Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Ka-Band Bandpass Filterusing U-Shape Resonators Based on LTCC Technology

This paper demonstrates a new Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) U-shape resonator. Based on this 3D structure, a Ka-band Substrate Integrated Waveguidebandpass filter isdesigned. Compared with the conventional two dimensional PCB, LTCC technology achieveshigher Qe factor, higher density, smaller size, and lower cost. EM simulator HFSS is employed in determining and optimizingthephysical dimension of the filter.The filter's simulation results showfractional bandwidth (FBW) of3.94% centered at 34.7 GHzwith insertion loss of -1.2 dB and return loss of -20 dB in the passband. The attenuation of -30dB is obtained at 32.8 GHz and 36.8 GHz.
Comparison of optical BPSK and QPSK heterodyne lightwave systems

A comparative study of the coherent optical binary phase shift keying (BPSK) and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) heterodyne communication receivers is presented. First, both receivers are analyzed assuming two systems with a 0.5 dB and 2.5 dB power penalty. The analysis is performed in terms of laser linewidth, bit rate signal power and phase error for the same bit error rate 10/sup -10/. The sensitivities of the two types of receivers are compared. Second, calculations of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) optimum, probability of bit error with cycle slippage and non-cycle slippage for both systems are presented. Finally, the comparison in terms of BER versus number of photons/bit (E/sub pb/) for different laser linewidth/bit rates and bit error rate 10/sup -3/ and 10/sup -1/ are presented. It is shown that the QPSK receiver requires a larger amount of power than the BPSK receiver to achieve the same performance. At the power penalty of 0.5 dB, the QPSK systems are impractical while the BPSK system performs well. <<ETX>>
Microprobe multisensor for graft viability monitoring during organ preservation and transplantation

In this paper, the design of a medical device for graft viability monitoring during organ preservation and transplantation is presented. The device is based on a specific microsystem measuring some relevant organ parameters. A PDA controlled cool-box system for organ transport based on this device has been prototyped. Various alternatives regarding device prototyping have been analyzed. The microsystem has been validated through various sets of experiments. The correlation between obtained measures and organ viability is also presented.
The Effects of Letters of Recommendation in the Youth Labor Market

Youth employment has been near historic lows in recent years, and racial gaps persist. This paper tests whether information frictions limit young people's labor market success with a field experiment involving over 43,000 youth in New York City. We build software that allows employers to quickly and easily produce letters of recommendation for randomly selected youth who worked under their supervision during a summer youth employment program. We then send these letters to nearly 9,000 youth over two years. Being sent a letter generates a 3 percentage point (4.5 percent) increase in employment the following year, with both employment and earnings increases persisting over the two-year follow-up period. By posting our own job advertisement, we document that while treatment youth do use the letters in applications, there is no evidence of other supply-side responses (i.e., no increased job search, motivation, or confidence); effects appear to be driven by the demand side. Labor market benefits accrue primarily to racial and ethnic minorities, suggesting frictions may contribute to racial employment gaps. But improved employment may also hamper on-time high school graduation. Additional evidence indicates that letters help improve job match quality. Results suggest that expanding the availability of credible signals about young workers—particularly for those not on the margin of graduating high school—could improve the efficiency of the youth labor market.
Towards a Multi-Interdigital Transducer Configuration to Combine Focusing and Trapping of Microparticles within a Microfluidic Platform: A 3D Numerical Analysis

In Lab-On-a-chip devices, the separation and manipulation of micro-particles within microfluidic channels are important operations in the process of biological analyses. In this study, the microfluidic flow is coupled with acoustic waves through a 3D multi-physics numerical solution in order to generate optimized acoustic pressure pattern. Exploiting interdigital transducers (IDTs), surface acoustic waves (SAWs) are generated on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate (lithium niobate). These waves interfere constructively to generate a standing pressure field within a fluid contained in a microchannel placed between them. Several studies and applications have been reported exploiting two facing IDTs, effective in particle focusing due to the acoustic radiation force developed by the acoustic pressure. In this work, a configuration made by four IDTs is investigated to enhance the focusing effect and provide trapping capabilities. A complex matrix of pressure wave nodes (zero wave amplitude) and antinodes (maximum wave amplitude) is generated and optimized to acquire the right acoustic pressure pattern. Results obtained show particle focusing effects but also trapping on specific sites depending on the distribution of waves. These innovative results, based on multiphysics 3D numerical analysis, highlight the versatility and the efficiency of this configuration depending on the design of the microfluidic structure implemented in the SAW-based platform. Applications towards biological cell sorting and assembling can be considered based on this principle.
Heuristics for Single Machine Scheduling Problem with Release Dates, Deteriorating Effect and Skilled Workforce with Learning Ability

