Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common comorbid conditions in persons with COVID-19 and a risk factor for poor prognosis. The reasons why COVID-19 is more severe in persons with DM are currently unknown although the scarce data available on patients with DM hospitalized because of COVID-19 show that glycemic control is inadequate. The fact that patients with COVID-19 are usually cared for by health professionals with limited experience in the management of diabetes and the need to prevent exposure to the virus may also be obstacles to glycemic control in patients with COVID-19. Effective clinical care should consider various aspects, including screening for the disease in at-risk persons, education, and monitoring of control and complications. We examine the effect of COVID-19 on DM in terms of glycemic control and the restrictions arising from the pandemic and assess management of diabetes and drug therapy in various scenarios, taking into account factors such as physical exercise, diet, blood glucose monitoring, and pharmacological treatment. Specific attention is given to patients who have been admitted to hospital and critically ill patients. Finally, we consider the role of telemedicine in the management of DM patients with COVID-19 during the pandemic and in the future.
Effects of reinforced concrete structures on RF communications

The proliferation of communication systems used in and around man-made structures has resulted in a growing need to determine the reflection and transmission properties of various commonly used building materials at radio frequencies typically used in businesses and residential environments. This paper describes the calculation of reflection and transmission coefficients for reinforced concrete walls as a function of wall thicknesses and rebar lattice configuration over a frequency range of 100-6000 MHz. The transmission and reflection coefficients were calculated using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) solution of Maxwell's equations. The rebar structures analyzed include both a two-dimensional (2-D) trellis-like structure and a one-dimensional (1-D) structure, where the reenforcing bars are all oriented in the same direction. In general, the results show that the reinforced concrete structures severely attenuate signals with wavelengths that are much larger than the rebar lattice and that the transmitted signal has a complex structure with resonances and nulls that strongly depend upon the geometry of the reinforcing structure and the concrete wall thickness.
Effect of surface treatment on electromigration in aluminum films

Surface treatment methods for educing aluminum electromigration are studied. Simple methods for reducing aluminum electromigration have been found. Oxygen-plasma treatment and a H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ dip after aluminum patterning are shown to improve conductor life with respect to electromigration. By the oxygen-plasma treatment, the mean times to failure is improved more than two time over that for the current method. This improvement of life is a function of the oxygen-plasma treatment time and is affected by aluminum annealing and the material used for passivation. By H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ dip treatment, the mean time to failure is improved more than three times over that obtained using the current method. This improvement of life depends on the aluminum area exposed to the H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ dip. The improvement of conductor life due to surface treatments can be explained by suppression of the aluminum surface and/or grain diffusivity due to oxidation of the aluminum surface. >
Fast interface characterization of tunnel oxide MOS structures

As new gate materials become increasingly interesting in conjunction with tunnel oxides, a fast and reliable interface characterization technique becomes indispensable. Fast turnaround times require a method which can be applied to simple test structures like planar capacitors. For the first time, we demonstrate an automatic extraction of physical oxide thickness and flatband potential from capacitance-voltage measurements which includes quantum confinement effects and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Automatic extraction is necessary for uniformity analysis across a whole wafer. New gate materials are typically binary or ternary alloys where the interface to the gate dielectric is very sensitive to deposition parameters. Such systems are likely to show higher nonuniformities than polysilicon electrodes. An example is presented where polysilicon gates exhibit a uniformity in flatband potential within a wafer of less than /spl plusmn/15 mV while a thickness variation of 0.1 nm has been observed.
Evaluating Occupation and Industry Separately to Assess Exposures in Case-Control Studies

Abstract In most occupational case-control studies, assessment of exposures is based on occupation and industry due to the lack of any other exposure information. The traditional approach to assessing exposures to specific substances is to estimate exposure for each occupation/industry combination. A modified procedure that substantially reduces the effort necessary to complete such assessments is described. In this procedure, exposure levels (none, low, medium, and high) are estimated for each occupation and industry separately. Numeric weights are assigned to these exposures levels. Final estimates for each occupation/industry combination are derived using exposure weights for occupations and industries. This method was applied to a case-control data set to estimate levels of silica exposure for the work histories of subject. The traditional method required 13,445 individual evaluations while the new approach required only 2,000 estimates. Results from the new approach were compared with those from the .
Job Seeking in Social Networking Sites: A Model of Job Seekers’ Intention

