Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A three-dimensional printed customized bolus: adapting to the shape of the outer ear

Background The skin-sparing effect of megavoltage-photon beams in radiotherapy (RT) reduces the target coverage of superficial tumours. Consequently, a bolus is widely used to enhance the target coverage for superficial targets. This study evaluates a three-dimensional (3D)-printed customized bolus for a very irregular surface, the outer ear. Materials and methods We fabricated a bolus using a computed tomography (CT) scanner and evaluated its efficacy. The head of an Alderson Rando phantom was scanned with a CT scanner. Two 3D boluses of 5- and 10-mm thickness were designed to fit on the surface of the ear. They were printed by the Stratasys Objet260 Connex3 using the malleable “rubber-like” photopolymer Agilus. CT simulations of the Rando phantom with and without the 3D and commercial high density boluses were performed to evaluate the dosimetric properties of the 3D bolus. The prescription dose to the outer ear was 50 Gy at 2 Gy/fraction. Results We observed that the target coverage was slightly better with the 3D bolus of 10mm compared with the commercial one (D98% 98.2% vs. 97.6%). The maximum dose was reduced by 6.6% with the 3D bolus and the minimum dose increased by 5.2% when comparing with the commercial bolus. In addition, the homogeneity index was better for the 3D bolus (0.041 vs. 0.073). Conclusion We successfully fabricated a customized 3D bolus for a very irregular surface. The target coverage and dosimetric parameters were at least comparable with a commercial bolus. Thus, the use of malleable materials can be considered for the fabrication of customized boluses in cases with complex anatomy.
Measurement and Correlation of the Solubility of Febuxostat in Four Organic Solvents at Various Temperatures

The solubility of febuxostat in ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, and acetone was determined respectively by the gravimetric method from (293.15 to 328.15) K under atmospheric pressure, and the experimental data were well-correlated by the Apelblat and van’t Hoff equations. The experimental solubility data and their correlation equation obtained would be useful for the solvent selection of febuxostat crystallization.
Active Optical Control with Machine Learning: A Proof of Concept for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory

The Active Optics System of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory (Rubin) uses information provided by four wave front sensors to determine deviations between the reconstructed wave front and the ideal wave front. The observed deviations are used to adjust the control parameters of the optical system to maintain image quality across the 3. °5 field of view. The baseline approach from the project is to obtain amplitudes of the Zernike polynomials describing the distorted wave front from out-of-focus images collected by the wave front sensors. These Zernike amplitudes are related via an “influence matrix” to the control parameters necessary to correct the wave front. In this paper, we use deep-learning methods to extract the control parameters directly from the images captured by the wave front sensors. Our neural net model uses anti-aliasing pooling to boost performance, and a domain-specific loss function to aid learning and generalization. The accuracy of the control parameters derived from our model exceeds Rubin requirements even in the presence of full-moon background levels and mis-centering of reference stars. Although the training process is time consuming, model evaluation requires only a few milliseconds. This low latency should allow for the correction of the optical configuration during the readout and slew interval between successive exposures.
Reindeer-derived bone protein extract in the healing of bone defects : evaluation of various carrier materials and delivery systems

Various bone proteins and growth factors are needed during the bone healing cascade. If the body cannot produce sufficient quantities of these factors, bone trauma healing can be improved with an implant that contains the required growth factors. However, an added bone protein extract needs a suitable delivery system to protect the proteins from degradation and to release them gradually, promoting new bone formation. This study focused on evaluating and optimization of the bone forming capacity of various scaffold systems of reindeer bone protein extract formulations using different experimental models. The tested carrier systems for various reindeer bone protein extract doses were collagen sponge and bioactive glass granules in critical-size defect model of rat femur. Calcium salt compositions (beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), hydroxyapatite or calcium sulphate) in disc and compressed pellet forms were tested in the thigh muscle pouch model of mouse. Various β-TCP granules combined with polyethylene/glycerol and stearic acid gel were tested in a hole defect model of sheep femur and humerus. Control groups involved carrier materials with no protein extract or untreated defects. In the sheep study, reference materials also included autograft and demineralized bone matrix (DBM). New bone formation, bone healing, and carrier resorption were evaluated based on radiographs, peripheral computerized tomography (pQCT), mechanical tests, histological examination, and micro-CT. New bone formation and bone union were markedly better in groups receiving higher doses of the extract and with follow-ups of six or more weeks, compared to empty defect or carrier without extract. Resorptions of carrier materials in active groups were faster and more active than in the control groups. The greatest bone formation occurred in the groups that had the bone protein extract readily available, which indicated that bone forming factors are required in sufficient concentrations at an early stage. The micro-CT analysis showed that bone formation in the groups with the extract was comparable to autograft, while the least bone formation was observed in the DBM and untreated groups. The present study indicated that the tested reindeer bone protein extract can be used to improve bone formation with various carriers. The study suggests that an inorganic carrier material together with stearic acid is the one of most suitable carrier alternatives for this extract. The developed medical device in paste form can be an alternative for autograft use.
Primary osseous chondrosarcoma in the lumbar spine: case report and literature review with analysis

