Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrating Vehicle Emission Modeling with Activity-Based Travel Demand Modeling

An initial attempt is made to quantify vehicle emissions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada by exploiting travel information provided by activity-based 24-h models rather than conventional trip-based models. For this purpose, travel activity inputs to the Canadian version of the MOBILE6.2 model (MOBILE6.2C) are generated by relying on the travel demand modeling capabilities of the Travel Activity Scheduler for Household Agents (TASHA), a next-generation activity-based model of travel demand for the GTA. Additional input data supplied to MOBILE6.2C are obtained from Canadian sources and by running traffic assignment (using EMME/2) on the trip distribution matrix generated by TASHA. The integration of MOBILE6.2 with TASHA has provided estimates of the time of day that vehicle emissions occur. TASHA provides an explicit representation of trip starts and ends, which results in improved engine start emissions. Overall, because TASHA provides a better behavioral framework for modeling travel than conventional trip-based models, it is expected to lead to better emissions estimates. Such an effort also provides insight and experience that will be used later in the integration of TASHA with more advanced emission models, thus refining the reliability of practical tools that can be used to assess the environmental sustainability of policies.
A new hybrid mode boundary integral method for analysis of MMIC waveguides with complicated cross section

A boundary integral formulation for quasistatic, transverse electric, transverse magnetic, and hybrid wave analysis of open or shielded waveguides with arbitrary multiregion cross section is presented. A special form of boundary integral equation is derived to make possible the numerical treatment of cornered geometries. Subsequently, operator equations including source terms are given for the analysis of arbitrary two-dimensional structures. The numerical method is described briefly, with the quasistatic analysis of a coplanar waveguide with a nonrectangular conductor shape considered as an example. <<ETX>>
Front-Line Therapy in EGFR Exon 19 Deletion and 21 Leu858Arg Mutations in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Network Meta-Analysis

Objective This study aimed to compare the efficacy of different first-line strategies based on different EGFR mutation types (19 deletion and 21 Leu858Arg mutations). Methods We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) by searching and analyzing RCTs on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ASCO.org, and ESMO.org, from inception to September 30th, 2020. Results Nineteen RCTs involving 5450 patients were finally included in this study, covering 10 different treatment strategies. The Bayesian ranking results suggested that, in terms of PFS, in the overall population and in patients with 19del mutation, osimertinib was most likely to rank the first, with the cumulative probabilities of 41.89% and 45.73%, respectively, while for patients with 21 Leu858Arg mutation, standard of care (SoC, represents first-generation EGFR-TKIs in this NMA) + chemotherapy was most likely to rank the first, with the cumulative probabilities of 30.81% in PFS. Moreover, SoC + chemotherapy provided the best overall survival benefit for the overall population and patients with 19del, with the cumulative probabilities of 57.85% and 33.51%, respectively. In contrast, for patients with 21 Leu858Arg mutation, dacomitinib showed the most favorable overall survival, with the cumulative probabilities of 36.73%. Conclusions In this NMA, osimertinib and SoC combined with chemotherapy would be the optimal first-line treatment options for advanced NSCLC patients harboring EGFR 19 deletion mutation and 21 Leu858Arg mutation, respectively. This finding is likely to be adopted in clinical practice and provide guidance for future clinical study design. Systematic review registration: INPLASY2020100059.
The effects of water and land exercise programs in static and dynamic balance among elderly men

Aim: Lower body exercises are an important intervention in retraining balance. The aquatic environment has been identified as an appropriate medium to perform these exercises. The purpose of this research was to compare Static and Dynamic Balance following water and land exercise in elderly men.Methods: Thirty elderly men completed this study. 15 subjects were from an assisted living facility (age 63.2 ± 4.2years) and 15 subjects were from an outpatient facility (age 65.6 ± 3.9 years). Each group did a comparable set of lower body exercises (3 times per week for 6 weeks), but one group exercised in the pool, and the other exercised on land. Pre- and post-intervention tests of static and dynamic balance were conducted. Measures included the Sharpened Romberg and eight-feet time up and go Test. Results: At pre-test there was no significant difference between the two groups' Static and Dynamic Balance (p>0.05); the water exercise group showing better performance than the land exercise group (p<0.05). There was also significant differences between pre- and post-test results of the water exercise group on all the tests (p<0.05). The land exercise group showed significant differences from preto post-tests on static balance with open and closed eye and Dynamic Balance (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although the results support the positive effects of water and land exercise static and Dynamic Balance for male elders, water
Improving Failure Mode and Effects Analysis as a Cognitive Simulation

In this paper the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) process is studied as a human simulation. The cognitive challenges of availability bias, probability inconsistency, and experience weighting are reviewed against a large number of actual FMEAs. The challenges are outlined and improvements to the process presented including pooled scoring and the use of the criticality index.
Oocyte Retrieval Methods, Grade and Percentage of Oocytes in Goats

