Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a Substrate Integrated Waveguide Hybrid Ring (Rat-Race) Coupler

This paper presents an efficient analysis of a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) single-layer hybrid ring coupler (rat-race) for millimeter-wave and microwave applications. The scattered field from each circular cylinder is expanded by cylindrical eigenfunctions with unknown coefficients that have been solved by electric and magnetic tangential boundary on each metallic via. The coupler S-matrix is calculated by using mode matching that uses the cylindrical vector expansion analysis to minimize the computational time and provides more physical insight. To achieve higher bandwidth, the radiuses of the coupler under analysis have been optimized in Matlab code by invasive weed optimization (IWO) method, and the results have been verified by CST package. The return loss and the isolation are less than −15 dB, and −18 dB, respectively. The insertion loss is divided equally dB, with and degrees in output ports over the operating frequency bandwidth and the agreement of phase differences in output ports has been examined objectively by feature selective validation (FSV) technique.
UWB multiple access performance in synchronous and asynchronous networks

Relative to asynchronous network performance, a synchronous UWB network with Gold coded TH-PPM modulation yields average BER improvement of -6.30 dB with no multipath present (N/sub MP/=0) and -0.30 dB for N/sub MP/=10. Synchronous DS-BPSK modulation yields improvement of -13.01 dB (N/sub MP/=0) and -2.51 dB (N/sub MP/=10). For a single communication link, P/sub b/ increases by a factor of 1.5 (TH-PPM) and 25 (DS-BPSK) per multipath replication.
'Pressing On' Into Deteriorating Conditions: An Application of Behavioral Decision Theory to Pilot Decision Making

One of the most significant factors in general aviation fatalities is the continuance of visual flight rules (VFR) flight into deteriorating weather. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a descriptive theory of decision making could be applied to pilots' decisions about whether to continue a flight into deteriorating weather. Prospect theory predicts that when situations are viewed in terms of gains, people are risk averse, but when situations are viewed in terms of losses, people are risk seeking. Computer simulated scenarios of cross-country VFR flights were presented to participants who had to decide whether they would continue with the flight. The study investigated three questions. First, do pilots normally frame such decisions in terms of gains or losses? Second, what factors are considered relevant by pilots when making such decisions? Third, can a pilot's decisions about whether to continue a flight be manipulated by the framing of the problem? We hypothesized that pilots who were en.
RECEPTIVITY OF HIGH SPEED BOUNDARY LAYER TO ACOUSTIC DISTURBANCES

Receptivity of a high-speed boundary layer on a flat plate to acoustic disturbances is investigated using a combined numerical and asymptotic approach. The leading-edge receptivity problem is discussed with emphasis on physical mechanisms associated with scattering, diffraction and reflection of acoustic waves. The theoretical predictio ns are compared with experimental data and direct numerical simulation. The results of the leading-edge receptivity model are incorporated into the mult iple-modes method to account for the inter-modal exchange downstream from the leading edge. Comparative analysis of the leading-edge receptivity, distributed receptivity and the inter-modal exchange due to nonparallel effects is presented. Feasible ways of further theoretical and experimental studies of high-speed boundary layer receptivity to acoustic disturbances are discussed. Nomenclature
Some factors affecting callus induction in ovary culture of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important crop in Lithuania for the production of both oil and fibre, but no Lithuanian flax cultivar has been developed. The haploid technique is a fast and efficient tool for developing new varieties in a comparatively short time. Many research groups successfully created new flax genotypes through anther culture; however application of ovary culture for flax haploid production has been published in few reports only. The breed ing program for developing a Lithuanian flax cultivar was started at the Genetic-Biotechnology Laboratory of Lithuanian University of Agriculture. The present paper reports the effect of genotype, growth regulators and the level of sucrose on callus induction in ovary culture of flax. Ovaries were cultured on a modified MS medium supplemented with three different combinations of plant growth regulators. Three levels of sucrose were evaluated. Variable callogenic responses were expressed by all of the five genotypes and their hybrids tested on different induction media. Ovaries of the genotypes ‘Lirina’, ‘Barbara’ and ‘Mikael’ showed the highest value of induced ovaries in a medium supplemented with 2.0 mgl –1 BAP and 1.0 mgl –1 NAA, while a combination of 1.0 mgl –1 BAP and 2.0 mgl –1 2,4D significantly reduced the number of ovaries producing callus. The current study indicates that there is a strong effect of the genotype on cal lus production from ovary in flax, and therefore specific combinations of growth regulators and sucrose level must be designed for each genotype in order to elicit optimum results.
Double patterning design split implementation and validation for the 32nm node

