Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Over GHz frequency model of commercial 2mm hard metric connector using on-board calibration standards

In this paper, the more accurate electrical model of the commercial 2mm hard metric connector (HM connector) is presented for the over GHz frequency circuit model. we propose the equivalent circuit model based on S-parameter measurement with on-board calibration process. We divide the HM connector pins into three sections (the male, mating and female part) for more exact modeling. The measured results based on the S-parameter measurement and the fitted results using the equivalent model are close to each other up to 2GHz. The reliability of the model parameters are confirmed by the eye diagram measurement and simulation.
An analysis for resonance characteristics of whispering gallery modes on an elliptic dielectric disk

We analyze the resonance characteristics of whispering gallery modes on an elliptic dielectric disk resonator. We assume that the elliptic disk is decomposed into a slab waveguide having the same thickness as the elliptic disk and an elliptic rod having the same cross section as the disk. On a basis of an effective dielectric constant method, an effective permittivity of the rod resonator is derived from the propagation constant of the slab waveguide. Approximated resonance frequencies of the elliptic disk are given by an eigenvalue equation of the elliptic rod resonator with the effective permittivity. We have also performed experiments to confirm the validity and usefulness of our analysis. As a result of our study, it has been found that the present analysis is very simple and useful even if the elliptic disk has a high permittivity.
Investigation of the relationship of seismic intensity measures and the accumulation of damage on concrete gravity dams using incremental dynamic analysis

Nonlinear analysis tools are gaining prominence for the design and evaluation of concrete gravity dams. The performance limits of concrete gravity dams within the framework of performance based design are challenging to determine in comparison to those used for the assessments based on linear elastic analyses. The uncertainty in quantifying the behavior of these systems and the strong dependence of the behavior on the ground motion play an important role. The purpose of the study is to quantify the damage levels on a representative monolith using incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). For this purpose, the constitutive model utilized was calibrated first to the existing experimental results to verify the ability of the utilized cracking model to simulate the crack propagation process. Next, the relation between the damage levels on the monolith and the ground motion characteristics was investigated. The results of the conducted IDA showed that the engineering demand parameters (EDP) such as the crest displacement and acceleration showed weak correlation with the damage states. The spectral velocity and the peak ground acceleration were determined to be better predictors for the damage on the monolith. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rhodium-Complex-Functionalized and Polydopamine-Coated CdSe@CdS Nanorods for Photocatalytic NAD+ Reduction

We report on a photocatalytic system consisting of CdSe@CdS nanorods coated with a polydopamine (PDA) shell functionalized with molecular rhodium catalysts. The PDA shell was implemented to enhance the photostability of the photosensitizer, to act as a charge-transfer mediator between the nanorods and the catalyst, and to offer multiple options for stable covalent functionalization. This allows for spatial proximity and efficient shuttling of charges between the sensitizer and the reaction center. The activity of the photocatalytic system was demonstrated by light-driven reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to its reduced form NADH. This work shows that PDA-coated nanostructures present an attractive platform for covalent attachment of reduction and oxidation reaction centers for photocatalytic applications.
Human Activity Recognition via Recognized Body Parts of Human Depth Silhouettes for Residents Monitoring Services at Smart Home

Human activity recognition (HAR) is an emerging methodology essential for smart homes with practical applications such as personal lifecare and healthcare services for the elderly and disabled people. In this work, we present a novel HAR methodology utilizing the recognized body parts of human depth silhouettes and Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). We first create a database of synthetic depth silhouettes and their corresponding body parts labelled silhouettes of various human activities to train random forests (RFs). With the trained RFs, a set of 23 body parts are recognized from incoming depth silhouettes, yielding a set of centroids from the identified body parts. From the dynamics of these centroids, motion parameters are computed: a set of magnitude and directional angle features. Finally, the spatio-temporal dynamics of these motion features of various activities are used to train HMMs. We have performed HAR with the trained HMMs for six typical home activities and obtained the mean recognition rate of 97.16%. The presented HAR methodology should be useful for residents monitoring services at smart homes.
Autocalibration of fiber-optic strain sensor using a self-learning system

