Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RAPID SOIL PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSES USING LASER DIFFRACTION

Soil particle size analyses (PSA) are needed to relate soil texture to soil performance or behavior. Standard analyses of dry soils usually include dispersion of the soils followed by particle size determination by a variety of time-consuming methods. Clay- and silt-sized particles are usually measured by sedimentation using a hydrometer or pipette method. Sands are then measured by sieving. Recent advances in laser diffraction technology have led to the production of devices specifically designed to rapidly measure the particle distribution of dispersed particles. This study compares the PSAs of 43 soil samples collected from the Southern High Plains of Texas measured by the pipette method and sieving with results obtained using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer (LDPSA). No pretreatment to remove organic matter or salts was used. The LDPSA required about 300-mg soil sample and overnight dispersion while shaking in a sodium hexametaphosphate solution. Each sample was analyzed in about 10 min, including device clean up. The correlation of the laser analyses with pipette analyses varied by particle size and mineralogy. Better correlations were obtained when non-calcareous soils were separated from calcareous soils. Regression analyses relating laser with pipette methods for non-calcareous soils yielded coefficients of determinations of 0.97, 0.99, and 0.99 for the <2-, <50-, and <100-. m fractions, respectively. Use of the laser particle size analyzer greatly reduced the time and labor required for soil PSAs. Since a relatively small sample size is required, care must be taken to ensure a representative sample is selected for analysis.
Checklist of the lichens of The Reserva Florestal Adolphe Ducke in Manaus (Amazonas, Brazil)

Mycotaxon is pleased to add a new annotated species distribution list to our 146 previously posted free-access fungae. The 39-page "Checklist of the lichens of The Reserva Florestal Adolphe Ducke in Manaus" by Aptroot, Cavalcante, Santos, Junior, Lima, and Cáceres may be downloaded from our website via http://www.mycotaxon. com/mycobiota/index.html
A low‐voltage 5.4 GHZ monolithic cascode LNA using 0.18 um CMOS technology

This article presents a low‐voltage monolithic cascode LNA using 0.18‐um CMOS technology. Different from the stacked threshold voltage supply topology of conventional cascode LNA, this cascode LNA is designed as two cascaded stages for low‐voltage application. For the purpose of lowering the whole power dissipation while RF performances are not influenced, the current occupation is reduced by decreasing the channel width of the second NMOS. The whole circuit is implemented through TSMC 0.18‐um CMOS technology. Measurement results show that it can get 10.7‐dB gain and 2.6 dB NF at frequency of 5.4 GHz. The IIP3 is about −2.3 dBm. The supply voltage is only 0.7 V, and the whole power dissipation is 6.3 mW. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:386–389, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25733
Simulation and parameters optimization of high gain silicon micro-pixel avalanche photodiode

In this paper, the silicon avalanche photodiode (Si-APD) size in micron, which was comprised of separate layer of absorption charge and multiplication (SACM) has been studied. The influence of different thicknesses and different doping concentration of the absorption, charge and multiplication layer on the electric field distribution, current-voltage characteristic and breakdown voltage were simulated and analyzed respectively. The structural parameters optimization has be done with the simulation results. The results show that the better gain and low bias voltage can be achieved with layer thicknesses in micro/nano-sized, which can give a high gain of 106 and low bias voltage of 127V. Also the fabrication process conditions has been given.
Generator step-up transformer post mortem assessment

The condition assessment of the 190 MVA, OFWF, step-up generator transformer was performed by the mapping of degree of polymerization (DP). The transformer was taken out of service after 36 years and the active part, (transformer core and windings), was removed from the tank for close examination due to the major thermal fault at the transformer core. The transformer insulation consisted of two different materials, i.e. winding insulation was the thermally upgraded paper and spacer-pressboard system was Kraft paper. The temperature mapping is also shown, where the temperature estimation is based on the paper aging kinetics, transformer loading and insulation operating history. New equation for the relative aging rate is given considering all insulation conditions providing possibility of counting transformer loss-of-life more accurately. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seroepidemiological Study of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae and Identification of a Putative New Species, Rickesttsia sp. Da-1, in Gongliao, Northeast Taiwan

