Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Spinning Current Circuit for Hall Measurements Down to the Nanotesla Range

The spinning current modulation technique is shown not only to be able to suppress all the offset and low-frequency noise contributions from the Hall sensing element and its preamplifier, but it may also suppress the parasitic signals, such as pickup noise and thermal electromotive force contributed by the interconnects in a hybrid Hall plate/driving electronics system with remote Hall sensor head. The selection process of an adequate modulation sequence achieving this goal is detailed. The optimization of the elements involved in the analog circuitry, including the analog switches, differential amplifiers, filters, interconnects, and so on, for given measurement conditions is discussed. A printed circuit board aimed at optimizing the operating conditions for a broad spectrum of Hall sensor types and applications, using pluggable modules for adapting the gain and transfer function, is presented. The modulation sequence, modulation frequency, and fine-tuning of the delays involved in the spinning sequence are adjustable by software. With this circuit board and the optimized spinning sequence, we show that the parasitics originating from the interconnection in a hybrid Hall microsystem with remote sensor 1.5 m away can indeed be suppressed. We demonstrate an offset reduction by about four decades, from 630 $\mu \text{T}$ down to less than 100 nT for a system with +/−35-mT full scale. The residual noise has a white spectrum down to at least 60 mHz, close to the Johnson–Nyquist thermal noise. A detectivity of 30 nT down to the sub-Hz range is demonstrated.
User’s Perspective of Electronic Government Adoption in Brazil

The objective of this work was to study which factors influence the use of e-government in Brazil, focusing on investigating government computerization initiatives of fiscal control mechanisms, through a study on the Nota Fiscal Paulista program. We interviewed approximately 3,500 citizens who have used the program, in 11 cities in the State of Sao Paulo. Of this total, 715 responses were considered valid. We used a quantitative methodology for the development of this research, through the multivariate analysis technique of structural equation modeling. The study presented a robust model with a high explanatory power, in which the influencing factors are: Perceived Benefit; Perceived Ease of Use; Social Influence; Perceived Security; Trust in the Government and Habit.
Custodial Grandparenting: Stresses, Coping Skills, and Relationships with Grandchildren

This cross-sectional study compared three groups of custodial grandparents, those raising problematic grandchildren, those raising “normal” grandchildren, and noncustodial grandparents to identify the unique challenges and expectations faced by custodial grandparents due to their nontraditional roles while attempting to disentangle grandparental role demands from child-specific problems as sources of distress. Those grandparents raising grandchildren demonstrating neurological, physical, emotional, or behavioral problems exhibited the most distress, the most disruption of roles, and the most deteriorated grandparent-grandchild relationships. Although custodial grandparents raising apparently normal grandchildren demonstrated less distress, less disruption of roles, and less deterioration of the grandparent-grandchild relationship than those grandparents raising grandchildren displaying problems, in these respects, they still demonstrated higher such levels than did traditional grandparents.
Structural results for average-cost inventory models with partially observed Markov-modulated demand

STRUCTURAL RESULTS FOR AVERAGE-COST INVENTORY MODELS WITH PARTIALLY OBSERVED MARKOV-MODULATED DEMAND Harun Avcı M.S. in Industrial Engineering Advisor: Kağan Gökbayrak Co-Advisor: Emre Nadar May 2018 We consider a discrete-time infinite-horizon inventory system with full backlogging, deterministic replenishment lead time, and Markov-modulated demand. The actual state of demand can only be imperfectly estimated based on past demand data. We model the inventory replenishment problem as a Markov decision process with an uncountable state space consisting of both the inventory position and the most recent belief about the actual state of demand. When the demand state evolves according to an ergodic Markov chain, using the vanishing discount method along with a coupling argument, we prove the existence of an optimal average cost that is independent of the initial system state. With this result, we establish the average-cost optimality of a belief-dependent base-stock policy. We then discretize the belief space into a regular grid. The average cost under our discretization converges to the optimal average cost as the number of grid points grows large. Finally, we conduct numerical experiments to evaluate the use of a myopic belief-dependent base-stock policy as a heuristic. On a test bed of 108 instances, the average cost under the myopic policy deviates by no more than a few percent from the best lower bound on the optimal average cost obtained from our discretization.
Transfersomes—A Novel Vesicular Carrier for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery: Development, Characterization, and Performance Evaluation

Abstract This work describes the use of a novel vesicular drug carrier system called transfersomes, which is composed of phospholipid, surfactant, and water for enhanced transdermal delivery. The transfersomal system was much more efficient at delivering a low and high molecular weight drug to the skin in terms of quantity and depth. In the present study transfersomes and liposomes were prepared by using dexamethasone as a model drug. The system was evaluated in vitro for vesicle shape and size, entrapment efficiency, degree of deformability, number of vesicles per cubic mm, and drug diffusion across the artificial membrane and rat skin. The effects of surfactant type, composition, charge, and concentration of surfactant were studied. The in vivo performance of selected formulation was evaluated by using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Fluorescence microscopy by using rhodamine-123 and 6-carboxyfluorescein as fluorescence probe was performed. The stability study was performed at 4°C and 37°C. An in vitro drug release study has shown a nearly zero order release of drug and no lag phase. The absence of lag phase in comparison to liposomes and ointment is attributed to the greater deformability, which may account for better skin permeability of transfersomes. In vivo studies of transfersomes showed better antiedema activity in comparison to liposomes and ointment, indicating better permeation through the penetration barrier of the skin. This was further confirmed through a fluorescence microscopy study. Finally, it may be concluded from the study that complex lipid molecules, transfersomes, can increase the transdermal flux, prolong the release, and improve the site specificity of bioactive molecules.
Development of Reverse Transcription-PCR (Oligonucleotide Probing) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Diagnosis and Preliminary Typing of Foot-and-Mouth Disease: a New System Using Simple and Aqueous-Phase Hybridization

ABSTRACT A reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR)–enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system that detects a relatively conserved region within the RNA genome of all seven serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) has been developed. The high specificity of the assay is achieved by including a rapid hybridization step with a biotin-labeled internal oligonucleotide. The assay is highly sensitive, fast, and easy to perform. A similar assay, based on a highly variable region of the FMDV genome and employing a single asymmetric RT-PCR and multiple hybridization oligonucleotides, was developed to demonstrate the method's ability to type FMDV. Based on our theoretical and practical knowledge of the methodology, we predict that similar assays are applicable to diagnosis and strain differentiation in any system amenable to PCR amplification.
Survival of Bacillus thuringiensis Spores in Soil

Bacillus thuringiensis spores and parasporal crystals were incubated in natural soil, both in the laboratory and in nature. During the first 2 weeks, the spore count decreased by approximately 1 log. Thereafter, the number of spore CFU remained constant for at least 8 months. B. thuringiensis did not lose its ability to make the parasporal crystals during its residence in soil. Spore survival was similar for a commercial spore-crystal preparation (the insecticide) and for laboratory-grown spores. In contrast to these results, spores that were produced in situ in soil through multiplication of added vegetative cells survived for only a short time. For spore additions to soil, variations in soil pH had little effect on survival for those spores that survived the first 2 weeks of incubation. Also without effect were various pretreatments of the spores before incubation in soil or nutritional amendment or desiccation of the soil. Remoistening of a desiccated soil, however, caused a decrease in spore numbers. Spores incubated in soil in the field did not show this, but the degree of soil desiccation in nature probably never reached that for the laboratory samples. The good survival of B. thuringiensis spores after the first 2 weeks in soil seemed to be a result of their inability to germinate in soil. We found no evidence for the hypothesis that rapid germination ability for spores in soil conferred a survival advantage.
The effects of 5′‐capping, 3′‐polyadenylation and leader composition upon the translation and stability of mRNA in a cell‐free extract derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A new modular expression system was developed to direct the in vitro synthesis of defined transcripts that were used as templates for translation in yeast cell‐free extracts. The system was used to examine the influence of 5′‐capping, 3′‐polyadenylation and leader sequence upon the translation and stability of the synthetic Tn9 cat (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase), yeast PGK (phosphoglycerate kinase) and yeast HSP26 (heat‐shock protein 26) mRNAs. The addition of a methylated cap (m7Gppp) or of a poly(A) tail enhanced translation and stabilized the mRNA. The dependence of translation upon capping was reduced in the presence of the HSP26 leader sequence. This may indicate the existence of a translational mechanism that enhances cap‐independent translation. The enhancement of the translation and stability of mRNA was relatively insensitive to changes in the position of the poly(A) tail relative to the reading frame.
Thermal Characteristics of 1-Butyl-3-Methylimimidazolium Based OxidantIonic Liquids

This study investigates the thermal properties of a series of 1-butyl-3-methylimizolium based ionic liquids (ILs) possessing various oxidative anions such as dichromate (Cr2O72-), nitrate (NO3-), hydrogen sulphate (HSO4- ), tetrafluoroborate (BF4-), perchlorate (ClO4-) and hexafluorophosphate (PF6-). The synthesized ILs was defined by their thermal properties in terms of glass transitions, melting and decomposition temperatures. The effect of oxidant anions on activation energy of ILs were computed by non-isothermal kinetic methods i.e., through were of Ozawa and Kissinger’s methods. The most thermally stable IL was seen to be the transition metal-containing IL [bmim] Cr2O72- where it recorded the highest activation energy of 11.65 kJ/mole using Ozawa method and 15.71 kJ/mole using Kissinger method compared to other ILs. The lowest activation energy was obtained for [bmim]BF4 and [bmim] PF6. Based on the detailed thermal behavior of this high temperature oxidant ILs, it can potentially be beneficial for desulfurization applications.
The role of parental style in the conduct disorders: A comparison between adolescent boys with and without conduct disorder

Objective An important contributing factor, but one that has not been investigated thoroughly in South Africa, is the role of parental styles which has been consistently found to be a precursor of conduct disorder. Method To establish whether specific parental factors that contribute to this disorder in a South African sample, the Parental Bonding Instrument and the Family Environment Scale were administered to 2 groups of adolescent boys: a group diagnosed with conduct disorder (n = 40) and a group without a diagnosis of conduct disorder (n = 40). To test for significant differences between the two groups, t-tests were performed. Results A typical parenting style characterised by low care by the mother and overprotection by the father, which forms an affectionless, controlling parenting style, was found in the children in the conduct disorder group. This type of parenting style results in high control, low expressiveness of emotions, minimal involvement with children, and inadequate supervision and monitoring of children. Conclusion The study provided sufficient evidence to conclude that a specific style of parenting can contribute to the aetiology of conduct disorder.
Isolation of hamster intestinal epithelial cells using hypoosmotic media and PVP

Vibration of hamster small intestinal segments in hypotonic media containing PVP is a rapid method for obtaining quantitative yields of viable intestinal epithelial cells. This preparation of epithelial cells offers a unique system for the study of epithelial cell function in vitro. The method for cell separation combines hypoosmotic swelling of cells, which separates them at the desmosomes, with mechanical agitation which releases the cells from the lamina propria. No chemical agents known to affect cell proteins and cell surfaces are employed in this procedure. Only a short time is elapsed between in vivo and in vitro conditions, i.e., a preparation time of approximately 75 minutes.
A Qualitative Model of the Differentiation Network in Chondrocyte Maturation: A Holistic View of Chondrocyte Hypertrophy

Differentiation of chondrocytes towards hypertrophy is a natural process whose control is essential in endochondral bone formation. It is additionally thought to play a role in several pathophysiological processes, with osteoarthritis being a prominent example. We perform a dynamic analysis of a qualitative mathematical model of the regulatory network that directs this phenotypic switch to investigate the influence of the individual factors holistically. To estimate the stability of a SOX9 positive state (associated with resting/proliferation chondrocytes) versus a RUNX2 positive one (associated with hypertrophy) we employ two measures. The robustness of the state in canalisation (size of the attractor basin) is assessed by a Monte Carlo analysis and the sensitivity to perturbations is assessed by a perturbational analysis of the attractor. Through qualitative predictions, these measures allow for an in silico screening of the effect of the modelled factors on chondrocyte maintenance and hypertrophy. We show how discrepancies between experimental data and the model’s results can be resolved by evaluating the dynamic plausibility of alternative network topologies. The findings are further supported by a literature study of proposed therapeutic targets in the case of osteoarthritis.
Winners Never Quit, Quitters Never Grow: Using Text Mining to Measure Policy Volatility and its Link with Long-Term Growth in Latin America

Although there is wide recognition of the negative consequences of policy volatility for countries' long-term economic growth, there is limited empirical work on this subject. One of the reasons is the difficulty of measuring policy volatility over long periods of time, especially in developing countries. This paper contributes to this literature by constructing a proxy for policy volatility that exploits the information content of the priorities conveyed in presidential speeches. The study creates a policy volatility measure using a Latent Dirichlet Allocation algorithm on a novel data set of 953 presidential speeches in 10 Latin American countries and Spain. The paper shows that the proxy for policy volatility is negatively correlated with long-term growth over 1940-2010. The results are robust to a large set of changes in the construction of the proxy for policy volatility.
Coronary artery stenosis in asymptomatic child after arterial switch operation: detection by transthoracic colour‐flow doppler echocardiography

Arterial switch operation (ASO) has become the definitive anatomical correction for transposition of great arteries (TGA). Left coronary artery (LCA) ostial stenosis was detected by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) as a flame like colour flow diastolic signal and coronary flow reserve (CFR) was low, 1.3. It was treated successfully by a drug‐eluted stent. These findings could be diagnostic for coronary ostial stenosis.
Innovation, networks and the paradigm of biofuels

The production of renewable liquid biofuels has become a reality in a number of countries around the world, some of which focus on bioethanol, others on biodiesel. The motivation behind this text lies in the emergent character of technological platforms that arise from these traditional biofuel production platforms. The intensification of scientific collaboration, the greater complexity of areas surrounding collaboration and the elevated scientific content of patents related to biofuel and bioenergy are clearly detected when network methods are applied to knowledge products. The results suggest that it is possible to trace explanatory relationships between the institutional character of knowledge production and the innovations that are being produced in the field of bioenergy, as well as the consolidation of markets of technological inputs/services. The interrelationship between the traditional and innovative sectors clearly manifests in the dominance of the patenting process, determining the patterns of market concentration.
In it to win it: Experimental evidence on unique bid auctions

We examine bidding motives in discrete-point unique bid auctions in a laboratory setting. In lowest (highest) unique bid auctions, the participant with the lowest (highest) unique bid wins the auction. We posit two sets of motives in this type of auctions - a winning motive that is driven by the desire to win and a profit motive that is driven by the expected payoff. In the lowest unique bid auction (LUBA), the profit and winning motive lead to the same bidding strategy in equilibrium. In the highest unique bid auction (HUBA), the profit and winning motive lead to different bidding strategies in equilibrium. Using a utility-based choice framework, we identify and characterize the motives. Our findings suggest that bidders' behavior is driven by an array of motives. We find that not only does the winning motive play a key role in behavior, but other considerations such as reinforcement and coordination enter as well.
The relationship between reported incidents of student discipline and student achievement across four Eastern states

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 was established to improve student achievement among all public school students. To accomplish this goal, this federal mandate requires each state to establish the seven set priorities under NCLB. In addition, each state is required to establish and report their accomplishments and failures annually. One priority listed under NCLB required that all public schools establish a safe learning environment for students, school staff, and parents (U.S. Government, 2001). Some researchers have identified a high frequency of student discipline incidents, resulting in high suspension and expulsion rates, as a negative constuct that hinders teachers from establishing a nurturing learning environment. As a result, students are unable to develop the skills they need to successfully pass their state-wide assessment test (Howard et. al., 1987; Hernandez & Seem, 2004). Therefore, this study was designed to determined if there is a relationship between incidents of student discipline and student achievement across public school districts in Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. For the purpose of this study, a hierarchical clustering analysis was used to create five clusters of school divisions (N=1,108) within the four states according to similiarities. To accomplish this task, a data matrix was created, which contains data of the total number of incidents for disorderly conduct, weapon violations, substance abuse, and violence; the number of students receiving free and reduced lunch; and the number of students by race/ethnicity for each school district within the four states. The findings indicate that there is a relationship between incidents of student discipline and student achievement among the four states. Incidents of Student Discipline and Student Achievement iii This dissertation is dedicated to my husband, Sam, and my daughter, Adrienne. I love you both more than you will ever know. Incidents of Student Discipline and Student Achievement
The best candidates for nerve‐sparing stripping surgery for facial nerve schwannoma

Clinical decision making for facial nerve schwannoma is particularly complicated in patients with good facial nerve function; however, an early nerve‐sparing tumor resection stripping technique minimizes facial deficits associated with treatment. The present study characterized the optimal candidate for this nerve‐sparing surgical strategy in patients with good facial function.
Modeling Peer-to-Peer Networks from the Impact of Nodes' Characters on the System Performance

In current peer-to-peer systems, system performance is evaluated by the metrics that characterize the features of the whole system while how each node's character affects the system performance is rarely considered. In this paper, we first introduce a new metric of publishing efficiency to quantitatively measure the impact of node's character on the system performance, and also we demonstrate the significance of the proposed metric. Then we build an analytical model to study how nodes' online time, shared resources and the ranges that the indices and resources of the nodes serve queries affect their publishing efficiency. We validate the analytical results through simulation and discuss their significance to improving the average nodes' publishing efficiency in peer-to-peer systems.
Assessing Impaired Arm Use and Learned Bias after Stroke Using Unimanual and Bimanual Steering Tasks

Learned nonuse is often seen in stroke survivors with hemiparesis. In these cases, stroke survivors exhibit a bias for using the less impaired arm on daily living tasks despite latent functionality as measured by clinical motor function. We used the TheraDrive system, a low-cost, stroke rehabilitation system using commercial force-feedback steering wheels along with unimanual and bimanual steering tasks, to quantify the motor impairment, arm use bias and the effect of functioning levels on tracking performance. We present the methodology and tracking results that support the use of steering tasks to detect the presence of motor impairment in the contralateral side of the brain injury, the presence of learned nonuse, the relationship between level of functionality (low-to-medium versus high stroke) and these measures and the effect of handedness and side of injury after stroke