Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hemastatic biomarkers as prognostic factors in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with nimotuzumab plus chemoradiotherapy

Background: The prognostic value of hemostatic biomarkers in many tumors are well recognized. However, it remains unclear in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with nimotuzumab plus chemoradiotherapy . In this study, we investigated pretreatment hemostatic biomarkers as prognostic factors for short-term efficacy after treatment. Methods: In total, 101 patients with stage Ⅲ or stage Ⅳa NPC were enrolled from March 2016 to December 2018. All patients received chemoradiotherapy with concurrent nimotuzumab (200 mg/week) administration. Platelet count (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and fibrinogen (FIB) were collected before treatment. Results: There was a statistically significant association between APTT and gender ( P =0.006), while PT and INR were found to be correlated with age ( P = 0.020 and P = 0.011, respectively). Prolonged PT or elevated INR was associated with a higher CR rate after treatment ( P = 0.008 and P = 0.003, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, T category, N category, PT and INR were independent prognostic factors for primary tumor response, whereas N category and the overall stage could independently predict cervical lymph node response. Conclusion: Pretreatment PT and INR may serve as useful prognostic biomarkers for predicting the primary tumor response to combined nimotuzumab and chemoradiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC.
A New Challenge...

When I began writing this column, I shared that occasionally I would do a column that was more exclusively about my personal life. I have tried to limit myself in that and, in the 28 years I have been writing this column, have probably done less than ten pieces whose main focus was my own life. When I have done so, it was almost always to share with readers a major transition in my life.
Influence of distribution feeder design on resonances

The influence of several distribution feeder parameters on harmonic resonance is investigated. These parameters include transformer and conductor impedance magnitude and phase angle, conductor type (cable or overhead), conductor arrangement (three-phase, four- wire or single-phase), and the possible interruption of the neutral conductor in delta-star transformers. Qualitative results are obtained from simulations with single-harmonic polluting loads; the results are further refined by simulations with polluting loads containing many harmonics.
Sedentary behavior and its pattern are associated with postural balance and fear of falling in asymptomatic adults: a cross-sectional study

Objective: Sedentary behavior (SB) is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality when compared to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, the influence of SB on the fear of falling (FOF) has not been investigated. We aimed to evaluate the association of SB and FOF in middle-aged and older adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study. FOF was achieved through the International Fall Efficiency Scale. SB and MVPA were obtained using triaxial accelerometers. Multiple linear regressions were performed to verify the association between SB, MVPA and FOF. Results: 75 middle-aged and older adults participated to the study. Sedentary breaks presented a more important role than the sedentary bouts and the MVPA in FOF. The SB and its pattern present a determinant association with postural balance and FOF in middle-aged and older adults. Hence, our findings reinforce the importance of middle-aged and older adults to perform the recommended amount of MVPA to maintain postural balance and reduce FOF.
An investigation into the potential of low head hydro power in Northern Ireland for the production of electricity

The maximum exploitable potential for low head hydroelectric sites (gross head≤10 m) in Northern Ireland (NI) was determined as 12.07 MW using a simple payback analysis for 304 potential sites investigated to derive a classification scheme in terms of economic viability. A techno-economic analysis with validated numerical models from previous research estimated the capital investment required for the development of a hydroelectric plant, using the low head Michell-Banki cross flow turbine, for the 304 sites investigated. The number of potentially viable sites in NI for low head hydro ranged from 198 to 286 with an estimated installed capacity ranging from 11.95 to 12.05 MW. Sites with a limited installed capacity were not economically viable unless increased government support in the form of longer term (25–50 years) low interest loans as well as the current (Renewables Obligations Certificates) Renewables Obligation Certificates scheme is provided and sustained.
Transforming Systems Engineering through Model Centric Engineering

Abstract : The vision held by NAVAIR's leadership is to assess technical feasibility of radical transformation through a more holistic model-centric engineering approach. The expected capability of such an approach would enable mission-based analysis and engineering that reduces the typical time by at least 25 percent from what is achieved today for large-scale air vehicle systems. Research tasks were: surveying industry, government and academia to understand the state-of the-art of a holistic, model-centric engineering, develop a common lexicon model-centric engineering, model the Airworthiness processes, and integrate a risk management framework. While research suggests that it is technically feasible to create a holistic approach for conceiving innovative concepts and solutions enabled through model-centricity. Operational transformation is needed to coordinate efforts across multiple disciplines and multiple stakeholders. Findings explored with NAVAIR are: growth, complexity, and development of software; interoperability, consistency, and limitations of transforming model semantics; and validation of models.
DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-PROFILE PORTABLE CONCRETE BARRIER

