Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interferometric GPS/micro-mechanical gyro attitude determination system : a study into the integration issues

Abstract : The near future will see a proliferation of small low cost communication and science satellites with modest (^0.1-0.5 deg) pointing requirements which will use attitude determination Systems (ADSs) of low power, weight, size and cost. This thesis is a study into the integration issues of such a system, that uses micro-mechanical inertial sensors and an interferometric GPS (IGPS) attitude determining receiver that are tightly coupled using "model based" estimation techniques. The integration issues analyzed include: the effect on performance of limited IGPS use, the effect on performance of various gyro qualities and model accuracies, the inherent robustness to failure of the system and a power consumption analysis for a minimum energy IGPS receiver. It was found that attitude performance varied less than 0.05 degrees (RSS) when the interval between GPS phase measurements was varied from once every second to once every 30 seconds. This justifies the development of a minimum energy receiver to take advantage of the power savings of less frequent GPS measurements. During times of low dynamic model accuracy, the IGPS/MM Gyro ADS was bound by the steady state attitude error of the IGPS which averages a 1 sigma RSS error of about 0.28 degrees within the GPS update range mentioned above. Attitude error also depends on the gyro quality, and various projected system accuracies are given using several gyro error models. Real micro-mechanical gyro data from a prototype gyro was successfully integrated with real GPS phase measurements using an Extended Kalman filter. Failure scenarios and power expenditures were also analyzed using steady state linear covariance analysis as well as a space simulation which uses orbital parameters of a telecommunication satellite constellation. Total power expenditure of 200 mWatts can be achieved for this system and still fulfill mission requirements.
Periodontitis, Helicobacter pylori infection and gastrointestinal tract cancer mortality.

AIM Periodontitis has been proposed to lead to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection which could cause many gastrointestinal tract cancers. This study aimed to determine the association between periodontitis and survival outcomes in individuals with respect to H. pylori infection or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS 4955 subjects aged 20 to 90, who had both received periodontal examinations and H. pylori serum test in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) database, were included. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between periodontitis and H. pylori seropositive (H. pylori infection). Survival analysis was performed using the NHANES III linked to mortality data. The Cox proportional hazards regression was carried out to investigate the association between periodontitis and gastrointestinal tract cancer mortality in individuals with/without H. pylori infection. RESULTS Compared to periodontal health, periodontitis was significantly associated with increased odds of H. pylori infection (OR = 1.271, 95% CI = 1.177 to 1.372). Periodontitis significantly increased the mortality risk of all causes (HR = 1.574, 95% CI = 1.327 to 1.866), all cancers (HR = 1.948, 95% CI = 1.701 to 2.232), gastrointestinal tract cancers (HR = 4.140, 95% CI = 3.656 to 4.687), gastric cancer (HR = 4.288, 95% CI = 3.969 to 4.632), and colorectal cancer (HR = 4.814, 95% CI = 3.849 to 6.020) in subjects with H. pylori infection after adjusting for health-related factors. Periodontitis was significantly related to the decreased survival time in subjects with gastrointestinal tract (p = 0.001) or colorectal cancer (p = 0.002) and H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that periodontitis was significantly associated with higher mortality risk of gastrointestinal tract, gastric, and colorectal cancer in subjects with H. pylori infection. Due to an interactive effect between periodontitis and H. pylori infection on cancer mortality, H. pylori infection present a significant moderation effect to regulate the association between periodontitis and all-cancer, gastrointestinal tract cancer, and colorectal cancer mortality.
Wireless EMC in the medical industry: review of research and the impact on EMI risk

This paper reviews research performed at the University of Oklahoma Center for the Study of Wireless EMC, providing a summary of the results and discussion concerning the impact of the research on industry. In addition to a review of the research, we also discuss the management of risk of EMI in conjunction with these and other electronic devices, based on the results of our research.
Metabolic comorbidities of psoriasis (Review)

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated condition, which is no longer considered as being limited to the skin, but may affect the entire body. Epidemiological studies have shown that certain disorders, including obesity, diabetes, liver abnormalities, elevated lipid levels in the blood and metabolic syndrome, may occur more frequently in patients with psoriasis compared with the general population. As psoriasis is a chronic disease, the frequently associated comorbidities must be identified early to ensure timely treatment and, possibly, their prevention. Comorbidities often manifest clinically 1-2 years after the onset of psoriasis and are commonly seen in patients with severe forms of the disease. The association between psoriasis and its comorbidities is not coincidental, but rather based on common pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors that underlie the increased frequency of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis. The aim of the present review was to emphasize the important role of dermatologists in the early recognition of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis, with a focus on metabolic comorbidities, precisely because the dermatologists are usually the first medical contact due to the predominance of skin lesions. Therefore, these specialists have the responsibility to inform patients on the association between psoriasis and possible multiple comorbidities, devise prevention and treatment plans, or even redirect patients to other specialists.
Pre-sale ordering strategy based on the new retail context considering bounded consumer rationality