We propose a model for studying job seekers’ behavioural intentions to use job seeking social networking sites (SNSs) for securing jobs. To test our model, an online survey was conducted and 48 valid questionnaires were collected. Some important findings include: perceived usefulness has a positive influence on users’ use of job seeking SNS and social information capital could positively affect users’ perceived usefulness.
The Magnitude and Directions of the Associations between Early Life Factors and Metabolic Syndrome Differ across Geographical Locations among Migrant and Non-Migrant Ghanaians—The RODAM Study

Background: Early-life factors (ELFs) such as childhood nutrition and childhood socio-economic status could be the drivers of the increase in metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) among African populations, but data are lacking. This study evaluated whether markers of childhood nutritional status and childhood socio-economic status were associated with MetSyn in adulthood among migrant Ghanaians living in Europe and non-migrant Ghanaians living in Ghana. Methods: Data from the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study, involving 2008 migrants and 2320 non-migrants aged ≥25 years, were analysed for this study. We used leg-length to height ratio (LHR), which is an anthropometric marker of childhood nutritional status, and parental education, which is a marker of childhood socio-economic status, as proxies. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated by logistic regression with adjustments for demographic and lifestyle factors. Results: Parental education was higher among Ghanaians in Europe than among residents in rural and urban Ghana. The prevalence of MetSyn was 18.5%, 27.7% and 33.5% for rural, urban, and migrant residents, respectively. LHR was inversely associated with MetSyn among migrants. Compared with high paternal education, individuals with low paternal education had lower odds of MetSyn in migrants (AOR 0.71 95% CI 0.54–0.94). In contrast, compared with high maternal education, individuals with intermediate maternal education had higher odds of MetSyn in urban Ghanaians (AOR 4.53 95% CI 1.50–3.74). No associations were found among rural Ghanaians. Conclusion: The magnitude and direction of the associations between ELFs and MetSyn differ across geographical locations. Intermediate maternal education was positively associated with MetSyn among urban Ghanaians, while LHR and low paternal education were inversely associated with MetSyn among migrant Ghanaians. Further research into the interplay of genetics, environment and behaviour is needed to elucidate the underlying pathological mechanisms of MetSyn amongst migrants.
The effect of stitching errors on the spectral characteristics of DFB lasers fabricated using electron beam lithography

Field stitching errors and their effect on the single-mode characteristics of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers fabricated using electron beam lithography were investigated. The stitching errors are associated with small-area, high-resolution electron beam exposure, which has the potential advantage of high-speed writing of laser gratings. Measurements show that the errors are composed of a systematic and a stochastic part. Their effect on the gain margin was simulated both for lambda /4 phase-shifted and optimized multiple-phase-shifted DFB lasers. Simulations show that the lasers are insensitive to the systematic part of the stitching errors if the number of errors is large enough. The stochastic part was found to give rise to a variation in gain margin of the DFB lasers. It is concluded that the field stitching accuracy in the high-resolution mode of a commercial system for electron beam lithography is sufficient to provide a high yield of single-mode lasers. However, it is essential that certain precautions be taken considering exposure conditions and that a fault tolerant laser design be used. >
Mathematics in the Wind

In any sport or human endeavor, coaches regularly state “play to your strengths. ” One might not guess that a land-locked, mountainous country like Switzerland would have strengths that would give them a chance at winning the oldest, most competitive sailing competition in the world, the America’s Cup. But it does! In 2003, in the Harukai Gulf of New Zealand, a Swiss yacht called Alinghi was the surprise winner of the America’s up. And in 2007, in the Mediterranean sea near Valencia, Alinghi confirmed its dominance by defeating the New Zealand Team 5 to 2 in a breathtaking final match race. Mathematics and computational science were involved in Alinghi’s first successes in 2003, when it won the Louis Vuitton Cup and then the America’s Cup by defeating the defending Black Magic Team of New Zealand. Mathematics helped create the design of the boat which brought the defender Alinghi its second triumph in Valencia in 2007. Mathematical models were used in the design phase and again during the competition. Of course mathematical models alone are not enough to guarantee success in a race as competitive as the America’s Cup: a great team and much luck are needed. We know that people and explorers have been sailing literally since the stone age. It may seem astonishing that, with all the technological progress that has been achieved, sailing is still such a challenge. Alinghi has shown that part of the progress that will likely be made in the future rests on mathematical models and their numerical solution.
A perennial invader’s seed and rhizome differ in cold tolerance and apparent local adaptation

Extreme cold plays a key role in the range boundaries of plants. Winter survival is central to their persistence, but not all structures are equally susceptible to frost kill and, therefore, limiting to distributions. Furthermore, we expect intraspecific variation in cold tolerance both within and among tissue types. In a laboratory setting, we determined freezing tolerances of two overwintering propagule types – seeds and rhizomes – of the globally invasive Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), testing apparent emergence and electrolyte leakage as a proxy for cell death. We used 18 genotypes from agricultural and non-agricultural habitats spanning the climatic extremes occupied by Johnsongrass in the US. Single node rhizome fragments had an average LT90 of -5.1 °C with no significant variation based on home climate or ecotype. Seeds frozen at -85 °C suffered a decline in germinability to 10% from 25% at 22 °C. Population origin did not affect seed response to any temperature. However, non-agricultural seeds germinated more and faster than agricultural seeds from the coldest climates, with a reversed relationship among warmest origin seeds. Regardless of ecotype, seeds from the cold/dry and wet/warm sectors of Johnsongrass’s range germinated more and faster. Drastic differences in cold tolerance between seeds and rhizome and evidence for seeds’ local adaptation to land use and climate suggest that its spread is likely limited by winter rhizome survival, as well as adaptability of germination behavior to longer winters. These findings shed light on Johnsongrass’ dispersal dynamics and help identify future avenues for mechanistically understanding its range limitation.
The alien vascular flora of Stromboli and Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

The updated censuses of the alien flora of the islands of Stromboli and Vulcano, Aeolian Islands in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea, are presented here. They currently consist of 40 and 57 specific and subspecific taxa respectively. As many as 16 and 18 taxa respectively are new in comparison with the last censuses in 2016. Mesembryanthemum × vascosilvae, commonly cultivated in both islands, is reported for the first time as naturalized alien to Italy. Passiflora incarnata from Stromboli and Pelargonium graveolens from Vulcano are reported for the first time as casual aliens to Sicily. The evolution over time of these florulas, as inferred from the main floristic works published on these islands, is commented on. Biology, ecology and possible causes of settlement of these plants are discussed briefly.
AN APPRAISAL OF VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP IN KENYA: EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Purpose: This paper sought to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Virtual internship. It explores the interns experience and perceptionon virtual internship that was accelerated by the outbreak of COVID-19. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional study on interns in different companies in Kenya. The study used both close-ended and open-ended online questionnaires to collect data from 161 interns about their experience and perception of switching to virtual internship. The data analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Internship programs were interrupted by COVID-19 pandemic greatly. There was low number of interns in organizations, and management made changes on the scope and intake of interns. Among the changes made by organization was the shift from traditional internship to virtual internship. The virtual interns reported great satisfaction. They reported gaining by learning technical skills and soft skills for remote work. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings of this study contribute and fill the gaps to the literature around virtual internship. The study recommends organizations to adopt policy that allow for virtual internship. The policy should, firstly, provide for orientation of interns. This will enable the interns to understand their scope of work and company culture. Secondly, the policy should clearly provide the most appropriate communication platforms e.g. zoom, WhatsApp, teams etc. Finally the policy should include a framework that will allow interns to attend departmental meetings. This will go a long way in exposing the interns to the company’s work culture and reduce isolation.
Good Bank Evaluation by Chernoff Face Analysis using SAS macro faces

The SAS macro faces program by Friendly (1992) is for Chernoff face analysis, which is one of methods for the visualization representation of multivariate data. In this paper, we examined 18 face features used in the program and presented the modified program depending on the definition of a good face in days present. In addition, a good bank evaluation for 15 domestic banks was performed through Chernoff face analysis based on 11 bank economic indicators representing stability, the consumer satisfaction, soundness, and banks profitability.
An Evaluation of the Road Ready Teens Video Game: Final Report

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Road Ready Teens video game "Streetwise," in (1) raising teen awareness of key driving risks, (2) strengthening positive attitudes toward driving safety guidelines, and (3) emphasizing that the experience they get through practice-driving helps them become safe drivers. Twenty-four teens who were either within three months of beginning, or were currently taking but had not completed driver education, were evaluated before and after 50 minutes of playing Streetwise, and then participated in a focus group lasting one hour. Pre- and post-game comparisons indicated that playing Streetwise significantly increased perceptions of personal driving risk; however, intentions to avoid risky driving behaviors, attitudes toward driving guidelines, and acceptance of driving guidelines did not change significantly from pre- to post-test. Girls were more likely than boys to report increased awareness of driving risks, greater acceptance of driving guidelines, and clearer perceptions of personal driving risk. Prior driving experience, video game playing experience, risk-taking propensity, driving risk-taking, and living locale (i.e., rural vs. in-town) also related to game outcomes. Teens in the focus groups said the video game gave too little opportunity to make driving decisions and not enough vehicle control to practice safe driving. They recommended leaving more decisions up to the driver, such as choosing to use safety belts and turn signals; checking blind spots; choosing their own routes or following directions instead of following turn arrows; and controlling vehicle speed to follow posted speed limits. They also suggested adding life-like driving situations, such as realistic obstacles; oncoming traffic; opposing traffic at intersections; and executing left turns at intersections and navigating four-way stops with on-coming traffic. The teens also wanted realistic feedback about the consequences of their mistakes and choices, such as degree of injury, repair cost, damage from hitting obstacles, and consequences of their decisions about safety belt and turn signal use. They felt this type of information would help them learn safe driving skills and the benefits of safe driving habits. Overall, the teens enjoyed playing the video game and felt it was a good teaching tool for people their age.
Analysis, design, and implementation of a random frequency PWM inverter

Random pulse width modulation (RPWM) approaches can make the harmonic spectrum of inverter output voltage be continuously distributed without affecting the fundamental frequency component, and thus the acoustic noise and mechanical vibration of an inverter-fed AC motor drive are greatly reduced. However, the analysis and design of the RPWM mechanisms are generally not so trivial for practical engineers that their applications are limited. In this paper, a random frequency PWM (RFPWM) inverter and its practical design procedure are presented. First, the effects of the attributes of a random signal on the inverter output harmonic spectrum distribution characteristics are analyzed using an intuitive concept, then based on which, the quantitative design. Simulink simulation and implementation of the proposed RFPWM inverter are introduced. The proposed RFPWM inverter is employed to power an indirect field-oriented induction motor drive. The simulated and measured results indicate that the uniform random distribution of inverter output harmonic spectrum and thus smaller acoustic noise and mechanical vibration are obtained by the proposed RFPWM scheme.
MR DAMPER INVERSE MODELING DEPENDENT ON OPERATING CONDITIONS

For semi-active control of vehicle suspension magnetoreological (MR) dampers are usually used. Construction of such dampers suggests that their properties should be dependent on fluid temperature, current of the coil and the relative velocity of the rod, which all change during operation. Then, an inverse model used to work out the current based on the required damping force may not be adequate, and performance of the overall semi-active control system can be significantly degraded. MR damper reaches its operating temperature in a short period of time, and thus it should be modelled, and the obtained inverse model should reflect such state. However, it has been observed that the hysteric behavior of the MR damper significantly differs depending on the current. The paper presents results of such analysis and recommends using a set of simple models appropriate for different ranges of this parameter. During control the models should be switched to guarantee the best operating conditions. Experiments for this research have been performed using MTS system.
Parent-Child Discrepancies in Perceived Parent-Child Communication and Depressive Symptoms in Early Adolescents in China

Although recent studies demonstrated that parent-child discrepancies in the perceived family processes were associated with children’s developmental outcomes, few studies have addressed this issue in different types of families in mainland China. The present study investigated that how discrepancies in parents’ and adolescents’ perceptions of parent-adolescent communication were associated with early adolescent depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample (N = 15,377) with 7010 father-adolescent dyads (adolescents: Mage = 14.24 years, SD = 1.25 years; 5960 adolescents from two-parent families, 443 adolescents from single-father families) and 8367 mother-adolescent dyads (adolescents: Mage = 14.02 years, SD = 1.18 years; 6670 adolescents from two-parent families, 1362 adolescents from single-mother families) in China. Adolescent respondents completed a measure of depressive symptoms and all informants reported on the perceived levels of parent-adolescent communication. Results indicated that adolescents reported parent-child communication more negatively than did their parents. Father-adolescent discrepancies were also greater in intact families than non-intact families. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that while there was a significant interactive effect of father-reported and adolescent-reported father-adolescent communication in Chinese two-parent families, no significant interaction was found for mother-adolescent dyad. Besides, adolescent-reported mother-child communication interacted with mother-reported communication in Chinese single-mother families only. The findings clarify parent-adolescent discrepancies in parent-child communication in different types of families in China and they have theoretical and practical implications on the role of discrepancies in parents and adolescent children on perceived parent-adolescent communication in early adolescent depressive symptoms.