Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of time of arrival of UWB multipath clusters through a spatial correlation technique

This study estimates the time of arrival (TOA) of ultra wideband multipath components (MPCs) by analysing the spatial correlation of multipath signals captured by a 7times7 antenna array. In this study, both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight radio propagation paths were considered. Each power-delay profile bin from all the array positions was used to calculate the spatial correlation between itself and the adjacent receiving point bins. Consequently, some MPC time delays and clusters, associated with high correlation values, were selected and compared with the TOA computed by the Sensor-CLEAN algorithm. A close agreement of the TOA estimated by both techniques was obtained. Finally, multipath cluster distributions and clustering model parameters are presented and compared with previously published results
An MOS transistor model for RF IC design valid in all regions of operation

This paper presents an overview of MOS transistor modeling for RF integrated circuit design. It starts with the description of a physical equivalent circuit that can easily be implemented as a SPICE subcircuit. The MOS transistor is divided into an intrinsic part, representing mainly the active part of the device, and an extrinsic part responsible for most of the parasitic elements. A complete charge-based model of the intrinsic part is presented. The main advantage of this new charge-based model is to provide a simple and coherent description of the DC, AC, nonquasi-static (NQS), and noise behavior of the intrinsic MOS that is valid in all regions of operation. It is based on the forward and reverse charges q/sub f/ and q/sub r/ defined as the mobile charge densities, evaluated at the source and at the drain. This intrinsic model also includes a new simplified NQS model that uses a bias and frequency normalization allowing one to describe the high-order frequency behavior with only two simple functions. The extrinsic model includes all the terminal access series resistances, and particularly the gate resistance, the overlap, and junction capacitances as well as a substrate network. The latter is required to account for the signal coupling occurring at RF from the drain to the source and the bulk, through the junction capacitances. The noise model is then presented, including the effect of the substrate resistances on the RF noise parameters. All the aspects of the model are validated for a 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS process.
Predicting multi-crystalline solar cell efficiency from life-time measured during cell fabrication

Many studies have been published on the use of minority-carrier lifetime testing at each step in a solar cell fabrication sequence. This paper illustrates one case of particular importance, multi-crystalline wafers with phosphorus diffusions. It is often stated that since the grains can have widely disparate lifetimes, high-resolution lifetime mapping must be used with sophisticated analysis in order to predict the cell efficiency. This paper demonstrates that the simple Quasi-Steady-State area-averaged lifetime measurement method can give similar results to a more sophisticated analysis with high-resolution mapping data. The phosphorus diffusion can maintain a constant junction voltage during the measurement, effectively averaging the grain lifetimes in a manner mimicking the eventual solar cell in operation. The limitations for this result are described using a special case and a simplified model.
Learning Process Using Edmodo: TRI and TAM Theories (Students of STIE Malangkuçeçwara, East Java, Indonesia)

E-Learning is one of technology applications that uses in education. E-Learning can be used as a method of learning process which can be adjusted with the limitation of lectures and students. E-Learning is also an important technology to improve human resource quality in education institution. One of the factors that determined the successfulness of technology adoption is the acceptance by the users. The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of Technology Readiness Index (TRI) and Technology Acceptance Model toward the intention of using Edmodo by undergraduate students in STIE Malangkucecwara Malang. Data were collected from 165 students and analyzed used linear regressing. Result of this study showed that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of used variables influenced the intention of using Edmodo in STIE Malangkucecwara Malang.
“His Favorite Things Mahi Al-hadia” Social Functions of Code Switching in Bilingual Children’s Conversations

This study explored the occurrence of code switching among six Arabic-English Saudi bilingual children living in the United States at the time of the study. A Qualitative research design, using three research instruments namely, parental questionnaire, language portraits, and recorded storytelling sessions, was conducted in order to investigate the social functions of code switching. The study adopted Myers-Scotton’s (1993) Markedness Model to examine better the social motivation behind code switching in children’s conversations. Overall, the findings revealed the participant’s dominant and preferred language to be English, and the switch to English was frequent to serve certain functions, such as to change the addressee, engage in interaction, make alignment, ask for translation, expand, invoke authority, and finish the conversation. Moreover, this study contributes to the current research on the Markedness Model among bilingual children by providing evidence for Myers-Scotton (1993) as marked and unmarked code switching was observed among the Arabic-English bilingual children. This study also agrees with previous studies (e.g., Bolonyai, 2005; Fuller, Elsman, & Self, 2007; Myers-Scotton, 2002) that argued that bilingual children are rational and social actors who choose a given code intentionally to achieve certain social goals in a given interaction.
Post-release immune responses of Tasmanian devils vaccinated with an experimental devil facial tumour disease vaccine