Tick-borne spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses were neglected in Taiwan. The study reported a seroepidemiological survey of SFG rickettsiae in residents in Gongliao District, Northeast Taiwan. Blood samples were examined for antibodies against SFG rickettsiae by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence assay. Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression. Ticks parasitizing dogs were collected within a 2 km radius from the houses of seropositive participants, and PCR was performed to detect possible tick-borne pathogens. Of 1108 participants, 75 (6.8%) had antibodies against SFG rickettsiae. Residents were more likely to be seropositive if they were older than 65 years, recruited by Dr. Enjoy’s Clinic, or resided in Jilin village. A total of 184 ticks including 5 species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Dermacentor auratus, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Haemaphysalis ornithophila) were collected. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 6.5% (12/184) of ticks. Rickettsia sp. TwKM01 was found in 6 R. sanguineus and 4 R. haemaphysaloides; while Rickettsia sp. TwKM03 was identified in 1 R. sanguineus. Moreover, gene-based pairwise analysis indicated identification of a putative new species, Rickettsia sp. Da-1, in D. auratus. These findings provided evidence of SFG rickettsiae infection in ticks and suggested SFG rickettsiae exposure in the residents.
Direct addition of poly-lysine or poly-ethylenimine to the medium: A simple alternative to plate pre-coating

For most cell culture experiments, it is indispensable that the cells are firmly anchored to culture plates, withstanding rinsing steps that can create shear forces and tolerating temperature changes without detaching. For semi-adherent cells such as the common HEK 293 or PC-12 cells, this could so far be obtained by time-consuming plate pre-coating with cationic polymer solutions. We report here, that i) pre-coating with the cheaper poly-ethylenimine (PEI) works as well as the commonly used poly-D-lysine (PDL), but more importantly and novel ii) that simple direct addition of either PEI (1.5 μg/ml) or PDL (2 μg/ml) to the cell culture medium results in strongly anchored HEK 293 cells, indistinguishable from ones seeded on pre-coated plates. Therefore, the replacement of plate pre-coating by direct addition of either PEI or PDL gives comparable excellent results, but is highly labour-, time-, and cost-efficient. Moreover, we could show that addition of PDL or PEI also works similarly well in animal-free culture using human platelet lysate instead of fetal bovine serum. Interestingly, additional experiments showed that strong cell attachment requires only cationic polymers but not fetal bovine serum or human platelet lysate added to the medium.
Challenges of Integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles In Civil Application

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has evolved rapidly over the past decade. There have been an increased number of studies aiming at improving UAV and in its use for different civil applications. This paper highlights the fundamentals of UAV system and examines the challenges related with the major components such as motors, drives, power systems, communication systems and image processing tools and equipment.
Improving the delivery of patient services: alternative workplace strategies in action

Alternative workplace strategies (AWS) are more commonly associated with changes in the office environment, particularly those impacted by the adoption of technology. Using a case study, this paper attempts to interpret AWS by examining the redesign of a comprehensive paediatric rehabilitation centre at a general acute hospital. By adopting a non‐territorial work environment, the hospital facility management team was able to foster a shared and common vision: a “department without walls”. The paper describes how this resulted in an improvement in service quality for the handicapped children and enhanced communications between the professionals, patients and their families.
Establishment and characterization of prostate organoids from treatment-naïve patients with prostate cancer

Three-dimensional (3D) organoid culture systems are emerging as potential reliable tools to investigate basic developmental processes of human disease, especially cancer. The present study used established and modified culture conditions to report successful generation and characterization of patient-derived organoids from fresh primary tissue specimens of patients with treatment-naïve prostate cancer (PCa). Fresh tissue specimens were collected, digested enzymatically and the resulting cell suspensions were plated in a 3D environment using Matrigel as an extracellular matrix. Previously established 12-factor medium for organoid culturing was modified to create a minimal 5-factor medium. Organoids and corresponding tissue specimens were characterized using transcriptomic analysis, immunofluorescent analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, patient-derived organoids were used to assess the drug response. Treatment-naïve patient-derived PCa organoids were obtained from fresh radical prostatectomy specimens. These PCa organoids mimicked the heterogeneity of corresponding parental tumor tissue. Histopathological analysis demonstrated similar tissue architecture and cellular morphology, as well as consistent immunohistochemical marker expression. Also, the results confirmed the potential of organoids as an in vitro model to assess potential personalized treatment responses as there was a differential drug response between different patient samples. In conclusion, the present study investigated patient-derived organoids from a cohort of treatment-naïve patients. Derived organoids mimicked the histological features and prostate lineage profiles of their corresponding parental tissue and may present a potential model to predict patient-specific treatment response in a pre-clinical setting.
Compact Difference Schemes Combined with Runge-Kutta Methods for Solving Unsteady Convection-Diffusion Problems

