Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validity and Absolute Reliability of Axial Vertebral Rotation Measurements in Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae

Axial vertebral rotation (AVR) and Cobb angles are the essential parameters to analyse different types of scoliosis, including adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The literature shows significant discrepancies in the validity and reliability of AVR measurements taken in radiographic examinations, according to the type of vertebra. This study’s scope evaluated the validity and absolute reliability of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae AVR measurements, using a validated software based on Raimondi’s method in digital X-rays that allowed measurement with minor error when compared with other traditional, manual methods. Twelve independent evaluators measured AVR on the 74 most rotated vertebrae in 42 X-rays with the software on three separate occasions, with one-month intervals. We have obtained a gold standard for the AVR of vertebrae. The validity and reliability of the measurements of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were studied separately. Measurements that were performed on lumbar vertebrae were shown to be 3.6 times more valid than those performed on thoracic, and with almost an equal reliability (1.38° ± 1.88° compared to −0.38° ± 1.83°). We can conclude that AVR measurements of the thoracic vertebrae show a more significant Mean Bias Error and a very similar reliability than those of the lumbar vertebrae.
Evaluation of roof slope and exposure with different roofing materials in reduced models of animal production facilities in spring and summer

The present study was conducted at the Department of Rural Engineering and the Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology of FCAV/Unesp, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. The objective was to verify the influence of roof slope, exposure and roofing material on the internal temperature of reduced models of animal production facilities. For the development of the research, 48 reduced and dissemble models with dimensions 1.00 × 1.00 × 0.50 m were used. The roof was shed-type, and the models faced to the North or South directions, with 24 models for each side of exposure. Ceramic, galvanized-steel and fibro tiles were used to build the roofs. Slopes varied between 20, 30, 40 and 50% for the ceramic tile and 10, 30, 40 and 50% for the other two. Inside the models, temperature readings were performed at every hour, for 12 months. The results were evaluated in a general linear model in a nested 3 × 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, in which the effects of roofing material and exposure were nested on the factor Slope. Means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% of probability. After analyzing the data, we observed that with the increase in the slope and exposure to the South, there was a drop in the internal temperature within the model at the geographic coordinates of Jaboticabal city (SP/Brazil).
Successful Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Antibody Response to Vaccination in MAGT1 Deficiency

Background Novel messenger RNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have been vital in resolving the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Detection of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) confirms immunogenicity with high sensitivity and specificity. Few recent studies with primary and secondary immunodeficient cohorts present adequate or reduced antibody response. We describe the first reported successful response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody post-vaccination in magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1) gene deficiency, more commonly recognized as x-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr Virus infection, and neoplasia (XMEN). Case Presentation We present a 30-year-old male with selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency, peripheral blood CD5 + /CD19 + B-cell predominance (97%), MAGT1 mutation, and reduced CD16 + CD56 + natural killer- and/or CD8 + T-cell receptor, Group 2, Member D expression. His initial immunological evaluation revealed all seronegative post-vaccination antibody titers but clinically adequate response to protein antigens tetanus and diphtheria anti-toxoids. COVID-19 vaccination and associated serology antibody testing was recommended at this office visit. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies before and after the first BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses, as well as nucleocapsid antibody, were negative. S protein total antibody was reactive after the second dose. Discussion Robust immunological sequelae post-COVID-19 vaccination in the general population are well-documented in the recent literature. Few studies have evaluated COVID-19 vaccination antibody response in immunodeficient patients. The majority positive anti-S antibody detection in most primary immunodeficient (PID) patients among the few studies in the literature, such as the present case, support the safety and efficacy of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in immunodeficient patients, although larger scale studies are needed. Conclusion We demonstrate successful vaccination in the PID MAGT1 deficiency in this first reported case of reactive anti-S antibody post-COVID-19 vaccination.
Use of Growth Retardant on Classic Zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia Kunth) to Make Commercial Pot Plant

This study was conducted to improve the potential of Zinnia angustifolia Kunth as pot plant. Paclobutrazol was used to make plants more impact and decrease its size to fit the 4-inch pot. It was effective in regulating the plant height and size. The change of growth retardant concentration while the plant was growing up increased their effectiveness in regulating the plant height, size and other aesthetic characteristics related to pot size. Using paclobutrazol at 10 ppm on 21-day-old plant 4 times and changing to 25 ppm 3 times gave the best result for Zinnia angustifolia Kunth grown in July-September (rainy season). The plant size fitted the pot best without reducing the flower size and number. However, This application was not suitable for those grown in October-January (winter) for it reduced the plant size and flower number. The best application for winter was using paclobutrazol at 10 ppm on 21-day-old plant 4 times.
Hybrid active shape and deep learning method for the accurate and robust segmentation of the intracochlear anatomy in clinical head CT and CBCT images

