Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recruitment of dendritic cell progenitors to foci of influenza A virus infection sustains immunity

Description Effective T cell–dependent immunity to influenza A virus requires recruitment of cDC progenitors to foci of infection via CCR2. Infected lungs call for dendritic cell backup Resident dendritic cells (DCs) within the lung epithelium are positioned to rapidly detect invading pathogens and initiate an adaptive immune response but can be expanded through recruitment of blood-derived progenitors. In a mouse model of influenza virus infection, Cabeza-Cabrerizo et al. show that expression of the chemokine receptor CCR2 is required for recruitment of DC progenitors (pre-DCs) to the lungs and subsequent positioning at foci of infection. Using mice with conditional deletion of CCR2 in the DC lineage, they found that pre-DC recruitment is necessary for effective T cell responses and protection against reinfection. These results demonstrate that expansion of the homeostatic lung DC network by circulating pre-DCs is essential for immunity against respiratory viruses. Protection from infection with respiratory viruses such as influenza A virus (IAV) requires T cell–mediated immune responses initiated by conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) that reside in the respiratory tract. Here, we show that effective induction of T cell responses against IAV in mice requires reinforcement of the resident lung cDC network by cDC progenitors. We found that CCR2-binding chemokines produced during IAV infection recruit pre-cDCs from blood and direct them to foci of infection, increasing the number of progeny cDCs next to sites of viral replication. Ablation of CCR2 in the cDC lineage prevented this increase and resulted in a deficit in IAV-specific T cell responses and diminished resistance to reinfection. These data suggest that the homeostatic network of cDCs in tissues is insufficient for immunity and reveal a chemokine-driven mechanism of expansion of lung cDC numbers that amplifies T cell responses against respiratory viruses.
Active vibration control of beams with optimal placement of piezoelectric sensor/actuator pairs

This paper considers the optimal placement of collocated piezoelectric actuator–sensor pairs on flexible beams using a model-based linear quadratic regulator (LQR) controller. A finite element method based on Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is used. The contributions of piezoelectric sensor and actuator patches to the mass and stiffness of the beam are considered. The LQR performance is taken as the objective for finding the optimal location of sensor–actuator pairs. The problem is formulated as a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) model control. The discrete optimal sensor and actuator location problem is formulated in the framework of a zero–one optimization problem which is solved using genetic algorithms (GAs). Classical control strategies like direct proportional feedback, constant gain negative velocity feedback and the LQR optimal control scheme are applied to study the control effectiveness. The study of the optimal location of actuators and sensors is carried out for different boundary conditions of beams like cantilever, simply supported and clamped boundary conditions.
Position control of a pneumatic rodless cylinder using sliding mode M-D-PWM control the high speed solenoid valves

The purpose of the paper is to apply a control law, which combines the sliding mode and modified differential PWM (M-D-PWM) control method to control the position of a pneumatic rodless cylinder. The experimental results show that the pneumatic system has the advantages both good performance and low cost with the proposed controller.
Seismic assessment of curved bridges using modal pushover analysis

Title of Dissertation: SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF CURVED BRIDGES USING MODAL PUSHOVER ANALYSIS Mohamed Salah Eldin Ibrahim Ahmed, Doctor of Philosophy, 2010 Dissertation Directed By: Professor Chung C. Fu Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering The assessment of existing bridge structures against earthquake threat has become a major issue lately, motivated by the maturity of seismic design of new structures, on one side, and by the recognition of the inadequate level of seismic protection, the aging and the constant need of maintenance of the existing ones, on the other. While nonlinear time history analysis (NL-THA) is the most rigorous procedure to compute seismic demands, many seismic-prone countries, such as United States, New Zealand, Japan and Italy, have recently released standards for the assessment of buildings, all of which include the use of the non-linear static analysis procedure (NSP), the so-called pushover. The nonlinear static analysis procedure has a relatively long history. It was first specified by (FEMA-273, 1997) and later updated by (FEMA-356, 2000) as an analytical procedure that can be used in systematic rehabilitation of structures. Also, (ATC-40, 1996), developed by the Applied Technology Council, applied the NSP as a seismic assessment tool. These methods were applied only for buildings. Recently Chopra and Goel (2002) proposed the modal pushover analysis (MPA) procedure that considers the effect of higher modes on the behavior of buildings. This research investigation is intended to evaluate the accuracy of the modal pushover analysis (MPA) procedure in estimating seismic demands for curved bridges after proposing some modifications that would render the MPA procedure applicable for bridges. For verification purpose, the nonlinear time history analysis (NL-THA) is also performed in order to quantify the accuracy of MPA. Three bridges were analyzed using both the MPA and NL-THA in addition to the standard pushover analysis (SPA). Maximum Demand displacements, total base shear and plastic rotations obtained from SPA and MPA are compared with the corresponding values resulting from the NL-THA. Comparison shows a good agreement between MPA and NL-THA results and MPA is deemed to be accurate enough for practical use. Furthermore, to evaluate the applicability of the MPA method for a wide range of bridges, a parametric study using both the MPA and NL-THA is performed. Results from the MPA for demand displacement and base shear are compared with results from the NL-THA. Also, the influence of different parameters on the behavior of curved bridges is studied. Parameters included the girder cross section (steel I vs. steel BOX), span length, number of spans, radius of curvature, and pier height. Pier height is found to have the most significant effect on bridge behavior as well as span length, while radius of curvature is found to have less influence on the behavior of curved bridges. SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF CURVED BRIDGES USING MODAL PUSHOVER ANALYSIS
Internal Structure Changes of Nylon 12 in Balloon Forming Process