The authors describe a fiber-optic strain sensor and a procedure for autocalibration as applied to the measurement of longitudinal strain. The sensor exploits variation in the intermodal interference pattern in a few-mode birefringent fiber under the influence of strain. The sensor produces a far field light distribution varying with the interference pattern. An array of light-to-voltage converters carries out sampling of the sensor output. A small-size connectionist network integrated within the sensor computes strain values from samples dealing with the implicit, nonlinear dependencies between the parameter and the sampling data. The autocalibration method is based on the principle of self-learning. It involves supervised sampling, optimal selection of training inputs, and automated modulation of connection weights in the neural processor. <<ETX>>
Differential voltage current controlled current conveyor with low-voltage operation capability

A novel differential voltage current controlled current conveyor topology is introduced in this article. It has the capability for operating in a low-voltage power supply environment and, also, offers resistorless filter realisations. The main attractive offered benefit is that the handling of AC signals is exclusively performed by nMOS transistors and, thus, the proposed element has capability for high-frequency operation. The performance of the proposed cell has been experimentally verified through the realisation of two 3rd-order filters, derived according to the leapfrog and component substitution methods. The filter topologies have been fabricated through the AMS 0.35 µm CMOS process.
Identifying potential key genes and existing drugs for Multiple sclerosis, Schizophrenia, and Autism- an in silico approach

Nowadays, neurological conditions are a major concern as it not only preys on a patient’s health but also is a huge economic burden that is placed on the patient’s family. The diagnosis and treatment of disease sometimes cause methodological limitations. This is mainly common for individuals who have the signs of MS and schizophrenia (SZ). Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis are more likely to develop schizophrenia. Besides, a significant portion of patients who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) later acquire the symptoms of Schizophrenia. In this study, we used bioinformatics tools to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in all these diseases, and then we created a protein-protein interaction network using the online software STRING and identified 15 significant genes with the help of Cytohubba a plug-in tool in Cytoscape, the offline software (version3.8.2). We then used a drug-gene interaction database to conduct a drug-gene interaction study of the 15 hub genes and from there we identified 37 FDA-approved drugs. These findings may provide a new and common therapeutic approach for MS, SZ, and ASD therapy.
Empirical Indicators: Conceptual and Theoretical Origins

This paper discusses the connections between nursing conceptual model concepts, middle-range theory, and situation-specific theory concepts, as well as between the theory concepts and how they are measured, that is, empirical indicators. Three types of empirical indicators are described—instruments, assessment tools, and interventions—and an example of each type is given. The paper’s central thesis is that a conceptual model concept is —or should be— the starting point for selecting or constructing an empirical indicator.
Preparing students for pharmacy practice using critical thinking and reflection

Background: Social, behavioural, and administrative sciences are among the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) mandated foundational knowledge requirements for pharmacy school curricula. However, they are often taught in isolation, whereby students lose sight of their meaning and significance in the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP). Objective: The objective was to assess performance and critical thinking skills and explore student perceptions of a Longitudinal Patient Case assignment that integrates knowledge from multiple domains into a learning experience exploring how patients and pharmacists navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system. Methods: Student pharmacists developed their case throughout the term by incorporating course concepts, then submitted a narrated PowerPoint presentation. Quantitative data sources included overall scores, scores for each domain, midterm and final examination scores, and final course grades, analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation. Student reflections encouraged self-discovery and professional identity development and served as the qualitative data source. Thematic analysis occurred through a multi-phase approach. Results: All first-year student pharmacists (n = 153) participated. Scores on the narrated PowerPoint were significantly correlated with midterm and final exams and were moderately correlated with overall course grades. Themes that evolved from students’ self-reflections focused on project execution and learning/knowledge. Conclusions: Synthesising and applying content across a course in this manner enables students to make connections, think critically, and be creative.
Effects of a Healthy Habit Promotion Strategy on Colombian Schoolchildren

Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD) show an increasing tendency, especially in low- and medium-income countries. It is necessary to develop and evaluate strategies to strengthen healthy habits at an early age in these countries. Objective: To determine the effect of the health promotion strategy “United for Healthier Kids” (U4HK) on health lifestyle habits of a group of Colombian schoolchildren for the 2018-2020 period. Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study features treatment and control groups and pre- and post-intervention measurements. The study involved 1,011 schoolchildren between six and twelve years old from seven rural and urban schools of the Sabana Centro region of Colombia. We used the Healthy Habits Measurement Tool, previously validated in Colombia. Results: When comparing within and between groups, the UHK strategy showed statistically significant differences in healthy habits (p < 0.05) related to nutrition and physical activity in schoolchildren. Conclusions: The U4HK strategy had a positive effect and impact on the schoolchildren’ healthy habits, especially in the ‘chooses to drink water’ and ‘moves more’ components. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between groups in four out of the five categories: drinks more water, chooses nutritios and varied options, eats and cooks as a family, and moves more. The U4HK strategy responds to current and future health problems in schoolchildren and helps prevent chronic diseases. It could be replicated in similar populations.
Web-Based Collaborative Learning in Secondary Education: Teachersâ€™ Reflection

This article is based on the researchersâ€™ reflections after twice participating in a Web-based Collaborative Learning Program Contest. The contests were held by Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Cyber Academy (ACA). In collaborative learning, teachers are expected to provide participants with scaffolding assistance. The ACA is designed to provide student-centered activities for enhancing skills in information and communication technologies. Students are expected to find data, prepare presentations, and report their topics in English to communicate with other teams from other countries. During these processes, the researcher tried to apply theoretical models such as computerized instruction and topic based learning. The results of this study show the various benefits of Web-based Collaborative Learning for students and teachers. This study also includes several recommendations for primary and secondary schools.
Frequency extrapolation and model-based parameterization of antenna-platform radiation from CEM data

The numerical characterization of antenna radiation in the presence of a large, complex platform is usually very time consuming. We present a frequency extrapolation technique for the antenna radiation problem to obtain the radiated field over a wide band of frequencies from a limited set of frequency calculations. Given a CAD model of the platform, the induced current on the surface is first computed using a computational electromagnetics (CEM) simulator at a set of low frequencies. A time-of-arrival model is then applied to each current element and the superresolution algorithm, ESPRIT, is used to calculate the model coefficients. The frequency response of the current is extrapolated based on this model and the radiated field is obtained over a wide band of frequencies. The CEM simulator used is the multi-level fast multipole solver, FISC.
Practical Framework for Measuring Performance of International Construction Firms

The internationalization of construction companies has become of significant interest as the global construction market continues to be integrated into a more competitive and turbulent business environment. However, due to the complicated and multifaceted nature of international business and performance, there is as yet no consensus on how to evaluate the performance of international construction firms (ICFs). The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to develop a practical framework for measuring the performance of ICFs. Based on the balanced scorecard (BSC), a framework with detailed measures is developed, investigated, and tested using a three-step research design. In the first step, 27 measures under six dimensions (financial, market, customer, internal business processes, stakeholders, and learning and growth) are determined by literature review, interviews with academics, and seminar discussions. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey is conducted to investigate weights of these 27 performance measures. The questionnaire survey also supports the importance of measuring intangible aspects of international construction performance from the practitioner’s viewpoint. Additionally, a case study is described to test the framework’s robustness and usefulness. This is achieved by benchmarking the performance of a Chinese ICF with nine other counterparts worldwide. It is found that the framework provides an effective basis for benchmarking ICFs to effectively monitor their performance and support the development of strategies for improved competitiveness in the international arena. This paper is the first attempt to present a balanced and practically tested framework for evaluating the performance of ICFs. It contributes to the practice of performance measurement and related internationalization in the construction industry in general.
A Self-Adapted Two-Point Modulation Type-II Digital PLL for Fast Chirp Rate and Wide Chirp-Bandwidth FMCW Signal Generation

Different from the conventional two-point modulation (TPM) type-II phase-locked loops (PLLs) requiring non-trivial gain calibrations and TPM type-III PLLs with loop stability concern and limited chirp rate, a self-adapting gain mismatch TPM type-II digital PLL is proposed in this article. It directly detects frequency error as its input signal, allowing frequency ramp tracking with zero steady-state frequency error using a type-II PLL. In addition, the maximum trackable slope in the case of the proposed TPM type-II PLL is intrinsically larger than that of the conventional TPM type-III PLL. A polarity navigator is embedded in the digital loop filter to improve the linearity at the chirp turning-around points (TAPs). Fabricated in a 28-nm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology, the proposed PLL consumes 23 mW from a 1-V power supply and occupies 0.31 mm2. The measurement results indicate that the proposed PLL can generate a precise triangular chirp with 2.27-GHz bandwidth (BW) and 18.2- $\mu \text{s}$ period at 12.5 GHz. To the best knowledge of the authors, this work demonstrates the widest normalized Chirp-bandwidth and the fastest chirp rate simultaneously.
Competition-Oriented Demand Response Strategic Bidding Model for Retailers Considering Backup Scheme

With the fierce competition of electricity market, demand response (DR) amount is also traded in day-ahead market. From the perspective of retailers, just considering its inside customers’ characteristic is not enough, the competitiveness of DR bidding also matters, because it depends on the qualification of participating in DR market. Thus, this paper constructs a complicated DR strategic bidding model. Firstly, based on managed residential customers’ DR feature, optimize bidding considering competitors’ risk preference with deep reinforcement learning approach and guarantee the probability of winning DR bid as much as possible. Secondly, in the actual quotation process, the inaccuracy DR declaration amount or retailers’ personal bidding preference, aggressive or moderate style, leads to DR vacancy punishment or overage waste, so that produce the loss of income. Based on previous bidding model, design backup schemes for different types of retailers in advance to reduce loss. Then utilize real case to verify the effectiveness of proposed DR bidding models.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYEE’S TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS TOWARDS ENHANCING ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE IN TANZANIA

This study examined the contribution of training and development of employees toward enhancing the institution performance at Mbeya University of Science and Technology as higher education institution. The study used cross-section design to collect data from 234 respondents where questionnaire and interviews were adopted as data collection tools. Results of the findings indicated that, the employees have a great awareness on the fundamental paramount of training and development in higher education institutions toward ensuring better education provision to the students. The issues of increasing knowledge, skills, competences as well as job satisfaction were marked as essential aspects which the higher education institutions should consider effectively in training and development of the workforce. Also, the findings fore mentioned that despite the paramount important of training and developments toward promoting organization performance, the factors such as scarcity of financial resource, mismatch of training which comply with infrastructure of working environment were mentioned as the setback towards ensuring that there is effective training and development in enhancing organization performance. The study recommends that, the institutions should ensure that there is effective strategies for determining training need assessment which comply with the organization vision as well as ensuring that there is sufficient fund which will guarantee the acquiring of the appropriate skills, knowledge and competence to manpower which match with the current technology and the requirement of the institutions. Keyword: Higher Education Training, Career development Tanzania, Institution Performance.
Investigation of Input Devices for the Age-differentiated Design of Human-Computer Interaction

Demographic change demands new concepts for the support of computer work by aging employees. In particular, computer interaction presents a barrier due to a lack of experience and age-specific changes in performance. This article presents a study in which different input devices (mouse, touch screen and eye-gaze input) were analyzed regarding their usability and according to age diversity. Furthermore, different Hybrid Interfaces that combine eye-gaze input with additional input devices were investigated.
A novel single source multilevel inverter with hybrid switching technique

A novel multilevel inverter (MLI) configuration with the hybrid switching technique is presented in this paper. The proposed MLI consists of the H‐bridge combination with unidirectional switches, half‐bridges, and transformers. The suggested MLI with the additional cascaded connection increases to higher voltage levels. The number of employed components in this topology is drastically minimized. Therefore, the complexity, cost, and volume of the proposed topology are also reduced. The operation of the suggested topology is tested through the improved novel switching technique. This modulation method reduces the total harmonic distortion (THD) and produces high root mean square (RMS) voltage. Further, a comprehensive comparison with the recent MLI topologies is performed to validate the merits of the suggested inverter. Simulation and experimental results verify the suggested topology performance using the new modulation technique at different loading conditions and modulation indices.
Potential Applications and Functional Roles of Exosomes in Cardiometabolic Disease

Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, cardiometabolic disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include exosomes and microvesicles, have gained particular interest because of their role in metabolic homeostasis and cardiovascular physiology. Indeed, EVs are recognized as critical mediators of intercellular communication in the cardiovascular system. Exosomes are naturally occurring nanocarriers that transfer biological information in the setting of metabolic abnormalities and cardiac dysfunction. The study of these EVs can increase our knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms of metabolic disorders and their cardiovascular complications. Because of their inherent properties and composition, exosomes have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutics for specific targeting and drug delivery. Emerging fields of study explore the use exosomes as tools for gene therapy and as a cell-free alternative for regenerative medicine. Furthermore, innovative biomaterials can incorporate exosomes to enhance tissue regeneration and engineering. In this work, we summarize the most recent knowledge on the role of exosomes in cardiometabolic pathophysiology while highlighting their potential therapeutic applications.