In this paper, the single machine total weighted completion time scheduling problem is studied. The jobs have nonzero release time and processing time increases during the production due to the effect of deterioration on the machine. An operator sets up the machine and manually loads the job in the machine and unloads it at the end of the working time. The setup time and the removal time are influenced by the ability of the worker due to his work experience and learning capacity. Heuristic algorithms are proposed to solve the scheduling problem, and their efficiency is evaluated on a wide benchmark.
Microwave branching systems

In multi-channel microwave radio relay systems it is sometimes necessary to have a number of transmitters and receivers simultaneously utilizing the same aerial. This is advisable from economic considerations because of the saving entailed in feeder and aerial costs. To achieve this a complex branching system is necessary. The object of this paper is to describe the design and development of such a branching system in the 7000 Mc/s frequency band. The branching system contains a number of branching units connected in cascade. Each unit consists of a number of microwave band-pass niters and 3 dB short-slot couplers in a suitable configuration. By means of detailed experimental investigation and theoretical analysis a design procedure for band-pass niters in waveguide is derived and normalized design curves are plotted. Filter characteristics calculated on a theoretical basis are compared with those obtained from experimental prototypes. The design data for broad-band short-slot couplers is derived. On the basis of the information obtained a prototype 3 dB coupler is developed and its characteristics measured. The operation of a branching unit is described. Finally, the specification of the complete branching system is outlined and a prototype constructed. A description is given of the tests carried out on it and the results of these tests.
Audit Sistem dan Evaluasi Tata Kelola menggunakan Framework COBIT 4.1 pada UPT Komputer STT Terpadu Nurul Fikri

IT Governance atau dalam bahasa indonesia berarti Tata Kelola Teknologi Informasi adalah bagian yang terintegrasi dari pengelolaan organisasi yang mencakup kepemimpinan, struktur serta proses organisasi yang memastikan bahwa teknologi informasi dimanfaatkan seoptimal mungkin. Tata kelola teknologi informasi memiliki cakupan yang lebih luas dan berkonsentrasi pada kinerja dan transformasi teknologi informasi untuk memenuhi kebutuhan saat ini dan yang akan datang baik dari internal maupun eksternal [3]. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui sejauh mana UPT komputer menerapkan Framework COBIT 4.1 dan sudah sampai dimana tingkat kematangannya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dan kualitatif yang datanya diambil lewat studi pustaka, studi lapangan, wawancara, observasi dan kuesioner. Lalu data yang didapat dari hasil wawancara dan kuesioner akan dinilai dan diolah agar menjadi sebuah informasi. Berikut ini domain dan proses yang sudah penulis tentukan sebelumnya, yaitu domain Monitor and Evaluate & Deliver and Support. Untuk domain Monitor and Evaluate penulis menggunakan proses Monitor and Evaluate IT Performance & Provide IT Governance sedangkan domain Deliver and Support penulis menggunakan proses Define and manage Service Levels & Manage problem.
RF MEMS tunable filter using micro fixed–fixed beam

In this article, a tunable bandpass filter using micro fixed‐fixed beam structure is designed, simulated, and fabricated. The filter is designed by micromachined capacitive bridges, with an original passive topology. The fabricated filter occupies a chip area of 12 × 3 mm2 and achieved an insertion loss of less than 2 dB and return loss of less than −15 dB throughout the operation band, thereby tuning the filter centre frequency by 11% between 8.76 and 9.8 GHz. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 592–597, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24981
Lumbar instability as an etiology of low back pain and its treatment by prolotherapy: A review

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a significant spinal disorder that affects much of the population at some point during their lives. OBJECTIVE: While proper diagnosis is key, diagnosing the underlying cause of low back pain may often be unclear. METHOD: In this review article, we discuss lumbar instability as an etiology of low back pain and its treatment by prolotherapy. RESULTS: Spinal ligaments may be an underlying culprit in the development of lumbar instability with resultant low back pain and associated disorders. CONCLUSION: In these cases, adequate treatment consisting of non-biologic prolotherapy or cellular prolotherapy, including platelet rich plasma (PRP), can be beneficial in restoring spinal stability and resolving chronic low back pain.
Low fruit and vegetable intake is associated with poor self-rated health in the Czech part of the HAPIEE study

Background: Although fruits and vegetables are considered a pillar of healthy eating, previous evidence suggests that their consumption in Eastern European countries is low, and their association with health outcomes has rarely been researched in this region. Aim: To examine the effect of fruit and vegetable intake on self-rated health (SRH) in the Czech arm of the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe prospective cohort study. Methods: Dietary data on fruit and vegetable intake was measured at baseline using food frequency questionnaires, and SRH from the second wave was chosen as the main outcome. The relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and SRH was analysed using multivariable ordinal regression. Results: A total of 4255 persons aged 45–69, in good and very good SRH at baseline were included in the longitudinal analysis, with a median follow-up time of 3.7 years. In the second wave, 218 (5.1%) individuals reported poor or very poor SRH. In the fully adjusted model, individuals in the lowest fruit and vegetable intake quartile had higher odds of poor SRH compared to those in the highest quartile (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.52). When examined separately, the results were similar: for vegetables (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03–1.51) and fruit (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.97–1.44). Conclusion: The observed longitudinal association suggests that low fruit and vegetable intake is associated with poor SRH in the Czech Republic. Considering almost half of our sample reported less than the daily recommended intake of 400 grams of fruits and vegetables, higher consumption should be supported.
Compressed Sensing Approach for Fast Collision Warning Radar

A compressed sensing approach is utilized to estimate positions and velocities of moving targets from multi-sensor continaous-wave (CW) radar data. A possible field of application is in the area of collision warning systems. In such eases, either speeds of the targets are high or their distances to the system are short dictate high demands on the processing time. Compressed sensing is seen as a suitable approach to the problem since it operates on sparse data and has the potential to significantly save computing time. In this anti-collision application, only few hazardous targets are assumed which seems to be an adequate condition for compressed sensing. The prototype comprises 4 CW sensors working in the 24 GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency band. Simulated data with ideal point scatterers and a metallic sphere as well as measured data with a sphere are chosen to test the algorithm. Comparisons of the results verify the capability of the proposed method to detect moving targets and to estimate their motion states.
Practical And Robust Approach For A Neural Networks Based Indoor Positioning System Using Ultrawide Band

With the increasing widespread of sensor technology, new solutions for indoor positioning systems are continuously being developed and with them, new services requiring accurate positioning data have seen a great rise in popularity. In this thesis, a new design technique and deployment methodology for an indoor positioning system using neural networks is proposed to offer more flexibility and simplicity in the development of such a system which is currently very context-bound. The usage of battery-powered tags implies also that systems should not require excessive power consumption and the large number of targets to position requires a method that is not only accurate but also scalable. The proposed positioning system utilizes a small “swarm” of neural networks tasked to position targets based on distance measurements from Ultrawide Band sensors and requires shorter fingerprint collection campaigns and enables more flexibility in system deployment and alterations. Instead of relying solely on real data collected on the field for the training of neural networks, synthetic data is used for an initial training phase. Together, these propositions allow flexibility in terms of adding, removing or altering positions of reference nodes and simplifies offline deployment operations of an indoor positioning system. This thesis presents a system operating in a laboratory-workshop environment capable of good positioning accuracies and maintains robust performances in poor signal propagation.
Cooperative cation co-transport by supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles

We report investigations into the cation transport ability of a series of antimicrobial supramolecular, self-associating amphiphiles (SSAs). The SSAs proved to be challenging to study using standard, literature assays and we therefore describe a novel methodology to examine cation transport via a chloride co-transport assay. One SSA in this series was observed to function as a K+ and Na+ transporter with promising deliverability properties. The results shed light on a potential mechanism of microbial toxicity and inform the design of future targets.
D-allulose ameliorates adiposity through the AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α pathway in HFD-induced SD rats

Background Adiposity is a major health-risk factor, and D-allulose has beneficial effects on adiposity-related metabolic disturbances. However, the modes of action underlying anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity are partly understood. Objective This study investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of D-allulose involved in adipogenesis and activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. Design In this study, 8-week-old male SD (Sprague Dawley) rats were divided into five groups (n = 8/group), (1) Control (chow diet, 3.5%); (2) 60% HFD; (3) 60% HFD supplemented with allulose powder (AP) at 0.4 g/kg; (4) 60% HFD supplemented with allulose liquid (AL) at 0.4 g/kg; (5) 60% HFD supplemented with glucose (AL) at 0.4 g/kg. All the group received the product through oral gavage for 6 weeks. Control and HFD groups were gavaged with double-distilled water. Results Rats receiving AP and AL showed reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation in HFD-fed rats. Also, supplementation of AL/AP regulated the cytokine secretion and recovered biochemical parameters to alleviate metabolic dysfunction and hepatic injury. Additionally, AL/AP administration improved adipocyte differentiation via regulation of the PPARγ and C/EBPα signaling pathway and adipogenesis-related genes owing to the combined effect of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. Furthermore, AL/AP treatment mediated PGC-1α expression triggering mitochondrial genesis via activating the AMPK phosphorylation and SIRT1 deacetylation activity in adipose tissue. Conclusion The anti-adiposity activity of D-allulose is observed on a marked alleviation in adipogenesis and AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α deacetylation in the adipose tissue of HFD-fed rat.
A simple control technique for single-SEPIC converter based multiple output SMPS with fully regulated and isolated outputs

