Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sub-millimeter-scale multijunction solar cells for concentrator photovoltaics (CPV)

Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technologies provide the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency but remain too expensive for very large scale development. Reduction of the dimension (micro-CPV) is a promising approach towards cost reduction but necessitates sub-millimeter-scale high efficiency solar cells. In this paper, we review the challenges faced by sub-millimeter-scale solar cells for application in micro-CPV. We show that plasma etching processes are necessary to fabricate sub-millimeter-scale high-efficiency solar cells to avoid a waste of material in the isolation and dicing lines. We also show that despite the cell performance is known to degrade when the dimension of the cell is downscaled, this degradation can be negligible when optimized etching and passivation processes are used and when the cell operates under high concentration (<500x). The through-cell via contact architecture is a promising approach to avoid bus bars on the front side and therefore optimize the wafer usage and minimize dark current. Combining all these solutions, we claim that sub-millimeter-scale high efficiency solar cells as small as 0.01 mm2 can be fabricated with more than 90% of wafer material used for photovoltaic conversion and without performance degradation when operating under 1,000x concentration compared to 1 mm2 solar cells operating under 500x concentration. Challenges on characterization and in-line metrology remain to be solved and manufacturing lines need now to be adapted to provide commercial solutions for micro-CPV.
Effect of STEM Designed Activities on Academic Achievement of 7th Grade Elementary School Students in Force and Energy Unit

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of STEM designed activities on academic achievement of 7th grade elementary school students in work and energy unit. For that purpose, four STEM activities were chosen to be implemented in the work and energy unit. Semi-experimental research design was utilized for the research. Two different classrooms were chosen randomly as control and STEM group. 19 students were in the control group and 21 students in the STEM group. Both classrooms were instructed by the same teacher with the same instruction time. The only difference between the groups was the STEM integrated activities. Initial analyzes revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of academic knowledge level prior the study. After implementing the STEM activities for the STEM group, statistical analyzes revealed that there was a statistical positive difference in favor of the STEM group. After a month, posttest was administered to STEM group in order to determine the retention level of the students. Analyzes revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between control group and STEM group. Analyzes revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between boys and girls in STEM group. It was concluded by the study that in the long-term STEM integrated curricula would benefit elementary science students and would decrease the gender gap in STEM related areas.
Optimal Virtual Inertia Design for VSG-Based Motor Starting Systems to Improve Motor Loading Capacity

Virtual synchronous generator (VSG)-based control approaches for AC machine drivers have attracted much attention in recent years. The contradiction between the strong motor loading capacity and the small DC voltage fluctuation is disregarded in previous studies. A larger virtual inertia is required to raise the torque gain and drive the motor with heavier loads, thus resulting in greater DC voltage variations. A systematic method is proposed for the optimal design of the virtual inertia for VSG-based motor starting systems to achieve the maximal motor loading capacity and the low DC voltage fluctuation in this paper. Firstly, the relationship between the virtual inertia and the loading capacity is revealed on the basis of the closed-loop analysis. Considering the DC voltage variation, the constraint on the maximal value of the virtual inertia is proposed from the energy-balance perspective despite the unknown contribution of the DC capacitors to the virtual inertia. To fully exploit the energy storage capacity of the DC capacitors and raise the upper limit of the virtual inertia under the same permitted DC voltage variation, a modified DC voltage reference is introduced. Extensive simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Evaluation of Irrigation Systems for Cost Reduction in Wide Spaced Sugarcane

Field experiments were conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Bhavanisagar, Tamil Nadu, India to evaluate the irrigation systems for cost reduction in wide spaced sugarcane during 2000–2004. The results revealed that, drip irrigation at 60% PE with one lateral row−1 significantly recorded higher sugarcane yield of 164.8 t ha−1 with enhanced water use efficiency of 166.1 kg ha−1 mm−1 and highest net returns of 83,650 ha−1. Among the surface irrigation treatments, irrigation at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio recorded the maximum yield of 140.1 t ha−1 with a WUE of 90.7 kg ha−1 mm−1.
The Effects of Photobiomodulation on Shoulder Pain, Muscle Thickness, and Function in Subjects With Adhesive Capsulitis

