Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CO2 Trans-Critical Two Stage Compression Refrigeration Cycle with Vortex Tube

The paper analyses CO2 trans-critical two stage compression refrigeration cycle with vortex tube expansion by thermodynamics method. And compare with CO2 trans-critical two stage compression refrigeration cycle with expansion value. The results show that in the calculated conditions of the paper, the performance of the cycle with vortex tube improves 2.4%~16.3% than the cycle with expansion value. The optimal discharge pressure maximizing COP of the cycle with vortex tube exists. With lower evaporating temperature or higher gas cooler exit temperature, COP of system decreases and COP improvement increases. The effect of cold fluid mass fraction on COP is not significant, but COP improvement increases more quickly with cold gas mass fraction increasing.
Accurate current sensor for lateral IGBT smart power integration

This paper describes research work on the design and fabrication of a current sensor suitable for smart power integration in lateral insulated-gate bipolar transistor (LIGBT) structure. In general, the proposed design can also be used for various types of MOS-controlled bipolar transistor structures. Both the electron and hole current sensor layers are integrated in a concise form within the device structure. The sensing performance was further refined with the proposed flat-top doping profile achievable through a double-implantation, single-anneal and post-anneal-oxidation approach. The integrated structure was fabricated on silicon wafer with laboratory measurements performed to verify its electrical performance. The sensing ratio is maintained at a relatively constant level with a variation of within /spl plusmn/0.46% and /spl plusmn/1.2% (as a switching device), and /spl plusmn/0.85% and /spl plusmn/1.73% (as an amplifier device), respectively, when anode current and gate voltage vary. For operating temperature range of 300 K to 400 K, the sensor is able to maintain a sensing ratio within /spl plusmn/5.2% variation.
Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol

The stress response is a well-defined physiological function activated frequently by life events. However, sometimes the stress response can be inappropriate, excessive, or prolonged; in which case, it can hinder rather than help in coping with the stressor, impair normal functioning, and increase the risk of somatic and mental health disorders. There is a need for a more effective and safe pharmacological treatment that can dampen maladaptive stress responses. The endocannabinoid system is one of the main regulators of the stress response. A basal endocannabinoid tone inhibits the stress response, modulation of this tone permits/curtails an active stress response, and chronic deficiency in the endocannabinoid tone is associated with the pathological complications of chronic stress. Cannabidiol is a safe exogenous cannabinoid enhancer of the endocannabinoid system that could be a useful treatment for stress. There have been seven double-blind placebo controlled clinical trials of CBD for stress on a combined total of 232 participants and one partially controlled study on 120 participants. All showed that CBD was effective in significantly reducing the stress response and was non-inferior to pharmaceutical comparators, when included. The clinical trial results are supported by the established mechanisms of action of CBD (including increased N-arachidonylethanolamine levels) and extensive real-world and preclinical evidence of the effectiveness of CBD for treating stress.
Folate-functionalized SMMC-7721 liver cancer cell membrane-cloaked paclitaxel nanocrystals for targeted chemotherapy of hepatoma

Abstract In this study, we prepared a folic acid-functionalized SMMC-7721 liver cancer cell membrane (CM)-encapsulated paclitaxel nanocrystals system (FCPN) for hepatoma treatment. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization showed that FCPN was irregular spherical shapes with a particle size larger than 200 nm and a coated thickness of approximately 20 nm. In an in vitro release experiment, FCPN indicated a slowly release effect of paclitaxel (PTX). Cell experiments demonstrated that FCPN was taken up by SMMC-7721 cells and significantly inhibited the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells, which illustrated that FCPN had good targeting ability compared with PN and CPN. According to the results of in vivo animal experiments, FCPN significantly inhibited tumor growth. Tissue distribution experiments proved that FCPN could accumulate significantly in tumor tissues, which further explained why FCPN had good targeting ability. These results clearly suggested that folate-functionalized homotypic CM bionic nanosystems might represent a very valuable method for liver cancer treatment in the future.
Supply network design in the residential-FM sector

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine supply network designs that large service organisations use in the residential-FM sector to respond to the organising requirements of their operating environments. Design/methodology/approach – The study is theoretically grounded in the well-established literature on the organisational design and structural contingency theory. Utilising a framework of generic organising problems proposed by Miles and Snow (1978) and a multiple-case study design, the study elaborates how large service organisations organise and manage their supply networks in the Finnish residential-FM sector. Findings – The study identifies four supply network designs that organisations use for responding to the organising problems inherent in the property and resident services domains in the residential-FM sector. These include regional production organisation, horizontal decentralisation, environment stabilisation and demand – supply pooling, reflecting the type of the service-market dom.
Cardioprotective effects of alpha‐mangostin on doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats

The main adverse effect of doxorubicin is cardiotoxicity. Oxidative stress and apoptosis induction have been suggested as mechanisms involved in its cardiotoxicity. In this study, cardioprotective effects of alpha‐mangostin against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity have been investigated in rats. Forty‐two rats were divided as follows: Control, doxorubicin (2 mg/kg every 48 hr), alpha‐mangostin (200 mg/kg), alpha‐mangostin (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) + doxorubicin (2 mg/kg every 48 hr), and vitamin E (200 IU/kg) + doxorubicin (2 mg/kg every 48 hr). Alpha‐mangostin was administered by gavage for 19 days, while doxorubicin (12 days) and vitamin E (19 days) were injected intraperitoneally. Doxorubicin decreased heart rate, increased electrocardiogram signal components duration and reduced systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure, and caused histological damage in the heart of rats. Doxorubicin decreased heart weight and heart/body weight ratio, as well as elevated creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme and lactate dehydrogenase. Doxorubicin increased malondialdehyde, inflammatory biomarkers, and caspases 3 and 9 and decreased reduced glutathione content in heart tissue but co‐administration of alpha‐mangostin (100 mg/kg) restored all doxorubicin toxic effects. Results show that alpha‐mangostin has protective effects against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity by antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects that may ameliorate doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in human chemotherapy without reduction in its anticancer effect.
A Customized Screening Tool Approach for the Development of a Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS)

The present study focused on establishing a novel, (pre-)screening approach that enables the development of promising performing self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs) with a limited number of experiments. The strategic approach was based on first identifying appropriate excipients (oils/lipids, surfactants, and co-solvents) providing a high saturation solubility for lipophilic model compounds with poor aqueous solubility. Excipients meeting these requirements were selected for SNEDDS development, and a special triangular mixture design was applied for determining excipient ratios for the SNEDDS formulations. Celecoxib and fenofibrate were used as model drugs. Formulations were studied applying a specific combination of in vitro characterization methods. Specifications for a promising SNEDDS formulation were self-imposed: a very small droplet size (< 50 nm), a narrow size distribution of these droplets (PDI < 0.15) and a high transmittance following SNEDDS dispersion in water (> 99% in comparison with purified water). Excipients that provided a nanoemulsion after dispersion were combined, and ratios were optimized using a customized mapping method in a triangular mixture design. The best performing formulations were finally studied for their in vitro release performance. Results of the study demonstrate the efficiency of the customized screening tool approach. Since it enables successful SNEDDS development in a short time with manageable resources, this novel screening tool approach could play an important role in future SNEDDS development. Graphical abstract Graphical abstract
Uncovering the high prevalence of bacterial burden in surgical site wounds with point‐of‐care fluorescence imaging

Detection of bacterial burden within or near surgical wounds is critical to reducing the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI). A distinct lack of reliable methods to identify postoperative bioburden has forced reliance on clinical signs and symptoms of infection (CSS). As a result, infection management has been reactive, rather than proactive. Fluorescence imaging of bacterial burden (FL) is positioned to potentially flip that paradigm. This post hoc analysis evaluated 58 imaged and biopsied surgical site wounds from the multi‐centre fluorescence imaging assessment and guidance clinical trial. Diagnostic accuracy measures of CSS and FL were evaluated. A reader study investigated the impact of advanced image interpretation experience on imaging sensitivity. Forty‐four of fifty‐eight surgical site wounds (75.8%) had bacterial loads >104 CFU/g (median = 3.11 × 105 CFU/g); however, only 3 of 44 were CSS positive (sensitivity of 6.8%). FL improved sensitivity of bacterial detection by 5.7‐fold compared with CSS alone (P = .0005). Sensitivity improved by 11.3‐fold over CSS among clinicians highly experienced with FL interpretation (P < .0001). Surgical sites that reach the stage of referral to a wound specialist frequently harbour asymptomatic high bacterial loads that delay healing and increase infection risk. Advanced imaging of pathological bacterial burden improves surgical site monitoring and may reduce the rate of SSIs.
Investigation of the Different Types of Seismic Base Isolators for a Continuous Box Girder Bridge