Medical balloon has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but the theoretical studies in processing process of medical balloon have reported less in the domestic. This paper briefly introduce in the processing process of medical balloon from the nylon 12 as raw materials, through control the conditions of primary molding, secondary molding and final molding process of the operating, then investigate the stress-strain curve of each sample in the molding process by Hydraulic Pressure Tester. And further investigated the material's lattice parameter, melting point, crystallinity and the structure changes of internal groups during the molding process separately by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning caborimetry (DSC) and infrared transmission spectroscopy (FTIR) experiment. It could be founded that the acting force between the polymeric chain of nylon 12 reduced at first, so that the material has better plasticity and machinability for forming, and then the acting force of polymer chain is enhanced, so that the final balloon has higher strength and stability were discovered during the balloon forming process.
Field monitoring of wind effects on a super-tall building during typhoons

This paper presents the field measurement results of wind effects on a super-tall building (CITIC Plaza, 391 m high) located in Guangzhou. The field data such as wind speed, wind direction and acceleration responses were simultaneously and continuously recorded from the tall building by a wind and vibration monitoring system during two typhoons. The typhoon-generated wind characteristics including turbulence intensity, gust factor, peak factor, turbulence integral length scale and power spectral density of fluctuating wind speed were presented and discussed. The dynamic characteristics of the tall building were determined based on the field measurements and compared with those calculated from a 3D finite element model of the building. The measured natural frequencies of the two fundamental sway modes of the building were found to be larger than those calculated. The damping ratios of the building were evaluated by the random decrement technique, which demonstrated amplitude-dependent characteristics. The field measured acceleration responses were compared with wind tunnel test results, which were found to be consistent with the model test data. Finally, the serviceability performance of the super-tall building was assessed based on the field measurement results.
Phase II Benchmark Control Problem for Seismic Response of Cable-Stayed Bridges

This paper presents the problem definition for the second generation of benchmark structural control problems for cable-stayed bridges. The goal of this study is to provide a testbed for the development of strategies for the control of cable stayed-bridges. Based on detailed drawings of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, a three-dimensional evaluation model has been developed to represent the complex behavior of the full-scale benchmark bridge. Phase II considers more complex structural behavior than phase I, including multi-support and transverse excitations. Evaluation criteria are presented for the design problem that are consistent with the goals of seismic response control of a cable-stayed bridge. Control constraints are also provided to ensure that the benchmark results are representative of a control implementation on the physical structure. Each participant in this benchmark bridge control study is given the task of defining, evaluating and reporting on their proposed control strategies. Participants should also evaluate the robust stability and performance of their resulting designs through simulation with an evaluation model which includes additional mass due to snow loads. The problem and a sample control design have been made available in the form of a set of MATLAB equations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pedagogy and Learning with ICT: Researching the Art of Innovation

Bridget Somekh draws on her experience of researching the introduction of ICT into education to look at ICT development over the last twenty years. The book provides a fascinating, in-depth analysis of the nature of learning, ICT pedagogies and the processes of change for teachers, schools and education systems. It covers the key issues relating to the innovation of ICT that have arisen over this period.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Seismic Behavior of Lightly Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joints

