Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Principles of Selective Area Epitaxy and Applications in III–V Semiconductor Lasers Using MOCVD: A Review

Selective area epitaxy (SAE) using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is a crucial fabrication technique for lasers and photonic integrated circuits (PICs). A low-cost, reproducible, and simple process for the mass production of semiconductor lasers with specific structures was realized by means of SAE. This paper presents a review of the applications of SAE in semiconductor lasers. Growth rate enhancement and composition variation, which are two unique characteristics of SAE, are attributed to a mask. The design of the mask geometry enables the engineering of a bandgap to achieve lasing wavelength tuning. SAE allows for the reproducible and economical fabrication of buried heterojunction lasers, quantum dot lasers, and heteroepitaxial III–V compound lasers on Si. Moreover, it enables the fabrication of compact photonic integrated devices, including electro-absorption modulated lasers and multi-wavelength array lasers. Results show that SAE is an economical and reproducible method to fabricate lasers with desired structures. The goals for SAE applications in the future are to improve the performance of lasers and PICs, including reducing the defects of the grown material introduced by the SAE mask and achieving precise control of the thickness and composition.
Definition And Optimization Of The Drive Train Topology For Electric Vehicles

Due to the limited range of battery electric vehicles, a low energy consumption is more desirable, than it is in conventional vehicles. To accomplish this objective the paper focuses on an increased efficiency of the drive train, its topologies and its components, as this is one of the most promising approaches. With a set of basic characteristics of the desired vehicle (such as maximum speed, acceleration, climbing ability, class and range) an optimal fitted drive train according to the energy consumption should be found. This includes number, type and power of electric machines, transmission ratios, dynamic running radius, axle load distribution and battery capacity. The general approach uses a method consisting of a developed optimization routine and a specific simulation model. The developed optimization algorithm reduces the value ranges or even the design parameters to minimize the number of iterations. This intelligent algorithm is compared to conventional optimizers like pattern search or genetic algorithms. For the vehicle model valid results are important. To ensure validity for all possible topologies, vehicle and power classes an appropriate method is presented. Each relevant component model and its respective scaling concept are validated. After validation of a vehicle model with these component models, the scalability is transferable to the entire vehicle model. Some exemplary results of the model are shown, such as the influence of axle load distribution, choice of high-energy or high-power cells and potential of longitudinal torque-vectoring for multi-motor topologies.
Technical efficiency of pineapple production and challenges in Southern Benin

The need to improve the productivity and quality of pineapple produced to meet demand and supply with international standards necessitates exploring production potentials. So, assessing the technical efficiency of pineapple producers is essential to avoid waste of resources and above all to target advices for improving the productivity of the pineapple producers. Studies conducted on pineapple in Benin have paid less attention to the resource requirements and its determinants. This study estimated technical efficiencies of pineapple producers in Benin and identified some socio-economic factors which influence them. A random sampling was employed to select 253 producers in five districts of pineapple production in southern Benin. Stochastic frontier production function approach using a translog production function was used to estimate the technical efficiencies of pineapple producers, while the inefficiency model was used to determine the socio-economic factor affecting the technical efficiencies. The results showed that the level of technical efficiency ranged from 96.87% to 96.96% with a mean of 96.91%, which suggests that average pineapple output was 3.04% short of the maximum possible level. This implies that producers could still improve the technical efficiency by 3.04%. This study shows that market access, labor, land access, fertilizer access, credit access and soil quality could increase productivity of pineapple production if monitored. Government must take appropriate measures to technically support producers and hope for improved quality of pineapple meeting international standards.
Comparison of Fixed-Bearing with Mobile-Bearing Prostheses for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The rising prevalence of severe knee joint arthritis forces the orthopedic surgeon to do joint replacement as an effective end stage joint arthritis management. Currently, there are two types of bearing plans for TKA alone, namely fixed bearing and mobile bearing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compares several outcomes between those two types of bearing plans such as ROM, KSS Clinical, KSS Functional, and WOMAC Score. Methods: A literature search was carried out using PRISMA Guidelines in Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library using the terms “fixed bearing”, “mobile bearing”, “total knee arthroplasty”, and “outcome measure”. We extracted the data from each study and all of statistical analysis were performed using the Review Manager version 5.3 software. Results: After an initial search and screening of 217 studies, 4 studies were included in our study. There was a significant difference statistically between those two groups in KSS functional score (Heterogeneity, I2 = 91 percent; WMD, 9.11; 95 percent Confidence Interval (CI), 6.51 to 11.70; P < 0.00001) There was no significant difference statistically between those two groups in ROM outcome (Heterogeneity, I2 = 93 percent; WMD, -0.11; 95 percent Confidence Interval (CI), -2.91 to 2.70; P = 0.94), KSS clinical score (Heterogeneity, I2 = 99 percent; WMD, 1.84; 95 percent Confidence Interval (CI), -2.32 to 6.01; P = 0.38), and WOMAC score (Heterogeneity, I2 = 100 percent; WMD, -0.90; 95 percent Confidence Interval (CI), -6.19 to 4.39; P = 0.74). Conclusion: In terms of KSS Functional Score, our research found that the mobile-bearing design surpasses the fixed-bearing design. There may be no noticeable difference in ROM, KSS Clinical Score, or WOMAC Score between these two designs. Key words: Fixed-bearing, Mobile-bearing, Total knee arthroplasty, Systematic review, Meta-analysis.
PlacemakingAI : Participatory Urban Design with Generative Adversarial Networks

Machine Learning (ML) is increasingly present within the architectural discipline, expanding the current possibilities of procedural computer-aided design processes. Practical 2D design applications used within concept design stages are however limited by the thresholds of entry, output image fidelity, and designer agency. This research proposes to challenge these limitations within the context of urban planning and make the design processes accessible and collaborative for all urban stakeholders. We present PlacemakingAI, a design tool made to envision sustainable urban spaces. By converging supervised and unsupervised Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) with a real-time user interface, the decision-making process of planning future urban spaces can be facilitated. Several metrics of walkability can be extracted from curated Google Street View (GSV) datasets when overlayed on existing street images. The contribution of this framework is a shift away from traditional design and visualization processes, towards a model where multiple design solutions can be rapidly visualized as synthetic images and iteratively manipulated by users. In this paper, we discuss the convergence of both a generative image methodology and this real-time urban prototyping and visualization tool, ultimately fostering engagement within the urban design process for citizens, designers, and stakeholders alike.
Esophageal Mucosal Permeability as a Surrogate Measure of Cure in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of esophageal epithelial permeability with mast cell infiltration and IgG4 deposits as well as chemokine levels in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients before and after treatment. Biopsies from controls and EoE patients before and after treatment were analyzed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to show eosinophil infiltration. Paracellular permeability of the esophageal epithelium was assessed using surface biotinylation. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine mast cell infiltration and IgG4 deposits. Gene expression of chemokines was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Esophageal epithelial infiltration of mast cells, IgG4 deposits, and permeability were significantly increased in EoE patients. Levels of interleukin-13, calpain-14, and eotaxin-3 mRNAs were significantly upregulated, while filaggrin, serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 7 (SPINK7), and involucrin mRNAs were significantly downregulated in EoE patients. In patients achieving histologic remission diagnosed by eosinophil counts, a subset of EoE patients with unchanged permeability after treatment showed increases in mast cell infiltration, IgG4 deposits, and interleukin-13, calpain-14, filaggrin, and SPINK7 expression, with decreased eotaxin-3 and involucrin. Other EoE patients with decreased permeability displayed decreased eotaxin-3, involucrin, and mast cell infiltration, no IgG4 deposits, and increased IL-13, calpain-14, filaggrin, and SPINK7. Increased permeability of the esophagus in EoE patients without eosinophil infiltration after treatment was associated with mast cell infiltration and IgG4 deposits.
Persistent Mapping of Sensor Data for Medium-Term Autonomy

For vehicles to operate in unmapped areas with some degree of autonomy, it would be useful to aggregate and store processed sensor data so that it can be used later. In this paper, a tool that records and optimizes the placement of costmap data on a persistent map is presented. The optimization takes several factors into account, including local vehicle odometry, GPS signals when available, local map consistency, deformation of map regions, and proprioceptive GPS offset error. Results illustrating the creation of maps from previously unseen regions (a 100 m × 880 m test track and a 1.2 km dirt trail) are presented, with and without GPS signals available during the creation of the maps. Finally, two examples of the use of these maps are given. First, a path is planned along roads that have been seen exactly once during the mapping phase. Secondly, the map is used for vehicle localization in the absence of GPS signals.
Understanding Client Difficulties in Transdiagnostic Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: A Qualitative Analysis of Homework Reflections

Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) is helpful for many clients, but less is known about the challenges clients face during ICBT, such as difficulties with skill practice, development, or maintenance. Understanding client difficulties can help therapists support clients with skill development and prevent treatment drop-out, but has not been systematically studied. This study included a conventional content analysis of clients’ responses to a homework reflection question about difficulties with lessons and skills. Data was drawn from a previously published trial of 301 clients who were randomly assigned to receive homework reflection questions during ICBT. A decreasing number of clients responded to the question about skill difficulties with each lesson. Clients who answered the question about difficulties were more engaged with ICBT (i.e., more lessons completed, logins, days enrolled in ICBT, and messages sent to therapists). Clients shared skill-specific challenges (including initial challenges and more advanced challenges), generic challenges (content or skills being cognitively draining or emotionally draining, contextual challenges, forgetfulness, limited time, and lack of familiarity with the skill), or no challenges. Thought challenging (59.6%) and graded exposure (57.5%) were associated with the greatest number of skill-specific challenges. Findings can help therapists anticipate and address common client challenges during ICBT.
Stable Dried Catalase Particles Prepared by Electrospraying

Therapeutic proteins and peptides are clinically important, offering potency while reducing the potential for off-target effects. Research interest in developing therapeutic polypeptides has grown significantly during the last four decades. However, despite the growing research effort, maintaining the stability of polypeptides throughout their life cycle remains a challenge. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) techniques have been widely explored for encapsulation and delivery of many biopharmaceuticals. In this work, we explored monoaxial electrospraying for encapsulation of bovine liver catalase, investigating the effects of the different components of the electrospraying solution on the integrity and bioactivity of the enzyme. The catalase was successfully encapsulated within polymeric particles made of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), dextran, and polysucrose. The polysorbate 20 content within the electrospraying solution (50 mM citrate buffer, pH 5.4) affected the catalase loading—increasing the polysorbate 20 concentration to 500 μg/mL resulted in full protein encapsulation but did not prevent loss in activity. The addition of ethanol (20% v/v) to a fully aqueous solution improves the electrospraying process by reducing surface tension, without loss of catalase activity. The polymer type was shown to have the greatest impact on preserving catalase activity within the electrosprayed particles. When PVP was the carrier there was no loss in activity compared with fresh aqueous solutions of catalase. The optimum particles were obtained from a 20% w/v PVP or 30% w/v PVP-trehalose (1:1 w/w) solution. The addition of trehalose confers stability advantages to the catalase particles. When trehalose-PVP particles were stored at 5 °C, enzymatic activity was maintained over 3 months, whereas for the PVP-only analogue a 50% reduction in activity was seen. This demonstrates that processing catalase by monoaxial electrospraying can, under optimised conditions, result in stable polymeric particles with no loss of activity.
Regulated Expression of lpxC Allows for Reduction of Endotoxicity in Bordetella pertussis

The Gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of a respiratory infection known as whooping cough. Previously developed whole-cell pertussis vaccines were effective, but appeared to be too reactogenic mainly due to the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, also known as endotoxin) in the outer membrane (OM). Here, we investigated the possibility of reducing endotoxicity by modulating the LPS levels. The promoter of the lpxC gene, which encodes the first committed enzyme in LPS biosynthesis, was replaced by an isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible promoter. The IPTG was essential for growth, even when the construct was moved into a strain that should allow for the replacement of LPS in the outer leaflet of the OM with phospholipids by defective phospholipid transporter Mla and OM phospholipase A. LpxC depletion in the absence of IPTG resulted in morphological changes of the cells and in overproduction of outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs). The reduced amounts of LPS in whole-cell preparations and in isolated OMVs of LpxC-depleted cells resulted in lower activation of Toll-like receptor 4 in HEK-Blue reporter cells. We suggest that, besides lipid A engineering, also a reduction in LPS synthesis is an attractive strategy for the production of either whole-cell- or OMV-based vaccines, with reduced reactogenicity for B. pertussis and other Gram-negative bacteria.
Marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis invades a nature reserve: how to stop further introductions?

Abstract We hereby provide the first documented data on the occurrence of a viable Procambarus virginalis population in a nature reserve in Poland and the steps that were taken to prevent further introductions of the species in the country. To date, Poland represents the most north-eastward distribution area in Europe, where the species occurs in ecosystems with natural water temperature regimes. The ecological plasticity of P. virginalis and its obligate parthenogenetic reproduction make this crayfish an exceptional invader. The crayfish may have detrimental effects on the native invertebrates, amphibians, and fish, and alter the state of the entire ecosystem. Therefore, we investigated the presence of the species in the nature reserve of Pojezierze Łęczyńskie Landscape Park after a suspected P. virginalis individual was found by a local citizen. The nature reserve also includes an area designated to protect native amphibians and turtles. Our study revealed the presence of a thriving population of P. virginalis in the protected area and clear indications of its impact on native and invasive species, both in aquatic and terrestrial environments. If no action is taken, the species will likely expand to other water bodies across the country. An extensive sensibilization campaign allowed us to find additional invaded areas and significantly contribute to the effective ban of this and other invasive crayfish species from private and commercial online trade. Raising public awareness and banning invasive crayfish species trade is essential for successfully detecting and preventing further introductions.
Selective search and new-to-market process innovation

