Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active feedback acoustic noise control

Active noise control is applied at an air conditioning (AC) air duct with incoming unknown noise from an input speaker, output microphone and a feedback controller. Positioning the speaker downstream to the microphone, according to the flow direction of the incoming sound, a feedback loop can be created. Sound delay will be an issue as introduced by sound traveling over a certain distance in time. In practice, high frequency sounds will be reduced passively by a damper part in the air duct, remaining lower frequencies will be important for the active noise control loop. After identifying the sound paths in the air duct, low order stable feedback controllers can be formed using loop shaping or
EGCG Prevents the Onset of an Inflammatory and Cancer-Associated Adipocyte-like Phenotype in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Response to the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Secretome

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells secretome induces a pro-inflammatory microenvironment within the adipose tissue, which hosts both mature adipocytes and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ADMSC). The subsequent acquisition of a cancer-associated adipocyte (CAA)-like phenotype is, however, unknown in ADMSC. While epidemiological studies suggest that consuming a polyphenol-rich diet reduces the incidence of some obesity-related cancers, the chemopreventive impact of green tea-derived epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against the cues that trigger the CAA phenotype remain undocumented in ADMSC. Methods: Human ADMSC were exposed to human TNBC-derived MDA-MB-231 conditioned media (TNBC cells secretome) supplemented or not with EGCG. Differential gene expression was assessed through RNA-Seq analysis and confirmed by RT-qPCR. Protein expression levels and the activation status of signal transduction pathways mediators were determined by Western blotting. ADMSC chemotaxis was assessed by a real-time cell migration assay. Results: The TNBC cells secretome induced in ADMSC the expression of the CAA cytokines CCL2, CCL5, IL-1β, and IL-6, and of immunomodulators COX2, HIF-1α, VEGFα, and PD-L1. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal biomarker Snail was found to control the CAA phenotype. EGCG inhibited the induction of CAA genes and the activation status of Smad2 and NF-κB. The induced chemotactic response was also inhibited by EGCG. Conclusion: The induction of an inflammatory and CAA-like phenotype in ADMSC can be triggered by the TNBC cells secretome, while still efficiently prevented by diet-derived polyphenols.
The U.S. Navy's Crew Resource Management program: the past, present, and recommendations for the future.

(2010) The U.S. Navy's Crew Resource Management program: the past, present, and recommendations for the future. In: P. O’Connor & Cohn (Eds.). Human Performance Enhancements in High-Risk Environments: Insights Developments, and Future Directions from Military Research (pp. 90-105). CA: ABC- Clio.
The Multifunctional Role of Herbal Products in the Management of Diabetes and Obesity: A Comprehensive Review

Obesity and diabetes are the most demanding health problems today, and their prevalence, as well as comorbidities, is on the rise all over the world. As time goes on, both are becoming big issues that have a big impact on people’s lives. Diabetes is a metabolic and endocrine illness set apart by hyperglycemia and glucose narrow-mindedness because of insulin opposition. Heftiness is a typical, complex, and developing overall wellbeing worry that has for quite some time been connected to significant medical issues in individuals, all things considered. Because of the wide variety and low adverse effects, herbal products are an important hotspot for drug development. Synthetic compounds are not structurally diverse and lack drug-likeness properties. Thus, it is basic to keep on exploring herbal products as possible wellsprings of novel drugs. We conducted this review of the literature by searching Scopus, Science Direct, Elsevier, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. From 1990 until October 2021, research reports, review articles, and original research articles in English are presented. It provides top to bottom data and an examination of plant-inferred compounds that might be utilized against heftiness or potentially hostile to diabetes treatments. Our expanded comprehension of the systems of activity of phytogenic compounds, as an extra examination, could prompt the advancement of remedial methodologies for metabolic diseases. In clinical trials, a huge number of these food kinds or restorative plants, as well as their bioactive compounds, have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of obesity.
Combination of Ultrasound and Heat in the Extraction of Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) Mucilage: Impact on Yield and Technological Properties

