Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Experiences with "Flipping" a Facility Layout/Material Handling Course

We are employing the “flipped classroom” teaching and learning approach in a required junior-level ind ustrial engineering course on facility layout and material handling. In the “flipped classroom,” students use out-of-class time to watch lectures available online. This free s class time for problem solving, active learning, or difficult topics, for which the instructor serves as an on-demand con sultant or advisor. To prepare for flipping this c lass in the spring of 2014, the instructor conducted a pilot th e previous spring by “flipping” three lecture perio ds. In a student evaluation of the pilot in which over 90% responded , nearly 65% preferred in-class problem solving to traditional lecture. Frequently-stated benefits were the in-cl ass accessibility of the instructor and the ability to re-watch videos. The College and University Classroom Environment Inventory was administered both before the pilot and during the full classroom flip to measure changes in stude nt perceptions, and significant differences in seve ral dimensions closely related to the flipped classroom were obser ved. Also, using the Teaching Dimensions Observation Protocol, we observed an increase in active learning components within the flipped relative to the pre-flipped c ourse, as strived for. The experiences of the instructor in flipping this IE course will also be discussed.
Nonparametric modeling of magnetorheological elastomer base isolator based on artificial neural network optimized by ant colony algorithm

Laminated magnetorheological elastomer base isolator is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for realizing adaptive base isolation for civil structures. However, the intrinsic hysteretic and nonlinear behavior of magnetorheological elastomer base isolators imposes challenge for adopting the device to accomplish high-accuracy performance in structural control. Therefore, it is essential to develop an accurate model for symbolizing this unique characteristic before designing a feedback controller. So far, some classical parametric models, such as Bouc–Wen, Dahl, and LuGre, have been proposed to depict the hysteretic response of magnetorheological devices, that is, magnetorheological damper, which may also be used for describing the nonlinear behavior of magnetorheological elastomer base isolator. However, the parameter identification is difficult to implement due to the nonlinear differential equations existing in these models. Considering this problem, this article proposes a nonparametric model, that is, an artificial neural network–based model with 3 input neurons, 18 hidden neurons, and 1 output neuron, to predict the magnetorheological elastomer isolator behavior. In this model, the ant colony algorithm is employed for model training to obtain the optimal weights based on the force–displacement/velocity data sampled from the magnetorheological elastomer isolator. Finally, experimental data are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed artificial neural network–based model with the good forecasting results.
Constant Light in Early Life Induces Depressive-Like Behavior in Chickens Via Modulation of Hippocampal BDNF/ERK Pathway

Background Light management plays an important role in broiler growth and behavior. Constant light in early post hatch stage has been a common practice for improving feed intake and body weight gain in broiler chickens, while whether and how constant light in early life affects the behavior in broiler chickens is rarely reported. Results In this study, newly hatched chickens were kept in either constant light (24L:0D, LL) or natural photoperiod (12L:12D, LD) for 7 days and maintained in constant light thereafter from 8 d to 21 d of age. Constant light did not affect chicken body weight, while increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) in 7 d and 21 d and every week feed conversion ratio (FCR). Constant light exposure in early life induces depressive-like behaviors, which was associated with higher corticosterone (CORT), lower melatonin and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) plasma. Concurrently, constant light exposure increased the mRNA expression of clock related genes and suppressed the expression of antioxidative genes in the hippocampus of both 7- and 21-day-old chickens. Moreover, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in hippocampus was suppressed by constant light exposure. Conclusions These findings imply that constant light exposure in early life disrupts hippocampal expression of clock genes and BDNF/ERK pathway, which contributes to depressive-like behaviors in the chicken.
Efficacy of Chemotherapy versus Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Advanced Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and an Analysis of the Prognostic Factors: A Retrospective Study

Background Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PHNEC) is a rare liver tumor, and there is no clear therapeutic recommendation for patients with advanced PHNEC. This study aims to compare the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy (etoposide combined with cisplatin/carboplatin, EP/EC) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with advanced PHNEC, and to evaluate the relevant prognostic factors. Patients and Methods The clinical data of 41 patients with advanced PHNEC from June 2014 to October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Results At a median follow-up time of 13.9 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 14.8 months in the EP/EC group and 12.2 months in the TACE group (P = 0.040). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.4 months and 2.7 months in the EP/EC group and the TACE group, respectively (P = 0.005). No significant differences in the overall response rate and disease control rate were observed between the EP/EC group and the TACE group (26.1% vs 11.1%, P = 0.429; 73.9% vs 44.4%, P = 0.055, respectively). A univariate analysis indicated that the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), Ki-67, tumor number, and treatment options were prognostic factors for OS. A multivariate analysis further showed that ECOG PS (P < 0.001), Ki-67 (P = 0.003), and treatment options (P = 0.022) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusion Ki-67, ECOG PS, and treatment options were the independent prognostic factors for OS in patients with advanced PHNEC. EP/EC may be a better choice for patients with advanced PHNEC.
Streptomyces silvae sp. nov., isolated from forest soil

