Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer‐aided‐design (CAD) of suspended‐substrate microstrips: An overview

The arrival of electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools has not eclipsed the relevance of CAD models for microwave and millimeter‐wave integrated circuits. In this article, an overview of the existing CAD models for suspended and inverted microstrips is presented. Comparisons of the various CAD models with rigorously obtained theoretical data are presented, followed by comparisons against available experimental data. Areas needing further research are also identified. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2005.
Toward remote seafloor classification using the angular response of acoustic backscattering: a case study from multiple overlapping GLORIA data

While the average seafloor backscatter strength within a narrow range of grazing angles can be used as a first-order classification tool, this technique often fails to distinguish seafloors of known differing geological character. In order to resolve such ambiguities, it is necessary to examine the variation in backscatter strength as a function of grazing angle. For this purpose, a series of multiply overlapping GLORIA sidescan sonar images (6.5 kHz) have been obtained in water depths ranging from 1000 to 2500 m. To constrain the placement of acoustic backscatter measurements and to measure the true impinging angle of the incident wave, the corresponding seafloor was simultaneously surveyed using the Seabeam multibeam system. As a result of the multiple overlap, the angular response of seafloor backscatter strength may be derived for regions much smaller than the swath width. By using the derived angular response of seafloor backscatter strength in regions for which sediment samples exist, an empirical seafloor classification scheme is proposed based on the shape, variance, and magnitude of the angular response. Because of the observed variability in the shape of the angular response with differing seafloor types, routine normalization of single-pass swath data to an equivalent single grazing angle image cannot be achieved. As a result, for the case of single-pass surveys, confident seafloor classification may only be possible for regions approaching the scale of the swath width. >
Teaching Genetic Algorithms in Electrical Engineering Education: A Problem-Based Learning Approach:

In this paper we discuss how to set up an electrical problem through a problem-based learning (PBL) constructivist approach. PBL is the learning which results from the process of working towards the understanding and the resolution of a problem. Our aim is to show that PBL can be used effectively in teaching electrical engineering. To put this process into effect, two groups were formed at the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering at Kocaeli University and the students were asked to sort out an ill-defined problem. In our paper, we explain how the groups conducted the study and arrived at the resolution of the problem through PBL.
Energy Consumption of Encryption Schemes in Wireless Devices

Resources in the wireless environment are limited. The processor has limited capacity and there is limited battery power available. The increasing demand for services on wireless devices has pushed technical research into finding ways to overcome these limitations. As the penetration of wireless devices increases and applications become more critical every day, security of wireless networks has come under heavy scrutiny. However since most of the current communication algorithms are designed and tested for use in the wired environment, they cannot be used directly in Wireless LANs. Encryption, which is the backbone of security protocols, is computationally intensive and consumes energy and computational resources that are limited in wireless devices. The current encryption standards used in wireless systems are not very secure. Also, the wireless network interface draws a significant fraction of total power consumed by the mobile device. Collisions and retransmissions lead to additional consumption of power. To design energy efficient secure protocols for wireless devices there is a need to understand how encryption affects the consumption of battery power with and without data transmission.The research work carried out in this thesis, provides results that encourage having encryption schemes as software implementation in Wireless LANs and provides results reflecting the advantages of doing so. Various symmetric key and asymmetric key algorithms have been evaluated with different key sizes and on different devices. Effect of varying signal to noise ratio and varying packet sizes has been studied. Further, some suggestions for design of secure communications systems to handle the varying wireless environment have been provided.
Macro and micro determinants of project performance

One year from the target date of the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the result in Africa is only a work in progress. Africa has made progress towards some of the MDGs but needs to draw lessons and improve performance post 2015. This study investigates the development effectiveness of the African Development Bank Group-financed projects using 229 concluded projects between 2004 and 2012 to assess the major determinants of project performance. The study finds that the Bank Group has on average a high level of development effectiveness. Using econometric analysis the study found that country-level variables’ interactions with project-level variables explain a substantial share of the variationsin project performance. In particular, it affirmed that country policies and institutions and country capacity in general is positively correlated with project performance whilst parallel project implementation units were not correlated. At the micro level, the age of a project, the quality of project design and the choice of programing instrument were also important determinants of project success. The findings of this study therefore will inform the policy formulation processes in the post 2015 agenda.
Prevalence of pathological diagnoses and epidemiological profile of patients with non-melanoma skin cancer suspicious lesions

