Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multivariate signal approaches for object detection using microwave sensing

Microwave sensing can be implemented to detect objects in material flowing through a pipe by detecting changes in the signal. In this work simulated data modelling this scenario is used to examine the possibilities to separate changes caused by air bubbles from changes caused by plastic or metal objects. The data used is obtained from numerically solving Maxwell’s equations by FEM for an intersection of a cylindrical cavity at which four waveguides are placed. The solutions consists of the values of the scatter parameters at 400 frequencies in the microwave range. Data, modelling homogeneous background material with and without objects of the mentioned types, is analyzed and used to evaluate five types of classifiers: k nearest neighbors (KNN), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), support vector machine (SVM) and libSVM – a support vector machine algorithm for multilabel classification. It is also investigated which parts of the frequency span and what scatter matrix elements are most useful for classification. Furthermore the effects of adding measurement noise, modelled by white noise, is examined. It is found that in the case of no noise the lowest part of the frequency span is most useful for detecting objects, but also that the effects of adding noise is greatest at these frequencies. Concerning the classifiers, the LDA, QDA and libSVM classifiers all perform well in the absence of noise. While adding noise greatly reduces the accuracy of the discriminant analysis classifiers, the libSVM classifier shows promising results at SNR levels above 30 dB. At SNR levels from 20 dB and below non of the classifiers yields an accuracy that would meet the requirements of att useful detector in practice. Finally, data modelling inhomogeneous background material is examined. In the initial analysis some none linear correlations was found, which led to evaluation of the effects of transforming the data to remove linear or linear and quadratic correlations. The evaluation method is a simple signal detection algorithm, and the results point to some improvement, although very small.
Save some, lose some: Biological consequences of an unexpected wage cut

Recent literature exploring fetal shocks has focused on the effects of exogenous but rather rare and violent events (e.g., military conflicts, natural disasters) and found that in utero experiences have scarring, life-long consequences. Another, arguably more relevant, source of fetal health shocks are economic phenomena. In this paper, we consider the effects of a shock generated by a major and unexpected wage cut policy that affected all public sector employees in Romania in 2010. As opposed to previous studies that found worsening health outcomes at birth, we find evidence that fetal shocks can have significant (positive) culling effects that outweigh the (negative) scarring effects, presumably through maternal stress channel. In particular, our findings suggest an overall improvement in health at birth of the cohorts exposed to the shock. However, we find significant improvements in health at birth for boys but not for girls. This effect seems to be driven by significant effects on males exposed to the shock early in gestation. Additionally, our results show a decreased male to female ratio at birth for the cohort exposed to the shock during early gestation. Overall, these findings are consistent with the selection in utero theory hypothesizing that maternal exposure to a significant shock early in gestation preponderantly selects against frail male fetuses. We find that the number of missing boys for the publicly employed mothers due to the stress-induced selection in utero was approximately 58 per 1,000 male live births. JEL classification codes: I19, J13, J38, Z18
Comparison of tolerant ability of mature field grown tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivars exposed to a drought stress in Passara area.

The response of some selected physiological and biochemical parameters of tea ( Camellia sinensis L.) plants to moisture stress was evaluated using field grown, mature plants, in Field Gene Bank at Passara, Sri Lanka, to identify traits that are associated with drought tolerance which could be used for cultivar screening programs. This study was carried out from July - October 2008. Known contrasting cultivars in terms of drought tolerance were selected from the existing gene bank for the measurements. Physiological and biochemical parameters were measured to study the response of tea plants to drought stress. Identification of traits was done by using cluster analysis, cultivar × environment interaction and drought susceptibility index. Reduction of leaf water potential up to -0.75 to -1.5 MPa at the end of the dry period indicated that the plants were exposed to a sufficient level of moisture stress. The drought tolerant cultivars maintained a high water status with substantial rate of photosynthesis as a result of osmotic adjustments, elevated total soluble sugars and also according to previous research, due to deep rooting. Drought susceptible cultivars maintained a lower water status with lower osmotic adjustment. With cluster analysis using rates of photosynthesis and transpiration, relative water content, stomatal conductance and leaf total soluble sugar content, the cultivars could be clearly grouped as tolerant and susceptible cultivars, which agreed with their tolerance level. The parameters which could be successfully incorporated into a drought screening procedure were rate of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, relative water content and total soluble sugar content. Key words: Cultivar differences; Drought; Physiological and biochemical responses; Tea ( Camellia sinensis L.). DOI: 10.4038/tar.v22i1. 2671 Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 22 (1): 66-75 (2010)
Environmental lead pollution and food safety around Kampala City in Uganda