Abstract. Purpose: Robust and accurate segmentation methods for the intracochlear anatomy (ICA) are a critical step in the image-guided cochlear implant programming process. We have proposed an active shape model (ASM)-based method and a deep learning (DL)-based method for this task, and we have observed that the DL method tends to be more accurate than the ASM method while the ASM method tends to be more robust. Approach: We propose a DL-based U-Net-like architecture that incorporates ASM segmentation into the network. A quantitative analysis is performed on a dataset that consists of 11 cochlea specimens for which a segmentation ground truth is available. To qualitatively evaluate the robustness of the method, an experienced expert is asked to visually inspect and grade the segmentation results on a clinical dataset made of 138 image volumes acquired with conventional CT scanners and of 39 image volumes acquired with cone beam CT (CBCT) scanners. Finally, we compare training the network (1) first with the ASM results, and then fine-tuning it with the ground truth segmentation and (2) directly with the specimens with ground truth segmentation. Results: Quantitative and qualitative results show that the proposed method increases substantially the robustness of the DL method while having only a minor detrimental effect (though not significant) on its accuracy. Expert evaluation of the clinical dataset shows that by incorporating the ASM segmentation into the DL network, the proportion of good segmentation cases increases from 60/177 to 119/177 when training only with the specimens and increases from 129/177 to 151/177 when pretraining with the ASM results. Conclusions: A hybrid ASM and DL-based segmentation method is proposed to segment the ICA in CT and CBCT images. Our results show that combining DL and ASM methods leads to a solution that is both robust and accurate.
Retrofilling conditions of high voltage transformers

This article reports the procedures and preliminary tests related to the retrofilling of a perchlorethylene-base d fluid (Transclene/sup TM/) filled transformer. Two insulating liquids, a mineral oil and an ester liquid that seemed to be suitable for this retrofilling, were investigated, In order to examine long-term effects, the investigations were performed on new samples as well as on samples subjected to severe ageing conditions. To simulate real operating conditions, the temperature was varied between O and 100 /spl deg/C with different water contents.
Device Simulation of Ag2SrSnS4 and Ag2SrSnSe4 Based Thin‐Film Solar Cells from Scratch

The structural, optoelectronic and elastic properties of quaternary chalcogenide materials Ag2SrSn(S/Se)4 in kesterite (Kes) and stannite (Sta) phases are studied using the HSE hybrid functional within the density functional theory. Ag2SrSnSe4 in kesterite and stannite phases is found to have direct bandgap of 1.13 and 1.38 eV, respectively, along the high symmetry Γ points. To analyze the electronic properties, PDOS for Ag2SrSn(S/Se)4 in kesterite and stannite phases are studied and explained. To get more insights into the optical behavior of the materials the authors also investigate the dielectric function, refractive function, absorption spectrum, extinction coefficient, reflectivity, and optical conductivity. They also calculate the single‐layer absorber efficiency of Ag2SrSn(S/Se)4 in kesterite and stannite phases using the spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency (SLME) approach to predict their potential as an efficient absorber layer material in thin‐film solar cells (TFSC). The SLME for Ag2SrSnSe4 in kesterite and stannite phases is found to be 31.4% and 32.4%, respectively. Further, a complete solar cell device analysis with these materials as an absorber layer is carried out using the SCAPS‐1D software. They found that devices with the kesterite and stannite structure of Ag2SrSnSe4 have a predicted efficiency of 20.04% and 18.59%, respectively.
A comparative perspective on officer wellness: american reflections from norwegian prisons

ABSTRACT Correctional officers in the United States experience severe work-related stressors and are generally physically unwell compared to similar public employees. An innovative and new approach to improving American corrections that is starting to gain momentum stems from looking at the workplace dynamic in alternative international models, such as in Scandinavian prison systems, for models of workplace reform. This study examines the perspectives of staff and leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections who traveled to Scandinavia as part of a correctional exchange. Each day of the trip, correctional staff recorded their qualitative reflections and completed a basic survey about their observations and experiences. This article examines both forms of data to explore correctional officer wellness from the perspective of American correctional officers. Five key themes are discussed: morale, stress, danger, dynamic security, and communication. Survey results corroborate this pattern, as US correctional officers reported somewhat lower stress and more positive interactions during their time in Norway. Key takeaways and implications for policy are discussed.
Experimental comparison of "load-pull" measurement systems for nonlinear power transistor characterization

Load-pull measurements are essential to characterise power devices accurately. This paper presents a comparison between two active and one passive load-pull measurement system. The experimental results obtained with a power MESFET transistor (1 Watt) are compared in terms of output power level and power added efficiency for various load impedances and input power levels.
Effect of platform screen doors on the indoor air environment of an underground subway station

