Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radiative Properties of High and Low Density Fiberglass Insulation in the 4-38.5 km Wavelength Region

Previously work was performed to determine radiative properties of low density fiberglass insulation in the 4-18.5 mm wavelength region; these properties were determined from directional-hemispherical reflectance data. This present work expands on the properties previously available by yielding the radiative properties of not only low density fiberglass insulation but also of high density fiberglass insulation in the extended wavelength region of 4-38.5 mm. Also these properties were determined from both directional-hemispherical and hemispherical-directional reflectance data. An inversion method was used to determine the spectral radiative properties by coupling the experimental data and theoretical reflectance values via the nonlinear least squares method for determining the radiative properties. The theoretical reflectance values were computed from the discrete ordinates solution to the radiative transport equation. These spectral radiative properties are important for conducting realistic radiative heat transfer computations associated with commonly used fiberglass insulations.
Aberrant Fluid Shear Stress Contributes to Articular Cartilage Pathogenesis via Epigenetic Regulation of ZBTB20 by H3K4me3

Purpose Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease for human beings, characterized by severe inflammation, cartilage degradation, and subchondral bone destruction. However, current therapies are limited to relieving pain or joint replacement and no effective treatment methods have been discovered to improve degenerative changes. Currently, a variety of evidences have indicated that aberrant mechanical stimuli is closely associated with articular joint pathogenesis, while the detailed underlying mechanism remains unelucidated. In the present study, we determined to investigate the impact of excessive high fluid shear stress (FSS) on primary chondrocytes and the underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Materials and Methods Phalloidin staining and EdU staining were used to evaluate cell morphology and viability. The mRNA level and protein level of genes were determined by qPCR, Western blot assay, and immunofluorescence staining. Mechanistic investigation was performed through RNA-sequencing and CUT&Tag sequencing. In vivo, we adopted unilateral anterior crossbites (UAC) mice model to investigate the expression of H3K4me3 and ZBTB20 in aberrant force-related cartilage pathogenesis. Results The results demonstrated that FSS greatly disrupts cell morphology and significantly decreased chondrocyte viability. Aberrant FSS induces remarkable inflammatory mediators production, leading to cartilage degeneration and degradation. In depth mechanistic study showed that FSS results in more than 10-fold upregulation of H3K4me3, and the modulatory effect of H3K4me3 on cartilage was obtained by directly targeting ZBTB20. Furthermore, Wnt signaling was strongly activated in high FSS-induced OA pathogenesis, and the negative impact of ZBTB20 on chondrocytes was also achieved through activating Wnt signaling pathway. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of H3K4me3 activation by MM-102 or treatment with Wnt pathway inhibitor LF3 could effectively alleviate the destructive effect of FSS on chondrocytes. In vivo UAC mice model validated the dysregulation of H3K4me3 and ZBTB20 in aberrant force-induced cartilage pathogenesis. Conclusion Through the combination of in vitro FSS model and in vivo UAC model, KMT2B-H3K4me3-ZBTB20 axis was first identified in aberrant FSS-induced cartilage pathogenesis, which may provide evidences for epigenetic-based therapy in the future.
Rapid Analysis of Visual Receptive Fields by Iterative Tomography

Abstract Many receptive fields in the early visual system show standard (center-surround) structure and can be analyzed using simple drifting patterns and a difference-of-Gaussians (DoG) model, which treats the receptive field as a linear filter of the visual image. But many other receptive fields show nonlinear properties such as selectivity for direction of movement. Such receptive fields are typically studied using discrete stimuli (moving or flashed bars and edges) and are modelled according to the features of the visual image to which they are most sensitive. Here, we harness recent advances in tomographic image analysis to characterize rapidly and simultaneously both the linear and nonlinear components of visual receptive fields. Spiking and intracellular voltage potential responses to briefly flashed bars are analyzed using non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF) and iterative reconstruction tomography (IRT). The method yields high-resolution receptive field maps of individual neurons and neuron ensembles in primate (marmoset, both sexes) lateral geniculate and rodent (mouse, male) retina. We show that the first two IRT components correspond to DoG-equivalent center and surround of standard [magnocellular (M) and parvocellular (P)] receptive fields in primate geniculate. The first two IRT components also reveal the spatiotemporal receptive field structure of nonstandard (on/off-rectifying) receptive fields. In rodent retina we combine NNMF-IRT with patch-clamp recording and dye injection to directly map spatial receptive fields to the underlying anatomy of retinal output neurons. We conclude that NNMF-IRT provides a rapid and flexible framework for study of receptive fields in the early visual system.
Student Focus Group Results on Student Team Performance Issues

