Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A RMT-based LM test for error cross-sectional independence in large heterogeneous panel data models*

Abstract This paper introduces a new test for error cross-sectional independence in large panel data models with exogenous regressors having heterogenous slope coefficients. The proposed statistic, LMRMT , is based on the Lagrange Multiplier (LM) principle and the sample correlation matrix of the model’s residuals. Since in large panels poorly estimates its population counterpart, results from Random Matrix Theory (RMT) are used to establish the high-dimensional limiting distribution of LMRMT under heteroskedastic normal errors and assuming that both the panel size N and the sample size grow to infinity in comparable magnitude. Simulation results show that is largely correctly sized (except for some small values of N and T). Further, the empirical size and power outcomes show robustness of our statistic to deviations from the assumptions of normality for the error terms and of strict exogeneity for the regressors. The test has comparable small sample properties to related tests in the literature which have been developed under different asymptotic theory.
Implications of online incidental and selective exposure for political emotions: Affective polarization during elections

The Internet and social media create an environment in which individuals can selectively approach information supporting their political worldviews while also being incidentally exposed to socially shared information that challenges their beliefs. These competing information consumption patterns may help explain whether and how digital media contribute to affective polarization (i.e. affect-based division between political groups). This study examines how pro-attitudinal selective exposure and counter-attitudinal incidental exposure in tandem influence political emotions. Using data from 2, two-wave panel surveys conducted during the 2016 and 2020 US presidential elections, our findings demonstrate that seeking consonant political information is consistently associated with anger toward political opponents and enthusiasm toward like-minded partisans. In contrast, despite the purported democratic benefits endowed on political disagreement, cross-cutting incidental exposure does not temper political emotional responses associated with pro-attitudinal selective exposure. However, we find little evidence that unexpected exposure to disagreeable information backfires either.
Improvement of EMI Filter Performance with Parasitic Coupling Cancellation

In this paper, critical parasitic couplings in EMI filters are first identified. Based on the understanding of filter parasitics, methods are proposed to improve EMI filter performance by canceling critical couplings. A cancellation inductor is then integrated with capacitors to cancel the mutual coupling between two capacitors and the equivalent series inductance (ESL) of the integrated capacitor. The proposed method is applied to both rectangular and tubular capacitors. Two different integration approaches are also compared. Finally, prototypes are built and tested for both one-stage and two-stage EMI filters. Experimental results show the proposed mutual coupling cancellation technique can drastically improve EMI filter high frequency performance
A New Approach for Static NOx Measurement in PTI

NOx emissions in vehicles are currently only controlled through the homologation process. There is a lack of knowledge to assess and control real NOx emissions of vehicles reliably. Even if vehicles in EU-27 are subject to Periodical Technical Inspection (PTI), NOx are not among the pollutants currently being controlled. For PTIs, tests need to be simple, quick, inexpensive, representative, and accurate. Ideally, tests need to be carried out under static conditions, without the need for a power bench or complex equipment. In this paper, a new approach for measuring NOx in PTI is proposed. The method has been developed and validated at a PTI Spanish station to ensure feasibility and repeatability. This method is based on the relationship between the “% engine load” value and exhaust NOx concentration at idle engine speed. Starting from the state of minimum possible power demand in a vehicle (idling and without any consumption), a load state with an average 98% increase in engine power demand is generated by connecting elements of the vehicle’s equipment. The relationship between power demand (through the “% engine load” value) and NOx concentration is then analyzed. The quality and representativity of this relationship have been checked with a p-value lower than 0.01. The method has been compared with a different NOx measurement technique, based on the simulation on a test bench and the ASM 2050 cycle, showing better performance in terms of repeatability and representativeness. The “% engine load” dispersion with the new approach is 7%, which ensures the reliability and repeatability of the method. The results show that the proposed method could be a valuable tool in PTI to detect high NOx emitting vehicles and to obtain information from the diesel vehicles fleet.
Analysis of Bond Stress Distributions in Pullout Specimens

Analytical expressions for predicting the bond stress versus slip response and the bond stress distribution for different types of pullout tests were developed. These analytical studies were mainly based on the use of bond stress versus slip responses obtained by experimental results. The responses of both pullout failures and splitting failures were predicted. For both types of failure modes the results from pullout tests, push-in tests, and a combination of pullout and push-in tests were investigated. The analyses showed that in a standard pullout test the ratio of maximum to average bond stress is about 1.37 for a pullout failure and about 1.26 for a splitting failure. A suitable combination of pullout and push-in forces can simulate a nearly uniform bond stress distribution with ratios of maximum to average bond stress of 1.10 and 1.11 for pullout and splitting failures, respectively.
Assessment of laser noise influence on direct-detection transmission system performance

