Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time-Domain Analysis and Optimal Design of LLC-DC Transformers (LLC-DCXs) Considering Discontinuous Conduction Modes

LLC-dc transformers (LLC-DCXs) operate under fixed-frequency and open-loop conditions to achieve high efficiency and are promising converters that can be used in the auxiliary power units (APUs) of electric locomotives. An optimal design method of LLC-DCXs is proposed in this article. First, the time-domain expressions of the symmetric half-bridge LLC resonant converter with split resonant capacitors are derived. A current increment method is proposed to determine the expressions. Second, the discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and voltage gain limiting conditions are used to obtain the magnetizing inductance ranges. The converter losses and zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) ranges are considered to determine the final magnetizing inductance. A 10-kW prototype is used as an example, and a detailed parameter design process is implemented. Compared with conventional design methods for magnetizing inductance, the proposed method can effectively determine the maximum magnetizing inductance for the DCM operation of the converter. The effectiveness of the proposed method is proven by the simulations and experimental results obtained for the 10-kW LLC-DCX prototype. The maximum efficiency of the designed converter is 98.12% under the full load.
An Experimental Study on Deformation Fractures of Fissured Rock around Tunnels in True Triaxial Unloads

Joints and cracks are frequently encountered in underground rock mass. During the process of tunnel excavations or other underground construction, the rock will be exposed suddenly, and such sudden unloading process will cause crack expansion and destabilize the rock structure. In order to investigate the crack behaviour during this process, a true triaxial loading apparatus with a computer-controlled electrohydraulic servosystem was established, and a series of true triaxial loading and unloading experiments was conducted by using concrete specimens containing inclined cracks with inclinations of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°. The stress-strain behavior and the failure property of rock models during unloading process were obtained, and, additionally, the coefficient of brittle stress drop was investigated. The uniaxial compression tests were simulated by using finite element method.
Forging a Functional Cure for HIV: Transcription Regulators and Inhibitors

Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases the survival of HIV-infected individuals, yet it is not curative. The major barrier to finding a definitive cure for HIV is our inability to identify and eliminate long-lived cells containing the dormant provirus, termed viral reservoir. When ART is interrupted, the viral reservoir ensures heterogenous and stochastic HIV viral gene expression, which can reseed infection back to pre-ART levels. While strategies to permanently eradicate the virus have not yet provided significant success, recent work has focused on the management of this residual viral reservoir to effectively limit comorbidities associated with the ongoing viral transcription still observed during suppressive ART, as well as limit the need for daily ART. Our group has been at the forefront of exploring the viability of the block-and-lock remission approach, focused on the long-lasting epigenetic block of viral transcription such that without daily ART, there is no risk of viral rebound, transmission, or progression to AIDS. Numerous studies have reported inhibitors of both viral and host factors required for HIV transcriptional activation. Here, we highlight and review some of the latest HIV transcriptional inhibitor discoveries that may be leveraged for the clinical exploration of block-and-lock and revolutionize the way we treat HIV infections.
The homotopy categories of injective modules of derived discrete algebras

We study the homotopy category $ K(\Inj A)$ of all injective modules over a finite dimensional algebra $A$ with discrete derived category. We give a classification of the indecomposable objects of $ K(\Inj A)$ for any radical square zero self-injective algebra $A$. In particular, every indecomposable object is endofinite.
Copper nanoparticles incorporated manganese dioxide nanocomposites for electrochemical capacitance application

