Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Miniaturized Volkswagen Logo UWB Antenna with Slotted Ground Structure and Metamaterial for GPS,WiMAX and WLAN Applications

A novel concept of using slotted ground structure and a single circular split ring resonator (SRR) to achieve multiband operation from a miniaturized UWB antenna is presented in this paper. Initially, a miniaturized Volkswagen logo ultrawideband (UWB) antenna having −10 dB impedance bandwidth of about 124% (2.9–12.4 GHz) in simulation and 116.7% (3.1–11.8 GHz) under measurement is designed. This miniaturization leads to about 10% increment in −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth and about 66.71% reduction in the volume of the proposed UWB antenna as compared to the conventional circular antenna. In order to reconfigure the proposed UWB antenna to operate it at 1.5 (GPS), 3.5 (WiMAX), 5.2 and 5.8GHz (WLAN) frequency bands, slotted ground structure with metamaterial is used. The proposed metamaterial is a circular SRR consisting of a single circular ring and is placed on the slotted ground structure of the proposed antenna to achieve 1.5GHz band. The proposed configuration has a volume of 0. 290λ0 × 0. 290λ0 × 0. 015λ0 (30 × 30 × 1.6mm3) at a lower resonating band of 2.9GHz and is fabricated on a widely available FR4 substrate with a loss tangent of 0.02 and dielectric constant of 4.4. Simulated and experimental results show that the proposed design yields S11 < −10 dB at the targeted frequencies. Good impedance matching, stable radiation characteristics with cross-polarization level less than −15 dB (both in E and H planes), VSWR < 2, average gain of 3.09 dBi and radiation efficiency of more than 85% are observed at the designed band when the antenna is fabricated and tested.
The Evolution of the Offshore Outsourcing Industry Brazil Versus Other BRIC Economies

Brazil has expressed an intention to compete with India in offshoring. This paper examines the outsourcing industry in Brazil. First, we analyze how Brazil’s well-developed domestic IT market, its manufacturing prowess and export orientation have generated interorganizational as well as intraorganizational externalities or spillovers for the offshoring sector. Such externalities take various forms such as knowledge spillovers, learning curves, brand loyalty, availability of tools and resources, knowledge about quality and value perceptions of consumers as well as production externalities. The entry of foreign IT firms in Brazil has also generated externalities in the forms of indirect economic impacts on local organizations. Second, we investigate how factors related to offshoring skills, cultural compatibility and physical proximity to major markets are related to closeness to the needs of clients in terms of experience, expertise, culture and geographic reach. Finally, as making a contract complete represents a high degree of complexity and costs for parties involved in an offshoring agreement; we explore the importance of regulation and regulatory institutions.
Extreme levels of Canadian wildfire smoke in the stratosphere over central Europe – Part 2: Lidar study of depolarization and lidar ratios at 355, 532, and 1064 nm and of microphysical properties

Abstract. Extremely high particle extinction coefficients, an order of magnitude higher than after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991, were measured in the stratosphere over Leipzig, Germany, on 22 August 2017. In a series of two articles, we present our observations of this record-breaking smoke event. In part 1 (Ansmann et al., 2018), we provide an overview of the smoke situation. The particle extinction coefficients reached 500 Mm −1 at 532 nm in the lower stratosphere around 15 km height and the smoke-related aerosol optical thickness (AOT) was close to 1.0 around noon. In part 2, we present the optical and microphysical properties of the fire smoke observed in a tropospheric layer from 5–6.5 km height and in a stratospheric layer from 15–16 km height. Three Raman lidars were run at Leipzig after sunset on 22 August. As a highlight, triple-wavelength polarization/Raman lidar measurements of the particle depolarization ratio and extinction-to-backscatter ratio (lidar ratio) at all three important lidar wavelengths of 355, 532, and 1064 nm could be performed. Very different particle depolarization ratios were found in the troposphere and in the stratosphere. The obviously compact and spherical tropospheric smoke particles caused almost no depolarization of backscattered laser radiation at all three wavelength ( 3 %), whereas the particles in the stratosphere lead to high depolarization ratios of 22 % at 355 nm and 18 % at 532 nm and a comparably low value of 4 % at 1064 nm in the stratosphere. The observed strong wavelength dependence is probably attributed to the narrow size distribution (accumulation mode) of irregularly shaped soot particles and the absence of a smoke coarse mode. The layer mean particle lidar ratios, on the other hand, were 40–45 sr (355 nm), and 65–80 sr (532 nm), and 80–95 sr (1064 nm) in both, the tropospheric and stratospheric layers indicating similar scattering and absorption properties. The 532 nm single scattering albedo was 0.8 in the stratospheric layer. The smoke particles were rather small (effective radius of 0.17 μm) in the tropospheric layer and much larger (effective radius of 0.32 μm) in the very dry stratosphere.
Age, growth and organochlorines (HCB, DDTs and PCBs) in Mediterranean striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba stranded in 1988-1994 on the coasts of Italy

