Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
International Symposium on Intelligent Manufacturing and Automation , DAAAM 2014 Improving the Finite Element Simulation of Wear of Total Hip Prosthesis ' Spherical Joint with the Polymeric Component

The advanced model of wear in the spherical joint of total hip prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in combination with a metal or ceramic femoral head is developed. The wear model is based on the classical Archard-Lancaster equation in common with all other studies reported in literature. The finite element solution of the contact problem between the cup and the head was employed under the loading and angular motions conditions according to the ISO 14242-1 demands. The polymer wear in terms of cumulative linear and volume wear when the wear factor is chosen to be a function of contact pressure is first evaluated. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of DAAAM International Vienna.
Post-common-envelope binaries from SDSS. IX: Constraining the common-envelope efficiency

Context. Reconstructing the evolution of post-common-envelope binaries (PCEBs) consisting of a white dwarf and a main-sequence star can constrain current prescriptions of common-envelope (CE) evolution. This potential could so far not be fully exploited due to the small number of known systems and the inhomogeneity of the sample. Recent extensive follow-up observations of white dwarf/main-sequence binaries identified by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) paved the way for a better understanding of CE evolution. Aims. Analyzing the new sample of PCEBs we derive constraints on one of the most important parameters in the field of close compact binary formation, i.e. the CE efficiency α. Methods. After reconstructing the post-CE evolution and based on fits to stellar evolution calculations as well as a parametrized energy equation for CE evolution, we determine the possible evolutionary histories of the observed PCEBs. In contrast to most previous attempts we incorporate realistic approximations of the binding energy parameter λ. Each reconstructed CE history corresponds to a certain value of the mass of the white dwarf progenitor and – more importantly – the CE efficiency α. We also reconstruct CE evolution replacing the classical energy equation with a scaled angular momentum equation and compare the results obtained with both algorithms. Results. We find that all PCEBs in our sample can be reconstructed with the energy equation if the internal energy of the envelope is included. Although most individual systems have solutions for a broad range of values for α, only for α = 0.2–0.3 do we find simultaneous solutions for all PCEBs in our sample. If we adjust α to this range of values, the values of the angular momentum parameter γ cluster in a small range of values. In contrast if we fix γ to a small range of values that allows us to reconstruct all our systems, the possible ranges of values for α remains broad for individual systems. Conclusions. The classical parametrized energy equation seems to be an appropriate prescription of CE evolution and turns out to constrain the outcome of the CE evolution much more than the alternative angular momentum equation. If there is a universal value of the CE efficiency, it should be in the range of α = 0.2–0.3. We do not find any indications for a dependence of α on the mass of the secondary star or the final orbital period.
Leucocoprinus cepistipes , A New Coprinoid Species Record for Turkish Macromycota

Though the history of macrofungal studies on Turkish macromycota goes back to almost 100 years and the number of them have increased particularly in the last 3 decades, the accumulated data presents about 2400 taxa. Compared to the 15.000 assumed macrofungi of Europe and the macrofungal diversity estimates of Mueller et al. regarding the plant/macrofungus ratios of temperate regions, there is still much to be done to obtain the overall macrofungal data of Turkey. To contribute to the macrofungal biodiversity of Turkey, this study was carried out, and a new coprinoid species, Leucocoprinus cepistipes (Sowerby) Pat. belonging to the family Agaricaceae, is given as new record for the macromycota of Turkey from Ardesen district of Rize province. The taxon is desribed briafly and photographs related to its macro and micromorphologies are given.
Line-dependent veiling in very active T Tauri Stars

The T Tauri stars with active accretion disks show veiled photospheric spectra. This is supposedly due to non-photospheric continuum radiated by hot spots beneath the accretion shocks at stellar surface and/or chromospheric emission lines radiated by the post-shocked gas. The amount of veiling is often considered as a measure of the mass-accretion rate. We analysed high-resolution photospheric spectra of accreting T Tauri stars LkHa 321, V1331 Cyg, and AS 353 A with the aim of clarifying the nature of the line-dependent veiling. Each of these objects shows a highly veiled, strong emission line spectrum and powerful wind features indicating high rates of accretion and mass loss. Equivalent widths of hundreds of weak photospheric lines were measured in the observed spectra and compared with those in synthetic spectra with the same spectral type. We found that the veiling is strongly line-dependent: larger in stronger photospheric lines and weak or absent in the weakest ones. No dependence of veiling on excitation potential within 0 to 5 eV was found. Different physical processes responsible for these unusual veiling effects are discussed in the framework of the magnetospheric accretion model. The observed veiling has two origins: 1) an abnormal structure of stellar atmosphere heated up by the accreting matter, and 2) a non-photospheric continuum radiated by a hot spot with temperature lower than 10000 K. The true level of the veiling continuum can be derived by measuring the weakest photospheric lines with equivalent widths down to $\approx$10 m\AA. A limited spectral resolution and/or low signal-to-noise ratio results in overestimation of the veiling continuum. In the three very active stars, the veiling continuum is a minor contributor to the observed veiling, while the major contribution comes from the line-dependent veiling.
3D traversability awareness for rough terrain mobile robots

