Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality Function Deployment Implementation in Construction: A Systematic Literature Review

The construction of new buildings represents a significant investment. The goal of new building construction is to maximize value and minimize cost while staying on time and within budget. Translating customer requirements into engineering terms for new construction design is vital for a construction project to be successful. Quality function deployment has been successfully used in product development to capture the voice of the customer and translate it into engineering characteristics. Quality function deployment then carries these parameters into production and service to ensure the voice of the customer is being met with the final product. The house of quality, a tool within quality function deployment, can provide a means for comparison of owner’s project requirements and the proposed design, along with identifying how the design decisions impact meeting customer requirements and green building requirements. Quality function deployment can effectively link the project phases through design and construction and into operations and maintenance to ensure the owner’s project requirements are met with the final building. This research identifies and categorizes studies of quality function deployment applications in construction. The research method used is a systematic literature review from databases related to quality function deployment in the construction industry published in the periodicals through 2016. The principal findings of implementations, practices, and integrated approaches are then summarized. This article intends to propel further research of quality function deployment in the construction sector.
Long-Term Functional Outcomes of an Anorectal Malformation French National Cohort

ABSTRACT Objectives: The present study aimed to assess long-term functional outcomes of children with anorectal malformations (ARMs) across a network of expert centers in France. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study of patients ages 6–30 years that had been surgically treated for ARM. Patient and ARM characteristics (eg, level, surgical approach) and functional outcomes were assessed in the different age groups. Results: Among 367 patients, there were 155 females (42.2%) and 212 males (57.8%), 188 (51.2%) cases with, and 179 (48.8%) higher forms without, perineal fistula. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses with logistic regression showed correlation between the level of the rectal blind pouch and voluntary bowel movements (odds ratio [OR] = 1.84 [1.31–2.57], P < 0.001), or soiling (OR = 1.72 [1.31–2.25], P < 0.001), which was also associated with the inability to discriminate between stool and gas (OR = 2.45 [1.28–4.67], P = 0.007) and the presence of constipation (OR = 2.97 [1.74–5.08], P < 0.001). Risk factors for constipation were sacral abnormalities [OR = 2.26 [1.23–4.25], P = 0.01) and surgical procedures without an abdominal approach (OR = 2.98 [1.29–6.87], P = 0.01). Only the holding of voluntary bowel movements and soiling rates improved with age. Conclusion: This cross-sectional study confirms a strong association between anatomical status and functional outcomes in patients surgically treated for ARM. It specifically highlights the need for long-term follow-up of all patients to help them with supportive care.
Effectiveness of Forward Walking Versus Retro Walking on Balance, Gait Speed and Lower Body Functional Strength among the Elderly Population - A Comparative Study

Background: Aging is a fundamental process that affects all of our systems and tissues. Muscle strength, balance and gait speed are decreased due to aging. Walking on regular basis improves the quality of life in older adults and breaks down the cycle of disablement by interrupting the progression of disability. Aim: To find out and compare the Effectiveness of Forward walking versus Retro walking on Balance, Gait Speed and Lower Body Functional Strength among the Elderly Population. Methodology: 48 subjects were selected and randomly divided into two groups. All participants of both groups performed Warm-up and cool-down exercises for 5 minutes. Group A performed Forward walking and Group B performed Retro walking for 20 minutes. Both interventions were given for 30 minutes, 3 days/week for 4 weeks. Balance, Gait speed and Lower body functional strength were assessed by Performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA) and Multi-directional Reach Test (MDRT), 10-Meter Walk Test and 30 sec Sit to Stand Test respectively. All outcome measures were assessed before and after intervention. Result and Conclusion: Within Group analysis showed statistically significant difference in POMA, MDRT, 10-meter walk test and 30-Sec Sit to Stand test in both Groups except POMA scale in Group A. Between Groups analysis showed statistically significant improvement in POMA T(Total), MDRT, 10-Meter walk test and 30 Sec Sit to Stand Test in Group B. Hence, both groups were effective in improving Balance, Gait Speed and Lower Body Functional Strength among the Elderly Population. Even Retro-walking was found superior to Forward walking. Key words: Retro walking, Performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA), Multi-directional reach test (MDRT), 10-Meter Walk Test, 30 sec Sit to Stand Test, elderly.
Axial Stress Measurement of Steel Tubes Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves

Axially loaded steel tubes are widely used as primary structural members in civil engineering structures. In this paper, a stress measurement method for axially loaded steel tubes is developed based on the linear relationship between the group velocity of guided waves in the steel tube and the stress of the steel tube. The propagation modes of guided waves in a typical steel tube are analyzed using semi-analytical finite element method. A torsional mode T(0,1) is adopted to conduct the measurement. Experiments are carried out to calibrate the linear relationship between the group velocity of guided waves in a steel tube and the stress of the steel tube. The calibrated linear relationship is verified by another round of experiments on the same steel tube specimen. There is an average error of 8.2% between the stresses predicted by the calibrated linear equation and those obtained from strain gauges. Via this study, the guided wave-based stress measurement method has been successfully extended to axially loaded steel tubes.
Vietnamese Primary School Teachers’ Needs for Professional Development in Response to Curriculum Reform

This qualitative study explored the needs for teacher professional development (PD) of Vietnamese primary school teachers. The participants of the study were ten teachers at ten different primary schools in a large city in Vietnam. The data included in-depth individual interviews with the participating teachers. Qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts revealed several interesting insights into the teachers’ perspectives on PD, their regular PD activities, and their needs for PD. All the teachers considered PD essential for their demanding teaching job. They reported having attended various PD programs and activities provided by their schools, and the department of education and training at the province and district levels. They also participated in several teacher professional learning communities available on the Internet. However, the teachers expressed a need for more PD programs and activities, especially in the context of curriculum reforms. Notably, they preferred to attend PD courses which were more practical and relevant to their work. In addition, they highly appreciated the hands-on activities and opportunities to interact with teacher trainers and educators. These findings were interpreted and discussed in relation to the sociocultural contexts of Vietnamese primary education. The study also discussed implications for PD course designers and teacher educators in Vietnamese primary school contexts and beyond.
Development and Characterization of Anti-Naja ashei Three-Finger Toxins (3FTxs)-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies and Evaluation of Their In Vitro Inhibition Activity

Antivenom immunotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for snakebite envenoming. Most parts of the world affected by snakebite envenoming depend on broad-spectrum polyspecific antivenoms that are known to contain a low content of case-specific efficacious immunoglobulins. Thus, advances in toxin-specific antibodies production hold much promise in future therapeutic strategies of snakebite envenoming. We report anti-3FTxs monoclonal antibodies developed against N. ashei venom in mice. All the three test mAbs (P4G6a, P6D9a, and P6D9b) were found to be IgG antibodies, isotyped as IgG1. SDS-PAGE analysis of the test mAbs showed two major bands at approximately 55 and 29 kDa, suggestive of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain composition, respectively. The immunoaffinity-purified test mAbs demonstrated higher binding efficacy to the target antigen compared to negative control. Similarly, a cocktail of the test mAbs was found to induce a significantly higher inhibition (p-value < 0.0001) compared to two leading commercial brands of antivenoms on the Kenyan market, implying a higher specificity for the target antigen. Both the test mAbs and 3FTxs polyclonal antibodies induced comparable inhibition (p-value = 0.9029). The inhibition induced by the 3FTxs polyclonal antibodies was significantly different from the two antivenoms (p-value < 0.0001). Our results demonstrate the prospects of developing toxin-specific monoclonal-based antivenoms for snakebite immunotherapy.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Venture Creation in Nigerian Context: Assessing Mediating and Moderating Roles of Self-Efficacy and Entrepreneurial Support among Graduates

Over-reliance on hired jobs in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy has discouraged most graduates from becoming entrepreneurs. This leads to unemployment, poverty and low economic growth that breed insecurity. Drawing from the formative perspective, this study analyzed the mediating role of self-efficacy (SELF) and the moderating effect of entrepreneurial support (ENTSP) in relation to individual-level entrepreneurial orientation (ILEO; innovativeness, risk taking and proactiveness) and venture creation (VC) among Nigerian graduates. A reflective/formative type II method was applied to test the model’s relationships using 291 survey responses. The result of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) reveals that the indirect relationship between ILEO and VC through SELF was positive and significant but negatively moderated by ENTSP, implying that not all instances of ILEO will result in VC through SELF because ILEO can directly lead to VC. The finding also indicates ENTSP did not have an impact on strengthening the relationship between SELF and VC. A limitation lies in the chosen method that weakens the generalizability of the result, but future studies considering a longitudinal survey are suggested. This study extends the entrepreneurial orientation model to enhance the venture creation literature theoretically and practically. We recommend intervention agencies to initiate effective ENTSP covering financial, non-financial and incubation services required to boost VC activities.
Evaluating the use of web-based games on students' vocabulary retention