Primary spinal chondrosarcoma (CS) is rare. Only a few previous case reports have included a detailed description of the surgical process used to treat the CS. In addition, a paucity of documentation exists comparing differences in the outcomes between the approaches in en bloc resection. Here, we present a case of CS in the lumbar (L) spine treated with two-stage (anterior and posterior approach) en bloc surgery and analyze the differences between one-stage and two-stage approaches in the treatment of primary lumbar CS. A 30-year-old male patient with an L3 vertebral body CS presented with back pain and lower limb weakness. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an L3 vertebral body tumor with cord and root compression. Two-stage surgery comprising posterior total laminectomy and transpedicular screw fixation over L2–L4 in the first stage, with subsequent anterior corpectomy, cage implantation, and anterior lumbar interbody fusion was performed to achieve total tumor removal and stabilization. The patient’s symptoms improved postoperatively, with no recurrence as of the 2-year follow-up. The analysis of previous similar cases showed that two-stage surgery, compared with one-stage surgery, appears to be beneficial in lumbar spine multisegment disease, providing a lower recurrence rate.
Work and suicide: An interdisciplinary systematic literature review

Correspondence Matt C. Howard, Mitchell College of Business, University of South Alabama, 5811 USA Drive S. , Rm. 346, Mobile, AL 36688, USA. Email: mhoward@southalabama.edu Summary Although organizational scholars have long been interested in employees' well-being and occupational health, less work has focused specifically on suicide behaviors among employees. This dearth of research is concerning given that individuals spend a significant portion of their waking hours at work, and suicide deaths among American workers are on the rise. To encourage the study of work and suicide with the intent of ultimately reducing mortality, we first provide a theoretical framework that incorporates two eminent theories of suicide: interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide and psychache theory of suicide. We then report the findings of an interdisciplinary systematic literature review that offers an overview of current research related to work and suicide, including antecedent, mediating, and moderating effects. The results of our systematic literature review are presented via the lens of our theoretical framework, supporting that it is an appropriate perspective to understand the relation of work and suicide. Finally, we conclude by identifying avenues for continued research on the interplay between work and suicide, again incorporating these research directions into our theoretical framework. Together, our manuscript integrates multiple domains of research, while addressing a timely and critical public health crisis that stems, in part, from employees' workplace experiences.
SMALL STOKES NUMBER ANALYSIS OF COUNTERFLOW SPRAY DIFFUSION FLAMES

*† In this work we examine the behavior of opposed flow spray diffusion flames within the framework of a model in which mild slip is permitted between the droplets and their host surroundings. The sectional approach is used to model the spray but for simplicity’s sake the mono -sectional case is considered . Under appropriate operating conditions the Stokes number can be identified as a small spray -related parameter, � , to be used in a perturbation analysis for the liquid phase governing equations. It is shown that to any order of approximation , the sectional mass fraction's e quation turn s out to be identical in form to the equivalent equations considered in previous work of the authors in which dynamical equilibrium of the droplets with the carrier phase was assumed. However, here a sectional vaporization Damkohler number appe ar s as a coefficient modified as a result of the influence of the presence of droplet slip. By taking advantage of the aforementioned common form of the equations the rest of the analysis mimics that of our previous work and enables steady state solutions to be copied with the adapted sectional vaporization Damkohler number simply inserted where appropriate. Conditions for flame extinction are dealt with similarly. Computed results based on the new analysis illustrate the influence of droplet slip on the se ctional velocity field and on the critical strain rate for flame extinguishment. The spray's velocity vector field matches reported experimental evidence reasonably well. In addition, it was found that for data considered here the presence of droplet slip reduces the critical strain rate by about 4% at most, when compared to predictions of a no -slip model.
Do Naturally Occurring Antioxidants Protect Against Neurodegeneration of the Dopaminergic System? A Systematic Revision in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by a significant decrease in dopamine levels, caused by progressive degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. Multiple mechanisms have been implicated in its pathogenesis, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, insufficient support for neurotrophic factors and cell apoptosis. The absence of treatments capable of slowing or stopping the progression of PD has increased the interest in the natural antioxidant substances present in the diet, since they have multiple beneficial properties and it is possible that they can influence the mechanisms responsible for the dysfunction and death of dopaminergic neurons. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the results obtained in a set of studies carried out in the last years, which describe the neuroprotective, antioxidant and regenerative functions of some naturally occurring antioxidants in experimental models of PD. The results show that the exogenous no enzymatic antioxidants can significantly modify the biochemical and behavioral mechanisms that contribute to the pathophysiology of Parkinsonism in experimental animals. Therefore, it is possible that they may contribute to effective neuroprotection by providing a significant improvement in neuropathological markers. In conclusion, the results of this review suggest that exogenous antioxidants can be promising therapeutic candidates for the prevention and treatment of PD.
Authors’ response to Graham Rook’s commentary

Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biology and the Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA and Department of BSCS, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands *Corresponding author. DUMC Box 2605, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Tel: þ1 919-681-3886; E-mail: William.Parker@Duke.edu (W.P.) Building 3215, room 8.49, HPC FB43 PO Box 196 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands +31-6-2740-2046; j.d. laman@umcg.nl (J.D.L.) Received 2 April 2021; revised version accepted 7 April 2021
Influence of Meteorological Conditions and Aerosol Properties on the COVID-19 Contamination of the Population in Coastal and Continental Areas in France: Study of Offshore and Onshore Winds

Human behaviors probably represent the most important causes of the SARS-Cov-2 virus propagation. However, the role of virus transport by aerosols—and therefore the influence of atmospheric conditions (temperature, humidity, type and concentration of aerosols)—on the spread of the epidemic remains an open and still debated question. This work aims to study whether or not the meteorological conditions related to the different aerosol properties in continental and coastal urbanized areas might influence the atmospheric transport of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Our analysis focuses on the lockdown period to reduce the differences in the social behavior and highlight those of the weather conditions. As an example, we investigated the contamination cases during March 2020 in two specific French areas located in both continental and coastal areas with regard to the meteorological conditions and the corresponding aerosol properties, the optical depth (AOD) and the Angstrom exponent provided by the AERONET network. The results show that the analysis of aerosol ground-based data can be of interest to assess a virus survey. We found that moderate to strong onshore winds occurring in coastal regions and inducing humid environment and large sea-spray production episodes coincides with smaller COVID-19 contamination rates. We assume that the coagulation of SARS-Cov-2 viral particles with hygroscopic salty sea-spray aerosols might tend to inhibit its viral infectivity via possible reaction with NaCl, especially in high relative humidity environments typical of maritime sites.
Information Cascades and Online Shopping: A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study in China and the United States

This study investigates and compares the impact of information cascades on online shopping behaviors in China and the United States. In particular, the role of information cascades in moderating the effect of price discounts has been examined and cross-culturally compared. To do so, two 122-day panel data sets were collected from two separate online flagship stores selling a same brand of sports shoes on Tmall.com and eBay.com. The results show that product ranking positively influences the product sales in the online shopping market, which follows the predicted results achieved in information cascades studies. Moreover, information cascades are more prominent for Chinese consumers than for American consumers. The findings also suggest that information cascades have moderated the impact of price discounts on online purchase behavior. However, this moderating effect is also influenced by cultural orientation of online customers. The findings are important from not only a theoretical perspective but also a managerial one.
Students’ environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviour: preliminary study of geography students at state university of malang.

In today’s world the environmental problems call for the serious solutions before they reach the point of no return. University students as scholars must be well informed about the current pressing environmental problems through formal education and informal education and become role models and champions of protecting the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviour among undergraduate Geography students at State University of Malang. This study used descriptive qualitative research design using survey method. To collect data, questionnaire was distributed among 100 respondents selected using simple random sampling method. Results on environmental awareness indicated that, most of the students were well informed and possessed higher understanding of environmental problems. However, the findings on self-reported environmentally responsible behaviour indicated otherwise that only few students practiced pro-environmental behaviour. There was a mismatch between students’ awareness on environmental problems and their actions towards environmentally responsible behaviour. That means being environmentally awareness does not necessarily translate directly into environmentally responsible behaviour. There is need to increase rising awareness and enhance university students’ engagement to sustainability activities to establishing sustainable initiatives both on campus and beyond.
How Does User Social Network Improve Innovation Outcomes on a Virtual Innovation Platform?: Evidence From LEGO Ideas Platform

