Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural and chemical characterization of the back contact region in high efficiency CdTe solar cells

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is the leading commercialized thin-film photovoltaic technology. Copper is commonly used in back contacts to obtain high efficiency, but has also been implicated as a harmful factor for device stability. Thus it is critical to understand its composition and distribution within complete devices. In this work the composition and structure of the back contact region was examined in high efficiency devices (~16%) contacted using a ZnTe:Cu buffer layer followed by gold metallization. The microstructure was examined in the as-deposited state and after rapid thermal processing (RTP) using high resolution transmission electron microscopy and EDX chemical mapping. After RTP the ZnTe exhibits a bilayer structure with polycrystalline, twinned grains adjacent to Au and an amorphous region adjacent to CdTe characterized by extensive Cd-Zn interdiffusion. The copper that is co-deposited uniformly within ZnTe is found to segregate dramatically after RTP activation, either collecting near the ZnTe/Au interface or forming CuxTe clusters in CdTe at defects or grain boundaries near the interface with ZnTe. Chlorine, present throughout CdTe and concentrated at grain boundaries, does not penetrate significantly into the back contact region during RTP activation.
Factors associated with remaining on initial randomized efavirenz-containing regimens

Objective:Efavirenz (EFV) along with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) is a recommended initial antiretroviral regimen. Understanding characteristics related to EFV success is clinically useful. Design:Data from 2220 antiretroviral-naive participants randomized to EFV and two to three NRTIs in four ACTG trials as well as a long-term cohort were analysed. Methods:Logistic regression, using inverse probability of censoring weighting to address selective-follow-up bias, was used to identify factors associated with EFV success (no treatment interruptions of >30 days, HIV RNA < 200 copies/ml) 1 year post initiation and at years 2–5 if successful at year 1. Results:Pretreatment characteristics were median age 38 years, 82% male, 40% white, 10% history of IDU (HxIDU), median CD4+ T-lymphocyte 227 cells/&mgr;l and 33% HIV RNA more than 100 000 copies/ml. In a multivariable model, factors associated with year 1 EFV success were race [white odds ratio (OR) 1.5; P < 0.001; Hispanic OR 1.5; P = 0.003 vs. black], no pretreatment sign/symptom grade 3 or higher (OR 1.7; P = 0.008) and no HxIDU (OR 1.7; P = 0.001). Predictors of EFV success at years 2–5 were no HxIDU (years 2–5; ORs 1.9–2.2); self-reported complete (4 days prior to study visit) adherence during year 1 (years 2–4; ORs 1.6–1.9); fewer missed visits during year 1 (years 2, 4, 5; ORs 0.92–0.98/1% increase); HIV RNA less than 50 copies/ml at year 1 (years 2, 3; ORs 1.9–2.2); and older age (>50 vs. ⩽30 years) (years 2–4: ORs 2.3–3.7). Conclusion:Characteristics predictive of EFV success in the short-term and longer term differed except for HxIDU. Behaviours occurring during year 1 were associated with EFV success over 5 years.
Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy types IV and V in Japan

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) is a group of genetic disorders involving varying sensory and autonomic dysfunction. HSAN types IV and V are characterized by congenital generalized loss of pain and thermal sensation. HSAN type IV is additionally accompanied by decreased sweating and intellectual disability. From 2010 to 2013, we (members of the Japanese Research Group on Congenital Insensitivity to Pain) carried out research on HSAN types IV and V. Research by this group included epidemiological data, examination of clinical findings, solutions of disease etiology, investigation of complications and development of their management. Complications were categorized into musculoskeletal complications, oral/dental complications, dermal complications, ocular complications, complications resulting from impaired thermal control, anesthetic considerations, other complications possibly related to autonomic dysfunction, and abnormal mental development and behavior. Treatment and care for patients with HSAN types IV and V require a wide range of knowledge and experience, and a multidisciplinary team approach. Therefore, we produced the “Guideline of Total Management and Care for Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (Ver.1)” in 2012, to provide information for medical specialists based on our knowledge and experience. This guideline includes medical issues, as well as descriptions of social participation and welfare. This review outlines the situation of HSAN types IV and V in Japan, and the recommendations of treatment and care for patients, mostly based on research conducted by the Japanese Research Group.
Challenges of Higher Education in India - Issues, Role and Recommendations

