Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metaphors and Learning New Text

In this study, we investigated the influence of metaphors on text processing. Sixty-two graduate students were randomly assigned to three conditions that varied in the degree of explicitness provided between a metaphor and new information, both presented in the text. Differences in comprehension and overall number of ideas recalled were trivial among the three groups. In addition, there was a lack of total change in recall over time. However, a significant effect was found for the time by group interaction. In addition, both type of idea (main and minor, and metaphoric-linked and non-linked) by group interactions were significant, with the metaphor groups recalling more. Text supplements, such as metaphors, can direct the reader's attention to certain types of ideas.
A 26/38-GHz Dual-Band Filtering Balanced Power Amplifier MMIC for 5G Mobile Communications

This letter presents a 26/38-GHz dual-band filtering balanced power amplifier (PA) using 100-nm GaAs process. Dual-band branch-line couplers are proposed for the balanced PA, which also engage into the dual-band input–output impedance matching and provide out-of-band rejection simultaneously. The proposed PA achieves the saturation output power (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P_{\text {sat}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) of 27.7/26.9 dBm, output 1-dB compression point (OP<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{\mathrm {1\,dB}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) of 27.1/25.6 dBm, peak power-added efficiency (PAE) of 31.5%/22.8%, and small signal gain of 22.4/15.8 dB at 26/38 GHz. At frequencies of 12, 34, and 45 GHz, the small signal suppressions are 45, 54, and 40 dBc, respectively. In virtue of the high output power in 5G band n258/n260 and good out-of-band rejection, the proposed PA can be a potential candidate for 5G applications.
Approximation methods and the generalised Fuller index for semi-flows in Banach spaces

In [3] Fuller introduced an index (now called the Fuller index) in order to study periodic solutions of ordinary differential equations. The objective of this paper is to give a simple generalisation of the Fuller index which can be used to study periodic points of flows in Banach spaces. We do not claim any significant breakthrough but merely suggest that the simplistic approach, presented here, might prove useful for the study of non-linear differential equations. We show our results can be used to study functional differential equations.
Coastal Wind Jets Flowing into the Tsushima Strait and Their Effect on Wind-Wave Development

Abstract Coastal wind jets that flow into the Tsushima Strait, Japan, and their effects on wind waves are investigated using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images and altimeter-derived wind and waves. The coastal wind jets appear in 7 of 28 SAR-derived wind fields under the conditions of ambient southeasterly winds. Atmospheric conditions corresponding to the appearance of the coastal wind jets are examined by a high-resolution atmospheric community model, which indicates that stratified flows are influenced by the land topography and then pass through the strait forming low-level jet flows. Sensitivity experiments reveal that easterly to southerly stratified flows are a necessary condition for a jet’s formation and the degree of its enhancement is mostly controlled by the Froude number of the upstream flows. Atmospheric conditions in which the SAR observed the coastal jets meet the model-derived necessary conditions, which corroborate the validity of the model simulation and the jet’s formation mechanism.
Liquid Biopsies in Lung Cancer

Simple Summary Liquid biopsy has recently been introduced as a novel method in cancer diagnostics. It is less invasive for patients than conventional tissue biopsies, as the assay material is drawn from peripheral blood. The detected DNA fragments, as well as the cells and extracellular vesicles, can be used as biomarkers for cancer. Not all biomarkers are equally reliable in cancer diagnostics. In this review, we give an overview of the lung cancer biomarkers identified in liquid biopsy assays and discuss the differences, current applications, and future perspectives of liquid biopsies in lung cancer. Abstract As lung cancer has the highest cancer-specific mortality rates worldwide, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to detect early-stage tumors and to monitor their response to the therapy. In addition to the well-established tissue biopsy analysis, liquid-biopsy-based assays may evolve as an important diagnostic tool. The analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is the most established method, followed by other methods such as the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Both PCR- and NGS-based assays are used for the mutational assessment of lung cancer, including the most frequent driver mutations. However, ctDNA analysis might also play a role in monitoring the efficacy of immunotherapy and its recent accomplishments in the landscape of state-of-the-art lung cancer therapy. Despite the promising aspects of liquid-biopsy-based assays, there are some limitations regarding their sensitivity (risk of false-negative results) and specificity (interpretation of false-positive results). Hence, further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of liquid biopsies for lung cancer. Liquid-biopsy-based assays might be integrated into the diagnostic guidelines for lung cancer as a tool to complement conventional tissue sampling.
Developing resilience online: Evaluation of synchronous and asynchronous resilience interventions for Filipino college students

