Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practical considerations of the IFRF technique as applied to noise path analysis and acoustical imaging

Recently, the Inverse Frequency Response Function (IFRF) technique has been adapted for processing data from acoustical arrays. Common applications in automotive NVH testing involve noise path analysis, noise source location, source ranking and acoustical imaging. In this paper, the practicality of the IFRF technique is examined in relation to noise path analysis and acoustic imaging. Practical considerations including transducer selection, transducer locations, array spacing and numerical concerns are presented. Several practical case histories are included.
Multiple colonizations and genetic differentiation in goldenrod populations on recently formed nearshore islands

Although the evolution of island endemic plants has long been investigated, the majority of such studies have focused on species with remarkable levels of morphological variation and on islands substantially far from the mainland. Endemic plants on nearshore oceanic islands have received less attention. We investigate the population genetic structure and dynamics in plants endemic to nearshore and recently formed oceanic islands and examined the possibility of multiple colonizations onto the islands.
Comprehensive Treatment of Hematological Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Including Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibodies: A Single-Center Experience Case Series

Simple Summary SARS-CoV-2 causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and poses a global health burden. Treatment strategies remain limited and mainly consist of dexamethasone; antiviral agents, such as remdesivir and molnupiravir; and SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibodies (mABs), including bamlanivimab, casirivimab/imdevimab combination, and, most recently, sotrovimab. SARS-CoV-2 mABs target specific proteins on the viral surface. Patients with hematologic malignancies represent an especially vulnerable cohort. Evidence for the use of SARS-CoV-2 mABs in these patients is scarce, creating an imbalance between urgently needed therapeutic strategies and a lack of randomized controlled trials. In this study, we summarize the characteristics of tolerability and clinical benefits of SARS-CoV-2 mAB application in patients with COVID-19 and hematologic malignancies admitted to our university hospital in Germany. We hope to provide some evidence that may contribute to the management of patients with hematologic malignancies in a world where COVID-19 remains a risk. Abstract Patients with hematologic malignancies are at high risk of exacerbated condition and higher mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Bamlanivimab, casirivimab/imdevimab combination, and sotrovimab are monoclonal antibodies (mABs) that can reduce the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization. Clinical effectiveness of bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdevimab combination has been shown for the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), but the effectiveness of the latter treatment against the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has been suggested to be reduced. However, the tolerability and clinical usage of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific mABs in patients with hematologic malignancies are less specified. We present a retrospective case series analysis of all SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with hematologic malignancies who received SARS-CoV-2-specific mABs at our facility between February and mid-December 2021. A total of 13 COVID-19 patients (pts) with at least one malignant hematologic diagnosis received SARS-CoV-2-specific mABs at our facility, with 3 pts receiving bamlanivimab and 10 pts receiving casirivimab/imdevimab combination. We observed SARS-CoV-2 clearance in five cases. Furthermore, we observed a reduction in the necessity for oxygen supplementation in five cases where the application was administered off-label. To the best of our knowledge, we present the largest collection of anecdotal cases of SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibody use in patients with hematological malignancies. Potential benefit of mABs may be reduced duration and/or clearance of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Impact of Primary Needling on the XEN Implant Clinical Outcomes: A Real-Life Retrospective Study