India was supposed to be a place of learning for the students from all over the world about 600 B.C where Nalanda and Vikramshila were the two greatest Universities where students from around the world were coming to gain knowledge. These two world fame Universities were famous not for disseminating knowledge in only one subject but in the field of Sanskrit, Pali, AstroPhysics, Metallurgy, Geography, Medicines, Art and Culture and all other fields what were related to life and nature. During those early days pupil were learning by listening from their Guru‟s and by practicing those principles International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 05 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
The effects of mirtazapine on sleep: a placebo controlled, double-blind study in young healthy volunteers.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Mirtazapine is classified as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant. This study aims at objectively investigating the effects of single-dose mirtazapine on sleep of healthy volunteers. DESIGN AND SETTING We studied the effect of acute administration of mirtazapine (30 mg) on the sleep polysomnogram, using a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Subjects spent 3 consecutive nights in the laboratory. First night allowed for adaptation to the laboratory and application of electroencephalogram electrodes, while the second and third nights were reserved for recording baseline sleep and studying the effects of drug treatment, respectively. PARTICIPANTS Young healthy volunteers (n=20), with a mean age of 24 years, were randomly separated into two groups: placebo (n=10) and mirtazapine (n=10). INTERVENTIONS On the third night, subjects received either placebo or mirtazapine. Comparisons were made between sleep variables from baseline values in both groups. Independent samples t-test was utilized to evaluate the differences between the two groups. MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS Mirtazapine improved the variables related to sleep continuity when compared with placebo. It increased the sleep efficiency index, while decreasing the number of awakenings and their duration. The slow wave sleep time was increased, while the stage 1 sleep time was decreased significantly. There was no significant effect on rapid eye movement sleep variables. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that mirtazapine has considerable effects on slow wave sleep. Further studies are recommended to investigate the efficiency of antidepressants, in respect to the effects of 5-HT2 blockade on slow wave sleep.
Hybrid microgrid testbed involving wind/solar/fuel cell plants: A desing and analysis testbed

This study introduces design, integration, control, and analysis of a hybrid microgrid (MG) testbed including a 300 kW wind energy plant of three 100-kW permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs), 50 kW solar energy plant of 200 solar panels, and a 50 kW fuel cell stack. Generation side of the hybrid plant coupled on 120V dc bus where wind energy plant consists of uncontrolled diode rectifier and dc-dc buck converter rail while the solar and fuel cell plants are just controlled by dc-dc buck converters. The energy conversion of solar energy plant is operated by using proportional-integral (PI) controller assisted perturb and observe (P&O) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The dc-dc converters of the left generators are operated with PI controllers. All the dc-dc converters are constituted with mosfets that are switched at 30 kHz. The islanded AC grid of the plant is built by three-phase inverter that generates 480 V 60 Hz industrial voltages of the U.S. The inverter is operated by a sinusoidal pulse width (SPWM) modulator where the modulation index is set to 0.8 and switching frequency to 5 kHz. The proposed testbed is assumed essential to test and validate several case studies in terms of MG and renewable energy source integration issues. The most recent power control methods (PQ) and amplitude controls (V-f) can also be implemented by using the presented testbed.
Prevalence and trends of stunting among pre-school children, 1990–2020

