Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ring-TCM for fixed and fading channels: land-mobile satellite fading channels with QAM

The authors investigate ring-TCM codes suitable for M-QAM signal sets on nonfrequency-selective fading channels. A new range of nonrotational invariant (NRI) and rotational invariant (RI) fading-optimised ring-TCM codes suitable for rectangular M-QAM schemes is presented. The trade off between the code gain and the decoder complexity of these codes is analysed, and their actual performance under different fading channel conditions is evaluated. In addition, a comparison with the best fading-optimised TCM codes for M-QAM reported in the literature is carried out.
Basketball shoes: what players wear and what they demand

Dynamic characteristics of basketball (BB) have been well investigated, showing very high physical demands on players and also on related footwear (Ziv and Lidor 2010). During a BB game players perform on average about 1000 single movement tasks (McInnes et al. 1995, Ben Abdelkrim et al. 2007). These include 406 forward-backward tasks, 187 sideway movements, and 46 vertical jumps. Professional NBA players perform on average 70 jumps per game, 17 of those with maximum effort (McClay 1994). It is noteworthy that anthropometrics of BB players need to cover a huge range in order to accommodate for the different playing position requirements. In contrast to the common knowledge on physical demands, only little is known about players’ expectations, personal preferences, and habits regarding their footwear.
Information systems as a key facilitator of manufacturing flexibility: A documented application

The desire to exploit new process technology and the need to reduce costs and throughput times, to accelerate new product introductions, and to insure against market uncertainties have contributed to the increased importance manufactur ing enterprises attach to manufacturing flexibility. The Manufacturing Management Information System (MMIS) is a central component in the manufacturing enterprise's quest to achieve these key objectives yet its role is frequently neglected when formulating strategy. This paper explores the operational mismatch which often arises between the preferred mode of operation of the MMIS and that dictated by the enterprise's developing and changing strategic and hence operational
Multimachine eigenvalue sensitivities of power system parameters

Summary form only given as follows. Many publications have discussed the design/tuning of a controller (e.g. PSS) to increase system damping, but the effect of general system parameter appears to be ignored. This paper enables these effects to be accurately assessed by the first and second order eigenvalue sensitivities with respect to any arbitrary system operating parameter (e.g. nodal injection, PV-voltage) or power network parameter (line impedance or transformer tap etc). Based on a highly versatile multimachine modeling technique that any practical system components (such as generators, SVC, series compensator etc.) can be incorporated, the system matrix A can be expressed as a function of each system parameter of a multimachine system. The sensitivity approach is applied on an 8-machine system to discuss the system parameter effects and to take account of the range of operating condition in terms of multi-load levels by probabilistic approach.
Numerical Investigation of Stop-and-Go Traffic Patterns Upstream of Freeway Lane Drop

Freeway lane drops are typical sites where long queues and stop–start traffic waves can be observed. A theory was recently developed to explain the formation of traffic oscillations upstream of a freeway lane drop-in. Using that theory, this paper carries out a numerical investigation to explore how parameters characterizing the driving behavior at and the geometry of a lane-drop site may affect these oscillatory patterns. The effects of five factors–-distance between the merging sign and the taper, travel demand, remaining capacity, overall aggressiveness of drivers, and geometry of the lane drop–-are studied. It is found that a lane-drop site with low remaining capacity, high travel demand, short distance between the merging sign and the taper, closely matching numbers of drivers desiring to take the through lanes and to take the shoulder lanes, and an imbalance in merging priorities at the taper location is most likely to produce oscillations with short periods and high oscillation amplitudes in flow. Furthermore, the speeds at which the oscillations propagate and the periods of oscillations are in the same order of magnitude as those observed and can be made to match the observed values closely with the proper choice of parameters. Potential management measures to alleviate or eliminate such oscillations are also discussed.
Study of Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background Metabolic syndrome (syndrome X) is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. Dilatation of blood vessels following stress is a function of vasodilators produced by the endothelium. Flow-mediated vasodilation assesses endothelial function. In the case of endothelial dysfunction, flow-mediated vasodilation is impaired, resulting in decreased or even absence of vasodilation following stress. The easy availability of ultrasound machines nowadays and the non-invasive nature of the test make this a practical test for assessing endothelial dysfunction and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Various studies have confirmed the presence of impaired flow-mediated vasodilation in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the presence of impaired flow-mediated vasodilation in individuals with risk factors but no cardiovascular diseases can prove that this can be used to predict individuals at risk. This study tries to confirm the presence of endothelial dysfunction in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) attending a tertiary center hospital in Kochi. Objectives The study's main aim is to compare flow-mediated dilatation in patients with NAFLD and normal individuals. Materials and methods The comparative study was conducted among 50 patients attending various outpatient departments in Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. History and examination of cases and controls and relevant investigations were done after obtaining consent. In addition, both groups underwent measurement of flow-mediated vasodilation in the radiology department. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and were analyzed using SPSS. Results Flow-mediated vasodilation was found to be less in patients with fatty liver (7.37 ± 2.75) when compared to individuals with normal liver (12.41 ± 3.71). In addition, flow-mediated vasodilatation was inversely proportional to BMI and age. Conclusion This study has proved that there will be endothelial dysfunction in NAFLD, as shown by the decrease in flow-mediated vasodilation when compared with normal liver.
Relationship between Dissociative Experiences and Schizotypal Personality Traits: Mediating Role of Inferential Confusion

