Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circuit Design Considerations for Power-Efficient and Safe Implantable Electrical Neurostimulators

This paper presents the main circuit design considerations for power-efficient and safe implantable electrical neurostimulators. Related to medical applications, low-frequency (LF) stimulation for generating new action potentials and kilohertz-frequency alternating current (KHFAC) for blocking unwanted neural activity are introduced, respectively. For implantable medical devices, the choice of energy source type is important as it has an influence on the total size of the device and device comfort, thereby affecting the quality of life of the patients. In order to lengthen the lifetime of the stimulator, power-efficient designs using the ultra-high frequency (UHF) pulsed technique are proposed. To avoid tissue damage and electrode degradation caused by residual charge on the electrode-tissue interface (ETI), charge balancing (CB) techniques are adopted. Active CB control is shown to be a promising method both for LF and KHFAC stimulation.
Surprising Fact from Indonesia on the Influence of Spiritual Leadership on Employee Voice and Obedience Behavior

The purpose of this study is to examine spiritual leadership outcomes in terms of voice behavior and obedience or compliance using 244 Indonesian valid samples. In fact, that comprehension of the influence of leadership behavior on employees’ cognition, attitude and behavior are considered critically important by scholars, however, there are still research gaps existing in this area. Surprisingly, the results show that although spiritual leadership and mediators of calling and membership are significantly inter-correlated each other, yet these five variables have non-significant correlations with employees’ obedience and voice behavior. The influence of the spiritual leadership process across cultures, especially toward voice and obedience behavior is not supported in this study. Possible explanations could be related to the cultural characteristic of employees of these particular samples.
Study on the Performance of Classification Algorithms for Data Mining

: This paper explores briefly some classification algorithms and their application in data mining to discover data mining models by analyzing a training data set. Various classifier models e.g., Naïve Bayes classifier, two functional models-Multilayer perceptron and SMO model, three decision tree models-ID3, J48 and Random Forests are generated from the training data set. A decision tree model represents the decision making knowledge embedded within a database as classification hierarchy to determine the class label of a particular data record. A car evaluation database is used in investigating the functioning of the various classifiers. The research work demonstrates how efficiently the classification algorithms can identify the similarities and differences among different car objects by analyzing their characteristics represented with the attribute values within the training data set in building the models using Weka data mining tool. The generated models can be applied on the test data set in predicting unknown class labels. A comparative analysis of the performance of the classifiers is also presented.
Genetic diversity for immature pod traits in Ethiopian cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] landrace collections

This study was undertaken to evaluate the extent and pattern of genetic diversity for immature pod traits in Ethiopia cowpea landrace collections. Eighty one landraces and improved cultivars were tested in a 9 x 9 simple lattice design. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant (P<0.01) or significant (p<0.05) differences among the genotypes for all traits. The first four principal components were able to explain 81% of variation for quantitative traits and 76% for qualitative traits. The genotypes were grouped into three distinct clusters, the first, second and third clusters with 60, 15 and 25% of the genotypes in that order. The landraces were distributed all over the clusters while the improved cultivars were absent in the second cluster. Shannon-Weaver diversity indices also showed existence of adequate genetic variability among the genotypes for qualitative traits. Shannon-Weaver diversity indices ranged from the lowest of 0.50 for pod curvature to the highest of 0.99 for pod shape. The study clearly showed that, even if the genotypes were classified into a few cluster, there was adequate divergence among the clusters showing existence of considerable genetic variability for immature pod traits for exploitation in future breeding for better green pod yield and quality in cowpea. Key words: Cowpea, diversity, genotypes, immature pod, qualitative traits, quantitative trait.
A Bayesian model for opening prediction in RTS games with application to StarCraft

This paper presents a Bayesian model to predict the opening (first strategy) of opponents in real-time strategy (RTS) games. Our model is general enough to be applied to any RTS game with the canonical gameplay of gathering resources to extend a technology tree and produce military units and we applied it to StarCraft1. This model can also predict the possible technology trees of the opponent, but we will focus on openings here. The parameters of this model are learned from replays (game logs), labeled with openings. We present a semi-supervised method of labeling replays with the expectation-maximization algorithm and key features, then we use these labels to learn our parameters and benchmark our method with cross-validation. Uses of such a model range from a commentary assistant (for competitive games) to a core component of a dynamic RTS bot/AI, as it will be part of our StarCraft AI competition entry bot.
Nexus between Remittances, FDI and Economic Growth of Nepal and Bangladesh: An ARDL Bound Test Approach

