Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Interaction of a High-Power Sub-Nanosecond Microwave Pulse With Plasma

We present the results of experiments, analytical modeling, and numerical particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations for the propagation of a high-power, sub-nanosecond microwave pulse through a plasma-filled cylindrical waveguide in a parameter regime not studied before. Depending on the experimental conditions, the non-linear interaction of the high-power microwave (HPM) pulse with the plasma results in self-channeling through it or causes the formation of a wakefield. To study this phenomenon, two backward wave oscillators (BWOs), operating in the super-radiant mode at frequencies of 9.6 and 28.6 GHz, were designed and tested. These BWOs were driven by an electron beam (~280 keV, ~1.5 kA, ~5 ns) generated in a magnetically insulated foil-less diode, from which it propagates through a slow wave structure guided by an external axial magnetic field. Microwave pulses of ~0.4-ns width, up to ~500-MW peak power at 9.6 GHz, and up to ~1.2 GW at 28.6 GHz were obtained. These powerful subnanosecond timescale microwave beam pulses were injected into the neutral gas, plasma, or their mixture in various configurations.
Leptonic modelling of Ton 599 in flare and quiescent states

The flat-spectrum radio quasar Ton 599 attained its highest ever γ-ray flux state during the first week of 2017 November. Observations of the source by the Swift satellite during this period made it possible to generate a simultaneous high flux state broad-band spectral energy distribution (SED). The high flux state activity of Ton 599 is modelled in this work for the first time. We modelled one high flux state and one quiescent state of the source in order to characterize the evolution of SEDs covering the entire dynamic range of γ-ray flux observed by Fermi-LAT. An attempt was made to model the 2017 November state of the source using an external Compton (EC) model in the leptonic scenario. We reproduce the broad-band flaring state SED using a two-component leptonic emission model. We considered one component as an EC+synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) component and the other as pure SSC, lying further down in the jet. The EC+SSC component was located outside the broad-line region (BLR). It mainly reproduces the GeV emission by an EC process with a dusty torus (DT) photon field providing seed photons. We reproduce the broad-band emission from Ton 599 satisfactorily during its peculiar flaring state with a leptonic two-component model. Besides this, we compare the model parameters of a quiescent-state SED with the available average state model parameters in the literature.
Aligning tacit knowledge and competitive advantage: a resource-based view

This paper investigates the role of tacit knowledge in establishing competitive advantage using the resource-based view (RBV) theory. A framework for studying tacit knowledge, organisational performance, value creation and competitive advantage is introduced and used to analyse the oil and gas industry. The findings show that value creation and improved organisational performance play a mediating role between tacit knowledge and competitive advantage. On the one hand, the findings suggest an indirect relationship between tacit knowledge and competitive advantage, and it was instrumental when directed at creating avenues for improving organisational performance and innovations, i.e., value creation, which places an organisation in a competitive advantage position. On the other hand, organisational performance, which has a direct relationship with value creation has an indirect relationship with a competitive advantage.
Effects of Patient Turning Devices on Muscular Demands of Caregivers

This study evaluated the efficacy of commercially-available patient turning devices (draw sheet, friction-reducing turning sheet, air-assisted lateral transfer device, and air-assisted turning device) in reducing muscular demands of caregivers. A repeated-measures laboratory study with 10 experienced caregivers (8 females and 2 males) was conducted to measure the muscle activity in the upper extremities (biceps, triceps, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, and upper trapezius) and low back (erector spinae) during standardized patient turning tasks. The results showed that the muscle activities in biceps, triceps, and erector spinae were significantly different by transfer device (p’s < 0.01). The air-assisted turning device showed the significant reduction (21 to 44%) in muscle activities of all muscles except anterior deltoid compared to the conventional manual turning without assistive device (rotating a patient onto caregivers’ sides by pulling the knee and shoulder of the patient). These findings suggest that the air-assisted turning device can be an effective engineering control to reduce the muscular demands in the upper extremities and low back among caregivers.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Acute Graft Versus Host Disease

Acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) is the most critical complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The understanding of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and the development of acute GVHD prophylaxis have contributed to decreasing the incidence of severe acute GVHD. However, these progresses expand the chance of receiving allo-HSCT from human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatched donor. In addition, the expanding of indication for allo-HSCT to elderly patients or patients with organ dysfunction by the pervasiveness of reduced-intensity conditioning is associated with increased risk of acute GVHD. Unexpectedly, severe refractory acute GVHD can occur even in allo-HSCT from HLA matched sibling donor. The first line therapy for severe acute GVHD is corticosteroid, but the second line therapy has not been established and the prognosis of steroid-resistant acute GVHD remains poor. Recently, the efficacy of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for steroid-resistant acute GVHD has been consistently reported. MSCs are approved as a cell therapy drug for steroid-resistant acute GVHD in some countries. We here review the history and the future of MSC therapy for acute GVHD.
International Legal Regulation of Countering Propaganda of War and Manifestations of Extremism

