Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Electromagnetic Simulation Results with Experimental Data for an Aperture-Coupled C-Band Patch Antenna

Abstract : The Method of Moments, implemented in 2.5-dimensions (2.5-D) with the multilayer Green's Function, and the Finite Element Method, a fully three-dimensional (3-D) solution of Maxwell's equations, are two popular methods for antenna simulations. Commercial software implementing these two methods was used to simulate a single aperture-coupled patch antenna element. This effort was time limited so that a simple antenna was selected for which the antenna design, fabrication, and measurements could be accomplished in less than three months. The simulation results are compared with experimental data measured for an antenna prototype that has substrate and ground plane dimensions of 4 inches by 4 inches. The microstrip feed line extends to the edge of the substrate where a coaxial connector is installed between the microstrip and slotted ground plane and there is no bottom ground plane. The results are used to compare and contrast the use of these two approaches for the design and simulation of an aperture-coupled patch antenna with finite size substrate and ground plane.
Hindlimb Unloading Effects on β-Endorphin Receptor in Rats

Background: Space is a harsh environment that aﬀects the body in many ways. Humans venturing into the environment of space can have negative eﬀects on the body. Objectives: This study focused on the eﬀects of simulated microgravity on β -endorphin receptor concentration. Methods: Rats (n = 16) were divided in two groups (n = 8/group), freely moving (control group) and hindlimb unloading. A rat-tail suspension model was used in experiment groups for 14 days to explore the eﬀect of simulated microgravity on the β -endorphin receptor concentration in the hippocampus, brain stem, and prefrontal cortex. Results: The results showed that the concentration of β -endorphin receptor in the brain stem and prefrontal cortex, but not in hippocampus, was signiﬁcantly higher in hindlimb unloading rats than controls. Conclusions: Itispossiblethatsimulatedmicrogravitymayincreasethe β -endorphinreceptorexpressionintheprefrontalcortex and brain stem in the rat.
Sleep and Alertness Management during Military Operations: Review and Plan of Action.

Abstract : Sleep and alertness management is a major point of attention for commanders and the medical support of military round the clock operations. Awareness on the effects of fatigue and sleepiness should be enhanced both on command level and crew level. Flight surgeons and safety officers should be trained to develop and implement mission specific crew endurance plans. Practical guidelines on methods to prevent serious fatigue and to enhance performance and alertness of the crew play a key role in these crew endurance plans. Useful methods include the use of strategic naps, hypnotics, stimulants, and chronobiotic treatment. In the context of the development of guidelines to optimize performance and alertness during sustained and stressful missions, this literature review describes the available knowledge and identifies areas where knowledge is lacking. In this context military relevant research issues related to the use of strategic naps, hypnotics, stimulants, and chronobiotic treatment are put forward. Based on the results of this study, a work program is drawn up, aimed at developing guidelines to optimize performance and alertness during sustained intensive 0 operations.
Development of Alternative Wood-Post MGS Approach Guardrail Transition

The objective of this study was to develop a wood-post Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) approach transition system that is equivalent to the simplified steel-post, MGS stiffness transition recently developed at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility. An extensive literature review was conducted on wood and steel post performance comparisons through either dynamic component testing or full-scale crash testing. This review concluded that 6-ft (1.8-m) long W6x9 (W152x13.4) steel posts and 6-in. x 8-in. (152-cm x 203-mm) wood posts provide similar force vs. deflection characteristics during rotation through soil. However, no such data was available concerning dynamic testing on larger transition posts located adjacent to the bridge rail. Therefore, a dynamic testing program was undertaken to evaluate W6x15 (W152x22.3) steel posts and various sizes of wood posts. At the conclusion of the testing program, an 8-in. x 10-in. (203-mm x 254-mm) wood post was chosen as the best equivalent to the W6x15 (W152x22.3) steel post due to similar post-soil resistances as well as a reduced propensity to fracture when compared to smaller post cross sections. A BARRIER VII computer model was then used to evaluate the wood-post stiffness transition against a calibrated model of the original steel post transition system. When subjected to identical impacts, the wood-post system was shown to reduce system deflections, vehicle pocketing angles, and the potential for wheel snag. Therefore, the wood-post MGS stiffness transition was recommended for use as a Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) TL-3 safety barrier.
Examination of Pull-Ups and Push-Ups as Possible Alternatives to the Flexed Arm Hang on the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test

Abstract : The Flexed-Arm Hang (FAH) has been an event on the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test since 1975. This study evaluated alternative tests that would avoid deficiencies in the FAH as a test of dynamic upper body strength and determine the best test of dynamic upper body strength for female Marines within certain parameters (e.g., minimal equipment, training for the test enhances physical performance in dynamic military tasks). The sample consisted of 318 female Marine volunteers from Marine Corps Training and Education Command units. Participants performed four tests: dead-hang pull-ups, movement pull-ups, self-paced push-ups, and cadence push-ups. Participants? most recent Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score and their FAH time were collected from existing records. Scores were similar to those of females Marine Corps-wide. The sample pull-ups scores were positively skewed, FAH times were negatively skewed, and push-up scores were normally distributed. Intertest correlations were consistent with meta-analytic results establishing all three tests as measures of a common muscle endurance factor. Age group differences were minor. Pull-up training improved performance, but push-up training did not. Study participants test performances were comparable to those in other military samples. The FAH was sensitive to differences at the low end of the muscle endurance continuum; pull-ups were sensitive to muscle strength and endurance differences at the high end of the continuum. Pull-ups are a suitable and feasible test of upper body strength and endurance for female Marines. Considering the numbers of Marines who may not be able to complete pull-ups initially upon implementation of such a test, combining the FAH and pull-ups would be a suitable implementation measure. A push-up test is another option, though it is less of a test of strength than the pull-ups. Encouraging pull-ups training would do more to improve muscle strength and endurance than encouraging push-up training.
Why Do Viewers Engage in Video Game Streaming? The Perspective of Cognitive Emotion Theory and the Moderation Effect of Personal Characteristics

Video game streaming (VGS) has attracted millions of users and shown unprecedented growth globally. With technological development, these appealing media have largely influenced the sustainable development of society and the economy. VGS creates a pleasant atmosphere and provides various novel features to please the viewers, induce positive emotions, and facilitate users’ engagement. Integrating several personal characteristics as moderators, this study applied cognitive emotion theory to explore the antecedent of viewers’ engagement in VGS. Using 308 empirical data, the research results reveal that broadcaster attractiveness and the para-social relationship are positively associated with the viewers’ positive emotion, which eventually leads to engagement. In addition, personal characteristics play significant roles as moderators between VGS features and the viewers’ positive emotions. The results provide theoretical implications for VGS research and useful insights for VGS platform managers and policymakers to enable a sustainable profit model and the growth of VGS.
Machine Learning for Predicting the Risk for Childhood Asthma Using Prenatal, Perinatal, Postnatal and Environmental Factors

The prevalence rate for childhood asthma and its associated risk factors vary significantly across countries and regions. In the case of Morocco, the scarcity of available medical data makes scientific research on diseases such as asthma very challenging. In this paper, we build machine learning models to predict the occurrence of childhood asthma using data from a prospective study of 202 children with and without asthma. The association between different factors and asthma diagnosis is first assessed using a Chi-squared test. Then, predictive models such as logistic regression analysis, decision trees, random forest and support vector machine are used to explore the relationship between childhood asthma and the various risk factors. First, data were pre-processed using a Chi-squared feature selection, 19 out of the 36 factors were found to be significantly associated (p-value < 0.05) with childhood asthma; these include: history of atopic diseases in the family, presence of mites, cold air, strong odors and mold in the child’s environment, mode of birth, breastfeeding and early life habits and exposures. For asthma prediction, random forest yielded the best predictive performance (accuracy = 84.9%), followed by logistic regression (accuracy = 82.57%), support vector machine (accuracy = 82.5%) and decision trees (accuracy = 75.19%). The decision tree model has the advantage of being easily interpreted. This study identified important maternal and prenatal risk factors for childhood asthma, the majority of which are avoidable. Appropriate steps are needed to raise awareness about the prenatal risk factors.
Pilot Study of Unlocking Understanding Professional Development to Support Grade 3 Reading Comprehension

This study piloted a reading comprehension instruction professional development intervention for teachers of upper elementary grade students (Unlocking Understanding), exploring the relative effects of two versions of the intervention that varied the degree of lesson scripting. Results indicated a statistically significant difference between the fully scripted and partially scripted (i.e., increasingly teacher-planned) groups on one of three student outcome measures. Specifically, students in classrooms with partially scripted lessons performed better on a statewide reading test (ES = 0.42) than did students in classrooms where teachers used fully scripted lessons. However, there were no significant group differences on two other reading comprehension measures. Teachers reported a high degree of satisfaction with the training, although they stated a preference for fully scripted lessons compared with partially scripted ones. Teachers in both conditions were able to deliver the lessons with acceptable fidelity. Implications for professional development are discussed.
Designing web sites: The cognitive processes of lay-designers