The objective of this study was to find the nexus between economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), and remittances in Nepal and Bangladesh. By using the time series data of Nepal for period 1996-2017 and of Bangladesh for period 1976-2017, this research found that economic growth, FDI, and remittance do share a long run relationship. Annual percentage growth rate of GDP at market prices based on constant local currency, personal remittance received as a percentage of GDP and FDI net inflows as a percentage of GDP has been used as proxy for economic growth, remittance, and FDI respectively. This study made use primarily of Augmented Dickey-Fuller Test to check for stationarity of variables, then performed the Auto-Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) bound test to derive the short and long run relationship. Various diagnostics tests were performed to make sure the models did not suffer from any major issues. From the stationarity tests, it was found that the variables were integrated of order 0 and 1 and hence, ARDL approach was used for checking for cointegration. It was found that economic growth, FDI, and remittance were in fact cointegrated for both countries, and this relationship was strongest when economic growth was taken to be a function of FDI and remittance. Based on this, the long run and short run dynamics amongst the variables was found. In terms of Nepal, although cointegrating relationship was found, the effect of FDI and remittance was not found to be individually statistically significant in the long run. In terms of short run dynamics, we found that any error will be adjusted by more than 100% i.e. 196% in short run, indicating that disequilibrium will be adjusted fast and within less than a year. For Bangladesh, unlike in Nepal’s case, in the long run, FDI had a significant effect on economic growth. In the short run, we found that any disequilibrium in the system is corrected within less than a year as the error correction coefficient was -1.28. Overall, findings for both countries were quite similar and it was found that foreign direct invest and remittance affect economic growth in long run and short run, though further analysis needs to be done including more variables such as the role of inflation, role of financial sectors, exports, imports, etc. Keyword: Economic Growth, FDI, Remittance, Co-integration, ARDL Approach -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date of Submission: 25-07-2019 Date of Acceptance: 10-08-2019 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insights on signal transduction pathways involved in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy neurodegeneration

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by systemic extracellular deposition of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid fibrils. The latter have been proposed to trigger neurodegeneration through engagement of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). The structural basis of RAGE-ligand interaction is currently poorly understood. Here we show that TTR interaction with RAGE is conserved across mouse and human species and is not dependent on RAGE glycosylation. Moreover, strand D of TTR structure seems important for the TTR-RAGE interaction as well as a motif in RAGE (residues 102-118) located within the V-domain; this motif suppressed TTR aggregate-induced cytotoxicity in cell culture. Abbreviations: AGE, advanced glycation end products; FAP, familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy; HMGB1, high mobility group box 1 protein or amphoterin; RAGE, receptor for AGE; RAGEp, RAGE peptide; RBP, retinol-binding protein; SAP, serum amyloid P component; sRAGE, soluble RAGE; TTR, transthyretin.
Who Really Benefits from Consumption Tax Cuts? Evidence from a Large VAT Reform in France

This paper evaluates the incidence of a large cut in value-added taxes (VATs) for French sit-down restaurants in 2009. In contrast to previous studies, which only focus on the price effects of VAT reforms, we estimate the effects of the VAT cut on four groups: workers, firm owners, consumers, and suppliers of material goods. Using a difference-in-differences strategy on firm-level data, we find that: firm owners pocketed more than 55 percent of the VAT cut; consumers, sellers of material goods, and employees shared the remaining windfall with consumers benefiting the least; and the employment effects were limited. (JEL H22, H25, L83)
Investigation of female lower limb muscle reaction to multidirectional perturbation

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are more prevalent in female athletes compared to male athletes. Researchers have explored the mechanism of an ACL injury in both males and females using mathematical modeling, interview, in-vivo arthroscopy, clinical evaluation, cadaver studies, motion analysis, and electromyography. However, an unexpected perturbation that mimics an ACL injury mechanism has not yet been used. Therefore, this study explored lower extremity muscle activity following an unexpected perturbation that mimics the mechanism of an ACL injury as well as the contribution of the initial stance of the athlete to an injury. Female Concordia varsity athletes were recruited in Montreal, QC. Data was collected using the VICON motion capture system, Noraxon DTS EMG, and a goniometer. Participants were asked to maintain balance on their non-dominant leg during unexpected perturbations in the lateral, posterior, and rotational motions as well as a combination motion that mimics an ACL injury mechanism. The mean EMG values were greatest during the post-perturbation phase for all muscles compared to the pre-perturbation and perturbation phases for both knee conditions. The time of occurrence of the maximum EMG values revealed that the muscles reached the maximum EMG value later following the onset of perturbation in the rotation direction in order to stabilize the knee joint and/or maintain balance during the lateral, posterior, and combination perturbations.
Studies of Organisational Management & Sustainability, 2 (1), 26-35

