Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new high-order absolutely-stable explicit numerical integration algorithm for the time-domain simulation of nonlinear circuits

A new numerical integration method for the time-domain simulation of nonlinear circuits is presented. The new method does not belong to the traditional class of linear multistep methods. Consequently, it is free from Dahlquist's (1963) barriers in terms of stability and order. The new method is shown to be both A-stable and at the same time of arbitrarily high order. In addition, the method is explicit in nature and does not require matrix inversion at each time step. Examples of linear and nonlinear circuit simulation are included. The proposed method significantly speeds up the time-domain simulation of nonlinear circuits as it combines the efficiency of an explicit method with the accuracy and large step size possible with high order.
Production by Σ − , π − and Neutrons in the Hyperon Beam Experiment at CERN The WA 89 Collaboration

Inclusive cross sections for Ξ hyperon production in high-energy Σ, π and neutron induced interactions were measured by the experiment WA89 at CERN. Secondary Σ and π beams with average momenta of 345 GeV/c and a neutron beam of average momentum 65 GeV/c were produced by primary protons of 450 GeV/c from the CERN SPS. Both single and double differential cross sections are presented as a function of the transverse momentum and the Feynman variable xF . A strong leading effect for Ξ produced by Σ is observed. The influence of the target mass on the Ξ cross section is explored by comparing reactions on copper and carbon nuclei. (Submitted to Zeitschrift für Physik C) #) supported by the Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft,Forschung und Technologie, Germany, Now at FNAL, PO Box 500 Batavia, IL 60510, USA. Now at Fraunhofer Inst. für Solar Energiesysteme, D-79100 Freiburg, Germany. Now at Fakultät für Physik, Univ. Freiburg, Germany Now at Thomas Jefferson Lab , 12000 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA 23606, USA. University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. Now at Triumf, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 2A3 Now at Kamioka Observatory, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo,Japan On leave from Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia Nikhef, 1009 DB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Spectral Efficiency Analysis of Distributed Antenna System for In-Building Wireless Communication

In wireless systems, providing high data rate wireless services is a major challenge, particularly for mobile terminals (MTs) in multi-floor buildings. The system performance is impaired by co-channel interference due to the need to reuse the limited available spectrum. One way to achieve higher data rates and better signal quality in this environment, is to reduce the radio transmission distance between the transmitter and the receiver through the use of distributed antenna systems (DASs). DAS reduces the overall transmit power (and hence co-channel interference) while at the same time exploiting spatial diversity. This paper proposes and investigates the impacts of DAS for uplink transmission in high-rise buildings; where remote antenna units (RAUs) are deployed on each floor throughout the building and connected to a central unit (CU) where received signals are processed. The performance of the system is analysed in terms of achievable spectral efficiency for a variety of system parameters and deployment conditions using a propagation channel model derived from multi-floor in-building path loss values retrieved from measurement data. Numerical results obtained suggest that the proposed scheme can facilitate better use of the available radio spectrum and provide higher data rates for indoor MTs than the conventional macrocell system using centralised base station antennas.
Factors in Computer Self-Efficacy Among Nigerian College of Education Teachers

This study investigated factors that are associated with computer self-efficacy among teachers of Southwestern Colleges of Education in Nigeria. Two hundred and eighteen teachers (males =146; females=72; age =52.82, SD=16.38) randomly selected from four Colleges of Education responded to a questionnaire and a computer self-efficacy scale. The resulting data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed significant difference between computer self-efficacy by computer ownership, access and subject specialization. Teachers who owned computers or had access to computers were of higher self-efficacy than those who did not. Higher self-efficacy was also reported by teachers of science and core education than their counterparts in other subject specializations. However computer self-efficacy was not related to gender and professional status of teachers.
Improved perfusion‐weighted MRI by a novel double inversion with proximal labeling of both tagged and control acquisitions

A novel pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) technique for multislice perfusion‐weighted imaging is proposed that compensates for magnetization transfer (MT) effects without sacrificing tag efficiency, and balances transient magnetic field effects (eddy currents) induced by pulsed field gradients. Improved compensation for MT is demonstrated using a phantom. Improvement in perfusion measurement was compared to other PASL techniques by acquiring perfusion images from 13 healthy volunteers (nine women and four men; age range 29–64 years; mean age 45 ± 14 years) and second‐order image texture analysis. The main improvements with the new method were significantly higher image contrast, higher mean signal intensity, and better signal uniformity across slices. In conclusion, this new PASL method should provide improved accuracy in measuring brain perfusion. Magn Reson Med 49:307–314, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parkinsonian Personality: Psychometric Description of Intellectual-Motor Functioning

