Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Soil Parameters on the Impulse and Airblast Overpressure Loading above Surface-Laid and Shallow-Buried Explosives

The dynamic airblast, fragmentation, and soil ejecta loading environments produced by the detonation of surface-laid and shallow-buried mines are major threats to lightweight military vehicles. During the past several years, the US Army has focused considerable attention on developing improved methods for predicting the below-vehicle environment from these threats for use by vehicle/armor analysts; thereby, improving the survivability of these platforms. The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center recently completed the first year of a three-year effort to experimentally and numerically quantify the blast and fragment loading environments on vehicles due to surface and subsurface mine and IED detonations. As part of this research effort, a series of experiments was conducted to quantify the effects of soil parameters on the aboveground blast environments produced by the detonation of aboveground bottom-surface-tangent, buried top-surface-tangent, and shallow-buried 2.3-kg (5-lb) Composition C4 charges. The experiments were conducted using three different well characterized soils; 10.8% air-filled-voids (AFV) silty sand, 5.4% AFV clay, and 29.8% AFV poorly graded sand. The combined aboveground loads due to airblast and soil debris were measured by an impulse measurement device. The near-surface airblast overpressure was quantified by a series of side-on measurements above the charges at one elevation and three radial distances. This paper summarizes and compares the results of the experimental program with emphasis on defining the effect of soil parameters on the aboveground blast environment.
Single op-amp sinusoidal oscillators suitable for generation of very low frequencies

The authors present some op-amp-based single-element controlled sinusoidal oscillator structures which can generate very low frequencies (VLF). In contrast to earlier VLF oscillators which have large frequency of the oscillations sensitivities and/or require two to five op-amps, the proposed circuits make it possible to generate VLF oscillations in a minimally sensitive manner while requiring only a single op-amp. The experimental results prove the validity of the theoretical formulations. >
Evaluation of Real-Time Performance in Virtualized Environment

In this report is documented the research, tests and conclusions of a thesis work with the aim of investigating the possibilities of running real-time tasks in a virtualization environment. First we introduce the reader to the concepts and technology we will be touching on, and then we investigate the available solutions. We find that most of these are merely in a theoretical or development stage, and so we evaluate them theoretically. We also attempt to test one of the solutions that are fully developed and available, but fail because of issues related to the design of the solution. Based on our experiences and evaluations we come to the conclusion that the solutions available are lacking, and we give a suggestion of our own that we think should address the issues we have found.
Design and delivery of a national pilot survey of capabilities

Understanding the numbers of people with different levels of ability in the population is important for informing design decisions for mainstream products, but a survey dataset for this purpose does not exist. This paper describes a key step towards obtaining such data. It describes a pilot survey of 362 people across England and Wales in preparation for a full national survey. Information was gathered on vision, hearing, hand and arm function, mobility, cognitive function, product use, psychological characteristics, anthropometrics and demographics. An interesting finding is that of those participants who reported any limitations in daily activities due to capability loss, 44% reported limitations due to loss of more than one capability. This finding highlights the importance of measuring multiple capabilities in a single survey. Top-level lessons learnt include: simplifying vision tests; reducing exclusion criteria for some of the tests; adopting a stratified sampling approach; and allocating more training for interviewers.
14.6 mΩcm2 3.3 kV DIMOSFET on 4H-SiC (000-1)

Silicon carbide double-implanted metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (DIMOSFETs) were fabricated on 4H-SiC (000-1) carbon face. The effect of current spread layer (CSL) structure was studied. 1.9 mm × 1.9 mm DIMOSFETs were characterized from room temperature to 200°C. At room temperature, the specific on-resistance of this MOSFET was 14.8 mΩcm2 at a gate bias of 20 V and a drain voltage of 0.5 V. The blocking voltage of this MOSFET was 3300 V. At 300 °C, the specific on-resistance increased from 14.8 mΩcm2 to 83.9 mΩcm2 and the threshold voltage decreased from 5.3 V to 3.4 V.
Effect of Tramadol on Hormones and Lipid Peroxidation of male Rabbits

Tramadol manhandle straightforwardly impacts the discharge of luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating g hormone from the front pituitary organ that diminishes the common discharge of luteinizing hormone in a pulsatile way, resulting in a negative impact on male testiclesdue to lower levels of testosterone hormone. Animals were orally given 40 mg/kg B.W. doses of tramadol. The tried measurements were given to rabbits each other day for 6 weeks. Tramadol significantly decreased body weight (BW), weight of brain, testes, testosterone, estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin hormone (T4). While, it caused significant increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations in plasma, testes and brain.
Comparing Pilot Training Perfomance in Immersive and Non-Immersive Viirtual Environments

