Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fabry-Pérot Resonator Antenna in Equivalent-Medium Metamaterials

In this communication, a wideband Fabry–Pérot resonator antenna (FPRA) is proposed. An optimized partially reflective surface (PRS) with a transverse permittivity gradient (TPG) composed of four nonrotationally symmetric sections is employed in the design of the antenna. The use of nonrotationally symmetric PRS results in more than 31% improvement of the 3 dB gain bandwidth compared with the traditional rotationally symmetric PRS. Furthermore, two types of nonresonant metamaterials (metallic-ring and etching-hole unit cells) are used to implement the equivalent permittivity of PRS. In this way, the equivalent permittivity value covers a broad range (3.5–9.5) for the same dielectric. As a result, the restrictions imposed by the use of only commercially available dielectrics and the errors that occur during the fabrication and assembly progress of different materials can be avoided. The primary radiator of FPRA is a double-ridge waveguide horn, which ensures wideband antenna operation. An FPRA prototype is fabricated and measured, which exhibits a broad bandwidth (5.2–11.5 GHz) with the return loss |S11| of less than −10 dB. The measured 3 dB gain bandwidth is 73.8% (in the frequency range of 5.3–11.5 GHz) with a peak gain of 17.1 dBi at 7.8 GHz.
Enabling Grant-Free URLLC: An Overview of Principle and Enhancements by Massive MIMO

Enabling ultrareliable low-latency communication (URLLC) with stringent requirements for transmitting data packets (e.g., 99.999% reliability and 1-ms latency) presents considerable uplink transmission challenges. For each packet transmission over dynamically allocated network radio resources, the conventional random access protocols are based on a request-grant scheme. This induces excessive latency and necessitates reliable control signaling, resulting in overhead. To address these problems, grant-free (GF) solutions are proposed in the fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR). In this article, an overview and vision of the state of the art in enabling GF URLLC are presented. In particular, we first provide a comprehensive review of NR specifications and techniques for URLLC, discuss underlying principles, and highlight impeding issues of enabling GF URLLC. Furthermore, we briefly explain two key phenomena of massive multiple-input–multiple-output (mMIMO) (i.e., channel hardening and favorable propagation) and build several deep insights into how celebrated mMIMO features can be exploited to address the issues and enhance the performance of GF URLLC. Moving further ahead, we examine the potential of cell-free (CF) mMIMO and analyze its distinctive features and benefits over mMIMO to resolve GF URLLC issues. Finally, we identify future research directions and challenges in enabling GF URLLC with CF mMIMO.
Large strain dynamic characteristics of quaternary alluvium sand with emphasis on empirical pore water pressure generation model

Abstract The present study focuses on the cyclic behaviour of cohesionless soil collected from the quaternary alluvium deposit at the Middle Ganga Plain (MGP). A series of strain-controlled cyclic triaxial tests have been carried out on collected soil samples at various effective confining stresses, shear strain amplitudes and motion frequencies to estimate the dynamic parameter at large strain. From the results, it has been shown that dynamic properties and liquefaction strength substantially affected by the shear strain amplitude of input motion. However, effective confining stress and motion frequency have no significant effect on dynamic properties and liquefaction strength at large strain. Regression equations have been developed for dynamic and liquefaction strength parameters for the studied soil. It has been found that the consideration of asymmetricity in the shape of hysteresis loops significantly influences the damping ratio estimation at a particular shear strain. Another novel aspect that has been presented in this study is the effect of effective confining stress on the EPWP model parameter F using a mathematical equation. The regression equation for model parameter F proposed in this study has been validated by predicting the maximum EPWP development of studied soil and other quarternary alluvium soils available worldwide.
Livelihood activities and well-being outcomes of cash transfer beneficiaries in Soweto, South Africa

ABSTRACT Despite a growing body of research on the benefits of cash transfers in reducing poverty, limited knowledge exists of beneficiaries' usage of social assistance to pursue livelihood activities in urban areas. This qualitative narrative enquiry provides empirical evidence that when cash transfers are combined with a wide range of livelihood activities, then material and psychosocial as well as personal, household, and business outcomes are improved. Evidence from Soweto, South Africa, provides policy and programmatic solutions for low- and middle-income countries which can inform post-covid responses to mitigate health and livelihood shocks and the deepening of poverty levels.
Ultrawideband Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton Bidirectional Endfire Antenna Based on Wave Vectors Mismatching