The present study was undertaken to assess the relative efficiency of three different collection techniques of percentage and grades of oocytes in goats of Hyderabad. The mean oocyte recovery from aspiration technique, 2.15 ± 0.31 and 2.9 ± 0.46 in dissection technique and 6.55 ± 0.57 and 4.51 ± 0.46 in slicing technique. The mean oocyte recovery rate was 1.5 ± 0.22 and 1.0 ± 0.33 under aspiration technique, 2.58 ± 0.47 and 2.43 ± 0.36 under dissection technique and 5.26 ± 0.46 and 6.3 ± 0.71. The mean numbers of oocytes of different grades recovered were 0.34 ± 0.03, 0.62 ± 0.07 and 1.37 ± 0.09 in aspiration, dissection and slicing techniques, respectively. Among the different grades of oocytes, significantly higher per cent of A (27.78) and B (38.89) grade oocytes were retrieved by aspiration and dissection technique when compared to slicing technique. With respect to C and D grade oocytes, significantly higher numbers of oocytes were retrieved by slicing technique than the aspiration and dissection techniques. Out of 437 oocytes retrieved in the present study, significantly higher per cent (50.57) yield was by slicing technique, followed by dissection technique (37.07) and aspiration (12.53).
Rectangular Waveguides with Impedance Walls

The propagation of guided waves in a rectangular geometry having impedance boundary conditions is investigated. An impedance compatibility relation is derived that must be satisfied in order that a separable modal solution exists for a given impedance configuration. Several new rectangular waveguides are developed; among them are 1) a tall rectangular waveguide operating in a dominant H/sub 10/ mode with no H/sub 0N/ modes; 2) a rectangular waveguide with two parallel anisotropic impedance surfaces; 3) a rectangular waveguide with two parallel walls having isotropic impedance surfaces, the other two walls being anisotropic; 4) a rectangular waveguide supporting only E modes; and 5) rectangular coaxial systems containing impedance surfaces. The modal structure of rectangular waveguides with impedance boundary conditions offers advantages over the conventional waveguide. The potential of oversizing for low-loss and high-power applications is enhanced because of the additional modal control provided by the impedance surfaces. Other applications are suggested.
A conveyance system using air flow based on the concept of distributed micro motion systems

A microactuator array for a planar conveyance system on a plane has been designed and fabricated by micro-machining. Though a typical microactuator accomplishes only a simple motion, the coordination of simple motions makes it possible for the array to perform a more complicated task. Therefore, we propose the conveyance system composed of distributed microactuators. An object is levitated and carried by controlled air flow from many microactuators in the system. We designed a fluidic microactuator which has two on-off nozzles and fabricated an array of these microactuators on an SOI (Silicon On Insulator) substrate. The dimension of each actuator is about 100 /spl mu/m/spl times/200 /spl mu/m. Each microactuator can control the direction of air flow by electrostatically closing one of nozzles and can carry a flat object on the flow to the desired direction. The experiment to convey objects to the desired position by the one-dimensional conveyance system was performed successfully. >
ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSES FOR SEDIMENT TRANSPORT IN WEPS

The Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS) is a process-based, daily time-step model that simulates weather and field conditions. When wind speed exceeds the threshold, the EROSION submodel of WEPS simulates soil loss and deposition on a sub-hourly basis. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assemble the erosion process equations in a manner that allows analytic solutions; (2) develop analytic solutions for a uniform surface; and (3) evaluate the response to parameters in these solutions using linear sensitivity tests. Based on the principle of conservation of mass, an analytic solution was developed for a quasi-steady state equation of the saltation/creep discharge. This equation simulates two sources (entrainment of loose material and entrainment of material abraded from clods and crust) and three sinks (breakage of saltation/creep to suspension-size, trapping of saltation/creep, and interception by plant stalks). An analytic solution also was developed for the horizontal discharge of the suspension component. This equation simulates three sources (entrainment of loose material, entrainment of material abraded from clods and crust, and breakage of saltation/creep to suspension-size). Sensitivity tests of the simulation equations showed that soil loss by wind erosion was most sensitive to wind speed and surface-soil moisture content.
Vacuum Dewatering During Paper Manufacturing

Abstract Water removal during paper making is one of the most energy-intensive and capital-intensive processes. Vacuum dewatering is one of the intermediate stages of water removal on the paper machine where the compressible, wet mat is dewatered using applications of higher vacuum. A summary of the various stages of dewatering on the paper machine wire and the potential mechanisms of dewatering during each of the stage are given. Then, a review of the vacuum dewatering literature is presented detailing the empirical and theoretical work done to-date. A thorough description of the significance of airflow and associated convective mass transfer during vacuum dewatering is then described. A comprehensive approach to modeling vacuum dewatering considering most of the potential mechanisms involved is also presented.
Assessing Students' Achievement through Problem-Based Learning to Reveal the Implicit Bias of Fake News

