Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Iterative Equalization and Decoding for Short Range Communication at 60 GHz

Progress in device technology lets coherent communication schemes for short range communications at 60 GHz appear as a feasible approach in the near future. However, impairments due to nonlinearities that limit the achievable SNR values as well as strongly variable transmission conditions with their associated SINR variations should be taken into account. In this work we propose to use LDPC codes that can be matched to channel conditions and equalizer performance by pilot and data block length as well as code rate adaptation for this task. We demonstrate that we can outperform rate-compatible punctured convolutional RCPC codes in terms of required SNR for semiblind operation with iterative processing at the receiver with LDPC codes based on Accumulate-Repeat-Accumulate (ARA) codes. Such codes appear suitable for high data rates, because they allow efficient encoder and decoder implementations. Index Terms – Turbo Equalization, semiblind channel estimation, short range communications, LDPC codes
Gene Regulation Analysis Reveals Perturbations of Autism Spectrum Disorder during Neural System Development

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impedes patients’ cognition, social, speech and communication skills. ASD is highly heterogeneous with a variety of etiologies and clinical manifestations. The prevalence rate of ASD increased steadily in recent years. Presently, molecular mechanisms underlying ASD occurrence and development remain to be elucidated. Here, we integrated multi-layer genomics data to investigate the transcriptome and pathway dysregulations in ASD development. The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) expression profiles of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neuron cells from ASD and normal samples were compared in our study. We found that substantially more genes were differentially expressed in the NPCs than the iPSCs. Consistently, gene set variation analysis revealed that the activity of the known ASD pathways in NPCs and neural cells were significantly different from the iPSCs, suggesting that ASD occurred at the early stage of neural system development. We further constructed comprehensive brain- and neural-specific regulatory networks by incorporating transcription factor (TF) and gene interactions with long 5 non-coding RNA(lncRNA) and protein interactions. We then overlaid the transcriptomes of different cell types on the regulatory networks to infer the regulatory cascades. The variations of the regulatory cascades between ASD and normal samples uncovered a set of novel disease-associated genes and gene interactions, particularly highlighting the functional roles of ELF3 and the interaction between STAT1 and lncRNA ELF3-AS 1 in the disease development. These new findings extend our understanding of ASD and offer putative new therapeutic targets for further studies.
Study of The Sorption of The Total Phenolic Compounds From Olive Mill Wastewater By Natural Soils: Conventional and Under Microwave Irradiation Kinetics.

The elimination of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from olive mill wastewater was studied by sorption under the conditions: conventional and under microwave irradiation on previously characterized soils. The sorption process has been studied in batch using inorganic materials in their natural states for sustainable development.The characterizations of the soils have shown variability in potential of hydrogen (4.6-8.9) in total nitrogen between 0.5 and 2.5% and in mineral matter which varies between 5.86 and 15.16%. On the other hand, the mineralogical characterization showed that the three soils are composed of several clay and non-clay minerals.The experimental data were analyzed using reaction models and diffusion models. The pseudo second order kinetic model provides the best correlation. It best represents the kinetics of adsorption by the natural adsorbents N1, N3 and R.The sorption models of LANGMUIR, FREUNDLICH and DUBININ-RADUSHKEVICH were used for the mathematical description of the conventional adsorption equilibrium. The best correlations were obtained with the model of LANGMUIR (r2 > 0.95) on soils N1 and N3 unlike the models of FREUNDLICH and DUBININ-RADUSHKEVICH (r2 < 0.65). The soil R can be represented by the model of FREUNDLICH (r2 ≥ 0.96) and the model of LANGMUIR (r2 > 0.93). The latter is confirmed by the value of the dimensionless coefficient RL. Removal rates of TPC were calculated. The value obtained (71 %) showed that the soil N1 is a good adsorbent. The results are satisfactory and promising.
A high-performance, low-area reconfiguration controller for network-on-chip-based partial dynamically reconfigurable system-on-chip designs

Network-on-chip (NoC) has been identified as an attractive solution to the ever increasing interconnect problem in complex system-on-chip designs, particularly in those that include partial dynamically reconfigurable logic. To be integrated in NoC architecture, three issues for the design of a NoC-based reconfiguration system have to be considered at the same time. First, the processor cannot involve the entire reconfiguration process for the sake of NoC scalability. Second, NoC architecture as communication between IP cores is implemented by network protocols in NoC. Third, inclusion of reconfigurability into the chip demands additional chip area, besides the area penalty caused by the NoC itself. Tradeoffs between area and chip flexibility thus have to be carefully evaluated. In this article we describe a high-performance, low-area reconfiguration controller design that satisfies stringent performance and latency requirements. This proposed controller architecture is implemented at the transport layer, and all the operations related to reconfiguration are performed only on the network interface (NI) side to minimise the disturbance to the network performance. In addition, this NI also performs protocol conversions that are vital to ease the integration of IP cores obtained from various vendors using standard and/or propriety communication protocols. Experimental results with a Xilinx FPGA have confirmed the robustness and superiority of the proposed controller and the NI designs for NoC-based systems.
Use of active networks to widen the spectrum of application of piezoelectric filters

