Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurements and Evaluations of Multi-Element Antennas Based on Limited Channel Samples in a Reverberation Chamber

In this paper, evaluations of diversity gains and capacities of multi-element antenna based on limited channel samples in a reverberation chamber (RC) are studied. It is shown that, for a large antenna array, the classical sample estimation based on finite channel samples tends to underestimate its diversity gain and capacity. An improved (yet slightly more complicated) eigenvalue estimation method is applied in both diversity gain and capacity calculations, which effectively alleviates the estimation bias. The findings of the present paper are applicable for measurements where the maximum independent channel samples per antenna element are limited. Apart from simulations, we also evaluate the performances of the classical and improved eigenvalue estimators based on measurements in a RC. Based on the results of this paper, the performance of the RC measurement (with limited samples) for multi-element antennas can be readily enhanced.
Bonds, Loans and Country Risk: Eect of Macroeconomic Fundamentals

This paper analyzes the decision of public and private emerging market borrowers of whether to borrow from banks or on the bond market. The model based on asymmetric information predicts that borrowers from countries where risks are highest will not have market access, those from countries where risks are somewhat lower will issue low-quality bonds, those from countries where risks are still lower will borrow from banks, borrowers from the lowest risk countries will issue high-quality bonds. There predictions are tested empirically and used to determine the variables that aect perceived country risk. This perceived risk does not seem to help predict the crises of the 1990s.
Influences of magnetic field on wave propagation in generalized thermoelastic solid with diffusion

This paper is devoted to estimation of the influence of magnetic field in an elastic solid half-space under thermoelastic diffusion. The governing equations in xz -plane are solved taking into consideration the GL model. The reflection of dilatational (P) wave and shear vertical (SV) wave splits into four waves, namely: P wave, thermal wave, mass diffusion wave and SV wave. The reflection phenomena of P and SV waves from the free surface of an elastic solid with thermoelastic diffusion, under the influence of magnetic field is considered. The expressions for the reflection coefficients for the four reflected waves are obtained. These reflection coefficients are found to depend upon the angle of incidence θ of P and SV waves, thermoelastic diffusion, magnetic field and other material parameters. The numerical values for the reflection coefficients are calculated analytically and presented graphically for various values of these parameters. Relevant results of previous investigations are deduced as special cases from this study.
Antioxidant activity of wheat and buckwheat flours

Antioxidative activities of wheat flours (type 500 and wholegrain) and buckwheat flours (light and wholegrain) were tested using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·)-scavenging activity, reducing power and chelating activity on Fe2+. Also, the content of the total phenolics of ethanolic extracts was estimated. Polyphenolics content (expressed as gallic acid equivalent, GAE) in wheat flours varied between 37.1 and 137.2 μg GAE/g extract, while its content in buckwheat flour were at least four time higher and ranged between 476.3 and 618. 9μg GAE/g extract. Ethanolic extracts of buckwheat flours exhibited higher antioxidant activities in all the assays, except for chelating activity. Regarding all the obtained results, it can be concluded that bakery products produced with buckwheat flour could be regarded as potential functional foods.
Studies of competition between Nassella trichotoma (Nees) Hack. ex Arechav. (serrated tussock) and native pastures. 1. Adult plants

Nassella trichotoma (serrated tussock) is a hardy perennial grass weed that rapidly invades disturbed areas. Pasture competition is an important component of an integrated weed-management system for native pastures. This paper reportsonafieldexperimenttoascertainthelevelofcompetitionfromnativegrassesforadultN.trichotomaplants. Native grassespreventedN.trichotomaplantsfromincreasinginbiomassandbasalareawhenrotationallygrazedorwhengrazing was removed and fertiliser was withheld. Smaller N. trichotoma plants (<500mm 2 ) were more likely to vary in size with verylittlechangeinlargerplants.FlupropanateefficientlykilledallN. trichotomaplantsbutcausedconsiderabledamageto perennial native species, resulting in an uncompetitive pasture dominated by broadleaf weeds.
Uniform convergence of solutions to elliptic equations on domains with shrinking holes

