Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benefit–harm analysis of azithromycin for the prevention of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Low-dose oral azithromycin therapy is recommended as a preventive treatment for acute exacerbations of COPD. However, the overall benefit–harm balance of this treatment has not been well studied. Methods A probabilistic Markov model of COPD was created to simulate the course of COPD over 20 years. The model was populated with evidence from the literature and dedicated data analysis. The benefit of azithromycin was modelled as a reduction in exacerbation rates. Adverse events, including cardiovascular events, hearing loss, gastrointestinal symptoms and antimicrobial resistance (leading to a gradual decline in the effectiveness of azithromycin), were considered. All outcomes were assigned a health-related utility weight to estimate the overall net change in the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) associated with the use of azithromycin. Results In patients with a positive exacerbation history, azithromycin resulted in a net QALY gain of 17.9 per 100 patients (99.8% probability of expected QALY gain) over 20 years. The net benefit increased to 21.8 QALYs per 100 patients (99.9% probability of expected QALY gain) among the ‘frequent exacerbator’ subgroup. Azithromycin was not net beneficial among those without any moderate/severe exacerbations in the previous year. Findings were robust against series of sensitivity, scenario and threshold analyses. Conclusions Long-term therapy with azithromycin confers a net benefit to ex-smoker patients with COPD with a recent history of exacerbations and an even larger benefit to those who are frequent exacerbators.
Power Control of Directly Driven Wind Generation System Based on Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage

Abstract The increasing wind power penetration poses significant technical problems to the development of electric power systems. In this article, an integrated control strategy is proposed based on the characteristics of the directly driven permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine. The directly driven permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine is incorporated with superconducting magnetic energy storage, which can smooth the wind power fluctuations, enhance the low-voltage ride-through capability of the wind generation system, and achieve an uninterruptible power supply to local loads under isolated grid operation. According to the MATLAB/SIMULINK-based (The MathWorks, Natick, Massachusetts, USA) digital computer simulation model, the proposed control strategy is confirmed to be effective in power control of grid operation.
A fuzzy-based approach to the liquid crystal injection scheduling problem in a TFT-LCD fab

In a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) fab, the liquid crystal injection (LCI) process is to inject liquid crystal into the cell gaps on panels. Since its processing time is enormous (typically 12 h) compared to other processes, the LCI process is a bottleneck in the entire cell process. This study focuses on the LCI scheduling problem, which is divided into two sub-problems: automated guided vehicle (AGV) dispatching and LCI machine scheduling. A self-adjusted fuzzy (SAF) method is developed to solve the AGV dispatching problem. The SAF method is fuzzy based, and it is capable of adjusting the inference rules according to the status of the system to determine which cassette is to be transported first. A modified least slack time (MLST) method is proposed for the LCI machine scheduling problem. The MLST method assigns available LCI machines to first work on processing batches which will be finished beyond their due dates. If there are no such batches, the system releases a new batch, which is waiting in the input buffer with the least slack time, to the available LCI machine. Results indicate that the proposed SAF and MLST methods are able to finish a certain number of batches in a shorter time and reduce the tardiness of cassettes.
Cephalometric Evaluation of Dentoskeletal and Soft-tissue Changes with Powerscope Class II Corrector

Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue effects of PowerScope fixed functional appliance in Class II malocclusion. Materials and Methods: Fifteen late adolescent Class II subjects (CVMI Stages 5 and 6) were treated with fixed mechanotherapy and PowerScope fixed functional appliance. Student t-test was used to compare the cephalometric changes produced before insertion of appliance (T1) and 6 months after the treatment with this appliance (T2). Results: Maxillomandibular relationship improved with significant lengthening of the mandible. There was retroclination of maxillary incisors, proclination of mandibular incisors, extrusion, and sagittal displacement of mandibular molars and clockwise rotation of occlusal plane. Conclusion: PowerScope is effective in correcting Class II malocclusion with a combination of dentoalveolar (primarily) and skeletal changes.
A Deep Neural Network for Gait Classification Based on Inertial Sensors in Post-Stroke Patients