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of bounded consumer rationality on the order quantity and profitability of the seller in the advance period and the spot period in the context of the combination of new retail and pre-sale. In this paper, we develop a seller order model in the context of the combination of new retail and pre-sale, with and without reference price dependence. Besides, the model considers the order cancellation and delayed purchase behavior of consumers. We then discuss the optimal profit and optimal order quantity under different conditions and the effect of different reference price dependence and value-added offline service on them. Our research shows that: First, the seller tends to set the deposit too low in pre-sales. Second, reference price dependence has different effects on order quantities in different periods. The seller should pay more attention to the impact of reference price dependence. Third, on the whole, consumer rationality benefits the seller. The seller, or the public policymaker, can benefit new retail businesses by increasing consumer rationality. Last, in the new retail context, an increase in offline service value-added, even if it increases total order quantity, is not always beneficial to the seller and may reduce profits. Therefore, the seller should weigh all factors to determine the optimal value-added offline services.
The Influence of Liquid Film Thickness on Airblast Atomization

The influence of initial liquid film thickness on mean drop size and drop-size distribution was examined using two specially designed airblast atomizers. Both were constructed to produce a flat liquid sheet across the centerline of a two-dimensional air duct with the liquid sheet exposed on both sides to high velocity air. In one case a thin film of uniform thickness was produced by injecting the liquid through a porous plate located just upstream of the atomizing edge. The film thickness, t, was then measured by a needle contact device. In the second design the fuel entered the air stream through a thin slot whose height could be adjusted accurately to vary and control the initial film thickness. Drop sizes were measured by the well-established light-scattering technique. From analysis of the processes involved, and from correlation of the experimental data, it was found that high values of liquid viscosity and liquid flow rate result in thicker films. It was also observed that thinner liquid films produce better atomization, according to the relationship, SMD ∝ t0.38 .
Maximizing the Spread of Effective Information in Social Networks

Influence maximization through social networks has aroused tremendous interests nowadays. However, people’s various expressions or feelings about a same idea often cause ambiguity via word of mouth. Consequently, the problem of how to maximize the spread of “effective information” still remains largely open. In this paper, we consider a practical setting where ideas can deviate from their original version to invalid forms during message passing, and make the first attempt to seek a union of users that maximizes the spread of effective influence, which is formulated as an Influence Maximization with Information Variation (IMIV) problem. To this end, we model the information as a vector, and quantify the difference of two arbitrary vectors as a distance by a matching function. We further establish a process where such distance increases with the propagation and ensure the recipient whose vector distance is less than a threshold can be effectively influenced. Due to the NP-hardness of IMIV, we greedily select users that can approximately maximize the estimation of effective propagation. Especially, for networks of small scales, we derive a condition under which all the users can be effectively influenced. Our models and theoretical findings are further consolidated through extensive experiments on real-world datasets.
Synthesis and Characterization of a New Norfloxacin/Resorcinol Cocrystal with Enhanced Solubility and Dissolution Profile

A new cocrystal of Norfloxacin, a poorly soluble fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been synthetized by a solvent-mediated transformation experiment in toluene, using resorcinol as a coformer. The new cocrystal exists in both anhydrous and monohydrate forms with the same (1:1) Norfloxacin/resorcinol stoichiometry. The solubility of Norfloxacin and the hydrated cocrystal were determined by the shake-flask method. While Norfloxacin has a solubility of 0.32 ± 0.02 mg/mL, the cocrystal has a solubility of 2.64 ± 0.39 mg/mL, approximately 10-fold higher. The dissolution rate was tested at four biorelevant pH levels of the gastrointestinal tract: 2.0, 4.0, 5.5, and 7.4. In a first set of comparative tests, the dissolution rate of Norfloxacin and the cocrystal was determined separately at each pH value. Both solid forms showed the highest dissolution rate at pH 2.0, where Norfloxacin is totally protonated. Then, the dissolution rate decreases as pH increases. In a second set of experiments, the dissolution of the cocrystal was evaluated by a unique dissolution test, in which the pH dynamically changed from 2.0 to 7.4, stepping 30 min at each of the four biorelevant pH values. Results were quite different in this case, since dissolution at pH 2 affects the behavior of Norfloxacin at the rest of the pH values.
Strategy of Purifier Selection and Integration in Hydrogen Networks

