Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An exponential scaling law for the strain dependence of the Nb3Sn critical current density

The critical current density of the Nb3Sn superconductor is strongly dependent on the strain applied to the material. In order to investigate this dependence, it is a common practice to measure the critical current of Nb3Sn strands for different values of applied axial strain. In the literature, several models have been proposed to describe these experimental data in the reversible strain region. All these models are capable of fitting the measurement results in the strain region where data are collected, but tend to predict unphysical trends outside the range of data, and especially for large strain values. In this paper we present a model of a new strain function, together with the results obtained by applying the new scaling law on relevant datasets. The data analyzed consisted of the critical current measurements at 4.2 K that were carried out under applied axial strain at Durham University and the University of Geneva on different strand types. With respect to the previous models proposed, the new scaling function does not present problems at large strain values, has a lower number of fitting parameters (only two instead of three or four), and is very stable, so that, starting from few experimental points, it can estimate quite accurately the strand behavior in a strain region where there are no data. A relationship is shown between the proposed strain function and the elastic strain energy, and an analogy is drawn with the exponential form of the McMillan equation for the critical temperature.
A Review of Loop Quantum Gravity

Loop quantum gravity is a proposed theory of quantum gravity that uses connections and holonomies as its fundamental variables, instead of metric variables in Einstein’s original formulation of general relativity. LQG proposes a fundamentally discrete picture of spacetime, predicting features such as quantised area and volume, and the resolution of spacetime singularities. In this review, we construct the Hilbert space of LQG, and discuss some of the popular ways dynamics have been defined. In addition, some applications of the theory in black holes and cosmology are discussed.
Smartphone addiction of the youth in Kuwait: An empirical research on the antecedents and the outcome

: The purpose of this research is to identify the antecedents and outcomes of smartphone addiction among the youth in Kuwait, develop a model and empirically test it, so as to make suggestions to the governing bodies to minimize its adverse effects. A positivist paradigm has been used in this research, and accordingly, a quantitative approach with a survey sampling strategy has been adopted. The sample size chosen for the study is 236 youth between the age of 15 to 24 years in Kuwait based on convenience sampling. Among the six direct and seven indirect effects, three and two hypotheses were supported respectively.
H 2 and H ∞ Suboptimal Distributed Filter Design for Linear Systems

—This paper investigates the H 2 and H ∞ suboptimal dis- tributed filtering problems for continuous time linear systems. We consider a linear system monitored by a number of filters, where each of the filters receives only part of the measured output of the system. Each filter can communicate with the other filters according to an a priori given strongly connected weighted directed graph. The aim is to design filter gains that guarantee the H 2 or H ∞ norm of the transfer matrix from the disturbance input to the output estimation error to be smaller than an a priori given upper bound, while all local filters reconstruct the full system state asymptotically. We provide a centralized design method for obtaining such H 2 and H ∞ suboptimal distributed filters. The proposed design method is illustrated by a simulation example.
Firm Size and Business Cycles with Credit Shocks

I study the macroeconomic implications of firm heterogeneity in the presence of financial frictions. I build a business cycle model in which firm size is jointly determined by idiosyncratic productivity and collateral constraints. I estimate idiosyncratic shocks and align the model with the empirical evidence on firm size, leverage, and investment moments. The extent of resource misallocation is driven by a small number of highly productive firms that are prevented from becoming very large. A credit shock severely affects such firms, further constraining their ability to borrow. This generates a large and persistent economic downturn that is comparable to the Great Recession.
A Meshsize Boosting Algorithm In Kernel Density Estimation

This paper proposes a new algorithm for boosting in kernel density estimation (KDE). This algorithm enjoys the property of a bias reduction technique like other existing boosting algorithms and also enjoys the property of less function evaluations when compared with other boosting schemes. Numerical examples are used and compared with existing algorithm and the findings are comparatively interesting. Keywords : Boosting, kernel density estimation, bias reduction, boosting algorithm. Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana) Vol. 28 (2) 2008: pp. 69-74
Extended radio emission and the nature of blazars

