Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Service life prediction of exterior cladding components under failure conditions

The reliability of service life prediction of building components strongly affects the effectiveness of maintenance policy setting. Despite continuous research and development efforts, existing methods still suffer lack of robustness. Typical failure mechanisms in exterior cladding systems, deterioration patterns, and service life limiting coefficients (modifying factors) are identified for a range of failure mechanisms. The method is based on monitoring the physical and visual performance of building components under similar service conditions, at different periods in the building service life. Three types of exterior cladding are studied: cementitious mortar, synthetic rendering, and ceramic mosaic. Failure mechanisms identified include: lack of design details (such as drip‐edge and expansion joints), faulty design under marine environment, exposure to air pollution, and poor workmanship. Three typical deterioration patterns under failure conditions were determined statistically, namely, linear, exponential and logarithmic. The proposed method addresses two issues raised in ISO‐15686 in order to improve the precision and reliability of service life forecasting: (a) modifying factors for quantifying the effect of failure mechanisms are estimated within 80% confidence limits and (b) the prediction models yield high degrees of fit to the data (coefficient of determination values ranging between R 2 = 0.88 and R 2 = 0.96 at a 0.0001 level of significance).
Mechanistic and structural diversity between cytochrome bd isoforms of Escherichia coli

Significance Bacterial aerobic respiration is a metabolic pathway that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. Most bacteria encode for two general types of terminal respiratory oxygen reductases that catalyze the reduction of molecular oxygen to water: heme-copper oxidases (HCO) and cytochrome bd-type oxidases. While HCO-type enzymes are conserved throughout all domains of life, cytochrome bd oxidases are present solely in prokaryotes. Due to their high oxygen affinity and insensitivity toward a wide range of naturally occurring HCO inhibitors, cytochrome bd oxidases confer bacteria with the ability to maintain aerobic respiration under hostile conditions, especially low-oxygen environments. The importance of cytochrome bd as a survival factor supports a key role for this enzyme as a drug target for combating infectious diseases. The treatment of infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens is a major clinical challenge of the 21st century. The membrane-embedded respiratory cytochrome bd-type oxygen reductase is a critical survival factor utilized by pathogenic bacteria during infection, proliferation and the transition from acute to chronic states. Escherichia coli encodes for two cytochrome bd isoforms that are both involved in respiration under oxygen limited conditions. Mechanistic and structural differences between cydABX (Ecbd-I) and appCBX (Ecbd-II) operon encoded cytochrome bd variants have remained elusive in the past. Here, we demonstrate that cytochrome bd-II catalyzes oxidation of benzoquinols while possessing additional specificity for naphthoquinones. Our data show that although menaquinol-1 (MK1) is not able to directly transfer electrons onto cytochrome bd-II from E. coli, it has a stimulatory effect on its oxygen reduction rate in the presence of ubiquinol-1. We further determined cryo-EM structures of cytochrome bd-II to high resolution of 2.1 Å. Our structural insights confirm that the general architecture and substrate accessible pathways are conserved between the two bd oxidase isoforms, but two notable differences are apparent upon inspection: (i) Ecbd-II does not contain a CydH-like subunit, thereby exposing heme b595 to the membrane environment and (ii) the AppB subunit harbors a structural demethylmenaquinone-8 molecule instead of ubiquinone-8 as found in CydB of Ecbd-I. Our work completes the structural landscape of terminal respiratory oxygen reductases of E. coli and suggests that structural and functional properties of the respective oxidases are linked to quinol-pool dependent metabolic adaptations in E. coli.
PET/MRI, Part 4: Clinical Applications

CE credit: For CE credit, you can access the test for this article, as well as additional JNMT CE tests, online at https://www.snmmilearningcenter. org. Complete the test online no later than June 2025. Your online test will be scored immediately. You may make 3 attempts to pass the test and must answer 75% of the questions correctly to receive Continuing Education Hour (CEH) credit. Credit amounts can be found in the SNMMI Learning Center Activity. SNMMI members will have their CEH credit added to their VOICE transcript automatically; nonmembers will be able to print out a CE certificate upon successfully completing the test. The online test is free to SNMMI members; nonmembers must pay $15.00 by credit card when logging onto the website to take the test. PET/MRI as a hybrid modality provides novel imaging opportunities. Although there is a very broad array of diseases that could benefit from PET/MRI, there is only a narrow range of applications for which the benefit over standard care justifies the higher resource use and, in particular, offers a net positive trade-off over PET/CT. This benefit is generally associated with the omission of CT and the associated radiation dose from the patient workup. This article summarizes the generally accepted clinical applications of PET/MRI in both adult and pediatric populations. Although there are several potential applications and certainly exciting research that may expand applications in the future, the purpose of this paper was to focus on current, mainstream applications. This is the final article in a 4-part integrated series sponsored by the PET/MR and Publication Committees of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging–Technologist Section.
Predicting air conditioner load curves from energy audit data: a comparison of predicted and actual air conditioning data from the Athens load control experiment