Purpose – This research aims to address the issue of safe navigation for autonomous vehicles in highly challenging outdoor environments. Indeed, robust navigation of autonomous mobile robots over long distances requires advanced perception means for terrain traversability assessment. Design/methodology/approach – The use of visual systems may represent an efficient solution. This paper discusses recent findings in terrain traversability analysis from RGB-D images. In this context, the concept of point as described only by its Cartesian coordinates is reinterpreted in terms of local description. As a result, a novel descriptor for inferring the traversability of a terrain through its 3D representation, referred to as the unevenness point descriptor (UPD), is conceived. This descriptor features robustness and simplicity. Findings – The UPD-based algorithm shows robust terrain perception capabilities in both indoor and outdoor environment. The algorithm is able to detect obstacles and terrain irregularities.
Trace-fossil assemblages with a new ichnogenus in “spotted”

Abstract Highly-bioturbated “spotted” limestones and marls (Fleckenmergel-Fleckenkalk facies) of the Early Jurassic, which were deposited in broad and recurrent deep-shelf habitats of the Northern Tethys, are characterized by rare benthic carbonate-producing macroinvertebrates. To address this paradox, we analyse trace-fossil assemblages in a ~85 m-thick succession of Pliensbachian spotted deposits (Zliechov Basin, Western Carpathians). They are dominated by infaunal and semi-infaunal deposit-feeders, with 9 ichnogenera and pyritized tubes of the semi-infaunal foraminifer Bathysiphon, being dominated by Chondrites, Lamellaeichnus (new ichnogenus), and Teichichnus. Lamellaeichnus, represented by a horizontal basal cylindrical burrow and an upper row of stacked convex-up gutters, was produced by a mobile deposit-feeder inhabiting shallow tiers because it is crossed by most other trace fossils. We show that the spotty appearance of the deposits is generated by a mixture of (1) dark, organic-rich shallow- and deep-tier traces (TOC = 0.16-0.36), and (2) light grey, organic-poor mottled or structurless sediment (TOC = 0.09-0.22). The higher TOC in shallow-tier burrows of Lamellaeichnus demonstrates that uppermost sediment layers were affected by poor redox cycling. Such conditions imply a limited mixed-layer depth and inefficient nutrient recycling conditioned by hypoxic bottom-waters, allowed by poor circulation and high sedimentation rates in depocenters of the Zliechov Basin. Hypoxic conditions are further supported by (1) dominance of trace-fossils produced by infaunal deposit feeders, (2) high abundance of hypoxiatolerant agglutinated foraminifer Bathysiphon, and (3) high abundance of Chondrites with ~0.5 mm-sized branches. Oxygen-deficient bottom-conditions can thus simultaneously explain the rarity of benthic carbonate-producing macroinvertebrates and high standing abundance of tolerant soft-shell and agglutinated organisms in spotted deposits.
Fatal and non-fatal work related injuries among workers of Iranian aluminum and copper industries between 2003 and 2011

One-third of globally, injuries to the adults in the world were related to workers and work situations. The aim of the present study was determining of work-related injuries rate among workers at two main metal industries (aluminum and Cooper industries) and independent predictors of fatal work-related injuries among them. Present cross-sectional study was assessed fatal and not fatal work-related injuries among 11172 workers into two groups of Iranian metal industries between April 2003 and September 2011. Information was obtained from the electronic registry of work-related injuries to the health & environment office of Iranian Mines and mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization of the Iranian industrial ministry. Binary logistic regression was used for determining predictors of fatal work-related injuries. During the study period, 55 workers of metal companies had been dyed and mortality rate among study workers was 1.7% and 3282 work-related injuries were reported. Mortality rate in study workers had significant association with injury location (P≤0.00), worker's age (P≤0.00) and not significant association with worker's shift (P≥0.44), educational level (P≥0.46), injury type (P≥0.65) and work experience (P≤0.07). In linear regression model analysis only age of workers was independent mortality predictors among study workers. Based on our findings work-related injuries in mentioned industries in this study setting are high, and a comprehensive injury prevention program seems to be essential.
Long-term device survival and quality of life outcomes following artificial urinary sphincter placement.

Background Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement is the standard for treatment of severe male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). While there is evidence to suggest satisfactory device survival, there is a paucity of data addressing long-term quality of life outcomes. Methods We identified patients who underwent primary AUS placement from 1983 to 2016. We assessed rates of secondary surgery (overall, device infection/erosion, urethral atrophy, malfunction) and factors associated with these endpoints. Quality of life was evaluated by pad usage and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) at various time points from primary surgery. Follow-up was obtained in clinic or by phoned/mailed correspondence. Results During the study time frame, 1,154 patients were eligible and included in the analysis. Patients had a median age of 70 years (IQR, 65-75 years) and median follow up of 5.4 years (IQR, 1.6-10.5 years). Overall device survival was 72% at 5 years, 56% at 10 years, 41% at 15 years, and 33% at 20 years. On univariate analysis, variables associated with need for secondary surgery were prior cryotherapy (HR 2.7; 95% CI, 1.6-4.6; P<0.01) or radiation therapy (HR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7; P=0.01). On multivariable analysis, only cryotherapy remained significantly associated with this endpoint (HR 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.2; P<0.01). While 36% and 23% of patients 5-10 years out from surgery and >10 years out from surgery, respectively, reported using a security pad or less per day, 78% and 81% of those patients, respectively, reported their PGI-I as at least "much better". Conclusions AUS placement has excellent long-term outcomes, and is associated with sustained improvement in patient quality of life.
OCCURRENCE AND ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF VESICULAR ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA IN THE SALT-MARSH ENVIRONMENT

SUMMARY The infection by vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAM) of various salt marsh plant species has been estimated and compared. This kind of infection appeared to be high or intermediate and frequent in Aster tripolium, Plantago maritima, Glaux maritima and Festuca rubra ssp. litoralis, rare or absent in Spartina anglica, Triglochin maritima, Juncus gerardii, J. maritimus, A triplex hastata and Suaeda maritima and variable or intermediate in Salicornia dolichostachya and S. brachystachya. The sodium content of shoots of mycorrhizal Aster tripolium plants was lower than of nonmycorrhizal plants when grown at 300 mM NaCl. The potassium and phosphorus content of the shoot was not significantly affected by the presence of mycorrhiza. Improved growth of mycorrhizal plants of Aster tripolium under salinity stress could be related to increased leaf elongation and to smaller diurnal changes in the leaf thickness. Both parameters indicate increased water uptake by mycorrhizal roots. The causes of increased water uptake in mycorrhizal plants are discussed in terms of reduced root resistance to water transport and its consequences for prolonged stomatal opening and increased photosynthesis.
Emotional Intelligence Influence on Employee's/Organizational Performance with Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction in Pakistani Health Sector

This study has investigated the relationship between employee’s emotional intelligence and their performances mediating role of job satisfaction in Pakistani health sector. Data for this research was gathered by means of three instruments; total 432 respondents participated in this research. After data analysis, it was determined that in Pakistani health sector, employee’s emotional intelligence is vital factor in determination of their performance. Correlation and linear regression analysis indicated that there is significant positive association between employee’s emotional intelligence and their performance. Mediation results also highlighted that job satisfaction partially mediates between employee’s emotional intelligence and their performance and strengthened their relationship.
Non-invasive detection of EGFR and TP53 mutations through the combination of plasma, urine and sputum in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

The sensitivity and utility of liquid biopsy in clinical practice requires some improvement. The aim of the present study was to improve the detection of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53) mutations in liquid biopsies from patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by combining plasma, sputum and urine samples under the same sequencing platform. Plasma, sputum and urine samples, and tumor tissues were obtained from 50 patients with NSCLC and were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. The sensitivity of EGFR-sensitive mutation detection was 84% in plasma, 63% in sputum, 28% in urine, and 91% when combining the three liquid samples (P<0.001). The sensitivity of TP53 mutation detection increased from 87% in plasma to 94% when the three samples were combined (P<0.001). The sensitivity of EGFR or TP53 mutations detection was higher in patients with multiple metastatic sites compared with patients ≤1 metastatic site. In addition, the progression free survival (PFS) rates obtained following analysis of the three samples independently in patients with EGFR sensitizing mutations were similar, and were 9.0 months in the tissue sample, 7.5 months in plasma, 7.9 months in the sputum and 7.3 months in urine (P=0.721). The PFS of patients with TP53 mutations was shorter compared with patients without TP53 mutations and was as follows: Tissue, 8.2 months compared with 10.2 months (P=0.412); plasma, 8.4 months compared with 10.2 months (P=0.466); sputum, 8.3 months compared with 9.1 months (P=0.904); and when combined, 8.8 months compared with 10.3 months (P=0.599). The combination of plasma, sputum and urine increased the detection of EGFR or TP53 mutation with higher sensitivity, and may improve the predictive value of personalized treatment.
Oscillatory zoning in meteoritic forsterite