The VLA has been used at 20 cm to map all 23 of the 54 confirmed blazars listed in the Angel and Stockman review paper that had not been mapped before at high resolution. (Blazars include BL Lac objects and optically violently variable quasars.) In addition, data on most of the previously mapped blazars have been reprocessed in order to achieve higher dynamic range. Extended emission has been detected associated with 49 of the 54 objects. The extended radio emission has been used to test the hypothesis that blazars are normal radio galaxies and radio quasars viewed along the jet axes. We find that blazars have substantial extended power, consistent with this hypothesis. Many have extended powers as high as the luminous Fanaroff-Riley class 2 radio doubles. The projected linear sizes are small, as expected from foreshortening of the extended sources, and many blazars have the expected core-halo morphology. There are also several small doubles, a head-tail source, and some one-sided sources, and these could be in cases where the line of sight is slightly off the jet axis, or projections of asymmetrical radio galaxies and quasars. The ratio of core to extended radio emission has been studied as amore » possible indicator of viewing aspect or beaming intensity. It is found to correlate with optical polarization, optical and radio core variability, and one-sided radio morphology. We can go beyond these consistency checks and work toward a proof of the hypothesis under discussion. The flux from the extended emission alone is sufficient in some blazars to qualify them for inclusion in the 3C and 4C catalogs. Suppose that the radio core emission is anisotropic, but the extended emission is predominantly isotropic. The isotropy of the extended emission implies that these blazars would be in the catalogs even if viewed from the side. « less
A comparison of models using removal effort to estimate animal abundance

This paper compares methods for modeling the probability of removal when variable amounts of removal effort are present. A hierarchical modeling framework can produce estimates of animal abundance and detection from replicated removal counts taken at different locations in a region of interest. A common method of specifying variation in detection probabilities across locations or replicates is with a logistic model that incorporates relevant detection covariates. As an alternative to this logistic model, we propose using a catch–effort (CE) model to account for heterogeneity in detection when a measure of removal effort is available for each removal count. This method models the probability of detection as a nonlinear function of removal effort and a removal probability parameter that can vary spatially. Simulation results demonstrate that the CE model can effectively estimate abundance and removal probabilities when average removal rates are large but both the CE and logistic models tend to produce biased estimates as average removal rates decrease. We also found that the CE model fits better than logistic models when estimating wild turkey abundance using harvest and hunter counts collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the spring turkey hunting season.
A Histopathological Study of Endometrial Biopsy Samples in Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is the most common health issue in women, defined as any bleeding pattern that differs in frequency, duration, and amount. Endometrial sampling and its histopathological examination is the first-line test in patients presenting with AUB. The aim of this study was to analyze the histopathological patterns of endometrium in women with AUB and to find the predominant histopathologic pattern in the different age groups of women with AUB. Methods: The study was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, from January 2019 to December 2020. Endometrial biopsies of patients with AUB, in whom gestational causes were ruled out, were included in this study. Results: Out of the 160 cases analyzed, the maximum number of biopsies were from the age group of 41-50 years; the majority of patients presented with complaints of menorrhagia. The bleeding pattern was significantly associated with age groups (p=0.00). Of 160 cases, 104 cases were related to functional causes. The association of functional and organic causes with age group was not significant (p=0.67 and p=0.99, respectively). The most common histological pattern was the normal cyclical pattern showing proliferative (56) and secretory phase (30) in 86 cases. Of 42 cases of endometrial hyperplasia, 9 cases had atypical hyperplasia. The endometrial polyp was the other common organic lesion observed. Only two cases of endometrial carcinoma were reported during the present study period. Conclusion: Although a regular cyclical pattern is observed commonly, endometrial sampling should be considered in the peri- and post-menopausal age groups wherein the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma is more common.
The corneo-scleral junction assessed with optical coherence tomography

Purpose To evaluate corneo-scleral junction (CSJ) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and describe the pattern of cornea and sclera interfusion based on tissue reflectivity. Methods This prospective observational study enrolled candidates for vision correction. Eyes with previous ocular surgery or irregular corneas were excluded. Temporal and nasal CSJ width and reflectivity patterns were assessed with AS-OCT horizontal scans. Correlations between manual and automated variables and multivariate linear regression analyses with age and spherical equivalent were performed. Results 101 right eyes were analysed. Temporal CSJ was wider (median 1.62; 1.13 to 2.22 mm) compared to the nasal side (median 1.18; 0.73 to 1.80 mm) (p<.0001). The temporal CSJ width showed negative correlation with ipsilateral anterior chamber angle measurements and positive correlation with horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID). These relationships were not statistically significant for the nasal CSJ width. No significant correlations with age or refractive error were observed at both sides. The pattern of temporal CSJ reflectivity was mostly V- or U-shaped. The eyes with V-shaped temporal CSJ had significantly larger HVID than the eyes with irregular temporal CSJ. The nasal CSJ presented irregular reflectivity in 47% of cases. Conclusions The temporal CSJ was wider and had regular (V or U-shaped) reflectivity patterns, while nasal CSJ was narrower and more irregular. The CSJ width was independent of age and refractive error and could not be predicted from other parameters. The HVID measurement accuracy may benefit from CSJ analysis based on AS-OCT.
Women engagement in agriculture and human capital development in developing countries: An African sub-regional analysis

