Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beam steering spiral antenna reconfigured by PIN diodes

The paper proposes a new design for a single-arm, rectangular, spiral antenna (SARSA) with a wide azimuth space coverage. The antenna, operating at around 3.3 GHz, is capable of steering the beam in four separate directions in the azimuth plane. Only three DC signals are required to control the seven PIN diodes attached along the spiral arm. The antenna has a 200-MHz-bandwidth around 3.3 GHz with stable maximum beam directions that are defined by setting of the switches. Considerations required in selecting switch positions when designing such antennas for other frequencies, are presented. The measured return loss, radiation pattern and gain, all have close correlation with the simulation results. A detailed comparison of our design with those already proposed in the literature is given.
Dynamic current distribution controls of a parallel connected converter system

Based on the central-limit control algorithm for the parallel connected converter system, two improved dynamic current distribution control methods are introduced: the programmable current distribution control (PCDC) and the maximum current limit control (MCLC). In PCDC, the ratio of the output current of each converter to the total output current can be programmed according to the desired application objective while the output voltage remains regulated. In the MCLC, all converters in the system may not be turned on at the same time depending on the load conditions. The steady-state analyses and design consideration of the PCDC controlled converter system are presented. The steady-state current distribution error (CDE) between the output current of converters is used as a criterion to evaluate the system performance. The design consideration of choosing proper loop compensators, and scaling factors to reduce the CDE is also introduced. These two schemes can be combined to achieve better system performance, which increase the life-time, reliability, and efficiency of the overall converter system. <<ETX>>
A study of autonomous reactive power control method for distributed power generators to maintain power quality of the grid

Distributed power generators, such as cogenerators and renewable energy systems, have continued to advance and their penetration capacity is increasing. However, they may cause power quality problems in voltage regulation because of the reverse power flow. At present, when the distribution line voltage exceeds the limit value, distributed generators control reactive power to reduce the voltage, and if the reactive power output is not enough, they reduce the active power output. Therefore, an imbalance of active power output between distributed generators may occur because the voltage of generators varies by location and generators at lower voltage locations do not control the reactive power. A power control method for distributed generators needs to be established to solve these problems. In this study, an autonomous reactive power control method of sharing reactive power between distributed generators is proposed. The availability of this method is discussed experimentally and its applicability area is considered analytically by use of a model distribution system. © 2006 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
What’s Feeding Your Monster? A Look at Narcissistic Tendency and Low Self-Esteem as Driving Forces behind the Growth of Social Media Dependency

In current times social media is considered a necessity and it is often normal for people to be dependent on them. With the arrival of these platforms, it has created an opportunity for people to express themselves in a way that they could not otherwise. However this has also led to an addiction in some people and has proved to be disruptive of daily life activities. But the expression of this addiction to social media is not similar in all cases. The differences in behavioral and personality patterns manifest themselves as social media addiction. This may be rooted in narcissistic tendency as a way of portraying themselves as superior to their peers and a need to feed their ego; or low self esteem as a way of seeking approval and a need to boost their self-image. To test this hypothesis and to estimate the correlation between the three factors of social media addiction, narcissistic tendency and low self esteem we used the following questionnaires – Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16 and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale. The questionnaires were administered to 290 persons (104 males and 186 females) in the age group of 15 – 50 years. It was found that both males and females exhibited social media addiction with females having a higher tendency to be narcissistic and lower self esteem.
Project-based Community of Inquiry for Effective Online Graduate Course on Life Cycle Assessment

This article aimed to present the improvements on the instructional design of a postgraduate course, namely Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), for effective content delivery in online teaching and learning due to COVID-19 pandemic. The community of inquiry framework was used as the basis for this improvement. It was aided by project-based learning to enhance the educational experiences and improve content delivery efficiency. Conventional active learning teaching pedagogy was maintained in the early part of the course. Next, an open-ended project became the pillar of the second part of the course for performing a comparative LCA in a team. To ensure all students have high individual accountability, each team member performed a LCA study independently for a sub-scope of the project. Meanwhile, their teammates supported each other as each sub-scope is interdependent on the project. WhatsApp was used to promote interactions between students-students and students-instructors to provide just-in-time feedback, and weekly consultations were offered to students to monitor student progress. Based on the course evaluation, the students felt optimistic about the changes. They agreed that these new delivery methods helped them in mastering the subject matter.
Peripheral blood inflammation indices are effective predictors of anastomotic leakage in elective esophageal surgery.

