Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides against Ethanol-Induced Liver and Kidney Toxicity in Experimental Rats

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPS-RS) against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in experimental rats. The study involved an intact control group, LPS-RS group, two groups were given ethanol (3 and 5 g/kg/day) for 28 days, and two other groups (LPS-RS + 3 g/kg ethanol) and (LPS-RS + 5 g/kg ethanol) received a daily dose of LPS-RS (800 μg/kg) before ethanol. Ethanol significantly increased the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the liver tissue and decreased anti-oxidant enzymes. Hepcidin expression was downregulated in the liver, with increased serum levels of ferritin and iron. Prior-administration of LPS-RS alleviated the increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and preserved iron homeostasis markers. In the kidney, administration of ethanol caused significant increase in the expression of NF-κB and the levels of TNF-α and kidney injury markers; whereas LPS-RS + ethanol groups had significantly lower levels of those parameters. In conclusion; this study reports anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and iron homeostasis regulatory effects of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonist LPS-RS against ethanol induced toxicity in both the liver and the kidney of experimental rats.
Dynamic recovery of negative bias temperature instability in p-type metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors

An unexpected physical phenomenon—dynamic recovery of negative bias temperature instability (NBTI)—is reported. NBTI degradation in p-type metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors is significantly (by ∼40%) reduced after stress interruption. NBTI recovery dynamics includes a very fast transient (seconds time scale) followed by a slow (tens of minutes) transient, which tends to saturate. Under subsequent application of stress bias, the degradation quickly returns to its previous state. Thus, apparent NBTI degradation includes permanent and reversible components. NBTI degradation and device lifetime depend strongly on the measurement procedure and equipment due to these relaxation phenomena, which should be taken into account in analyzing the results of NBTI measurements.
On Confronting Some of the Common Myths of Information

Over the relatively short history of Information Systems planning and strategy 2 , a number of general principles have arisen that are often taken as being axiomatic. Three such principles that have appeared in the mainstream literature include: • alignment: ICT systems should align with the business strategy; • competitive advantage: ICT systems can provide a firm with an advantage over its competitors, and • knowledge management: ICT systems can and should be a repository of an organisation’s knowledge resources. I shall question each of these ‘self evident truths’ with a view to developing an alternative perspective. This perspective focuses more on the process of strategising rather than on the outcome of the strategy process: the strategic plan. I argue that benefit is to be gained from a more inclusive, exploratory approach to the strategy process. This perspective is set against the common view, which is concerned more with exploiting the potential of
Age-Related Changes in Selected Status Variables in General Aviation Pilots

Nine status variables were analyzed in an attempt to narrow the focus of where, within the active pilot population, to look for some of the factors that may be associated with increase in risk of becoming involved in a general aviation accident. Epidemiological analysis of general aviation pilots indicates that there is a significant rise in the accident rate for pilots after age 39. An analysis was made of changes in the frequency of occurrence of selected status variables between pilots in the 35 to 39 and those in the 40 to 44 age groups who were involved in general aviation accidents in 1992, 1993, and 1994; between pilots in the 35 to 39 and those in the 40 to 44 age groups in the active pilot population; and between accident-involved pilots and those in the active pilot population. Status variables analyzed were Federal Aviation Administration pilot and medical certificates, instrument rating, flight time, pilot occupation and gender, and purpose of the accident flight. The two age groups of accident-involved pilots differed on only one variable. However, examination of the data showed two distinct differences between accident-involved pilots and the active pilot population. The most substantial finding for both age groups was that accident-involved pilots were significantly different from the active pilot population. Second, with the exception of class of FAA medical certificates, accident-involved pilots did not differ significantly with age whereas the active pilot population differed significantly over five status variables.
Tropical Cyclone Precipitation Response to Surface Warming in Aquaplanet Simulations With Uniform Thermal Forcing

While many modeling studies have attempted to estimate how tropical cyclone (TC) precipitation is impacted by climate change, the multitude of analysis techniques and methodologies have resulted in varying conclusions. Simplified models may be able to help overcome this problem. Radiative‐convective equilibrium (RCE) model simulations have been used in various configurations to study fundamental aspects of Earth's climate. While many RCE modeling studies have focused on TC genesis, intensification, and size, limited work has been done using RCE to study TC precipitation. In this study, the response of TC precipitation to sea surface temperature (SST) change is analyzed in global Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) aquaplanet simulations run with Radiative‐Convective Equilibrium Model Intercomparison Project protocols, with the addition of planetary rotation. We expect that the insight gained about how TC precipitation responds to SST warming will help predict how TCs in the real world respond to climate change. In the CAM RCE simulations, the warmer SST simulations have less TCs on average, but the TCs tend to be larger in outer size and more intense. As simulation SST increases, more extreme precipitation rates occur within TCs, and more of the TC precipitation comes from these extreme rates. For extreme (99th percentile) TC precipitation, SST, and TC intensity increases dominate the 8.6% per K increase, while TC outer size changes have little impact. For accumulated TC precipitation, SST, and TC intensity contributions are still the majority, but TC outer size changes also contribute to the 6.6% per K increase.
Isolation and Identification of Bacteria with Surface and Antibacterial Activity from the Gut of Mediterranean Grey Mullets