Over the past few years, the World Web Wide (web) has become a ubiquitous infrastructure, supporting a wide range of services offered by large organizations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. One of the most striking characteristics of the web is how it can enable individuals to design and "self-publish" their own sites, towards personal or professional aims. Indeed, many web sites are designed and created by lay -designers: people with little or no formal training in either web site design specifically or its attendant skills (e.g., graphic design or user interface design). Little is known about the design processes of lay -designers and the difficulties they encounter during web site design. In order to better understand the cognitive processes of lay -designers, we conducted an empirical study where we asked ten participants to design and construct a small web site using a WYSYWIG web authoring tool. Verbal protocols and reaction times were collected and analyzed. The obtained results allow us to characterize the planning that designers develop, the different points of view they adopt as the design evolves and the cognitive efforts their activities require. Based on these results, we examine how design tools and short training courses might better support the specific needs of web site lay-designers.
Modelling Permafrost Distribution in Western Himalaya Using Remote Sensing and Field Observations

The presence and extent of permafrost in the Himalaya, which is a vital component of the cryosphere, remains severely under-researched with its future climatic-driven trajectory only partly understood and the future consequences on high-altitude ecosystem tentatively sketched out. Previous studies and available permafrost maps for the Himalaya relied primarily upon the modelled meteorological inputs to further model the likelihood of permafrost. Here, as a maiden attempt, we have quantified the distribution of permafrost at 30 m grid-resolution in the Western Himalaya using observations from multisource satellite datasets for estimating input parameters, namely temperature, potential incoming solar radiation (PISR), slope, aspect and land use, and cover. The results have been compared to previous studies and have been validated through field investigations and geomorphological proxies associated with permafrost presence. A large part of the study area is barren land (~69%) due to its extremely resistive climate condition with ~62% of the total area having a mean annual air temperature of (MAAT) <1 °C. There is a high inter-annual variability indicated by varying standard deviation (1–3 °C) associated with MAAT with low standard deviation in southern part of the study area indicating low variations in areas with high temperatures and vice-versa. The majority of the study area is northerly (~36%) and southerly (~38%) oriented, receiving PISR between 1 and 2.5 MW/m2. The analysis of permafrost distribution using biennial mean air temperature (BMAT) for 2002-04 to 2018-20 suggests that the ~25% of the total study area has continuous permafrost, ~35% has discontinuous permafrost, ~1.5% has sporadic permafrost, and ~39% has no permafrost presence. The temporal analysis of permafrost distribution indicates a significant decrease in the permafrost cover in general and discontinuous permafrost in particular, from 2002-04 to 2018–2020, with a loss of around 3% for the total area (~8340.48 km2). The present study will serve as an analogue for future permafrost studies to help understand the permafrost dynamics associated with the effects of the recent abrupt rise in temperature and change in precipitation pattern in the region.
Model test on concrete placement method of tunnel lining due to tunnel size

This paper presents the concrete placement method of tunnel lining to improve the concrete lining quality such as cavities, cracks of the concrete lining. In order to perform this study, the occurred cracks initially in the concrete lining are reviewed and analyzed. From the review, the improvement methods to minimize the defects of concrete lining are suggested. To confirm the efficiency of new concrete placement approaches and the scale of tunnel section, two types of the scaled model tests are carried out and analyzed in model scales of 1/20 and 1/7. The 1/20 scaled model tests are carried out using the existing experimental rigs. The 1/7 scaled model tests are carried out in new test rigs developed in this study. The concrete placement rates obtained from the experimental results are analyzed and compared with themselves. In the existing concrete placement method, 1/20 scale model test than 1/7 scale model test have increased concrete placement rates but It is clearly found that two kinds of experimental studies show the similar results in improvement methods and good agreement with new concrete placing approach.
Efficient and Differentiable Low-Rank Matrix Completion With Back Propagation