The research paper analyses the international legal regulation of countering manifestations of extremism and propaganda of war. The understanding of extremist activity as an encroachment on the foundations of the constitutional order and the security of the state, as well as the violation of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of the individual and the citizen resulting from the denial of legal and/or other generally accepted norms and rules of social behaviour have been formulated. It is established that the proposed definition is built on two basic criteria. The first is the circle of public relations, which is prone to extremist encroachment (such as: the foundations of the constitutional order, state security, rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of an individual and a citizen). The second is motivation of extremist manifestations, that is, denial of legal and/or other generally accepted norms and rules of social behaviour. The following constructive features of extremism are distinguished: a) attachment, that is, loyalty or devotion to someone or anything (attachment of extremism is expressed in devotion to a certain ideology); b) the extreme nature of views, positions and arrangements in human activity (they reflect the essence of extremism, since they are characterized by the ideology of intolerance of the existing state system and violent methods of struggle); c) extremist acts can be committed both by individuals and groups or organizations; d) the spheres that are prone to negative effect of this phenomenon (the spheres of public consciousness, social psychology, morality, ideology, relations between social groups, ethnic groups, public associations, political parties and denominations). The directions of international cooperation in the field of countering extremism in the form of propaganda of war and hatred based on generally recognized principles and norms of international law, which serve as the unification and harmonization of means and methods of countering extremism and terrorism, are disclosed. The conceptual features of extremism produced by the world community are formulated, which include: a) specific motivation characteristic of extremist crimes; b) global nature of the danger directed at all world powers; c) transnational organized nature of the activities of extremist organizations, such as unification and harmonization of the means and methods of countering extremism and terrorism.
A computational model of human trust in supervisory control of robotic swarms

Trust is an important factor in the interaction between humans and automation to mediate the reliance action of human operators. In this work, we study human factors in supervisory control of robotic swarms and develop a computational model of human trust on swarm systems with varied levels of autonomy (LOA). We extend the classic trust theory by adding an intermediate feedback loop to the trust model, which formulates the human trust evolution as a combination of both open-loop trust anticipation and closed-loop trust feedback. A Kalman filter model is implemented to apply the above structure. We conducted a human experiment to collect user data of supervisory control of robotic swarms. Participants were requested to direct the swarm in a simulated environment to finish a foraging task using control systems with varied LOA. We implement three LOAs: manual, mixed-initiative (MI), and fully autonomous LOA. In the manual and autonomous LOA, swarms are controlled by a human or a search algorithm exclusively, while in the MI LOA, the human operator and algorithm collaboratively control the swarm. We train a personalized model for each participant and evaluate the model performance on a separate data set. Evaluation results show that our Kalman model outperforms existing models including inverse reinforcement learning and dynamic Bayesian network methods. In summary, the proposed work is novel in the following aspects: 1) This Kalman estimator is the first to model the complete trust evolution process with both closed-loop feedback and open-loop trust anticipation. 2) The proposed model analyzes time-series data to reveal the influence of events that occur during the course of an interaction; namely, a user’s intervention and report of levels of trust. 3) The proposed model considers the operator’s cognitive time lag between perceiving and processing the system display. 4) The proposed model uses the Kalman filter structure to fuse information from different sources to estimate a human operator's mental states. 5) The proposed model provides a personalized model for each individual.
Generic Regular Black Holes Related to Nonlinear Electrodynamics with Maxwellian Weak-field Limit: Shadows and Images of Keplerian Disks

We study optical phenomena in generic regular, magnetically charged, spherically symmetric black hole spacetimes arising from coupling of the Einstein gravity and nonlinear electrodynamics (NED) with the Maxwellian weak-field limit, where photons follow null geodesics of an effective geometry, directly reflecting the electromagnetic nonlinearity. We compare the motion of photons with that of massless neutrinos, which are not affected directly by nonlinearities of the non-Maxwellian electromagnetic field and follow null geodesics of the background spacetime. We determine shadows of such black holes, compare the time delays of photons and neutrinos moving in their field, and construct images of the Keplerian disks. We demonstrate that in the case of the “Maxwellian” NED black holes the optical phenomena give relevant signatures of the NED effects detectable by GRAVITY or the Event Horizon Telescope, but they are not strong enough to be excluded by recent observations as in the case of regular Bardeen black holes.
Coffee House Consumers’ Value Perception and Its Consequences: Multi-Dimensional Approach

