Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microwave Technologies-- Determination of Magnetic and Dielectric Materials Microwave Properties

In this study, four different techniques are presented. 1 Rectangular waveguide measurement technique for normal microwave materials microwave properties such as permeability and permittivity. This technique removed guess parameter and dispersive effect issues of the old waveguide measurement techniques. It projects a new route for determination of any microwave materials magnetic and dielectric properties without using any guesses. 2 Coaxial probe measurement technique for the liquid and biological tissues dielectric permittivity. This coaxial probe technique has an advantage which is to attain the highest reflected signal from the coaxial probe tip, so that it is a fast and very sensitive technique to differentiate lossy materials dielectric permittivity. This technique could be useful non destructive detections for tumors in hospital and non destructive detections for chemical liquids as well. 3 A microstripline measurement technique for oxides microwave measurement at low frequency spectra where the waveguide technique becomes robot and cumbersome. 4 A new methodology is presented for the rectangular waveguide technique to determine microwave metamaterials refractive index, permeability and permittivity using the rectangular waveguide. In summary, the presented techniques are capable enough to determine magnetic and non magnetic solid state materials, liquids, powders and biological tissues microwave properties from the broad microwave frequencies spectra between 1 GHz to 50 GHz. Lastly, a special ferrites microwave properties are also presented since the negative refractive index from the insulator ferrite could be an interesting subject.
FIRST-YEAR SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY-II SUPERNOVA RESULTS: HUBBLE DIAGRAM AND COSMOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

We present measurements of the Hubble diagram for 103 Type Ia supernovae (SNe) with redshifts 0.04 < z < 0.42, discovered during the first season (Fall 2005) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-II (SDSS-II) Supernova Survey. These data fill in the redshift “desert” between low- and high-redshift SN Ia surveys. Within the framework of the mlcs2k2 light-curve fitting method, we use the SDSS-II SN sample to infer the mean reddening parameter for host galaxies, RV = 2.18 ± 0.14stat ± 0.48syst, and find that the intrinsic distribution of host-galaxy extinction is well fitted by an exponential function, P(AV) = exp(−AV/τV), with τV = 0.334 ± 0.088 mag. We combine the SDSS-II measurements with new distance estimates for published SN data from the ESSENCE survey, the Supernova Legacy Survey (SNLS), the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and a compilation of Nearby SN Ia measurements. A new feature in our analysis is the use of detailed Monte Carlo simulations of all surveys to account for selection biases, including those from spectroscopic targeting. Combining the SN Hubble diagram with measurements of baryon acoustic oscillations from the SDSS Luminous Red Galaxy sample and with cosmic microwave background temperature anisotropy measurements from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, we estimate the cosmological parameters w and ΩM, assuming a spatially flat cosmological model (FwCDM) with constant dark energy equation of state parameter, w. We also consider constraints upon ΩM and ΩΛ for a cosmological constant model (ΛCDM) with w = −1 and non-zero spatial curvature. For the FwCDM model and the combined sample of 288 SNe Ia, we find w = −0.76 ± 0.07(stat) ± 0.11(syst), ΩM = 0.307 ± 0.019(stat) ± 0.023(syst) using mlcs2k2 and w = −0.96 ± 0.06(stat) ± 0.12(syst), ΩM = 0.265 ± 0.016(stat) ± 0.025(syst) using the salt-ii fitter. We trace the discrepancy between these results to a difference in the rest-frame UV model combined with a different luminosity correction from color variations; these differences mostly affect the distance estimates for the SNLS and HST SNe. We present detailed discussions of systematic errors for both light-curve methods and find that they both show data-model discrepancies in rest-frame U band. For the salt-ii approach, we also see strong evidence for redshift-dependence of the color-luminosity parameter (β). Restricting the analysis to the 136 SNe Ia in the Nearby+SDSS-II samples, we find much better agreement between the two analysis methods but with larger uncertainties: w = −0.92 ± 0.13(stat)+0.10−0.33(syst) for mlcs2k2 and w = −0.92 ± 0.11(stat)+0.07−0.15 (syst) for salt-ii.
A SYSTEMATIC SEARCH FOR COROTATING INTERACTION REGIONS IN APPARENTLY SINGLE GALACTIC WOLF-RAYET STARS. II. A GLOBAL VIEW OF THE WIND VARIABILITY

