Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adjoint based aero-structural design optimisation of a transonic fan blade

A novel optimisation process has been proposed in this paper to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency of a modern fan blade while satisfying the structural constraint imposed by the material limits. The method developed is based on the discrete adjoint for the aerodynamic efficiency sensitivity evaluation with the structural constraint provided by a response surface method for the structural stress. To facilitate a large number of sampling points required in the response surface generation, a fast, meshless method was used for the stress calculations. The method was applied to the optimisation of a practical fan blade, representative of modern, high-bypass-ratio turbofan jet engines. It is demonstrated that the fan blade efficiency can be improved by 0.6% while maintaining the stress below a prescribed value of 500 MPa assuming a titanium alloy material. It is shown that without the stress constraint, the efficiency benefit is larger, namely 0.9% but the maximum stress value increases considerably beyond the material’s acceptable criterion, to almost 1000 MPa. The method is built in a modular way and can be adapted to accommodate a range of different turbomachinery blade designs. Flutter analysis for the optimised fan blade has also been carried out due to its practical importance.
Role of Equatorial Wave Transitions in Tropical Cyclogenesis over the Western North Pacific

Abstract This study associates tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the western North Pacific (WNP) with the equatorial wave transition from an interannual viewpoint, revealing that the tropical cyclogenesis mean location may be modulated by a longitudinal shift in the transition of Mixed Rossby-gravity (MRG) waves to off-equatorial tropical depression (TD) disturbances from year to year. To a large extent, the wave transition is attributable to the monsoon trough in response to the thermal state of the warm pool (WP) over the WNP. During the cold state years in the WP, the basic flow confluence region associated with the monsoon trough penetrates eastward, leading to an eastward shift in the location of the wave transition. Such an environment, in which wave accumulation and energy conversion occur, is favorable for tropical cyclogenesis; as a result, the averaged cyclogenesis location moves eastward. The condition is reserved during the warm years in the WP, resulting in the prominent west-ward-retreating mean TC formation.
Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Settings: Attitudes and Knowledge of Nurses and Physicians

Objective: Healthcare providers (HCPs) play a critical role in reducing colorectal cancer (CRC) related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed at exploring the attitudes and knowledge of nurses and physicians working in primary care settings regarding CRC screening. Methods: A total of 142 HCPs (57.7% nurses and 42.3% physicians) participated in a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using a Self-administered Questionnaire. The participants were clinically experienced (mean = 9.39 years; standard deviation [SD] = 6.13), regularly taking care of adults eligible for CRC screening (62%) and had positive attitudes toward CRC screening (83.1%). Most participants (57%) had low levels of knowledge about CRC screening (mean = 3.23; SD = 1.50). The participants were most knowledgeable about the recommended age for initiating screening (62.7%) and the procedures not recommended for screening (90.8%). Results: More than 55% did not know the frequency of performing specific screening procedures, the upper age limit at which screening is not recommended, and the patients at high-risk for CRC. There were no significant differences between nurses′ and physicians′ attitudes and knowledge. The participants′ perceptions about professional training (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17, P = 0.003), colonoscopy (OR = 2.60, P = 0.014), and double-contrast barium enema (OR = 0.53, P = 0.041), were significantly associated with knowledge about CRC screening. Conclusions: The inadequate knowledge levels among nurses and physicians may be one of the barriers affecting CRC screening. Enhancing HCPs knowledge about CRC screening should be considered a primary intervention in the efforts to promote CRC screening and prevention.
Clinical Features and Outcome of Community-Acquired Bacterial Meningitis in Adult Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

Introduction:This study aimed to analyze the clinical features, causative pathogens and therapeutic outcomes of bacterial meningitis in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods:Adult cirrhotic patients with community-acquired bacterial meningitis were evaluated. Clinical data were collected over a 22-year period. For comparison, the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes between patients with and without liver cirrhosis were analyzed. Results:Liver cirrhosis accounted for 11% (25/217) of the predisposing factors. Significant statistical analysis between the 2 groups (patients with and without liver cirrhosis) included median Glasgow Coma Scale score at presentation, presence of seizure, bacteremia and septic shock. The mean duration between arrival at the emergency room and confirmed diagnosis of bacterial meningitis was 39 hours (range, 2–240 hours). Ten (10/25, 40%) were initially diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, and 6 (6/25, 24%) were initially suggested as having infection of unknown origin. In this study, Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequent causative pathogen in patients with liver cirrhosis. The overall case fatality rates for patients with and without liver cirrhosis were 38.5% (74/192) and 64% (16/25), respectively. Conclusions:Patients with liver cirrhosis have a more fulminant course with a higher prevalence of disturbed consciousness, bacteremia, seizure and shock. Diagnosis and effective treatment ARE often delayed, resulting in high overall mortality. When patients with liver cirrhosis develop disturbed consciousness, seizures and septicemia, immediate neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies should be undertaken to determine bacterial meningitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for survival.
University of Pennsylvania Scholarlycommons Comparing Face-to-face Meetings, Nominal Groups, Delphi and Prediction Markets on an Estimation Task Comparing Face-to-face Meetings, Nominal Groups, Delphi and Prediction Markets on an Estimation Task Comparing Face-to-face Meetings, Nominal Groups, Delph

We conducted laboratory experiments to analyze the accuracy of three structured approaches (nominal groups, Delphi, and prediction markets) compared to traditional face-to-face meetings (FTF). We recruited 227 participants (11 groups per method) that had to solve a quantitative judgment task that did not involve distributed knowledge. This task consisted of ten factual questions, which required percentage estimates. While, overall, we did not find statistically significant differences in accuracy between the four methods, the results differed somewhat at the individual question level. Delphi was as accurate as FTF for eight questions and outperformed FTF for two questions. By comparison, prediction markets were unable to outperform FTF for any of the ten questions but were inferior for three questions. The relative performance of nominal groups and FTF was mixed and differences were small. We also compared the results from the three structured approaches to prior individual estimates and staticized groups. The three structured approaches were more accurate than participants' prior individual estimates. Delphi was also more accurate than staticized groups. Nominal groups and prediction markets provided little additional value compared to a simple average of forecast. In addition, we examined participants' perceptions of the group and the group process. Participants rated personal communication more favorable than computer-mediated interaction. Group interaction in FTF and nominal groups was perceived as highly cooperative and effective. Prediction markets were rated least favorable. Prediction market participants were least satisfied with the group process and perceived their method as most difficult. Abstract. We conducted laboratory experiments to analyze the accuracy of three structured approaches (nominal groups, Delphi, and prediction markets) compared to traditional face-to-face
Integrated Analysis of Circular RNA-Associated ceRNA Network Reveals Potential circRNA Biomarkers in Human Breast Cancer

Circular RNA (circRNA) is closely related to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Yet, the roles of cancer-specific circRNAs in the circRNA-related ceRNA network of breast cancer (BRCA) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to construct a ceRNA network associated with circRNA and to explore new therapeutic and prognostic targets and biomarkers for breast cancer. We downloaded the circRNA expression profile of BRCA from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray datasets and downloaded the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of BRCA from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified, and a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed based on circRNA–miRNA pairs and miRNA–mRNA pairs. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on mRNAs regulated by circRNAs in ceRNA networks. Survival analysis and correlation analysis of all mRNAs and miRNAs in the ceRNA network were performed. A total of 72 DEcircRNAs, 158 DEmiRNAs, and 2762 DE mRNAs were identified. The constructed ceRNA network contains 60 circRNA–miRNA pairs and 140 miRNA–mRNA pairs, including 40 circRNAs, 30 miRNAs, and 100 mRNAs. Functional enrichment indicated that DEmRNAs regulated by DEcircRNAs in ceRNA networks were significantly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, microRNAs in cancer, and proteoglycans in cancer. Survival analysis and correlation analysis of all mRNAs and miRNAs in the ceRNA network showed that 13 mRNAs and 6 miRNAs were significantly associated with overall survival, and 48 miRNA–mRNA interaction pairs had a significant negative correlation. A PPI network was established, and 21 hub genes were determined from the network. This study provides an effective bioinformatics basis for further understanding of the molecular mechanisms and predictions of breast cancer. A better understanding of the circRNA-related ceRNA network in BRCA will help identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
Evaluation of Postural Stability and Transverse Abdominal Muscle Activity in Overweight Post-Stroke Patients: A Prospective, Observational Study Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Purpose: Post-stroke hemiparesis has a signi ﬁ cant impact on postural stability. The transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle contributes to the stability of the spine. The aim was to assess both the postural stability and the activity of the TrA muscle in overweight post-stroke patients. Methods: A group of 56 participants (61.12 ± 11.5 years) was divided into the study group (n=28 post-stroke patients, 63.7 ± 10.9 years) and control group (n= 23 healthy participants (58.5 ± 12.2 years). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) were used to evaluate postural stability and risk of falls. The Pressure Bio-Feedback Stabilizer (PBFS) device was used to assess functional stability. Results: Stroke had a signi ﬁ cantly negative effect on the BBS ( p < 0.001) and TUG ( p = 0.001). The older age negatively affected the BBS ( p = 0.001), TUG ( p = 0.017), and the TrA muscle activity ( p = 0.017). Higher values of body mass index (BMI) negatively affected the BBS ( p = 0.028), however there were no changes of TUG results ( p = 0.141), and the TrA muscle activity ( p = 0.808). Also, BBS and TUG results were not associated with TrA muscle activity ( p = 0.541 and p = 0.411, respectively). The results of the BBS, TUG, and PBFS did not differ according to gender ( p < 0.05). Time from stroke negatively affected the TUG ( p = 0.001), but had no effect on the TrA muscle activity ( p < 0.05). The side of hemiparesis did not affect the postural stability ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: The consequences of a stroke have an essential negative effect on postural stability. Factors such as age, gender, time from stroke, and the side of the hemiparesis have not negatively affected postural stability in overweight post-stroke patients.
An Evaluation of Oceanographic Optical Instruments and Deployment Methodologies

The primary objective of the Sea-viewing, Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) Project is to produce water- leaving radiances with an uncertainty of 5% in clear-water regions and chlorophyll a concentrations within +/- 35% over the range of 0.05-50 mg/cu m. Any global mission, like SeaWiFS, requires validation data be submitted from a wide variety of investigators which places a significant challenge on quantifying the total uncertainty associated with the in situ measurements, because each investigator follows slightly different practices when it comes to implementing all of the steps associated with collecting field data, even those with a prescribed set of protocols. This study uses data from multiple cruises to quantify the uncertainties associated with implementing data collection procedures while utilizing differing in-water optical instruments and deployment methods. A comprehensive approach is undertaken and includes: (1) the use of a portable light source and in-water intercomparisons to monitor the stability of the field radiometers, (2) alternative methods for acquiring reference measurements, and (3) different techniques for making in-water profiles. The only system to meet the 5% radiometric objective of the SeaWiFS Project was a free-fall profiler using (relatively inexpensive) modular components, although a more sophisticated (and comparatively expensive) profiler using integral components was very close and only 1% higher. A relatively inexpensive system deployed with a winch and crane was also close, but the ship shadow contamination problem increased the total uncertainty to approximately 6.5%.
Differential gene expression and gene-set enrichment analysis in Caco-2 monolayers during a 30-day timeline with Dexamethasone exposure. A data modelling approach to understanding culture age as co-variate for differential expression in a non-renewing epithelial monolayer using a gene ontology-defin

The Caco-2 cell line has served a historically important role as in vitro model for molecular and cellular biology of polarized intestinal epithelia, including for effects of glucocorticoid hormone Dexamethasone. Glucocorticoid hormones modulate the endogenous stress response and are important pharmaceuticals for inflammatory diseases including IBD, yet while they significantly affect immune cells, less is known about their specific effects upon epithelial cells and specific effect on epithelial permeability. Previous research showed that DEX exposure does not immediately produce a quantitative effect, but only after a prolonged treatment >10 days. Culture age itself causes marked effects in these non-renewing cell layers which acts as a confounding variable for observed DEX results. To improve resolution of GC-responsive gene expression in this context, we tested polarized Caco-2 monolayer cultures during at 30-day timecourse, with ~15-days of continuous Dexamethasone exposure. We tested differential gene expression using a 250-plex gene expression panel with the Nanostring nCounter® system, with multiple replicates collected periodically over the timecourse. Gene panel was selectively enriched a-priori for KEGG pathway annotations from tight-junction, actin cytoskeleton regulation, colorectal cancer pathways and others, allowing highly focused, gene-set pathway enrichment analyses. Nanostring nSolverTM data modelling algorithm uses an optimization algorithm and mixture negative binomial model to factor for Time and DEX covariate effects during determination of DE. Analysis identifies strong, culture age-associated “EMT-like” signature with upregulation of actomyosin contraction and integrins, while DEX treatment is associated with a subtler, yet significant counter-signal with suppression of actomyosin genes, and selective DE for different RTKs.
refractive errors among saudi college students and associated risk factors

