Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EU framework programmes: positive and negative effects on member states' innovation performance

Research background: Seeking to ensure competitiveness in the global market, the EU is constantly improving its innovation policy. Compared to other EU initiatives, the Framework Programs for Research and Innovation (FPs) act as the main instrument with the longest history and the largest budget to boost member states' innovation performance. Despite the initial presumptions that these financial inflows should bring positive and constructive effects, the results significantly diverge across the countries with highly uneven and incoherent progress. Therefore, complex and reliable tools must be adopted to evaluate the long-term influence of EU investment and the reasons which distort the innovation performance in separate member states. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the influence of EU investment on its member states? innovation performance by using a redeveloped national innovative capacity framework and including technological, non-technological and commercial innovative output. Methods: Panel unit root tests were used to assess the time series stationarity. Autoregressive distributed lag models helped in calculating the long-term influence of EU investment on member states? innovation performance. Finally, by employing dummies, it was analysed how this influence varied over time and across different countries. Findings & value added: The findings provide evidence that EU investment exerts positive long-term influence on the technological innovative output proxied as total, business and higher education institutions? patent applications, as well as product and process innovations. The effects were also positive on trademarks and marketing, and organisational innovations. However, small but negative influence was found in the case of patent applications by the government sector and the exports of hi-tech products and knowledge-intensive services. These insights may serve in the designing process of the specific instruments and the future innovation policies, which would bring the maximum benefit for the society and economy.
Ensuring the required level of reliability during the design stage of -latticed shells with a large opening

AbstractThe article describes the design technique, which is based on determination of numerical parameters pertaining to reliability of long-span latticed roofs with a large opening formed using the system made of rigid threads. The suggested algorithm is based on experimental and fundamental research focused on the stress/strain state of a spatial roof model and the operation of design combination of loads. It suggests a solution to a series of problems: determining rational geometric parameters for a structure; obtaining corresponding rigid characteristics of the principal load-bearing members; determining the trajectory of member failure for a typical shell structure with a resulting estimation of stress/ strain state of a structure; determining numerical parameters of reliability of a designed structure (determining the lower and upper limits of reliability). The proposed algorithm is limited by static loads and state requirements on strength limits. The example of a design for a spatial latticed she.
Laboratory biomarkers of COVID-19 outcome: findings from a high dependency unit of South Bengal

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has become a world wellbeing compromise. The danger factors for unfavorable occasions of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have not been very much depicted. This study aimed to explore clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Midnapore medical college and hospital and provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.Methods: In this retrospective, single-center study, data of all confirmed patients with COVID-19 admitted at SARI HDU of Midnapore medical college and hospital from 1st July to 21July 2021 were collected and analyzed. Data including clinical presentations, basic laboratory investigations, and CT severity scores were analyzed and compared between survival and death patients.Results: In this study total of 81 patients of COVID-19 admitted at SARI HDU were included (male=50, female=31). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the outcome: survival group (n=38) and death group (n=43). Information on the overall clinical characteristics of the patients was collected, including age, sexual orientation, past medical history, clinical symptoms, and so on. Compared with the patients in the Survival group, the patients in the death group, the proportion of patients presented with Dyspnoea and suffering from Diabetes and hypertension were higher (p<0.05). In patients of the death group, TLC, CRP, D-dimer, urea, and creatinine had higher values, while the levels of albumin were significantly reduced, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Between the Survival group and death group, there was no significant difference in other indexes such as NLR, platelet count, and liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT) (p>0.05). Conclusions: The risk factors of comorbidities, like diabetes, hypertension and others like leucocytosis, high CRP, high d-dimer, altered renal function, low serum albumin, and higher CT severity score could help clinicians identify patients with potential adverse events.
Ocean acidification alters the diversity and structure of oyster associated microbial communities

Host‐associated microbial communities are fundamental to host physiology, yet it is unclear how these communities will respond to environmental disturbances. Here, we disentangle the environment‐linked and host‐linked effects of ocean acidification on oyster‐associated microbial communities. We exposed adult oysters (Crassostrea virginica) to CO2‐induced ocean acidification (400 vs. 2800 ppm) for 80 d. We measured the oyster extrapallial fluid pH and sampled the gills for microbial analysis at six time points. We found that different subsets of microbes were linked to acidification (n = 34 amplicon sequence variants [ASVs]) and to host response (n = 20 ASVs) with little overlap (n = 8 ASVs), suggesting that some members of the oyster microbiome were more responsive to environmental conditions while others were more tightly linked to host condition. Our results provide insight into which members of the oyster microbiome may contribute to the health and resistance of their host, and which members are the most vulnerable to changing environmental conditions.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF HEAT SINKS FOR LED LIGHTING MODULES

LEDs provide efficient lighting solutions. Their main advantages are efficiency, reliability and durability. Although LEDs operate cooler than conventional incandescent bulbs, it is necessary to achieve maximum heat transfer in order to maintain or improve their efficiency and lifespan. Heat sinks in LED modules provide a path for heat to flow from the source to the outside ambience. Heat sinks with different fin geometries are analyzed to determine its influence on thermal performance and airflow around the fins. By comparing different fin geometries, the thermal performance and airflow are compared and analyzed. It was found that the airfoil fins with reverse orientation offers the minimum resistance. Airfoil is the most commonly used shape in applications where aerodynamics is of major importance
RESEARCH REGARDING STRUCTURE OF WORKING TIME IN SPRUCE FELLING WITH MECHANICAL CHAINSAW HUSQVARNA 365

Structure of working time in spruce felling with mechanical chainsaw Husqvarna 365 was analyzed taking into account: the actual time of cutting, engine operating time, mechanical and manual working time. For a relevant analysis of work patterns there were analyzed and calculated some values, respectively: time working to felling 1 m 3 and corresponding percentages of the total time for mechanical and manual working time. It was found that between the diameter of breast height of the tree and analyzed times, correlations can be established, expressed by linear, logarithmic and polynomial regression equations, whose coefficients of determination (R 2 > 0.77) confirm the significant and very significant relationship between analyzed parameters.
Fall of the Titans The Demise of Basic Neuroscience Research

3 March 23 Maisonpierre et al. 1446 Biochemistry/ cell culture Neuroprotection Animal studies have suggested that NGF may be of value in the treatment of degenerative neurological conditions. The cloning of a new member of the NGF-BDNF family, and its potential interactions with the other members of the family, raise new considerations for use of these proteins in overcoming neuronal degeneration.
On the Forecasting of Ground-Motion Parameters for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis

It is well understood that the range of application for an empirical ground-motion prediction model is constrained by the range of predictor variables covered in the data used in the analysis. However, in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), the limits in the application of ground-motion prediction models (GMPMs) are often ignored, and the empirical relationships are extrapolated. In this paper, we show that this extrapolation leads to a quantifiable increment in the uncertainty of a GMPM when it is used to forecast a future value of a given intensity parameter. This increment, which is clearly of epistemic nature, depends on the adopted functional form, on the covariance matrix of the regression coefficients, on the used regression technique, and on the quality of the data set. In addition, through some examples using the database of the Next Generation of Ground-Motion Attenuation Models project and some currently favored functional forms we study the increment in the seismic hazard produced by the extrapolation of GMPMs.
Application of multi-criteria analysis for parameters selection problem in rotor spinning machine

Optimum spinning machine parameter selection among feasible alternatives with different significance is a multi-criteria decision-making problem. Statistical analysis is a conventional method that is used in such a problem. However, the preferences of the producer about the yarn properties needed to obtain an end product with defined characteristics have not been taken into consideration in these approaches. Therefore, in this study, assistance in reaching acceptable solutions in order to select the appropriate doffing tube components and its adjustment for 30 Ne rotor yarn that is intended to be used for weft-knitted fabric will be provided by the technique for order preference by similarity ideal solution (TOPSIS). Yarn samples were spun considering three variables, namely the distances between the nozzle and rotor, the extractive nozzle and the draw-off tube. Possible alternatives were ranked on the basis of the yarn quality parameters by the TOPSIS method and the best alternative for increasing weft-knitting machine efficiency was presented. According to the final ranking, the spinning condition in which the sample was spun by using a spiral nozzle, a doffing tube without a torque stop, and a closer setting had the highest closeness coefficient (Rj value) to the ideal solution (0.967). Consequently, the stability of the proposed final ranking was verified after sensitivity analysis.
Unequivocal Differences in Predation Pressure on Large Carabid Beetles between Forestry Treatments

Carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are considered as one of the most cardinal invertebrate predatory groups in many ecosystems, including forests. Previous studies revealed that the predation pressure provided by carabids significantly regulates the ecological network of invertebrates. Nevertheless, there is no direct estimation of the predation risk on carabids, which can be an important proxy for the phenomenon called ecological trap. In our study, we aimed to explore the predation pressure on carabids using 3D-printed decoys installed in two types of forestry treatments, preparation cuts and clear cuts, and control plots in a Hungarian oak–hornbeam forest. We estimated the seasonal, diurnal and treatment-specific aspects of the predation pressure on carabids. Our results reveal a significantly higher predation risk on carabids in both forestry treatments than in the control. Moreover, it was also higher in the nighttime than daytime. Contrarily, no effects of season and microhabitat features were found. Based on these clues we assume that habitats modified by forestry practices may act as an ecological trap for carabids. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of how ecological interactions between species may change in a modified forest environment.
Measurement of exposure of radio frequency field (RF) radiation from global system for mobile communication (GSM) masts

The objective of this study is to draw a conclusive position on the effect of radiofrequency (RF) radiation from GSM masts on human health. The measurement of the RF was conducted at 100 m and 200 m away from the masts of the major GSM operators in Nigeria; GLO, MTN and ZAIN. The data obtained were analyzed using correlation analysis to establish the fact that whether with time exposure to RF will have discernable effect on human health. The average amount of radiation measured from each GSM masts were 1.87, 2.26 and 1.48 µSv/h for 100 m and 1.50, 1.32 and 1.87 µSv/h for 200 m with their corresponding values of coefficient of correlation as 0.008, 0.004, 0.27, -0.027, 0.039 and 0.048 respectively. The study revealed that there is insignificant effect on human health because the non ionizing electromagnetic energy has no sufficient energy to affect any part of human body. Key words: Radiation, radio frequency, human health, correlation, GSM masts, exposure
National and Regional Economic Consequences of Swiss Defense Spending

The effects of defense spending on economic performance and, in particular, on economic growth have been studied extensively in the literature. The empirical findings have been ambiguous so far, partly reflecting the econometric difficulties involved in the estimation of this relationship. The authors study the implications of Swiss defense spending for economic growth and unemployment in Switzerland, using both national aggregate and cross-sectional (cantonal) data. Such analysis may be more informative than similar analyses that rely on time series for individual countries (due to spurious time effects) or averages for different countries (due to strong cross country variation in country characteristics). The findings indicate that although defense spending has had a positive effect on the rate of economic growth of Switzerland in the presence of an external threat (Cold War), the distribution of defense spending across cantons has not contributed to the dispersion of cantonal growth rates. Nonetheless, cantons in which military employment is a large share of total employment have enjoyed lower and more stable unemployment rates. These findings suggest that in order to uncover the full implications of defense spending, it is necessary to go beyond the defense spending—growth nexus. The findings seem relevant for many other countries because the allocation of national defense employment and spending is rarely uniform across the regions of any country.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION INTERVALS ON MONOSTERIA UNICOSTATA (HETEROPTERA: TINGIDAE) DENSITIES IN NINE POPLAR SPECIES AND CLONES IN KARAJ, IRAN

Like many countries, water is one of the most important limiting factors for poplar plantation in Iran. So there is essential to study water amount needed for every poplar species and clones. During the years 2009-2010 effects of irrigation intervals on poplar lace bug, Monosteria unicostata (Mulsant and Rey) damage rate were studied on the nine poplar clones in Alborz Research Station of Karaj. This study was carried out under a split plot design. Three irrigation intervals with 4, 8 or 12 days interval of irrigations were considered as main experimental plots and nine poplar clones were secondary treatments. This experiment had three repetitions. Two ways analyze of variance were performed. Analyze variance table showed significant differences between irrigation intervals and poplar species and clones (α < 0.01). Poplar lace bug density was significantly higher under 4 days irrigation interval than two others treatments. The density of the pest was significantly highest in P. trichocarpa. A significant interaction was found between irrigation intervals and the poplar clones. It means that more irrigation could provide suitable conditions for growth and development of M. unicostata on every poplar clones.
Interstitial-lymphatic transport phenomena

The lymphatic system plays important roles in tissue fluid balance, protein transport, and the immune system, and has great potential for the delivery of certain drugs. Despite its importance, our quantitative understanding of interstitial-lymphatic transport is limited. The first goal of this work was to examine lymphatic function as an integral component of interstitial mechanics. A theoretical description of this mechanical equilibrium was developed in parallel with a novel experimental model. Tissue was modeled as a poroelastic continuum to describe the fluid pressure distribution following an interstitial injection, predicting that spatial gradients would be governed by the ratio of lymphatic to tissue resistances and temporal gradients governed additionally by elasticity. The mouse tail was a unique experimental model for examining both of these theoretical frameworks because of its geometry and anatomical features. Pressure measurements using micropipettes showed remarkable consistency with the theoretical assumptions and gave unique in vivo estimates of the effective parameter values (for tail skin, hydraulic conductivity was 1.5 x 10-6 cm2 sec' * mm Hg', lymphatic conductance was 4 x 10.5 sec' . mm Hg' 1, and the bulk elastic modulus was 110 20 mm Hg). The second part of the thesis built on this model of tissue fluid balance to describe convective transport of macromolecules. 1-D concentration gradients in the tail could be observed using fluorescence microscopy. These gradients were described in terms of a dispersivity and excluded volume fraction as well as fluid convection. The model could characterize differences in transport profiles of various molecules (differing in size, shape, and charge) and constituted an extremely useful model for in vivo studies of convective transport. Finally, the model was applied to studies in gene expression of the lymphatic system and to investigate the effects of edema, tissue grafting, and mechanical forces on overall lymphatic function. This is the first in vivo model of interstitial-lymphatic transport which accounts for the dynamics of the interstitium and allows for simple and accurate in situ measurements of tissue elasticity, hydraulic conductivity, and molecular transport parameters. Furthermore, it yields estimates for an effective or overall conductance of the lymphatics which is important for examining pathological changes in interstitial-lymphatic fluid. Thesis supervisors: Rakesh K. Jain Professor, Harvard Medical School Linda G. Griffith Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
Differences Between South Korean Male and Female Consumers in the Clothing Brand Loyalty Formation Process: Model Testing

Although considerable research on brand loyalty has been conducted, few attempts have been made to integrate the results of previous studies. This study focuses on causal relationships among brand loyalty-related variables, such as consumer knowledge, product involvement, perceived risk, information search, and consumer satisfaction, in an effort to integrate results of previous studies. The purpose of this study was to propose a model of clothing brand loyalty formation considering the five brand loyalty-related variables simultaneously, and to examine gender differences in the process of clothing brand loyalty formation. Participants were 505 Korean consumers with college or graduate degrees; all were white-collar workers in their twenties and thirties living in Seoul, Korea. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, and a proposed model was tested by LISREL. The results indicated that consumer knowledge, product involvement, and perceived risk indirectly influence brand loyalty through the mediating variables of information search and consumer satisfaction. Information search and consumer satisfaction directly influence brand loyalty. The major gender difference was that the most influential variable in information search was perceived risk for men, whereas product involvement was the most influential variable for women.
A 5.25-GHz image rejection RF front-End Receiver With Polyphase filters

A 5.25-GHz image rejection (IR) radio frequency (RF) front-end receiver is proposed, which is implemented in 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. The proposed receiver adopts both a high-intermediate frequency (IF) and the double quadrature architecture to achieve high IR at 5-GHz frequency. The measured results show a power gain of 14 dB, a minimum noise figure of 7.9dB, and IIP3 of -8dBm. The measured maximum image rejection ratio is 45dBc. The receiver consumes a total of 32mA from a 1.8-V supply.
A Short Review on Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Zeolites

The review emphasizes on synthesis, characterization, and application of zeolite. Zeolite is a hydrated aluminosilicate having a tetrahedral structural framework; it contains channels and cages which are occupied by exchangeable active metal ions and water molecules. Zeolite was synthesized through different synthesis methods, particularly, hydrothermal and green synthesis methods. The review also has tried to address the structure of zeolite such as morphology, functional group, and particle size using different characterization methods as reported via different authors. The characterization results verify that zeolite shows many unique properties such as uniform pore size, acidic properties, thermal stability, mobile extra cation, hydrophilicity, and hydrophobicity. These lead to a number of applications in catalysis, water purification, adsorption, and agriculture.
Coupled-mode analysis of highly asymmetric directional couplers with periodic perturbation

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of highly asymmetric grating assisted directional couplers. The directional coupler consists of a polymer waveguide with dimensions and refractive indices closely matching a single-mode fiber fabricated atop a Ga/sub 0.6/Al/sub 0.4/As/GaAs/Ga/sub 0.4/Al/sub 0.6/As waveguide. The structure is investigated analytically by means of a new orthogonal coupled-mode theory formulated in terms of the Lorentz reciprocity theorem. For the first time, the analysis includes three distinct loss mechanisms, namely, the leakage of power toward the semiconductor substrate, the power lost to radiation modes (mode mismatching), and the grating radiation loss.
MECHANICAL VENTILATORS - COMPARISON OF PROXIMAL AND DISTAL RESPIRATORY MECHANICS MEASUREMENTS

Respiratory system (RS) mechanical properties can be calculated using digital data output available from most mechanical ventilators. However, the presence of the breathing circuit (BC) may lead to differences between distal and proximal measurements. In this work inspiratory tidal volume and RS mechanical properties (resistance and elastance) obtained from distal sensors of two commercial ventilators were compared with a reference proximal measurement system. Resistance was better estimated by the proximal system, with distal estimates exhibiting errors up to 48 % and varying with ventilatory settings. Regarding elastance, proximal and distal systems had a better agreement and its estimates varied less than 3 % between positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) ranging from 0 to 20 cmH2O. This suggests that distal sensors in the tested machines could be used for PEEP titration based on the minimization of linear elastance.