The low-rank matrix completion has gained rapidly increasing attention from researchers in recent years for its efficient recovery of the matrix in various fields. Numerous studies have exploited the popular neural networks to yield low-rank outputs under the framework of low-rank matrix factorization. However, due to the discontinuity and nonconvexity of rank function, it is difficult to directly optimize the rank function via back propagation. Although a large number of studies have attempted to find relaxations of the rank function, e.g., Schatten-<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p$</tex-math></inline-formula> norm, they still face the following issues when updating parameters via back propagation: 1) These methods or surrogate functions are still non-differentiable, bringing obstacles to deriving the gradients of trainable variables. 2) Most of these surrogate functions perform singular value decomposition upon the original matrix at each iteration, which is time-consuming and blocks the propagation of gradients. To address these problems, in this paper, we develop an efficient block-wise model dubbed differentiable low-rank learning (DLRL) framework that adopts back propagation to optimize the Multi-Schatten-<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p$</tex-math></inline-formula> norm Surrogate (MSS) function. Distinct from the original optimization of this surrogate function, the proposed framework avoids singular value decomposition to admit the gradient propagation and builds a block-wise learning scheme to minimize values of Schatten-<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p$</tex-math></inline-formula> norms. Accordingly, it speeds up the computation and makes all parameters in the proposed framework learnable according to a predefined loss function. Finally, we conduct substantial experiments in terms of image recovery and collaborative filtering. The experimental results verify the superiority of the proposed framework in terms of both runtimes and learning performance compared with other state-of-the-art low-rank optimization methods. Our codes are available at <uri>https://github.com/chenzl23/DLRL</uri>.
Learning and Reacting with Inaccurate Prediction: Applications to Autonomous Excavation

Motivated by autonomous excavation, this work investigates solutions to a class of problem where disturbance prediction is critical to overcoming poor performance of a feedback controller, but where the disturbance prediction is intrinsically inaccurate. Poor feedback controller performance is related to a fundamental control problem: due to causality there is only a limited amount of disturbance rejection that feedback compensation can provide. It is known, however, that the use of predictive compensation can improve the disturbance rejection of a control system beyond the limitations of feedback. While prediction is desirable in a controller, the problem in excavation is that disturbance predictions are prone to error due to the variability and complexity of soil-tool interaction forces. This work proposes the use of iterative learning control to map the repetitive components of excavation forces into feedforward predictive compensation commands. Although experimental results show that preemptive disturbance compensation improves excavation performance, the non-repetitive nature of soil-tool interaction forces when digging is a source of inaccurate predictions. To explicitly address the use of imperfect predictive compensation, a disturbance observer is used to estimate the prediction error rather than the disturbance. To quantify inaccuracy in prediction, a feedforward model of excavation disturbances is interpreted as a communication channel that transmits corrupted disturbance previews, for which metrics based on the sensitivity function exist. During field trials the proposed method demonstrated the ability to iteratively achieve a desired dig geometry, independent of the initial feasibility of the excavation passes in relation to hydraulic actuator flow saturation. Under this iterative method predictive commands adapted to different soil conditions and passes were repeated autonomously until a pre-specified finish quality of the trench was achieved. Evidence of improvement in disturbance rejection is presented as a comparison of sensitivity functions of systems with and without the use of disturbance compensation given by feedforward action, also referred to as disturbance previews.
Identifying Supports for Struggling Students: Findings from the 2021 Learn Together Surveys

T eachers commonly rely on many sources of information to diagnose student needs and to identify the most-appropriate resources to support those needs (Sun, Przybylski, and Johnson, 2016). In previous RAND Corporation reports that have drawn from the American Educator Panels (AEP), we found that English language arts and mathematics teachers often supplemented their regular instructional materials with academic intervention programs designed to support struggling learners (Kaufman et al., 2020; Stelitano et al., 2020). In this Data Note, we use nationally representative survey response data from 6thto 12th-grade teachers in the American Teacher Panel who completed the 2021 Learn Together Surveys (LTS) to examine how secondary teachers leverage different types of information to guide them to the supports and interventions that they use in the classroom. Specifically, we look at three questions:
Friendships of Latin American Students in Brazil: From Individual Well-Being to an International Community

The purpose of this paper was to describe the composition of the friends’ networks, the formation of friendships and the role of friends of students from other Latin American countries in Brazil. A hundred students from 14 countries, including Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Costa Rica and Uruguay answered a questionnaire about their friendships. In total, 768 friends were mentioned, 469 of the same nationality of the student, 188 Brazilians and 111 of other nationalities. Compatriots living in their country of origin was the largest group (331), followed by Brazilians living in Brazil (182), compatriots in Brazil (85), and other foreigners in Brazil (80). Most of the students reported friendship with at least one Brazilian in the destination country (73%) and 97% sought to make friends in the destination country, developing friendships with Brazilians (89%), people from other countries (78%) and compatriots in Brazil (63%). The main difficulties in developing friendships with Brazilians were language (37%) and cultural differences (27%). The support received from the friends was recognized by 96% of the students and having friends in the destination country was considered important or very important by 95% of the participants. It can be concluded that these students present a diversified friends’ network in terms of nationality and place of residence. In Brazil, they cited more Brazilian friends than compatriots and other foreigners, indicating that the concept of homophilia is not enough to explain the composition of the friends’ network.