An approach for estimating air conditioning load curves based on household duty cycles is presented. The duty cycles are calculated from heat transfer rates using household audit data, thermostat settings and outdoor temperatures. The fit between the load curves estimated from the duty cycle model and load curves calculated from measured data for households where customers set and forget their air conditioner is presented. The air conditioner and heat pump data were gathered during the load control experiments conducted in the summer of 1987 on the Athens Utilities Board distribution system in Athens, Tennessee. Data collected on days when there was no control were used to evaluate the concept of the duty cycle coefficient which was then used to calculate the duty cycle of heat pumps and air conditioners. The theoretical calculations based on the model are compared to actual measured data and are found to be in close agreement. >
Study on Optical Servosystem : Contribution to Optical Actuator

This paper deals with a new concept of an optical servosystem and presents an experimental analysis on photostrictive ceramics for use as an optical actuator in the optical servosystem. The optical servosystem proposed here is characterized by introduction of an optical actuator into the system. PLZT ceramics is used as an optical actuator which is directly driven by light irradiation. The photostrictive effect in the PLZT ceramics produced from the superposition of the photovoltaic effect and the piezoelectric effect is experimentally evaluated from the viewpoint of its applicability to an optical actuator. The experimental results show that the PLZT ceramics generates a mechanical strain as large as conventional PZT ceramics but at a very slow dynamic response of about 40 seconds. The slow dynamic response is attributed to the time lag in the photovoltaic effect.
Micro-computed tomography assessment of triple antibiotic paste removal using different irrigation methods

Purpose: The study aimed to compare four irrigation methods for triple antibiotic paste (TAP) removal using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Materials and methods: Forty bovine central incisor teeth were selected, and the root canals were prepared up to #6 Peeso reamer drills. Equal portions of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline were used for the TAP preparation. The TAP was prepared by mixing the powder with distilled water (with a powder to liquid ratio of 1 mg/1 mL). The TAP was introduced to the canals with a lentulo spiral; then, the access cavities were temporarily sealed. After 21 days of storage, the teeth were randomly divided into four equal groups according to irrigation techniques: open-ended, side-vented, double side-vented needle irrigations and EndoActivator irrigation device. The TAP was removed using 17% EDTA (20 mL) and distilled water (5 mL) for all of the groups. The volume of the intracanal medicament before and after the irrigation procedure was recorded by scanning the samples with micro-CT, and the TAP percentage was calculated. The percentages obtained from each group were compared using ANOVA. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference among the TAP percentage volumes removed by the different irrigation techniques. Conclusion: The irrigation techniques used in this study showed similar TAP removal efficiency, however, they could not completely remove the TAP from the root canal systems.
An Investigation Into the Power Extraction Efficiency Optimisation of Oscillating Airfoils Using a Flat Plate Geometry.

It is possible that a wing undergoing simultaneous pitch and plunge motions can be used as a power extraction system. The theoretical performance and optimisation of such a system is considered here, through a laminar 2-D Navier Stokes analysis using the commercially available computational fluid dynamics package ANSYS Fluent. Two rigid mesh zones were used, to establish two reference frames. The first is to define the plunge motion, and the second to define the pitching motion through the use of a sliding nonconformal interface between the zones. Basic oscillating airfoil theory is first presented, and the simulation model setup is outlined. An extensive validation study is conducted, considering sinusoidal motion of an airfoil and comparing results to previous studies. The validation is used to conduct an analysis of a flat plate in both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal regimes. A mapping of efficiency was produced for both regimes, for Re = 1100, H_0=c, x_piv=c/3, ϕ=90°, and ΔTR=0.2T. Extremely high efficiencies of around 40% were observed in both regimes, and regions in which the best efficiencies are achieved are identified. The results are discussed and recommendations are made for further study.
Contribution to frequency control through wind turbine inertial energy storage

An innovative way for wind energy to participate in some sort of frequency control using kinetic energy stored in the rotor for a fast power reserve that could be delivered in a short period (from several seconds up to a few tens of seconds) is presented. This kinetic-energy-based fast reserve is ensured despite wind speed variations - a disoptimisation of the power coefficient through the modification of the rotor speed set point or through the pitch control. In case of a frequency drop, the power coefficient could then be increased to produce more energy. This approach could help to reduce the dynamics and the depth of the frequency drops and therefore allow wind farms to participate in frequency control. Basic economic aspects of the provision of fast power reserve by wind turbines as a function of the amount of reserve considered are also discussed.
Optical circuits for equalizing group delay dispersion of optical fibers

Optical circuits are synthesized for equalizing the group delay dispersion of single-mode fibers. The transfer function of the equalizing circuits are given by Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind. The various realization methods for the group delay equalizer are shown, including periodic structures using birefringent crystals, birefringent fibers, and Mach-Zehnder interferometric planar optical circuits. An optical equalizer employing TiO/sub 2/ birefringent crystals was fabricated and evaluated by using an optical network analyzer, which operates by making modulation-envelope phase and amplitude measurements while scanning the optical carrier frequency. The measured optical equalizer characteristics show excellent agreement with the simulation analysis. The effectiveness of the equalizer for substantial reduction of the dispersion penalty for a 10 Gb/s signal transmitted over 30 km of normal dispersion fiber was demonstrated. The periodicity of the equalizer results in periodic dispersion-free bands, and hence, the equalizer is suitable for use in future multichannel FDM systems. >
Signal propagation in straw tubes with resistive cathode

The analysis presented in this paper is part of the research performed by the authors for the COMPASS experiment at CERN. We have developed a theoretical model of the signal transmission in a straw tube. In contrast to commonly used simplified models, our approach takes into account the energy losses in the cathode resistance. This model allows determination of the main electrical parameters, such as characteristic impedance and signal attenuation, as well as a detailed simulation of the pulse shape dependent on the point of the charge injection. Simulation results have been compared with the results of experimental measurements of different types of the straw detectors.
Proteomic Changes in Sarcoplasmic and Myofibrillar Proteins Associated with Color Stability of Ovine Muscle during Post-Mortem Storage

The objective of this study was to investigate the proteomic characteristics for the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteomes of M. longissimus lumborum (LL) and M. psoasmajor (PM) from Small-tailed Han Sheep. During post-mortem storage periods (1, 3, and 5 days), proteome analysis was applied to elucidate sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein changes in skeletal muscles with different color stability. Proteomic results revealed that the identified differentially abundant proteins were glycolytic enzymes, energy metabolism enzymes, chaperone proteins, and structural proteins. Through Pearson’s correlation analysis, a few of those identified proteins (Pyruvate kinase, Adenylate kinase isoenzyme 1, Creatine kinase M-type, and Carbonic anhydrase 3) were closely correlated to representative meat color parameters. Besides, bioinformatics analysis of differentially abundant proteins revealed that the proteins mainly participated in glycolysis and energy metabolism pathways. Some of these proteins may have the potential probability to be predictors of meat discoloration during post-mortem storage. Within the insight of proteomics, these results accumulated some basic theoretical understanding of the molecular mechanisms of meat discoloration.
Analyzing organizational project alternatives for agile manufacturing processes: An analytical network approach

The objective of this paper is to introduce a decision methodology and structure for manufacturing (and organizational) agility improvement. The methodology allows for the evaluation of alternatives (e.g. projects) to help organizations become more agile, with a specific objective of improving the manufacturing business processes. An agile enterprise is one whose processes are designed to respond effectively to unanticipated change. One of the difficulties in designing and analysing business processes, in general, is that they are operational designs that need to incorporate strategic attributes. In order to evaluate alternatives that impact the business processes, a networked hierarchical analysis model based on the various characteristics of agility, is proposed. This evaluation model will be based on the analytic network process methodology for solving complex and systemic decisions. An actual example of a small manufacturing enterprise provides some managerial insights into the methodology.
Empirical correlations for the performance of belt skimmer operating under environmental dynamic conditions

The present study is predicting, by deducing empirical correlations, the effect of varying the operating and the environmental parameters on the performance of belt skimmer. The belt linear speed, belt inclination angle and oil film thickness are the operating parameters. The current speed and the wave height are the environmental parameters. The oil recovery rate, ORR and the oil recovery efficiency, ORE, the two most important parameters displayed the performance of the belt skimmer, are predicted by empirical correlations as function of these operating and environment parameters. Sets of published experimental data in the open literature were used to obtain these empirical correlations. Five different cases are studied. In each case two equations are deduced, one for ORR and the other for ORE. These cases covered the static and dynamic belt skimmer working conditions. The empirical correlations are obtained by using the least squares method (Regression analysis). Comparisons are performed between the results obtained, for ORR and ORE, using the deduced empirical correlations and the used experimental data. Finally, general empirical correlations, cover practical operating belt skimmer ranges, are obtained and show reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Key words: Empirical correlations, belt skimmer, performance.
The role of social support in the experience of life with ischemic heart disease for socially disadvantaged patients: A qualitative study

Objectives Ischemic heart disease (IHD) displays wide social inequalities that are often explained with reference to lifestyle factors. However, research indicates that social support may also play an important role in social inequality in IHD. This study aims to explore the role of social support in the experience of life with IHD for socially disadvantaged patients. Methods The study was conducted as a critical hermeneutic qualitative study in Denmark between October 2018 and August 2019. Data consist of in-depth qualitative interviews with 30 socially disadvantaged patients with IHD. Results The findings showed a notable difference between the participants who were engaged in close and supportive social relationships and those who were not. Life with IHD for those who lacked supportive relationships tended to be marked by feelings of chaos, powerlessness and meaninglessness. Contrarily, those who were engaged in supportive relationships received help to navigate their life with illness, reconcile with what had happened to them, feel empowered, and gain a sense of meaning in their life. Discussion: Social support from close social relationships appears to be crucial for socially disadvantaged ischemic heart patients, and should be encouraged and facilitated in healthcare and interventions targeting this patient group.
Association of TNFRII polymorphisms and IL-37 in rheumatoid arthritis Iraqi patients

Fifty RA patients and 50 healthy individuals have been participated in this study. 196 M/R polymorphism of TNFRII gene determined by PCR-RFLP, IL-37 level was measured by ELISA technique, also RF, ACCP, CRP measured by ELISA technique. Our study shows an increase in IL-37 levels in patients was suffered from rheumatoid arthritis relative to control group. (M=101.31+10.41) That shows major differences between patients and controls (p<0.01) and increasing level of IL-37 correlate significantly with increasing level of CRP (p<0.05). The frequencies of TNFRII gene polymorphism were significantly correlate with the IL-37 level (p<0.01) in RA patients compared with control group. In conclusion, IL-37 increased in RA patients associated with disease development, also significantly associated with TNFRII polymorphism.
An investigation of the effects of pneumatic actuator design on slip control for heavy vehicles

Progress in reducing actuator delays in pneumatic brake systems is opening the door for advanced anti-lock braking algorithms to be used on heavy goods vehicles. However, little has been published on slip controllers for air-braked heavy vehicles, or the effects of slow pneumatic actuation on their design and performance. This paper introduces a sliding mode slip controller for air-braked heavy vehicles. The effects of pneumatic actuator delays and flow rates on stopping performance and air (energy) consumption are presented through vehicle simulations. Finally, the simulations are validated with experiments using a hardware-in-the-loop rig. It is shown that for each wheel, pneumatic valves with delays smaller than 3 ms and orifice diameters around 8 mm provide the best performance.
Functional Knee Brace Alters Predicted Knee Muscle and Joint Forces in People With ACL Reconstruction During Walking

Functional knee braces used during rehabilitation from injury and surgery to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have been reported to provide a strain-shielding effect on the ACL in healthy people while standing, reduce quadriceps electromyoraphy in ACL-deficient individuals, and alter joint torque patterns in people with ACL reconstruction during walking. These results led to the hypothesis that functional knee braces protect a reconstructed ACL during dynamic activity by reducing the anterior shear load applied to the knee. This hypothesis was tested by investigating the effects of a functional knee brace on lower extremity muscle forces and the anteroposterior shear force at the knee joint during the stance phase of walking in people with ACL reconstruction. Ground reactions and sagittal plane video were recorded from 9 ACL-reconstructed individuals as they walked with and without a functional knee brace, and from 10 healthy people without the functional knee brace. Inverse dynamics were used to calc.
High Soluble Endoglin Levels Affect Aortic Vascular Function during Mice Aging

Endoglin is a 180 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein that was demonstrated to be present in two different endoglin forms, namely membrane endoglin (Eng) and soluble endoglin (sEng). Increased sEng levels in the circulation have been detected in atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, and type II diabetes mellitus. Moreover, sEng was shown to aggravate endothelial dysfunction when combined with a high-fat diet, suggesting it might be a risk factor for the development of endothelial dysfunction in combination with other risk factors. Therefore, this study hypothesized that high sEng levels exposure for 12 months combined with aging (an essential risk factor of atherosclerosis development) would aggravate vascular function in mouse aorta. Male transgenic mice with high levels of human sEng in plasma (Sol-Eng+) and their age-matched male transgenic littermates that do not develop high soluble endoglin (Control) on a chow diet were used. The aging process was initiated to contribute to endothelial dysfunction/atherosclerosis development, and it lasted 12 months. Wire myograph analysis showed impairment contractility in the Sol-Eng+ group when compared to the control group after KCl and PGF2α administration. Endothelium-dependent responsiveness to Ach was not significantly different between these groups. Western blot analysis revealed significantly decreased protein expression of Eng, p-eNOS, and ID1 expression in the Sol-Eng+ group compared to the control group suggesting reduced Eng signaling. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that long-term exposure to high levels of sEng during aging results in alteration of vasoconstriction properties of the aorta, reduced eNOS phosphorylation, decreased Eng expression, and altered Eng signaling. These findings suggest that sEng can be considered a risk factor for the development of vascular dysfunction during aging and a potential therapeutical target for pharmacological intervention.