Background: Stroke survivors usually experience partial disability, due to abnormal gaits, which vary widely and require tailored rehabilitation programs. However, most gait classifications are based mainly on clinical assessments, which can be influenced by the therapist’s experience. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are devices that combine accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect movement. IMUs have been successfully used for assessing gait characteristics. Here, we aimed to develop a Deep Neural Network (DNN) model that incorporated information from a motion capture system and multi-labeling IMUs information. This DNN was developed to recognize individual gait patterns in patients affected by stroke to facilitate the design of suitable rehabilitation strategies and promote functional recovery.Methods: We recruited ten patients, aged 20–75 years, with a first-ever, unilateral, ischemic stroke, which caused mild to moderate leg paresis 4 weeks after stroke and ten neurologically normal healthy controls. We applied a motion capture system integrated with multi-label IMUs to acquire the gait information. The motion capture system measured gait information by detecting movement of LED markers attached to each participant. In addition, the IMUs were attached to each participant’s lower limbs to measure kinematic data. These measurements were then applied to the development of a DNN model that could recognize gait characteristics in patients after a stroke and in normal controls.Results: The DNN model achieved an average accuracy of 98.28% in differentiating the stroke gait from the normal gait. Among patients with stroke, the DNN model had an average accuracy of 96.86% in classifying the gait abnormality as either a drop-foot gait or a circumduction gait. We also applied a publicly available dataset, the Physical Activity Monitoring Data Set, which contained IMU information from another independent set of participants to validate our DNN model. We found an average accuracy of 98.60%. Conclusions: We developed a DNN model based on integrated information from a motion capture system and multi-label IMU inputs. This model might assist clinicians and therapists in identifying abnormal gaits more accurately and in applying suitable training programs within the “golden time window” of rehabilitation, after the onset of stroke.
Which management practices are contributory to service quality?: Part 2: Findings from in‐depth interviews

Purpose – Previously, a questionnaire survey was conducted and it was found that some management practices were more influential to service quality than others. The purpose of this paper is to identify in more detail the reasons behind the survey findings. Design/methodology/approach – Eighteen in‐depth interviews into a range of management practices which support service quality were conducted. Findings – It was found that there were difficulties in implementing some of the management practices due to the type of staff employed and to the nature of tasks undertaken. Research limitations/implications – As the purpose of this research is to facilitate interpretation of the quantitative data, the investigation did not go in detail beyond mass and technological services. Hence, individual organisational characteristics, individual circumstances, or details of the service offered to customers are not considered beyond the category of either mass or technological services. Originality/value – The paper identifies that the actual contribution from different management practices to service quality varied, and explains the reasons behind the diverse contributions in each type of service business.
Maintaining a balance whilst building momentum: designing for millennial learners and everyone else

[Abstract]: This paper reports on the findings of a research project investigating two CD based Transmodal learning environments delivered by the Faculty of Business at the University of Southern Queensland. It demonstrates that higher levels of student engagement are possible when utilizing multiple representations to cater for a range of millennial and transnational learning styles, whilst also maintaining a balanced environment for more traditional learners. This is initially facilitated by the integration of a range of multimodal learning and teaching strategies, supported by online engagement and further informed by an awareness of an individual's modal preference. It is true that 'one size does not fit all', but that does not preclude us from designing learning environments and experiences that cater for a wide range of learners and particularly for those who learn in non-traditional ways.
Characterization of tribenuron-methyl-induced male sterility in Brassica juncea L.

Significant heterosis has been documented in Brassica juncea L. that are grown as agriculturally important oilseeds, vegetables and condiments crops. Male sterility induced by chemical hybridizing agents is an important pollination control system in hybrid crop breeding. Herein, we show that tribenuron-methyl (TBM), a sulfonylurea herbicide, is an effective male gametocide in B. juncea when used at a very low dosage. In the present study, foliar application of various rates of TBM induced a significant increase in pollen sterility in B. juncea (90.57–100%). TBM-treated plants exhibited reductions in size of floral organ and yield components; however, lower dose of TBM (0.075 g a.i. ha–1) did not cause a significant reduction in seed yield per plant. Tapetum cells of TBM-treated plants were hypertrophied and degenerated earlier, and abnormal meiosis was observed at the meiotic stage. A significant decrease of acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) activities was detected in buds of plants treated with 0.10 g a.i. ha–1 TBM, and RT-qPCR analysis showed that TBM exposure perturbed AHAS expression in small buds, which support that TBM induces male sterility in B. juncea by targeting AHAS expression. Our results suggest that TBM could be used as an efficient chemical hybridization agent in B. juncea, which has practical implications for the application of hybrid breeding in B. juncea.
THE EFFECTS OF HAZARD PERCEPTION TRAINING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NOVICE DRIVER SKILLS

