Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reflectometric measurements of polarization properties in
optical-fiber links

Abstract Polarization sensitive reflectometric techniques can be effectively used to perform spatially resolved measurements of polarization properties of fiber optic link — such as birefringence, polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss. In particular, this contribution is focused on polarization sensitive OTDR and provides a survey of its theory and main applications. Special emphasis is given to the characterization of fiber birefringence, that allows to inspect the fiber while cabled and, consequently, to test and improve the cabling process. In addition, the analysis of the birefringence also allows to define reliable mathematical models, which are essential for the design of low polarization mode dispersion fibers. Reflectometric measurements of polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss are also discussed.
Effect of COVID-19 on Anti-S Antibody Response in Healthcare Workers Six Months Post-Vaccination

The current study aimed to determine to what extent prior COVID-19 infection affects the response of specific antibodies following vaccination. The study involved 173 healthcare professionals who completed the two-dose vaccination course with BNT162b2, including 40 who previously experienced clinical COVID-19. The levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1S2 IgG (anti-S) and, in some cases, anti-SARS-CoV-S-RBD IgG (anti-S-RBD) were determined six months after complete vaccination. A level exceeding the cut-off values for both anti-S and anti-S-RBD was observed in 100% of subjects, but after setting the analysis to 5- and 10-fold cut-off levels, the percentage of subjects meeting this criterion was significantly higher for anti-S-RBD. The 100-fold cut-off level was achieved by only 21% and 16% for anti-S and anti-S-RBD, respectively. Anti-S and anti-S-RBD levels above ten times the positive cut-off were respectively observed in 91% and 100% individuals with a history of COVID-19, while among those without COVID-19, these values were 64% and 90%, respectively. Significantly higher incidence of values above 10 and 100 times the cut-off became apparent among people with a history of COVID-19. In conclusion, vaccination against COVID-19 following infection with the disease provides higher levels of specific antibodies 6 months after vaccination than those of individuals without a history of the disease, which supports the use of a booster dose, particularly for those who have not experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Compact microstrip lowpass filter with wide stopband and sharp roll-off using tapered resonator

In this article, a novel microstrip lowpass filter (LPF) with specifications such as sharp cut-off, wide stopband, low insertion loss and high return loss using tapered resonator is presented. The LPF has cut-off frequency of 1.11 GHz, where unwanted harmonics are suppressed by novel tapered cells. The bandwidth is enhanced, and the size is reduced as compared to the conventional tapered filter. The transition band is approximately 0.29 GHz from 1.11 to 1.4 GHz with corresponding attenuation levels of –3 and –20 dB, respectively. The stopband with greater than –20 dB rejection is from 1.4 to 8.9 GHz, insertion loss in the passband is less than 0.1 dB, return loss is less than –18 dB and the overall size of the filter is 0.12 × 0.073 λg. The proposed filter is fabricated and measured. The simulation and measurement results are in good agreement. This LPF is designed for microwave communication applications, especially wireless video transmitters.
Development Process of a Master's Degree Program in Security Management

The purpose of this article is to increase the knowledge of the development process of a master's degree program and its curriculum in security management. The earlier literature includes little knowledge of development of higher education in security management, particularly outside of the traditional security bodies such as military and police forces or public emergency services. There is a clear need for increasing the knowledge of this area. Furthermore, development process of curricula in general requires further examination. The present empirical article responds to these evident needs. This article is an actionresearch–based case study. It draws on the development process of a master's degree program that took 22 months, starting from the initiation of the project and ending up to the point when the first students began their studies in the program. This process is described and analyzed in the article in detail. The empirical findings are illustrated in terms of a phase model of development process of a master's degree program. This article contributes to the scientific literature, first, by increasing the knowledge of the development of higher education in security management. Second, it contributes by increasing the knowledge of the phases and activities of degree program and curriculum development in general.
Automatic Evaluation of Mixed‐mode Stress Intensity Factors Utilizing Digital Image Correlation

Abstract: A method for determining mixed‐mode stress intensity factors from displacement fields obtained by digital image correlation is studied. To perform automatic evaluation, not only stress intensity factors but crack‐tip location, higher‐order terms in the series expansion of displacement fields and rigid‐body displacement components are also determined simultaneously using nonlinear least squares based on the Newton–Raphson method. Experimental results show that the mixed‐mode stress intensity factors are evaluated accurately from either radial or circumferential displacement components. As mixed‐mode stress intensity factors can be evaluated easily, simply and automatically by the technique with digital image correlation and nonlinear least squares, it is expected that the proposed method can be applied to solve various fracture problems.
A 240-GHz circularly polarized FMCW radar based on a SiGe transceiver with a lens-coupled on-chip antenna