Objective: Previous research has shown a relationship between schizotypal personality traits and dissociative tendencies. The Inference-Based Approach (IBA) can explain this relationship to some extent. Purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of inferential confusion in relation to dissociative experiences and schizotypal personality traits. Method: A total of 341 students from Shahed University participated in this cross-sectional study. Sampling was conducted randomly by the cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the Inferential Confusion Questionnaire (ICQ-EV), Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief (SPQ-B), and Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II). Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software based on statistical methods including Pearson correlation, Baron and Kenny hierarchical regression and the Sobel test. Results: There were significant positive relationships between dissociative experiences, schizotypal personality traits, and inferential confusion (P < 0.01). Findings showed that inferential confusion mediates the relationship between dissociative experiences and schizotypal personality traits (β = 0.29; P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the present study, considering role of inferential confusion, succeeded in explaining the relationship between dissociative experiences and schizotypal personality traits to some extent.
Multiphase inverse modeling: An Overview

Inverse modeling is a technique to derive model-related parameters from a variety of observations made on hydrogeologic systems, from small-scale laboratory experiments to field tests to long-term geothermal reservoir responses. If properly chosen, these observations contain information about the system behavior that is relevant to the performance of a geothermal field. Estimating model-related parameters and reducing their uncertainty is an important step in model development, because errors in the parameters constitute a major source of prediction errors. This paper contains an overview of inverse modeling applications using the ITOUGH2 code, demonstrating the possibilities and limitations of a formalized approach to the parameter estimation problem.
Identification and Prioritization the Critical Success Factors of Knowledge Ma nagement in IAU of Tabriz (Iran )

This study aimed to identify and prioritize the Critical Success Factors of knowledge management in Islamic Azad University of Tabriz in the year 2012 , taking into CSF: organizational culture, or ganizational structure, human resource management, information technology infrastructure, knowledge strategy and leadership, training of human resources and studies have been done on them. Using statistical tests indicate a significant impact of all factor s on KM. Sample population was all 468 university faculty members. Also estimating the contribution of each factor in predicting KM, one of the most powerful contributions is organizational structure ( 0.391) and other factors are organizational culture: 0. 291, information technology infrastructure: 0.289, knowledge strategy and leadership: 0.248, training human Resources: 0.2 and human Resource Management: 0.21 respectively. ( Behnam Talebi, Mehdi Pakdel Bonab, Ghader Zemestani, Zarrin Daneshvar . Identificat ion and Prioritization the Critical Success Factors of Knowledge Management in IAU of Tabriz (Iran) . Life Sci J 201 2 ; 9 ( 2s ): 8 - 14 ) (ISSN:1097 - 8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com . 2
Analytical I-V relationship incorporating field-dependent mobility for a symmetrical DG MOSFET with an undoped body

A simple expression explicitly relating the surface potential to the surface electric field of a symmetrical double-gate (DG) MOS capacitor is proposed. The expression does not contain the floating-body potential as an implicit variable. It is used to derive, assuming the validity of the gradual-channel approximation, an analytical model expression for the current-voltage relationship of a DG MOS field-effect transistor. The effects of mobility degradation at high vertical electric field and velocity saturation at high lateral electric field are incorporated. The model expression is continuously valid from the subthreshold to the quasi-linear regimes of operation and up to a well-defined drain saturation voltage. Beyond this saturation voltage, the gradual-channel approximation breaks down within a region near the drain end of the channel. The electric-field distribution within this region is estimated by solving a two-dimensional Poisson's equation. Further implications of the model are derived by simplifying the expression in different regimes of operation using various approximations.
Bigtoe Sizing Design of Small Biped Robot by Using Gait Generation Method