Abstract Context. Disease is increasingly becoming a driver of wildlife population declines and an extinction risk. Vaccines are one of the most successful health interventions in human history, but few have been tested for mitigating wildlife disease. The transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), triggered the Tasmanian devil’s (Sarcophilus harrisii) inclusion on the international endangered species list. In 2016, 33 devils from a DFTD-free insurance population were given an experimental DFTD vaccination before their wild release on the Tasmanian northern coast. Aim. To determine the efficacy of the vaccination protocol and the longevity of the induced responses. Method. Six trapping trips took place over the 2.5 years following release, and both vaccinated and incumbent devils had blood samples and tumour biopsies collected. Key results. In all, 8 of the 33 vaccinated devils were re-trapped, and six of those developed DFTD within the monitoring period. Despite the lack of protection provided by the vaccine, we observed signs of immune activation not usually found in unvaccinated devils. First, sera collected from the eight devils showed that anti-DFTD antibodies persisted for up to 2 years post-vaccination. Second, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes were found in three of four biopsies collected from vaccinated devils, which contrasts with the ‘immune deserts’ typical of DFTs; only 1 of the 20 incumbent devils with DFTD had a tumour biopsy exhibiting immune-cell infiltrate. Third, immunohistochemical analysis of the vaccinated devils’ tumour biopsies identified the functional immune molecules associated with antigen-presenting cells (MHC-II) and T-cells (CD3), and the immune checkpoint molecule PD-1, all being associated with anti-tumour immunity in other species. Conclusions. These results correlate with our previous study on captive devils in which a prophylactic vaccine primed the devil immune system and, following DFTD challenge and tumour growth, immunotherapy induced complete tumour regressions. The field trial results presented here provide further evidence that the devil immune system can be primed to recognise DFTD cells, but additional immune manipulation could be needed for complete protection or induction of tumour regressions. Implications. A protective DFTD vaccine would provide a valuable management approach for conservation of the Tasmanian devil.
Macrophage Activation Led Acute Heart Failure Managed Successfully with Immunosuppression

Abstract Macrophage activation leading to multi-organ dysfunction/failure has been described in various hematologic disorders like hemophagocytic lympho-histiocytosis (HLH), also known as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and macrophage activation like syndrome (MALS). Congestive heart failure (CHF) appears to be an uncommon manifestation of macrophage activation. This novel entity of macrophage activation-associated cytokine-mediated CHF has not been well reported in the medical literature. We report two young female patients with acute CHF secondary to macrophage activation-associated cytokine storm. An extensive diagnostic workup was negative for other etiologies, such as ischemia, myocarditis, or infections. Their clinical, laboratory, and pathologic findings did not meet the diagnostic criteria for hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS)/MAS. However, both had laboratory and pathologic findings which were consistent with macrophage activation and cytokine storm. One patient met criteria for MALS. Therapeutically, our patients were promptly treated with steroids with or without anti-cytokine therapy with rapid restoration of cardiac function. Macrophage activation-induced disease may not always fulfil the diagnostic criteria for the currently known macrophage activation disorders. We suggest that markers of macrophage activation and cytokine levels should be part of the diagnostic workup in patients with otherwise unexplained acute CHF. Additional research is warranted to further elucidate the underlying mechanism of this disorder.
Teacher Perceptions on the Concepts of Principal and Deputy Principal

When the literature is examined, in some studies where the school administrator is considered a variable, only the school principal is considered the school administrator. In some studies, the views of the manager and assistant managers are evaluated together under the manager variable. This study aimed to reveal the metaphorical perceptions of teachers towards the principal and deputy principal to determine whether there is a difference between them and shed light on the scientific studies to be conducted. The research is qualitative, designed as a case study. The study group was formed by 289 teachers working in 9 public primary schools, 9 secondary schools and 7 high schools. The data of the study was collected by interview method and analysed by content analysis. According to the research results, there is a high level and significant difference between the concepts of principal and deputy principal according to the teachers' opinions. For this reason, these two concepts should be evaluated as two separate variables in scientific studies where the school administrator is taken as a variable.
Online language learning and workplace communication: a study on Babbel’s virtual-classroom solution

Abstract Workforce mobility and diversity are now the reality for many businesses, requiring employers to facilitate their employees’ acquisition of foreign languages (FLs). Developing communicative competencies in an FL is necessary to fulfill the demands of an international workplace. Increasingly, companies have done so with the support of commercial apps and virtual-classroom systems. An example is the language learning company Babbel, which provides corporate clients with the package ‘Babbel Intensive. ’ This package comprises app subscription as well as virtual-classroom credits, both aiming to improve spoken competence in an FL. The present study investigated learners’ perceptions of workplace communication in an FL and the impact of Babbel Intensive on their skills. Moreover, the study examined beliefs Babbel Intensive users hold about language learning, as well as the types of motivation they exhibit. We followed a sequential mixed-method research design, comprising explorative qualitative in-depth interviews with 7 users and a subsequent survey with 52 users. Our findings show that learners use the FL learned with the Babbel Intensive package for email exchanges as well as conversations with business partners. The main challenges they experience revolve around vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills. Babbel Intensive is regarded as exerting a positive impact upon these difficulties, especially through the personalization of classes. In terms of learner beliefs, users highlight that online learning can be associated with struggle but also with personal development and flexibility. Moreover, learners are shown to have varying types of motivation, primarily categorizable as extrinsic motivation. Our findings highlight the affordances and constraints of virtual-classroom solutions to workplace communication in an FL from the point of view of the mobile and diverse workforce of international companies.
Design of quadrature mirror filters with linear phase in the frequency domain

The design of quadrature mirror filter (QMF) banks whose analysis and synthesis filters have linear phase is considered. Because the design problem in the frequency domain is a highly nonlinear optimization problem, a linearization technique is proposed. An analytical solution formula is obtained, leading to a very efficient procedure. Computer simulations show that the design technique achieves better results in fewer iterations than conventional approaches when starting at the same preset initial guess. Moreover, the technique produces almost the same good results in six iterations if it starts at a better initial guess compared to the preset initial guess. By incorporating the technique with a weighted least squares, (WLS) algorithm, the design of QMF banks whose overall reconstruction error is minimized in the minimax sense over the entire frequency band is facilitated. Computer simulations for illustration and comparison are provided. >
Energy conservation and building design:the environmental legislation push and pull factors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is threefold; to investigate the potential impact of energy conservation policies and legislation on building design; examine energy conservation practices in the building industry; and identify associated barriers to an integrated low energy architectural design process.Design/methodology/approach – A survey of UK architectural design practices was conducted to assess the impact of current energy conservation policies and legislation on current building design, and ascertain architects' views on the associated barriers and incentives to implementing and sustaining energy conservation strategies in their projects.Findings – Results reveal that building design is affected by existing legislation but often not by policies. Additionally, there is a lack of incentives for the building industry to adopt and implement low energy design strategies that are outlined in existing policies and guidance. Furthermore, results identify a need for increased awareness of the available .
Age-dependent aggregation of ribosomal RNA-binding proteins links deterioration in chromatin stability with loss of proteostasis

Chromatin instability and loss of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) are two well-established hallmarks of aging, which have been considered largely independent of each other. Using microfluidics and single-cell imaging approaches, we observed that, during the replicative aging of S.cerevisiae, proteostasis decline occurred specifically in the fraction of cells with decreased stability at the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region. A screen of 170 yeast RNA-binding proteins identified ribosomal RNA (rRNA)- binding proteins as the most enriched group that aggregate upon a decrease in rDNA stability. We further found that loss of rDNA stability contributes to age-dependent aggregation of rRNA-binding proteins through aberrant overproduction of rRNAs. These aggregates negatively impact nucleolar integrity and global proteostasis and hence limit cellular lifespan. Our findings reveal a mechanism underlying the interconnection between chromatin instability and proteostasis decline and highlight the importance of cell-to-cell variability in aging processes.
The Effects of Information and Communication Technologies on Accessibility

It is expected that information and communication technology (ICT) can have great impacts on traveler’s accessibility. However, understanding of the effects of ICT on accessibility is still limited. Consequently, this thesis aims to increase the understanding of such effects. The thesis develops a generic formal integrative behavioral model to measure the effects of different forms of ICT on accessibility, and also provides substantive insights into ICT’s effects on accessibility.
System level assessment of uncertainty in aviation environmental policy impact analysis

This thesis demonstrates the assessment of uncertainty of a simulation model at the system level, which takes into account the interaction between the modules that comprise the system. Results from this system level assessment process aid policy-makers by identifying the key drivers of uncertainty in model outputs, among the input factors of the various modules that comprise the system. This knowledge can help direct resource allocation for research to reduce the uncertainty in policy outputs. The assessment results can also identify input factors that, when treated as deterministic variables, will not significantly affect the output variability. The system level assessment process is demonstrated on a model that estimates the air quality impacts of aviation. The model comprises two modules: the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT), which simulates aircraft operations to estimate performance and emissions inventories, and the Aviation environmental Portfolio Management Tool (APMT)Impacts Air Quality module, which estimates the health and welfare impacts associated with aviation emissions. Global sensitivity analysis is employed to quantify the contribution of uncertainty in each input factor to the variability of system outputs, which here are adult mortality rates and total health cost. The assessment results show that none of the input factors of AEDT contribute significantly to the variability of system outputs. Therefore, if uncertainty reduction in the estimation of adult mortality and total health cost is desired, future research efforts should be directed towards gaining more knowledge on the input factors of the APMT-Impacts Air Quality module. This thesis also demonstrates the application of system level assessment in policy impact analysis, where policy impact is defined as the incremental change between baseline and policy outputs. In such an analysis, it is important to ensure that the uncertainty in policy impacts only accounts for the uncertainty corresponding to the difference between baseline and policy scenarios. Some input factors have a common source of uncertainty between scenarios, in which case the same representation of uncertainty must be used. Other input factors, on the other hand, are assumed to have independent variability between the different scenarios, and therefore need to have independent representation of uncertainty. This thesis demonstrates uncertainty assessment of a technology infusion policy analysis. Thesis Supervisor: Karen E. Willcox Title: Associate Professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Customer Loyalty in Digital Wallet Industry: the Role of Satisfaction, Effort Expectancy, Performance Expectancy, and Habit

Due to the high market competition, customer loyalty becomes one of the biggest challenges in the digital wallet industry today. Therefore, it’s important for business players to understand consumer behavior in using digital wallet, not only limited to the adoption or acceptance phase, but also the post-adoption phase including customer loyalty. The purpose of this research is to explore the roles of satisfaction, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, habit, and switching barriers in influencing customer loyalty. The research model was tested using 158 valid responses from an online survey conducted in Indonesia. This research is a collective research design (descriptive research). The research model has been estimated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results indicate that habit and satisfaction have a significant positive effect on customer loyalty. Besides that, satisfaction is proved as mediator with full mediation effect for performance expectancy and effort expectancy on indirect relations to customer loyalty. In this study, the facilitating conditions and switching barriers have no direct significant impact on customer loyalty. For researchers, this study complements previous research and deepens the theory of consumer behavior, specifically regarding customer loyalty in using digital wallet as mobile payment. For practitioners, the findings of this study can provide meaningful insights about customer loyalty or continuance usage behavior toward digital wallet or other financial technology to help develop effective business strategies.
Three Casual Relief Teachers in Australian Primary Schools: Their Experiences and Perspectives Over One School Year

This study investigates the lived experiences of three casual relief teachers (CRTs) and their work within Australian primary schools for a period of one school year. Practice architecture theory was used as a theoretical framework to examine whether participants saw any advantages to working on a casual basis, how they think casual teaching could be improved in terms of access to accreditation support, and whether any growth to their professional practice took place during the course of the year. Monthly diary entries and two semi-structured interviews from each participant revealed some advantages to casual teaching, such as being able to work across different schools. Participants discussed the need for CRTs to complete accreditation in a timely manner and gain access to relevant professional learning. This study provides evidence of the complex and varied backgrounds and motivations of CRTs. Implications for future research in the area are also discussed.
Employees and High-PerformanceWork Systems:Testinginside the Black Box

Most work on high-performance work systems has examined only the direct relationship between a set of management practices and performance outcomes. This presumes that any connection operates through the incentive and motivational effects captured as ‘high-commitment’ or ‘high-involvement’ employee outcomes. No attempt has been made to examine the alternative, Labour Process conceptualization, which expects performance gains from new management practices to arise instead from work intensification, offloading of task controls, and increased job strain. Using data from WERS98, we tested models based on high-performance work systems and labour process approaches. Both were found wanting, and we consider the possible implications of these failures. This paper seeks to test the competing claims of theories advocating and criticizing so-called ‘high-performance work systems’ (HPWS) in order to advance the debates about the nature and outcomes of emerging approaches to labour management. In an attempt to fill gaps in past research, the analysis explores linkages from HPWS practices to employee outcomes and via these to organizational performance. The paper utilizes data from the 1998 Workplace Employee Relations Survey (WERS98) to construct indicators of HPWS practices, of employee outcomes and of organizational performance as a means to explore associations between these phenomena.