Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and Testing of a Metabolic Workload Measurement System for Space Suits

Title of Document: DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF A METABOLIC WORKLOAD MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR SPACE SUITS Agnieszka Anna Kościelniak, M.S., 2007 Directed By: Associate Professor David Akin Department of Aerospace Engineering Real time knowledge of the metabolic workload of an astronaut during an ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) can be instrumental for space suit research, design, and operation. Three indirect calorimetry approaches were developed to determine the metabolic workload of a subject in an open-loop space suit analogue. A study was conducted to compare the data obtained from three sensors: oxygen, carbon dioxide, and heart rate. Subjects performed treadmill exercise in an enclosed helmet assembly, which simulated the contained environment of a space suit while retaining arm and leg mobility. These results were validated against a standard system used by exercise physiologists. The carbon dioxide sensor method was shown to be the most reliable and a calibrated version of it is recommended for implementation into the MX-2 neutral buoyancy space
What are the factors of tax evasion? New findings in the EVS Study

Abstract This paper is analyzing tax morale in three selected European countries through the evaluation of the results of the European Values Study. The main aim is to identify the factors that influence taxpayers’ decisions on the issue of whether they justify cheating on tax or not. The dependence and effect of selected factors were determined by analyzing data from the latest European Values Study (2019). The analysis revealed that not only demographic factors (gender, age), but also other socio-economic and institutional factors (religion, willingness to defend the home country, being a proud citizen, trust in government and respect for authorities) have a significant impact on taxpayers’ justification of cheating on taxes. This research is specifically focused on the Czech Republic, Poland and Spain.
Strategic thinkers and their characteristics: toward a multimethod typology development

Abstract Objective We aimed to explore the strategic thinking concept by searching for differences within the population of strategic thinkers to contribute to the development of the “strategic thinking” concept. Methods applied To answer the research questions and achieve the research aim, we implemented the following research methods: a systematic literature review and biographical studies. Findings (1) As the first stage in researching strategic thinking, the qualitative approach is recommended. (2) The main features of strategic thinkers are a strategic perspective and a reflective style of thinking. (3) Two groups of differentiating features have been identified: features concerning the content of strategic thinking; and features concerning the process of strategic thinking. Originality/value Most academic research on strategic thinkers concentrates on the common characteristics and similarities, while little attention has been paid to features that internally differentiate the population of strategic thinkers. Our main contribution to the literature is filling this knowledge gap.
GEOLOGIC CO 2 SEQUESTRATION IN ABANDONED OIL AND GAS FIELDS AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT

Abstract Sequestration in abandoned petroleum fields has the potential to reduce atmospheric emissions of CO 2 if it is adopted on a large scale. However, sequestration sites may pose risks to people who live in their vicinity. CO 2 release from the sequestration formation through abandoned wells to the vadose zone and then from the vadose zone into people’s houses could cause exposure to high levels of CO 2 . CO 2 is different from many other chemicals that may be released into the environment because its effects are acute instead of chronic. Existing literature on the health effects of CO 2 in humans was surveyed to establish risk-based screening levels that could be used near a sequestration site. Two potential screening levels were identified: (1) one person in a million becomes dizzy from inhalation of CO 2 in the basement of a house (3.7780% CO 2 ), and (2) one person in a million loses consciousness from exposure to CO 2 (6.6744% CO 2 ). A hypothetical risk assessment was conducted using a semianalytical wellfield model developed at Princeton University coupled with analytical models of diffusion through the vadose zone and foundation walls. The assessment assumed that a wellfield in Alberta, Canada, was transformed into a sequestration site with an injection rate of 43,200 t-CO
FFA-UNet: A Feature Fusion Network Based On Attention Mechanism For Cloud Detection

In remote sensing image analysis, cloud detection is a crucial step. Due to the incapability of traditional methods, it frequently results in misclassification on highly reflective surfaces. Fortunately, deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) based approaches for semantic segmentation have made considerable progress. Inspired by the outstanding performance of CNN, we propose a U-shaped model FFA-UNet which combines channel attention mechanism and feature fusion module for cloud detection. More precisely, the attention mechanism directs the model focus on the critical information contained in the input image. In the compared experiment, we show that our model outperforms state-of-the-art approaches and achieves the highest accuracy on the test dataset. In the meantime, we also conduct the ablation experiment to verify the effectiveness of the channel attention and feature fusion model. The source code for this paper can be downloaded from this public website https://github.com//zjhellofss/cloud_detecion.
An Impedance Matched Phase Shifter Using Thin Film