The study of biped robot has long history and continuation. One of important moving processes is walking procedure. The walking posture is an important research field that always adapts and implements in the biped robot. The walking research field is very interesting because the walking posture of humans is flexible and stable. Additionally, the force that affect on the humans foot is also investigated. This research addresses the walking simulation of small biped robots that have tiptoe and bigtoe. The study based on the assumption that the bigtoe size affects on the walking posture and walking distance. The gait generation method, for finding the proper size of bigtoe, is utilized by varying the bigtoe size. There are two requirements of robot design: go straight and stay within setting conditions. The simulation results of all small biped robot models which have the different bigtoe sizes can walk within setting conditions. There is only one model its bigtoe width per foot width ratio equals 0.28 (or 28% of foot width) has the longest walking distance. Moreover, this ratio is equal to the ratio of humans foot.
Candidemia: Evolution of Drug Resistance and Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Abstract Candidemia and invasive candidiasis are the most common healthcare-associated invasive fungal infections, with a crude mortality rate of 25–50%. Candida albicans remains the most frequent etiology, followed by C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. With the exception of a limited number of species (ie: C. krusei, C. glabrata and rare Candida species), resistance to fluconazole and other triazoles are quite uncommon. However, recently fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis, echinocandin-resistant C. glabrata and the multidrug resistant C. auris have emerged. Resistance to amphotericin B is even more rare due to the reduced fitness of resistant isolates. The mechanisms of antifungal resistance in Candida (altered drug-target interactions, reduced cellular drug concentrations, and physical barriers associated with biofilms) are analyzed. The choice of the antifungal therapy for candidemia must take into account several factors such as type of patient, presence of devices, severity of illness, recent exposure to antifungals, local epidemiology, organs involvement, and Candida species. The first-line therapy in non-neutropenic critical patient is an echinocandin switching to fluconazole in clinically stable patients with negative blood cultures and azole susceptible isolate. Similarly, an echinocandin is the drug of choice also in neutropenic patients. The treatment duration is 14 days after the first negative blood culture or longer in cases of organ involvement. An early removal of vascular catheter improves the outcome. The promising results of new antifungal molecules, such as the terpenoid derivative ibrexafungerp, the novel echinocandin with an enhanced half-life rezafungin, oteseconazole and fosmanogepix, representative of new classes of antifungals, are discussed.
Evaluation of Seat Comfort of Office Armchairs: an Impact of Articulated Seat Support and Gas Spring

This paper describes the application of an alternative seating system. The aim of this alternative approach was to determine the comfort of offi ce armchairs equipped with new construction solutions ensuring articulated support of the seat as well as articulated mounting of the gas spring. An offi ce armchair with a differ- ent seat support and gas spring was selected. Operational loads were applied to the seat surface. The following parameters were measured and calculated in the course of the performed experiments: contact area, average contact pressure and coeffi cient of seat pressure distribution (SPD). A new discomfort coeffi cient D expressing seat quality was elaborated. Preliminary data suggests that the prototypes provided greater sitting comfort than did the conventional chair. It was demonstrated that the new construction solution of the gas spring support guaranteed the highest comfort of the use of the examined armchairs.
HAZARD PERCEPTION IN DRIVERS: A METHODOLOGY FOR TESTING AND TRAINING

The report is concerned with the development of a hazard perception test which aims to assess the ability of drivers to anticipate potential hazards as they unfold over time. Following the development of this test three major experiments assess the utility of the test by using a traditional expert-novice contrast and by examining the role of training. The first experiment was concerned with the development and validation of the test. In essence, this involved the testing of groups of expert and novice drivers, groups that would be expected to differ in terms of overall driving skill, and, consequently, also in their ability to perceive road hazards. The test revealed large, significant differences in the hazard perception abilities of the two groups, with virtually no overlap shown in the distributions of test scores. The Hazard Perception Test was thus able to correctly categorise every subject as either an expert or a novice. Information derived from this study lead to the production of a more refined form of the test, together with a second, parallel form, to enable before- and-after studies to be conducted. In experiment two, the new parallel forms of the test were subjected to validation by investigating the performance of groups of expert and novice drivers. In addition a group of experienced drivers were assessed. By matching the exposure of the experienced group with that of the expert group it was possible to examine the potential role of training (since the training received by the expert group was the major discriminating feature between the expert and experienced groups). The parallel forms of the test were highly correlated with each other and each test was able to distinguish between the experts and novices. Expert drivers performed more effectively than the experienced drivers, a result suggesting the influence of training on hazard perception. In experience three, a direct test of the role of training was carried out by examining a group of drivers undergoing ROSPA's advanced driving course. Relative to the control group the ROSPA group showed a significant improvement in their performance on the hazard perception test following training. The control group showed no significant change. Taken as a whole, the results indicate that the methodology described provides an appropriate and sensitive measure of hazard perception. It has been shown that, based on the performance on this test, there are large differences in the perceptual abilities of novice, experienced and expert drivers. It is also clear that training can exert a positive influence on hazard perception. (A)
Selection of power cables for PWM AC adjustable-speed drives