A bacterial strain, named For3T, was isolated from forest soil sampled in Champenoux, France. Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, the strain was affiliated to the family Streptomycetaceae and, more specifically, to the genus Streptomyces . The strain had 99.93% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to its closest relative strains Streptomyces pratensis ATCC 33331T, Streptomyces anulatus ATCC 27416T, Streptomyces setonii NRRL ISP-5322T and Kitasatospora papulosa NRRL B-16504T. The phylogenomic tree using the genome blast distance phylogeny method showed that the closest relative strain was Streptomyces atroolivaceus NRRL ISP-5137T and that For3T represents a new branch among the Streptomyces . Genome relatedness indexes revealed that the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between For3T and its closest phylogenomic relative ( S. atroolivaceus NRRL ISP-5137T) were 88.39 and 39.2 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genome was 71.4 mol% and its size was 7.96 Mb with 7492 protein-coding genes. Strain For3T harboured complete metabolic pathways absent in the closest relative strains such as cellulose biosynthesis, glycogen degradation I, glucosylglycerate biosynthesis I. Anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0 and MK-9(H4)/MK-9(H6) were the predominant cellular fatty acids and respiratory quinones, respectively. Phenotypic and genomic data supported the assignment of strain For3T to a novel species Streptomyces silvae sp. nov., within the genus Streptomyces , for which the type strain is For3T (=CIP 111908T=LMG 32186T).
Error in estimation of power switching losses based on electrical measurements

Estimation of the error in power switching loss measurement is presented. The analysis is based on the modeling of the current and voltage probes, including the cables. It is shown that the measured waveforms are not simply delayed by the probes, but overshoots and distortions are introduced by the probes, that may not be corrected easily, thus introduce errors. Accurate comparisons between simulation and measurement results are discussed when adequate probe models are used in simulation.
Numerical Study on the Effects of Blade Lean on High-Pressure Centrifugal Impeller Performance

Blade lean and sweep are additional degrees of freedom for the three dimensional blade design. When compared to blade sweep, the influence of blade lean on the performance is not extensively described in the public literature. The effects of blade lean on the aerodynamic performance of a high-pressure ratio centrifugal impeller were investigated using a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) approach. For total of 15 variations of blade lean given at the impeller inlet and outlet, while blade angles at the impeller inlet and outlet were unchanged, numerical solutions of the impeller with a vaneless diffuser were obtained at the design speed from a maximum choke flow to a minimum flow available. Compressor performance maps were generated to compare overall characteristics, and details of internal flow structure at 5 different quasi-orthogonal planes were investigated to see the effects of blade lean on the development of secondary flows. It was found that a positive lean at the impeller exit shroud helps mitigate the wake region to contribute to more uniform flows, resulting in an increase of the impeller pressure and efficiency. A negative lean at the impeller exit causes a limited head rise due to a reduced blade loading on the shroud. A negative inlet lean at the shroud provided the worst performance.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Mimicking Native Display of CD0873 on Liposomes Augments Its Potency as an Oral Vaccine against Clostridioides difficile

Mucosal vaccination aims to prevent infection mainly by inducing secretory IgA (sIgA) antibody, which neutralises pathogens and enterotoxins by blocking their attachment to epithelial cells. We previously demonstrated that encapsulated protein antigen CD0873 given orally to hamsters induces neutralising antibodies locally as well as systemically, affording partial protection against Clostridioides difficile infection. The aim of this study was to determine whether displaying CD0873 on liposomes, mimicking native presentation, would drive a stronger antibody response. The recombinant form we previously tested resembles the naturally cleaved lipoprotein commencing with a cysteine but lacking lipid modification. A synthetic lipid (DHPPA-Mal) was designed for conjugation of this protein via its N-terminal cysteine to the maleimide headgroup. DHPPA-Mal was first formulated with liposomes to produce MalLipo; then, CD0873 was conjugated to headgroups protruding from the outer envelope to generate CD0873-MalLipo. The immunogenicity of CD0873-MalLipo was compared to CD0873 in hamsters. Intestinal sIgA and CD0873-specific serum IgG were induced in all vaccinated animals; however, neutralising activity was greatest for the CD0873-MalLipo group. Our data hold great promise for development of a novel oral vaccine platform driving intestinal and systemic immune responses.
Extraction and Purification Processes of Sinapic Acid Derivatives from Rapeseed and Mustard Seed By-Products

