Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supplier-oriented and product life cycle management framework to support virtual organisations

Throughout the Product Development Process (PDP), collaborative decision making is a key task in Virtual Organisations (VOs). This task can specifically support the interactions between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers. The paper proposes an integrated Product Life Cycle Management (PLM) framework enabling VO and collaborative working. The proposed PLM framework is applied to enhance the evolving suppliers' role in the design process of manufacturing equipment. This framework improves the innovation abilities and technical expertise of suppliers. It also reinforces the horizontal collaboration among members of the new Global Supplier Network (GSN) and provides suppliers with an effective tool to support their collaborative processes with OEM.
The Significance of Selected Tests Characterizing Motor Potential in Achieving High Results in Speed Climbing

Study aim. The main aim of research was to verify which of the countermovement jumps (CMJ) provides the most accurate information on the possibility of obtaining the best result in a climbing run and to assess the coexistence (correlation) of the running result as well as the reaction time to an auditory signal. Material and methods. The study was conducted among a group of male climbers at the average age of 20.5 years (n=6). At the time of the measurements, the competitors presented the highest sports level and were members of the Polish National Team in the speed climbing competition. Somatic measurements were carried out successively, followed by measurements of simple reaction time and various jumps. Results. Correlations between the studied variables characteristic of somatic features as well as motor skills with climbing time were, in most cases, not significant. Statistically significant correlations at the level of p<0.05 were found between running time and the following trials: CMJb (cm) (rx,y: -0.88); PmaxCMJb (W/kg) (rx,y: -0.88) and PmaxCMJb (W/LBMkg) (rx,y: -0.86). Conclusions. CMJ without arm swing is a valuable tool in assessing the motor potential of a sprinting climber and is a test of great informative value in the context of the possibility to obtain high results in a speed climbing competition. The applied test to assess the level of response time to the auditory signal was a trial, which to a moderate extent, allows to diagnose the possibility of achieving high results in a speed climbing sprint.
The roles of TQM and BPR in organisational change strategies: a case study investigation

The aim of this study, which followed two prior postal surveys, was to explore in detail, the roles of incremental improvement typified by TQM, and radical innovation in the form of BPR, in organisational change strategies. The empirical research comprised six in‐depth case studies, the selection of the case organisations being purposive rather than on a representative basis. The key research questions that shaped the empirical research, emanated from the prior research and from extensive reviews of relevant literatures, which had raised many questions. It was found that, at the case organisations, TQM and BPR were regarded as complementary approaches to organisational change rather than being mutually exclusive, as some writers have suggested. Also, it was found that many of the lessons and experiences gained from TQM, were fundamental in designing and implementing new processes. In general, the change profiles of the six case organisations resembled the episodic pattern identified by Orlikowski and Tyre (1993) rather than the “‘big bang”’ approach advocated by Hammer (1990). The merits of the former are explored. Because of the limitations of the research methodologies employed, the authors acknowledge the need for further investigation into the roles of TQM and BPR in organisational change strategies.
Combined Analysis of Early CD4+ T Cell Counts and CMV Serostatus May Improve CMV Risk Assessment after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

The incidence and severity of viral complications after cellular therapy are highly variable. Recent publications describe relevant interactions between the human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and host immunity in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Although immune monitoring is routinely performed in HCT patients, validated cut-off levels correlating with transplant outcomes such as survival or CMV reactivation are mostly limited to day +100, which is later than the median time for CMV reactivation in the absence of medical prophylaxis. To address this gap in early risk assessment, we applied an unsupervised machine learning technique based on clustering of day +30 CD4+ helper T cell count data, and identified relevant cut-off levels within the diverse spectrum of early CD4+ reconstitution. These clusters were stratified for CMV recipient serostatus to identify early risk groups that predict clinical HCT outcome. Indeed, the new risk groups predicted subsequent clinical events such as NRM, OS, and high CMV peak titers better than the most established predictor, i.e., the positive CMV recipient serostatus (R+). More specifically, patients from the R+/low CD4+ subgroup strongly associated with high CMV peak titers and increased 3-year NRM (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) 10.1, 95% CI 1.38–73.8, p = 0.023), while patients from the R-/very high CD4+ subgroup showed comparable NRM risks (SHR 9.57, 95% CI 1.12–81.9, p = 0.039) without such an association. In short, our study established novel cut-off levels for early CD4+ T cells via unsupervised learning and supports the integration of host cellular immunity into clinical risk-assessment after HCT in the context of CMV reactivation.
Effect of Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizome (ginger) capsule on postpartum pain: Double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background: Postpartum pain contributes to increased irritability and excessive stress in the mother and consequently may inhibit successful breastfeeding, reduce a mother's ability to take care of her baby, and cause an imperfect mother-baby interaction. Evidence suggests the positive effect of ginger on reduction in uterus-associated pain. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of ginger capsules on postpartum pain. Materials and Methods: The present double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Mahdiyeh Educational Hospital, Tehran. One hundred and twenty-eight mothers having moderate-to-severe pain following vaginal delivery were included. The participants were divided into two groups (A and B). Interventions were performed every 8 h in 24 h. In the first intervention (2 h after the delivery), Group A received 500 mg of placebo capsules (containing chickpea flour) and Group B received 500 mg of Zintoma (ginger rhizome) capsules. In the second and third interventions, Group A received 250 mg placebo capsules and Group B received 250 mg Zintoma capsules. All participants received 250 mg capsules of mefenamic acid in each intervention in addition to ginger or placebo capsules. The pain severity was measured before and half an hour, an hour, and 2 h after each intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software version. 22. The Chi-square, Fisher's, and t tests and the GEE model were applied to assess the pain severity. Results: The average pain severity was not statistically significant between the groups in the beginning of the intervention (P = 0.623). The mean score of pain significantly decreased within the duration of intervention in both groups (P < 0.001); however, the pain severity was significantly lower in the intervention group as compared to the control group at any point after the intervention (P = 0.006). Conclusion: Ginger can be used as an effective remedy for postpartum pain relief.
Relative Age Effect: A Systematic Discrimination against Biologically Younger Athletes