The effect of ultrasound in combination of heat on the extraction yield and technological properties of chia seed mucilage was investigated. Chia seeds were mixed with distilled water at a seed-to-water ratio of 1:30. The dispersion was adjusted to pH 9 and treated either with heat extraction by water bath or with heat/ultrasound extraction by probe-type sonication at 50 °C and 80 °C for 30 and 60 min. The yield and technological properties of mucilage samples were evaluated. The heat/ultrasound extraction gave a greater yield of mucilage (6.92–10.52%) as compared to the heat extraction (1.03–1.86%). Images obtained from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) have shown that during heat/ultrasound extraction, the amount of mucilage fibers on the surface of chia seed decreased with the increased extraction time. Thus, the yield of mucilage prepared with heat/ultrasound extraction for 60 min was significantly higher than that of mucilage extracted for 30 min. However, the difference between the seed samples treated with heat/ultrasound extraction at different temperatures was not apparent. The mucilage prepared with heat/ultrasound extraction at 50 °C for 60 min had the best technological properties. The amount of protein in the heat/ultrasound extracted mucilage diversified its technological property. Moreover, the mixture of mucilage and whey protein isolate had better miscibility. This study confirms the great potential of application of ultrasound in combination with heat in the extraction of chia seed mucilage.
Charged Lepton Flavor Violation at the High-Energy Colliders: Neutrino Mass Relevant Particles

We summarize the potential charged lepton flavor violation (LFV) from neutrino mass relevant models, for instance the seesaw mechanisms. In particular, we study, in a model-dependent way, the LFV signals at the high-energy hadron and lepton colliders originating from the beyond standard model (BSM) neutral scalar H, doubly charged scalar H±±, heavy neutrino N, heavy WR boson, and the Z′ boson. For the neutral scalar, doubly charged scalar and Z′ boson, the LFV signals originate from the (effective) LFV couplings of these particles to the charged leptons, while for the heavy neutrino N and WR boson, the LFV effects are from flavor mixing in the neutrino sector. We consider current limits on these BSM particles and estimate their prospects at future high-energy hadron and lepton colliders.
Development of micro actuator with cultured muscle cell

Mouse muscle cells have been cultured to form micro tubes, which would be developed to a new lightweight actuator controlled by an electrical pulse with high efficiency. Environment of muscle cell culture for a micro actuator has been designed with morphology of a scaffold, and with magnetic and electric fields in vitro. The repetitive contraction of the cultured muscle tubes has been controlled with frequency and voltage of electric pulses. The designed tube of cultured muscle cells has the possibility to realize an efficient light micro-actuator, which can be applied to a micro actuator for a micro machine or prosthesis of biological muscles.
Vibration Reduction System with a Linear Motor: Operation Modes, Dynamic Performance, Energy Consumption

The study aimed to present the features of a 2-DOF vibration reduction system (VRS) equipped with a linear electrodynamic motor in passive, semi-active and active mode. At first, the VRS model was formulated. Then, simulation tests of the VRS were conducted to distinguish its most advantageous features in each mode and to analyze dynamic performance and energy consumption. Next, the VRS was experimentally tested to evaluate its effectiveness in each mode for the assumed excitations and to compare tests results against simulation data. In active mode, a sliding mode algorithm was employed for motor control, while in semi-active mode, the equivalent damping coefficient analysis was used.
Experiences and Expectations of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Qualitative Study in Poland

