Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 7L and 11L High Step-Up SCMLI Topology With Reduced Component Voltage Stress

This article proposes a new capacitor-based multilevel inverter topology (CBMLI) with fewer devices and reduced voltage stress on capacitors and switches. In addition, the proposed topology can be configured as either a 7-level (7L) or 11L circuit with a maximum voltage gain of 3 and 2.5 times, respectively. Comparisons are made between the proposed topology and existing recent CBMLI topologies, and various power loss analyses are presented. The capacitance values are determined by selecting the maximum discharging period, and the associated analysis is presented. Using the simulation software MATLAB/Simulink, the performance of the proposed circuit topology is validated, and the same is tested in the hardware setup. The various dynamic performance characteristics, such as loading changes, input variations, and modulation index, are validated, and the resulting data is discussed.
Role of land surface in controlling daytime cloud amount: Two case studies in the GCIP‐SW area

Two summertime cases are studied, in which fields of low cumulus clouds develop out of an initially clear sky under quiescent synoptic scale conditions. Both sites fall within the southwest study area of the GEWEX (Global Energy and Water cycle Experiment) Continental-Scale International Project (GCIP). The cases are modeled using a one-dimensional soil-vegetation-boundary layer model known as the parameterization for land-atmosphere-cloud exchange (PLACE). PLACE accurately predicts cloud onset and amount in both cases, one from the First International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) Field Experiment (FIFE) in Kansas and one from Oklahoma. Sensitivity tests with PLACE show further that in the Oklahoma case, morning cloud amount is highly sensitive to land surface characteristics, whereas in the FIFE case, much less sensitivity is found, primarily due to differences in the predawn atmospheric thermodynamic structure through which the boundary layer must grow. Analysis of observational data, including cloud amount inferred from GOES visible data and vegetation index from the advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) data confirm that the PLACE model predictions of sensitivities and of the sensitivity differences between cases are correct. In the Oklahoma case, atmospheric conditions and soil moisture are relatively uniform across the study area, but a significant gradient of satellite-derived vegetation index is observed. Clouds form quickly due to a very shallow nocturnal inversion, with strong lapse conditions above. They form first over the hotter, more sparsely vegetated areas. Over areas covered with deciduous forest, clouds were observed to form 1 to 2 hours later due to the suppression of vertical mixing caused by increased latent heat release. In the FIFE case, because of a deep preexisting stable layer in the atmosphere the primary cause of spatial variations in morning cloud amount appears to be the amount of moisture in low levels of the atmosphere. In the afternoon, once the stable layer has been eroded, the FIFE study area begins to demonstrate more sensitivity of cloud amount to surface characteristics.
Population characteristics of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins at Richards Bay, South Africa: implications for incidental capture in shark nets

The population characteristics of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins ( Sousa chinensis ) were investigated at Richards Bay, South Africa, from April to October 1998. This area has the highest incidental catches of humpback dolphins in shark nets on the KwaZulu- Natal coast. A minimum of 181 individuals were individually identified in a boat-based photo-identification study and this sampled population appeared to be open in nature. Long-term photo-identification suggested that some humpback dolphins display longdistance movement patterns (up to 150 km), while other individuals display long-term residency within the KwaZulu-Natal area. Investigation into the associations between individual humpback dolphins yielded low and varying levels of affiliations. Unfamiliarity and naivete of individual dolphins to netted areas seemed to be the main factors affecting captures in shark nets.
Resilience mediates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in a sample of adults in Panama

Background The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by global increases in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Previous studies have shown that resilience mitigates these symptoms, however there is limited research exploring the link between resilience and mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic in Central America. Objective To examine the role of resilience as it relates to the perceived effect of the pandemic on mental health symptoms. Methods A sample of 480 adults in Panama were recruited from March to May 2021 to complete an online survey. The online survey consisted of sociodemographic questions and scale measures assessing depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, resilience, and social support. Results Results indicated that resilience mediated the relationship between the perceived effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health symptoms; participants who felt more personally affected by the pandemic reported more depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms via decreased resilience. Further analyses revealed that resilience was moderated by sex and social support, showing that the indirect effect of resilience was greater for women and individuals who perceived low social support. Discussion These findings contribute to a growing body of research documenting the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and reveal potential mechanisms through which pandemic-related distress decreases resilience, thereby increasing symptoms of mental illness.
A Rebel against the Volk

Abstract This paper discusses Hannah Arendt’s model of the Jewish pariah, developed in her study of Jewish assimilation. The argument is that Arendt’s model represents her early efforts to move beyond Martin Heidegger’s philosophy. The paper focuses on Arendt’s concept of a conscious pariah as a model for political resistance, independence, and agency. It shows how Arendt infused elements of Heidegger’s philosophy into her early vision of Jewish politics, while also transcending the limits of Heidegger’s ontological project with her political vision. The paper suggests that Arendt’s book on Rahel Varnhagen shares similarities with Heidegger’s work on Mitsein in Being and Time, while her 1944 model of the conscious pariah, especially the focus on the pariah as a rebel, illustrates her concerns with Heidegger’s work on the Volk.
Development of soil quality indices for natural forest habitats of lowlands and uplands in Poland and its application in silviculture: project description.

The project involves a soil study for natural forest plant communities as a model for sustainable development of forest resources in Poland. The objective of this project is to describe the features of soils typical for specific forests types, to prepare them in a classical format and in the numerical soil quality index (SQI) and to implement this knowledge in forestry practice. Application of this index in forest site cartography is an innovation and constitutes significant progress in the research on natural soil/plants relations, which facilitates planning the plant composition for a renewed forest. The scope of work covers defining around 200 research plots within Poland’s lowlands and highlands. The soil biogeochemical analyses will be held along with plant composition description and work on tree taxonomy. The research also covers the impact of individual species on soil properties, which allows description of its variability in time and space as well as its effects for SQI. The research covered by this project provides for a better use and management of forest soil resources. Sustainable forest growth as the main purpose of its management, which means integrating the production of timber, energy, clean water, carbon storage and biodiversity with the tourist and curative values of forests, is of high importance to the society. It is directed at improving the biological diversity in silviculture, as well as in farmlands designed for afforestation.
Quality of cancer treatment care before and after a palliative care pathway: bereaved relatives’ perspectives

Objective Appropriate communication between healthcare providers and patients and their families is an essential part of good (palliative) care. We investigated whether implementation of a standardised palliative care pathway (PCP) facilitated communication, that is, aspects of shared decision-making (SDM), including advance care planning (ACP) conversations and satisfaction with care as experienced by bereaved relatives of patients with advanced cancer. Methods We conducted a prospective preintervention and postintervention study in a hospital. Questionnaires were sent to relatives of patients who died between February 2014 and February 2015 (pre-PCP period) or between November 2015 and November 2016 (post-PCP period). Relatives’ perceptions on communication and satisfaction with care were assessed using parts of the Views of Informal Carers—Evaluation of Services and IN-PATSAT32 Questionnaires. Results 195 (46%) and 180 (42%) bereaved relatives completed the questionnaire in the pre-PCP and post-PCP period, respectively. The majority of all patients in both the pre-PCP period and the post-PCP period had been told they had an incurable illness (92% and 89%, respectively, p=0.544), mostly in the presence of a relative (88% and 85%, respectively, p=0.865) and had discussed their preferences for end-of-life (EOL) treatment (82% and 76%, respectively, p=0.426). Bereaved relatives were reasonably satisfied with the received hospital care in both groups. Conclusions We found no overall effect of the PCP on the communication process and satisfaction with EOL care of bereaved relatives. Before the use of the PCP bereaved relatives already reported favourably about the EOL care provided.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Without Invasive Ventilation for Respiratory Failure in Adults: A Systematic Review*

OBJECTIVES: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced treatment for acute severe respiratory failure. Patients on ECMO are frequently maintained sedated and immobilized until weaning from ECMO, first, and then from mechanical ventilation. Avoidance of sedation and invasive ventilation during ECMO may have potential advantages. We performed a systematic literature review to assess efficacy and safety of awake ECMO without invasive ventilation in patients with respiratory failure. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for studies reporting outcome of awake ECMO for adult patients with respiratory failure. STUDY SELECTION: We included all studies reporting outcome of awake ECMO in patients with respiratory failure. Studies on ECMO for cardiovascular failure, cardiac arrest, or perioperative support and studies on pediatric patients were excluded. Two investigators independently screened and selected studies for inclusion. DATA EXTRACTION: Two investigators abstracted data on study characteristics, rate of awake ECMO failure, and mortality. Primary outcome was rate of awake ECMO failure (need for intubation). Pooled estimates with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated. Subgroup analyses by setting were performed. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 57 studies (28 case reports) included data from 467 awake ECMO patients. The subgroup of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome showed a pooled estimate for awake ECMO failure of 39.3% (95% CI, 24.0–54.7%), while in patients bridged to lung transplantation, pooled estimate was 23.4% (95% CI, 13.3–33.5%). Longest follow-up mortality was 121 of 439 (pooled estimate, 28%; 95% CI, 22.3–33.6%). Mortality in patients who failed awake ECMO strategy was 43 of 74 (pooled estimate, 57.2%; 95% CI, 40.2–74.3%). Two cases of cannula self-removal were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Awake ECMO is feasible in selected patients, although the effect on outcome remains to be demonstrated. Mortality is almost 60% in patients who failed awake ECMO strategy.
New mammals from south-central Pyrenees (Tremp Formation, Spain) and their bearing on late Paleocene marine-continental correlations

Ten mammalian taxa have been recovered from four localities in the upper part of the Tremp Formation (south-central Pyrenees). Its stratigraphic position allows the localities to be correlated with the Sphaerochara edda charophyte zone, the lower part of the NP9 nannoplancton zone and magnetochron C24r, below the marine Paleocene/Eocene boundary. Seven of these taxa are described, among them: Afrodon ivani Pelaez-Campomanes nov. sp. , related to other congeneric species from the MP 5-6 mammal units; Nosella europaea Pelaez-Campomanes nov. gen. nov. sp. also found in the MP 6 Cernay locality, and Microhyus cf. musculus Teilhard de Chardin, similar to the MP 7 Dormaal sample. The mixed composition between Cernaysian and Neustrian faunas of the Tremp sites make necessary the definition of a new reference level MP 6b with Claret 4 as a reference locality. The new reference level MP 6b is correlated with the lower Clarkforkian Cf 1-2 units, both showing a low species richness and low diversity index comparing with earlier and younger assemblages. This diversity change is related to the late Paleocene Thermal Maximum event, detected in a similar chronological situation (base of C24r chron) in the marine and continental realms. The beginning of the Neustrian reference level MP 7 with highly diversified faunas is correlated with upper Clarkforkian Zone Cf 3, based on faunal composition and the delta 13 C excursion.
Student Identity Sense-Making and the Study Abroad Experience

Student experiences have long been discussed within the field of international education. Most studies focus on the overwhelming positive benefits students may have before, during, and after the study abroad experience. Not surprisingly, the percentage of undergraduate students who study abroad continues to increase. While there are certainly benefits to studying abroad, few studies have emerged that highlight the negative effects of study abroad. This study focuses on the potential adversity the study abroad experience may have on students, specifically in terms of identity-sense making prior to, during, and after their study abroad programs. This paper argues that by focusing on adversity with the study abroad experience, institutions can better prepare students for both the negative and positive outcomes of international education. The results of this study suggest that, with more resources that engage in identity sense-making, students will have the tools to mitigate negative international experiences.
UAV-Pose: A Dual Capture Network Algorithm for Low Altitude UAV Attitude Detection and Tracking

This paper presents a low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attitude detection and tracking algorithm, named UAV-Pose. In the context of low-altitude UAV countermeasure tasks, precise attitude detection and tracking are crucial for achieving laser-guided precision strikes. To meet the varying requirements during the tracking stages, this study designs two capture networks with different resolutions. Firstly, a lightweight bottleneck structure, GhostNeck, is introduced to accelerate detection speed. Secondly, a significant improvement in detection accuracy is achieved by integrating an attention mechanism and SimCC loss. Additionally, a data augmentation method is proposed to adapt to attitude detection under atmospheric turbulence. A self-collected dataset, named UAV-ADT (UAV Attitude Detection and Tracking), is constructed for training and evaluating the target detection algorithm. The algorithm is deployed using the TensorRT tool and tested on the UAV-ADT dataset, demonstrating a detection speed of 300 frames per second (FPS) with a map75 reaching 97.8% and a PCK (Percentage of Correct Keypoints) metric reaching 99.3%. Real-world field experiments further validate the accurate detection and continuous tracking of UAV attitudes, providing essential support for counter-UAV operations.
Radiometric correction in range-SPECAN SAR processing

This thesis investigates the reasons for, and proposes correction methods to reduce the scalloping inherent in the range dimension in images processed using the SPECAN SAR processing algorithm. These corrections methods are successfully tested using ERS-1 satellite data. The SPECAN algorithm was developed in 1979 by MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates, as a multilook version of the deramp/FFT method of pulse compression. The algorithm provides an efficient method of producing spaceborne SAR imagery of modest resolution, which makes it ideal for quicklook imaging. Widespread use of the algorithm in quicklook imaging, however, is hindered by the scalloping present in both the range and azimuth dimensions of the image. This thesis concentrates on correction of range scalloping by presenting explanations for the two types of scalloping present in the range dimension of SPECAN processed images. The basic scalloping present in all scenes is due to the time variation in the envelope of the transmitted signal. The extra scalloping seen in some scenes is due to clipping of the ERS-1 raw data. Because of the geometry of the SPECAN processing cycles, the radiometry of the output is sensitive to the transmitted chirp amplitude. The 0.5 dB power difference between the beginning and end of the transmitted chirp is reflected in each compressed output segment, creating a periodic lightening and darkening throughout the image. This banding effect is especially noticeable in low contrast scenes. This problem is corrected using the chirp replica which is embedded in the data header as an estimate of the pulse shape. The extra scalloping observed in some high reflectivity scenes is attributed to the clipping of the ERS-1 raw data in these scenes. Clipping causes attenuation in the output power. This power loss varies along range according to the degree of saturation, and is different for each compressed data block, thereby creating a discontinuity between adjacent compressed segments
The effect of a single-session heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control: does stress matter?

Introduction Vagally mediated heart rate variability is an index of autonomic nervous system activity that is associated with a large variety of outcome variables including psychopathology and self-regulation. While practicing heart rate variability biofeedback over several weeks has been reliably associated with a number of positive outcomes, its acute effects are not well known. As the strongest association with vagally mediated heart rate variability has been found particularly within the attention-related subdomain of self-regulation, we investigated the acute effect of heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control using the revised Attention Network Test. Methods Fifty-six participants were tested in two sessions. In one session each participant received a heart rate variability biofeedback intervention, and in the other session a control intervention of paced breathing at a normal ventilation rate. After the biofeedback or control intervention, participants completed the Attention Network Test using the Orienting Score as a measure of attentional control. Results Mixed models revealed that higher resting baseline vagally mediated heart rate variability was associated with better performance in attentional control, which suggests more efficient direction of attention to target stimuli. There was no significant main effect of the intervention on attentional control. However, an interaction effect indicated better performance in attentional control after biofeedback in individuals who reported higher current stress levels. Discussion The results point to acute beneficial effects of heart rate variability biofeedback on cognitive performance in highly stressed individuals. Although promising, the results need to be replicated in larger or more targeted samples in order to reach stronger conclusions about the effects.
Understanding Farmers’ Perceptions and Risk Responses to Climate Change in China

Agriculture is likely to bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change. The extent to which these impacts are felt depends in large part on the extent of adaptation in response to climate change. The overall aim of this paper is to attempt to identify farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and risk responses towards climate change (or potential change). In order to achieve this goal, several specific objectives are pursued. First, the paper investigates whether or not farmers have perceived the long-term climate change and extreme weather events. Second, the paper describes how farmers respond to climate change and tries to assess the determinants of their adaptation. Based on data collected from a survey among farm households in three provinces in rural China, the findings demonstrate that farmers are aware of climate variability and identify the rising temperature, decreasing precipitation and the increasing frequency of drought. Only about 25% of farmers are willing to adjust their farming structures as a risk reaction. Household size, wealth, farm size, and the number of plots are found to be important factors that influence farmer adaptive capacity. Implications for policymaking on agriculture and adaptation to climate change will be to focus on providing farmers with information about the climate in time and facilitating enhancement of their adaptive capacity.
Improving the accuracy of QoT estimation with insertion loss distribution evaluation for C + L band transmission systems

The accuracy of quality of transmission (QoT) estimation is crucial for software-defined optical networks (SDONs), where network planning and system management of the centralized controller depend on reliable performance evaluation. The insertion loss (IL) commonly exists along the light path between the transmitter side (Tx) and the receiver side (Rx) in fiber optical transmission systems, and the IL values vary for each connector and pigtail. In the case of C + L band transmission systems that are about to be deployed on a large scale, in the presence of severe stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), IL further influences the launch power profile (LPP) as well as the noise spectrum, and the process in the QoT estimation will be disturbed without available IL values. Therefore, there is a great need for an accurate calculation method of IL distribution. In this paper, we propose a method to estimate IL distribution in fiber optical transmission links to improve the accuracy of QoT estimation based on the SRS effect. The results demonstrate that, compared with other common methods, our proposed method greatly improves the accuracy of QoT estimation for C + L band transmission systems with accurate IL distribution evaluation. The high accuracy, robustness, and ability to adapt dynamic conditions make our proposed method a promising QoT estimation scheme in practical C + L band fiber optical communication systems.