This paper identifies and discusses the reliability issues associated with three-phase electric motors controlled by constantly improving, fast-switching pulse-width modulated AC adjustable-speed drives and the selection of the power supply cable. The fast switching rates of PWM drives generate high frequency currents and induced potentials on the motor, drive and interconnected equipment. This leads to premature motor bearing failure and electrical interference to the drive and nearby equipment. Research shows solutions related to the power cable dictate a construction that must provide an effective electrostatic shielding for isolation of the high frequency currents and potentials, and an effective low impedance path to ground for draining canceling ground currents. This paper presents an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of typical National Electrical Code power cable constructions that help reduce or eliminate the problems associated with PWM AC adjustable-speed drives.
Derivation of a universal elevator round trip time formula under incoming traffic

The design of vertical transportation systems still heavily relies on the calculation of the round trip time (τ). The round trip time (τ) is defined as the average time taken by an elevator to complete a full trip around a building. There are currently two methods for calculating the round trip time: the conventional analytical calculation method and the Monte Carlo simulation method. The conventional analytical method is based on calculating the expected number of stops and the expected highest reversal floor and then substituting the values in the main formula for the round trip time. This method makes some assumptions as to the existence of some special conditions (such as equal floor heights and a single entrance). Where these assumptions are not true in a building, this invalidates the use of the analytical formula the use of which will lead to errors in the result. The conventional analytical equation can be further developed to cover some of the special conditions in the building, but they do not cover all these special conditions and also do not cover combinations of these special conditions. The simplest round trip time equation makes the following assumptions: equal floor heights, a single entrance, equal floor populations and that the rated speed is attained in one floor jump. The case of unequal floor populations can be accounted for by amending the values of the probable number of stops and the highest reversal by using the formulae for the unequal floor population case. The work presented in this piece of work identifies the most important four special conditions (out a total of nine conditions) that are assumed in the classical round trip time analytical equation. It then develops analytical formulae for calculating the round trip time equation for any of the four special conditions or any combination of these conditions under incoming traffic conditions. A numerical example is given and verified using Monte Carlo simulation. Practical application: This piece of work presents new equations that allow the designer to evaluate the value of the round trip time. The equations can deal with special cases such as top speed not attained in one floor journey, multiple entrances, unequal floor heights and unequal floor populations. Once the value of the round trip time is obtained, the elevator system can be designed, providing the required number of elevators, their speed and capacity.
Review of human genetic and clinical studies directly relevant to GnRH signalling

GnRH is the pivotal hormone in controlling the hypothalamic‐pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis in humans and other mammalian species. GnRH function is influenced by a multitude of known and still unknown environmental and genetic factors. Molecular genetic studies on human families with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism over the past two decades have been instrumental in delineating the kisspeptin and neurokinin B signalling, which integrally modulates GnRH release from the hypothalamus. The identification of kisspeptin and neurokinin B ligand‐receptor gene pair mutations in patients with absent puberty have paved the way to a greater understanding of the central regulation of the HPG cascade. In this article, we aim to review the literature on the genetic and clinical aspects of GnRH and its receptor, as well as the two ligand‐receptor sets directly pertinent to the function of GnRH hormone signalling, kisspeptin/ kisspeptin receptor and NKB/NK3R.
An experimental study on active tendon control of cable‐stayed bridges

Active tendon control of cable-stayed bridges subject to a vertical sinusoidal force is experimentally and analytically studied. Emphasis is placed on the effects of linear and non-linear internal resonances on the control (due to the presence of the cable vibration). A simple cable-supported cantilever beam is used as a model. It is found that active tendon control is very effective in vertical girder motion with small cable vibration (girder dominated motion), whereas it is not effective in verticaIlgirder motion with large cable vibration (cable dominated motion). Analytical prediction is very satisfactory except for the latter case