Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explorative Learning in Infrastructure Development Megaprojects: The Case of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

Research on explorative learning has primarily focused on the organizational level. Not much research has been done at the megaproject level, which is a more complex form of organizing. Therefore, it is advisable to analyze how the pursuit of explorative learning is enabled at the megaproject level. This research draws upon the case study of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB)—a cross-sea link construction project—to study how explorative learning was achieved and sustained. The findings from archival documents, interviews, and focus group discussions indicate that megaprojects are more likely to increase in complexity but might bring value via more significant learning opportunities. Explorative learning is enacted through the complementary use of owner leadership, collaboration, external resources, and experiments. This research adds to our knowledge of how explorative learning works in practice and highlights its significance in the context of megaprojects.
Perinatal Origins of Adult Disease and Opportunities for Health Promotion: A Narrative Review

The “developmental origins of health and disease” (DOHaD) hypothesis refers to the influence of early developmental exposures and fetal growth on the risk of chronic diseases in later periods. During fetal and early postnatal life, cell differentiation and tissue formation are influenced by several factors. The interaction between genes and environment in prenatal and early postnatal periods appears to be critical for the onset of multiple diseases in adulthood. Important factors influencing this interaction include genetic predisposition, regulation of gene expression, and changes in microbiota. Premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are other important factors considered by the DOHaD hypothesis. Preterm birth is associated with impaired or arrested structural or functional development of key organs/systems, making preterm infants vulnerable to cardiovascular, respiratory, and chronic renal diseases during adulthood. Growth restriction, defined as impaired fetal growth compared to expected biological potential in utero, is an additional negative factor increasing the risk of subsequent diseases. Environmental factors implicated in the developmental programming of diseases include exposure to pollution, stress, drugs, toxic agents, nutrition, and exercise. The DOHaD may explain numerous conditions, including cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, neuropsychiatric, and renal diseases. Potential antenatal and postnatal preventive measures, interventions, and future directions are discussed.
Improved mechanical and water absorption properties of epoxy-bamboo long natural fibres composites by eco-friendly Na2CO3 treatment

Epoxy-bamboo long natural fibres composites were prepared by hand lay-up method to study the influence of fibre's treatment on their characteristics. SEM showed increased surface roughness due to the removal of amorphous compounds from the treated fibre as confirmed by the disappearance of certain peaks in FTIR spectroscopy. Resultantly, ∼52% increase in crystallinity was observed by XRD analysis. TGA results also showed the effectiveness of the treatment as mass loss for treated fibres was ∼15% lesser than the untreated fibres. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis of composites showed highest mass loss in untreated fibres composites and lowest in neat epoxy. The DSC-DTA curves indicated an early start of initiation temperature in treated fibre composite. Tension tests showed ∼12% and ∼16% increase in tensile strength and modulus respectively for treated fibres composite due to increased interfacial strength caused by fibre treatment. Treatment also resulted in decreased impact energy and water absorption level.
DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG STANDS AFTER WHOLE TREE HARVESTING AND WHOLE TREE HARVESTING COMBINED WITH STUMP BIOMASS EXTRACTION

Forest management pressures on ecosystems are expected to rise due to increased use of renewable resources and environmental, economic and political reasons. Extraction of nutrient rich logging residues from felling sites has become a common practice, therefore risks of negative impact on the nutrient cycling as well as site future productivity must be assessed. To evaluate effect of whole-tree harvesting (WTH) and whole-tree harvesting combined with stump biomass extraction (WTH+SB) on productivity of next rotation young stands measurements were carried out in eight sites for four to six years in typical forest site types in Latvia ( Oxalidosa turf. mel . – eutrophic peat soil site; Hylocomiosa , Oxalidosa – mesotrophic mineral soil sites, Mytrillosa – oligotrophic mineral soil site). Harvesting in the sites was carried out in 2012-2013 and regeneration was carried out after one to two years with Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L. ), Norway spruce ( Picea abies L. (Karst.)) and black alder ( Alnus glutinosa L. (Gaertn.)). Comparing conventional harvesting or so-called stem only harvesting (SOH) to WTH no statistically significant differences were observed regarding tree height, but in eutrophic Norway spruce site WTH plot smaller stem diameters were observed. Comparing WTH to WTH+SB statistically significantly higher Norway spruce and black alder heights in mono-stands were observed in WTH plots, while no significant differences were detected in Norway spruce and black alder mixed stand. No explicit differences were found regarding height/diameter ratio between WTH and WTH+SB treatments.
Experimental Study on the Particle Flow and Validation of the Results Using TIS Model in a Continuously Operated Horizontal Fluidized Bed