Switched mode power supplies (SMPS) with multiple outputs are commonly used for powering up personal computers and many other consumer electronic appliances. Multiple output SMPS circuits normally employ several DC/DC converters for regulating the voltage in each of the outputs. In this paper, a single single ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) is used to obtain multiple isolated and regulated DC outputs from a single unregulated DC input, so that the reliability and cost effectiveness of the system can be enhanced. Considering that a large number of SMPS are being used in various applications, it is essential to maintain good power quality at the AC mains side of the SMPS circuit adhering to the international standards. Average current control mode has been used in this paper to achieve unity power factor and sinusoidal current at the input side. A novel weighted error approach has been proposed to achieve excellent voltage regulation at all the outputs of the SMPS irrespective of the load variations and input supply fluctuations. The proposed system has been designed and simulated in a PSIM environment and implemented in hardware. The results obtained show an enhanced performance of the power supply in terms of its output voltage regulation and input power quality.
Study on the temperament of cows of the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed

The present study examined the temperament of 699 cows of the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed, reared in 14 farms in Bulgaria. It was carried out within the period 2017–2020. The animals subject to the study were between two and eight years old. The temperament was visually evaluated following a scoring system from 1 to 5. The assessment method involved the behavioural reaction of the cows upon manipulation, passing through a chute and fixation into a cattle crush. The temperament of cows reared in two different systems – intensive and semi-intensive farming was compared. The temperament of the Aberdeen Angus cows had an average rate of 2.74 ± 0.04. The cows which had frequent contact with people had a calmer temperament. The manner of rearing (P < 0.001) as well as the age group (P < 0.001) had a significant influence on the parameter examined. The young animals were calmer and got accustomed to working in a crush more easily when they were reared together with cows of different ages.
Hemp There it Is: Examining Consumers’ Attitudes Toward the Revitalization of Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity

Abstract This study was conducted to examine Florida consumers’ stance on legalizing the growing and processing of hemp, recently redefined as an agricultural commodity. Factors were explored that may explain their stance to provide insight into the communication needs in the early stages of the U.S. hemp industry revival. Results indicated that respondents who had more favorable attitudes toward legalizing hemp were also more likely to fall within the category of being overall “for legalizing hemp” when offered a binary choice. Further, attitude toward legalizing hemp was predicted by respondents’ objective knowledge of hemp topics, attitude toward legalizing marijuana, and perceived personal relevance of legalized hemp cultivation and production. A strong association between hemp and marijuana was also observed in both the quantitative and qualitative findings, and respondents indicated some confusion regarding the mind-altering properties of marijuana compared to hemp. As such, a key recommendation is that early communication messages and strategies be tailored toward educating the public on differences in the uses and psychoactive properties of hemp and marijuana. Future research is needed to identify other key messages needed to enhance public understanding of hemp, as well as the best methods of delivering such. Future research should be conducted with other hemp stakeholders, including policymakers, hemp license-holders, and other farmers and industry members to reconcile potential differences in key stakeholder perceptions and enhance the future viability of the industrial hemp market.
Comparative quality assessment of nor, pse and dfd beef

Comparative quality assessment of meat with NOR, PSE and DFD attributes was given in the paper. Application of NOR, PSE and DFD beef indicators in the industry was substantiated. The basic causes of attributes with the specific autolysis development were analyzed and it was found that these are age peculiarities, improper preparation of animals for slaughter and violation of their feeding and keeping. As a result, meat with deviated development of autolytic processes, including the emergence of NOR, PSE and DFD attributes may be observed. For this purpose, organoleptic quality assessment of the NOR, PSE and DFD meat in different age periods was conducted. It was found that the pigmentation in beef has directly proportional dependence on the age and sex of slaughtered animals and the meat color. The pigmentation in DFD meat was higher compared to NOR meat from bulls aged 18-24 months - by 85.9% (p<0.001); bulls aged 24-36 months - by 86.8% (p<0.001); cows - by 74.8% (p<0.001). Least pigments are contained in PSE beef: from bulls aged 18-24 months - 1.88 mg/cm 3 , bulls aged 24-36 months - 2.09, cows - 2.71 mg/cm 3 , so pale pink color is typical for such meat.
A current-mode two-quadrant multiplier for analogue array-based neural systems

In this paper an analogue two-quadrant multiplier suited for the implementation of large arrays of multipliers, as in the case of analogue VLSI implementation of artificial neural networks, is presented. To pursue low power consumption and to minimize the silicon area a translinear current mode approach has been adopted. Moreover, we coded the synaptic weight value as the absolute value and sign, thus splitting the circuit into a simple one-quadrant multiplier and a weight sign management. Experimental results are reported and discussed.
Editorial: Mechanisms of Cell Adhesion in Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Cardiovascular Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy