Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Single-Stage Isolated Battery Charger Using Nonbridged Positive Cuk Converter Configuration

This article presents a nonbridged isolated positive Cuk (NB-IPCuk) converter-based single-stage battery charging system (SSBCS). The architecture of the suggested charger ensures the intrinsic advantage of power quality improvement in discontinuous current conduction (DCC) mode at the supply mains. The suggested NB-IPCuk converter scheme has fewer components than other bridgeless/nonbridged Cuk converter schemes. This is because the NB-IPCuk converter is a partial integration of two Cuk converters. The usage of the Cuk converter garnishes the system with input and output inductances, which lessens supply current harmonic distortion and, thus supply terminal low pass filter requirement is eradicated. The advantages of the NB-IPCuk converter are the eradication of one inductor and multiple diodes (two back-feeding diodes), which are generally used in NB converter configurations. In place of two separate inductors, the NB-IPCuk converter uses a single secondary side output inductor. The usage of BL configuration of NB-IPCuk converter eradicates the bridge rectifier (BR) stage, and thus, the BR-associated losses also got eradicated. The NB-IPCuk converter also garnishes the system with electrical isolation which adds to the safety standards of the system. DCC mode operation of the NB-IPCuk converter is used in the present work. DCC mode requires lesser sensors in comparison to continuous current conduction mode. The abovementioned benefits of the NB-IPCuk converter make the SSBCS system cheaper, compact, and more efficient. The detailed stability analysis (Bode diagram and pole-zero map) and mathematics for the NB-IPCuk converter are also included in the paper. The prototype and MATLAB/Simulink model of NB-IPCuk converter-based SSBCS system with DCC mode control has been built, and results of both prototype and MATLAB/Simulink are deployed to verify SSBCS system’s performance during dynamic and steady-state conditions.
Impact of rainfall on a Ku-band rotating fan-beam scatterometer

星载散射计测量的归一化后向散射截面是有关海面毛细重力波的大小和方向的函数:散射计的回波强度与海面毛细重力波的振幅成正比;风向对后向散射系数具有调制作用。 因此,可以利用散射计的数据,根据地球物理模型反演出具有高精确度、无雨和中低风速条件下的海面风场矢量。 然而高达10%的散射计测量数据会受到降雨影响(Nie, etal., 2008),尤其工作在Ku波段的散射计。 降雨对海面散射幅度的影响主要包括:(1) 降雨对雷达波的衰减和散射;(2) 降雨改变海洋水面形态和海面粗糙度。 本文建立了计及降雨衰减和散射影响后的海面散射正演模型,分析Ku波段不同入射角情况下降雨对海面后向散射系数的影响,进而通过雷达方程将降雨影响加入到扇形波束系统中进行分析。 模型是基于降雨均匀分布在散射计视场范围内这一假设建立的。 我们把整个降雨结构看作是雨滴填充在空气中的混合介质,并把降雨层按其高度分为12个子层,每一层用一特定值,即平均雨滴尺寸,来代表该子层的雨滴尺寸,而(每一个子层中雨滴尺寸随高度变化信息被忽略)。 这样12个子层对应12个雨滴尺寸,从而描述了雨滴降落过程中尺寸的变化。 本文忽略了雨滴下落过程中形状的变化,将雨滴均假设为球形,并用Mie散射理论计算出雨滴的双向散射相位矩阵。 之后,按照耦合矩阵法计算出每一子层的相位矩阵。 子层中降雨的水平分布用Gamma模型进行描述,从而计算不同降雨量时雨滴的体积含量。 降雨与海面的下分界面和降雨与云的上分界面的面散射相位矩阵用面散射积分方程IEM(Integral Equation Method)进行计算。 最后,再次应用矩阵耦合法(matrix doubling method),将12个降雨子层的相位矩阵和上下两个分界面的相位矩阵整合为降雨影响下海面风场的散射。 模型的建立过程如下:(1) 首先将整个降雨层分成垂直分布的12个子层,假设每一个子层是统计均匀的,而且每一子层中雨滴尺寸不随垂直高度发生变化。 采用Gamma模型描述子层中雨滴分布,根据Mie散射理论计算雨滴散射相位矩阵, Pi={Si, Ti, Si*,Ti*},i=1, …, N。 (2) 将各个子层体散射相位矩阵整合为整个降雨结构的总体散射相位矩阵Prain={Srain, Train, Srain*, Train*},计算方法如下: Prain=P1 P2 . PN。 (3) 利用IEM计算+Z和-Z入射时,反射及传输情况下降雨云与降雨分界面的有效面散射相位矩阵Rcr,Qcr和Rcr*,Qcr*,同理计算出降雨与海洋表面分界面反射情况下的有效面散射相位矩阵Rsurface。 (4) 利用以上已经计算出的体散射相位矩阵和面散射相位矩阵求出整个降雨层的总的散射矩阵,进一步得到受降雨影响的海洋表面的散射系数: 。 (5) 对比模型结果与卫星测量数据,调整模型参数以优化模型,将优化后模型于卫星参数相结合,从而分析不同降雨情况下降雨对扇形波束散射计海面风场测量的影响。 按照以上思路建立了降雨影响下海面的正演散射模型。 其中用以模拟子层中雨滴分布的Gamma模型是利用位于赤道地区(新加坡)的Joss-Waldvogel Disdrometer (JWD)雨滴测量器计算得到,因此本文利用同样覆盖赤道地区的TRMMPR降雨雷达测量数据对模型进行了验证。 验证结果显示,在3种降雨量情况下模型结果与TRMM测量数据都可以较好地吻合。 利用验证后的模型,我们对降雨参数以及散射计系统参数对降雨影响下海面散射情况进行了分析,可以看到散射计工作频率、极化情况、雨滴大小以及雨滴含量都会产生较显著的影响,而且不同入射角时降雨对海面散射的影响不同。 该模型满足了分析降雨在不同入射角情况下对散射计测量影响的需求,从而分析了扇形波束下降雨对海面散射的影响。
Depression among type 2 diabetic patients