A new semi-analytical method of estimating the influence of laser noise on directly modulated direct-detection transmission system performance is proposed. Its accuracy is assessed for different propagation situations and receiver noise type dominance using rigorous mixed semi-analytical simulation. Two different relative intensity noise (RIN) powers at receiver input associated with the two laser currents of the binary levels are considered, and not just a single one corresponding to the laser average current as in other published works. It is shown that, to perform rigorous simulation, suitable methods of solving stochastic laser rate equations should be used, and a number of samples high enough in order to stabilize the sensitivity estimator should be considered. It has been found that, for power penalties of about 1 dB, more than 150 samples may be necessary. For a power penalty due to laser noise of about 4.5 dB, discrepancies not exceeding 0.4 dB are observed between the results obtained using the new semi-analytical approach and using the rigorous simulation. It is shown that the new semi-analytical approach gives more precise results than other approach currently used. For a power penalty due to laser noise not exceeding 2 dB, the discrepancies between the two approaches can reach roughly 1 dB. It is shown that these discrepancies can increase with the laser linewidth. Explicit expressions for system power penalty due to the RIN at the fiber output are presented, for both signal-independent and -dependent noise dominance. It is shown that these expressions give good upper bounds of the real power penalties.
Development and Evaluation of Repurposed Etoricoxib Loaded Nanoemulsion for Improving Anticancer Activities against Lung Cancer Cells

In the present work, novel modality for lung cancer intervention has been explored. Primary literature has established the potential role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor in regression of multiple forms of carcinomas. To overcome its poor water solubility and boost anticancer activity, etoricoxib (ETO) was chosen as a therapeutic candidate for repurposing and formulated into a nanoemulsion (NE). The prepared ETO loaded NE was characterized for the surface charge, droplet size, surface morphology, and in vitro release. The optimized ETO loaded NE was then investigated for its anticancer potential employing A549 lung cancer cell line via cytotoxicity, apoptotic activity, mitochondrial membrane potential activity, cell migration assay, cell cycle analysis, Caspase-3, 9, and p53 activity by ELISA and molecular biomarker analysis through RT-PCR test. The developed ETO-NE formulation showed adequate homogeneity in the droplet size distribution with polydispersity index (PDI) of (0.2 ± 0.03) and had the lowest possible droplet size (124 ± 2.91 nm) and optimal negative surface charge (−8.19 ± 1.51 mV) indicative of colloidal stability. The MTT assay results demonstrated that ETO-NE exhibited substantial anticancer activity compared to the free drug. The ETO-NE showed a substantially potent cytotoxic effect against lung cancer cells, as was evident from the commencement of apoptosis/necrotic cell death and S-phase cell cycle arrests in A549 cells. The study on these molecules through RT-PCR confirmed that ETO-NE is significantly efficacious in mitigating the abundance of IL-B, IL-6, TNF, COX-2, and NF-kB as compared to the free ETO and control group. The current study demonstrates that ETO-NE represents a feasible approach that could provide clinical benefits for lung cancer patients in the future.
Analysis of side end pressurized bump type gas foil bearings: a model anchored to test data

Analysis of Side End Pressurized Bump Type Gas Foil Bearings: A Model Anchored to Test Data. (December 2007) Tae Ho Kim, B.S., Hanyang University in Seoul; M.S., Hanyang University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Luis San Andres Comprehensive modeling of gas foil bearings (GFBs) anchored to reliable test data will enable the widespread usage of GFBs into novel turbomachinery applications, such as light weight business aircraft engines, hybrid fuel cell-turbine power systems, and micro-engines recharging battery packs for clean hybrid electric vehicles. Pressurized air is often needed to cool GFBs and to carry away heat conducted from a hot turbine in oil-free micro turbomachinery. Side end pressurization, however, demonstrates a profound effect on the rotordynamic performance of GFBs. This dissertation presents the first study that devotes considerable attention to the effect of side end pressurization on delaying the onset rotor speed of subsynchronous motions. GFB performance depends largely on the support elastic structure, i.e. a smooth foil on top of bump strips. The top foil on bump strips layers is modeled as a two dimensional (2D), finite element (FE) shell supported on axially distributed linear springs. The structural model is coupled to a unique model of the gas film governed by modified Reynolds equation with the evolution of gas flow circumferential velocity, a function of the side end pressure. Predicted direct stiffness and damping increase as the pressure raises, while the difference in cross-coupled stiffnesses, directly related to rotor-bearing system stability, decreases. Prediction also shows that side end pressurization delays the threshold speed of instability. Dynamic response measurements are conducted on a rigid rotor supported on GFBs. Rotor speed-up tests first demonstrate the beneficial effect of side end pressurization on delaying the onset speed of rotor subsynchronous motions. The test
Knowledge and perception of Orthodontic treatment among undergraduate dental students in Qassim Region

Background: The teaching of orthodontics at an undergraduate level is not comprehensive and lacks clinic practice compared to the other dental specialties. The current study aimed to assess the perception and knowledge levels of undergraduate dental students toward orthodontic treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate dental students in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire consisting of 12 closed-ended questions was prepared and distributed as a Google form. The knowledge scores were based on the responses to five questions, while the perception scores were based on the answers to seven statements. The statistical differences between two consecutive academic years were assessed using a Chi-square test. The p-value was set at <0.05. Results: A total of 250 undergraduate dental students completed the questionnaire, among them 132 were males, and 116 were females. The knowledge level of second-year students was significantly higher in Q1 and Q2 than first-year students. Also, fourth-year students were more knowledgeable than third-year students in Q2. Additionally, fifth-year students showed significantly better knowledge than fourth-year students in Q3, Q4, and Q5. Also, first-year students showed a significantly higher perception in Q11 than secondand fourthyear students showed better perception than the fifth-year students in Q8. Conclusion: The knowledge about orthodontic treatment was generally high among the current sample. Also, the perception of students towards orthodontic treatment was favorable.
Effects of free-flight activities on wildlife: a poorly understood issue in conservation

Summary Recreational activities may have negative effects on wildlife, but there are very few studies specifically on the effects of free-flight activities (i.e., hang-gliders, paragliders and their powered derivatives) on wildlife. We review the existing scientific studies on this issue in order to identify the gaps in knowledge at the taxonomic-group level in order to develop guidelines to minimize the impacts of recreational free-flight on wildlife. We found that studies mainly concerned the effects on four ungulate species (chamois, red deer, roe deer and Alpine ibex) and, to a lesser extent, on raptors such as the golden eagle and two vulture species (bearded vulture and cinereous vulture). The studies have generally been carried out in high mountain areas (e.g., the European Alps). Data show that free-flight activities create disturbances and have negative effects on wildlife, resulting in increased energy expenditure, reduction of feeding time, abandonment of feeding areas, reduced breeding output, loss of body condition, increased predation risk and harm from flight accidents. However, the lack of studies on many species and areas, along with the small number of long-term studies, prevents proper assessment of the current situation regarding the impact of this activity on wildlife. We provide recommendations to improve the regulation of this activity.
Design, development and performance evaluation of a foot operated maize cob sheller

The conventional methods of maize shelling are very laborious and time consuming. A low cost and highly efficient foot operated maize sheller was designed, developed and evaluated for its performance and techno-economic feasibility in comparison to three existing methods of shelling. Average output of 24.27 kg/h and shelling efficiency of 97.32% were obtained. Maximum detachment of grains with minimum damage of 5.15% were observed at a moisture content of 16-18%. The designed maize sheller was technoeconomically feasible with an operating cost of $1.24 / qtl. as compared to $1.68, 2.45 and 3.71 per quintal for the beating method, horizontal maize sheller and octagonal maize sheller, respectively. The net present value, benefit cost ratio, break-even point and pay back period were $ 60, 2.07, 8.75 q and 4 months, respectively, of the designed sheller.
Investigating the Potential for Producing Fired Bricks from Savannah Harbor Dredged Sediment

Dredged sediment poses a particularly difficult challenge for disposal throughout the world. At the Savannah Harbor alone (Savannah, GA, USA), over 6 million cubic yards of sediments, are dredged annually and are currently being stored within disposal sites adjacent to the harbor, confined by 42 miles of dikes. High maintenances costs associated with the disposal of these sediments, along with proposed land use changes in the area, have become primary drivers for identifying productive reuse applications for this dredge material. Given the composition of the sediment, it has been investigated as a suitable component for the raw materials in brick manufacture. This paper summarizes research conducted to assess the viability of producing fired bricks from Savannah harbor dredge. Results from physical and chemical characterization of the dredged materials demonstrate that they are suitable components for brick manufacture. Brick production, including bench scale extrusion and firing, have been performed in a controlled laboratory setting. Results indicate that the bricks, produced from dredged sediment blended with minimal additional materials, indeed comply with standard strength and absorption requirements.
NEW INTERCHANGE AND INTERSECTION DESIGNS: THE SYNCHRONIZED SPLIT-PHASING INTERSECTION AND THE DIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHANGE

Existing intersections and interchange designs can be deficient due to the inability to accommodate common traffic patterns and due to road networks being originally engineered for a strong hierarchy of intersecting roads when currently many intersecting roads have similar characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to introduce two new designs, developed by the author, which can accommodate the traffic patterns at major intersections and interchanges. The intersection design is called the "synchronized-split phasing intersection. " The interchange design is called the "diverging diamond interchange. " These designs take advantage of the benefits of split-phasing and signal synchronization to theoretically improve signal timing at heavy volume intersections or heavy turning movements. Simulations were conducted to compare the delay and total stops of these new designs to other conventional designs. The results showed that the synchronized split-phasing intersection and the diverging diamond interchange operated much more efficiently than the original designs. There seems to be great potential for these designs, although more research would be needed to look into alterations in traffic patterns and signal spacing, as well as a cost analysis.
Encoding polysemy in the news

Although media-audience encounters are always potentially open to different interpretations, little is known about the textual mechanisms that encourage polysemy. Focusing on a story about a CEO who pledged to drastically cut his pay to increase his employees’ salaries, this study compared news reports that covered the same event but were met by different levels of polysemy in their reception. Through a combination of frame and semiotic analysis, the study pinpoints differences in content and style between news stories that were met by interpretive convergence from audiences (low polysemy) and those that were met by interpretive divergence (high polysemy). Based on these differences, a typology of three textual mechanisms is offered to explain the range of polysemy in the news: the attributes and representation of characters, the use of empiricism versus mythology in structuring conflict, and the level of closure versus uncertainty in the story’s conclusion.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of the Residue By-Product Developed from the Ocimum americanum (Lamiaceae) Postdistillation Waste

The yield of essential oils in plants is not high and postdistillation wastes rich in phenolic compounds could be used to enhance the profitability of essential oil-bearing plants. The aim of the study was to evaluate polyphenols in a dry extract obtained from the postdistillation waste of the American basil (Ocimum americanum L.) herb, and to conduct the screening of its pharmacological activities. Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and rutin were identified in the extract using high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The high-performance liquid chromatography analysis found the presence of a plethora of polyphenols in the extract. Rosmarinic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and rutin were as the main compounds. The total phenolic content in the extract was 106.31 mg GAE/g and free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl evaluated as IC50 was 0.298 mg/mL. The tested extract dose-dependently decreased the paw edema in rats, suggesting its potent anti-inflammatory property. The acute toxicity study indicates its safety. Thus, the O. americanum hydrodistilled residue by-product is the promising source of biologically active compounds with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Usefulness of Inflammation-Based Prognostic Scores in Patients with Surgically Treated Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of inflammation-based prognostic scores in patients undergoing curative surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A retrospective analysis was conducted for 914 patients undergoing curative surgical resection for PDAC between January 2011 and April 2016. Inflammation-based scores of modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio were assessed. mGPS was classified as high (1 or 2) or low (0). Median age was 63 (range, 33–88) years; 538 patients (58.9%) were male. A high mGPS was independently associated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (median OS: 25.4 months vs. 20.4 months, p = 0.001; median DFS: 11.6 months vs. 9.3 months, p = 0.002), poor OS in patients with TNM stage I PDAC (44 months vs. 24.8 months, p = 0.001), and poor OS and DFS in patients with tumors located at the pancreatic head or uncinate process (OS: 25.4 months vs. 20.4 months; p = 0.007, DFS: 11.4 months vs. 8.87 months; p = 0.005). Preoperative mGPS was a significant prognostic factor for PDAC after curative resection; thus, mGPS can be a useful prognostic predictive factor in patients with TNM stage I PDAC, especially for tumors located at the head and uncinate.
STUDY ON FACTORS AFFECTING BIM IMPLEMENTATION IN EUROPEAN RENOVATION PROJECTS

New technologies and applications have radically altered construction techniques in recent years. In order to anticipate how the building will act, perform, and appear, these technologies encompass a wide range of visualization, simulation, and analytic tools. These new technologies and applications have a considerable impact on completing construction projects in today’s AEC industries. The rate of changes in BIM-related topics is different worldwide, and it depends on many factors, e.g., the national policies of each country. Therefore, there is a need for comprehensive research focused on a specific area with common characteristics. One of the necessary measures to increase the use of this new approach is to examine the challenges and obstacles facing it. In this research, based on the Delphi method, at first, the background and related literature are reviewed. Then, using the knowledge obtained from the literature, a primary questionnaire is generated and filled by experts who are selected using snowball sampling. It covered the experts’ attitudes towards implementing BIM in renovation projects and their view of the benefits and obstacles in this regard. By analyzing the primary questionnaire, the second group of experts is selected among the participants to be interviewed. The results are analyzed using Theme analysis. Six themes, including Management support, Staff resistance, Client willingness, Cost of software and implementation, the difficulty of implementation, and other reasons, are obtained. Then a final questionnaire is generated from the themes and filled by the same group of experts. The result is analyzed by the Fuzzy Delphi method, showing the exact ranking of the obtained themes. The final results show that Management support, Staff resistance, and Client willingness are the most critical barrier to BIM usage in renovation projects.