Contaminant concentrations in a subway station in Seoul, Korea before (March 2008) and after (March 2009) the installation of platform screen doors (PSDs) were measured to investigate the effect of the PSD system on the subway indoor environment. PM10, CO2 and NO2 concentrations were measured at the platform, concourse and tunnel areas, using an indoor air quality tele-monitoring system (IAQ-TMS) operated by the Korean Ministry of Environment. Spatial correlations of contaminant concentrations at different locations were analysed, to investigate the effect of PSD installation on the movement of contaminants through air passages between zones. The results indicate that PM10 concentrations at the platform were reduced significantly after PSD installation and were within the guideline limit. The R2 value for the platform–tunnel correlation was reduced, indicating that in the absence of PSD, a significant amount of particulate matter was introduced to the platform from the tunnel. Conversely, the CO2 level in the platform was increased slightly after PSD installation, exhibiting a strong correlation with the number of passengers in the station. NO2 was predominantly introduced to the platform from the outdoor environment, on the basis of the source characteristics and their movement through air passages. This paper provides the data to develop a pollution management guide to control air quality contaminants in subway stations.
Advanced Performance of Small-Scale Domestic Sewage Treatment Plants Using Anaerobic-Aerobic Filter Systems with Flow-Equalization and Recirculation

The treatment characteristics of small-scale domestic sewage treatment plants (SDSTP) using anaerobic-aerobic filter systems with flow-equalization and recirculation were investigated. Plant experiments were conducted under three different operating conditions (Runs 1, 2, and 3), and were carried out in sequence using the same SDSTP. Run 1 was the control series with continuous fixed feeding and recirculation. In Runs 2 and 3, the influent had two maximum flow rates (peak coefficient 6) and a feeding time of 14 hours. This inflow pattern simulates the typical inflow pattern of domestic sewage. Run 2 was an operating series with no flow-equalization and no recirculation, and was the conventional treatment mode for SDSTPs installed in Japan. On the other hand, the SDSTP in Run 3 had a novel operational mode with flow-equalization and recirculation for denitrification. The SDSTP in Run 3 demonstrated a high performance for flow-equalization and stable effluent quality in comparison with that in Run 2. In Run.
Ultrasound image of morphological changes of teat end in sheep caused by machine milking

of 29 ewes with an approx. 90% share of East Friesian dairy sheep genes in their genotype were investigated. Ultrasound images of teats were recorded 4 times daily: before and immediately after the morning milking, and next 4 and 10 h after milking. The diameter and length of the teat canal and the thickness of the teat wall were measured on recorded images. The adopted method of ultrasound teat diagnostics made it possible to effectively monitor changes in internal teat structures caused in sheep by mechanical milking. The reaction of the teat tissue to milking was manifested in a significant increase in length, diameter or thickness of the analyzed structures (P<0.01; P<0.05). The most marked morphological changes were observed 4 h after milking. The effect was found of successive lactation and udder type on the levels of analyzed morphological traits of the teat. Both the thickness of the teat wall and the length of the teat canal increased with the age of animals and successive lactations (P<0.01 and P<0.05).
The Influence of Open Ended Learning Model on Mathematical Problem Solving Ability

Permasalahan utama pada penelitian ini adalah rendahnya kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika siswa sekolah dasar. Kurang efektifnya model pembelajaran yang digunakan oleh guru, menjadi penyebab dari permasalahan tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan membuktikan pengaruh model pembelajaran Open Ended terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif eksperimen dengan metode Quasi Eksperimen dan desain penelitiannya adalah Post-Test Only Control Design. Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas IV sebanyak 49 siswa, dengan sampel penelitian terdiri dari dua kelompok, yaitu kelas IVB sebagai kelompok eksperimen sebanyak 24 siswa dan kelas IVD sebagai kelompok kontrol sebanyak 25 siswa. Adapun instrumennya berupa test kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika berupa esai soal open ended. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran Open Ended terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika dengan hasil (37,23>2,01). Dengan demikian diperoleh hasil bahwa ditolak dan diterima, yakni terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran Open Ended terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika siswa kelas IV di SDN Cempaka Baru 01.
The mediating effect of student school burnout on the relationship between coping strategies and Internet addiction