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of refractive errors among freshman students of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), and to examine the relationship of near-work activities and outdoor activities with refractive errors. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 338 freshman students of IAU (162 males, 176 females) was carried out. Students were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Eye examination was done including non-cycloplegic autorefraction for determining the refractive error status. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction (SER) # - 0.75 diopters (D), and it was further divided into low myopia (SER from - 0.75 D to - 2.99 D), moderate myopia (SER from - 3.00 to - 5.99 D), and high myopia (SER # - 6.00 D). Hyperopia was defined as SER $ 1.00 D and emmetropia as having an SER value between that of low myopia and hyperopia. SER was calculated as sphere + 1/2 cylinder. A questionnaire detailed on activities was completed by participants. Results: Myopia was found in 47.9% of the students (95% CI 42.7%–53.3%). The most prevalent type of myopia was low myopia (66.7%; 95% CI 59.1%–73.5%). Hyperopia and emmetropia were found in 6.5% (95% CI 4.3%–9.7%) and 45.6% (95% CI 40.3%–50.9%) of the students, respectively. Parental myopia was significantly associated with the myopic status of the students ( P = 0.007, Fisher’s exact test). About 6% of myopic students had a history of myopia in both parents. In addition, both parents had a history of myopia in 1.9% of emmetropic students, whereas such an association was absent in the hyperopic students. Refractive error type in both genders was not significantly predicted by the activity type. Conclusion: Although the different types of activities did not predict the types of refractive errors, the high prevalence of myopia among the college students at this age requires further studies to explore more about the clinical characteristics and risk factors of the disease.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Mobilizing Referenda: The Effects of Direct Democracy on Youth Political Participation

This paper investigates determinants of adolescents’ political participation in two political systems. Political participation of adolescents is influenced by personal resources such as cognitive abilities as well as institutional context, for example the political system. In this study we examine the interplay of one systemic factor, namely whether the political system is a direct or representative democracy, and resources on the individual level: news media use and internal political efficacy. We apply a Most Similar Systems Design by comparing two largely similar countries (Netherlands and Switzerland) that differ in one critical institutional variable (representative versus direct democracy). The comparison between Switzerland and the Netherlands reveals that adolescents in Switzerland participate significantly more in political activities. The relationship between direct democratic institutions and political participation is partially mediated by political efficacy. However, the mediation only occurs if adolescents use news media regularly.
Phylogeographic breaks and how to find them: An empirical attempt at separating vicariance from isolation by distance in a lizard with restricted dispersal

Aim Discontinuity in the distribution of genetic diversity (often based on mtDNA) is usually interpreted as evidence for phylogeographic breaks, underlying vicariant units. However, a misleading signal of phylogeographic break can arise in the absence of barrier to gene flow, under mechanisms of isolation by distance (IBD). How and under which conditions phylogeographic breaks can be reliably differentiated from populations evolving under IBD remain unclear. Here, we use multi-locus sequence data from a widely distributed lizard species to address these questions in an empirical setting. Location Morocco Taxon Spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus), Squamata: Lacertidae Methods Using 325 samples from 40 localities, we identified genetic discontinuities within A. erythrurus based on a mitochondrial fragment and nine nuclear markers independently. Using the nuclear markers, we then applied linear regression models to investigate whether genetic divergence could be explained by geographical distances alone, or barriers to gene flow (real phylogeographic breaks). Result A. erythrurus is characterized by an important mitochondrial diversity, with 11 strongly supported phylogeographic lineages with a crown age of 6 Mya. Nuclear markers, however, yielded weak phylogenetic support for these lineages. Using clustering methods based on genotypes at nine nuclear loci, we identified phylogeographic clusters that were partly discordant with the mtDNA lineages. Tests of IBD delimited at least four groups of populations separated by barriers to gene flow, but unambiguous separation of vicariance from IBD remained challenging in several cases. Main conclusions The genetic diversity of A. erythrurus originates from a mix of IBD and vicariance, which were difficult to distinguish, and resulted in similar levels of mitochondrial differentiation. These results highlight that phylogeographic breaks inferred from mitochondrial data should be further investigated using multi-locus data and explicit testing to rule out alternative processes generating discontinuities in mitochondrial diversity, including IBD. We identified four groups of populations within A. erythrurus, separated by barriers to gene flow, but even using nine independent nuclear makers the power of our approach was limited, and further investigation using genome-wide data will be required to resolve the phylogeographic history of this species.