Use of project teams is increasing in the engineering environment due to their many benefits. These include increased creativity, productivity, and reduced time‐to‐market of engineering concepts. Good team skills are desired by engineering employers, prompting universities to focus on curriculum development with strong team utilization. While team projects significantly increase opportunities for team interaction, they rarely provide sufficient training to enable students to function most effectively in a team environment. In addition, there is lack of standardization in how teams are used, and inconsistency in team performance expectations and training. These concerns led to our current efforts to develop a standardized team‐training format for faculty and students. To provide the basis for development of team training materials, faculty interviews and student focus groups were conducted to assess perceptions of team project work and training as well as expectations and definitions of successful team performance. Results of student focus groups on team project class experiences are discussed.
Prediction of extreme wave-structure interactions for multi-columned structures in deep water

With a continuing and rising demand for hydrocarbons, the energy companies are installing infrastructure ever further offshore, where such infrastructure is often exposed to extreme waves. This thesis explores some aspects of wave-structure interaction, particularly the maximum water surface elevation increase in severe storms due to these local interactions. The effects on wave-structure interactions of column cross-sectional shape are investigated using linear and second-order wave diffraction theory. For multi-column structures, the excitation of locally resonant wave modes (near-trapping) is studied for several column cross-sectional shapes, and a simple method for estimating the surface elevation mode shape is given. The structure of the quadratic transfer functions for second-order sum wave elevation is investigated and an approximation assuming these QTFs are flat perpendicular to the leading diagonal is shown to be adequate for the first few lowest frequency modes. NewWave-type focused wave groups can be used as a more realistic model of extreme ocean waves. A Net Amplification Factor based on the NewWave model is given as an efficient tool for finding the incident frequencies most likely to cause a violent wave-structure interaction and where these violent responses are likely to occur. Statistics are collected from Monte Carlo type simulations of random waves to verify the use of the Net Amplification Factor. Going beyond linear calculations, surface elevation statistics are collected to second-order and a `designer' wave is found to model the most extreme surface elevation responses. A `designer' wave can be identified at required levels of return period to help to understand the relative size of harmonic components in extreme waves. The methods developed with a fixed body are then applied to an identical hull which is freely floating, and the responses between the fixed and moving cases are compared. The vertical heave motion of a semi-submersible in-phase with the incident wave crests is shown to lead to a much lower probability of water-deck impact for the same hull shape restrained vertically. The signal processing methods developed are also applied to a single column to allow comparison with experimental results. Individual harmonic components of the hydrodynamic force are identified up to at least the fifth harmonic. Stokes scaling is shown to hold even for the most violent interactions. It is also shown that the higher harmonic components of the hydrodynamic force can be reconstructed from just the fundamental force time history, and a transfer function in the form of a single phase and an amplitude for each harmonic. The force is also reconstructed well to second-order from the surface elevation time history using diffraction transfer functions. Finally, possible causes of damage to a platform high above mean water level in the North Sea are investigated.
Experimental, analytical and numerical analysis of the pullout behaviour of steel fibres considering different fibre types, inclinations and concrete strengths

The pullout behaviour of single steel fibres embedded in a concrete matrix is investigated for various configurations of fibre types and embedment lengths and angles by means of laboratory tests and analytical models. Laboratory tests for fibre pullout are performed to investigate the fibre‐matrix bond mechanisms. Parameters influencing the fibre pullout response, such as fibre shape, fibre tensile strength, concrete strength and fibre inclination angle are systematically studied. The effects of these parameters on the pullout force versus displacement relationship, fibre efficiency and fibre/matrix failure response are analysed based on the experimental results. For the analytical modelling of the fibre pullout behaviour of straight fibres, an interface law is proposed for the frictional behaviour between fibre and matrix. In the case of inclined fibres, the plastic deformation of the fibre and the local damage to the concrete are also considered. For hooked‐end fibres, the anchorage effect due to the hook is analysed. Combining these sub‐models allows the pullout response of single fibres embedded in a concrete matrix to be predicted. In addition, numerical simulations of pullout tests are performed to obtain insights into the local fibre‐concrete interactions and to provide supporting information for the analytical modelling. The models are successfully validated with the experimental results.
Modelling Employability of Graduates using Logistic Regression