This paper describes the design of active bulk acoustic wave (BAW) piezoelectric filters with properties that are unattainable with inductorless passive piezoelectric filters. Circuit realizations for wideband (fractional bandwidth of between 5% and 50%) bandpass filters (BPF), low pass filters (LPF), highpass filters (HPF), band reject filters (BRF), and tunable filter sections are proposed. This class of filter eliminates the characteristic restrictions related to the properties of the piezoelectric material. The proposed approach would be useful for the design of integrated circuit (IC) compatible thin film BAW piezoelectric filters over a wide frequency range of up to 1-2 GHz. <<ETX>>
Exact analysis of switched capacitor circuits with arbitrary inputs

In this paper a general formulation procedure and an exact analysis in the frequency domain for switched capacitor circuits with arbitrary inputs including cisoidal, sample-and-hold, and noise, are presented. No topological and duty cycle constraints have been imposed on the circuits. Transfer functions are derived explicitly in terms of circuit matrices. Various special cases of practical interest are discussed in detail. Due to the simple form of the solutions much insight has been gained in understanding the working of switched capacitor circuits. The results are numerically attractive and can be readily programmed for computer-aided design of large size circuits. A simple two-capacitor circuit has been used throughout the text for illustration under various conditions.
The Collaborative Metadata Repository (CoMetaR) Web App: Quantitative and Qualitative Usability Evaluation

Background In the field of medicine and medical informatics, the importance of comprehensive metadata has long been recognized, and the composition of metadata has become its own field of profession and research. To ensure sustainable and meaningful metadata are maintained, standards and guidelines such as the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reusability) principles have been published. The compilation and maintenance of metadata is performed by field experts supported by metadata management apps. The usability of these apps, for example, in terms of ease of use, efficiency, and error tolerance, crucially determines their benefit to those interested in the data. Objective This study aims to provide a metadata management app with high usability that assists scientists in compiling and using rich metadata. We aim to evaluate our recently developed interactive web app for our collaborative metadata repository (CoMetaR). This study reflects how real users perceive the app by assessing usability scores and explicit usability issues. Methods We evaluated the CoMetaR web app by measuring the usability of 3 modules: core module, provenance module, and data integration module. We defined 10 tasks in which users must acquire information specific to their user role. The participants were asked to complete the tasks in a live web meeting. We used the System Usability Scale questionnaire to measure the usability of the app. For qualitative analysis, we applied a modified think aloud method with the following thematic analysis and categorization into the ISO 9241-110 usability categories. Results A total of 12 individuals participated in the study. We found that over 97% (85/88) of all the tasks were completed successfully. We measured usability scores of 81, 81, and 72 for the 3 evaluated modules. The qualitative analysis resulted in 24 issues with the app. Conclusions A usability score of 81 implies very good usability for the 2 modules, whereas a usability score of 72 still indicates acceptable usability for the third module. We identified 24 issues that serve as starting points for further development. Our method proved to be effective and efficient in terms of effort and outcome. It can be adapted to evaluate apps within the medical informatics field and potentially beyond.
Methodology for optimal configuration in structural health monitoring of composite bonded joints

In this study, a structural health monitoring (SHM) strategy is proposed in order to detect disbonds in a composite lap-joint. The structure under study is composed of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bonded to a titanium plate and artificial disbonds are simulated by inserting Teflon tapes of various dimensions within the joint. In situ inspection is ensured by piezoceramics bonded to the structure to generate and measure guided waves. Theoretical propagation and through-thickness stress distribution are first studied in order to determine damage sensitivity with respect to the mode and frequency of the generated guided wave. The optimal configuration of the system in terms of piezoceramic size, shape and inter-unit spacing is then validated using finite element modeling (FEM) in 3D. Experimental assessment of propagation characteristics is conducted using laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) in order to justify theoretical and numerical assumptions and pitch–catch measurements are then performed to validate the efficient detection of the damage and accurate estimation of its size.
Introducing guidelines for eco-dynamic development and design

