Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic feedthrough current cancellation in a seesaw CMOS-MEMS resonator for integrated oscillators

The parasitic feedthrough capacitance that inherently appears in capacitive transduced MEMS resonators presents two main drawbacks: it partially, or even totally, masks the magnitude of the resonance peak; and also, it reduces the π-phase transition produced by the resonance peak. This reduction in the phase transition not only complicates to meet the Barkhausen's phase condition in oscillator systems, but also it reduces the quality factor, deteriorating in this way the phase noise performance of oscillator systems. In this paper, we report on the initial experimental demonstration of a dual-mode seesaw CMOS-MEMS resonator that intrinsically mitigates the effect of the parasitic current on the magnitude and phase of the resonance frequency. Finally, a dual-clock application with the presented dual-mode resonator is proposed and experimentally demonstrated.
National Culture and the Choice between Bank and Bond Financing

We examine how cultural preferences impact the financing decision of firms. In particular, we hypothesize that firms in countries with a higher degree of long-term orientation tend to prefer bank finance, whereas firms in countries with a higher degree of short-term orientation tend to prefer bond finance. Based on a thorough theoretical investigation and an extensive empirical analysis using a large, worldwide dataset, we find strong support for our hypothesis on the role of culture in financial intermediation. The results are robust to controlling for other determinants of the choice of debt financing as well as alternative measures of culture.
Use of fecal volatile organic compound analysis to discriminate between non-vaccinated and BCG—Vaccinated cattle prior to and after Mycobacterium bovis challenge

Bovine tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease of global public health concern. Development of diagnostic tools to improve test accuracy and efficiency in domestic livestock and enable surveillance of wildlife reservoirs would improve disease management and eradication efforts. Use of volatile organic compound analysis in breath and fecal samples is being developed and optimized as a means to detect disease in humans and animals. In this study we demonstrate that VOCs present in fecal samples can be used to discriminate between non-vaccinated and BCG-vaccinated cattle prior to and after Mycobacterium bovis challenge.
Interfiber tension transmission in series‐fibered muscles of the cat hindlimb

Several muscles of the cat hindlimb, including biceps femoris and tenuissimus, are composed of short, in‐series muscle fibers with tapered intrafascicular terminations. Tension generation and transmission within such muscles requires that active fibers should be mechanically coupled in series via myomyous junctions, specialized connective tissue attachments, or the endomysium. This report establishes that the tapered fibers of the cat biceps femoris and tenuissimus muscles have insignificant numbers of either myomyous or specialized connective tissue junctions. Tension appears to be transmitted in a distributed manner across the plasmalemma of the tapered (and probably the non‐tapered) portions of the fibers to the connective tissue of the endomysium, which is therefore an essential series elastic element in these muscles. Subplasmalemmal dense plaques were identified and may play a role in transmembrane force transmission. In addition to the endomysium, passive muscle fibers may also serve to transmit tension between active fibers, and therefore should also be considered to be series elastic elements.
ProSeal laryngeal mask airway™ insertion in the prone position: Optimal utilization of operation theatre personnel and time?

Background: Positioning an anesthetized patient prone is challenging with regard to manpower requirement, time to surgical readiness and airway management. The ProSeal laryngeal mask airway™ (PLMA) is emerging as a suitable alternative, both as a primary and a rescue airway device to the tracheal tube (TT) for patients undergoing surgery in the prone position. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized study, 70 patients scheduled to undergo pilonidal sinus excision in prone position were allocated to two groups of 35 patients each, depending on the position of the patient at induction and device placement: Group S (device placed while supine) and Group P (device placed while prone). We compared the manpower requirement, time to surgical readiness, efficacy and safety of the PLMA for airway management in the two groups. Results: The number of personnel [5 (4-6) vs. 3 (3-3); P < 0.001] required for positioning the patient and surgical readiness time (22.1 ± 3 vs. 5.9 ± 0.9 min; P < 0.001) was higher in group S. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to efficacy and safety of the PLMA. Incidence of blood on the PLMA cuff and sore throat was comparable in the two groups (P = 1.000). Conclusion: We conclude that induction and placing the PLMA in the prone position by experienced users require fewer personnel and reduces surgical readiness time.
Pseudo-randomly generated estimator banks: a new tool for improving the threshold performance of direction finding