BACKGROUND Each person receives and experiences stress differently and applies more or less effective ways of coping. However, the lack of such skills can lead to burnout. As Różańska-Kowal (2004) writes, the most important predictor of burnout is stress. Everyone is different, has different resources, so there are differences in how to deal with difficult and stressful situations. Some young people with poor coping strategies try to deal with the overwhelming stress by engaging in problematic behaviors, and this heightens the risk of developing substance or Internet addictions. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE The aim of this study was to examine the association between coping strategies (CS), student school burnout (SSB) and problematic use of the Internet (PUI), and to check if SSB may be a mediator between CS and PUI. RESULTS Further analyses revealed that a lower level of the problem – focused coping strategies (active coping and acceptance) and a higher level of helplessness and avoidance behaviors are directly associated with addictive Internet behaviors. However, school burnout mediates only links between active coping, helplessness and avoidance behaviors and problematic Internet use. In addition, gender appeared as a moderator between SSB and PUI. Finally, the results suggested that gender plays a significant role in the relationship between the tested variables. CONCLUSIONS Male adolescents with poor coping strategies were more prone to school burnout and, because of being burned out, were at a higher risk of excessive Internet use. In the female group school, burnout insignificantly predicted problematic Internet use.
Hierarchy of TGFβ/SMAD, Hippo/YAP/TAZ, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in melanoma phenotype switching

TGFβ, YAP/TAZ, and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling functionally interact in a hierarchical manner to induce the switching of melanoma cells from proliferative-to-invasive cell phenotype. In melanoma, a switch from a proliferative melanocytic to an invasive mesenchymal phenotype is based on dramatic transcriptional reprogramming which involves complex interactions between a variety of signaling pathways and their downstream transcriptional regulators. TGFβ/SMAD, Hippo/YAP/TAZ, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways are major inducers of transcriptional reprogramming and converge at several levels. Here, we report that TGFβ/SMAD, YAP/TAZ, and β-catenin are all required for a proliferative-to-invasive phenotype switch. Loss and gain of function experimentation, global gene expression analysis, and computational nested effects models revealed the hierarchy between these signaling pathways and identified shared target genes. SMAD-mediated transcription at the top of the hierarchy leads to the activation of YAP/TAZ and of β-catenin, with YAP/TAZ governing an essential subprogram of TGFβ-induced phenotype switching. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is situated further downstream and exerts a dual role: it promotes the proliferative, differentiated melanoma cell phenotype and it is essential but not sufficient for SMAD or YAP/TAZ–induced phenotype switching. The results identify epistatic interactions among the signaling pathways underlying melanoma phenotype switching and highlight the priorities in targets for melanoma therapy.
A Comparison of Dynamic Models of Various Complexity for Diesel Engines

Diesel engines are widely used in many application domains. The recent drive to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and implement on board diagnostic tools has resulted in a real need for improved models for the simulation of Diesel engines. This paper evaluates three different Diesel engine dynamic models of varying levels of complexity. The assumptions for the models and the equations are presented. The equations are implemented in a computer simulation environment. The models describe the dynamic relationship between indicated pressure and engine speed. The first model is a detailed analytical non-linear dynamic model, including dynamometer dynamics, instantaneous friction components, viscosity variations with temperature and inertia variations with piston pin offset. In-cycle calculations are performed at each crank-angle. The second model is a nonlinear dynamic model which includes a mean friction model for the engine components and dynamometer dynamics, but does not include the piston pin offset as well as the inertia variations. The third model is obtained by an identification procedure to find a low-order linear transfer function between the engine input and output. The three models are used to predict the behaviour of a Diesel engine. The models are compared using experimentally measured engine speeds, under steady state and transient operating conditions. The paper discusses the suitability of the models for various control applications such as engine simulation, fuelling control system design and fault diagnostics.
Evaluation of statistical downscaling methods for climate change projections over Spain: Future conditions with pseudo reality (transferability experiment)

The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is responsible for the elaboration of downscaled climate projections over Spain to feed the Second National Plan of Adaptation to Climate Change (PNACC‐2) and this is the last of three papers aimed to evaluate and intercompare five empirical/statistical downscaling (ESD) methods developed at AEMET: (a) Analog, (b) Regression, (c) Artificial Neural Networks, (d) Support Vector Machines and (e) Kernel Ridge Regression, in order to decide which methods and under what configurations are more suitable for that purpose. Following the framework established by the EU COST Action VALUE, in this experiment we test the transferability of these methods to future climate conditions with the use of regional climate models (RCMs) as pseudo observations. We evaluate the marginal aspects of the distributions of daily maximum/minimum temperatures and daily accumulated precipitation, over mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, analysed by season. For maximum/minimum temperatures all methods display certain transferability issues, being remarkable for Support Vector Machines and Kernel Ridge Regression. For precipitation all methods appear to suffer from transferability difficulties as well, although conclusions are not as clear as for temperature, probably due to the fact that precipitation does not present such a marked signal of change. This study has revealed how an analysis over a historical period is not enough to fully evaluate ESD methods, so we propose that some type of analysis of transferability should be added in a standard procedure of a complete evaluation.