Chemically produced coppercontaining MnO2 nanoparticles were studied using FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, AFM, cyclic voltammetric and charge/discharge behaviour. Mixed nanocomposites have a crystalline size of 50 nm was calculated through Debye Scherrer’s equation from XRD analysis. The FTIR spectra were recorded region 400- 4000 cm-1, of clean and doped Manganese dioxide nanoparticles. Mn–O can be ascribed to the stretching vibration band of MnO2 nanoparticles at 631 cm-1. The bending and stretching vibrations of the O-H group are ascribed to the fundamental absorption peaks at 1620 cm-1 and 3400 cm-1.AFM is used to characterize the impact of surface roughness on the fundamental properties of MnO2, copper induced nanocomposites of MnO2 particles. Electrochemical impedance and voltammetric experiments are used to investigate the behaviour of individual and mixed nanocomposites as supercapacitors.
Linear Encryption Against Eavesdropping on Remote State Estimation

This article considers the problem of eavesdropping on remote state estimation. Linear encryption strategies are used to protect the transmitted data. Two types of data transmission are considered: raw measurements generated by traditional sensors as well as innovations generated by smart sensors. For these two transmission scenarios, the encryption coefficients are obtained by formulating different optimization problems, with the target of maximizing the eavesdropper’s estimation error covariance. For stable systems, the designed encryption strategies can effectively impair the eavesdropper’s estimation performance. For unstable systems, the encryption can be designed to make the eavesdropper’s estimation error covariance divergent. The encryption performance is evaluated through numerical simulations on both stable and unstable systems.
The Impact of a Communication Training on the Birth Experience: Qualitative Interviews with Mothers after Giving Birth at Obstetric University Departments in Germany

(1) Background: Patient safety is a pressing issue in healthcare. Besides economical and organizational issues, human factors play a crucial role in providing safe care. Safe and clear communication on both the healthcare workers’ and patients’ sides contribute to the avoidance of medical errors and increase patients’ and healthcare workers’ satisfaction. Globally, the incidence of experiencing at least one adverse event in obstetrics is about 10%, of which half are classified as preventable. According to international research, improving communication skills may decrease preventable adverse events. The research question was to what extent communication training for pregnant women impacts the quality of communication and mutual understanding during birth. (2) Methods: Communication interventions with pregnant women were conducted in two German university obstetric departments in a mixed methods research design, based on the Health Action Process Approach. The online classes covered the awareness of personal wishes, the understanding and usage of communication strategies, self-efficacy and empathy. This study presents the qualitative results. Out of 142 mothers who answered two questionnaires before the communication training and after the birth, 24 in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted to explore the subjective impact of the communication training. The results were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. (3) Results: The majority of participants felt incentivized to be aware of their personal wishes for birth and to express them. Perceived positive experiences with sufficient competency in communication, empathy and mutual understanding outweighed negative treatments and experiences in the hospital, some of which could be attributed to structural problems. (4) Discussion: The reported positive effects of the communication training underline the need but also the potential for communication lessons to reflect and improve communication skills in obstetrics. However, negative experiences due to structural problems in the healthcare system may be buffered by communication skills but not solved.
Sibling Influences on Trajectories of Maladaptive Behaviors in Autism

Siblings play an important role in the behavioral trajectories of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While having siblings has been associated with positive outcomes in ASD, including stronger adaptive functioning, social and non-verbal communication, and theory of mind, little is known about the impact of siblings on more negative outcomes, such as maladaptive behaviors. To address this gap, the present longitudinal study tested sibling predictors of trajectories of maladaptive behaviors (e.g., teacher- and parent-reported hyperactivity, irritability, and social withdrawal) from childhood through early adulthood among individuals with ASD and non-spectrum delays. Multilevel models revealed that, while the mere presence of a sibling did not impact maladaptive behavior trajectories apart from teacher-reported hyperactivity, the diagnostic profile of the sibling (e.g., emotional/behavioral disorder, ASD, medical condition) emerged as an important predictor. Specifically, although findings varied across teacher and parent reports, more hyperactivity and irritability across time was identified when the sibling had diagnoses of an emotional/behavioral disorder, ASD, and/or a medical condition. Overall, this study provides novel insight into the broader family-level factors that influence the presentation of maladaptive behaviors across time and across contexts.
Sleep disorders in meningoencephalitis with adjustment disorders

