Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extracting lift and drag polars from blade‐resolved computational fluid dynamics for use in actuator line modelling of horizontal axis turbines

Low order rotor models such as the actuator line method are desirable as an efficient method of computing the large range of operating and environmental conditions, required to design wind and tidal rotors and arrays. However, the integrated thrust and torque predictions for each rotor are dominated by the blade loading on the outboard sections, where three-dimensional (3D) effects become increasingly significant, and the accuracy of the reduced order methods remains uncertain. To investigate the accuracy of the spanwise blade loading on an individual rotor, actuator line and blade boundary layer resolved computations of the Model Rotor Experiments in Controlled Conditions (MEXICO) rotor are presented. The high fidelity blade-resolved simulations give good agreement with measured pressure coefficient and particle image velocimetry data. Alternative lift and drag polars are extracted from the 3D simulated flow fields as a function of radial position. These are then used as replacement inputs for the actuator line method. Significant improvement in the accuracy of the actuator line predictions is found when using these 3D extracted polars, compared with using simulated two-dimensional lift and drag polars with empirical correction applied to the spanwise loading distribution. Additionally, the 3D flow field data is used to derive different axial and tangential spanwise loading corrections for use with the two-dimensional blade polars. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
eScholarship@UMassChan eScholarship@UMassChan

— Goal: Chronic wounds affect 6.5 million Americans. Wound assessment via algorithmic analysis of smart-phone images has emerged as a viable option for remote assessment. Methods: We comprehensively score wounds based on the clinically-validated Photographic Wound Assessment Tool (PWAT), which comprehensively assesses clinically important ranges of eight wound attributes: Size, Depth, Necrotic Tissue Type, Necrotic Tissue Amount, Granulation Tissue type, Granulation Tissue Amount, Edges, Periulcer Skin Viability. We proposed a DenseNet Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) framework with patch-based context-preserving attention to assess the 8 PWAT attributes of four wound types: diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, vascular ulcers and surgical wounds. Results: In an evaluation on our dataset of 1639 wound images, our model estimated all 8 PWAT sub-scores with classiﬁcation accuracies and F1 scores of over 80%. Con-clusions: Our work is the ﬁrst intelligent system that autonomously grades wounds comprehensively based on criteria in the PWAT rubric, alleviating the signiﬁcant burden that manual wound grading imposes on wound care nurses.
ScholarWorks at WMU ScholarWorks at WMU Control-Oriented Automatic Transmission- Based Powertrain Control-Oriented Automatic Transmission- Based Powertrain Modeling and Simulation with Judder Modeling and Simulation with Judder

This work presents automatic transmission-based powertrain modeling. The powertrain consists of an engine, torque converter with lock up clutch, transmission gearbox, propeller shaft, and vehicle body. Simplified powertrain component models are developed for vehicle powertrain dynamic response analysis and future control work. The powertrain components are modeled with algebraic and first order non-linear differential equations. A MATLAB-based powertrain simulation system is developed to investigate the transient characteristics during lock up of torque converter. Simulation results are used in the determination of effects of judder on torque and angular velocity. Clutch judder is a self-excited vibration that occurs during the clutch engagement process. It causes vibration in the drivetrain and poor driver feel. Effects on judder of throttle ramp time, final throttle opening, and clutch clamping force are investigated. A Honda CR-V is the basis for the powertrain analyzed. Results from simulation show that a negative friction gradient of clutch material causes self-excitation during engagement process and these torsional vibration causes fluctuation in torque in drivetrain. Fluctuation in torque results in bad shift quality. Final throttle opening more than 80% and clutch clamping force 1.25 times of original clutch clamping force caused judder and it affected angular speed and torque at turbine. In order to choose appropriate clutch clamping force with final throttle opening, control need to be developed. Also, coordination of engine torque control and clutch torque control is a viable strategy to improve shift quality. initial torsion angles, and resistance torques was studied. Their results showed that the optimal control strategy could reduce the judder.
Exploring Differences in Older Adult Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Behavior and Resting Blood Pressure Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Older adults have higher sedentary behavior (SB), lower physical activity, and are particularly susceptible to negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health restrictions. Pandemic impacts to SB and health, particularly via objective assessment, are not well documented in the literature. Here we described differences in SB, physical activity, and blood pressure (BP) for older adults before and during the pandemic. Baseline thigh-worn activPAL accelerometer and BP measurements from 95 participants enrolled in a SB intervention trial pre-pandemic were compared to 60 enrolled post-pandemic. We used linear regression models adjusted for demographic and health factors to estimate differences in sample means of SB measures and BP. The post-COVID sample was older (age 67 vs. 70), more female (60% vs. 72%), and included more individuals of color (21% vs. 32%). In fully adjusted models, systolic BP was statistically significantly higher in the post-COVID group (6.8, 95% CI: [0.3,13.3]). After adjustment, activPAL-measured and self-reported activity were non-significant but trended towards greater total sitting (0.4 hours [−0.3, 1.1]), fewer daily steps (−270 [−1078, 538]), and greater self-reported TV time (0.4 hours, [-0.3, 1.1]) post-COVID. Future analyses are warranted to better quantify these impacts and guide clinical care and future interventions.
Accelerated versus watchful waiting strategy of kidney replacement therapy for acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