Fish gut represents a peculiar ecological niche where bacteria can transit and reside to play vital roles by producing bio-compounds with nutritional, immunomodulatory and other functions. This complex microbial ecosystem reflects several factors (environment, feeding regimen, fish species, etc.). The objective of the present study was the identification of intestinal microbial strains able to produce molecules called biosurfactants (BSs), which were tested for surface and antibacterial activity in order to select a group of probiotic bacteria for aquaculture use. Forty-two bacterial isolates from the digestive tracts of twenty Mediterranean grey mullets were screened for testing emulsifying (E-24), surface and antibiotic activities. Fifty percent of bacteria, ascribed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas sp. , P. putida and P. anguilliseptica, P. stutzeri, P. protegens and Enterobacter ludwigii were found to be surfactant producers. Of the tested strains, 26.6% exhibited an antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (10.0 ± 0.0–14.5 ± 0.7 mm inhibition zone), and among them, 23.3% of isolates also showed inhibitory activity vs. Proteus mirabilis (10.0 ± 0.0–18.5 ± 0.7 mm inhibition zone) and 6.6% vs. Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.5 ± 0.7–17.5 ± 0.7 mm inhibition zone). According to preliminary chemical analysis, the bioactive compounds are suggested to be ascribed to the class of glycolipids. This works indicated that fish gut is a source of bioactive compounds which deserves to be explored.
Simultaneous Decoupling and Decorrelation Scheme of MIMO Arrays

Correlations and mutual couplings in antenna arrays lead to performance deterioration of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems. The relation between mutual coupling and correlation is complex, especially in non-isotropic multipath environments. Reducing mutual coupling does not guarantee an eventual reduction of the overall correlation and vice versa. In general, it is not a trivial task to reduce mutual coupling and correlation simultaneously in arbitrary multipath environments. In this correspondence, a planar metamaterial structure (PMS) and an array-antenna decoupling surface (ADS) are applied to the antenna array for simultaneous reductions of correlations and mutual couplings. The PMS comprises regularly arranged metamaterial elements holding certain transmission features. The ADS placed between the PMS and array is a substrate with printed rectangular metal strips. A 1 × 4 patch array is taken as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. According to the simulated and measured results, the combination of PMS and ADS can work together without interfering or affecting the matching condition of the antennas. As a result, the mutual coupling and overall correlation between the antenna elements are reduced in a general multipath environment.
Experiences of Hospice and Palliative Nurses in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Purpose This study aimed to explore the experiences of hospice and palliative care (HPC) nurses at inpatient hospice centers in South Korea during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods Data collection was conducted through individual interviews with 15 HPC nurses using face-to-face interviews, telephone calls, or Zoom videoconferencing. Data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results This study found that HPC nurses experienced practical and ethical dilemmas that reinforced the essential meaning and value of hospice and palliative care. The participants emphasized their practical roles related to compliance with infection prevention measures and their roles as rebuilders of hospice and palliative care. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that inpatient hospice centers must mitigate the practical and ethical dilemmas experienced by nurses, consider establishing explanation nursing units, and provide education to support nurses’ highlighted roles during the pandemic. This study can be used to prepare inpatient hospice centers and the nurses that work there for future infectious disease outbreaks.
BER analysis of 2PSK, 4PSK, and 16QAM with decision feedback channel estimation in frequency-selective slow Rayleigh fading