Many patients with medical disorders, such as meningoencephalitis are evaluated by psychiatrists complaining of sleep problems as one of the symptoms. A 65-years old married male patient who was currently unemployed was interviewed by a psychiatrist in an uncomfortable reclining position. The patient had been hospitalized for 8 days prior to the interview with a history of being unconscious. The patient showed disorganized speech, tried to pull the intravenous line, and hit his wife. The patient said that at this time, he was unable to sleep due to the throbbing headaches, nauseous, and frequent urination at night. Thus, the patient felt uncomfortable, tired, and drowsy in the morning. Those symptoms got worse in the last week. The patient never had sleep problems before. The psychiatric status showed an appropriate appearance, uncomfortable looks, adequate verbal and visual contact, clear consciousness, dysphoric mood and affect which was congruent, logical realist coherent thought process, and a preoccupation of headache. There was no hallucination or illusion, but mixed type insomnia was found. The patient was diagnosed with adjustment disorder with predominant symptoms and sleep disturbances (F43.28).
A realtime 200 MHz ultrasound B-scan imager

The development of very high frequency ultrasound imaging systems affords a unique opportunity to visualize living tissue at the microscopic level. The objective of the work reported here is to implement a realtime B-scan imaging system operating at frequencies in the 100-200 MHz range with resolution approaching the size of single cells. The design and performance of special spherically focused lithium niobate transducers is described. These devices showed good sensitivity with insertion losses as low as -22 dB. Lateral and axial resolution of 12 and 22 microns respectively were measured at a centre frequency of 192 MHz with f-1.2 focusing. The design and signal processing aspects of the scanner are briefly described. Preliminary correlations of histopathology with in vitro images of human coronary arteries and are presented. The authors conclude that microscopic imaging of tissues in the 200 MHz range is feasible. The resulting images show great potential for the assessment of tissue microstructure.
Th17 cell-derived amphiregulin promotes colitis-associated intestinal fibrosis through activation of mTOR and MEK in intestinal myofibroblasts.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Intestinal fibrosis is a significant complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Gut microbiota reactive Th17 cells are crucial in the pathogenesis of CD; however, how Th17 cells induce intestinal fibrosis is still not completely understood. METHODS In this study, T cell transfer model with wild-type (WT) and Areg-/- Th17 cells and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced chronic colitis model in WT and Areg-/- mice were used. CD4+ T cell expression of Areg was determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The effect of Areg on proliferation/migration/collagen expression in human intestinal myofibroblasts was determined. Areg expression was assessed in healthy controls and CD patients with or without intestinal fibrosis. RESULTS Although Th1 and Th17 cells induced intestinal inflammation at similar levels when transferred into Tcrβxδ-/- mice, Th17 cells induced more severe intestinal fibrosis. Th17 cells expressed higher levels of Areg than Th1 cells. Areg-/- mice developed less severe intestinal fibrosis compared with WT mice upon DSS insults. Transfer of Areg-/- Th17 cells induced less severe fibrosis in Tcrβxδ-/- mice compared with WT Th17 cells. IL-6 and IL-21 promoted Areg expression in Th17 cells by activating Stat3. Stat3 inhibitor suppressed Th17-induced intestinal fibrosis. Areg promoted human intestinal myofibroblast proliferation, motility, and collagen I expression, which was mediated by activating mTOR and MEK. Areg expression was increased in intestinal CD4+ T cells in fibrotic sites compared with non-fibrotic sites from CD patients. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal that Th17-derived Areg promotes intestinal fibrotic responses in experimental colitis and human CD patients. Thereby, Areg might, serve as a potential therapeutic target for fibrosis in CD.
Adversarial Attacks on Speech Separation Systems