A 240-GHz monostatic circular polarized SiGe frequency-modulated continuous wave radar system based on a transceiver chip with a single on-chip antenna is presented. The radar transceiver front-end is implemented in a low-cost 0.13 µm SiGe HBT technology version with cut-off frequencies fT/fmax of 300/450 GHz. The transmit block comprises a wideband ×16 frequency multiplier chain, a three-stage PA, while the receive block consists of a low-noise amplifier, a fundamental quadrature down-conversion mixer, and a three-stage PA to drive the mixer. A differential branch-line coupler and a differential dual-polarized on-chip antenna are added on-chip to realize a fully integrated radar transceiver. All building blocks are implemented fully differential. The use of a single antenna in the circular polarized radar transceiver leads to compact size and high sensitivity. The measured peak-radiated power from the Si-lens equipped radar module is +11 dBm (equivalent isotropically radiated power) at 246 GHz and noise figure is 21 dB. The characterization bandwidth of the radar transceiver is 60 GHz around the center frequency of 240 GHz, and the simulated Tx-to-Rx leakage is below −20 dB from 230 to 260 GHz. After system calibration the resolution of the system to distinguish between two targets at different distance of 3.65 mm is achieved, which is only 21% above the theoretical limit.
Pressurized Liquid Extraction of Polyphenols and Anthocyanins from Saffron Processing Waste with Aqueous Organic Acid Solutions: Comparison with Stirred-Tank and Ultrasound-Assisted Techniques

Fοllow up with our previous study on the extraction of saffron processing waste polyphenols using deep eutectic solvents, the objective of this examination was a comparative evaluation of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), stirred-tank extraction (STE) and stirred-tank extraction with ultrasonication pretreatment (STE/UP) with respect to the recovery of pigments and antioxidant polyphenols from saffron processing waste. Aqueous solutions of citric and lactic acids at two different concentrations were used as green solvents. The extracts obtained under the specified conditions were analyzed for total pigment and total polyphenol yields as well as for their ferric-reducing power and antiradical activity. Furthermore, each produced extract was analyzed with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to profile its analytical polyphenolic composition. In all cases, PLE provided inferior results compared to the two other techniques, producing extracts with lower polyphenolic concentration and weaker antioxidant properties. On the other hand, no specific pattern was detected concerning the effect of ultrasonication, acid type and acid concentration. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that stirred-tank extraction with 1% (w/v) lactic acid and ultrasonication pretreatment might be the highest-performing combination, providing extracts with increased polyphenol and pigment concentration; however, it also enhanced antioxidant activity. It was also concluded that the significantly shorter extraction time when using PLE might be an important element in further optimizing the process, buttressing the use of this technique for the establishment of innovative and sustainable-by-design extraction methodologies.
Hierarchical ensemble-based data fusion for structural health monitoring

In structural health monitoring, damage detection results always have uncertainty because of three factors: measurement noise, modeling error and environment changes. Data fusion can lead to the improved accuracy of a classification decision as compared to a decision based on any individual data source alone. Ensemble approaches constitute a relatively new breed of algorithms used for data fusion. In this paper, we introduced a hierarchical ensemble scheme to the data fusion field. The hierarchical ensemble scheme was based on the Dempster–Shafer (DS) theory and the Rotation Forest (RF) method, it was called a hierarchical ensemble because the RF method itself was an ensemble method. The DS theory was used to combine the output of RF based on different data sources. The validation accuracy of the RF model was considered in the improvement of the performance of the hierarchical ensemble. Health monitoring of a small-scale two-story frame structure with different damages subject to shaking table tests was used as an example to validate the efficiency of the proposed scheme. The experimental results indicated that the proposed scheme will improve the identification accuracy and increase the reliability of identification.
Temperatures and Related Behavior in Segmental Retaining Wall System

A segmental retaining wall reinforced with geosynthetics was constructed on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus from October to December 1993. It was 3.5 m high and 36.6 m long and was instrumented to measure movements, earth pressures, forces between segmental units, temperatures, and strains in the geogrid reinforcement. Monitoring of the instrumentation was done during construction and is continuing. The results of the monitoring program pertaining to temperatures, geogrid strains, and normal forces acting between adjacent layers of facing units of the wall are reported. The maximum temperature recorded in the wall was 28°C, and the minimum was −4°C. Maximum strains in the geogrid were 0.50 percent. Load cell measurements of the normal force acting on a facing unit were initially about twice the weight of the units above the load cell. With time the measured normal forces decreased to approach the weight of the units above. Wall behavior appears to be related to seasonal temperature changes, and these relationships are discussed.
A Genome-Wide Association Study of a Korean Population Identifies Genetic Susceptibility to Hypertension Based on Sex-Specific Differences