ABSTRACT Background Critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT) have a grim prognosis. Recently, multiple studies focused on the impact of KRT initiation time [i.e., accelerated versus watchful waiting KRT initiation (WWS-KRT)] on patient outcomes. We aim to review the results of all related clinical trials. Methods In this systematic review, we searched all relevant randomized clinical trials from January 2000 to April 2021. We assessed the impacts of accelerated versus WWS-KRT on KRT dependence, KRT-free days, mortality and adverse events, including hypotension, infection, arrhythmia and bleeding. We rated the certainty of evidence according to Cochrane methods and the GRADE approach. Results A total of 4932 critically ill patients with AKI from 10 randomized clinical trials were included in this analysis. The overall 28-day mortality rate was 38.5%. The 28-day KRT-dependence rate was 13.0%. The overall incident of KRT in the accelerated group was 97.4% and 62.8% in the WWS-KRT group. KRT in the accelerated group started 36.7 h earlier than the WWS-KRT group. The two groups had similar risks of 28-day [pooled log odds ratio (OR) 1.001, P = 0.982] and 90-day (OR 0.999, P = 0.991) mortality rates. The accelerated group had a significantly higher risk of 90-day KRT dependence (OR 1.589, P = 0.007), hypotension (OR 1.687, P < 0.001) and infection (OR 1.38, P = 0.04) compared with the WWS-KRT group. Conclusions This meta-analysis revealed that accelerated KRT leads to a higher probability of 90-day KRT dependence and dialysis-related complications without any impact on mortality rate when compared with WWS-KRT. Therefore, we suggest the WWS-KRT strategy for critically ill patients.
Dynamics of human take and animal predation on sea turtle nests in Northwest Costa Rica

Many conservation projects relocate sea turtle eggs to hatcheries to protect the sea turtle nests from the anthropogenic and natural threats they face in the early stages of development. The Rescue Center for Endangered Marine Species (CREMA) manages four sea turtle conservation projects on the nesting beaches of the Southern Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, where the predominant nesting activity is from olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). Two of these nesting projects are based in Costa de Oro and San Miguel, which are adjacent beaches divided by an estuary. In this study, we compared the dynamics and rates of human and animal predation of nests prior to being relocated to the hatchery on both nesting beaches from 2012 to 2018. We hypothesized that human take and animal predation were compensatory threats, meaning that lower human take may result in higher animal predation, and vice versa, resulting in a similar number of nests lost to predation overall. We discuss the community-based conservation programs on both beaches, one of which has been monitored since 1998 (San Miguel) and the other of which has been monitored since 2012 (Costa de Oro). We found that Costa de Oro exhibited high rates of human take with up to 51% of nests being extracted per season, which has decreased since the conservation project was established. Human take was significantly higher than animal predation on both beaches and human take was significantly higher in Costa de Oro. While San Miguel exhibited higher animal predation, the difference was not statistically significant. Higher depredation by animals corresponded to higher overall nest abundance on both beaches. We were unable to find evidence that human take or animal predation increased in the absence of the other threat, suggesting a lack of compensatory effects of predation. Our findings support further analysis of animal predation and a continuation of patrol-based conservation efforts as well as community outreach to attempt to merge cultural values with sea turtle conservation.
Proactive Retrospective Installation in Second Life: Using Currere to Explore Educational Perception, Reflection, Understanding and Development of Graduate Students Engaged in Virtual Exhibitions

