Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy model reference learning control: a new control paradigm for smart structures

The overall goal of this study lies in the synergistic combination of intelligent control and smart materials to produce an adaptive and robust controlled system. In order to accomplish this task, steel cantilever beam (the plant) was augmented with a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) actuator pair and a PZT sensor. A controller was developed using algorithms produced from fuzzy logic controls and adaptive fuzzy controls. The expected goal is to dampen the fundamental vibration mode of the system in the presence of modeling uncertainties. Fuzzy model reference learning control (FMRLC) is a learning system with the capability to improve its performance over a period of time when various plant uncertainties are introduced. First, the controller will be employed on unseen plant disturbances. The robustness of the system will be examined when the cantilever beam system properties change. Extra masses will be added to account for variations in system parameters. Controllers such as positive position feedback and direct fuzzy will be developed and compared to the adaptive fuzzy controller.
Advance Publication by J-STAGE Journal of Biomechanical Science and Engineering

We simulated the flow behavior of a single red blood cell (RBC) passing through a two-dimensional stenosed microvessel. Blood flow was computed using the lattice Boltzmann method, and the fluid–membrane interaction between the flow field and deformable RBC was incorporated using the immersed boundary method. The vessel diameter and length are 20 and 50  m, respectively. Two semicircular stenoses were arranged on the upper and lower walls. We investigated the influence of upstream RBC position of vessel width direction and inclination angle against the main flow on RBC deformation and flow resistance when the RBC flowed through the stenosis. The simulation results indicated two flow patterns depending on the upstream position and inclination angle. When the upstream position was near the vessel wall, the average flow resistance increased due to RBC migration to the vessel center. By contrast, when the upstream position was near the vessel center and the inclination angle against the main flow was 90°, the flow resistance increased due to the large RBC deformation. These results can assist in understanding the processes of circulatory diseases with stenosis.
Soybean-Derived Peptides Attenuate Hyperlipidemia by Regulating Trans-Intestinal Cholesterol Excretion and Bile Acid Synthesis

Increased triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels cause hyperlipidemia. Despite the availability of statin-based drugs to reduce LDL levels, additional effective treatments for reducing blood lipid concentrations are required. Herein, soybean hydrolysate prepared via peptic and tryptic hydrolysis promoted trans-intestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE) by increasing ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5) and ABCG8 expression. The peptide sequence capable of promoting TICE was determined via HPLC and LC-MS/MS. Based on this, pure artificial peptides were synthesized, and the efficacy of the selected peptides was verified using cellular and hyperlipidemic mouse models. Soybean hydrolysates, including two bioactive peptides (ALEPDHRVESEGGL and SLVNNDDRDSYRLQSGDAL), promoted TICE via the expression of ABCG5 and ABCG8 in enterocytes. They downregulated expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) and CYP8B1 via expression of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) in a liver X receptor α (LXRa)-dependent pathway. Administration of bioactive peptides to hyperlipidemic mouse models by oral gavage reduced cholesterol levels in serum via upregulation of ABCG5 and ABCG8 expression in the proximal intestine and through fecal cholesterol excretion, upregulated FGF 15/19 expression, and suppressed hepatic bile acid synthesis. Oral administration of soybean-derived bioactive peptides elicited hypolipidemic effects by increasing TICE and decreasing hepatic cholesterol synthesis.
Breakthrough Short Circuit Robustness Demonstrated in Vertical GaN Fin JFET

Insufficient short-circuit (SC) robustness of currently commercial GaN power devices, i.e., the high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), is a key roadblock for their applications in automotive powertrains. At a 400 V bus voltage (<italic>V</italic><sub>BUS</sub>), the SC withstanding time (<italic>t</italic><sub>SC</sub>) of commercial GaN HEMTs is typically below 1 μs, far below the usual system requirement (>10 μs). This letter presents breakthrough short-circuit capability in a vertical GaN fin-channel junction-gate field-effect transistor (Fin-JFET). The Fin-JFET is normally <sc>off</sc> with a 0.7 mΩ·cm<sup>2</sup> specific <sc>on</sc>-resistance and 800 V avalanche breakdown voltage (BV<sub>AVA</sub>) at the room temperature. The gate driver in the short-circuit test was designed to be identical to that in device switching applications. The <italic>t</italic><sub>SC</sub> of GaN Fin-JFETs was measured to be 30.5 μs at a <italic>V</italic><sub>BUS</sub> of 400 V, 17.0 μs at 600 V, and 11.6 μs at 800 V, all among the longest reported for 600–700 V normally <sc>off</sc> transistors. In addition, GaN Fin-JFETs failed open in these tests and retained BV<sub>AVA</sub> after failure, which is highly desirable for system applications. In the repetitive 10 <italic>μ</italic>s, 400 V short-circuit tests, GaN Fin-JFETs showed no degradation after 30 000 cycles. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a power transistor with good short-circuit ruggedness at a bus voltage close to its BV<sub>AVA</sub>. The underlying mechanism is the unique avalanche-through-fin in the Fin-JFET, which is validated by mixed-mode TCAD simulations and unclamped inductive switching tests. These results reveal the inherent ruggedness of GaN Fin-JFETs in the concurrent presence of short-circuit and overvoltage in power electronics systems.
A new method for computing nonlinear carrier diffusion in semiconductor optical devices