Today, the use of technology has made education more enjoyable. Vocabulary retention becomes a challenging task for both teachers and learners. They may learn the vocabulary but may not retain it. Yet, the use of web-based games may assist them in maintaining words known for short and long-term retention. The current study was conducted to identify students' abilities in retaining words learned after they were assigned to play a web-based vocabulary learning game, namely OnVac. Both short and long-term retention were measured after they were required to play the game as a treatment. Also, the study investigated students' perceptions about the system operation of OnVac. The use of quantitative research design, particularly quasi-experimental research and survey showed gains in vocabulary retention among students for short and long-term retention. The study also found that OnVac can support vocabulary learning among students in their learning of the specialized vocabulary. In terms of the system operation, the participants reported that the tool could assist them in learning engineering and technology words as it was convenient to use. The study provided implications to the teaching pedagogy in that teachers need to be wise and analytical in developing the online game to assist learners in learning English specialized vocabulary.
Surviving the Storm: Cytokine Biosignature in SARS-CoV-2 Severity Prediction

Simple Summary The world has been stricken mentally, physically, and economically by the COVID-19 virus. However, while SARS-CoV-2 viral infection results in mild flu-like symptoms in most patients, a number of those infected develop severe illness. These patients require hospitalization and intensive care. The severe disease can spiral downwards with eventual severe damage to the lungs and failure of multiple organs, leading to the individual’s demise. It is necessary to identify those who are developing a severe form of illness to provide early management. Therefore, it is crucial to learn about the mechanisms and chemical mediators that lead to critical conditions in SARS-CoV-2 infection. This paper reviews studies regarding the individual chemical mediators, pathways, and means that contribute to worsening health conditions in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Abstract A significant part of the world population has been affected by the devastating SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has deleterious effects on mental and physical health and global economic conditions. Evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in immunopathology such as neutrophilia, lymphopenia, decreased response of type I interferon, monocyte, and macrophage dysregulation. Even though most individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus suffer mild symptoms similar to flu, severe illness develops in some cases, including dysfunction of multiple organs. Excessive production of different inflammatory cytokines leads to a cytokine storm in COVID-19 infection. The large quantities of inflammatory cytokines trigger several inflammation pathways through tissue cell and immune cell receptors. Such mechanisms eventually lead to complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, intravascular coagulation, capillary leak syndrome, failure of multiple organs, and, in severe cases, death. Thus, to devise an effective management plan for SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is necessary to comprehend the start and pathways of signaling for the SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced cytokine storm. This article discusses the current findings of SARS-CoV-2 related to immunopathology, the different paths of signaling and other cytokines that result in a cytokine storm, and biomarkers that can act as early signs of warning for severe illness. A detailed understanding of the cytokine storm may aid in the development of effective means for controlling the disease’s immunopathology. In addition, noting the biomarkers and pathophysiology of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection as early warning signs can help prevent severe complications.
Numerical Benchmark Studies on Flow and Solute Transport in Geological Reservoirs

Predicting and characterising groundwater flow and solute transport in engineering and hydrogeological applications, such as dimensioning tracer experiments, rely primarily on numerical modelling techniques. During software selection for numerical modelling, the accuracy of the results, financial costs of the simulation software, and computational resources should be considered. This study evaluates numerical modelling approaches and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of several simulators in terms of predictability, temporal control, and computational efficiency conducted in a single user and single computational resource set-up. A set of well-established flow and transport modelling simulators, such as MODFLOW/MT3DMS, FEFLOW, COMSOL Multiphysics, and DuMuX were tested and compared. These numerical simulators are based on three numerical discretisation schemes, i.e., finite difference (FD), finite element (FE), and finite volume (FV). The influence of dispersivity, potentially an artefact of numerical modelling (numerical dispersion), was investigated in parametric studies, and results are compared with analytical solutions. At the same time, relative errors were assessed for a complex field scale example. This comparative study reveals that the FE-based simulators COMSOL and FEFLOW show higher accuracy for a specific range of dispersivities under forced gradient conditions than DuMuX and MODFLOW/MT3DMS. FEFLOW performs better than COMSOL in regard to computational time both in single-core and multi-core computing. Overall computational time is lowest for the FD-based simulator MODFLOW/MT3DMS while the number of mesh elements is low (here < 12,800 elements). However, for finer discretisation, FE software FEFLOW performs faster.
Thrombin Induces COX-2 and PGE2 Expression via PAR1/PKCalpha/MAPK-Dependent NF-kappaB Activation in Human Tracheal Smooth Muscle Cells

