Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Limit equilibrium analysis of seismic stability of slopes reinforced with a row of piles

An approach based on the category of limiting equilibrium analysis is proposed to consider the reinforcing effect of one row of vertical piles on slope under seismic conditions. The approach is based on an uncoupled formulation in which the pile response and slope stability are considered separately. Closed‐form equations are derived, allowing the yield acceleration coefficient to be determined for giving pile characteristics. Results were compared with those obtained using another limit equilibrium method. The effects of pile location on the effectiveness of increasing seismic stability of the slope–pile system were elucidated. It was found out that the piles should be installed in the middle–upper part of the slope to achieve greatest safety, but the pile length and other possible failure modes should be checked carefully in design. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Features of the COVID-19 Epidemic Process in Each of the of the Five Waves of Morbidity in Russia

Aim. To assess the intensity of the epidemic process in each of the five waves of COVID-19 in Russia.Materials and methods. The data on morbidity, hospitalization and deaths from COVID-19 of the population as a whole and by age groups from 48 (in the I rise) to 54 cities (in the V wave) and data from the website of the Russian consortium for sequencing coronavirus genomes were analyzed.Results. The nature of the course of the first 5 waves in the incidence of COVID-19 in Russia remains undulating. The waves in morbidity began in megacities, and the direction of spread across the FD differed in different waves of morbidity. The results of gene sequencing showed the participation of the main genovariants of the coronavirus in the etiology of diseases up to 3-4 waves. Some genovariants identified earlier received maximum distribution in the following wave. In Russia, the European descendants of the Wuhan strain (74.4%) were dominant in the I wave in morbidity, in the II wave – its daughter genovariants (68.5%), in the III – AY.122 (80.1%), in the IV – AY.122 (84.7%) and in the V wave – Omicron (76.7%). Conclusions. The features of each wave in the incidence of COVID-19 depended on the properties of the dominant genovariants: their ability to transmit from person to person and virulence. The rate of spread of the epidemic by FD, the susceptibility of all age groups and the intensity of epidemics were maximal during the period of the V wave in morbidity with the Omicron gene variant. Mortality was minimal in the I wave of morbidity, maximal in the IV with AY.122 strains and low in the V wave with Omicron genovariants. The influence of the season of the year was manifested in the summer season by an increase in the incidence of COVID-19 earlier in the Russian Federation as a whole (immediately after megacities) than in most federal districts, but with a lower incidence.
Earth Worming—An Evaluation of Earthworm (Eisenia andrei) as an Alternative Food Source

Aside from their bioremediation roles, little is known about the food and feed value of earthworms. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional composition (proximate analysis and profiles of fatty acids and minerals) and techno-functional properties (foaming and emulsion stability and capacity) of earthworm (Eisenia andrei, sourced in New Zealand) powder (EAP) were investigated. Lipid nutritional indices, ω6/ω3, atherogenicity index, thrombogenicity index, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic acid ratio, and health-promoting index of EAP lipids are also reported. The protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents of EAP were found to be 53.75%, 19.30%, and 23.26% DW, respectively. The mineral profile obtained for the EAP consisted of 11 essential minerals, 23 non-essential minerals, and 4 heavy metals. The most abundant essential minerals were potassium (8220 mg·kg−1 DW), phosphorus (8220 mg·kg−1 DW), magnesium (744.7 mg·kg−1 DW), calcium (2396.7 mg·kg−1 DW), iron (244.7 mg·kg−1 DW), and manganese (25.6 mg·kg−1 DW). Toxic metals such as vanadium (0.2 mg·kg−1 DW), lead (0.2 mg·kg−1 DW), cadmium (2.2 mg·kg−1 DW), and arsenic (2.3 mg·kg−1 DW) were found in EAP, which pose safety considerations. Lauric acid (20.3% FA), myristoleic acid (11.20% FA), and linoleic acid (7.96% FA) were the most abundant saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The lipid nutritional indices, such as IT and ω-6/ω-3, of E. andrei were within limits considered to enhance human health. A protein extract derived from EAP (EAPPE), obtained by alkaline solubilisation and pH precipitation, exhibited an isoelectric pH of ~5. The total essential amino acid content and essential amino acid index of EAPPE were 373.3 mg·g−1 and 1.36 mg·g−1 protein, respectively. Techno-functional analysis of EAPPE indicated a high foaming capacity (83.3%) and emulsion stability (88.8% after 60 min). Heat coagulation of EAPPE was greater at pH 7.0 (12.6%) compared with pH 5.0 (4.83%), corroborating the pH-solubility profile and relatively high surface hydrophobicity (1061.0). These findings demonstrate the potential of EAP and EAPPE as nutrient-rich and functional ingredients suitable as alternative food and feed material. The presence of heavy metals, however, should be carefully considered.
Experimental Study of the Parameter Mismatch Effects on the Low Frequency Circulating Currents of Parallel Three Phase Inverters

