Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing Lead Risks at Non-Residential Hazardous Waste Sites

ABSTRACT In 1996, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) developed the Adult Lead Methodology (ALM) to provide an interim approach to assessing risks from non-residential exposures to lead. Because such exposures often involve occupational activities of adults, the ALM was directed at assessing soil-related lead risks to adults. Consistent with other approaches used in Superfund risk assessment, the ALM was designed to predict quasi-steady state blood lead concentrations (PbB) that might result from soil exposure. These predictions are converted to a risk estimate, expressed as the probability of exceeding a PbB level of concern. To examine the assumptions and variables in the ALM that have become available since 1996, a comparison was made of the attributes of seven alternative research models for which adequate documentation is available to understand and implement each approach. Several of these models have been used in regulatory decision-making; however, the USEPA has officially embraced none for general use. This analysis suggests that the ALM can continue to serve as a reasonable tool for assessing risks associated with non-residential exposures to soil. Under certain circumstances other models may be more applicable (i.e., for assessing acute or intensive exposures); however, the ALM is recommended for the majority of risk assessment applications.
Clinical evaluation of the rapid recovery of patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lung surgery under non-intubated anesthesia

Background Non-intubated anesthesia thoracoscopic surgery is an evolving form of minimally invasive thoracic surgery. It has had encouraging results in the treatment of lung cancer, and the current concept of enhanced recovery after surgery has become indispensable to surgical treatment. Our center retrospectively evaluated the clinical effect of rapid postoperative rehabilitation in patients who underwent thoracoscopic lung surgery under non-intubated anesthesia. Methods The clinical data of 192 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 75 received double-lumen endotracheal intubation anesthesia, and 117 received a laryngeal mask instead of endotracheal intubated anesthesia. Comparing the intra-and post-operative indicators difference of these 2 groups. Results There were no significant differences in the postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, hemoglobin counts and platelet count 24 h after surgery between the non-intubated anesthesia and intubated anesthesia groups (P>0.05). In terms of the postoperative rehabilitation indicators of the VATS patients, the non-intubated anesthesia group had an earlier recovery in terms of water (food) intake, out-of-bed activity, and defecation (exhaust) times (P<0.001), less postoperative complications and adverse throat reactions (P<0.05), and higher levels of satisfaction (P<0.05) than the intubated anesthesia group. Compared to the intubated anesthesia group, the non-intubated anesthesia group had fewer changes of white blood cell counts, neutrophil percentages and lymphocytes percentages 24 h postoperatively (9.25×109 vs. 7.67×109, P=0.045; 7.06 vs. 5.53, P=0.039; 1.45 vs. 1.27, P=0.017), significant reduction pleural drainage after restoring oral intake in postoperative 24 and 48 h (198.43 vs. 131.07 and 114.04 vs. 57.47 mL, P<0.001), shorter postoperative thoracic tube drainage times (3.73 vs. 3.13 d, P<0.001). Notably, there was no difference between the smoking history and previous medical history of the patients in the 2 groups. Conclusions Compared to intubation by general anesthesia, non-intubated thoracoscopic anesthesia is a safe and effective option. Patients who undergo non-intubated thoracoscopic lung surgery have a rapid recovery after surgery. Thus, it is worthy of promotion in clinical surgery settings.
Estimation of voltage distribution on the inverter fed random wound induction motor windings supplied through feeder cable

In this paper, a method of estimating the voltage distribution among the windings of an inverter fed random wound induction motor supplied through feeder cable is presented. The inverter-cable-motor model is developed, and the transient analysis is performed using ATP (Alternative Transient Program) package to estimate the voltage distribution among the motor windings. The high frequency parameters of the induction motor are calculated using field analysis and the parameters of the cable are computed using the Cable Constants routine in the ATP package. Using these parameters, a high frequency equivalent circuit of the inverter-cable-motor model is formed in ATP which is then used to estimate the voltage stresses at the motor terminals and the motor windings. Using this model, the effects of cable length on the voltage distribution among the motor winding is analyzed and discussed. In order to check the validity of the model, simulation results are compared with the experimental results. The proposed model is a general purpose model and hence can be used for detailed transient analysis with different configurations of the cable and terminal filters.
The design and performance of transverse-film bolometers in rectangular waveguides

Equations are derived which determine the design of film-type bolometers used for the measurement of microwave power. The results are discussed in relation to the concept of impedance in rectangular waveguides. Measurements on an improved tunable-type instrument at a wavelength of 3cm indicate that power levels between 1 and 100mW can be measured in terms of a d.c. calibration with an error of not more than ±2%.
Recruiting Project Managers: A Comparative Analysis of Competencies and Recruitment Signals from Job Advertisements