Proactive Retrospective Installation in Second Life: Using Currere to Explore Educational Perception, Reflection, Understanding and Development of Graduate Students Engaged in Virtual Exhibitions. (May 2012) Chih-Feng Chien, B.A., Soochow University (Taiwan); M.A., Texas A&M University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. G. Patrick Slattery. II Dr. Trina J. Davis This is an unprecedented study integrating of Second Life (SL) and the currere approach to develop a virtual curriculum demonstration. The overarching purposes of this study were to understand the perceptions, self-reflection, self-understanding, educational growth of graduate students in education toward teaching and learning in a virtual interdisciplinary curriculum. The three-dimensional virtual world of Second Life is a distance learning platform and multimedia combination of animations, dynamic images, embedded videos, websites, simulative worlds, slide shows and media players. The theoretical framework is based on the currere approach—a curriculum technique used to reconstruct social, intellectual, and physical systems. Data was collected in two education graduate courses in 2011 at a public university located in central Texas. After participating with SL skill trainings, the participants engaged in two virtual SL exhibitions—war and ecology—which were designed in the framework of the four currere steps—regression, progression, analysis,
Non‐linear load sharing and voltage harmonics compensation in islanded microgrids with converter interfaced units

Summary If sensitive loads are connected to the point of common coupling (PCC), compensation should be carried out in order to reduce PCC voltage harmonics. In this case, compensation is performed by the interface converters of distributed generation (DG) units. In this paper, a novel method is proposed for voltage harmonics compensation in islanded microgrids. The proposed method is capable of adjusting compensation percentage in proportion to the existing level of distortion at PCC. Also, this controller provides a proper sharing of compensation workload, considering the nominal capacity of DGs, which will improve the sharing of nonlinear load. Also, to decrease the asymmetry among phase impedances of microgrid, a novel structure is proposed to generate virtual impedance. At fundamental frequency, the proposed structure for the virtual impedance improves the control of the fundamental component of the power, and at harmonic frequencies, it acts to adaptively improve nonlinear load sharing among DG units. In the structures of the proposed harmonics compensator and the proposed virtual impedance, a self-tuning filter is used for separating the fundamental component from the harmonic components. This self-tuning filter decreases the number of the phase-locked loops. The simulation results in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment show the efficiency of the proposed approach in improving load sharing and decreasing voltage harmonics. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications of human resource variables on supply chain performance and competitiveness

This paper proposes a conceptual model indicating the effect of Human Resource (HR) variables on supply chain (SC) performance and to suggest best approach suited for Indian manufacturing organizations, in general, and automotive industries, in particular. This study is a part of a larger research project exploring SC related practices. The methodology of critical evaluation involved literature review of empirical research articles on performance measurement, SCM and HR practices. A critical analysis is carried out so as to identify research gaps in content of effect of HR on performance measurement of supply chains, as well as to propose directions for future research. A conceptual model is also proposed. Critical investigation of selected articles led to an idea that there can be significant effect of the role of human involvement on overall SC Performance. It is to be seen that how various parameters, taken from the literature review, affect SC performance and ultimately contributing to its competitiveness. The study is limited to supply chains of the automotive industries and their ancillaries located in Malwa region of M.P., India. Further research can be carried out by using data of various supply chains located in other parts of India to generalize the research. Also, other sectors and industries can be included.
Running Randomized Field Experiments for Energy Efficiency Programs: A Practitioners Guide

Researchers and professional evaluators are increasingly turning to randomized field experiments to evaluate energy efficiency programs and policies. This article provides a brief overview of several experimental methods and discusses their application to energy efficiency programs. We highlight experimental designs, such as randomized encouragement and recruit-and-deny, that are particularly well suited for situations where participation cannot be enforced. The article then discusses several implementation issues that can arise and characterizes applications that are a good fit for a randomized experiment. We also address the most common objections to field experiments, and share the best practices to consider when designing and implementing a field experiment in this space.
Corrosion resistance and surface microstructure of Mg3N2/SS thin films by plasma focus instrument

Utilizing a plasma focus (PF) instrument, magnesium nitride (Mg3N2) thin films were synthesized on stainless steel substrates. Twenty five optimum focus shots at 8 cm distance from the anode tip were used to deposit the films at different angular positions regarded to the anode axis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed to assess the surface morphology and structural characteristics of Mg3N2 films. Based on AFM images, these films were studied to understand the effect of angular position variation on their surfaces through morphological and fractal parameters. By increasing the angle, we verify that the grain size decreased from 130(0) nm to 75(5) nm and also the mean quadratic surface roughness of the films reduced in its average values from (28.97 ± 3.24) nm to (23.10 ± 1.34) nm. Power spectrum density analysis indicated that films become more self‐affine at larger angles. Furthermore, the corrosion behavior of the films was investigated through a potentiodynamic polarization test in H2SO4 solution. It was found that the ion energy and flux, varying with the angular positions from the anode tip, directly affected the nanostructured roughness and surface morphology of the samples. The electrochemical studies of films show that the uncoated sample presented the lowest corrosion resistance. The highest corrosion resistance was obtained for the sample deposited with 25 optimum shots and at 0° angular position reaching a reduction in the corrosion current density of almost 800 times compared to the pure stainless steel‐304 substrate.
How should health care providers inform about palliative sedation? A qualitative study with palliative care professionals