Objective: To determine lead levels in the environment and foods around Kampala city in Uganda and assess its implications to human health. Methodology and results: The lead content in samples of soil, water and food was determined by spectrophotometry. The lead content in water samples from Lake Victoria and tap water ranged from 0.32 to 1.25 and 0.09 to 0.19 mg/100ml, respectively. Lead content in soil ranged from 0.17 to 0.88 and from 0.10 to 0.32 mg/100g for samples obtained along the highway, and at least 2 km away from the highway, respectively. The lead content in vegetables grown alongside highways ranged from 0.53 to 0.95, as compared to 0.10 to 0.62 mg/100g for vegetables obtained from markets. Conclusion and application of results: The results indicate that there is significant lead pollution in the environment posing a high risk of exposure to people, animals, and plants. The lead content in all the water samples was above the maximum WHO limits. These results are useful in raising awareness about the risk of lead contamination to human health and in the enactment of policies and regulatory measures to limit lead pollution and contamination in foods and the environment in Uganda.
Global Value Chains, Innovation, and Performance: Firm-Level Evidence from the Great Recession

This article takes advantage of a newly available survey on the Italian industry to analyze the behavior of global value chains (GVCs) in the aftermath of the Great Recession. We design a comprehensive taxonomy of GVC participation modes and explore their impact on firms’ innovativeness and performance. Our findings highlight relevant heterogeneities in how GVC participants fared the crisis. While high-skill relational suppliers display a significant propensity to engage in innovative activities and R&D projects, other modes of GVC participation have no premium compared to domestic companies. This heterogeneity is also reflected in differential productivity and sales growth. Compared to the precrisis trends, we document a severe demand shock for low-skill and subordinated firms, while relational GVCs appear to be somewhat sheltered from the effects of the crisis.
CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum) STEEP LIQUOR AS A LEAVENING AGENT: EFFECT ON DOUGH RHEOLOGY AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF BREAD

Dough fermentation is one of the oldest process in food technologies. It has been recently intensively studied for its impact on the sensory, structural, nutritional and shelf life properties of leavened baked products. The goals of this work were to investigate chickpea steep liquor (CSL) as a dough-leavening agent and to study the effect of CSL on the dough rheology and sensory properties of leavened bread. CSL was prepared by submerging chickpea seeds in boiled distilled water (1:2, w/v) for 24 h at 37оC, and then obtained liquor was filtered and freeze-dried to obtain CSL. The addition of CSL to wheat flour (WF) brought changes in the dough mixing behavior as measured by the farinograph. An increase in the farinograph water absorption of WF dough was observed when 4.5% CSL and 1.5% yeast was added, while arrival time was not affected. Addition of CSL to the dough at a content of 4.5, 9.0 and 13.5 g CSL/300 g WF caused an increase in dough stability. The CSL addition also increased mechanical tolerance index, dough weakening and mixing time. Dough development time for all blends was higher than the control (1.2-1.5 min), while between the CSL samples no significant difference was observed. The loaf weight slightly increased from 146.2 g for control to 152.2 g for CSL fermented bread, whereas the loaf volume and specific volume of CSL-fermented bread were lower than the control. The combination of yeast and CSL increased the acceptability of bread with the increasing level of both leavening agents’. The results show that CSL could be used as an alternative to yeast for syngas fermentation. On the other hand, CLS is rich in nutrients and lower in cost compared to yeast.
Abrupt vegetation changes during the last glacial to Holocene transition in mid‐latitude South America

A pollen record from the Huelmo site (ca. 41°30′S) shows that vegetation and climate changed at millennial time‐scales during the last glacial to Holocene transition in the mid‐latitude region of western South America. The record shows that a Nothofagus parkland dominated the landscape between 16 400 and 14 600 14C yr BP, along with Magellanic Moorland and cupressaceous conifers. Evergreen North Patagonian rainforest taxa expanded in pulses at 14 200 and 13 000 14C yr BP, following a prominent rise in Nothofagus at 14 600 14C yr BP. Highly diverse, closed canopy rainforests dominated the lowlands between 13 000 and 12 500 14C yr BP, followed by the expansion of cold‐resistant podocarps and Nothofagus at ca. 12 500 and 11 500 14C yr BP. Local disturbance by fire favoured the expansion of shade‐intolerant opportunistic taxa between 10 900 and 10 200 14C yr BP. Subsequent warming pulses at 10 200 and 9100 14C yr BP led to the expansion of thermophilous, summer‐drought resistant Valdivian rainforest trees until 6900 14C yr BP.
On the defective origin of conductive and structural properties of oxides: insights from first principles

