Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of Electrical Transport Properties of Thin Films Used as HTL and as Active Layer in Organic Solar Cells, through Impedance Spectroscopy Measurements

Impedance spectroscopy (IS) is used for studying the electrical transport properties of thin films used in organic solar cells with structure ITO/HTL/active layer/cathode, where PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonic acid) and CuPC (tetrasulfonated copper-phthalocyanine) were investigated as HTL (hole transport layer) and P3HT:PCBM (poly-3-hexylthiophene:phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester) blends prepared from mesitylene and chlorobenzene based solutions were studied as active layer and Ag and Al were used as cathode. The study allowed determining the influence of the type of solvent used for the preparation of the active layer as well as the speed at which the solvents are removed on the carriers mobility. The effect of exposing the layer of P3HT to the air on its mobility was also studied. It was established that samples of P3HT and P3HT:PCBM prepared using mesitylene as a solvent have mobility values significantly higher than those prepared from chlorobenzene which is the solvent most frequently used. It was also determined that the mobility of carriers in P3HT films strongly decreases when this sample is exposed to air. In addition, it was found that the electrical properties of P3HT:PCBM thin films can be improved by removing the solvent slowly which is achieved by increasing the pressure inside the system of spin-coating during the film growth.
Interactive techniques to support the configuration of complex feature models.

Whenever a software engineer derives a product from a prod-uct line, he has to resolve variability by making con_guration decisions.This con_guration process can become rather complex because of depen-dencies within the variability model and knock-on e_ects and dependen-cies in other related artefacts. Because of the limited cognitive capacity ofthe human engineer, this complexity limits the ability of handling prod-uct lines with large con_guration spaces. To address this problem wefocus on techniques that support the interactive con_guration of largerfeature models, including (1) visual interaction with a formal reason-ing engine, (2) visual representation of multiple interrelated hierarchies,(3) indicators for con_guration progress and (4) _ltering of visible nodes.The concepts are demonstrated within S2T2 Con_gurator, an interactivefeature con_guration tool. The techniques are discussed and evaluatedwith feature models, however, we believe they can be generalised to othermodels that describe con_guration choices, e.g., variability models anddecision models.
Technology and Instructor-Interface Interaction in Distance Education

Many universities and colleges have been expanding distance education offerings. This paper examines the role of technology in interaction and communication as relates to distance education. Interaction models were extended to include the instructor-interface interaction. The impact of each interaction on the success of the educational outcome, as determined by the students completing a questionnaire, was compiled for classes. The results showed that learner-instructor and learner-learner interactions, when used synchronously or asynchronously, were perceived as effective discussion modes and played an important role in the success of the class. The students felt the lack of face-to-face non-verbal cues hindered the effectiveness of class discussions. They participated more in online sessions than in face-to-face discussions and a combination of both was preferable to better understand the material. The article also discusses the knowledge of technology and its role in the learning process.
Towards a re-interpretation of industrial networks: A discursive view of culture

This conceptual paper begins by providing a critique of the modelling of industrial networks in terms of culture. It then goes on to suggest a methodological way out of the theoretical impasse that has been created by the limited ways in which culture has been addressed in network studies. We argue that networks are a promising metaphor to explore marketing practice, especially in international trading contexts. Building on the work of Capra, this promise is due to the consonance of networks as ‘pattern’ (involving the qualitative configuration of relationships of ideas) with conceptions of culture that emphasise process rather than structure. Our proposition, however, is that until now the context-specific, ideational elements of culture have been overlooked in industrial network analysis. We exemplify our arguments chiefly with reference to one school of network theory: the IMP Group. Despite the considerable contribution of IMP scholars to the literature, we show that a degree of analytical reductionism has resulted from the dominant modernist, logocentric view of networks found in the management science literature. As such, we propose that integrating the study of networks with ‘culture as process’ (rather than merely as a structural variable) has considerable potential. The paper concludes by outlining the research implications of our interpretivist research agenda. This contains a plea for greater linguistic sensitivity and the adoption of a social constructionist conceptualisation of culture in the study of industrial networks. In order to address this agenda, discourse analysis is put forward as a methodological approach that might be considered by IMP researchers.
Psychometric Properties of Social Support Questionnaire to Measure Empowerment in Elderly Patients with Cardiovascular Disease in Iran

Background: Chronic diseases and functional decline can affect empowerment among the elderly in the lifestyle management to benefit from social support. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the psychometric properties of Social Support Questionnaire to measure empowerment in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease in Iran. Method: This study was conducted on 250 elderly patients with cardiovascular disease referring to the medical centers of Bushehr city, Iran, using the convenience sampling method. Results: Content validity index and content validity ratio were calculated as 0.94 and 0.96 respectively. Based on the exploratory factor analysis, the number of the questionnaire items was reduced to 23 items. Empowerment was classified under seven factors. The internal and external reliabilities of the questionnaire were estimated as 0.85 and 0.83, respectively. Implications for Practice: The final questionnaire had appropriate psychometric properties and strength of factor structure. Therefore, this tool can be used by the healthcare providers in the health care systems of Iran.
Dependence of the climate prediction skill on spatiotemporal scales: Internal versus radiatively‐forced contribution

This article aims at quantifying the improvement in climate prediction skill as a function of temporal (from monthly to decadal) and spatial scales (from grid point to global) when initializing a perturbed parameter ensemble of the Hadley Centre Climate Model. The focus is on near‐surface temperature and precipitation in the Tropical band, the Northern and Southern hemispheres. For temperature, the forecast system reproduces the dominant impact of the external forcing at global spatial scale and at decadal time scales. There are significant improvements with initialization for the first 40 forecast months in the global and tropical domains. In the Northern (Southern) hemisphere, the initialization increases the skill in the first 12 (20) months on regional but not hemispheric scales. The initialization has a stronger impact in the model variants with a weaker global‐mean temperature trend. For precipitation, the initialization corrects the negative correlation found at global and tropical scales.
Hybrid density functional theory meets quasiparticle calculations: A consistent electronic structure approach

We propose a scheme to obtain a system-dependent fraction of exact exchange (α) within the framework of hybrid density functional theory (DFT) that is consistent with the G0W0 approach, where G0 is the noninteracting Green function of the system and W0 the screened Coulomb interaction. We exploit the formally exact condition of exact DFT that the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital corresponds to the ionization potential of a finite system. We identify the optimal α value for which this statement is obeyed as closely as possible and thereby remove the starting point dependence from the G0W0 method. This combined approach is essential for describing electron transfer (as exemplified by the TTF/TCNQ dimer) and yields the vertical ionization potentials of the G2 benchmark set with a mean absolute percentage error of only ≈3%.
Oropharingeal dysphagia in patients with chronic Chagas disease: phonoaudiological, videofluoroscopic, and manometric evaluations

Objective: To determine the frequency of episodes of laryngeal penetration and aspiration in chronic Chagas patients and to evaluate the interpreted relationship not only with the patterns displayed in videofluoroscopy and manometry, but also with clinical screening and structural and functional phonoaudiological evaluation. Method: Clinical and phonoaudiological (structural and functional) evaluation, fluoroscopy, and computed manometry were performed on all patients. Results: Twenty-two patients were included in the study, fifteen females and seven males. Age ranged between 37 and 70 years, mean 55.9 ± 10.2 years. Among the complaints in clinical screening, 18.2% were choking, 13.6% reported throat-clearing, 40.9% heartburn, 22.7% regurgitation, and 36.4% had the sensation of food stuck in the throat. Only 18.2% of patients had adequate dentition. Functional assessment of swallowing detected only 31.8% capable of functional swallowing. In videofluoroscopy, lingering residues were found in the pharynx in 18.2% of cases, followed by multiple swallows 95.4% and 100% posterior escape. There were 4 cases of grade 2 laryngeal penetration (dysphagia) and, in 82% of cases, the findings were similar for the non-occurrence of laryngeal penetration in the videofluoroscopy and in the functional assessment of swallowing. The apertures of the upper esophageal sphincter indicated a relationship with the volume of swallowed bolus. In the manometry, 42.1% of changes were found in the body of the esophagus and 5.3% in the pharynx. Conclusion: Laryngeal penetration was prevalent in 18.2% of cases with an important interpretation of the functional relationship between clinical assessment and videofluoroscopic findings regarding the absence of laryngeal penetration, with similar results in 82% of cases.
The asymptotic global power comparisons of the GMM overidentifying restrictions tests