A low-profile portable concrete barrier (PCB) has been developed for use in low-speed [approximately 45 mph (73 km/hr) or less] work zones. The purpose of the low-profile barrier is to shield the work zone and redirect errant vehicles while improving visibility. The low-profile barrier has a total height of only 20 in. (50.8 cm), whereas most current PCBs have a total height of 32 in. (81.28 cm). The primary advantage of the reduced height of the low-profile PCB is that driver visibility is significantly increased. This enhanced visibility should provide drivers with safer conditions and reduce the number of accidents. The performance of the barrier was demonstrated through the results of two full-scale crash tests. Based on the results of these crash tests, the low-profile barrier is recommended for immediate use under appropriate conditions.
Analytical Solutions of the Schrödinger Equation with Kratzer-screened Coulomb Potential for a Quarkonium System

In this work, we obtain the Schr\"odinger equation solutions for the Kratzer potential plus screened Coulomb potential model using the series expansion method. The energy eigenvalues is obtained in non-relativistic regime and the corresponding unnormalized eigenfunction. Three special cases were obtained. We applied the present results to calculate heavy-meson masses of charmonium and bottomonium , and we got the numerical values for 1S, 2S, 1P,2P, 3S, 4S ,1D,2D and 1F states. The results are in good agreement with experimental data and the work of other researchers.
Study of modal behavior of a hinged girder model using scanning laser vibrometer

This paper presents the results of modal testing of a laboratory hinged girder model. The model is a built-up structure with bolted aluminum components, and is 8 ft. in length. This model was built to simulate the dynamic behavior of a single girder of an Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB), which is characterized by hinged joints and tapered end sections. The model was tested using shaker excitation and a Scanning Laser Vibrometer (SLV). Several vibration modes were identified and mapped out using the SLV. The results show a complicated dynamic behavior due to the unique e geometric features of the girder model. The modal tests conducted were used to gain an insight into the intricacies involved in testing and developing an inspection procedure for the overall bridge.
Intrinsic amplitude limits and optimum design of 9-switches direct PWM AC-AC converters

The maximum input-output transformer ratio, or output voltage ability, of direct AC-AC PWM converters is explored. An intrinsic limit, independent of the control algorithm, is found. A novel converter control algorithm is discussed that achieves the maximum output amplitude and displays some interesting features. The implementation of AC-AC converter control using feedback techniques is considered, and a feedback-based control algorithm is proposed. <<ETX>>
Studies on the effect of differential motions of two foundations upon the response of the superstructure of a bridge

This report contains two studies that were made of the effects of differential motion of the foundations upon the response of the super structure of a bridge. The first study deals with the dynamic response of a "1ong beam" model of a bridge to both steady-state and random excitations applied at the supports. The study has been simplified by considering a long shear beam, simply supported at two ends; this beam is subjected to two end excitations in the form of ground displacements. Harmonic excitations, differing in phase at the ends, were considered in the frequency domain by analyzing the steady state vibrations and calculating the displacement amplitudes at specific points on the beam. The energy content of the system has been presented, and the correlation between the two end excitations has been considered. For the random excitations, the analysis has been made in the time domain; two different cases of random motions have been considered. The second study develops a method to analyze the dynamic soilbridge interaction of a simple two-dimensional bridge model erected on an elastic half-space, with the input motion in the form of incident plane SH-waves. The bridge model consists of an elastic shear girder supported by two rigid abutments and rigid foundations which have a circular cross section and which are welded to the half-space. Finally, the dynamic response of the bridge and the effect of the radiative damping in the half-space on the interaction of the bridge are also studied.
Measurement and Characterization of the Moisture-Induced Properties of ACF Package

This study is to observe the exact behavior of anisotropic conductive adhesion (ACF) package under humid environments by obtaining the moisture-induced properties such as diffusion coefficient (the rate of moisture movement into the materials), saturated moisture content (the maximum absorbed quantity), and swelling coefficient (length change due to the chemical interaction). So the experiments were performed to get the moistureinduced properties of ACF and FR4 using newly developed method at various temperature and relative humidity conditions. Experimental results showed that the diffusion coefficient of ACF and FR4 follows Arrhenius’ equation very well, and the saturated moisture content of them follows Henry’s law, which means linear relationship between saturated moisture content and relative humidity, but the saturated moisture content of ACF is influenced by temperature as well as relative humidity. And the swelling coefficient of ACF and FR4 increases with temperature. Especially in the case of ACF, it shows the dramatic degradation due to Tg (glass transition temperature) at nearby 85°C. Finally, as using these experimental results, the behavior of the ACF package under humid environment is predicted through finite element simulation. When wetness defined by moisture content over saturated moisture content changes from 0 to 0.9, the center of the ACF package is subject to compression and the edge of the ACF package is subject to tension in the case of transient state. After all, because the edge of the ACF package is very weak due to bending moment, the failure is easy to occur under humid environment. DOI: 10.1115/1.3111252
Conserving our Wartime Heritage