The solution of carrier diffusion equations typically associated with semiconductor optical devices has been achieved by combining a function expansion scheme, using the Hermite-Gauss functions as the basis set, with the collocation numerical procedure. Results for a wide range of cases obtained by this new scheme compare very favorably with those calculated with other methods. Not only is the present process computationally fast and efficient, but it has the added attraction of providing the basis for conveniently solving also the nonlinear electromagnetic wave equation for the self-consistent modeling of such devices.
How Can Research on Artificial Empathy Be Enhanced by Applying Deepfakes?

We propose the idea of using an open data set of doctor-patient interactions to develop artificial empathy based on facial emotion recognition. Facial emotion recognition allows a doctor to analyze patients' emotions, so that they can reach out to their patients through empathic care. However, face recognition data sets are often difficult to acquire; many researchers struggle with small samples of face recognition data sets. Further, sharing medical images or videos has not been possible, as this approach may violate patient privacy. The use of deepfake technology is a promising approach to deidentifying video recordings of patients’ clinical encounters. Such technology can revolutionize the implementation of facial emotion recognition by replacing a patient's face in an image or video with an unrecognizable face—one with a facial expression that is similar to that of the original. This technology will further enhance the potential use of artificial empathy in helping doctors provide empathic care to achieve good doctor-patient therapeutic relationships, and this may result in better patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment.
Paths of Innovation of Catching-up: the Dynamics of Build-up of Technological Capacities in Small Companies Participant of the Goat Husbandry Productive Chain

This research seeks to examine the nature and the dynamics of the paths in terms of timing and speed of build-up of technological capacities in small companies of the goat husbandry productive chain in the state of Ceara - Brazil. They were still verified the influence in the acceleration of the innovative paths (catching-up) of contextual factors and technological external links between the companies and the organizations of the institutional link of the productive chain. For the operation of the study it was used the methodological scope of comparative case study. The results characterized a discontinuity along a previously continuous process of low development of technological capacities, evidencing the implications of contextual factors in the acceleration of the dynamics of the build-up of technological
COVID-19 Vaccination Compliance and Associated Factors among Medical Students during an Early Phase of Vaccination Rollout—A Survey from Israel

COVID-19 is “a once-in-a-century” pandemic, bringing with it unparalleled health, social, and economic ramifications. As part of the world’s efforts to restrain the pandemic, vaccine development has been expedited. This population-representative survey in Israel aimed to investigate whether the knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination status of medical students affect their intention to recommend COVID-19 vaccination (as well as reasons for refusal and acceptance of the vaccine). The questionnaire was anonymous, via Google Forms app in December 2021. One-hundred and four medical students completed the survey. Overwhelmingly, (91.3%) COVID-19 vaccination status and intention to receive the vaccine were positively associated with intention to recommend. Twenty-five percent of the students replied that they lacked knowledge regarding the vaccine. A statistically significant association was found between experiencing quarantine and the intention to be vaccinated (p = 0.034). There was a significant positive relationship between the number of symptoms from previous vaccines and the fear of COVID-19 (rs = 0.272, p < 0.01). Prior vaccination did not have an effect on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This first study evaluating COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Israeli medical students highlighted the need for medical programs to emphasize the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in the protection of healthcare workers and patient safety. Education, awareness campaigns, and regulation of vaccine trials could further decrease COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine rates among medical students.
An Integrated Approach to COVID-19 Preventive Behaviour Intentions: Protection Motivation Theory, Information Acquisition, and Trust

ABSTRACT COVID-19 has been a global threat since November 2019 due to its high transmission rates and the issue of unwillingness to vaccinate. Effective risk management requires accurate health communication and public compliance with reccomended preventive behaviors. Therefore, we investigated predictors of COVID-19 preventive behavior intention based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in addition to frequency of public’s use of and trust in a group of COVID-19 related information sources. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 458 adults in Turkey with online survey. Results showed that all PMT components (except perceived susceptibility) accounted for 49% of the variance in protection motivation and there was relationship between information sources and protection motivation. Overall, our study findings suggested that being more informed and having confidence in the feasibility (self-efficacy) and effectiveness (response efficacy) of preventive behaviors may particularly help slow the disease spread.
The Effects of Monetary Variables on the Growth of Small and Medium Industry in Aceh Province

This study aims to analyze the effect of inflation, bank credit, and SMI investment on the growth of small and medium industries in Aceh Province. This study uses panel data consisting of 23 districts/cities in Aceh Province during the period 2014 to 2020. The analysis model used in this study is a panel data regression model. The results found in this study are variables that have a significant effect on the growth of SMIs in Aceh Province are inflation and investment in SMIs. Meanwhile, the banking credit variable has not had a statistically significant effect on the growth of SMIs. The inflation variable has a negative and significant effect on the growth of SMIs so that uncontrolled inflation will have a negative impact on the growth of SMIs. Meanwhile, SMI investment has a positive and significant impact on the growth of SMIs so that various targeted investment policies are needed so that they can support the development of SMIs in Aceh Province.
Increased expression of the ATP‐gated P2X7 receptor reduces responsiveness to anti‐convulsants during status epilepticus in mice

Refractory status epilepticus is a clinical emergency associated with high mortality and morbidity. Increasing evidence suggests neuroinflammation contributes to the development of drug‐refractoriness during status epilepticus. Here, we have determined the contribution of the ATP‐gated P2X7 receptor, previously linked to inflammation and increased hyperexcitability, to drug‐refractory status epilepticus and its therapeutic potential.
Child–Parent Relationships and Older Adults’ Health: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between China and the United States

This study compared the associations of child–parent relationships with older adults’ multidimensional health in the United States and China. Two waves of data from the US Health and Retirement Study and its sister study in China (2012–2015) were used (2174 non-Hispanic [NH] White Americans and 4467 Chinese). Linear regression models were conducted for cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons. Results showed most child–parent relationships had nonsignificant associations with NH White Americans’ health. In contrast, closer child–parent relationships were linked to fewer depressive symptoms and better cognitive function among Chinese. Co-residence was associated with poorer health among older Chinese. Over a 2-year period, living nearby was linked to poorer cognitive function among NH White Americans and fewer depressive symptoms among Chinese. Having weekly contact was predictive of better cognition among Chinese. This study revealed cross-cultural differences in the associations between child–parent relationships and older adults’ health. Family relationships in accordance with Chinese culture could improve health.
Quality, Price, and Competition Strategy Effects on Performance of Soft Drink Enterprises in Rwanda

Amidst market performance challenges of declining customer numbers and sales for some soft drinks enterprises in Rwanda, that has caused a big concern for academics and professionals, the study set to empirically investigate the effect of quality, price and competition strategies on sales and customer retention performance for these enterprises. The study was quantitative and cross-sectional where researchers obtained data at a single point in time on more than one case. A sample size of 118 marketing managers was taken from these enterprises in the central districts of Kigali that produce carbonated drinks, mineral water and juice. Due to corona virus pandemic, virtual means of data collection were used through telephone-based questionnaire survey. Despite the positive and significant relationship between quality and price strategies with market performance, ( =0.500, t=1.09, p<0.01) for quality, ( =0.23, t=3.05, p<0.01) for price, results for competition strategies ( =0.23, t=3.05, p=0.281), show nonsignificant relationship with market performance in the studied context. This finding manifests a big gap in managing competition and therefore advise these enterprises to revisit their competition management decisions and make investment in those positioning alternatives that impact on consumer perceptions.
The effect of integrating midwifery counseling with a spiritual content on improving the antenatal quality of life: A randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background Poor antenatal Quality of Life (QoL) is associated with adverse outcomes. Objective This study was performed to examine the effect of integrating midwifery counseling with spiritual content on improving the antenatal quality of life. Method This randomized controlled trial was performed on 60 first-time pregnant women who were referred to two childbirth preparation centers in Zanjan city, Iran in 2019. The counseling was conducted in eight sessions. The QoL SF-36 questionnaire was completed before and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, and paired-samples t-test. The level of significance was p<0.05. Results After intervention based on an independent t-test the total score of QoL was significantly greater in the intervention group compared to the control group (p=0.001). After the intervention, the mean scores of four domains of QoL (Role-Physical, General Health, Vitality, Role-Emotional, and Mental Health) were significantly higher than the control group(p=0.001). While in terms of Physical Functioning, Bodily Pain and Social Functioning domains were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion Integrating midwifery counseling with spiritual content had a positive impact on improving the psychological aspect of quality of life more than the physical and social aspects. It can be used by providers for planning antenatal care programs.
Engineering geology in the management of roadside slope failures: contributions to best practice from Bhutan and Ethiopia

Abstract Landslides and roadside slope failures result in road blockage, damage and recurrent economic losses in most mountain regions of the world. The situation is often exacerbated in developing countries where existing engineering geological and geotechnical information is frequently limited or unavailable. Case examples from Bhutan and Ethiopia are used to highlight the value of engineering geological assessments applied to the rehabilitation of low-cost roads in landslide-prone mountain areas. In both case examples the roads were severely affected by landslides, making large sections impassable. Only limited engineering geological assessments had been carried out prior to road construction, therefore only a few of these hazards had been identified during project feasibility study and design phases. Following these failures, engineering geological investigations were carried out to determine their causes and mechanisms using field mapping, supplemented in places by trial pit investigation, laboratory testing and stability analysis. The case examples demonstrate the value in carrying out timely and appropriately scaled engineering geological assessments as key contributions to the investigation, analysis and mitigation of these hazards. On the basis of the case examples described, engineering geological techniques are categorized into essential, desirable and useful as a guide to future assessments.
Adoption of Advanced Technologies in Palm Oil Milling Firms in Malaysia: The Role of Technology Attributes, and Environmental and Organizational Factors

Malaysian palm oil mills have lagged behind in the adoption of advanced milling technologies, both to support productivity growth as well as meet sustainable development goals. Using primary data from a simple random sample of 54 mills, this study sought to examine the factors explaining the adoption of advanced milling technologies. The results from the logit regressions deployed show that top management support and mill size act as key drivers of new technology adoption. Importantly, organizational factors were more critical in the adoption of advanced milling technologies than technological and environmental factors. However, financial support and resources, technical skills, complexity, cost, and government support produced negative coefficients among the non-adopters. The results should help mill owners, managers, and policymakers to remove the barriers facing the non-adopters, and to create effective strategies to stimulate the adoption of advanced milling technologies.
DC-coupled burst-mode transmitter for 1.25 Gbit/s upstream PON

An innovative DC-coupled burst-mode optical transmitter is presented for gigabit PON upstream transmission at 1.25 Gbit/s. Experimental results show that this burst-mode transmitter meets the specifications of the recently approved ITU-T Recommendation G.984. 2. The chip can stabilise and control the launched optical power level with accuracy better than 1 dB over a wide temperature range.
Learning in Troubled Times: Parents’ Perspectives on Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered profound social consequences, affecting all aspects of human activity, including education. The process of remote teaching that was implemented in response to this crisis is known as emergency remote teaching and learning (ERTL). The present study focuses on Portuguese parents’ perspectives about this process. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire, answered by 203 parents of preschool, basic, and secondary education students (ages 3–18), focusing on self-perceived digital competence, satisfaction with ERTL, and pedagogical activities developed with their children. Parents were moderately satisfied with ERTL but expressed a marked increase in their workload, particularly those working from home. Parents of children in the second cycle of basic education (ages 10–12) were less satisfied with the process. A variety of activities was promoted, responding to different educational levels’ characteristics. Results show the importance of promoting parents’ digital competence and directing support policies, particularly to parents of younger children (ages 3–12), and raise concerns about equity.
Does the initial chest radiograph severity in COVID-19 impact the short- and long-term outcome? – a perspective from India

Abstract Purpose The chest radiograph (CXR) is among the most widely used investigations in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Little is known about its predictive role on the long-term outcome. The purpose of this study was to explore its association with the short and long-term outcome in COVID-19 patients. Methods A total of 1530 patients were assessed for the presence, radiographic pattern and distribution of lung lesions observed on baseline chest radiographs obtained at admission. The Brixia scoring system was applied for semiquantitative assessment of lesion severity. Short-term outcome was determined by clinical severity, duration of hospitalization and mortality. The 1415 survivors in this group were assessed after 5–6 months for the presence of residual symptoms. Results About 67% patients had an abnormal baseline CXR. Bilateral involvement with a basal preponderance was observed and ground-glass opacification was the most frequent finding. The Brixia score ranged from 0 to 16, median 2, interquartile range (IQR) [0–6]. About 36% patients were symptomatic on 5–6-month follow-up, with fatigability being the commonest symptom. A good correlation was observed between the CXR score and disease severity as well as duration of hospitalization. On multivariate analysis, the CXR score was found to be a significant independent predictor of in-patient mortality as well as presence of long-term residual symptoms in survivors. Conclusions Disease severity as seen on the chest radiograph appears to play an important role in driving the short and long-term consequences of COVID-19 and could serve as a prognostic indicator, which influences short-term management and long-term follow-up.