The widespread dissemination of fake news could have serious negative consequences for individuals and society. First, fake news could upset the balance of authenticity in the news ecosystem. For example, the most popular fake news was more prevalent on Facebook or Instagram media. Second, fake news intentionally persuaded consumers to accept biased or false beliefs. Third, fake news was changing the way people interpret and react to real news. For example, some fake news was created to mistrust and confuse people, so it was impossible, to tell the truth from what was not. To mitigate the negative impact of fake news, it was very important to develop methods to automatically detect fake news in social networks, namely problem-based learning, in order to differentiate between real and fake visual content. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were performed using experimental and control groups to determine whether problem learning could induce students to engage more actively with the topic and develop critical thinking skills to avoid the implicit bias of fake news. This study was conducted at Universitas Katolik Santo Thomas Medan, Indonesia. This research showed that problem-based learning could promote the development of learning communities where learners could freely exchange ideas and ask questions related to the material being studied. Therefore, problem-based learning was an effective way to improve the analytical ability to distinguish between real news and fake news based on the credibility of the news.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension: A Look Into the Future Therapy

Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) of the newborn is a lung parenchymal disorder that causes a wide range of hemodynamic changes in the newborn's systemic circulation. Arising from a multifactorial web of etiology, PPHN is one of the most common reasons for neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Historically, multiple treatment modalities have been explored, ranging from oxygen and surfactant therapy to newer upcoming medications like magnesium sulfate and adenosine. This review article has discussed the pathogenesis of PPHN and its relationship with the clinical implications of PPHN, such as heart failure and so on. This article has also explored the diagnostic guidelines and analyzed the existing and the upcoming modalities for treating PPHN.
Analysis of electrode impedance and its subcomponents for lateral wall, mid-scala, and perimodiolar electrodes in cochlear implants

Objective Electrode impedances play an important role in cochlear implant patient management. During clinical visits, electrode impedances are calculated from a single point voltage waveform. In the present study, multipoint electrode impedance analysis was performed to study electrode impedance and its subcomponents in patients with three different types of cochlear implant electrode arrays. Design Voltage waveforms were measured at six different time points during the cathodic phase of a biphasic pulse in forty-seven cochlear implant patients with perimodiolar, mid-scala, or lateral wall electrode arrays. Multipoint electrode impedances were used to determine access resistance and polarization impedance. Results Access resistance of approximately 5 kΩ was calculated across the three different electrode arrays. Mid-scala electrodes showed a smaller increase in impedances as a function of pulse duration compared to the other electrodes. Patients with lower impedances showed higher capacitance and lower resistance, suggesting that differences in electrochemical reaction at the electrodes’ surface can influence impedances in cochlear implants. Conclusions Analysis of cochlear implant electrode impedances and their subcomponents provides valuable information about resistance to the flow of current between stimulating and return electrodes, and build an understanding of the contribution of electrochemical processes used to deliver electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve.
Comparison of Salivary Flow and Candida Carriage in Patients with Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis: An In Vivo Study

Objective: To compare salivary flow & candida carriage in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) as OSMF causes a reduction in salivary flow making odontogenic structures caries prone & increasing in candida causing oral thrush, angular chelitis& in some cases malignancies. Material & Methods: A total of 40 subjects were included in the study & divided into 2 groups. The 1st group included patients without OSMF & the 2nd group included patients with OSMF. The duration of the study was 1 year. For every subject, inter incisal distance was measured using vernier callipers. The saliva sample was collected in pre-weighed cotton rolls & the difference was noted. A separate saliva sample was collected & inoculated on chrome agar for candida growth. Descriptive statistics like mean, median & standard deviation were used to summarize the variable. Differences in the mean across the groups were tested by Student’s t-test. Results: The difference in salivary flow was statistically significant at a 5% level of significance (P-value < 0.000). The control group did not show candida growth. In contrast, the OSMF group showed the presence of candida in 16 out of 20 samples. Conclusion: Salivary flow was decreased significantly & candida carriage was increased significantly in patients with OSMF as compared with healthy control group subjects. As the grades of OSMF increased, the salivary flow was decreased & candida carriage was increased.
Early Use of Sarilumab in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 Pneumonia and Features of Systemic Inflammation: the SARICOR Randomized Clinical Trial

