Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Sediment Entrainment and Transport in Rotorcraft Brownout

Abstract : To advance the understanding of the phenomenon of rotorcraft brownout, a dualphaseflow environment induced by a small-scale rotor hovering above a sediment bedwas studied using high-speed flow visualization and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The high frame rate of the camera, combined with advanced particle recognition andtracking software, permitted an understanding of the temporal evolution of the rotor wakein ground effect simultaneously with the processes of sediment entrainment and transportby the rotor flow.High-resolution near-wall PIV measurements showed that large excursions in thesurface boundary layer were produced by the convecting rotor wake vortices. These excursionsacted to suppress an equilibrium state in the boundary layer within the zone ofvortex impingement on the ground. The highest sediment entrainment levels were observedto occur within this impingement zone, which can be attributed to the increasein groundwash and wall shear produced beneath the vortices. Once entrained, significantquantities of sediment were then trapped and locally suspended by the vortex-induced upwashfield. This effect resulted in a noticeable level of intermittency in the initial verticaltransport of sediment from the ground.The ground and upwash flow velocities were shown to strengthen significantly duringthe viscous merging of adjacent wake vortices. This mechanism proved fundamentalin defining the concentration of suspended sediment, as well as the maximum height towhich sediment could be transported. Sediment particles reaching sufficient heights wereobserved to recirculate into the rotor wake, and convect back towards the ground at a highspeed. This process caused sediment ejection by means of bombardment or splash.The classical process of saltation bombardment was also visualized for larger particleswhose inertia prevented them from being suspended in the vortical flow.
A cross-sectional study of pulmonary function test in traffic policemen of Gangtok, East Sikkim, North East India

Background: Vehicular or automobile emission constitutes a significant health injury to traffic policemen posted at the numerous traffic junctions. Aim and Objectives: Evaluating the spirometric lung function test parameters of traffic policemen posted in Gangtok town and to compare and measure the findings with general police personnel and also to study the effect of exposure to long-term automobile pollution. Materials and Methods: In this study, after matching for anthropometric variables such as weight, height, and body mass index, 40 traffic policemen were taken as case and 40 general duty policemen were taken as control groups. The exclusion criteria were duly screened, and only those subject who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included after which the spirometric pulmonary function tests (PFT) ‘s evaluation was done. The indices measured in the study included (1) Forced vital capacity (FVC) (2) Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (3) FEV1/FVC ratio (4) Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (5) Forced mid expiratory flow (FEF 25–75%). Spirometric indices of the subjects and controls were statistically analyzed using the student’s t test and p value computed against the degree of freedom. Results: The traffic policemen showed decline in various PFT indices as compared to controls in terms of FVC(L), FEV1 (L), FEV1/FVC, FEF 25–75%, PEFR, although it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The traffic policemen working in Gangtok town had decreased PFT, although it was not statistically significant in this study. Even then, we strongly recommend for the adoption and practice of various preventive measure from vehicular pollution and conduction of further studies on larger samples.
Nurses' Experiences of Caring for Patients and Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Communication Challenges.

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the perceptions and experiences of nurses caring for patients and families under the COVID-19 pandemic's socially restrictive practices and policies.Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic has affected the delivery of health care to patients and their families, with many aspects altered because of the need for social distancing, social isolation, and visitation restriction policies. These policies have created communication challenges for interdisciplinary health care teams, patients, and families. As frontline caregivers, nurses have felt strongly the impact of these challenges.Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among 17 RNs who were caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and were recruited via social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Watson's theory of human caring served as the conceptual framework for the study.Results: Several themes emerged regarding nurses' experiences of communication with patients and families. These include communication challenges and barriers, prioritization, integration of group communication, nurse self-reflection, and acceptance of gratitude.Conclusions: The study findings underscore the importance of nurses' communication with patients and families under the pandemic's restricted conditions. They demonstrate the value of nurses' ability to innovate in fostering all parties' participation in the plan of care, and highlight the comfort nurses provide to patients who are isolated from loved ones. Strategies that fostered communication were identified, as were areas for further research.
Synchronising and damping torques in synchronous machines

The paper investigates synchronous-machine damping and synchronising torques analytically and experimentally, in two distinct reference frames. The first is that of Park and the second is a freely rotating frame used by Kron, Ku and others. it is found that the uniformly rotating free frame presents a clear picture of the nature of the torque components and the sources of these during hunting conditions. The analysis has been confirmed by tests on a laboratory machine.
Impact of inter‐vendor variability on evaluation of left ventricular mechanical dispersion