A new powerful tool for improving the threshold performance of direction finding is considered. The main idea of our approach is to reduce the number of outliers in the DOA estimates using a previously proposed joint estimation strategy (JES). For this purpose, multiple different DOA estimators are calculated in a parallel manner for the same batch of data (i.e. for a single data record). Employing these estimators simultaneously, the JES improves the threshold performance because it removes outliers and exploits only "successful" estimators that are sorted out using a hypothesis testing procedure. We consider an efficient modification of the JES with application to the pseudo-randomly generated eigenstructure estimator banks based on secondand higher order statistics. Weighted MUSIC estimators based on the covariance and contracted quadricovariance matrices are chosen as appropriate underlying techniques for the second- and fourth-order estimator banks, respectively. Computer simulations with uncorrelated sources verify the dramatic improvements of threshold performance as compared with the conventional second- and fourth-order MUSIC algorithms. Simulations also show that in the second-order case, the threshold performance of our technique is close to that of the WSF method and stochastic/deterministic ML methods, which are known today as the most powerful (in the sense of estimation performance) and, at the same time, as the most computationally expensive DOA estimation techniques. The computational cost of our algorithm is much lower than that of the WSF and ML techniques because no multidimensional optimization is required.
Controllability of quantum harmonic oscillators

It is proven in a previous paper that any modal approximation of the one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator is controllable. We prove here that, contrary to such finite-dimensional approximations, the original infinite-dimensional system is not controllable: Its controllable part is of dimension 2 and corresponds to the dynamics of the average position. More generally, we prove that, for the quantum harmonic oscillator of any dimension, similar lacks of controllability occur whatever the number of control is: the controllable part still corresponds to the average position dynamics. We show, with the quantum particle in a moving quadratic potential, that some physically interesting motion planning questions can be however solved.
Arab World Psychology

The phrase “Arab world” refers to the Middle Eastern Arab countries from Morocco to the Arabian Gulf . Arab societies are highly diverse and consist of heterogeneous psychosocial systems based on ethnic, regional, socioeconomic, and national identities. Despite differences among the nations and regions of the Arab world, there are broad commonalities in religion, language, and psychosocial trends that are all part of the shared cultural heritage. Keywords: cultural psychology; ethnicity; cross-cultural psychology; indigenous psychology; international psychology
Heart Rate Variability in Siesta Polysomnograms - A Preliminary Study

Nowadays, sleep apnea is a disease with a high prevalence. Its diagnosis requires to admit the patient in a hospital sleep unit and to conduct a polysomnography during the night. For this reason, many efforts have been devoted to alternative techniques to diagnose apnea from other signals, such as ECG or oxygen saturation, easier to obtain outside a hospital. The aim of this work is to investigate if these recordings behave similar to overnight ECGs.This paper presents the results of a small study (only 7 patients) conducted on short naps using heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. The results indicate that the spectral parameters are different for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and healthy patients. Relationship with the apnea/hypoapnea index (AHI) was also different. This is a promising starting point for more extensive studies in the future.
Radical Pedagogy: Identity, Generativity, and Social Transformation

Introduction Part 1: Identity, Learning, and Social Problems Identity, Motivation, and Recognition Linguistic Identity Affective and Imagistic Identity Identity Integration and Defenses Identity Structure Part II: Identity-Undermining Pedagogies Teachers' Identities as Obstacles to Radical Pedagogy Authoritarian and Establishment Pedagogies Pedagogies of Resistance and Empowerment Historicism as Obstacle to Radical Pedagogy Part III: Developing Teachers' Identities Self Analysis for Teachers Generative Identity and the Need To Teach Part IV: Promoting Students' Identity Development Supporting Pro-Social Identity Contents Promoting Identity Integration Developing Students' Identity Structures
Improving controllable adhesion on both rough and smooth surfaces with a hybrid electrostatic/gecko-like adhesive