Single exposure capable systems for the 32nm 1/2 pitch (HP) node may not be ready in time for production. At the possible NA of 1.35 still using water immersion lithography, one option to generate the required dense pitches is double patterning. Here a design is printed with two separate exposures and etch steps to increase the pitch. If a 2x increase in pitch can be achieved through the design split, double patterning could thus theoretically allow using exposure systems conceived for the 65nm node to print 32nm node designs. In this paper we focus on the aspect of design splitting and lithography for double patterning the poly layer of 32nm logic cells using the Synopsys full-chip physical verification and OPC conversion platforms. All 32nm node cells have been split in an automated fashion to target different aggressiveness towards pitch reduction and polygon cutting. Every design split has gone through lithography optimization, Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) and Lithography Rule Checking (LRC) at NA values of 0.93, 1.20, and 1.35. Final comparisons are based on simulations across the process window. In addition, we have experimentally verified selected single-patterning problem areas on a 1.20 NA exposure tool (ASML XT:1700Fi at IMEC). With this information, we establish guidelines for double patterning conversions and present a new design rule for double patterning compliance checking applicable to full-chip scale.
Mindfulness as Moderator Against Emotional Exhaustion Due to Online Teaching During COVID-19 Pandemic: An Investigation Using Job Demands-Resources Model and Conservation of Resource Theory

On the basis of the Conservation of Resource (COR) theory and using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this study examines the relationships among job demands and job resources of online teaching (JD-OT and JR-OT), perceived instructional efficacy of OT (PIE-OT), mindfulness in teaching (MiT), and emotional exhaustion (EE) to understand the psychological stress experienced by teachers engaged in OT and how mindfulness has moderating effects on relieving anxiety and preventing burnout. A total of 476 teachers with OT experience completed online a self-report survey with items adapted from related scales. The hypotheses were validated using structural equation modeling. Causal relationships were assessed using path analysis, and multi-group analysis was performed to examine the moderating effect of MiT. JD-OT has significant and negative impact on PIE-OT, JR-OT has significant and positive impact on PIE-OT, and PIE-OT has significant and negative impact on EE. Moreover, PIE-OT mediates the positive relationship of JD-OT with EE and the negative relationship of JR-OT with EE. The moderating role of MiT in the relationship of JD-OT and JR-OT with PIE-OT was also validated. In OT work environments, teachers have great need and desire for JR, which can have a positive impact on PIE. Mindfulness training contributes to improving OT efficacy and reducing EE. Enhancing teachers’ MiT enables them to deal with demands from work and their superiors and motivates them to respond with ease to the stressful external environment.
An Exploration of Current and Perspective Semen Analysis and Sperm Selection for Livestock Artificial Insemination

Simple Summary Artificial insemination is a crucial technology for livestock producers world-wide. This technology has afforded producers access to premier genetics without having to physically own superior sires. The improvement of this technology can have a large impact on the livestock industry, especially those sectors of the industry which rely heavily on artificial insemination. This article will review ongoing improvements being made to artificial insemination and their potential impacts. Abstract Artificial insemination of livestock has been a staple technology for producers worldwide for over sixty years. This reproductive technology has allowed for the rapid improvement of livestock genetics, most notably in dairy cattle and pigs. This field has experienced continuous improvements over the last six decades. Though much work has been carried out to improve the efficiency of AI, there are still many areas which continue to experience improvement, including semen analysis procedures, sperm selection techniques, sperm sexing technologies, and semen storage methods. Additionally, the use of AI continues to grow in beef cattle, horses, and small ruminants as the technology continues to become more efficient and yield higher pregnancy rates. In this review, AI trends in the various livestock species as well as cutting edge improvements in the aforementioned areas will be discussed at length. Future work will continue to refine the protocols which are used for AI and continue to increase pregnancy rates within all livestock species.
An exploratory study of ascitic fluid lactate as prognostic factor of mortality in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background The diagnostic value of ascitic fluid lactate (AF lactate) was previously evaluated in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) but its prognostic value was not established. Aim To assess the prognostic value of AF lactate in SBP. Methods We prospectively studied 63 consecutive patients with SBP. Fifty patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) or acute decompensation (AD) (ACLF/AD group) without SBP and 30 with stable decompensated cirrhosis (DC) were included as controls. In SBP, mortality was recorded at 30, 90 and 180 days. Results Arterial and AF lactate were significantly higher in SBP compared to other groups. Analyzing the SBP group alone, AF lactate accurately differentiated survivors from nonsurvivors in all time points. The prognostic performance of AF lactate was improved over time, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic computed at 0.894, 0.927 and 0.934 at 30, 90 and 180 days, respectively. The cutoff level of 2 mmol/L was associated with 100, 100 and 94.7% sensitivity, 57.9, 73.3 and 80% specificity, 61, 80.5 and 87.8% positive predictive value and 100, 100 and 90.9% negative predictive value, respectively. Arterial lactate, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score predicted outcomes less accurately than AF lactate. Patients with AF lactate >2 mmol/L had a worse prognosis compared to patients with ≤2 mmol/L (log-rank P < 0.001). No case with AF lactate ≤2 mmol/L died within 90 days postSBP diagnosis. In Cox multivariate analysis at all time points, only AF lactate and NLR were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion An AF lactate level of 2 mmol/L has a high ability to differentiate survivors from nonsurvivors in the first 180 days postSBP. Its prognostic value outperformed arterial-lactate, NLR and MELD.
Efficacy of US, MRI, and F-18 FDG-PET/CT for Detecting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and F-18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (F-18 FDG-PET/CT) for detecting post-NAC axillary lymph node(ALN) metastasis in patients who had ALN metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Methods: This study included all breast cancer patients who received NAC for ALN metastasis; underwent axillary assessment with US, MRI, or F18FDG-PET/CT; and then were operated on in the General Surgery Clinic, Adana City Research and Training Hospital, Turkey. Patients’ data were recorded, including demographic data, clinicopathological parameters, NAC regimens, and operation types. The axillary response to chemotherapy on post-NAC US, MRI, and F-18 FDG-PET/CT was compared with the postoperative histopathological result of the ALN. Results: The study included a total of 171 female patients. The mean age of the patients was 53.28 ± 10.62 years. The post-NAC assessment revealed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of US for detecting ALN metastasis were 59.42%, 82.35%, 82.00%, and 60.00%, respectively, while the same measures regarding MRI for detecting ALN metastasis were 36.67%, 77.78%, 73.33%, and 42.42%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of F-18FDG-PET/CT were 47.50%, 76.67%, 73.08%, and 52.27%, respectively. The evaluation of dual combinations of these three imaging techniques showed that the specificity and PPV of the combined use of US and F-18FDG-PET/CT was 100%. Conclusions: The results showed that US has the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting ALN metastasis after NAC. Furthermore, ALND may be preferred for these patients instead of SLNB if both examinations simultaneously indicate lymph node metastasis in the post-NAC assessment with US and F-18 FDG-PET/CT. SLNB may be preferred if these two examinations simultaneously show a complete response.
Silicon Wafer Gettering Design for Advanced CMOS Image Sensors Using Hydrocarbon Molecular Ion Implantation: A Review

We have developed silicon epitaxial wafers with high gettering capability using hydrocarbon molecular ion implantation for advanced Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. These wafers have three unique silicon wafer characteristics for improvement of CMOS device electrical parameter such as high metallic impurity gettering, oxygen out-diffusion barrier effects from Czochralski silicon (CZ) substrate and hydrogen passivation effect for interface state defect at Si/SiO2. We demonstrate that double epitaxial growth silicon wafers have an extremely high gettering capability during CMOS device fabrication process. We also found that gettering capability strongly dependence on oxygen impurity amount in hydrocarbon molecular ion implantation projection range. We believe that this novel silicon wafer can drastically contribute to the improvement of CMOS image sensor device performance such as white spot defect and dark current.
The structure of mental health symptoms in Huntington’s disease: Comparisons with healthy populations

ABSTRACT Introduction Mental health difficulties are common among people with Huntington’s disease (HD). However, such difficulties are only weakly associated with HD progression, suggesting their causes may be multifactorial rather than purely disease-related. Genetically unaffected family members have been shown to experience similar levels of mental distress to people with HD, potentially due to systemic stressors and life disruption. These factors may also influence mental wellbeing in people with HD. Accordingly, this study aimed to compare patterns and occurrence of mental distress between people with HD and genetically unaffected control groups, to determine systemic and environmental contributions to HD-related distress. Method Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to compare the structure of mental distress in 5,294 individuals from four groups: manifest or premanifest HD, family control, and genotype-negative. Data were from the Enroll-HD study, using scores from the Problem Behaviors Assessment, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Snaith Irritability Scale. We then evaluated consistency of the identified constructs over three annual assessments using analysis of variance. Results Four factors consistently emerged across all groups, comprising depression, anxiety, temper and self-harm; these remained stable across time. People with HD did not report significantly different anxiety scores to control groups. The manifest group reported significantly higher depression, temper and self-harm than the genotype-negative group, but only differed in some cases from family-controls. Conclusions The findings suggest greater similarity in the severity and structure of mental health symptoms between people with and without HD than previously believed. This suggests contributions from systemic as well as genetic factors in families affected by HD, especially in terms of anxiety symptoms.
Forces, Moments, and Displacements During Thermal Chamber Cycling of Leadless Ceramic Chip Carriers Soldered to Printed Boards

Solder joints between ceramic chip carriers (CCC's) and printed wiring boards (PWB's) are likely to experience large thermal strains during operation in the field. Strains applied during accelerated temperature cycling have been shown to cause cracks in the solder and electrical failures (opens). The forces and moments exerted on the solder (and the resulting displacements) arc inferred from strain gage measurements of the in-plane deformation and bending of the PWB and the CCC. It is found that below room temperature, most of the expansion mismatch is accommodated by "bi-metallic strip" type bending of the PWB and the CCC. The change in bending during a temperature change from - 25°C to +35°C is consistent with the classical bi-metallic strip equation, given material properties from the literature. Above room temperature most of the mismatch is accommodated by shear in the solder. Upon repeated temperature cycling, there is a repeatable stress-strain hysteresis, which is attributed to plastic deformation in the solder. This deformation is lower for staggered tin pillar joints than for in-line 60/40 solder post joints. It is lower still when the PWB in-plane expansivity is constrained by copperclad invar (CCI) layers included in the stack-up. Using mechanical equilibrium conditions, we can calculate the force per joint and solder shear displacement. The force represents up to 35 percent of the ultimate force calculated from the ultimate shear strength.
Antiinflammatory and antiinfective effect of caffeine in a mouse model of disseminated salmonellosis

Caffeine has been reported for its antiinflammatory properties by stimulating phagocytosis. In this study, we investigated the antiinflammatory and antiinfective potential of caffeine in murine macrophage cell cultures and Swiss mice infected with virulent Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium. Peritoneal macrophages (pMØ) were treated with caffeine on 96‐well plates for 24 hr and then infected with Salmonella for 4 hr. In another experiment, the pMØ were first infected with the bacterium for 4 hr and then treated with caffeine for 24 hr. In addition, Swiss mice were inoculated, intraperitoneally, with S. typhimurium and then received caffeine intravenously. Control groups received phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) or dexamethasone. We found that treatments with caffeine increased the macrophage cell viability and reduced the intracellular bacterial load. The administration of caffeine to Swiss mice reduced the infiltration of leukocytes into the peritoneal cavity after the bacterial challenge. Furthermore, the bacterial burdens in the peritoneal fluid, bloodstream, spleen, and liver were decreased by caffeine treatment. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) were down‐regulated after infection in caffeine‐treated mice. We can conclude that caffeine has both antiinflammatory and antiinfective properties that can be useful for management of bacterial infections along with antibiotics.
A Comparative Study of two Forward Dynamic Programming Techniques for solving Local Thermal Unit Commitment Problems

Thermal unit commitment problems are en- countered often when solving short term scheduling prob- lems. In this short term context, in order to model accu- rately the different status for the thermal unit along the plan- ning horizon, it is important to include time-dependent start- up costs, up/down time, and ramping constraints. We con- sider two solution strategies, based on forward dynamic pro- gramming techniques, that are suitable for such problems. The rst strategy is adapted for problems without ramp- ing constraints and allows to handle variable start-up costs without making discrete approximations, thanks to the in- troduction of a memory technique. The second strategy is adapted for problems with ramping constraints, and com- putes accurately dynamic dispatch subproblems by means of a quadratic programming solver. We compare the perfor- mance of both strategies on several test systems in the litera- ture for pure thermal systems.
Improved transonic flutter analysis in the frequency domain using computational fluid dynamics

The flutter boundary of the AGARD 445.6 wing was calculated using time domain and frequency domain methods. A frequency domain correction procedure was developed to account for nonlinear aerodynamics in the transonic regime. Nonlinear lifting pressures obtained from unsteady rigid body pitching motion time domain simulations were used to correct the linearized aerodynamic matrices in the frequency domain. It was found that time domain computational fluid dynamics adequately predicted the flutter boundary of a wing. Although uncorrected frequency domain flutter analysis predicted a nonconservative flutter boundary, the corrected frequency domain results also adequately predicted the flutter boundary of the AGARD 445.6 wing. Additionally, nonlinear aerodynamic effects and their contributions to flutter can be analyzed with the corrected frequency domain technique within a few hours, representing significant time savings compared with aeroelastic time domain techniques.
Space vector alpha-beta sliding mode current controllers for three-phase multilevel inverters

Robust sliding mode on-line space vector controllers, designed for output current control in multilevel three-phase power inverters are described. Capacitor voltage divider equalisation is included using the same approach. Using two four-level comparators, simulation and experimental results show no steady state-errors, very fast dynamics and robustness against power supply variations and load unbalances.