The particle residence time in a gas–solid fluidized bed is of great interest. In this work, experiments have been carried out to investigate particle transportation, which is a matter of concern especially in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, and many other industries where time is the major concern, which effects the product quality. By varying the feed rate and baffle gap height in this research, the dispersion coefficient decreases significantly, which reduces the back-mixing and number of tanks as well. Moreover, the obtained results were validated with the tank in series (TIS) model.
In Vitro Evaluation of Biological Activities of Canes and Pomace Extracts from Several Varieties of Vitis vinifera L. for Inclusion in Freeze-Drying Mouthwashes

In this study, the biological activities of four extracts from Vitis vinifera by-products: two pomace extracts, white (WPE) and red (RPE), a canes extract (CE), and their combination (CoE), were evaluated, to be included in freeze-drying mouthwashes formulations. The cytocompatibility and anticancerous potential of the four extracts were tested on three cancerous cell lines, as well as the cytoprotective activity against nicotine-induced cytotoxicity and the antioxidant potential determined on a human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) cell line. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity and the antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms from the oral microbiome were tested. Freeze-dried mouthwashes with CoE were prepared and characterized, both as lyophilizates and after reconstitution. The four tested extracts showed the highest cytotoxicity on MDA-kb2 cell line. The antioxidant potential was demonstrated for WPE, RPE, CE, and CoE, both in non-stimulated and H2O2 stimulated conditions. The four extracts reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner, confirming their anti-inflammatory activity. The antimicrobial activity of tested extracts was shown against pathogenic bacteria from the oral microbiome. Mouthwashes of CoE with poloxamer-407, xylitol, and different ratios of mannitol were prepared by freeze-drying leading to porous formulations with interesting mechanical properties and reconstitution times.
A Game-Based Approach to Lower Blood Pressure? Comparing Acute Hemodynamic Responses to Endurance Exercise and Exergaming: A Randomized Crossover Trial

The present randomized crossover study aimed to determine whether an exergaming session in an innovative, functional fitness game could be an effective exercise approach that elicits favorable blood pressure (BP) responses, such as a typical moderate endurance exercise (ET). Therefore, acute hemodynamic responses after a training session in the ExerCube and an ET on a treadmill were assessed and compared. Twenty-eight healthy recreational active participants (13 women; aged 24.8 ± 3.9 years) completed an exergaming session (EX) and an ET in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Before and throughout the 45 min after the training, the peripheral and central BP were measured. After the ET, there was a moderate decrease in both peripheral systolic (−1.8 mmHg; p = 0.14) and diastolic (−0.8 mmHg; p = 0.003), as well as central diastolic (−1.5 mmHg; p = 0.006) pressure compared to the resting value before the exercise. After the EX, there was a significant decrease in peripheral systolic (−6.3 mmHg; p < 0.001) and diastolic (−4.8 mmHg; p < 0.001), as well as central systolic (−5.8 mmHg; p < 0.001) and diastolic (−5.3 mmHg; p < 0.001) pressure compared to baseline. The interaction effects showed significant differences in peripheral and central systolic BP as well as in peripheral diastolic BP (p = 0.05). The EX seems to be an effective training approach that triggers relevant peripheral and central BP-responses, which are more pronounced than after a typical ET. Therefore, the ExerCube can be a time-efficient training tool to improve cardiovascular health.
Surgical Outcome of Brain Abscess after Single Burrhole Aspiration Technique in Terms of Glasgow Outcome Scale

Objectives: This case-series was aimed to determine the surgical outcome of brain abscess after a single burr hole aspiration technique in terms of the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS). Material & Methods: 100 cases were taken in the study with brain abscess. The favourable outcome included those patients with postoperative GOS of 4 or 5, at discharge and one month postoperatively whereas unfavourable outcome included patients with postoperative GOS of less than 4, at discharge and one month postoperatively. Results: Of the 100 patients included, there were 72 (72%) males and 28 (28%) females. The overall mean diameter of the abscess was 6.01 cm ± 1.90. Mean GOS was 2.95 ± 0.86 while mean GOS 3.79 ± 1.18. In this study 75% (n=75) patients presented with a GCS of 12 or less. Among these patients, 2 patients presented with a GCS of 5, 6 patients with a GCS of 7, 9 with GCS 8, 11 with GCS 9, 18 with GCS 10, 15 with GCS 11 and 14 patients presented with a GCS of 12. A favourable outcome was observed in 73 (73%) patients (GOS = 4 and 5), while 27 (27%) were in the unfavourable outcome group. Conclusion: Although most of the patients present with a good neurological state, those who present with lower GCS are particularly prone to the poor postoperative outcome and higher mortality. The size of the brain abscess is also an important predictor of the postoperative outcome. The overall outcome for brain abscess aspiration was good.
A Two-Step Process for Improved Biomass Production and Non-Destructive Astaxanthin and Carotenoids Accumulation in Haematococcus pluvialis

Carotenoids extracted from microalgae have a considerable economic interest in numerous high-value markets. Natural astaxanthin has gained much interest in its powerful antioxidant properties, however, its commercial-scale production is still challenging. In this study, a simple and economical way to cultivate Haematococcus pluvialis (CCAP 34/1D) by a two-step process was investigated by exploring alternative strategies to maximise algal growth and astaxanthin yield. During the first step—improving biomass production—four nitrogen sources were tested (NH4Cl, NaNO3, Fe(III)NO3, and urea). The second step—carotenogenesis induction—was achieved by using a mix of moderate stressors that worked in synergy (i.e., mild light, nitrogen limitation, the addition of sodium acetate at 0.25% w/v), thereby minimising potential losses of the accumulated biomass caused, for example, by photobleaching or nitrogen starvation. Results showed that urea was the nitrogen source, allowing the highest cell density and growth rate. In terms of carotenogenesis induction, the use of mild stressors resulted in three out of four treatments having a relative increase in cell number (13.8–26.7%) and a concomitant increase in astaxanthin yield. Simple low-cost strategies, such as small adjustments to media recipes and synergism between mild stressors, could bring a disproportionate effect on the future successes of making algal biotechnology a widespread reality.
Satellite Survey of Offshore Oil Seep Sites in the Caspian Sea

This paper presents the results of a long-term survey of the Caspian Sea using satellite SAR and multispectral sensors. The primary environmental problem of the Caspian Sea is oil pollution which is determined by its natural properties, mainly by the presence of big oil and gas deposits beneath the seabed. Our research focuses on natural oil slicks (NOS), i.e., oil showings on the sea surface due to natural hydrocarbon emission from seabed seeps. The spatial and temporal variability of NOS in the Caspian Sea and the possibilities of their reliable detection using satellite data are examined. NOS frequency and detectability in satellite images depending on sensor type, season and geographical region are assessed. It is shown that both parameters vary significantly, and largely depend on sensor type and season, with season being most pronounced in visible (VIS) data. The locations of two offshore seep sites at the Iranian and Turkmenian shelves are accurately estimated. Statistics on individual sizes of NOS are drawn. The release rates of crude oil from the seabed to the sea surface are compared. Detailed maps of NOS are put together, and areas exposed to high risk of sea surface oil pollution are determined.
Phase Analysis and Thermoelectric Properties of Cu-Rich Tetrahedrite Prepared by Solvothermal Synthesis

Because of the large Seebeck coefficient, low thermal conductivity, and earth-abundant nature of components, tetrahedrites are promising thermoelectric materials. DFT calculations reveal that the additional copper atoms in Cu-rich Cu14Sb4S13 tetrahedrite can effectively engineer the chemical potential towards high thermoelectric performance. Here, the Cu-rich tetrahedrite phase was prepared using a novel approach, which is based on the solvothermal method and piperazine serving both as solvent and reagent. As only pure elements were used for the synthesis, the offered method allows us to avoid the typically observed inorganic salt contaminations in products. Prepared in such a way, Cu14Sb4S13 tetrahedrite materials possess a very high Seebeck coefficient (above 400 μVK−1) and low thermal conductivity (below 0.3 Wm−1K−1), yielding to an excellent dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit ZT ≈ 0.65 at 723 K. The further enhancement of the thermoelectric performance is expected after attuning the carrier concentration to the optimal value for achieving the highest possible power factor in this system.
Passive Inverse Dynamics Control using a Global Energy Tank for Torque-Controlled Humanoid Robots in Multi-Contact

This work presents a passivity-based inverse dynamics (ID) controller using a global energy tank. The proposed control approach allows us to achieve a safe multi-contact scenario on a torque controlled humanoid robot. The controller is primarily a task space ID quadratic programming (QP) which efficiently computes the reference torque satisfying a non-hierarchical set of tasks. Our work extends this controller by adding a global energy tank modulating the task gains, with power regulation, to ensure the passivity of the system. This method combines the benefits of the ID controller, which computes an optimal reference without joint torque feedback, and of the passivity-based system, which is robust to model uncertainties and external disturbances. The robustness of our framework is demonstrated in Gazebo simulations, where the robot TALOS achieves a multi-contact scenario and a 20cm step walk, with objectives in the Cartesian and configuration spaces, in torque control. The implementation of this controller is open-source.
Perspectives of Pharmacists on the Structure, Decision-Making, and Communication Practices of Multidisciplinary Cancer Teams in Alabama

Abstract Introduction: A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach within cancer care settings is increasingly being adopted to improve patient outcomes due to the rising complexity of diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to explore the perspective of pharmacists on the structure, decision-making process, and communication practices of cancer MDTs. Methods: A 25‐item online questionnaire was distributed to oncology‐related clinical pharmacists in Alabama. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 15 pharmacists completed the survey. More than half of the respondents reported that MDT meetings were held mostly in person on a set schedule. While physicians primarily facilitated the meetings, patients and/or their caregivers were largely not invited to participate in them. The treating physician oversaw delivering and update to the patient and/or their caregivers after the MDT meetings. Most respondents indicated that positron emission and computed tomography were the most common sources of information available at initial case presentations. Overall, respondents strongly agreed that they felt comfortable sharing their opinions with others health professionals during MDT meetings. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that oncology pharmacists are involved in MDT decision-making processes and communications but suggests the need to promote conditions to further their participation.
Fentanyl but Not Morphine or Buprenorphine Improves the Severity of Necrotizing Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

Opioids are widely used for the pain management of acute pancreatitis (AP), but their impact on disease progression is unclear. Therefore, our aim was to study the effects of clinically relevant opioids on the severity of experimental AP. Various doses of fentanyl, morphine, or buprenorphine were administered as pre- and/or post-treatments in rats. Necrotizing AP was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of L-ornithine-HCl or intra-ductal injection of Na-taurocholate, while intraperitoneal caerulein administration caused edematous AP. Disease severity was determined by laboratory and histological measurements. Mu opioid receptor (MOR) expression and function was assessed in control and AP animals. MOR was expressed in both the pancreas and brain. The pancreatic expression and function of MOR were reduced in AP. Fentanyl post-treatment reduced necrotizing AP severity, whereas pre-treatment exacerbated it. Fentanyl did not affect the outcome of edematous AP. Morphine decreased vacuolization in edematous AP, while buprenorphine pre-treatment increased pancreatic edema during AP. The overall effects of morphine on disease severity were negligible. In conclusion, the type, dosing, administration route, and timing of opioid treatment can influence the effects of opioids on AP severity. Fentanyl post-treatment proved to be beneficial in AP. Clinical studies are needed to determine which opioids are best in AP.
Determination of Weak Terrestrial Water Storage Changes from GRACE in the Interior of the Tibetan Plateau

