Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel dual-band antenna with simultaneous linear and circular polarizations

A multi-function microstrip antenna for simultaneous operation at two different frequency bands (centered at 1.575 GHz and 2.4 GHz) is presented. In contrast to the traditional dual-band antennas, the presented antenna design is unique as it can achieve two different polarizations simultaneously. Such a configuration makes the proposed antenna suitable for receiving signals from entirely different systems using a single antenna. In order to achieve the dual-band operation, a stacked configuration of microstrip antennas has been used where the top patch is designed to operate at 2.4 GHz with linear (vertical) polarization while the bottom patch is designed to operate at 1.575 GHz with right hand circular polarization. Although the proposed antenna is a typical dual-band stacked configuration, it is the antenna feed that makes it a novel design. The antenna feed consists of a broadband branch-line coupler but its connection to the antenna is non-symmetric thereby forcing the two different patches to produce different polarizations. Antenna simulation results show that the dual-band antenna achieves greater than 5 dBi gain at both frequency bands whereas the axial ratio remains less than 3 dB at the GNSS band (1.575 GHz). The axial ratio at the ISM band (2.4 GHz) is shown to be greater than 35 dB demonstrating a linearly polarized operation. The antenna has a compact size and low cost, suitable for portable terminal antennas receiving signals at both GNSS and ISM frequency bands.
Exploring a Moderate Operation Scale in China’s Grain Production: A Perspective on the Costs of Machinery Services

Due to the indivisibility of agricultural machinery in production, limited farm sizes have reduced mechanization efficiency and increased the cost of grain production in China. As a result, the development of a moderate-scale farming system has been proposed by academic communities and policy makers. However, it is still hotly debated how to determine a moderate farm scale. We offer a new perspective on the costs of machinery services. This manuscript employs the threshold model and uses the nationally representative data from the 2015 China Rural Household Panel Survey (CRHPS) to investigate the role of farm size expansion relative to per area machinery services expenditures (PAMSE). The empirical results reveal that there is a nonlinear relation between the farm size and PAMSE. Specifically, farm size expansion can reduce the PAMSE by improving mechanization efficiency in all cases, while the magnitude of cost-saving is progressively reduced in the process of farm scale expansion. In particular, a 1 mu (1 mu = 1/15 ha) increase in the farm scale could only lead to a 0.3% decrease in the PAMSE when the farm size exceeded 50 mu, which indicates that 50 mu is a minimum efficient farm scale to achieve most economies of scale. Therefore, we suggest that persistent efforts should be devoted to improving farmland circulation efficiency and developing scale farms. More importantly, governmental supporting policies, such as agricultural subsidies, need to attach more importance to these large farms.
The ankle-brachial index in the elderly and risk of stroke, coronary disease, and death: the Framingham Study.

BACKGROUND A low ankle-brachial index (ABI) is associated with an increased risk of death and cardiovascular disease. Limited data exist regarding the relation between a low ABI and stroke. We sought to examine the relation between a low ABI and stroke, coronary heart disease, and death in the elderly. METHODS We examined 251 men and 423 women with a mean age of 80 years who had a Framingham Study examination from 1994 to 1995. A low ABI was defined as less than 0.9. Persons were followed up for 4 years for occurrence of stroke or transient ischemic attack, coronary disease, and death. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the relation between a low ABI and each outcome after adjusting for age, sex, and prevalent cardiovascular disease. RESULTS A low ABI was detected in 20% of our sample. Only 18% of the participants with a low ABI reported claudication symptoms. One third of those with a normal ABI and 55% of those with a low ABI had cardiovascular disease at baseline. Results of multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack in persons with a low ABI (hazards ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.7). No significant relation between a low ABI and coronary heart disease (hazards ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-2.1) or death (hazards ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-2.1) was observed. CONCLUSIONS A low ABI is associated with risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack in the elderly. These results need to be confirmed in larger studies.
Efficacy of low oral doses of iodized oil in the control of iodine deficiency in Zaire.