This research paper explored the causal relationship between consumers’ brand value perception, brand credibility, brand prestige, and other consequential outcome variables. The conceptual relationships were described into a potential theoretical research model. The potential theoretical model was empirically assessed using structural equation-based modeling analysis using the survey data obtained from 309 coffee drinkers in United States. The data analysis outcomes revealed that utilitarian-related value perception creates consumers’ brand credibility. Moreover, coffeehouse consumers’ hedonic value perception and social value perception increase brand prestige perception. This study revealed that consumers’ credibility perception and perceived prestige level has direct/indirect influence on perceived brand trust, commitment, and loyalty. Based upon the research findings, suggestions for the industry and future studies are provided.
Two Cases of Late Recurrence after Gamma Knife Surgery for Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma Requiring Additional Radical Removal ofExpanding Lesion with Endoscopic Trans-Sphenoidal Surgery

Objective: Gamma knife surgery is an important therapeutic strategy for treatment of a non-functioning pituitary adenoma, as it suppresses tumor growth. However, in rare cases, the lesion may unexpectedly re-grow after gamma knife surgery. This report presents such rare cases of late recurrence of sellar lesions. Case Description: Two cases of non-functioning pituitary adenomas underwent gamma knife surgery. Tumor re-growth occurred following radiation therapy in case 1 at 6 years after gamma knife surgery, while expanding radiation necrosis from the irradiated tumor appeared in case 2 at 8 years after gamma knife surgery. The cases required additional radical removal of the expanding lesion with endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery, resulting in successful total removal. Conclusion: A patient with a non-functioning pituitary adenoma should be carefully followed for a long period, even after undergoing gamma knife surgery, to examine for lesion re-growth. In such a case, it is important that the removal operation should be considered immediately to release the compression.
Matching, entropy, holes and expansions

In this dissertation, matching, entropy, holes and expansions come together. The first chapter is an introduction to ergodic theory and dynamical systems. The second chapter is on, what we called Flipped $\alpha$-expansions. For this family we have an invariant measure that is $\sigma$-finite infinite. We calculate the Krengel entropy for a large part of the parameter space and find an explicit expression for the density by using the natural extension. In Chapter 3 Ito Tanaka's $\alpha$-continued fractions are studied. We prove that matching holds almost everywhere and that the non-matching set has full Hausdorff dimension. In the fourth chapter we study $N$-expansions with flips. We use a Gauss-Kuzmin-Levy method to approximate the density for a large family and use this to give an estimation for the entropy. In the last Chapter we look at greedy $\beta$-expansions. We show that for almost every $\beta\in(1,2]$ the set of points $t$ for which the forward orbit avoids the hole $[0,t)$ has infinitely many isolated and infinitely many accumulation points in any neighborhood of zero. Furthermore, we characterize the set of $\beta$ for which there are no accumulation points and show that this set has Hausdorff dimension zero.
Student Engagement in a Gamified Physics Course

This study investigated the students’ behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement in a gamified Physics course. The participants in the study are engineering students from a state university in Manila, Philippines taking up a summer class in Electromagnetics. The course was gamified by incorporating various games elements which include experience points (XP), leaderboard, quests, events, challenges, achievements, leaderboards, and power-ups. The engagement of students was measured using the Student Engagement Measure (SEM). Mean scores, standard deviations, and correlation coefficients were calculated. The results revealed a high level of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement of students in the gamified physics course. The three subscales were also found to be significantly correlated with each other. Furthermore, the journal and interview transcripts revealed that students exhibited active participation, established good relationships with others and perceived the course to be fun, enjoyable and exciting, and exerted more effort and work beyond what is required in the gamified course.
Operational Modelling of Umbrella Cloud Growth in a Lagrangian Volcanic Ash Transport and Dispersion Model

Large explosive eruptions can result in the formation of an umbrella cloud which rapidly expands, spreading ash out radially from the volcano. The lateral spread by the intrusive gravity current dominates the transport of the ash cloud. Hence, to accurately forecast the transport of ash from large eruptions, lateral spread of umbrella clouds needs to be represented within volcanic ash transport and dispersion models. Here, we describe an umbrella cloud parameterisation which has been implemented into an operational Lagrangian model and consider how it may be used during an eruption when information concerning the eruption is limited and model runtime is key. We examine different relations for the volume flow rate into the umbrella, and the rate of spreading within the cloud. The scheme is validated against historic eruptions of differing scales (Pinatubo 1991, Kelud 2014, Calbuco 2015 and Eyjafjallajökull 2010) by comparing model predictions with satellite observations. Reasonable predictions of umbrella cloud spread are achieved using an estimated volume flow rate from the empirical equation by Bursik et al. and the observed eruption height. We show how model predictions can be refined during an ongoing eruption as further information and observations become available.
Enhanced chemical etch rate of borosilicate glass via spatially resolved laser-generated color centers

