Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Bicyclists Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution along Distinct Facility Types

While bicyclists and other active travelers obtain health benefits from increased physical activity, they also risk an uptake of traffic-related air pollution. But pollution exposure for urban bicyclists is not well understood due to a lack of direct measurements and insufficient analysis of the determinants of exposure. This knowledge gap impedes pollution-conscious transportation planning, design, and health impact assessment. The research presented in this report generates new connections between transportation system characteristics and pollution exposure for bicyclists. The primary research questions are: 1) How does urban bicyclists’ exposure to air pollution vary with roadway and travel characteristics? and 2) To what extent can transportation-related strategies reduce exposure? Novel methods to collect and integrate bicycle, rider, traffic, and environmental data are also introduced. Bicyclist exposure concentrations and travel characteristics were collected on a wide range of facilities in Portland, Oregon. High-resolution trajectory and pollution data were then integrated with roadway and traffic data. Models of exposure were estimated from the on-road data. Important new quantifications in the models include the effects of facility type, average daily traffic (ADT), stop-and-go conditions, and industrial corridors on multi-pollutant exposure. Findings from this research and the literature are distilled so that they can be incorporated into bicycle network design guidelines.
Installation and axial pullout of suction caissons: numerical modeling.

We outline the development of a computational procedure for finite-element analysis of suction-caisson behavior, highlighting its unique features and capabilities. The procedure is based on a description of clayey soil as a two-phase medium: a water-filled porous solid. Nonlinear behavior of the solid phase is represented by means of a bounding-surface plasticity model. An algorithm is developed for frictional contact in terms of effective normal stress. Furthermore, a special remeshing scheme is introduced facilitating the simulation of the installation process, tracking the caisson penetration path and avoiding numerical complications in the vicinity of the caisson-soil interfaces. To illustrate the use of the proposed computational procedure and examine its validity, complete simulations of available laboratory tests on model suction caissons are conducted. Results are presented and discussed for test-bed preparation (consolidation) followed by caisson installation by self-weight and suction, setup (re.
Cumulative trauma disorders : a manual for musculoskeletal diseases of the upper limbs

Occupational safety and health professionals have become increasingly concerned with the development of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) in workers performing hand-intensive jobs. These disorders, which primarily affect the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, are associated with repeated or sustained exertions in awkward or static postures, or with a high concentration of stress in the upper extremities. Research conducted at various worksites over the last few years confirmed earlier observations that attributed many of the CTDs to improperly designed work surfaces and/or improper selection of tools that place excessive stress on the tendons, muscles and nerves. In an occupational setting, the recommended intervention is to modify or redesign the job or tool to minimise the sources of biomechanical trauma. Based on the theory that work-related trauma is the principle casual factor, such action should result in a reduced incident of occupational musculoskeletal disorders. The information contained within this manual will help health professionals, workers and employers be more cognizant of the types of work patterns that have potential to cause various CTDs and be aware of the ergonomic interventions that can be adopted to reduce these problems in the workplace.
Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever Spirochetes: Genomics, Molecular Biology, Host Interactions and Disease Pathogenesis

This chapter describes the biology of the tick Ixodes scapularis in relation to its role as the vector of the Lyme disease agent, Borrelia burgdorferi . Following a review of the internal anatomy of the tick, we review basic molecular processes that contribute to an understanding of the dynamics of the tick’s specialized parasitic processes, including attachment behavior, salivation; silencing of host anti-inflammatory responses to enable blood ingestion at the dermal feeding site; hemoglobin digestion and reproduction. The chapter is divided into three parts: 1) systematic and anatomical characteristics of ticks; 2) host finding, attachment, salivary disruption of host defenses, blood feeding and digestion; and 3) molecular regulation of tick bodily functions and reproduction. In the first part, we review the systematics of ticks and the taxonomic position of the vector of Lyme disease, I. scapularis , compared to other tick species. Next, we review the general organization of the tick body, including (a) the mouthparts essential for sucking blood, (b) the powerful sucking pharynx, (c) the midgut and its role in blood and hemoglobin digestion, (d) the salivary glands and their complex cellular organization, (e) the synganglion (a fused central nervous system) responsible for controlling all body functions, (f) the reproductive organs, and (g) the tracheal system that facilitates air intake and removal of CO 2 . In the second part, we highlight the role of the tick’s salivary glands in secreting a remarkably complex array of anti-hemostatic molecules that modulate the bite site in the host skin and how these salivary molecules facilitate the lengthy blood-sucking process. We also describe how ticks capture hemoglobin and internalize it in midgut epithelial cells for intracellular digestion, followed by the sequestration of heme into specialized hemosomes for disposal as hematin. We also will review the neural control of regulation of tick salivary glands, blood uptake, hemoglobin digestion, blood meal concentration, water/salt elimination, vitellogenesis and receptor mediated vitellogenin uptake in the developing oocytes and their oviposition.
Vibration levels in commercial truck shipments as a function of suspension and payload

This paper addresses the vibration levels in commercial truck shipments. Data were collected on various truck shipments in the United States over various interstate expressways. Comperisons are shown for effect of suspension, weight of shipment, and road quality. Data are presented in the form of Power Density Spectrums that can be used for simulating tests on electro-hydraulic vibration tables. These plots are composite spectrums showing the average levels observed in these studies from data collected over 16 000 km of road conditions. Specific data for a section of road condition, load configuration, and suspension used may vary from these average levels. The results of these studies were requested by the ASTM D 4728 Task Group on Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers, to be recommended for package testing.
Identification of CpG methylation and non-CpG methylation is associate with Lymphocyte specific helicase

Background : CpG methylation is crucial for normal cell development and differentiation in mammalian genomes, whereas non-CpG methylation presents in stem cells and appears to be enriched in pluripotent cell types. Lymphocyte-specific helicase (LSH) is critical for normal cell development as a regulator of CpG methylation, but whether there is potential link between LSH and non-CpG methylation remains unclear. Results: In this study, we using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing(RRBS), we found that LSH affected DNA methylation patterns in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells. We analyzed 12,239 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) for CpG methylation and 1605 DMRs for non-CpG methylation. LSH did not change CpG methylation at a global level, but partially change the methylation of CpG islands (CGIs). Interestingly, LSH reduced approximately 30% of CHH methylations at CGIs and consistently decreased CHG and CHH methylation patterns. However, LSH increased the CHH methylation level in satellite and simple-repeat region. The KEGG analysis showed LSH to be linked with a markedly enrichment in focal adhesion and the PI3K-Akt pathway. Further analysis indicated that LSH might epigenetically regulate the binding of transcription factors, including SP2, etc. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LSH have no remarkable influence on CpG methylation but it partially alter non-CpG methylation and repeat sequences in LUAD. LSH inhibits non-CpG methylation in cancer and may function as a regulator to promote tumorigenesis through inhibiting non-CpG methylation.
Proof and quantification of dynamic effects in hot-carrier-induced degradation under pulsed operation conditions

To investigate their relevance in hot-carrier degradation under pulsed operation conditions, different physical properties of the Si/SiO/sub 2/ system were studied. The authors prove the existence of effects traceable to the slow hopping conduction of holes in the oxide, to charge detrapping, and to trapped hole neutralization under alternating electron-hole injection conditions. Transient effects attributable to interface traps were not observed. The authors evaluated the importance of these properties for a modern submicron process under typical digital logic operation conditions. Their impact on lifetime considerations based on quasistatic estimations remains rather limited in the case of the n-channel transistor. In the p-channel transistor, however, lifetime can be significantly improved due to the detrapping of trapped electrons. As in digital CMOS applications, hot carrier degradation occurs during switching transients only and no significant dynamic enhancement was found. The lifetime of a device in a circuit is thus improved by two orders of magnitude as compared to that inferred from static stressing alone. <<ETX>>
New S-N curves for details in bridges with steel truss tubular superstructure

The promotion of tubular structures in bridge construction is a meaningful goal since these are aesthetic, lead to structurally efficient systems as well as sustainable ones. Good fatigue design of the tubular superstructure is a key factor to ensure safety of these bridges. The present paper present the results of several research studies carried out to determine the fatigue strength, i.e. S-N curves for design, of different welded joints and details typical in tubular trusses. The details considered are butt joints between a tube and a cast steel tube part, and by extension between different tubes, as well as K-joints. The paper summarizes the experimental investigations carried out within the research studies, giving the specimen geometries and loading conditions. It also includes information about specimen fabrication and non-destructive inspection of the welds by Ultrasonic techniques. The test results are first presented and commented, then detail categories for typical butt joints used in bridge constructions are given. The test results on K-joints are presented in the way. The size correction factor rules for larger joints, as well as the rules for misalignment/eccentricity, which both reduce fatigue strength, are presented and discussed. The paper shows that detail classifications identical or better then given in the codes can be adopted for the details presented.
The Colonization Strategies of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae - Bacterial Colonization Factors and Vaccine Development

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a remarkably proficient colonizer of the human respiratory tract. The aim of this thesis has been to characterize currently known, and identify novel, bacterial factors involved in the key processes of colonization and pathogenesis, namely adherence to host tissue and evasion of the host innate immunity. We have shown that the NTHi virulence factor Protein E mediates innate immune evasion by interacting with the C-terminus of host complement down-regulatory protein vitronectin. This interaction delayed the formation of the membrane attack complex on the bacterial surface and increased the bacterial serum-resistance. Furthermore, we identified a novel surface-exposed virulence factor designated Haemophilus Protein F that also sequesters vitronectin on the surface of the bacteria, thus rendering the pathogen more serum-resistant. Moreover, we have revealed that Protein F mediates bacterial adherence to primary human bronchial cells and to the extracellular matrix protein laminin. Isogenic mutants devoid of Protein F were observed to adhere significantly less to vitronectin, epithelial cells and laminin. These interactions were characterized at the molecular level, and the N-terminus of Protein F was shown to contain the host-interacting region. Finally, we showed that immunization with Protein F conferred increased pulmonary clearance of NTHi in vivo. In summary, we have identified, and at the molecular level characterized, novel virulence factors that may be suitable for future vaccine development.
Influence of Total Solid and Stirring Frequency on Performance of Dry Anaerobic Digestion Treating Cattle Manure

The aim of this paper was to analyze the biomethanization process of cattle manure with four different total solid percentages (15%, 20%, 25%, 30% TS) and three different stirring frequency. The experimental procedure was programmed to select the initial performance parameter and the operational parameter in a lab-reactor. The values of VFAs indicated that all the reactors showed no destabilization and at the end of the experiment the VFAs were consumed completely. The best performance for cattle manure biodegradation and methane generation was the reactor with 20% TS, with the biogas yield of 0.22 L/g VS and the methane yield of 0.11 LCH4/g VS. Furthermore, the better operational parameter of stirring frequency was stirring once every two days.
Measures to assess the impact of information technology on quality management

Both quality management and the use of information technology have been widely researched over recent years. However, there has been no well‐founded empirical research on the two together – on how IT can support quality management practices. This paper presents a research instrument to be used in such research. In order to measure the extent to which IT supports QM, the construct “quality management, supported by information technology” was operationalised. Data from 110 public organisations that have applied for the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Quality Award (Public Sector) were gathered in a field survey to enable a rigorous examination of the construct operationalised. Analysis of literature suggested eight dimensions of quality management, namely leadership, output quality assurance, strategic planning process, human resource utilisation, important innovations, information and analysis, customer satisfaction, and quality results. The research findings supported this and suggested a ninth dimension, supp.
Dietary pattern trajectories across adolescence and young adulthood and their determinants

Background Adolescent dietary patterns (DP) tend to be of poor quality and dominated by discretionary food and drinks. It is unclear whether DPs established in adolescence persist or track into adulthood. We examined trajectories across adolescence and young adulthood for two major DPs and the determinants of these trajectories. Methods Using data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, intakes of 38 major food groups were estimated at 14, 17, 20 and 22 years of age in 1,402 participants (47% male) using evaluated food frequency questionnaires. Using factor analysis, two major DPs (‘Healthy’ and ‘Western’) were consistently identified across follow ups. Sex-specific group-based modelling was used to assess the variation in individual’s z-scores for each pattern and identify major trajectories in scores between 14 and 22 years of age. Determinants of these trajectories including body mass index (BMI), physical activity levels, early life parental factors and family characteristics were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Two major trajectory groups were identified for each pattern. Between 14 and 22 years of age, a majority of the cohort (71% males, 78% females) formed a trajectory group with consistently low scores for the ‘Healthy’ DP. The remainder had trajectories showing either declines in modest scores (females 22%) or consistently modest scores (29% males) for the ‘Healthy’ DP. For the ‘Western’ DP, the majority formed trajectories with consistently average scores (78% males) or low scores that declined over time (84% females). However, 22% of males had a trajectory of steady, marked increases in ‘Western’ DP scores over time. A lower maternal education, higher maternal BMI and parental smoking status was positively associated with consistently lower scores of ‘Healthy’ DP while a lower family income, family functioning, maternal age, and single parent family structure were positively related to higher scores of ‘Western’ DP. Conclusion Poor dietary patterns established in adolescence are likely to track into young adulthood, particularly in males. This study highlights the stage between adolescence and young adulthood as a critical period and the populations most likely to benefit from interventions to improve dietary habits in adolescence.
Ergonomic evaluation of screwdriver handles under different working conditions

Maximum torque strength, muscle strain and subjective responses were evaluated in a series of screwdriver tests with 10 varied handles, performed under different working conditions. Screwing in and unscrewing tasks that affected inward and outward rotations of the upper extremity muscles were measured. Maximum torque strength for supination and pronation was determined under the conditions of dry hands, using industrial gloves, and with oily hands, consecutively. Physiological cost of performance was simultaneously determined by measuring electromyographic activities (EA) of 5 muscles of the hand-arm- shoulder system that were expected to be involved in screwing tasks. Subjective assessments were made through a questionnaire before and after each experiment. Significant differences were determined between maximum torque values produced during inward and outward rotations for the three operational cases. Maximum torque values exerted by the twelve subjects using industrial gloves were substantially higher than the values obtained by dry and oily hands during both supination and pronation. EA values of the 5 muscles investigated differed significantly. However the subjective assessments of the handles did not vary in the pre and post assessments.
Continuum Model for In-Plane Anisotropic Inelastic Behavior of Masonry

The paper addresses the problem of describing the anisotropic damage process and the dissipative behavior of masonry structures under static incremental and dynamic loads. A homogenized continuum model, based on simplified micromechanical hypoth- eses, is presented. The plane stress is considered. The finite-element method is adopted as a framework for numerical implementation. Masonry is considered as a composite material made up of blocks, mortar bed joints, and mortar head joints. Mortar bed joints are schematized as interfaces characterized by cohesion, tensile strength and friction, whereas mortar head joints are considered as geometri- cal discontinuities. Internal symmetries of the material leads to distinguishing two couples of emisymmetric bed joints, characterized by equal state variables. The computation of the displacement jumps in these two couples of joints is sufficient to evaluate the displacement jumps of all the joints contained in the assumed unit cell. Constitutive equations consider the nonlinear stress-strain relation in terms of mean stresses and mean strains. The latter are produced by an elastic strain contribution and by different inelastic strain contributions depending on the damage in mortar joints and in blocks. The damage processes are described by means of an energetic approach. The hysteretic behavior is described by considering a Coulomb-type friction law on the mortar bed joints. The model is implemented in a general purpose finite-element code ANSYS. A simple example of a cyclic load history is presented in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model.
Kevlar Vest Protection Against Blast Overpressure Brain Injury: Systemic Contributions to Injury Etiology

Abstract : The etiology of blast-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) is largely undefined. Along with reducing mortality, in preliminary experiments Kevlar vests significantly protected against BOP-induced neuropathological changes in rats. We postulate that: 1) much of the blast-induced fiber degeneration in brain results from pressure surges transmitted through the vasculature that elicit a series of intracranial disruptions, and 2) Kevlar vests are neuroprotective by uncoupling this pressure transmission following exposure to blast. Using a compression driven shock tube, we compare external, systemic (e.g. vascular arterial and venous), and central (e.g. intracranial pressure) BOP-induced pressure changes, and assess the impact of Kevlar vests on these changes. We seek to: 1) determine if measured pressure changes are blast severity-dependent and correspond with outcome measures, and 2) assess the impact of Kevlar vests on measured BOP-induced pressure changes and outcome measures and establish whether a protective vest encasing the thorax ameliorates blast-induced brain injury, pointing to a significant contribution of the effects of blast on the thorax to brain injury. These studies will provide critical insights into the etiology of blast-induced brain injury, and will advance the development of mitigation strategies.
A comparison of ROChem reverse osmosis and spiral wound reverse osmosis membrane modules

Testing of the ROChem Disc Tube[reg sign] reverse osmosis (RO) module's performance on biologically active feed waters has been completed. Both the ROChem module (using Filmtec standard-rejection seawater membranes) and the Filmtec spiral-wound membrane module (using Filmtec high-rejection seawater membranes) were tested with stimulant solutions containing typical bacteria and metal hydroxide levels found in the F/H Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) influent. Results indicate that the ROChem module gave superior performance over the spiral-wound module. Water flux losses were reduced by over 30% for water recoveries above 40%.
Using the Down Sampling Technique and Running Variance Method for Microtremor Data Filtering

The manner of microtremor data collection and filtering operation has a considerable effect on the accuracy of estimation of dynamic soil parameters. In this paper, an artificial sampling frequency reduction technique has been proposed for removing the high-frequency perturbations from microtremor data and also running variance method has been used to improve the automatic detection of data sections infected by local perturbations. The proposed methods have been applied to the data recorded for the city of Meybod in Iran. Experimental results show that the proposed methods are able to estimate the fundamental frequency more accurately compared to other common methods.