Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in Antenna Technology for Wireless Handheld Devices

The constant evolution of wireless handheld devices together with the apparition of multiple wireless communication systems fosters the antenna community to design new radiating and measurements systems capable of satisfying the market demands. It is an object of the present paper to provide an overview of the evolution that wireless handheld technology has experienced in the last years. In this sense, a description of the evolution of wireless handheld devices, regulations, challenges in today’s smartphones, and handset characterization is reviewed. Finally, recent advances in antenna technology for wireless handheld or portable devices are presented.
Bacteriological Profile and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Blood Culture Isolates among Septicemia Suspected Children in Selected Hospitals Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND Blood stream infections are major cause of morbidity and mortality in children in developing countries. The emerging of causative agents and resistance to various antimicrobial agents are increased from time to time. The main aim of this study was to determine the bacterial agents and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among children suspected of having septicemia. METHODS A cross sectional study involved about 201 pediatric patients (≤ 12 years) was conducted from October 2011 to February 2012 at pediatric units of TikurAnbessa Specialized Hospital and Yekatit 12 Hospital. Standard procedure was followed for blood sample collection, isolate identifications and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. RESULTS Among 201 study subjects 110 (54.7%) were males. Majority 147 (73.1%) of them were neonates (≤ 28 days). The mean length of hospital stay before sampling was 4.29 days. Out of the 201 tested blood samples, blood cultures were positive in 56 (27.9%). Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria constituted 29(51.8%) and 26(46.4%), respectively. The most frequent pathogen found was Staphylococcus aureus 13 (23.2%), followed by Serratia marcescens 12(21.4%), CoNS 11(19.6%), klebsiella spp 9(16%) and Salmonella spp 3(5.4%). Majority of bacterial isolates showed high resistance to Ampicillin, Penicillin, Co-trimoxazole, Gentamicin and Tetracycline which commonly used in the study area. CONCLUSION Majority of the isolates were multidrug resistant. These higher percentages of multi-drug resistant emerged isolates urge us to take infection prevention measures and to conduct other large studies for appropriate empiric antibiotic choice.
Arterial Spin Labeling Perfusion Study in the Patients with Subacute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Background This study uses a MRI technique, three-dimension pulse continuous arterial spin labeling (3D-PCASL), to measure the patient’s cerebral blood flow (CBF) at the subacute stage of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in order to analyze the relationship between cerebral blood flow and neurocognitive deficits. Objective To provide the relationship between cortical CBF and neuropsychological dysfunction for the subacute MTBI patients. Methods After MTBI, perfusion MR imaging technique (3D-PCASL) measures the CBF of MTBI patients (n = 23) within 1 month and that of normal controls (n = 22) to determine the quantity and location of perfusion defect. The correlation between CBF abnormalities and cognitive deficits was elucidated by combining the results of the neuropsychological tests of the patients. Result We observed a substantial reduction in CBF in the bilateral frontal and left occipital cortex as compared with the normal persons. In addition, there were correlation between post concussive symptoms (including dizziness and simulator sickness) and CBF in the hypoperfused areas. The more severe symptom was correlated with higher CBF in bilateral frontal and left occipital lobes. Conclusion First, this study determined that despite no significant abnormality detected on conventional CT and MRI studies, hypoperfusion was observed in MTBI group using 3D-PCASL technique in subacute stage, which suggested that this approach may increase sensitivity to MTBI. Second, the correlation between CBF and the severity of post concussive symptoms suggested that changes in cerebral hemodynamics may play a role in pathophysiology underlies the symptoms.
Clinical utility of cyclosporine (CsA) ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% for symptomatic relief in people with chronic dry eye: a review of the literature

To review the literature on the efficacy of cyclosporine (CsA) ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% on symptomatic relief in chronic dry eye disease. There is consistent evidence of objective improvements in chronic dry eye disease (Schirmer score, corneal and interpalpebral dye staining, and tear breakup time) with CsA, but variable results with symptomatic improvement, possibly due to patient tolerance of CsA, similar comforting effect with artificial tears and CsA vehicle, and the inherent subjective nature of symptom monitoring and analysis. This review explores the literature on CsA with special attention to symptomatic relief.
Minimizing Description Length in an Unsupervised Neural Network