Abstract Objective To quantify the prevalence and trends of stunting among children using the WHO growth standards. Design Five hundred and seventy-six nationally representative surveys, including anthropometric data, were analysed. Stunting was defined as the proportion of children below −2sd from the WHO length- or height-for-age standards median. Linear mixed-effects modelling was used to estimate rates and numbers of affected children from 1990 to 2010, and projections to 2020. Setting One hundred and forty-eight developed and developing countries. Subjects Boys and girls from birth to 60 months. Results In 2010, it is estimated that 171 million children (167 million in developing countries) were stunted. Globally, childhood stunting decreased from 39·7 (95 % CI 38·1, 41·4) % in 1990 to 26·7 (95 % CI 24·8, 28·7) % in 2010. This trend is expected to reach 21·8 (95 % CI 19·8, 23·8) %, or 142 million, in 2020. While in Africa stunting has stagnated since 1990 at about 40 % and little improvement is anticipated, Asia showed a dramatic decrease from 49 % in 1990 to 28 % in 2010, nearly halving the number of stunted children from 190 million to 100 million. It is anticipated that this trend will continue and that in 2020 Asia and Africa will have similar numbers of stunted children (68 million and 64 million, respectively). Rates are much lower (14 % or 7 million in 2010) in Latin America. Conclusions Despite an overall decrease in developing countries, stunting remains a major public health problem in many of them. The data summarize progress achieved in the last two decades and help identify regions needing effective interventions.
Assessment of glutamate loss from the ganglion cell layer of young DBA/2J mice with glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether glutamate contents are decreased in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) of retinas of DBA/2J mice with glaucoma, compared with unaffected control mice. SAMPLE POPULATION 20 eyes from DBA/2J mice (9-week-old mice [n = 8] and 4- [4], 6- [4], and 12-month-old [4] mice) and 17 eyes from control CD-1 (7) and C57/BL6 (10) mice of similar age. PROCEDURE After euthanasia, the eyes were rapidly dissected and fixed. Serial 0.5-microm sections were prepared from eyecups and stained with toluidine blue (to identify damaged cells) or immunogold (to localize glutamate). Microscopic images were captured digitally for comparison; immunostaining densities were assessed via special software. RESULTS In the GCL of control mice, few cells appeared damaged; large amounts of glutamate were detected in 83 +/- 8.3% of cells. In DBA/2J mice > or = 9 weeks of age, damaged neurons were observed in retinal sections; the level of glutamate immunoreactivity was high in a few cells near areas of damage (13 +/- 3.2%) and in many cells in less-damaged regions of the same sections (82 +/- 4.2%). Many neurons with low amounts of glutamate in damaged regions did not appear damaged histologically. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In retinas of young DBA/2J mice, damaged and undamaged GCL cells had decreased levels of immunostaining for glutamate, compared with less-damaged adjacent regions or retinas from control mice. The loss of neuronal glutamate in damaged retinal regions suggests that glutamate is contributing to early retinal damage prior to changes in intraocular pressure.
Influence of Thiourea on Development of the Chick Embryo

While investigating the effect of several substances which may influence the growth of rickettsiae in the yolk sac of the chick embryo, some effects on the embryo itself have been observed, and these have been followed up for thiourea. Thiourea and related substances have been shown to affect the thyroid function in adult animals, viz., rat, 1 , 2 mouse and dog, 1 rabbit, 3 and chick. 4 Thiourea has also been found to inhibit metamorphosis in tadpoles 5 - 7 and cleavage of sea urchin eggs. 8 Thiourea is introduced into the yolk sac of Leghorn embryos according to the technic described by Cox. 9 Aseptic precautions are strictly adhered to throughout the whole procedure. Fertile eggs incubated at 39° C for 7-17 days are used. The shell covering the air sac is washed with 5% phenol and the injections are made into the yolk through a needle-sized opening in the air sac by means of a hypodermic syringe and a 22-gauge needle. The hole is then sealed with paraffin and the eggs are returned to the incubator. Amounts of thiourea used were 0.3 to 3 mg per egg. In order to avoid mechanical damage to the embryo, the fluid introduced should not exceed 0.5 ml; a similar volume of distilled water serves as control. Eggs were daily inspected by candling and dead ones were discarded. Results. While the controls hatched after 21 days (on very few occasions after 20 or 22 days), hatching of embryos treated with thiourea was retarded up to 10 additional days. The retardation seemed to depend on 2 factors, (a) age of the embryo at the time of injection; (b) concentration of thiourea. For example, 1 mg thiourea delayed hatching by only 1 day in 17-day egg embryos, while the same amount applied to younger embryos (10 days old) caused a delay of 3 days. Two mg of thiourea retarded hatching by 3-7 days, the effect again depending on age. Though hatching time can be extended up to the 30th day by still higher amounts of thiourea (3 mg), hatchability is much impaired being equivalent to only about 5-10% of the controls. In addition, the delay in hatching is associated with other signs of inhibition.
Germination of dimorphic seeds of the desert annual halophyte Suaeda aralocaspica (Chenopodiaceae), a C4 plant without Kranz anatomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Suaeda aralocaspica is a C4 summer annual halophyte without Kranz anatomy that is restricted to the deserts of central Asia. It produces two distinct types of seeds that differ in colour, shape and size. The primary aims of the present study were to compare the dormancy and germination characteristics of dimorphic seeds of S. aralocaspica and to develop a conceptual model of their dynamics. METHODS Temperatures simulating those in the natural habitat of S. aralocaspica were used to test for primary dormancy and germination behaviour of fresh brown and black seeds. The effects of cold stratification, gibberellic acid, seed coat scarification, seed coat removal and dry storage on dormancy breaking were tested in black seeds. Germination percentage and recovery responses of brown seeds, non-treated black seeds and 8-week cold-stratified black seeds to salt stress were tested. KEY RESULTS Brown seeds were non-dormant, whereas black seeds had non-deep Type 2 physiological dormancy (PD). Germination percentage and rate of germination of brown seeds and of variously pretreated black seeds were significantly higher than those of non-pretreated black seeds. Exposure of seeds to various salinities had significant effects on germination, germination recovery and induction into secondary dormancy. A conceptual model is presented that ties these results together and puts them into an ecological context. CONCLUSIONS The two seed morphs of S. aralocaspica exhibit distinct differences in dormancy and germination characteristics. Suaeda aralocaspica is the first cold desert halophyte for which non-deep Type 2 PD has been documented.
Fast Transitions Between Current Control Loops of the Coupled-Inductor Buck–Boost DC–DC Switching Converter

An already published current control strategy for the coupled-inductor buck-boost converter is able to change its aim from controlling the input current to controlling the output current, and vice versa, depending on the instantaneous operation point and the applied current references. The main drawback of the two PI-based control implementation is its slow response when the control aim is changed from one current to the other. Due to the magnetic coupling, the converter's control-to-input and control-to-output current small signal transfer functions exhibit similar first-order characteristics. Therefore, it is possible to transform the previous control scheme to a PI-based one that exhibits faster and, in certain cases, much faster transitions between input and output current control operation. The presented experiments also show that the steady-state behavior of the converter is unaffected by the new control implementation.
The United States Congress and nuclear war powers: explaining legislative nonfeasance

ABSTRACT Scholarly debate over the role of the United States Congress in approving military action has focused on the respective war powers granted the executive and legislature by the United States Constitution. Although a voluminous literature has examined the institutional and partisan politics shaping their exercise, a conspicuous lacuna concerns nuclear war powers. Despite periodic but mostly ineffective reassertions of congressional prerogatives over war, the decision to employ nuclear weapons has been left entirely to presidential discretion since 1945. Explaining this consistent refusal by Congress to rein in the ultimate presidential power and exercise co-responsibility for the most devastating form of war relies less on disputatious constitutional grounds than on three arguments about congressional dysfunctionality, legislative irresponsibility, and the relative costs of collective action by federal lawmakers on perilous national security questions.
An Investigation of Stock Market Volatility: Evidence From Dubai Financial Market