This paper describes a novel, controllable adhesive that combines the benefits of electrostatic adhesives with gecko-like directional dry adhesives. When working in combination, the two technologies create a positive feedback cycle whose adhesion, depending on the surface type, is often greater than the sum of its parts. The directional dry adhesive brings the electrostatic adhesive closer to the surface, increasing its effect. Similarly, the electrostatic adhesion helps engage more of the directional dry adhesive fibrillar structures, particularly on rough surfaces. This paper presents the new hybrid adhesive's manufacturing process and compares its performance to three other adhesive technologies manufactured using a similar process: reinforced PDMS, electrostatic and directional dry adhesion. Tests were performed on a set of ceramic tiles with varying roughness to quantify its effect on shear adhesive force. The relative effectiveness of the hybrid adhesive increases as the surface roughness is increased. Experimental data are also presented for different substrate materials to demonstrate the enhanced performance achieved with the hybrid adhesive. Results show that the hybrid adhesive provides up to 5.1× greater adhesion than the electrostatic adhesive or directional dry adhesive technologies alone.
A 3.1-10.6 GHz RF CMOS circuits monolithically integrated with dipole antenna

Transmitter, receiver antennas, and other components monolithically integrated with CMOS LSIs are in high demand as a means of reducing the cost of wireless equipment. For the first step, an RF frontend (low-noise-amplifier [LNA] and mixer) has been designed for use in the 3.1 to 10.6-GHz band compatible with multi-band OFDM UWB all group spectrum allocation. We clarify the design methodology of antennas on lossy Si substrates. The RF circuits with the antenna were fabricated using a 0.18-µm CMOS process. Measured total gain with 50-cm air interface is about −40 dB in the above band.
The Cobotic Hand Controller: Design, Control and Performance of a Novel Haptic Display

The design, control and performance of the Cobotic Hand Controller, a novel, six-degree-of-freedom, admittance controlled haptic display is examined. A highly geared admittance architecture is often used to render high impedances with reasonable sized actuators for a haptic display. The Cobotic Hand Controller is an extremely faithful realization of an admittance display, since it is capable of obtaining an infinite gear ratio and can render infinite impedances (up to its own structural stiffness). The incorporation of continuously variable transmissions utilizing hardened steel elements in dry-friction rolling contact provide the Cobotic Hand Controller with high bandwidth, low power requirements, and an extremely wide stable dynamic range. Here, an admittance based control algorithm for powered cobots, a novel solution to the actuation redundancy of this device, and a heuristic to avoid slip in the transmissions are described. The performance of the Cobotic Hand Controller is measured in terms of dynamic range.
Interference-aware dynamic spectrum access in cognitive radio network

Dynamic spectrum access (DSA) is a challenging issue among the cognitive radio (CR) users. In this paper, we investigate an interference-aware local cartography-based DSA (LC-DSA) technique for OFDM-based CR system. In particular, a joint power and frequency resource block (RB) allocation technique has been proposed for resource allocation among secondary users (SUE) exploiting radio environmental map (REM) of the local surrounding environment. With REM, we produce an interference database for each RB at each SUE's location. Having knowledge of these measured interference values, LC-DSA technique elaborates an interference cartography (IC) diagram of CR coverage area with the help of spatial interpolation algorithm. Using IC diagram, CR applies interference classification algorithm to classify RBs at target location and uses them for transmission with appropriate transmit power without producing interference above the threshold value to the primary user (PUE). Our simulation results show how the proposed LC-DSA technique significantly improves the system throughput. Simultaneously, the interference introduced to the PUE remains within a tolerable limit.
Expression of EFR3A in the Mouse Cochlea during Degeneration of Spiral Ganglion following Hair Cell Loss

Retrograde degeneration of spiral ganglion cells in the cochlea following hair cell loss is similar to dying back in pathology. The EFR3A gene has recently been discovered to be involved in the pathogenesis of dying back. The relationship of EFR3A and spiral ganglion degeneration, however, was rarely investigated. In this study, we destroyed the hair cells of the mouse cochlea by co-administration of kanamycin and furosemide and then investigated the EFR3A expression during the induced spiral ganglion cell degeneration. Our results revealed that co-administration of kanamycin and furosemide quickly induced hair cell loss in the C57BL/6J mice and then resulted in progressive degeneration of the spiral ganglion beginning at day 5 following drug administration. The number of the spiral ganglion cells began to decrease at day 15. The expression of EFR3A increased remarkably in the spiral ganglion at day 5 and then decreased to near normal level within the next 10 days. Our study suggested that the change of EFR3A expression in the spiral ganglion was coincident with the time of the spiral ganglion degeneration, which implied that high expression of EFR3A may be important to prompt initiation of spiral ganglion degeneration following hair cell loss.
Event-related potential studies of outcome processing and feedback-guided learning

In order to control behavior in an adaptive manner the brain has to learn how some situations and actions predict positive or negative outcomes. During the last decade cognitive neuroscientists have shown that the brain is able to evaluate and learn from outcomes within a few hundred milliseconds of their occurrence. This research has been primarily focused on the feedback-related negativity (FRN) and the P3, two event-related potential (ERP) components that are elicited by outcomes. The FRN is a frontally distributed negative-polarity ERP component that typically reaches its maximal amplitude 250 ms after outcome presentation and tends to be larger for negative than for positive outcomes. The FRN has been associated with activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The P3 (~300–600 ms) is a parietally distributed positive-polarity ERP component that tends to be larger for large magnitude than for small magnitude outcomes. The neural sources of the P3 are probably distributed over different regions of the cortex. This paper examines the theories that have been proposed to explain the functional role of these two ERP components during outcome processing. Special attention is paid to extant literature addressing how these ERP components are modulated by outcome valence (negative vs. positive), outcome magnitude (large vs. small), outcome probability (unlikely vs. likely), and behavioral adjustment. The literature offers few generalizable conclusions, but is beset with a number of inconsistencies across studies. This paper discusses the potential reasons for these inconsistencies and points out some challenges that probably will shape the field over the next decade.
Screening of inhibitors for S130G inhibitor resistant mutants of TEM type beta-lactamase

Bacteria are remarkably adaptable organisms that acquire an almost limitless competence to survive under unpleasant conditions. The drastic emergence of antibiotic resistance among β-Lactamases is the most serious threat to hospitals and nosocomial settings. β-lactam inhibitors came into existence in order to overcome the problem of antibibiotic resistance in bacteria. The emergence of inhibitor resistant mutants has raised the alarms. In this study we have used structured based virtual screening approach and have screened out some inhibitors against S130G TEM mutant. All the compounds were tested in presence and absence of conserved active site water molecules. These compounds were found be showing much higher efficacy than known β-lactamase inhibitors. Amino acids G130, S70, N132, G130, Y105 and V216 were found crucial for the interaction of inhibitors within the active site.
Setting priorities in injury prevention: the application of an incidence based cost model