This study is the second part of a survey searching for large-scale spectroscopic variability in apparently single Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars. In a previous paper (Paper I), we described and characterized the spectroscopic variability level of 25 WR stars observable from the northern hemisphere and found 3 new candidates presenting large-scale wind variability, potentially originating from large-scale structures named corotating interaction regions (CIRs). In this second paper, we discuss an additional 39 stars observable from the southern hemisphere. For each star in our sample, we obtained 4–5 high-resolution spectra with a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼100 and determined its variability level using the approach described in Paper I. In total, 10 new stars are found to show large-scale spectral variability of which 7 present CIR-type changes (WR 8, WR 44, WR55, WR 58, WR 61, WR 63, WR 100). Of the remaining stars, 20 were found to show small-amplitude changes and 9 were found to show no spectral variability as far as can be concluded from the data on hand. Also, we discuss the spectroscopic variability level of all single galactic WR stars that are brighter than v ∼ 12.5, and some WR stars with 12.5 < v ⩽ 13.5, i.e., all the stars presented in our two papers and four more stars for which spectra have already been published in the literature. We find that 23/68 stars (33.8%) present large-scale variability, but only 12/54 stars (∼22.1%) are potentially of CIR type. Also, we find that 31/68 stars (45.6%) only show small-scale variability, most likely due to clumping in the wind. Finally, no spectral variability is detected based on the data on hand for 14/68 (20.6%) stars. Interestingly, the variability with the highest amplitude also has the widest mean velocity dispersion.
Determining the appropriate period of herbicide application in irrigated wheat in Awash Valley, Ethiopia

Weed infestation is one of the main menaces of irrigated wheat production and productivity in Ethiopia. This experiment was conducted at Amibara and Fentale districts, to determine the appropriate period of herbicide application in irrigated wheat in Awash Valley. A total of ten treatments; 13, 18, 23, 28, 32, 38, 43 and 48 days after sowing along with a weed-free and weedy check were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication. The result revealed that weed density and biomass increased as weed competition periods increased, with the highest weed densities and biomass reported in weedy check in both study locations. The current study found that critical period of weed crop competition in wheat crop irrigated lowland areas were between 18 to 28 days after planting to avoid economic yield loss. Furthermore, weed growth was faster in the hot area and weed attained an economic threshold level earlier than in Ethiopia's highlands. Weed management in irrigated wheat conditions must be at the early seedling wheat crop stage. Future research should focus on evaluating various herbicides against broad leaf and grass weeds.
Book Review: Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education (7th ed.)

1aDepartment of Medical Sciences Education Development, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran. 1bDepartment of E-Learning in Medical Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran. 2Assistant Professor, Department of e-learning, Virtual School of Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.
The Neuroprotective Effects of mGlu1 Receptor Antagonists Are Mediated by an Enhancement of GABAergic Synaptic Transmission via a Presynaptic CB1 Receptor Mechanism

In this study, we investigated the cross-talk between mGlu1 and CB1 receptors in modulating GABA hippocampal output in whole-cell voltage clamp recordings in rat hippocampal acute slices, in organotypic hippocampal slices exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and in gerbils subjected to global ischemia. CB1 receptor expression was studied using immunohistochemistry and the CA1 contents of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were measured by LC-MS/MS. Our results show that mGlu1 receptor antagonists enhance sIPSCs in CA1 pyramidal cells and the basal and ischemic hippocampal release of GABA in vivo in a manner that is mediated by CB1 receptor activation. In hippocampal slices exposed to OGD and in ischemic gerbils, mGlu1 receptor antagonists protected CA1 pyramidal cells against post-ischemic injury and this effect was reduced by CB1 receptor activation. OGD induced a transient increase in the hippocampal content of AEA and this effect is prevented by mGlu1 receptor antagonist. Finally, OGD induced a late disruption of CB1 receptors in the CA1 region and the effect was prevented when CA1 pyramidal cells were protected by mGlu1 antagonists. Altogether, these results suggest a cooperative interaction between mGlu1 receptors and the endocannabinoid system in the mechanisms that lead to post-ischemic neuronal death.
Shade- and Ancymidol-altered Shape of Potted Lilium longiflorum ‘Ace’1

