Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Crack Prediction for Masonry Structures on Expansive Soils

The shrink-swell action of expansive soils is one source of structure foundation movement responsible for widespread problems with respect to the serviceability performance of lightweight masonry structures. The most obvious problem is that of cracking in masonry walls. Numerical models for soil movement and structural response have been combined to develop a probabilistic model for crack prediction. The model is capable of predicting the likelihood of cracking and the expected crack widths based on variability in both external effects and structural response. The ultimate aim is to develop rational design criteria for the serviceability design for masonry structures.
Aquifer potential of the transboundary crystalline-sedimentary complexes: from Northcentral Nigeria to Northwestern Cameroon border

ABSTRACT The aquifer system was apparently hidden but has been revealed as linked to transboundary aquifers; hence, additional info for data update of the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Center (IGRAC). The aquifer was explored for the purpose of Internationally Shared Aquifer Resource Management (ISARM). It advanced from fractured aquifers at upstream to the multilayered aquifer system toward downstream. The watershed was explored from Northcentral Nigeria to Cameroon border with electrical sounding. Geological/Hydrogeological details were locally concentrated at the center of the watershed via drilling program, aquifer tests, and hydrological modeling. Aquifer stress index (AQSI) of the region was reviewed from the existing global dataset. Results revealed aquifer provenances from crystalline and sedimentary complexes. The aquifers were relatively inferred at third and fourth geoelectrical layers at upstream and downstream, respectively. Generally, drilling operation showed depth as ≥50.0 m. Most boreholes showed drawdown of ≤5.0 m and transmissivity of ≥100 m2/day, signifying the prolific nature of the aquifer system and enormous groundwater recharge. The AQSI ≤ 0.1 signified a stress-free aquifer. Concentrations of solutes are within nutritional background, yet moderately hard with bicarbonate/carbonate concentrations that can degrade the irrigation quality. Precipitates (CaCO3) from limestone provenance may hamper borehole yields at downstream alluvium. Thus, injection of gypsum at the groundwater recharge zones is a certified remedial.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Cystic Lesions Using a Pre-Programmed Low-Dose and Standard-Dose Dental Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Protocol: An Ex Vivo Comparison Study

Background: This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic reliability of radiographic assessment of cystic lesions using a pre-set, manufacturer-specific, low-dose mode compared to a standard-dose dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging protocol. Methods: Forty pig mandible models were prepared with cystic lesions and underwent both CBCT protocols on an Orthophos SL Unit (Dentsply-Sirona, Bensheim, Germany). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of CBCT data was performed by twelve investigators independently in SIDEXIS 4 (Dentsply-Sirona) using a trial-specific digital examination software tool. Thereby, the effect of the two dose types on overall detectability rate, the visibility on a scale of 1 (very low) to 10 (very high) and the difference between measured radiographic and actual lesion size was assessed. Results: Low-dose CBCT imaging showed no significant differences considering detectability (78.8% vs. 81.6%) and visibility (9.16 vs. 9.19) of cystic lesions compared to the standard protocol. Both imaging protocols performed very similarly in lesion size assessment, with an apparent underestimation of the actual size. Conclusion: Low-dose protocols providing confidential diagnostic evaluation with an improved benefit–risk ratio according to the ALADA principle could become a promising alternative as a primary diagnostic tool as well as for radiological follow-up in the treatment of cystic lesions.
Response of FPSO Systems to Squalls

Squalls are mesoscale sudden wind-speed increases that can occur worldwide and are a design driver for FPSO systems in areas the other design environmental conditions are relatively benign, e.g. offshore West Africa. Squalls are transient winds which rapidly reach a peak wind speed (up to 50 m/s) and then decay to low speeds in a span of 60 to 90 minutes. As squalls are transient phenomena traditional steady-state analysis techniques cannot be used for the global analysis or the development of the extreme response estimates. This paper focuses on the characterization of the squall environment and the impact of various parameters on the response of FPSOs. The responses of both spread and turret moored FPSOs are presented and the difference in response is discussed. The paper then focuses on a parametric study on a representative single degree of freedom model of a spread-moored FPSO with an emphasis on the estimation of the extreme response and its dependence on sample size.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
PEI-PEG-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Enhance the Antitumor Activity of Tanshinone IIA and Serve as a Gene Transfer Vector

Tanshinone IIA (TanIIA) and gene therapy both hold promising potentials in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. However, low solubility and poor bioavailability of TanIIA limit its clinical application. Similarly, gene therapy with GPC3-shRNA, a type of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) capable of silencing the glypican-3 (GPC3) expression, is seriously limited due to its susceptibility to nuclease degradation and high off-target effects. In the present study, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-PEG) were used as a drug carrier. By encapsulating TanIIA into MSN-PEG, we synthesized MSN-TanIIA-PEG nanoparticles and observed the involved characteristics. This was followed by exploration of antitumor activity on the HepG2 cell lines in vitro. Meanwhile, in order to construct GPC3-shRNA plasmids, a shRNA sequence targeting GPC3 was synthesized and cloned into the pSLenti-U6 vector. Accordingly, the performance of MSN-PEG as a gene transfer carrier for GPC3-shRNA gene therapy of HCC in vitro was evaluated, including transfection efficiency and DNA binding biological characteristics. The results indicated successful encapsulation of TanIIA in MSN-PEG, which had satisfactory efficacy, favorable dispersity, suitable particle size, and sustained release effect. The in vitro anti-HCC effects of nano-TanIIA were greatly improved, which outperformed free-TanIIA in terms of proliferation and invasion inhibition, as well as apoptosis induction of HCC cells. As expected, MSN-PEG possessed excellent gene delivery capacity with good binding, release, and protection from RNase digestion. Using MSN-PEG as a gene carrier, the plasmids were successfully transfected into HepG2 cells, and both the mRNA and protein expressions of GPC3 were significantly downregulated. It was thus concluded that a sustained release TanIIA delivery system for HCC treatment was synthesized and that MSN-PEG could also serve as a gene transfer carrier for gene therapy. More interestingly, MSN-PEG may be a potential delivery platform that combines TanIIA and GPC3-shRNA together to enhance their synergistic effect.
Dopamine neuron morphology and output are differentially controlled by mTORC1 and mTORC2

The mTOR pathway is an essential regulator of cell growth and metabolism. Midbrain dopamine neurons are particularly sensitive to mTOR signaling status as activation or inhibition of mTOR alters their morphology and physiology. mTOR exists in two distinct multiprotein complexes termed mTORC1 and mTORC2. How each of these complexes affect dopamine neuron properties and whether they act together or independently is unknown. Here we investigated this in mice with dopamine neuron-specific deletion of Rptor or Rictor, which encode obligatory components of mTORC1 or mTORC2, respectively. We find that inhibition of mTORC1 strongly and broadly impacts dopamine neuron structure and function causing somatodendritic and axonal hypotrophy, increased intrinsic excitability, decreased dopamine production, and impaired dopamine release. In contrast, inhibition of mTORC2 has more subtle effects, with selective alterations to the output of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. As mTOR is involved in several brain disorders caused by dopaminergic dysregulation including Parkinson’s disease and addiction, our results have implications for understanding the pathophysiology and potential therapeutic strategies for these diseases.
Prediction of Aeroacoustic and Control over a Cavity by Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation

In the present study CFD simulation with delayed detached eddy simulation (DDES) are performed to investigate an open cavity at Mach 0.85. Two cavity configurations, clean cavity and cavity with a leading-edge saw tooth spoiler, are modeled. The results obtained from clean cavity prediction are compared with experimental sound pressure level (SPL) data from QinetiQ, UK. Furthermore, comparisons are made with the predicted SPL between the two configurations. The main focuses of this investigation are to obtain a further understanding of the cavity aeroacoustics and test the noise suppression effect by a saw tooth spoiler.
An Insight into the Role of Postmortem Immunohistochemistry in the Comprehension of the Inflammatory Pathophysiology of COVID-19 Disease and Vaccine-Related Thrombotic Adverse Events: A Narrative Review

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic due to the spread of COVID-19 from Wuhan, China, causing high mortality rates all over the world. The related disease, which mainly affects the lungs, is responsible for the onset of Diffuse Alveolar Damage (DAD) and a hypercoagulability state, frequently leading to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and multiorgan failure, particularly in old and severe-critically ill patients. In order to find effective therapeutic strategies, many efforts have been made aiming to shed light on the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease. Moreover, following the late advent of vaccination campaigns, the need for the comprehension of the pathophysiology of the fatal, although rare, thrombotic adverse events has become mandatory as well. The achievement of such purposes needs a multidisciplinary approach, depending on a correct interpretation of clinical, biochemical, biomolecular, and forensic findings. In this scenario, autopsies have helped in defining, on both gross and histologic examinations, the main changes to which the affected organs undergo and the role in assessing whether a patient is dead “from” or “with” COVID-19, not to mention whether the existence of a causal link exists between vaccination and thrombotic adverse events. In the present work, we explored the role of postmortem immunohistochemistry, and the increasingly used ancillary technique, in helping to understand the mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of both COVID-19 disease and COVID-19 vaccine-related adverse and rare effects.
Innate Immune Mechanisms and Immunotherapy of Myeloid Malignancies

Similar to other cancers, myeloid malignancies are thought to subvert the immune system during their development. This subversion occurs via both malignant cell-autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms and involves manipulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Multiple strategies are being studied to rejuvenate, redirect, or re-enforce the immune system in order to fight off myeloid malignancies. So far, the most successful strategies include interferon treatment and antibody-based therapies, though chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors are also promising therapies. In this review, we discuss the inherent immune mechanisms of defense against myeloid malignancies, currently-approved agents, and agents under investigation. Overall, we evaluate the efficacy and potential of immuno-oncology in the treatment of myeloid malignancies.
Ceramic–polymer capacitive sensors for tactile/force awareness in harsh environment robotic applications

The need for force feedback and spatial awareness of contact in harsh environment applications, such as space servicing, has been unsatisfied due to the inability of current sensor technology to resist environmental effects. In this work, capacitive sensors based on a thick film 0:3 connectivity ceramic:polymer composite structure were evaluated for potential use in future operations within robotic end effectors, withstanding temperatures ranging from −80 ° C to 120 ° C and forces up to 350 kPa. A thick film design is utilized to allow for ease of embedding, allowing sensors to be implemented into exciting robotic hardware with minimal intrusion, and protecting sensors from electron bombardment, radiation, and point concentrations from metal-on-metal contact. Taguchi design of experiments allows composition variables including sensor thickness, ceramic composition, ceramic particle size, ceramic volume loading, polymer character, modifier character, and the polymer:modifier ratio to be evaluated simultaneously. Dynamic thermal and mechanical loading techniques were implemented to characterize the composite sensors with in situ electrical acquisition. Individual composition variables were linked to the sensor magnitude, sensitivity, drift, and hysteresis, showing that the sensor response is optimized with a thickness of single microns, 10 vol% loading of nano-particle ceramics, and high molecular weight polymers with a low content of simple architecture modifiers lacking glass or melting temperatures in the working range.
Reduced Programming Time and Strong Symptom Control Even in Chronic Course Through Imaging-Based DBS Programming

Objectives: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) programming is based on clinical response testing. Our clinical pilot trial assessed the feasibility of image-guided programing using software depicting the lead location in a patient-specific anatomical model. Methods: Parkinson's disease patients with subthalamic nucleus-DBS were randomly assigned to standard clinical-based programming (CBP) or anatomical-based (imaging-guided) programming (ABP) in an 8-week crossover trial. Programming characteristics and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results: In 10 patients, both programs led to similar motor symptom control (MDS-UPDRS III) after 4 weeks (medicationOFF/stimulationON; CPB: 18.27 ± 9.23; ABP: 18.37 ± 6.66). Stimulation settings were not significantly different, apart from higher frequency in the baseline program than CBP (p = 0.01) or ABP (p = 0.003). Time spent in a program was not significantly different (CBP: 86.1 ± 29.82%, ABP: 88.6 ± 29.0%). Programing time was significantly shorter (p = 0.039) with ABP (19.78 ± 5.86 min) than CBP (45.22 ± 18.32). Conclusion: Image-guided DBS programming in PD patients drastically reduces programming time without compromising symptom control and patient satisfaction in this small feasibility trial.
How Does Corporate Party Committee Governance Affect Charitable Donations? Evidence from Heavy-Pollution Industries in China

Charitable donations are an effective way for heavy-pollution industries to reduce their environmental reputation risk. In China, the communist party committees within corporations play a key role in decisions regarding charitable donations. However, relatively little is known about the relationship between the governance of corporate party committees and charitable donations. Using data from Chinese listed firms in heavy-pollution industries from 2013 to 2018, we found that corporate party committee governance enhanced the willingness of firms to donate and to increase the amount of their donations significantly. The effect on intention of charitable donations was pronounced for non-state-owned enterprises (NSOEs), whereas the effect on the amount of donations was pronounced for state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Party committee governance increased the amount of charitable donations in regions with a higher level of marketization, but it reduced the amount of charitable donations in firms/industries with a high degree of monopoly. Our findings provide insight for the decisive role of party committees in corporate charitable donations in heavy-pollution industries.
Building Peace in Sri Lanka: a Role for Civil Society?

This article deals with civil society in the ethnically polarized violent conflict of Sri Lanka. It spells out the possible role of civil society in peacebuilding, while at the same time problematizing the civil-society concept and pointing to the problems faced by civil society in Sri Lanka in taking on this role. Civil-society actors in Sri Lanka strive to contribute to peace processes (1) addressing ethnic divides and public opinion with education and awareness-raising programmes, as well as cross-ethnic dialogue, (2) addressing politics with popular mobilization, advocacy work, and informal diplomacy, and (3) addressing economic issues through reconstruction and development. However, civil society in Sri Lanka has been weakened by political patronage and the protracted war. Like Sri Lankan society, it is to a large extent ethnically divided, and popular mobilization has through history been nationalist and violent rather than pro-peace. Although civic peace organizations work hard to take on a peacebuilding role, their activities are often project-oriented and top-down, rather than mass-based and bottom-up. Moreover, critical assessments of the impact of small-scale activities and analysis of the linkage between them and the larger conflict context (in which the work of similar organizations as well as external forces have to be taken into account) need to be further developed, by civil-society actors as well as researchers.
Project performance control in reconstruction projects

Cost, schedule, and quality are the main indicators of performance in construction projects. These indicators are highly interrelated and require some balance and trade-off among them to achieve efficient overall control over project performance. Focusing on these performance indicators, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the use of conventional control techniques in projects involving reconstruction of occupied buildings. To facilitate this analysis, performance data have been collected, using a questionnaire survey, from 25 reconstruction and 15 new construction projects. The survey was followed by structured interviews with construction practitioners and project participants to elicit success-related factors and to identify some of the unique problems affecting the control of reconstruction projects. Using the collected data, performance comparison was conducted between new and reconstruction projects along with a detailed analysis of the suitability of existing techniques for the control of the cost, schedule, and quality in reconstruction projects.
Assessing the reliability of distribution systems

Since a typical distribution system accounts for 40% of the cost to deliver power and 80% of customer reliability problems, distribution system design and operation is critical for financial success and customer satisfaction. To address this situation, Commonwealth Edison is integrating reliability assessment techniques into distribution planning and engineering. Just as equipment loading and voltage regulation are treated with analytical rigor with power flow models, interruptions and outages can be treated with analytical rigor with reliability models. This is made possible through the use of predictive reliability assessment tools that are able to predict customer reliability characteristics based on system topology and component reliability data. Reliability software predicts expected interruption frequencies and duration in a manner analogous to current and voltage evaluations in traditional power flow models. This article describes the distribution system's reliability assessment model jointly developed by Commonwealth Edison and ABB. This effort modeled, calibrated, and assessed the reliability of more than 3300 feeders. After completing the model, an intelligent system was used to automatically identify potential reliability problems and recommend reliability improvement projects based on expected benefits and costs.
Octave-Band Four-Beam Antenna Arrays with Stable Beam Direction Fed by Broadband 4 × 4 Butler Matrix

A novel concept of four-beam antenna arrays operating in a one-octave frequency range that allows stable beam directions and beamwidths to be achieved is proposed. As shown, such radiation patterns can be obtained when radiating elements are appropriately spaced and fed by a broadband 4 × 4 Butler matrix with directional filters connected to its outputs. In this solution, broadband radiating elements are arranged in such a way that, for the lower and upper frequencies, two separate subarrays can be distinguished, each one consisting of identically arranged radiating elements. The subarrays are fed by a broadband Butler matrix at the output to which an appropriate feeding network based on directional filters is connected. These filters ensure smooth signal switching across the operational bandwidth between elements utilized at lower and higher frequency bands. Therefore, as shown, it is possible to control both beamwidths and beam directions of the resulting multi-beam antenna arrays. Moreover, two different concepts of the feeding network connected in between the Butler matrix and radiating elements for lowering the sidelobes are discussed. The theoretical analyses of the proposed antenna arrays are shown and confirmed by measurements of the developed two-antenna arrays consisting of eight and twelve radiating elements, operating in a 2–4 GHz frequency range.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among the Younger Generation in Japan

Japan has vaccinated its older population; a mass vaccination program for younger citizens is underway. Accordingly, this study investigated vaccine hesitancy among younger Japanese citizens. We used online panel survey data from the Hiroshima Institute of Health Economics Research of Hiroshima University and applied probit regression models. Our study found that vaccine hesitancy among younger people was significantly higher than among older people. Moreover, vaccine hesitancy was significantly higher among younger women than younger men and inter-age-group differences in vaccine hesitancy were higher for younger men than for younger women. Regression demonstrated that subjective health status and anxiety about the future were significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy among younger women and younger men of all ages, respectively. Furthermore, marital status, university degree, anxiety about the future, and myopic view of the future had specific associations with vaccine hesitancy among younger women of different ages, while subjective health status, university degree, having children, financial literacy, household income and assets, and myopic view about the future had specific associations with vaccine hesitancy among younger men of varying ages. Therefore, these results suggest that policymakers should consider the diversity among the younger generation while developing effective, tailored communication strategies to reduce their vaccine hesitancy.