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many new problems and challenges for medical personnel, patients and their families. The present study aimed to learn the difficulties and expectations of patients hospitalized for COVID-19. A descriptive qualitative research approach was adopted, and the study was carried out using semi-structured telephone interviews with 20 patients according to Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Two main themes were extracted from the experiences related by patients hospitalized for COVID-19: difficulties resulting from their poor health condition and difficulties resulting from hospital conditions and safety protocols. The patients’ expectations referred to professionalism and family members’ support. From the patient’s perspective, a sense of humor in the care provider is important, apart from professionalism and the effectiveness of treatment, because humor helps the patient endure difficult situations. The findings indicate that patients hospitalized for COVID-19 experienced both positive and negative emotions. Their negative experiences concerned organizational barriers and medical personnel shortages, especially of clinical nurses. Patients’ expectations are realistic and appropriate to the situation they are in. Learning the difficulties and expectations of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 may help care providers cope with this disease more effectively and ensure better care for patients, including nursing and psychological services.
Percutaneous coil embolization and stent implantation for multiple coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistulas with giant coronary aneurysms: a case report

Abstract Background Multiple coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistulas (CPAFs) with giant coronary aneurysms (CAs) are extremely rare. The appropriate therapeutic indication and strategy for CPAFs have not been established. Case summary Herein, we report the case of an asymptomatic 74-year-old woman with multiple CPAFs associated with giant CAs that had gradually developed over a 4-year period. After heart team discussion, we were successfully treated by minimally invasive intervention using transcatheter coil embolization and coronary stent implantation to prevent ruptures. Discussion Coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistulas required evaluation of the appropriate timing of therapy initiation with reference to the presence of symptoms and fistula and aneurysm sizes, and determination of the optimal therapeutic approach with reference to the anatomy of the fistula with aneurysm and patient background characteristics.
Thevetia peruviana intoxication and electrocardiographic manifestations: a case series

The use of herbal compounds for weight reduction, such as Thevetia peruviana, has toxic (or cardiotoxic) effects that cause various cardiac arrhythmias or atrioventricular block. Three cases of cardiac arrhythmias after ingestion of Thevetia peruviana and its management with activated charcoal are presented.
The Effects of Two Species of Leucaena on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation, Methane Production and Post-ruminal Protein Supply in Diets Based on Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman

This study evaluates the effects of the inclusion of two different Leucaena species as a source of condensed tannins based on in vitro fermentation, methane production and post-ruminal protein supply in a diet based on Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman CIAT BR02/1752 grass. Under in vitro conditions, Leucaena leucocephala CIAT 17263 and Leucaena diversifolia ILRI 15551 were incubated in two proportions (25% and 50% w/w) with Cayman grass and with/without polyethylene glycol as a tannin-binder. The results show that substrates with Leucaena diversifolia produced less gas and methane than those with Leucaena leucocephala with and without polyethylene glycol. The mass in undegraded feed + solid associated microbes fraction decreased linearly with increasing level of inclusion of both species of Leucaena, while increasing its nitrogen content. It is concluded that the condensed tannins of Leucaena diversifolia possess the superior activity and that the tannin content of both evaluated Leucaenas did not affect the diet degradation, and reductions in post-ruminal protein did not occur in the present study. Further studies are needed to differentiate the tannins present in different Leucaena species and their dietary effects.
‘For a Man Is Born to Suffer’: Intertextuality between Job 4–5 and Gen. 2.4b–3.24

The first speech of Eliphaz is the epitome of the scholarly consensus that the authors of the book of Job constructed their arguments through intertextual dialogues with various other texts in the Hebrew Bible. In this article, I argue that Job 4–5 contains three allusions (Job 4.9, 4.19, and 5.6–7a) to Gen. 2.4b–3.24 that not only provide the fundamental framework of Eliphaz’s argument for the efficacy of the deed-consequence nexus but are also vital in understanding its thrust. The literary placement of these allusions reveals that they are drawn to underpin Eliphaz’s rhetorical questions and personal observations theologically. This reflects that during the time of the book of Job’s composition (the postexilic era), Gen. 2.4b–3.24 played an important role in the debate on the deed-consequence nexus. Finally, whereas many have tried to resolve the problem of thematic inconsistencies in Job 4–5 by reorganizing the text, I propose that tracing and interpreting these allusions is the key to solving this puzzle.
Little Norway in Somalia–Understanding Complex Belongings of Transnational Somali Families

