Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and textural properties of unsupported and supported rutile (TiO2) membranes

Two approaches were postulated for improving the stability of porous texture of titania membranes: (1) retarding the phase transformation and grain growth; (2) avoiding the phase transformation. Based on the second approach, rutile membranes were made directly from a rutile sol, prepared by the precipitation of titania on SnO2 nuclei. The rutile membranes were stable up to 800 °C, with a porosity of ca. 40%, whereas normal titania membranes (starting with anatase) show very little porosity above 600 °C. Alumina substitution retards grain growth and pore growth at 850 °C for unsupported as well as supported membranes.
Analysis of Beef Producers' Risk Management Perceptions and Desire for Further Risk Management Education

Beef cattle producers were surveyed in Texas and Nebraska to investigate perceptions of sources of risk, the effectiveness of risk management strategies, and interest in further risk management education, particularly production risk, using probit analysis. Important decision variables identified are age, prior use of risk management tools, previous attendances of risk management education, and risk aversion. Severe drought and cattle price variability are identified as primary risk factors with potential to affect farm income. Extremely cold weather and disease are of less importance. Understocking pasture and storing hay are perceived most effective as risk management options. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Dexmedetomidine and postoperative shivering in patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy

Background Post‐anaesthetic shivering is one of the most common complications, occurring in 5–65% of patients recovering from general anaesthesia and 33% of patients receiving epidural anaesthesia. Our objective was to investigate the efficacy of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion on postoperative shivering. Methods Ninety female patients, ASA I‐II, 35–60 yr old, scheduled for elective total abdominal hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy were randomized into two groups. After endotracheal intubation one group received normal saline infusion and the other received dexmedetomidine as a loading dose of 1 &mgr;g kg−1 for 10 min followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.4 &mgr;g kg−1 h−1. In the recovery room, pain was assessed using a 100 mm visual analogue scale and those patients who had a pain score of more than 40 mm were administered 1 mg kg−1 intramuscular diclofenac sodium. Patients with shivering grades more than 2 were administered 25 mg intravenous meperidine. Patients were protected with passive insulation covers. Results Post‐anaesthetic shivering was observed in 21 patients in the saline group and in seven patients in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.001). Shivering occurred more often in the saline group. The Ramsay Sedation Scores were higher in the dexmedetomidine group during the first postoperative hour. Pain scores were higher in the saline group for 30 min after the operation. The need for intraoperative atropine was higher in the dexmedetomidine group. Intraoperative fentanyl use was higher in the saline group. Perioperative tympanic temperatures were not different between the groups whereas postoperative measurements were lower in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion may be effective in the prevention of post‐anaesthetic shivering.
Two classes of convolutional codes over GF(q) for q -ary orthogonal signaling

Two classes of nonbinary convolutional codes for error control in communication systems employing q-ary orthogonal signaling are discussed. These classes include as special cases, the dual-k codes and the codes treated by B.D. Trumpis (1975). The types of code, extensions of previous bounds on free distance, the noncatastrophic condition for these codes, and conditions for catastrophic error propagation are described. Codes obtained by a computer search, optimal in that the truncated transfer function bound on the probability of symbol error is minimized, are presented. It is shown how good convolutional codes can be constructed from cyclic block codes. The performance of some of these codes over additive white Gaussian noise channels, Rayleigh channels, and partial-band interference channels is also discussed. >
The relationship between stride sates, lengths and body size and their effect on elite triathletes' running performance during competition

Int J Exerc Sci 4(4) : 238-246, 2011. Previous research has suggested that a degree of predictability exists in the relationship between self-selected running stride rates (SR) and stride lengths (SL) with measures of body size such as mass, height and limb lengths. Significant correlations have also been revealed between these body size measures and performance and between SL and performance. However, there is also evidence to suggest that triathlon performance may be related to maintaining a longer SL during the final run. Hence, the aim of this investigation was to examine whether there was any relationship between SR and SL, with body masses and heights of senior elite triathletes during the run stage of a triathlon. The SRs and SLs of 37 male senior elite Triathlon World Championships competitors were analysed via videography and Video Expert II Coach. These values were correlated with the athletes’ body masses and heights (p<0.01). The results indicated a limited relationship between height and mass with SR in the early stages of the run. However, a significant, positive correlation existed between SL and height at all points from 3 km to the end of the run. Those triathletes who were taller used longer strides. Further research is warranted to examine the effects of cycling on the subsequent run discipline during triathlon and if body size and shape of triathletes have evolved as the young sport of triathlon develops.
A study of modeling and simulation for interleaved buck converter

This paper focuses on modeling, analysis and simulation of a 42V/14V dc/dc converter based architecture. This architecture is considered to be a technically viable solution for automotive dual-voltage power system in passenger cars of the near future. An interleaved dc/dc converter system is chosen for the automotive converter topology due to its advantages regarding filter reduction, dynamic response, and power management. Presented herein, is a model based on one kilowatt interleaved six-phase buck converter designed to operate in a Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM). The control strategy of the converter is based on a voltage-mode-controlled Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) with a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID). The effectiveness of the interleaved step-down converter is verified through simulation using control-oriented simulator, MatLab/Simulink.
Using TRIZ Systematic Innovation Methods for Redesign Services in Small and Medium Enterprises

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in service sector take the lion share of the market compared to other sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. The increasing number of SMEs in the service sector brought the competition in the market to its peak, which forced SMEs to invest in improving their services. However, solving service problems requires more resources such as skilled labor or research and development funds that might be limited for many SMEs. In this paper, we review the systematic innovation methods, TRIZ, for redesign services in Small and Medium Enterprises.
Energy efficiency improvements in telecommunication networks — Optimizing the power supply chain

Load-adaptive network operation is a promising opportunity for improving the energy efficiency of telecommunication networks. Besides the load-adaptivity of the telecommunication network elements also the supporting central office equipment like uninterruptable power supplies and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems is important for overall network-site energy efficiency. The power supply chain in central offices is investigated and the results show that a controlled modular structure of energy converting elements in central offices helps to improve the overall network-site energy efficiency in case of load-adaptive operation regimes of telecommunication networks.
Effective waves for random three-dimensional particulate materials

How do you take a reliable measurement of a material whose microstructure is random? When using wave scattering, the answer is often to take an ensemble average (average over time or space). By ensemble averaging we can calculate the average scattered wave and the effective wavenumber. To date, the literature has focused on calculating the effective wavenumber for a plate filled with particles. One clear unanswered question was how to extend this approach to a material of any geometry and for any source. For example, does the effective wavenumber depend on only the microstructure, or also on the material geometry? In this work, we demonstrate that the effective wavenumbers depend on only microstructure, though beyond the long wavelength limit there are multiple effective wavenumbers for one fixed incident frequency. We show how to calculate the average wave scattered from a random particulate material of any shape, and for broad frequency ranges. As an example, we show how to calculate the average wave scattered from a sphere filled with particles.
Comparison of flecainide and procainamide in cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

In this prospective, controlled and randomized cross-over study we tried to establish the efficiency and safety of flecainide vs procainamide for the treatment of acute atrial fibrillation. Eighty patients (30 females, 50 males, mean age: 55 +/- 14 years) were included. Patients entered into the study if they had atrial fibrillation of recent onset (< 24 h) with a ventricular rate > 100 beats.min-1 at rest and were < 75 years of age. Exclusion criteria were any sign of heart failure, conduction disturbances, sick sinus syndrome or acute ischaemic events. Randomly 40 patients received flecainide and 40 procainamide as the first treatment. There were no significant clinical difference between the two groups. Procainamide ws given at a dose of 1 g infused over 30 min, and followed by an infusion of 2 mg.min-1 over 1 h. Flecainide was given at a dose of 1.5 mg.kg-1 over 15 min followed by an infusion of 1.5 mg.kg-1 over 1 h. Drug infusion was continued until maximal dose, intolerance or reversion to sinus rhythm. After 1 h of wash out, patients remaining in atrial fibrillation were started on the second drug. Left atrial size was measured by echo. Serum levels of drug and atrial size did not differ between patients who returned to sinus rhythm and those who remained in atrial fibrillation. Conversion to sinus rhythm was achieved in 37 (92%) of the 40 patients treated with flecainide and 25 (65%) of those treated with procainamide (P < 0.001). The time required for reversion to sinus rhythm was similar between the two groups. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
How Can We Tackle Persistent Poverty in Deprived Neighborhoods ? Lessons from the US and the UK

Since the late 1980s, there has been a broad consensus in the US and the UK that the persistent concentration of poverty in deprived neighborhoods results in negative area effects on local residents, including low aspirations and benefit dependency cultures. In order to transform the prospects of deprived neighborhoods, the governments in the two countries launched the most ambitious community revitalization programs. In the US, the Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI) program (1993-2010) was started to transform the nation's worst public housing and in the UK, the New Deal for Communities (NDC) program (1998-2008) was launched to tackle multiple deprivations in the poorest neighborhoods in England. This research attempts to provide useful insights into addressing the problems of deprived neighborhoods in the US and the UK, exploring the HOPE VI and the NDC programs. In order to develop a conceptual framework that delineates the rationale for HOPE VI and NDC, the assumptions and theories around the problems of deprived neighborhoods are reviewed. It then analyses the evidence from existing research on HOPE VI and NDC including academic literature and policy documents to measure the outcomes. It also draws on information from interviews with academics and researchers to elicit their views on both programs. This research finds that on the basis of similar assumptions and theories to identify the causes of problems in deprived neighborhoods, the US and the UK governments took different approaches: 'neighborhood transformation' in HOPE VI and 'neighborhood improvement' in NDC. These different approaches were due to fundamental differences in social efforts designed to promote the basic physical and material well-being of people in need. However, it has been observed that the UK government has adopted the US market driven approach and community revitalization policies in the two countries are actually converging and share a common trajectory of change. Thesis Supervisor: Lawrence Vale Title: Ford Professor of Urban Design and Planning
Relationships as regulators.

This paper reviews the Hofer (1984, 1996) and Field (1985, 1994) models on relationships as regulators, suggesting that relationships regulate optimal stimulation and thereby modulate arousal levels and attenuate stress. In these models, the behavioral, physiological and biochemical rhythms of individuals become synchronized within close relationships like mother-infant and peer relationships both in human and animal species, and they become more coordinated over time, with some potentially remaining stable, much like zeitgebers. Hofer supports his model by data on infant rat separation stress and Field describes “psychobiological attunement” between human infants and their mothers and between young peers. This review revisits the “relationships as regulators” model, summarizing studies on relationships between non-depressed versus depressed mothers and their infants, between infant, preschool and preadolescent friends versus acquaintances and between happily versus unhappily married couples. Although some behavioral and physiological data support Hofer’s and Field’s “relationships as regulators” model, many studies on relationships have focused instead on the effects of separation or loss. Both Hofer and Field suggest that the real question is “what was there about the relationship that was then missing after the loss? ” Future research could address the question of potential mediators and underlying mechanisms for relationships becoming regulators. Potential mediators are explored here including mirror neurons, affective priming, imitation and empathy. The individuals’ rhythms and the attraction to others’ rhythms as regulators may be an epigenetic programming phenomenon, suggesting both genetic and early experience effects that endure across development.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction using a nondenatured template.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel nucleic acid amplification method that amplifies DNA with high specificity, efficiency, and rapidity under isothermal conditions (1). The LAMP method requires a set of four specially designed primers and a DNA polymerase with strand displacement activity. The amplification products are stem-loop DNA structures with several inverted repeats of the target and cauliflower-like structures with multiple loops, yielding >500 μg/mL. Although LAMP amplifies DNA under isothermal conditions, the template DNA is heat-denatured. To determine whether LAMP can be performed under isothermal conditions at all steps, we attempted to amplify DNA without using a heat-denatured template. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA that was obtained from a patient was digested with Bam HI and cloned into pBR322 plasmid vector. Plasmid and genomic DNA was prepared using the plasmid Midi reagent set (Qiagen) and EXTRAGEN reagent …
A semiconductor optical amplifier with high saturation power, low noise figure and low polarization dependent gain over the C-band

A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is demonstrated with greater than 14.6-dBm saturation power, less than 5.6-dB noise figure and less than 0.8-dB polarization dependent gain over the C-band (1530-1565 nm). The SOA consists of a tensile strained bulk active region and a multi-section contact layer.
An approach to learn categorical distance based on attributes correlation

Measuring similarity or distance plays a key role for data mining and knowledge discovery tasks. A lot of work has been performed on continuous attributes, but for nominal attributes the similarity computation is not relatively well-understood. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to learn a family of dissimilarity measures for categorical data. Based on these measures distance between two different values of an attribute can be determined by using the certain number of attributes rather than all attributes at once. We evaluate our methods in unsupervised environment, Experiments with real data show that our dissimilarity estimation method improves the accuracy of K-Modes clustering algorithm.
Divide and Conquer to Treat Lung Cancer.