This paper reviews some studies developed on store environment effects on shopping behaviors and the intention to come back and increase the propensity for loyalty, aiming to understand the effects of brand experience, such as ambient odor, luminosity and layout. A conceptual framework was developed integrating those three main constructs and trying to establish several conclusions useful for brands and some propositions for future investigation. Some authors argue that having attractive stores may be used as a differentiation argument (Levy and Weitz, 1995); they go on by referring music, lighting, products presentation, colours, ambient temperature, appropriate sinaletic and employees attendance as key issues to influence the consumers’ behaviour and intention to buy. The context for our investigation relates to real points of sale – Nespresso’s Coffee Stores – and we hypothesized that ambient conditions and stores’ layout have a positive effect on the customers’ intention to buy and become brand loyal. A questionnaire was developed and presented to a sample of 100 persons and data was treated using SPSS; after treating data we were able to conclude that a considerable number of individuals prefer stores with the adequate luminosity, a good layout and an agreeable smell, important factors to make them feel satisfied and wish to continue shopping there over time; we must highlight that all respondents were familiar with the Nespresso concept and stores. It was possible after doing this research to understand that the way a store is organized and all the interior details can create positive experiences and feelings in the consumers’ minds, allowing brands to avoid shopping occasions with no emotional impact and no positive perceptions. Nespresso is, therefore, a good example of how the capacity to offer a nice point of sale contributes to positive feelings – Satisfaction and the intention to keep coming back and recommend friends to do the same – Loyalty. Luminosity, Layout and Smell were the constructs tested.
Does the Religious Coping has an Effect on Perceived Stress?

There are various coping stress strategies, one of the oftenly used coping stress strategy in Indonesia is religoius coping. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of religious coping on reducing stress. The study applied a quantitative method using multiple regression analysis. The current study involved 354 participants in the congregation of one of the religious leader in Indonesia, named Halimah Alaydrus. The results of this study revealed that there is a significant effect of religious coping on reducing stress (r square = 0.157, sig. < 0.001). As to the finding of this study, it is recommended to apply the religious coping in releasing the stress.
External Flow Analysis over One-box form (Algerian Commercial Vehicle) Using CFD

Computational fluid dynamic software ANSYS Fluent 15.0 is used to predict the physical parameters on the external surface of a vehicle. The simulation of the wind tunnel experiments using the above CFD package would be carried out. To study the aerodynamic influence of vehicle segments are considered as onebox form Bus model (S.N.V.I 100V8). As this model provided with the extremities in the design of vehicle category in summarizes these results in a broader sense to understand the aerodynamics of such profile. A wind tunnel experiments consists of physically testing the model in a simulated environment. It is a closed environment in which air is blown across the model at a constant velocity. As the air passes over the vehicle, it follows the streamlines pattern present on the body. This causes a change in pressure and velocity characteristics across the model. By studying the pressure and velocity variations across the model, the drag and lift coefficient could be predicted.
Aerosols and properties of low clouds in northern Finland

Measurements of the relation between aerosol properties and microphysics and chemistry of low clouds in northern Finland H. Lihavainen, V. -M. Kerminen, M. Komppula, A. -P. Hyvärinen, J. Laakia, S. Saarikoski, U. Makkonen, N. Kivekäs, R. Hillamo, M. Kulmala, and Y. Viisanen Finnish Meteorological Institute, Research and Development, P. O. Box 503, 00 101 Helsinki, Finland University of Helsinki, Department of Physics, P. O. Box 64, 00 014, Finland Received: 21 May 2008 – Accepted: 24 June 2008 – Published: 23 July 2008 Correspondence to: H. Lihavainen (heikki.lihavainen@fmi.fi) Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.
Cost-effective solutions to healthcare-associated infection prevention at the hospital and national level

Statement of the Problem: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Despite being preventable, these infections negatively affect one out of every 25 hospitalized patients and are associated with an economic burden of more than $40 billion each year. To combat these infections, hospitals are implementing prevention strategies including isolation and decolonization of patients. At the national level, federal funds have been provided to state health departments to support their efforts in preventing HAIs. These efforts are commendable, but before widespread implementation, it is important to understand if the implementation costs are justified by improved health outcomes. Objective: The first objective of this dissertation was to determine if HAI surveillance and prevention strategies are a good use of resources and to recommend the most efficient practice to hospitals. Additionally, the health and economic impact of a national policy to fund state HAI prevention efforts was evaluated. Approach: Decision analyses using cohort and patient-level models were used to evaluate the hospital surveillance and prevention strategies. A differencein-differences study design was used to evaluate the reduction in HAIs due to the national policy. Infections averted were then monetized to determine the return on investment.
Patent Citations and the Size of the Inventive Step - Evidence from Hybrid Corn