Physical differences associated with birth-date among athletes of the same selection year have been described as the Relative Age Effect (RAE). The aim of this study was to examine whether RAE still exists in soccer and running sport disciplines as well as to evaluate its progress among different gender, age, and sport context and if it has an effect on performance. Using official archives of the international sports’ associations (World Athletics-UEFA), birthdates and performance were collected for 7,226 athletes (4,033 males; 3,198 females) who participated in soccer and running events. A chi-square test was used to assess differences between observed and expected birth date distributions. The study showed an over-representation of athletes born in the first quarter of the selection year for both soccer and running events. RAE is more obvious in younger age groups and in sports that require higher explosive speed, strength, power and anaerobic capacity such as soccer and short distance sprints. It was also found that RAE is associated with performance. In conclusion, athletes of younger age groups with greater biological age have a physical advantage in explosive sports (i.e. soccer and short distance running) that probably does not predict their future development. (age) ranking when age is measured in quartiles. Participant’s performance reduced 0.037 ranking for each quartile of age. A significant regression equation was found for 1,500 m U-20 male athletes (F (1, 149) = 7.858, p = 0.006), with and R 2 of 0.050. Participants’ predicted performance is equal to 2.798 + 0.052 (age) ranking when age is measured in quartiles. Participant’s performance reduced 0.052 ranking for each quartile of age. A significant regression equation was found for 5,000 m U-20 male athletes (F (1, 85) = 7.539, p = 0.007), with and R 2 of 0.081. Participants’ predicted performance is equal to 2.008 + 0.028 (age) ranking when age is measured in quartiles. Participant’s performance reduced 0.028 ranking for each quartile of age. A significant regression equation was found for 5,000 m U-20 female athletes (F (1, 63) = 2.395, p = 0.127), with and R 2 of 0.037. Participants’ predicted performance is equal to 1.942 + 0.023 (age) ranking when age is measured in quartiles. Participant’s performance reduced 0.023 ranking for each quartile of age. A significant regression equation was found for 10,000 m U-20 male athletes (F (1, 93) = 2.017, p = 0.006), with and R 2 of 0.077. Participants’ predicted performance is equal to 2.017 + 0.031 (age) ranking when age is measured in quartiles. Participant’s performance reduced . 031 ranking for each quartile of age. A significant regression equation was found for 800 m U-20 male athletes (F (1, 167) = 3.041, p = 0.083), with and R 2 of 0.018. Participants’ predicted performance is equal to 1.388 + 0.023 (age) ranking when age is measured in quartiles. Participant’s performance reduced 0.023 ranking for
Impact of hypertension on arterial stiffness and cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with peripheral artery disease: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the impact of hypertension on cardiovascular health in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease and to identify factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 251 patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (63.9% males, mean age 67±10 years). Following hypertension diagnosis, blood pressure was measured to determine control of hypertension. Arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) and cardiac autonomic modulation (sympathovagal balance) were assessed. Results: Hypertension was associated with higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, regardless of sex, age, ankle-brachial index, body mass index, walking capacity, heart rate, or comorbidities (ß=2.59±0.76m/s, b=0.318, p=0.003). Patients with systolic blood pressure ≥120mmHg had higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity values than normotensive individuals, and hypertensive patients with systolic blood pressure of ≤119mmHg (normotensive: 7.6±2.4m/s=≤119mmHg: 8.1±2.2m/s 120-129mmHg:9.8±2.6m/s=≥130mmHg: 9.9±2.9m/s, p<0.005). Sympathovagal balance was not associated with hypertension (p>0.05). Conclusion: Hypertensive patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease have increased arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness is even greater in patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Stability prediction of milling process with variable pitch and variable helix cutters