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the sources of Dubai Financial Market Index volatility shocks if they are from its own or previous shocks on the one hand, or if they are out board shocks (FSTE and S&P500) on the other. Design/methodology/approach A daily time series data were collected over the period 1st January 2014-31st December 2015 and the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) methodology was implemented. Findings Empirically, the authors find that the current volatility of Dubai Financial Market Index is largely dependent on its own shocks and part of the external shock; in particular, S&P500. However, other external volatility (FSTE) cannot contribute to this volatility. Furthermore, our findings indicate that Abu Dhabi stock Exchange (APX) affects Dubai Financial Market Index. Practical implications These results conclude that Securities Regulation Department in the federal state of United Arab Emirates had captured the effect of outside shocks from the UK only, but not from USA; this is basically due to the strong ties between the two countries. Accordingly, UAE investors seek capital outside their home country within a climate of increasing overseas’ investment options in the UK. More transparency of transactions via information technology will increase the efficiency of Dubai Financial Market. Originality/value To the best of the knowledge, this is the first work that shows the external and internal sources of volatility shocks at once; previous studies have focused almost exclusively on one type of shocks. To investigate DFM volatility shocks, the authors employed GARCH methodology; this method is an advanced econometric method and is often a preferred method to depict actual effects because it provides a more real-world context than other forms when trying to predict volatility shocks of financial instruments.
Hypertension and microalbuminuria 5 years after pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia.

INTRODUCTION Pre-eclampsia is part of a spectrum of conditions known as the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It is claimed that pregnant women with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia are at increased risk of kidney disease and hypertension later in life. We investigated whether Iranian women with a history of pre-eclampsia had higher rates of hypertension and microalbuminuria compared with women with uneventful pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records of pregnancies delivered at two hospitals in Ahvaz, between March 2001 and February 2003 were reviewed. Thirty-five pre-eclamptic women were identified and contacted for assessment of hypertension and albuminuria. They were compared with 35 women matched for year of delivery and age who had a pregnancy uncomplicated by hypertension. RESULTS The mean follow-up from the index pregnancy was 5.7 years (range, 5.2 to 7.3 years). While only 1 woman (2.9%) in the control group was currently hypertensive, 28.6% of those with a history of pre-eclampsia (n = 10) were hypertensive (P = .003; relative risk, 10.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.35 to 74.00), 7 of whom were receiving antihypertensive medication at the time of evaluation. Among the formerly pre-eclamptic women, 7 had albuminuria (20.0%), whereas none of the controls were albuminuric (P < .001). Microalbuminuria was present in all hypertensive women in the pre-eclampsia group, but not in the only women in the control group with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS We showed that in patients with a history of pre-eclampsia, there are increased risks of hypertension and microalbuminuria in the long term after pregnancy.
Peri-abortion contraceptive care: Can we reduce the incidence of repeat abortions?

Introduction It is of great importance for repeat unwanted pregnancies to be prevented rather than aborted. We therefore sought to: determine the reasons for contraceptive failure in women seeking repeat abortions; audit the peri-abortion contraception services offered at our hospital, and make recommendations regarding peri-abortion contraception services based on the above findings. Method A self-administered questionnaire was used to determine the contraceptive practices and details of peri-abortion contraceptive counselling received by 50 women undergoing a repeat, and 83 women undergoing a first-time, abortion. Results Ninety-eight percent of women undergoing a repeat abortion reported using contraception at the time of conception, as compared to 83% of women undergoing a first-time abortion. This difference was significant (p = 0.009). Condoms were the main method used by 57% of women undergoing a repeat and 70% of women undergoing a first-time abortion. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP), including both combined oral contraceptive and progestogen-only pill, was the main method used by 37% of women undergoing a repeat and 25% undergoing a first-time abortion. Both these methods were found to be ineffective because of user-dependent failures. All women received peri-abortion contraceptive counselling, but the perceived contents varied. Follow-up contraceptive appointments were made in less than half of women. Although most women chose an optimal contraceptive method as a result of the counselling, compliance with the chosen method in women undergoing repeat abortions was poor. Conclusions Standards of audit were met with regards to receipt of contraceptive counselling and agreeing a contraceptive method before discharge. The content of this counselling needs to be improved. The ineffectiveness of the OCP and barrier methods of contraception needs to be highlighted during counselling. Adequate follow-up arrangements need to be provided to ensure compliance of the chosen method of contraception.