This study evaluated two forms of a resilience intervention amongst college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilising a randomised controlled trial design, it examined the impact of a synchronous and asynchronous resilience interventions versus a control group that did a journaling intervention. Outcomes measured included coping behaviour, non-reactivity, wellbeing, stress, depression and anxiety. Participants consisted of Filipino college students randomly assigned to three groups: synchronous online resilience group (n = 135), asynchronous resilience group (n = 121) and control group (n = 127). Results revealed that students who went through the online synchronous resilience reported a significant reduction in depression at post-intervention compared to those who went through an asynchronous intervention. Post-intervention scores for nonreactivity were also higher in the synchronous group compared to both asynchronous and journaling groups. Effect sizes were small to moderate. This study suggests that online resilience interventions are viable means to address the mental health needs of students, especially in countries with limited mental health resources.
Eddy-current imaging of buried cracks, by inverting field data

A novel method for imaging flaws, based on the inversion of eddy-current data, has been demonstrated. A thin subsurface slot was manufactured in an aluminum plate. Oscillating current was injected into the plate, and the magnetic field was sampled with a Hall transducer scanned over the blind face. An integral operator defines an analytical relationship between the distribution of electric dipoles excited on the slot faces and the scattered field. The relationship was inverted using singular value decomposition to obtain the dipole density as a representation of the slot in the form of an image. Enhanced spatial information on the flow may be obtained by performing the inversion at several individual frequencies, and constructing a composite image. >
Dynamical behavior of a semiconductor laser with filtered external optical feedback

We report on a theoretical analysis of the dynamical performance of a semiconductor laser under the influence of delayed weak filtered external optical feedback. The filter widths considered range from 1 to 100 GHz. The analysis concentrates on the well known low-frequency fluctuations (LFFs) regime, in which LFFs occur in the absence of filtering. As expected, filtering the feedback light stabilizes the system in general. LFF can already be suppressed for moderately broad filters (25-50 GHz). In that case, the system was found to operate on the maximum gain mode with a small amplitude limit cycle. We show how the filtering can, in principle, be used for targeting the laser on the maximum gain mode.
An Incentive-Compatible Frequency Regulation Market for Flexible Resources in Microgrid

Frequency regulation services can be provided by emerging flexible resources such as electric vehicles and energy storage which can rapidly adjust the output in response to regulation signals, as long as there is an effective market to provide proper incentives. However, current regulation markets were designed for conventional thermal generating units, and it is difficult for the mileage-based bidding structure to express the cost characteristics of flexible resources. Therefore, the current mechanisms are not conducive to encouraging the participation of flexible resources in providing frequency regulation services. This paper proposes an incentive-compatible frequency regulation market for flexible resources, whose revisions to the existing mechanism include the bidding structure, clearing rules, and settlement rules that adapt to the characteristics of flexible resources. Compared with the current mechanism, the proposed mechanism can reduce the costs of deploying regulation and more reasonably allocate the revenues for regulation services. The case studies verify the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism.
Diagnosing Lung Abnormalities Related to Heart Failure in Chest Radiogram, Lung Ultrasound and Thoracic Computed Tomography

Highlights What are the main findings? Various imaging techniques are useful in differentiating lung abnormalities related to HF from pulmonary diseases. Lung ultrasound is a novel and emerging imaging tool for the management of HF. What is the implication of the main finding? Recognising lung abnormalities in heart failure is crucial in routine clinical diagnostics. Abstract Heart failure (HF) is a multidisciplinary disease affecting almost 1–2% of the adult population worldwide. Symptoms most frequently reported by patients suffering from HF include dyspnoea, cough or exercise intolerance, which is equally often observed in many pulmonary diseases. The spectrum of lung changes related to HF is wide. The knowledge of different types of these abnormalities is essential to distinguish patients with HF from patients with lung diseases or both disorders and thus avoid unnecessary diagnostics or therapies. In this review, we aimed to summarise recent research concerning the spectrum of lung abnormalities related to HF in three frequently used lung imaging techniques: chest X-ray (CXR), lung ultrasound (LUS) and chest computed tomography (CT). We discussed the most prevalent abnormalities in the above-mentioned investigations in the context of consecutive pathophysiological stages identified in HF: (i) redistribution, (ii) interstitial oedema, and (iii) alveolar oedema. Finally, we compared the utility of these imaging tools in the clinical setting. In conclusion, we consider LUS the most useful and promising imaging technique due to its high sensitivity, repeatability and accessibility. However, the value of CXR and chest CT is their potential for establishing a differential diagnosis.
Understanding and Influencing Perceptions about Marine Protected Areas Through an Aquarium Exhibit: A Multi-phase Case Study from South Africa