In this work, an ultrawideband spoof surface plasmon polariton (SPP) bidirectional endfire antenna is proposed based on wave vectors’ mismatching. One splitter structure connects two radiator structures to form the proposed antenna, and two types of slot lines are used to design the splitter structure and the two radiator structures. Although the spoof SPP can transmit to the two radiator structures from the splitter structure, the wave vectors of the spoof SPP in the splitter structure and radiator structures are mismatched. Thus, the spoof SPP from the splitter structure will not be bounded mode when it propagates at the two radiator structures and will be decoupled by the two radiator structures, thereby realizing a bidirectional endfire radiation pattern. The bandwidth of the proposed antenna depends on the decoupling bandwidth of the spoof SPP based on wave vectors’ mismatching, which is determined by the working band of the splitter structure and the dispersion of radiator structures. This proposed antenna has a relative bandwidth of 120% from 9.6 to 40.00 GHz, average efficiency of 93%, and an average gain of over 9.2 dB, having great potential in microwave and millimeter communications.
Når værdighed rimer på uafhængighed: En antropologisk analyse af ældrepolitikkens fordringer om aktivitet og selvhjælp

Dansk ældrepolitik har det seneste årti været præget af stærke idéer om aktiv alderdom, uafhængighed og værdighed. Med afsæt i etnografiske indsigter om ældre danskere viser denne artikel, hvordan ældrepolitikkens fordringer om aktivitet og selvhjælp har gjort det delvist illegitimt at være svækket og plejekrævende. Artiklen argumenterer dermed for, at ældrepolitik, der primært baserer sig på aktivitetsteori, risikerer at bryde med den sociale kontrakt mellem individ og samfund, som har kendetegnet den danske velfærdsstat siden 1950’erne. Den viser også, at den sociale relation mellem plejekrævende ældre og omsorgsmedarbejdere ændrer sig som en konsekvens heraf.
Does Online Learning Work for International Students?

Online learning is a new global phenomenon during The Covid-19 Outbreak. Online knowledge, combined with the social media platform, can be useful in teachinglearning. Some countries are determining online learning, such as keeping social distances, keeping them healthy, and focusing on lessons and knowledge, not thinking about the Covid-19 virus, which is changing in many ways. This Research takes a sample of students studying abroad and stranded in their country who cannot return to university due to limitations on their borders. The participants come from six countries as international students. This method is class-based Research by interviewing students and analyzing their opinions on online learning. The researcher also uses the social media platform to explore how digital literacy practices can work on distance learning. Restrictions on distance, day-to-day interaction with a camera, and sometimes internet connections can be significant for online learning. Keywords—online learning, international students, distance learning, digital literacy practices
Cool deltas: Sedimentological, geomorphological and geophysical characterization of ice‐contact deltas and implications for their reservoir properties (Salpausselkä, Finland)

Sediments deposited by glacial meltwaters (for example, ice‐contact delta deposits) form permeable packages in the subsurface that can act as reservoirs for both water and hydrocarbons. They are also an important source of aggregate for the construction industry. As reservoirs they are challenging to characterize in terms of their structure, flow and storage properties due to their complex depositional history. In this study, ice‐contact deltas of Salpausselkä I and II end moraines in Southern Finland are studied using a combination of geomorphological mapping, sedimentological studies and near surface geophysical methods. Sedimentary logs from isolated outcrops were correlated to ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiles to unravel the internal structure and depositional history of these ice‐contact deltas. Subsequently, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and gravity data were analysed to estimate the depth to bedrock and to model porosity distribution within the sediments. Results of the study suggest that the delta deposits have a broad range of porosities (10 to 42%) with lowest values found in the bottomset beds. The most variable porosities are in the subaqueous ice‐contact–fan zone, and consistently high porosities occur in delta foreset/topset facies. Detailed sedimentary logging linked to the GPR data shows heterogeneities such as mud drapes on foresets and kettle holes which are below the resolution of ERT and gravity methods but significantly affect reservoir properties of the deltas. Moreover, oscillation of the ice‐margin may have introduced larger heterogeneities (for example, buried ice marginal ridges, or eskers) into the sedimentary sequence which are atypical for other Gilbert‐type deltas. Finally, subglacially sculpted, highly variable bedrock topography exerts a major control on sediment distribution within the delta making reservoir volume and quality less predictable. This work has implications for present‐day freshwater aquifers and low enthalpy geothermal energy in southern Finland and other deglaciated regions, as well as hydrocarbon exploration of analogous deposits in the subsurface from Pleistocene and pre‐Pleistocene glaciogenic sequences.
The Impact of Online Education on the University Students of Assam in COVID times

