Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longevity pattern in Emilia Romagna (Italy) in a dynamic perspective

In this paper, we investigate the pattern of longevity during the last 15 years in Emilia Romagna, a North-Eastern region of Italy, at a municipality level. We consider a specific index of extreme longevity based on people aged 95 and over in two different periods (1995-1999 and 2005-2009). Spatio-temporal modeling is used to tackle at both periods the random variations in the occurrence of people 95+, due to the increasingly rareness of such events, especially in small areas. This method exploits the spatial proximity and the consequent interaction of the geographical areas to smooth the observations, as well as to control for the effects of a set of regressors. As a result, clusters of areas characterized by high and low indexes of longevity are well identified and the temporal evolution of the phenomenon can be depicted. In a parallel analysis, we consider the past levels of mortality on the same cohort of individuals reaching 95 years and over in the second period and when they were aged 80-89 and 90-99. Within this longitudinal framework, the longevity outcome is modeled by a spatial regression. The area-specific structures of mortality are included as regressors, whose effects represent the causal link between the occurrence of people 95+ and the causes of death in the same cohort.
Effects of Repeated Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation on the Development of Antigen-presenting Cells and T Cells Pool in Hen Vagina

The aim of this study was to determine how the mucosal immunity mediated by T cells is developed in the vagina. Antigen-presenting cells and T cells play important roles in the early process of host defense. Mature T cells and immature dendritic cells expressing CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 6. In contrast, immature T cells and mature dendritic cells express CCR7. It was examined whether repeated antigen stimulation is effective for development of the pool of antigen-presenting cells and T cells in the vagina. White Leghorn hens were intravaginally injected 1 (single injection group) or 5 times (repeated injection group) in 10 days with saline (control) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The vagina was collected 1 day after the final injection. Frozen sections of them were immunostained for CD4 + , CD8 + , TCRγδ + T cells and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II + cells. Expressions of CCR6, CCR7 and MHC class II were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. The frequency of CD4 + , CD8 + , TCRγδ + T cells were significantly increased in LPS-repeated injection group, however that of MHC class II + cells was not changed significantly. The expression of CCR6 was significantly upregulated in LPS-repeated injection group, however, the expression of CCR7 and MHC class II was not affected. The densities of the each T cell subset and MHC class II +
An Improved UWB Non-Coplanar Power Divider

An improved UWB non-coplanar power divider is presented. Based on the theory of microstrip-to-slotline transition, the principle of this power divider is discussed. To improve the performances of the power divider, a tapered slot and a fan-shaped slot take the place of a circular slot in the circuit design. The simulated and measured results show a progressive return loss of input port.
Investigation of volatility and spillover in foreign ex-change return in Indian Chinese & Malaysian market

In this paper it is tried to make the comparison the foreign exchange return volatility in the three emerging economies of Asia. It is also endeavored to investigate the return co-movement and the volatility spillover between the foreign exchange markets of India, China and Malaysia with reference of US dollar, Indian Rupees, Chinese Yuan and Malaysian Ringgit in each other foreign exchange market to. The daily data have collected from Federal Reserve data base from April 2012 to March 2017. For analysis MGARCH model, the GARCH DCC as well as VAR model applied. The empirical result of volatility spillover effect shows that in Indian and Malaysian foreign exchange market the US dollar seems as shock transmitter. It also shows that the influence of US dollar in Chinese foreign exchange market is very low as compare to the Indian and Malaysian exchange rate market. In Chinese market Malaysian ringgit is dominant currency and it transmits the shocks to the US dollar. The conditional volatility result shows that among all the foreign exchange market, Indian market has high volatility return of foreign currency as compare to other market.
Spatial dimension of poverty in rural Nigeria

Poverty is a rural phenomenon in Nigeria. This study investigated poverty profile across geopolitical zones in rural Nigeria, using the 2003/2004 NLSS data. The result of FGT poverty decomposition shows that majority of the poor (84%) live in the rural area. Northwest zone had the highest relative contribution to incidence and depth of national rural poverty (29 and 30%, respectively) while Southwest had the least relative contribution (4 and 3% respectively). Although North-central had the highest level of severity of rural poverty (P2 = 0.1454), North-west accounted for the highest relative contribution (30%) to national rural poverty. Key words: Poverty, assets, rural, geopolitical zones, Nigeria.
PRESENTING A NEW METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING FAULT LOCATION IN MICROGRIDS, USING HARMONIC IMPEDANCE

Microgrid presents an efficient and novel solution for integrating many new energy generating resources with traditional distribution networks. Having an appropriate protective scheme is a fundamental challenge in achieving microgrid plans. It is proven that traditional protective plans are not efficient for protecting microgrid, since the network is dynamic and the level of fault current changes continually. Accordingly, this paper presents a novel method to detect fault in microgrids. Presented plan of this paper is based on calculating harmonic impedance. Harmonic impedance can be calculated using linear analysis in frequency domain. Generally, in this plan, communicative equipment is applied to monitor the network, and a Supervisory Remote Control Unit is used for calculations and commanding. Using this controller, the proposed method would be able to use online calculation for fault detection and unlike studies which use offline data, the proposed method is not limited to a special structure. Using the proposed method, different type of faults, especially high impedance faults, are detectable and locatable. Consequently, the presented method provides many features for protective system such as selectivity and also ability to detect symmetrical, asymmetrical, and high impedance faults. In addition, fault detecting is independent from microgrid control system and hence reliability and flexibility of protection and control system increased. The presented method is applied to IEEE 14 buses test network. The obtained results are reported and discussed.
Network Analysis-Based Psychoeducation for GAD

Psychoeducation, providing essential information for a client about psychological and physiological processes, is typically the first step in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) but its content and implementation is currently underdeveloped. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental disorder in the United States. Often, persons with GAD and their primary care providers and family do not recognize or understand the meaning of their symptoms because of the diffuse and imprecise nature of the diagnosis. This thesis aims to investigate a systems network analysis of generalized anxiety disorder to explore suggestions for enhancing psychoeducation intervention as an initial intervention for GAD clients. A network analysis based psychoeducation intervention could also work as a first-step intervention for GAD clients on a wait-lists for CBT. The thesis concludes with a proposal for a pilot study testing the effectiveness of a more developed psychoeducation intervention. NETWORK ANALYSIS BASED PSYCHOEDUCATION FOR GAD 3
The Role of Information Systems in Decision Making: The case of Jordan Bank

This research aims to analyze the current state of computer information systems and its role in decision making in Jordan bank. It identifies the types of computer based information systems that is used in the Bank. However, the research relies on an empirical study and a structured questionnaire. Questionnaire numbered 252 have been distributed to the studied bank, 212 questionnaires have been retrieved. The study found a strong relationship between information systems and the process of decision making; on the other hand the results show that Jordan relies heavily on a number of technologies used by IS to implement their key activities. Keywords: Information systems, decision making.
Adsorption of As(V) and As(III) from aqueous solution by lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) nanoparticle

γ-FeOOH nanorods an adsorbent for As(V) and As(III) removal was prepared by a chemical co-precipitation method. The maximum adsorption capacities at pH6 for As(V) and As(III) were 63.75 and 88.99 mg/g, respectively, higher than those of Fe2O3, Fe3O4. The adsorption data accorded with Freundlich isotherms. At the study pH, for arsen, the adsorption equilibrium was gained after 90 min. Kinetic data fitted well to the pseudo-secondorder reaction model. The adsorption of γFeOOH for As (V) and As(III) could be competed by some other ion such as sulfate, ammonium and chloride. The high adsorption capability and good performance on other aspects make the γFeOOH nanorod a promissing adsorbent for the removal of As (V) and As(III) from the groundwater.
RF-MEMS multi-mode-matching networks for GaN power transistors

