Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Eliciting product development knowledge using value stream mapping

To improve capabilities in a knowledge-based environment such as Product Development (PD), eliciting expert knowledge is a critical step. This is however underemphasised by many process improvement techniques. This paper studies in depth four improvement initiatives in four companies using PD Value Stream Mapping (PDVSM) techniques and describes lessons learned from both the successes and failures of more than 13 mappings. It demonstrates how PDVSM is valuable for bringing experts together to overcome compartmentalised thinking and for face-to-face sharing of tacit knowledge, both critical for improving the PD system. PDVSM addresses knowledge about PD procedures not to be found in handbooks or process descriptions and identifies improvements at interfaces and handovers, both common sources of wastes in PD.
Perspectives on Social and Environmental Determinants of Oral Health

Most oral conditions have a multifactorial etiology; that is, they are modulated by biological, social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors. A consistent body of evidence has demonstrated the great burden of dental caries and periodontal disease in individuals from low socioeconomic strata. Oral health habits and access to care are influenced by the social determinants of health. Hence, the delivery of health promotion strategies at the population level has shown a great impact on reducing the prevalence of oral diseases. More recently, a growing discussion about the relationship between the environment, climate change, and oral health has been set in place. Certainly, outlining plans to address oral health inequities is not an easy task. It will demand political will, comprehensive funding of health services, and initiatives to reduce inequalities. This paper sought to give a perspective about the role of social and physical environmental factors on oral health conditions while discussing how the manuscripts published in this Special Issue could increase our knowledge of the topic.
Technique to measure an ion track profile

Effects of the radial density distribution of carriers generated in a single ion track have been observed in thin silicon detectors. These devices have been irradiated with either an ion microbeam at low energy or a high-energy standard ion beam. We describe the mode of operation of the tested structure, and propose an interpretation of the experimental charge collection data to extract information on the ion track profile. Experimental results are compared to 3D simulations and simplified analytical profiles.
Renovation Requirement for Dairy Cattle Barns and Two Renovation Models For Existing Dairy Barns in Bursa

Bu calismada Bursa ilindeki sut sigiri ahirlarinin yenilenme gereksinimi tartisilmis ve secilen iki adet bagli durakli ahir serbest durakli ahira donusturulmustur. Yenileme maliyetleri hesaplanmis ve ayni tip ve kapasitedeki yeni insa edilmis bir ahirin maliyetiyle karsilastirilmistir. Ahir iyilestirme maliyeti I nolu isletmede 25.060 $, II nolu isletmede ise 4.993 $ olarak hesaplanmistir. Sagim yeri de dahil toplam iyilestirme maliyeti ise I nolu isletme icin 41.460 $ ve II nolu isletme icin 25.050 $ bulunmustur. Sigir basina iyilestirme maliyeti ise sirasiyla 1.275 $ ve 520 $ hesaplanmistir. Yenileme calismasi ile ineklerin barinma ortami iyilestirilmis, iscilik kolaylastirilmis, isgucu gereksinimi azaltilmistir
Right costophrenic angle abscess due to Salmonella Dublin infection in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The main manifestations of type 2 diabetes mellitus are excessive drinking, polyphagia, polyuria and wasting or weight loss in a short period of time, but it is rare to have persistent fever of unknown origin as the main manifestation. This case report describes a 68-year-old male patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus presenting with unexplained fever with persistent exacerbation and a cystic lesion in the right costophrenic horn on abdominal computed tomography (CT). A cytoculture examination of the puncture fluid suggested that the infection was due to Salmonella Dublin. The patient was treated with drainage of the abscess in the right costophrenic angle area, which then healed successfully. These findings suggest that Salmonella Dublin infection should be considered when a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with an unexplained persistent fever. At the same time, CT-guided abscess puncture can be performed to improve the patient's symptoms, aid diagnosis and improve the quality of life.
Early diagnosis of rice plant disease using machine learning techniques

Abstract There is an incredible progress in machine learning applications in the field of agricultural research. Detection of various diseases, deficiencies, and factors impacting crops’ productivity is one of the major ongoing research in this field. This paper considers various machine learning and deep learning techniques (transfer learning) for rice disease detection. In this study three different rice diseases viz. bacterial blight, rice blast, and brown spot are considered. A detailed comparative analysis of the results indicates the superiority of transfer learning techniques over conventional machine learning techniques. It is observed that InceptionResNetV2 achieves the best result followed by XceptionNet. This work can be incorporated in assisting the farmers for early diagnosis of rice disease so that future course of action may be taken on time. For future studies, efforts should be directed to work with bigger datasets so as to generalize the findings of the experiment.
Development of damage detection system for surface mount packages during reflow soldering

