Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Programming-Based Vessel Speed Adjustment for Energy Saving and Emission Reduction

Maritime transportation is an economic form of mass transportation, but it is associated with significant energy consumption and pollutant emissions. External forces such as tidal currents, waves, and wind strongly influence the energy efficiency of ships. The effective management of external forces can save energy and reduce emissions. This study presents a method to build an optimal speed adjustment plan for a ship to navigate a given route. The method takes a dynamic programming (DP)-based approach to finding such an optimal plan to utilize external forces. To estimate the speed changes caused by external forces, the proposed method uses the mapping information from a combined database of ship status, marine environmental conditions, and speed changes. For the efficient manipulation of externally forced speed-change information, we used MapReduce-based operations that can handle big data and support the easy retrieval of associated data in specific situations. To evaluate the applicability of the proposed method, we applied it to real navigation situations in the southwestern sea of the Korean Peninsula. In the simulation experiments, we used real automatic identification system data and marine environmental data. The proposed method built more efficient speed adjustment plans than the fixed-speed navigation in terms of energy savings and pollutant emission reduction. The results also showed that the speed adjustment exploits external forces in a beneficial manner.
Inspiratory critical pressure - new methodology for evaluating and training the inspiratory musculature for recreational cyclists: study protocol for a randomized control trial

Background: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has brought great benefits in terms of improving physical performance in healthy individuals. However, there is no consensus regarding the best training load being in most cases the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) is used, mainly the intensity of 60% of MIP. So, the prescription of an IMT protocol that considers respiratory muscle strength and endurance may bring additional benefits to commonly used protocols, since the respiratory muscles that differ from other muscles because of their greater muscular resistance. Thus, IMT using inspiratory critical pressure (PThC) can be an alternative as the calculation of PThC considers these characteristics. Therefore, the aim of this study is to propose a new IMT protocol to determine the best training load for recreational cyclists. Methods: Thirty recreational cyclists (between 20-40 years) will be randomized into the SHAM Group (SG), the PThC Group (PCG) and the 60% of MIP Group (60G), according to age and aerobic functional capacity. All participants will undergo the following evaluations: pulmonary function test (PFT), respiratory muscle strength test (RMS), cardiopulmonary test (CPET), incremental respiratory muscle endurance test (iRME) [maximal sustained respiratory pressure for 1 minute (PThMAX)] and constant load test (CLT) (95%, 100% and 105% of PThMÁX) using a linear load inspiratory resistor (PowerBreathe K5). The PThC will be calculated from the inspiratory muscle endurance time (TLIM) and inspiratory loads of each CLT. The IMT will last 11 weeks (3 times/week and 1 hour/session). The session will consist of 5-minute warm-ups (50% of the training load) and 3 sets of 15-minute breaths (100% of the training load), with a 1-minute interval between them. RMS, iRME, CLT and CPET will be performed beforehand, at week 3 and 7 (to adjust the training load) and after training. PFT will be performed before and after training. The data will be analyzed using specific statistical tests (parametric or non-parametric) according to the data distribution and their respective variances. The p <0.05 will be established. Discussions: It is expected that the results of this study will enable the training performed with PThC to be used by health professionals as a new tool to evaluate and prescribe IMT. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrial.gov, ID Number NCT02984189. Registered on December 6, 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02984189. Keywords: Physical Exercise, Physiotherapy, Physical Performance, Critical Power, Respiratory Muscle
TopoCut

Given a complex three-dimensional domain delimited by a closed and non-degenerate input triangle mesh without any self-intersection, a common geometry processing task consists in cutting up the domain into cells through a set of planar cuts, creating a "cut-cell mesh", i.e., a volumetric decomposition of the domain amenable to visualization (e.g., exploded views), animation (e.g., virtual surgery), or simulation (finite volume computations). A large number of methods have proposed either efficient or robust solutions, sometimes restricting the cuts to form a regular or adaptive grid for simplicity; yet, none can guarantee both properties, severely limiting their usefulness in practice. At the core of the difficulty is the determination of topological relationships among large numbers of vertices, edges, faces and cells in order to assemble a proper cut-cell mesh: while exact geometric computations provide a robust solution to this issue, their high computational cost has prompted a number of faster solutions based on, e.g., local floating-point angle sorting to significantly accelerate the process --- but losing robustness in doing so. In this paper, we introduce a new approach to planar cutting of 3D domains that substitutes topological inference for numerical ordering through a novel mesh data structure, and revert to exact numerical evaluations only in the few rare cases where it is strictly necessary. We show that our novel concept of topological cuts exploits the inherent structure of cut-cell mesh generation to save computational time while still guaranteeing exactness for, and robustness to, arbitrary cuts and surface geometry. We demonstrate the superiority of our approach over state-of-the-art methods on almost 10,000 meshes with a wide range of geometric and topological complexity. We also provide an open source implementation.
How does research and development aﬀect the nexus of climate change and agricultural productivity in Asian and Paciﬁc countries?