An autoencoder network uses a set of recognition weights to convert an input vector into a representation vector. It then uses a set of generative weights to convert the representation vector into an approximate reconstruction of the input vector. We derive an objective function for training autoencoders based on the Minimum Description Length (MDL) principle. The aim is to minimize the information required to describe both the representation vector and the reconstruction error. This information is minimized by choosing representation vectors stochastically according to a Boltzmann distribution. Unfortunately, if the representation vectors use distributed representations, it is exponentially expensive to compute this Boltzmann distribution because it involves all possible representation vectors. We show that the recognition weights of an autoencoder can be used to compute an approximation to the Boltzmann distribution. This approximation corresponds to using a suboptimal encoding scheme and therefore gives an upper bound on the minimal description length. Even when this bound is poor, it can be used as a Lyapunov function for learning both the generative and the recognition weights. We demonstrate that this approach can be used to learn distributed representations in which many di erent hidden causes combine to produce each observed data vector. Such representations can be exponentially more e cient in their use of hardware than standard vector quantization or mixture models.
Older adults, e-health literacy, and collaborative learning: An experimental study

The theory-driven Electronic Health Information for Life-Long Learners via Collaborative Learning (eHILLL-CL) intervention, developed and tested in public libraries, aims to improve older adults' e-health literacy. A total of 172 older adults participated in this study from August 2009 to June 2010. Significant differences were found from pretest to posttest in general computer/Web knowledge and skill gains and in e-health literacy (p<0.001 in all cases; effect sizes: 0.5–2.1; statistical power: 1.00 even at the 0.01 level) and three attitude measures (p<0.05) for both computer anxiety and attitudes toward the aging experience in physical change, and p<0.01 for attitude toward the CL method; effect sizes: 0.2–0.3; statistical power: 0.4–0.8, at the 0.05 level). No significant difference was found in other variables. Participants were highly positive about the intervention and reported positive changes in health-related behavior and decision making. Group composition (based on gender, prior familiarity with peers, or prior computer experience) showed no significant impact on CL outcomes. These findings contribute to the CL and health literacy literatures and infer that CL can be a useful method for improving older adults' e-health literacy when using the specific strategies developed for this study, which suggests that social interdependence theory can be generalized beyond the younger population and formal educational settings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards closure between measured and modelled UV under clear skies at four diverse sites

The purpose of this work is determine the extent of closure between measurements and models of UV irradiances at diverse sites using state of the art instruments, models, and the best available data as inputs to the models. These include information about aerosol optical depth (unfortunately not extending down as far into the UVB region as desirable because such information is not generally available), ozone column amounts, as well as vertical profiles of temperature. We concentrate on clear-sky irradiances, and report the results in terms of UV Index (UVI). Clear-sky data from one year of measurements at each of four diverse sites (Lauder – New Zealand, Mauna Loa Observatory – Hawaii, Boulder – Colorado, and Melbourne – Australia) have been analysed in detail, also taking account of different measurements of ozone, including satellite-derived values, as well as ground measured values, both from Dobson instruments and as retrieved from the UV spectra under study. Previous studies have generally focussed on data from a single site, and for shorter periods. As such, it is the most comprehensive study of its kind to date. At Lauder, which is the cleanest low altitude site, we obtained agreement between measurement and model at 5% level, which is consistent with the best agreement found previously. At Mauna Loa Observatory, similar agreement was achieved, but model calculations need to allow for reflections from cloud that are present below the observatory. At this site, there are occasional problems with using satellite-derived ozone. At Boulder, mean agreements were similar but the dispersion around the mean was slightly larger, corresponding to larger uncertainties in the aerosol inputs to the model. However, at Melbourne, which is the only non-NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) site, there remain unexplained discrepancies. The measured values are significantly lower than the calculated values. We investigate the extent to which this discrepancy can be explained by incomplete knowledge of aerosol extinctions in the UV at this site. We conclude that further information about aerosol optical depth and single scattering albedo in the UVB region is needed to resolve the issues. For more polluted sites (the four considered locations show in general small aerosol load), the uncertainties in the aerosol input parameters would lead to less confidence on the modelling approach. At the three NDACC sites, the closure provided by the study gives confidence in both the measurements and our ability to model them. This study revealed a limitation in the use of PTFE diffusers when temperatures are lower than approximately 20°C. It also documents the range of clear sky UVI values expected at these diverse sites.
Halloysite-Based Bionanocomposites

Scientific research has been invigorated by a new class of biodegradable materials as alternatives to polymers derived from fossils. Such biomaterials can also offer economic advantages because they are derived from renewable resources. Several biopolymers (gelatin, chitin, chitosan, starch, pectin, cellulose and its modified versions, etc.) have been exploited to produce films and formulations. Their use is limited because of fast degradation, predominant hydrophilic character, and, in some cases, unsatisfactory mechanical properties. However, the properties of these polymers can be improved by using inorganic fillers such as additives. Halloysite nanotube is a promising green filler for this purpose.
Reflective data sharing in managing Internet databases