In this work, it is shown that controllable increases in chemical reactivity of borosilicate glass can be induced through spatially resolved femtosecond laser irradiation at fluence values significantly lower than the damage threshold. The hydrofluoric acid etch rate has been found to be closely correlated to the reduction in optical transmission of the glass at 488 nm, which is, in turn, governed by the production of boron–oxygen hole centers. The combination of laser irradiation below the ablation threshold followed by chemical etching is shown to yield surfaces that have a roughness lower than those achieved by either laser or chemical etching alone. Application of this effect to the manufacture of freeform Laplacian optics is demonstrated.
Application of Anatomical Knowledge by Final Year Dental Students of Integrated Curriculum: A Pilot Study

The integrated curriculum has been introduced in the Dental faculty of the designated institution since 2008. This study was aimed to evaluate the application of anatomical knowledge of final year undergraduate dental students of integrated curriculum, and to assess the perception of the both dental students and their lecturer on clinical application of anatomy. A cross-sectional study was conducted for 4 weeks among 40 final year undergraduate dental students and 18 lecturers. Students underwent an examination that included 6 Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) and 20 One Best Answer (OBA) questions to test their application knowledge in clinical settings. A semi-structured, self-administrated questionnaire was used to identify their perceptions on the application of anatomical knowledge. The data were analysed by using SPSS 17. The Spearman’s Correlation test reported a significant, strong, positive correlation between the scores of OSPE and OBA. The Mann-Whitney U-test revealed statistically significant associations regarding the perception of both dental students and lecturers in terms of Problem based learning (PBL), practical sessions, Self-directed Learning (SDL), the strong surface anatomy knowledge, the usefulness of cadaver and the confidence in applying the anatomical knowledge. The present curriculum needs more interactive face to face sessions, small group discussions in practical sessions and more SDL in order to provide the strong foundations for undergraduate dental students in clinical anatomy.
External Financial Flows and GDP Growth in Kosovo

This article examines the impact that external financial flows have on gross domestic product (GDP) growth in a new, small, and open economy—the Republic of Kosovo. Remittances, foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign debt, and net exports may affect GDP in different ways. In the context of a new, small, and open economy, these factors can be important determinants of economic development. This article examines the direct effect of these factors on economic development as represented by GDP growth in Kosovo, covering the period of 2012–2018. The relationships between remittances, net exports, FDI, external debt, and GDP are modeled based on theoretical arguments and empirical evidence. The results suggest that in Kosovo, remittances are the leading contributor to GDP growth. This contribution could be more valuable if remittances were invested in the manufacturing sector. These investments could have positive effects on job creation, thereby reducing the unemployment rate and Kosovo’s dependence on imports.
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN PATIENTS ON WAITING LIST FOR CADAVERIC KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients, as well as in the kidney transplant recipient population. Assessing the prevalence of CV diseases and CV risk factors is an essential step in developing risk profiles and individualizing interventions to reduce the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of kidney transplant recipients. Evaluating the CV organs of cadaveric kidney transplant potential recipients on the waiting list is very important for prevention of developing the post-transplant CV diseases. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of CV diseases and risk factors of patients registered on the waiting list. We performed a retrospective study on patients (pts) registered as waiting for cadaveric kidney transplantation and evaluated their CV status concerning the ECG abnormality and echocardiographic finding. We also discussed CV risk factors in this population. During the period October 2000-November 2003, 96 potential recipients (42 females, 54 males) were evaluated for cadaveric kidney transplantation at the Institute for Nephrology and Hemodialysis, Clinical Center-Nis. All the patients had sinus ritham, with no registered extra-systole and no conduction abnormality in ECG. 67 pts (69.4%) had EF >50%. The main echocardiography characteristics were left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) observed in 55 pts (56.9%) and LVH with left ventricular dilatations (LVD) observed in 21 pts (22.2%). Arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking and, particularly, anemia were the most frequent risk factors among the dialysis population. Dialysis doctors should attempt at providing optimal diagnostic procedures and treatment for CV diseases and CV risk factors, even if this generally fails to prevent the CV diseases. Recognition of CV diseases, CV risk factors, and their treatment is essential for better post-transplant surviving in the kidney transplant recipient population.