This study empirically examines the impact of climate change and agricultural research and development (R&D) as well as their interaction on agricultural productivity in 12 selected Asian and Pacific countries over the period of 1990 – 2018. Results show that both proxies of climate change – temperature and precipitation – have negative impacts on agricultural productivity. Notably, agricultural R&D investments not only increase agricultural productivity but also mitigate the detrimental impact of climate change proxied by temperature on agricultural productivity. Interestingly, climate change proxied by precipitation initially reduces agricultural productivity until a threshold of agricultural R&D beyond which precipitation increases agricultural productivity. The findings imply useful policies to boost agricultural productivity by using R&D in the context of rising climate change in the vulnerable continent.
An Eratosthenean Sieve for Prime Decades

Prime constellations of various sorts are a source of continued fascination for both professional and recreational mathematicians. Some of the problems about prime constellations, such as the Twin Prime Conjecture, are intractably difficult to solve despite being incredibly simple to state. One type of prime constellation, the prime quadruplet, consists of four prime numbers between p and p + 8. Other than the sequences (3, 5, 7, 11) and (5, 7, 11, 13), all of the quadruplets are also prime decades. The prime decades are sequences of four consecutive prime numbers that fall between two consecutive multiples of 10. For example, the first two prime decades are (11, 13, 17, 19) and (101, 103, 107, 109). All of these sequences can be expressed as (15n−4, 15n−2, 15n+2, 15n+4) for some odd n. OEIS Sequence A112540[1] gives the sequence of values of n, starting with (1, 7, 13, 55, 99, . . . ). The author is a recreational mathematician; no pretense is made that the notes presented here are particularly exciting or illuminating to academics. It seems all but impossible that mathematicians examining prime constellations would not use some form of sieve to find those constellations. However, while a search of the literature turned up examples of highly complex sieves[2], and sieves for large clusters[3], no sign was found of a simple sieve for the decades– one that someone with nothing more than a knowledge of modular arithmetic and basic algebra could use readily. This was surprising given the well-known Sieve of Eratosthenes for individual primes, and relatively well-known sieves for the twin primes[4][5]. The novel portion of this work, then, is the simple Eratosthenean sieve given for the prime decades. It is followed by a (longer) proof that the sieve works as described.
Its Homolog, d-Dopachrome Tautomerase Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and Lung Carcinoma Angiogenic Potential by Cooperative Regulation of Non-Small Cell

Tumor-derived growth factors and cytokines stimulate neoangiogenesis from surrounding capillaries to support tumor growth. Recent studies have revealed that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression is increased in lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). Because MIF has important autocrine effects on normal and transformed cells, we investigated whether autocrine MIF and its only known family member, D -dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT), promote the expression of proangiogenic factors CXCL8 and vascular endothelial growth factor in NSCLC cells. Our results demonstrate that the expression of CXCL8 and vascular endothelial growth factor are strongly reliant upon both the individual and cooperative activities of the two family members. CXCL8 transcriptional regulation by MIF and D-DT appears to involve a signaling pathway that includes the activation of JNK, c-jun phosphorylation, and subsequent AP-1 transcription factor activity. Importantly, HUVEC migration and tube formation induced by supernatants from lung adenocarcinoma cells lacking either or both MIF and D-DT are substantially reduced when compared with normal supernatants. Finally, we demonstrate that the cognate MIF receptor, CD74, is necessary for both MIF- and D-DT-induced JNK activation and CXCL8 expression, suggesting its potential involvement in angiogenic growth factor expression. This is the ﬁrst demonstration of a biological role for D-DT, and its synergism with MIF suggests that the combined therapeutic targeting of both family members may enhance current anti-MIF-based therapies. The Journal of Immunology, 2008, 181: 2330–2337.
The yearly production of a manufacturing plant studied by DES combined with RSM high level designs and neural networks