A damage detection system for surface mount packages during reflow soldering has been developed to efficiently evaluate reliability of packages quantitatively. This system is based on measuring the deformation of the packages in the direction of the thickness. A personal computer automatically determines the damage mode and the temperature at which the damage occurred by the displacement profile and the temperature profile. The three possible damage modes-package cracking, delamination of the plastic, and leakage of vapor, which leaves gaps between the plastic and the leads-can be identified by this system. <<ETX>>
Serum amyloid A, ferritin and carcinoembryonic antigen as biomarkers of severity in patients with COVID-19

In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the high mortality rate of severe cases, reliable risk stratifying indicators of prognosis are necessary to decrease morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of serum amyloid A (SAA) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as prognostic biomarkers in comparison to other predictors, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin levels. This study included 124 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, and they were assigned to one of two groups: Mild and severe, based on the severity of the infection. Radiological and laboratory investigations were performed, including evaluation of CRP, ferritin, D-Dimer, SAA and CEA levels. Significantly higher levels of CRP, ferritin, D-Dimer, SAA and CEA were observed in severe cases. SAA was significantly correlated with CRP (r=0.422, P<0.001), ferritin (r=0.574, P<0.001), CEA (r=0.514, P<0.001) and computed tomography severity score (CT-SS; r=0.691, P<0.001). CEA was correlated with CRP (r=0.441, P<0.001), ferritin (r=0.349, P<0.001) and CT-SS (r=0.374, P<0.001). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for performance of SAA, CEA, ferritin, CRP and SAA showed the highest AUC value of 0.928, with a specificity of 93.1%, and a sensitivity of 98.5% at a cut-off of 16 mg/l. The multi-ROC curve for SAA and ferritin showed 100% specificity, 100% sensitivity and 100% efficiency, with an AUC of 1.000. Thus, combining SAA and ferritin may have guiding significance for predicting COVID-19 severity. SAA alone showed the highest prognostic significance. Both SAA and CEA were positively correlated with the CT-SS. Early monitoring of these laboratory markers may thus provide significant input for halting disease progression and reducing mortality rates.
Sensitivity analysis of mesoscale simulations to physics parameterizations: a case study of storm Ciara over the Belgian North Sea using WRF-ARW

Abstract. The Weather, Research and Forecasting (WRF) model includes a multitude of physics parameterizations to account for atmospheric dynamics and interactions such as turbulent fluxes within the planetary boundary layer (PBL), long and short wave radiation, hydrometeor representation in microphysics, cloud ensemble representation in cumulus, amongst others. A sensitivity analysis is conducted in order to identify the optimal WRF-physics set-up and impact of temporal resolution of re-analysis dataset for the event of sudden changes in wind direction that can become challenging for reliable wind energy operations. In this context, Storm Ciara has been selected as a case study to investigate the influence of a broad combination of different interacting physics-schemes on quantities of interest that are relevant for energy yield assessment. Of particular relevance to fast transient weather events, two different temporal resolutions (1-hourly and 3-hourly) of the lateral boundary condition's re-analysis dataset, ERA5, are considered. Physics parameterizations considered in this study include: two PBL schemes (MYNN2.5 and scale-aware Shin Hong PBL), four cumulus schemes (Kain-Fritsch, Grell-Devenyi, and scale-aware Grell-Freitas and multi-scale Kain-Fritsch,) and three microphysics schemes (WSM5, Thompson and Morrison) coupled with two geospatial configurations for WRF simulation domains. The resulting WRF predictions are assessed by comparison to observational RADAR reflectivity data on precipitation. In addition, SCADA data on wind direction and wind speed from an offshore wind farm located in the Belgian North Sea is considered to assess modeling capabilities for local wind behavior at farm level. For precipitation, results are shown to be very sensitive to model setup, but no clear trends can be observed. For wind-related variables on the other hand, results show a definite improvement in accuracy when both scale-aware cumulus and PBL parameterizations are used in combination with 1-hourly temporal resolution reanalysis data and extended domain sizes.
Fit between sourcing capabilities and organisational structure on IT outsourcing performance

Thus far, relatively few studies on the supplier side of Information Technology (IT) outsourcing arrangements have been based on empirical quantitative research. Previous research identified a recurring supplier problem, a lack of sustainability in IT performance. The literature revealed that a supplier's capabilities and organisational structure affect the supplier performance. We hypothesise that realising a fit between the necessary sourcing capabilities and organisational structure on the IT supplier side will result in a sustainable sourcing performance. We executed a survey research among employees involved in sourcing activities of three different IT outsourcing suppliers (N = 135). The results from our analysis provide evidence that these constructs can be used to analyse differences between the three types of service suppliers. Results indicate that suppliers who focus on establishing a fit are more willing or able to monitor if they achieve a sustainable performance.
Portfolio selection using ELECTRE III: Evidence from Tehran Stock Exchange