Abstract Some isolated forsterite grains in Allende (C3V) and ALHA 76004 (LL3) show oscillatory zoning when viewed with cathodoluminescence. Concentration profiles for these grains show that the oscillations correspond to cyclic variations in Al and Ti and, by inference with known correlations, V and Sc. Other elements, including Mg, Fe, Ca, and Cr, show only monotonic changes across the oscillatory-zoned area. Under reducing conditions assumed present during forsterite growth, the varying elements should be trivalent or higher in charge, whereas the Mg-Fe-Ca-Cr group would be divalent. Substitution into the olivine structure is considered to be two trivalent elements, dominated by Al, for Mg + Si, which represents a small substitution of the spinel component into forsterite. This same type of substitution is proposed for similar terrestrial oscillatory-zoned olivines in which no Fe or Mg variation is found. By analogy with terrestrial and lunar oscillatory-zoned minerals, crystallization of the forsterite from a liquid is probable. Currently, no such source material is known, although crystallization of porphyritic chondrules may produce grains of equivalent size with zoning. Although no oscillatory-zoned forsterite has been observed in chondrules, their recognition may be confirmation of the source of isolated forsterite grains; alternatively, the source of these forsterite grains has not yet been recognized.
Do European Primarily Internet Banks Show Scale and Experience Efficiencies?

Empirical evidence shows that Internet banks worldwide have underperformed newly chartered traditional banks mainly because of their higher overhead costs. European banks have not been an exception in this regard. This paper analyses, for the first time in Europe, whether this is a temporary phenomenon and whether Internet banks may generate scale economies in excess of those available to traditional banks. Also do they (and their customers) accumulate experience with this new business model, allowing them to perform as well or even better than their peers, the traditional banks? To this end, we have generally followed the same analytical framework and methodology used by DeYoung (2001, 2002, 2005) for Internet banks in the USA although the limitations in the availability of data, as well as the existence of different regulatory frameworks and market conditions, particularly in the retail segment, in the 15 European Union countries have required some modifications to the methodology. The empirical analysis confirms that, as is the case for US banks, European Internet banks show technologically based scale economies, while no conclusive evidence exists of technology based learning economies. As Internet banks get larger, the profitability gap with traditional banks shrinks. To the extent that Internet banks are profitable, European authorities may encourage a larger number of consumers to use this delivery channel, by tackling consumers security concerns. This would allow Internet banks to capture more of the potential scale efficiencies implied in our estimations.
Illustrating Students’ Perceptions of English Language Assessment: Voices from China

Whilst there are studies exploring students’ perspectives of assessment, relatively little is known about how Chinese high school students’ respond to assessment. Students’ perspectives are particularly important because the power of assessment directly impacts on their motivation and attitudes towards schooling. This article explores students’ views of English language assessment in a Chinese high school in Hubei province through ‘draw-a-picture technique’ and subsequent interviews. The main findings show that assessment could invoke both positive and negative feelings; and that tests carried both summative and formative messages. The paper contributes to the understanding of how assessment impacts on students’ lives and discusses the use of draw-a-picture technique as a means of documenting students’ perceptions.
The effect of chronic stress on the testis of adult albino Rats and the possible protective effect of astaxanthin supplementation (Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical studies)

Background and Objectives: Stress can disrupt homeostasic balance within the organisms. Chronic stress can have damaging effects on the whole organism. The present study aimed to throw more light on themolecular,immunological and histological alterations in adult albino rat’s testis subjected to chronic stress and to demonstrate whether the potential chronic stress‑induced testicular alterations could be ameliorated by astaxanthin or not.Materials and Methods: Forty healthy adult male albino rats were used in this study, they were assigned as 3 main groups: Group I (Control group) which are subdivided into two equal groups, Group II (stress group) rats were restrained for 1 h and after 4 hs they are forced to swim for 15 minutes every day for 6 months, and Group III (protective group) rats were subjected to stressors as previous group in concomitant with daily administration of astaxanthin (25mg/kg b.w.) dissolved in 1ml normal saline in a single daily doseorally in a single daily dose. Blood samples and testicular tissues were collected and assayed for histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical changes.Results: The results of the present study demon‌strated thatthere were degenerative changes in spermatogenic and Sertoli cells of stress group and were associated with statistical significant reduction in height of germinal epithelium, Ki-67 and vimentinimmunoexpression.These changes were observed to be reduced in astaxanthin protected group.Also,there was a decrease in serum testosterone levels in stress group, which were normalized after astaxanthin administration. Also, stress significantly increased the serum levels of malondialdehyde, and decreased levels of total antioxidant capacity TAC.Conclusions: This study concluded that astaxanthin has beneficial protective effects against the deleterious effects of chronic stress on the testis. Therefore, it may be a suitable nutrional supplement in alleviating some negative aspects of chronic stress effects on testis.