Purpose To assess the effectiveness and safety of primary-needling in eyes who underwent a XEN45 implant. Methods Retrospective and single center study. Consecutive patients with early-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension, who underwent XEN45 surgery, either alone or combined with phacoemulsification, and had at least a valid 12-month post-operative visit, were included in the study. Primary needling was performed by using a 30-gauge needle without viscoelastic. Subjects were divided in two groups: Eyes who underwent XEN+primary-needling (needling) and those who underwent XEN without primary-needling (no-needling). The primary end-point was the mean change in IOP from baseline to the last follow-up visit. Results Sixty-three eyes, 19 (30.2%) in the needling group and 44 (69.8%) in the no-needling one, were included in the study. There were not significant differences in mean IOP lowering between needling and no-needling groups at month-12 (mean difference −2.5±5.3 mm Hg, p=0.0926). No significant differences in mean reduction of ocular-hypotensive medications were observed between needling and no-needling groups, p=0.8690. At month-12, 50 (80.6%) had blebs considered as functioning, with no difference between groups, p = 0.5631. At month-12, 59 (93.7%) eyes were classified as success, with no significant differences between needling (17/19) and no-needling (42/44) groups, p=0.3754. Secondary needling was performed in 8 (12.7%) eyes, without differences between groups (p=0.6333). Conclusion Primary needling, at the time of surgery, was a safe procedure in OAG patients who underwent a XEN implant, although it was not associated with a lower postoperative IOP or less ocular hypotensive medications.
Business Model Generation A Handbook For Visionaries Game Changers And Challengers

The book entitled “Business Model Generation: A Handbook for visionaries, game changers and challengers” though written by Osterwalder and Pigneur (2010) was also co-created by 470 practitioners from 45 countries. The book is thus a good example of how a global creative collaboration effort can contribute positively to the business and management literature and subsequently to the advancement of society (Alam and Hoque, 2010; Alam et al., 2010a, b). Consisting of five main chapters (Canvas, Patterns, Design, Strategy and Process) and two additional chapters Outlook and Afterword, “Business Model Generation” should be read by those motivated to “defy outmoded business models and design tomorrow’s enterprises” (front cover). The objectives of the five main chapters in the book are as follows:
Synthesis of Secretory Proteins in Yarrowia lipolytica: Effect of Combined Stress Factors and Metabolic Load

While overproduction of recombinant secretory proteins (rs-Prots) triggers multiple changes in the physiology of the producer cell, exposure to suboptimal growth conditions may further increase that biological response. The environmental conditions may modulate the efficiency of both the rs-Prot gene transcription and translation but also the polypeptide folding. Insights into responses elicited by different environmental stresses on the rs-Prots synthesis and host yeast physiology might contribute to a better understanding of fundamental biology processes, thus providing some clues to further optimise bioprocesses. Herein, a series of batch cultivations of Yarrowia lipolytica strains differentially metabolically burdened by the rs-Prots overproduction have been conducted. Combinations of different stress factors, namely pH (3/7) and oxygen availability (kLa 28/110 h−1), have been considered for their impact on cell growth and morphology, substrate consumption, metabolic activity, genes expression, and secretion of the rs-Prots. Amongst others, our data demonstrate that a highly metabolically burdened cell has a higher demand for the carbon source, although presenting a compromised cell growth. Moreover, the observed decrease in rs-Prot production under adverse environmental conditions rather results from the emergence of a less-producing cell subpopulation than from the decrease of the synthetic capacity of the whole cell population.
Development and Evaluation of the Utility of a Respiratory Monitoring and Visual Feedback System for Radiotherapy Using Machine Vision Technology

1Department of Radiation Oncology, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Changwon, Korea; 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea; 3Institute of Health Science, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea; 4Department of Radiation Oncology, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, Korea; 5Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
Design to Assist Better Youthhood for Adolescents with Lower-Limb Disability through Virtual Reality Sports