Introduction: Cutaneous cancer has a high incidence, can be screened with dermatological clinical examination and confirmed by cutaneous biopsy. Objective: To verify the prevalence of pathological diagnoses for suspected non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) lesions in a Reference Service. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study. Patients with indication of skin biopsy for suspected NMSC were included. Variables analyzed: age, gender, personal history of skin cancer, number of biopsies, biopsy site, and pathological outcome, divided into Group 1 (neoplastic lesions); Group 2 (premalignant lesions), and Group 3 (benign lesions). Results: A total of 287 patients, with an average of 1.33 biopsies per patient. The median age in the sample was 71 years, and 56.1% were women. Personal history of skin cancer: 44.95%. General sample: group 1: 62%; group 2: 21% and group 3: 17%. Neoplasms found: 68% were BCC, 30% were SCC, and other neoplasms: 2%. In the group of premalignant lesions: mainly actinic keratosis; in the group of benign lesions: diagnostic variety. The cephalic segment was the most frequently biopsied topography (58%). Conclusions: In this study, we showed a higher incidence of skin cancer in women, with the majority of elderly patients being the most frequent diagnosis of BCC.
An examination of patterns of caregiver responsiveness and toddler communication in early childhood classrooms

ABSTRACT Young children’s communication is dependent upon caregivers’ responsiveness to their behaviors; however, little is known about the responsiveness of toddler teachers to children in their classrooms. To increase teachers’ responsiveness to children’s behavior, a peer-coaching model was implemented in three Early Head Start classrooms. The peer-coaching model was developed to (a) increase frequency of appropriate infant/toddler teacher responses to children in their classroom, (b) increase engagement of children, and (c) support early communication of infants and toddlers. This study documented toddlers’ communication with their teachers to examine trends in toddler communication and teacher responsiveness. Results of this descriptive study suggest a pattern whereby child communication acts were higher when teachers’ responsiveness was higher. This finding supports the need for future research regarding best practices in increasing quality interactions between toddlers and caregivers to support communication development in early care and education settings.
Effect of 12 Weeks Core Training on Core Muscle Performance in Rhythmic Gymnastics

Simple Summary The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 12 weeks of core muscle training on core muscle performance in rhythmic gymnasts. Core strength training leads to improvements in body composition, as well as improvements in trunk strength and increases in muscle electromyographic activity. These improvements could therefore improve performance during competitive rhythmic gymnastics exercises. Abstract Background: Rhythmic gymnastics performance is characterized by technical elements involving flexibility, aerobic capacity and strength. Increased core strength in rhythmic gymnastics could lead to improved sporting performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 12 weeks of core muscle training on core muscle performance in rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: A randomized controlled study involving 24 rhythmic gymnastics was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; n = 12; age 13.50 ± 3.17 years) or a training group (TG; n = 12; age 14.41 ± 2.35 years). Body composition, isometric strength of trunk, core endurance and core muscle electromyographic activity were measured (EMG) after 12 weeks of core training. Independent sample t-tests were carried out to compare baseline values between groups. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (time × group) was applied. Results: The TG improved body composition, trunk lean mass (mean differences MD = −0.31; p = 0.040), lean mass (MD = 0.43; p = 0.037) and bone mass (MD = −0.06; p < 0.001) after training. Core training increased isometric strength of trunk, flexion test (MD = −21.53; p = 0.019) and extension test (MD = 22.7; p = 0.049), as well as the prone bridge core endurance test (MD = −11.27; p = 0.040). The EMG values also increased in the TG in prone bridge for front trunk (MD = −58.58; p = 0.026). Conclusions: Core strength training leads to improvements in body composition, as well as improvements in trunk strength and increases in muscle electromyographic activity. These improvements could therefore improve performance during competitive rhythmic gymnastics exercises.
Fabrication of High-Performance CNT Reinforced Polymer Composite for Additive Manufacturing by Phase Inversion Technique

Additive Manufacturing (AM) of polymer composites has enabled the fabrication of highly customized parts with notably mechanical properties, thermal and electrical conductivity compared to un-reinforced polymers. Employing the reinforcements was a key factor in improving the properties of polymers after being 3D printed. However, almost all the existing 3D printing methods could make the most of disparate fiber reinforcement techniques, the fused filament fabrication (FFF) method is reviewed in this study to better understand its flexibility to employ for the proposed novel method. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a desirable reinforcement have a great potential to improve the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of 3D printed polymers. Several functionalization approaches for the preparation of CNT reinforced composites are discussed in this study. However, due to the non-uniform distribution and direction of reinforcements, the properties of the resulted specimen do not change as theoretically expected. Based on the phase inversion method, this paper proposes a novel technique to produce CNT-reinforced filaments to simultaneously increase the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. A homogeneous CNT dispersion in a dilute polymer solution is first obtained by sonication techniques. Then, the CNT/polymer filaments with the desired CNT content can be obtained by extracting the polymer’s solvent. Furthermore, optimizing the filament draw ratio can result in a reasonable CNT orientation along the filament stretching direction.
Single-voltage-supply highly efficient E/D dual-gate pseudomorphic double-hetero HEMT's with platinum buried gates