Bridges play a vital link role in surface transportation network, and their failures not only cause disruption of service but also jeopardize people’s life. Seismic base isolation is an important technique that is used for mitigating seismic vulnerability by decreasing the seismic demand instead of increasing the seismic capacity. Seismic isolation is essentially based on the idea of separating the support from the super-structure for the horizontal motions of the ground by placing flexible interfaces between the structure and its support. It decreases the lateral forces that act on the superstructure by shifting the fundamental period of the structure away from the predominant period of the ground motion and providing additional damping. In the base isolation strategy, at the same time it is possible to obtain a considerable reduction of large displacements attained at the base level as a consequence of the energy dissipation due to damping and hysteretic properties of isolation device. In this paper, various types of isolation devices, such as elastomeric bearings (lead rubber bearing), sliding systems (friction pendulum system) are evaluated for their performance in a continuous concrete box girder bridge. The response of the bridge system under earthquake has been compared with the corresponding bridge without the isolation system. The period and base shear of several base isolation systems are changed, it indicates that the period of a structure increases when base isolators are utilized in the structure.
EVALUATING PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC SECTOR

TT he discussion of the paper begins with a summarized discussion of some of the major complexities involved in public sector performance evaluation. This is followed by a discussion of the literature of the actual methods of evaluation for public projects and programs (IRR, NPV, cost-benefit analysis and it’s many considerations). The final section of the paper critically targets the approach being taken in the South African public sector with regard to performance evaluation.
Disorders of Ejaculation: An AUA/SMSNA Guideline

Purpose: Men who ejaculate before or shortly after penetration, without a sense of control, and who experience distress related to this condition may be diagnosed with premature ejaculation (PE), while men who experience difficulty achieving sexual climax may be diagnosed with delayed ejaculation (DE). The experience of many clinicians suggest that these problems are not rare and can be a source of considerable embarrassment and dissatisfaction for patients. The role of the clinician in managing PE and DE is to conduct appropriate investigation, to provide education, and to offer available treatments that are rational and based on sound scientific data. Materials and Methods: The systematic review utilized to inform this guideline was conducted by a methodology team at the Pacific Northwest Evidence–based Practice Center. A research librarian conducted searches in Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to March 1, 2019), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (through January 2019) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (through March 1, 2019). An update search was conducted on September 5, 2019. Database searches resulted in 1,851 potentially relevant articles. After dual review of abstracts and titles, 223 systematic reviews and individual studies were selected for full-text dual review, and 8 systematic reviews and 59 individual studies were determined to meet inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Results: Several psychological health, behavioral, and pharmacotherapy options exist for both PE and DE; however, none of these pharmacotherapy options have achieved approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration and their use in the treatment of PE and DE is considered off-label. Conclusion: Disturbances of the timing of ejaculation can pose a substantial impediment to sexual enjoyment for men and their partners. The Panel recommends shared decision-making as fundamental in the management of disorders of ejaculation; involvement of sexual partner(s) in decision making, when possible, may allow for optimization of outcomes.
An Approach to Ultra-Wideband Channel Calibration using a Vector Network Analyser

Abstract In this paper, two calibration methods are investigated to determine the most suitable approach for ultra-wideband (UWB) communication channel measurements. The first method is the through, open, short and match (TOSM) calibration technique. The second method is through, reflection and load calibration technique. Presented experiment results show that the through, reflection and load calibration process is more precise for calibration of coaxial cables and the UWB channel as clearly seen by increased magnitudes of the channel transfer function. It is also shown that the proposed through, reflection and load technique leads to an improved larger measured root-mean-square value and that the measured magnitude transfer function of the wireless channel is increased by an absolute value of approximately 5 dB after calibration compared with results achieved when TOSM technique is used. In the paper, it is also shown that the time delay associated with test equipment of the UWB channel measurement can be equally well removed by using either the through, reflection and load or TOSM calibration techniques.
Monolith/Hydrogel composites as triamcinolone acetonide carriers for curing corneal neovascularization in mice by inhibiting the fibrinolytic system

Abstract Corneal neovascularization is a serious corneal pathological change caused by various factors. The drug delivery system is of great significance for the effective treatment of corneal neovascularization. Herein, we developed and characterized a monolith/hydrogel composite as the triamcinolone acetonide (TA) carrier for curing corneal neovascularization. The composite was prepared by photo-initiated free radical polymerization of multi-methacrylate substituted dodecamine organic molecular cage and post-modified by the sequential photo-initiated free radical polymerization of acrylated gelatin. The globular morphology and structural property of as-prepared composites were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and solid-state cross polarization magic angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance. Then swelling ratio and the TA loading capacity were investigated then. Compared with gelatin hydrogel, the composites exhibited a decreased swelling ratio and an improved loading capacity. With good biocompatibility, the composite can sustainedly release TA for up to 28 days, and effectively inhibit corneal neovascularization with an alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization model. Additionally, tandem mass tags-labeled quantitative proteomics were performed to identify differentially expressed proteins between vascularized and devascularized corneas. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that the inhibition process could be primarily linked to the fibrinolytic system. These results demonstrated the potential of monolith/hydrogel composites as delivery systems in the therapy for biomedical diseases.
A protocol for meta-analysis