Tighter environmental regulations and more heavy-end upgrading in the petroleum industry lead to increased demand for hydrogen in oil refineries. In this paper, a systematic methodology is proposed to select appropriate purifiers from pressure swing adsorption processes, membranes or hybrid systems for recovering hydrogen from refinery off-gases. Through the understanding of the trade-offs between hydrogen saving, compression costs and capital investment, a superstructure is built to include possible urification scenarios. The shortcut models for different purification units are developed via the insights of the processes. The recovery rate of purifiers is also modelled to optimize process parameters. This method achieves the optimal design for overall hydrogen networks at a conceptual level.
Reduced Humoral Response of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies following Vaccination in Patients with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases—An Interim Report from a Danish Prospective Cohort Study

Background/Purpose: In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, whether patients with rheumatic musculoskeletal disease (RMD) treated with conventional (cs) or biologic (b) disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) exhibit an adequate immune response to the currently available SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations remains a major concern. There is an urgent need for more SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy data to inform healthcare providers on the potential need for a booster vaccine. We established the ‘Detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Danish Inflammatory Rheumatic Outpatients’ study (DECODIR) in March 2021 in order to assess and compare the immunoglobulin G (IgG response) of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer, Groton, CT, USA/BioNTech, Mainz, Germany) and mRNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA) administered as part of the national vaccine roll out in patients with RMDs, irrespective of treatment. Patients’ SARS-CoV-2 IgG level was used as proxy to determine vaccination response. Methods: The study is a longitudinal prospective cohort study in which the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response was measured and compared at baseline and at six weeks following vaccination. The study population consisted of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthropathies (SpA), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) receiving their outpatient treatment at the Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Sonderborg. Bloods, patient reported outcome measurements (PROMS), clinical data, and treatment information (cs/bDMARD) were collected at baseline/6 weeks and documented in the Danish DANBIO registry. Commercially available antibody tests (ThermoFisher, Waltham, MA, USA) were used, and SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were reported in EliA U/mL. Sufficient IgG response was defined as ≥10 EliA U/mL (manufacturers cut-off). Associations between antibody response, age, gender, disease (RA/PsA/SpA), no treatment or cs/bDMARD treatment, and disease activity were tested using proportional odds regression and bootstrapped tests of medians. Results were reported using mean, median (IqR), and bootstrapped 95% confidence interval (CI) of the median. Results: A total of 243 patients were included. We observed a significant increase in IgG levels (median of <0.7 EliA U/mL at baseline versus 34.5 EliA U/mL at 6 weeks). Seventy-two patients (32%) had an insufficient IgG response. The median IgG level in patients treated with cs/bDMARD combination therapy was significantly lower compared to patients without any DMARD treatment (12 EliA U/mL vs. 92 EilA U/mL (p < 0.01)). Conclusion: Patients treated with a combination of cs/bDMARD are at significantly higher risk of an inadequate response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as measured by IgG level compared to patients without DMARD treatment. IgG SARS-CoV-2 are only part of the immune response, and further data are urgently needed. At present, our results may inform healthcare providers and policy makers on the decision for the need of a booster vaccine in this particular patient group.
An aerodynamic and aeroelastic experimental study on a sectional and three‐dimensional rectangular tall building

This paper examines the aerodynamic properties of a rectangular tall building with sharp edges. The building has a section aspect ratio B/D = 2.6 and a height aspect ratio H/D = 9, giving in a quite slender prismatic configuration. The study was performed on sectional and three‐dimensional models of the building. The sectional model was tested in a smooth flow condition, and the aerodynamic coefficients of the section were determined. Forces and pressure distributions were measured on the three‐dimensional model to compare with the aerodynamic behavior of the sectional model. Both a rigid (non‐moving) and a moving model of the building were tested to analyze possible aeroelastic effects. Different levels of incoming wind turbulence were tested, since this is a key parameter in the aerodynamic behavior of the rectangular prism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acceptance reliability sampling plan for discrete lifetime models

