Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design charts for quick estimation of wave loads on damaged oil tanker in the Adriatic Sea

If ship is damaged in collision or grounding accidents, there is a need for rapid evaluation of loads acting on ship hull and residual structural strength in order to plan salvage operation. The aim of the paper is to develop design charts enabling quick assessment of vertical wave bending moments acting on damaged Aframax oil tanker in the Adriatic Sea. Transfer functions are calculated by 3D panel code using added mass method for the response analysis of damaged ship. Response spectrum of vertical wave bending moment is evaluated using Tabain’s wave spectrum, valid for the Adriatic Sea, for different sea states, heading angles and ship’s speed. Response variance is then presented in form of design charts. Discussion how to use design charts for ship in different damage situations is also provided. Although results are applicable for Aframax tanker only, the procedure for development of design charts may be readily employed for oil tankers of different sizes as well as for other ship types. RAOs due to the effects of damage. That study indicated that the change in global hull loading may be much smaller for tankers than for Ro-Ro ferries and cruise ships. Folsø et al. (2008) have performed seakeeping computations on a damaged ship by the 3D linear hydrodynamic method. The damage scenarios corresponded to water ingress into the forepeak and/ or the double hull ballast tanks of the ship sailing in full load. For the case of the flooded ballast tank in the midship area, they obtained RAOs of the VWBM larger than those evaluated for the intact condition. Interesting conclusion from the paper is that keeping a bow quartering encounter angle, with the higher freeboard on the weather side, minimizes VWBM. Lee et al. (2012) applied a computational tool based on a two dimensional linear method to predict the hydrodynamic loads of damaged warship. They obtained larger VWBM for damaged, compared to the intact ship. The global dynamic wave induced loads calculated using 2D linear method was also compared to measurements. In head and stern quartering waves, differences between computations and measurements of global dynamic wave induced load response amplitudes were reasonable. In general, however, linear strip theory overestimated measurements for both intact and damaged ship. Parunov et al. (2015) compared two simplified methods that may be used for modelling waveinduced motion and resulting structural loads of ship damaged in collision or grounding accident.
DiseasesLymphocytes in Thyroid Autoimmune T and CCR7 B and T + Circulating CXCR4 Lymphoneogenesis and a Reduction of Chemokines Determine Local

Chemokines and their corresponding receptors are crucial for the recruitment of lymphocytes into the lymphoid organs and for its organization acting in a multistep process. Tissues affected by autoimmune disease often contain ectopic lymphoid follicles which, in the case of autoimmune thyroid disorders, are highly active and speciﬁc for thyroid Ags although its pathogenic role remains unclear. To understand the genesis of these lymphoid follicles, the expression of relevant cytokines and chemokines was assessed by real time PCR, immunohistochemistry and by in vitro assays in autoimmune and nonautoimmune thyroid glands. Lymphotoxin (cid:2) , lymphotoxin (cid:3) , C-C chemokine ligand (CCL) 21, CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL) 12, CXCL13, and CCL22 were increased in thyroids from autoimmune patients, whereas CXCL12, CXCL13, and CCL22 levels were signiﬁcantly higher in autoimmune glands with ectopic secondary lymphoid follicles than in those without follicles. Interestingly, thyroid epithelium produced CXCL12 in response to proinﬂammatory cytokines providing a possible clue for the understanding of how tissue stress may lead to ectopic follicle formation. The ﬁnding of a correlation between chemokines and thyroid autoantibodies further suggests that intrathyroidal germinal centers play a signiﬁcant role in the autoimmune response. Unexpectedly, the percentage of circulating CXCR4 (cid:1) T cells and CCR7 (cid:1) B and T cells (but not of CXCR5) was signiﬁcantly
Assessment of student development and learning in IB PYP schools

The aim of this study is to examine how International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) schools define the purpose of educational assessment in their assessment policies and practices. Educational assessment in this study is broadly defined to include standardized tests, and formative and summative assessment. This investigation offers a deeper understanding of the assessment cultures of eight PYP schools and provides insights into the current assessment literacy of teachers. The researchers employed a multiple case-study approach, with two phases of data collection: an online survey of teachers and detailed teacher focus groups and coordinator interviews to follow-up on themes identified in the survey. Assessment in the PYP case-study schools was described as holistic and ongoing, and involved a wide range of assessment strategies. Assessment as learning, however, emerged as an approach still in development in the schools. Teachers enthusiastically supported the development of learner profile attributes, although assessing progress in any particular attribute was regarded as challenging. Finally, while teacher feedback and student self-assessment were common practices, teachers were more equivocal about peer assessment. The authors conclude the report with a number of recommendations for further improving PYP assessment practices.
The Effects of Zinc and Selenium Supplementation on Body Composition and Thyroid Function in Individuals with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review