‘Employability’ refers to success or failure for a graduate to get a job within six months after graduating. Many institutions of higher learning, including UiTM, would like to know about the contributing factors for success. The main objective of this study is to determine the significant factors that influence the employability of graduates using Logistic Regression. Graduates from Bachelor Science in Statistics of UiTM from year 2006 to 2008 is the subject of the study. The students are stratified according to their academic sessions. A stratified sample was taken. The dependent variable is employability of the students which is a dichotomous variable (Y=1, if employed and Y=0, otherwise). Six independent variables were considered in this study. These were English in SPM, MUET result, total family income, CGPA and two variables for students’ skills. The logistic regression shows that only three variables were significant. These were English in SPM, MUET result and family income.
Theoretical Prediction and Experimental Substantiation of the Ground Pressure Distribution and Tractive Performance of Tracked Vehicles

An analytical framework for predicting the ground pressure distribution and tractive performance of tracked vehicles is presented. It takes into account all major design parameters of the vehicle as well as the pressure—sinkage and shearing characteristics and the response to repetitive loading of the terrain. The subsequent substantiation of the analytical method by means of full-scale tests made with an instrumented vehicle is described. A comparison between the theoretical prediction and test results is made and it is found that there is a fairly close agreement between them. This paper includes three sections: (i) an analytical method for predicting the normal pressure distribution; (ii) an analytical method for predicting the shear stress distribution and tractive performance; (iii) experimental substantiation of the analytical framework by means of full-scale tests. The analytical framework presented is suitable for evaluating the effects of vehicle design parameters and terrain conditions on the performance of tracked vehicles with relatively short track pitch designed for high speed operation and for comparing the tractive performance of different tracked vehicle designs.
Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome among patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective: to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Guyanese individuals with type 2 diabetes regarding acute coronary syndrome and explore associations between these measures and the population’s sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Method: cross-sectional study conducted in Linden, Guyana, with sixty type 2 diabetics, interviewed using a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and the Acute Coronary Syndrome-Response Index. The Mann-Whitney test was used to assess potential differences between groups according to the ACS-Response Index subscales, and sex, age, time since diabetes diagnosis, and body mass index and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the ACS-Response Index subscales according to educational level. Results: only two participants correctly answered more than 70% of the Knowledge subscale. Participants obtained low mean scores in all subscales. Less than half of the participants reported chest pain and arm pain as symptoms of heart attack. Significant differences were found when comparing Knowledge (p=0.008) and Attitudes (p=0.009) according to educational level. Conclusion: individuals with type 2 diabetes showed low level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs. Participants who scored the highest in Knowledge and Attitudes presented the highest educational level. The results show a need for health professionals to heed knowledge deficits regarding acute coronary syndrome among type 2 diabetes.
Aging and interferon gamma response drive the phenotype of neutrophils in the inflamed joint

Objectives Neutrophils are typically the most abundant leukocyte in arthritic synovial fluid. We sought to understand changes that occur in neutrophils as they migrate from blood to joint. Methods We performed RNA sequencing of neutrophils from healthy human blood, arthritic blood, and arthritic synovial fluid, comparing transcriptional signatures with those from murine K/BxN serum transfer arthritis. We employed mass cytometry to quantify protein expression and sought to reproduce the synovial fluid phenotype ex vivo in cultured healthy blood neutrophils. Results Blood neutrophils from healthy donors and patients with active arthritis exhibited largely similar transcriptional signatures. By contrast, synovial fluid neutrophils exhibited more than 1,600 differentially expressed genes. Gene signatures identified a prominent response to interferon gamma (IFNγ), as well as to tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 6, and hypoxia, in both humans and mice. Mass cytometry also found healthy and arthritic donor blood neutrophils largely indistinguishable but revealed a range of neutrophil phenotypes in synovial fluid defined by downregulation of CXCR1 and upregulation of FcγRI, HLA-DR, PD-L1, ICAM-1 and CXCR4. Reproduction of key elements of this signature in cultured blood neutrophils required both IFNγ and prolonged culture. Conclusions Circulating neutrophils from arthritis patients resemble those from healthy controls, but joint fluid cells exhibit a network of changes, conserved across species, that implicate IFNγ response and aging as complementary drivers of the synovial neutrophil phenotype. KEY MESSAGES What is already known about this subject? Neutrophils are central in the effector phase of inflammatory arthritis but their phenotypic heterogeneity in inflamed synovial fluid is poorly understood. What does this study add? RNA-seq and mass cytometry identify a hallmark phenotype of neutrophils in synovial fluid consisting of upregulated ICAM-1, HLA-DR, PD-L1, Fc receptors and CXCR4. Transcriptomics highlight an IFNγ response signature conserved across humans and mice. In vitro experiments implicate aging and IFNγ as complementary factors orchestrating the synovial fluid neutrophil phenotype. How might this impact on clinical practice or future developments? Understanding the specific features of neutrophils in the arthritic joint may disclose opportunities for safe therapeutic targeting of this lineage.
A Comparative Evaluation of Probabilistic Regional Seismic Loss Assessment Methods Using Scenario Case Studies

