Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DESIGN AND SIMULATION OF FUZZY CONTROLLED QUASI RESONANT BUCK CONVERTER

A controller based on Fuzzy logic is implemented and its application to the regulation of power converter is investigated. Being free of complex equations and heavy computation, it achieves fast dynamic response and adapts to varying conditions of operation. The topology is modeled using MATLAB software and operated at finite higher switching frequency to evaluate its closed-loop performance in respect of line and load regulation. It is verified by transient characteristics that due to quasi-resonance there is a drastic change in peak overshoot and settling time and the proposed strategy has good rejection ability for supply and load disturbances.
Assessing the Federal Reserve's Measures of Capacity and Utilization

IN LATE 1988, capacity utilization in U.S. industry reached its highest level since early 1979. As measured by the Federal Reserve Board, capacity utilization in manufacturing industries was 84.6 percent in December 1988, a dramatic increase from the 70.3 percent trough of the 1982 recession. The 84.6 percent rate exceeds the postwar average by about a standard deviation, yet is still more than a standard deviation below the postwar maximum. These relatively high and increasing rates of capacity utilization have, at least in some quarters, been taken as a signal that the long expansion that began in 1983 is drawing to its inevitable close. To some observers, moreover, higher utilization suggests a risk of accelerating inflation and the need for caution on the part of the Federal Reserve Board. ' Specifically, high measured capacity utilization is taken as a sign that the decomposition of nominal output growth into real growth and inflation has grown less favorable and that contractionary monetary policy is in order. Capacity utilization is clearly one of the variables that the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee (FOMC) considers, although there is some dispute about how it is to be interpreted. At a November 1, 1988,
Estrogen Receptors and Progesterone Receptors in Breast Cancer

Available online: January 2017 This study aimed to detect P53, estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) in breast cancer patients using immunohistochemical method. Fifty paraffin embedded tissue blocks previously diagnosed as breast cancer were randomly selected, sectioned and stained immunohistochemically for the detection of P53 mutation, estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS computer program. The patients' information was collected from the archived files of patients. Histopathology diagnosis of study subjects revealed invasive ductal carcinoma in 41 (82%) samples, invasive mammary carcinoma in 2 (4%) samples, mucinous carcinoma in 3 (6%) samples, papillary carcinoma in 2 (4%) samples, tubulo lobular carcinoma in 1(2%) samples, and malignant stromal tumor in 1 (2%) sample. The majority were in grade 3, 25 (50%) patients while those with grade 2 were 14 (24%) patients and grade 1 only one patient (2%), and the not graded were 10 (20%) patients. Positive expression of p53 among study subjects represented 30 (60.0%) patients and the remaining 20 (40.0%) were negative with no association between p53 mutation and histopathological diagnosis (P.value>0.05). ER status showed positive expression in 24 (48.0%) patients and negative in 26 (52.0%), PR showed positive expression in 18 (36.0%) patients and negative in 32 (64.0%) patients. ER and PR showed insignificant association histopathological diagnosis (P.value>0.05). The study concludes that the mutated P53 is expressed in most breast cancer tissues with no association between p53 and histopathology diagnosis, also no association with ER and PR receptors.
SPHERE: a planet finder instrument for the VLT

Direct detection and spectral characterization of extra-solar planets is one of the most exciting but also one of the most challenging areas in modern astronomy. The challenge consists in the very large contrast between the host star and the planet, larger than 12.5 magnitudes at very small angular separations, typically inside the seeing halo. The whole design of a "Planet Finder" instrument is therefore optimized towards reaching the highest contrast in a limited field of view and at short distances from the central star. Both evolved and young planetary systems can be detected, respectively through their reflected light and through the intrinsic planet emission. We present the science objectives, conceptual design and expected performance of the SPHERE instrument.
Experimental and numerical investigation of spray characteristics of butanol-diesel blends

Spray characteristics are among the most important factors that affect compression ignition (CI) engines’ performance and emission levels. Flow visualisation and optical diagnostics have been widely employed in previous and current research as methods for controlling the combustion processes. This paper investigates the spray visualisation of butanol-diesel blends to determine spray characteristics such as spray penetration (S) and Average Sauter Mean Diameter (ASMD) using Ansys Forte under different ambient pressures and temperatures. The spray results showed that the spray penetration length is decreased as a result of the increased ambient pressure, while it is increased as a result of increased injection pressure of all test fuels. An increase in ambient temperature caused pure diesel penetration to become longer and wider, while butanol-diesel blends penetration becomes shorter. The ASMD of the butanol-diesel blend is higher than that of pure diesel at all operating conditions.
Strategic Decision Making and Its Importance in Small Corporations

The global economic crisis has sharply affected thousands of small corporations and declared bankruptcy. It is likely that in the form in which they are working now, they will not be able to survive the economic pressure of competitors. Effective policy‐making can be an important key to success. Analysis of the process of strategic decision making in small corporations is extensive research gap that we try to fill with the contribution. We put emphasis on strategic decisions, models of the strategic decision‐making factors affecting the profile of these processes and mechanisms that make use of small corpora‐ tion managers in strategic decision making. The conclusions of the research are identified the most important aspects influencing and forming process of strategic decision making by managers of small corporations.
An end-to-end process model for supervised machine learning classification: from problem to deployment in information systems

Extracting meaningful knowledge from (big) data represents a key success factor in many industries today. Supervised machine learning (SML) has emerged as a popular technique to learn patterns in complex data sets and to identify hidden correlations. When this insight is turned into action, business value is created. However, common data mining processes are generally not tailored to SML. In addition, they fall short of providing an end-to-end view that not only supports building a ”one off” model, but also covers its operational deployment within an information system. In this research-in-progress work we apply a Design Science Research (DSR) approach to develop a SML process model artifact that comprises model initiation, error estimation and deployment. In a first cycle, we evaluate the artifact in an illustrative scenario to demonstrate suitability. The results encourage us to further refine the approach and to prepare evaluations in concrete use cases. Thus, we move towards contributing a general process model that supports the systematic design of machine learning solutions to turn insights into continuous action.
Seminal Volume as an Indirect Factor for Determining Success at in Vitro Fertilization

Material and methods: It is a prospective observational study, including 100 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. The seminal sample was obtained by ejaculation and analyzed with WHO’s 2010 criteria (Andrology laboratory procedures manual, 2010). Data encompassed seminal volumes and fertilized oocytes. Statistical analysis was made with Kolmogorov-Smirnov normalization, determining correlation of Pearson and significance of p ≤0.05.
Relationship between the pre- and postpartum body condition scores and periparturient indices and fertility in high-yielding dairy cows

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body condition score (BCS) determined on the dry-off day, calving day, and in the first month of lactation, its changes during the dry period and early lactation, and periparturient indices and fertility in high-producing dairy cows. Material and Methods: The experiment was conducted in two herds: A and B, located in Western Poland. The studies were conducted on 116 and 108 Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows respectively, with an average milk yield of >10 000 kg/305-day lactation. The experiment included the dry period (-56 d to the calving day), the calving day, and early lactation (from +1 to +56 d). The experimental factor was BCS (0 to 5-point scale). The BCS was performed by one person on day -56, on parturition day (in the first 12 h after calving) and on day 30 of lactation. Results: A decrease in BCS (≥-0.25) in herd A during the dry period accelerated the planned calving period by 7.3 d. In the group of cows with BCS <3.25 on the dry-off day, the lowest artificial insemination index (1.80), the shortest period of insemination services (25 d), and days open (87 d) were recorded. Moreover, cows with BCS < 3.25 at calving had the shortest days open (91 d). BCS >3.50 in the first month of lactation (30 d) resulted in the extension of uterine involution period (56 d). Improvement of BCS during the dry period shortened the anoestrus (60 d) in herd A and the period of insemination service (60 d) in herd B. However, in this group (IM BCS ≥ 0.25) of cows the day of the highest artificial insemination index (2.50) in herd B was analysed. Conclusion: The body condition on the dry-off day and at calving, as well as its deterioration in the first month of lactation, have a considerable effect on fertility indices in dairy cows, thus confirming the advisability of its regular monitoring during routine operations connected with the management of a dairy cattle herd.
Effects of washing on the functional properties of duck meat.

The objective of this research was to study the effect of washing cycles on the functional properties of washed duck meat. Five types of treatment were applied in this study: unwashing, single, double, triple and quadruple washing. The washing cycles were found to reduce fat content and protein content significantly. The quadruple washing resulted in the lowest cholesterol and myoglobin contents. Double washing showed significantly higher Lightness (L*) and Whiteness (W) values than the other washing cycles. Washing cycles increased the shear force of the samples (p>0.05). Washing cycles also significantly affected pH, folding test, gel strength, expressible moisture and WHC; quadruple washing exhibited a significantly higher pH, folding score, expressible moisture and WHC but reduced the gel strength of the sample. Sample treated with a double washing cycle exhibited the highest folding score, a low fat content and the best lightness and whiteness values.
Percutaneous Threshold of Facial Nerve Stimulation Predicts Facial Canal Dehiscence

ABSTRACT Iatrogenic facial nerve (FN) injury is one of the most feared complications of otologic surgery. Dehiscence of the bony covering of the FN within the temporal bone increases FN vulnerability to accidental injury. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone is used preoperatively to assess middle ear and mastoid anatomy; however, it is unreliable for detecting facial canal dehiscence. In this study, our aim was to determine if preoperative percutaneous FN stimulation could predict middle ear facial canal dehiscence. Between January 2015 and February 2017, we performed preoperative HRCT and percutaneous FN stimulation on adult patients who underwent otologic surgery at our institution. Stimulation was performed with a monopolar probe placed on the skin over the stylomastoid foramen. Electrical stimuli ranged from 0 to 40 milliamperes (mA). Recordings were made from ipsilateral facial muscles. Dependent variables included threshold to compound muscle action potential (CMAP), threshold to maximum amplitude of CMAP, and maximum amplitude of CMAP for each muscle. A retrospective chart review was performed. Seventy patients met inclusion criteria. Of the 24 with an intraoperatively confirmed dehiscence, 10 were identified preoperatively by the attending surgeon on HRCT. Averages of the lowest recorded threshold to CMAP (5.1mA v. 9.1mA), and an average of the threshold to CMAP (8.9 mA. 11.8 mA) of dehiscent versus non-dehiscent nerves were significantly different (p < .05). In conclusion, percutaneous FN stimulation is a simple and cost-effective tool that can give the surgeon important preoperative information about FN anatomy.
Impact of Ecklonia stolonifera extract on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, methanogenesis, and microbial populations

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Ecklonia stolonifera (E. stolonifera) extract addition on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, methanogenesis and microbial populations. Methods One cannulated Holstein cow (450±30 kg) consuming timothy hay and a commercial concentrate (60:40, w/w) twice daily (09:00 and 17:00) at 2% of body weight with free access to water and mineral block were used as rumen fluid donors. In vitro fermentation experiment, with timothy hay as substrate, was conducted for up to 72 h, with E. stolonifera extract added to achieve final concentration 1%, 3%, and 5% on timothy hay basis. Results Administration of E. stolonifera extract to a ruminant fluid-artificial saliva mixture in vitro increased the total gas production. Unexpectedly, E. stolonifera extracts appeared to increase both methane emissions and hydrogen production, which is contrasts with previous observations with brown algae extracts used under in vitro fermentation conditions. Interestingly, real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that as compared with the untreated control the ciliate-associated methanogen and Fibrobacter succinogenes populations decreased, whereas the Ruminococcus flavefaciens population increased as a result of E. stolonifera extract supplementation. Conclusion E. stolonifera showed no detrimental effect on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial population. Through these results E. stolonifera has potential as a viable feed supplement to ruminants.
Blood glucose-lowering effect of Telfairia Occidentalis : Apreliminary study on the underlying mechanism and responses

The effects of aqueous extract of Telfairia Occidentalis leaf (TO) on plasma glucose, lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH), insulin and cortisol levels in rats were investigated. Thirty male Wistar rats (200−250g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6/group). Rats in the control group received 0.2 ml of normal saline while rats in other groups were orally treated with 100 or 200 mg/Kg of the extract for either 1 or 2 weeks. The results showed that there were significant increases in insulin and cortisol levels, decrease in glucose, and an insignificant increase in LDH activity in rats treated with 100 and 200 mg/Kg of the extract for 1 week. However, after 2 weeks of treatment with the same doses, there was no significant change in plasma insulin in the treated rats when compared with the control. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in plasma insulin levels when compared with what was obtained after one week of treatment. The reduction in plasma insulin was accompanied by increases in plasma glucose towards normal and significant increases in plasma cortisol and LDH activity. The results suggest that the blood glucose-lowering effect of Telfairia Occidentalis might be mediated at least in part by insulin. This effect elicited counterregulatory responses that included an increase in plasma cortisol and lactate dehydrogenase activity to probably stimulate cortisol-induced gluconeogenesis and favor lactate oxidation.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Linear Microcracks and Diffuse Microdamage Following Daily Bouts of Fatigue Loading of Rat Ulnae

Microdamage accumulation contributes to impaired skeletal mechanical integrity. The bone can remove microdamage by initiating targeted bone remodeling. However, the spatiotemporal characteristics of microdamage initiation and propagation and their relationship with bone remodeling in response to fatigue loading, especially for more physiologically relevant daily bouts of compressive loading, remain poorly understood. The right forelimbs of 24 rats were cyclically loaded with a ramp waveform for 1,500 cycles/day, and contralateral ulnae were not loaded as the controls. The rats were divided into four equal groups and loaded for 1, 4, 7, and 10 days, respectively. We demonstrated that linear microcracking accumulation exhibited a non‐linear time‐varying process within 10 days of loading with peaked microcrack density at Day 7. Disrupted canaliculi surrounding linear microcracks showed high similarity with the temporal changes of linear microcracking accumulation. Observable intracortical resorption regions were found on Day 10. We found more linear microcracks accumulated in the tensile cortex, but longer cracks were observed in the compressive sides. Increased accumulation of diffuse microdamage was observed from Day 4, but no obvious peak was observed within the 10‐day loading period. Diffuse damage first initiated in the compressive cortices but extended to tension from Day 7. The diffuse damage exhibited no impacts on the surrounding osteocyte integrity. Together, our findings revealed a time‐dependent, bone remodeling‐mediated varying process of linear microcracking accumulation following daily bouts of fatigue loading (with observable peak at Day 7 under our loading regime). Our study also identified distinct spatial accumulation of linear and diffuse microdamage in rat ulnae with tensile and compressive strains. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2112–2121, 2019
Levels of bilingualism and levels of linguistic awareness.

A framework for relating degree of bilingualism to aspects of linguistic awareness is presented in which metalinguistic tasks are described in terms of their demands for analysis of knowledge or control of processing. Two studies are reported in which children differing in their level of bilingualism were given metalinguistic problems to solve that made demands on either analysis or control. The hypotheses were that all bilingual children would perform better than monolingual children on all metalinguistic tasks requiring high levels of control of processing and that fully bilingual children would perform better than partially bilingual children on tasks requiring high levels of analysis of knowledge. The results were largely consistent with these predictions. The findings are discussed in terms of the implications of bilingualism for cognitive and linguistic development. Research investigating the effects of bilingualism on a variety of academic, linguistic, and intellectual achievements has traditionally led to conflicting results. Many of the early studies that warned of disastrous effects of bilingualism on cognitive development (see Darcy, 1963, for review) were later found to lack proper controls, undermining any interpretation of those findings. Later work revealed a more promising intellectual prognosis for bilingual children. Peal and Lambert (1962), for example, showed how careful selection of subjects in the bilingual population could produce evidence of bilingual superiority on some intelligence tests. The relation between bilingualism and intelligence depended on factors such as social class, degree of language proficiency, and type of bilingualism (Cummins, 1976). A similar debate surrounds the examination of the relation between bilingualism and linguistic awareness. Evidence for a facilitating effect (Ben Zeev, 1977; Cummins, 1978;Ianco-Worrall, 1972), an inhibiting effect (Palmer, 1972), and no effect (Rosenblum & Pinker, 1983) of bilingualism have been reported. Some investigators have found effects in both directions when studying different samples of bilingual children (Ben Zeev, 1977; Cummins, 1978). Just as the early research on the intellectual effects of bilingualism failed to account for relevant factors, so too this problem requires consideration of a wider range of issues. To reconcile the diverse findings a more detailed examination of the two factors, bilingualism and linguistic awareness, is required. The claim proposed in this study is that the relation between bilingualism and linguistic awareness must be stated in terms of the degree and type of bilingualism as well as the degree and type of linguistic awareness.
Tourism Unbounded: Mobilities and Border Crossings in Singapore

Tourism is an ‘unbounded’ phenomenon where people, capital and information defy geographic barriers by crossing borders. This paper explores the notion of un-bounding through a case of Singapore tourism. Under a state-engineered scheme of Tourism UnLimited, the country’s tourism economy is de-territorialized under a dual strategy of ‘Bringing Singapore to the World’ and ‘Bringing the World to Singapore’. Applying the concept of mobility, Singapore’s tripartite role as an exporter of tourism skills and services, a partner to neighbouring countries through collaborative projects, and an importer of tourism ideas and technologies is critically examined. Tourism mobilities are, however, not without frictions, challenges and negative consequences. Regional competition and rivalry, suspicions of Singapore’s expansionist intent and the loss of place identity are some consequences that frustrate the country’s tourism mobilising ambitions.
Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Infection among Adults Citizens of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are communal an infection has been established an alarming problem around the world. Objective: The objectives of this study are to scrutinize age and sex stratified prevalence in HSV seroprevalence in Dhaka the most populated metropolitan the capital of Bangladesh and under a timeline January, 2014 to June, 2014. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional privately representative survey was carried out at the department of biochemistry, Primeasia University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Importance was given on statistical inferences for national seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus estimates. Analysis was done using standard procedure. Result: Infected individuals were more likely to be female than male (50.0% vs 25.6%; P<0.05). By the age of ≤18 y and 19-23 y, HSV IgG prevalence reached 4.6% (95% CI: 2.6-14.9) and 10.5% (95 % CI: 7.0-23.0) while male groups were zero prevalence. At middle age group (24-28 y) female showed highest HSVIgG sero-positivity (P<0.05, Female vs Male) while the following age groups (29-33 y, 34-38 y and ≥39 y), male patients were more infected than female (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results will give awareness about the potential public health impact of HSV in Bangladesh wherever anti-HSV testing is not generally performed within all populations, especially considering the risk of neonatal transmission and the attendant complications at birth.