One of the key activities within the Building with Nature innovation programme is the development of a guideline for Eco-dynamic Development and Design. This guidance will be focussed on implementation of the Building with Nature principles throughout all of the stages of hydraulic engineering projects (initiation, planning & design, construction, operation & maintenance). The guidance is based on knowledge and experience from within the building with nature innovation program as well as on external sources. While a small group provides the main structure of the guideline, all participants in the building with nature program do contribute. To facilitate this collaborative writing effort, and to provide users with instant feedback on their and other user’s contributions, use is made of web-environment very similar to that of wikipedia. This contribution (1) outlines the way this collaborative effort is designed and integrated within the Building with Nature programme, and (2) illustrates its progress based on a number of practical contributions already available.
The Evolution of Draft Lotteries in Professional Sports: Back to Moral Hazard?

In several North American professional sports, teams choose (draft) new players each year in inverse order of their end-of-season standings. Since drafting early is valued highly, teams that are not doing well might be tempted not to try hard in the last few games of the season, since by losing they might improve their draft position. To alleviate this potential problem, the National Basketball Association, since 1985, has held an annual draft lottery among the teams that did not qualify for that season’s playoffs. Initially the lottery was one of equal chance; it is now heavily biased in favor of the weakest teams. A very biased draft lottery has also just been instituted by the National Hockey League. We have calculated the probabilities of different draft positions by a team’s regular season standings and the resulting expected draft positions for all these lottery formats. For current schemes the expected draft positions turn out to be almost what they would have been without a lottery.
On the domination polynomial of a digraph: a generation function approach

Let G be a directed graph on n vertices. The domination polynomial of G is the polynomial D(G, x) =∑ni=0 d(G, i)xi, where d(G, i) is the number of dominating sets of G with i vertices. In this paper, we prove that the domination polynomial of G can be obtained by using an ordinary generating function. Besides, we show that our method is useful to obtain the minimum-weighted dominating set of a graph.
Determination of the Chemical Composition of Eucalyptus spp. for Cellulosic Pulp Production

The chemical composition of wood is important to assess the quality of this raw material for the industry of cellulosic pulp production. The purpose of this work was to determine the chemical composition of Eucalyptus spp. grown for cellulosic pulp production. Ten Eucalyptus spp. clones with six years of age, located in the municipality of Itamarandiba, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were used. Quantification was obtained for extractives, monosaccharides, uronic acids, acetates, lignin, ash and the phenolic composition of the extracts. In average, clones showed around 2.7% extractives, with a predominance of polar compounds soluble in ethanol and water; 27.7% lignin and 0.3% ash. Glucose was the main sugar detected (64.2%), followed by xylose (19.3%). The main components of the extractives were steroids, fatty acids and aromatic acids, followed by smaller amounts of substituted alkanoic acids, fatty alcohols, glycerol derivatives and triterpenes. The ethanol–water extracts presented total phenol contents ranging from 321.4 to 586.6 mg EAG/g of extract, tannins from 28.1 to 65.1 mg catechin/g of extract and flavonoids from 73.6 to 256.9 mg catechin/g of extract. Clones with a higher holocellulose amount and a lower lignin content showed a higher potential for cellulosic pulp production. These findings are important for the development of high-quality wood based on important traits for the pulp and paper sector.
Multiplex PCR method for detection of variability in genes encoding the alpha proteins of Streptococcus agalactiae

The majority of Streptococcus agalactiae strains express one or more surface-anchored proteins that vary by strain. These proteins, which are characteristic for S. agalactiae, and are able to induce protective antibodies, include the alpha C, Rib proteins, alpha-like protein 2, and alpha-like protein 3. In this study was developed multiplex PCR method for detection of genes encoding these proteins, and its occurrence within a various S. agalactiae isolates of bovine origin. Also are reported two new genes from bovine isolates of S. agalactiae amplified by PCR, encoding other putative members of the family, alphalike protein 6, and alpha-like protein 7. They contain an overall genetic organization highly similar to that of the alpha C and Rib proteins.
A modified microstrip to empty substrate integrated waveguide transition

In this article, a new design of a microstrip to empty substrate integrated waveguide with reduced fabrication complexity is presented. A tapered microstrip section is used for mode and impedance matching. The guiding medium below the transition area is air. The proposed design is validated both in X and K‐band. Finally, a prototype of such back‐to‐back transition is fabricated for X‐band operation. The measured results show that the insertion loss of the back‐to‐back transition is less than 1 dB with return loss better than 15 dB over 7.2–11.2 GHz, whereas the return loss is better than 10 dB over the entire X‐band. The leakage from the transitions is also studied.
Turbofan multiobjective‐multipoint optimization for UAV/UCAV applications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a multi‐objective and multi‐point optimization method to support the preliminary design of an unmixed turbofan mounted on a sample UAV/UCAV aircraft.Design/methodology/approach – An in‐house multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm, a flight simulator and a validated engine simulator are implemented and joined together using object‐oriented programming.Findings – Optimal values are found of the pressure ratio and corrected mass flow of both the engine fan and compressor as they operate in on/off design conditions (multipoint approach), as well as the engine by‐pass ratio, that contextually minimize time and engine fuel consumption required to cover a fixed trajectory (mission profile). Furthermore, the optimal distribution of the thermodynamic quantities along the trajectory is determined.Research limitations/implications – The research deals with a preliminary design of an engine, therefore no detailed engine geometry can be found.Practical implications – T.
Quasi-sliding strategy of modulation for modified vector PWM for frequency-controlled 3-phase voltage source inverters

The paper presents a quasi-sliding approach to direct synthesis of line-to-line output voltage of 3-phase voltage source inverters for adjustable speed drive application. This strategy of modulation is applied to the scheme of modified voltage space vector control which is characterized by the better performance at the higher range of output frequency. Quasi-sliding modulation provides smooth shock-less ratio changing of pulses of line voltage during the whole control range including overmodulation zone due to continuous step-by-step formation of special sliding signals (pulses and pauses) with variable width, which are changing each other at the boundary frequencies. Positions of pulse patterns are described here mainly by simple algebraic correlations in the function of control frequency of drive system. To avoid undesirable voltage waveforms with double-pulses and double-pauses, additional modulation of signals next to sliding control signals is executed. Special attention is given to analysis of laws of modulation in the zone of the highest output frequencies, where smooth transition from PWM to square-wave voltage is provided.
Effects of Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning on the Internal Thoracic Artery Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a medical procedure that consists of repeated brief periods of transient ischaemia and reperfusion of distant organs (limbs) with the ability to provide internal organ protection from ischaemia. Even though RIPC has been successfully applied in patients with myocardial infarction during coronary revascularization (surgery/percutaneous angioplasty), the underlying molecular mechanisms are yet to be clarified. Thus, our study aimed to determine the role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in RIPC-induced protection (3 × 5 min of forearm ischaemia with 5 min of reperfusion) of arterial graft in patients undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We examined RIPC effects on specific expression and immunolocalization of three NOS isoforms — endothelial (eNOS), inducible (iNOS) and neuronal (nNOS) in patients’ internal thoracic artery (ITA) used as a graft. We found that the application of RIPC protocol leads to an increased protein expression of eNOS, which was further confirmed with strong eNOS immunopositivity, especially in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells of ITA. The same analysis of two other NOS isoforms, iNOS and nNOS, showed no significant differences between patients undergoing CABG with or without RIPC. Our results demonstrate RIPC-induced upregulation of eNOS in human ITA, pointing to its significance in achieving protective phenotype on a systemic level with important implications for graft patency.
Quasi-3D analytical modeling of the magnetic field of an axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machine

A quasi-three-dimensional (3D) analytical model of the magnetic field in an axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machine (AFPMSM) is presented. This model is derived from an exact 2D analytical solution of magnetic field extended to the 3D case by a simple and effective radial dependence modeling of the magnetic field. The obtained quasi-3D solution allows rapid parametric studies of airgap magnetic field. Then, an analytical modeling of the cogging torque is presented. It is based on the obtained quasi-3D analytical solution. Results issued from the proposed model in the airgap are compared with those stemming from a 3D finite elements method (FEM) simulation as well as with prototype measured values.
SMS: A Novel Approach for Bacterial Strain Genome Reconstruction in Multiple Samples

BackgroundThe analysis of the bacterial strains is important for the understanding of drug resistance. Despite the existence of dozens of computational tools for bacterial strain studies, most of them are developed for the limited number of known bacterial strains. Almost all remaining tools are designed to analyze individual samples or local regions instead of the entire bacterial genomes. With multiple shotgun metagenomic samples routinely generated in a project, it is necessary to create methods to reconstruct novel bacterial strain genomes in multiple samples.ResultsWe developed a novel computational approach called SMS to de novo reconstruct bacterial Strain genomes from Multiple shotgun sequencing Samples. Tested on 702 simulated and 195 experimental datasets, SMS reliably identified the strain number, strain abundance, and strain polymorphisms. Compared with two existing approaches, SMS showed superior performance in terms of more accurate estimation of the strain number, abundance and variations.ConclusionsSMS is a useful tool for novel bacterial strain reconstruction in multiple shotgun metagenomic samples.