This work presents radio-frequency-microelectromechanical-system (RF-MEMS)-based tunable input- and output-matching networks for a multi-band gallium nitride (GaN) power-amplifier applications. In the first part, circuit designs are shown and characterized for a fixed operation mode of the transistor, i.e. either a maximum-output-power- or a maximum-power-added-efficiency (PAE)-mode, which are finally combined into a multi-mode-matching network (M3N); the M3N allows to tune the operation mode of the transistor independently of its operational frequency. The matching networks are designed to provide optimum matching for the power amplifier at three to six different operating frequencies for maximum-output-power- and maximum-PAE-mode. In the frequency range from 3.5 to 8.5 GHz, return losses of 10 dB and higher were measured and insertion losses of 0.5–1.9 dB were demonstrated for the output-matching networks. Further characterizations were performed to test the dependency on the RF-input power, and no changes were observed up to power levels of 34 dBm when cold-switched.
PEDAL FORCES, LOWER LIMB JOINT KINEMATICS AND KINETICS IN CYCLING WITH CIRCULAR AND NON-CIRULAR CHAINRINGS

Non-circular chainrings theoretically enhance cycling performance by increasing effective chainring diameter and varying crank velocity. Yet, scientific proof has failed to consistently reproduce the theoretical benefits in cycling trials. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse kinematics and kinetics between circular and two different shapes of non-circular chainrings. 14 elite cyclists pedalled at two submaximal (90 rpm: 180 W, 300 W) two-minutes cycling trials using three chainrings ranging from circular to ovality of 1.10 and 1.215. A significant increase of tangential pedal forces, sagittal ankle and hip joint moments and a significant decrease of sagittal knee joint moments were observed. Non-circular chainrings do not evidently seem to enhance performance, but facilitated conditions for muscle activation as well as a reduction of knee joint moments can occur.
Minimum overhead burst synchronization for OFDM based broadband transmission

In this paper the subject of training data overhead in burst oriented transmission systems using OFDM is addressed. Previous work has shown that burst synchronization for such scenarios is possible. However, the training data needed in some cases will significantly decrease the usable bandwidth. In order to minimize overhead we analyze the impact of synchronization errors on OFDM and derive a suitable optimization criterion. A novel training data format is introduced that allows to tailor the overhead according to the actual requirements. Using theoretical analysis and simulation the training data overhead can be decreased significantly without loss in performance.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF PRELIMINARY PHARMACOGNOSY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY OF TWO SOURCE PLANTS OF BALA (SIDA CORDIFOLIA, LINN. AND SIDA RETUSA LINN.)

"Bala â€- a predominant herbal drug, has wide selection of uses as a single drug and also is an ingredient in most of the popular and extensively used Ayurveda formulations. Ayurvedic Formulary of India accepts Sida cordifolia Linn. as Bala . Sida cordifolia being not so common in Southern parts of India has paved way for use of Sida retusa Linn. , presently known as Sida alnifolia a common plant to be used as source plant of Bala in Kerala. In the present study, preliminary pharmacognostical, physical and phytochemical evaluation including chromatography of Sida cordifolia, Linn. and Sida retusa Linn. was done to evaluate their use as source plants of Bala . The pharmacognostical study by virtue of organoleptic evaluation and microscopy of Transverse section of the two species were performed and documented based on the standard procedure. The findings are valuable source of information as it may assist identification of the 2 drugs. Preliminary physical and phytochemical analysis of genuine sample of the study drug Sida cordifolia, Linn. and Sida retusa Linn. were conducted as a part of the study. These tests are simple and easy to carry out and give valuable information about the identity, genuineness and purity of the drug. The preliminary pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening of Sida cordifolia and Sida retusa suggests that either of the plants could be the source plants of Bala due to their immense similarity. It makes it highly probable that the pharmacological activities and therapeutic efficacy could possibly be same.
A TESTING PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINISTIC COVER FINITE STATE MACHINES

The paper deals with the testing procedures of software system specified by fi- nite sequential functions. It is shown that using the cover finite state machines, the W and Wp testing methods may be adapted to cope with such systems. The testing methodologies for software systems modeled by finite state ma- chines are mainly aimed to the automatic generation of a test set such that a correct behaviour of the system on all the cases of the test guarantees the correctness in the general case. Obviously, that goal, contradicting the famous statement by E. W. Dijkstra program testing can be used to show the presence of bugs, but never to show their absence may be accomplished only in some restricted classes of software systems. Such a class comprises the communi- cation protocols specified by finite state machines but implemented by some other finite state machines that meet some additional requirements concerning their form and size. A special case is the test generating procedure for protocols modeled by deterministic finite state machines using the so called W − method (2). Given two deterministic finite state machines S and I, the former representing the specification and the latter the implementation, a test set is a set of sequences that, when applied to the two machines with identical results, guarantees their identical behaviour (if the two machines are not equivalent then at least one of these sequences will produce different results on the two machines). The test set will be generated from the specification S and, in principle, no information is available about the implementation I, except that the difference between the number of states of the implementation and that of the specification has to be at most k, a positive integer estimated by the tester. A variant of this method, called the W p-method, that, in certain circumstances may slightly re- duce the size of the test set at the expense of the complexity of the generation algorithm, has also been developed (7). The method was also generalized to non-deterministic finite state machines (17). The case of partially specified de-
Faces On Facebook: Associated Factors In Choosing The Facebook Profile Picture By Young Adults In SLIATE

This is a preliminary study which focuses on Facebook profile picture from two different perspectives; selection and substitution. It attempt to identify & evaluate the related variables that has an impact on profile picture selection. Participants include 309 male and female Facebook users between the ages of 18 to 34 who are enrolled in a higher education institute in Sri Lanka. The analysis finds that profile picture categories differ according to gender. Majority of the males prefer to use their own close up photo while female equally like to use their own close up photo or a photo of a celebrity. Profile picture category did not significantly vary by age, perhaps because of less variation in the age group considered. But it depends on the appearance Facebook user is trying to convey through the profile picture. The individuals who post their own close up photos believe that they appear attractive. The individuals who feel that they look happy are uploading photos with their friends mostly. Most of the individuals change their profile picture when they find a better picture. Reason for changing the profile picture vary according to the age. The males believe they can build an impression about themselves through the profile picture whilst the females‘ respond is neutral. Implications of these findings, as well as suggestions for future research, are discussed.
Effect of dietary fat type on plasma lipid profile and leptin concentration in rats fed on high-sucrose diets

The aim of the study was to investigate the eff ect of diff erent dietary fat type on plasma leptin concentration and lipid profi le in male Wistar rats fed normo-fat, normo-protein, high-sucrose (5, 19 and 35 % w/w, respectively) diets. The experiment was conducted on 21 adult male rats (260 ± 20g) fed diets with diff erent fat sources: lard (L), grapeseed oil (G) and fl axseed oil (F). Radioimmunoassay was used to measure leptin concentration and enzymaticcolorimetric methods to estimate lipid profi le. Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) plasma concentrations were higher in group L and G than F (ANOVA p≤0,01; p≤0,05 and p≤0,005, respectively), whereas low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) level was higher in group L than G and F (ANOVA p≤0,05). Leptin concentration was signifi cantly higher in group L in comparison to F (ANOVA p≤0,04). Signifi cant positive correlations were found between plasma leptin concentration and fi nal body weight, TC, HDL and TG (r = 0,64, p≤0,006; r=0,72, p≤0,002; r=0,69, p≤0,003; r=0,86, p≤0,00004 respectively). It can be observed that fl axseed oil rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) profi tably infl uenced not only lipid profi le lowering its parameters but also reduced leptin concentration which can suggest approximate lipidogenic potential of both grapeseed oil (rich in PUFA n-6) and lard (rich in monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids). The results provided evidence that dietary fat type can infl uence cardiovascular disease risk parameters when high-sucrose diet is consumed.
Reflecting on the Debates and Action of mixed methods adoption in Business Research: Researchers should start thinking

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the philosophical arguments underpinning the choice of mixed method [MM] research design. However, the study concluded that mixing research methods in business research is important as it helps to strengthen findings and recommendations arising from a given research study. More so, we recommend for postgraduate researchers to rationalise their choice of mixing methods based on complementarities, research priority, purpose and the implementation of findings and not on the basis of philosophical ontology and epistemology. This has been found to be the reason underpinning the much lauded arguments in the adoption of mix methods.
Exchange Rate Exposure: Do Asymmetries and Volatilities Matter? Evidence from the Taiwan Stock Market

This study investigates foreign exchange exposure and the impacts of asymmetries and volatilities on the daily returns of Taiwanese non-financial firms from 1990 to 2010. 88.8% of our samples are negatively exposed, companies benefiting from an appreciation of the domestic currency. 14% of the firms have an asymmetrical profile. If this percentage is not negligible, Taiwanese firms exhibit mainly a symmetric exposure. Currency volatilities have a significant impact for only 7.5% of the firms, but for 37.38% of the sample, we observe the existence of an asymmetric volatility. Among them, 65% exhibit a negative sign meaning that good news have a greater impact on the volatility than bad news, which seems counter-intuitive. These results may be explained by a chasing good news behavior and the effects of a high level of information uncertainty.
Multiple Episodes of Clay Alteration at the Precambrian/Paleozoic Unconformity, Appalachian Basin: Isotopic Evidence for Long-Distance and Local Fluid Migrations

Chlorite and illite are commonly associated with ubiquitous secondary K-rich feldspar in the rocks located immediately above and below the Precambrian-Paleozoic unconformity in southwestern Ontario, and elsewhere in the mid-continent of North America. This alteration assemblage is attributed to long-distance migration of hot brines driven westward by orogenic processes originating along the eastern seaboard of North America. The δD and δ18O values of chlorite and illite, plus K-Ar dates for secondary K-rich feldspar and illite, were used to determine the nature, origin, and timing of the fluids that altered Precambrian granites and their overlying rocks in southwestern Ontario. The δ18O values of the chlorite-forming fluids are best explained by initial hot brines (≥50°C) evolved mostly from seawater. Secondary K-rich feldspar formation followed shortly thereafter, as the fluids cooled and perhaps mixed with meteoric water. Regional migration of the brines was induced by Taconic orogenic events to the east. The hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions for the secondary illite of the early to mid-Carboniferous indicate its crystallization from local meteoric water at low temperatures (40–55°C). Infiltration of local meteoric water into the Paleozoic and uppermost altered Precambrian rocks occurred during uplift, erosion, and subaerial exposure of local arches in southern Ontario. The local basement reactivation and associated secondary illite formation in this portion of the North American hinterland was likely a distal expression of east-coast Acadian and Alleghanian orogenic activity.
The solar coronal origin of a slowly drifting decimetric-metric pulsation structure

We report observations associated with a short duration, slowly drifting decimetric-metric pulsation structure seen by the Phoenix-2 Radio Spectrometer on 2000 August 25. The range of frequencies over which this drifting radio feature occurred included frequencies observed by the Nan cay Radioheliograph enabling the spatial location and development of such a radio source to be determined for the rst time. The radio feature was closely associated with a solar flare. This flare was observed by the Yohkoh Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) allowing us to compare the radio locations with the development of coronal structures seen in soft X-rays. The Yohkoh SXT images reveal two main soft X-ray features: a small flaring kernel region consisting of one or more bright loops located low in the corona and much fainter soft X-ray ejecta observed above the flare kernel region. The radio sources of the drifting pulsation structure moved outward with the soft X-ray ejecta. Our results indicate that the drifting decimetric-metric burst for this event was closely associated with the soft X-ray ejecta.