The broadest diameter of precooled liles was close to the plant base after a 0.5-0.75 mg/pot ancymidol soil drench at shoot emergence. These plants were short, shaped similar to controlled-temperature-forced plants, and of improved commercial value. Shape was not improved by an ancymidol spray at a later growth stage. Low light levels increased plant size, and the absolute reduction of height by ancymidol was greater in shade than in full light, but the percent height reduction was similar for the 2 irradiances.
Future forest fires as functions of climate change and attack time for central Bohemian region, Czech Republic

This paper presents a new analysis of how global warming may affect the size of forest fires through its effects on air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The effects of attack time on the size of the final burned area were also determined simultaneously in the statistical analysis. Two nonlinear functions determining the size of fires in the Prague-East District of the Czech Republic were estimated, based on a set of explanatory variables including air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and attack time. The functions were determined by multiple regression analysis combined with logarithmic transformations. The effects of climate change scenarios on future forest fires were calculated using the estimated fire-size function. The results show that if global warming leads to increased air temperature, reduced humidity, and stronger winds, we can expect larger fires. According to climate change scenarios, an upturn in the size of fires is predicted over this century. While we can control the fire by reducing the attack time, the results also show that if firefighters can reach a fire more quickly, the size of the fire will be reduced. If forest management methods, infrastructure, and fire brigade capacity are not adapted to the new climate, larger areas can be expected to be destroyed by fire.
Foliar Spray and Bark Banding with Dikegulac for Ornamental Tree Growth Inhibition1

Foliar applications of 2, 3, 4, 6-di-o-isopropyl-idene-2-keto-L-gulonate (dikegulac) at rates of 0.2-0.3% resulted in growth reductions comparable with l,2-dihydro-3,6-pyridazinedione (MH) or methyl-2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate (chlorflurenol). Where terminal leaf abscission occurs, tree appearance after treatment is sometimes better than that of trees treated with either MH or chlorflurenol. Growth reduction from trunk banding with dikegulac n-pentyl ester was observed only on Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. ; chlorflurenol in trunk banding has a much wider species range and is effective at lower concn.
Ferroelectric-Paraelectric Transition inBiFeO3: Crystal Structure of the OrthorhombicβPhase

A detailed investigation using variable temperature powder neutron diffraction demonstrates that ${\mathrm{BiFeO}}_{3}$ undergoes a phase transition from the ferroelectric $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase (rhombohedral, $R3c$) to a paraelectric $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phase (orthorhombic, $Pbnm$) between $820\text{ }\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}$ and $830\text{ }\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}$. Coexistence of both phases over a finite temperature interval, together with abrupt changes in key structural parameters, confirms that the transition is first order. The $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phase corresponds to a ${\mathrm{GdFeO}}_{3}$-type perovskite structure.
Dirac electron in graphene under supersymmetry generated magnetic fields

We use supersymmetry transformations to obtain new one parameter families of inhomogeneous magnetic fields B=B˜(x,λ)eˆz? > for which the massless Dirac electron possesses exact solutions. The inhomogeneity appearing in B˜(x,λ)? > can be controlled by the parameter λ. The obtained magnetic fields are interpreted as deformed variants of some physically attainable well known magnetic fields. A particular example, that of a constant magnetic field being deformed, is considered to show that equidistant Landau levels exist even in the presence of an infinite number of specially designed inhomogeneous magnetic fields.
White organic light-emitting devices based on 4,4′-bis(2,2′-diphenyl vinyl)-1,1′-biphenyl and phosphorescence sensitized 5,6,11,12-tetraphenylnaphthacene