Background: Youths with lower limb dysfunction display low levels of sports participation, which limits their growth and self-development, both physically and mentally. Recently, VR technology has proven its profound value in the psychological evaluation and treatment, rehabilitation, and immersive training of people in need. We have proposed, designed, and developed a VR rock-climbing game for youths with lower-limb dysfunction that allows them to engage in enjoyable and purposeful in-game tasks that simultaneously bring about intensive real-world exercise. Methods: Pilot studies were conducted on college students whose lower limbs were fixed to chairs. Heart rate monitoring, a flow questionnaire, interviews, and observation were conducted for each participant to evaluate the impact of the VR rock-climbing game. The collected data were trimmed on the basis of Cronbach’s alpha and corrected item–total correlation (CITC) to guarantee the data’s reliability. Results: The average value of each flow experience dimension was greater than 4 (0.76 < SD < 0.91). According to the flow-based analysis and the whole-process feeling distribution (WPFD), the evaluated study brought about the participants’ happiness and a sense of mastery and achievement. Conclusions: By bringing about a deep and enjoyable immersion in VR, it remarkably promotes the participants’ intention to participate in exercises.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Synaptic Vesicle Protein Synaptogyrin-3 (SYNGR3) Gene: The Effects of NURR1 on Its Expression

Synaptogyrin-3 (SYNGR3) is a synaptic vesicular membrane protein. Amongst four homologues (SYNGR1 to 4), SYNGR1 and 3 are especially abundant in the brain. SYNGR3 interacts with the dopamine transporter (DAT) to facilitate dopamine (DA) uptake and synaptic DA turnover in dopaminergic transmission. Perturbed SYNGR3 expression is observed in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The regulatory elements which affect SYNGR3 expression are unknown. Nuclear-receptor-related-1 protein (NURR1) can regulate dopaminergic neuronal differentiation and maintenance via binding to NGFI-B response elements (NBRE). We explored whether NURR1 can regulate SYNGR3 expression using an in silico analysis of the 5′-flanking region of the human SYNGR3 gene, reporter gene activity and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) of potential cis-acting sites. In silico analysis of two genomic DNA segments (1870 bp 5′-flanking region and 1870 + 159 bp of first exon) revealed one X Core Promoter Element 1 (XCPE1), two SP1, and three potential non-canonical NBRE response elements (ncNBRE) but no CAAT or TATA box. The longer segment exhibited gene promoter activity in luciferase reporter assays. Site-directed mutagenesis of XCPE1 decreased promoter activity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y (↓43.2%) and human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells (↓39.7%). EMSA demonstrated NURR1 binding to these three ncNBRE. Site-directed mutagenesis of these ncNBRE reduced promoter activity by 11–17% in SH-SY5Y (neuronal) but not in HEK293 (non-neuronal) cells. C-DIM12 (Nurr1 activator) increased SYNGR3 protein expression in SH-SY5Y cells and its promoter activity using a real-time luciferase assay. As perturbed vesicular function is a feature of major neurodegenerative diseases, inducing SYNGR3 expression by NURR1 activators may be a potential therapeutic target to attenuate synaptic dysfunction in PD.
Operational Practices and Archetypes of Design Thinking

Organizations facing issues related to growth, innovation, and strategy are embracing design thinking, a problem-solving process. This study explores 40 design thinking initiatives and identifies operational practices emerge and empirical categories across various contexts. Quantitative analyses of the initiatives and qualitative interview data are used to distinguish four configurations of action analogous to races: training, emphasizing learning-by-doing; marathons, capturing personal reflection over a long project; relays, highlighting team collaboration; and sprints, reflecting fast-paced product innovation. The initiatives are differentiated as designer-led versus team-driven and, low-urgency versus high-urgency. Implications of practicing design thinking in Organization Development and Change are discussed.
Molecular dynamics study of interfacial strength and debonding in SiC/SiC nanocomposite

Using classical molecular dynamics (MD) with Stillinger–Weber interatomic potential, we modeled a nanocomposite with 3C-SiC [111] as a matrix and 3C-SiC [100] nanowire as the inclusion. The objective of this study is to understand the effects of the volume fraction and surface area of the inclusions on debonding under uniaxial loading conditions. Results show a significant increase in debonding strength when the surface area of the nanoinclusion is increased at a constant inclusion volume fraction. On the other hand, the higher the volume fraction of inclusion, the lower the strength. The initiation and propagation of nano-crack at the interface are analyzed from the atomistic perspective. To illustrate the findings, material-dependent power-law equations are provided for quantitative predictions of the debonding strength.
Threshold Effect of Macroeconomic Convergence Criteria on Real GDP Growth Rate within the East African Community