Oxides are versatile materials with applications in many different research fields; especially those related to clean energy technologies, such as fuel cells, batteries and solar panels. Many functional properties of these materials derive from lattice imperfections, or defects, and a lot of effort has been put into fine tuning these materials by modifying their structure on the atomic scale. This lays the foundation for this thesis, where the aim has been to explain the underlying mechanisms of properties in a selection of oxides, mainly those with the perovskite structure AB O3, by studying a variety of different defect species: oxygen vacancies, protons and hydride ions, acceptor dopants, electron and hole polarons, and grain boundaries (GBs). The methodology employed here constitutes a set of first-principles methods, mainly different flavors of density-functional theory (DFT) but also perturbation theory within the G0W0 approximation, assisted by thermodynamic modeling. The major part of the thesis is focused on defects in BaZrO3, an oxide that when acceptor-doped and exposed to water acts as one of the most promising ceramic proton conductors by combining high bulk conductivity with high stability. The total proton conductivity in this material is, however, limited by high impedance at GBs due to the formation of space charges at these interfaces. This issue is addressed in four of the appended papers, which include studies on several different GBs as well as a comparison with GBs in the similar perovskite BaCeO3. Acceptor-doped BaZrO3 is also a p-type conductor under oxidizing conditions and this serves as the motivation for two papers, which address the methodology required for a proper theoretical description of holes in these materials. The final paper on BaZrO3 sets out to describe the chemical expansion the material exhibits upon hydration. The work extends beyond conventional ceramic proton conductors with a study on the novel oxyhydride material BaTiO3-xHx, where the electronic and vibrational properties of hydride ions are investigated. Finally, the thesis is concluded with a study of the oxygen vacancy in a set of binary and ternary oxides, where the aim is to show the general behavior this defect displays in these materials despite the fact that both the electronic and ionic structure varies significantly between the different compounds.
Surprises are mistakes: An EEG source localization study of prediction errors

The ability to recognize a familiar sequence, use that sequence to predict future events, and then monitor the prediction’s accuracy comprise core cognitive skills whose neural underpinnings are poorly understood. To characterize neural responses associated with prediction-violating events, we asked subjects to learn novel visuomotor sequences. In this task, subjects viewed a disk that traversed a quasi-random sequence of five linear motion components, and then tried to reproduce the disk’s path from memory. The fidelity of subjects’ imitations improved over four presentations of each sequence. To create unexpected, prediction-violating stimuli, deviant segments were occasionally inserted into a sequence with which the subject had become familiar. A high-density scalp EEG system examined the difference between signals evoked (i) by an expected, predictable motion component, and (ii) by an unexpected component. A realistic head model localized sources of neural activity generated as subjects viewed the two types of motion components. Although ventral pre-frontal areas were active throughout viewing of both expected and unexpected segments, the timing and location of other sources differentiated the two. Cerebellar areas were active only during segments whose directions were expected, beginning approximately 150 ms after the disk began to move. In contrast, during unexpected segments, anterior cingulate cortex showed activation, beginning approximately 300 ms after the disk began to move. The time course of such activation may shed light on processes that integrate sensory input with top-down predictions. Our results suggest that the mechanisms responsible for monitoring the validity of visual predictions for motions in a sequence are similar to those that detect errors in responses, as demonstrated previously in simpler, discrete motor tasks.
The effect of credit risk management on financial performance of the Jordanian commercial banks

This research aims at examining the effect of credit risk management on financial performance of the Jordanian commercial banks during the period (2005-2013), thirteen commercial banks have been chosen to express on the whole Jordanian commercial banks. Two mathematical models have been designed to measure this relationship, the research revealed that the credit risk management effects on financial performance of the Jordanian commercial banks as measured by ROA and ROE. The research further concludes that the credit risk management indicators considered in this research have a significant effect on financial performance of the Jordanian commercial banks. Based on findings, the researcher recommends banks to improve their credit risk management to achieve more profits, in that banks should take into consideration, the indicators of Non-performing loans/Gross loans, Provision for facilities loss/Net facilities and the leverage ratio that were found significant in determining credit risk management. Also, banks should establish adequate credit risk management policies by imposing strict credit estimation before granting loans to customers, and banks in designing an effective credit risk management system, need to establish a suitable credit risk environment; operating under a sound credit granting process, maintaining an appropriate credit administration that involves monitoring, processing as well as enough controls over credit risk, and banks need to put and devise strategies that will not only limit the banks exposition to credit risk but will develop performance and competitiveness of the banks.
Simulation studies of position control system for estimation of DC motor load torque

This paper presents a technique for estimate load torque of position control system via adaptive torque compensation with observer. The position control with DC motor drives is widely used in industrial application. For example, industrial robots, computer numerical control machines (CNC) and other actuators. In practice, the control system will receive an effect from the disturbance of load torque. The load torque disturbance will reduce the efficiency of position control systems and difficult to measure. Estimation of DC motor load torque by using adaptive compensation method is presented in the paper. The results of the study can be used to improve and develop efficiency of the observer. The error of speed and current from estimation process of observer will be reduced.
Taming molecular beams; towards a gas-phase molecular laboratory on a chip