In an attempt to determine the normative levels in health attribution and emotional, intellectual, and neuromuscular functioning in the parkinsonian population, 31 diagnosed parkinsonian volunteers recruited from exercise classes and/or organizations were tested. Health attribution was measured by the Health Attribution Test (HAT), personality factors by the Clinical Analysis Questionnaire (CAQ), general intellectual level by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test- Revised (PPVT-R) and the Intellectual Processes subscale of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (Luria- Intelligence), and neuromuscular functioning by the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development (MAND) and Bender- Gestalt (BVMGT). Controls for comparisons were obtained from the clinical ecology population and normals for personality traits and the nonspecific neurologically impaired, healthy aging populations, and normals for intellectual and neuromuscular functionings. Chi-square and t-tests were computed on the data. Results indicated that the parkinsonians manifest less lower body strength (£ < .01). The parkinsonians' CAQ profile was significantly different in comparison to the clinical ecology patients on the following CAQ factors: F (impulsivity), H (boldness), N (shrewdness), 0 (insecurity), Q2 (self-sufficiency), D4 (anxious depression), Pp (psychotic deviation), As (psychasthenia), IN (independence), and So (socialization). The parkinsonians' CAQ profile was negative for depression. Their CAQ profile can be interpreted as being associated with positive adjustment. The results were interpreted as applying to health care provision for the chronically ill.
Mainstream Media Skepticism and Exposure to Sectorial and Extranational News Media: The Case of Israel

In recent decades, audience options for current affairs information have been multiplying. Globalization and media segmentation present citizens with a variety of news outlets for political information in addition to those offered by the mainstream communication channels, which once dominated every nation state. In this article, survey data gathered in Israel (N ? 1,122) are analyzed to examine the association between mainstream media skepticism and exposure to sectorial and extranational news media. Findings show that skepticism toward the mainstream news media is indeed related to sectorial and extranational news consumption; however, it is not related to consumption of such nonmainstream media exclusively. Results are discussed in light of theories of the public sphere.
Minority students’ psychological adjustment in the school context: an integrative review of qualitative research on acculturation

The present study aims at systematically analyzing the findings reported in qualitative research on acculturation and psychological adjustment in the school context. Content analysis was conducted using the deductively developed and inductively enriched system of categories. The results of the study provide insights into youths’ acculturation and their psychological adjustment in the school context as well as schools’ mechanisms and strategies for responding to minority youths’ needs in the process of the cultural transition.
Adolescents' constructions of gender and sexuality

Adolescents' constructions of gender and sexuality are key in understanding high rates of gender and sexual violence; however, research into adolescents' constructions of gender and sexuality is lacking in South Africa. Therefore, this project aimed to understand adolescents' constructions of gender and sexuality in one low-income community in Cape Town, South Africa. The research was part of a larger study which collected data on the effectiveness of an intervention implemented by a child rights organisation, RAPCAN (Resources Aimed at the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) in improving knowledge about gender and sexuality. This study explored constructions of gender and sexuality from a feminist, social constructionist theoretical perspective. The research was conducted at a high school in an impoverished Cape Town community. Four focus groups were conducted with learners aged 13 to 17 about their experiences of gender and sexuality. The findings suggest that gender and sexuality are constructed through discourses of power and passivity, where boys are constructed as powerful and girls as passive. In addition, participants challenged the idea of 'romance' in heterosexual relationships. This research contributes on practical, theoretical, and methodological levels to the field of gender and sexuality research and practice.
Respiratory symptoms and cotton dust exposure; results of a 15 year follow up observation

Aims: To determine chronic effects of long term exposure to cotton dust and endotoxin on incidence of respiratory symptoms and the effect of cessation of exposure. Methods: Respiratory health in 429 Chinese cotton textile workers (study group) and 449 silk textile workers (control group) was followed prospectively from 1981 to 1996. Byssinosis, chest tightness, and non-specific respiratory symptoms were assessed by means of identical standardised questionnaires at four time points. Exposures to cotton dust and endotoxin were estimated using area samples collected at each survey. Incidence and persistence of symptoms were examined in relation to cumulative exposure and exposure cessation using generalised estimating equations (GEE). Results: Among cotton workers, the cumulative incidence of byssinosis and chest tightness was 24% and 23%, respectively, and was significantly more common in smokers than in non-smokers. A high proportion of symptoms was found to be intermittent, rather than persistent. Among silk workers, no typical byssinosis was identified; the incidence of chest tightness was 10%. Chronic bronchitis, cough, and dyspnoea were more common and persistent in the cotton group than in the silk group. Significantly lower odds ratios for symptoms were observed in cotton workers who left the cotton mills; risk was also related to years since last worked. Multivariate analysis indicated a trend for higher cumulative exposure to endotoxin in relation to a higher risk for byssinosis. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to cotton dust is related to both work specific and non-specific respiratory symptoms. Byssinosis is more strongly associated with exposure to endotoxin than to dust. Cessation of exposure may improve the respiratory health of cotton textile workers; the improvement appears to increase with time since last exposure.
Trading and Liquidity with Limited Cognition

We study the reaction of financial markets to aggregate liquidity shocks when traders face cognition limits. While each financial institution recovers from the shock at a random time, the trader representing the institution observes this recovery with a delay, reecting the time it takes to collect and process information about positions, counterparties and risk exposure. Cognition limits lengthen the recovery process. They also imply that traders who find their institution has not yet recovered from the shock place market sell orders, and then progressively buy back at relatively low prices, while simultaneously placing limit orders to sell later when the price will have recovered. This generates round trip trades, which raise trading volume. We compare the case where algorithms enable traders to implement this strategy to that where traders can only place orders when they have completed their information processing task.
Some statistical models and computational methods that may be useful for cognitively-relevant assessment

On leave at Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), 3939 O’Hara Street, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15260. I would like to thank a number of people, both for general conversations on cognitively relevant assessment models, and in some cases also for specific and copious comments on an earlier draft of this report. These include Gail Baxter, Pam Beck, Lou DiBello, Al Corbett, Karen Draney, Bob Glaser, Ken Koedinger, Bob Mislevy, Peter Pirolli, Lauren Resnick, Steve Roudenbush, Bill Stout, and Mark Wilson. In addition, I was very fortunate to be an occasional visitor to a graduate seminar on intelligent tutoring systems at LRDC, led by Kurt VanLehn, during the Fall 1999 semester. Two unpublished manuscripts, Louis Roussos’ Summary and review of cognitive diagnosis models and Mislevy, Steinberg and Almond’s On the design of complex assessments, were very influential as I began the task of writing this report; I also appreciated and benefitted from the comments and reactions of members of the Committee on the Foundations of Assessment when I presented a draft of this report to them on October 1, 1999. Many of the people people listed here will be surprised to see their names at all, and others will wonder why they expended so much effort on communicating their views to me, given the small effect it seems to have had on this report. Nevertheless, any special insights contained in this report are due to the influences of these people, and the many errors that remain are mine. Finally I would like to thank the NRC staff, including Naomi Chudowski, Jane Phillips, and John Shepard, for their patience with my on-deadline (and usually past-deadline) writing habits.
Aspiration Risk and Respiratory Complications in Patients with Esophageal Atresia

Chronic, long-term respiratory morbidity (CRM) is common in patients with a history of repaired congenital esophageal atresia, typically associated with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF). EA/TEF patients are at high risk of having aspiration, and retrospective studies have associated CRM with both recurrent aspiration and atopy. However, studies evaluating the association between CRM in this population and either aspiration or atopy have reported conflicting results. Furthermore, CRM in this population may be due to other related conditions as well, such as tracheomalacia and/or recurrent infections. Aspiration is difficult to confirm, short of lung biopsy. Moreover, even within the largest evidence base assessing the association between CRM and aspiration, which has evaluated the potential relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and asthma, findings are contradictory. Studies attempting to relate CRM to prior aspiration events may inadequately estimate the frequency and severity of previous aspiration episodes. There is convincing evidence documenting that chronic, massive aspiration in patients with repaired EA/TEF is associated with the development of bronchiectasis. While chronic aspiration is likely associated with other CRM in patients with repaired EA/TEF, this does not appear to have been confirmed by the data currently available. Prospective studies that systematically evaluate aspiration risk and allergic disease in patients with repaired EA/TEF and document subsequent CRM will be needed to clarify the causes of CRM in this population. Given the prevalence of CRM, patients with repaired EA/TEF should ideally receive regular follow-up by multidisciplinary teams with expertise in this condition, throughout both childhood and adulthood.
Effects of Classroom Assessment Practices on Students' Achievement Goals

This study examined the effects of classroom assessment practices on students' achievement goals. The study included 1,636 ninth grade students and 83 science teachers from Muscat public schools in Oman. Results from hierarchical linear modeling techniques showed that class contextual features and teachers' teaching experiences and assessment practices interacted significantly with students' characteristics in influencing students' achievement goals. Recommendations, implications, and suggestions for practice and future research are discussed.
Relationship of serum and seminal plasma zinc levels and serum testosterone in oligospermic and azoospermic infertile men.

OBJECTIVE To measure the zinc level in fertile and infertile population and to find out relationship of serum and seminal plasma zinc levels and serum testosterone in oligospermic and azoospermic infertile men. DESIGN Comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY The Infertility Clinic, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi, from January 2002-July 2003. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-eight primary infertile male subjects, without any treatment, who had regular unprotected intercourse for at least 12 months without conception with their partners, aged 20-40 years, having normal and regular menstrual cycles without any uterine pathology or hormonal disturbance were selected from Infertile Clinic, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi. After semen analyses, they were grouped as, oligospermic (30), and azoospermic (28). Twentyfive known fertile male selected from general population (their spouse had given birth to a child within one year) and after semen analysis were taken as normospermic control group . Semen analyzed according to WHO criteria and serum and seminal plasma zinc was estimated by 5Br. PAPS colorimetric method. Serum testosterone, LH, and FSH were measured by ELISA, using kits supplied by Diagnostic System Laboratories (DSL), U.S.A. RESULTS The mean value for testosterone was significantly low in oligospermic, (8.04 -/+ 0.76) and azoospermic subjects (7.14 -/+ 0.27) as compared to normospermic (9.90 -/+ 0.14) control groups (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively), serum LH (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively) and FSH (p<0.05) were significantly higher than normospermic control group. Serum and seminal plasma zinc levels was low in oligospermic, and azoospermic subjects when compared with normospermic control groups (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively). This suggests its involvement in spermatogenesis and infertility in such patients. Seminal zinc level has weak correlation with testosterone in oligospermic (r=0.44, p<0.05) and with serum zinc in azoospermic subjects (r=0.49, p<0.05) while no correlation was observed with LH and FSH in all the groups. CONCLUSION In this study, there was significant decrease in serum and seminal plasma zinc levels in oligospermic and azoospermic infertile males with significantly low androgen. It indicates zinc has a possible role for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Therefore, zinc concentration in seminal plasma should be considered as one of the factors responsible for decreased testicular function in infertile male subjects.
Tenderness of beef loin steaks as influenced by marbling level, removal of subcutaneous fat, and cooking method.

Loins from 12 carcasses of Small minus marbling and loins from 12 carcasses of Slight minus marbling were selected. Steaks from these loins were either completely trimmed of external fat or trimmed to . 6 cm of external fat. Steaks were cooked to 67 degrees C either by a rapid, high-temperature broiler-grill or by a slower, lower temperature electric broiler. Muscle on the dorsal side of steaks (where fat trimming was performed) was used for shear force measurements (five separate core locations), and the ventral portion was used for sensory evaluation of tenderness. Sensory scores for tenderness were affected (P < .05) by various first-order interactions, although differences were minimal. Steaks of Slight minus marbling cooked by broiler-grilling had reduced tenderness scores. Only when steaks were cooked by broiler-grilling did complete fat removal produce cores that appeared more well-done. Broiler-grilling produced more well-done cores than did electrical broiling. Correlations between shear force expressed as peak load and tenderness scores were highest in cores that were more similar in degree of doneness to sensory evaluation samples. Although broiler-grilling produced considerable within-steak variation in degree of doneness, some of the highest correlations between shear core degree of doneness and peak load and between peak load and sensory tenderness were obtained with this broiling procedure. This would imply that rapid broiling is important in creating uniform tenderness in loin steaks of reduced fat, but further modifications in rapid broiling cookery are necessary to improve uniformity of cooked meat color.
Interactions between folding factors and bacterial outer membrane proteins

The outer membrane is the first line of contact between Gram‐negative bacteria and their external environment. Embedded in the outer membrane are integral outer membrane proteins (OMPs) that perform a diverse range of tasks. OMPs are synthesized in the cytoplasm and are translocated across the inner membrane and probably diffuse through the periplasm before they are inserted into the outer membrane in a folded and biologically active form. Passage through the periplasm presents a number of challenges, due to the hydrophobic nature of the OMPs and the choice of membranes into which they can insert. Recently, a number of periplasmic proteins and one OMP have been shown to play a role in OMP biogenesis. In this review, we describe what is known about these folding factors and how they function in a biological context. In particular, we focus on how they interact with the OMPs at the molecular level and present a comprehensive overview of data relating to a possible effect on OMP folding yield and kinetics. Furthermore, we discuss the role of lipo‐chaperones, i.e. lipopolysaccharide and phospholipids, in OMP folding. Important advances have clearly been made in the field, but much work remains to be done, particularly in terms of describing the biophysical basis for the chaperone–OMP interactions which so intricately regulate OMP biogenesis.
Politics across Generations : Family Transmission

We use longitudinal data incorporating three generations of Americans to reevaluate the character and consequences of political socialization within the family. Findings about parental influence based on youth coming of age in the 1990s strongly parallel those based on youth socialized in the 1960s. As expected on the basis of social learning theory, children are more likely to adopt their parents’ political orientations if the family is highly politicized and if the parents provide consistent cues over time. The direct transmission model is robust, as it withstands an extensive set of controls. Early acquisition of parental characteristics influences the subsequent nature of adult political development.