This research addresses the competencies organizations use through project manager job advertisements. We develop a list of project manager job competencies; break down the competency components into knowledge, skills, and abilities; and conduct a comparative analysis of the use of these competencies. We examine the online contents of project manager job advertisements in the public domain. Analysis shows that industry job advertisements emphasize “soft skills” and competencies in a manner different than that in the literature. Additionally, differences are found across countries and between industries. Implications from the findings highlight the incongruent dissemination of project manager competencies, regional and industrial demands, and the recruitment of project managers.
Modeling droplets flowing in microchannels

Keywords: multi-phase flow ; lab-on-a-chip ; boundary element method ; microhydrodynamics ; droplet microfluidics ; depth-averaged model These Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne EPFL, n° 6269 (2014)Programme doctoral MecaniqueFaculte des sciences et techniques de l'ingenieurInstitut de genie mecaniqueLaboratoire de mecanique des fluides et instabilitesJury: Prof. C. Ancey (president) ; Prof. F. Gallaire (directeur) ; Prof. J.-C. Baret, Dr Ph. Marmottant, Prof. Ph. Renaud (rapporteurs) Public defense: 2014-8-20 Reference doi:10.5075/epfl-thesis-6269Print copy in library catalog Record created on 2014-08-11, modified on 2017-05-10
Effects of public pensions on elderly poverty: insights from an ageing China

ABSTRACT While the problem of elderly poverty in China has been addressed in many studies, few systematically examine the capacity of public pension benefits to reduce poverty. To fill the research gap, this paper aims to understand better the effect of China’s public pensions on poverty relief. The paper shows that, while the majority of Chinese people have been covered by public pensions, the pension that pertains to those outside the formal labour market does not effectively prevent substantial numbers of pensioners from poverty because of pension inadequacy. The phenomenon of pensioner poverty suggests that, to minimise poverty in old-age, as important as expanding pension coverage is guaranteeing pension adequacy, particularly for the informal workforce. China’s experience for tackling elderly poverty through public pensions may provide insights for other countries considering the expansion of pension coverage.
FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF HUMAN ARTERY TISSUE WITH A NONLINEAR MULTI-MECHANISM INELASTIC MATERIAL

Due to limited experimental data and a lack of understanding of the underlying microstructural deformation mechanisms involved, modeling of material behavior of biomechanical tissues presents a rather formidable task. In this dissertation, a nonlinear multi-mechanism inelastic material model is introduced for modeling vascular tissue, collagen recruitment and elastin degradation. The model is implemented into the commercial finite element software package ANSYS with user programmable features. Although the idea of using several deformation mechanisms in the same material model is by no means novel, it is the first time such model is being implemented in a commercial finite element package and applied to a numerical study of physiological processes taking place inside the vascular walls. Two numerical examples are presented: a simulation of angioplasty procedure, and a finite element analysis of fusiform aneurysm development and growth. This is by far not the exhaustive list of possible applications of the developed material model; implementation in a commercial finite element code will help facilitate innovative developments, including new ways to surgically treat vascular disorders.
Soldier decision-making for allocation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets

Abstract : Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) has been called the hub of 21st century (military) operations. Military doctrine provides guidelines and protocols for ISR, but little is known about Soldier decision-making for the allocation of ISR platforms. To determine if technology may be useful for augmenting Soldier performance with ISR, we assessed the accuracy of decision-making using simulated allocation tasks. Soldiers made decisions by assigning ISR platform sensors to simplified target detection and identification tasks. The objective, or algorithmic accuracy of the decisions were based on the National Imagery Interpretability Reconnaissance Scale (NIIRS), which consists of normative ratings of imagery interpretability by intelligence analysts across varying sensor capabilities (i.e., pixels on the sensor). Algorithmic accuracy was derived from unclassified/open-source information on sensor capabilities based on NIIRS. Soldiers performed the same set of decision-making tasks twice. First, using their own knowledge and experience with ISR and, second, with complete information on sensor capabilities. Decision accuracy was slightly lower in the first set of assignments compared with the second. However, both were below algorithmic accuracy. Results indicate technology for decision aids with ISR allocation may enhance human decisionmaking.
Input impedance calculation of cylindrical rectangular microstrip antenna using GTLM theory

The cylindrical-rectanglar microstrip antennas have been recently studied by many authors. The feeding mechanisms of probe-fed and micro-stripline-fed cases have been considered, and different numerical techniques using the full-wave analysis, the cavity-model method, and the generalized transmission line model (GTLM) theory have been applied. Among these numerical methods, the full-wave analysis is rather complicated and computationally inefficient. On the other hand, both the cavity-model method and the GTLM theory are much simpler and requires less computational effort. The GTLM solution also shows good agreement with the measured data for the case of a probe feed excitation. In this paper, we further apply the GTLM theory to the analysis of cylindrical-rectangular microstrip antennas with a microstrip feedline or using slot coupling. For both feeding mechanisms, the equivalent circuits are described, and the calculated input impedance results are presented.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Clinical Characteristics and Perinatal Outcomes in a Multiethnic Population of North Italy