BACKGROUND About one billion people worldwide are at risk for iodine deficiency. Despite existing programs of prophylaxis, the prevention of iodine deficiency is still a challenge throughout the developing world. We studied the efficacy of low doses of iodized oil in an area of severe iodine deficiency in Zaire. METHODS Seventy-five subjects with visible goiter were randomly assigned to receive a single oral dose of placebo or either 0.1 or 0.25 ml of iodized oil, corresponding to 0, 47, and 118 mg of iodine, respectively. The mean ages of the subjects in the three groups were 23, 22, and 22 years, respectively, and the ratios of males to females were 0.25, 0.32, and 0.19. Efficacy was assessed by evaluating goiter size and measuring urinary iodine and serum thyroid hormone concentrations for 12 months. RESULTS Goiter size decreased in most of the subjects who received either dose of iodized oil. Their urinary iodine concentrations were normal for six to nine months and their serum thyroxine and thyrotropin concentrations were nearly all normal throughout the study period. There were no side effects, even in subjects whose serum thyroxine concentrations had initially been low. In the placebo group, neither goiter size nor any of the biochemical values changed. CONCLUSIONS The oral administration of a single small dose of iodized oil is capable of correcting iodine deficiency for about a year. This method of supplementation is likely to be more effective, efficient, and acceptable than the administration of either intramuscular or large oral doses of iodized oil.
Prevalence of and risk factors for FIV and FeLV infection in two shelters in the United Kingdom (2011–2012)

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections in cats presented to two RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) animal rehoming centres and to identify risk factors for infection. All cats presented at each centre between August 2011 and August 2012 were subjected to a patient-side test for FeLV/FIV on entry. Kittens under three months and cats euthanased within a short time of presentation were excluded from the study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to separately determine risk factors for FeLV and FIV infections. At shelter A, the prevalence of FIV infection was 11.4 per cent (54/474) and FeLV infection was 3 per cent (14/473), with two FIV/FeLV coinfections identified. At shelter B, the prevalence of FIV infection was 3 per cent (4/135) and FeLV infection was 0 per cent (0/135). Cats at shelter A were significantly more likely than those at shelter B to test positive for FIV (p=0.0024) and FeLV (p=0.048). Male cats were more likely to be infected with FIV (odds ratio 27.1, p=0.001), and thin body condition and musculoskeletal disease were associated with risk of FeLV. Overall, FIV-positive and FeLV-positive cats were significantly older (median ages 5.1 and 4.75 years, respectively) than the uninfected populations (median ages 3.4 and 3.5 years, respectively). This study shows that the prevalence of these diseases varies between shelter populations. Local knowledge combined with the risk factors identified may be useful in focusing resources for population testing strategies.
Early effects of antiretroviral combination therapy on activation, apoptosis and regeneration of T cells in HIV-1-infected children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between apoptosis, activation and regeneration of T cells, and viral replication in paediatric patients with HIV-1 infection during antiretroviral therapy (ART). DESIGN In 15 HIV-1-positive children and adolescents sequential blood samples were obtained during 16 episodes of ART using combinations of nucleosidic HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT)-inhibitors and HIV-1 protease inhibitors or non-nucleosidic RT-inhibitors. METHODS We assessed sensitivity of freshly isolated peripheral blood T cells towards spontaneous, anti-CD95- and anti-CD3-induced apoptosis and activation before and after 6-8 weeks of ART. Expression of CD95, CD45RA, CD45RO and CD62L on CD4 and CD8 T cells and of CD34 on mononuclear cells was studied by multiparameter flow cytometry before and after 10-12 weeks of ART. RESULTS ART caused a significant increase in absolute lymphocyte and CD4 T cell counts (P < 0.03 and P < 0.02, respectively) and a decrease in both anti-CD95- and anti-CD3-induced apoptosis of CD4 and CD8 T cells to near normal levels even in patients without complete suppression of viral replication. A significant reduction in the percentage of CD95 (but not of CD95high) CD4 T cells was observed (P < 0.005). Resting/naive cells contributed significantly (P < 0.03) to the rise in CD4 T cells especially in infants and young children. CONCLUSIONS Different mechanisms may contribute to early T cell reconstitution in HIV-1-infected children and adolescents during ART: decreased activation-induced apoptosis leading to increased survival of circulating primed/memory T cells; decreased activation-induced naive-to-memory shift increasing the frequency of circulating resting/naive T cells; increased input of haematopoietic progenitor cells from the bone marrow into the thymus and decreased intrathymic T cell death leading to an increased thymic output of naive T cells.
The neuroprotective agents chlomethiazole and SB203580 inhibit IL‐1β signalling but not its biosynthesis in rat cortical glial cells