The use of variable pitch or helix cutters is a known means to prevent chatter vibration during milling. In this article, an alternative method based on an improved semi-discretization method is proposed to predict the stability of variable pitch or variable helix milling. In order to consider the effect of distributed system delays attributed to helix variation, the average delays were calculated for each flute after the engaged cutting flutes were divided into a finite number of axial elements. Meanwhile, a straightforward integral force model, which can consider the piecewise continuous regions of the cutting that describe the helix angle is used to determine the cutting force. Through comparisons with prior works, time-domain simulations, and cutting tests, the proposed approach was verified. In addition, the method was applied to examine the effect of tool geometries on stability trends. Several phenomena for certain combinations of pitch and helix angles are shown and explained.
Comparison of Heart Rate Feedback from Dry-Electrode ECG, 3-Lead ECG, and Pulse Oximetry during Newborn Resuscitation

Background: Assessment of heart rate (HR) is essential during newborn resuscitation, and comparison of dry-electrode ECG technology to standard monitoring by 3-lead ECG and Pulse Oximetry (PO) is lacking. Methods: NeoBeat, ECG, and PO were applied to newborns resuscitated at birth. Resuscitations were video recorded, and HR was registered every second. Results: Device placement time from birth was median (quartiles) 6 (4, 18) seconds for NeoBeat versus 138 (97, 181) seconds for ECG and 152 (103, 216) seconds for PO. Time to first HR presentation from birth was 22 (13, 45) seconds for NeoBeat versus 171 (129, 239) seconds for ECG and 270 (185, 357) seconds for PO. Proportion of time with HR feedback from NeoBeat during resuscitation from birth was 85 (69, 93)%, from arrival at the resuscitation table 98 (85, 100)%, and during positive pressure ventilation 100 (95, 100)%. For ECG, these proportions were, 25 (0, 43)%, 28 (0, 56)%, and 33 (0, 66)% and for PO, 0 (0, 16)%, 0 (0, 16)%, and 0 (0, 18)%. All p < 0.0001. Conclusions: NeoBeat was faster to place, presented HR more rapidly, and provided feedback on HR for a larger proportion of time during ongoing resuscitation compared to 3-lead ECG and PO.
Prediction-data-based maximum-power-point-tracking method for photovoltaic power generation systems

A new maximum-power-point-tracking (MPPT) method for a photovoltaic (PV) power generation system was studied which can efficiently generate PV power even under changing weather conditions. In order to research a method suitable for the actual photovoltaic power system, PV characteristics of the maximum power point were measured for more than six months using a PV curve tracer. The actual maximum power points vary with conditions such as the surface temperature and the quantity of solar radiation. So, relationships between the maximum power point and circuit variables such as open circuit voltage and short circuit current were examined under various conditions appearing in the PV power generation system. It was found through measurements that the relationship between the maximum power and the current that the output power was almost a linear function in the actual solar arrays, regardless of the weather conditions. The MPPT method was proposed based on the obtained findings. It was verified through simulations and experiments that the proposed method enables the solar arrays to quickly generate the maximum power as determined by weather conditions at the time.
Evolving Strategies for the Structuring of Working Capital Loans during Covid Times: An Analysis of Select Indian Private Sector Banks

Predicting human behavior is a difficult task, yet bankers perform this regularly while sanctioning working capital loans, so that money advanced is recoverable. For this, they try to assess credit worthiness of clients based on past performance through financials and banking habits amongst other parameters. Clients also look at fees and instalment burden, duration of loan, etc. However, with the adverse impact of Covid pandemic on earning capacities, banks need to relook at the way they structure loans. This study suggests that customer-focused, risk-adjusted analysis should be undertaken to reduce non-performing assets and improve asset portfolio quality of banks.
Understanding Researchable Issues in Knowledge Management: A Literature Review

Knowledge and Knowledge Management (KM) practices have been recognized as valuable means for tapping collective intelligence and skills of employees to create greater organization knowledge. Further, promoting conducive work culture improves productivity and enhances performance. Researches, both industrial and academic, have been undertaken to explore KM concepts, frameworks, technologies, applications, knowledge-based work culture, etc. This paper explores the development of KM through review and categorization of research papers published during the past 15 years into seven broad categories. The categories have been chosen to track the development in the field of KM from basic, foundational research to integrated research with the areas of Organization Culture (OC) and Organization Performance (OP). The objective of the researcher is to identify and define significant gap in the existing literature and suggest a direction for future research.
Economic losses in tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case of Sorrento

