Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MEMS Electrometer With Femtoampere Resolution for Aerosol Particulate Measurements

Electrostatic charge measurements are at the base of chemical, physical and biological experiments. In this paper, we present an electrometer based on the vibrating capacitance of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonator for the detection of small currents from ionized particles in an aerosol particle detection system. We use a porous sensing-electrode coupled to a MEMS resonating electrometer. Operating at resonance, charge is collected on the MEMS electrometer and modulated at the resonant frequency and its harmonics. Induced voltage is read with a low-leakage very high-input impedance feedback amplifier. Because of the specific readout technique, a switched-reset is used to prevent charge saturation. Sensitivity improvements are achieved by modifying the low noise-readout amplifier by reducing input-referred noise and parasitic capacitance. The electrometer achieves a noise floor <;1 fA produced by 10 nm diameter particles within an airflow of 1.0 L/min. At this flow rate, the minimum detectable current (1 fA) corresponds to a minimum measureable particle density of 400 cm-3. The MEMS electrometer is compared with and calibrated against commercial electrometer and a particle counter, respectively.
Design of a 3D-printed circularly polarized antenna for portable UHF RFID readers

In this paper, a compact, low-profile, circularly polarized UHF RFID reader antenna conformal to a dielectrically controlled plastic support is proposed. The radiating element for the UHF-RFID band (865–868 MHz) has been realized through a circular array of four inverted-F monopoles, where the array elements are excited with a 90-degree phase offset (sequential rotation feeding technique) through a microstrip feeding network. To allow for a friendly prototype realization, the antenna structure is thought to be shaped on adhesive copper and the dielectric support to be 3D-printed in Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA), whose permittivity and loss tangent have been measured and taken into account in the simulation phase. A significant antenna compactness (60mm × 60mm × 6.5mm) has been obtained. Reflection coefficient, port isolation and radiation patterns are evaluated by numerical simulations.
[Effect of rapamycin combined with cisplatin on head and neck squamous cancer cells regulated by CCL19].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the synergistic effects of rapamycin and cisplatin on head and neck squamous cancer cells regulated by chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19). METHODS The role of rapamycin and cisplatin was detected on cell-cycle and apoptosis in CCL19 induced PCI-4B and PCI-37B cells by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry (FCM). Dose-effect relationship parameters and combination index (CI) were calculated on the median-effect equation and multiple drug effect equation using computer software CalcuSyn. Statistical analysis was performed by the unpaired student's t-test. RESULTS Rapamycin and cisplatin could respectively increase the growth arrest, the proportion of G(1) phase and apoptosis of CCL19 induced cancer cells (P < 0.05). Under inhibitory concentration 50% (IC(50)), CI was less than 1, and in IC(75), it was more than 1 in PCI-4B cells. In PCI-37B cells, under IC(75), CI was less than 1, and in IC(90), it was more than 1. CONCLUSIONS Rapamycin and cisplatin can inhibit CCL19-regulated PCI-4B and PCI-37B cells' survival. The two drugs have synergistic effects when used in combination.
It's all about growth – an empirical status report of business development

While business development (BD) is currently a widely spread term among practitioners, to date BD has received only little attention in scientific research. The objective of our study is to improve current knowledge on BD by analysing the status quo of BD in practice. Therefore, we conduct a descriptive quantitative empirical study on a cross-industry basis with 352 German companies. Specifically, the analysis focuses on understanding, activities, organisation, people, instruments as well as challenges and future relevance of BD. Our results indicate that BD is understood as the search for growth opportunities in four key dimensions: products, processes, markets and/or business models. It has top management access, highly skilled people with diverse backgrounds, who mainly apply instruments found in management literature. Main challenges in BD result from a paucity of human and financial resources. Yet in the future, BD is of increasing relevance for firms.
Congruence in Exchange: The Influence of Supervisors on Employee Performance in Family Firms