The average bit error rate (BER) performances of coherently detected 2PSK, 4PSK, and 16QAM in frequency-selective slow Rayleigh fading are analyzed. Decision feedback channel estimation (DFCE) is considered, in which the past L-received signal samples are remodulated to remove the modulation phase by feeding back the detected symbol sequence and then averaged. Analytical expressions for the conditional BER for the given transmitted symbol sequence are derived, and the average BER performances are evaluated by Monte Carlo simulation. It is shown that as L increases, the BER performance improves and approaches that of ideal coherent detection (with perfect channel estimation), and the loss in E/sub b//N/sub 0/ required for BER=0.1% relative to ideal coherent detection becomes as small as 0.4 dB when L=10. It is found that while the best performance is achieved by 2PSK and 4PSK when additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) is the predominant cause of error (i.e., low E/sub b//N/sub 0/ regions), 16QAM modulation can achieve almost the same performance as 4PSK when the delay spread is the predominant cause of error (i.e., large E/sub b//N/sub 0/ regions), and the worst performance in this case is by 2PSK. The effects of power delay profile shape (double-spike, exponential, and Gaussian profiles assumed), rolloff factors of the Nyquist transmit/receive filters, and the transmitted symbol sequence pattern on the average BER performance are discussed.
Grouping methods for printed circuit board assembly

We present exact mathematical programming formulation and a fast heuristic method for grouping a set of Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). The assembly machines are configured for each group, thus saving set-up time, which is very long relative to process time. We extend previous work by allowing groups which contains common components of partial boards. An industrial case illustrates the proposed heuristic grouping method.
Promoting inclusiveness, creativity and critical thinking through digital storytelling among EFL teacher candidates

ABSTRACT Storytelling is an essential component in language learning and acquisition but it has changed over time from early oral tradition to modern digital literacy. Although digital storytelling (DST) has become an important tool in language development inclusive and diverse stories are still underrepresented. The novelty of this article is that it reports the findings of a two-year research about the design and use of DST by 244 teacher candidates and their attitudes toward inclusiveness and diversity in Education. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through a pre-test/post-test, class presentations and semi-structured debates. The results revealed statistically significant differences after the treatment as regards inclusiveness and diversity among participants, who demonstrated their creativity and openness to transformative technology pedagogy, and unveiled the early presence of stereotypes among children. The teacher candidates widely supported the integration of inclusive DSTs in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom but advocated for a better pedagogical and technological preparation in their transition from digital native students to digital native teachers.
PROJECT PHOTOFLY : NEW 3D MODELING ONLINE WEB SERVICE (CASE STUDIES AND ASSESSMENTS)

During summer 2010, Autodesk has released a still ongoing project called Project Photofly, freely downloadable from AutodeskLab web site until August 1 2011. Project Photofly based on computer-vision and photogrammetric principles, exploiting the power of cloud computing, is a web service able to convert collections of photographs into 3D models. Aim of our research was to evaluate the Project Photofly, through different case studies, for 3D modeling of cultural heritage monuments and objects, mostly to identify for which goals and objects it is suitable. The automatic approach will be mainly analyzed.
Output power dispatch control for a wind farm in a small power system

Nowadays, a wind turbine generator (WTG) is required to provide control capabilities as the output power of WTG fluctuates. Under this scenario, this paper proposes an output power control method of a wind farm (WF) connected to a small power system using pitch angle control. In this control approach, the WF output power control is achieved by two control levels: central and local. In the central control, the WF output power command is determined by considering the frequency deviations and wind speeds using a fuzzy function. Then, the local output power commands for each of the WTGs are based on the proposed dispatch control. In the proposed dispatch control, the output commands of each WTG are determined by considering wind conditions for each of the WTGs. The simulation results by using an actual detailed model for the wind power system show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systems Thinking for Knowledge Transfer in Organic and Mechanistic Organizations

Research units in state government transportation agencies exist within traditionally hierarchical, or mechanistic, organizations. They manage and conduct research studies and ensure the successful transfer of knowledge through both inter- and intraorganizational relationships and through knowledge transfer activities. These activities may entail the transfer of knowledge at the local, state, federal or international level. Improving knowledge transfer ultimately improves organizational performance. Use of Burns and Stalkers’ dualism—mechanistic versus organic management systems—to describe government organizations aids in the recognition of the current condition and in the identification of the characteristics of an environment that will be more conducive to efficient knowledge transfer. This information will help decision makers within these organizations to select the appropriate organizational structure, or processes, to enhance knowledge transfer. The increasing amount of information and growing organizational complexity require a systems thinking approach to identifying opportunities for improvement within these organizations. This paper describes how systems thinking can aid in exploring knowledge transfer within organic and mechanistic state government organizations and offers contributions to the body of knowledge concerning government entities and intentional knowledge transfer.
A concept for energy harvesting from quasi-static structural deformations through axially loaded bilaterally constrained columns with multiple bifurcation points

