Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Where is victory most certain? The level of luck-based noise factor in Summer Olympic Games

We describe a statistical approach for the measurement of the newly defined luck-based noise factor in sports. It is defined as the difference between the actual outcome and the expected outcome based on the model predictions. We raise the question whether some sports exhibit a higher level of noise-factor than others, making investments in that sport riskier. Data from 14 individual sports in six Summer Olympic Games between 1996 and 2016 were included in the analysis. Market shares are predicted by the autoregressive linear and zero-inflated beta regression models with exogenous variables, where the higher Normalized Mean Squared Error indicates a higher noise-factor. Modern pentathlon, tennis and cycling showed the highest noise-factors, whereas swimming, table tennis and athletics were the least noisy. Possible reasons are discussed in the paper. Our analysis indicates that countries with suitable resources producing leading elite Olympic athletes are predicted to achieve higher success in sports with a lower noise-factor such as swimming. In contrast, investments in noisy sports, such as e.g., modern pentathlon, are associated with a higher risk.
Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Prevalence in meat and vegetables sold in Benin City, Nigeria

Food samples made up of three meat types of 72 samples each of fresh meat from abattoir and open traditional market and “ready to eat” grilled meat (suya) and three vegetable types consisting of 72 each of cabbage, lettuce and tomatoes all totaling 432 samples, were screened to determine the presence of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in these food items sold in Benin City, Nigeria. Of the total food samples analyzed E. coli was isolated from 365(84.45%) out of which 10(2.32%) had E. coli 0157:H7. 72(100%) each of the abattoir and open traditional market samples had E. coli, while 41(56.9%) suya samples had E. coli isolated from them. Of these, 5(6.94%) abattoir samples, 2(2.78) open traditional market and 3(4.17%) suya samples had E. coli 0157:H7 present on them. The cabbage, lettuce and tomatoes had 48(66.67%), 68(94.99%) and 64(88.8%) samples with E. coli respectively. E. coli 0157:H7 was not detected in any of the vegetable samples. Most significant of the result is the finding that E. coli 0157:H7 is present in meat sold in Benin City, Nigeria and especially in the “ready to eat” grilled meat (suya) which is consumed directly without further processing. There is therefore the need for health authorities to put in place measures to prevent possible E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak.
US Renewable Futures in the GCAM

This project examines renewable energy deployment in the United States using a version of the GCAM integrated assessment model with detailed a representation of renewables, the GCAM-RE. Electricity generation was modeled in four generation segments and 12-subregions. This level of regional and sectoral detail allows a more explicit representation of renewable energy generation. Wind, solar thermal power, and central solar PV plants are implemented in explicit resource classes with new intermittency parameterizations appropriate for each technology. A scenario analysis examines a range of assumptions for technology characteristics, climate policy, and long-distance transmission. We find that renewable generation levels grow over the century in all scenarios. As expected, renewable generation increases with lower renewable technology costs, more stringent climate policy, and if alternative low-carbon technology are not available. The availability of long distance transmission lowers policy costs and changes the renewable generation mix.
Neuromuscular fatigue kinetics are sport specific

Mechanisms underlying fatigue are commonly divided into two components. Central fatigue, involves insufficient neural drive to the muscle, and peripheral fatigue includes changes beyond the neuromuscular junction. The nature of fatiguing exercise influences the mechanical and neuromuscular parameters. This has been termed “task dependency” (Enoka and Stuart, 1992). Several studies have reported the influence of contraction mode (concentric vs eccentric), intensity, and duration use in fatiguing exercise on neuromuscular alterations (Pasquet et al. 2000). Other studies reported the influence of activity performed during the test on fatigue level (Millet and Lepers 2004). However, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the influence on fatigue of sport specificity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether fatigue kinetics and fatigue origin (central vs. peripheral adaptations) of the knee extensor muscles are sport specific.
Portable E-field strength meter system and its traceable calibration up to 1 GHz using a /spl mu/TEM cell