— Authors present a study over the target function of a stochastic discrete event simulator of a manufacturing plant. They decided to test some balanced user defined designs as 4 2 ,5 2 ,7 2 , and 9 2 , in order to describe the existing relationship between dependent variables (efficiency of two types of machines of production line) and the independent variable (yearly production). Through this kind of design it was expected to avoid problems of robustness of adopted meta-models like those emerged in a previous work they did in which unbalanced designs based on central composite designs had been used. Eventually it has been possible to put in evidence the bound between regression meta-models and neural networks in this type of research.
Guided Surgery in a Full Arch Rehabilitation of an Edentulous Maxilla

Recently, dentistry has passed through many changes in clinical practice and technology has become more accessible and applicable. Many modern features were incorporated and have shown promising results. Consequence of these conceptual technological developments in implant treatment, the guided surgery appears as a good alternative. This technology is based on precise images of the bone anatomy, obtained by computed tomography and a personalized surgical guide that enables a flapless faster implant surgery. For many professionals it is still a distant, difficult and expensive technology. The purpose of this article is to demystify and clarify this concept, presenting a case with the placement of six dental implants for a maxillary full arch rehabilitation using a computer generated surgical guide. The guided surgery may be considered as a viable alternative for rehabilitation of edentulous jaws when provided within the correct indications.
Regional Effect of Trade Liberalization on the Firm-level Exports

This paper extends the model of Melitz (2003) to separate the direct and indirect impact of an export tax rebate on the intensive margin of firm-level export sales at the subnational level. The direct impact of the rebate is associated with a reduction of an exporting firm’s variable costs, while the indirect impact manifests itself through higher regional wages as a result of increased demand for local labor. First, the empirical results imply that a 1% rise in the export tax rebate rate increases the export sales among continuing exporters by 0.2% through the direct channel. Second, through the indirect channel, a 1% difference in the regional rebate causes a 0.02% difference in exporters’ sales growth. Both effects are statistically significant, and are consistent with the model’s predictions.
of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients Treated with COX-2 Selective and Non-Selective NSAIDs,"

The attached report was prepared for internal FDA use by an FDA staff person who was the principal FDA investigator on a study performed to investigate the cardiovascular risk of the COX-2 selective NSAIDs, rofecoxib and celecoxib, and a variety of non-selective, traditional NSAIDs. This report may differ from any subsequent manuscript publication of the study results. As of the date of posting (November 2), the report has not been fully evaluated by the FDA and may not reflect the official views of the agency. However, in light of the recent market withdrawal of Vioxx, FDA has decided to publicly release the document at this time. An error has been identified on page 6 of the report. The National Disease and Therapeutic Index collects detailed information from a representative panel of 3,500 physicians, not 2,000 physicians. myocardial COX-2 selective and non-selective NSAIDs The following report describes the study we performed to investigate the cardiovascular risk of the COX-2 selective NSAIDs rofecoxib and celecoxib, and a variety of non-selective, traditional NSAIDs. The study team
Consumer Buying Behavior: Organic Cosmetics versus Non-Organic Cosmetics

The main objective of this research study is to analyze the factors that affect the consumer buying behavior for organic and non-organic cosmetics. Therefore, this study is further divided into two sub research. One research studies the factors that affect consumer buying behavior for organic cosmetics whereas the other research assesses factors that impact consumer buying behavior for non-organic cosmetics. Most factors that affect both organic and non-organic cosmetics are the same, but some are different considering the variation between the two types of cosmetics under consideration. Consumer buying behavior is a topic of significant importance to marketers and to businesses as well. It is crucial to understand how consumer buying behavior functions. This research study was conducted through the collection of both primary and secondary data. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires whereas the secondary data was gathered mainly for the literature review through various sources which were mostly available on the web such as online published articles, books, and online journals. The primary data collected was fed into the SPSS software to run various tests. The hypotheses stated at the beginning of the research were tested. The results showed that not all hypotheses were accepted in both the studies. Recommendations have been suggested for each independent variable at the end of the study for consideration.
Size does Matter: How do Micro-influencers Impact Follower Purchase Intention on Social Media?