In this paper, the asymptotic power comparisons of two versions of GMM overidentifying restrictions tests are conducted globally through the concept of approximate slopes. It is found that the GMM overidentifying restrictions test with the consistent mean deviation variance-covariance matrix estimator is more powerful than the test with the conventional non-mean deviation one. The results shed new light on the findings of Chang (2005) and Hall (2000).
Ka-band gap waveguide coupled-resonator filter for radio link diplexers

Gap waveguide technology represents an interesting alternative as low-loss, cost-effective and high-performance transmission line and package of microwave and millimeter-wave systems. A Ka-band coupled-resonator filter for a radio link diplexer, which requires high selectivity to isolate transmit and receiving channels, is proposed and realized using gap waveguide technology. The band-pass filter, which has a central frequency of 37.37 GHz and a pass bandwidth of 560 MHz, is fabricated between two metal parallel plates leaving an air gap between them. Measurements show a minimum in-band insertion loss of 1 dB and agree quite well with simulations.
CONSISTENT MEASURES OF DEPENDENCE AS A TOOL OF ELICITING NON-LINEAR FEATURES IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS (MILDLY FORMALIZED SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION)

The paper presents an approach to the input/output system identification under the condition that no analytical model representation of the system is assumed to be known. Within the approach, the key issue of the problem is a proper handling of inherent dependence between the input and output variables of the system. Using a consistent measure of stochastic dependence of random processes has been proposed within the identification scheme. The measure of dependence is the maximal correlation function. It properly reflects actual nonlinear dependence between random processes, while those of based on the dispersion and, moreover, ordinary product correlation functions do not. In addition, the measure directly leads to determining the input/output relationship of the investigated system. Within the approach, a degree of the system nonlinearity based on the maximal correlation is proposed.
SYNTHESIS AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF GERANYLMETHOXYHYDROQUINONE DERIVATIVES

The new synthetic geranyl-2,4-methoxyhydroquinone 1 and the known geranyl-4,5-methoxyhydroquinone 2 were prepared by Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution (EAS) reactions between geraniol and 1,3,5-trimethoxyphenol using BF 3 ∙Et 2 O as a catalyst. Furthermore, the new geranylmethoxyhydroquinones derivatives (3-6) were obtained by chemical transformations of 1 and 2. The compounds have been evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against PC-3 human prostate cancer cell line, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells lines and dermal human fibroblasts DHF. IC 50 values for compounds 1 and 5 ranged in the 80 µM level. 3-6 , sponges 7-10 , alcyonaceans 11 , gorgonaceans 12 , and ascidians belonging to the genus Aplidium 13-18 . These substances present a terpenoid portion ranging from one to nine isoprene units. On the other hand, different studies of the structure activity relation (SAR) in a series of nonmethoxylated and methoxylated prenylated quinones with side chains containing from one to eight isoprene units reported that the optimum length of the side-chain is two isoprene units and in the para-position relative to the methoxy-group 19, 20 . Additionally, these authors informed that all tested quinones (3-Demethylubiquinone Q2 and its synthetic derivatives) have inhibited of JB6 Cl41 cell transformation and p53 activity and induction of apoptosis, AP-1 and NF-kB activity. Due to the importance that showed by these compounds in the mentioned biological activities, in this work we describe the synthesis and cytotoxic activity of geranylmethoxyhidroquinones derivatives (1-6). The new synthetic geranyl-2,4-dimethoxyhydroquinone 1 and known geranyl-4,5- dimethoxyhydroquinone 2 were synthesized using the strategy of Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution (EAS) reactions, according to the reported protocol 21-23 . The geranylmethoxyhidroquinones derivatives (3-6) are synthetic analogs of 1 and 2, while the known compound 5 is analogous to the marine natural product verapliquinone A. All the compounds were evaluated in vitro against various human cancer cells lines in order to analyse the influence of the molecular structure on the cytotoxic activity. Scheme 1. Synthesis of 2,4,5-trimethoxyphenol 9 (a) MCPBA/CH2Cl2, r.t. 1.87 g, 86%; (b) CH3OH/Et3N, r.t. 2.45 g, 78%.
Evaluation of Long‐Term Response of Intertidal Creek Nekton to Phragmites australis (Common Reed) Removal in Oligohaline Delaware Bay Salt Marshes