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of early treatment with sarilumab, added to standard of care (SOC), in hospitalized adults with COVID-19. Methods included phase II, open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and interleukin (IL)-6 levels ≥ 40 pg/mL and/or d-dimer > 1,500 ng/mL. ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of early treatment with sarilumab, added to standard of care (SOC), in hospitalized adults with COVID-19. Methods included phase II, open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and interleukin (IL)-6 levels ≥ 40 pg/mL and/or d-dimer > 1,500 ng/mL. Participants were randomized (1:1:1) to receive SOC (control group), SOC plus a single subcutaneous dose of sarilumab 200 mg (sarilumab-200 group), or SOC plus a single subcutaneous dose of sarilumab 400 mg (sarilumab-400 group). The primary outcome variable was the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring high-flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) at day 28. One-hundred and 15 participants (control group, n = 39; sarilumab-200, n = 37; sarilumab-400, n = 39) were included. At randomization, 104 (90%) patients had supplemental oxygen and 103 (90%) received corticosteroids. Eleven (28%) patients in the control group, 10 (27%) in sarilumab-200, and five (13%) in sarilumab-400 developed the primary outcome (hazard ratio [95% CI] of sarilumab-400 vs control group: 0.41 [0.14, 1.18]; P = 0.09). Seven (6%) patients died: three in the control group and four in sarilumab-200. There were no deaths in sarilumab-400 (P = 0.079, log-rank test for comparisons with the control group). In patients recently hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia and features of systemic inflammation, early IL-6 blockade with a single dose of sarilumab 400 mg was safe and associated with a trend for better outcomes. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT04357860.)
Antibacterial Effect of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Erwinia amylovora and Induction of Crop Growth

Objectives: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are widely recognized as one of the most promising types of materials in a wide range of applications, including agriculture. Modern systemic efforts have identified several therapeutically active microalgae-derived compounds, including phenols, flavonoids and others. The antibacterial properties of the phenolic substances were demonstrated. Hence, the present study aims to exhibit the antibacterial activity of the bioactive compound capped silver nanoparticles under in vitro conditions. Methods: Bioactive compound separated by Solid-phase Extraction method. Dispersible Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using the bioactive compound as the major capping agent. Zinc nitrate was used as starting material and its reduction was carried by phenolic components of Spirulina platensis aqueous extract from Zn2+ to ZnO. The synthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles are characterized by H1 NMR spectroscopy. Conjugated nanoparticles are characterized physically by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. SEM demonstrated particle sizes in the range 10–15 nm. ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated antibacterial activity against an isolated plant pathogen Erwinia amylovora. Time kill determination assay was done. Findings: Phenols obtained after Solid Phase Extraction. Hence, this was regarded as the maximum quantified bioactive compound of Spirulina platensis. H1 NMR spectroscopy analyses showed the presence of phenolic compounds and alcohols groups of long chain were also detected. In SEM analysis, the mean diameter of spherical Phenols-ZnOPs is less than 15 nm surrounded by the capping agent. In given time periods of 4, 8, 16, and 24 hour cells, concentrations of 1000µg/mL were 42 %, 33 %, 20 %, and 18 %. At 500 µg/mL of extract concentration, Spirulina platensis inhibited 50% bacterial proliferation (IC50) of Erwinia amylovora. A significant inhibitory effect (p<0.0001) was seen against the plant pathogenic strain. Novelty: In addition to their antibacterial activities, biosynthesized ZnO-NPs are thought to show promise efficacy as growth accelerators. The most dangerous bacterial disease of pear and apple trees is fire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora. Phenolic capped ZnO-NPs have been found to be efficient plant pathogen antagonists.
STRENGTH AND DAMAGE ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE CONFINED BY STEEL CASING

The material-nonlinear 3-Dimensional finite element analyses were conducted for laterally reinforced concrete columns under axial compression. The elasto-plastic and fracture model served to investigate the confinement mechanism by steel casing. This paper points out two failure modes. One is that the whole lateral steel yields when the reinforced concrete (RC) section reaches the ultimate capacity. The other corresponds to the case where some part of lateral steel remains elastic at the ultimate condition of RC columns. The circular casing was found to exhibit the former mode of failure. On the other hand, the square casing was proved to come up with the latter mode of failure with greater deal of steel. In this case, the lateral stress arising in confined concrete was found not to be proportional to the amount of lateral steel.
Teachers’ experiences of ICT training in Nepal: how teachers in rural primary schools learn and make progress in their ability to use ICT in classrooms

ABSTRACT This article reports on teachers’ experiences of ICT training in rural areas of Nepal. It discusses aspects of policy documents to help understand the Nepali educational context, before highlighting the challenges of establishing and maintaining infrastructure and professional learning opportunities across a country with challenging terrain and extreme environmental conditions. It then examines teachers’ perceptions in five rural primary schools about their experiences of training to use modern educational technologies in instructional activities. The findings indicate that none of the teachers received training in the use of ICT in their initial teacher education and that the Government has allowed non-governmental organisations to provide ICT infrastructure and training for rural schools and teachers. Although this is a small study, it offers insights into the gap between policy and practice and highlights the contextual challenges of Nepal’s attempts to operate on a global educational level as well as the challenges for teachers.