A major obstacle limiting the development of deployable sensing and actuation solutions is the scarcity of power. Converted energy from ambient loading using piezoelectric scavengers is a possible solution. Most of the previously developed research focused on vibration-based piezoelectric harvesters which are typically characterized by a response with a narrow natural frequency range. Several techniques were used to improve their effectiveness. These methods focus only on the transducer’s properties and configurations, but do little to improve the stimuli from the source. In contrast, this work proposes to focus on the input deformations generated within the structure, and the induction of an amplified amplitude and up-converted frequency toward the harvesters’ natural spectrum. This paper introduces the concept of using mechanically-equivalent energy converters and frequency modulators that can transform low-amplitude and low-rate service deformations into an amplified vibration input to the piezoelectric transducer. The introduced concept allows energy conversion within the unexplored quasi-static frequency range (≪1 Hz). The post-buckling behavior of bilaterally constrained columns is used as the mechanism for frequency up-conversion. A bimorph cantilever polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric beam is used for energy conversion. Experimental prototypes were built and tested to validate the introduced concept and the levels of extractable power were evaluated for different cases under varying input frequencies. Finally, finite element simulations are reported to provide insight into the scalability and performance of the developed concept.
Controlled drainage under two climate change scenarios in a flat high-latitude field

This simulation study focused on the hydrological effects of climate change and controlled drainage operated with subsurface drains and an open collector ditch in an agricultural field. The objective was to understand the potential of controlled drainage and open ditch schemes for managing groundwater levels and field water balance in climate conditions projected to take place in Finland during the 21st century with representative concentration pathways 8.5 and 2.6. A methodological aim was to find ways to condense hourly hydrological results to understand future changes in field hydrology. During the historical reference interval (1970–2005), controlled drainage caused 17–36 cm higher mean groundwater levels and decreased the mean annual drain discharge by 11–23% compared to conventional subsurface drainage. Controlled drainage was projected to increase groundwater levels by additional 1–4 cm in the future compared to its effect on drainage during the reference interval. The effect on annual drain discharge did not change significantly. The open collector ditch lowered groundwater tables and diminished the effect of controlled drainage on groundwater levels in the vicinity of the ditch. Controlled drainage was shown to remain an effective method for countering early summer drought and reducing drain discharge.
Minimalistic Dynamic Climbing

Abstract : Dynamics in locomotion is highly useful, as can be seen in animals. Although dynamic maneuvers are beneficial, only a few engineered systems use them as the design and control are often extremely complicated. This thesis explores a family of dynamic climbing robots which extend robotic dynamic legged locomotion from horizontal motions such as walking and running, to vertical motions such as leaping. Motion of these dynamic robots resembles the motion of an athlete jumping and climbing inside a chute. The mechanisms described achieve dynamic, vertical motions while retaining simplicity in design and control. The first mechanism called DSAC, for Dynamic Single Actuated Climber, comprises only two links connected by a single oscillating actuator. This simple, open-loop oscillation, propels the robot stably between two vertical walls. By rotating the axis of revolution of the single actuator by 90 degrees, we also developed a simpler robot that can be easily miniaturized and can be used to climb inside tubes. The DTAR, for Dynamic Tube Ascending Robot, uses a single continuously rotating motor, unlike the oscillating DSAC motor. This continuous rotation even further simplifies and enables the miniaturization. The last mechanism explored is the ParkourBot which sacrifices some simplicity shown in the first two mechanism in favor of efficiency and more versatile climbing. This mechanism comprises two efficient springy legs connected to a body. We use this family of dynamic climbers to explore a minimalist approach to locomotion. We first analyze open-loop stability characteristics. We show an open-loop, sensorless control, such as fixed oscillation of the DSAC's leg can converge to a stable orbit. We show change in the mechanism's parameters not only changes the stability, but also changes the climbing pattern from a symmetric climb to a limping, non-symmetric climb. We show open-loop behavior can be used to traverse more complex terrains by incrementally adding feedback.
Exploring master’s students’ emotions and emotion-regulation in supervisory feedback situations: a vignette-based study

Abstract Following a sociocultural perspective, this vignette-based study explored Chinese master’s students’ emotions and emotion-regulation strategies in supervisor writing feedback situations. An instrument contained 17 vignettes was developed, validated and administered among 189 participants. Individual interviews with five participants were also conducted, and written materials were collected. The findings revealed that across the 17 hypothetical scenarios, positive emotion was the most reported emotional status, and Chinese master’s students would be more likely to feel grateful, hopeful and excited, while contemptuous, bored and angry were the least reported. This study also identified a set of emotion-regulation strategies (i.e. task-related regulation, response regulation, cognitive regulation, attention deployment, co-regulation, and general response) used by students in handling their emotions in supervisory feedback situations. This study provides insights into the emotional dimension of supervisory feedback practices and concludes with pedagogical implications to enhance the wellbeing of postgraduate students in learning academic writing.