Genome-wide association studies have expanded our understanding of the genetic variation of hypertension. Hypertension and blood pressure are influenced by sex-specific differences; therefore, genetic variants may have sex-specific effects on phenotype. To identify the genetic factors influencing the sex-specific differences concerning hypertension, we conducted a heterogeneity analysis of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 13,926 samples from a Korean population. Using the Illumina exome chip data of the population, we performed GWASs of the male and female population independently and applied a statistical test that identified heterogeneous effects of the variants between the two groups. To gain information about the biological implication of the genetic heterogeneity, we used gene set enrichment analysis with GWAS catalog and pathway gene sets. The heterogeneity analysis revealed that the rs11066015 of ACAD10 was a significant locus that had sex-specific genetic effects on the development of hypertension. The rs2074356 of HECTD4 also showed significant genetic heterogeneity in systolic blood pressure. The enrichment analysis showed significant results that are consistent with the pathophysiology of hypertension. These results indicate a sex-specific genetic susceptibility to hypertension that should be considered in future genetic studies of hypertension.
Assessing occupant comfort in an iconic sustainable education building

The building that houses the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development at Bond University is the first educational building to achieve a six Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. It has won numerous awards since opening in August 2008 including being judged the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Sustainable Building of 2009. After more than two years in use a post-occupancy evaluation study was carried out to assess the performance of the building from the viewpoint of the users; both resident staff and transient students. Results for factors such as lighting, thermal comfort, noise and air quality. were compared to benchmarks established by the Usable Buildings Trust. The evaluation also assessed the occupants’ perceptions of the building’s impact on their own productivity. Users generally find the building provides a comfortable work environment although a number of areas of performance were noted as posing some concerns. These included intrusive noise in some parts of the building and some issues with glare in daylit teaching spaces. Such concerns were found to be in accord with the results of previous studies and they highlight some recurrent problems in “green” buildings designed to maximise the use of natural ventilation and natural light. These design challenges and how occupant satisfaction is to be measured and benchmarked are also discussed in the context of this comparative building study.
Mathematical modeling and computer simulation of a separately excited DC motor with independent armature/field control

A mathematical model of a separately excited DC motor, providing an in-depth description of major physical transformations, is developed. The model is implemented in computer simulation code which, in combination with a SIMPLEX optimization procedure, is used for parameter estimation and model verification. The model is suggested as a basis for development of microprocessor-based control procedures providing additional flexibility as well as optimizing motor performance. >
Stool and Ruminal Microbiome Components Associated With Methane Emission and Feed Efficiency in Nelore Beef Cattle

Background: The impact of extreme changes in weather patterns on the economy and human welfare is one of the biggest challenges our civilization faces. From anthropogenic contributions to climate change, reducing the impact of farming activities is a priority since it is responsible for up to 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, we tested whether ruminal and stool microbiome components could be used as biomarkers for methane emission and feed efficiency in bovine by studying 52 Brazilian Nelore bulls belonging to two feed intervention treatment groups, that is, conventional and by-product-based diets. Results: We identified a total of 5,693 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in the Nelore bulls’ microbiomes. A Differential abundance analysis with the ANCOM approach identified 30 bacterial and 15 archaeal ASVs as differentially abundant (DA) among treatment groups. An association analysis using Maaslin2 software and a linear mixed model indicated that bacterial ASVs are linked to the host’s residual methane emission (RCH4) and residual feed intake (RFI) phenotype variation, suggesting their potential as targets for interventions or biomarkers. Conclusion: The feed composition induced significant differences in both abundance and richness of ruminal and stool microbial populations in ruminants of the Nelore breed. The industrial by-product-based dietary treatment applied to our experimental groups influenced the microbiome diversity of bacteria and archaea but not of protozoa. ASVs were associated with RCH4 emission and RFI in ruminal and stool microbiomes. While ruminal ASVs were expected to influence CH4 emission and RFI, the relationship of stool taxa, such as Alistipes and Rikenellaceae (gut group RC9), with these traits was not reported before and might be associated with host health due to their link to anti-inflammatory compounds. Overall, the ASVs associated here have the potential to be used as biomarkers for these complex phenotypes.
Jet impact geometry and plunge pool dimensions effects on dynamic pressures at pool sidewalls