The newly developed E-field meter system is intended as a transfer instrument between a calibration laboratory and, for example, an EMC test facility to generate RF fields that are traceable to national standards. The system uses a flat miniature E-field sensor and software corrections for frequency response, linearity and temperature effects. The calibration procedure with a special "/spl mu/TEM" cell is described and an uncertainty budget is given.
Breeding for silicon-use efficiency, protein content and drought tolerance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): a review

ABSTRACT The production and quality of wheat are affected by abiotic constraints including water stress and soil nutrient deficiencies. It is imperative to develop drought-tolerant wheat varieties with high yield potential and enhanced grain protein content for food security. Silicon (Si) is important for plant growth and development but its role in abiotic stress tolerance has been overlooked in breeding programs. Identifying the underlying functional genes controlling drought tolerance, protein content and grain yield is essential for wheat improvement, especially under drought stress. Silicon uptake is conditioned by several Si transporter genes such as Lsi1, Lsi2 and Lsi6 and aquaporins, which facilitate transport of silicon and water between cells. The objectives of this review are to examine the role of Si in improving plant nutrition and drought tolerance, and to appraise the genetic control of Si uptake and breeding methods for improving Si uptake for drought adaptation and improved grain yield and quality. The review highlights the limited progress made in breeding for drought tolerance in wheat, especially in sub-Sahara Africa where the challenge is prevalent. Limited understanding of the genetic basis for Si uptake and physiology contribute to the limited progress in its exploitation in wheat improvement programs.
Kesulitan Pembelajaran Matematika Di Masa Pandemi: Kebutuhan Akan Modul Untuk Belajar Mandiri

Abstrak. Pelaksanaan PJJ matematika SMA di masa pandemi memiliki kendala-kendala bagi pendidik dan peserta didik. Penelitian ini mengkaji kendala yang dihadapi pada PJJ matematika SMA khususnya pada materi geometri. Penyampaian materi geometri dilakukan dengan bantuan program GeoGebra, sehingga menimbulkan pertanyaan baru apakah peserta didik mampu mempelajari materi geometri berbantuan GeoGebra melalui PJJ. Sehingga fokus pada penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui persepsi pendidik dan peserta didik mengenai pembelajaran matematika melalui PJJ, sumber belajar yang digunakan, kendala yang dialami dan kebutuhan peserta didik untuk menunjang pembelajaran matematika secara mandiri pada materi geometri melalui PJJ. Kajian dilakukan dengan desain kuantitatif eksploratif. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara dan angket. Berdasarkan hasil survey terhadap 68 peserta didik SMA, sebagian besar peserta didik mengalami kesulitan memahami materi dan kesulitan belajar secara mandiri. Selain itu, sebagian besar peserta didik merasa PJJ matematika tidak menyenangkan. Hasil analisa kebutuhan menyatakan peserta didik yang menyatakan butuh akan sumber belajar penunjang sebesar 91%. Sumber belajar berbentuk modul dengan langkah-langkah penyelesaian soal dibutuhkan oleh 98% responden. Kemudian modul yang dilengkapi langkah-langkah penggunaan GeoGebra dibutuhkan oleh 96% responden. Maka, kebutuhan belajar peserta didik untuk PJJ matematika materi geometri adalah modul dengan langkah-langkah penyelesaian soal matematika agar peserta didik mampu belajar secara mandiri.Kata Kunci: Kendala PJJ matematika, Geometri, modul matematika, Kebutuhan belajar, Pembelajaran online matematika.
Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeiten im Kindes- und Jugendalter

Stricker Nahrungsmittelallergien und ‐unverträglichkeiten sind häufige Differenzialdiagnosen nicht nur bei gastroenterologischen Symptomen. Oft wird der betreuende Arzt auf Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeiten angesprochen – dann ist eine ausführliche Anamnese essenziell, um eine zielgerichtete Diagnostik zu ermöglichen und das Risiko einer Überbehandlung zu minimieren. Dieser Beitrag stellt einige häufige Erkrankungen und ein rationales diagnostisches Vorgehen dar.
Noise analysis of gate electrode work function engineered recessed channel (GEWE-RC) MOSFET