Patents are the main source of data on innovation, but there are persistent concerns that patents may be a noisy and biased measure. An important challenge arises from unobservable variation in the size of the inventive step that is covered by a patent. The count of later patents that cite a patent as relevant prior art – so called forward citations – have become the standard measure to control for such variation. Citations may, however, also be a noisy and biased measure for the size of the inventive step. To address this issue, this paper examines field trial data for patented improvements in hybrid corn. Field trials report objective measures for improvements in hybrid corn, which we use to quantify the size of the inventive step. These data show a robust correlation between citations and improvements in yields, as the bottom line measure for improvements in hybrid corn. This correlation is robust to alternative measures for improvements in hybrid corn, and a broad range of other tests.We also investigate the process, by which patents generate citations. This analysis reveals that hybrids that serve as an input for genetically-related follow-on inventions are more likely to receive self-citations (by the same firm), which suggests that self-citations are a good predictor for follow-on invention.
GENETIC DIVERSITY AND MORPHOLOGICAL VARIABILITY OF MANFALOUTY AND SOME FOREIGN POMEGRANATE

This investigation was carried out to study the genetic variability and relationships among some pomegranate cultivars. These cultivars were Manfalouty as the local cultivar and some imported pomegranate cultivars, namely Wonderful, Sweet, Black and Akka were investigated. The comparison was based on morphological characters such as fruit characteristics (physical and chemical), flowering and ripening dates and RAPD molecular markers. Physical fruit traits were determined (weight, volume and diameter), peel (weight percentage and thickness), arils (weight and percentage) and seeds (weight and softness). The chemical traits such as soluble solid contents (SSC), vitamin C, anthocyanin content and titratable acidity (TA) were assessed. The results revealed wide variations of these traits among the studied cultivars. Depend on the morphological traits the cultivars could be classified as follows; Manfalouty was of hard seeds and sweet-sour cultivar, Wonderful was had hard seeds and sour cultivar, Black was classified as medium-softness and low sour cultivar, Akka was described as medium-softness and sweet-sour cultivar. While, Sweet cultivar can be classified as soft seed and sweet cultivar. Ten RAPD primers generated total of 89 reproducible bands, 46.06% of them were polymorphic. Genetic similarity among cultivars ranged from 0.75 to 0.91. The UPGMA dendrogram of RAPD data showed that ‘Manfalouty’ and ‘Akka’ were very closely related while ‘Wonderful’ is distinct from the other cultivars. This molecular and morphological variability indicated that this germplasm includes rich and valuable plant materials for pomegranate breeding and improvement programs.
Effect of genotypes, seed treatment chemicals and packing materials on seed quality of onion (Allium cepa L.)

A laboratory experiment was conducted at Department of Seed Science and Technology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore, during 20132014 to study the “Effect of genotypes, seed treatment chemicals and packaging materials on seed quality of onion (Alliums cepa L.). The two genotypes of onion hybrid Arka Kirtiman and variety Arka Kalyan seeds were treated with Captan@2g/kg, Thiram@2 g/kg and untreated seeds served as control. The treated seeds were packed in cloth bag, polythene 700 gauge bag, super grain bag, poly pouch and aluminium foil and subsequently stored for a period of ten months under ambient conditions of Bangalore. The results revealed that onion seeds treated with Captan@2g/kg packed in 700 gauge polythene and aluminium foil. The seeds are stored under ambient condition maintained higher seed quality parameters with minimum seed certification standards up to 10 months.
NEW METHOD FOR DETERMINATION MARTENSITE OF MICROSTRUCTURE OF HEAT TREATMENT MATERIALS

In this article we present new method for determination martensite of microstructure of heat treatment materials. The martensite of a material is an important property that affects of materials. The martensite reaction in steels is the best known of a large group of transformations in alloys in which the transformation occurs by shear without change in chemical composition. The generic name of martensitic transformation describes all such reactions. Fractal characterization of surface topography is applied to the study of contact mechanics and heat treatment processes. The structure function method is used to find the fractal dimension D and the topothesy L. We develop a fractal geometry model, which predicts the wear rate in terms of these two fractal parameters for martensite structure of robot laser hardening process prediction.