When converters are connected in parallel, a system with some benefits, including modularity and redundancy, is obtained. However, in these circumstances, circulating currents can appear that produce some adverse effects. In this work, a study of the low-frequency circulating currents that appear in three-phase inverters connected in parallel is performed. The study is focused on the effects produced by the parameter mismatch, namely inductance mismatches, power imbalance, and the use of different pulse with modulation (PWM) techniques. The nature of the circulating current produced by each of these factors were analyzed separately. Both simulation and experimental results are shown, which were obtained using a three-phase 10-kW prototype composed of two 5-kW inverters connected in parallel.
MiRNAs as Potential Regulators of Enthesis Healing: Findings in a Rodent Injury Model

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA sequences with the ability to inhibit the expression of a target mRNA at the post-transcriptional level, acting as modulators of both the degenerative and regenerative processes. Therefore, these molecules constitute a potential source of novel therapeutic tools. In this study, we investigated the miRNA expression profile that presented in enthesis tissue upon injury. For this, a rodent enthesis injury model was developed by creating a defect at a rat’s patellar enthesis. Following injury, explants were collected on days 1 (n = 10) and 10 (n = 10). Contra lateral samples (n = 10) were harvested to be used for normalization. The expression of miRNAs was investigated using a “Fibrosis” pathway-focused miScript qPCR array. Later, target prediction for the aberrantly expressed miRNAs was performed by means of the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and the expression of mRNA targets relevant for enthesis healing was confirmed using qPCRs. Additionally, the protein expression levels of collagens I, II, III, and X were investigated using Western blotting. The mRNA expression pattern of EGR1, COL2A1, RUNX2, SMAD1, and SMAD3 in the injured samples indicated their possible regulation by their respective targeting miRNA, which included miR-16, -17, -100, -124, -133a, -155 and -182. Furthermore, the protein levels of collagens I and II were reduced directly after the injury (i.e., day 1) and increased 10 days post-injury, while collagens III and X showed the opposite pattern of expression.
Narrative Identity within Mentalization-Based Group Therapy for Adolescents: A Feasibility Study

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by severe disturbances related to understanding oneself and other people and can be reliably detected and treated in adolescence. In this feasibility study, we aimed to focus on the features of, and changes in, narrative identity throughout the course of Mentalization-Based Treatment in Groups (MBT-G) for adolescents with BPD. Six female patients (M = 15.2, SD = 0.75) joined between 16 and 31 (M = 23.83) MBT g sessions. The narrated events within each session across sessions were coded for themes of agency and communion and the narrated reactions were coded for personality functioning. The patients and their parents also completed several self-report measures before and after therapy. Themes of diminished agency and communion were identified, with communion as the dominating theme. When comparing the patients’ first five sessions with their last five sessions, there was an increase in themes related to agency and decreased in communion. The narrated reactions were dominated by themes related to thwarted self-functioning and primarily identity, although intimacy was also present. Patients improved in terms of self-reported functioning and internalizing and externalizing behavior before and after end of treatment. The importance of narration in BPD (group) therapy is discussed alongside clinical implications.
A Discriminant Analysis of the Factors Affecting Abnormalities in Chest Computed Tomographies of 608-Group Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia

Objective: To study factor correlation and classification affecting abnormalities in chest computed tomographies (CTs) of 608-group patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Material and Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 608-group patients with COVID-19 pneumonia from medical records combined with data from chest CTs which were interpreted by a radiologist for CT abnormalities. The findings were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact Test and multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) by a stepwise method. Results: The majority of the 161 patients were female (55.9%), with an average age of 62.90 years (S.D. 16.68) and average weight of 63.07 kg (S.D. 16.18), non-smoking and non-alcohol drinking (71.4% and 61.5%, respectively) and with underlying respiratory diseases (28.6%). The important symptoms brought to a doctor were main symptoms including fever, chills, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, difficult breathing, shortness of breath (74.5%). The average duration from onset of the symptoms to perform chest CTs was 11.18 days (S.D. 5.42). The abnormalities of CTs chest such as characteristics and locations were periphery (54.7%) with ground-glass opacity (44.7%). The CT severity score was level 2 (24.8%) from 5 levels. MDA revealed there were 5 factors affecting the abnormalities in the chest CTs of 608-group patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. CT severity score, peripheral location, body weight, age and location in the lower lungs. These factors accurately predicted abnormalities in chest CTs (60.2%). Conclusion: Abnormalities in chest CTs, and factor correlation and classification that affect abnormalities in chest CTs of 608-group patients with COVID-19 pneumonia will benefit the medical and multidisciplinary team in helping to determine treatment method, accurately prognosing severity and reducing mortality.
Toward Human-Centered AI Management: Methodological Challenges and Future Directions

As algorithms powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are increasingly involved in the management of organizations, it becomes imperative to conduct human-centered AI management research and understand people ’ s feelings and behaviors when machines gain power over humans. The two mainstream methods – vignette studies and case studies – reveal important but inconsistent insights. Here we discuss the respective limitations of vignette studies (affective forecasting errors, biased media coverage, and question substitution) and case studies (social desirability biases and lack of random assignment and control conditions), which may lead them to overrate negative and positive reactions to AI management, respectively. We further discuss the advantages of a third method for mitigating these limitations: field experiments on crowdsourced marketplaces. A proof-of-concept study on Amazon Mechanical Turk (Mturk; as a world-leading crowdsourcing platform) showed unique human reactions to AI management, which were not perfectly aligned with those in vignette or case studies. Participants ( N = 504) did not differ significantly under AI versus human management, in terms of performance, intrinsic motivation, fairness perception, and commitment. We suggest that crowdsourced mar-ketplaces can go beyond human research subject pools and become models of AI-managed workplaces, facilitating timely behavioral research and robust predictions on human-centered work designs and organizations.
Double - Polarization Interferometer for Digital Displacement and Force Sensing by Fiber Tension - Bending

lnterferometric fiber optical displacement and force sensors with incremental (digital) readout by fringe counting could be of advantage as elements in all fiber tactile sensor arrays of robotic grippers. Displacement to be measured is transferred to the sensing fiber via transverse - force -induced fiber tension bending, yielding a quadratic strain - displacement characteristic. This principle has been described previously for the sake of high resolution sensing of dc-measurands [1]. Here we are interested in low resolution remote sensing with large fiber strain (up to 0.5 %) and environmentally insensitive signal transfer. For eliminating the ambiguity of the counting procedure in remote readout of the interferometer, two phase - shifted orthogonally polarized interference signals are created employing the double - polarization method [2] [3]. The applicability of this method in the case of displacement sensing via axial stress applied to the fiber has been shown earlier [3]. The aim of the investigations reported here is to also demonstrate its applicability under the large changes in birefringence due to the transverse stress present under fiber tension bending.
Euclidean distance-based method for variable selection and its application in geological data