Objectives: To analyse the impact of online education among the university students of Assam. To understand the benefits of online education and the challenges faced by students while accessing online education. Methods: A survey was conducted among the students of two universities of Guwahati (public and private) from India in the month of August 2020. A sample size of 100 students was chosen with the help of random sampling method. A questionnaire consisting of both structured and unstructured questions was prepared to interview the students. Findings: It was found that the online education during COVID-19 times had its own share of pros and cons, many students were of the opinion that classroom teaching cannot be replaced by online teaching and that the new mode of teaching did not have a great impact on their education as they faced many issues with it. Application : The findings from this study can help the teaching community and also the students to understand the basic problems of online education which if corrected can help the teachers to deliver better and the students to understand better. Keywords: COVID; Halt; Online; Students; Lockdown
Using a Board Game to Teach about Sustainable Development

Examining and developing courses of education for sustainable development (ESD) is the goal of this study. Building on the theory of game-based learning, this study develops teaching strategies that employ board games for ESD. The design context of the board game, entitled “Be Blessed Taiwan”, is situated in the dilemma between biological conservation and economic development. It incorporates four core systemic concepts: the economy, policies, society, and ecology. Students from two high schools played the game for 200 min and 400 min, respectively (100 min per week). The study collected complete pre-game and post-game data from 34 high school students, including the test of scientific concepts, and gameplay results. The research results indicate that students’ test scores significantly increased after the gameplay with a medium effect size; specifically, a large effect on the dimension of biodiversity concepts and a medium effect on the dimension of biological conservation concepts. The analysis of students’ gameplay results shows the difficulty for high-school students to achieve all four ESD goals.
Advancing Leadership Education and Development: Integrating Adult Learning Theory

Leader development serves as a strong focus in the mission statements of many business school programs. Looking at business school leader development programs through the lens of adult learning theory, we assert that there is an overreliance on cognitive training (e.g., lecture) as the primary form of education used in preparing future business leaders, neglecting other relevant learning orientations. In response, we advance a comprehensive model of business leader education and training that incorporates and integrates five primary orientations to adult learning (cognitivist, behaviorist, humanistic, social cognitive, constructivist). We argue that other professional training curricula, most notably, medical school and military education, draw more fully on these five orientations to adult learning and that these represent comparative models for what business schools could be doing in leader development. We conclude by providing concrete suggestions for how business educators might apply the model in their own programs.
Adaptive Performance Improvement of Fiber Bragg Grating in Radio over Fiber System

The combination of Radio Frequency and Optical Fiber has resulted high capacity transmission at lower costs components and makes Radio over Fiber as a current trend of large broadband communication. In Fiber optics field, the use of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) was been proposed in recent research with different purpose of uses. However, the compensation of dispersion method of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) can boost significantly the system performance. This paper investigates the performance capacity improvement of adaptive Radio over Fiber system. The system design was performed using OptiSystem 7.0 software, which 10 Gb/s Non Return to Zero (NRZ) signal was launched into 50 Km Universal Mode Fiber and Fiber Bragg Grating was used as a compensator of dispersion before frequency up conversion. Therefore, the system performances were investigated by comparing the Bit Error Rate (BER) and Q-factors of Positive Intrinsic Negative (PIN) and Ultrafast Avalanche Photodiode (APD) as optical receivers. The Eye diagram analyzer showed acceptable improvement due to use of Fiber Bragg Grating as a compensator of dispersion.
Self-determination and inclusion: The role of Canadian principals in catalysing inclusive-positive practices

While the placement of students with complex learning needs in Canadian classrooms may be mandated in policy, the development of inclusive-positive practices requires direct, and at times delicate, support and encouragement from principal teams. Without genuine engagement and buy-in from teachers and school staff, students in inclusive classrooms may not find meaningful opportunities in those spaces. Often, it falls on principals to be leaders of attitudes and practices so that inclusive school communities can thrive. Fortunately, the framework of self-determination theory provides a path by which principals can catalyse attitudinal changes (autonomy), best practices (competences), and enriched community relationships (relatedness). This study includes the questionnaire responses of 275 principals (and vice principals) from six provinces in Canada. Of those 275 participants, 46 principals also participated in interviews. The findings of this study suggest that affecting attitudinal changes requires specific and comprehensive practices. Principals also need to model inclusive-positive attitudes in their behaviour and practice. Finally, the careful curation and maintenance of relationships is a necessary for the well-being of the school communities. Implications for principal practice and school well-being are included.
The impact of enterprise social media use on employee performance: a grounded theory approach