Abstract People with obesity have been found to have lower zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) circulatory levels and abnormal thyroid function than people with normal weight. Studies about the effects of Zn and Se supplementation on body composition and thyroid function of overweight-obese people showed inconsistent results. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted to determine the effects of Ζn supplementation, Se supplementation, and their combination on body composition and thyroid function of individuals with overweight or obesity. Databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, were searched from inception to February 27, 2022, to identify relevant articles. For the assessment of the methodological quality of the studies, the Jadad scale was used. After screening the articles, thirteen studies were finally included and were analyzed using the strength of the evidence approach. Regarding the effectiveness of Zn supplementation on body composition, moderate evidence was found, while the effects of Se were found to be mixed. Zn supplementation was found to affect the thyroid function of people with overweight or obesity by increasing their free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels. However, this result is based only on one study among hypothyroid patients. At this point, the effectiveness of Zn, Se, and their combination, on the body composition and the thyroid function of people with overweight or obesity cannot safely be determined because of the controversial results, small number, and the limitations of the identified studies. The results of this systematic review must be interpreted with caution due to the limitations detected.
Live‐attenuated influenza vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization in children aged 2–6 years, the first three seasons of the childhood influenza vaccination program in England, 2013/14–2015/16

In 2013, the United Kingdom began to roll‐out a universal annual influenza vaccination program for children. An important component of any new vaccination program is measuring its effectiveness. Live‐attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs) have since shown mixed results with vaccine effectiveness (VE) varying across seasons and countries elsewhere. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in children against severe disease during the first three seasons of the LAIV program in England.
Incidence and Skeletal Features of Developmental Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Study Design Cross-sectional study. Purpose To report the prevalence and relationship of developmental cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis (DCSS and DLSS) with the bone parameters of the skull and extremities. Overview of Literature DCSS and DLSS are found occasionally in daily practice. DCSS and DLSS can cause compressive myelopathy, radiculopathy, and cauda equina syndrome; however, data on their prevalence and correlation with skull and skeletal extremity profiles is scarce. Methods A cross-sectional measurement study of 293 whole-body dried-bone samples was conducted. We measured the anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameter of the fourth to sixth cervical vertebrae (C4–C6) and third to fifth lumbar vertebrae (L3–L5). Stenosis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine was defined as an AP diameter of <12 mm and <13 mm, respectively. We also measured the skull circumference, the AP and transverse diameters of the foramen magnum, the inner and outer inter distances between the left and right orbital bones, the humerus length, and the femoral length. Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc analyses were used in the statistical analyses. Results The age was 22–93 years. DCSS was found in 59 (20.1%) and DLSS in 28 (9.6%). Twelve samples had both DCSS and DLSS (development spinal stenosis, DSS). When compared to the “no spinal stenosis sample,” DSS (−), DCSS and DSS had a significantly smaller skull circumference, the transverse diameter of the foramen magnum, and inner and outer distance between the orbital bone (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in humeral length, femoral length, or AP diameter of the foramen magnum. Conclusions DCSS was correlated with a small skull, a small transverse diameter of the foramen magnum, and a small orbital bone. A small skull was strongly associated with a small cervical canal. DLSS, on the other hand, was unrelated to either a small cervical canal or a small skull.
An Empirical Investigation of Six Sigma Practices in Indian Manufacturing Industry

iv pillars supporting the roof of six sigma. The foundation was made up of key element top management commitment and leadership. To validate the same the systematic approach for empirical investigation was used. A survey instrument was developed to do empirical study across five important sectors of Indian manufacturing industry viz. – automobile, electrical and electronics , machines and equipments, process industries and textile. Further, the data obtained from the survey is subjected to statistical analysis using statistical computing package SPSS® 18.0v. Various data analysis methods such as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, reliability and validity analysis, factor analysis and inter item analysis were used and the analysis indicated that the developed framework is valid in the Indian scenario. Apart from the ISM model and structural equation modeling were also used. Finally, the applicability of the proposed framework for six sigma was checked by providing empirical survey and ISM model also. Thus, it is believed that the proposed framework can help the managers to understand the various initiatives they have to take, to move towards implementation of six sigma and being the best or excellent organizational activities.
Identification of the return-to-work mode in unemployed workers with mental health issues: A focus group study among occupational health professionals.