Aim To evaluate clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes in a heterogeneous population of Caucasians born in Italy and High Migration Pressure Countries (HMPC) women with GDM living in Piedmont, North Italy. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 586 women referring to our unit (2015–2020). Epidemiological (age and country of origin) and clinical-metabolic features (height, weight, family history of DM, parity, previous history of GDM, OGTT results, and GDM treatment) were collected. The database of certificates of care at delivery was consulted in relation to neonatal/maternal complications (rates of caesarean sections, APGAR score, fetal malformations, and neonatal anthropometry). Results 43.2% of women came from HMPC; they were younger (p < 0.0001) and required insulin treatment more frequently than Caucasian women born in Italy (χ2 = 17.8, p=0.007). Higher fasting and 120-minute OGTT levels and gestational BMI increased the risk of insulin treatment (OGTT T0: OR = 1.04, CI 95% 1.016–1.060, p=0.005; OGTT T120: OR = 1.01, CI 95% 1.002–1.020, p=0.02; BMI: OR = 1.089, CI 95% 1.051–1.129, p < 0.0001). Moreover, two or more diagnostic OGTT glucose levels doubled the risk of insulin therapy (OR = 2.03, IC 95% 1.145–3.612, p=0.016). We did not find any association between ethnicities and neonatal/maternal complications. Conclusions In our multiethnic GDM population, the need for intensive care and insulin treatment is high in HPMC women although the frequency of adverse peripartum and newborn outcomes does not vary among ethnic groups. The need for insulin therapy should be related to different genetic backgrounds, dietary habits, and Nutrition Transition phenomena. Thus, nutritional intervention and insulin treatment need to be tailored.
Reward priming differentially modulates enhancement and inhibition in auditory decision-making

In cognitive sciences, rewards, such as money and food, play a fundamental role in individuals’ daily lives and well-being. Moreover, rewards that are irrelevant to the task alter individuals’ behavior. However, it is unclear whether explicit knowledge of reward irrelevancy has an impact on reward priming enhancements and inhibition. In this study, an auditory change-detection task with task-irrelevant rewards was introduced. The participants were informed explicitly in advance that the rewards would be given randomly. The results revealed that while inhibition related to reward priming only occurred when the participants were explicitly informed about rewards, implicit instruction thereof resulted in enhancement and inhibition associated with reward priming. These findings highlight the contribution of explicit information about rewards associated with auditory decisions.
Heavy ion SEU immunity of a GaAs complementary HIGFET circuit fabricated on a low temperature grown buffer layer

We compare dynamic SEU characteristics of GaAs complementary HIGFET devices fabricated on conventional semi-insulating substrates versus low temperature grown GaAs (LT GaAs) buffer layers. Heavy ion test results on shift register and flip-flop devices from the same process lot demonstrate that the LT GaAs layer provides immunity from upsets, even at an LET value of 90 MeV/spl middot/cm/sup 2//mg. This result is also consistent with pulsed laser measurements performed on the same flip-flop circuits used in the ion test.
The relationship between the exercise capacity and somatotype components, body composition, and quadriceps strength in individuals with coronary artery disease

Aim: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore a possible relationship between exercise capacity and somatotype components, body composition, and quadriceps strength in individuals with coroner artery disease (CAD) Material and methods: A convenient sample size of 60 participants between the ages of 45 and 60 years (mean age 56.6±4.7; 12 females [mean age 57.7±3.01], 48 males [mean age; 56.3±5.1] was established from patients referred to the Department of the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. The exercise was assessed using graded symptom-limited exercise testing while Participants' body composition was detected via Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technique by using TANITA SC-330 (TANITA, Tokyo, Japan). Finally, quadriceps femoris muscles testing was conducted with Dr. Robert W. Lovett’s manual muscle testing method. Results: In the whole sample, exercise capacity was found to be negatively and weakly correlated with the endomorph component (r=-0.39), whereas a slight and positive correlation was observed between the ectomorph component and exercise capacity (r=0.28). However, the correlations revealed between exercise capacity and somatotype components differentiated with gender-based analysis. A moderate and weak correlation was found out between exercise capacity and fat mass (FM) in the whole group and the male individuals (r1=-0.45 and r2=-0.34), respectively; in contrast, there was not a meaningful correlation between the same variables in the female individuals (r=-0.002). Exercise capacity had slight and negative relationships with free-fat mass variable (FFM) in both gender (r1=-0.28 and r2=-0.29), while small to moderate relationship with fat-mass variable (FM) in the male gender (r1=-0.34). Body composition elements, including FM, FFM and BMI, together explained a % 24 of variance in exercise capacity, while somatotype components together explained a % 16 of variance in the exercise capacity. Finally, quadriceps femoris strength was found to be the best predictor of exercise capacity of a patient with CAD (R2=0.44 or % 44) Conclusion: Our results suggest that exercise capacity in individuals with CAD is directly associated with somatotype components, anthropometry/ body composition elements, and quadriceps strength.
Effects of chemicals on root intrusion into subsurface drip emitters