In the oligohaline Alloway Creek watershed of the upper Delaware Bay, invasive Phragmites australis (Common reed; hereafter Phragmites) has been removed in an attempt to restore tidal marshes to pre‐invasion form and function. In order to determine the effects of Phragmites on nekton use of intertidal creeks and to evaluate the success of this restoration, intertidal creek nekton assemblages were sampled with weirs from May to November for 7 years (1999‐2005) in three marsh types: natural Spartina alterniflora (Smooth cordgrass; hereafter Spartina), sites treated for Phragmites removal (hereafter referred to as Treated), and invasive Phragmites marshes. Replicate intertidal creek collections in all three marsh types consisted primarily of resident nekton and were dominated by a relatively low number of ubiquitous intertidal species. The Treated marsh nekton assemblage was distinguished by greater abundances of most nekton, especially Fundulus heteroclitus (Mummichog). Phragmites had little impact on nekton use of intertidal creeks over this period as evidenced by similar nekton assemblages in the Spartina and Phragmites marshes for most years. Long‐term assemblage‐level analyses and nekton abundances indicated that the Treated marsh provided enhanced conditions for intertidal creek nekton. The response of intertidal creek nekton suggests that the stage of the restoration may influence the results of comparisons between the marsh types and should be considered when evaluating marsh restorations.
A NEW OBJECT-BASED FRAMEWORK TO DETECT SHODOWS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION SATELLITE IMAGERY OVER URBAN AREAS

In this paper a new object-based framework to detect shadow areas in high resolution satellite images is proposed. To produce shadow map in pixel level state of the art supervised machine learning algorithms are employed. Automatic ground truth generation based on Otsu thresholding on shadow and non-shadow indices is used to train the classifiers. It is followed by segmenting the image scene and create image objects. To detect shadow objects, a majority voting on pixel-based shadow detection result is designed. GeoEye-1 multi-spectral image over an urban area in Qom city of Iran is used in the experiments. Results shows the superiority of our proposed method over traditional pixel-based, visually and quantitatively.
An attempt of modification of Carlson's trophic state index (TSI) for brackish lakes in Japan

At the beginning of this study, as the first stage of trophic state index (TSI) related studies for brackish lakes in Japan, existing studies related to Carlson's TSI were briefly reviewed focusing on brackish lakes in Japan. Carlson's TSI and its modified indices had been applied to some brackish lakes in Japan. However, it had been difficult to find an applicable equation for TSI for these brackish lakes in Japan. Theoretically, the water quality of surface layers should be used for TSI, however, the regression coefficient using surface layer water quality data and all layers water quality data were almost the same to the extent of the preliminary analysis based on the existing study. In this study, TSI was applied to brackish lakes in Japan by following two methods. First, some characteristics of a few Japanese brackish lakes were summarized from lake databases to establish TSI for brackish lakes in Japan. However, it was difficult to find an applicable equation for TSI for brackish lakes in Japan. Second, equations to calculate TSI for brackis hl akes in Tottori and Shimane Prefectures were tentatively presented after the regression analysis of publicly monitored water quality data. Preparing database of water quality, water quantity and physiographical parameters for the brackish lakes in Japan, and further consideration on the equations of TSI would be needed for better understanding of these parameters.
Students' perceptions of their initial PBL experiences in engineering education in Malaysia

BACKGROUND Higher education in engineering and technical fields should prepare graduates to take on the increasingly challenging roles required of the engine ering profession. Engineering graduates are expected to be responsible for their own personal and professional development. In view of this, the German Malaysian Institute (GMI), an established technica l education provider in Malaysia, has adopted Problem-based learning (PBL) as its innovative app roach. The main objective is to prepare technologists and industrial workers who are well-grounded with soft skills and abilities. These include abilities to apply knowledge, higher order thinking skills, and personal values, alongside strong handson and technical skills. PURPOSE This paper describes the implementation of Problem Based Learning (PBL) as a new approach in the context of engineering education at GMI. It provides an analysis of the first cohort of students’ feedback of their initial experiences of PBL after its implementation in January 2010. The paper focuses the first years’ student experiences specifically looking to better understand the ways in which they engage with PBL. DESIGN/METHOD A questionnaire survey was administered to 115 first year students in the Department of Industrial Electronic, after four weeks of PBL implementation in the first semester of their studies. The survey addressed the students’ perspectives on PBL course content, course delivery, self-motivation and PBL assessment. Section A required students to answer using a Likert scale of 1-5 (where 1 meant Strongly Disagree to 5 which meant Strongly Agree). Section B requested open-ended feedback on PBL implementation and difficulties students experienced with PBL. The survey was conducted to evaluate and refine the process of PBL implementation at a very early stage. RESULTS Overall, students’ initial feedback was positive and provides encouragement to continue with the PBL approach. This is despite the typical problems that student face including the challenges of working in groups, insufficient resources or insufficient time to complete the problem given. The survey results provide insights into what the majority of students recognise as the benefits of PBL especially in enhancing their critical thinking, problem-solving skills and team-working skills. CONCLUSIONS
Production, Purification and Characterization of Hemicellulose from Penicillium janthinellum 3CHP

Penicillium janthinellum 3CHP, a mesophilic fungal strain, isolated from the pine forest of Simla hill was found to produce an array of hemicelluloses when grown in urea medium with sorghum straw as the carbon source. For purification these enzymes, were subjected to ion exchange chromatography. The active fractions pertaining to a-arabinofuranosidase obtained from it were pooled and concentrated using PM-10 (10 KDa cut off) fitted into an Amicon cell and further purified by gel filtration chromatography. Active fractions which exhibited high a-arabinofuranosidase activity in gel filtration chromatography were again pooled, concentrated and analyzed by SDS PAGE and zymogram development using L-umbelliferyl arabinofuranoside as substrate. Two isoforms of a-arabinofuranosidase were observed with molecular weight of approximately 60 and 80 KDa respectively. a-arabinofuranosidase, was further characterized with respect to various parameters such as temperature, pH, effect of various metal ions and chemicals, substrate specificity, and thermo-stability DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/njst.v14i2. 10425 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 2 (2013) 123-130
Information Search Behavior: Proposal of Study with Investors in the Stock Market

With the aim of analyzing the information search behavior of investors working in the stock market, this research sought to raise the aspects related to this behavior with focus on the cognitive and causal aspects which pervaded the need for information of these investors. For that, the general pattern of informational behavior proposed by Wilson [1] and the analysis of a report from an investor of the stock market area were used as the basis for the analysis and reflection. The report of only one investor was used as the basis for investigation, turning it impossible to extrapolate such result to a greater universe. The objective of this research was to investigate the need for information, the context and the intervenient variables which might interfere or not in the information search behavior of investors, in an attempt to get a deeper comprehension about the subject, as well as to propose the continuity of studies with basis on this study proposal.