Visitors to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) provide income and can help MPAs achieve their objectives, thereby contributing to the maintenance and restoration of ocean health. However, MPAs are less well known than terrestrial protected areas. Based at the uShaka Sea World aquarium in South Africa, this multi-phase case study sought to describe visitors’ knowledge of MPAs; use the information to design a new temporary interpretive exhibit on MPAs and then use timing and tracking to assess visitors’ engagement with the exhibit and a free response postcard system to assess the influence of the exhibit on visitors’ perceptions of MPAs. Initial survey results showed that visitors had little knowledge of MPAs. Assessment after installation revealed some surprising levels of engagement and the free response postcards showed positive perceptions and a deeper understanding of MPAs. The results provide recommendations to enhance communication and engagement strategies both in aquariums and MPAs.
Integracao de Funcoes Vetoriais

In this work, we consider a measure space (S,Σ, μ), a Banach space X and functions f : S −→ X. For these functions, we define the Bochner, Pettis and Dunford integrals. From this basis, we present the inconditional integrability theory, and prove that it can be seen as the Pettis integrability theory, thus establishing a clear link between them.
High-detection efficiency and picosecond timing compact detector modules with red-enhanced SPADs

In the last years many progresses have been made in the field of silicon Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPAD) thanks to the improvements both in device design and in fabrication technology. Particularly, the Dipartimento di Elettronica e Informazione of Politecnico di Milano and the CNR-IMM of Bologna have been in the forefront of this research activity by designing and fabricating a new device structure enabling the fabrication of SPADs with red enhanced photon detection efficiency. In this paper we present a compact photon counting and timing module that fills the gap between the high temporal resolution and the high detection efficiency systems. The module exploits Red-Enhanced SPAD technology to attain a Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE) as high as 37% at 800 nm (peak of 58% at 600 nm) while maintaining a temporal resolution of about 100 ps FWHM, even with light diffused across the whole active area. A thermo-electric cooling system guarantees a noise as low as few counts per second for a 50 μm diameter SPAD while a low threshold avalanche pick-up circuit assures a limited shift in the temporal response.
Long-wave infrared nBn photodetectors based on InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattices

Long-wave infrared InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattice nBn photodetectors are demonstrated on GaSb substrates. The typical device consists of a 2.2 μm thick absorber layer and has a 50% cutoff wavelength of 13.2 μm, a measured dark current density of 5 × 10−4 A/cm2 at 77 K under a bias of −0.3 V, a peak responsivity of 0.24 A/W at 12 μm, and a maximum resistance-area product of 300 Ω cm2 at 77 K. The calculated generation-recombination noise limited specific detectivity (D*) and experimentally measured D* at 12 μm and 77 K are 1 × 1010 cm Hz1/2/W and 1 × 108 cm Hz1/2/W, respectively.
Environmental attitudes of Chinese students in higher education institutions

This study investigates the influence of environmental attitudes of Chinese students in higher education institutions (HEIs). It included 988 students at ten higher education institutions and administered an “environmental attitudes inventory" questionnaire to investigate gender, grade level of study, institution level, parental educational background, scholarships, annual household income, students' leadership experience and the extent to which variables such as participation in environment-related courses affect students' attitudes towards the environment. Furthermore, the study relied on descriptive and analytical methods. The results show significant differences in grade, school level and parents' educational backgrounds on students' environmental attitudes. In contrast, gender, scholarship, annual family income and student leader experience related to the environment did not appear as significant factors. This paper suggests that education policymakers incorporate these influences into a vision of environmental educational reform to inform the remedial actions needed by higher education institutions.
A Third-Order Item Response Theory Model for Modeling the Effects of Domains and Subdomains in Large-Scale Educational Assessment Surveys

Second-order item response theory models have been used for assessments consisting of several domains, such as content areas. We extend the second-order model to a third-order model for assessments that include subdomains nested in domains. Using a graphical model framework, it is shown how the model does not suffer from the curse of multidimensionality. We apply unidimensional, second-order, and third-order item response models to the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. Our findings suggest that deviations from unidimensionality are more pronounced at the content domain level than at the cognitive domain level and that deviations from unidimensionality at the content domain level become negligible after taking into account topic areas.
TRAINING OF HUMAN RESOURCES THROUGH ELEARNING PLATFORMS