Social media influencers have become a significant source of information for customers and a prevalent marketing tool for brands. It is crucial to explore factors that affect the follower’s purchase intention of the products endorsed by social media influencers. Recently, micro-influencers have gained recognition for their authenticity and relatability when compared with their established counterparts, such as macro-or mega-influencers. Increasing organizations also see the value micro-influencers can bring to their brands via more interaction with their target customers. Based on the parasocial interaction theory, we propose that the perceived credibility and transparency of micro-influencers enhance followers’ purchase intention through the mediation of parasocial interaction. Parasocial interaction is a kind of psychological relationship in which followers consider influencers as their friends, regardless of their limited interactions with those influencers. Our findings indicate that parasocial interaction between micro-influencers and their followers positively impacts purchase intentions of recommended products. It is also found that perceived micro-influencer credibility and transparency positively affect followers’ parasocial interaction with micro-influencers. Implications of our findings are
Model for Estimation of Fuel Consumption of Cruise Ships

This article presents a model to estimate the energy use and fuel consumption of cruise ships that sail Norwegian waters. Automatic identification system (AIS) data and technical information about cruise ships provided input to the model, including service speed, total power, and number of engines. The model was tested against real-world data obtained from a small cruise vessel and both a medium and large cruise ship. It is sensitive to speed and the corresponding engine load profile of the ship. A crucial determinate for total fuel consumption is also associated with hotel functions, which can make a large contribution to the overall energy use of cruise ships. Real-world data fits the model best when ship speed is 70–75% of service speed. With decreased or increased speed, the model tends to diverge from real-world observations. The model gives a proxy for calculation of fuel consumption associated with cruise ships that sail to Norwegian waters and can be used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions and to evaluate energy reduction strategies for cruise ships.
Steering, Networking, and Profiles of Professionals in Vocational Education and Training (VET)

This report studies the different profiles of professionals in vocational training systems (‘VET professionals’) in terms of their relations with the steering and coordination mechanisms within these systems. The ‘new institutionalism’ approaches in organisational theory on coordination between players and units in social fields provide the theoretical background. Vocational training is perceived as a complex area in which various types of players at both individual (pupils, parents, teachers, employers, etc.) and organisational level (schools, training providers, companies, political organisations and interest groups, state bureaucracies, etc.) must coordinate in order to make useful headway. The focus is on alternative means of steering and coordination beyond the traditional market-bureaucracy dichotomy, the professional model of the higher education system, or the network model of the new types of company organisation, or the corporate model of industrial relations. The first section deals with conceptual aspects, developing in particular a general framework for coordinating training and employment. In the second section the concepts of innovation research and learning organisations are pieced into this framework. In the third section the link is created between coordination and steering mechanisms and the professional categories in vocational training. In the fourth section political approaches and steering and coordination strategies are discussed in terms of the general framework. In the fifth section some conclusions are drawn, which also take account of the problems of comparative and cooperative research for policy learning and policy borrowing. The general conclusions are as follows: coordination mechanisms should be shaped on the basis of an analysis of the existing structures, the main flaws and shortcomings should be identified, and concrete solutions be found to overcome them; available structures should be viewed as a complex system of relations between various types of players, many of whom can be identified as ‘VET professionals’; to a certain extent the way in which the coordination system works reflects the type of division of labour amongst these categories of ‘VET professionals’; the skills and cooperation of the ‘VET professionals’ should be drawn on in order to develop coordination and steering strategies, which should take particular account of the role of teachers and trainers as core professionals; in this sense the identification and further development of new forms of division of labour amongst these professional forces and the creation of adequate structures for professional development are important elements of innovative coordination policy. Policy learning and policy borrowing processes in the European and international field are facilitated by splitting the coordination system and steering strategies up into multiple elements, and by analysing their systemic interplay.
Competitive Conditions in Nepalese Commercial Banks

This study aims to analyze the competitive conditions of commercial banks in Nepal. Competition is measured through structural and non-structural measures of bank competition. Data were taken from 21 commercial banks of Nepal using pooled sampling method, including five commercial banks based on the highest total assets and sixteen commercial banks using random sampling. Concentration ratio, Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, H-statistic and Lerner Index measures were used to assess the competitive position of Nepalese commercial banks. Panel data regression model with bank fixed effect and time fixed effect was employed to measure H-statistic and Lerner index. Findings showed the increasing pattern of capitalization and the decreasing trend of non-performing loan ratio, indicating that Nepalese commercial banks have a low possibility of loan default and, are more financially stable. It also showed the declining trend of bank concentration and HHI, suggesting that Nepalese commercial banks are losing their monopoly power and becoming more competitive in recent years. Competition in the loan market was found higher than deposit market competition. Banks have to pay special attention to loan portfolio management rather than deposit collection strategies. This study concludes that the competitive condition of Nepalese commercial banks is monopolistic. Therefore, appropriate strategies might be taken into action to sell financial products and services competitively .