This article explores Norwegian-Somali parents’ motivation for returning to Somalia, how life has unfolded in the face of their return and how they are preparing for their future return to Norway. The article is a result of an ethnographic study of Norwegian-Somali returnees in Somalia. The analysis reveals that the desire to avoid Norwegian government surveillance of families served as an important backdrop for their return to Somalia. The motivations for returning to Somalia were also related to experiences of stigmatisation in Norway and the complexity of belongings to Norway and Somalia. The study suggests that parents work towards strengthening their belonging to both Somalia and Norway. The study further highlights that, by moving, the parents perceive that their children will be proud of their Somaliness and bond with family members in Somalia. To maintain a belongingness to Norway, parents actively work towards cultivating their children’s Norwegianness by creating a Norwegian school, celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day and emphasising Norwegian cultural repertories in their everyday lives.
Novel Deployable Panel Structure Integrated with Thick Origami and Morphing Bistable Composite Structures

This paper proposes a novel deployable panel structure integrated with a bistable composite structure and thick panel based on the thick origami technique. To overcome the interference effects between thick panels, the axis shift method is used in this deployable structure design. Bistable composite structures are employed as hinges for morphing characteristics. The trigger force and load-displacement curves of the structure are obtained by experiments and numerical simulations. The factors that affect the coverage area-to-package volume ratio and trigger force are discussed. The experimental and numerical results verify that the structure has two stable configurations and a large coverage area-to-package volume ratio.
Research on safety analysis for airborne system based on extended functional model

With the widespread use of embedded system in safety critical areas, system safety assurance has become one of the research hotspots of engineering technologies. System safety analysis mainly concentrates on the requirement specification and the recent design, and in the process of the actual development of the software, safety requirement analysis and design are two independent processes. This article expands the safety requirements described by fault tree into state diagram and proposes the new concept “fault state diagram,” which can unify safety requirement model and functional model. Based on the fault state diagram, this article proposes the method of airborne system safety analysis, including the following: gives out one method for abstracting and describing safety requirements from system fault tree based on Backus Normal Form; defines the transformation rules from fault tree logic gates and continuous time into state diagram elements; designs safety requirement information mapping table which translates safety requirements into state diagram elements; and designs the automatic construction algorithm of fault state diagram, which is based on the transformation rules and mapping table. Finally, a small gas stove control system case using the method proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Developing interactive ebooks and an analysis assistant to teach and apply modern quantitative methods

Whilst a large range of valuable training resources are available to those interested in learning quantitative techniques, few discuss how statistics are conducted in practice by working analysts. Advances in technology, however, have opened up the possibility of using more interactive tools to develop such resources. We have conducted interviews with quantitative researchers from a variety of disciplines, and are collaborating with them to produce interactive eBooks based on a case study each of them have chosen. These are written using our Stat-JR package which can interoperate with a variety of other statistical software, and can thus allow users to explore how a given analysis might be conducted in a range of different packages. The resulting eBooks will form a library of case studies that those newer to the field can use as a learning tool, with the aim of elucidating and demystifying the quantitative research process.
Effects of Induced Moisture Loss in Chicken Embryos at Embryonic Day 18 and Post-hatch Immune Response During Salmonella enteritidis Lipopolysaccharide Challenge in Broilers