Considering the relevant role played by women in agriculture in Africa, this study sets out to examine how women’s engagement in agriculture contributes to human capital development in selected African countries. The study engagedpanel data of selected 33 African countries spanning the period of 2000 to 2019. The study applied the Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (POLS) and the fixed effects based on the Hausman specification. Findings show that engagement of women in agriculture, though significant, but negatively related to human capital development in Africa. The implication of this is that an increase in women’s engagement in agriculture without the required level of education and training and access to agricultural resources may have a negative impact on human capital development. Therefore, the study recommended that it is necessary to train women in terms of agricultural skills needed to improve human capital development in Africa.
Hygienic practice during complementary food preparation and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6–24 months in Debark town, northwest Ethiopia, 2021: An overlooked opportunity in the nutrition and health sectors

Background Hygienic practices during complementary food preparation are suboptimal in developing countries, in Ethiopia in particular. Hygienic complementary food preparation is crucial to prevent childhood communicable diseases like diarrhea and associated malnutrition among children aged 6–24 months. However, in Ethiopia, there is a paucity of evidence on the practice of hygiene during complementary food preparation. Thus, this study is aimed to assess the hygienic practice of complementary food preparation and associated factors among women having children aged 6–24 months in Debark town, northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 mothers with 6–24 months of age children from December 1 to January 30, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Epi-data version 4.6 and SPSS version 23 software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regressions (Bivariable and multivariable) were performed to identify statistically significant variables. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model. Results The study revealed that 44.9% (95% CI (40.2, 49.4%)) of the mothers having children aged 6–24 months had good practice of complementary food preparation. Maternal age of 25–29 years[AOR:3.23, 95% CI: (1.555–9.031)], husband’s attained secondary school and above (AOR:2.65, 95% CI (1.211–5.783)], using modern stove for cooking [AOR:3.33,95% CI (1.404–7.874)], having a separate kitchen[AOR: 8.59, 95%Cl: (2.084–35.376], and having a three bowl dishwashing system(AOR: 8.45, 95% CL: (4.444–16.053)) were significantly associated with good hygiene practice of complementary food preparation. Conclusions The findings have indicated that the majority of the mothers had poor hygienic practices of complementary food preparation. Mother’s age, husband’s educational status, type of stove used for cooking, having a separate kitchen, having a three bowl dishwashing system were factors that significantly influenced the hygiene practice of mothers during complementary food preparation. Therefore, training and counseling mothers and caregivers on complementary food processing and preparation is important and such endeavors which inform the development and implementation of complementary food hygiene interventions in urban communities are recommended.
Stress analysis and ferroelectric properties of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)0.96Nb0.04O3 thin film grown on different thickness of BaPbO3 electrodes

Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)0.96Nb0. 04O3 (PZTN) thin films were deposited on BaPbO3 (BPO) electrodes by rf-magnetron sputtering. 34, 68, 135, and 270 nm thick BPOs were adopted in this study. The preferred orientation changes from slightly (100)/(001) to slightly (101)/(110) as the BPO thickness increased. The mean grain sizes obtained by Williamson–Hall plots are 81 nm, 120 nm, 146 nm, and 90 nm, respectively. The same tendency was observed by atomic force microscopy method. In residual stress analysis, tensile stress was observed in every film. The stress magnitude is the maximum in the film with 135 nm thick BPO. Through a simple calculation, we suggest that the tensile stress in our films mainly originates from the phase transformation stresses. We also note that the ferroelectric and dielectrics properties are improved with the raise of tensile stresses. A possible reason is that the tensile stress benefits the tetragonal–monoclinic phase transition in the PZTN films with composition near morphotropic phase boun.
Frameworks for mitigating the risk of waterborne diarrheal diseases: A scoping review