This study was based on data from 62 specimens of Stenella coeruleoalba found stranded along the ltallan coasts between 1988 and 1994 The age of each dolphln was determined by countlng dentine growth layer groups in the teeth and a growth curve was plotted Organochlorlne contanllnants (HCB DDTs and PCBs) were analysed In the blubber, hver, braln and muscle of 25 of the dolphins In all dolphlns and all tissues analysed, HCB concentrations (ng g ' dry weight) were the lowest and the PCBs were the highest, except in 1 blubber sample In which total DDTs welc higher than PCBs Correlations were sought between levels of these contaminants and age sex cause of death, locallty and year of stranding
Understanding catalytic reactions over zeolites: A density functional theory study of selective catalytic reduction of NOX by NH3 over Cu-SAPO-34

Metal-exchanged CHA-type (SAPO-34 and SSZ-13) zeolites are promising catalysts for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx by NH3. However, an understanding of the process at the molecular level is still limited, which hinders the identification of its mechanism and the design of more efficient zeolite catalysts. In this work, modeling the reaction over Cu-SAPO-34, a periodic density functional theory (DFT) study of NH3-SCR was performed using the hybrid functional (HSE06) with the consideration of van der Waals (vdW) interactions. A mechanism with a low N–N coupling barrier is proposed to account for the activation of NO. The redox cycle of Cu2+ and Cu+, which is crucial for the SCR process, is identified with detailed analyses. In addition, the decomposition of NH2NO is shown to readily occur on the Bronsted acid site by a hydrogen push–pull mechanism, confirming the collective efforts of Bronsted acid and Lewis acid (Cu2+) sites. The special electronic and structural properties of Cu-SAPO-34 are dem.
Spatial autocorrelation of allozyme and quantitative markers within a natural population of Centaurea jacea (Asteraceae)

This paper compares the fine‐scale genetic structure of quantitative traits and allozyme markers within a natural population of Centaurea jacea s.l. To that end, a spatial autocorrelation approach is developed based on pairwise correlation coefficients between individuals and using sib families. Statistical properties of the proposed statistics are investigated with numerical simulations. Our results show that most quantitative traits have a significant spatial structure for their genetic component. On average, allozyme markers and the genetic component of quantitative traits have similar patterns of spatial autocorrelation that are consistent with a neutral model of isolation by distance. We also show evidence that environmental heterogeneity generates a spatial structure for the environmental component of quantitative traits. Results are discussed in terms of mechanisms generating spatial structure and are compared with those obtained on a large geographical scale.
Introduction : geography , open innovation and entrepreneurship Urban Gråsjö , Charlie Karlsson and Iréne Bernhard