PurposeEnterprise social media (ESM) are frequently used in enterprises for daily operation. Although many researchers have attempted to understand the antecedents and consequences of ESM use, the integrated model, boundary conditions and mechanism of the impact of ESM use on performance are still unclear. This study fill this research gap by adopting a grounded theory approach to study how ESM use affects employee performance.Design/methodology/approachChoosing representative cases, the authors collected interview data and analyzed the data using open coding, axial coding and selective coding.FindingsThe results showed four main categories including ESM use, work efficiency, emotional maintenance and work performance, as well as 14 sub-categories. This paper also constructs a model of the impact of ESM use on work performance. In addition, results showed that ESM use affects employees' work performance through work efficiency and emotional maintenance, and frequency of use and individual characteristics may moderate this process.Originality/valueThis study’s results contribute to the existing ESM literature by finding the integrated model, boundary conditions and mechanism of the impact of ESM use on performance. The authors also contributed to the social media literature by finding 14 sub-categories and four main categories including ESM use, work efficiency, emotional maintenance and work performance. The conclusion of this paper provides guidance and reference for the use and management of internal social media in enterprises.
Effect of Biomass-Burning Emissions on Soil Water Repellency: A Pilot Laboratory Study

While western U.S. wildfires have increased in intensity and scale, their impacts on soil chemical composition and hydraulic processes have received little attention, despite increasing erosion, surface runoff and flooding. The relationships between biomass-burning emissions, composition of the soil, fire heat, and soil water repellency are fragmental and sometimes contradictory. Here, we characterized the water repellency of sand (soil surrogate) exposed to Jeffrey pine duff smoke under controlled laboratory conditions. Water drop penetration time (WDPT), effective contact angle, and relative sorptivity of exposed silica sand (soil surrogate) were determined. Sand samples treated with smoke and heat or with cold smoke showed severe-to-extreme water repellency (WDPT > 1020 s). Sand samples exposed to fulvic acid (surrogate for soil organic matter) showed strong water repellency (WDPT = 81 s) that increased to become severe (WDPT = 2305 s) after subsequent heating to 200 °C for two hours. All sand samples exposed to either fire emissions or fulvic acid showed WDPTs >81 s, effective contact angles between 78° and 87°, and relative sorptivities between 0.31 and 0.49 compared with the untreated sand samples, with a WDPT <0.5 s, effective contact angle of 48°, and relative sorptivity of 1. This indicates that the sorptivity-controlled water infiltration into treated sand is less than half of that into untreated sand.
Design of a High Accuracy Non-dispersive Infrared Gas Sensor for Continuous Emission Monitoring of Carbon Monoxide Emitted from an Industrial Stack

A continuous emission monitoring device based on non-dispersive Infrared (NDIR) for carbon monoxide emitted from an industrial stack was designed. A comparison on optical White cell and Herriot cell were conducted to select an optimal waveguide for the gas cell. Gas flow rate, infrared (IR) source, chopper frequency, gas cell temperature and detector types were also investigated to choose an optimal operating condition. It was found that the reflective capacity of Herriot cell was higher than that of White cell. However, it was difficult to arrange the locations of IR source and the detector in case of Herriott cell. It was observed that the gas cell temperature did not affect the detectivity of the NDIR sensor. On the other hand, gas flow rate, chopper frequency, IR source capacity and detector type significantly affected the performance of the sensor.
An Application for Non-Intrusive Heart Monitoring

Recent advances in sensor technology and mobile computing are now enabling practical non-intrusive approaches to measure vital signs and other biological signals. Remote measurements of physiological signals can provide comfortable health assessment without the presence of any electrodes or devices on the body. Our goal is to extract cardiac pulse rate and blood pressure from colour video recordings of human face. Our method is based on Eulerian Video Magniﬁcation (EVM) framework, which takes a standard video sequence as input, and applies spatial decomposition, followed by temporal ﬁltering to the frames. The resulting signal is then ampliﬁed to reveal hidden information. EVM framework is a generic algorithm developed to reveal minute changes happening in real world. In our case it is used to visualize the ﬂow of blood as it ﬁlls the face and also to amplify and reveal small motions which cannot be observed by naked eye. EVM typically magniﬁes colour variations to visualize ﬂow of blood. We propose to estimate heart rate from the colour magniﬁed video by observing the variation of pixel values for the recorded time. For estimating blood pressure we propose to calculate pulse transit time (PTT) from video sequences. It has been observed that there exists strong correlation between blood pressure and PTT, as PTT is often used as an index to arterial stiﬀness, and hence can be employed for indirect measurement of blood pressure. Conventional techniques for measuring PTT are based on measuring the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal using leads attached to the chest and measuring the photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal from a ﬁnger. The proposed method is both non-intrusive and non-contact based estimation, hence can be employed for continuous, cuﬄess and non-invasive measurement of blood pressure, which is more desirable for people who need regular monitoring of their blood pressure. We also implement the above method on a smartphone platform using the EVM framework which can run in realtime without necessitating the need of expensive hardware.