Chlomethiazole and pyridinyl imidazole compounds, exemplified by SB203580, are structurally distinct p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors with neuroprotective properties in models of cerebral ischaemia. We have examined their effects in interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) synthesis, release and signalling in rat cortical glial cells, given the important role of IL‐1β in cerebral ischaemia. We analysed (i) IL‐1β mRNA expression by northern blot, (ii) IL‐1β protein precursor levels within the cells by western blot, and (iii) the levels of the mature IL‐1β protein secreted into the medium by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after treatment of rat cortical glial cells with lipopolysaccharide. While the induction of IL‐1β expression by lipopolysaccharide or by IL‐1β itself was very sensitive to nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) inhibitors, chlomethiazole or SB203580 were nearly without effect, indicating a differential regulation as compared to peripheral cells, e.g. monocytes. In contrast, chlomethiazole and SB203580 potently inhibited the IL‐1β‐induced expression of c‐fos and inducible nitric oxide synthase, as monitored by northern blot and quantitative RT–PCR, respectively. Because IL‐1β‐induced expression of c‐fos and inducible nitric oxide synthase is believed to directly contribute to the pathology of cerebral ischaemic injury, the results suggest a direct mechanism for the neuroprotective effects of chlomethiazole and SB203580, and further establish the anti‐inflammatory properties of chlomethiazole.
Determinants of Competition in the Commercial Banks of Ethiopia: An Empirical Evidence

The development of a financial sector can very well be improved by enhancing the level of competition which can be achieved by improving the determinant factors. It is pertinent, therefore, to measure the level of competition and determine what factor affect the magnitude of the competition in the financial sector. This study provides an empirical evidence on the commercial banks of Ethiopia over the budget years, from 2000-2015. It measures the level of competition among the commercial banks of Ethiopia by taking a sample of the seven private commercial banks, i.e. Awash International Bank, Bank of Abyssinia, Dashen Bank, United Bank, Wegagen Bank and Nib International Bank, and Commercial bank of Ethiopia by using the Panzar-Rosse approach. I further tries to gauge what variable determine the level of competition in the commercial banks by using the contestability of market, financial liberation and economic factors. The results of the research show that the commercial banks of Ethiopia are in monopolistic competition which is a midway between perfect competition and monopoly; the market is in a long run equilibrium. The determinants of competition are found to have a joint statistically significant effect on the level of competition. The study suggest enhancing better access to financial services with in the country and also decrement of NBE’s regulatory
High-fibre pelleted rations decrease water intake but do not improve physiological indexes of welfare in food-restricted female broiler breeders