Left ventricular mechanical dispersion (LVMD) is a novel speckle tracking parameter for prognostic assessment of arrhythmic risk prediction. There is growing evidence to support its use in a variety of cardiomyopathic processes. There is paucity of data addressing any presence of inter‐vendor discrepancies for LVMD. The aim of this study was to assess inter‐vendor variability of LVMD in vendor specific software (VSS) and vendor independent software (VIS) in subjects with preserved and reduced left ventricular function.
Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism in Severe COVID-19: A Study-Level Meta-Analysis of 21 Studies

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units (ICU) is frequent, but risk factors (RF) remain unidentified. In this meta-analysis (CRD42020188764) we searched for observational studies from ICUs reporting the association between VTE and RF in Medline/Embase up to 15 April 2021. Reviewers independently extracted data in duplicate and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Analyses were conducted using the random-effects model and produced a non-adjusted odds ratio (OR). We analysed 83 RF from 21 studies (5296 patients). We found moderate-certainty evidence for an association between VTE and the D-dimer peak (OR 5.83, 95%CI 3.18–10.70), and length of hospitalization (OR 7.09, 95%CI 3.41–14.73) and intubation (OR 2.61, 95%CI 1.94–3.51). We identified low-certainty evidence for an association between VTE and CRP (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.32–2.53), D-dimer (OR 4.58, 95% CI 2.52–8.50), troponin T (OR 8.64, 95% CI 3.25–22.97), and the requirement for inotropic drugs (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.15–2.43). Traditional VTE RF (i.e., history of cancer, previous VTE events, obesity) were not found to be associated to VTE in COVID-19. Anticoagulation was not associated with a decreased VTE risk. VTE RF in severe COVID-19 correspond to individual illness severity, and inflammatory and coagulation parameters.
Winter sampling and seasonal variation in litter-dwelling beetle assemblages using a sifting method

Abstract Litter-dwelling arthropods play an important role in maintaining forest ecosystem function. This study was designed to understand seasonal variations and diversity of litter-dwelling adult beetles, one of the most diverse groups of arthropods. Sampling was conducted in mixed-wood forests of South Korea between March and December 2019, covering all seasons, including winter. We used a sifting method and a Berlese funnel to collect arthropods living in leaf litter and soil. We collected a total of 5820 invertebrates representing six orders, of which 1422 were beetles representing 24 families and minimum 141 species. Beetle species richness was highest in spring and lowest in summer based on rarefaction and extrapolation. However, beetle abundance was lowest in spring, but abundance was similar among the other seasons. Beetle assemblage composition was correlated significantly with soil surface and atmospheric temperature. The assemblage composition differed among seasons, except between spring and winter, which overlapped slightly. The combined sifting–Berlese funnel method showed great advantages for investigating the diversity of overwintering arthropods. Continued study of the relationship between arthropods and the leaf-litter environment is essential to understand this microecosystem and will increase the chance of discovering new beetle species.
Multi-Scale Object-Based Probabilistic Forecast Evaluation of WRF-Based CAM Ensemble Configurations

Convection-allowing model (CAM) ensembles contain a distinctive ability to predict convective initiation location, mode, and morphology. Previous studies on CAM ensemble verification have primarily used neighborhood-based methods. A recently introduced object-based probabilistic (OBPROB) framework provides an alternative and novel framework in which to re-evaluate aspects of optimal CAM ensemble design with an emphasis on ensemble storm mode and morphology prediction. Herein, we adopt and extend the OBPROB method in conjunction with a traditional neighborhood-based method to evaluate forecasts of four differently configured 10-member CAM ensembles. The configurations include two single-model/single-physics, a single-model/multi-physics, and a multi-model/multi-physics configuration. Both OBPROB and neighborhood frameworks show that ensembles with more diverse member-to-member designs improve probabilistic forecasts over single-model/single-physics designs through greater sampling of different aspects of forecast uncertainties. Individual case studies are evaluated to reveal the distinct forecast features responsible for the systematic results identified from the different frameworks. Neighborhood verification, even at high reflectivity thresholds, is primarily impacted by mesoscale locations of convective and stratiform precipitation across scales. In contrast, the OBPROB verification explicitly focuses on convective precipitation only and is sensitive to the morphology of similarly located storms.
Temporal Restriction and Interest for the Elderly on Cultural Participation. The Case of Spanish Performing Arts 2019