We present a distributed phase shifter with an equal ripple return loss at its operation frequency range. The phase shifter is based on a periodic structure and consists of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) line periodically loaded with voltage-variable barium strontium titanate (BST) interdigitated capacitors. Mea- surements show that its return loss is better than 15 dB at frequencies from direct current to 16 GHz, and at 9.4 GHz, its phase shift is 41 under 120-V applied bias voltage. Index Terms— (BST), distributed circuits, phase shifter.
Unsupervised Keyword Combination Query Generation from Online Health Related Content for Evidence-Based Fact Checking

False information in the domain of online health related articles is of great concern, which can be witnessed in the current pandemic situation of Covid-19. It is markedly different from fake news in the political context as health information should be evaluated against the most recent and reliable medical resources such as scholarly repositories. However, one of the challenges with such an approach is the retrieval of the pertinent resources. In this work, we formulate a new unsupervised task of generating queries using keywords extracted from a health-related article which can be further applied to retrieve relevant authoritative and reliable medical content from scholarly repositories to assess the article’s veracity. We propose a three-step approach for it and illustrate that our method is able to generate effective queries. We also curate a new dataset to aid the evaluation for this task which will be made available upon request.
OLDER DRIVER INVOLVEMENT IN INJURY CRASHES IN TEXAS 1975 - 1999

In this study, 25 years of police-level crash data from nearly 4 million injury crashes in the state of Texas were analyzed to determine the association between driver age and four factors: fragility-the likelihood of death among drivers involved in injury crashes; illness-the likelihood that drivers were ill or suffering from some other physical defect at the time of their crashes; perceptual lapses- the likelihood that drivers involved in crashes failed to yield the right of way or disregarded traffic signs or signals; and left turns-the likelihood that left turns were involved in injury crashes. The purpose of the study was to further understand these four factors and other variables and to portray in graphical format their association with crashes involving older drivers. The control variables used in the analyses included whether drivers were involved in single-vehicle or multiple-vehicle crashes; whether the crash occurred in an urban or a rural setting; the driver's sex; the light conditions at the time of the crash (daylight or darkness); and whether or not the crash was related to an intersection. Additional analyses examined two-vehicle, intersection-related crashes in which the vehicles approached one another from opposite directions or approached one another at an angle.
Methods for estimating and modelling spruce budworm development rates at constant temperatures

Abstract We describe an experimental protocol for measuring the response of spruce budworm postdiapause larval development to temperature. This protocol is specifically designed to include measurements of development near their upper and lower thermal thresholds. The application of this protocol to a laboratory colony allowed for the first experimental evidence that spruce budworm larval development occurs at temperatures as low as 5 °C and as high as 35 °C, and it provides data to fit stage-specific development models. Our protocol is also designed to minimise mortality near the thermal development thresholds, thus allowing for multigenerational studies. We observed developmental plasticity in larvae reared at constant temperatures, particularly the occurrence of up to 42% of some individuals requiring only five instars to complete development compared to the expected six instars. The occurrence exhibited no clear relation to temperature. Although this protocol is specifically designed for spruce budworm, it provides a template for the study of other species’ developmental responses to temperature.
Metabolic Footprint Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry to Discriminate Mandarin Fish (Siniperca chuatsi) at Different Fermentation Stages

Chinese fermented mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) have unique aroma characteristics that are appreciated by local consumers. In this study, electronic nose (E-nose) and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry analyses were combined to establish a volatile fingerprint of fermented mandarin fish during fermentation. Clear separation of the data allowed mandarin fish samples at different fermentation stages to be distinguishing using E-nose analysis. Forty-three volatile organic compounds were identified during fermentation. Additionally, partial least squares discrimination analysis was performed to screen for different VOC metabolites in the fermented mandarin fish; the levels of six VOCs changed significantly during fermentation (variable importance in projection >1; p < 0.05). Three VOCs, i.e., hexanal-D, nonanal, and limonene were identified as potential biomarkers for fermentation. This study provided a theoretical basis for flavor real-time monitoring and quality control of traditional mandarin fish fermentation.
Transcriptome Profiling of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Parr With Higher and Lower Pathogen Loads Following Piscirickettsia salmonis Infection

Salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS), caused by Piscirickettsia salmonis, is one of the most devastating diseases of salmonids. However, the transcriptomic responses of Atlantic salmon (Salmon salar) in freshwater to an EM-90-like isolate have not been explored. Here, we infected Atlantic salmon parr with an EM-90-like isolate and conducted time-course qPCR analyses of pathogen load and four biomarkers (campb, hampa, il8a, tlr5a) of innate immunity on the head kidney samples. Transcript expression of three of these genes (except hampa), as well as pathogen level, peaked at 21 days post-injection (DPI). Multivariate analyses of infected individuals at 21 DPI revealed two infection phenotypes [lower (L-SRS) and higher (H-SRS) infection level]. Five fish from each group (Control, L-SRS, and H-SRS) were selected for transcriptome profiling using a 44K salmonid microarray platform. We identified 1,636 and 3,076 differentially expressed probes (DEPs) in the L-SRS and H-SRS groups compared with the control group, respectively (FDR = 1%). Gene ontology term enrichment analyses of SRS-responsive genes revealed the activation of a large number of innate (e.g. “phagocytosis”, “defense response to bacterium”, “inflammatory response”) and adaptive (e.g. “regulation of T cell activation”, “antigen processing and presentation of exogenous antigen”) immune processes, while a small number of general physiological processes (e.g. “apoptotic process”, development and metabolism relevant) was enriched. Transcriptome results were confirmed by qPCR analyses of 42 microarray-identified transcripts. Furthermore, the comparison of individuals with differing levels of infection (H-SRS vs. L-SRS) generated insights into the biological processes possibly involved in disease resistance or susceptibility. This study demonstrated a low mortality (~30%) EM-90-like infection model and broadened the current understanding of molecular pathways underlying P. salmonis-triggered responses of Atlantic salmon, identifying biomarkers that may assist to diagnose and combat this pathogen.
The Relationship Between CEO Duality and Business Firms’ Performance: The Moderating Role of Firm Size and Corporate Social Responsibility

This study focuses on exploring the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) duality and firm performance. We focus on how the size and corporate social responsibility (CSR) of firms moderate this relationship. In terms of size, business organizations are of two types: small and large firms. This study uses datasets of listed Chinese business firms included in the China Stock Market and Accounting Research database. It employs a generalized method of moment’s technique to explore the connection between CEO duality and the performance of Chinese business firms through double mediation effects. Our empirical analysis showed that CEO duality has a significant negative relationship with firm performance. We also explored the moderating effects of firm size (small and large) and CSR practices on the relationship between CEO duality and improved performance of Chinese firms. Large firms and CSR practices showed significant and positive moderating effects on the relationship between CEO duality and firm performance. Conversely, with CEO duality, small firms showed a negative moderating influence on firm performance. This inclusive model provides valuable insights into how the dual role of the CEO of a firm affected the performance of Chinese firms through the moderating role of CSR practices and firm size for better business performance. The study offers empirical and theoretical contributions to the corporate governance literature. This research framework might help researchers in designing robust strategies to evaluate the effects on firm performance. Researchers may gain helpful insights using this methodology.
Tumor-associated macrophages induced spheroid formation by CCL18-ZEB1-M-CSF feedback loop to promote transcoelomic metastasis of ovarian cancer

Background Ovarian cancer (OvCa)-tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) spheroids are abundantly present within ascites of high malignant patients. This study investigated the mutual interaction of OvCa cells and TAMs in the spheroids. Methods Three-dimensional coculture system and transwell coculture system were created to mimic the OvCa and TAMs in spheroids and in disassociated state. Transwell-migration assay and scratch wound healing assay were used to measure the invasive and migratory capacity. Western blot, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and immunostaining were used to measure the mesenchymal and epithelial markers. Flow cytometry was used to assess the polarization of TAMs. Also, the differential gene expression profile of OvCa cells and OvCa cells from spheroids were tested by RNA-sequence. Finally, the ovarian mice models were constructed by intraperitoneal injection of ID8 or OvCa-TAMs spheroids. Results Our results indicated that the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids was positive related to the malignancy of OvCa cells. M2-TAMs induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of OvCa cells by releasing chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18) in the spheroids. While, CCL18 induced macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) transcription in OvCa cells through zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). This study further indicated that M-CSF secreted by OvCa cells drived the polarization of M2-TAMs. Therefore, a CCL18-ZEB1-M-CSF interacting loop between OvCa cells and TAMs in the spheroids was identified. Moreover, with blocking the expression of ZEB1 in the OvCa cell, the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids was impeded. In the ovarian mice models, the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids in the ascites was promoted by overexpressing of ZEB1 in OvCa cells, which resulted in faster and earlier transcoelomic metastasis. Conclusion These findings suggested that the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids resulted in aggressive phenotype of OvCa cells, as a specific feedback loop CCL18-ZEB1-M-CSF in it. Inhibition of ZEB1 reduced OvCa-TAMs spheroids in the ascites, impeding the transcoelomic metastasis and improving the outcome of ovarian patients.
Genomic evidence of speciation by fusion linked to trophic niche expansion in a recent radiation of grasshoppers

Post-divergence gene flow can trigger a number of creative evolutionary outcomes, ranging from the transfer of beneficial alleles across species boundaries (i.e., adaptive introgression) to the formation of new species (i.e., hybrid speciation). While neutral and adaptive introgression has been broadly documented in nature, hybrid speciation is assumed to be rare and the evolutionary and ecological context facilitating this phenomenon still remains controversial. Through combining genomic and phenotypic data, we evaluate the hypothesis that the dual feeding regime (scrub legumes and gramineous herbs) of the taxonomically controversial grasshopper Chorthippus saulcyi algoaldensis resulted from hybridization between two sister taxa that exhibit contrasting host-plant specializations: C. binotatus (scrub legumes) and C. saulcyi (gramineous herbs). Genetic clustering analyses and inferences from coalescent-based demographic simulations confirmed that C. s. algoaldensis represents a uniquely evolving lineage and supported the ancient hybrid origin of this taxon (ca. 1.4 Ma), which provides a mechanistic explanation for its broader trophic niche and sheds light on its uncertain phylogenetic position. We propose a Pleistocene hybrid speciation model where range shifts resulting from climatic oscillations can promote the formation of hybrid swarms and facilitate its long-term persistence through geographic isolation from parental forms in topographically complex landscapes.
Denitrification in foraminifera has an ancient origin and is complemented by associated bacteria

Benthic foraminifera are unicellular eukaryotes that inhabit sediments of aquatic environments. Several foraminifera of the order Rotaliida are known to store and use nitrate for denitrification, a unique energy metabolism among eukaryotes. The rotaliid Globobulimina spp. has been shown to encode an incomplete denitrification pathway of bacterial origin. However, the prevalence of denitrification genes in foraminifera remains unknown and the missing denitrification pathway components are elusive. Analysing transcriptomes and metagenomes of ten foraminiferal species from the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone, we show that denitrification genes are highly conserved in foraminifera. We infer of the last common ancestor of denitrifying foraminifera, which enables us to predict the ability to denitrify for additional foraminiferal species. Additionally, an examination of the foraminiferal microbiota reveals evidence for a stable interaction with Desulfobacteracea, which harbour genes that complement the foraminiferal denitrification pathway. Our results provide evidence that foraminiferal denitrification is complemented by the foraminifera-associated microbiome. The interaction of foraminifera with their resident bacteria is at the basis of foraminiferal adaptation to anaerobic environments that manifested in ecological success within oxygen depleted habitats. Significance Statement A substantial component of the global nitrogen cycle is the production of biologically inaccessible dinitrogen attributed to anaerobic denitrification by prokaryotes. Recent evidence identified a eukaryote – foraminifera – as new key players in this ‘loss’ of bioavailable nitrogen. The evolution of denitrification in eukaryotes constitutes a rare event and the genetic mechanisms of the denitrification pathway in foraminifera are just starting to be elucidated. We present large-scale sequencing analyses of ten denitrifying foraminiferal species, which reveals the high conservation of the foraminiferal denitrification pathway. We further find evidence for a complementation of denitrification by the foraminiferal microbiome. Together, these findings provide novel insights on the early evolution of a previously overlooked component in the marine nitrogen cycle.
The development of [18F]ACI‐12589, a high affinity and selective alpha‐synuclein radiotracer, as a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other alpha‐synucleinopathies are characterized by the progressive accumulation of alpha‐synuclein (a‐syn) inclusions in the brain, which start in the pre‐motor stage of the disease and correlates with its severity. An imaging agent for a‐syn could allow differential diagnosis and support interventional trails. AC Immune has developed and is currently testing in a first in human (FiH) clinical trial the recently discovered compound, ACI‐12589, as a PET tracer with high affinity and selectivity for a‐syn.
A survey of control strategies for simultaneous vibration suppression and energy harvesting via piezoceramics

This article presents a summary of passive, semipassive, semiactive, and active control methods for schemes using harvested energy as the main source of energy to suppress vibrations via piezoelectric materials. This concept grew out of the fact that energy dissipation effects resulting from energy harvesting can cause structural damping. First, the existing equivalent electromechanical modeling methods are reviewed for vibration-based energy harvesters using piezoelectric transducers. Modeling of base excitation cantilever beam ranges from lumped to distributed parameter formulations. The commonly used electrical power conditioning circuits and their optimization are also summarized and discussed. The energy dissipation from harvesting induces structural damping, and this leads to the concept of purely passive shunt damping. This article reviews the literature on vibration control laws along the lines of purely passive, semipassive, semiactive, and active control. The classification of pervious results is built on whether external power is supplied to the piezoelectric transducers. The focus is placed on recent articles investigating semipassive and semiactive control strategies derived from synchronized switching damping. However, whether or not the harvested energy is large enough to satisfy a vibration suppression requirement has become an important topic of research but has not yet specifically been addressed in previous studies. Hence, this survey also reviews the possible control methods aiming for less control energy consumption and addresses the potential application for simultaneous vibration control and energy harvesting.