This study investigates how the thresholds set by the East African Monetary Committee (EAMC) have impacted the growth of the East African Countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi). The analysis establishes the actual thresholds supported by a panel data model, running from 2005 to 2020, which are drawn from World Development Indicators data from the World Bank website. The actual thresholds obtained are compared to the thresholds adopted by EAMC. This data was analysed using a Dynamic Threshold Panel model; the results show a slight deviation of the actual (optimal) data thresholds from the thresholds adopted as the EAC criteria for the formation of a Monetary Union. Therefore, there is need to reconsider the thresholds criteria to enable them to become feasible for the member states to achieve so as to form the Monetary Union.
A Comparison of Displays and Associated Workload on Nuclear Power Plants Tasks

Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) operators complete a variety of tasks to ensure the NPP is running safely and efficiently. However, the levels and types of workload associated with the different task types are not yet fully understood. The present investigation examined workload levels and types for three common NPP Main Control Room (MCR) tasks in a controlled experimental environment using a variety of subjective and performance measures of workload. The results suggest that the three task types differ in the levels and types of workload. These findings can be used to better understand the types of NPP tasks that induce workload and the type of workload they induce. The full results of these experiments will be captured in future articles and technical reports.
The Effect of Anti-VDAC3 Recombinant Antibody on the Motility, Viability, and Membrane Integrity of Ejaculated Human Sperm

Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels (VDACs) is one of the ion channels in sperm that play an important role in the transport of ATP, ions, and metabolites in the membrane of cells. VDAC isoform 3 in human sperm was recognized by anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody. Fresh ejaculated human sperm samples from 12 donors were collected and treated with rabbit’s serum containing antiVDAC3 antibodies, as well as with the preimmune serum that was produced by our self from the previous study, in a ratio of 1:1. Sperm motility parameters, i.e. general motility, Wobble (WOB), Curvilinear Velocity (VCL), Linearity (LIN), Average Path Velocity (VAP), and Straight-Line Velocity (VSL) was measured using Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA) at 0 minutes, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes after treatment. The effect of anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody on sperm viability was evaluated by Eosin-Y staining, while on sperm membrane integrity was evaluated by Hypo Osmotic Swelling (HOS) test. There were significant differences in motility in form of general motility of ejaculated human sperm after 30 and 60 minutes incubation with anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody (p=0.001; p=0.002, respectively). The other parameters of the sperm motility in form of WOB, VCL, LIN, VAP, and VSL decreased after incubation with anti-VDAC3 antibodies, but it was not different significantly (p>0.05; respectively). Anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody could significantly decrease the percentage of living sperm cells (p=0.003) and increase poor membrane integrity of ejaculated human sperm after 60 minutes of incubation (p=0.037). Anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody could reduce sperm motility parameters, decrease sperm living cells, and could be increased ejaculated human sperm with poor membrane integrity. It suggests this antibody would be used as a contraceptive agent.
Aerodynamic effectiveness of the flow of exhaust gases in a generic formula one car configuration

Abstract The effects of the flow of exhaust gases intentionally orientated on the rear wing element of a generic Formula One car body have been studied. A qualitative analysis of the effectiveness of a cold nitrogen jet on a NACA 0012 type of aerofoil has been conducted. The Reynolds number of the jet was 13,000, based on the jet velocity and diameter, and of the bodywork was 54,000, based on the free stream velocity and bodywork length. The lift coefficient was measured via a three-component strain-gauge force balance at four different ground-to-aerofoil heights (32, 45, 60 and 90mm) and incidence range –20 to +20 degrees. The surface flow patterns were visualised using the oil flow technique and were compared with numerical simulations. Pressure measurements were conducted using pressure tappings. The CFD solver was FLUENT. The RNG k-ε model was selected to solve the turbulent flow transport equations. The numerical study also comprised the investigation of the aspiration generated by exhaust gases when these are ejected inside a duct of greater diameter. A parametric investigation relating the relative diameter of exhaust pipe and outer duct and the relative overlap between the sides of the duct and the exhaust pipe was performed.
Theoretical analysis and practical algorithms for operational problems in container terminals