Background & Objectives: Diabetes and depression are highly prevalent conditions and have significant impact on health outcomes. The combination of depression with type 2 diabetes is a public health problem. Therefore, we aimed to assess some socio-demographic characteristics of type 2 diabetes and to investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes and depression among patients aged from 40 to 60 years old. Methods: 125 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes attending diabetes clinics in the Al-Zahraa hospital were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Patients were interviewed using structured questionnaires to gather data on socio-demographics, clinical, self care compliance, medication usage, and diabetes complications. The MADRS was administered as a screening tool for depression level evaluation. Binary logistic regression model was used to examine association between predictor variables and risk of depression among diagnosed type 2 diabetes at 95% C.I. and P < 0.05. Results: One hundred and twenty five participants completed the interview. More than half of participants were females (58.4%) and the mean age was 48 (sd = 5.9), 47.2% hypertensive, and 59.2% on insulin. More than two third (74.4%) of patients were depressed; (24.8% mild, 37.6% moderate and 12% severely depressed). Almost four out of five patients (88.8%) had diabetes complications, Depression was strongly associated with neuropathy, age, retinopathy, sex and cardiac complications. However, the likelihood of depression was not associated with nephropathy, hypertension and sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates a strong correlation between depression and diabetes particularly complications. In particular, patients who are depressed tended to have poorer self-care, more severe physical symptoms and were less likely to adhere to prescribed care regimens. These findings raise the possibility that improving the mental health as part of a comprehensive management plan for diabetes may improve the overall long term outcomes of these patients.
Genesis and hydrological function of an African mire: understanding the role of peatlands in providing ecosystem services in semi-arid climates

Hydrological processes maintain wetlands, whose position in the landscape determines their character and possible response to climate change. Such responses to long periods of climate change were studied in a large groundwater fed fen (Mfabeni Mire), which is one of the oldest fen systems in South Africa. The geological and geomorphological setting of the mire was studied as well as its stratigraphy and chronology. The basal peat of the mire was at a depth of 9.9 m dated at ca 44 000 cal years Before Present (BP). The average accumulation rate during the Late Pleistocene was 0.15 mm/year. During the Holocene it was higher (0.3 mm/year). Despite climate change over this period, peat formation has hardly been interrupted, suggesting that the system has been able to almost continuously sustain peat formation processes. This is possible because the peatland is situated in a valley that is bordered by a highly permeable sand dune cordon with an elevated groundwater table that directs groundwater towards the mire. The infilling of the valley by peat has resulted in a basin with lower permeability than in the surrounding dunes, forcing the water table in the adjacent aquifer to rise, thus ensuring the mire system a supply of groundwater that is large enough to dampen the effects of climatic variation.
Journey from academics to employment: labor market insertion of the Fitness and Motor Performance Master Physical Education Faculty of Timisoara West University Alumni 2011-2016- a pilot study