Various types of acceptance reliability sampling plans have been reported in the literature. Most of the existing studies deal with the lifetimes of items described by continuous distributions. However, discrete lifetimes are also frequently encountered in practice. For example, field failures are often collected and reported daily, weekly, and so forth. Items often operate in cycles and the experimenter observes the number of cycles successfully completed prior to failure. In this study, we develop a variables acceptance reliability sampling plan for items having discrete lifetimes. Furthermore, the reliability improvement in the population reliability characteristics after the testing procedure, as compared to those before the test, is discussed in detail. The reliability sampling acceptance test is applied for heterogeneous populations using the alternative discrete hazard rate for the corresponding proportional hazards model. Some numerical examples illustrate our findings.
‘A Safe Place Where I Am Welcome to Unwind When I Choose to’—Experiences of Brief Admission by Self-Referral for Adolescents Who Self-Harm at Risk for Suicide: A Qualitative Study

Evidence is lacking on how to manage imminent suicidality in adolescents with self-harm. Brief Admission by Self-referral (BA) is a crisis-management intervention, developed for adults with self-harm at risk for suicide. Structured, individualized and based on responsible autonomy, BA aims to provide a respite while minimizing negative effects of hospitalization. This qualitative interview study illuminates adolescents’ experiences of BA, adapted for this target group. Nineteen adolescents aged 14 to 19 years, described BA as helpful for timely rest and recovery to save themselves from impulses to self-harm. The individual contract, which is a prerequisite for access to BA, was perceived to give access to professional support in a safe environment, also among adolescents not using their contract. Being trusted with responsibility to self-admit was also hard work with struggles of self-doubt. Challenges included experiencing distrust from staff and fear of not being able to abstain from self-harm, which BA is conditioned upon. However, this condition was also perceived to induce self-motivation and growth. BA appeared well-adapted to the target group, fulfilling needs of predictability, autonomy, and opportunity for recovery to prevent self-harm. Suggestions for improvement included continually informing staff about important features of BA. To further evaluate benefits and challenges of BA, future research may evaluate clinical and health-economic outcomes and perspectives from parents and caregivers.
Experimental Study on the Sound Absorption Properties of Finger Millet Straw, Darbha, and Ripe Bulrush Fibers

Nowadays, emerging noise pollution by external factors causes harmful diseases in human beings. The development of a bio-based filler or panel will help to eliminate some unwanted noise in working places and living rooms. This work aimed to develop an ecowaste fiber (leftover after harvesting)-based sound absorber and analyze its capabilities for sound absorption. The ecowaste fibers are collected by the gleaning process, i.e., the process of collecting leftovers from fields. The sound absorption capabilities of three natural fibers extracted from Eleusine coracana (Finger millet) straw, Desmostachya bipinnata (Darbha), and Typha domingensis (Ripe bulrush) plants are investigated in this study, both individually and in hybrid combinations. The sound absorption property mainly depends on factors such as porosity, flow resistivity, thickness, density, and tortuosity. Fiber length and fiber type play a significant role when fibers are arranged individually or in hybrid combinations. The stacking effect on the sound absorption coefficient of hybridized fiber arrangement was experimentally analyzed. The sound absorption coefficient (α) was found to be lower in the range of 1000 Hz–2500 Hz for all the combinations. As a homogenous fiber arrangement, the darbha fiber exhibited the better NRC (noise reduction coefficient) of 0.86 for 50 mm thickness among three different fibers and as a hybrid composition, ripe bulrush and darbha fibers exhibited NRC of 0.90 which is more capable of absorbing sound in the critical frequency range of 500 to 2000 Hz. These types of natural fiber fillers are highly capable of better sound absorbing and used in the applications such as classrooms, sound recording rooms, and theatres.
Corporatisation and Performance: A Literature Review and an Analysis of the Performance Effects of the Corporatisation of Port of Rotterdam Authority

Abstract The ongoing process of port reform has led to an increasing number of publicly owned but corporatised port authorities (PAs). The performance effects of corporatisation have been analysed, for example, for the airports industry, often showing positive effects. This paper reviews the literature on port reform and the relationship between port governance structures and performance. It also presents a first case study on the effects of corporatisation of PAs, namely for the Port of Rotterdam Authority, a publicly owned but corporatised port development company. In 2004, this organisation was transformed from a municipal department to an independently operating company. The performance indicators to evaluate the effect of this corporatisation include market share, turnover, operating costs, profits, and investments. These indicators are evaluated for two periods, one prior to the corporatisation (1997–2003) and the other afterwards (2005–11). The comparison of these two periods shows that corporatisation has led to significant improvements of all performance indicators. The findings derived from this case study are relevant for the ongoing discussion on port governance models.