This study compares current and developing probabilistic regional (portfolio) loss assessment methods. These comparisons are carried out for two scenario earthquake events. Of particular interest are: the impact of directly considering building responses versus basing losses on ground motion intensity; identifying best practices for predicting collapsed buildings; and examining the sensitivity of loss assessments to other methodological decisions related to building stock classification and exposure and key sources of uncertainty. On the basis of the identified strengths and weaknesses of the different regional loss assessment techniques, high-end and simplified methods are recommended for computing probabilistic regional seismic losses.
New results in high pressure and low temperature rheology of liquid lubricants for space applications

This paper presents a rheological investigation conducted on three lubricants used in space applications under vacuum. Lubricant behavior was determined for representative pressures and temperatures. Relations between standardized methods and space requirements are discussed. Finally, the elastohydrodynamic load-carrying capacity of the three fluids in the Newtonian domain is computed over a wide temperature range and compared to those of two reference base oils.
Health Education in Pre-school Institution: Integration, Effectiveness, Improvement

Health education is one of the key components of pre-school education. Preschool age children have acquired knowledge about health, and this forms the basis for developing, maintaining, and strengthening their health. However, children’s knowledge of health is insufficient and their healthy lifestyle skills are insufficiently developed. On the one hand, the deteriorating trends in children’s health raise certain challenges to the process of pre-school education, on the other hand, their health education possibilities are not fully known and exploited. Health education integration into pre-school/pre-primary education programmes remains a key priority of education policy. Although the importance of developing children’s health competence is already noted in pre-school/pre-primary education programmes, various research studies show that children’s health indicators are deteriorating. In March 2021, a qualitative research study was conducted, in which 102 kindergarten teachers from various Lithuanian preschool educational institutions participated. The aim of the research was to analyse the factors that promote, limit, and determine the integration of health education into pre-school education programmes and to reveal improvement possibilities. It has been established that the integration of health education is promoted by children’s health problems and the changing understanding of the importance of children’s health education. Proper teacher preparation, purposeful of the institution, and community involvement in health education remain essential components that determine the effectiveness of health education. Despite the positive attitude and motivation of teachers towards health education, there are still many unused opportunities for improving health education, which should be assessed both at the level of education policy and educational practice, respectively.
Momentary Manifestations of Negative Symptoms as Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in People at High Risk for Psychosis: Experience Sampling Study

Background Negative symptoms occur in individuals at ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis. Although there is evidence that observer ratings of negative symptoms are associated with level of functioning, the predictive value of subjective experience in daily life for individuals at UHR has not been studied yet. Objective This study therefore aims to investigate the predictive value of momentary manifestations of negative symptoms for clinical outcomes in individuals at UHR. Methods Experience sampling methodology was used to measure momentary manifestations of negative symptoms (blunted affective experience, lack of social drive, anhedonia, and social anhedonia) in the daily lives of 79 individuals at UHR. Clinical outcomes (level of functioning, illness severity, UHR status, and transition status) were assessed at baseline and at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Results Lack of social drive, operationalized as greater experienced pleasantness of being alone, was associated with poorer functioning at the 2-year follow-up (b=−4.62, P=.01). Higher levels of anhedonia were associated with poorer functioning at the 1-year follow-up (b=5.61, P=.02). Higher levels of social anhedonia were associated with poorer functioning (eg, disability subscale: b=6.36, P=.006) and greater illness severity (b=−0.38, P=.045) at the 1-year follow-up. In exploratory analyses, there was evidence that individuals with greater variability of positive affect (used as a measure of blunted affective experience) experienced a shorter time to remission from UHR status at follow-up (hazard ratio=4.93, P=.005). Conclusions Targeting negative symptoms in individuals at UHR may help to predict clinical outcomes and may be a promising target for interventions in the early stages of psychosis.