The popularity of the Internet has generated an explosion in the number of accessible information sources. In addition, recent advances in wide-area networking have led to a push for a logically-unified, yet physically distributed, information repository accessible through the Internet. The architecture of data resources and sources should be scalable and able to accommodate hundreds and thousands of databases. These are called Internet databases. This has to be achieved against a backdrop of accommodating database autonomy and bridging their heterogeneity with reasonable overhead. In addition, manual and evolution management needs a careful design as ad hoc management is clearly intractable in a highly dynamic environment as the Internet. Therefore, there is a need for supporting a self-adjustable model of evolution. We propose an architecture that has the ability to reflect upon its own state and to decide when to evolve. The use of flexible constructs like service links, coalitions, and co-databases provide a dynamic and portable model for eliciting data sharing. Further, we propose an implementation model using CORBA and Web related technologies.
Object Detection and Tracking under Static and Dynamic environment: A Review

: V ideos and images reveal many interesting and useful information which can serve the mankind in many ways. Researchers and professionals are motivated in studying and exploring the information in conditioned and unconditioned environment . In the literature there are many models built to detect and track the movement of the object, each one of the models built has its own advantages and limitations. A study has been made to know the problems encountered in static and dynamic environment. A review has been carried out to know the merits and demerits of the methods or techniques used in detection and tracking the objects in video frames.
A re-examination of Suchman's views on social factors in health care utilization.

Suchman's model of health care utilization has been applied in a different social settingfrom that in which it was developed. The results of the application are contrasted with re-computations of Suchman's original data. These data raise some questions about the empirical reliability of the general model proposed by Suchman as a possible explanation of medical care behavior. The collective findings of the two studies open up several possibilities for alternative explanations of the varying relationships of the principal components of the original model; one such alternative model is presented.
Inventory, Risk Shifting, and Trade Credit

This article has two objectives. First, it shows how debt financing distorts the inventory decision of a retailer who orders multiple items that differ in cost, revenue, or demand parameters. Taking advantage of limited liability, a debt-financed retailer will favor items with a low salvage value, those with a high profit margin, and those that represent a large proportion of the total inventory investment. Second, we argue that this distortion is mitigated when financing is provided by the supplier(s) who can observe the actual order quantities before determining the credit terms. “Borrowing goods” rather than “borrowing cash” limits the retailer’s ability to deviate from the first-best inventory decision. This benefit of trade credit financing is most significant when sourcing multiple differentiated items from a single supplier, and when bankruptcy risk and, thus, the limited liability effect are considerable.
A Novel Subnanosecond Monocycle Pulse Generator for UWB Radar Applications

A novel ultra-wideband (UWB) monocycle pulse generator with good performance is designed and demonstrated in this paper. It contains a power supply circuit, a pulse drive circuit, a unique pulse forming circuit, and a novel monopolar-to-monocycle pulse transition circuit. The drive circuit employs wideband bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and linear power amplifier transistor to produce a high amplitude drive pulse, and the pulse forming circuit uses the transition characteristics of step recovery diode (SRD) effectively to produce a negative narrow pulse. At last, the monocycle pulse forming circuit utilizes a novel inductance L short-circuited stub to generate the monocycle pulse directly. Measurement results show that the waveform of the generated monocycle pulses is over 76 V in peak-to-peak amplitude and 3.2 ns in pulse full-width. These characteristics of the monocycle pulse are advantageous for obtaining long detection range and high resolution, when it is applied to ultra-wideband radar applications.
Discovery and Characterization of Cadherin Domains in Saccharophagus degradans 2-40

ABSTRACT Saccharophagus degradans strain 2-40 is a prominent member of newly discovered group of marine and estuarine bacteria that recycle complex polysaccharides. The S. degradans 2-40 genome codes for 15 extraordinary long polypeptides, ranging from 274 to 1,600 kDa. Five of these contain at least 52 cadherin (CA) and cadherin-like (CADG) domains, the types of which were reported to bind calcium ions and mediate protein/protein interactions in metazoan systems. In order to evaluate adhesive features of these domains, recombinant CA doublet domains (two neighboring domains) from CabC (Sde_3323) and recombinant CADG doublet domains from CabD (Sde_0798) were examined qualitatively and quantitatively for homophilic and heterophilic interactions. In addition, CA and CADG doublet domains were tested for adhesion to the surface of S. degradans 2-40. Results showed obvious homophilic and heterophilic, calcium ion-dependent interactions between CA and CADG doublet domains. Likewise, CA and CADG doublet domains adhered to the S. degradans 2-40 surface of cells that were grown on xylan from birch wood or pectin, respectively, as a sole carbon source. This research shows for the first time that bacterial cadherin homophilic and heterophilic interactions may be similar in their nature to cadherin domains from metazoan lineages. We hypothesize that S. degradans 2-40 cadherin and cadherin-like multiple domains contribute to protein-protein interactions that may mediate cell-cell contact in the marine environment.
Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials during Spinal Deformity Corrections—Safety, Efficacy, Limitations, and the Role of a Checklist

Introduction Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has become a standard of care in spinal deformity surgeries to minimize the incidence of new onset neurological deficit. Stagnara wake up test and ankle clonus test are the oldest techniques described for spinal cord monitoring, but they cannot be solely relied upon as a neuromonitoring modality. Somatosensory evoked potentials monitor only dorsal tracts and give high false positive and negative alerts. Transcranial motor evoked potentials (TcMEPs) monitor the more useful motor pathways. The purpose of our study was to report the safety, efficacy, limitations of TcMEPs in spine deformity surgeries, and the role of a checklist. Study design Retrospective review of all spinal deformity surgeries performed with TcMEPs from 2011 to 2015. Materials and methods All patients were subjected to IONM by TcMEPs during the spinal deformity surgery. Patients were included in the study only if complete operative reports and neuromonitoring data and postoperative neurological data were available for review. An alert was defined as 80% or more decrement in the motor evoked potential amplitude, or increase in threshold of 100 V or more from baseline. The systemic and surgical causes of IONM alerts and the postoperative neurological status were recorded. Results In total, 61 patients underwent surgery for spinal deformities with TcMEPs. The average age was 12.6 years (6–36 years) and male:female ratio was 1:1.3. Diagnoses included idiopathic scoliosis (n = 35), congenital scoliosis (n = 13), congenital kyphosis (n = 7), congenital kyphoscoliosis (n = 4), post-infectious kyphosis (n = 1), and post-traumatic kyphosis (n = 1). The average kyphosis was 72° (45°–101°) and the average scoliosis was 84° (62°–128°). There were in total 33 alerts in 22 patients (36%). The most common causes were hypotension (n = 7), drug induced (n = 5), deformity correction (n = 5), osteotomies (n = 3), tachycardia (n = 1), screw placement (n = 2), and electrodes disconnection (n = 1). Reversal of the inciting event cause resulted in complete reversal of the alert in 90% of the times. Three patients showed persistent alerts, out of whom one had a positive wake up test and woke up with neurodeficit, which recovered over few weeks, while the other patients showed persistent alerts but woke up without any deficit. Sensitivity and specificity of TcMEP in deformity correction surgery were 100 and 96.6%, respectively, in our study. Conclusion IONM alerts are frequent during spinal deformity surgery. In our study, more than 50% of the alerts were associated with anesthetic management. IONM with TcMEPs is a safe and effective monitoring technique and wake up test still remains a valuable tool in cases of a persistent alert.
Experimental evolution of a metabolic pathway for ethylene glycol utilization by Escherichia coli

Spontaneous mutants of Escherichia coli able to grow on ethylene glycol as a sole source of carbon and energy were obtained from mutants that could grow on propylene glycol. Attempts to obtain ethylene glycol-utilizing mutants from wild-type E. coli were unsuccessful. The two major characteristics of the ethylene glycol-utilizing mutants were (i) increased activities of propanediol oxidoreductase, an enzyme present in the parental strain (a propylene glycol-positive strain), which also converted ethylene glycol into glycolaldehyde; and (ii) constitutive synthesis of high activities of glycolaldehyde dehydrogenase, which converted glycolaldehyde to glycolate. Glycolate was metabolized via the glycolate pathway, which was present in the wild-type cells; this was indicated by the induction in ethylene glycol-grown cells of glycolate oxidase, the first enzyme in the pathway. Glycolaldehyde dehydrogenase was partially characterized as an enzyme of this new metabolic pathway in E. coli, and glycolate was identified as the product of the reaction. This enzyme used NAD and NADP as coenzymes, although the NADP-dependent activity was about 10 times lower than the NAD-dependent activity. Uptake of [14C]ethylene glycol was dependent on the presence of the enzymes capable of metabolism of ethylene glycol. Glycolaldehyde and glycolate were identified as intermediate metabolites in the pathway.
Model order reduction of linear networks with massive ports via frequency-dependent port packing

Model order reduction has been a driving force for reducing analysis complexity of VLSI systems containing large linear networks. However, most existing reduction techniques are only applicable to networks with a small number of ports, failing to fulfill an even stronger need of reducing massively interconnected subsystems such as power grids and wide buses. In this paper, a port packing scheme is presented wherein the correlation between circuit ports is explored in a frequency-dependent manner. In the proposed McPack (multiport circuit packing) algorithm, port packing is combined with a practical realization of the recently developed tangential interpolation scheme for model reduction. McPack performs feasible moment matching for networks with many ports in the sense of tangential interpolation. With guaranteed passivity, extensibility to multi-point expansion as well as comparable complexity, McPack systematically introduces frequency-domain port packing into the existing projection-based model order reduction framework. For several large networks with high port count, the presented algorithm is shown to be significantly more accurate than the standard block-moment matching algorithm as well as other recently developed alternative