Speech separation is a special form of blind source separation in which the objective is to decouple two or more sources such that they are distinct. The need for such an ability grows as speech activated device usage increases in our every day life. These systems, however, are susceptible to malicious actors. In this work, we repurpose proven adversarial attacks and leverage them against a combination speech separation and speech recognition system. The attack adds adversarial noise to a mixture of two voices such that the two outputs of the speech separation system are similarly transcribed by the speech recognition system despite hearing clear differences in the speech. Against ConvTasNet, degradation of separation remains low at 0.34 decibels, allowing the speech recognition system to still work. When testing against automatic speech recognition, the attack achieves a 64.07% word error rate (WER) against Wav2Vec2, compared to 4.22% for unmodified samples. Against Speech2Text, the WER is 84.55%, compared to 10% WER for unmodified samples. For similarity to the target transcript, the attack achieves 24.77% character error rate (CER), reduced from 113% CER. This indicates relatively high similarity between the target transcription and the resulting transcription.
Determinants of attitudes towards wildlife in rural Taiwan and its implications for leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) conservation performance payment

ABSTRACT Context. Conservation performance payment (CPP) is increasingly used to promote human–carnivore co-existence. The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small felid, which suffers from high levels of anthropogenic mortality. In Taiwan, CPP has recently been introduced to stimulate leopard cat conservation in rural townships. A CPP scheme for leopard cats was pilot-tested in 2019, with the aim to enroll it to other rural townships in future. Aims. We determined whether CPP has a positive impact on attitudes towards leopard cat. To assess whether attitudes are species-specific, we compare attitudes towards leopard cat to attitudes towards other small carnivores, namely gem-faced civet (Paguma larvata) and ferret badger (Melogale moschata), and to pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), a species with a similar conservation status. On the basis of our results, we discuss whether leopard cat CPP is likely to benefit biodiversity preservation as a whole. Methods. We used a structured (pilot-tested) questionnaire to interview 164 respondents in three rural townships in which leopard cats occur in relatively high numbers compared to other townships. Key results. People felt more positive about leopard cat and pangolin, species that were seen as appealing and rare, than about gem-faced civet and ferret badger. Whether species were perceived as causing poultry depredation or agricultural losses was a main reason behind attitudes. Attitudes varied among townships. With CPP, attitudes towards all species became more positive. However, more than a quarter of the respondents were skeptical about the effectiveness of CPP. Conclusions and implications. On the basis of the species popularity and area requirements, leopard cats are a suitable flagship umbrella species. As such, leopard cat CPP is likely to promote biodiversity conservation in Taiwan, especially if other (unpopular) species are taken into account in the objectives of such a scheme. For CPP to be effective, it is important that such a program is participatory, has clear objectives, accurate systems to monitor program outcomes and provides sufficient long-term local benefits. With attitudes towards wildlife varying at a small geographical scale, there is a need for research prior to implementation of CPP, so it can be adapted to local requirements.
Subnormal Subgroups of Groups

This book is the first to give a comprehensive account of subnormal subgroups of both finite and infinite groups. The authors trace the historical development of the subject from the early work of Wielandt, including the celebrated "join problem," to very recent results relating to the elusive subnormalizer of a subgroup. The book explains how the study of group rings can give a powerful and unified approach to major problems and encourages postgraduates and researchers in group theory and ring theory to further explore problems whose solutions remain incomplete.
Lagrangian Fluid Dynamics: Sound waves, shear instabilities, Rossby waves and Ptolemaic vortices

Part I. The Lagrangian Formulation: 1. Lagrangian kinematics 2. Lagrangian statistics 3. Lagrangian dynamics 4. Coordinates 5. Real fluids Part II. Lagrangian Flows: 6. Some analytical Lagrangian solutions 7. Waves, instabilities and vortices 8. Viscous incompressible flow 9. General solvability Part III. Diffusion: 10. Absolute dispersion 11. Relative dispersion 12. Convective subranges, scalar variance spectrum 13. Diffusion Part IV. Lagrangian Data: 14. Observing systems 15. Data analysis: the single particle 16. Data analysis: particle clusters References.
Exploring the Chemical Evolution of Globular Clusters and their Stars : Observational Constraints on Atomic Diffusion and Cluster Pollution in NGC 6752 and M4