Abstract Objective In Switzerland, palliative sedation consists of using sedatives to relieve terminally ill patients. It is divided into several steps, with one of them consisting of informing patients and relatives about the procedure. In the current recommendations, there is a lack of orientation about how and when this discussion should take place. Hence, we aim to explore perceptions and experiences of palliative care professionals regarding these questions. Methods Qualitative semi‐structured interviews with five physicians and five nurses working in specialised palliative care were conducted. They were then analysed with thematic analysis. Results Results showed a uniformity around definition, goals and indications of palliative sedation. However, there was a lack of consistency regarding the process of delivering this information to patients and relatives. Finally, some participants strongly opposed the idea of systematically informing patients in specialised palliative care, while others were more divided on this question. Conclusion Despite a common understanding of the concept of palliative sedation, there is no standard practice when informing patients on palliative sedation among palliative care professionals. Therefore, this study demonstrates the need for further guidelines on this question and calls for a better understanding and knowledge of palliative sedation among health professionals outside palliative care.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure in phases of COVID‐19 variants

Adaptive mutations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus have emerged throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. The characterization of outcomes in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe respiratory distress from COVID‐19 during the peak prevalence of different variants is not well known.
Daily living skills of autistic adolescents and young adults: A scoping review

Abstract Introduction Daily living skills (DLS) are essential for an increased quality of life and autonomous living. DLS are a focus of occupational therapy practice; however, there has been no identified review of DLS acquisition in autistic adolescents or adults. A scoping review was undertaken of which the objective was to evaluate and synthesise the extent, range, and nature of research activity, and to identify research gaps in the existing literature as they relate to DLS acquisition and autistic adolescents and adults. Methods A structured search of the literature was conducted. Studies published in English between 2011 and 2021 that included a focus on the acquisition of DLS in autistic adolescents and young adults were included. The titles and abstracts of 103 records were screened, and the full text of 53 records was reviewed. These reference lists were hand searched. Following this process, 25 papers were found to meet the inclusion criteria. Results Findings indicate inconsistencies throughout the literature, with a lack of consensus on best practice methods, mediums, and/or tools to support optimal outcomes in terms of DLS acquisition for the autistic population. Themes related to (1) Generalisation of Skills Across Contexts, (2) Skill Maintenance, (3) Technology as a Teaching Method, (4) Participant and Family Perspectives, and (5) The Balance of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) focus in research were extracted from the reviewed literature. There is a strong consensus in the findings of the identified papers that autistic adolescents and young adults experience poorer outcomes in terms of DLS acquisition than non‐autistic peers, and peers with other developmental or intellectual disabilities. Conclusion Future research is needed to fill these identified gaps and provide a clearer understanding on interventions to support optimal outcomes for autistic individuals.
Recurrent copy number alterations involving EGFR , CDKN2A , and CCND1 in oral premalignant lesions

Abstract Background A major challenge in the management of patients with oral leukoplakia is the difficulty to identify patients at high risk of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma. Our knowledge about genomic alterations in oral leukoplakia, and in particular those that progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma, is scarce and there are no useful biomarkers that can predict the risk of malignant transformation. Methods Using a novel, custom‐made tissue microarray including 28 high‐risk oral leukoplakias and the corresponding oral squamous cell carcinomas from 14 cases that progressed to cancer, we assayed copy number alterations involving the oral squamous cell carcinoma driver genes CDKN2A, CCND1, EGFR, and MYC by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The copy number alterationss were correlated with clinicopathological data from all patients. Results Copy number alterations were identified in 14/24 oral leukoplakias, analyzable for one or more of the oral squamous cell carcinoma driver genes. EGFR was the most frequently altered gene in oral leukoplakias with amplification/gain in 43.5% followed by loss of CDKN2A (26.1%), gains of CCND1 (26.1%), and MYC (8.3%). Losses of CDKN2A were more common in oral leukoplakias progressing to oral squamous cell carcinoma compared to those that did not. Copy number alterations were more common in oral squamous cell carcinomas than in oral leukoplakias. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that copy number alterations involving the oral squamous cell carcinoma drivers CDKN2A, EGFR, and CCND1 occur in oral leukoplakias and suggest a possible role for these genes in the development and/or progression of subsets of oral leukoplakias.