Abstract Variable selection can be realized through model selection. On this basis, a Euclidean distance-based method for variable selection is proposed in this paper. The preference of a model is determined based on Euclidean distance, and the preference of a variable is determined based on a weighted frequency of the variable appearing in a model. The proposed method is compared with two relative entropy-based methods using a geological sample classification problem, and is proved more reasonable and feasible. The proposed method is extended to ordered geological classification problems and applied in prediction of rock burst classification. The analysis results verify the feasibility of this method. The proposed method can be further applied into analysis of various geological data.
Security and Privacy for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface in 6G: A Review of Prospective Applications and Challenges

While sixth-generation (6G) wireless systems are expected to bring about an explosion of accessible user information and novel technologies, along with new threats to terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, major concerns associated with the development of 6G networks are privacy and security. Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), which have recently emerged as promising candidates to support 6G physical platforms, have proved to be capable of boosting security of next-generation wireless systems. However, due to their easy reconfigurability and low cost, RISs are vulnerable to several security threats, and this vulnerability has not yet been thoroughly addressed in previous research. To fill this gap in the literature, in this review, we aim to thoroughly analyze the security challenges affecting RIS-empowered 6G wireless networks. To this end, we review the attributes of RISs that distinguish them from other relevant technologies, such as multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO), conventional relaying, backscatter communication (BackCom), as well as outline security and privacy attacks in RIS-assisted 6G applications. Our specific focus is on security and privacy threats associated with the use of RISs with different vital 6G technologies, including millimeter wave (mmWave), terahertz (THz), device-to-device (D2D) communication, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, multi-access edge computing (MEC), integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT), and non-terrestrial network. The review concludes with an outline of open research challenges and promising future directions to further increase secrecy of RIS-assisted 6G applications. The results of this review contribute to previous research on 6G network security, in general, and RIS-based 6G network security, in particular.
Preparation Strategies of the Anti-Mycobacterial Drug Bedaquiline for Intrapulmonary Routes of Administration

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) has infected one-quarter of the world’s population and led to the deaths of 1.6 million individuals in 2021 according to estimates from the World Health Organization. The rise in prevalence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant M.tb strains coupled with insufficient therapies to treat such strains has motivated the development of more effective treatments and/or delivery modalities. Bedaquiline, a diarylquinoline antimycobacterial agent, effectively targets mycobacterial ATP synthase but may lead to systemic complications upon oral delivery. Targeted delivery of bedaquiline to the lungs represents an alternative strategy to harness the sterilizing benefits of the drug against M.tb while mitigating off-target side effects. Two pulmonary delivery modalities were developed herein, including dry powder inhalation and liquid instillation. Despite bedaquiline’s poor water solubility, spray drying was performed in predominantly aqueous conditions (≥80%) to avoid a closed-loop, inert system. Aerosols of spray-dried bedaquiline with L-leucine excipient outperformed spray-dried bedaquiline alone, demonstrating superior fine particle fraction metrics (~89% of the emitted dose below <5 µm), suitable for inhalation therapies. Furthermore, the use of a 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin excipient allowed a molecular dispersion of bedaquiline in an aqueous solution for liquid instillation. Both delivery modalities were successfully administered to Hartley guinea pigs for pharmacokinetic analysis and were well-tolerated by the animals. Intrapulmonary liquid delivery of bedaquiline led to adequate serum absorption and appropriate peak serum concentrations of the drug. The liquid formulation was superior in systemic uptake compared to the powder formulation. The predominant route via which M.tb bacilli enter the body is aerosol droplets that are deposited onto airway surfaces. For this reason, we believe that further studies should focus on inhalation or intrapulmonary therapies that target the site of entry and primary site of infection for M.tb.
Different BD BACTEC™ Blood Culture Bottle Types for the Detection of Fungi in Simulated Sterile Body Fluid Samples