To secure incomes and welfare in the long run, rich developed countries need to be very innovative to improve or even preserve their competitiveness against international competition. The challenge is to meet the demands and wishes of actual and/or potential customers better than all other competitors, to fully exploit their willingness to pay. Thus, the ability to innovate is critical, since innovation is a key driver of productivity growth (Hall, 2011; Mohnen and Hall, 2013). Productivity is increased through the introduction of new goods and services, new methods of production and novelties in their organizational and marketing practices. An innovation can be defined as the localized generation of an idea, behaviour, system, policy, programme, device, process, product or service that is new to and represents a potential economic value for the economic agent (Damanpour, 1992). It is the result of an open, dynamic, non-linear, evolutionary, knowledge-intensive and time-consuming process (Link and Siegel, 2007) in which both internal and external knowledge and actors are used to create new combinations of resources (Chesbrough, 2003). Innovations are generated by two types of economic agents: incumbent firms and entrepreneurs. The relative role of these two types of economic agents for innovation has been extensively discussed all the time since Schumpeter (1934; 1942) wrote his famous books. Here, we focus on two specific but interrelated aspects of innovation by these two types of economic actors, namely the role of geography, that is, the location of economic agents, and of open innovation,1 respectively.
Earnings Management in Banks : Validation of a Two-Stage Model

Studies investigating earnings management in banks have been particularly concerned with the use of Loan Loss Provisions (LLP) and mainly use two-stage models to identify discretionary management actions. Another type of record that has received attention from researchers in identifying discretionary management actions is the classification and measurement of the fair value of securities. In this case, however, one-stage models have prevailed. The present study aims to develop and validate a two-stage model for the identification of discretionary management actions using gains obtained from securities. Our model incorporates macroeconomic indicators and specific attributes of the securities portfolios to the traditional parameters used in models previously utilized in the literature. To validate the proposed model, the results are compared with the results from the estimation of a one-stage model a methodology widely used in the literature. Tests conducted with the two models reveal evidence of income smoothing using securities and the classification of available-for-sale securities among the actions taken by management. The consistency of the results across the two models validates the proposed model, thereby contributing to the development of research on the topic that is not only concerned with determining whether earnings management is practiced but also whether it can be associated with other variables. We also find that securities-based earnings management is more significant in smaller-sized banks and in banks controlled by private capital.
Sorting out the effects of inequality and poverty, teachers and schooling, on America's youth

What does it take to get politicians and the general public to abandon misleading ideas, such as “Anyone who tries can pull themselves up by the bootstraps,” or that “Teachers are the most important factor in determining the achievement of our youth”? Many ordinary citizens and politicians believe these statements to be true, even though life and research informs us that such statements are usually not true.
Optimizing Soil Moisture and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Some Maize (Zea mays) Varieties under Conservation Farming System

In Zambia, small holder farmers depend on producing maize (Zea mays), which is a major staple food for many Zambians. Maize productivity among the smallholder farmers is quite low, giving only 2.3 tons per hectare. The low yields are attributed to insufficient and erratic rain fall, low soil fertility, and poor farming practices. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of maize genotypes for nitrogen use efficiency and soil moisture utilisation under conservation farming system. The trials were carried out at two sites with different soil types. Three maize varieties i.e. ZMS 606, GV 640 and GV 635 were evaluated in maize – cowpea rotation. Four cowpea varieties used for rotation with maize, i.e. Bubebe Lutembwe, BB 14-16-2-2 and LT 11-3-3-12. BB 14-16-2-2 and LT 11-3-3-12 are mutation-derived lines of Bubebe and Lutembwe cowpea parent varieties respectively. The experimental design used was split plot with three replications. The NUE was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in CF and accounted for 27 % and 15% more than conventional farming system which valued 17% and 3% at Chisamba and Batoka, respectively. while soil moisture content was higher at Batoka than Chisamba in CF system. ZMS 606 and GV 640 varieties were superior over GV 635 for NUE. Cowpea variety BB 14-16-2-2 significantly increased NUE of maize varieties. Therefore, smallholder farmers in Zambia can increase maize productivity in maize - cowpea rotation system due to the increased NUE. Recommendations are made for farmers to select improved nitrogen efficient maize varieties to optimize productivity of maize in conservation farming system.
ANALYSIS OF TAGGING DATA FROM NORTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE (THUNNUS ALALUNGA): ATTRITION RATE ESTIMATES