Background: Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is among the most prevalent causes of pain and disability in individuals. We aimed to evaluate the effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) on pain, range of motion, and thickness and function of supraspinatus muscle in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Materials & Methods: Overall, 52 subjects (n=26/group) with adhesive capsulitis referring to Poorsina Hospital, physiotherapy ward, Rasht City, Iran, in 2019 participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups of control or routine physical therapy and PBM group. The variables were pain (VAS), range of motion (goniometer), the supraspinatus muscle thickness in rest and contraction, and muscle function (ultrasonography). The outcomes were examined before, after 5 and 10 sessions, and at a 1-month follow-up. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the demographic characteristics and studied variables. The interaction of group and time (2×4) was significant for pain (P=0.02). Finally, the Bonferroni post hoc test data indicated the pain reduction in the PBM group was higher than the control group at the follow-up (P=0.03). The mixed two-factor analysis of variance indicated that the interaction of the group and time of shoulder abduction (P=0.6), shoulder external rotation (0.46), supraspinatus muscle thickness, rest (0.31), supraspinatus muscle thickness, contraction (0.11), and rest-contraction (0.66) were not significant. Conclusions: The PBM revealed greater analgesic effects than routine physical therapy in the short term and one-month follow-up. However, the effects on a range of motion and muscle thickness and function were insignificant.
Assessment of Patient-Centered Outcomes When Treating Maxillary Constriction Using a Slow Removable Versus a Rapid Fixed Expansion Appliance in the Adolescence Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective This study aimed to evaluate and compare the levels of pain, discomfort, and functional impairments between slow and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in treating skeletal maxillary constriction in the adolescence period (i.e., between 12 and 16 years). Materials and methods The study sample consisted of 52 patients (21 males and 31 females) with maxillary skeletal constriction in the posterior region. The patients were randomly distributed into either RME (26 patients, with a mean age of 13.87 (± 1.31) years) or slow maxillary expansion group (SME, 26 patients, with a mean age of 14.31 (± 1.19) years). The levels of pain, discomfort, and functional difficulties were assessed after 24 hours (T1), 7 days (T2), 15 days (T3), one month (T4), and four months (T5) following the onset of the expansion procedure. Results Patients in the RME group encountered significantly greater levels of pain and discomfort than those in the SME group at T1, T2, and T3 (p>0.001). Chewing and swallowing difficulties were significantly greater in the RME group at T1, T2, T3, and T4 (P≤0.001). The pressure on soft tissue was greater in the RME group at T2 and T3 (p>0.001). After four months (T5), the levels of pain and discomfort decreased to their lowest levels, as well as the difficulties of chewing and swallowing, and the pressure on soft tissue were almost non-existent in both groups. Conclusion Patients treated with the removable slow maxillary expander reported lower levels of pain and discomfort, fewer chewing and swallowing difficulties, and less pressure on soft tissues than those treated with the bonded rapid maxillary expander. These difficulties gradually decreased over time in both groups. The lower levels of pain and discomfort may make the SME an effective and comfortable treatment alternative for adolescents with skeletal maxillary constriction.
Initial Development and Validation of the Measures of Stressors and Supports for Teachers (MOST)

The creation of psychometrically sound assessments of teacher well-being is critical given the alarmingly high rates of teacher burnout reported among U.S. educators. The present study sought to address this need by developing the Measures of Stressors and Supports for Teachers (MOST), a teacher-report questionnaire designed to assess ecological and psychological factors that affect teachers’ professional well-being. To assess structural validity, the MOST was administered to a sample of K–12 educators (N = 218). Methods outlined in Classical Test Theory and exploratory factor analysis were conducted to examine items and assess the factor structure of the MOST. Factor analytic findings yielded a 40-item, nine-factor structure (Parents, Colleagues, School Leadership and Belonging, Classroom Students, Students With Disabilities, Time Pressure, Professional Development, Safety, and Emotional State). Implications for further validation and use of the MOST are discussed.
Exploitation of Unintentional Ethernet Cable Emissions Using Constellation Based-Distinct Native Attribute (CB-DNA) Fingerprints to Enhance Network Security

Abstract : This research contributed to the AFIT's Radio Frequency Intelligence (RFINT) program by developing a new device discrimination technique called Constellation-Based Distinct Native Attribute (CB-DNA) Fingerprinting. This is of great interest to the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Sensor Directorate, who supported the research and now have new method for improving network security. CB-DNA fingerprints are used to authenticate wired network device identities, thwart unauthorized access, and augment traditional bit-level security measures that area easily bypassed by skilled hackers. Similar to human fingerprint features that uniquely identify individuals, CB-DNA uniquely identifies communication devices and improves the rate at which unauthorized rogue devices are granted network access.
NEW METHODOLOGY TO STUDY CONTAGION BETWEEN WESTERN AND EMERGING EUROPE: A SWITCHING COPULA APPROACH

This paper adapts and extends switching copula models to investigate whether financial contagion occurred between Western stock markets and their Central and Eastern European counterparts during the Global Financial Crisis. Our methodology focuses on tail dependence as a direct measure of codependence in crisis times and we apply it to two bespoke indices that cover the biggest Central and Eastern European stock markets. We find an overall increase in dependence between Western Europe and the transition region during the Great Recession. However, adding the Turkish stock market to our CEE regional indices reduces the duration of the impact of the crisis. These results suggest that the transition economies remain a valuable diversification source during periods of crisis.
Assessment of Selected Filipino Nurses Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Willingness to Provide Care to Patients with Covid-19 in Cebu City, Philippines

Assessment of Selected Filipino Nurses Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Willingness to Provide Care to Patients with Covid-19 Cebu Abstract Despite several studies conducted to assess the KAP and willingness of nurses to provide care during this pandemic, there are scarce reports regarding Filipino nurses. This study utilized a descriptive research design using the cross-sectional survey method. A web-based survey and convenience sampling method was adopted to collect the data from Filipino nurses from any hospital in Cebu, of which, 137 participated in the study. A 43-item questionnaire was developed, which was spread out into 5 parts that comprised of the demographic profile, knowledge, attitude, practices, and willingness to care for patients with COVID-19. Majority of the nurses were females (70.80%), whose ages years old (54.01%), single rely The mean values for attitude, practices, and willingness to provide care were 4.45 (very favorable), 4.65 (always), and 4.52 (very willing) respectively. Generally, the results of our study were favorable across the 5 parts of the survey.
Polymeric Nanoparticles-Loaded Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: A Systematic Review on In Vivo Findings

Clinically available medications face several hurdles that limit their therapeutic activity, including restricted access to the target tissues due to biological barriers, low bioavailability, and poor pharmacokinetic properties. Drug delivery systems (DDS), such as nanoparticles (NPs) and hydrogels, have been widely employed to address these issues. Furthermore, the DDS improves drugs’ therapeutic efficacy while reducing undesired side effects caused by the unspecific distribution over the different tissues. The integration of NPs into hydrogels has emerged to improve their performance when compared with each DDS individually. The combination of both DDS enhances the ability to deliver drugs in a localized and targeted manner, paired with a controlled and sustained drug release, resulting in increased drug therapeutic effectiveness. With the incorporation of the NPs into hydrogels, it is possible to apply the DDS locally and then provide a sustained release of the NPs in the site of action, allowing the drug uptake in the required location. Additionally, most of the materials used to produce the hydrogels and NPs present low toxicity. This article provides a systematic review of the polymeric NPs-loaded hydrogels developed for various biomedical applications, focusing on studies that present in vivo data.
Assessment of Physical and Chemical hazards Among Health Care Workers in Wasit Governorate

Health care workers are on the front lines of this worldwide pandemic, with the significant burden of identifying and treating an increasingly expanding number of severely sick patients, sometimes making vital decisions under physical and psychological stress. This study is descriptive; a cross-sectional study conducted at four hospitals in Wasit governorate. The data collection started from December 2020 till March 2021. The Data were collected by direct interview with the health worker by the researcher, by using a self-reporting questionnaire from the occupation hazard dimension, which includes two domains: physical hazards and chemical hazards. The statistical method used includes Mean, Standard Deviation, and Chi-square. Statistical significance was considered whenever the P-value was equal to or less than 0.05. The current study found that the highest percentage 254 (57.6%) were in the age group <30 years, there was a distinct female’s preponderance of 242(54.9%). There is a highly significant positive correlation (P-value <0.01) between physical hazards and prevention and control methods (r= 0.144 * ); a highly significant positive correlation (P-value <0.01) between chemical hazards, and prevention and control methods (r= 0.770 * ). where the chemical hazard reached to241(54.6%) while followed physical hazards reached to 196(44.4%) the results also showed Weighted Mean for physical hazard equal 3.28±0.67which is within the medium level risk.
Predictors of Bleeding Risks and Episodes in Heart Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine predictors of bleeding risks and episodes in heart patients. This study also determined the effect of demographic characteristics and comorbidities on the bleeding episodes in heart patients. Methods: A retrospective and observational study was done on a data collection form to obtain the required data. After adjusting confounders in logistic regression analysis model, (predicting likelihood of reporting bleeding risks and episodes), pure predictors of bleeding risks and episodes were determined. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, 220 patients’ data on data collection forms were collected in the study. Out of the total studied patients, around 56 were on warfarin, 47 on dabigatran, 67 on rivaroxaban and 50 on apixaban. In addition, age and presence of comorbidity were observed as the pure and strong predictors of bleeding risks and episodes among the studied patients. Conclusion: Age and presence of comorbidity were the pure and strong predictors of bleeding risks and episodes.
Effect of gradation, compaction and water content on crushed waste rocks strength