BACKGROUND Return-to-work (RTW) perceptions and attitudes are predictive for future work participation in workers with mental health issues. OBJECTIVE To identify what RTW perceptions and attitudes occupational health professionals recognize in sick-listed unemployed workers with mental health issues and how these perceptions and attitudes can be systematically assessed. METHODS Four focus group sessions, each involving five-six different occupational health professionals, were held. The audio records were transcribed verbatim and coded by two researchers independently. A thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS Professionals recognized RTW perceptions and attitudes in sick-listed unemployed workers with mental health issues. These perceptions and attitudes were described as characteristics of three modes in a process regarding RTW: the passive, ambivalent and active RTW mode. A passive RTW mode includes perceptions about not being able to work and an expectant attitude. The ambivalent RTW mode is characterized by uncertainty and ambivalence regarding RTW with a desire for occupational support. Workers in an active RTW mode have positive RTW perceptions and show job search behavior. A main theme was the flexible nature of RTW attitudes and perceptions, with workers switching between the passive, ambivalent and active RTW modes. For the assessment of the RTW mode, the professionals preferred personal contact, possibly with support of a tool. This enables them to ask specific questions and to observe non-verbal signs. CONCLUSIONS Recurring assessments of the RTW mode can be helpful in identifying unemployed workers with mental health issues at risk of long-term sickness absence and for starting targeted RTW interventions.
Does age-related hearing loss deteriorate attentional resources?

ABSTRACT Recent work suggests that age-related hearing loss (HL) is a possible risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults. Resulting poor speech recognition negatively impacts cognitive, social and emotional functioning and may relate to dementia. However, little is known about the consequences of hearing loss on other non-linguistic domains of cognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of HL on covert orienting of attention, selective attention and executive control. We compared older adults with and without mild to moderate hearing loss (26–60 dB) performing (1) a spatial cueing task with uninformative central cues (social vs. nonsocial cues), (2) a flanker task and (3) a neuropsychological assessment of attention. The results showed that overall response times and flanker interference effects were comparable across groups. However, in spatial cueing of attention using social and nonsocial cues, hearing impaired individuals were characterized by reduced validity effects, though no additional group differences were found between social and nonsocial cues. Hearing impaired individuals also demonstrated diminished performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and on tasks requiring divided attention and flexibility. This work indicates that while response speed and response inhibition appear to be preserved following mild-to-moderate acquired hearing loss, orienting of attention, divided attention and the ability to flexibly allocate attentional resources are more deteriorated in older adults with HL. This work suggests that hearing loss might exacerbate the detrimental influences of aging on visual attention.
Gastric cancer screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background and aims Gastric cancer (GC) screening is recommended in high-risk populations, although screening methods and intervals vary. In intermediate-risk populations, screening through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) may be considered depending on local resources. The aim of this study was to compare GC screening methods regarding effect on mortality, diagnostic yield and adherence. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis including studies evaluating population-based GC screening. Search was conducted in three online databases (MEDLINE, Scopus and clinicaltrials.gov), along with manual search. Results Forty-four studies were included. Studies in upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS) demonstrated that GC screening was associated with significantly lower GC mortality rates (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.55 − 0.73). Benefits on mortality were also found in EGD and serum pepsinogen (PG) studies. EGD was associated with significantly higher GC (0.55%, 95% CI 0.39 − 0.75%) and early-GC (EGC) detection rates (0.48%, 95% CI 0.34 − 0.65%) when compared to UGIS (GC 0.19%, 95% CI 0.10 − 0.31%; EGC 0.08%, 95% CI 0.04 − 0.13%) and PG (GC 0.10%, 95% CI 0.05 − 0.16%; EGC 0.10%, 95% CI 0.04 − 0.19%). Non-invasive methods tended to higher adherence rates when compared to EGD. Regardless of the screening method, individualized recruitment performed better. Discussion Screening positively impacted GC mortality rates. EGD was associated with higher diagnostic yield, while UGIS and PG tended to higher adherence rates. Screening uptake was predominantly impacted by recruitment strategies independently of the adopted method.
H∞ Control for Stochastic Singular Systems With Time-Varying Delays via Sampled-Data Controller

In this article, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${H}_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> control for stochastic singular time-varying delay systems under arbitrarily variable samplings is addressed via designing a sampled-data controller. The first and foremost, a novel time-dependent discontinuous Lyapunov–Krasovskii (L–K) functional is built, which takes good advantage of the factual sampling pattern’s available properties. Then, based on the refined input delay method by utilizing the constructed time-dependent L–K functional, the free-weighting matrix method, and the auxiliary vector function approach are adopted to develop conditions ensuring the stochastic admissibility for the studied stochastic singular systems with time-varying delays. On the basis of the derived conditions, the sampled-data <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${H}_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> control issue is tackled, and an unambiguous expression for the sampled-data controller design method is obtained. Finally, simulation examples manifest that our proposed results are correct and effective.
Testing for Control System Interdependence with Structural Equation Modeling: A Research Note with the Levers of Control (LOC) Framework As Example

