Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of complex permittivity of arbitrary shape and size dielectric samples using cavity measurement technique at microwave frequencies

In this paper, a simple cavity measurement technique is presented to estimate the complex permittivity of arbitrary shape and size dielectric samples. Measured shift in resonant frequency and change in quality factor due to the dielectric sample loading in the cavity is compared with simulated values obtained using the finite-element method software high frequency structure simulator and matched using the Newton-Raphson method to estimate the complex permittivity of a arbitrary shape and size dielectric sample. Complex permittivity of Teflon (PTFE) and an MgO-SiC composite is estimated in the S-band using this method for four different samples of varying size and shapes. The result for Teflon shows a good agreement with the previously published data, and for the MgO-SiC composite, the estimated real and imaginary parts of permittivity for four different shape and size samples are within 10%, proving the usefulness of the method. This method is particularly suitable for estimation of complex permittivity of high-loss materials
Marking time, making methods: temporality and untimely dilemmas in the sociology of youth and educational change

Abstract This article explores how temporality and temporal regimes might be engaged in qualitative research in the sociology of education, proposing that such questions matter in relation to how research is done, not only to the topics and themes researched. The article shows how temporality enters into research designs, practices and imaginaries, arguing that research methodologies mobilise intersecting temporalities. Debates in the philosophy of history regarding the collision of temporalities are canvassed, and approaches are outlined for conceptualising temporality in reference to qualitative studies. To illustrate these arguments, an account is offered of theoretical and methodological approaches framing a new qualitative longitudinal study of young people and secondary schooling in Australia; to highlight the historicity of methodologies, comparisons are also drawn between this study and an earlier related longitudinal study undertaken in the 1990s. The article concludes by inviting a re-consideration of the possibilities for a renewal of historical sociology of education.
Quality of Life, Disability, Well-Being, and Coping Strategies in Patients Undergoing Neurosurgical Procedures: Preoperative Results in an Italian Sample

Background. The aim of this paper is to present the preliminary results of QoL, well-being, disability, and coping strategies of patients before neurosurgical procedure. Methods. We analysed data on preoperative quality of life (EUROHIS-QoL), disability (WHODAS-II), well-being (PGWB-S), coping strategies (Brief COPE), and functional status (KPS score) of a sample of patients with brain tumours and cerebrovascular and spinal degenerative disease admitted to Neurological Institute Carlo Besta. Statistical analysis was performed to illustrate the distribution of sociodemographic and clinical data, to compare mean test scores to the respective normative samples, and to investigate the differences between diagnoses, the correlation between tests, and the predictive power of sociodemographic and clinical variables of QoL. Results. 198 patients were included in the study. PGWB-S and EUROHIS-QoL scores were significantly lower than normative population. Patients with spinal diseases reported higher scores in WHODAS-II compared with oncological and cerebrovascular groups. Finally sociodemographic and clinical variables were significant predictors of EUROHIS-QoL, in particular PGWB-S and WHODAS-II. Conclusion. Our preliminary results show that preoperatory period is critical and the evaluation of coping strategies, quality of life, disability, and well-being is useful to plan tailored intervention and for a better management of each patient.
ShipShape: a drawing beautification assistant

Sketching is one of the simplest ways to visualize ideas. Its key advantage is requiring the user to have neither deep knowledge of a particular drawing software nor any advanced drawing skills. In practice, however, all these skills become necessary to improve the visual fidelity of the resulting drawing. In this paper, we present ShipShape---a general beautification assistant that allows users to maintain the simplicity and speed of freehand sketching while still taking into account implicit geometric relations to automatically rectify the output image. In contrast to previous approaches ShipShape works with general Bézier curves, enables undo/redo operations, is scale independent, and is fully integrated into Adobe Illustrator. We demonstrate various results to demonstrate capabilities of the proposed method.
An exploration of the acquisition of self-monitoring behaviors through sexual identity development and disclosure, and the application of those behaviors in organizational contexts

There was a lack of qualitative research that sought to understand how gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals’ disclosure processes affect their success in organizational contexts. This basic qualitative study aimed to unearth common themes that exist between a person’s identity development process, and their ability to use self-monitoring skills in the workplace. Six gay, lesbian, or bisexual identifying leaders (in positions of authority with more than three people structurally beneath them) were chosen to participate in this study through criterion sampling. Each participated in an intake call, and one ~45-minute interview, during which they responded to open-ended questions that allowed for them to articulate their early childhood experiences, their leadership experiences, their sexual identity development and disclosure process, as well as their perceived usage of self-monitoring behaviors in the workplace. Study findings include broad themes of: (1) early leadership, (2) disclosure process development, (3) self-monitoring at work, and (4) career integration and synthesis of identity. The themes that were uncovered are relevant for managers and administrators, as well as theorists and researchers who seek to better understand identity development, identity management, and organizational dynamics. Findings also provided insight into the skill sets of gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons in positions of leadership.
New measurement results for the localization of UHF RFID transponders using an Angle of Arrival (AoA) approach

In this paper we present new measurement results for an Angle of Arrival (AoA) approach to localize RFID tags at 868 MHz. Self-designed three element antenna arrays, off-the-shelf IDS R901G RFID reader ICs, and UPM Raflatec DogBone RFID tags are used to generate and detect ISO 18000–6C compliant signals. The experimental setup comprises three antenna arrays and a test environment of size 3 times 3 square meters with 25 test points. The AoA is estimated using the phase differences in the complex baseband signals of adjacent antenna elements within one array. A mean positioning error of 0.21 m was achieved for the considered test grid.
Role of RopB in Growth Phase Expression of the SpeB Cysteine Protease of Streptococcus pyogenes

ABSTRACT The Rgg family of transcription regulators is widely distributed among gram-positive bacteria; however, how the members of this family control transcription is poorly understood. In the pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, the Rgg family member RopB is required for transcription of the gene that encodes the secreted SpeB cysteine protease. Expression of the protease follows distinct kinetics that involves control of transcription in response to the growth phase. In this study, the contribution of RopB to growth phase control was examined. The gene encoding the protease (speB) and ropB are transcribed divergently from a 940-bp intergenic region. Primer extension analyses, in conjunction with reporter fusion studies, revealed that the major region controlling the transcription of both speB and ropB is adjacent to ropB and that the promoters for the two genes likely overlap. Furthermore, it was found that RopB is a DNA-binding protein that specifically binds to sequences in this control region. The interrelationship between ropB and speB expression was further reflected in the observation that transcription of ropB itself is subject to growth phase control. However, while expression of ropB from a promoter expressed during the early logarithmic phase of growth could complement a ropB deletion mutant, ectopic expression of ropB did not uncouple the expression of speB from its growth phase signal. These data implicate other factors in growth phase control and suggest that regulation of ropB expression itself is not the central mechanism of control.
Time-dependent analysis of transmission process in a wireless sensor network with energy saving mechanism based on threshold waking up

Transient departure process of outgoing packets in a node of a wireless sensor network with energy saving mechanism based on threshold activation of the radio transmitter/receiver is investigated. A finite-buffer queueing system of the GI/M/1-type with N-policy, in which the transmission after each idle period is being initialized only after reaching a threshold of N packets waiting in the buffer, is considered as a mathematical model of the node operation. Applying the analytical approach based on the paradigm of embedded Markov chain, total probability law, linear algebra and renewal theory, a compact-form representation for the mixed double transform of probability distribution of the number of packets transmitted down the node till fixed time epoch is derived. A numerical illustrating example is attached as well.
Arithmetic on elliptic threefolds

In a recent paper, Rosen and Silverman showed that Tate's conjecture on algebraic cycles implies a formula of Nagao, which gives the rank of an elliptic surface in terms of a weighted average of fibral Frobenius trace values. In this article, we extend their result to the case of elliptic threefolds. The main ingredients of our argument are a Shioda–Tate-like formula for elliptic threefolds, and a relation between the ‘average’ number of rational points on singular fibers and the Galois action on those fibers.
Newer fluoroquinolones in the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD

Acute exacerbations of COPD are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Bacteria are implicated in about half of all cases. The frequency of exacerbations is related to decline in lung function and poorer quality of life. 25% of patients with COPD have bacterial colonization of the lower airways in stable state whereas non-smokers without COPD have airways that are sterile. The significance of the colonization is unclear, but there is emerging evidence that it may be detrimental. Much of the data recommending antibiotic treatment are based on findings more than 10 years old and do not take into account emerging bacterial resistance. This article reviews these data and that from newer antibiotic trials. It also reviews current antibiotic prescribing guidelines from major respiratory societies around the world. Recent antibiotic trials have compared fluoroquinolones with “standard” antibiotics and found, in the main, longer exacerbation-free intervals and better bacterial eradication rates in those treated with fluoroquinolones.
Singular Value Decomposition Based Features for Automatic Tumor Detection in Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Images

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a new noninvasive instrument which allows direct observation of the gastrointestinal tract to diagnose its relative diseases. Because of the large number of images obtained from the capsule endoscopy per patient, doctors need too much time to investigate all of them. So, it would be worthwhile to design a system for detecting diseases automatically. In this paper, a new method is presented for automatic detection of tumors in the WCE images. This method will utilize the advantages of the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithms to extract features from different color channels of the WCE images. Therefore, the extracted features are invariant to rotation and can describe multiresolution characteristics of the WCE images. In order to classify the WCE images, the support vector machine (SVM) method is applied to a data set which includes 400 normal and 400 tumor WCE images. The experimental results show proper performance of the proposed algorithm for detection and isolation of the tumor images which, in the best way, shows 94%, 93%, and 93.5% of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the RGB color space, respectively.
Education , Institutions , and Growth : The Role of Entrepreneurs

Education, Institutions, and Growth: The Role of Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs are instrumental for structural transformation. They create and organize new firms and hire workers with a minimum level of human capital. Entrepreneurs encourage workers to invest in their own education in order to move into the modern production sector. Better institutions lead to less income diversion, which creates a greater supply of entrepreneurs, faster structural transformation, and higher growth. Education policy alone is insufficient to generate growth, since workers encounter diminishing returns with a fixed supply of entrepreneurs. Evidence from Brazilian states provides support for the theory. (JEL O15, O38, I20) Joilson Dias Economics Department University of Maringá Paraná, Brazil John McDermott Economics Department University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 803.777. 4939 dynamo@moore.sc. edu Entrepreneurs and Growth
Two-Year Follow-Up after Contact Force Sensing Radiofrequency Catheter and Second-Generation Cryoballoon Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Comparative Single Centre Study

Background. There are little comparative data on catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) using the contact force radiofrequency (CF-RF) catheter versus the second-generation cryoballoon (CB2). Methods and results. This is a single center, retrospective, nonrandomized study of 98 patients with symptomatic, drug-refractory paroxysmal AF who underwent their first PVI ablation using either the CB2 (n = 40) or CF-RF (n = 58). The mean age was 60 years with 63% men, a mean LA size of 42 mm. The procedure duration (74 ± 17 versus 120 ± 49 minutes p < 0.05) was shorter for CB2 group; the fluoroscopy time (14 ± 17 versus 16 ± 5 minutes, p = 0.45) was similar. Complete PVI was achieved in 96% of patients with RF-CF and 98% with CB2. Phrenic nerve palsies (2 transient and 1 persistent) occurred exclusively in the CB2 group and 1 severe, nonlethal complication (pericardial tamponade) occurred in the CF-RF group. At 24-month follow-up, the success rate, defined as freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) after a single procedure without antiarrhythmic drug, was comparable in CF-RF group and CB2 group (65.5% versus 67%, resp., log rank p = 0.54). Conclusion. Both the CB2 and the RF-CF ablation appeared safe; the success rate at 2 years was comparable between both technologies.
A new paradigm for the prediction of antidepressant treatment response

Current treatment of Major Depressive Disorder utilizes a trial-and-error sequential treatment strategy that results in delays in achieving response and remission for a majority of patients. Protracted ineffective treatment prolongs patient suffering and increases health care costs. In addition, long and unsuccessful antidepressant trials may diminish patient expectations, reinforce negative cognitions, and condition patients not to respond during subsequent antidepressant trials, thus contributing to further treatment resistance. For these reasons, it is critical to identify reliable predictors of antidepressant treatment response that can be used to shorten or eliminate lengthy and ineffective trials. Research on possible endophenotypic as well as genomic predictors has not yet yielded reliable predictors. The most reliable predictors identified thus far are symptomatic and physiologic characteristics of patients that emerge early in the course of treatment. We propose here the term “response endophenotypes” (REs) to describe this class of predictors, defined as latent measurable symptomatic or neurobiologie responses of individual patients that emerge early in the course of treatment, and which carry strong predictive power for individual patient outcomes. Use of REs constitutes a new paradigm in which medication treatment trials that are likely to be ineffective could be stopped within 1 to 2 weeks and other medication more likely to be effective could be started. Data presented here suggest that early changes in symptoms, quantitative electroencephalography, and gene expression could be used to construct effective REs. We posit that this new paradigm could lead to earlier recovery from depressive illness and ultimately produce profound health and economic benefits.
Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled

Abstract Concomitant contact allergy to formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers remains common among patients with allergic contact dermatitis. Concentration of free formaldehyde in cosmetic products within allowed limits have been shown to induce dermatitis from shortterm use on normal skin. The aim of this study was to investigate the formaldehyde content of cosmetic products made in Lithuania. 42 samples were analysed with the chromotropic acid (CA) method for semi-quantitative formaldehyde determination. These included 24 leave-on (e.g., creams, lotions) and 18 rinse-off (e.g., shampoos, soaps) products. Formaldehyde releasers were declared on the labels of 10 products. No formaldehyde releaser was declared on the label of the only face cream investigated, but levels of free formaldehyde with the CA method was >40 mg/ml and when analysed with a high-performance liquid chromatographic method – 532 ppm. According to the EU Cosmetic directive, if the concentration of formaldehyde is above 0.05% a cosmetic product must be labelled “contains formaldehyde“. It could be difficult for patients allergic to formaldehyde to avoid contact with products containing it as its presence cannot be determined from the ingredient labelling with certainty. The CA method is a simple and reliable method for detecting formaldehyde presence in cosmetic products.
Does the Organization of Instruction Differ in Charter Schools? Ability Grouping and Students’ Mathematics Gains

Background Although we have learned a good deal from lottery-based and quasi-experimental studies of charter schools, much of what goes on inside of charter schools remains a “black box” to be unpacked. Grounding our work in neoclassical market theory and institutional theory, we examine differences in the social organization of schools and classrooms to enrich our understanding of school choice, school organizational and instructional conditions, and student learning. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study Our study examines differences in students’ mathematics achievement gains between charter and traditional public schools, focusing on the distribution and organization of students into ability groups. In short, we ask: (1) How does the distribution of ability grouping differ between charter and traditional public schools? And (2) What are the relationships between ability group placement and students’ mathematics achievement gains in charter and traditional public schools? Research Design With a matched sample of charter and traditional public schools in six states (Colorado, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio), we use regression analyses to estimate the relationship between student achievement gains and school sector. We analyze how ability grouping mediates this main effect, controlling for various student, classroom, and school characteristics. Findings We find significant differences in the distribution of students across ability groups, with a more even distribution in charter compared to traditional public schools, which appear to have more selective placements for high groups. Consistent with prior research on tracking, we also find low-grouped students to be at a significant disadvantage when compared with high- and mixed-group peers in both sectors. Conclusions Although we find some significant differences between ability group placement and student achievement gains in mathematics, these relationships do not differ as much by sector as market theory (with its emphasis on innovation and autonomy) would predict. Consistent with institutional theory, both sectors still group students by ability and have similar relationships between gains and grouping.
Size-dependent antimicrobial properties of CuO nanoparticles against Gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains

Background CuO is one of the most important transition metal oxides due to its captivating properties. It is used in various technological applications such as high critical temperature superconductors, gas sensors, in photoconductive applications, and so on. Recently, it has been used as an antimicrobial agent against various bacterial species. Here we synthesized different sized CuO nanoparticles and explored the size-dependent antibacterial activity of each CuO nanoparticles preparation. Methods CuO nanoparticles were synthesized using a gel combustion method. In this approach, cupric nitrate trihydrate and citric acid were dissolved in distilled water with a molar ratio of 1:1. The resulting solution was stirred at 100°C, until gel was formed. The gel was allowed to burn at 200°C to obtain amorphous powder, which was further annealed at different temperatures to obtain different size CuO nanoparticles. We then tested the antibacterial properties using well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration methods. Results XRD spectra confirmed the formation of single phase CuO nanoparticles. Crystallite size was found to increase with an increase in annealing temperature due to atomic diffusion. A minimum crystallite size of 20 nm was observed in the case of CuO nanoparticles annealed at 400°C. Transmission electron microscopy results corroborate well with XRD results. All CuO nanoparticles exhibited inhibitory effects against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The size of the particles was correlated with its antibacterial activity. Conclusion The antibacterial activity of CuO nanoparticles was found to be size-dependent. In addition, the highly stable minimum-sized monodispersed copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized during this study demonstrated a significant increase in antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains.
Relight my model: new media in ideation workshops. [IASDR?07 conference. Hong Kong.]

We present Skin 2.0, an ideation technique aimed at ideation workshops at the early stage of designing consumer products. With Skin groups of designers explore colors, textures and graphics on physical objects such as clay and paper models in real time, on real scale. Skin projects light with a projector mounted on a tabletop. Objects on the table are augmented with graphics. Graphics are composed with an embedded collection of inspirational images and live captured materials with a small video camera. We developed this technique during a series of workshops in packaging industry. We found participants actively collaborating and generating new designs. Exploring the use of Skin in these workshops put forward how participants want to browse and compose graphics and new issues and benefits of new media in creative group sessions.