The experimental and analytical investigations carried out on lightly reinforced concrete beam-column joints subjected to seismic loading are presented in this paper. Five 3/4-scale reinforced concrete beam-column joints were tested to investigate the seismic behavior of the joints. The variables in the tested specimens include column orientations and the presence of slabs on the top of beams. The specimens were subjected to quasi-static load reversals to simulate earthquake loadings. Experimental results obtained include joint shear stresses, joint shear strains, observed cracking and initial stiffness. The test results provided some information about the seismic behavior of the specimens. However, due to the unique nature of the specimens, several key parameters could not be varied. Therefore, to elucidate further information, a numerical study consisting of three-dimensional nonlinear finite-element (FE) models was carried out. The FE models were then validated with the experimental results. This was followed by parametric studies, carried out to understand the effects of several critical factors, including column axial load, ratio of column depth to beam reinforcement bar diameter, and effective slab width, on the complex behavior of the joints.
Evaluation with Traffic Assignment Under Demand Uncertainty

The impact of demand uncertainty on the evaluation of network improvements when using traffic assignment is addressed. Theoretical results indicate that the expected value of the performance of the traffic system is not necessarily equivalent to the performance of the system at the expected value of demand, and therefore the expected demand cannot be used with disregard of the variance in demand forecasts. Using expected demand tends to overestimate performance of the network and could lead to erroneous choice of improvements. Alternative possibilities for dealing with this problem are explored, including an approach in which the demand is inflated. This yield benefits not only in terms of selecting improvements with lower expected total system travel time but also significant reductions in the variance associated with this measure. Demand inflation should take place after a budget has been set, so that decisions resulting from inflation do not dictate that more infrastructure be built but that different improvements be selected. Furthermore, numerical examples indicate that there is a significant probability that the deterministic traffic assignment procedure will incorrectly rank improvement policies. This poses a serious concern for decisions based on this procedure, so potential actions are discussed to address the problem.
Economic and environmental benefits of sunflower contract farming: Evidence from a Greek region

Contract farming involves agricultural production carried out on the basis of an agreement between buyers and producers. The aim of the research is to study the extent to which contract farming affects the income of producers. In addition, to study the indicators for the choice of contract cultivation. A quantitative, descriptive and correlational survey was conducted using an original questionnaire which consisted of closed-ended, open-ended and multiple-choice questions. In the present research 306 producers of South Evros have participated with the majority being over 45 years old, married and graduates of secondary education. The statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of 5%, using the regression and correlational analysis. The 83.4% of the respondents (N=255) stated that their income was significantly affected by their involvement in contract farming, while the 75.3% (N=183) noticed a positive effect. The decision to choose contract farming (with ? 5% statistical significance) was affected by profits, the ability to repay debts, the income influence and the positive income influence. The impact of contract farming on incomes was high and positive. Most of the respondents who were willing to choose contract farming were farmers who have seen an increase in profits, a significant and positive impact on incomes, and those who were able to repay their debts. Key words: Contract farming, contract cultivation of sunflower, water resources for irrigation, income, revenue, prefecture of Evros.
Germination and vigor of seeds of horticultural species, inoculated with biofertilizers and saline solutions

This research work was carried out in Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, at the facilities of the Centro Altos de Jalisco Experimental Field. Seeds of horticultural species (chilaca chili pepper, melon and cucumber) were used inoculated with biofertilizers (Azospirillum brasilenses and Glomus intraradices) and subjected to different concentrations of potassium chloride (KCl). The objective was to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers and KCl on germination and vigor in seeds of horticultural species. The treatments evaluated under laboratory conditions were through the inoculation of biofertilizers, combination of biofertilizers plus saline solution at different concentrations, chemical treatment and absolute control, the above to observe the physiological effect on the seeds through the variables evaluated: standard germination, average plumule length, vigor and dry weight. The information obtained from each of the variables was analyzed by means of a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement and with four repetitions, the experimental unit being the tacos (substrate between paper). Highly significant differences between treatments and variables were detected, this due to the results obtained by inoculation of biofertilizers in combination with saline concentrations, they physiologically promoted the horticultural species under study, being treatments T7 and T8, with better response with respect to the absolute control; that is, they have a positive effect on germination and vigor in the species studied.
Knowledge graph embedding for data mining vs. knowledge graph embedding for link prediction - two sides of the same coin?