Training of human resources through e-Learning platforms according to studies conducted by the Institute for Quality of Life training of human resources in all sectors through e-learning platforms is not yet sufficiently developed in Romania compared to other European countries. Statistics show that if the European Union participation in continuing education for people in the age group 25-49 years is 11%, in Romania the percentage is below 2%. The same gap is seen for 25-64 years, less than 2%, compared to 6% in Romania in the EU. At present, we can say that training based on e-learning platforms is rather a secondary option for both training providers and employers. The main obstacles are the lack of direct contact between student and trainer or the trainee and the development of technology, and that this system is not always suitable for use in courses that focus on direct communication and interaction trainer - learner. Developing lifelong learning through the use of e-learning platform creates potential to enhance the adaptability and proficiency in the activity of the human resource in any field. Also, training in virtual environment enables the development and promotion of effective managerial models at an economic and even macroeconomic and provide increased capacity for understanding and operating the new technologies of human resources. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the situation of continuous training of human resources, and a series of best practices in developed countries in the European area, which could be successfully implemented in the development of human capital to ensure increased quality of life.
The Impact of Land Cover Change on Surface Water Temperature of Small Lakes in Eastern Ontario from 1985 to 2020

Land Cover Change (LCC) has been shown to significantly impact the magnitude and trend of Land Surface Temperature (LST). However, the influence of LCC near waterbodies outside of an urban environment remain less understood. Waterbodies serve as local climate moderators where nearby LCC has the potential to decrease their cooling ability. Altered water surface temperatures can lead to altered species migration and distribution in aquatic species depending on a given species thermal boundary. In this study, using remotely sensed land cover and surface temperature data, we investigate the role that LCC around small lakes (500 m) plays on the surface water temperature change of nine small lakes in the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority’s watershed, located in Eastern Ontario, from 1985 to 2020. The Continuous Change Detection Classification (CCDC) algorithm was used alongside the Statistical Mono-Window (SMW) algorithm to calculate LCC and LST, respectively. Results indicated a strong positive relationship (R2 = 0.81) between overall LCC and lake surface water temperature (LSWT) trends, where LSWT trends in all inland small lakes investigated were found to be positive. The land cover class sparse vegetation had a strong positive correlation with water temperature, whereas dense vegetation displayed a strong negative correlation. This 35-year study contributes to the broader understanding of the impact that LCC has on the surface water temperature trends of inland lakes.
Long-Bone-Regeneration Process in a Sheep Animal Model, Using Hydroxyapatite Ceramics Prepared by Tape-Casting Method

This study was designed to investigate the effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic implants (HA cylinders, perforated HA plates, and nonperforated HA plates) on the healing of bone defects, addressing biocompatibility, biodegradability, osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity, and osteointegration with the surrounding bone tissue. The HA ceramic implants were prepared using the tape-casting method, which allows for shape variation in samples after packing HA paste into 3D-printed plastic forms. In vitro, the distribution and morphology of the MC3T3E1 cells grown on the test discs for 2 and 9 days were visualised with a fluorescent live/dead staining assay. The growth of the cell population was clearly visible on the entire ceramic surfaces and very good osteoblastic cell adhesion and proliferation was observed, with no dead cells detected. A sheep animal model was used to perform in vivo experiments with bone defects created on the metatarsal bones, where histological and immunohistochemical tissue analysis as well as X-ray and CT images were applied. After 6 months, all implants showed excellent biocompatibility with the surrounding bone tissue with no observed signs of inflammatory reaction. The histomorphological findings revealed bone growth immediately over and around the implants, indicating the excellent osteoconductivity of the HA ceramic implants. A number of islands of bone tissue were observed towards the centres of the HA cylinders. The highest degree of biodegradation, bioresorption, and new bone formation was observed in the group in which perforated HA plates were applied. The results of this study suggest that HA cylinders and HA plates may provide a promising material for the functional long-bone-defect reconstruction and further research.
A spectral theory for small-amplitude miscible fingering

Using the self-similar symmetry of a diffusing front, we develop a linear spectral theory for miscible fingering at inception that accurately captures the destabilization of localized disturbances (with large transverse wavelengths compared to the front width) by the unsteady front. Our theory predicts a generic selected wavelength (4πηD/U0 for gravity fingering, where η is the transverse to longitudinal dispersion ratio, and an additional factor proportional to the logarithm of the mobility ratio for viscous fingering) at the small time of O(D/U02), where D is the dispersion coefficient or diffusivity in the flow direction and U0 is the displacement velocity. This wavelength then grows in time and approaches a universal asymptotic wavelength coarsening dynamics of (η2D5/U02)1/8(t′)3/8, where t′ is the dimensional time, for all small-amplitude miscible fingering phenomena in a slot or in porous media. The 38 exponent in time is due to a unique long-wave stabilization mechanism due to transverse convection.