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of induced moisture loss on embryonic development and the immune response following an inflammatory challenge immediately post-hatch. In Experiment I, fertile leghorn eggs (n = 100) and commercial broiler eggs (n = 300) were set at 37.5°C and moisture loss was induced in one-half of the Leghorn and broiler eggs by drilling two, 1.5 mm diameter holes. The Control eggs had 0 holes. At embryonic day (ED)18, layer and broiler eggs in the 2-holes treatment had a significant (P < 0.01) increase in moisture loss compared to the control treatment (10.1% vs. 8.2%). Similarly, at ED18, the broiler eggs with 2-holes had a significant increase (P < 0.01) in moisture loss compared with control eggs (9.9% vs. 8.4%). Thymocytes from both the leghorn (104%) and broiler (62%) embryos in the 2-holes treatment had significantly increased in vitro proliferation compared with the control embryos (P ≤ 0.05). At ED18, layer and broiler embryos in the 2-holes treatment had an approximate twofold increase in the splenic CD8+/CD4+ ratio (P ≤ 0.05) and CD4+CD25+ cells percentage in both the thymus and spleen (P ≤ 0.05). At ED18, both layer and broiler embryos from the 2-holes treatment had a significant increase in splenic IL1-β, IL-6, IL-10, and TLR-4 mRNA transcription compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Experiment II was repeated with 300 fertile broiler eggs. On the day of hatch, chicks were randomly distributed into one of four treatments in a 2 (0, 2 holes) × 2 (0, 500 μg lipopolysaccharide, LPS) factorial arrangement of treatments. Chicks in the LPS groups were injected intraperitoneally with 500 μg/kg BW LPS. At 24 and 48 h post-hatch, chicks hatched from eggs with 2-holes and challenged with LPS had a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in thymocyte proliferation at 24 h (42%) and 48 h (37%) when compared with chicks hatched from the control (0-hole; 0 μg LPS) treatment. Chicks hatched from the 2-holes treatment and challenged with the LPS had an approximately twofold higher splenic CD8+/CD4+ ratio and 1.5 fold increase in CD4+CD25+ percentage compared to control chicks (P ≤ 0.05). In chicks hatched from the 2-holes treatment, MUC2 mRNA transcription was comparable to control chicks at 24 and 48 h in response to the LPS challenge. Our data suggest that the 2-holes treatment reprograms gene transcription to facilitate cell survival via proliferation and differentiation during an LPS inflammatory challenge.
The impact of clients’ procurement challenges on the substance goals of roads construction projects in Songwe, Tanzania

Abstract Execution of construction projects within the estimated timeline, budget and quality are the prime substance goals of procurement projects. Delays result into cost-overrun and attempts to minimise cost result into delays or delivery of sub-standard projects. This study examines the impact of clients' procurement challenges that hinder realisation of project’s cost effective, quality standards and timely delivery using descriptive research design. Data were collected from 83 contractors and consultants with reference to their involvement in Songwe’s roads construction projects. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Multinomial Logistic Regression. The findings are that 35.44% of projects revealed cost-overrun, 56.96% had time-overrun, and 6.56% never meet quality standards. Corruption, financial constraints, unrealistic contract durations, non-compliance with contractual terms and conditions are the typical clients’ procurement challenges that hamper the substance goals of roads construction projects, resulting into financial penalties, project abandonment and contractual disputes. The article highlights and documents the clients’ procurement challenges in Tanzania’s roads construction projects that have not been adequately researched. To policy makers, project practitioners, scholars and oversight authorities, the article informs on the indicators that impede cost, quality and timely delivery of construction projects. Non-procurement and contractors’ challenges impeding project’s cost, time and quality were not taken into account.
Immunotherapy in Combination with Well-Established Treatment Strategies in Pancreatic Cancer: Current Insights

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and fourth most common cause of death in developed countries. Despite improved survival rates after resection combined with adjuvant chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, recurrence still occurs in a high percentage of patients within the first 2 years after resection. Immunotherapy aims to improve antitumor immune responses and reduce toxicity providing a more specific, targeted therapy compared to chemotherapy and has been proved an efficient therapeutic tool for many solid tumors. In this work, we present the latest advances in PDAC treatment using a combination of immunotherapy with other interventions such as chemotherapy and/or radiation both at neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting. Moreover, we outline the role of the tumor microenvironment as a key barrier to immunotherapy efficacy and examine how immunotherapy biomarkers may be used to detect immunotherapy’s response.