Blood culture systems are a potential alternative to classical cultivation of fungi on mycological media, but there are limited data on the suitability of these systems for culturing other sample types (e.g., sterile body fluids). We conducted a prospective study to evaluate different types of blood culture (BC) bottles for the detection of different fungal species in non-blood samples. A total of 43 fungal isolates were tested for their ability to grow in BD BACTEC Mycosis-IC/F (Mycosis bottles), BD BACTEC Plus Aerobic/F (Aerobic bottles) and BD BACTEC Plus Anaerobic/F (Anaerobic bottles) (Becton Dickinson, East Rutherford, NJ, USA) BC bottles inoculated with spiked samples without the addition of blood or fastidious organism supplement. Time to detection (TTD) was determined for all BC types tested and compared between groups. In general, Mycosis and Aerobic bottles were similar (p > 0.05). The Anaerobic bottles failed to support growth in >86% of cases. The Mycosis bottles were superior in detecting Candida glabrata, Cryptococcus spp. and Aspergillus spp. (p < 0.05). The performance of Mycosis and Aerobic bottles was similar, but if cryptococcosis or aspergillosis is suspected, the use of Mycosis bottles is recommended. Anaerobic bottles are not recommended for fungal detection.
Pre-Sampling Model Based Inference III

This paper suggests that sampling theory may usefully be expanded from random sampling of population units to both random sampling of population units and random construction of these population units. It continues previous work under this title, Woodruff (2011, 2010, 2009). In survey sampling, a sample units study variables are expanded to population totals by probability design based or model based expansions that implicitly treat a units study variables as totals over entities called atoms contained in each unit. When a units atoms are random samples from a population of atoms, a model is imposed on sample data that leads to Pre-sampling Model Based (PSMB) Inference. PSMB inference provides estimates that retain the best properties of both model based and design based inference and that eliminate the main shortcomings of each. The result can be orders-of-magnitude error reduction. Techniques for deriving sampling error under repeated sampling from stratified cluster designs of PSMB estimators are derived. Applications to some common sampling problems are presented.
Large‐amplitude electric fields in the inner magnetosphere: Van Allen Probes observations of subauroral polarization streams

The subauroral polarization stream (SAPS) is an important magnetosphere‐ionosphere (MI) coupling phenomenon that impacts a range of particle populations in the inner magnetosphere. SAPS studies often emphasize ionospheric signatures of fast westward flows, but the equatorial magnetosphere is also affected through strong radial electric fields in the dusk sector. This study focuses on a period of steady southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) during the 29 June 2013 geomagnetic storm where the Van Allen Probes observe a region of intense electric fields near the plasmapause over multiple consecutive outbound duskside passes. We show that the large‐amplitude electric fields near the equatorial plane are consistent with SAPS by investigating the relationship between plasma sheet ion and electron boundaries, associated field‐aligned currents, and the spatial location of the electric fields. By incorporating high‐inclination DMSP data we demonstrate the spatial and temporal variability of the SAPS region, and we suggest that discrete, earthward propagating injections are driving the observed strong electric fields at low L shells in the equatorial magnetosphere. We also show the relationship between SAPS and plasmasphere erosion, as well as a possible correlation with flux enhancements for 100s keV electrons.
A first assignment to create student buy‐in in an introductory business statistics course

This paper presents a sample assignment to be administered after the first two weeks of an introductory business focused statistics course in order to promote student buy‐in. This assignment integrates graphical displays of data, descriptive statistics and cross‐tabulation analysis through the lens of a marketing analysis study. A marketing sample was chosen because marketing is a tangible business practice to which all students, regardless of their background, have been exposed. The purpose of the assignment is to quickly cement in the students minds both the applicability of the course material within the business world as well as their own ability to master it.