Background:Nearly half of patients with heart failure (HF) have preserved ejection fraction (EF) and the mortality and morbidity of patients with HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) are high. Patients with HFpEF are often elderly and their primary chronic symptom is severe exercise intolerance that results in a reduced quality of life. Thus, improvement of exercise capacity presents another important clinical outcome in HFpEF patients. Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs reported that sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HF with reduced EF. Although the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors in HFpEF patients have been examined in multiple RCTs, the results are inconsistent due partly to limited power. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in HFpEF patients. Methods: This meta-analysis will include RCTs examining the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on HF severity and health-related quality of life in HFpEF patients. Information of studies will be collected from electronic databases. The primary outcome will be HF severity (plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels and exercise capacity assessed as 6-minute walk distance). The secondary outcome will be health-related quality of life. The safety outcomes will be all-cause death, HF hospitalization, hypotension, acute renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and urinary tract infection. Discussion: This meta-analysis will evaluate the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in HFpEF patients, providing evidence to the clinical use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in these patients. Systematic review registration: INPLASY2021120033 Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval, EF = ejection fraction, HF = heart failure, HFpEF = heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, RCTs = randomized controlled trials, SD = standard deviation, SGLT-2 = sodium–glucose cotransporter 2.
Understanding Escalation Through Intimate Partner Homicide Narratives

The study aims to expand our understanding of escalation from intimate partner violence to intimate partner homicide (IPH) by exploring the known circumstances leading up to a lethal event. The study draws on qualitative data from law enforcement reports and coroner/medical examiner reports within the National Violent Death Reporting System to identify themes preceding and surrounding IPH incidents. Findings support the utility of risk assessments in identifying escalation while illustrating the complex ways that violence between current or former intimate partners can escalate to lethality, particularly the role of separation and the use of firearms.
Transitioning Rework Shape Optimisation Technology for ADF Airframe Applications

Through-life management of aircraft structural integrity (ASI) is an important program in both civilian and military aviation providing structural safety, improvements in aircraft availability, and reduced cost of ownership. One innovative method for life extension is rework shape optimisation to minimise stresses at crack prone regions in metallic airframe components. This paper covers the collaborative work carried out between ASI-DGTA and AVD-DSTO in developing and transitioning the shape optimisation technology to manage and improve ASI within a regulatory environment. It is shown that numerical methods based on structural mechanics, can be used to develop robust and practical optimised rework shapes. Key lessons learned are discussed, including indicative results for the interaction of some key design parameters on peak stresses and predicted fatigue lives. Finally strategies for the application and transition management of this technology are given.
A Hybrid Approach to Expert and Model Based Effort Estimation

A Hybrid Approach to Expert and Model Based Effort Estimation Daniel Ryan Baker It is important to have a good cost estimate in order to budget a new project. Unfortunately, software effort estimation methods are often inaccurate. Molokken and Jorgensen report that 60-80% of the time a software project will overrun its estimate by an average of 30% [98]. Furthermore, most estimates do not describe the uncertainty of the estimate [52,54,118]. In addition, each source of uncertainty, as described by Kitchenham and Linkman [68], has yet to be represented. In this thesis, the design principles of an effort estimation tool called 2CEE are discussed. This tool is currently being deployed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and feedback regarding the methodology improvements to industry is reported. This tool represents an approach to effort estimation that provides greater interaction of the cost analyst with the estimation model. The approach places an emphasis on representing estimation uncertainty which, among other benefits, allows estimates with increasing confidence throughout the software lifecycle. Previously, Jorgenson has argued that most effort estimation is done manually [49, 52]. However, manual methods have difficulty sampling the space of uncertainty [54]. This thesis describes how 11 of Jorgensen’s 12 expert judgment best practices may be automated in a model, 7 of which are demonstrated in 2CEE. Thus, the distinction between manual and automated methods for effort estimation is questioned. Instead, an alternate ideology is proposed where neither manual nor automatic estimation methods dominate, but rather each augments the other. In addition, the techniques of feature subset selection, bagging, and boosting are explored for the COCOMO software effort estimation model. These methods are evaluated using nonparametric techniques to compensate for the non-Gaussian error distributions [95]. Improved estimation accuracy is reported. Finally, a startling discovery regarding the stability of the COCOMO software effort estimation model is reported.