Root intrusion into emitters poses a threat to the long‐term success of subsurface drip irrigation systems, particularly in fibrous‐rooted crops. Bermudagrass was grown in a greenhouse to examine the effectiveness of chemicals in preventing root intrusion into subsurface drip emitters in two‐year, two‐part experiments. During the first year of study, two acids, sulfuric and phosphoric, and two pre‐emergence herbicides, trifluralin and thiazopyr, were tested on bermudagrass grown in small pots. As an initial step for the emitter clogging experiment, the first‐year experiment focused on the effectiveness of the chemicals in preventing overall root growth in pots saturated with either trifluralin or thiazopyr. Only thiazopyr significantly inhibited root growth, and visual quality of shoot growth in the thiazopyr‐treated pots was lower than the observed quality in the rest of the treatments and in non‐treated bermudagrass. During the second year, nine treatments were prepared based on the first‐year study, and were examined for control of root intrusion into actual subsurface drip emitters. Emitters were completely free of roots with thiazopyr treatment at the highest concentration, and with the trifluralin‐impregnated emitter treatment under water stress. Root and rhizome growth was generally unaffected by treatment. As expected, shoot visual quality was lowest in the thiazopyr treatments. Nevertheless, it met the minimum quality standard. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotavirus activates MLKL‐mediated host cellular necroptosis concomitantly with apoptosis to facilitate dissemination of viral progeny

Reprogramming the host cellular environment is an obligatory facet of viral pathogens to foster their replication and perpetuation. One of such reprogramming events is the dynamic cross‐talk between viruses and host cellular death signaling pathways. Rotaviruses (RVs) have been reported to develop multiple mechanisms to induce apoptotic programmed cell death for maximizing viral spread and pathogenicity. However, the importance of non‐apoptotic programmed death events has remained elusive in context of RV infection. Here, we report that RV‐induced apoptosis accompanies another non‐apoptotic mode of programmed cell death pathway called necroptosis to promote host cellular demise at late phase of infection. Phosphorylation of mixed lineage kinase domain‐like (MLKL) protein indicative of necroptosis was observed to concur with caspase‐cleavage (apoptotic marker) beyond 6 hr of RV infection. Subsequent studies demonstrated phosphorylated‐MLKL to oligomerize and to translocate to plasma membrane in RV infected cells, resulting in loss of plasma membrane integrity and release of alarmin molecules e.g., high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) in the extracellular media. Moreover, inhibiting caspase‐cleavage and apoptosis could not fully rescue virus‐induced cell death but rather potentiated the necroptotic trigger. Interestingly, preventing both apoptosis and necroptosis by small molecules significantly rescued virus‐induced host cytopathy by inhibiting viral dissemination.
Secukinumab demonstrates efficacy, safety, and tolerability upon administration by 2 ml autoinjector in adult patients with plaque psoriasis: 52‐week results from MATURE, a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial

Convenient administration is an important factor for treatment adherence in patients with psoriasis. MATURE study reports the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of secukinumab 300 mg 2 ml autoinjector (AI) from MATURE trial (NCT03589885). Eligible patients were randomized to secukinumab 300 mg 2 ml AI or 2× 1 ml prefilled syringe (PFS) or placebo. The co‐primary endpoints were psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 75 and investigator's global assessment (IGA) 0/1 response rates at Week 12 versus placebo. Other endpoints included PASI90/100 response, dermatology life quality index (DLQI) 0/1, PKs, 2 ml AI usability rated using self‐injection assessment questionnaire (SIAQ), and safety. The study met both co‐primary and secondary endpoints (p < 0.0001). Secukinumab 300 mg 2 ml AI and 2× 1 ml PFS treatments led to superior PASI75/90/100 (2 ml AI: 95.1%/75.6%/43.9%; 2× 1 mL PFS: 83.2%/62.6%/37.5% and placebo: 10%/5.0%/0.0%, respectively), IGA, and DLQI 0/1 responses compared with placebo, and efficacy was sustained through 52 weeks. SIAQ results showed high usability of self‐injection with 2 mL AI device. No new safety signals were observed. Study design may bias the interpretation of safety profile after Week 12, due to different exposure of secukinumab versus placebo. Secukinumab 300 mg administered with the 2 mL AI demonstrated superior efficacy over placebo, good tolerability, and convenient administration.