This paper discusses the relationship of cultural participation in performing arts with the manifested interest. Using the data set from the Cultural Habits and Practices Survey 2018-2019 a binary probit model has been applied for the analysis. Emphasizing the role of aging in participation, especially for the group of the elderly and very old. The age variable is one of the most difficult variables to apprehend, in which the cohort effects, age itself and period should be considered. This paper is an approach to the study of the aging effect on cultural participation, which would be continued with the analysis of the Surveys in previous years. This work shows that there is no homogeneous behavior between participation and interest within the different performing arts. Presenting some of them differentiating features.
Measurement of the mobility and concentration of carriers in diffused zones in Si with a gate controlled structure

A gate controlled structure is described. It is shown to be a convenient device for measuring mobility and concentration profile of majority carriers in diffused zones. The values of these two parameters are derived from measurements of gate capacitance and resistivity as a function of gate voltage. Various ways of obtaining C-V deep-depletion curves are discussed in order to justify the choice of a gate controlled structure. The measurement technique is discussed. Limitations of the method are due, on one hand, to the depletion approximation and, on the other hand, to an excessive reverse current across the diffused junction induced by the gate voltage. This effect is encountered especially in low-concentration samples, such as ours, in the range of 1015-1016cm-3. For illustration purposes, profiles of a p diffusion used in the MOSC process are measured at the beginning and at the end of the fabrication process.
Teaching Students With Mild Intellectual Disability to Solve Word Problems Using Schema-Based Instruction

This study, which used a multiple baseline across participants’ design, examines the effectiveness of a modified schema-based instructional approach to improve the mathematical word problem solving performance of three students with mild intellectual disability, two of whom had an autism spectrum disorder. Following the intervention, the three students improved their performance when solving addition and subtraction change word problems; however, their performance was inconsistent on change word problems. The effects of the instruction were generalized to two-step addition and subtraction word problems for the three participants. Moreover, the results were generalized to an untrained setting and were maintained 8 weeks after the instruction. The implications of these findings for teaching problem-solving skills to students with intellectual disability are discussed.
HEAVY METAL AND MICROBIAL CONTENTS OF ROADSIDE ROASTED CORN AND PLANTAIN IN ALIMOSHO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

In Nigeria, West Africa, it is common practice to eat roasted food as snacks without being mindful of the health implications from the environment where it is roasted. This research work evaluated the level of heavy metals and microbial contents in roadside roasted corn and plantain from three locations in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. Heavy metals in the 18 samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Standard Microbiological Techniques (SMT) was used to determine the microbial contents in the samples. The average concentration for each heavy metal in all the samples ranged between 0.45 - 1.40mg/g, 2.45 - 4.80mg/g, 3.10 - 14.05mg/g and 1.20 – 2.70mg/g for copper, zinc, iron, and manganese respectively. Furthermore, samples from heavy traffic areas had average concentration range of between 0 – 0.10mg/g and 0 – 0.06mg/g for lead and cadmium respectively. The heavy metal values were within the permissible levels set by the FAO and WHO. The average microbial load of the samples ranged between 250x10 -3 – 800x10 -3 Cfu. Samples from locations close to refuse dumpsite had the highest microbial content. Four microorganisms isolated from the samples are Escherichia coli, Bacillus species, Neurospora species and Aspergillus niger. These findings indicate that roadside roasted foods are contaminated by the polluted environments. Excessive consumption can increase the level of heavy metal contamination in the body which may affect the health of the consumers.
Vaccines and Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: Considerations for the Older Population

