Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Bionic Systems for the Replacement of Hand Function

In recent years, thanks to the advancement of robotics and mechatronics, new and more effective devices for the restoration and replacement of sensory-motor function in disabled people have been developed. In all these systems, user acceptability is strictly connected to several issues such as the residual abilities of the subject, the mechatronic characteristics of the robot, and also the interface chosen to link them. It is possible to figure out different "human-interface-device" combinations [also defined as "hybrid bionic systems" (HBSs)] characterized by different properties in terms of level of hybridness, connection, and augmentation. In particular, in HBSs the interface has to be customized according to the characteristics of the robotic artefact to be controlled and to the desires and needs of the final users. In this paper, our attention has been focused on the problem of the replacement of hand function after amputation. Three HBSs characterized by different levels of complexity, dexterity, and sensorization are presented in order to show the possibility of developing acceptable and effective systems by choosing different levels of connection and hybridness (i.e., different interfaces) for different devices and applications. The following case studies are presented: 1) the use of invasive interfaces to the peripheral nervous system to control a dexterous and highly sensorized hand prosthesis; 2) the use of electromyographic signals recorded using surface electrodes to control a compliant adaptive prosthesis; and 3) the use of a foot interface to control a two-degrees-of-freedom prosthesis. The preliminary results achieved so far seem to confirm the idea that the correct choice of the proper interface while developing an HBS can increase effectiveness and usability
ATTACHMENT OF THIOBACILLUS THIOOXIDANS TO SULFUR CRYSTALS

Schaeffer, W. I. (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N.J.), P. E. Holbert, and W. W. Umbreit. Attachment of Thiobacillus thiooxidans to sulfur crystals. J. Bacteriol. 85:137–140. 1963. —Electron micrographs of replicas of sulfur crystals before and after attack by Thiobacillus thiooxidans show that the microorganisms erode the crystal in the area immediately adjacent to the cell. When there are many cells, the entire crystal surface appears eroded.
Motives for attending live stand-up comedy : an audiences ’ perspective

Traditional arts institutions like theatres are battling to sustain audiences due to an abundance of competing leisure and entertainment activities as well as fewer of the young generations showing interest in live theatre performances. Arts institutions are therefore increasingly focused on capturing, satisfying and sustaining audience by means of understanding their audience’s needs in terms of art consumption. Research exploring performing arts consumption from an audiences’ perspective is, however, very limited. Indeed, relatively little is known about what really is of significance for audiences when they visit the theatre and is particularly true in the South African theatre context. Furthermore, motives appear to differ from genre to genre suggesting that arts audiences are heterogeneous in terms of their motives. This article therefore explores the motives of a particular theatre genre: live stand-up comedy as this genre, despite being an increasing popular mode of entertainment, has been overlooked in most theatre studies. The research findings contribute to understanding the profile and motives of the comedy theatre market in South Africa, and the study narrows the gap in arts literature regarding theatre audiences for a particular type of theatre production. It is suggested that knowledge of audiences’ motives be used as a differentiating strategy to assist in creating a competitive advantage over the abundance of permanent live stand-up comedy venues in Cape Town, South Africa.
MODEL OF A PV / THERMAL UNGLAZED TRANSPIRED SOLAR COLLECTOR

In the last few years, unglazed transpired solar collectors (UTC) have demonstrated as being an effective and viable method of reducing HVAC load and building energy consumption. With the growing interest in combined photovoltaic-thermal collectors (PV/Thermal), the potential of PV/Thermal unglazed transpired solar collectors is currently being studied intensively. This paper presents a model to predict the performance of a PVT unglazed transpired corrugated solar collector with PV cells mounted on the absorber plate. The mathematical model developed to predict the performance of this collector is to be implemented as a component in TRNSYS, and is based on an actual TRNSYS UTC flat plate collector model. Changes were made to this model to account for both the corrugated shape of the plate, and the addition of PV cells on some surfaces. INTRODUCTION In the last few years, unglazed transpired solar collectors (UTC) have demonstrated as being an effective and viable method of reducing HVAC load and building energy consumption. With their capacity to directly preheat outside air, UTC’s are a costeffective option for buildings requiring a large amount of hot fresh air or for solar crop drying applications. A well-known UTC, the Solarwall®, appeared in the 1990’s and has been installed in 25 different countries on commercial, industrial, institutional and multiresidential buildings (Conserval Engineering Inc.). In this analysis the PV cells are mounted directly on some surfaces of the collector, leaving the holes uncovered. The model, formulated as a TRNSYS component, predicts the performance of a PV/Thermal unglazed transpired solar collector with a trapezoidal corrugated shape. Figure 2 presents the two different configurations studied in this analysis. In configuration a), only the top of the corrugations are covered with PV cells while in configuration b), PV cells are deposited on the whole surface of the collector. Figure 1. PV/Thermal collector configurations
Genetic and molecular alterations in olfactory neuroblastoma: implications for pathogenesis, prognosis and treatment

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB, Esthesioneuroblastoma) is an infrequent neoplasm of the head and neck area derived from olfactory neuroepithelium. Despite relatively good prognosis a subset of patients shows recurrence, progression and/or metastatic disease, which requires additional treatment. However, neither prognostic nor predictive factors are well specified. Thus, we performed a literature search for the currently available data on disturbances in molecular pathways, cytogenetic changes and results gained by next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches in ONB in order to gain an overview of genetic alterations which might be useful for treating patients with ONB. We present briefly ONB molecular pathogenesis and propose potential therapeutic targets and prognostic factors. Possible therapeutic targets in ONB include: receptor tyrosine kinases (c-kit, PDGFR-b, TrkB; EGFR); somatostatin receptor; FGF-FGFR1 signaling; Sonic hedgehog pathway; apoptosis-related pathways (Bcl-2, TRAIL) and neoangiogenesis (VEGF; KDR). Furthermore, we compare high- and low-grade ONB, and describe its frequent mimicker: sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma. ONB is often a therapeutic challenge, so our goal should be the implementation of acquired knowledge into clinical practice, especially at pretreated, recurrent and metastatic stages. Moreover, the multicenter molecular studies are needed to increase the amount of available data.
Untangling the Contribution of the Subcomponents of Working Memory to Mathematical Proficiency as Measured by the National Tests: A Study among Swedish Third Graders

The aim with the present study was to examine the relationship between the subcomponents in working memory (WM) and mathematical performance, as measured by the National tests in a sample of 597 Swedish third-grade pupils. In line with compelling evidence of other studies, individual differences in WM capacity significantly predicted mathematical performance. Dividing the sample into four groups, based on their mathematical performance, revealed that mathematical ability can be conceptualized in terms of different WM profiles. Pupils categorized as High-math performers particularly differed from the other three groups in having a significant higher phonological ability. In contrast, pupils categorized as Low-math performers were particularly characterized by having a significant lower visuo-spatial ability. Findings suggest that it is important for educators to recognize and acknowledge individual differences in WM to support mathematical achievement at an individual level.
Review of factors influencing social learning within participatory environmental governance

Participatory environmental governance might foster social learning, which could lead to the necessary process of social change toward sustainable development. However, current research is still largely inconclusive regarding how and under what conditions participatory environmental governance enhances social learning. Here, my aim is to improve the understanding of how participatory framework conditions influence social learning and to provide a reference point for future research. I conducted a narrative literature review, consolidating multifaceted empirical research to identify and discuss factors that explain social learning. The literature comprised 72 publications and resulted in 11 factors that are highly interconnected. These interconnections denote the causes of social learning. However, some factors such as the personal characteristics of participants have only been marginally investigated. In addition, although cognitive change is theoretically an essential element of social learning, it has rarely been investigated in the reviewed studies. Knowledge acquisition was assessed most often, but does not always lead to cognitive change. A research gap was identified between what is theoretically discussed as social learning processes and what is empirically analyzed. This review therefore presents the state of knowledge about how participatory environmental governance fosters social learning and suggests future research.
Localized LQR optimal control

This paper introduces a receding horizon like control scheme for localizable distributed systems, in which the effect of each local disturbance is limited spatially and temporally. We characterize such systems by a set of linear equality constraints, and show that the resulting feasibility test can be solved in a localized and distributed way. We also show that the solution of the local feasibility tests can be used to synthesize a receding horizon like controller that achieves the desired closed loop response in a localized manner as well. Finally, we formulate the Localized LQR (LLQR) optimal control problem and derive an analytic solution for the optimal controller. Through a numerical example, we show that the LLQR optimal controller, with its constraints on locality, settling time, and communication delay, can achieve similar performance as an unconstrained ℋ2 optimal controller, but can be designed and implemented in a localized and distributed way.
Electrical-Based Diagnostic Techniques for Assessing Insulation Condition in Aged Transformers

The condition of the internal cellulosic paper and oil insulation are of concern for the performance of power transformers. Over the years, a number of methods have been developed to diagnose and monitor the degradation/aging of the transformer internal insulation system. Some of this degradation/aging can be assessed from electrical responses. Currently there are a variety of electrical-based diagnostic techniques available for insulation condition monitoring of power transformers. In most cases, the electrical signals being monitored are due to mechanical or electric changes caused by physical changes in resistivity, inductance or capacitance, moisture, contamination or aging by-products in the insulation. This paper presents a description of commonly used and modern electrical-based diagnostic techniques along with their interpretation schemes.
Combining symbolic and partial order methods for model checking 1-safe Petri nets