The paper describes a study to investigate the effects that two different forms of hazard perception training (on road and classroom) have on the acquisition of hazard perception skills and the subsequent improvement in safety and general driving skills for a sample of new young drivers. A total of 220 recently qualified drivers (aged 17 to 25 years) were divided into four groups. Each group went through the same "testing" but different "training" procedures. The groups were assessed at the start of the study and one year later by completing a questionnaire, a 14 mile on-road assessment drive and a laboratory hazard perception test. The control group had no training between the assessments. Other groups had a two hour classroom course, the same course and two hours of on-road perception training, and the on-road perception training only eight to nine months after their first assessment. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 887275.
Asphalt Permeability Testing in Virginia

Because of high air voids, long-lasting damp spots on pavement surfaces, and problems that other states have had with permeable coarse Superpave mixes, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) decided to investigate the permeability of its Superpave mixes. As part of this study, VDOT also tested other asphalt mixes. Falling-head permeability tests were performed on pavement cores to determine the general permeability of the mixes. The permeability of some of the pavement cores was compared with the permeability of specimens made in the laboratory through the use of mixtures sampled during construction to determine whether laboratory specimens could be used to predict pavement permeability. The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the general magnitude of permeability for mixes being used by VDOT, with an emphasis on Superpave mixes. A large percentage of the field cores contained excessive voids, resulting in excessive permeability. Each mix had a unique voids-permeability relationship. Mixes that were composed of large aggregates required fewer voids to achieve an acceptable level of permeability. In four of five cases, the results of laboratory tests were generally quite successful in indicating field permeability. The preliminary permeability testing demonstrates the importance of achieving low voids in the field and will help in the future development of density specifications and possibly in the establishment of permeability requirements. It is recommended that the permeability test continue to be used to help set such limits.
Quantitative Spectroscopy

Spectra of neopentane, 2,2-dimethylpropane, C(CH 3 ) 4 , were recorded in the 1200–1650 cm -1 region by high resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) and converted to absorption cross sections. Samples were at 203, 233, 266 and 294 K with 0, 10, 30 and 100 Torr of nitrogen broadening gas. The previously published cross sections in the CH stretching region (2550–3350 cm − 1 ) [JQSRT 251, 107034 (2020)] were recalibrated and checked with two additional spectra recorded at Old Dominion University in the 10 0 0–50 0 0 cm − 1 region. Local mode calculations for the CH stretching modes were carried out, and interactions with the overtones of the CH 2 scissor vibrations were included to obtain agreement with experiment.
State-of-the-art carrier PWM techniques: a critical evaluation

With the introduction and wide acceptance of gate-turnoff power drives, e.g., bipolars, power FETs, GTOs, the switching behaviour of converters has reached the point where further improvements in firing and switching networks bring out only marginal benefits. Consequently, the research interests in the area of static converters have been shifting toward improving the process of power conversion through a combination of novel circuit topologies and improved voltage and harmonic control PWM (pulsewidth modulation) techniques. As a result, several such techniques have been proposed lately. Although these techniques are clearly superior to the original sine PWM technique, little or conflicting data is available about their merits relative to each other. A critical evaluation of the aforementioned PWM techniques on the basis of application is provided, thereby giving the framework and guidelines for the selection of the best technique for each area of application. >
The Prevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Children Leukemia by Chip Digital PCR

Wen-Jun Wang National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention Miao Feng Capital Institute of Pediatrics Feng He Capital Institute of Pediatrics Juan Song National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention Qin-Qin Song National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention Xia Dong National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention Bing-Tian Shi National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention Ping Chen National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention Hai-Lan Yao Capital Institute of Pediatrics Jun Han (  hanjun_sci@163.com ) National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0803-4403
Event-Related Potentials and Behavioral Responses to CV Stimuli Straddling Category Boundary

배경 및 목적: P300는 진폭이 크고 반복 측정되는 사건관련전위 중 하나이다. 본 연구의 목적은 범주 경계 사이에 있는 말 자극을 사용 하였을 때에 P300가 자극의 이탈 정도와 두피 위치에 따라 다르게 나타나는지, 변별에 대한 행동 반응이 자극의 이탈 정도에 따라 다르게 나타나는지, P300와 행동 반응이 상관관계를 보이는지를 알아보는 것이다. 방법:.
The implication of capacity reservation contracts in assembly system with asymmetric demand information

This paper investigates an assembly system that consists of one assembler and two suppliers who produce complementary components. The assembler possesses some private demand information that is unobservable to the upstream suppliers, and the two suppliers have to choose their capacity reservations ahead of the selling season. To induce credible vertical information sharing, we design three capacity reservation contracts: the price-quantity contract, the price-only contract and the hybrid price-quantity and price-only contract, so as to identify how the firms’ equilibrium reservation strategies and pay-offs react under different contract schemes. The results show that the assembler obtains the highest pay-off under either the price-only contract or the hybrid contract, which is determined by whether the private demand information or the demand fluctuation is sufficiently high. The suppliers’ optimal contract types are further influenced by their decision sequence. In particular, the supplier who makes decision earlier prefers the hybrid contract, while the supplier who makes decision later prefers any of the three contracts. The supply chain generates the highest pay-off from either the price-quantity contract or the hybrid contract.
Multiresource Leveling in Line-of-Balance Scheduling