Objectives: To make detailed calculations on the direct medical costs of injuries in the Netherlands to support priority setting in prevention. Methods: A computerised, incidence based model for cost calculations was developed and incidence figures derived from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System (LIS) which provides national estimates of the annual number of patients treated at an emergency department. A comprehensive set of cost elements (that is, health care segments) was obtained from health care registrations and a LIS patient survey. Patients were assigned to specific groups based on LIS characteristics (for example, age, injury type). Average costs per patient group were calculated for each cost element and total costs estimated by adding costs for all patient groups. Results: The direct costs of injury average 2000 guilders per injury patient attending an emergency department. Home and leisure injuries account for over half of the costs, although cost per patient is highest for motor vehicle injuries. Injuries to the lower extremities account for almost half of the total costs and are incurred mainly in the home or recreation. Motor vehicle crashes are the major cause of head injuries. Conclusions: The model permits continuous and detailed monitoring of injury costs. Estimates can be compiled for any LIS patient group or injury subcategory. The results can be used to rank injuries for prioritisation of prevention by injury categories (for example, traffic, home, or leisure), or by specific scenarios (for example, fall at home).
‘I’ve changed my life’: Understanding what helps Offenders with a Learning Disability to Avoid Reoffending

Thesis Abstract This thesis aims to add to the evidence base regarding offenders with a Learning Disability (LD) living in UK communities. The thesis also aims to enhance the reader’s understanding about why offenders with a LD avoid reoffending. The first paper reviews the current literature on the community-based treatment and support of offenders with a LD. In line with social policy, effective treatment reduces reoffending. Current developments show that effective treatments are long-term Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programmes, innovative treatment components that enhance empathy and skills to problem solve, and community integration. The review highlights issues with a small sample size in the quantitative evaluations of treatment efficacy, which researchers address by stating other measures of change (e.g. community engagement and reductions in support). Throughout the literature, these measures are inconsistent and informal. Therefore, the review outlines a need to use consistent and robust methods to evaluate treatment efficacy, which could include qualitative research. The second paper employs narrative methodology to explore the reasons why, offenders with a LD do and do not reoffend. The research involves interviews with six male offenders living in the community. Analysis and interpretation suggest that offenders with a LD need to have the ability or support to make decisions to avoid reoffending. Offenders with a LD must also have meaningful relationships and engagement in the community, which they fear losing if they reoffend. The outcomes endorse community-based treatments and improving community opportunities for offenders with a LD. The third paper offers a reflective commentary focused on overcoming the barriers to completing a thesis. The barriers relate to the conduct of the literature review and the research. Overall, the thesis provides an insight into what helps offenders with a LD to avoid reoffending, with reference to the evidence base and regard to individual stories.
Comparison of continuous epidural bupivacaine infusion plus either continuous epidural infusion or patient-controlled epidural injection of fentanyl for postoperative analgesia.

We compared the postoperative epidural analgesia provided by the continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine supplemented with patient-controlled injection (PCA) of epidural fentanyl with that provided by a continuous infusion of bupivacaine supplemented with a continuous epidural infusion of fentanyl. Our patient population comprised 16 ASA physical status I or II patients undergoing laparotomy with a midline incision under general anesthesia combined with bupivacaine epidural analgesia. Post-operatively, a continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine (0.1 mg.kg-1.h-1) was combined with epidural fentanyl given by either (a) PCA (15-micrograms bolus with a lockout interval of 12 min, n = 8) or (b) continuous infusion (1 microgram.kg-1.h-1, n = 8). In the case of inadequate pain relief in the latter group, the fentanyl infusion rate was increased by 10 micrograms/h. Analgesia evaluated by a visual analogue pain score and by a verbal pain score was similarly effective in both groups. The sedation score was also similar in both groups. The total dose of epidural fentanyl administered during the first 24 h was significantly lower in the PCA group than in the continuous infusion group (405 +/- 110 micrograms vs 1600 +/- 245 micrograms, P less than 0.001). The dose of fentanyl given during each 4-h interval ranged between 40 and 160 micrograms in the PCA group and 251 and 292 micrograms in the continuous infusion group. Clinically detectable respiratory depression was not observed in either group. In conclusion, epidural administration of 0.1 mg.kg-1.h-1 bupivacaine combined with fentanyl provides effective postoperative analgesia with a total dose of fentanyl required that is lower when fentanyl is administered by epidural PCA rather than by continuous epidural infusion.