Abstract This paper describes the scientific research and investigations undertaken to establish the causes of deterioration of a Stanton air raid shelter at a World War II airfield in East Lothian, Scotland. The concrete is fairly strong and has low sorptivity, but the main concern is the concrete delamination caused by the corrosion of the steel reinforcements. It is shown that the corrosion is due to chloride ions present in the concrete rather than carbonation of the concrete. The materials used in the concrete mix appear to be the source of the chlorides, possibly because calcium chloride was used as a set accelerator. It is argued that the conservation of the shelter is crucial to preserve the completeness of the airfield and potential treatment options are considered.
Examining the Decline in the Economic Outcomes of Highly Educated Recent Immigrants to Canada

Canada has a long established history of accepting immigrants from diverse ethno-racial backgrounds to meet the labour market needs in the “knowledge based economy”. However, since the 1980s, there have been declines observed in the economic success of recent cohorts of immigrants. At the same time, there has been a shift in source country composition towards non-traditional source regions in Asia, Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe. This shift has been accompanied by an increase in the human capital of immigrants, in terms of their educational qualifications and work experience as a by-product of the new points system. An explanation for the economic decline is that the institutional barriers of prejudice and discrimination have barred recent immigrants from access to high skilled employment. Nevertheless, one should also consider the massive restructuring of the labour market and its effects on the most vulnerable cohorts: immigrants; women; racialized people and youth.
Binaural Loudness for Artificial-Head Measurements in Directional Sound Fields

The effect of the sound incidence angle on loudness was investigated for fifteen listeners who matched the loudness of sounds coming from five different incidence angles in the horizontal plane to that of the same sound with frontal incidence. The stimuli were presented via binaural synthesis by using head-related transfer functions measured for an artificial head. The results, which exhibited marked individual differences, show that loudness depends on the direction from which a sound reaches the listener. The average results suggest a relatively simple rule for combining the two signals at the ears of an artificial head for binaural loudness predictions.
Evaluating the true cost to airlines of one minute of airborne or ground delay: final report

The Eprints service at the University of Westminster aims to make the research output of the University available to a wider audience. Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the authors and/or copyright owners. Users are permitted to download and/or print one copy for non-commercial private study or research. Further distribution and any use of material from within this archive for profit-making enterprises or for commercial gain is strictly forbidden.
Not the End of the Story

Central to this article are two maps by Floris Balthasarsz van Berckenrode, both on the siege of Grave (1602) by Maurice of Orange during the Dutch Revolt. The first map was in 1602 produced as a news map about the events, the second was a re-edition, published eight years later as a book illustration for Jan Jansz Orlers, Den Nassauschen Lauren-Crans (Leiden 1610). In this article, principles for a new method are introduced to analyse and compare these ‘story maps’ with particular attention to the narrative impact of the map. Using this method in combi-nation with (book) historical research, it argues that the 1610 map should be considered as a ‘memorial map’ that reframes the collective memory of the Dutch Revolt. It emphasizes the dynamic relationship between news, map and book publishing and pleads for a more prominent position of story maps and book illustrations in Early Modern memory landscapes.
Note: On the tube model for fibre suspensions

The addressed problem consists of finding the average number of fibers whose centerlines intersect a test tube circumscribing a test fiber, given the orientation distribution and concentration of the fibers. Approximate solutions to this problem have been published in the past. This note presents an exact solution for an arbitrary test volume and arbitrary fiber length distribution. The solution is then specialized to the above problem and compared with the previous approximate solutions.
The isolated building test case : results from the IMPACT benchmark

Within the IMPACT project, one aim of the Flood Propagation work package is to investigate floods in urban areas following a dam break. As a first step, and in order to limit the number of parameters involved in this complex flow, an idealised test case was designed. This consists in a dam-break flow in a channel with a single building downstream from the dam, not aligned with the flow direction. Experimental measurements have been performed by means of different techniques (point and field measurements) and the results provided a complete data set. Blind simulations of the flow were run in a benchmark session – the socalled isolated building test case – in order to assess the abilities of numerical models. Eight modellers from six different institutions (members and non-members of the project) participated to this benchmark. The results are presented in this paper, under the form of a comparison between experiments and numerical simulations.
Design of AUV propeller based on a blade element method

Design of a propeller for Florida Atlantic University's Ocean Explorer (OEX) series autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is presented. The primary requirement of the design is that the vehicle achieve a steady forward speed of 5 knots using a direct-drive motor limited by a torque of 4 Nm at 1000 rpm. The thrust required to propel the vehicle at steady 5 knots was estimated to be /spl ap/100 N. The estimation takes into account, empirically, the effects of hull-propeller interactions on flow into the propeller and vehicle drag. While an elaborate hydrodynamics analysis is envisaged for the design of AUV propellers in the future, a blade element method is used in the present design. Assuming a functional form of loading curve and radial variation of chord together with the blade-element method, a three-bladed propeller of diameter 34 cm and based on NACA 66-221 sections is designed. Sea trials are planned to evaluate the performance of the propeller.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITIES AND PHENOLIC CONTENTS OF TEA LEAF EXTRACTS

Objectives: The objective of the study was to estimate the seasonal variations in the antioxidant capacities, total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and tannin content (TC) of tea leaf extracts from two different plantation sites. Methods: Samples were collected from two tea gardens in Tuli and Ungma situated at N 26°39’19.3 E 094°39’22.7 and N 26°17’30.6 E 094°28’29.2, respectively, under the Mokokchung district of Nagaland, India. TPC, TFC, and TC from sample extracts were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, aluminum chloride colorimetric, and Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Apart from these, antioxidant capacities were analyzed using ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results: The concentrations of total polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin varied from 552.029±8.079 to 305.647±1.744 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, 238.770±0.508–148.457±1.653 mg catechin equivalent/g, and 26.453±0.485–20.173±0.173 mg tannic acid equivalent/g, respectively. FRAP and DPPH assay displayed value ranging from 2.564±0.023 to 1.074±0.023 mmol Fe(II) equivalent/g and 3.612±0.053–2.076±0.028 mmol Trolox equivalent/g. Significant seasonal variations in concentrations of these compounds were observed and a positive correlation between antioxidant capacities and phenolics of tea leaf extracts was established. Conclusion: Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) has been regarded as a plant of immense medicinal and therapeutic value since time immemorial. The tea leaf extracts analyzed in this study gave high TPC, TFC, and TC, as well as high antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and FRAP value. Studying such properties in tea leaves contributes more to our understandings of health benefit potentials in tea leaves and the quality of tea leaves on the basis of seasons and sites where they are planted.
Engineering properties of cemented peat bricks

Housing is a great problem in today's world and the world future. The most basic building material for infrastructure construction and housing is the usual brick or blocks. Conventional bricks, which are burnt clay, create environmental problems. The purpose for this study was undertaken on the production of peat; siliceous sand, composite cement and lime solid bricks to solve the economic problems of housing and construction building by utilizing local materials. The compressive strength, water absorption and density of these bricks were investigated. It was observed that these bricks had sufficient strength for their use in low cost housing development. Tests were also conducted to study the influence of curing type on the increase in strength and hardening of the bricks with time.
Mode hopping in semiconductor lasers

Semiconductor lasers have found widespread use in fiberoptic communications, merchandising (bar-code scanners), entertainment (videodisc and compact disc players), and in scientific inquiry (spectroscopy, laser cooling). Some uses require a minimum degree of stability of wavelength which is not met by these lasers: Under some conditions, semiconductor lasers can discontinuously switch wavelengths in a back-and-forth manner. This is called mode hopping. We show that mode hopping is directly correlated to noise in the total intensity, and that this noise is easily detected by a photodiode. We also show that there are combinations of laser case temperature and injection current which lead to mode hopping. Conversely, there are other combinations for which the laser is stable. These results are shown to have implications for controlling mode hopping.
Carsharing and the Built Environment: A GIS-Based Study of One U.S. Operator

The use of carsharing vehicles over a period of 16 months in 2006-07 was compared to built environment and demographic factors in this GIS-based multivariate regression study of an urban U.S. carsharing operator. Carsharing is a relatively new transportation industry in which companies provide members with short-term vehicle access from distributed neighborhood locations. The number of registered carsharing members in North America has doubled every year or two to a current level of approximately 320,000. Researchers have long supposed that public transit access is a key factor driving demand for carsharing. The results of this study, however, find an ambiguous relationship between the activity at carsharing locations and public transit access. Light rail availability is found to have a significant and positive relationship to carsharing demand. Regional rai! l availability is found to be weakly and negatively associated with carsharing demand, although limitations in the available data make it impossible to ascribe the observed difference to user demand, random variation, or other factors specific to the industry.