1. A 3 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted with three diets and two lines of broiler breeder females to evaluate the contribution of low-energy rations for improving the welfare of feed-restricted birds during rearing. Experimental diets were fed from 6 to 16 weeks of age and were created by diluting a conventional grower (Control) ration containing 11·0 MJ ME/kg with 200 (8·8 MJ ME/kg) or 400 (6·6 MJ ME/kg) g oat hulls/kg using Optimoist to facilitate the pelleting process. Welfare was assessed by changes in behaviour and physiological variables at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Birds were fed restricted quantities of feed to meet recommended body weight targets. 2. There was a decrease in the proportion of observations of drinking and an increase of preening in birds fed on the two experimental diets compared with the control. There was a linear decrease in litter moisture and the number of litter changes with increasing diet dilution, and water intake at 12 weeks was higher in the control than in the two experimental diets. There were no changes in physiological indexes of welfare (heterophil–lymphocyte ratio, plasma corticosterone and antibody responses) associated with the dietary treatments. 3. There were no important differences in the growth, behaviour or physiological responses to dietary treatment between the two lines of broiler breeders. Changes with age were similar to those reported in other experiments. 4. It was concluded that low-energy pelleted diets would improve litter conditions but not improve indexes of welfare in feed-restricted broiler breeders.
Phase II study of pemetrexed with and without folic acid and vitamin B12 as front-line therapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

PURPOSE This phase II clinical study evaluated the efficacy of pemetrexed for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with a histologically proven diagnosis of MPM, chemotherapy-naive measurable lesions, and adequate organ function received pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) intravenously over 10 minutes every 3 weeks. After a protocol change, most patients also received folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation to improve safety. RESULTS A total of 64 patients were enrolled. Nine (14.1%) of the 64 patients had a partial response. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for median overall survival was 10.7 months. Forty-three patients received vitamin supplementation for all courses of therapy, and 21 patients did not. Seven of the nine responders were vitamin supplemented. The median overall survival was 13.0 months for supplemented patients and 8.0 months for nonsupplemented patients. Vitamin-supplemented patients completed more cycles of therapy than nonsupplemented patients (median, six v two cycles, respectively). Grade 3/4 neutropenia (23.4%) and grade 3/4 leukopenia (18.8%) were the most common laboratory toxicities. Fatigue and febrile neutropenia were the most commonly reported nonlaboratory events (grade 3, 6.3%; grade 4, 0.0% each). The incidence of these toxicities was generally lower in the supplemented patients. CONCLUSION Single-agent pemetrexed for MPM resulted in a moderate response rate (14.1%) and median overall survival of 10.7 months. Patients supplemented with folic acid and vitamin B12 tolerated treatment better (less toxicity and more cycles of treatment) and had a 5-month greater median overall survival than nonsupplemented patients. These results indicate that patients with MPM could benefit from single-agent pemetrexed treatment combined with vitamin supplementation.
Dendritic Cell-specific MHC Class II Transactivator Contains a Caspase Recruitment Domain That Confers Potent Transactivation Activity*

The MHC class II transactivator (CIITA) is a critical transcription factor that regulates genes involved in antigen presentation function. At least three functional forms of CIITA gene products are transcribed from three different promoters. The CIITA gene expressed in dendritic cells (DC-CIITA) has a unique first exon encoding an extended N-terminal region of CIITA. Here, we show that the N terminus of DC-CIITA has high homology to a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) found in components of apoptosis and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. However, DC-CIITA does not regulate cell death, nor does it induce nuclear factor-κB activity. Instead, DC-CIITA is transcriptionally a more potent activator of the MHC class II gene than the form expressed in B cells. A single amino acid substitution in the CARD of DC-CIITA, predicted to disrupt CARD-CARD interactions, diminished the transactivation potential of DC-CIITA. These results indicate that the CARD in the context of CIITA serves as a regulatory domain for transcriptional activity and may function to selectively enhance MHC class II gene expression in dendritic cells.
Sectoral Impacts of Public Expenditures on Real Wages: Evidence from Brazilian States

