Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vibration transmissibility behaviour of high order biodynamic models used in vehicle seat design

The effects of vibration transmissibility using high order biodynamic models of four, five and seven degrees of freedom that can replicate a human body exposed to vibration transmissibility while driving was investigated to identify resonant frequencies associated with injury. It was found that these models address vehicle seat deformities and represent the body hop motion when driving. The five degree of freedom models provided the best results to approximate resonant frequencies associated with the legs, lower torso, spine and whole body vibration at the seat person interface, while the driver's hands were on the steering and was supported with a backrest. The four degree of freedom model excluding the backrest was able to replicate experimental data and a sensitivity analysis of the stiffness and damping parameters indicated that this model was more robust compared to the others, and could predict whole body vibration to accommodate for intra subject variability. Non-linear damping and stiffness properties were noticed for acceleration magnitudes greater than 1g root mean square (rms) and for high order models, which provide greater anatomical description to predict injury in contrast to simple models that have large lumped masses to represent the upper and lower torso. In addition, biodynamic models greater than seven degrees of freedom can be utilised with non-linear stiffness and damping techniques to predict vibration and impedance behaviour for greater number of body ligaments applied to old seats or retrofit seat design applications.
Effects of different Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis ratios on nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and gas emissions of growing pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different mixing ratios of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis in diets on nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and odor gas emissions of growing pigs. A total of four crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) barrows with average body weight (BW) of 41.2 ± 0.7 kg were randomly allotted four diets over four periods in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were as follows: Control (CON, basal diet), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L4S6, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 4:6 ratio), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L5S5, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 5:5 ratio), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L6S4, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 6:4 ratio). Dietary probiotic supplementation showed higher crude protein (CP) digestibility values and lower Escherichia coli counts in fecal samples than the CON group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in NH3 or H2S emission until day 3. The positive effect of H2S and NH3 emissions was detected earlier with the L4S6 and L5S5 compared to the L6S4, which had a lower ratio of B. subtilis. Both the L4S6 and L5S5 probiotic complexes significantly decreased the fecal H2S and NH3 emission in days 4 and 6 (p < 0.05). On day 7, all probiotic complexes decreased (p < 0.05) H2S and NH3 emissions than the CON group. Our results agreed that the dietary supplementation of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis complexes in growing pigs can significantly improve CP digestibility and reduce fecal E. coli counts, NH3 and H2S emissions. Notably, the higher mixing ratio of Bacillus subtilis in probiotic supplementation is more effective in reducing the odor of manure.
Power quality considerations on shunt/series current and voltage conditioners

The paper presents the basic concepts of power quality considerations, especially when current, voltage or both present nonsinusoidal waveforms. The use of shunt compensator for current harmonic or unbalance compensation or the use of series compensator for voltage harmonic or unbalance compensations is discussed. Then the advantage of using hybrid passive and active power filter is also discussed. The association of shunt and series active filter composing the UPQC (universal power quality conditioner) which can guarantee perfect voltage and current harmonic compensation is presented. As a result of the generalization of the concept of the UPFC (unified power flow controller) associated with the concept of UPQC, the UPLC (universal active power line conditioner) is presented, which can compensate voltage and current harmonics as well as control the power flow in a transmission line.
Using a Patient Hotel: Perceptions of the Quality of Care by Patients Undergoing Analysis for Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders in the Netherlands

There is growing demand to improve healthcare services for patients. Patient hotel models can be applied to allow shorter inpatient stays, however, whether this improves patient satisfaction and quality of care is unknown. All consecutive patients referred for analysis of gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders at Maastricht UMC, the Netherlands, who stayed overnight in the patient hotel (June 2017–July 2018), were asked to complete a questionnaire on patient satisfaction and quality of care. On a 4-point Likert scale, most patients reported they were largely to absolutely satisfied with the quality of care, regarding coordination, information, courtesy of nurses and staff, and privacy. Cost savings between 48,433 and 74,613 euros for 1 year were achieved, amounting to 613–944 euros per patient. Positive patient satisfaction and perception of quality of care with the patient hotel model were achieved. We show that moving overnight stays from inpatient to an outpatient hotel provides substantial financial savings for hospitals, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.
Parameter-dependent Lyapunov function based fault estimation and fault-tolerant control for LPV systems

In this paper, an integrated fault estimation (FE) and fault-tolerant control (FTC) method is proposed for linear parameter varying (LPV) systems using the parameter-dependent Lyapunov function. The observer-based estimation and fault-tolerant control structure causes an uncertainty between systems which is called the bi-directional uncertainty. Additionally, with simultaneous actuator and sensor faults, disturbances, the overall performance of the FTC system decreases. To maintain robust stability of closed-loop systems, an unknown input observer fault estimator approach with both state feedback control and sliding mode control is implemented as a solution by solving optimisation using a linear matrix inequality (LMI) formulation. The efficiency of the integrated FE/FTC design is demonstrated using the pitch-axis missile LPV model and simulated to evaluate the merits of the suggested approach.
Maintenance energy requirements in mature beef cows and relationships with metabolic hormones, adipose gene expression, and calf performance

Nonlactating, spring-calving Angus cows in midto late gestation were used during 3 yr to determine variation in maintenance energy requirements (MR) and evaluate relationships between MR and concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and IGF-I in plasma, genes associated with lipid homeostasis, and calf performance. Cows were individually fed to meet predicted MR (NEm; Level 1 Model; NRC, 2000) and feed intake was adjusted every other week until constant BW (regression analyses) was achieved. Cows in each year were classified based on MR as low (LMR; > 0.5 SD less than mean MR), moderate (MMR; ± 0.5 SD of mean MR), or high (HMR; > 0.5 SD greater than mean MR). Blood samples were collected at maintenance in each year and during early lactation in yr 1 and 3. During maintenance, cows (yr 2: n = 14; yr 3: n = 20) were infused with thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and blood samples were collected. Plasma concentrations of T3, T4, and IGF-I were quantified by RIA. Relative mRNA abundance of lipogenic and lipolytic genes were evaluated in Longissimus dorsi muscle of LMR and HMR cows (n = 12) in yr 3. Mean MR (Kcal•kg BW 0.75 •d -1 ) of cows was 81.0 ± 1.8, 83.1 ± 1.6, and 88.1 ± 1.3 in yr 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Body weight, BCS, and daily plasma concentrations of T3, T4, and IGF-I in cows were not influenced by MR. After infusion of TRH in yr 2, mean plasma concentrations of T4 were greater in MMR compared with LMR cows, which were greater than in HMR cows and the T3:T4 was greater in HMR cows compared with LMR and MMR cows. In yr 3, LMR cows had greater plasma concentrations of T3 compared with HMR cows after THR infusion. Low MR cows had greater gene expression of FASN, as measured by mRNA abundance, compared with HMR cows. Performance of calves before weaning was not influenced by MR of cows. Thyroid hormones, IGF-I, and lipogenic genes may be a component of potential biomarkers for MR of cows and may allow for selection of cows with reduced MR.
Effectiveness of Homologous and Heterologous COVID-19 Booster Doses Following 1 Ad.26.COV2.S (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) Vaccine Dose Against COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations Among Adults — VISION Network, 10 States, December 2021–March 2022

CDC recommends that all persons aged ≥18 years receive a single COVID-19 vaccine booster dose ≥2 months after receipt of an Ad.26. COV2.S (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) adenovirus vector-based primary series vaccine; a heterologous COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is preferred over a homologous (matching) Janssen vaccine for booster vaccination. This recommendation was made in light of the risks for rare but serious adverse events following receipt of a Janssen vaccine, including thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome† (1), and clinical trial data indicating similar or higher neutralizing antibody response following heterologous boosting compared with homologous boosting (2). Data on real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE) of different booster strategies following a primary Janssen vaccine dose are limited, particularly during the period of Omicron variant predominance. The VISION Network§ determined real-world VE of 1 Janssen vaccine dose and 2 alternative booster dose strategies: 1) a homologous booster (i.e., 2 Janssen doses) and 2) a heterologous mRNA booster (i.e., 1 Janssen dose/1 mRNA dose). In addition, VE of these booster strategies was compared with VE of a homologous booster following mRNA primary series vaccination (i.e., 3 mRNA doses). The study examined 80,287 emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) visits¶ and 25,244 hospitalizations across 10 states during December 16, 2021-March 7, 2022, when Omicron was the predominant circulating variant. ** VE against laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated ED/UC encounters was 24% after 1 Janssen dose, 54% after 2 Janssen doses, 79% after 1 Janssen/1 mRNA dose, and 83% after 3 mRNA doses. VE for the same vaccination strategies against laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated hospitalizations were 31%, 67%, 78%, and 90%, respectively. All booster strategies provided higher protection than a single Janssen dose against ED/UC visits and hospitalizations during Omicron variant predominance. Vaccination with 1 Janssen/1 mRNA dose provided higher protection than did 2 Janssen doses against COVID-19-associated ED/UC visits and was comparable to protection provided by 3 mRNA doses during the first 120 days after a booster dose. However, 3 mRNA doses provided higher protection against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations than did other booster strategies during the same time interval since booster dose. All adults who have received mRNA vaccines for their COVID-19 primary series vaccination should receive an mRNA booster dose when eligible. Adults who received a primary Janssen vaccine dose should preferentially receive a heterologous mRNA vaccine booster dose ≥2 months later, or a homologous Janssen vaccine booster dose if mRNA vaccine is contraindicated or unavailable. Further investigation of the durability of protection afforded by different booster strategies is warranted.
A Scoping Literature Review of the Relation between Nutrition and ASD Symptoms in Children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication skills, and repetitive and restrictive behaviors and interests. Even though there is a biological basis for an effect of specific nutrition factors on ASD symptoms and there is scientific literature available on this relationship, whether nutrition factors could play a role in ASD treatment is unclear. The goal of the current literature review was to summarize the available scientific literature on the relation between nutrition and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in childhood, and to formulate practical dietary guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy including terms for ASD, nutrition factors (therapeutic diets, dietary patterns, specific food products, fatty acids and micronutrients) and childhood was developed and executed in six literature databases (Cinahl, Cochrane, Ovid Embase, PsycInfo, PubMed and Web of Science). Data from meta-analyses, systematic reviews and original studies were qualitatively summarized. A total of 5 meta-analyses, 29 systematic reviews and 27 original studies were retrieved that focused on therapeutic diets, specific food products, fatty acids and micronutrients and ASD symptoms during childhood. Results of the available studies were sparse and inconclusive, and hence, no firm conclusions could be drawn. There is currently insufficient evidence for a relation between nutrition and ASD symptoms in childhood, making it impossible to provide practical nutrition guidelines; more methodological sound research is needed.
Global value chains from an evolutionary economic geography perspective: a research agenda

ABSTRACT The research agendas of evolutionary economic geography (EEG) and global value chains (GVCs) have developed more or less independently from each other, with little interaction so far. This is unfortunate because both streams of literature have a lot to offer each other. This paper explores how, looking at four strands in the GVC literature. Promising crossovers between EEG and the GVC literature are identified, but also some missing links that need to be taken up in future research. These new research avenues, promoting the adoption of an evolutionary perspective on GVCs, are expected to enrich both literatures in mutual ways.
Review of current methods, opportunities, and challenges for in-situ monitoring to support occupant modelling in office spaces

Modelling occupant behaviours presents an opportunity to better predict building energy performance and comfort in real situations to support building design and operation. The implementation of such representative occupant models is achievable with the development of occupant models derived from the empirical data, which are collected in existing buildings. Collecting data of occupants' presence and behaviours can be, however, a challenging effort that requires prior knowledge, skills, and a significant investment. This paper critically reviews past, current, and potential future techniques for monitoring occupant behaviours in the context of existing buildings. The lessons learned and recommendations for future research in the field are drawn from previous experience in the literature and anecdotal evidence.
Novel NICE (nitrogen implantation into CMOS gate electrode and source-drain) structure for high reliability and high performance 0.25 /spl mu/m dual gate CMOS

We have proposed a novel structure with high reliability and high performance by nitrogen implantation into gate electrode and source-drain region for 0.25 /spl mu/m dual gate CMOS. It was found that the hot carrier resistance of both N-ch and P-ch MOSFETs can be effectively improved by incorporating nitrogen into the gate oxide with nitrogen implantation on the poly silicon gate. Moreover it was found that Ti-salicided shallow junction for 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS can be successfully formed without increasing the junction leakage current. <<ETX>>
Productivity, financial performance, and corporate governance: evidence from Romanian R&D firms

ABSTRACT We study the impact of financial performance and corporate governance on the productivity of the Romanian Research and Development (R&D) sector. We draw on a dataset consisting of 116 Romanian R&D companies covering the time span from 2007 to 2016. Firm productivity is computed using several metrics of TFP (total factor productivity). We show, based on bootstrap panel quantile regressions, that size, financial profitability, and foreign ownership are key drivers of R&D companies’ productivity. Intangible assets and taxation have no significant effect on R&D firms’ productivity, while the degree of independence in decision-making and owners’ presence in firms’ management negatively impact TFP. With women on the board, state-owned applied research institutes benefit from higher productivity compared with R&D private firms, if they are in lower quantiles.
Fitness, Food, and Biomarkers: Characterizing Body Composition in 19,634 Early Adolescents

Adolescent obesity persists as a major concern, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, yet evidence gaps exist regarding the pivotal early adolescent years. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive picture using a holistic approach of measured anthropometry in early adolescence, including body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and reported lifestyle characteristics. We aimed to elucidate potential sex/gender differences throughout and associations to biomarkers of disease risk for obese adolescents. Methods: Trained nurses measured 19,634 early adolescents (12–14-year-olds), we collected parental reports, and, for obese adolescents, fasting blood samples in four major Polish cities using a cross-sectional developmental design. Results: 24.7% boys and 18.6% girls were overweight/obese, and 2886 had BMI ≥ 90th percentile. With increasing age, there was greater risk of obesity among boys (p for trend = 0.001) and a decreasing risk of thinness for girls (p for trend = 0.01). Contrary to debate, we found BMI (continuous) was a useful indicator of measured fat mass (FM). There were 38.6% with CRF in the range of poor/very poor and was accounted for primarily by FM in boys, rather than BMI, and systolic blood pressure in girls. Boys, in comparison to girls, engaged more in sports (t = 127.26, p < 0.0001) and consumed more fast food (t = 188.57, p < 0.0001) and sugar-sweetened beverages (167.46, p < 0.0001). Uric acid, a potential marker for prediabetes, was strongly related to BMI in the obese subsample for both boys and girls. Obese girls showed signs of undernutrition. Conclusion: these findings show that overweight/obesity is by far a larger public health problem than thinness in early adolescence and is characterized differentially by sex/gender. Moreover, poor CRF in this age, which may contribute to life course obesity and disease, highlights the need for integrated and personalized intervention strategies taking sex/gender into account.
Optimization of the Spray-Deposited Carbon Nanotube Semiconducting Channel for Electrolyte-Gated Field-Effect Transistor-Based Biosensing Applications

Electrochemical biosensors are widely investigated as they represent attractive analytical tools for detection of a broad range of bio-molecules, thanks to their simplicity, high sensitivity and short response time. Especially, biosensors employing an electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors (EG-FETs) as electrochemical transduction element have gained increasing interest, due to the signal amplification and the intrinsic low voltage range of operation. In this work we report the fabrication of flexible EG-FETs using spray-deposited semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with a specific focus on the optimization of the CNT channel to optimize the performance of the resulting CNT-based EG-FET (EG-CNTFET). The transfer and the output characteristic of different devices with varying spraying parameters were tested, finding out that only devices with source-drain resistance of about ≤10 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{k}\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula> showed proper EG-CNTFET operation: for these devices we recorded a typical p-type behavior with an on–off ratio of 214 A/A up to 469 A/A (depending on number of the spray-deposited CNT layers). The fabricated EG-CNTFETs were functionalized with anti-spermidine antibodies to detect polyamine spermidine - a well-known chemical indicator of food quality. To ensure controlled immobilization and at the same time to preserve the electrical properties of the nanotubes, the spray-deposited films were modified with a bifunctional molecule, which attaches to the CNT via non-covalent <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\pi -\pi }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> interactions and leaves a free NHS-ester group for amide coupling of the antibodies. The fabricated EG-CNTFET-based immunosensors showed a linear detection range for spermidine from 10−3 to 102 nM, with the sensitivities ranging from −1.03 to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$- 2.45\,\,\mu \text{A}/$ </tex-math></inline-formula>decade.
E-Procurement: Myth or Reality

Governments across the globe appear to identify and tout technology as a way to transform how they govern. Public procurement is at the forefront of most reform efforts given that it plays a significant role in promoting accountability and transparency. This study relies on survey data of procurement professionals to delineate the current status of e- procurement implementation in United States and Canada. Findings suggest that digitalized public procurement has not yet led to significant transformative changes. Unsuitability of software platforms, organizational resistance, lack of strategic systems' integration and failure to involve public procurement professionals in the design of e-procurement systems were identified as the primary obstacles of effectively implementing digital procurement. These findings suggest that in order to capitalize on the potentially transformative nature of ICT in procurement, policymakers, system designers, and procurement professionals must take an active role in both the design of the software and its adoption across political, institutional and behavioral domains.