Background This study investigated the predictive value of peripheral inflammatory indices, including neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), in anastomotic leakage during elective esophageal surgery. Methods This retrospective study included all patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from 2016 to 2020 in our institution. The peripheral blood inflammatory indices were obtained on preoperative days 1-7 (PRD 1-7), and postoperative days 1-3 (POD 1-3) and 4-7 (POD 4-7). Univariate, multivariate logistic, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of these peripheral blood inflammatory indices. Results A total of 198 patients were included in the study, and 25 (13%) patients experienced anastomotic leakage. Multivariate analyses identified diet, neutrophil count, and PLR on POD 1-3, and NLR on POD 4-7 as independent factors associated with anastomotic leakage. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, the variable with the best area under curve was a neutrophil cutoff count of 4.1 [0.737; 95% CI: 0.639-0.835], with a sensitivity and specificity of 60.0% and 66.5%, respectively. This was followed by an NLR cutoff value of 9.5 on POD 4-7 (0.628; 95% CI: 0.505-0.752) and a cutoff PLR value of 220.1 on POD 1-3 (0.643; 95% CI: 0.536-0.750). Diet showed a poor result on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Conclusions Neutrophil count and PLR on POD 1-3 and NLR on POD 4-7 were shown to have predictive value for anastomotic leakage in elective esophageal surgery.
Suicidal Ideation and Hopelessness among Mexican Adolescents Studying In Public and Private Schools: The Role of Family Factors

Background: The transition from childhood to adolescence is associated with suicidal ideation (SI) and feelings of hopelessness. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SI and hopelessness (and relevant family factors) among adolescents in southern Mexico studying in public and private high schools. Methods: A significant sample of high school students (15-19 years old) was taken in the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the State of Chiapas, Mexico. The Beck scale for SI, the Beck hopelessness inventory, and a survey of family data were applied to adolescents, 364 in public and 240 in private high schools. Results: The teens in public schools showed a higher prevalence of hopelessness (32%) and SI+hopelessness (10%). In both public and private schools, these attitudes were more common among women as well as teens from small (3-4) families and those without a job. Conclusions: The behaviors found among teens of public and private high schools suggest the importance of a lack of family stability and economic solvency in the development of suicidal behavior. The present results may be useful in formulating strategies to prevent suicide.
Dynamics of heating and cooling loads: models, simulation, and actual utility data

Study of the recovery transient during cold load pick-up of heating and cooling loads is of concern in designing distribution systems and direct load control strategies. Examination of actual utility data reveals that this transient consists of two epochs. A description is given of five mathematical models which have been proposed in the literature for studying this transient, and a brief summary is given of results of computer experiments which show that the five models are mutually consistent, allowing the possibility of mixing or trading models where appropriate. Recommendations for monitoring new variable in load control programs are made. >
Postural freezing relates to startle potentiation in a human fear‐conditioning paradigm

Abstract Freezing to impending threat is a core defensive response. It has been studied primarily using fear conditioning in non‐human animals, thwarting advances in translational human anxiety research that has used other indices, such as skin conductance responses. Here we examine postural freezing as a human conditioning index for translational anxiety research. We employed a mixed cued/contextual fear‐conditioning paradigm where one context signals the occurrence of the US upon the presentation of the CS, and another context signals that the CS is not followed by the US. Critically, during the following generalization phase, the CS is presented in a third and novel context. We show that human freezing is highly sensitive to fear conditioning, generalizes to ambiguous contexts, and amplifies with threat imminence. Intriguingly, stronger parasympathetically driven freezing under threat, but not sympathetically mediated skin conductance, predicts subsequent startle magnitude. These results demonstrate that humans show fear‐conditioned animal‐like freezing responses, known to aid in active preparation for unexpected attack, and that freezing captures real‐life anxiety expression. Conditioned freezing offers a promising new, non‐invasive, and continuous, readout for human fear conditioning, paving the way for future translational studies into human fear and anxiety.
Design, Optimization, and Validation of a Planar Nine-Element Quasi-Yagi Antenna Array for X-Band Applications

