowered anxiety. The athlete's overall welfare also improved, and it resulted in better training and competition performance.
Social interaction ties drive students participate in flipped civic education continuously

ABSTRACT Flipped civic education has attracted many educators’ attention, because it can be employed to increase students’ interest in learning civic literacy. However, very few researches investigated students’ continuance intention to participate in flipped civic education. It is a truly important issue since flipped civic education can be more effectively applied and developed if the factors behind students’ continuance intention can be identified. Therefore, in order to identify these key factors, this study adopted social cognitive theory to devise a research model. The research findings showed that social interaction ties occupy a dominant role in affecting students’ continuous participation in flipped civic education through hedonic and utilitarian outcome expectations. The results suggested that fostering the collaborative activities like debates or discussions is the top priority for teachers who want to promote students’ engagement in flipped civic education, because it will help students construct knowledge and experience pleasure from interpersonal interaction.
A phenomenologically based transient SPICE model for digitally modulated RF performance characteristics of GaAs MESFETs

A phenomenologically based transient SPICE model was developed for GaAs MESFETs. The model accounts for both trapping and detrapping effects; hence, it can simultaneously simulate low-frequency dispersion and gate-lag characteristics. This is different from conventional models, which can simulate either effect, but not both. The present model has been used to describe both surface- and substrate-related trapping phenomena in epitaxial or ion-implanted MESFETs. The model was experimentally verified in terms of pulsed I-V characteristics and pulsed AC response.
An optimisedwaveguide to microstrip transitionatK band

Animproved transition fromrectangular waveguide to microstrip ispresented. Thistransition consists ofaridge waveguide transformer with theending stepextending over themicrostrip andtwosidegrooveswhichmaintain the microstrip initscorrect position, ensuring botha good electrical contactwithout soldering andan optimum measurement repeatability. Inaddition tostep ridges, used formatching purposes,alsothemainguide isstepped in thewider side inorder toobtain asingle-mode operation in all sections ofthetransition. Thetransition isanalysed bya full wave mode-matching methodandoptimised overthe 17.7-19.7 GHzband. Measurements areperformed inback- to-back configuration usingaTRL calibration andthe scattering matrix ofasingle transition isobtained using a de-embedding technique. Experimental results agreewell withtheory andmeasured return loss isbetter than 28dB overthe- 16-20 GHzfrequency band. Introduction TheuseofKbandmicrostrip antennas isbecoming more frequent owing totheir increasing importance inwireless communication. Sincethewaveguide, foritslowloss characteristics, istheusual transmission mediumemployed tofeedantennas atK band, a waveguide-to-microstrip transition isrequired fortheintegration oftheantenna-feed network system. Thetransition should bebroadband, well matched andeasytofabricate. Waveguide-to-microstrip transitions present intheliterature makeuseeither ofanE plane probe (Machac andMenzel (1)) oraridge impedance transformer (Yaoetal(2), Moochalla (3), Zarbaetal(4)). Thetransition hereconsidered belongs tothis second type thatdisplays a broader bandwidth andhasbeenfurther improved bytheaddition bothofapair ofgrooveswhich mantain themicrostrip inits correct position andacascade ofsteps intheexternal guide ofthetransformer inorder to obtain a single-mode operation inallsections ofthe transition. A goodandrepeatable electrical contact without any soldering hasbeenachieved byextending thelast ridge step overthemicrostrip conductor insuchawaytoproduce a light pressure on it.Moreover, theprevious step, being deeper, provides a welldefined stopposition forthe microstrip substrate (fig.1).
A DFB semiconductor laser integrated with anti-symmetric Bragg grating modulator

We propose and theoretically analyze a DFB semiconductor laser monolithically integrated with anti-symmetric Bragg grating (ASBG) modulator. A π phase shifted Bragg grating with single-mode ridge waveguide and an ASBG with multimode waveguide supporting the fundamental transverse electric (TE0) mode and the first order transverse electric (TE1) mode, are joined by a tapered waveguide. After adding a phase shift section between the taper and ASBG, the electro-optical (E/O) response of ASBG modulator increases by 37.9% compared to the normal Bragg grating modulator (BGM), and becomes sensitive to the effective refractive index change of the straight waveguide. The proposed integrated device can be applied in sensing.
WHY OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES REPOSITORIES FAIL - REVIEW OF QUALITY ASSURANCE APPROACHES

Regardless of the amount of open educational resources (OER) available, many learning object repositories LORs fail to attract active users and sustainable funding solutions. Previous studies indicate that quality of OER plays a significant role in the success of the repositories; however, there is a lack of systematic deeper understanding of this connection. In this qualitative study we interviewed 35 managers/developers of 27 national, thematic and federated LORs in regards of the LORs’ quality approaches and success. The key findings of this study show that comprehensive quality approach leads to success of the repository in most cases, the key instruments for quality assurance being expert and peer reviews. Contribution of this research is the review of LOR quality approaches. This study helps LOR developers to design sustainable quality assurance approaches.
Application of Texture Analysis and Kohonen Map for Region Segmentation of Pavement Images for Crack Detection

The first phase of a research study on detecting cracks in pavements is described. For reliable crack detection, various regions in a road image have to be segmented accurately. A procedure based on the texture and color properties of different regions of images is used in conjunction with the Kohonen map, also known as the self-organizing map. Accuracy of 89.7% was obtained with classification based on the Kohonen map of images taken with a regular digital camera and simple lighting setup. Furthermore, a complementary algorithm is described to remove spurious classifications caused by inaccuracies in the trained Kohonen map. With the help of this algorithm, an overall segmentation accuracy of 97.7% is reported. This research is expected to affect other problems in transportation engineering, such as road boundary detection and road marking inspection. The detection of cracks from the segmented regions will be addressed in the future.
Ultra-compact silicon mode (de)multiplexers based on subwavelength structure

ultra-compact silicon mode (de)multiplexers are demonstrated based on asymmetric directional couplers with subwavelength structure (ADCWSS), the subwavelength structure is a series of corrugation on the sidewalls of waveguides, and the two arrays of corrugation extend into the gap region between the waveguides and interlace with each other. The coupling length of ADCWSS are 5. 6μm, 6. 5μm, and 7. 9μm for TE0-TE1, TE0-TE2, TE0-TE3 mode (de)multiplexers, respectively. The four-mode mode-division-multiplexing (MDM) link was fabricated and measured. The insertion losses of TE0-TE0-TE0, TE0-TE1-TE0, TE0-TE2-TE0, and TE0-TE3-TE0 are 0.2dB, 0.7dB, 0.7dB and 0.9dB (around 1.55μm). The maximum insertion losses and crosstalk are 2.4dB, 2.9dB, 3.0dB, 4.0dB and -18dB, -19dB, -16dB, -18dB for the TE0, TE1, TE2 and TE3-mode channels over a 50-nm bandwidth.