A pluralistic focus on economic and noneconomic goals creates dissonance for family firm employees. Drawing on social exchange theory, this study explores the idea that congruence between supervisor familial status and importance placed on socioemotional wealth aids in resolving this dissonance and allows committed employees to translate their efforts into better performance. The three-way interaction results show that committed employees working for congruent supervisors experienced higher task and citizenship performance. Supervisor incongruence resulted in the opposite effect. These findings suggest supervisor genuineness is vital to employee performance because of the dissonance associated with the pluralistic goal orientation in family firms.
Benchmarking leading-edge mobile devices for data-intensive distributed mobile cloud applications

Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) addresses the resource limitations of the mobile devices, but with a hidden cost depending on the requirements of the mobile applications. In this work, we investigate the proclaimed benefits of MCC for smart phones when thin clients are used to access remote cloud services, especially for applications that capitalize on the data generated from the mobile device. The added value of MCC can be hampered if the power of today's leading-edge mobile technology is not estimated. The opportunistic use of cloud is inevitable for the maximum benefit of the devices. Our experiments show that many resource and performance trade-offs exist and the current deployment schemes for these kind of applications are rough around the edges. There is a need for an automated deployment decision support for mobile applications to exploit the benefits of the cloud as well as the power of today's high-end mobile devices.
Actively Transcribed GAL Genes Can Be Physically Linked to the Nuclear Pore by the SAGA Chromatin Modifying Complex*

Recent work has demonstrated that some actively transcribed genes closely associate with nuclear pore complexes (NPC) at the nuclear periphery. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mlp1 and Mlp2 proteins are components of the inner nuclear basket of the nuclear pore that mediate interactions with these active genes. To investigate the physical link between the NPC and active loci, we identified proteins that interact with the carboxyl-terminal globular domain of Mlp1 by tandem affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry. This analysis led to the identification of several components of the Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) histone acetyltransferase complex, Gcn5, Ada2, and Spt7. We utilized co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro binding assays to confirm the interaction between the Mlp proteins and SAGA components. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that Mlp1 and SAGA components associate with the same region of the GAL promoters. Critically, this Mlp-promoter interaction depends on the integrity of the SAGA complex. These results identify a physical association between SAGA and the NPC, and support previous results that relied upon visualization of GAL loci at the nuclear periphery by microscopy (Cabal, G. G. Genovesio, A., Rodriguez-Navarro, S., Zimmer, C., Gadal, O., Lesne, A., Buc, H., Feuerbach-Fournier, F., Olivo-Marin, J.-C., Hurt, E. C., and Nehrbass, U. (2006) Nature 441, 770–773). We propose that a physical interaction between nuclear pore components and the SAGA complex can link the actively transcribed GAL genes to the nuclear pore.
Lectin Histochemistry Reveals the Appearance of M-cells in Peyer's Patches of scid Mice After Syngeneic Normal Bone Marrow Transplantation

Peyer's patches in the intestinal mucosa are characterized by the presence of several lymphatic follicles and interfollicular T-cell regions. Luminal antigens are transported across the intestinal epithelium to stimulate the Peyer's patch pre-B-cells in the follicles that proliferate and migrate to distant sites. Evidence suggests that antigen priming of B-lymphocytes is responsible for the number and location of Peyer's patches during postnatal life, but little is known about the histogenesis of Peyer's patches and their overlying membranous (M) cells. To examine whether T- and B-lymphocytes in Peyer's patches have an influence on M-cell generation, we studied the development of Peyer's patches and M-cells in severe combined immunodeficient (scid) mice reconstituted with bone marrow cells from normal syngeneic mice. Our experiments demonstrate that the donor bone marrow cells in the host scid mice repopulate to form single (primary) follicles and aggregates of lymphoid nodules, the Peyer's patches. Use of the lectins Anguilla anguilla (AAA) and Ulex europaeus I (UEA-I) as positive markers of mouse Peyer's patch M-cells revealed that M-cells develop in the dome epithelium overlying the single primary follicles and Peyer's patches of reconstituted scid mice. This experimental system therefore allows the study of the histogenesis of Peyer's patches and M-cells.
Speech and swallow rehabilitation following partial glossectomy: A systematic review

Abstract Purpose: Tongue cancer is known to negatively affect both speech and swallowing function; however this is the first review to report speech-language pathology (SLP) intervention for both functions following partial glossectomy. Method: Using a PRISMA approach, systematic screening of nine databases was undertaken. Original studies reporting SLP rehabilitation for speech and/or swallowing dysfunction with participants following partial glossectomy as primary cancer treatment were included. Result: These studies are discussed in terms of SLP assessment and intervention trends as well as quality according to current research method standards (levels of evidence, Pedro-P, SCED) in order to determine suitability for guiding current clinical practice. Conclusion: Publications were few (n = 7) and mostly of non-experimental design. This review highlights the gap in evidence and questions the rationale of current SLP rehabilitation following partial glossectomy.
Do Markets Prove Pessimists Right?

We study how ambiguity and ambiguity attitudes affect asset prices when consumers form their expectations based on past observations. In an overlapping generations economy with risk‐neutral yet ambiguity‐sensitive consumers, we describe limiting asset prices depending on the proportion of investor types. We then study the evolution of consumer‐type shares. With long memory, the market does not select for ambiguity neutrality. Whenever perceived ambiguity is sufficiently small, but positive, only pessimists survive and determine prices in the limit. With one‐period memory, equilibrium prices are determined by Bayesians. Yet, the average price of the risky asset is lower than its fundamental value.
Leakage-Assisted Transverse Mode Selection in Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers With Thick Large-Diameter Oxide Apertures

Cold-cavity 3-D transverse-vertical modes of 850 nm GaAs/AlGaAs vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with thick oxide aperture layers were simulated. Single fundamental mode operation at large aperture diameters is achieved by proper positioning of the layer with low Al content and thickness beyond a quarter-wavelength in the top distributed Bragg reflector above the aperture layers. This modification promotes the lateral leakage of the transverse higher-order modes along the oxidized layers and their discrimination due to increased gain thresholds at certain aperture diameters. At high leakage, even the fundamental mode exhibits confined spatially-modulated states due to coupling with the leakage field component.
Seasonal changes in cyclists' performance. Part I. The British Olympic road race squad.

British Olympic road squad cyclists were monitored during the 1980 racing season to evaluate training for the Moscow Games. Riders demonstrated reductions in body fat index, % body fat and endomorphy (p greater than .05). Graded exercise, using a "Racermate" wind load simulator/racing cycle ergometer system, showed reduced cardiovascular demands to warm-up exercise, and increased cardiovascular index, VO2 maximum, aerobic/anaerobic threshold shifts during maximal exercise (NS), with no changes in gearing, equivalent road speed, absolute/relative power output and leg power. Compared with "non-select" riders demonstrated lower body fat index, % body fat and endomorphy (p greater than .05), higher Hb and PCV % (p greater than .05) and elevated neuroticism and extraversion (p greater than .05). Furthermore, "select" riders demonstrated lower HR and CV index during warm-up exercise (p greater than .05), and elevated CV index, VO2 maximum, aerobic/anerobic thresholds during maximal exercise (p greater than .05), resulting from higher gearing, equivalent road speed and absolute/relative power output (p greater than .05).
Fabrication of gold nanowires using self-organized porous alumina template

Highly ordered gold nanowire arrays have been prepared by low frequency electrodeposition from self-organized porous alumina templates. The porous alumina templates were fabricated using the two-step anodization process. The diameter of nanowire is 40 nm, which is dependent on the pores of the template membrane we prepared. The length of gold nanowires was determined by varying the operating time of electrodeposition.
Technical Aspects of Implantation of LV Lead for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Chronic Heart Failure

The goal of this study was to analyze total procedural and fluoroscopic time during initial experience with implantation of LV lead in a single center, and to assess the performance of electrophysiologically‐guided approach for cannulation of the coronary sinus (CS) in a subsequent period. Over an initial period of 29 months, a total of 46 attempts to implant biventricular pacing system were revised. During the first phase, only one type of LV electrode was available for three implanters (11 attempts). The second phase covered their early experience with other stylet‐controlled LV leads (10 attempts). Additional LV leads including the over‐the‐wire design were available in the third phase and 25 attempts were done by he most experienced implanter. In a period of advanced experience, 92 implant procedures performed by four implanters using an electrophysiologically‐guided approach to CS cannulation were revised. In the first period, success rates for different phases reached 70%, 90%, and 96%, respectively. Significant decrease in both procedural and fluoroscopic times was achieved with increased experience (Phase I: 247.1 ± 104.5 minutes and 31.2 ± 34.3 minutes, Phase II: 219.4 ± 85.6 minutes, and 22.9 ± 19.1 minutes, Phase III: 116.4 ± 89.9 minutes and 6.6 ± 4.4 minutes, respectively, P < 0.05). Advanced experience with electrophysiologically‐guided approach to CS cannulation allowed achievement of this target within a reasonable amount of time (15.4 ± 16.3 minutes) and with minimum fluoroscopic time (2.1 ± 2.9 minutes). In conclusion, both individual learning curve and technical advances significantly influence success rate, procedural, and fluoroscopic times for biventricular system implantation. Electrophysiologically‐guided approach makes cannulation of the CS a highly reproducible procedure that requires minimum fluoroscopic time. (PACE 2004; 27[Pt. I]:783–790)
Fundamental study on vibration diagnosis for turbine generators using wavelet transform

We presented results of the fundamental study to introduce the wavelet transform to the vibration diagnosis for turbine generators. It is required to detect the vibration of turbine generators more accurately. The wavelet transform is used in many fields because it is able to visualize a phenomenon in the time-frequency domain and to detect the beginning time and the duration of it. We made a model rotor supported with two journal bearings to simulate typical vibrations as contact vibration, clearance vibration, and oil whip. The vibration phenomena were measured with displacement meters at the rotor and accelerometers at the rotor bearing, and then, visualized in the time-frequency domain by the wavelet transform. It is found that the dynamic spectra obtained by the wavelet transform of the contact vibration, the clearance vibration, and the oil whip, are different respectively. Therefore, this method is able to distinguish the typical vibration phenomena. The vibration phenomena can be detected and distinguished at the early stage.
Monitoring falls in elderly people: lessons from a community-based project.

OBJECTIVES This paper describes an evaluation of a community-based fall-detection project using smart phone based tri-axial accelerometry to identify factors that affect adoption and use of such technology by elderly people. METHODS A mixed methods study using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was conducted to evaluate attitudes of the elderly people participating, as well as project stakeholders involved in the project. Information registered in a web-based fall management system was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, using an adapted version of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). RESULTS Adoption rate was 61.7% and attrition rate was 57%, the most common reasons for attrition being health deterioration (50%) and problems with the device and the network (26.2%). CONCLUSION We identified a number of challenges that affected the success of this project, including problems with the software, usability issues with the device, coverage of the network, training of participants, and inadequacy of providing participants with a strong sense of safety and security.
Was It a Malay Tsunami? Deconstructing the Malay Vote in Malaysia’s 2018 Election