This paper discusses the noise assessment, using ATLAS device simulation software, of a gate electrode work function engineered recessed channel (GEWE-RC) MOSFET involving an RC and GEWE design integrated onto a conventional MOSFET. Furthermore, the behaviour of GEWE-RC MOSFET is compared with that of a conventional MOSFET having the same device parameters. This paper thus optimizes and predicts the feasibility of a novel design, i.e., GEWE-RC MOSFET for high-performance applications where device and noise reduction is a major concern. The noise metrics taken into consideration are: minimum noise figure and optimum source impedance. The statistical tools auto correlation and cross correlation are also analysed owing to the random nature of noise.
SEMI-ACTIVE CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUSPENSION WITH MAGNETO-RHEOLOGICAL DAMPERS:PART III—EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION

A hardware-in-the-loop(HIL) test and simulation platform is developed in the laboratory, so as to validate the performance characteristics of the proposed skyhook-based asymmetric semi-active controller in Part I, and examine the validity of the proposed MR-damper model in a system surrounding. A real-time monitor is designed to assess and monitor the responses of the quarter-vehicle model in the HIL platform, and to select the excitation, controller synthesis, and the output displays. A drive current circuit hardware employing PID feedback technique is developed to compensate for the time delays from the servo-controller and drive current circuit, in which a small resistance is integrated in the current amplifier circuit to provide the feedback signal. The experiments were performed to measure the responses of the quarter-vehicle MR-suspension models with fixed current and the proposed semi-active MR-damping variations, under harmonic, rounded pulse and random road excitations. The measured data were compared with the corresponding model results to examine the model and controller validity, and revealed generally good agreements in the model and tested results and very little sensitivity of the tested responses to variations in the sprung mass. The HIL test results validate the effectiveness of the proposed skyhook-based semi-active asymmetric controller and its high robustness against the vehicle load variations in view of the intelligent vehicle suspension design.
A new class of negative refractive index transmission line

We propose a new class of negative refractive index transmission line in which ideal operational amplifiers are applied to form the periodically loaded negative-impedance-converted inductors and capacitors. The phase response of the new transmission line is opposite to that of a positive refractive index conventional transmission line. Unlike the existing negative refractive index transmission line, the new negative refractive index transmission line is non-dispersive and thus can lead to many novel applications such as designing new broadband devices.
Numerical modeling of MDOF structures with sliding supports using rigid‐plastic link

In this paper, the responses of multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structures on sliding supports subjected to harmonic or random base motions are investigated. Modeling of the friction force under the foundation raft is accomplished by using a fictitious rigid link which has a rigid-perfectly plastic material. This will result in identical equations of motion for the sliding structure, both in the sliding and non-sliding (stick) phases which greatly simplifies the implementation of the method into a numerical algorithm. In this model the phase transition times are determined with high accuracy. This has two advantages: first, it prevents the so-called high-frequency oscillation of the relative velocity at the end of the sliding phase, and second, the time steps can be selected so that each falls exactly within one phase of motion. In this case, the stiffness matrix of the structure remains constant throughout each phase and thus any method for solving the non-linear differential equations of motion (e.g. Newmark method) can be used without iteration. The proposed method, besides its simplicity, is numerically very efficient and considerably reduces the required analysis time compared with most of the other methods.
Effect of the loaded quality factor on power efficiency for CMOS class-E RF tuned power amplifiers

An analytical expression for the harmonic distortion and power efficiency for class-E power amplifiers is derived. By considering the nonideal behavior of the switching device, we explore the dependence of power efficiency on the quality factor of the resonant circuit, as well as the current decay angle of the active device. The result is very useful since it predicts the power efficiency in terms of circuit parameters. The analytical expression is supported by good agreement with circuit simulations.
Wafer-scale processing, assembly, and testing of tunneling infrared detectors