Highly efficient enhance/depletion (E/D) dual-gate HEMT's for use in high-power linear amplifiers with a single biasing supply are demonstrated. These devices include platinum buried gates to realize a single biasing supply. A double-heterostructure and a GaAs/InGaAs/GaAs superlattice channel were adopted to obtain a good linearity and a large gain. An E/D dual-gate field effect transistors (FET) structure is also adopted to improve the gain and efficiency. High output power of 24 dBm, high power gain of 24 dB, and high power-added-efficiency of 46% for the gate width of 4-mm sample were obtained under conditions with a 1.5-GHz Japan Personal Digital Cellular (PDC) standard and with a +3.5 V single biasing supply.
Will Remotely Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Water Down Its Effectiveness?

Despite numerous benefits, traditional Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) as a resource remains underutilized in chronic lung disease. Less than 3% of eligible candidates for PR attend one or more sessions after hospitalization due to many barriers, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging alternative models of PR delivery such as home-based PR, tele-rehabilitation, web-based PR, or hybrid models could help address these barriers. Numerous studies have tested the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of these methods, but there is wide variability across studies and methods. We conducted a literature review to help determine if these alternative delivery methods watered down the effectiveness of PR. To evaluate the effectiveness of remotely based PR, the authors performed a literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case series using PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline to identify relevant articles through 1 May 2021. Twenty-six applicable studies were found in which 11 compared tele-rehabilitation to conventional clinic-based PR; 11 evaluated tele-rehabilitation using the patient’s baseline status as control; and four compared tele-rehabilitation to no rehabilitation. Despite the different technologies used across studies, tele-rehabilitation was found to be both a feasible and an efficacious option for select patients with lung disease. Outcomes across these studies demonstrated similar benefits to traditional PR programs. Thus the existing data does not show that remotely based PR waters down the effectiveness of conventional PR. Use of remotely based PR is a feasible and effective option to deliver PR, especially for patients with significant barriers to conventional clinic-based PR. Additional, well-conducted RCTs are needed to answer the questions regarding its efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness and who, among patients with COPD and other lung diseases, will derive the maximum benefit.
Alpha-particle-induced charge collection measurements for megabit DRAM cells

An alpha-particle-induced charge collection mechanism for megabit DRAM cells was studied using an experimental method for 1-bit cell test structures with storage areas of 1 to 30 mu m/sup 2/. The dependence of the critical charge Q/sub c/ for soft errors on the cell size and p/sup +/ barriers was extensively examined. Q/sub c/ was found to be proportional to the diagonal length of the depletion region. In addition, charge collection in the presence of p/sup +/ barriers was enhanced by charge multiplication through the weak avalanche effect. >
Gen Y: Leadership to Maximise Their Current Contribution

There has been an increasing trend in recent times to categorise people into generations based on their year of birth. The logic is that people born in certain periods of time have been similarly shaped by their environment and are therefore more likely to display similar behaviours. A great deal of literature now exists on the character traits that are thought to typify each generation and there has been a particular focus on the traits of Generation Y (Gen Y), the most recent age group to enter the workforce. Much has been written about Gen Y with regard to recruiting, retaining and marketing. There has also been comment on managing Gen Y, but much of this has come from the angle of how to cope with or control Gen Y. This paper takes the approach that since Gen Y are here to stay, let us try to work out how best to lead them in order to maximise their contribution in the workplace as soon as possible.
MPR and NLR as Prognostic Markers in ICU-Admitted Patients with COVID-19 in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Objective The aims of the current study were to evaluate the importance of MPR and NLR as prognostic markers in ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients and to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on hematological and coagulation parameters in patients from Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Methods This retrospective study was conducted between October 2020 and January 2021 at King Fahad Central Hospital, Jazan region. Medical files, which included the results of complete blood count (CBC), calculated mean platelet volume to platelet count ratio (MPR) and neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) parameters, coagulation profile and D-dimer test, of 96 (64 male and 32 female) COVID-19-infected patients admitted to the intensive care unit were reviewed. Associations between the test results and COVID-19 infection outcomes (discharged [DC] or passed away [PA]) were measured. Results The results of the current study demonstrate overall significant differences in CBC parameters between PA group as compared to DC group (P < 0.05). The PA group had a significantly elevated MPR (10.15±12.16 vs 4.04±1.5; P < 0.01) and NLR (18.29±19.82 vs 7.35±9.68; P < 0.01) as compared to the DC group, suggesting an association between these parameters and mortality. Odds ratios analysis also showed that adjustment for demographic variables and comorbidities did not weaken the observed association. Conclusion Elevated MPR and NLR are associated with poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients and could be useful as therapy management indicators.
Cash Holdings and Over-Investments during Covid 19 Pandemic: The Evidence from Vietnam