The manipulation of gas-phase molecules with electric and magnetic fields above a chip is an emerging field of research. Miniaturization of the electric and magnetic field structures allows for the creation of large field gradients and tight traps above the chip. Present-day microelectronics technology enables the integration of complicated tools and devices on a compact surface area. The molecules can be positioned extremely accurately and reproducibly above the chip where they can be held isolated from their environment and where there is excellent access to them. It is expected that several of the gas-phase molecular beam experiments that are currently being done in machines that are up to several meters in length can in the future be performed on a surface area of a few cm2 and that many new experiments will become possible.
Use of Edinborough Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in a private obstetrics setting

Objectives : To document the feasibility of use of Edinborough Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in a private obstetric setting. Methods : Consecutive 55 antenatal and 30 postnatal women completed the EPDS self-administered questionnaire. Results : All the women readily consented and completed the questionnaire. None of them reported feeling uncomfortable doing the questionnaire. Questions related to laugh and see funny side of things, things getting on top of me, and look forward to enjoyment to things were found to be difficult for comprehension. Analysis of the responses revealed that 56% of the respondents (53% antenatal and 63%; post natal women) scored > 9 in the EPDS indicative of being at a greater risk for depressive episodes. Conclusion : The ready acceptance of the women to undertake the EPDS indicates that it could routinely be used for screening depression by a busy private obstetrician.
Role of Albumin in Chronic Liver Diseases and in Medical Practice

Albumin is a small protein circulating between the intravascular and extravascular spaces. Serum albumin level is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality in critically ill and post-operative patients. The superiority of colloids (albumin, etc.) over crystalloids with regard to fluid resuscitation in critical conditions has not been confirmed. The formation of ascites in cirrhosis is due to elevated hydrostatic pressure related to portal hypertension and reduced oncotic pressure from hypoalbuminemia. Albumin infusion prevents post-circulatory dysfunction after large-volume paracentesis. Albumin administration during spontaneous bacterial peritonitis prevents the progression to hepatorenal syndrome and reduces mortality. Several studies of hepatorenal syndrome showed that albumin treatment combined with vasoconstrictors improved renal function markedly, leading to improved postliver transplant survival and renal function.
A Bourdieuan Analysis of Qualitative Authorship in Entrepreneurship Scholarship

Empirically, this study builds on responses from leading qualitative entrepreneurship scholars. We carry out a ourdieuan analysis of the field of entrepreneurship scholarship—particularly heterodox qualitative writing—and the way that scholars learn to play this game (habitus). It discusses unchallenged assumptions (doxa), commitment to shared stakes (illusio), the practice to achieve these stakes (practice), and the struggle for glories and riches (capital). By deploying ourdieu's frame, we have been able to expose key processes, structures, and relationships within qualitative entrepreneurship authorship. These offer four types of practical outcomes: guidance for good practice; insights into emotional aspects of authorship; warnings of potentially dysfunctional practices; and a celebration of our successes.
Urban Metabolism of Paris and Its Region

The article presents the results of a research project aimed at (1) examining the feasibility of material flow analysis (MFA) on a regional and urban scale in France, (2) selecting the most appropriate method, (3) identifying the available data, and (4) calculating the material balance for a specific case. Using the Eurostat method, the study was conducted for the year 2003 and for three regional levels: Paris, Paris and its suburbs, and the entire region. Applying the method on a local scale required two local indicators to be defined in order to take into account the impact of exported wastes on MFA: LEPO, local and exported flows to nature, and DMCcorr, a modified domestic material consumption (DMC) that excludes exported wastes (and imported ones if necessary).
Ionization-induced star formation - IV. Triggering in bound clusters

We present a detailed study of star formation occurring in bound star-forming clouds under the influence of internal ionizing feedback from massive stars across a spectrum of cloud properties. We infer which objects are triggered by comparing our feedback simulations with control simulations in which no feedback was present. We find that feedback always results in a lower star formation efficiency and usually but not always results in a larger number of stars or clusters. Cluster mass functions are not strongly affected by feedback, but stellar mass functions are biased towards lower masses. Ionization also affects the geometrical distribution of stars in ways that are robust against projection effects, but may make the stellar associations more or less subclustered depending on the background cloud environment. We observe a prominent pillar in one simulation which is the remains of an accretion flow feeding the central ionizing cluster of its host cloud and suggest that this may be a general formation mechanism for pillars such as those observed in M16. We find that the association of stars with structures in the gas such as shells or pillars is a good but by no means foolproof indication that those stars have been triggered and we conclude overall that it is very difficult to deduce which objects have been induced to form and which formed spontaneously simply from observing the system at a single time.