SUMMARY In this study, an attempt is made to estimate natural mortality rate for North Atlantic albacore. We implement a spatially aggregated tag-attrition model to analyse the results of an albacore tagging experiment conducted in the Bay of Biscay from 1988 to 1991. The model predicts probabilities of the possible fates of tagged fish and the tags that they carry. The model includes several parameters consisting of catchabilitie s by fleets involved in recaptures and a combination of natural mortality plus emigration from the study area. Model fitting is carried out by finding the maximum of a multinomial likelihood function. Effect of reporting rate values on the estimations are evaluated and several hypothesis on the pre-mixing period of the tagged fish population among the total albacore population are made. Depending on model formulations selected, attrition rate of 0.56 and 0.84 per year are estimated. Although those estimates are reasonably consistent with previous studies, several uncertainties still limit our interpretation of the results in terms of natural mortality rate.
Development of an interatomic potential for the simulation of phase transformations in zirconium

In recent years, some 30 studies have been published on the molecular dynamics (MD) of zirconium, primarily of its twinning deformation and response to radiation damage. Its low thermal neutron absorption makes it uniquely suited for the latter application. Surprisingly, currently used interatomic potentials do not encapsulate the unique properties of Zr, namely its high stacking-fault energy, anomolous self-diffusion, melting and phase transformation under temperature and pressure (or alloying). Ab initio calculations have shown deficiencies in the description of point defects, both vacancies and interstitials, using existing interatomic potentials, deficiencies that can now be rectified by refitting. Here, we show the calculation of phase transitions self-consistently and present a potential for Zr that correctly reproduces the energetics of our extended database of ab initio configurations and high-temperature phase transitions. The potential has an analytic many-body form, making it suitable for existing large-scale MD codes. We also present a best-fit potential for the hcp structure and its defects.
EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF ATTITUDES TOWARD THE DEATH PENALTY ON CAPITAL SENTENCING VERDICTS

Attitudes toward the death penalty are multifaceted and strongly held, but little research outside of the death-qualification literature has focused on the role that such attitudes and beliefs play in jurors’ capital sentencing verdicts. A single item is insufficient to properly measure attitudes toward the death penalty; therefore, a new 15-item, 5-factor scale was constructed and validated. Use of this scale in 11 studies of capital jury decision making found a large effect of general support of the death penalty on sentencing verdicts as well as independent aggravating effects for the belief that the death penalty is a deterrent and the belief that a sentence of life without parole nonetheless allows parole. These effects generally were not completely mediated by, nor did attitudes moderate the effects of, aggravating and mitigating factors. Through death qualification and voir dire, the legal system attempts to strike a balance between jurors’ attitudes toward the death penalty and a defendant’s right to an impartial jury. Courts embrace the fact that capital jurors’ attitudes toward the death penalty influence their decisions whether to sentence a defendant to death: “A jury that must choose between life imprisonment and capital punishment can do little more—and must do nothing less—than express the conscience of the community on the ultimate question of life or death” (Witherspoon v. Illinois, 1968, p. 519). However, the defendant’s right to an impartial jury requires that jurors also be able to follow the law and not reach a verdict based solely on their attitudes. Courts currently balance these interests by allowing parties to exclude for cause only those jurors whose attitude toward the death penalty is so strong, either for or against, that it would “prevent or substantially impair the performance of [their] duties as a juror” (Wainwright v. Witt, 1985, p. 424). To ascertain whether jurors fail this test, defendants are entitled to an adequate voir dire that consists of more than general questions and that is sufficient to allow the defendant to uncover biases to which jurors do not readily admit (Morgan v. Illinois, 1992). Afterward, death-qualified capital jurors must (though the specifics vary by
New Urban Teachers Experience Induction Coaching: “Moving Vision Toward Reality”

Educational policy is increasingly recognizing the role mentored induction support plays in new teachers' professional learning. This qualitative study explored eight new urban teachers' experiences with and perceptions of mentored induction, referred to in this study as “coaching. ” As an alternative to the predominant emotional or socialization constructs of induction support, this study investigates coaching from an “educative” stance that is instructionally oriented, collaborative, situated, and frequently enacted. Results indicate that interactions with coaches facilitated new teachers' transition into urban classrooms; enhanced their ability to provide the type of student-centered instruction they envisioned, but struggled to achieve; and that coaching is a relationship that requires time, trust, and commitment. Insights and recommendations are provided to guide the development or strengthening of induction programs though a collaborative approach aimed towards instructional improvement and professional learning.
Learning difficulties, academic well-being and educational pathways among adolescent students

3 Abstrakt . 4 Acknowledgements . 5 List of Original Publications . 10 1. Introduction . 11 1.1. Learning Difficulties . 11 1.1.1. Learning difficulties in mathematics . 11 1.1.2. Learning difficulties in reading . 13 1.1.3. Learning difficulties in both mathematics and reading . 14 1.2. Academic Well-Being . 17 1.2.1. Academic self-concept . 18 1.2. 2. School burnout . 18 1.2. 3. Perceived learning difficulties . 19 1.3. Educational Pathways . 19 1.3. 1. Educational aspirations . 20 1.3. 1.1. Expectancy-value theory . 21 1.3. 1.2. Internal/external frame of reference model . 23 1.3. 1.3. Gendered pathways to educational aspirations . 23 1.3. 2. Transition to upper secondary education . 24 1.3. 2.1. Academic self-concept and the ‘big fish in a little pond’ effect . 25 1.3. 3. School dropout . 26 1.4. The Present Study . 27 1.4. 1. Context: The Finnish education system . 30 2. Methods . 32 2.1. Participants and Procedure . 32
Agro-Morphological and Forage Quality Traits of Selected Alfalfa Populations and Their Application in Breeding

The objectives of this research were to evaluate agro-morphological and forage quality performances of selected alfalfa populations and to predict the genetic potential of this populations as a source of the material for breeding programs and/or commercial use. Twenty selected alfalfa populations and two control cultivars were tested over three consecutive years (2008, 2009, 2010) at the experimental field of the Agricultural Institute Osijek in Croatia. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. The plot size was 6 m2 at the sowing rate of 15 kg ha-1. A total of fifteen traits were measured/analysed on all plots and/or individual plants of all populations and cultivars. Significant differences were determined between alfalfa populations/cultivars in all investigated traits, except for content of crude protein in dry matter. The highest three-years average yields (from 86.32 to 101.12 t ha-1 for green mass, from 17.45 to 20.46 t ha-1 for dry matter, from 3657 to 4289 kg ha-1 for crude protein) and favourable values for the most of the investigated morphological and forage quality traits were obtained in populations MSP 16,8,1,9,20,11,10. Seven superior alfalfa populations were identified which could represent a valuable source of genetic material for further selection and improvement of our breeding program and/or application for plant cultivar registration
Maneuvering in Shallow and Confined Water

A ship’s maneuverability depends on the water depth h of the navigation area in relation to the draft T of the vessel. PIANC (1992) makes a rather arbitrary distinction between deep (h/T> 3.0), medium deep (1.5< h/T< 3.0), shallow (1.2< h/T< 1.5), and very shallow water (h/T< 1.2). The effect of depth restrictions is noticeable in medium deep water, is very significant in shallow water, and dominates the ship’s behavior in very shallow water. In dredged channels giving access to maritime ports, the ship’s under-keel clearance (UKC), defined as (h−T)/T and expressed as a percentage of draft, typically takes values of 10–20% in sheltered areas and 15–40% in areas subject to waves and swell (PIANC, 2014), which implies that navigating in medium