A planar antenna array, based on nine identical quasi-Yagi elements, is presented in this paper. Contrary to conventional designs, the feeding network is composed of three-way power dividers, which are carefully designed in order to provide synchronized output signals over a wide frequency range. The use of spline-shaped microstrip lines suppresses coupling effects by parallel lines. Thus, signal distortions within the feeding network are minimized. Compared to conventional designs with eight elements, the additional antenna element will enhance the gain of the array, which is between 10.5 dBi and 13 dBi in the X band. The input retumn loss of the antenna array is below -15 dB over most parts of the relevant spectrum, with a total bandwidth of 45%. The planar antenna array is well suited as a radiating element in linear phased arrays for multifunction radars, including SAR and MVTI. Additionally, the suitability of this antenna for phased-array applications is studied by an experimental setup consisting of five antenna plates.
Anthropogenic Soil Experiment in Brazil Amazon: Changes in Soil Physical Properties by Organic Residues

ABSTRACT Archeological Dark Earths, known in the Brazilian Amazon as Terra Preta de Índio are fertile and structured soils considered as a potential model for sustainable agriculture. In order to recreate these soils a field experiment, named New Dark Earth, was set up in 2003 in the municipality of Tailândia, state of Pará, northern Brazil. The treatments consisted of the application of organic residues (wastes from local industries) in a loamy sand soil: cattle bones, wood charcoal, shredded wood blades, and the control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of these residues on soil physico-hydrological properties. The results showed that the residues did not significantly increase the soil organic carbon content. Only the wood charcoal resulted in some improvements in soil physico-hydrological properties, such as lower soil bulk density and higher total and microporosity, which was mainly attributed to the high porosity of this material. Consequently, it also presented more available water. For now, it was concluded that despite the three residues are widely available in the region, the use of wood charcoal seems to be the best alternative to bring improvements to the soil physical properties, mainly soil water retention. However, more studies need to be carried out.
Collision-Free Multi-Robot Navigation Using Autonomous Object Selection

For successful SLAM, landmarks for pose estimation should be continuously observed. Firstly, we proposed the object selection algorithm from 2D images and 3D depth maps without human’s supervision. We used the SIFT algorithm to obtain descriptors of point features inside the object, and the surface segmentation algorithm to obtain separated objects from point clouds of 3D depth maps. Automatically selected objects were tested by the threshold function using repeatability, distinctiveness and saliency whether the objects were suitable or not for reusing and sharing between the robots. Secondly, we suggested the closed-form solution to estimate the 3D pose of robots from the information of selected objects. Furthermore, we provided the effective way to accomplish the tasks using multi-robot by compensating the accumulated navigating errors and re-planning the collision-free motion of the robots using the extended collision map algorithm.
“An Excelent Good Remedi”: Medical Recipes as Ethos-Building Tactical Technical Communication in Early Modern England

ABSTRACT This article examines how nonprofessionals in early modern England used tactical technical communication and rhetorical strategies to build medical knowledge and healthcare expertise. Using a feminist ethos and tactical technical communication lens, this article details a content analysis study of 4,045 handwritten medical recipes from England dated between 1540 and 1860. Findings from the study extend tactical technical communication by examining non-digital/non-internet spaces and how extra-institutional nonprofessionals build ethos and expertise.
Experimental Assessment of the Passive Resistance of a Bridge Abutment System with Various Backfill Heights

Two full scale lateral load tests were performed on abutment backwall systems 4.57 m wide, 2.8m tall, and 0.91m thick using silty sand backfill with 1.68m and 2.4m heights. The backfill material type and compaction (median of 96% modified Proctor relative compaction) satisfied California bridge design standards. The loading system operates under displacement control and provides horizontal wall displacement with minimal vertical displacement. Wingwalls are furnished with PVC sheets to minimize side friction, providing for 2D plane strain conditions during the experiments. Testing was performed under quasi-static lateral loading up to displacements equal to 10% of the wall height, with unloading and reloading at several displacement levels. In the 1.68 m and 2.4 m tests, peak resistances occurred at horizontal displacements of 0.03H and 0.06H and produced peak passive earth pressure coefficients of 16 and 24, respectively. Following testing, trenching of the backfill material revealed log-spiral shaped principal failure surfaces in both tests along with relatively minor shear surfaces at shallower depths. Results from various analytical models are compared with the experimental results.
Calculating effective board thermal parameters from transient measurements

The paper presents a method to find the effective thermal conductivity and effective volumetric heat capacity values of PWBs from the results of thermal transient measurements and a series of subsequent evaluation steps. Various powering and temperature sensing methods were investigated. The experiments show the feasibility of creating a method for obtaining effective thermal parameters of printed wiring boards with the help of usual thermal transient testers.
A Note on "A High-Speed Residue-to-Binary Converter for Three-Moduli RNS and a Scheme for Its VLSI Implementation"