Abstract Introduction: The great changes that occurred in the domain of sports and physical education requested the formation of a high qualified human resource. The concept of sport science greatly supported and promoted within European academic area was adopted also by Physical Education and Sport Faculty of The Timisoara West University (PESF-TWU) that has aligned its educational offer by developing the Master degree program in the field of Fitness and Motric Performance (FMPM). Thus, the framework for preparing a highly qualified human resource, capable to adjust to the changes of the labor market was established. Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the dynamics of the professional insertion journey of FMPF Alumni. We evaluated the following category of parameters: alumni demographic indices, education level and parameters that characterize the job insertion. Results: The data analysis showed a significant increase of the alumni during the last 5 years with a particular dynamics of age distribution during the study period: 80% of the participants were included in the 28-31 years of age category. The evaluation of dynamics during the years revealed that extreme age categories: 24-27 years and > 31 years presented a constant increase during the years comparing to the most representative age category. In terms of education, over 50% of the Alumni followed complementary courses and specializations in order to increase their expertise with an interesting gender distribution in favor of male group (male: 74% vs. female: 26%, p< 0.0001). Referring to the parameters that characterize job insertion data showed an increased speed in terms of first job employment: 82% of the Alumni were employed within a 6 month interval after graduation and only 3.8% of the Alumni are jobless even after 3 years. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that FMPM Alumni are well trained and able to adapt to the specific labor market needs in the field of sports and physical activity and education, suggesting that PESF-TWU through its education programs respects the high standards of performance promoted by the TWU.
Monitoring of cultural heritage sites using VHR earth observation data

When the Islamic State (IS) was rumored in the media to have destroyed cultural heritage sites in Iraq and Syria – Nimrud and Palmyra – officials could not reach the areas in person to confirm the damage. Therefore, supporting the Orient Department of the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) remote sensing experts of the German Aerospace Center DLR processed and analyzed very high resolution (VHR) imagery to safely assess the situation on the ground. The VHR imagery was supplied by European Space Imaging (EUSI).
Study and Design of Bandstop Filtres Based on a Multiple Co-Directional Complementary Split Ring Resonator (CSRR)

The objective of this study is to enhance the performance of metamaterial filters. Indeed, the distinctive electromagnetic characteristics of metamaterials, along with their capacity to guide and manipulate electromagnetic waves in ways unattainable by natural materials, have rendered metamaterials progressively appealing in recent years. One type of metamaterial that has been studied extensively is the Split Ring Resonator (SRR) and its complementary counterpart (CSRR), Both of these structures possess dimensions significantly smaller than the wavelength. They demonstrate bandstop characteristics and exhibit negative permeability or negative permittivity in a narrow frequency range centered around their resonant frequencies. These frequency bands can be precisely and easily controlled in terms of frequency selectivity and rejection level by adjusting various parameters. As a result, these resonators are designed and optimized for use in the design of new filters. The obtained results confirm that the proposed metamaterial resonators significantly enhance the performance of the targeted applications.
The Rahui: Legal pluralism in Polynesian traditional management of resources and territories

This collection deals with an ancient institution in Eastern Polynesia called the rahui, a form of restricting access to resources and/or territories. While tapu had been extensively discussed in the scientific literature on Oceanian anthropology, the rahui is quite absent from secondary modern literature. This situation is all the more problematic because individual actors, societies, and states in the Pacific are readapting such concepts to their current needs, such as environment regulation or cultural legitimacy. This book assembles a comprehensive collection of current works on the rahui from a legal pluralism perspective. This study as a whole underlines the new assertion of identity that has flowed from the cultural dimension of the rahui. Today, rahui have become a means for indigenous communities to be fully recognised on a political level. Some indigenous communities choose to restore the rahui in order to preserve political control of their territory or, in some cases, to get it back. For the state, better control of the rahui represents a way of asserting its legitimacy and its sovereignty, in the face of this reassertion by indigenous communities.
Dielectric-Modulated Junctionless Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistor as a Label-Free DNA Nanosensor: Achieving Ultrahigh Sensitivity in the Band-to-Band Tunneling Regime