Age is among the most prominent risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 disease, and therefore older adults are a major target group for vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. This review focusses on age-associated aspects of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination strategies, and summarizes data on immunogenicity, efficacy and effectiveness of the four COVID-19 vaccines, which are licensed in the US and/or Europe; namely, the two mRNA vaccines by BioNTech/Pfizer (BNT162b2) and Moderna (mRNA-1273), and the adenovector vaccines developed by AstraZeneca/University Oxford (ChAdOx1-nCoV-19, AZD1222) and Janssen/Johnson&Johnson (Ad26.COV2-S), respectively. After very high protection rates in the first months after vaccination even in the older population, effectiveness of the vaccines, particularly against asymptomatic infection and mild disease, declined at later time points and with the emergence of virus variants. Many high-income countries have recently started administration of additional doses to older adults and other high-risk groups, whereas other parts of the world are still struggling to acquire and distribute vaccines for primary vaccination. Other vaccines are available in other countries and clinical development for more vaccine candidates is ongoing, but a complete overview of COVID-19 vaccine development is beyond the scope of this article.
Efficacy and safety of continuous infusion of Rh-endostatin combined with platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to prospectively evaluate and investigate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human endostatin (Rh-endostatin) combined with platinum-based regimens for advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. METHODS This study was a prospective, single-arm, single-center, open-label trial. From January 2017 to August 2019, 21 women aged 18-70 years with histologically confirmed advanced TNBC were enrolled. Rh-endostatin at 30 mg/d was continuously pumped for 7 days and used synchronously with the chemotherapy cycle. The primary endpoint of this study was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. RESULTS The median PFS (mPFS) was 8.8 months (95% CI: 7.2-10.4 months), and the median OS was 13.3 months (95% CI: 11.6-15.0 months). The ORR and CBR for the whole population were 47.6% and 52.4%, respectively. Patients sensitive to anthracycline and taxane drugs showed a significantly longer mPFS compared to those who were resistant to anthracycline and taxane drugs (mPFS: 8.8 vs. 5.3 months, P=0.038). For patients who received first- and second-line therapy or beyond, the mPFS was 8.8 and 5.3 months, respectively, with a significant difference (P=0.025). No statistically significant differences in the mPFS between pemetrexed combined with platinum and gemcitabine/taxanes combined with platinum were observed. The most common grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities were neutropenia (14.3%) and anemia (14.3%). One patient (4.8%) experienced febrile neutropenia. No grade 3-4 non-hematologic toxicities were observed, and no treatment-related deaths were reported in this study. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that Rh-endostatin might enhance the antitumor effects of platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced TNBC patients with well-tolerated toxicities, which may provide a new basis and novel idea for the treatment of TNBC. However, further investigations and validation of its long-term efficacy and toxicity are warranted in the future.
Children’ Stress, Depression, Sleep, and Internet Use

This study examines the connections between children’s sleep, stress, depression, and internet use. Parents believe that sleep effectively reduces children’s stress, while children instead insist that internet use is effective for reducing their stress. Based on that argument, this study has three purposes: to examine whether sleep or internet use is more effective at reducing children's stress, examine whether stress is related to depression, and examine whether sleep affects depression through children's stress as a mediating factor. To this end, this study gathered a sample of 1,796 children from 32 elementary schools—all fourth- to sixth-graders who volunteered to take the survey—and measured their stress level, depression level, sleep hours, and hours of internet use. The Daily Stress Scale of Korean Children, Korean Child Depression Scale, hours of sleep on average per day (sleep), and hours of using electronic devices per day (internet use) were used as the measurements. Regarding the statistical analysis methods used in this study, linear regression was used to examine the regression effect of both sleep and internet use on stress and the regression effect of stress on depression. Path analysis, one of the structural equation models, was also used to find direct, indirect, and mediating effects between variables. The study results show that (i) sleep, not internet usage, effectively relieves children’s stress; (ii) stress is an important influence on depression; and (iii) sufficient sleep reduces stress, which reduces depression. It is recommended that future studies consider the quality of sleep and quantity of sleep for more valid data analysis and carry out follow-up research with wider age groups.
Open Pedagogy and Transdisciplinary Thinking: Making Connections Through a Visual Artefact Self- Study

The examination of teacher educators’ own practices through self-study research has been well established and self-study aligns with the growing interest in open educational resources (OER) and open pedagogy. This research used a self-study method of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) OER project, Form and Function(s): Sustainable Design meets Computational Thinking. Two research questions were pursued: How do open pedagogy attributes contribute to a transdisciplinary STEAM OER pedagogical stance? And how can one apply visual artifact self-study as intentional critical friends to examine professional value and to enhance pedagogical self-understanding? The researcher analyzed visual artifacts of created and documented images that supported the process of her interrogations of transdisciplinary curriculum development and open pedagogy. The sites and modalities of the artifacts were questioned and answers recorded using a critical visual methodology. Klein’s (2008, 2018) transdisciplinary thinking and the eight attributes of Hegarty’s (2015) open pedagogy frame the interrogation of the images and the connections made to curriculum theorizing. The self-study provides conclusions to the role of visual artifacts when conceptualizing the gestalt of complex ideas and relations. The self-study provides warranted assertions for open educators and researchers interested in the practices of transdisciplinary, open curricular and pedagogical processes alongside the eight attributes of open pedagogy, and the role of critical self-reflection.