In this paper, a high-speed residue-to-binary converter for the moduli set ( , , ) is proposed. Compared to the previous converter based on this moduli set, the proposed one is 40% faster. Also, the time-complexity product is improved by 20%. Following the top-down very large scale integration design flow, the proposed converter is implemented in 0.5-micron CMOS technology. Based on this moduli set, layouts of the 8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-bit residue-to-binary converters, which can be used in further residual number system designs, are generated and simulation re- sults obtained. Index Terms—Chinese remainder theorem, digital signal processing, residue number system, residue-to-binary converter, VLSI implementa- tion.
Development a Management Model for Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clinics in Iran

Background: Substance use disorder is a chronic relapsing condition which requires longterm treatment. Client adherence is vital for effective methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). The objective of the present study was to identify effective factors and design an optimal management model for MMT clinics. Methods: A cross sectional, analytical and applied research was conducted involving 15 experts and 273 physicians. In the qualitative section, the experts were interviewed using the purposive sampling method until the saturation of opinions. In the quantitative section, the physicians (experienced in addiction treatment) were included in the study. In the quantitative part, the instrument's reliability was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha index, and the validity of the instrument structure was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS sand Lisrel software. Results: According to the content validity confirmation, the reliability of the tool by Cronbach's alpha index shows values greater than 0.7, which indicates the reliability and repeatability of the tool. Also, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) indices in all models show values less than 0.06 and chi-square index on the degree of freedom in all models less than 3, which shows the proper fit of the model and confirmation of the validity of the tool structure in the whole conceptual model. Conclusions: The effective factors in the management of MMT clinics include organizing, planning, controlling, guiding, leading, and managing treatment, which these dimensions can be an excellent basis for evaluating senior managers.
LEARNING ABOUT COMPLEX SYSTEMS

Abstract Learning about complex systems is a fundamental engineering skill; it is often the first task of an engineer when faced with a complex problem in an unfamiliar context. The nature of learning is discussed. Contributions from cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, management and sociology are drawn together to show that fundamentally, system learning is a matter of forming well-constructed system or conceptual models. The skills needed for this are discussed.
The underground economic activity and the desire for corruption in the border region (study of Bengkayang District, West Kalimantan)

Underground economic activity is a situation that needs particular and ongoing attention. This tendency is detrimental to municipal income and is associated with corrupt behaviors and taxation. The purpose of this investigation is to identify and assess the practices of the underground economy, as well as the potential for corrupt conduct and tax evasion. The analytical tool was perhaps a qualitative method with a chosen strategy to identify knowledge sources (respondents) with subjects such as liquor producers, coffee shops, and street food vendors in the Bengkayang border area. The data collection method was carried out using a triangulation approach, namely an in-depth interview, observation, and recording/documentation. The data analysis approach was conducted using data reduction, data presentation, and verification. This study suggests that the presence of corrupt activity in collecting bribes and offering bribes is carried out in cash without going through an automated money processing mechanism such as giving false receipts. Increasing the level of corruption in society will contribute to an increase in the velocity of money. The need for massive surveillance of individuals and the introduction of Penta helix elements to shape synergies between actors and to start integrating and developing electronic/digital structures in any financial activity using the e-government system.
Force Recruitment of Neuromuscular Magnetic Stimulation Predicted Through High-Resolution Anatomical 3D Models

Neuromuscular magnetic stimulation is a promising tool in neurorehabilitation due to its deeper penetration, notably lower distress, and respectable force levels compared to electrical stimulation. However, this method faces great challenges from a technological perspective. The systematic design of better equipment and the incorporation into modern training setups requires better understanding of the mechanisms and predictive quantitative models of the recruited forces. This article proposes a model for simulating the force recruitment in isometric muscle stimulation of the thigh extensors based on previous theoretical and experimental findings. The model couples a 3D field model for the physics with a parametric recruitment model, which is identified with a mixed-effects design to learn the most likely model based on available experimental data with a wide range of field conditions. This approach intentionally keeps the model as mathematically simple and statistically parsimonious as possible in order to avoid over-fitting. The coupled model is able to accurately predict key phenomena observed so far, such as a threshold shift for different distances between coil and body, the different recruiting performance of various coils with available measurement data in the literature, and the saturation behaviour with its onset amplitude. The presented recruitment model could also be readily incorporated into dynamic models for biomechanics as soon as sufficient experimental data are available for calibration.