This research investigated whether there was equal improvement for instrument pilot skill trained under an immersive virtual environment (IVE) versus a nonimmersive virtual environment (NIVE). In the IVE, sensory input to the human from external world is provided by head mounted displays, while NIVEs are represented by desktop displays. Subjects were tested in IVE and NIVE flight scenarios using three flying tasks—normal crosswind approach and landing (NCAL), go-around (GA) and constant speed during climbing and descending (CSCD). Error rate data were analyzed for four pilot control tasks. The results show that NIVE provides error rate reduction for training altitude control under NCAL and GA tasks, and vertical speed control for CSCD. No significant differences were observed for both NIVE and IVE for vertical speed control. IVE showed error rate decrements for the rest of the tasks.
Touchscreen mobile devices and older adults: a usability study

The increasing advance and use of technology presents challenges for older users and older generations often experience difficulty in using new technology compared with their younger counterparts. The purpose of this work was to investigate how touchscreen devices have affected the usability of interactive consumer products by older adults. This work was conducted with older adults to explore their perceptions of touchscreen interfaces and to understand existing usability issues and barriers to their adoption. The research was conducted with four participants and each was required to carry out common tasks on mobile phones which they were unfamiliar with. It was seen that some older users are frequent users of modern technologies such as touchscreens and find this easier to use than systems which are generally perceived as more 'simple' systems such as keypads on a mobile phone. Technological advances show a change in interface design, making use easier for all users, in particular older people, yet this has not been developed to its full potential and still deters certain users from choosing to use products implementing these technologies. It is recommended that technology developers consider the needs and desires of older adults as a user group.
Inverted‐L slot antenna for WLAN operation

An inverted‐L slot antenna for wireless local area network (WLAN) operation in the 2.4‐GHz band (2400–2484 MHz) is presented. The inverted‐L slot antenna is obtained by transforming a linear slot into an inverted‐L shaped, which makes it very suitable to be placed at the corners of the display panel of a notebook computer. A prototype has been constructed and tested, and good antenna gain and dual‐polarization radiation characteristics for WLAN operations are observed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 315–316, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10905
Toripalimab Combined With Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Versus Lenvatinib for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose: Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy have synergistic effects in multiple malignancies. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of toripalimab plus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) of oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin versus lenvatinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: We conducted this retrospective study at 3 hospitals in China and eligible patients were 18 years or older and had a primary diagnosis of unresectable HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic spread. These patients were treated with toripalimab plus HAIC or lenvatinib monotherapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease control rate per response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1, and objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST 1.1. The results were compared by Student's test or the chi-square test, and the survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and propensity-score matching (PSM) was used to reduce bias. Results: A total of 118 patients were recruited for this study: 53 in the TorHAIC group and 65 in the lenvatinib group. We found that the TorHAIC group showed a longer PFS (9.3 [95% CI, 7.81-10.8] vs 4.8 months [95% CI, 3.31−6.29]; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.57, 95% CI, 0.38-0.85; p = .006), a longer OS (17.13 [95% CI, 13.99−20.27] vs 10.1 months [95% CI, 8.14−12.06]; HR = 0.5, 95% CI, 0.31 − 0.81; p = .005), a higher disease control rate (86.8% vs 69.2%, p = .002) and a higher ORR (47.2% vs 9.2%, p < .001) by RECIST criteria than the lenvatinib group. Both toripalimab plus HAIC and lenvatinib had acceptable safety profiles. No treatment-related deaths occurred in this study. In the propensity score-matched cohorts (47 pairs), the outcomes in the TorHAIC group were also better than those in the lenvatinib group (p < .05). Conclusion: Toripalimab plus HAIC was tolerable and effective in advanced HCC and the result needs to be confirmed in the phase III trial.
Assessing Reading Abilities of Mechanical Engineering College Students: A Prospecting Study*

Reading is a basic competence that students have to master to be successful. Despite this fact, recent studies show that there maybe a significant decline in the reading abilities of college students, one of the most educated segments of any population. This workis a prospecting study regarding the assessment of reading abilities of college students, namely in the context of Engineeringeducation. Based on an existing screening test for assessing reading difficulties of children and teenagers, this work presents theresults obtained by administrating that test to students at a top engineering institution in Portugal. An outcome of this study is thedetermination of a time range suitable for a massive, time limited, use of the previously mentioned test to assess college students,thus enabling a basic tool that will permit, in future works, to screen reading abilities in wider college populations. This work alsoshows evidence that ca. 20% of college students present a poor reading performance, revealing a strong need for monitoring collegestudents’ reading abilities along different generations.
Sequence analysis reveals asymptomatic infection with Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum possibly leads to infertility in females: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Genetic evidence of asymptomatic Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) infection associated with infertility among females is lacking because suitable high throughput molecular methods have not been applied. Objective This study aimed to explore the occurrence of M. hominis and U. urealyticum in the genital tract of females with asymptomatic infection and infertility as well as determine their genetic relatedness. Materials and Methods The study group included 100 asymptomatic females and 31 females diagnosed with infertility. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene following DNA extraction was performed directly from endo-cervical swabs. Phylogenetic analysis established the genetic linkage between the isolates from both groups. Results In asymptomatic females, M. hominis and U. urealyticum were detected with a prevalence of 8% and 2% respectively. Among females with infertility, the prevalence was 6.45% and 3.23% for M. hominis and U. urealyticum respectively. In both groups, M. hominis occurred significantly more frequently. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three distinct clusters in both groups: two with already characterized M. hominis and Ureaplasma species (28.6% of the overall Mycoplasma spp.) and one distinct cluster matched with U. urealyticum. Furthermore, all M. hominis from asymptomatic females clustered significantly with infertility contrary to U. urealyticum. The M. hominis cluster was significantly linked to two strains from China. Conclusion The sequence analysis of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma in the genital tract of asymptomatic and infertile females showed significant association; therefore, it is paramount to consider them as possible etiologic agents of infertility and genital infection, especially when the etiology of infertility is unknown.
Value of diffusion-weighted imaging in preoperative evaluation and prediction of postoperative supplementary therapy for patients with cervical cancer

Background With the continuous progress of medical imaging technology, evaluation of cervical cancer is increasingly dependent on imaging methods. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) plays an important role, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value is a unique quantitative parameter in the research of cervical cancer. Methods In this prospective study, a total of 273 patients diagnosed with stage IB1 to IIIC1 cervical cancer based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018 staging guidelines who underwent pelvic 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including MRI and DWI, were enrolled, and the diagnostic value of preoperative staging of cervical cancer was compared between the MRI and DWI groups. The DWI group was used to explore the potential association of mean ADC (ADCmean) with different pathological characteristics and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of ADCmean generated to predict the appropriate postoperative supplementary therapy. Results The diagnostic coincidence rate of DWI was higher than that of MRI in preoperative staging of cervical cancer (χ2, P<0.05) and determined as stages IB1 + IB2 + IIA1 (90.91%), IB3 + IIA2 (93.48%), and IIIC1p (95.16%). The DWI staging results were consistent with postoperative pathological staging (Kappa value =0.865, P<0.001). We observed significant differences in ADCmean values in relation to pathological type, histological grade, depth of stromal infiltration, tumor diameter, lymphovascular invasion, and pelvic lymph node metastasis of cervical cancer (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.815, with the best predictive value for postoperative supplementary therapy in cervical cancer (sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 74.0%) at ADCmean of 0.910×10−3 mm2/s. Conclusions The DWI is a useful tool for preoperative evaluation of cervical cancer. In local cervical lesions, ADCmean varies in relation to different clinicopathological characteristics and a reference index of <0.910×10−3 mm2/s can be effectively applied to predict the need for postoperative supplementary therapy.
A novel scheme of lensed fiber employing a quadrangular-pyramid-shaped fiber endface for coupling between high-power laser diodes and single-mode fibers

This paper proposes a new scheme for the lensed fiber employing a quadrangular-pyramid-shaped fiber endface (QPSFE) for coupling between the high-power 980-nm laser diodes and the single-mode fibers (SMFs). The QPSFE was fabricated by grinding and polishing techniques and then heating in a fusing splicer to form an elliptical microlens endface. A coupling efficiency of 83% has been demonstrated. Based on the far-field profile measurements, the higher coupling efficiency of the QPSFE lensed fiber was attributed to the better matching of both the elliptical Gaussian field distribution and the aspect ratio between the laser source and the fiber lens, The advantage of the QPSFE structure was to be able to control two axial curvatures, and, therefore, this novel QPSFE can form any different aspect ratios of elliptical microlenses to match the far field of the high-power diode lasers as well as the commercial diode lasers used in lightwave communications.
Dynamic stiffness of foundation embedded in layered halfspace based on wave propagation in cones

An Erratum has been published for this article in Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics 33(6) 2004, 793.The dynamic stiffness of a foundation embedded in a multiple‐layered halfspace is calculated postulating one‐dimensional wave propagation in cone segments. In this strength‐of‐materials approach the sectional property of the cone segment increases in the direction of wave propagation. Reflections and refractions with waves propagating in corresponding cone segments occur at layer interfaces. Compared to rigorous procedures the novel method based on cone segments is easy to apply, provides conceptual clarity and physical insight in the wave propagation mechanisms.
Leakage Assessment through Water Distribution Network Simulation

