Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insertion-loss-free 1×4 optical switch fabricated using bandgap-energy-controlled selective MOVPE

A 1/spl times/4 optical switch consisting of a passive 1/spl times/4 splitter and four laser diode amplifier (SOA) gates was fabricated using higher-pressure bandgap-energy-controlled selective metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). By using this technique, core layers with a low-loss waveguide of 0.2 dB/mm and an SOA were simultaneously integrated using one-step MOVPE. Insertion-loss-free operation was achieved at a low injection current of 58 mA without any additional SOA.
The relationship between empathic concern and perceived personal costs for helping and how it is affected by similarity perceptions

ABSTRACT One explanation for the positive effect of state empathic concern on helping is that such other-focused feelings reduce helpers’ perceptions of their personal costs for helping. Results from an experiment (N = 186) supported these assumptions and showed further that self-focused feelings of personal distress, another form of affective empathy, were a positive predictor of perceived costs. Moreover, I examined whether the strength of the negative relationship between empathic concern and personal costs depends on two forms of perceived similarity between the helper and the target, person similarity and experience similarity. For this purpose, I manipulated person similarity by portraying the target as either similar or dissimilar with regard to essential characteristics, and assessed experience similarity by asking whether or not participants share the target’s negative experience. As predicted, the negative relationship between empathic concern and perceived personal costs was strongest when person similarity was high and experience similarity low.
Electrical field dependence of charge carrier dynamics in disordered materials

The authors give a brief description of the transport properties in fractal materials and present results concerning the dependence of the power law exponent on the applied electric field. Interesting properties concerning the anisotropic structure of grading materials which can revealed by analyzing this dependence are discussed. Experimental data are presented, indicating the validity of the CTRW (continuous-time random walk) approach to explaining the power law time-dependence of the decaying current in composite materials. <<ETX>>
Open wye-open delta and open delta-open delta transformer models for rigorous distribution system analysis

The authors present mathematical models of open wye-open delta and open delta-open delta transformers for rigorous distribution system studies. The copper and core losses, winding connection, phase angular displacement between primary and secondary windings, and off-nominal tapping are all taken into account in the proposed models. Because open wye-open delta and open delta-open delta transformer banks are quite often used in distribution system, for analysing a distribution system in detail the modelling of these transformers are therefore required. < >
Engineering Sustainable Construction Material: Hemp-Fiber-Reinforced Composite with Recycled High-Density Polyethylene Matrix

AbstractThis paper presents findings from an ongoing research study aimed at increasing the available sustainable construction materials that could possibly be used in the design and construction of civil infrastructure and commercial building projects in the future. At the Sustainable Material and Renewable Technology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, a recent study was conducted to investigate the material properties of natural fiber composites (NFCs) developed from industrial hemp fiber. The NFCs were synthesized with recycled thermoplastic polymers using extrusion and compression molding techniques. The effects of fiber/matrix volume fraction on composite’s tensile, flexural strength, and modulus were investigated. The surface morphology of natural fiber both before and after treatment was examined by using scanning electron microscopy. The results of the study indicate that hemp fiber composites with recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) have many desirable mechanical .
Relationship quality antecedents: the Malaysian retail banking perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of relationship marketing (RM) underpinnings namely, trust, commitment, communication and conflict handling on the quality of firm‐customer relationship as well as the levels of contribution of these underpinnings.Design/methodology/approach – The model of relationship quality based on literature was developed and tested empirically among customers of retail banks in Malaysia. A structured questionnaire was used in the study. Sample selection was based on a systematic random sampling technique. Factor and multivariate analyses techniques were used to process the data.Findings – The findings of the study support most of the hypothesized relationships. There is a significant positive relationship between trust, commitment and conflict handling on relationship quality. The independent variables contribute differentially to relationship quality.Research limitations/implications – The relationship marketing underpinnings can predict relationship q.
Antioxidant Properties and Structure-Antioxidant Activity Relationship of Allium Species Leaves

Allium is a genus that is widely consumed and used as traditional medicine in several countries. This genus has two major species, namely cultivated species and wild species. Cultivated species consist of A. cepa L. , A. sativum L. , A. fistulosum L. and A. schoenoprasum L. and wild species consist of A. ursinum L. , A. flavum L. , A. scorodoprasum L. , A. vineale L. and A. atroviolaceum Boiss. Several studies report that the Allium species contain secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins and have bioactivity such as antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, pancreatic α-amylase, glucoamylase enzyme inhibitors and antiplatelets. This review summarizes some information regarding the types of Allium species (ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology), the content of compounds of Allium species leaves with various isolation methods, bioactivities, antioxidant properties and the structure-antioxidant activity relationship (SAR) of Allium compounds.
Optical Spectra of Oligofurans: A Theoretical Approach to the Transition Energies, Reorganization Energies, and the Vibronic Activity