This work analyzes the sectoral impacts of public spending on real wages in Brazilian states. A panel covering the period of 1995-2014 for Brazilian states is used, with information on public expenditures, gross domestic product and average real wages in seven sectors of activity, with impulse response functions extracted from panel VAR models. The sectors analyzed are Agriculture, Plant Extraction, Hunting and Fishing, Services, Commerce, Construction, Manufacturing, Public Utility Services and Mineral Extraction. The sectoral analysis is relevant given the possibility of asymmetries in real wage responses to fiscal policy in different sectors. From this exercise, it is possible to make inferences about the labor market in these sectors in Brazil, and infer if the outcomes are similar to those found in the Real Business Cycles tradition, i.e., with negative responses of real wages to shocks in the budget spending of states, or if the fiscal shocks increase real wages, as observed in the New Keynesian models. The evidence suggests that both GDP and real wages respond positively to shocks in public spending in all sectors analyzed and that these impacts are greater in the states in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions of Brazil.
Effects of starting strategy on 5-min cycling time-trial performance

Abstract The importance of pacing for middle-distance performance is well recognized, yet previous research has produced equivocal results. Twenty-six trained male cyclists ([Vdot]O2peak 62.8 ± 5.9 ml · kg−1 · min−1; maximal aerobic power output 340 ± 43 W; mean ± s) performed three cycling time-trials where the total external work (102.7 ± 13.7 kJ) for each trial was identical to the best of two 5-min habituation trials. Markers of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism were assessed in 12 participants. Power output during the first quarter of the time-trials was fixed to control external mechanical work done (25.7 ± 3.4 kJ) and induce fast-, even-, and slow-starting strategies (60, 75, and 90 s, respectively). Finishing times for the fast-start time-trial (4:53 ± 0:11 min:s) were shorter than for the even-start (5:04 ± 0:11 min:s; 95% CI = 5 to 18 s, effect size = 0.65, P < 0.001) and slow-start time-trial (5:09 ± 0:11 min:s; 95% CI = 7 to 24 s, effect size = 1.00, P < 0.001). Mean [Vdot]O2 during the fast-start trials (4.31 ± 0.51 litres · min−1) was 0.18 ± 0.19 litres · min−1 (95% CI = 0.07 to 0.30 litres · min−1, effect size = 0.94, P = 0.003) higher than the even- and 0.18 ± 0.20 litres · min−1 (95% CI = 0.5 to 0.30 litres · min−1, effect size = 0.86, P = 0.007) higher than the slow-start time-trial. Oxygen deficit was greatest during the first quarter of the fast-start trial but was lower than the even- and slow-start trials during the second quarter of the trial. Blood lactate and pH were similar between the three trials. In conclusion, performance during a 5-min cycling time-trial was improved with the adoption of a fast- rather than an even- or slow-starting strategy.
‘My Lifestyle Kind of Locks Me into Supermarket Shopping’: Narratives of Reflexivity and Routines from Supermarket Shoppers in Australia

ABSTRACT This paper focusses on the supermarket shopper, who makes both reflexive and routine decisions while undertaking his or her regular shopping and cooking practices. The research used narrative inquiry methodology and convenience sampling to gather stories about a group of supermarket shoppers’ perceptions of, and engagement with their chosen food retail environment and their attitudes towards making more sustainable food choices. The analysis drew on theories of practice and a food choice model showing that this group of shoppers were aware of the challenges of the modern food system and held ideals about purchasing Australian-grown, ethically produced food, eating seasonally and devoting more time to shopping and cooking, but the intangible resource of time dominated their dynamic value negotiations.
Complementary strategic capabilities and innovation capabilities: Cases on emerging economies

This study analyzes the process of technological capabilities creation in organizations in emerging economies using the resource-based view of the firm. The literature has studied this phenomenon without taking into account the external context, in developed countries, or using macro perspectives, in emerging economies. It uses a longitudinal multiple-case design in order to identify the nature of this process, analyzing the emergence and enhancement of organizational capabilities. I identify Capabilities Development Trajectories, where organizational capabilities have evolved into technological capabilities, shortening the traditional path-dependent cycle in the creation of innovation capabilities. A capabilities trajectory framework is proposed.