Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A hybrid interpolation method edge-preserving for passive millimeter wave images

This paper deals with edge-preserving interpolation for passive millimeter wave images with poor resolution and low SNR. A hybrid interpolation method basing on image decomposition via bilateral filtering is proposed. The low resolution and noisy image is first decomposed using the bilateral filter into the base and detail layers which represent large and small scale features, respectively. The base layer contains the large-scale structures and nearly frees with noise thus has the higher SNR, whereas the detail layer includes both small-scale details and noise and has the lower SNR. The detail layer is adaptively denoised by the joint bilateral filtering method and subsequently interpolated with edge preservation in the guidance of the base layer. The base layer is interpolated with edge-preserving method directly. Finally, the high resolution image is obtained by combining the base and detail layers. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the conventional methods while preserving edges and suppressing jagging thus is suited for PMMW images interpolation to enhance resolution.
Two Models of Coteaching from University Teaching Staff: Phenomenographic Research

The literature of coteaching in the post-secondary landscape encompasses a wide array of different conceptions. Having multiple meanings of coteaching in higher education may pose some challenges for effectively implementing and researching this collaborative model. We should have a clear picture of the qualitatively different ways in which educators who co-teach in post-secondary settings understand this practice. Aiming to offer one of the first contributions to this effort, we analyzed the experiences of 16 university coteaching practitioners from a top university in Bogotá, Colombia. The sample participants´ interviews were analyzed using a phenomenographic methodology (Marton, 1981), which seeks to capture the variation and complexity of the understanding of a phenomenon. Our findings reveal two perspectives for understanding coteaching, one relying on the meaning (referential conceptions) and the other on the practice (structural conceptions). Participants´ coteaching meanings are determined by four qualitatively different understandings: cooperative teaching, collaborative teaching, pedagogical training, and critical pedagogy. When it comes to practice, the findings show eight categories, some of which have been previously described in narrative accounts about coteaching. The variability emerging from our findings highlights conceptual multiplicity rather than uniformity, thereby shedding light on the complexity of coteaching in post-secondary settings.
Experimental Analyses of a First Generation Foil Bearing: Start-Up Torque and Dynamic Coefficients

The paper presents the results of the experimental analysis of static and dynamic characteristics of a generation 1 foil bearing of 38.1 mm diameter and L/D = 1. The test rig is of floating bearing type, the rigid shaft being mounted on ceramic ball bearings and driven up to 40 krpm. Two different casings are used for start-up and for measurement of dynamic coefficients. In its first configuration, the test rig is designed to measure the start-up torque. The foil bearing casing is made of two rings separated by a needle bearing for enabling an almost torque free rotation between the foil bearing and the static load. The basic results are the start up torque and the lift off speed. In its second configuration a different casing is used for measuring the impedances of the foil bearing. Misalignment is a problem that is minimized by using three flexible stingers connecting the foil bearing casing to the base plate of the test rig. The test rig enables the application of a static load and of the dynamic excitation on the journal bearing casing, and can measure displacements, forces and accelerations. Working conditions consisted of static loads comprised between 10 N and 50 N and rotation frequencies ranging from 260 Hz to 590 HZ. Excitation frequencies comprised between 100 Hz are 600 Hz are applied by two orthogonally mounted shakers for each working condition. Stiffness and damping coefficients are identified from the complex impedances and enable the calculation of natural frequencies. The experimental results show that the dynamic characteristics of the tested bearing have a weak dependence on the rotation speed but vary with the excitation frequency.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Simulation of Guided Waves Propagation in Axial Transmission Measurements in Human Radius

This paper is a brief review of the axial transmission measurements methodology. Theoretical background and description of the methodology is presented. Simulations made to verify some of the statements found in the scientific literature about the subject matter are described. Simulation performed were meant to be a basis for specifying parameters of the experimental set up to be used in the future. Three dimensional finite difference code was used to simulate wave propagation in human radius. Two models have been prepared to compare the results. One was an idealized geometry of the diaphysis of human radius and second was a reconstructed anatomical geometry from scans acquired with Computed Tomography (CT). Conclusions about the wave propagation character and feasibility of low frequency measurements in medical diagnostics are discussed.
The Quantity and Quality of Anxiety Are Mediating Variables between Motivation, Burnout and Fear of Failing in Sport

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect mediated by self-determined motivation on an athlete’s burnout, anxiety and fear of failure. To this end, the sample group consisting of 235 semi-professional yachtsmen and women was asked to answer four questionnaires which set out to assess each of the study’s variables: Behavioural Regulation in Sport Questionnaire, Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory, Sport Anxiety Scale-2 and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire. The ex-post facto research was designed to analyse a single group based on structural equation modelling (SEM) between the constructs under analysis. The results illustrate that behavioural regulation could be used to positively predict burnout and fear of failure mediated by sport anxiety. Moreover, behavioural regulation has a significant, positive and moderate bearing on burnout and is wholly mediated by sport anxiety. It concludes by underscoring the point that there is no relationship either between behavioural regulation and burnout or between behavioural regulation and fear of failure, unless the athlete in question experiences anxiety.
Investigation of chaos in large arrays of Chua's circuits via a spectral technique

A spectral technique is proposed for studying and predicting chaos in a one-dimensional array of Chua's circuits. By use of a suitable double transform, the network is reduced to a scalar Lur'e system to which the describing function technique is applied for discovering the existence and the characteristics of periodic waves. Finally, by the computation of the distortion index, an approximate tool is given for detecting the occurrence of chaos. >
Millimetre-wave vector measurements using multistate reflectometers with diode detectors

The use of diode power detection with millimeter-wave multistate reflectometers is described. The nonlinear behavior of the diodes has been linearized, and comparisons with thermistor-based systems show that high-quality vector measurements are produced at Q-band and 94.9 GHz with a significant improvement in measurement speed. The use of a scalar network analyzer and diode detectors to make vector measurements has been demonstrated at W-band, requiring a controlling computer and some waveguide hardware. This would enable swept measurements to be made at a rate of one sweep every 2-3 s. The system works in any waveguide band for which the necessary hardware is available. <<ETX>>
Implications of A Measurement Invariance Study by Age Cohorts for the Life Satisfaction Survey for Apostolic Women Religious (LSSAWR)

A measurement invariance study was performed on the Life Satisfaction Survey for Apostolic Women Religious (LSSAWR) across age cohorts to support its continued use to assess satisfaction with religious life across an individual sister’s life span, and to conduct intergenerational comparisons within and across congregations worldwide. Unfortunately, measurement invariance (MI) is often assumed rather than tested but is important to determine when comparisons are conducted across groups. Establishing MI produces confidence that the differences observed are a result of real differences between groups rather than a result of group membership. In general, the current study provides evidence that the LSSAWR is MI for life satisfaction across the Silent, Baby Boomer, and Generation X cohorts and should be robust to many types of analyses. Therefore, the continued use of the LSSAWR to provide feedback to individual Sisters and congregations of women religious regarding commitment to religious life and overall life satisfaction is supported. The most notable result was two of the five dimensions of the scale were statistically indistinguishable for the Silent generation, but not for the Baby Boomer or Generation X cohorts. This article discusses the importance of measurement invariance studies and implications for instruments used across the life span with items that could be age sensitive.
Pre-Transplant Alpha-Fetoprotein > 25.5 and Its Dynamic on Waitlist Are Predictors of HCC Recurrence after Liver Transplantation for Patients Meeting Milan Criteria

Simple Summary In the setting of liver transplantation, prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence persists as a fundamental issue, and few tools are available during the waitlist. Biological features such as alpha-fetoprotein values are strong predictors, but it is necessary to understand how we can use them. In this study, an AFP cut-off value was individuated and also its dynamic increase on the waitlist was defined as a predictor. Abstract Background and Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence rates after liver transplantation (LT) range between 8 and 20%. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels at transplant can predict HCC recurrence, however a defined cut-off value is needed to better stratify patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of HCC recurrence at our centre and to identify predictors, focusing on AFP. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 236 consecutive patients that were waitlisted for HCC who all met the Milan criteria from January 2001 to December 2017 at our liver transplant centre. A total of twenty-nine patients dropped out while they were waitlisted, and 207 patients were included in the final analysis. All survival analyses included the competing-risk model. Results: The mean age was 56.8 ± 6.8 years. A total of 14% were female (n = 29/207). The median MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) at LT was 12 (9–16). The median time on the waitlist was 92 (41–170) days. The HCC recurrence rate was 16.4% (n = 34/208). The mean time to recurrence was 3.3 ± 2.8 years. The median AFP levels at transplant were higher in patients with HCC recurrence (p < 0.001). At multivariate analysis, the AFP value at transplant that was greater than 25.5 ng/mL (AUC 0.69) was a strong predictor of HCC recurrence after LT [sHR 3.3 (1.6–6.81); p = 0.001]. The HCC cumulative incidence function (CIF) of recurrence at 10 years from LT was significantly higher in patients with AFP > 25.5 ng/mL [34.3% vs. 11.5% (p = 0.001)]. Moreover, an increase in AFP > 20.8%, was significantly associated with HCC recurrence (p = 0.034). Conclusions: In conclusion, in our retrospective study, the AFP level at transplant > 25.5 ng/mL and its increase greater than 20.8% on the waitlist were strong predictors of HCC recurrence after LT in a cohort of patients that were waitlisted within the Milan criteria. However further studies are needed to validate these data.
The Effects of Manure Applications on Runoff, Erosion and Nitrate Losses

ABSTRACT ALABORATORY study was con-ducted to analyze the runoff and percolate from 0.91 m square plots of Catlin Silt Loam soil to which liquid swine manure had been applied, followed by 76.2 mm/hr artificial rainfall for 1/2 hr. Two soil slopes (3 percent and 9 percent) and three manure application levels (zero, 9.5 mm depth, and 19.0 mm depth) were investigated. The manure application caused a decrease in runoff and •MI increase in percolation and nitrate-nitrogen concentration in the perco-late. The total solids concentration decreased with the application of manure. An analysis of the soil solids and manure solids lost in runoff indi-cated that the volatile soil solids eroded more easily than the non-volatile solids.
Optimisation of motorway operations via ramp metering and variable speed limits

This paper presents a modelling and optimisation framework for deriving ramp metering and variable speed control strategies. We formulate the optimal control problems aiming to minimise the travel delay on motorways based upon a macroscopic cell transmission model of traffic. The optimal ramp metering optimisation is formulated as a linear programming (LP) while the variable speed control problem is formulated as a mixed integer LP. The optimisation models are applied to a real scenario over a section of M25 motorway in the UK. This paper also includes various analyses on the sensitivity of the optimal control solutions with respect to different network configurations and model assumptions.
Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women from sub-Saharan Africa

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major health problem in most countries of the world, particularly in developing countries where the resources and technology to diagnose and treat them are limited. Currently, there is limited data on STIs and risk factors for these infections in pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This review provides data on the prevalence and risk factors for STIs in pregnant women living with HIV from SSA. This review also describes the association between STIs and HIV on pregnancy and birth outcomes as well as highlights the importance of laboratory-based diagnosis of STIs. Method An electronic search of online databases was used to find and collect relevant research articles connected to the prevalence, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, health complications and risk factors associated with STIs and HIV in pregnant women from SSA. The search was limited to articles published in English. Relevant studies were identified by searching literature from January 2001 to date. The search yielded 4709 results. Results In SSA, STIs are highly prevalent in pregnant women and are widely known to be linked with an increased risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. These infections are often asymptomatic and highly prevalent in pregnant women. The screening of STIs in pregnant women living with HIV can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and screening and treatment for STIs can also prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. It is important to recognise regional and national STI epidemics in order to promote STI prevention and control interventions considering the test and treat approach as opposed to syndromic management. Conclusion This review highlights the need to use diagnostic screening methods instead of syndromic STI management in SSA. Moreover, more research into effective prevention and treatment measures for STIs in pregnant women is urgently required.
Exploring Cloud Computing Readiness and Acceptance in Higher Education Institution: A PLS-SEM Approach

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered nearly every aspect of life, including education. Technology has replaced face-to-face teaching and learning nearly totally. This health disaster has accelerated digitization in the world of education, which was previously only available without a repulsive factor. Cloud computing technology has been widely used in education, including higher education, enabling teaching resources, educational information, notes, lectures, and academic assessments to be accessed and shared online. Yet, in celebrating the greatness of technology, are users ready to accept an explosion of information resources and access openly online through cloud-based services? Thus, this research will investigate the Higher Education Institution (HEI) users' readiness and acceptance of cloud computing. The research employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technology Readiness Index (TRI) model together with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate 470 individuals from HEIs in Malaysia. Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness are found to be positively significant in explaining why a user decides to use cloud computing. Optimism and innovativeness have found to affect the factors of technology acceptance significantly. In contrast, discomfort and insecurity do not affect technology acceptance factors, except for insecurity that negatively impacts Perceived Usefulness. This study contributes to another finding to studying technology readiness and acceptance, especially in higher education. Keywords: Cloud Computing, Technology Readiness, Technology Acceptance, HEI, SEM
Entrepreneurship during crisis: Innovation practices of micro and small tour operators

Innovation as a response strategy to a crisis needs further understanding for small enterprises. This exploratory research investigates if, why, and with whom entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises engage in innovation activities during the atypical context of the COVID-19 crisis in the tourism sector. The multiple case study with three German entrepreneurs in the tour operator market shows that micro and small enterprises despite their size hold the capacity to initiate and manage several innovation projects of different types and in different stages of the innovation value chain simultaneously during a crisis. To do so, the entrepreneurs preferably engage participants with strong social ties, independent from a place. The perceived benefits are both related to the innovation output (e.g. generate income), and the innovation activities (e.g. increased motivation of staff, increased trust of customers during the crisis). Further research is encouraged on the long-term effects of innovations resulting from a crisis.
Very-high-speed silicon bipolar transistors with in-situ doped polysilicon emitter and rapid vapor-phase doping base

We present a detailed study of the performance of very-high-speed silicon bipolar transistors with ultra-shallow junctions formed by thermal diffusion. Devices are fabricated with double-polysilicon self-aligned bipolar technology with U-groove isolation on directly bonded SOI wafers to reduce the parasitic capacitances. Very thin and low resistivity bases are obtained by rapid vapor-phase doping (RVD), which is a vapor diffusion technique using a source gas of B/sub 2/H/sub 6/. Very shallow emitters are formed by in-situ phosphorus doped polysilicon (IDP) emitter technology with rapid thermal annealing (RTA). In IDP emitter technology, the emitters are formed by diffusion from the in-situ phosphorus doped amorphous silicon layer. Fabricated transistors are found to have ideal I-V characteristics, large current gain and low emitter resistance for a small emitter. Furthermore, a minimum ECL gate delay time of 15 ps is achieved using these key techniques. Analyses of the high performance using circuit and device simulations indicate that the most effective delay components of an ECL gate are cut-off frequency and base resistance. A high cut-off frequency is achieved by reducing the base width and active collector region. In this study, RVD is used to achieve both high cut-off frequency and low base resistance at the same time. >
Microstructure-Based Lifetime Assessment of Austenitic Steel AISI 347 in View of Fatigue, Environmental Conditions and NDT

The assessment of metallic materials used in power plants’ piping represents a big challenge due to the thermal transients and the environmental conditions to which they are exposed. At present, a lack of information related to degradation mechanisms in structures and materials is covered by safety factors in its design, and in some cases, the replacement of components is prescribed after a determined period of time without knowledge of the true degree of degradation. In the collaborative project “Microstructure-based assessment of maximum service life of nuclear materials and components exposed to corrosion and fatigue (MibaLeb)”, a methodology for the assessment of materials’ degradation is being developed, which combines the use of NDT techniques for materials characterization, an optimized fatigue lifetime analysis using short time evaluation procedures (STEPs) and numerical simulations. In this investigation, the AISI 347 (X6CrNiNb18-10) is being analyzed at different conditions in order to validate the methodology. Besides microstructural analysis, tensile and fatigue tests, all to characterize the material, a pressurized hot water pipe exposed to a series of flow conditions will be evaluated in terms of full-scale testing as well as prognostic evaluation, where the latter will be based on the materials’ data generated, which should prognose changes in the material’s condition, specifically in a pre-cracked stage. This paper provides an overview of the program, while the more material’s related aspects are presented in the subsequent paper.
Mediating role of entrepreneurial alertness between prior entrepreneurial exposures and entrepreneurial intentions

Objective: The objective of the study is to ascertain the mediating role of entrepreneurial alertness (EA) on the prior entrepreneurial exposures (PEE) and entrepreneurial intentions (EI) relationship of fresh graduates in Nigeria. Research Design & Methods: We conducted a survey on fresh graduates in Nigeria (n = 387). The data gathered were analysed using Hayes’ simultaneous entry on SPSS 23.0 and PROCESS 3. Findings: We found that PEE leads to an entrepreneurship career intention. We concluded that EA improves the PEE–EI relationship amongst fresh graduates in an emerging economy. Implications & Recommendations: The theory of EA is a good predictor of EI and a good mediator in the PEE– EI relationships, therefore further studies should consider EI models, especially those that involve EA and fresh graduates instead of students. Contribution & Value Added: We advance the understanding of PEE-EI relationship by utilizing the EA theory as a mediator while also testing this on a fresh graduate population in an emerging economy.
Comparison of Georgia Department of Transportation Design Procedure with Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design

This research had several objectives: measure the dynamic modulus of commonly used hot-mix asphalt mix types, two aggregate base courses, and two soils that represent high and low values; compare the results of using measured moduli with Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) Level 3 default moduli for the subgrade and aggregate base material; and compare design results using the AASHTO 1972 Interim Guide for Pavement Design currently being used by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) with the MEPDG results. The research showed that the MEPDG Level 3 default values for resilient modulus of both soil and aggregate materials are significantly higher than the actual values determined from laboratory test results. Use of actual material properties and load spectra resulted in significantly greater structures being recommended than when Level 3 default values were used for the MEPDG design program. On the basis of these results, GDOT is cautioned against using the default values built into the MEPDG software and should conduct a thorough calibration study using Georgia materials before implementing the MEPDG design procedure.