Since the end of 2019, the world has been witnessing a severe Covid 19 pandemic. Right from the beginning, it reveals serious effects on many aspects of the economy. During this period, it is believed that firms tend to reduce their investments and therefore hold more cash to minimize potential risks. By studying 2,868 firm-year observations from non-financial listed firms in Vietnam from 2017 to 2020, this paper examines the impact of Covid 19 pandemic on cash holdings and overinvestment. Furthermore, the paper also makes the comparison between the cash holding level of overinvestment firms and non-overinvestment firms during Covid 19 pandemic. With the panel data, the research uses GLS, fixed effect, GMM and logit models to test appropriate regressions. The findings indicate that firms seem to have a tendency to hoard more cash and also reduce overinvestments during Covid 19 pandemic that are consistent with the theory of precautionary motive. This research further shows that overinvestment firms still reserve less cash than other firms during the pandemic. This paper contributes to the current literature with the investigation of both corporate cash holdings and overinvestment during the Covid 19 pandemic. However, the research time period is only from 2017 to 2020, which might be a limitation of this paper. © 2021 by authors.
Integration of animal welfare into housing systems for laying hens

During the last 25 years poultry husbandry has strongly been intensified, dramatically chang­ ing the living conditions of the animals and generating fierce debate on animal welfare. The most severe criticism was on the battery cage housing system for laying hens. At present it is the policy of some European countries to ban the battery cage if appropriate alternatives become available. First the concept of welfare is elaborated and parameters for welfare are identified. Secondly, requirements for the housing of laying hens are defined and the strategy towards a new and better housing system is described. The present state of research, especial­ ly on the Tiered Wire Floor system, and constraints and perspectives are discussed.
Integration and Testing of a High-Torque Servo-Driven Joint and Its Electronic Controller with Application in a Prototype Upper Limb Exoskeleton

Mechatronic systems that allow motorized activation in robotic exoskeletons have evolved according to their specific applications and the characteristics of the actuation system, including parameters such as size, mechanical properties, efficiency, and power draw. Additionally, different control strategies and methods could be implemented in various electronic devices to improve the performance and usability of these devices, which is desirable in any application. This paper proposes the integration and testing of a high-torque, servo-driven joint and its electronic controller, exposing its use in a robotic exoskeleton prototype as a case study. Following a brief background review, the development and implementation of the proposal are presented, allowing the control of the servo-driven joint in terms of torque, rotational velocity, and position through a straightforward, closed-loop control architecture. Additionally, the stability and performance of the servo-driven joint were assessed with and without load. In conclusion and based on the obtained results, the servo-driven joint and its control system demonstrate consistent performance under the proposed test protocol (max values: angular velocity 97 °/s, torque 33 Nm, positioning RMSE 1.46°), enabling this approach for use in various applications related to robotic exoskeletons, including human performance enhancement, rehabilitation, or support for daily living activities.
Effects of temperature and moisture content of logs on size distribution of black spruce chips produced by a chipper-canter at two cutting widths

Four matched groups of black spruce logs were processed with a chipper-canter at temperatures of 20, 0, -10, and -20 °C. Each log was transformed at two moisture contents (MC, green and air-dried) using two cutting widths (CW, 12.7 and 25.4 mm). Mean MC for each CW was assessed from a sample of the obtained chips. Knot characteristics were measured on the cant surfaces after log processing. Chip size was assessed by thickness (Domtar classifier) and width/length (Williams classifier). The results showed that the chip size was significantly affected by the CW and temperature, and in a lesser degree by the chip MC. The weighted mean chip thickness (WCT) increased with the CW. As temperature decreased below 0 °C, WCT and accepts decreased, while proportions of fines and pin chips increased. Chips obtained from green logs were thinner compared to air-dried logs when processed at the coldest temperature (minus 20 °C). The number and size of knots had an important impact on chip size, particularly on WCT. Multiple regressions were developed to predict WCT. Results showed the potential benefits of measuring log temperature and knot features to reduce chip thickness variation during fragmentation and thus improving chip size uniformity.