PurposeSearching for knowledge from outside firms' boundaries has been proved to be a critical strategy to develop innovation. However, the existing body of research has mainly focused on the high-tech sector in developed countries, largely neglecting the considerable role of low- and medium-technology sectors (LMT) in emerging contexts. The authors discuss the fact that knowledge search patterns and the role of internal R&D intensity differ for firms operating in LMT sectors.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 1,365 firms operating in LMT sectors in Iran was used to test the proposed conceptual model, using logistic regression analysis.FindingsThe findings show that a firm will learn from its collaboration with value chain partners only if it has a strong in-house R&D capacity. In addition, while a high level of internal research development capacity increases the impact of knowledge acquired from value chain partners, the authors did not find evidence for complementarity between the investment in internal technology development and knowledge acquired from university and science-based partners.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies in open innovation that have mainly investigated the role of knowledge search on product innovation in developed countries, this study contributes to the literature by connecting the concepts of R&D intensity and selective search, discussing that businesses operating in challenging contexts follow different knowledge search strategies to develop process-related innovation activities.
FUM - A Framework for API Usage constraint and Misuse Classification

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are the primary mechanism that developers use to obtain access to third-party algorithms and services. Unfortunately, APIs can be misused, which can have catastrophic consequences, especially if the APIs provide security-critical functionalities like cryptography. Understanding what API misuses are, and for what reasons they are caused, is important to prevent them, e.g., with API misuse detectors. However, definitions and nominations for API misuses and related terms in literature vary and are diverse. This paper addresses the problem of scattered knowledge and definitions of API misuses by presenting a systematic literature review on the subject and introducing FUM, a novel Framework for API Usage constraint and Misuse classification. The literature review revealed that API misuses are violations of API usage constraints. To capture this, we provide unified definitions and use them to derive FUM. To assess the extent to which FUM aids in determining and guiding the improvement of an API misuses detectors' capabilities, we performed a case study on CogniCrypt, a state-of-the-art misuse detector for cryptographic APIs. The study showed that FUM can be used to properly assess CogniCrypt's capabilities, identify weaknesses and assist in deriving mitigations and improvements. And it appears that also more generally FUM can aid the development and improvement of misuse detection tools.
Multi-Factor Influence Analysis on the Liquefaction Mitigation of Stone Columns Composite Foundation

To optimize the design of stone columns composite foundation for liquefiable ground improvement in the Tibar Bay Port Project, a 3D Finite Element (FE) analysis is implemented on the earthquake response and liquefaction mitigation effect. Nine improvement schemes are designed with the orthogonal design method. Taking peak ground acceleration and peak excess pore pressure ratio as the target indicators, the influences of four factors, including diameter, replacement ratio, stiffness, permeability ratio, of stone columns are analyzed by means of range analysis, and subsequently, the optimal ground improvement design is obtained. The analysis results indicate that the responses of ground acceleration and excess pore pressure ratio are relatively sensitive to stone columns’ permeability ratio and a little sensitive to the replacement ratio. The stiffness and diameter ranging in the prescribed boundary only have negligible effect. The mitigation effect of drainage is rather significant when the ratio of the stone columns’ permeability to the soils’ permeability is greater than 100.
‘I have been dreaming about Chinese becoming the number one language in the world’: Chinese language educators’ language ideologies in Myanmar

ABSTRACT Along with China’s economic development and expanding cultural influence, the Chinese language has attracted an increasing number of learners in Myanmar, a culturally and linguistically diverse country. However, little is known about local Chinese teachers’ language ideologies toward the Chinese language and Chinese language education against the societal, economic, and cultural backdrop in and beyond Myanmar, which constitutes what this study is intended to investigate. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 12 Chinese educators in Myanmar, followed by an inductive analysis process. Three themes were identified representing the educators' positive attitude toward viewing Chinese and Chinese language education as a resource for claiming cultural identity, accessing social capital, and enhancing regional relationships and development. The study yields implications relating to Myanmar’s language and language education policy, the expansion of Chinese language education, and Chinese language educators’ professional development.