A plunge pool is one of the energy dissipater structures for high head dams, which ensures stability of the dam under extreme hydrodynamic pressure, due to falling jet impacts. The excess energy of the jet is dissipated, together with significant impact pressure exerted on the floor and pool walls. Thus, appropriate assessment of jet dynamic characteristics in the plunge pool is essential. This research presents experimental results focusing on the distribution of mean and extreme pressure fluctuations on the sidewalls, due to circular and rectangular plunging jets, and the effects of pool dimension, especially in narrow valleys. The experimental variables are discharge, geometry of jet, pool depth, pool width, and sidewall slope. Hydrodynamic pressure on the sidewalls due to decreasing bottom width from 6 to 3 times the jet impact diameter, or width, is quite different for core and developed jets. For core jets, it increases the maximum pressure, while decreasing the minimum and mean dynamic pressure on .
Moderating Effect of Equity Sensitivity on Behavior-Outcome Relationships in Construction Dispute Negotiation

This study builds on Adam’s equity theory by examining the moderating effects of equity sensitivity (i.e., a person’s perception of what is equitable or inequitable) on behavior-outcome relationships among negotiators in construction dispute negotiation. First, an equity sensitivity construct is developed. This construct reveals that most construction negotiators are entitleds, also known as “takers,” at the negotiation table. Moderated multiple regression (MMR) is used to test the moderating effects of equity sensitivity. The MMR models affirm that the nature of behavior-outcome relationships varies, depending on the perception of equity. An entitled construction negotiator is found to be a versatile moderator who fosters satisfactory negotiation outcomes. The models show that negotiators are able to predict inequitable responses and to take measures to forestall or deal with different inequitable situations. This study indicates the merit of further study of equity theory in the context of construction .
Effects of annealing on the trap distribution of cobalt phthalocyanine thin films

Current density-voltage characteristics have been obtained from evaporated cobalt phthalocyanine thin Film sandwich structures using ohmic gold contacts, both before and after annealing. Results show that at low voltages the conduction process is ohmic, while at high voltages space-charge limited conduction is present. These results are consistent with current density-voltage characteristics obtained with copper phthalocyanine thin films. Annealing resulted in little change in current density within the space-charge limited region but a significant reduction within the ohmic region. Subsequent exposure to air gave an increase in current density tending towards levels obtained with fresh samples. Analysis of the results yields a typical room temperature hole concentration of p 0 = 8 × 1017 m−3 for unannealed samples. An exponential trap distribution P(E) = P 0 exp (−E/kT t) was consistent with the higher-voltage data, where typically P 0 = 8 × 1043J−1 m−3 and T t = 885 K. Variations of parameters with hea.
Effects of Creep and Built-In Curling on Stress Development of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement under Environmental Loadings

An adequate evaluation of stress developments in concrete is essential to ensure well-performing and long-lasting portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement designs and construction. In this study, the effects of creep and built-in curling (BIC) on the stress history of PCC pavements under environmental loadings were investigated primarily through a series of field tests and numerical data interpretations. To identify the stress-dependent strain component within the in situ measured total strain, a nonstress cylinder (NC) was employed in the field tests. The identified stress-dependent strains from the field tests were converted to stresses using a step-by-step numerical method. To investigate the effect of creep on stress developments, stress histories were computed in two different ways—one with elastic analysis and the other with viscoelastic analysis—and then their difference (stress relaxation) over time was evaluated. The finding indicated that creep may be a key element in the evaluation of long-term stresses and, in turn, the design and analysis of PCC pavements. Furthermore, this study examined the impacts of BIC on the residual stresses of PCC pavements. The result showed that BIC may affect the early-age stress development, but it has little influence on the long-term environmental stress state.
THE ROLE OF SYMMETRICAL AND ASYMMETRIC DIMETHYL-L-ARGININE AS BIOMARKERS IN DIALYSIS-DEPENDENT AKI PATIENTS

Introduction: Symmetrical and Asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine were previously discovered in urine, the present study explored the link between acute kidney injury (AKI) and modulation in the level of these biomarkers. Methods: Ninety volunteers were recruited in the current study, sixty of them were dialysis-dependent AKI patients, their ages ranged between 29-70 years, 13 were diabetic and 47 were non-diabetics patients. Thirty healthy subjects were recruited as a control group. Blood urea, serum creatinine, uric acid, glucose, lipid profile, albumin, hemoglobin, levels were measured using an automated analyzer (SK3002b). Asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (SDMA) serum concentrations were measured using ELISA. Results: The findings of the current study demonstrated a significant decrease in hemoglobin and serum albumin levels alongside an increase in the serum creatinine, uric acid, and serum triglyceride (TG) in the patients when compared to the apparently healthy controls. Serum concentrations of ADMA and SDMA were significantly lower in healthy controls compared to the patients. Conclusion: These data confirm the assumption which assumes that both, ADMA and SDMA serum levels are sensitive markers of reduced renal function and serum SDMA is more sensitive than ADMA in dialysis-dependent AKI patients.