This research note deals with how to test for and evaluate interdependence among control elements that are jointly determined (a system) using structural equation modeling (SEM). Empirical research on the levers of control (LOC) frame work is used as example. In LOC-research a path model approach to interdependence has been developed. The appropriateness of this method is evaluated and in the article I instead develop SEM models that implement seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) and test them on a data set of 120 SBUs in Sweden. The empirical results suggest that modeling interdependence among control practices in a system as paths, instead of residual correlations, evidently underestimates the strength of interdependence.
Form and function in the avian pelvis

The avian pelvis plays a critical role in the hindlimb function of birds, connecting the hindlimb and axial skeleton and serving as the major attachment site for proximal hindlimb musculature. To assess how diversification of locomotor modes in birds has impacted the evolution of avian pelvic morphology, we conducted a two‐dimensional geometric morphometric analysis of bird pelves in dorsal and lateral views from 163 species (n = 261) across Aves. We investigated the relationships among pelvic shape and ecology, phylogeny, and allometry, and conducted disparity analyses to understand how pelvic morphospace has been explored through the diversification of Aves. We found that while phylogeny was correlated with shape, locomotor categories were significantly discriminated in morphospace in phylogenetically corrected analyses, as was pelvic size. Major shape trends across Aves distinguishing locomotor categories included the relative area of the preacetabular versus postacetabular ilium, how squat or narrow the pelvis is, and the extent of the caudal pelvic border. Birds adapted for hind limb‐propelled swimming had particularly distinctive pelves, with narrow, elongated ilia likely useful for holding the hindlimbs close to the body midline and reducing drag. However, ecology and allometry only account for a small proportion of morphological variation, and in general locomotor groups overlapped substantially in morphospace. These results, alongside disparity through time analyses showing widespread convergence in pelvic morphology throughout the Cenozoic, suggest that avian lineages and ecotypes have extensively explored pelvic morphospace, perhaps aided by a loosening of evolutionary constraints following the evolution of forelimb‐powered flight.
Molecular docking-based interactions in QSAR studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis ATP synthase inhibitors

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) is a global threat with a large burden across the continents in terms of mortality, morbidity, and financial losses. The disease has evolved into multi-drug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) tuberculosis owing to numerous factors ranging from patients’ non-compliance to demographical implications. There have been very few new drugs for resistant TB. Resistance has already been reported even for the newly introduced drug bedaquiline. An attempt has been made to integrate both structure-based and QSAR drug design techniques (QSAR-SBDD) for the identification of novel leads. The docking scores normally do not correlate with the activity. Hence, the docking results have been analysed in terms of the number of interactions rather than docking scores. The parameters derived from interactions have been used in developing the QSAR models. The best model shows a good correlation (r = 0.908) between the activity and interaction parameter ‘C’ describing the sum of all the interactions with each amino acid residue. This model also predicts external dataset with a good correlation (r ext = 0.851) and can be used for the identification of novel chemical entities (NCEs) and repurposed drugs for TB therapeutics.
α-2,6-sialic acid/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios correlate with human lupus disease activity and possible mechanisms: A pilot study

Objective To study the association of α2,6-sialic acid (SIA) content in serum IgG anti-dsDNA with human systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) and the effect of sialylated and desialylated (deSIA) IgG anti-dsDNA on lupus B cells. Methods Blood from lupus patients was collected to determine the ratio of SIA in isolated IgG anti-dsDNA over serum IgG anti-dsDNA (SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA) ratios, which were plotted against SLEDAI using a receiver-operating-characteristics curve. Lupus B cells were cultured in vitro with chimeric sialylated IgG anti-dsDNA and its deSIA form. Culture supernatants were assayed for anti-inflammatory IL-10 and SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios, which were compared among different pre-treatment groups using t-tests. Results The area-under-the-curve (AUC) for anti-dsDNA levels against SLEDAI was 0.791 positively (95% confidence interval [C.I.]: 0.699–0.884) and SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios against SLEDAI yielded an AUC of 0.705 inversely (95% C.I: 0.601–0.809): not significantly different. SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios discriminated significantly between patients without and patients with proteinuria (p = .046). SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios correlated significantly and positively with serum C3c and C4 levels. Pre-treatment with IgG anti-dsDNA and its immune complexes (dsDNA/IgG anti-dsDNA IC) induced higher IL-10 from lupus B cells than medium pre-treatment (most p < .01 from day 2 to day 5 culture). DeSIA IgG anti-dsDNA IC induced lower IL-10 (p < .05) and lower SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios (p < .001) from lupus B cells than medium and dsDNA pre-treatment. Conclusion α2,6-SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios inversely forecasted SLEDAI scores. Possible mechanisms may be due to the different effects of sialylated and deSIA IgG anti-dsDNA on lupus B cells in terms of IL-10 secretion and SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios.