Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in pulsed thermography

The use of pulsed thermography as an NDE solution for manufacturing and in-service applications has increased dramatically in the past five years, enabled by advances in IR camera and computer technology. However, the basic approaches to analysis and processing of pulsed thermographic data have remained largely unchanged. These methods include image averaging, subtraction, division, slope calculation and contrast methods (e.g. peak contrast and peak slope time mapping). We have developed an alternative approach to analysis of pulsed thermographic data, based on developing a parametric equation for the time history of each pixel. The resulting synthetic image provides increased spatial and temporal resolution, and significantly extends the range of defect depths and sample configurations to which pulsed thermography can be applied. In addition, our approach reduces the amount of data that must be manipulated and stored, so that an entire array of image sequences from a large structure can be processed simultaneously.
THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ATTITUDE AND OPPORTUNITY RECOGNITION ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The study investigates the mediating role of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition on the relationship between entrepreneurial attitude and entrepreneurial intention among university students in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was administered to 500 university students in Ghana, and the data collected was analyzed using Amos. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the hypothesized paths. The result indicated that entrepreneurial attitude had a substantial positive impact on both entrepreneurial intention and opportunity recognition among university students in Ghana. The result further indicated that entrepreneurial opportunity recognition positively affected university students' entrepreneurial intention. The study further illuminated that entrepreneurial opportunity recognition mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial attitude and entrepreneurial intention. This implies that an entrepreneurial attitude increases the chances of opportunity recognition and self-employment propensity in Ghana. The study suggests that students should cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and develop a healthy attitude toward entrepreneurship, enhancing the chances of identifying and pursuing business opportunities. The study contributes to the literature by focusing on and highlighting innate attributes that can possibly contribute to self-employment propensity.
BCG-activation of leukocytes is sufficient for the generation of donor-independent innate anti-tumor NK and γδ T-cells that can be further expanded in vitro

ABSTRACT Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the nonpathogenic Mycobacterium bovis strain used as tuberculosis vaccine, has been successfully used as treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer for decades, and suggested to potentiate cellular and humoral immune responses. However, the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. We previously described that BCG mainly activated anti-tumor cytotoxic NK cells with upregulation of CD56 and a CD16+ phenotype. Now, we show that stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with iBCG, a preparation based on BCG-Moreau, expands oligoclonal γδ T-cells, with a cytotoxic phenotype, together with anti-tumor CD56high CD16+ NK cells. We have used scRNA-seq, flow cytometry, and functional assays to characterize these BCG-activated γδ T-cells in detail. They had a high IFNγ secretion signature with expression of CD27+ and formed conjugates with bladder cancer cells. BCG-activated γδ T-cells proliferated strongly in response to minimal doses of cytokines and had anti-tumor functions, although not fully based on degranulation. BCG was sufficient to stimulate proliferation of γδ T-cells when cultured with other PBMC; however, BCG alone did not stimulate expansion of purified γδ T-cells. The characterization of these non-donor restricted lymphocyte populations, which can be expanded in vitro, could provide a new approach to prepare cell-based immunotherapy tools.
Quantile processes with statistical applications

A Preliminary Study of Quantile Processes A Weak Convergence of the Normed Sample Quantile Process Strong Approximations of the Normed Quantile Process Two Approaches to Constructing Simultaneous Confidence Bounds for Quantiles Weak Convergence of Quantile Processes in Weighted Sup-Norm Metrics and Further Strong Approximations On Bahadur's Representation of Sample Quantiles and on Kiefer's Theory of Deviations Between the Sample Quantile and Empirical Processes Quadratic Forms of the Quantile Process. Weighted Spacings and Testing for Composite Goodness-of-Fit Strong Approximations of the Quantile Process of the Product-Limit Estimator An Invariance Principle for Nearest-Neighbor Empirical Density Functions A Nearest- Neighbor Estimator for the Score Function.
An empirical study of training transfer in an apprenticeship programme for conducive workforce

ABSTRACT Many organisations invest heavily in training. However, it is argued that only a small portion of what is learnt from training is transferred to the workplace. Using an extended Training Transfer Model, the paper examines the factors that influence the transfer of training within an apprenticeship program. In-depth semi-structured interviews with participants who had undergone the apprenticeship programme were carried out. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and bibliographic analysis was performed to highlight the topic’s significance and development for future research directions. The findings reveal that trainee characteristics, training design and work environment influence training transfer. Trainees with high cognitive ability, self-efficacy and motivation, who participated in a well-designed training programme and were supported by a conducive work environment, demonstrate positive transfer of training.
Carbon isotope ratios and lithium abundances in open cluster giants

New high-resolution, high S/N spectra of CN lines at 8000 A and Li lines at 6707 A have been obtained for giants in about 20 Galactic open clusters and C-12/C-13 ratios and Li abundances determined for these stars. The ages of the clusters vary from about 50 million years to 5 billion years, and their turn-off masses vary from 1 solar mass to about 6 solar masses. The ages and turn-off masses were determined by fitting theoretical isochrones to the cluster color-magnitude diagrams. Correlation of the isotope ratio and the Li abundances with the cluster turn-off masses indicates the following: (1) the C-12/C-13 ratio increases steeply with the turn-off mass until a mass of approximately 2.2 solar masses when the ratio levels off abruptly to a value near 26; (2) older clusters with turn-off masses lower than about 2.2 solar masses in general exhibit C-12/C-13 ratios that are considerably lower than the theoretically predicted values while those with larger turn-off masses show ratios close to standard predictions; and (3) no strong correlation exists between the Li abundances and the cluster turn-off mass, and the Li abundances in giants are, in general, lower than theoretically predicted values. Various theories to explainmore » the observed abundance trends are discussed. 66 refs.« less
IT IS TOO LATE TO REGRET AND TAKE RISK: FARMERS’ ADOPTION DECISION FOR STALL-FEEDING (SF) IN TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA

Research background: Despite a growing interest in the role of time and risk preferences in explaining technology adoption, empirical studies that investigate this behavior are scant. Numerous studies have attempted to identify the determinants of adoption of new technologies. However, those studies failed to capture the duration of time farmers will take to adopt a given technology using a proper model such as duration model. Purpose of the article : This study developed a technology adoption theoretical model that incorporates time and risk preferences in addition to household level characteristics. Using this model, we tested whether impatience and risk aversion delays or expedites stall-feeding adoption or not. Methods: Using cross sectional data of 518 sample farmers from Ethiopia, both semi-parametric (Cox PH) and parametric (Weibull PH and Weibull AFT) models have been applied to estimate the conditional probability of SF adoption. This enables us to convey information not only on why a farmer adopted, but also on the timing of the adoption decision. Findings : As expected, our results indeed show that, the time of stall-feeding adoption increases with discount rate. Individuals who are patient and risk loving adopt stall-feeding sooner than individuals who are impatient and risk averse. Likewise, farmers who are more less-averse adopt SF technology latter compared to farmers who are risk neutral. The estimated results also revealed that economic incentives (i.e. prices) was found to be the most important determinants of the time farmers wait before adopting new technologies. While higher output price significantly accelerates SF adoption, higher input price decelerates the adoption period. The expected milk yield (first moment) had a positive significant effect on the adoption decision, indicating that higher expected mean, on average decreases farmers’ time to adopt. Findings in this study suggest that, land and labor endowment shorten the time to adopt SF. However, market distance delay the adoption of SF. Moreover, access to information, education of household head, breed cow ownership, and location of the farmer, accelerated the likelihood of early SF adoption. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is one of the first adoption studies to have incorporated time and risk preference in its parametric and semi-parametric adoption analysis.
Photoluminescence of porous silicon buried underneath epitaxial GaP

Recent observations of visible, room‐temperature photoluminescence in porous Si have stimulated research aimed at the realization of efficient, Si‐based electroluminescent devices. To achieve electroluminescence, it may be beneficial to generate carriers with sufficient energy to populate the states of the quantum‐confined Si structures. A viable method to accomplish this is to utilize a wide‐band‐gap heterojunction injector, such as GaP. Toward that end, we report the successful formation of porous Si buried underneath GaP islands, and we demonstrate that the buried porous Si layer exhibits strong photoluminescence (λ≊7000 A).
The impact of autism spectrum disorder on parent employment: Results from the r‐Kids study

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other chronic health conditions often face exceptional caregiving demands that can lead to challenges related to maintaining and succeeding in employment. Detailed information on the specific ways in which these health conditions impact parent employment could aid in designing equitable, effective policies to support families. The r‐Kids study used electronic health records to identify three groups of children: those with ASD, asthma, or neither condition (control), from several health care systems. We oversampled racial and ethnic minorities and matched the asthma and control groups to the age and sex distribution of the ASD group. Parents completed three online surveys over the course of a year to measure annual employment outcomes. Surveys included the Family Economic Impact Inventory (measuring employment impacts) and measures of quality of life and symptom severity. All materials were provided in English and Spanish. The study enrolled 1461 families (564 ASD, 468 asthma, 429 control). Youth were 3–16.5 years old and predominantly male (79%). The sample was diverse (43% non‐Hispanic White; 35% non‐Hispanic Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian, or Other; and 21% Hispanic ethnicity). Parents of children with ASD were significantly less likely to be employed than parents of youth with asthma and control combined (OR: 14.2, p < 0.001), and were more likely to have other difficulties with employment and productivity while at work. Public and employer policies to help mitigate these impacts could aid families in managing care for youth with ASD.
Thirty-Year Dynamics of the Pine Stand Sanitary Conditions of Boyarka Forestry Research Station

The drying up of coniferous forests is a problem for both Europe and Ukraine, where drying area of pine stands covered the Polissia region and spread to other natural areas, therefore, the analysis of pathological factors of the reasons for the weakening and deterioration of the sanitary condition is relevant. The purpose of the study provides for generalisation of the reasons for the deterioration of the sanitary condition of pine stands and pathological processes in dynamics over 30 years. The results are based on data from 12 permanent and 10 temporary sample plots established in a separate subdivision of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine “Boyarka Forestry Research Station”. The study used empirical and systematic methods. The predominance of drying of pine stands due to infection with the pathogen Heterobasidion annosum ((F.) Bref. ) was revealed, at the same time, with the highest infestation coefficient, the dominant species in the stands under study were ash bark beetles Tomicus piniperda L. (54%), Tomicus minor Hartig (46%) with high and medium infestation rates and Monochamus galloprovincialis Olivier with a tree population ratio of 52% and an average degree of population in trunk areas with transitional and rough bark. In the dynamics of observations since 2011, an increase in the index of sanitary condition of pine stands and deterioration of forests due to changes in weather conditions and climate aridity have been established. After the dry growing seasons of 2015-2017, the drying of pine trees with mass reproduction of stem pests was revealed, the infestation coefficient of which indicates the dominance of the sharp-dentated bark beetle Ips acuminatus Gyll. and a large ash bark beetle Tomicus minor which are aggressive species. Since 2019, there has been a decrease in the number of bark beetles due to exceeding the long-term precipitation rate due to a decrease in the temperature at the beginning of the growing season and unfavourable weather conditions for wintering of these insect species. The results obtained would become an informational component in the development of a strategy for managing damaged forest areas
THE DRAG OF SPHERES IN RAREFIED HYPERVELOCITY FLOW

Drag of spheres has been measured under hypersonic, cold-wall, support-free conditions in a nonreacting flow in which molecular vibration was frozen. Data were obtained for a nominal freestream Mach number of 11 and for Reynolds numbers from 1 to 10 based on conditions immediately downstream of the normal shock and sphere diameter. These data were supplemented by measurements at a nominal Mach number of 10 where a conventional balance was used, and Reynolds numbers downstream of the shock as high as 104 were investigated in the cold-wall condition. The experimental results have been analyzed both from the viewpoint of continuum flow with second-order viscous effects and from the standpoint of a noncontinuum concept, taking account of first collisions between re-emitted and freestream molecules. In both cases, useful, semiempirical expressions for drag coefficient are derived. The first-collision analysis is numerically indeterminant because of the lack of a method for explicit calculation of mean free path. However, the form of the derived equation for drag coefficient in noncontinuum flow is particularly suitable for modification to permit its use in linking freemolecule solutions and available experimental data. This possibility is suggested because the limiting drag coefficient at high Reynolds numbers is on the order of the accepted value for continuum, inviscid flow.
Bendamustine and rituximab is well‐tolerated and efficient in the treatment of indolent non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma in elderly: A single center observational study

Bendamustine and rituximab (BR) is a preferred first‐line therapy for indolent non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (iNHL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL); however, few reports on BR performance in elderly patients are available to date. We compared safety and efficacy of BR in patients ≥70 years (elderly) vs <70 years (younger) treated at our institution. Among 201 patients, 113 were elderly (median age: 77 years), including 38 patients ≥80 years, and 88 were younger (median age: 62 years). Elderly patients had more bone marrow involvement by lymphoma, anemia, ECOG status 3 and high‐risk disease follicular lymphoma (P < .05 for all). Fifty‐four percent of elderly received full dose of bendamustine vs 79.5% of younger patients. More elderly patients (54%) vs younger (43.2%) experienced treatment delay. Less elderly proceeded to rituximab maintenance. Overall, the number of adverse events per patient and transformed B‐Cell lymphoma/secondary malignancies were similar between groups. Elderly patients had less febrile neutropenia, rituximab‐associated infusion reactions, but more herpes zoster reactivation. There were more deaths in the elderly (37.2%) vs younger (10.2%) groups (P < .001), mainly due to non‐lymphoma‐related causes. With median follow‐up of 42 months [4.0‐97.0] disease‐free survival for the elderly was similar to younger patients. There was no difference between patients <80 and ≥80 years (P = .274). In conclusion, the real‐world elderly patients have more advanced disease and higher ECOG status. BR is well‐tolerated; elderly patients had lower incidence of febrile neutropenia. Dose reduction and treatment delays are common, but BR efficacy was not affected even in very old patients (≥80 years).
Association of class II HLA alleles with susceptibility to develop immune‐mediated diseases in Paraguayan patients

Genetic and nongenetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). The best‐known genetic factor for susceptibility to IMIDs is the human leukocyte antigen (HLA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of HLA class II genes with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) in the Paraguayan population. We included 254 patients with IMIDs (101 SLE, 103 RA, and 50 SSc) and 50 healthy controls. The haplotypes of five genes corresponding to HLA class II genes and their relationship to the IMIDs studied were determined. Note that 84.6% were women, with a mean age of 43.4 ± 14 years. Among the associated HLA alleles, we found the previously identified risk factors in other populations like HLA‐DRB1*03:01 and HLA‐DRB1*14:02 for RA, as well as new ones not previously identified, such as DPA1*02:01 for SLE and, DB1*02:01 for RA and SSc. In the genetic association analysis, already known associations have been replicated, and unpublished associations have been identified in Paraguayan patients with IMIDs. This is the first genetic association study in Paraguayan patients with IMIDs.
Provider Educational Needs and Preferences Regarding Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care in a Pediatric Health System

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Introduction: There is limited evidence on educational needs and preferences of pediatric health care professionals regarding transition from pediatric to adult health care. Methods: We distributed an anonymous online survey to physicians and advanced practice providers at a large, free-standing children's hospital and associated primary care network to assess attitudes, practices, and educational preferences about transition. We analyzed data with descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression. Results: A total of 178 providers responded (20% response rate) across 31 specialties (66% attending physicians, 19% fellows, and 15% advanced practice providers). Less than half (43%) were comfortable in their knowledge of transition, with fellows reporting significantly lower comfort than attendings (P < .05). In total, 47% reported annually discussing transition with their patients (fellows: 17% vs. attendings: 50%, P < .05). Educational topics of greatest interest included legal (71%) and financial concerns (69%), whereas preferred educational formats included Grand Rounds/lectures (68%) and webinars (63%). Facilitators to transition included lists of local adult providers for transition (89%), parent/family educational resources (88%), and a medical summary template in the electronic health record (85%). Discussion: Major gaps exist in attitudes and practices related to transition. Identified educational strategies may serve as targets to improve the transition process through educational interventions.
Converses for the Dodds–Fremlin and Kalton–Saab theorems

The two theorems in the title give conditions on Banach lattices E and F under which a positive operator from E into F, dominated by another positive operator with some property, must also have that property. The Dodds-Fremlin theorem says that this is true for compactness provided both E′ and F have order continuous norms, whilst the Kalton–Saab theorem establishes such a result for Dunford–Pettis operators provided F has an order continuous norm. These results were originally provided, in their full generality, in [3] and [5], respectively, whilst very readable proofs may be found in chapter 5 of [2] or §3·7 of [6].
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry

The tourism sector was the most negatively affected sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in areas that depend primarily on tourism, such as Petra, Jordan (World Tourism Organization [UNWTO], 2022). The researchers conducted a survey with the goal of measuring the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry in Petra. Data were collected from 484 residents of Petra to survey their views on the degree of the pandemic’s impact. The findings of the study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic increased unemployment in the region, decreased people’s ability to pay bills and buy essential items, and decreased average salaries. The results also showed that businesses decreased the number of their employees, they were expected to make less money, and more businesses were expecting not to make any revenue. There was a larger economic impact on the residential areas of Wadi Musa and Umm Sayhoun because these residential areas are majorly focused on the tourism industry.