There is experimental evidence of high vibronic activity that accompanies the allowed transition between the ground state and the lowest electronic singlet excited state of oligofurans that contain two, three, and four furan rings. The absorption and emission spectra of the three lowest oligofurans measured at liquid nitrogen temperature show distinct fine structures that are reproduced using the projection-based model of vibronic coupling (with Dushinsky rotation included) parameterized utilizing either Density Functional Theory (DFT, with several different exchange-correlation functionals) or ab initio (CC2) quantum chemistry calculations. Using as a reference the experimental data concerning the electronic absorption and fluorescence for the eight lowest oligofurans, we first analyzed the performance of the exchange-correlation functionals for the electronic transition energies and the reorganization energies. Subsequently, we used the best functionals alongside with the CC2 method to explore how the reorganization energies are distributed among the totally symmetric vibrations, identify the normal modes that dominate in the fine structures present in the absorption and emission bands, and trace their evolution with the increasing number of rings in the oligofuran series. Confrontation of the simulated spectra with the experiment allows for the verification of the performance of the selected DFT functionals and the CC2 method.
Characterization of power distribution lines for high-speed data transmission

This paper presents techniques for characterization of power lines in Singapore power distribution network and methodologies to extract necessary information from the measured data in 1 MHz to 10 MHz frequency range. Measurements are made on the noises in actual residential power lines, which are generated from some typical electrical apparatuses used in an ordinary home. The equipment and locations used to obtain our measurements are described. The results of impulse noise measurements in typical residential power lines are presented. Statistical analyses of the measurements are presented in the form of amplitude probability distributions, pulse duration distributions, and interarrival time distributions. From the results obtained so far, it is observed that the noise and signal attenuation of power distribution lines vary with frequency, time and location. These are caused by the rather dynamic nature of power lines and their connected loads that are changing all the time.
PARAMETER ESTIMATION FOR PROCESS-ORIENTED CROP GROWTH MODELS

The accuracy of process-oriented crop growth models depends on the soundness of conceptual representation of physiological processes and the proper parameter values used in their mathematical representations. These parameters are often difficult to measure, and the data needed to estimate them are often not readily available. This constitutes a major limitation to the applicability of process-oriented models. In this article, a procedure for estimating plant growth parameters for a single species is described. GRASIM, a mechanistic grazing simulation model, is used for this work. GRASIM’s plant growth module integrates major processes including light interception, photosynthesis, respiration, tissue recycling, and senescence using ten primary crop growth parameters. GRASIM was first converted into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The methodology then uses Excel Solver’s Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG2) algorithm to estimate crop growth parameters by iteratively minimizing the difference between simulated and field-observed data. Physiologically sound ranges for these parameters were defined from the literature and incorporated into the optimization procedure, guiding the initialization of parameters and serving as boundary constraints to ensure the feasibility of the optimized parameter set. The methodology was evaluated using observed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growth and soil water data from a two-year (1999-2000) experiment conducted at the American University of Beirut Agricultural Research Center in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. Optimized parameters using 1999 data were within the specified physiological ranges, and they gave a good fit between simulated and measured crop biomass in both seasons. Although the simulated soil water contents in the top 30 cm and bottom 70 cm soil layers followed the observed general trends, they lacked the observed fluctuations. Due to the fact that GRASIM modifies daily potential crop growth based on soil water availability, it is important to continue model development to achieve more accurate estimate of soil water contents. This will allow the parameter estimation procedure to find crop growth parameters closer to those defined by the combined effects of plant physiology and field physical conditions. This study will benefit the use of mechanistic crop models and help to extend the applicability of such models to species with little available growth data.
Contextual Approach Animated Video in Science Material for Grade Fourth Elementary School Students

Lack of learning support materials and the need for media development to assist teachers in explaining learning materials. Learning is only based on the theme book. Therefore, it is necessary to develop animated videos with a contextual approach to the content of science material. This study aims to develop an animated video learning media with a contextual approach to the content of science material. This type of research is the development of the ADDIE model development research model. Data collection methods used are questionnaires or questionnaires, interview methods, and document recording methods. Data analysis techniques used are qualitative analysis techniques and quantitative analysis techniques. The subject of this research is the development of animated video media. The results of this study are a description of the design and development of animated video media with a contextual approach in the form of product development documentation and validation according to subject content experts' reviews which obtained a score of 100% very good qualification, a review of learning design experts obtained a score of 97% with very good qualifications. Learning media expert reviews obtained a score of 97% with very good qualifications, and media expert reviews were obtained by 97.3% with very good qualifications and group expert reviews with 98.67% gains with very good qualifications. So it can be said as the development of animated video media with a contextual approach is very well used in fourth-grade science material in elementary schools. The research implication is that contextual approach animation video media can help students in learning.
Closed-form expressions for computer-aided design of microstrip ring antennas

This article presents closed-form expressions for the resonant frequency and radiation characteristics of microstrip ring antennas to assist in the computer-aided design of such antennas. Radiation fields are obtained using the vector electric potential calculated from the magnetic currents flowing along the inner and outer edges of the planar waveguide model for the microstrip ring structure. Expressions for radiated power, conductor and dielectric loss factors, resonant resistance, efficiency, and directivity are derived. The smaller the radius of curvature of the ring, the larger is the spacing between the magnetic currents flowing along the inner and outer edges and thus the radiation efficiency is higher. The effect of a dielectric layer covering the ring antenna is also included. Experimental results for the resonant frequency and the radiation patterns agree well with the theoretical predictions. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Currents and current gain analysis of passivated heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT)

In this paper, we investigate the effect of the effective interface velocities on the currents, and the current gain of arbitrary base doping and different types of level injection in the base of a heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT). It is shown that the space-charge region recombination current and the collector current are strong functions of the effective interface velocities and the thermionic flux. An expression of the effective interface velocities and the carrier boundary conditions of the HBT are derived. The effect of the thermionic emission flux on the quasi-Fermi level discontinuity is studied, and an expression of the quasi-Fermi level discontinuity is derived and shown to be function of the interface velocities and the space-charge recombination current. An expression of the current gain of an HBT is derived. The calculated current gain is in excellent agreement with other reported experimental results. >
Scaling of thermal CMOS gas flow microsensors: experiment and simulation

This paper reports the fabrication, characterization and numerical simulation of two sets of CMOS gas flow microsensors. The thermal sensors were produced using a commercial CMOS process followed by front or rear silicon etching to produce bridge and membrane based sensors, respectively. The dependence of the device output characteristics on design parameters and flow channel dimensions was determined experimentally, and modelled by finite element (FE) analysis. Both experiment and simulation show that the sensors probe a region of the flow profile close to the surface of the flow channel. Their output signals depend primarily on the gradient of the profile. Their sensitivity varies with the flow channel width w as w/sup -n/ with exponents n close to 1.
Air Humidity Characteristics in "Local Climate Zones" of Novi Sad (Serbia) Based on Long-Term Data

This study aims to investigate spatial and temporal dynamics and relationship between air temperature and five air humidity parameters (relative humidity, water vapor pressure, absolute humidity, specific humidity, and vapor pressure deficit) in Novi Sad, Serbia, based on two-year data (December 2015–December 2017). The analysis includes different urban areas of Novi Sad, which are delineated in five built (urban) types of local climate zones (LCZ) (LCZ 2, LCZ 5, LCZ 6, LCZ 8, and LCZ 9), and one land cover (natural) local climate zone (LCZ A) located outside the urban area. Temporal analysis included annual, seasonal, and monthly dynamics of air temperature and air humidity parameters, as well as their patterns during the extreme periods (heat and cold wave). The results showed that urban dry island (UDI) occurs in densely urbanized LCZ 2 from February to October, unlike other urban LCZs. The analysis of the air humidity dynamics during the heat wave shows that UDI intensity is most pronounced during the daytime, but also in the evening (approximately until midnight) in LCZ 2. However, lower UDI intensity is observed in the afternoon, in other urban LCZs (LCZ 6, LCZ 8, and LCZ 9) and occasionally in the later afternoon in LCZ 5. Regression analysis confirms the relationship between air temperature and each of the analyzed air humidity parameters.
Immigration control and the white working class: explaining state-level laws in the US, 2005–2017

Abstract Immigration control has emerged as a fiery partisan issue in American politics as evidenced by the controversies over policies of the Trump administration over the last four years. While legislative reform remains deadlocked at the federal level, a number of states have passed laws with reference to immigrants—documented or otherwise—within their boundaries. This study draws upon group threat theory to identify the factors affecting restrictive immigration laws at the state-level. Using cross-sectional time-series state-level data from 2005-2017, this study expands upon existing research in several important ways, including by investigating the effect of the non-Hispanic white working class. Results indicate that the passage of restrictive immigration legislation over the period of study was driven by increases in state-level inequality and increases in the size of the low-skilled white population. Implications for group threat theory are discussed.
Lighting for subsidiary streets: investigation of lamps of different SPD. Part 2—Brightness