The inflammation of the airway and lung could be triggered by upregulation cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induced by various proinflammatory factors. COX-2 induction by thrombin has been shown to play a vital role in various inflammatory diseases. However, in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs), how thrombin enhanced the levels of COX-2/PGE2 is not completely characterized. Thus, in this study, the levels of COX-2 expression and PGE2 synthesis induced by thrombin were determined by Western blot, promoter-reporter assay, real-time PCR, and ELISA kit. The various signaling components involved in the thrombin-mediated responses were differentiated by transfection with siRNAs and selective pharmacological inhibitors. The role of NF-κB was assessed by a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, immunofluorescent staining, as well as Western blot. Our results verified that thrombin markedly triggered PGE2 secretion via COX-2 upregulation which were diminished by the inhibitor of thrombin (PPACK), PAR1 (SCH79797), Gi/o protein (GPA2), Gq protein (GPA2A), PKCα (Gö6976), p38 MAPK (SB202190), JNK1/2 (SP600125), MEK1/2 (U0126), or NF-κB (helenalin) and transfection with siRNA of PAR1, Gqα, Giα, PKCα, JNK2, p38, p42, or p65. Moreover, thrombin induced PAR1-dependent PKCα phosphorylation in HTSMCs. We also observed that thrombin induced p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and p42/p44 MAPK activation through a PAR1/PKCα pathway. Thrombin promoted phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, leading to nuclear translocation and binding to the COX-2 promoter element to enhance promoter activity, which was reduced by Gö6976, SP600125, SB202190, or U0126. These findings supported that COX-2/PGE2 expression triggered by thrombin was engaged in PAR1/Gq or Gi/o/PKCα/MAPK-dependent NF-κB activation in HTSMCs.
Recoverable Energy of Dissipative Electromagnetic Systems

Ambiguities in the definition of stored energy within distributed or radiating electromagnetic systems motivate the discussion of the well-defined concept of recoverable energy. This concept is commonly overlooked by the community and the purpose of this communication is to recall its existence and to discuss its relationship to fractional bandwidth. Using a rational function approximation of a system's input impedance, the recoverable energy of lumped and radiating systems is calculated in closed form and is related to stored energy and fractional bandwidth. Lumped circuits are also used to demonstrate the relationship between recoverable energy and the energy stored within equivalent circuits produced by the minimum phase-shift Darlington's synthesis procedure.
Adding Dynamic Norm to Environmental Information in Messages Promoting the Reduction of Meat Consumption

ABSTRACT Research has shown that dynamic norm information can promote pro-environmental actions (i.e. information indicating that a growing number of people are behaving pro-environmentally). Yet, the question remains whether adding dynamic norm information would increase the effectiveness of information on the environmental consequences of behavior. We compared the effects of environmental information with versus without dynamic norm information on encouraging reductions in meat consumption, and whether effects would depend on receivers’ intrinsic motivation. We also explored whether message effectiveness would vary according to receivers’ intrinsic motivation to reduce meat consumption. In total 197 volunteers participated in a one-month messaging intervention through a chatbot. Results showed that both environmental and environmental + dynamic norm messages increased positive attitude towards reducing meat consumption, and decreased meat consumption. These effects were still present at follow-up (i.e. one month after the intervention stopped). Interestingly, both messages particularly persuaded receivers with a relatively weak intrinsic motivation to reduce meat consumption, while environmental only messages were even counterproductive in receivers with a relatively strong intrinsic motivation. These results advance our comprehension of the effects of messages aimed at reducing meat consumption.
PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, DAN KEPEMILIKAN MANAJERIAL TERHADAP KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN

This study aims to analyze profitability, firm size, and managerial ownership of dividend policy. This research uses quantitative research. The data analysis technique used is the classical assumption test which includes normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, and autocorrelation test. For the F test hypothesis see, t test, and the coefficient of determination (R2). The results showed that the variables of profitability, firm size and dividend policy simultaneously had a significant effect on dividend policy. Profitability variable partially has no significant effect on dividend policy, firm size variable has no significant effect on dividend policy while managerial ownership has a significant positive effect on dividend policy.
Biodegradation of Methylene Blue Using a Novel Lignin Peroxidase Enzyme Producing Bacteria, Named Bacillus sp. React3, as a Promising Candidate for Dye-Contaminated Wastewater Treatment

The emission of methylene blue (MB) from common industries causes risks to human health by making clean drinking water unavailable and hampering environmental safety. A biological approach offering a more cost-efficient and sustainable alternative solution has been studied and demonstrated to be significantly effective for the removal of MB using promising microbial isolates. Therefore, this study targeted bacterial candidates, namely Bacillus sp. React3, isolated from soil with the potential to decolorize MB. The phenogenic identification of strain React3 was performed by 16S rRNA sequencing, showing a similarity of 98.86% to Bacillus velezensis CR-502T. The ability of this bacterial strain to decolorize MB was proven through both the lignin peroxidase efficiency and accumulation in the biomass of the living cells. MB removal was determined by the reduction in the maximum absorption at a wavelength of 665 nm, which was observed to be up to 99.5% after 48 h of incubation. The optimal conditions for the MB degradation of strain React3 were pH 7, 35 °C, static, 4% inoculum, and 1000 mg/L of MB, with tryptone as a carbon source and yeast extract as a nitrogen source.