We report white organic light-emitting devices (WOLEDs) based on 4,4′-bis(2,2′-diphenyl vinyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (DPVBi) and phosphorescence sensitized 5,6,11,12-tetraphenylnaphthacene (rubrene). In the devices, DPVBi acts as a blue light-emitting layer, and rubrene sensitized by a phosphorescent material, fac tris (2-phenylpyridine) iridium [Ir(ppy)3], acts as a yellow light-emitting layer. The devices have a maximum brightness of 8633cd∕m2 (at a driving voltage of 22V). The maximum luminous efficiency is 9.22cd∕A (at a current density of 0.90mA∕cm2). Commission international De L’Eclairage coordination of (0.30,0.37) is obtained for luminance ranging from 100 to 1000cd∕m2.
Does the face mask increase the impact of rapid maxillary expansion on sagittal airway dimensions?

Purpose: Airway dimensions associated with the transversal and sagittal position of the maxilla are affected by orthodontic treatment. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and RME followed by face mask (FM) therapies on the airway space and investigate whether application of the FM increases the short-term and long- term impact of RME on sagittal airway dimensions. Materials and methods: A total of 26 patients were divided into two groups. Group I included 14 adolescents treated with RME (3 males, 11 females; mean age: 12.2 11 ± 2.1 years), and Group II included 12 adolescents treated with RME followed by FM therapy (7 males, 5 females; mean age: 11.6 ± 1.3 years). Sagittal and vertical skeletal measurements, as well as ten linear cross-sectional airway measurements, were calculated from pretreatment, posttreatment, and postretention cephalometric radiographs. Results: RME followed by FM resulted in a significant increase in the SNA angle, ANB angle, and Wits parameter by the forward movement of the maxillary bone. A significant increase in the vertical dimensions was also observed. Regarding the airway measurements in both groups, significant oropharyngeal increases were revealed, and these were maintained in the follow-up period. However, there were no other significant differences in the short-term and long-term results obtained for Groups I and II. Conclusion: The dimensions of the airway were significantly affected by both therapies. However, no additional effect of FM was observed.
Euclid space mission: a cosmological challenge for the next 15 years

Abstract Euclid is the next ESA mission devoted to cosmology. It aims at observing most of the extragalactic sky, studying both gravitational lensing and clustering over ~15,000 square degrees. The mission is expected to be launched in year 2020 and to last six years. The sheer amount of data of different kinds, the variety of (un)known systematic effects and the complexity of measures require efforts both in sophisticated simulations and techniques of data analysis. We review the mission main characteristics, some aspects of the the survey and highlight some of the areas of interest to this meeting.
THE IMPACT OF VIOLENT CRIME ON TOURIST ARRIVALS IN MALAYSIA

The tourism industry plays an important role in boosting economic growth, providing job opportunities, and reducing the poverty rates in many countries. For this reason, the factors influencing tourism should be investigated, to ensure continued growth within the industry. Few studies had examined the effect of violent crime on tourist arrivals and price competitiveness in Malaysia. An increasing criminal activity and a rise in prices may discourage tourism arrivals. This paper applies an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to estimate Malaysia's determinants of tourism arrivals, on the period from 1986 to 2016. Tourism demand is modeled as a function of economic growth, tourism accommodation, prices (proxied by exchange rates and inflation), unemployment, and the crime index to proxy criminal activity in Malaysia. The results showed that inflation can reduce the number of tourists in the long run and in the short run. Similarly, the results also show that a higher exchange rate and violent crime index can reduce the number of tourists visiting Malaysia in the short run. Economic growth can attract more tourists to Malaysia in the long run.These findings are important for the formulation and implementation of policies. The Malaysian government should combat violent crime in the first place to prevent any reduction in tourist arrivals. Increasing government expenditure on national security could lead to a reduction in the violent crime index, thus increasing the number of tourist arrivals in Malaysia.
Characterization of min-max MPC with bounded uncertainties and a quadratic criterion

As shown by the authors in their previous paper (2001), min-max model predictive control (MPC) with a quadratic criterion, bounded additive uncertainties and a linear prediction model, results in a piecewise linear controller, which can be described in explicit form. This paper presents a characterization of these controllers. Techniques for composing a list of candidates for the optimal solution and for testing their optimality are presented. The results are illustrated by means of examples.
Do Instrumental Variables Belong in Propensity Scores?

Propensity score matching is a popular way to make causal inferences about a binary treatment in observational data. The validity of these methods depends on which variables are used to predict the propensity score. We ask: "Absent strong ignorability, what would be the effect of including an instrumental variable in the predictor set of a propensity score matching estimator? " In the case of linear adjustment, using an instrumental variable as a predictor variable for the propensity score yields greater inconsistency than the naive estimator. This additional inconsistency is increasing in the predictive power of the instrument. In the case of stratification, with a strong instrument, propensity score matching yields greater inconsistency than the naive estimator. Since the propensity score matching estimator with the instrument in the predictor set is both more biased and more variable than the naive estimator, it is conceivable that the confidence intervals for the matching estimator would have greater coverage rates. In a Monte Carlo simulation, we show that this need not be the case. Our results are further illustrated with two empirical examples: one, the Tennessee STAR experiment, with a strong instrument and the other, the Connors' (1996) Swan-Ganz catheterization dataset, with a weak instrument.
Coping with external stressors in handball and football elite refereeing: The relationship with referee efficacy

This study investigated the association between referee efficacy and self-reported coping with external stressors among elite handball and football referees. The participants were 224 Norwegian elite referees of handball (n = 111, m age = 35.3 years, 13.5% females) and football (113, m age = 30.8 years, 8% females) who had been referees for an average of 14.4 years (sd = 7.77 years; min: 4, max: 37) and a referee at the present level for 6.8 years (sd = 6.20 years, min: 1, max: 32). Referee self-efficacy was measured using the Norwegian version of the Referee Self-Efficacy Scale. Self-reported coping with external stressors was measured using responses to statements related to the referee’s self-perceived decision-making process in the presence of several sources of external stressors. Referee self-efficacy was positively associated with coping with external stressors (b = .24 (se = .11), p = . 021). Football referees reported higher levels of coping with external stressors (b = .28 (se = .08), p = . 001) than handball referees, and the number of years of elite refereeing was positively related to coping with external stressors. The findings provide evidence of a positive relationship between referee efficacy and coping with external stressors when making decisions. Keywords: Referee Self-Efficacy Scale, decision-making, social pressure, team sport referees
The Influence of rhBMP-7 Associated with Nanometric Hydroxyapatite Coatings Titanium Implant on the Osseointegration: A Pre-Clinical Study

Background: Bioceramic nanometer coatings have been regarded as potential substitutes for plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings, and the association with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is an attempt to achieve faster osseointegration to hasten oral rehabilitation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7) on the osseointegration of titanium implants coated with a thin film surface of hydroxyapatite (HA). Methods: Two implants (n = 24) were placed in each white New Zealand rabbits’ femur (n = 6). Implants were placed in the right femur after standard instrumentation (A and B) and in the left femur after an over-instrumentation (C and D), preventing bone-implant contact. The distal implants were installed associated with rhBMP-7 (groups B [regular instrumentation] and D [over-instrumentation]) and, also, in the absence of without BMP (control groups A [regular instrumentation] and C [over-instrumentation]). After 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized. The bone blocks containing the implants were embedded in methyl methacrylate and sectioned parallel to the long axis of the implant, which were analyzed by image segmentation. The data were analyzed using a nonparametric statistical method. Results: We observed that Group A had a mean bone formation of 35.6% compared to Group B, which had 48.6% (p > 0.05). Moreover, this group showed 28.3% of connective tissue compared to Group A, with 39.3%. In the over-instrumented groups, rhBMP-7 (Group D) showed an enhanced and significant increase in bone formation when compared with the group without rhBMP-7 (Group C). Conclusion: We concluded that the association of rhBMP-7 to thin nanostructure HA-coated implants promoted greater new bone area than the same implants in the absence of rhBMP-7, mainly in cases of over-instrumented implant sites.