ABSTRACT The tourism sector is facing its most severe crisis under the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing measures, global travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, and other lockdown measures brought tourism to a halt in 2020. We estimate the potential economic losses thereof in terms of added value and number of tourists by nationality. By using the city of Sorrento as prominent and representative case study, we implement time-series analysis with autoregressive-integrated moving average models on monthly data from January 2013 to December 2019. We thus forecast the loss of tourists and added value in 2020. The results reveal that the pandemic has significantly affected the tourism sector, the added value of tourism in Sorrento might decrease by over 70%, and tourist arrivals might similarly fall or even reach zero foreign arrivals. The local government should reassess the sustainability of tourism proposals by factoring in the lack of tourist arrivals and focusing on loyal tourists and proximity tourists, two fundamental target audiences. Highlights We analyse the potential economic effect of COVID-19 on tourism in 2020 A forecast analysis estimates the changes in added value and number of tourists An ARIMA model is employed on monthly data COVID-19 might negatively and severely affect the tourism economy Foreign tourism risks attracting zero travellers in the post-pandemic period
Consonant and vowel transposition effects during reading development: A study on Italian children and adults

Recently, Colombo, Spinelli, and Lupker, using a masked transposed letter (TL) priming paradigm, investigated whether consonant/vowel (CV) status is important early in orthographic processing. In four experiments with Italian and English adults, they found equivalent TL priming effects for CC, CV, and VC transpositions. Here, we investigated that question with younger readers (aged 7–10) and adults, as well as whether masked TL priming effects might have a phonological basis. That is, because young children are likely to use phonological recoding in reading, the question was whether they would show TL priming that is affected by CV status. In Experiment 1, target words were preceded by primes in which two letters (either CV, VC, or CC) were transposed versus substituted (SL). We found significant TL priming effects, with an increasing developmental trend but, again, no letter type by priming interaction. In Experiment 2, the transpositions/substitutions involved only pairs of vowels with those vowels having either diphthong or hiatus status. The difference between these two types of vowel clusters is only phonological; thus, the question was, “Would TL priming interact with this factor? ” TL priming was again found with an increasing trend with age, but there was no vowel cluster by priming interaction. There was, however, an overall vowel cluster effect (slower responding to words with hiatuses) which decreased with age. The results suggest that TL priming only taps the orthographic level, and that CV status only becomes important at a later phonological level.
Visual navigation around curved obstacles

An approach to path-planning around smooth obstacles that exploits visually derived geometry is proposed. A moving robot can scan the silhouette or apparent contour of an obstacle and estimate a minimum length path. This is done by seeking geodesics which can be extrapolated smoothly, around the obstacle and towards the goal. Preliminary implementation of this idea uses a real-time visual contour tracker running at 16 Hz, with a camera mounted on an Adept robot arm. The camera first dithers to generate visual motion, a safe path is estimated, and the robot steers the camera around the obstacle with a clearance of a few millimeters. <<ETX>>
Subsurface and Furrow Irrigation Evaluation for Bean Production

ABSTRACT THE water use efficiency, yields of beans and economic feasibility of furrow and subsurface irrigation systems were compared in field experi-ments. Subsurface irrigation required 55 percent less water to produce a yield of beans comparable to that obtained with furrow irrigation. Water use efficiencies of 81.9 and 37.5 kg of beans per cm of water were obtained for the treatments irrigated with subsurface and furrow irrigation systems, respectively. Spacing for subsurface irrigation laterals was obtained from a laboratory experiment and was 84 percent of the theoretical spacing. If the useable life of the porous pipe can be extended to 3 yr, the price of the subsurface system could be compar-able to that of the furrow irrigation system when water cost is $1.35 x 10-Vm3.
Cascaded cross-switched multilevel inverter in symmetric and asymmetric conditions

This study proposes and analyses a new cascaded multilevel inverter in both symmetric and asymmetric conditions. Firstly, the topology is presented in general form and then it is optimised. For any given number of voltage levels, the proposed topology reduces the number of switches. In the symmetric condition, the proposed topology offers capability of charge balance control method while reducing the number of switches. Also, unlike the other reduced switch topologies, the proposed topology does not increase the total standing voltage of the switches in comparison with the conventional cascaded H-bridge (CHB) multilevel inverter. In the asymmetric condition, the proposed topology has highest output voltage resolution while keeping the total standing voltage equal to the CHB topology. In other words, in both symmetric and asymmetric conditions the number of switches in the proposed topology is lower than that of the CHB topology. However, both the proposed topology and also the CHB topology have the same total standing voltage on the switches. Other asymmetric topologies use higher number of switches and have higher total standing voltage in comparison with the proposed asymmetric topology. A modified phase-shifted-pulse width modulation is also presented for the proposed symmetric topology. The proposed topology is verified with simulation and experimental results.