Knowledge Graph Embeddings, i.e., projections of entities and relations to lower dimensional spaces, have been proposed for two purposes: (1) providing an encoding for data mining tasks, and (2) predicting links in a knowledge graph. Both lines of research have been pursued rather in isolation from each other so far, each with their own benchmarks and evaluation methodologies. In this paper, we argue that both tasks are actually related, and we show that the first family of approaches can also be used for the second task and vice versa. In two series of experiments, we provide a comparison of both families of approaches on both tasks, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been done so far. Furthermore, we discuss the differences in the similarity functions evoked by the different embedding approaches.
The effect of online quizzes in improving physical therapy students’ exam scores in a pharmacology course

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to measure the performance of physical therapy students in the pharmacology course by using pre-and post-lecture online quizzes. Methods: A total of 119 graduate students from the physical therapy program in their second year participated in this study. Pre- and post-lecture online quizzes, created using Google forms, were delivered before and after each lecture, respectively. Each online quiz consisted of ten multiple-choice questions about the three different pharmacology topics covered in the classroom from midterm to final exam. Results: The average score of the post-lecture quiz was improved significantly compared with the pre-lecture quiz in all three pharmacology units: CNS (4.51/10 vs. 8.18/10) Endocrine (5.67/10 vs. 8.84/10), and Chemotherapeutics (3.27/10 vs. 6.77/100), p < 0.0001. By using the total percent of pre-and post-lecture quizzes, the results remained significantly higher in the post-lecture quiz (44.97% vs. 80.00%) (p < 0.0001). However, by comparing the effect of online quizzes on students’ performance between the midterm and the final exam, our data revealed that students’ grades on the final exam were insignificantly higher compared with midterm grades (85.37% vs. 86.58%, P-value <0.51). An experimental group that took the online quizzes had insignificantly higher grades on the final exam compared with the final exam scores of the control group that did not take the quizzes (86.58% vs. 84.21%, p-value 0.39). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated significant improvement in students’ performance in their online post-lecture quizzes compared to their pre-lecture quizzes, but that improvement did not reflect significantly on their final exam grades.
Research contributions to managing transit service reliability

Service reliability problems are a major concern shared by transit system users and operators. Unreliable service leads to additional vehicle requirements and higher operating costs; passengers suffer increased wait time and higher travel time uncertainty, leading to a general dissatisfaction with service and the possibility of seeking other means of transport. Because of the significance of this problem, considerable research attention has been focused in recent years on developing ways to improve service reliability. This paper examines contributions which have been made to managing transit service reliability. This topic encompasses the subjects of vehicle run time, run time variation, headway variation, passenger wait time, and reliability control. Both theoretical and empirical approaches have been undertaken, and each has contributed to our knowledge in addressing the overall problem. Significant contributions to the state-of-the-art are reported and the implications on present practice are discussed.
Influence of Foundation Type on Seismic Performance of Buildings Considering Soil–Structure Interaction

In selecting the type of foundation best suited for mid-rise buildings in high risk seismic zones, design engineers may consider that a shallow foundation, a pile foundation, or a pile-raft foundation can best carry the static and dynamic loads. However, different types of foundations behave differently during earthquakes, depending on the soil–structure interaction (SSI) where the properties of the in situ soil and type of foundation change the dynamic characteristics (natural frequency and damping) of the soil–foundation–structure system. In order to investigate the different characteristics of SSI and its influence on the seismic response of building frames, a 3D numerical model of a 15-storey full-scale (prototype) structure was simulated with four different types of foundations: (i) A fixed-based structure that excludes the SSI, (ii) a structure supported by a shallow foundation, (iii) a structure supported by a pile-raft foundation in soft soil and (iv) a structure supported by a floating (frictiona.
Ten years of value cocreation: An integrative review

Since Prahalad and Ramaswamy published their seminal text, vast literature on value cocreation has emerged. Yet value cocreation still suffers from the lack of a clear consensus about its conceptualization. Using a systematic method, this integrative review provides an overview of 10 years of research dealing with this still emerging concept, to clarify insights into its definition, foundations, drivers, related processes, expected consequences, and measurement. The resulting integrative framework summarizes existing knowledge and provides a foundation for further empirical investigations, as well as offering propositions to continue stimulating this dynamic research field.