AbstractLine-of-balance (LOB) methodology produces a work schedule in which resource allocation is automatically performed to provide a continuous and uninterrupted use of resources, but the distribution of resources could be further improved by resource leveling even if multiple resources are involved. The objective of this study is to develop a genetic algorithm (GA)-based multiresource leveling model for schedules that are established by LOB. The proposed model postulates that the production rate and duration of an activity are governed by the resource that requires the longest duration in completing a unit. Once the LOB schedule is established, resource leveling is performed according to the principle of optimum crew size that makes use of a utility data curve, which shows that productivity will suffer if the crew size is different than the optimum crew size, and the principle of natural rhythm that allows shifting the start times of an activity forward or backward at different units of production by .
An Algorithmic Approach to Personalized Drug Concentration Predictions

Keywords: Support VectorMachine ; RANSAC ; Drug Administration Decision Support System These Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne EPFL, n° 6039 (2014)Programme doctoral Informatique, Communications et InformationFaculte informatique et communicationsInstitut des systemes informatiques et multimediasLaboratoire des systemes integres (IC/STI)Jury: Prof. D. Atienza Alonso (president), Prof. G. De Micheli (directeur), Prof. S. Goto, Prof. C. Guiducci, Dr Y. Thoma (rapporteurs) Public defense: 2014-1-16 Reference doi:10.5075/epfl-thesis-6039Print copy in library catalog Record created on 2014-01-14, modified on 2017-05-12
DISPLACEMENT DESIGN SPECTRA

Recent developments in displacement-based design methodologies have increased the need for reliable displacement design spectra, especially in long periods. The design spectra proposed in Eurocode 8 are assessed, using recent attenuation relationships that predict response spectral ordinates based on European data, as well as five selected European strong motion accelerograms. To identify possible trends in long-period spectral displacements, several high-quality digital recordings from the 1995 Hyogoken-Nanbu (Kobe) earthquake were collected and studied. Based on the differences recognised, possible modifications for the design spectrum to take into account in future revision of Eurocode 8 are proposed.
Small Signal Stability Based Fuzzy Potential Function Proposal for Secondary Frequency and Voltage Control of Islanded Microgrid

Abstract In this article, a fuzzy potential function method is proposed for the secondary voltage and frequency control of microgrids instead of a traditional droop controller. Different potential functions are defined for each controllable micro-source such that the minimum value of the potential function represents the micro-source control target. The set-points of units are dynamically updated by the optimization unit located in the microgrid central controller using available communication links in the microgrid. The small signal stability assessment is used to determine the parameter of the fuzzy potential function. The studies are carried out in the time domain, using the developed program in a MATLAB environment (The MathWorks, Natick, Massacusetts, USA). The results demonstrate the accuracy and speed of the proposed potential function method in frequency and voltage control of islanded microgrids.
Exploring the impact of arson-reduction strategies: Panel data evidence from England

In 2001, the UK government funded the introduction of a series of targeted situational preventive schemes and multi-agency partnerships to reduce deliberate fire-setting in vehicles. This paper explores the impact of these alternative arson-reduction strategies on vehicle arson in the areas served by fire authorities in England utilizing panel data for an eight-year period (1999–2006). The statistical results suggest that both forms of intervention have been successful in reducing vehicle arson, and that higher input intensity is also responsible for better outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed
Simulation of Water Particle Kinematics in the Near Surface Zone

Linear Random Wave Theory (LRWT) is frequently used to simulate water particle kinematics at different nodes of an offshore structure from a reference surface elevation record. It is, however, well known that wave kinematics calculated from LRWT suffer from unrealistically large high-frequency components in the vicinity of mean water level. To overcome this deficiency, a common industry practice consists of using linear wave theory in conjunction with empirical techniques, such as the Wheeler or the vertical stretching methods, to provide a more realistic representation of the near-surface water particle kinematics. In this paper, a modified version of LRWT is introduced, which, unlike the standard LRWT, does not lead to unrealistically large high-frequency components in the vicinity of mean water level. The proposed method leads to predicted kinematics in the near surface zone which lie between corresponding values from the Wheeler and the vertical stretching methods, respectively.Copyright © 2009 by ASME