This article introduces a novel label-free deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nanosensor based on a coaxially gated junctionless carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (JL CNTFET). The proposed DNA sensor is computationally investigated using numerical methods within the nonequilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) quantum simulation framework. The nanosensor uses the principle of dielectric modulation, utilizing two laterally open cavities for DNA sensing. The combination of the junctionless (JL) design, laterally open cavities, and the straightforward biosensing principle makes the JL CNTFET-based DNA sensor easily manufacturable and operable. The proposed DNA nanosensor operates in the band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) regime, targeting ultrahigh sensitivity. The computational results reveal that the JL CNTFET-based label-free DNA nanosensor exhibits a substantial DNA-induced modulation in tunneling current by affecting the BTBT windows. As a result, it achieves remarkable sensitivity in the BTBT regime. This DNA nanosensor offers valuable advantages such as ease of nanofabrication, reliable manufacturing, energy efficiency, compact size, and label-free DNA detection, making it a compelling candidate for advanced complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS)-based label-free DNA sensing applications.
A Printable Magnetic-Responsive Iron Oxide Nanoparticle (ION)-Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) Ink for Soft Bioactuator/Robot Applications

The features or actuation behaviors of nature’s creatures provide concepts for the development of biomimetic soft bioactuators/robots with stimuli-responsive capabilities, design convenience, and environmental adaptivity in various fields. Mimosa pudica is a mechanically responsive plant that can convert pressure to the motion of leaves. When the leaves receive pressure, the occurrence of asymmetric turgor in the extensor and flexor sides of the pulvinus from redistributing the water in the pulvinus causes the bending of the pulvinus. Inspired by the actuation of Mimosa pudica, designing soft bioactuators can convert external stimulations to driving forces for the actuation of constructs which has been receiving increased attention and has potential applications in many fields. 4D printing technology has emerged as a new strategy for creating versatile soft bioactuators/robots by integrating printing technologies with stimuli-responsive materials. In this study, we developed a hybrid ink by combining gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) polymers with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs). This hybrid ION-GelMA ink exhibits tunable rheology, controllable mechanical properties, magnetic-responsive behaviors, and printability by integrating the internal metal ion-polymeric chain interactions and photo-crosslinking chemistries. This design offers the inks a dual crosslink mechanism combining the advantages of photocrosslinking and ionic crosslinking to rapidly form the construct within 60 s of UV exposure time. In addition, the magnetic-responsive actuation of ION-GelMA constructs can be regulated by different ION concentrations (0–10%). Furthermore, we used the ION-GelMA inks to fabricate a Mimosa pudica-like soft bioactuator through a mold casting method and a direct-ink-writing (DIW) printing technology. Obviously, the pinnule leaf structure of printed constructs presents a continuous reversible shape transformation in an air phase without any liquid as a medium, which can mimic the motion characteristics of natural creatures. At the same time, compared to the model casting process, the DIW printed bioactuators show a more refined and biomimetic transformation shape that closely resembles the movement of the pinnule leaf of Mimosa pudica in response to stimulation. Overall, this study indicates the proof of concept and the potential prospect of magnetic-responsive ION-GelMA inks for the rapid prototyping of biomimetic soft bioactuators/robots with untethered non-contact magneto-actuations.
Trajectories of Psychological Distress among Low-Income , Female Survivors of Hurricane Katrina

The purpose of this study was to investigate trajectories of psychological distress among low-income women, primarily unmarried and African American, who survived Hurricane Katrina (N = 386). Data were collected in the year prior to the hurricane, as well as approximately one and three years thereafter. Using Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA), we detected six distinct trajectory groups. Over half of participants fit into a trajectory consistent with resilience; that is, they maintained low levels of psychological distress over the course of the study, but experienced an elevation in symptoms at the first pre-disaster time point, followed by a return to pre-disaster levels. The other trajectories reflected the range in psychological responses to disasters, and suggested pre-disaster functioning as having a major influence on post-disaster psychological outcomes. Exposure to hurricane-related stressors, experiences of human v and pet bereavement, perceived social support, and socioeconomic status were significant predictors of trajectory group membership. Based on these findings, we recommend policies that protect against hurricane exposure, promote the rebuilding of social support networks, and assist survivors in identifying employment and educational opportunities, as well as well as empirically supported clinical interventions that help survivors cope with longstanding or emergent symptoms. Further longitudinal quantitative studies, as well as qualitative analysis of survivors' accounts of post-disaster psychological experiences, would advance our understanding of resilience and other trajectories of functioning in the aftermath of traumatic events. vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am extremely grateful to have a dissertation committee of three exceptionally intelligent, grounded, funny, and kind women. Thanks so much, Jean, Alice, and Mary, for being wonderful role models and for making the entire dissertation process remarkably enjoyable. I would also like to acknowledge and thank our collaborators on the larger Adversity and Resilience Project, including
Analysis of noise pollution level in and around SIDCUL area in District Haridwar (Uttarakhand) India