We reduced the size of the abstract to 170 words, but we cannot go lower without loosing meaning. We hope it will be ok like this --> Open-pit mining operations generate large volumes of waste rocks. It can be both economically and environmentally attractive to valorise waste rocks in mining infrastructures such as haul roads. However current practice usually consists of using waste rock directly, without any preparation or selection, thus frequently resulting in punctures, dust generation and low durability. The aim of this study was therefore to determine optimal geotechnical properties of crushed waste rocks for use in surface course layer. Crushed waste rocks were characterised in the laboratory. Their strength was evaluated using California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. Several compaction energies were used, and he effect of maximum particle size, fines content, and dry density on the strength were assessed. Results showed that these parameters had a significant impact on the performance of the material. The strength was maximum for an optimum FC of around 10%, a high density and in the presence of coarser particles. Two regression models were also proposed to predict the CBR value of crushed waste rocks based on their physical properties.
Electroacupuncture for Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Background Previous studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) has a positive effect on motor and sensory function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). This review evaluated the effectiveness of EA for improvement in activities of daily living in patients with SCI. Methods We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP databases using a search strategy according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions up to 30th September 2020. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of EA in patients with SCI were included. We analyzed the data using RevMan (version 5.3) and graded the quality of evidence using GRADE profiler 3.6. 1. Results This meta-analysis included 10 RCTs with 712 patients. Three studies revealed that the functional independence measure score for SCI patients in the EA group was higher than that in the control group (mean difference [MD] = 13.46, 95% CI: 8.00 to 18.92, P < 0.00001). Five studies showed that the modified Barthel index in the EA group was higher than that in the control group (MD = 6.92, 95% CI: 4.96 to 8.89, P < 0.00001). Five studies showed that the American Spinal Injury Association-motor score (ASIA-motor score) in the EA group was higher than that in the control group (standard MD = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.18, P < 0.00001). Three studies reported the ASIA-tactile and pain scores and also reported that the scores in the EA group were higher than those in the control group, with high homogeneity (tactile I2 = 86%, P = 0.0008; pain I2 = 54%, P = 0.11). The quality of evidence for the use of EA for improvement in motor and sensory function in SCIs was moderate according to the GRADE system. Conclusion This review suggested that EA improves activities of daily living and motor function in patients with SCI, with a moderate level of evidence.
Determination of optical birefringence and orientational order parameter of octyloxycyanobiphenyl from a voltage-dependent optical transmission technique

ABSTRACT Measurements of optical birefringence have been performed on mesogen 4-cyano-4′-n-octyloxybiphenyl (8OCB) from a voltage-dependent optical transmission technique. The temperature dependence of birefringence has been determined from the voltage dependence of transmitted intensity through homogeneously aligned (planar) plane-parallel liquid crystal-filled cells of different cell-thicknesses. At a particular temperature, a systematic increase of birefringence has been observed with a decrease in cell-thickness. From the optical birefringence data, related orientational order parameter values have also been calculated. The outcomes for orientational order parameter are compared with those reported from other well-known techniques for the similar mesogen. Close agreement among the temperature dependence of orientational order parameter from this study and those from other techniques validates the reliability of the present optical method in precise investigation of physical characteristics of liquid crystalline materials.
A new comprehensive grading for giant pituitary adenomas: SLAP grading

Abstract Aim Giant pituitary adenomas are difficult to resect due to multicompartmental extension. We developed a new grading system for giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs) considering possible extension in superior, lateral, anterior, and posterior (SLAP) directions. We also related the degree of resection to the SLAP grading. Methods A review of case files and radiological images of patients with the GPAs defined as pituitary adenomas with a size of more than 4 cm in any dimension was done. The extent of the tumour was noted and scored as per the SLAP system. The maximum total score is 10 and represents a large tumour with maximum extensions in all directions. The subtotal resection (STR) was defined as a residual tumour volume of more than 10%. The association between individual and total score on the degree of resection was determined. Results A total of 103 cases of GPAs were analyzed. All patients had a suprasellar (S) extension. The lateral (L) extension was seen in 97.3% of cases. The anterior (A) extension was seen in 28 (27.2%) cases. The posterior (P) extension was seen in 45 (43.7%). Forty-eight (46.6%) had a total score of 5 or more. The STR was achieved in 64 (62.2%) cases. On regression analysis, a total score of ≥5 was associated with odds of 5.02 (1.69–14.93), p-value 0.004 for STR. Conclusion The SLAP grading is a comprehensive grading system that can be applied easily to the GPAs and gives a complete picture of the extension of the tumour.