Previous studies demonstrate that online interactive relations can help improve users' innovation outcomes, yet few studies have investigated how they influence user innovation. This paper builds a social network based on users' online interactive relations in one virtual innovation platform (LEGO Ideas). It characterizes the online social network relations from both quantity and quality dimensions and examines their influencing paths on users' innovation outcomes (i.e., emotional support and information flow). The empirical results show that both the quantity and quality of online relations impose positive effects on innovation, yet in different ways. The quantity of online relations could bring users more positive emotions, whereas the quality of online relations could bring them with more useful information and knowledge. By examining the influencing paths, this paper contributes to the literature on how online relations influence innovation outcomes as well as provides practical suggestions for innovation platforms.
Burnout Syndrome In The Covid-19 Pandemic And The Virtualization Of Education

The aim of the research is to determine the relationship between Burnout Syndrome in the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic and the virtualization of education in Colombian official school teachers during the year 2020. The study responds to the mixed approach and sequential design. In its quantitative phase it was deductive-hypothetical, applied, with a non-experimental cross-sectional design, and in its qualitative phase it was inductive, applied with a phenomenological-hermeneutic design. The data collection techniques used were the survey and the interview. The study population consisted of 1093 teachers from official schools in Floridablanca. For the quantitative approach, a non-probabilistic accidental sample of 110 teachers was used, and for the qualitative approach, a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 10 teachers was used. Among the final considerations it can be said that there is an inverse mean correlation between Burnout syndrome and the virtualization of education in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic; it is therefore considered that the effects of the pandemic have maximized the effects of the aforementioned syndrome on educational actors.
Optimizing the market-risk of major cryptocurrencies using CVaR measure and copula simulation

ABSTRACT In this paper, we utilize the conditional value-at-risk to quantify the risk exposure and the generalized Pareto distribution copula technique to analyse extreme events which helps in finding out the efficient portfolio selection. The sample data covers nine cryptocurrencies covering the period from September 2016 to August 2018. Our results using the eﬃcient frontier indicate that if a minimum variance portfolio is constructed using chosen cryptocurrencies, investment in Bitcoin is preferred being the least risky currency on the bottom of the efficient frontier. These results find prime importance for investors and risk managers.
Nanometer-scale measurements of Fe3+/ΣFe by electron energy-loss spectroscopy: A cautionary note

Abstract The effects of electron-beam damage on the Fe3+/ΣFe (total iron) ratio were measured by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Spectra were acquired from crushed and ion-beam-thinned cronstedtite. For fluences below 1 × 104 e/Å2, the Fe3+/ΣFe values from crushed grains range between 0.43 and 0.49, consistent with undamaged material. These measurements were acquired from flakes 180 to 1000 Å thick. With increase influence, samples <400 Å thick become damaged and exhibit Fe3+/ΣFe values >0.5. The critical fluence for radiation damage by 100 kV electrons as defined by Fe3+/ΣFe <0.5 for cronstedtite at 300 K, is 1 × 104 e/Å2. The absorbed dose to the speciman during acquisition of a typical EELS spectrum is large, with values around 2.2 × 1010 Gy (J/kg), equivalent to the deposition of 620 eV/Å3. Cooling to liquid N2 temperature did not significantly slow the damage process. Ion-beam thinning produces an amorphous layer on crystal surfaces. Spectra from the thinnest regions, which are amorphous, exhibit Fe3+/ΣFe >0.7. With increase in sample thickness, the Fe3+/ΣFe values decrease to a minimum, consistent with data from the undamaged material. The increase of Fe3+/ΣFe with respect to electron-beam irradiation is likely caused by loss of H. At low fluences, the loss of H is negligible, thus allowing consistent Fe3+/ΣFe values to be measured. The cronstedtite study illustrates the care required when using EELS to measure Fe3+/ΣFe values. Similar damage effects occur for a range of high-valence and mixed-oxidation state metals in minerals. EELS is the only spectroscopic method that can be used routinely to determine mixed-valence ratios at the nanometer scale, but care is required when measuring these data. Consideration needs to be given to the incident beam current, fluence, fluence rate, and sample thickness.