Presented herein is a methodology for evaluation of water losses based on discrimination of the two components of uncontrolled water in a water distribution network: physical losses in mains and service connections, and the volume of water consumed but not measured by meters. The water balance calculations consider that all nonmeasured consumption is uncontrolled water and consequently an apparent loss. The methodology is applicable to an entire network or portions thereof, and presumes that real losses in certain physical states of a network are a function of pressure, while apparent losses (defined as nonmetered consumed water) are a function of consumption patterns (i.e., domestic, industrial, institutional, etc.). An extended period simulation of a water distribution network is employed to accurately determine both terms.
Genomic Insights into the Distribution and Phylogeny of Glycopeptide Resistance Determinants within the Actinobacteria Phylum

The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) creates a challenge for global health security, rendering many previously successful classes of antibiotics useless. Unfortunately, this also includes glycopeptide antibiotics (GPAs), such as vancomycin and teicoplanin, which are currently being considered last-resort drugs. Emerging resistance towards GPAs risks limiting the clinical use of this class of antibiotics—our ultimate line of defense against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-positive pathogens. But where does this resistance come from? It is widely recognized that the GPA resistance determinants—van genes—might have originated from GPA producers, such as soil-dwelling Gram-positive actinobacteria, that use them for self-protection. In the current work, we present a comprehensive bioinformatics study on the distribution and phylogeny of GPA resistance determinants within the Actinobacteria phylum. Interestingly, van-like genes (vlgs) were found distributed in different arrangements not only among GPA-producing actinobacteria but also in the non-producers: more than 10% of the screened actinobacterial genomes contained one or multiple vlgs, while less than 1% encoded for a biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). By phylogenetic reconstructions, our results highlight the co-evolution of the different vlgs, indicating that the most diffused are the ones coding for putative VanY carboxypeptidases, which can be found alone in the genomes or associated with a vanS/R regulatory pair.
Comparing Approaches for Valuing Economic Development Benefits of Transportation Projects

Transportation agencies often face uncertainty regarding how to define and assess the economic magnitude of benefits associated with alternative projects and programs. Alternative types of economic impact analysis are examined, using data from a highway study in Kentucky to explore (1) differences in the definitions of economic benefits inherent in the various types of analysis, (2) reasons for their differing findings on the value of benefits, and (3) issues affecting their interpretation and use in decision making.
An Evaluation of Software Project Risk Management in South Africa

Global research indicates that the success rate of software projects worldwide is currently very low, and has been low for the past few decades. The application of risk management has improved the success rate of software projects in the developed world. This study investigated whether the success rate of software projects in South Africa is also low, and whether risk management might improve these success rates. The results indicate that the average success rate of software projects in South Africa is indeed very low, and that software projects in South Africa often experience the same risks as in the developed world. It was also found that, where risk management is applied, software projects produce better results than software projects with no risk management. The majority of South African software companies use ad hoc internally developed risk management procedures rather than formalised procedures.
In vitro enhancement of ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, and nystatin activity by irradiated aqueous garlic extract against multidrug-resistant pathogens causing otitis media

Received: 8th July 2021 Accepted: 8th Sept. 2021 Otitis media (OM) is a worldwide major health and economic issue leading to hearing loss, especially in developing countries due to high antibiotic resistance among the causative pathogens. This study aims to isolate, purify and determine the prevalence of MDR microorganisms causing OM. This is in addition to estimate in vitro effectiveness of irradiated and un-irradiated aqueous garlic extract (AGE). Finally, the present study aims to evaluate the enhancement of CIP, TOB, and NYS, commonly used in OM treatment, with IAGE against identified MDR bacteria and fungi. In the current investigation, the in vitro data revealed that OM is more prevalent in middle aged adults than in children. OM were predominated by bacterial isolates (59.0%), followed by fungal isolates (41.0%), including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5 isolates), Proteus mirabilis (3 isolates), in addition to Klebsiella pneumoniae, Alcaligenes faecalis, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger (1 isolate). Irradiated AGE (IAGE) showed nearly the same antimicrobial activity as the un-irradiated AGE. The inhibition activity enhancement was more statistically significant (P< 0.001) on combination of IAGE with CIP\NYS than with TOB (P< 0.05) and (P< 0.001) compared with each alone. Noticeable morphological changes in P. aeruginosa and A. flavus were observed by TEM images after the combination of IAGE with CIP/NYS. This study is one of primarily attempts to evaluate the IAGE to be used in future as a natural, safe, sterile, low cost, and available whole additive in therapeutic protocols to overcome MDR problem