Time series of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission have been successfully used to reveal changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS) in many parts of the world. This has been hindered in the interior of the Tibetan Plateau since the derived TWS changes there are very sensitive to the selections of different available GRACE solutions, and filters to remove north-south-oriented (N-S) stripe features in the observations. This has resulted in controversial distributions of the TWS changes in previous studies. In this paper, we produce aggregated hydrology signals (AHS) of TWS changes from 2003 to 2009 in the Tibetan Plateau and test a large set of GRACE solution-filter combinations and mascon models to identify the best combination or mascon model whose filtered results match our AHS. We find that the application of a destriping filter is indispensable to remove correlated errors shown as N-S stripes. Three best-performing destriping filters are identified and, combined with two best-performing solutions, they represent the most reliable solution-filter combinations for determination of weak terrestrial water storage changes in the interior of the Tibetan Plateau from GRACE. In turn, more than 100 other tested solution-filter combinations and mascon solutions lead to very different distributions of the TWS changes inside and outside the plateau that partly disagree largely with the AHS. This is mainly attributed to less effective suppression of N-S stripe noises. Our results also show that the most effective destriping is performed within a maximum degree and order of 60 for GRACE spherical harmonic solutions. The results inside the plateau show one single anomaly in the TWS trend when additional smoothing with a 340-km-radius Gaussian filter is applied. We suggest using our identified best solution-filter combinations for the determination of TWS changes in the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent areas during the whole GRACE operation time span from 2002 to 2017 as well as the succeeding GRACE-FO mission.
Veering of Rayleigh–Lamb waves in orthorhombic materials

We analyse veering of Rayleigh–Lamb waves propagating in a plane of elastic symmetry for a thin orthotropic plate. We demonstrate that veering results from interference of partial waves in a similar manner as it occurs in systems composed of one-dimensional (1D) structures, such as beams or strings. Indeed, in the neighbourhood of a veering point, the system may be approximated by a pair of interacting tout strings, whose wave speed is the geometric average of the phase and group velocity of the relevant partial wave at the veering point. This complementary pair of partial waves provides the coupling terms in a form compatible with a action–reaction principle. We prove that veering of symmetric waves near the longitudinal bulk wave speed repeats itself indefinitely with the same structure. However, the dispersion behaviour of Rayleigh–Lamb waves are richer than that of 1D systems, and this reflects also on the veering pattern. In fact, the interacting tout string model fails whenever the dispersion branch is not guided by either partial wave. This often occurs when neighbouring veering points interact and partial waves no longer provide guiding curves.
Empirical, Experimental and Numerical Prediction of Ground-Borne Vibrations Induced by Impact Pile Driving

The automatization of construction activities, which aims to reduce the time and cost of constructions, makes impact pile driving an interesting technique. However, these activities in urban areas can generate excessive vibrations and interfere with people and structures in the vicinity. With that in mind, predicting the expected vibration levels during the project design stage is essential. Different methodologies can be employed in this task, from empirical approaches to detailed and complex numerical formulations. This paper intends to present an overview of the empirical methods and the main physics of the problem from a numerical point of view. The results obtained are then compared with experimental vibration data reported in the literature in order to discuss the adequacy of empirical and numerical methodologies in predicting ground-borne vibrations induced by impact pile driving.