ABSTRACT By-products obtained through the industrial processing of rapeseed and mustard seeds are exploited as feed or methanization. However they contain high added value phenolic compounds, such as sinapic acid and its derivatives, that could be recovered by extraction and purification processes. This review presents the state of the art on such recovery processes. It covers conventional extraction by solvent and emergent extraction processes, namely solvent extraction assisted by ultrasound, microwaves, pressure, electro-technologies or enzymes. Concerning the purification processes, liquid-liquid extraction, adsorption and membrane filtration processes are commonly implemented. This article summarizes the most promising methods and technologies for developing sustainable processes for the recovery of sinapic acid derivatives from rapeseed and mustard seed by-products.
Twenty Years after De Ley and Blaxter—How Far Did We Progress in Understanding the Phylogeny of the Phylum Nematoda?

Simple Summary New technological advancements often radically change our views on the world. Sequencing of DNA and use of it to reconstruct the evolution of organisms was an advancement that revolutionised human understanding of the origin of nematodes and interrelationships within this often neglected but diverse and important group of animals. This manuscript provides a summary of current knowledge and opinions on the relationships within nematodes, indicates where further research is needed and briefly discusses some of the most common problems and errors in molecular phylogeny of the phylum Nematoda. Abstract Molecular phylogenetics brought radical changes to our understanding of nematode evolution, resulting in substantial modifications to nematode classification implemented by De Ley and Blaxter and widely accepted now. Numerous phylogenetic studies were subsequently published that both improved and challenged this classification. Here we present a summary of these changes. We created cladograms that summarise phylogenetic relationships within Nematoda using phylum-wide to superfamily-wide molecular phylogenies published in since 2005, and supplemented with the phylogenetic analyses for Enoplia and Chromadoria with the aim of clarifying the position of several taxa. The results show which parts of the Nematode tree are well resolved and understood, and which parts require more research, either by adding taxa that have not been included yet (increasing taxon coverage), or by changing the phylogenetic approach (improving data quality, using different types of data or different methods of analysis). The currently used classification of the phylum Nematoda in many cases does not reflect the phylogeny and in itself requires numerous improvements and rearrangements.
A closer look at homework compliance in behavior therapy for bulimia nervosa: does homework compliance in between-session period prospectively predict session-by-session change in bulimia symptoms?

ABSTRACT Introduction Homework assignments are considered key components of behavioral treatments for bulimia nervosa (BN), but little is known about whether homework compliance predicts BN symptom improvement. The present study is the first to examine whether session-by-session change in homework compliance predicts session-by-session changes in BN symptoms during behavioral treatment. Method Patients with BN-spectrum eating disorders (n = 42) received 20 sessions of behavioral treatment. Each session, their clinicians completed surveys assessing compliance with self-monitoring, behavioral, and written homework assignments and BN symptom frequency during the previous week. Results Significant between-persons effects of self-monitoring and behavioral homework compliance were identified, such that patients with greater compliance in the past week experienced greater reductions in binge eating and purging the following week. There were significant within-persons effects of self-monitoring compliance on binge eating and behavioral homework compliance on restrictive eating, binge eating, and purging, such that greater than one’s usual compliance predicted greater improvements in BN symptoms the following week. No significant effects of written homework compliance were identified. Conclusion Compliance with self-monitoring and behavioral homework predict improvements in BN symptoms during behavioral treatment. These findings reinforce the importance of self-monitoring and behavioral homework compliance as drivers of change during treatment for BN.
The Effects of Pictorial Detail on the Timing of the Landing Flare: Results of a Visual Simulation Experiment

Artificial outside-world displays currently used in flight simulators may, in the future, also be applied to aircraft cockpits to enhance vision or to provide a completely synthetic replacement. In both cases, a very important question for designers of such displays is which elements of pictorial detail in the presented image are needed for satisfactory task or mission performance. Two elements of pictorial detail, a visible runway outline and ground texture, are considered in this article. An experiment is described in which the participants were required to initiate the landing maneuver during a simplified aircraft-landing task. This experiment was developed with 2 goals in mind: The first objective was to determine whether performance was influenced by the addition of ground texture; a second objective was to find out whether participants based their timing of the initiation of the landing maneuver on altitude perception or on the so-called time-to-contact (TTC; Lee, 1974). In the landing case, TTC is defined as the time remaining to the moment that the wheels make contact with the runway if no pilot action is taken. The results of the experiment show that landing performance is improved when ground texture is added to the display. The results also suggest that participants change their timing behavior from a strategy based on altitude perception when only a runway outline is present, to one based on TTC perception when texture is added to the display.
Cross-modal impression updating: Dynamic impression updating from face to voice and the other way around.