The individual assembly of early tunneling sensors required time and skill which were incompatible with high volume production and which produced a very large variation in key device operating parameters. This paper describes the first successful fully wafer-scale production of tunneling sensors. The sensors produced in this process feature noise and sensitivity characteristics consistent with the best tunneling sensors developed so far and are appropriate for use as state-of-the-art uncooled infrared detectors.
Monolithic integration of DFB laser with spot-size transformer for highly efficient laser fibre coupling

The monolithic integration of a mushroom type InGaAs-InGaAsP MQW DFB laser with a spot-size transformer based on a two-layer lateral taper is reported. Highly efficient coupling to a butt-joined dispersion shifted singlemode fibre with a coupling loss down to 0.9 dB and large alignment tolerances was achieved, maintaining the good spectral characteristics of an isolated DFB-laser structure. >
A paradigm shift in solar collectors

In the early 1980s a truly new inflatable solar collector design was patented. It was lightweight, inexpensive (typically one-tenth the installed cost of metal and glass equivalents), self-supporting and self-erecting/storing. Moneys raised in the ensuing public offering were depleted and the energy crisis ended before the development company, and the market, could exploit the true potential of the product. In this paper the product is re-evaluated in light of two contemporary applications; the inexpensive heating of building make-up air (to avoid the "sick building" syndrome and Radon concerns) and as an inexpensive platform for photovoltaic arrays. It is shown that payback for the system applied to heating make-up air can occur within the first year of operation.
Adaptive pre-equalization in analog heterodyne architectures for wireless LAN

The IEEE802.11a wireless LAN standard defines a high system performance and therefore requires a certain signal accuracy for the OFDM transmitter output. Taking the potential analog low, medium IF and RF filter imperfections into account, it is necessary to pre-equalize the signal stream digitally before transmitting. The paper concentrates on the description of the OFDM transmitter front-end architecture and the adaptive decision-aided pre-equalization in the digital domain. The mathematics of the pre-equalization process are derived from the well known post-equalization respective channel-equalization case. Finally simulation results are presented.
Analyzing Common Criteria Shortcomings to Improve its Efficacy

Information security has become a key concern for organizations conducting business in the current electronic era. Rapid technological development continuously creates novel security threats, making IT an uncertain infrastructure. So the security is an important factor for the vendors as well as for the consumers. To fulfill the security needs, IT companies have to adopt some standards to assure some levels that concern with the security in their product. Common Criteria (CC) is one of the standards that maintains and controls the security of IT products. Many other standards are also available to assure the security in products but like these standards CC has its own pros and cons. It does not impose predefined security rules that a product should exhibit but a language for security evaluation. CC has certain advantages due to its ability to address all the three dimensions: a) it provides opportunity for users to specify their security requirements, b) an implementation guide for the developers and c) provides comprehensive criteria to evaluate the security requirements. On the downside, it requires considerable amount of resources and is quite time consuming. Another is security requirements that it evaluates and must be defined before the project start which is in direct conflict with the rapidly changing security threat environment. In this research thesis we will analyze the core issues and find the major causes for the criticism. Many IT users in USA and UK have reservations with CC evaluation because of its limitations. We will analyze the CC shortcomings and document them that will be useful for researchers to have an idea of shortcomings associated with CC. This study will potentially be able to strengthen the CC usage with a more effective and responsive evaluation methodology for IT community.
Der pünktliche morgendliche OP-Beginn

