Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial compressive array processing scheme against multiple narrowband interferences for GNSS

Conventional spatial-based array processing technique requires a lot of large storage space and costly hardware implementations in an antenna array-based global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers. In this paper, the compressive sensing (CS)-based antenna array processing scheme is proposed to apply in anti-jamming GNSS receivers. The design criteria of CS matrix is to meet the restricted isometry property (RIP) conditions, and it is combined with discrete wavelet transform and Gaussian measurement matrix. The minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) beamformer is used to null the interference and maintain the gain direction of desired signal and the proposed scheme reduces a large computation load in MVDR. Under the use of 3×3 antennas with uniform rectangular array under 1/2 wavelength spacing, the anti-jam performance is achieved to 40 dB under two present interferences. The overall computation performance can enhance by 1.2~1.4 times.
FEM-based design modifications and efficiency improvements of a brushed permanent magnet DC motor

This paper describes design modifications of a brushed permanent magnet DC motor. Test motor is modeled using a Finite Element Method (FEM) based software. Model accuracy is investigated by comparing measurement and simulation results. Reducing material consumption in motor fabrication while the motor develops the desired torque at a higher efficiency is aimed in this paper. Modifications are done in three stages and simulations results are also presented. These results are also compared to simulation results of the test machine.
Problems of phonetic transcription: The case of the Hiberno-English slit-t

Acoustic and electropalatographic data on the so-called Hiberno-English ‘slit-t’ are reported, and the implications these data have for an adequate transcription are discussed. Previous transcription suggestions highlight the difficulty posed by the lack of an IPA diacritic for tongue shape. We conclude that the adoption of an alveolar diacritic (as used in the extensions to the IPA for transcribing disordered speech) could get round these difficulties.
Asymmetrische Information als Ursache von Doping im Hochleistungssport

Zusammenfassung Für viele Spitzen-Athleten stellt Doping ein Gefangenen-Dilemma dar: Ohne Doping sind in vielen Sportarten nach Meinung der meisten Fachleute die Siegeschancen gleich Null, mit Doping müssen die Athleten mit Gesundheitsschäden rechnen. Aufgrund von asymmetrischer Information kann aber selbst im Rahmen von Super-Spielen kooperatives Verhalten nicht spontan entstehen. Wegen der Informationsschwierigkeiten löst das gegenwärtige Kontrollsystem das Doping-Dilemma nur in einem Teilbereich, verschärft es aber zugleich in einem anderen Teilbereich. Entweder sind die Sportler und die Verbände bereit, einem Maß an Transparenz und Kontrollen zuzustimmen, das über den gegenwärtigen Stand weit hinausgeht und auf den ersten Blick vielen unzumutbar erscheint, oder der Hochleistungssport wird in seiner gegenwärtigen Form verschwinden.
Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of medullary thyroid carcinoma: recommendations by the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

INTRODUCTION Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) originates in the thyroid parafollicular cells and represents 3-4% of the malignant neoplasms that affect this gland. Approximately 25% of these cases are hereditary due to activating mutations in the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. The course of MTC is indolent, and survival rates depend on the tumor stage at diagnosis. The present article describes clinical evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of MTC. OBJECTIVE The aim of the consensus described herein, which was elaborated by Brazilian experts and sponsored by the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, was to discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of individuals with MTC in accordance with the latest evidence reported in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS After clinical questions were elaborated, the available literature was initially surveyed for evidence in the MedLine-PubMed database, followed by the Embase and Scientific Electronic Library Online/Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature (SciELO/Lilacs) databases. The strength of evidence was assessed according to the Oxford classification of evidence levels, which is based on study design, and the best evidence available for each question was selected. RESULTS Eleven questions corresponded to MTC diagnosis, 8 corresponded to its surgical treatment, and 13 corresponded to follow-up, for a total of 32 recommendations. The present article discusses the clinical and molecular diagnosis, initial surgical treatment, and postoperative management of MTC, as well as the therapeutic options for metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS MTC should be suspected in individuals who present with thyroid nodules and family histories of MTC, associations with pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism, and/or typical phenotypic characteristics such as ganglioneuromatosis and Marfanoid habitus. Fine-needle nodule aspiration, serum calcitonin measurements, and anatomical-pathological examinations are useful for diagnostic confirmation. Surgery represents the only curative therapeutic strategy. The therapeutic options for metastatic disease remain limited and are restricted to disease control. Judicious postoperative assessments that focus on the identification of residual or recurrent disease are of paramount importance when defining the follow-up and later therapeutic management strategies.
Examining the Impact of Policy and Practice Interventions on High School Dropout and School Completion Rates