The tactic of divide and conquer, which has been attributed to Philip of Macedonia and Julius Caesar in warfare, is transforming the treatment of lung cancer. Biomarkers are being used to identify subsets of patients with lung cancer who can receive initial treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor or a targeted agent. The results of the KEYNOTE-024 trial, now reported in the Journal by Reck and colleagues,1 show therapeutic benefits for the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab for the subset of patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have a high level of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, which is defined by .
The quality of life after aortic valve replacement with homografts or prosthetic valves.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY The study aim was to evaluate the quality of life in patients after homograft or prosthetic aortic valve implantation. Evaluation was based on clinical and echocardiographic examinations, and on analysis of data from patient questionnaires. METHODS Patients undergoing either homograft (HV, n = 220) or prosthetic (PV, n = 220) aortic valve replacement were investigated. The patients groups were similar in age, sex, follow up period, risk factors and type of heart defect, and did not demonstrate any dysfunction of the replacement valve. RESULTS During both pre- and postoperative periods, no significant inter-group differences were identified with regard to the occurrence of retrosternal pain, dyspnea, palpitation, fear reaction and circulatory efficiency based on NYHA classification, and self-evaluation of physical activity assessed by patient questionnaires. The majority of patients in both groups noticed on increase in their quality of life and physical activity. The reduced sexual activity (50%) and fear reaction (30%) in both groups did not correlate with their improved sense of well-being. Up to 14.6% of PV patients did not accept the implanted valve, and 65 (29.5%) would have preferred an HV, despite the need for reoperation. Following surgery, 21% of HV patients resumed work, compared with only 7.7% of PV patients. The frequency of claims for disability pension after surgery did not correlate with the considerate clinical and subjective improvement. CONCLUSIONS In patients receiving either homograft or prosthetic valves, the subjective evaluation of life quality is comparable with the clinical evaluation, though the homograft valve was better accepted than its prosthetic counterpart.
Impact of stress coping capacity on recovery from abdominal hysterectomy in a fast‐track programme: a prospective longitudinal study

Please cite this paper as: Kjølhede P, Borendal Wodlin N, Nilsson L, Fredrikson M, Wijma K. Impact of stress coping capacity on recovery from abdominal hysterectomy in a fast‐track programme: a prospective longitudinal study. BJOG 2012;119:998–1007.
Momentum exchange in the electron double-slit experiment

We provide support for the claim that momentum is conserved for individual events in the electron double slit experiment. The natural consequence is that a physical mechanism is responsible for this momentum exchange, but that even if the fundamental mechanism is known for electron crystal diffraction and the Kapitza-Dirac effect, it is unknown for electron diffraction from nano-fabricated double slits. Work towards a proposed explanation in terms of particle trajectories affected by a vacuum field is discussed. The contentious use of trajectories is discussed within the context of oil droplet analogues of double slit diffraction.
Optimising surgical training: use of feedback to reduce errors during a simulated surgical procedure

Objective To assess the effect of proximate or immediate feedback during an intensive training session. The authors hypothesised that provision of feedback during a training session would improve performance and learning curves. Methods Twenty-eight trainee surgeons participated in the study between September and December 2008. They were consecutively assigned to group 1 (n=16, no feedback) or group 2 (n=12, feedback) All the participants performed five hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy procedures on the ProMIS surgical simulator. Efficiency of instrument use (instrument path length and smoothness) and predefined intraoperative error scores were assessed. Facilitators assisted their performance and answered questions when asked. Group 1 participants were given no extra assistance, but group 2 participants received standardised feedback and the chance to review errors after every procedure. Data were analysed using SPSS V.15. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare mean performance results, and analysis of variance was used to calculate within-subject improvement. Results Group 1 achieved better results for instrument path length (23 874 mm vs 39 086 mm, p=0.001) and instrument smoothness (2015 vs 2567, p=0.045) However, group 2 (feedback) performed significantly better with regard to error scores (14 vs 4.42, p=0.000). In addition, they demonstrated a smoother learning curve. Inter-rater reliability for the error scores was 0.97. Conclusion The provision of standardised proximate feedback was associated with significantly fewer errors and an improved learning curve. Reducing errors in the skills lab environment should lead to safer clinical performance. This may help to make training more efficient and improve patient safety.