Context. Abundance trends in heavier elements with evolutionary phase have been shown to exist in the globular cluster NGC 6121 (M4) ([Fe/H] = −1.1). These trends are a result of atomic diffusion and additional (non-convective) mixing. Studying such trends can provide us with important constraints on the extent to which diffusion modifies the internal structure and surface abundances of solar-type, metal-poor stars.Aims. Taking advantage of a larger data sample, we investigate the reality and the size of these abundance trends and address questions and potential biases associated with the various stellar populations that make up M4. Methods. We perform an abundance analysis by combining photometric and spectroscopic data of 194 stars located between the turnoff point and the base of the red giant branch. Stellar parameters are derived from uvby Stromgren photometry. Using the quantitative-spectroscopy package SME, stellar surface abundances for light elements such as Li, Na, Mg, Al, and Si as well as heavier elements such as Ca, Ti, and Fe are derived in an automated way by fitting synthetic spectra to individual lines in the stellar spectra, obtained with the VLT/FLAMES-GIRAFFE spectrograph.Results. Based on uvby Stromgren photometry, we are able to separate three stellar populations in M4 along the evolutionary sequence from the base of the red giant branch down to the turnoff point. We find weak systematic abundance trends with evolutionary phase for Ca, Ti, and Fe which are best explained by stellar-structure models including atomic diffusion with efficient additional mixing. We derive a new value for the initial lithium abundance of M4 after correcting for the effect of atomic diffusion and additional mixing which falls slightly below the predicted standard BBN value.Conclusions. We find three stellar populations by combining photometric and spectroscopic data of 86 stars in the globular cluster M4. Abundance trends for groups of elements, differently affected by atomic diffusion and additional mixing, are identified. Although the statistical significance of the individual trends is weak, they all support the notion that atomic diffusion is operational along the evolutionary sequence of M4.
Two-stage procedure for transportation mode detection based on sighting data

The data required for transportation applications can be retrieved from mobile phones without the necessity of additional infrastructure. Thus, we propose a procedure that involves two stages – data preprocessing and transportation mode detection – for detecting the transportation mode (i.e., car and bus) on the basis of sighting data. In the data preprocessing stage, two detection rules are used for eliminating oscillations that occur when a mobile phone intermittently switches between cell towers instead of connecting to the nearest cell tower. In the transportation mode detection stage, two supervised machine learning methods, namely support vector machine (SVM) and a deep neural network (DNN), are used to detect transportation modes. Experimental results indicated SVM achieved a higher accuracy (96.49%) in transport mode detection than did the DNN (69.65%) during peak hours. Moreover, travel time and starting time of a trip were identified as critical features affecting the accuracy of transportation mode detection.
Gluteal muscle activation and strength in Egyptian nurses with low back pain

Background: nursing is characterized by high occupational stress and bad carrying habits that may lead to negative changes in posture. The aim of this study is to assess Gluteal muscles activation and strength in Egyptian nurses working in ICU and In-patient units complaining from chronic low back pain. Design: A cross-sectional study. Subjects One hundred thirty-four Male and female nurses was recruited for this study. Their work duration ranged from 3 to 10 years in the hospital, their work shifts extend for approximately 8 - 12 hours including patient handling, and their age ranged from 21 to 40 years old. Method: the gluteal muscles activation was measured by EMG and gluteal muscles strength was assessed by hand-held dynamometer. Results: MANOVA revealed that there were no significant differences between groups in all measures of muscle endurance. On the other hand, there was only a significant difference between groups in Gluteus Maximus Muscle activation in non-dominant side (F = 16.639, p <.001*) and Gluteus Med/Min Muscle activation in dominant side (F = 6.732, p = 0.011*).