The purpose of this literature review is to systematically examine policy and practice intervention research and assess the impact of those interventions on high school dropout and school completion rates. This systematic review extends the literature by (a) describing both policy and practice interventions, (b) synthesizing findings from experimental or quasi-experimental research, and (c) examining the common elements of effective interventions. Specifically, this review addresses two main questions. First, what are the characteristics of the empirical literature examining high school dropout or school completion interventions? Second, what are the common elements of effective policy or practice interventions for reducing high school dropout rates or increasing school completion rates? Findings indicate that despite research highlighting the need to address multiple risk factors and the need for early intervention, the bulk of current empirical research is focused on single-component, individual, or small group interventions delivered at the high school level. Further research is needed to provide guidance to schools regarding the integration of dropout efforts with other school initiatives. Multitiered frameworks of support are suggested as a structure for accomplishing this effectively and efficiently.
Gender and learning: equity, equality and pedagogy

In this article on gender and learning Harry Daniels and colleagues suggest that boys experience a contradiction between the cultural messages and practices associated with masculinity (competition and individuality) and the teaching practices typical of successful primary schooling (collaboration and codependency). They consider the impact of this contradiction on the question of boys' underachievement, and their account of the views of children as to whether boys and girls learn the same or differently makes salutary reading. ‘Which pedagogy,’ they ask, ‘suits who best? ’
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Patterns of news consumption in Austria : how fragmented are they ?

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Simulation-based training for “front-of-house” staff in psychosis services

Staff communication skills are key to improving patients’ experience of healthcare, from the point of first contact with services to treatment end. To date, training initiatives to improve communication have prioritised the clinical workforce, rather than allied and support staff. In this study we evaluated the impact of simulation-based communication training for “front-of-house” staff (receptionists and administrators) working in specialist psychosis services. Forty-three staff completed the two-day training. Before and after training, staff rated the importance of communication skills in their role (Attitude), their understanding of psychosis (Knowledge), and their workplace satisfaction (Satisfaction). Attendees repeated the measures at follow-up (6–12 months post-training; n = 11), alongside a behavioural communication skills task, and were compared to a group of non-attenders (n = 12). Pre–post improvements were evident on all measures, reaching significance for Knowledge (medium effect). Improvements were mostly maintained in the 26% of attendees completing follow-up assessments. At follow-up, attendees scored significantly higher than non-attenders on Attitude and Knowledge (large effects), marginally higher on skills, but lower on Satisfaction. The workshops improved staff understanding of psychosis and the importance of communication in their roles. The impact of the training on service users’ satisfaction with services should now be evaluated in a controlled trial.
Synchrotron Radiation Micro-CT at the Micrometer Scale for the Analysis of the Three-Dimensional Morphology of Microcracks in Human Trabecular Bone

Bone quality is an important concept to explain bone fragility in addition to bone mass. Among bone quality factors, microdamage which appears in daily life is thought to have a marked impact on bone strength and plays a major role in the repair process. The starting point for all studies designed to further our understanding of how bone microdamage initiate or dissipate energy, or to investigate the impact of age, gender or disease, remains reliable observation and measurement of microdamage. In this study, 3D Synchrotron Radiation (SR) micro-CT at the micrometric scale was coupled to image analysis for the three-dimensional characterization of bone microdamage in human trabecular bone specimens taken from femoral heads. Specimens were imaged by 3D SR micro-CT with a voxel size of 1.4 µm. A new tailored 3D image analysis technique was developed to segment and quantify microcracks. Microcracks from human trabecular bone were observed in different tomographic sections as well as from 3D renderings. New 3D quantitative measurements on the microcrack density and morphology are reported on five specimens. The 3D microcrack density was found between 3.1 and 9.4/mm3 corresponding to a 2D density between 0.55 and 0.76 /mm2. The microcrack length and width measured in 3D on five selected microcrack ranged respectively from 164 µm to 209 µm and 100 µm to 120 µm. This is the first time that various microcracks in unloaded human trabecular bone - from the simplest linear crack to more complex cross-hatch cracks - have been examined and quantified by 3D imaging at this scale. The suspected complex morphology of microcracks is here considerably more evident than in the 2D observations. In conclusion, this technique opens new perspective for the 3D investigation of microcracks and the impact of age, disease or treatment.
Research on hybrid modulation strategies based on general hybrid topology of multilevel inverter

Based on the research on several multilevel basic topologies, this paper presents a general type of multilevel hybrid topology and introduces several selectable degrees of freedom. No matter what change in the hybrid topology it can be resulted in the combination and selection of the degrees of freedom, which expands the topology collection of the multilevel inverter. According to the degrees of freedom, all the cascaded topologies have been unified and several new types of hybrid topologies have been constructed. Based on the research on the hybrid topologies and multi-carrier SPWM (Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation) used for the multilevel inverter, this paper presents the hybrid modulation strategies for hybrid topologies. Simulation results prove that hybrid topologies and corresponding modulation strategies are effective, which lay the foundation for practical application of hybrid multilevel inverter topologies.
Acute high-intensity interval training improves Tvent and peak power output in highly trained males.

This study examined the effects of four high-intensity interval-training (HIT) sessions performed over 2 weeks on peak volume of oxygen uptake (VO2peak), the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1, VT2) and peak power output (PPO) in highly trained cyclists. Fourteen highly trained male cyclists (VO2peak = 67.5 +/- 3.7 ml.kg-1.min-1) performed a ramped cycle test to determine VO2peak, VT1, VT2, and PPO. Subjects were divided equally into a HIT group and a control group. The HIT group performed four HIT sessions (20 x 60 s at PPO, 120 s recovery); the VO2peak test was repeated < 1 wk after the HIT program. Control subjects maintained their regular training program and were reassessed under the same timeline. There was no change in VO2peak for either group; however, the HIT group showed a significantly greater increase in VT1 (+22% vs. -3%), VT2 (+15% vs. -1%), and PPO (+4.3 vs. -.4%) compared to controls (all P < .05). This study has demonstrated that HIT can improve VT1, VT2, and PPO, following only four HIT sessions in already highly trained cyclists.
Industry robot and external axle calibration using Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

The aim of this paper is to investigate a new calibrating approach to determine the coordinate transformation between the robot tool and the external axle worktable. The approach can be divided into three different steps. Firstly, the coordinate transformation between the robot wrist and the contact position sensor tool is calibrated. Secondly, the coordinates transformation between the robot tool and the external axle worktable is calibrated by the robot and the contact position sensor joint measurement system. Finally, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is adopted to optimize the key parameters to improve the system precision. From the presented approach, the robot system with external axle is calibrated successfully. The effectiveness of the presented approach is demonstrated via some experiments.
Ajuste de una función de producción al sector financiero en Colombia

Resumen Este trabajo desarrolla en forma pormenorizada la metodologia de datos panel para encontrar la mejor especificacion econometrica de una funcion de produccion, al comparar la Cobb-Douglas y la translogaritmica con datos del sector financiero colombiano. Se encuentra que la funcion que mejor se ajusta es la translogaritmica con efectos fijos, lo que indica que, por un lado, existen diferencias significativas en los retornos del capital y del trabajo sobre los ingresos entre bancos y, por otro lado, que existen efectos de segundo orden en el sector y que las elasticidades son variables. Ademas, se encuentra que el capital y el trabajo tienen productividades marginales decrecientes y estos dos factores son complementarios. Por otro lado, se demuestra que la elasticidad del capital es unitaria y significativa, mientras que el factor trabajo solo complementa al capital, siendo mas una herramienta que un aporte significativo para el ingreso de los bancos.
OPRM1 c.118A>G Polymorphism and Duration of Morphine Treatment Associated with Morphine Doses and Quality-of-Life in Palliative Cancer Pain Settings

Despite increased attention on assessment and management, pain remains the most persistent symptom in patients with cancer, in particular in end-of-life settings, with detrimental impact on their quality-of-life (QOL). We conducted this study to evaluate the added value of determining some genetic and non-genetic factors to optimize cancer pain treatment. Eighty-nine patients were included in the study for the evaluation of palliative cancer pain management. The regression analysis showed that age, OPRM1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), as well as the duration of morphine treatment were significantly associated with morphine doses at 24 h (given by infusion pump; p = 0.043, 0.029, and <0.001, respectively). The mean doses of morphine decreased with age but increased with the duration of morphine treatment. In addition, patients with AG genotype c.118A>G OPRM1 needed a higher dose of morphine than AA patients. Moreover, metastases, OPRM1 SNP, age, and gender were significantly associated with the QOL in our population. In particular, AA patients for OPRM1 SNP had significantly lower cognitive function than AG patients, a result not previously reported in the literature. These findings could help increase the effectiveness of morphine treatment and enhance the QOL of patients in regards to personalized medicine.
The Scientific Study of Expert Levels of Performance: general implications for optimal learning and creativity 1