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the issue of noise pollution in the vicinity of the industrial zone of Haridwar city and its correlation with the health of the people in and around the SIDCUL (State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited). The study revealed that noise pollution levels were above the CPCB Standard for the sound level for industrial zones and residential zones. During the period from January to December 2018, noise levels were observed and monitored in both the industrial zone (Site-I SIDCUL) and the residential zone (Site-II Siwalik Nagar). The average noise levels varied throughout the year. At Site-I (Industrial Zone), during the daytime in July, the maximum average noise level recorded was 89.5 dB, while in April; the minimum average noise level was 81.1 dB. During nighttime, in January, the maximum average noise level reached 84.1 dB, and in May, the minimum average noise level was 76.6 dB. In Site-II Siwalik Nagar (Residential Zone), the daytime noise levels were a maximum average noise level of 61.1 dB in May and a minimum average noise level of 58.8 dB in September. During nighttime, the noise level reached a maximum average of 47.2 dB in October and a minimum average of 44.5 dB in May. Overall, the study revealed that noise levels were generally higher in both zones, except for the average nighttime noise level at Site II (residential zone), which was below the prescribed standard limit for noise.
Double salt fortification with iodine and iron: An in vivo study on albino rat

Iron, iodine and vitamin A deficiencies are major clinical conditions affecting 33% of global population. Dual fortification of salt with iron and iodine could be a sustainable approach to fight against Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) and Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). The present work was designed to analyse the bioavailability of iron and iodine fortificants. For this reason, common table salt (NaCl) was subjected to various analyses like moisture, ash and minerals followed by double salt fortification with iron compounds like sodium iron ethylene diamine tetra acetate (NaFeEDTA), iron(II) sulphate (FeSO4) and potassium iodate (KIO3) at two different levels. Bioavailability of iron and iodine fortificants was analysed by feeding albino rats with fortified salt at 3.5%. Serum thyroxin (T4) level increased significantly from day 0 to 28 (26.72 +/- 0.2 to 31.41 +/- 0.4 mnol/L). Haemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels also depicted significant increase with the passage of time. However, whole blood zinc protoporphyrin, serum transferrin and serum triiodothyronine significantly decreased. As a conclusion, the present work revealed that double fortification of salt with iron and iodine along with a suitable stabiliser could be an effective strategy to control the two major micronutrient deficiencies. (C) All Rights Reserved
A Microfluidics Approach for Ovarian Cancer Immune Monitoring in an Outpatient Setting

Among cancer diagnoses in women, ovarian cancer has the fifth-highest mortality rate. Current treatments are unsatisfactory, and new therapies are highly needed. Immunotherapies show great promise but have not reached their full potential in ovarian cancer patients. Implementation of an immune readout could offer better guidance and development of immunotherapies. However, immune profiling is often performed using a flow cytometer, which is bulky, complex, and expensive. This equipment is centralized and operated by highly trained personnel, making it cumbersome and time-consuming. We aim to develop a disposable microfluidic chip capable of performing an immune readout with the sensitivity needed to guide diagnostic decision making as close as possible to the patient. As a proof of concept of the fluidics module of this concept, acquisition of a limited immune panel based on CD45, CD8, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), and a live/dead marker was compared to a conventional flow cytometer (BD FACSymphony). Based on a dataset of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 15 patients with ovarian cancer across different stages of treatment, we obtained a 99% correlation coefficient for the detection of CD8+PD1+ T cells relative to the total amount of CD45+ white blood cells. Upon further system development comprising further miniaturization of optics, this microfluidics chip could enable immune monitoring in an outpatient setting, facilitating rapid acquisition of data without the need for highly trained staff.