: The convection-diffusion equation is of primary importance in understanding transport phenomena within a physical system. However, the currently available methods for solving unsteady convection-diffusion problems are generally not able to offer excellent accuracy in both time and space variables. A procedure was given in detail to solve the one-dimensional unsteady con-vection-diffusion equation through a combination of Runge-Kutta methods and compact difference schemes. The combination method has fourth-order accuracy in both time and space variables. Numerical experiments were conducted and the results were compared with those obtained by the Crank-Nicolson method in order to check the accuracy of the combination method. The analysis results indicated that the combination method is numerically stable at low wave numbers and small CFL numbers. The combination method has higher accuracy than the Crank-Nicolson method.
Influence of soluble components on parameter estimation using the in vitro gas production technique

The in vitro gas production technique aims to characterise feeds in terms of both the amount and rate of supply of fermentable carbohydrate. Models are used to interpret the data collected and typically assume that there is one pool of fermentable carbohydrate which is used at a fractional rate although it has been shown that inclusion of a modifying rate improves the fit of the model to the data (France et al., 1993). Since forage carbohydrate is not homogenous and can, at the simplest level, be divided into soluble (sugars) and insoluble (fibre) components, the aim of the experiment was to determine the influence of soluble material on the parameters obtained using this technique.Gas production from glucose: 12.5, 25 and 50 mg; cellulose: 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg; glucose/cellulose mixtures: 10/190, 20/180, 30/170, 40/160 and 50/150 mg and Brachiaria decumbens (Brach.), Cynodon nlenfluensis (Star) and Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu) grasses: 200 mg, was measured in prewarmed 100 ml glass syringes using standard techniques with four or six replicates per sample.
Fleet Mix Mission Effectiveness Analysis

With increasing awareness of the importance of taking a Total Ship Systems approach to the evaluation, development, and design of Navy ships, Mission Effectiveness Analysis is becoming a driving force in naval ship design. Shrinking defense budgets demand that our navy carefully structure its future fleet to achieve the highest possible combat capability within available funding. As part of the DOD 5000.2 acquisition process, any new shipbuilding program requires an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) of all design options before proceeding with preliminary design. Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) must be developed for the AoA to accurately rank several ship concepts across a broad range of missions. This paper describes a general MOE analysis method, as well as a new model which uses nine MOEs to compare a mix of existing ships and new ship concepts acting together as a task force. Results from a sample analysis of two new designs will be presented.
Critical Leadership Style Actions for Improving Construction Personnel Performance in South Africa

The successful performance of any enterprise is connected to adequate leadership. For construction, leadership is much needed to effectively manage the project team towards achieving the set goals. Hence, certain leadership actions are conducive for boosting the performance of the relevant stakeholders and personnel in any project undertaking of which will, in turn, contribute to timeous project delivery. This paper aims to investigate the critical leadership style actions essential for the enhancement of personnel performance in the South African construction industry. The primary and secondary research data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The survey was conducted in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Respondents were construction professionals selected using heterogeneity and convenience sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 software. Mean values and standard deviation were computed, and the ranks of the outputs were established. Findings from the study revealed that by giving proper instructions and clarifying procedures jobs are completed on time. Additionally, the involvement of team members in decision-making helps build trust and facilitates a good relationship in the work environment. Furthermore, the study revealed that recognizing personnel contributions by showing appreciation for individual excellence is vital for optimum performance. Other notable findings include the provision of necessary resources while letting them do the work, and the ability to make quick decisions. The study findings add to literature particularly on certain style actions to be adopted which will aid effective leadership in construction project delivery in South Africa.
Metallic Nanoparticle-Mediated Immune Cell Regulation and Advanced Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy strategies leveraging the body’s own immune system against cancer cells have gained significant attention due to their remarkable therapeutic efficacy. Several immune therapies have been approved for clinical use while expanding the modalities of cancer therapy. However, they are still not effective in a broad range of cancer patients because of the typical immunosuppressive microenvironment and limited antitumor immunity achieved with the current treatment. Novel approaches, such as nanoparticle-mediated cancer immunotherapies, are being developed to overcome these challenges. Various types of nanoparticles, including liposomal, polymeric, and metallic nanoparticles, are reported for the development of effective cancer therapeutics. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are one of the promising candidates for anticancer therapy due to their unique theranostic properties and are thus explored as both imaging and therapeutic agents. In addition, MNPs offer a dense surface functionalization to target tumor tissue and deliver genetic, therapeutic, and immunomodulatory agents. Furthermore, MNPs interact with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and regulate the levels of tumor hypoxia, glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) for remodulation of TME for successful therapy. In this review, we discuss the role of nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment modulation and anticancer therapy. In particular, we evaluated the response of MNP-mediated immune cells, such as dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells and NK cells, against tumor cells and analyzed the role of MNP-based cancer therapies in regulating the immunosuppressive environment.
Neuron‐Inspired Time‐of‐Flight Sensing via Spike‐Timing‐Dependent Plasticity of Artificial Synapses