Um einen pünktlichen morgendlichen OP-Beginn zu gewährleisten muss eine Vielzahl von Personengruppen aus verschiedenen Bereichen, mit unterschiedlichen Ausbildungsniveaus, aber auch mitunter unterschiedlichen Interessen, Hand in Hand arbeiten, und zusätzlich muss eine Reihe von Prozessschritten im Idealfall „just in time“ ablaufen. Zu keinem anderen Zeitpunkt des Tages ist das Patientenaufkommen so hoch wie am Beginn eines OP-Tages. Im weiteren Verlauf des Tages kommt es zu einer breiteren Streuung und Entzerrung des Arbeitsaufkommens. Die ersten operativen Fälle eines Tages jedoch werden in den meisten deutschen Krankenhäusern (fast) gleichzeitig bestellt, von Station in den OP transportiert und eingeschleust, um anschließend in den OP-Sälen versorgt zu werden. Bei jedem der genannten Prozessschritte kann es aufgrund mangelnder Vorbereitung, nicht zeitgerecht verfügbaren Personals und unerwarteter Komplikationen oder Schwierigkeiten zu Verzögerungen kommen.
Three sides of the same coin? comparing party positions in VAAs, expert surveys and manifesto data

ABSTRACT Existing research on political parties’ policy positions has traditionally relied on expert surveys and/or party manifesto data. More recently, Voting Advice Applications (VAAs) have been increasingly used as an additional method for locating parties in the policy space, with a closer focus on concrete policy issues. In this manuscript, we examine the reliability of party positions originated from a VAA, utilising the euandi longitudinal dataset, which provides data on positions of over 400 unique political parties across 28 EU member states from the European Parliament elections of 2009, 2014 and 2019. We cross-validate euandi data with the Comparative Manifesto Project (CMP) and the Chapel Hill Expert Survey (CHES). Our results attest the reliability of the euandi trend file vis-à-vis remaining data sources, demonstrating the validity of VAA-based methods to estimate the policy positions of European political parties. Convergence is especially high with CHES party placements. We also explore the sources of divergence in the estimation of policy positions across the three methods, finding little evidence of a systematic source of bias in the estimates between datasets. We conclude with an inventory of arguments in favour of party position measurements used by VAAs for the study of policy-making in European democracies.
Parent Involvement in School Based Activities under Mongar and Yadi Cluster Primary Schools of Bhutan

This research aimed to examine how primary schools involve parents in school based activities in urban, semi urban and rural primary schools under the Yadi and Mongar Cluster of Mongar District. It also aimed to find some of the challenges faced by the primary schools on parent involvement [PI] in school based activities. Three principals and twenty teachers of three different settings were selected based on purposive sampling in this qualitative case study employing semi-structured interview, observation and document analysis tools. The findings of this study revealed that the primary schools under study involved more parents in non-academic school based activities than in academic school based activities due to lack of policy on PI in school, level of parents’ education, time constraint, work load, and attitudes of parents, principals and teachers. This study could benefit the stakeholders to enhance PI in meaningful ways and contribute to the success of children and school development.
A 21.6dBm CMOS power amplifier using a compact high-k output transformer for X-band application

CMOS power amplifier (PA) has advantages in power consumption and integration, while the lower operating voltage limits its output power. An area efficient power combiner needs to be designed to improve the output power of CMOS PA. An X-band integrated PA using 65-nm CMOS bulk technology was presented in this work. The whole PA consists of two differential stages: a one-way drive amplifier and a two-way main amplifier. By employing a compactly designed high- k output transformer, the CMOS PA occupied a small core-area of 0.47×0.57mm 2 , and delivered 21.6 dBm of measured saturated output power with 23.6% of power-added efficiency at 10 GHz from a 1.2-V power supply. Simultaneously, this PA can operate well in 8~15 GHz wideband.
An Economic Synthesis of New Thiazole Derivative as a Potent Anticancer, Anti-Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, and Larvicidal Agent

Abstract In this article, the synthesis of a new thiazole derivative using a novel and economic synthetic route is described. This compound has antitumor, antimicrobial, and larvicidal properties. It is worth noting that the synthesized thiazole has been patented [No. US 10,501,426 B1; date of patent: December 10, 2019].