We consider solutions of the Poisson equation on a family of domains with holes shrinking to a point. Assuming Robin or Neumann boundary conditions on the boundary of the holes, we show that the solution converges uniformly to the solution of the Poisson equation on the domain without the holes. This is in contrast to Dirichlet boundary conditions where there is no uniform convergence. The results substantially improve earlier results on L-convergence. They can be applied to semi-linear problems.
Displacements in Mechanical Systems Due to Random Inputs in a Mine Hoist Installation

Conveyances, cages and skips are typical components of hoisting installations in mines. The Authors emphasises the fact that already at the stage of design utmost care must be taken to reduce the skip’s own mass, at the same time improving its reliability through controlling the deformations of its structural elements. That requires, however, a thorough analysis of the state of stress in the conveyance’s load-bearing elements due to real loads acting both during the normal duty cycles and under the emergency conditions. Real loads acting upon the load bearing elements of the conveyance were determined following the analysis of displacements of selected points of the conveyance’s structure. For the purpose of calculation procedure, the conveyance is substituted by a triple mass model whose dynamic motion equations are based on an assumption that horizontal displacements of the skip mass are induced by random irregularities and misalignments of guiding strings. These equations are solved analytically, yielding the spectral densities of displacements of selected masses. Thus derived formulas and their graphical representations allow for selecting the system’s parameters such that the displacements of the selected model points should not exceed the admissible levels set forth in relevant mining regulations.
Signals of predation-induced directional and disruptive selection in the threespine stickleback

Background: Different predation regimes may exert divergent selection pressure on phenotypes and their associated genotypes. Threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus have a suite of bony structures, which have been shown to be an effective defence against predation and have a well-known genetic basis. Question: Do different predator regimes induce different selective pressures on growth rates and defence phenotypes in threespine stickleback between different habitats across distinct age classes? Hypothesis: In the presence of predation-induced selection, we expect diverging morphological responses between populations experiencing either low or high predation pressure. Study system: Threespine stickleback were sampled from two natural but recently established populations in an invasive range. One site has a high density of fish and insect predators, while at the other site predation pressure is low. Methods: We inferred predator-induced selection on defence traits by comparing the distribution of size classes, defence phenotypes, and an armour-related genotype between different age classes in a high and a low predation regime. Results: Under high predation, there are indications of directional selection for faster growth, whereas lateral plate phenotypes and associated genotypes show indications for disruptive selection. Heterozygotes at the Eda-gene have a lower survival rate than either homozygote. Neither pattern is evident in the low predation regime. Conclusion: Potential evolutionary responses to divergent predation pressures between sites are apparent in a recently established system.
Hubble Space Telescope Observations of the White Dwarf Cooling Sequence of M4

We investigate in detail the white dwarf cooling sequence of the globular cluster Messier 4. In particular, we study the influence of various systematic uncertainties, both observational and theoretical, on the determination of the cluster age from the white dwarf cooling sequence. These include uncertainties in the distance to the cluster and the extinction along the line of sight, as well as the white dwarf mass, envelope, and core compositions and the white dwarf-main-sequence mass relation. We find that fitting to the full two-dimensional color-magnitude diagram offers a more robust method for age determination than the traditional method of fitting the one-dimensional white dwarf luminosity function. After taking into account the various uncertainties, we find a best-fit age of 12.1 Gyr, with a 95% lower limit of 10.3 Gyr. We also perform fits using two other sets of cooling models from the literature. The models of Chabrier et al. yield an encouragingly similar result, although the models of Salaris et al. do not provide as good a fit. Our results support our previous determination of a delay between the formation of the Galactic halo and the onset of star formation in the Galactic disk.
The Effects of Psychiatric Nursing Simulation on Anxiety and Self-confidence about Clinical Placement of Nursing Students

Nursing students experienced anxiety and fear of building relationships with psychiatric patients due to lack of professional knowledge about metal illness and skill to take care of the patients. The simulation education is known as an effective teaching-learning method since being performed in a non-threatening environment similar to clinical setting. The purpose of this nonequivalent quasi-experimental study was to identify the effect of simulation on anxiety and self-confidence about the psychiatric-mental health nursing practice. The third year nursing students at a three year nursing program were participated in this study. For the experimental group (N=28) the simulation education using the standardized patient based on the scenario for patients with schizophrenia was performed, and for the control group (N=18), the debated education applying the case study same as for the experimental group was made in the class. Using SPSS, t-test and ANCOVA were analyzed to compare the anxiety and self-confidence between the experimental and control groups. As a result of the study, the anxiety score on psychiatric-mental health nursing clinical practice of the experimental group significantly decreased, compared to that of the control group, but the self-confidence score for the performance of psychiatric nursing care showed no significant differences between the groups. Accordingly the simulation education can be an effective educational method to reduce anxiety about psychiatric-mental health nursing clinical practice for nursing students.
XRD ANALYSIS OF OXIDE LAYERS FORMED ON ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS DURING HIGH TEMPERATURE OXIDATION IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS

Two types of differently manufactured Zr1Nb alloy were investigated after exposition in the water at 360 °C with different pH. The residual stresses σ, crystallite size D and micro strains e in oxide layers were examined by means of XRD. It was shown that the oxide layers of alloys investigated have had the different characteristics in the same oxidizing environments. The so-called “dry” and “wet” samples were investigated. The comparative study was shown that the decrease of macroscopic stresses in the “wet” samples during some exposures could be related to change of microstructure of the oxide layers. This effect can indicate the changes in oxidation kinetics of the alloys under investigation.
Methodology of Islamic Economics: Typology of Current Practices, Evaluation and Way Forward

The sustainable development of Islamic economics as a discipline depends also on methodological development that provides a clear direction on how to appraise economic theories and provide evidence of its reliability. This paper attempts to study the methodology of Islamic economics in two ways: (1) by examining the works by scholars in their specific writings on this subject, and (2) by observing the writings on Islamic economics, banking and finance to see how Islamic economists develop their discipline. The paper found three categories of writings, namely: (1) the usul al-fiqh methodology applied in economics, (2) methodological pluralism that tries to utilize various methodologies developed in both western and Islamic tradition, and (3) conventional mainstream positive economic methodology applied in Islamic cases. These are evaluated thoroughly and suggestions are made as to what needs to be done to assist Islamic economics’ develop.
Biosurfactant-Producing Lactobacilli: Screening, Production Profiles, and Effect of Medium Composition

Biosurfactant production was screened in four lactobacilli strains. The highest biosurfactant production (excreted and cell-bound biosurfactants) was achieved with Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei A20, a strain isolated from a Portuguese dairy plant, with a decrease in the surface tension of 6.4 mN m−1 and 22.0 mN m−1, respectively. Biosurfactant production by this strain was evaluated under different culture broth compositions. The use of different nitrogen sources revealed that yeast extract is essential for bacterial growth, while peptone is crucial for biosurfactant synthesis. For biosurfactant production, the use of peptone and meat extract yielded a higher production when compared to the standard medium, with a surface tension reduction of 24.5 mN m−1 Furthermore, experiments were also conducted in a reactor with pH and temperature control. Biomass and biosurfactant production in bioreactor was higher comparing with the experiments conducted in shake flaks. The optimization procedure adopted in the current work was found to improve the biosurfactant production and opened new perspectives for the use of L. paracasei ssp. paracasei A20 as a promising biosurfactant-producer.
SLEEP-WAKE CYCLE IRREGULARITY AND DAYTIME SLEEPINESS IN ADOLESCENTS ON SCHOOLDAYS AND ON VACATION DAYS

background and objective: Comparing the sleep-wake cycle (SWC) and daytime sleepiness in adolescents when they attend morning classes and during school vacations. Methods: The sleep-wake cycle was evaluated based on the student’s sleep log, and daytime sleepiness was evaluated by the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KS). Comparison between these variables was performed with 42 Brazilian adolescent students (14-19 years old) based on a one-week period on schooldays and a one-week period on vacation days. SWC irregularity was evaluated through standard deviation in bedtime and wake-up time on weekdays and on weekends. For statistical analysis, dependent T-test and Repeated Measures Anova were applied (p <0.05). Results: During the vacation period, sleep irregularity is maintained, but in contrast to the schoolday period, adolescents have a more extended sleep period on weekdays than on weekends. Bedtime and wake-up time are delayed, and sleep duration increases along the week. Sleepiness shows a daily pattern characterized by higher sleepiness levels at wake-up time and bedtime, and during vacations, such levels decrease at wake-up time and at 2:00pm. Moreover, during vacations frequency of naps decreases both on weekdays and on weekends. Conclusion: The morning school schedule is not the sole cause for the adolescent’s sleep irregularity. Sleep habits associated with other factors involving the adolescent’s socio-cultural context may influence such behavior. It is important to investigate the extent at which sleep schedule irregularity starts to be detrimental to the individual’s sleep quality.
Initiating the Learning Process

ABSTRACT Access to federated search tools is increasing and many academic libraries are now looking beyond implementation, and are considering the broader implications of federated searching such as its impact on information literacy programs. Although this emerging technology is still experiencing acknowledged growing pains, its potential for transforming the way students conduct research is promising. Reviewing information seeking behavior research and analyzing how federated searching fits within the Association of College and Research Libraries' Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education (2000) enables academic librarians to consider an integrative instructional model that utilizes federated searching as a way of initiating the learning process. doi:10.1300/J136v12n03_01
Combining tower mixing ratio and community model data to estimate regional-scale net ecosystem carbon exchange by boundary layer inversion over 4 flux towers in the U.S.A

Recommended Citation Dang, X.R. , Lai, C.T. , Hollinger, D. , Schauer, A. , Xiao, J.F. , Munger, W. , Owensby, C. , Ehleringer, J.R. (2011). Combining tower mixing ratio and community model data to estimate regional-scale net ecosystem carbon exchange by boundary layer inversion over 4 flux towers in the U.S.A. , Journal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences, 116, G03036, https://dx.doi. org/10.1029/2010JG001554.
Ethnicity and Occupational Differences in the Transforming Homogenous Culture: The Case of Lithuania

This article presents empiric research on respondents’ self-identification of ethnicity in such culturally homogenous country as Lithuania and comparisons among three occupational sectors: education, healthcare and business. The results reveal the difficulty when attempting to self-identity ethnicity resulting in high nonresponse rate. Furthermore, results indicate effects of occupational background of the respondent and influence of EU membership on the perceived ethnicity. The contextualisation of results within social and historical context of the country is outlined, as well as methodological implications. Keywords: ethnicity, homogeneous culture, quantitative research, focus group, Lithuania, occupation. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.15823/p.2017. 52
Bioconversion of Non-Detoxified Hemicellulose Hydrolysates to Xylitol byHalotolerant Yeast Debaryomyces nepalensis NCYC 3413

Lignocellulosic materials are one of the most abundant renewable resources whose exploitation for the production of biochemicals and biofuels is the major challenge in the area of industrial biotechnology due to inhibition of growth and product formation by the toxic compounds released upon their hydrolysis. Indeed the bioprocess that can produce industrial products from hemicellulose hydrolysates in the presence of toxic compounds is economical than the process which involves detoxification. In this study, the ability of halotolerant strain Debaryomyces nepalensis NCYC 3413 to convert non-detoxified xylose enriched hemicellulose hydrolysates from corn cobs, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw to xylitol was evaluated. It was found that this strain has the capability to grow in all hemicellulose hydrolysates and convert xylose to xylitol without detoxification of hydrolysates. The maximum xylitol concentration of 14.6 g L-1 was obtained from corn cobs and wheat straw with productivities of 0.16 and 0.20 g L-1 h-1 respectively at a yield of 0.30 g g-1. Whereas sugarcane bagasse and rice straw gave xylitol yields of 0.31 and 0.32 g g-1 respectively with 14.2 g L-1 maximum xylitol and productivities were calculated to be 0.20 and 0.15 g L-1 h-1 respectively. The presence of high glucose hindered xylitol production by producing ethanol. Based on our findings, we suggest that (i) D. nepalensis is a promising strain for ecofriendly xylitol production as it exhibits broad specificity to lignocellulose substrates, fermentation of mixed sugars and (ii) tolerance towards lignocellulosic inhibitors making the process more economical.
Modelling Upwelling Irradiance using Secchi disk depth in lake ecosystems

A simple model for upwelling irradiance has been developed. The model represents the relationship between Photosynthetically Active Radiation diffuse attenuation coefficients and Secchi disk depth described with a physical-mathematical expression. This physical mathematical expression allows the evaluation of the sub surface upwelling irradiance that was generated by the interaction between downwelling irradiance and the water column. The validation of the relation was performed using experimental data collected from five different aquatic ecosystems at different latitudes, solar elevations and irradiance levels. We found a good linear, positive correlation between the theoretical and measured upwelling irradiance (R2 = 0.96). The residues were well distributed, around the null value, according a Gaussian curve (R2 = 0.92). The results confirm the importance and the versatility of the Secchi disk measurements for aquatic optics.
Superficial Incisional Surgical Site Infection In Elective Abdominal Surgeries - A Prospective Study.

All postoperative surgical infections occurring in an operative site are termed surgical site infections. Superficial incisional surgical site infection occurs within 30 days after the operation and infection involves only skin or subcutaneous tissue of the incision and represents a substantial burden of disease for patients and health services. Aim of the study: To determine the incidence of surgical site infection in elective abdominal surgeries; to correlate the surgical site infection with the nature of elective surgical procedure; to study the profile of bacterial isolates obtained from cases of surgical site infection. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out in the Department of General Surgery and Department of Microbiology at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, India from November 2008 to October 2009. The patients who underwent elective abdominal surgery were included in the study group. These patients were followed up for superficial incisional surgical site infections until complete wound healing occurred or on their discharge from the hospital. Observation: The incidence of surgical site infection in elective surgeries was found to be 5%. E. coli was the most common organism isolated followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Risk factors like diabetes mellitus, smoking and duration of surgery play a significant role in causing surgical site infection. Conclusion: An effective surveillance programme for surgical site infections should be a critical component of any hospital infection control programme to reduce the rate of infection.
Retrieval of Water Vapor Profiles Using SSM/T-2 and SSM/I Data

Abstract A physically based retrieval algorithm is presented that retrieves water vapor profiles from Special Sensor Microwave/Temperature-2 (SSM/T-2) passive microwave brightness temperature measurements. This method can use SSM/T-2 data alone or in conjunction with data from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I). Several SSM/I channels, as well as total integrated water vapor (TIWV) retrieved from SSM/I, are tested to see if they add value to the retrieval. In the retrieval process, TIWV is formally treated as a separate channel. It is found that using the SSM/I TIWV increases the yield of the retrieval (the percentage of retrieved profiles whose brightness temperatures agree with the observations, on average, to within the noise level of the instrument), as well as reduces the average normalized brightness temperature error. Also, use of the TIWV allows the omission of the SSM/T-2 150-GHz channel data without a significant impact on results. It is shown that by using the SSM/I TIWV, retrievals ca.