ABSTRACT In the aftermath of Malaysia’s 14th general election, many were quick to posit that it was a Malay tsunami – an electoral revolt of ethnic Malay voters – for the opposition Pakatan Harapan coalition that tipped the scales. A closer analysis of sentiments on the ground, however, indicates that the Malay vote was one against former Prime Minister Najib Razak, and not necessarily one in support of the then-opposition. While soaring costs of living, the goods and services tax and corruption (to varying degrees) were the main bugbears that drove votes against the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, the Malay vote, whether rural or urban, is far from homogenous; sweeping characterisations of their voting preferences could be inaccurate. This article uses both primary data and secondary literature to explore the intricacies of the Malay vote with a view to deriving a preliminary typology of Malay voting tendencies.
Coercion and treatment satisfaction among involuntary patients.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess involuntary inpatients' satisfaction with treatment and explore how coercion and other factors are associated with satisfaction. METHODS An observational prospective study was conducted in 67 acute wards in 22 hospitals in England. A total of 778 involuntary inpatients were recruited, and their satisfaction with treatment was assessed a week after admission and at the one-month, three-month, and one-year follow-ups. Perceived and documented coercion at admission and during hospital treatment, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and clinical improvement were tested as potential predictors of satisfaction. RESULTS Mean scores on the Client's Assessment of Treatment Scale measuring satisfaction with treatment ranged from 5.5 to 6.0 (on a scale with possible scores ranging from 0 to 10) at different time points and improved significantly from admission to the follow-ups. Patients who perceived less coercion at admission and during hospital treatment were more satisfied overall, whereas coercive measures documented in the medical records were not linked to satisfaction. Patients with more symptom improvement expressed higher levels of treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Satisfaction with treatment among involuntary patients was associated with perceptions of coercion during admission and treatment, rather than with the documented extent of coercive measures. Interventions to reduce patients' perceived coercion might increase overall treatment satisfaction.
Graphene Base Transistors: A Simulation Study of DC and Small-Signal Operation

A simulation study aimed at investigating the main features in dc and small-signal operating conditions of the hot-electron graphene base transistor (GBT) for analog terahertz operation is presented. Intrinsic silicon is used as reference material. The numerical model is based on a self-consistent Schrödinger-Poisson solution, using a 1-D transport approximation and accounting for multiple-valley and nonparabolicity band effects. Some limitations in the extension of the saturation region and in the output conductance related to the finite quantum capacitance of graphene and to space charge effects are discussed. A small-signal model is developed that catches the essential physics behind the voltage gain and the cutoff frequency, which shows that the graphene quantum capacitance severely limits the former but not the latter. According to simulations carried out within the ballistic transport approximation, a 20-nm-long GBT can achieve at the same time a voltage gain larger than 10 and a cutoff frequency largely above 1 THz within a reasonably wide bias range.
Integration of materialism with shopping motivations: motivations based profile of Indian mall shoppers

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate materialism as one of the retail shopping motives along with utilitarian/hedonic motivations in the Indian context. It aims to identify the key shopping motivations, which explain the shopping value in the context of malls. Furthermore, it intends to develop a shopping motivations-based typology of Indian mall shoppers, and to profile the motivational and demographic characteristics of the discerned segments.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through a mall intercept survey. The shopping motivations were identified through literature, and established scales were utilised to collect data. Exploratory factor analysis was used to understand the underlying structure of mall shopping motives. Hierarchical and K-means clustering were used to cluster the consumers. Additionally, ANOVA along withpost hoctests were used to explore the mean differences between the various clusters. Cross-tabulation along with the chi-square statistic was used to understand the demographic characteristics of the clusters.FindingsIndian mall shoppers are motivated by hedonistic, materialistic and utilitarian motives. They can be primarily classified into four clusters, namely, balanced shoppers, materialist shoppers, hedonistic shoppers and value shoppers.Research limitations/implicationsKnowledge of distinct consumer segments will aid marketers in formulating marketing and promotional strategies for augmenting mall footfalls.Originality/valueAlthough past research has accentuated hedonic and utilitarian motivations as the primary shopping motives, little research has been conducted to examine materialism as a shopping motive. Rise of materialism in the emerging Indian market has metamorphosed the consumer behaviour. The study examines the utilitarian, hedonistic and materialistic dimensions of shopping and unfolds a typology of mall shoppers. It contributes to the repository of cross-national research on shopping behaviour by unravelling the shopping motivations of Indian consumers.