British Standard BS5489-1: 2003 permits a trade-off between colour rendering and illuminance for lighting in subsidiary streets—if lamps of high colour rendering index are used, such as metal halide instead of low- and high-pressure sodium, a lower illuminance can be used. A series of tests are carried out to validate the trade-off and this paper reports on the new brightness data from these tests. The experimental results support the trade-off but it is suggested that its application may depend on the stage of chromatic adaptation at which the assessment of brightness is made. The experimental results are compared with predictions made by four models of mesopic photometry.
Comparison of Postoperative Hyphemas between Microhook Ab Interno Trabeculotomy and iStent Using a New Hyphema Scoring System

We have been using our in-house scoring system of hyphemas, i.e., Shimane University RLC postoperative hyphema scoring system (SU-RLC), which we designed to classify postoperative hyphema. SU-RLC classifies the severities of hyphemas based on three factors, i.e., red blood cells (RBCs) (R) 0–3, layer formation (L) 0–3, and clot (C) 0–1, by slit-lamp observation. To test the clinical usefulness of the SU-RLC for quantifying the postoperative hyphema severity, the SU-RLC scores were compared between eyes that underwent different minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures, i.e., Tanito microhook ab interno trabeculotomy and cataract extraction (TMH-CE) (n = 64 eyes of 64 subjects; mean age ± standard deviation, 72.4 ± 8.1 years) and iStent-CE (n = 21 eyes of 21 subjects; 76.1 ± 10.6 years). Compared to the iStent-CE, higher hyphema scores with the TMH-CE were found for the R scores on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3; for the L score on postoperative day 1; and for the C score on postoperative day 2. The sums of the R, L, and C scores (RLC) on postoperative day 1 were 3.2 ± 1.1 with the TMH-CE and 1.1 ± 1.3 with the iStent-CE; the scores reached almost 0 by 2 weeks in both groups. Significant differences in the RLC scores between the surgical groups were found on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Multivariate analyses showed that the TMH-CE rather than iStent-CE was associated with higher R, C, and RLC scores; anticoagulant/antiplatelet use was associated with higher R score; and myopia was associated with a higher C score. In the TMH-CE group, myopia was associated with a higher C score. In the iStent-CE group, anticoagulant/antiplatelet use was associated with higher R and RLC scores; and higher postoperative 1-day intraocular pressure was associated with a higher C score. The SU-RLC successfully detected the difference in hyphema severity between different MIGS procedures; thus, we concluded that our classification system may be feasible to evaluate hyphemas after glaucoma surgery.
Danish population health measured by the EQ-5D-5L

Aims: The aims of this study were to provide Danish population norms for the EQ-5D-5L and to assess the measurement properties of the instrument in a Danish population setting. Methods: We used data from the Danish 5L valuation study in which a representative sample of the Danish population completed the EQ-5D-5L and answered socio-demographic questions. We generated population norms for the five EQ-5D-5L dimensions, corresponding utility scores and the EQ-5D visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) according to age and sex. Measurement properties of ceiling effects, known-group construct validity and convergent validity were assessed. Results: The mean EQ-5D-5L utility score for the 1014 respondents completing the EQ-5D-5L was 0.90 (standard deviation (SD)=0.16). No significant differences emerged across age groups (minimum mean utility score=0.88 (SD=0.19); maximum mean utility score=0.93 (SD=0.11)) or sex (mean utility score for women=0.89 (SD=0.17); mean utility score for men=0.91 (SD=0.15)). Statistical differences were found across educational level, occupational status, income and living situation. Similar patterns were observed for the EQ VAS. Generally, respondents most often reported problems with pain and discomfort, but young women most often reported problems with anxiety/depression. There was a significant strong correlation between EQ-5D-5L utility and the EQ VAS and a significant correlation between overall health and each of the five EQ-5D-5L dimensions. The overall ceiling effect for the EQ-5D-5L was 39% (compared to 56% for the EQ-5D-3L). Conclusions: Danish population norms for the EQ-5D-5L are now available. We found fewer ceiling effects for the EQ-5D-5L compared to the EQ-5D-3L, and we provide evidence for convergent and known-group validity of the EQ-5D-5L.