Research has shown that faces and voices shape impression formation. Most studies have examined either the impact of faces and voices in isolation or the relative contribution of each source when presented simultaneously. However, only a few studies have questioned whether and how impressions formed via one source can be updated due to incremental information gathered from the alternative source. Yet, cross-modal impression updating is key to shed light on person perception. Thus, we tested whether positive and negative face- and voice-based impressions could be updated by inconsistent cross-modal information. In Experiment 1 (N = 130), we tested whether face-based impressions could be updated by (in)consistent voices. In Experiment 2 (N = 262), we compared face-to-voice and voice-to-face impression updating. In Experiment 3 (N = 242), we favoured a more direct comparison of the two types of stimuli (i.e., the co-occurrence of both cue types when the new information is revealed). Results showed that voices have the greatest updating impact and that the updating effect of faces was halved when voices co-occurred for a second time. We discussed these results as evidence of the dynamical evolution of cross-modal impressions.
A Statistical Study of Ship Domains

The thesis is an attempt to establish the water area required by any one ship for safe and efficient navigation. The concept of a ship domain has been considered, which may be defined as the effective area around a ship which a navigator would like to keep free with respect to other ships and stationary objects. This area will not be the same for all ships but will depend on a variety of factors such as speed, size of ship and density of traffic among others. The first part of the project was concerned with the collection of data from two separate sources: one being the performance of ships' officers in collision avoidance exercises on a marine radar simulator and the second being marine traffic surveys conducted in the Sunk area of the North Sea, The collection of data on ship movements and their processing for analysis by computer comprised the early work of the thesis. The next section of work was concerned with the development of a technique for evaluating the size of the domain and in particular the range of the domain boundary from the ship referred to as the domange. Very little work appears to have been done on this topic previously so several possibilities were considered before a decision was made as to the most suitable technique. Once this had been established results were obtained for a variety of conditions such as different sea area, length of ship and experience of the navigator as well as those previously mentioned and others. The final part of the thesis considers possible applications of the results in a variety of situations which are of current and future interest in marine traffic studies.
The influence of coil parameters on the voltage distribution in a machine stator winding fed by a PWM inverter

The present paper is dedicated to the evaluation of the influence played by important design parameters like the interturn insulation thickness and the insulating material permittivity on the voltage distribution among the coils of a stator winding fed by a PWM inverter. The system, composed of a feeder cable and a stator winding is modeled and simulated by using multiconductor transmission line theory. A recently developed time-domain equivalent circuit is used to represent the multiconductor line, with losses possibly dependent on frequency, which allows to correctly describe the dielectric losses and the skin-effect in the conductors. The obtained results can offer a broad guideline to design engineers for a suitable dimensioning of the motor insulation.
Comparing climate science misconceptions with worldview and cognitive reflection suggests poor understanding and motivated reasoning among undergraduates

Abstract This survey study evaluated the relationship between cultural worldview and the occurrence of climate science misconceptions among 688 undergraduates at five colleges in the United States. The Worldview, Misconceptions, and Cognitive Reflection instrument was employed to measure respondents’ cultural worldview, climate science misconceptions using a three-tiered diagnostic test, and cognitive reflection ability. Binary logistic regression was used to test the extent to which hierarchy-egalitarianism, individualism-communitarianism, and cognitive reflection ability impacted the occurrence of ten common climate science misconceptions. Analysis revealed that the understanding of climate change science was low, while certainty of response was high. Misconceptions of climate-weather confusion and the magnitude of global warming were related to learners’ worldview. Motivated reasoning was suggested in hierarchist-leaning learners holding the misconception that recent climate changes are the result of natural cycles. Certain climate science misconceptions were related to learners’ cognitive reflection ability such as the misconception that sudden changes in weather are evidence of climate change, the misconception that global warming is caused by ozone layer depletion, and the misconception that global warming can be reduced by setting limitations on chemical waste released into rivers or by not building nuclear power plants. This investigation yielded an emergent finding and area of future research: respondents in this study differed significantly by gender in their worldview, cognitive reflection, and climate science misconceptions. Recommendations include using an intervention approach to boost numerical skills and quantitative self-efficacy in the climate science classroom, and addressing misconceptions with a refutation text.