In this work, methods are presented for model checking finite state asynchronous systems, more specifically 1-safe Petri nets, with the aim of alleviating the state explosion problem. Symbolic model checking techniques are used, combined with two partial order semantics known as net unfoldings and processes. We start with net unfoldings and study deadlock and reachability checking problems, using complete finite prefixes of net unfoldings introduced by McMillan. It is shown how these problems can be translated compactly into the problem of finding a stable model of a logic program. This combined with an efficient procedure for finding stable models of a logic program, the Smodels system, provides the basis of a prefix based model checking procedure for deadlock and reachability properties, which is competitive with previously published procedures using prefixes. This work shows that, if the only thing one can assume from a prefix is that it is complete, nested reachability properties are relatively hard. Namely, for several widely used temporal logics which can express a violation of a certain fixed safety property, model checking is PSPACE-complete in the size of the complete finite prefix. A model checking approach is devised for the linear temporal logic LTL-X using complete finite prefixes. The approach makes the complete finite prefix generation formula specific, and the prefix completeness notion application specific. Using these ideas, an LTL-X model checker has been implemented as a variant of a prefix generation algorithm. The use of bounded model checking for asynchronous systems is studied. A method to express the process semantics of a 1-safe Petri net in symbolic form as a set of satisfying truth assignments of a constrained Boolean circuit is presented. In the experiments the BCSat system is used as a circuit satisfiability checker. Another contribution employs logic programs with stable model semantics to develop a new linear size bounded LTL-X model checking translation that can be used with step semantics of 1-safe Petri nets.
An Investigation Into the Measurement and Prediction of Mechanical Stiffness of Lower Limb Prostheses Used for Running

Two energy return prosthesis are subjected to three different statically applied loading methods. This initial study proposes that statically applied loading to a sport prosthesis using several controlled methods were statistically robust enough to derive a mechanical stiffness value. However, any predicted stiffness is drawn into question when allowing any movement of the distal end. This uncertainty will make any evaluation or prescription of lower limb prosthesis technology based upon their stiffness incorrect. In addition, the peak calculated stiffness at the expected bodyweight induced ground impact load of a runner is judged the most representative assessment method. This study attempts to build on previous research advocating the need to monitor the performance of prosthesis lower limb technology in disability sport.
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology Respiratory Function and Bronchial Responsiveness among Industrial Workers Exposed to Different Classes of Occupational Agents: a Study from Algeria

Occupational exposures play a role in the onset of several chronic airway diseases. We investigated, in a cross-sectional study, lung function parameters and bronchial hyper-responsiveness to histamine in workers exposed to different airborne compounds. The study group totalled 546 male subjects of whom 114 were exposed to welding fumes, 106 to solvents, 107 to mineral dust, 97 to organic dust and 123 without known exposure to airway irritants. A questionnaire was administered and spirometry and bronchial responsiveness to histamine were assessed by one observer, in the morning before work to prevent effects of acute exposure. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 39.3 (7.8) years, with a mean duration of employment of 13.8 (6.6) years. Both before and after adjustment for smoking status, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 , expressed as % predicted) was lower in welders-4.0% (95% confidence interval [CI],-6.3 to-1.8; p = 0.01) and workers exposed to solvents-5.6% (CI:-7.9 to-3.3; p = 0.0009) than in control subjects. Furthermore, solvent workers had an odds ratio of 3.43 (95% CI: 1.09– 11.6; p = 0.037) for bronchial hyperresponsiveness compared with the reference group. The higher prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in solvent workers adds to the growing body of evidence of adverse respiratory effects of occupational solvent exposure. These results point to the necessity of preventive measures in solvent workers to avoid these adverse respiratory effects.
2 EPo 1 A-02 1 Fabrication Process and Properties of Fully-Planarized Deep-Submicron Nb / Al-AlO x / Nb Josephson Junctions for VLSI Circuits

A fabrication process for Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb Josephson junctions (JJs) with sizes down to 200 nm has been developed on a 200-mm-wafer tool set typical for a CMOS foundry. This process is a core of several nodes of fully-planarized fabrication processes developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory for superconductor integrated circuits with 4, 8, and 10 niobium layers. The process utilizes 248 nm photolithography, anodization, high density plasma etching, and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) for planarization of SiO2 interlayer dielectric. JJ electric properties and statistics such as on-chip and wafer spreads of critical current, Ic, normal-state conductance, GN, and run-to-run reproducibility have been measured on 200mm wafers in a broad range of JJ diameters from 200 nm to 1500 nm and critical current densities, Jc, from 10 kA/cm 2 to 50 kA/cm 2 where the JJs become selfshunted. Diffraction-limited photolithography of JJs is discussed. A relationship between JJ mask size, JJ size on wafer, and the minimum printable size for coherent and partially coherent illumination has been worked out. The GN and Ic spreads obtained have been found to be mainly caused by variations of the JJ areas and agree with the model accounting for an enhancement of mask errors near the diffraction-limited minimum printable size of JJs. Ic and GN spreads from 0.8% to 3% have been obtained for JJs with sizes from 1500 nm down to 500 nm to be utilized in Single-Flux-Quantum circuits with Jc from 10 kA/cm 2 to 50 kA/cm 2 . The spreads increase to about 8% for 200-nm JJs. Prospects for circuit densities > 10 6 JJ/cm 2 and 193nm photolithography for JJ definition are discussed.
Sampling decomposition and asymptotic zeros behaviour of sampled-data SISO systems. An eigenvalue-based approach

This paper deals with some problems concerning the zero behaviour of a class of sampled-data SISO systems. More precisely, given a continuous-time system, we derive all the sampling intervals guaranteeing the invariance of the number of unstable zeros in each interval. To perform such an analysis, we adopt an eigenvalue perturbation-based approach. Various illustrative numerical examples complete the presentation.
Religion , Occupation , and Cooperation : The Case of the Craft Guild

When the mortality rate is high, repeated interaction alone may not sustain cooperation, and religion may play an important role in shaping economic institutions. This insight explains why during the fourteenth century, when plagues decimated populations and the church promoted the doctrine of purgatory, craft guilds that bundled together religious and occupational activities dominated manufacturing and commerce. During the sixteenth century, the disease environment eased, and the Reformation dispelled the doctrine of purgatory, necessitating the development of new methods of organizing industry. The logic underlying this conclusion has implications for the study of institutions, economics, and religion during the era of European ascendance and in the developing world today. JEL Classi cations: C70, D23, D43, D71, L10, N83, N93.
Design and validation of new genotypic tools for easy and reliable estimation of HIV tropism before using CCR 5 antagonists

Background: Genotypic tools may allow easier and less expensive estimation of HIV tropism before prescription of CCR5 antagonists compared with the Trofile assay (Monogram Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA). Methods: Paired genotypic and Trofile results were compared in plasma samples derived from the maraviroc expanded access programme (EAP) in Europe. A new genotypic approach was built to improve the sensitivity to detect X4 variants based on an optimization of the webPSSM algorithm. Then, the new tool was validated in specimens from patients included in the ALLEGRO trial, a multicentre study conducted in Spain to assess the prevalence of R5 variants in treatment-experienced HIV patients.
Smt3/SUMO and Ubc9 are required for efficient APC/C‐mediated proteolysis in budding yeast

Ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis triggered by the anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is essential for sister chromatid separation and the mitotic exit. Like ubiquitylation, protein modification with the small ubiquitin‐related modifier SUMO appears to be important during mitosis, because yeast cells impaired in the SUMO‐conjugating enzyme Ubc9 were found to be blocked in mitosis and defective in cyclin degradation. Here, we analysed the role of SUMOylation in the metaphase/anaphase transition and in APC/C‐mediated proteolysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that cells depleted of Ubc9 or Smt3, the yeast SUMO protein, mostly arrested with undivided nuclei and with high levels of securin Pds1. This metaphase block was partially relieved by a deletion of PDS1. The absence of Ubc9 or Smt3 also resulted in defects in chromosome segregation. Temperature‐sensitive ubc9‐2 mutants were delayed in proteolysis of Pds1 and of cyclin Clb2 during mitosis. The requirement of SUMOylation for APC/C‐mediated degradation was tested more directly in G1‐arrested cells. Both ubc9‐2 and smt3‐331 mutants were defective in efficient degradation of Pds1 and mitotic cyclins, whereas proteolysis of unstable proteins that are not APC/C substrates was unaffected. We conclude that SUMOylation is needed for efficient proteolysis mediated by APC/C in budding yeast.
Trends in otolaryngology residency training in the surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Most patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have multilevel obstruction. Improved outcomes with multilevel surgery compared to isolated palatal surgery have been well documented. Despite this, surgical practice patterns in the United States have been slow to change. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether current practice patterns are a reflection of limited surgical residency training in hypopharyngeal procedures.