Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Polarization Synthesis of Arbitrary Arrays With Focused Power Pattern

The joint synthesis of the spatial power pattern and polarization of arbitrary arrays is addressed. Specifically, the proposed approach gives the solution to a frequently encountered problem, namely the array design (i.e., the determination of the radiating element weightings) to achieve a pattern that is arbitrarily upper bounded, while its polarization is optimized in a given angular region. Any state of polarization (elliptical, circular and linear) can be synthesized and there is no restriction regarding the array geometry and element patterns. The synthesis problem is rewritten as a convex optimization problem, that is efficiently solved using readily available software. This ensures the optimality of the proposed solution. Various numerical results are presented to validate the proposed method and illustrate its potentialities. The synthesis of a sequentially rotated array is first addressed. Then a linear array of equispaced randomly oriented dipoles is considered. Finally, a conformal and a planar array of patches, where the mutual coupling effects are considered, are synthesized to radiate a linear and a circular polarization.
Quantum Ergodicity of Boundary Values of Eigenfunctions: A Control Theory Approach

Abstract Consider $M$ , a bounded domain in ${{\mathbb{R}}^{d}}$ , which is a Riemanian manifold with piecewise smooth boundary and suppose that the billiard associated to the geodesic flow reflecting on the boundary according to the laws of geometric optics is ergodic. We prove that the boundary value of the eigen-functions of the Laplace operator with reasonable boundary conditions are asymptotically equidistributed in the boundary, extending previous results by Gérard and Leichtnam as well as Hassell and Zelditch, obtained under the additional assumption of the convexity of $M$ .
D ec 1 99 9 Isomorphism classes of A-hypergeometric systems

For a finite set A of integral vectors, Gel’fand, Kapranov and Zelevinskii defined a system of differential equations with a parameter vector as a D-module, which system is called an A-hypergeometric (or a GKZ hypergeometric) system. Classifying the parameters according to the Disomorphism classes of their corresponding A-hypergeometric systems is one of the most fundamental problems in the theory. In this paper we give a combinatorial answer for the problem, and illustrate it in two particularly simple cases: the normal case and the monomial curve case.
Extracting Chemistry – Property Relationships by Mining Atom Probe Evaporation Events

Atom probe tomography (APT) characterization of Ni-Co-Al-Ti alloys was performed and then assessed via a data mining approach in order to connect phase chemistry, degradation mechanism and bonding. The compositions of the alloys were varied to explore how the degradation of the material under extreme field changed not only as the alloy composition changed but also as the phase chemistries changed. APT gives incredible resolution of concentration profiles; however, this presents an issue when comparing between alloys which have systematic changes in terms of multicomponent chemistry. The purpose of this study is to explore the apparent influences of the neighboring atomic environment on the pair-wise interactions between atoms.
Public Opinion On The Death Penalty

Research on public support for the death penalty has neglected comparative analysis. It is not clear whether the results of past research based disproportionately on the United States will replicate in other nations with varied institutional and cultural frameworks. The present article has two central aims: (a) to replicate U.S.-based findings, based on the theoretical perspectives of instrumentalism (crime-centeredness) and broader, non-crime-centered symbolic orientations, for a set of 17 nations, and (b) to partially test the elite leadership hypothesis. The latter refers to the notion that legal abolition of the death penalty will substantially delegitimate capital punishment in a nation's cultural system and will lead to a steady decline in death penalty support. Individual-level data are from the International Social Science Program and refer to 17,725 respondents in 17 nations. A multiple logistic regression analysis largely confirmed U.S.-based research. In particular, indicators from an instrumental approach that were found to be significant included individuals' degree of punitiveness and nations' homicide rates. Measures of symbolic orientations that were found to be significant predictors of death penalty support included authoritarianism and fundamentalism. Some support was found for the elite leadership hypothesis. Residents of abolitionist nations, especially if they resided in nations with a long history of abolition, were significantly less supportive of the death penalty than residents of retentionist nations. The full model explained 25 percent of the variance in support for capital punishment, providing systematic cross-national evidence for U.S.-based theories of death penalty support.
Cut-off points of waist circumference and body mass index for detecting diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension according to National Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors Surveillance in Iran

Introduction The cut-off points of waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) are varied according to different races. There is a dearth of information on these indices especially in Iranian adults. We sought to estimate the cut-off points of waist circumference and BMI for detecting diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. Material and methods The data were gathered by the First Iranian Non-Communicable Disease Survey in 2005. In total, 70,981 participants between 25 and 64 years of old were selected via random multistage cluster sampling. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to show the cut-off points of waist circumference and BMI for detecting diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. The maximum value the sum of sensitivity and specificity indicated the cut-off point. Results The cut-off points of waist circumference according to maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity for detecting hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia in men were 89.7 cm, 89.4 cm and 88.2 cm and in women were 93.9 cm, 96.2 cm and 90 cm respectively. The cut-off points of BMI according to maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity for detecting hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia in men were 25.7 kg/m2, 24.8 kg/m2 and 24 kg/m2 and in women were 26.9 kg/m2, 26.3 kg/m2 and 26.1 kg/m2 respectively. Conclusions This was a population-based study on a huge sample on the basis of a national survey. The Iranian BMI was different from the values suggested by the WHO. The waist circumference in Iranian women was higher than that in men.
Childhood Disability and Ability: (Dis)ableist Geographies of Mainstream Primary Schools

The ideological and material location of disabled children's school education has shifted in many nations, in light of recent international initiatives, such as the Salamanca Statement (UNESCO, 1994). Within the context of the United Kingdom (U.K.), children with mind-body differences are increasingly educated within mainstream schools (Special Educational Needs and Disability Act, DfES, 2001a). These changes have led to a spatial convergence of the "special" and "general" education institutions. In this paper, empirical findings are presented from a qualitative study of two "physically inclusive" mainstream primary schools. It is shown that the education institution is underpinned by normative assumptions of "appropriate" childhood development, whereby childhood is viewed as a period of preparation for "productive", conforming adulthood. Such norms are (re)produced through the everyday spaces of the school. Children who do not concur with these expectations are frequently "Othered". Importantly, this paper demonstrates that these norms of childhood development are socio-spatial constructions, which vary between schools. Consequently, children with similar mind-body characteristics are differently diagnosed as (dis)abled within the two schools. These findings challenge biologically reductionist understandings of "disabled" and "non-disabled" identities; stressing that space is integral to which children are diagnosed as "disabled".
Research article COMPARATIVE CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF NORMAL AND ORGANIC GINGER OILS (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE)

Essential oils obtained from the rhizomes of normal and organic ginger plants (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) were characterized by GC and GC-MS. Zingiberene was the chief compound in both ginger oils. Organic ginger oil contained geranial (10.5%) as the second main compound and had more oxygenated compounds (35.1%) compared to normal ginger oil (31.9%). The organic ginger oil also contained β-bisabolene (6.1%), ar-curcumene (5.8%), sesquiphellandrene (2.6%) and δ-cadinene (2.2%). Antimicrobial activity of both the extracted oils was assessed against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stephylococcus aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Shigella flexneri, Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp by disc diffusion method and obtained results are comparable with the reference compounds. The MIC values of the oils ranged from 20µg/mL to 1 µg/mL which is very significant. The study shows a wide application of oil extracted from organic ginger in the treatment of many bacterial and fungal diseases.
An exploration of ‘performativity’ and the changing motivations of Advanced Level students

Achievement goal theory currently proposes a 2×2 framework of mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance goals. This paper proposes that achievement goal theorists needs to recognise ‘performativity’ goals in which learners strive to demonstrate their performance but are unconcerned with social comparisons, and that the approach-avoidance distinction should be incorporated into these goals as it is with mastery and performance goals. Surveys with established and original scales were used to assess the validity of the performativity construct and data from these was analysed using Cronbach’s alpha, correlations and principle components analysis. MANOVA was used to assess whether there were differences in levels of performativity between AS and A level learners, and those individuals who attended either a sixth form college or school sixth form. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with individuals whose survey scores indicated that they perceived a difference between performativity and mastery goals. These were used to further establish the validity of the performativity construct and to examine the motivations of learners in today’s A level classrooms, whilst addressing methodological weaknesses in the current achievement goal literature. Performativity was found to be a valid construct which is relevant to today’s A level classrooms. Results are discussed in terms of high-stakes testing and achievement goal theory.
Modeling of cylindrical objects by circular dielectric and conducting cylinders

The scattering of an incident plane wave from an array of parallel circular dielectric and/or conducting cylinders is derived rigorously using a boundary value approach. Both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarized incident plane waves are considered. The validity and accuracy of the method are verified by comparing the numerical results with those based on other available methods. The advantage of the proposed analysis is the simplicity and efficiency in computation. The modeling of two-dimensional objects of arbitrary cross section and composite material is outlined and sample numerical results are presented to illustrate the versatility of the method. >
A review and meta-analysis of red and processed meat consumption and breast cancer

The relationship between meat consumption and breast cancer has been the focus of several epidemiological investigations, yet there has been no clear scientific consensus as to whether red or processed meat intake increases the risk of breast cancer. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis incorporating data from several recently published prospective studies of red or processed meat intake and breast cancer. In the meta-analysis utilising data from the Pooling Project publication (includes data from eight cohorts) combined with data from nine studies published between 2004 and 2009 and one study published in 1996, the fixed-effect summary relative risk estimate (SRRE) for red meat intake (high v. low) and breast cancer was 1·02 (95 % CI 0·98, 1·07; P value for heterogeneity = 0·001) and the random-effects SRRE was 1·07 (95 % CI 0·98, 1·17). The SRRE for each 100 g increment of red meat was 1·04 (95 % CI 1·00, 1·07), based on a fixed-effects model, and 1·12 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·23) based on a random-effects model. No association was observed for each 100 g increment of red meat among premenopausal women (SRRE 1·01; 95 % CI 0·92, 1·11) but a statistically significant SRRE of 1·22 (95 % CI 1·04, 1·44) was observed among postmenopausal women using a random-effects model. However, the association for postmenopausal women was attenuated and non-significant when using a fixed-effects model (SRRE 1·03; 95 % CI 0·98, 1·08). The fixed- and random-effect SRRE for high (v. low) processed meat intake and breast cancer were 1·00 (95 % CI 0·98, 1·01; P value for heterogeneity = 0·005) and 1·08 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·16), respectively. The fixed- and random-effect SRRE for each 30 g increment of processed meat were 1·03 (95 % CI 1·00, 1·06) and 1·06 (95 % CI 0·99, 1·14), respectively. Overall, weak positive summary associations were observed across all meta-analysis models, with the majority being non-statistically significant. Heterogeneity was evident in most analyses, summary associations were sensitive to the choice of analytical model (fixed v. random effects), and publication bias appeared to have produced slightly elevated summary associations. On the basis of this quantitative assessment, red meat and processed meat intake does not appear to be independently associated with increasing the risk of breast cancer, although further investigations of potential effect modifiers, such as analyses by hormone receptor status, may provide valuable insight to potential patterns of associations.
Who Changes How: Strategies and Motivation for Risk Reduction Behaviors in the Context of an Economic-based HIV Prevention Intervention in Tanzania

The lack of success of traditional, individual-level HIV prevention interventions has contributed to the increase of structural interventions for HIV prevention. One such intervention is the use of conditional cash transfers (CCTs) to motivate sexual behavior change. CCTs have been success-ful in other areas of health behavior change, but have only recently been used to promote safer sex among populations at risk for HIV infection. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data from an HIV prevention trial in Tanzania that used cash awards to create incentives to engage in safer sexual behaviors (the RESPECT study), this dissertation--made up of three papers--explores strategies and motivation for risk reduction behaviors among study participants. The first paper explores anticipated and reported sexual behavior change of participants enrolled in the RESPECT study to understand who changes, how they change, and what factors drive such change or lack of change. The second paper draws on in-depth interviews from participants enrolled in the study and diary entries from village diarists RESPECT study in Tanzania to illustrate difficulties inherent in staying faithful to one of the Abstinence-Be Faithful-Condom Use (A-B-C) strategies and to describe the tools that people use in an attempt to avoid infection. The third paper again draws on qualitative data to explore the possible pathways through which the intervention package implemented as part of the CCT study might work to decrease STI prevalence. The three principal conclusions from the three papers are: (1) within the context of the conditional cash transfer trial in Tanzania, perceived risk is an important driver of sexual behavior change; (2) as the level of perceived risk changes for a participant through receipt of HIV test results and repeated STI test results, so does the risk reduction strategy; and (3) exposure to new and unexpected opportunities in the form of receipt of a positive STI test or being eligible for the cash award influences perceived ability to engage in risk reduction behaviors and thus increases the likelihood of reported behavior change.
Pramipexole for levodopa-induced complications in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy and safety of adjuvant pramipexole therapy versus inactive placebo in patients with Parkinson's disease, already established on levodopa. SEARCH STRATEGY Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Handsearching of the neurology literature as part of the Cochrane Movement Disorders Group's strategy. Examination of the reference lists of identified studies and other reviews. Contact with Pharmacia Upjohn and Boehringer Ingelheim. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of pramipexole versus placebo in patients with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease and long-term complications of levodopa therapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data was abstracted independently by the authors and differences settled by discussion. The outcome measures used included Parkinson's disease rating scales, levodopa dosage, 'off' time measurements and the frequency of drop outs and adverse events. MAIN RESULTS Four randomised controlled trials have compared pramipexole with placebo in 669 patients with later Parkinson's disease. Two phase III studies were medium term (24 weeks maintenance period) and 2 phase II studies were short term (4 weeks maintenance period). The reduction in off time was significantly greater with pramipexole compared with placebo (weighted mean difference 1.8 hours; 1.2, 2.3 95% CI). No significant changes were noted in a dyskinesia rating scale in any of the 4 studies, but dyskinesia as an adverse event was reported more frequently with pramipexole. A significant improvement occurred in UPDRS complication score (part IV) in 2 studies but not in the remaining trials. Statistically significant improvements in UPDRS ADL score occurred with pramipexole in all studies. Significant improvements in UPDRS motor scores in the on state were reported in 3 of the 4 studies. Levodopa dose reduction was allowed in 3 studies and meta-analysis shows a significant difference in favour of pramipexole (weighted mean difference 115 mg; 87, 143 95% CI). Trends toward a higher incidence of dopaminergic adverse events with pramipexole only reached statistical significance regarding hallucinations. There were significantly fewer withdrawals from pramipexole. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Pramipexole can be used to reduce off time, improve motor impairments and disability and reduce levodopa dose at the expense of increased dyskinetic adverse events. This conclusion is based on short and medium term trials (up to 24 weeks). Further trials are required to directly compare the newer with the older dopamine agonists.
Gas Sensors Based on Semiconducting Metal Oxide One-Dimensional Nanostructures

This article provides a comprehensive review of recent (2008 and 2009) progress in gas sensors based on semiconducting metal oxide one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures. During last few years, gas sensors based on semiconducting oxide 1D nanostructures have been widely investigated. Additionally, modified or doped oxide nanowires/nanobelts have also been synthesized and used for gas sensor applications. Moreover, novel device structures such as electronic noses and low power consumption self-heated gas sensors have been invented and their gas sensing performance has also been evaluated. Finally, we also point out some challenges for future investigation and practical application.
Adaptive Output Feedback Control of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems With Hysteresis Nonlinearity

In this note, we consider a class of uncertain dynamic nonlinear systems preceded by Bouc-Wen type of hysteresis nonlinearity. A new perfect inverse function of the hysteresis is constructed and used to cancel the hysteresis effects in controller design with backstepping technique. For the design and implementation of the controller, no knowledge is assumed on system parameters. It is shown that the proposed controller not only guarantees asymptotic stability, but also transient performance.
The Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System, Antidiuretic Hormone Levels and Water Balance Under Tocolytic Therapy with Fenoterol and Verapamil

The effects of long‐term infusion of fenoterol (a β2‐sympathomimetic drug) in combination with the calcium antagonist verapamil on water balance, the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system and antidiuretic hormone during pregnancy were studied. Within two hours of the start of infusion, plasma renin and antidiuretic hormone levels were significantly increased, but plasma aldosterone was strongly decreased. There was a concomitant marked reduction of urinary, sodium, and potassium excretion and a decreased creatinine clearance. The long‐lasting reduction of urinary excretion which resulted in an elevated water retention is apparently due to other unknown factors. Results are discussed with special regard to the relationship between water balance disturbances and pulmonary edema.
Morphologic Types of Breast Cancer‐Age, Bilaterality, and Family History

Morphologic type is not generally included in the study of cancer risk factors. In breast cancer, attention is being given to age at diagnosis. In this study cases were analyzed by morphologic type as well as age at diagnosis for occurrence of bilateral disease and for family history of breast cancer. Of the morphologic types which were more frequent in younger patients—lobular in situ, medullary, and intraductal comedo—only lobular in situ had an increased frequency of bilaterality (fourfold increase). Of these, only patients with intraductal comedo reported familial breast cancer more frequently than the average. Lobular infiltrating carcinoma is diagnosed more frequently in elderly patients and is associated with 2.6 times more bilaterality and increased familial risk. Diagnosis at age 45 to 54 is also associated with increased bilaterality, but the diagnosis of lobular carcinoma has much stronger association with bilaterality than early age at diagnosis. Because of the high risk of bilaterality in lobular neoplasia and in those with a family history of cancer occurring before the menopause, bilateral biopsies and subsequent screening for malignancy should be done in these women.
Why Become a Pornography Actress?

ABSTRACT. There is very limited research on women who perform in adult films. The current study used a discovery-oriented qualitative methodology to examine the responses of 176 female actresses in the adult entertainment industry to questions regarding the reasons for becoming involved in the pornography industry, as well as their likes and dislikes of the work. The most frequent reasons for joining the industry included money, sex, and attention. Only one participant indicated that she was coerced into becoming a porn actress. The most favorable aspects of their work included money, people, sex, and freedom/independence, whereas the most frequently reported dislikes included people, sexually transmitted diseases, and exploitation. The responses from this study provide valuable insight from a large sample of a difficult-to-access population of pornography actresses on why they chose to become involved in the pornography industry and on positive and negative facets of their work. The results may be used to question many of the stereotypes that society commonly holds regarding attributes of female pornography actresses.