Background Diarrhea is one of the major cause of death and morbidity around the world. Objectives This scoping review summarizes existing frameworks that aim to mitigate the risks of waterborne diarrheal diseases and describe the strengths and weaknesses of these frameworks. Eligibility criteria Published frameworks designed to mitigate the risks of waterborne diarrheal diseases. Frameworks published in English, from around the world and published since inception to date. Sources of evidence PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Google Free Search, organization websites and reference lists of identified sources. Charting methods Data were charted using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Results were summarized and described narratively. A criterion to score the strengths and weaknesses of the included frameworks was also developed. Results Five frameworks were identified including: the hygiene improvement framework, community led total sanitation, global action plan for pneumonia and diarrhea, participatory hygiene and sanitation transformation, and sanitation and family education. These frameworks shared several common components, including identification of problems and risk factors, identification and implementation of interventions, and evaluation and monitoring. The frameworks had several interventions including different infrastructure, health promotion and education, enabling environment and clinical treatments. Most of the frameworks included health promotion and education. All the frameworks were strengthened by including strategies for implementing and delivering intervention, human resource aspect, community involvement, monitoring, and evaluation. The main weakness included not having components for collecting, storing, and transferring electronic data and the frameworks not being specifically for mitigating waterborne diarrheal diseases. In addition, the identified frameworks were found to be effective in mitigating the risk of diarrhea diseases among other health effects. Conclusions Existing frameworks should be updated specifically for mitigating waterborne diarrheal diseases that includes the strengths and addresses weaknesses of reviewed frameworks.
Cognitive adverse effects of epilepsy and its predictors attending outpatient department of South Gondar zone hospitals, Amhara Region, Ethiopia 2020 /2021

Background Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder which is further complicated by neurobehavioral co-morbidities, cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, and social problems. However, assessments of cognitive status of epileptic patients are far too low during clinical visits. This calls for early neuropsychological assessment soon after the diagnosis of epilepsy for a better treatment plan and outcome for epileptic patients. Objective This study aimed to assess the cognitive adverse effects of epilepsy and its predictors attending outpatient departments of South Gondar Zone hospitals Amhara region Ethiopia 2020/2021. Methods A multi-center institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 509 respondents were included with a response rate of 93.9%. Previously adapted pretested structured questionnaire was used containing, socio-demographic, clinical, and seizure related factors. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to measure cognitive impairment. A systematic random sampling technique was applied. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.4. 2 then exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regressions with odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were employed. The level of significance of association was determined at a p-value < 0.05. Results Prevalence of cognitive impairment in this study was 69.2% (95%CI; 65.4, 73.1). Rural residents (AOR = 4.16,95%CI, 1.99,8.67), respondents who couldn’t read and write (AOR = 2.62, 95%CI; 1.24, 5.5,) longer duration of seizure disorder (AOR = 4.59,95%CI; 2.01,10.52), taking combined Phenobarbital and Phenytoin (AOR = 4.69,95%CI; 1.88,11.69), having history of head injury (AOR = 3.29,95%CI;1.30,8.32), having depression (AOR = 4.76,95%CI;2.83,7.98), and anxiety (AOR = 3.11,95%CI; 1.58,6.12) were significantly associated with cognitive impairment. Conclusions Prevalence of cognitive impairment in this study was high. Regular neuropsychiatric assessment of patients with epilepsy should be encouraged especially for those participants with longer durations of illness, who are rural residents, who take combined Phenobarbital and Phenytoin, participants who had a history of head injury, depression, and anxiety.
Diversity matters in wheat mixtures: A genomic survey of the impact of genetic diversity on the performance of 12 way durum wheat mixtures grown in two contrasted and controlled environments

In ecology, an increase in genetic diversity within a community in natural ecosystems increases its productivity, while in evolutionary biology, kinship selection predicts that relatedness on social traits improves fitness. Varietal mixtures, where different genotypes are grown together, show contrasting results, especially for grain yield where both positive and negative effects of mixtures have been reported. To understand the effect of diversity on field performance, we grew 96 independent mixtures each composed with 12 durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum Thell.) inbred lines, under two contrasting environmental conditions for water availability. Using dense genotyping, we imputed allelic frequencies and a genetic diversity index on more than 96000 loci for each mixture. We then analyzed the effect of genetic diversity on agronomic performance using a genome-wide approach. We explored the stress gradient hypothesis, which proposes that the greater the unfavourable conditions, the more beneficial the effect of diversity on mixture performance. We found that diversity on average had a negative effect on yield and its components while it was beneficial on grain weight. There was little support for the stress gradient theory. We discuss how to use genomic data to improve the assembly of varietal mixtures.
Asymptotic Confidence Intervals for Indirect Effects in Structural Equation Models

For comments on an earlier draft of this chapter and for detailed advice I am indebted to Robert M. Hauser, Halliman H. Winsborough, and Toni Richards, several anonymous reviewers, and the editor of this volume. I also wish to thank John Raisian, Nancy Rytina, and Barbara Mann for their comments and Mark Wilson for able research assistance. The opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the author.