In recent years we have seen the breakdown of many trade barriers and the globalization of trade. These developments have increased the importance of logistics and transportation, and in particular the importance of marine transportation systems to the global economy. These systems include a network of ports and terminals that allow the transshipment of containers to and from ships. Since most of these terminals are now working at, almost, full capacity, the most important objective for a terminal is to decrease ship turnaround time at the port. In this dissertation, we consider a container terminal discharging and loading containers to and from ships. Each discharged container has a number of potential locations in the yard area where it can be stored. Containers are moved between the ship area and the yard using a fleet of vehicles, each of which can carry one container at a time. These vehicles travel on a network of lanes in the terminal. We focus on terminal operational problems including dispatching and routing of vehicles and locating discharged containers, so as to minimize the ship turnaround time. Our objective is to determine the underlying structure of optimal strategies and use this insight to construct effective algorithms. Specifically, in the vehicle dispatching problem, the objective is to determine the impact of vehicle dispatching policies on the ship makespan. In this case, we consider both discharging and loading operations and develop optimal or near-optimal vehicle dispatching policies for different cases. In the vehicle-scheduling-location problem, we consider a more general model that requires finding a storage location for each discharged container as well as a vehicle dispatching policy. We show that this problem is NP-hard. This implies that it is unlikely that we will ever find a polynomial time algorithm that solves this problem to optimality. Thus, we develop a heuristic based on formulating the problem as an Assignment Problem, and analyze the performance of this heuristic using asymptotic and absolute worst-case performance analyses and empirical analysis. Finally, in the vehicle routing problem, the objective is to identify routes for the vehicles taking into account the congestion in the network and so as to minimize ship turnaround time. We propose a heuristic based on formulating the problem as a Shortest Path Problem and analyze its effectiveness using asymptotic worst-case analysis and empirical analysis.
Advancing Equity in Access to Distributed Energy Resources in California

The widespread adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as household solar panels and electric vehicles is a key component of California’s plan to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, DER uptake and thus the benefits it provides are disproportionately concentrated among wealthy, white households and communities in the state. Here, we propose that the California State Legislature address this inequity through two distinct mechanisms: 1) requiring the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to prioritize DER programs that maximize non-energy benefits (e.g., reduced emissions, comfort, and safety, as proposed in 2021’s Senate Bill 345) and 2) directing the CPUC to prioritize infrastructure updates in disadvantaged communities. These changes would help transform sustainable technologies from a force that exacerbates existing inequality gaps into a mechanism for promoting public health and economic well-being in poor communities and communities of color.
PREDICTION TO HYPERTROPHIC FORMS OF GINGIVITIS IN CHILDREN WITH GENETIC ASSESSMENT

The study is dedicated to searching for genetic factors that determine the predisposition to children's hypertrophic and catarrhal forms of gingivitis. The study involved children with hypertrophic gingivitis (12 patients) and chronic catarrhal gingivitis (16 patients). Because of the study, it was found that hypertrophic gingivitis and chronic catarrhal gingivitis differed significantly in the distribution of polymorphism genotypes TNFRSF1B, MMP1B and TGFB1 in examined patients. No difference was found between the groups by rs1800629 TNF-alpha-308G>A, rs1800795 IL6-174G>C, rs3024491 IL10-1082G>A and rs1800012 COL1A1 IVS1 2046G>T polymorphisms. The results obtained, in our opinion, should be taken into account in the development of treatment and prevention measures to support the dental treatment of children with hypertrophic gingivitis.