Article history: Received July 10, 2014 Accepted November 17, 2014 Available online November 18 2014 Ranking the companies can be a useful guide for investors to select an optimum portfolio. Tehran stock exchange (TSE) uses liquidity criterion to rank the companies; however, this study shows that preferences of investors, the criteria they use to evaluate companies’ performances, and the extent to which ranking of companies based on investors’ criteria are in line with the ranking announced by the stock exchange. Since the criteria used for ranking the companies are various and often conflicting and because each multiple criteria technique has its own specific characteristics, various rankings are offered. Therefore, it is required to utilize multiple criteria decision making models to avoid confusion of investors. For this purpose, some companies were selected from 50 top companies listed in 2011 in TSE, which maintained the reliability of their ranks and finally, 20 companies were selected and were ranked based on investors’ criteria using EECTRE III Technique. The obtained ranking was then compared with the ranking offered by stock exchange. Research results indicate that ELECTRE III technique was a useful and efficient method to select a portfolio. Moreover, valuebased criteria as well as accounting criteria are suitable and useful bases for investors to select a portfolio. Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 5 © 201
Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac involvement has a profound effect on the prognosis of patients with systemic amyloidosis. Therapeutic methods for suppressing the production of causative proteins have been developed for ATTR amyloidosis and AL amyloidosis, which show cardiac involvement, and the prognosis has been improved. However, a method for removing deposited amyloid has not been established. Methods for reducing cytotoxicity caused by amyloid deposition and amyloid precursor protein to protect cardiovascular cells are also needed. In this review, we outline the molecular mechanisms and treatments of cardiac amyloidosis.
Moving to know boundaries: applying dance movement therapy in body privacy training

ABSTRACT Dance movement therapy as a specific form of psychotherapy has its successful applicability in various psycho-social intervention programmes. However, the most common utilisation of this therapy has been observed in the clinical and rehabilitation fields. Its applicability in community mental health training, though not totally overlooked, but not empirically explored as well. The present work tried to bridge this research gap in relation to training and development in children. This study has focused on understanding dance movement therapy’s role in training children with the concept of body privacy, at the same time developing healthy body image, and facilitating communication skills in them. Qualitative techniques were employed for data collection and analysis purpose. The findings were intriguing in terms of evaluating dance movement therapy as a training process to teach children body privacy concept, which can further find its application in school counselling and various other child training and intervention programmes.
A Merged Single-Electron Transistor and Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Transistor Logic for Interface and Multiple-Valued Functions

A merged single-electron transistor and metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor logic is introduced that features large voltage gain and output amplitude that far exceed the limits of Cg/Cd and e/CΣ inherent to a single-electron transistor (SET), where Cg, Cd, e, and CΣ are gate capacitance, drain capacitance, elemental charge, and the total capacitance around the Coulomb island, respectively. The operation of the proposed logic is verified with devices fabricated by the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible pattern-dependent oxidation process. The proposed logic is not only suitable for a SET-to-CMOS interface circuit, but is also useful as a basic element for multiple-valued functions.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features for differentiating functioning from 
non-functioning adrenal lesions

Aim: It is not well known whether the radiological features of adenomas differ between functioning and non-functioning adrenal lesions (NFAL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristic features of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics among functioning and non-functioning adrenal lesions. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included 89 patients with functioning adrenal lesions and 148 patients with NFAL, whose CT or MRI findings were present. Group 1 included patients with functioning adrenal lesions and group 2 patients with NFAL. Results: In patients with functioning adrenal mass, adenoma size (p:0.001), unenhanced and early-enhanced Hounsfield units (HU) (p<0.001) were significantly higher compared to those with NFAL. Among the patients with functioning adrenal mass; Cushing’s syndrome, pheochromocytoma and primary hyperaldosteronism were diagnosed in 34, 32 and 23 patients, respectively. Mean earlyenhanced HU was higher in all functioning groups compared to NFAL (p<0.001, all). ROC analysis showed 80% specificity and 82.7% sensitivity for determining functioning adrenal masses with an early-enhanced CT attenuation value of 27 HU. On T1-weighted images functioning adrenal lesions were more commonly hypointense than NFAL (p=0.02). Conclusion: This study reveals that functioning adrenal lesions might be differentiating from NFAL using CT features. Especially early-enhanced CT attenuation, which is elevated in all functioning adrenal mass forms, may be used effectively for this purpose.
Connectomic analysis of Alzheimer’s disease using percolation theory

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder that affects a growing worldwide elderly population. Identification of brain functional biomarkers is expected to help determine preclinical stages for targeted mechanistic studies and development of therapeutic interventions to deter disease progression. Connectomic analysis, a graph theory–based methodology used in the analysis of brain-derived connectivity matrices was used in conjunction with percolation theory targeted attack model to investigate the network effects of AD-related amyloid deposition. We used matrices derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging collected on mice with extracellular amyloidosis (TgCRND8 mice, n = 17) and control littermates (n = 17). Global, nodal, spatial, and percolation-based analysis was performed comparing AD and control mice. These data indicate a short-term compensatory response to neurodegeneration in the AD brain via a strongly connected core network with highly vulnerable or disconnected hubs. Targeted attacks demonstrated a greater vulnerability of AD brains to all types of attacks and identified progression models to mimic AD brain functional connectivity through betweenness centrality and collective influence metrics. Furthermore, both spatial analysis and percolation theory identified a key disconnect between the anterior brain of the AD mice to the rest of the brain network.
Comparison of six zero-till seed drill openers for establishment and persistence of sod-seeded alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in a cool-season perennial grass pasture

Abstract: Zero-till seed drills are readily available for crop seeding in the prairie region of western Canada but have not been evaluated for sod-seeding in perennial forage. Sod-seeding a legume, such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), into the existing perennial grass vegetation improves forage yield and quality for ruminant livestock grazing and production. Suppression of the existing vegetation with herbicide has been reported to increase alfalfa seedling establishment. We evaluated six commercially available zero-till seed drill openers by sod-seeding alfalfa into a crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. ] pasture with or without glyphosate suppression of the existing vegetation in Lanigan Saskatchewan. Alfalfa seedling establishment (52.2 vs. 21.9 seedlings m−1 ± 6.8), alfalfa composition (42.5% vs. 0.2% ± 8.6), and alfalfa yield (1105 kg·ha−1 vs. 12 kg·ha−1 ± 206) in 2011 were increased by the application of herbicide. Seed drill openers performed similarly for all three variables. Nine years later, in June 2020, there was greater alfalfa composition (13.3% vs. 0% ± 2.3) and forage yield (1325 vs. 957 kg·ha−1 ± 127) in the sod-seeded plots than in the unseeded controls but the alfalfa plant cover, alfalfa composition, alfalfa yield and forage yield were similar among seed drill openers. There was also no difference in these variables due to herbicide application nine years prior. Livestock producers can utilize currently available zero-till seeding equipment for sod-seeding alfalfa to rejuvenate grass pastures in the thin Black soil zone of western Canada with the expectation of persistence of alfalfa for nine years.
Educational Mobility in the Developing World

This chapter reviews the small but growing literature on intergenerational educational mobility in the developing world. Education is a critical determinant of economic wellbeing, and it predicts a range of nonpecuniary outcomes such as marriage, fertility, health, crime, and political attitudes. We show that developing nations feature stronger intergenerational educational persistence than high-income countries, in spite of substantial educational expansion in the last decades. We consider variations in mobility across gender and region, and discuss the macro-level correlates of educational mobility in developing countries. The chapter also discusses the literatures on concepts and measurement of educational mobility, theoretical perspectives to understand educational mobility across generations, and the role that education plays in the economic mobility process, and it applies these literatures to understand educational mobility in the developing world.
A harmonized global land evaporation dataset from model-based products covering 1980–2017

Abstract. Land evaporation (ET) plays a crucial role in the hydrological and energy cycle. However, the widely used model-based products, even though helpful, are still subject to great uncertainties due to imperfect model parameterizations and forcing data. The lack of available observed data has further complicated estimation. Hence, there is an urgency to define the global proxy land ET with lower uncertainties for climate-induced hydrology and energy change. This study has combined three existing model-based products – the fifth-generation ECMWF reanalysis (ERA5), Global Land Data Assimilation System Version 2 (GLDAS2), and the second Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2) – to obtain a single framework of a long-term (1980–2017) daily ET product at a spatial resolution of 0.25∘. Here, we use the reliability ensemble averaging (REA) method, which minimizes errors using reference data, to combine the three products over regions with high consistencies between the products using the coefficient of variation (CV). The Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model Version 3.2a (GLEAM3.2a) and flux tower observation data were selected as the data for reference and evaluation, respectively. The results showed that the merged product performed well over a range of vegetation cover scenarios. The merged product also captured the trend of land evaporation over different areas well, showing the significant decreasing trend in the Amazon Plain in South America and Congo Basin in central Africa and the increasing trend in the east of North America, west of Europe, south of Asia and north of Oceania. In addition to demonstrating a good performance, the REA method also successfully converged the models based on the reliability of the inputs. The resulting REA data can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4595941 (Lu et al., 2021).