3D sensing is a primitive function that allows imaging with depth information generally achieved via the time‐of‐flight (ToF) principle. However, time‐to‐digital converters (TDCs) in conventional ToF sensors are usually bulky, complex, and exhibit large delay and power loss. To overcome these issues, a resistive time‐of‐flight (R‐ToF) sensor that can measure the depth information in an analog domain by mimicking the biological process of spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP) is proposed herein. The R‐ToF sensors based on integrated avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with memristive intelligent matters achieve a scan depth of up to 55 cm (≈89% accuracy and 2.93 cm standard deviation) and low power consumption (0.5 nJ/step) without TDCs. The in‐depth computing is realized via R‐ToF 3D imaging and memristive classification. This R‐ToF system opens a new pathway for miniaturized and energy‐efficient neuromorphic vision engineering that can be harnessed in light‐detection and ranging (LiDAR), automotive vehicles, biomedical in vivo imaging, and augmented/virtual reality.
Physiology and Practicality of Left Ventricular Septal Pacing

Left ventricular septal pacing (LVSP) and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) have been introduced to maintain or correct interventricular and intraventricular (dys)synchrony. LVSP is hypothesised to produce a fairly physiological sequence of activation, since in the left ventricle (LV) the working myocardium is activated first at the LV endocardium in the low septal and anterior free-wall regions. Animal studies as well as patient studies have demonstrated that LV function is maintained during LVSP at levels comparable to sinus rhythm with normal conduction. Left ventricular activation is more synchronous during LBBP than LVSP, but LBBP produces a higher level of intraventricular dyssynchrony compared to LVSP. While LVSP is fairly straightforward to perform, targeting the left bundle branch area may be more challenging. Long-term effects of LVSP and LBBP are yet to be determined. This review focuses on the physiology and practicality of LVSP and provides a guide for permanent LVSP implantation.
Age-Volume Associations in Cerebellar Regions by Sex and Reproductive Stage

Introduction The cerebellum has established associations with motor function and a well- recognized role in cognition. In advanced age, cognitive and motor impairments contribute to reduced quality of life and are more common. Regional cerebellar volume is associated with performance across these domains and sex hormones may influence this volume. Examining sex differences in regional cerebellar volume in conjunction with age, and in the context of reproductive stage stands to improve our understanding of cerebellar aging and pathology. Methods Data from 530 healthy adults (ages 18-88; 49% female) from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience database were used here. CERES was utilized to assess lobular volume in T1-weighted images. We examined sex differences in adjusted regional cerebellar volume while controlling for age. A subgroup (n = 354, 50% female) was used to assess group differences in female reproductive stages as compared to age-matched males. Results Sex differences in adjusted volume were seen across most anterior and posterior cerebellar lobules. The majority of cerebellar regions had significant linear relationships with age in males and females. However, there were no interactions between sex and reproductive stage groups (i.e., female reproductive stage did not display a relationship with regional cerebellar volume). Discussion We found sex differences in volume across much of the cerebellum, linear associations with age, and did not find an effect of female reproductive stage on regional cerebellar volume. Longitudinal investigation into hormonal influences on cerebellar structure and function is warranted as hormonal changes with menopause may impact structure over time.
Thinking ‘Qualitative’ Through a Case Study: Homework for a Researcher

This study portrays the necessary preparation of a qualitative researcher who intends to undertake case study research. Here, it is argued that the case study method identifies the holistic and meaningful characteristics of real-life events. This study has policy implications for the potential case study researchers. This present study raises the awareness of a case study researcher and highlights that a case researcher should be familiar with and follow a rational and effective process before designing the research. At the initial stage, a case study researcher should plan for an appropriate entry through formal and informal gatekeepers at the research site. The case researcher also needs to plan the periods in the fieldwork well in advance. This study also illustrates that the case researcher should know data generation and collection procedures and the techniques to analyzing case study data. As the case study data cannot be generalized the researcher needs to adopt a prior theoretical stance for validity, reliability, and generalizability of the case study data. In this study, it is argued that the case study is based on replication, not sampling logic. Therefore, in the case study, theoretical generalization is possible but not statistical generalization.