Recent research in many different domains of expertise has shown that the large differences in performance between experts and novices are frequently reproducible under standardized conditions and can often be captured with representative tasks in the laboratory. Furthermore, these differences in performance are predominantly mediated by complex skills acquired over a decade, as a result of high daily levels of activities which are specially designed'to improve performance (deliberate practice). The effects of extended deliberate practice are remarkably far‐reaching and include physiological adaptations and qualitative changes in performance mediated by acquired cognitive skills. Most importantly, expert performers have acquired mental representations that allow them to plan and reason about potential courses of action and these representations also allow experts to monitor their performance, thus providing critical feedback for continued complex learning. The study of elite performance also reveals how a.
The cell factory approach toward biotechnological production of high-value chitosan oligomers and their derivatives: an update

Abstract Chitin is one of the most abundant renewable resources, and chitosans, the partially deacetylated derivatives of chitin, are among the most promising functional biopolymers, with superior material properties and versatile biological functionalities. Elucidating molecular structure–function relationships and cellular modes of action of chitosans, however, it is challenging due to the micro-heterogeneity and structural complexity of polysaccharides. Lately, it has become apparent that many of the biological activities of chitosan polymers, such as in agricultural plant disease protection or in mediating scar-free wound healing, may be attributed to oligomeric break-down products generated by the action of chitosanolytic hydrolases present in the target tissues, such as human chitotriosidase. Consequently, the focus of current research is shifting toward chitosan oligomers so that the availability of well-defined chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) becomes a bottleneck. Well-known ways of producing COS use physical and/or chemical means for the partial depolymerization of chitosan polymers, typically leading to broad mixtures of COS varying in their degrees of polymerization (DP) and acetylation (DA), and with more or less random patterns of acetylation (PAs). Even after chromatographic separation according to DP and DA, such mixtures are of limited value to elucidate structure–function relationships and modes of action. More recently, enzymatic means using chitinases and/or chitosanases, and sometimes chitin deacetylases, have been proposed as these can be more tightly controlled and yield slightly better defined mixtures of COS. An alternative would be chemical synthesis of COS which in principle would allow for full structural control, but protocols for it are lengthy, costly, and not yet well developed, and yields are low. Synthetic biology now allows to develop today’s in vitro bio-refinery approaches into in vivo cell factory approaches for the biotechnological production of defined COS using recombinant microbial strains expressing chitin oligomer synthases and chitin oligomer deacetylases. In this review, we will describe the state-of-the-art of this cell factory approach, as a basis for upcoming developments. We will briefly describe traditional chemical protocols and enzymatic production of COS as a background to the more detailed presentation of what has been achieved through in vivo biosynthesis. We will only briefly describe those as a background to the more detailed presentation of what has been achieved through in vivo biosynthesis. We will also touch on the production of COS derivatives that has been achieved in this way, as these oligomers open up another plethora of potential applications when used as building blocks for defined biomaterials.
Comparative study of power-gating architectures for nonvolatile FinFET-SRAM using spintronics-based retention technology

Power-gating (PG) architectures employing nonvolatile state/data retention are expected to be a highly efficient energy reduction technique for high-performance CMOS logic systems. Recently, two types of PG architectures using nonvolatile retention have been proposed: One architecture is nonvolatile PG (NVPG) using nonvolatile bistable circuits such as nonvolatile SRAM (NV-SRAM) and nonvolatile flip-flop (NV-FF), in which nonvolatile retention is not utilized during the normal SRAM/FF operation mode and it is used only when there exist energetically meaningful shutdown periods given by breakeven time (BET). In contrast, the other architecture employs nonvolatile retention during the normal SRAM/FF operation mode. In this type of architecture, an even short standby period can be replaced by a shutdown period, and thus this architecture is also called normally-off (NOF) rather than PG. In this paper, these two PG architectures for a FinFET-based highperformance NV-SRAM cell employing spintronics-based nonvolatile retention were systematically analyzed using HSPICE with a magnetoresistive-device macromodel. The NVPG architecture shows effective reduction of energy dissipation without performance degradation, whereas the NOF architecture causes severe performance degradation and the energy efficiency of the NOF architecture cannot be superior to that of the NVPG architecture.