Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Missions to Mars : MSL and Mars 2020; interview with AE alumnus Gerhard Kruizinga working at JPL

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) located in Pasadena, California is the leading organisation for planetary missions and a point of attraction for many Aerospace Engineers. The Leonardo Times interviewed a former student of our faculty who made the big leap overseas and dedicated his career to planetary exploration from JPL. We talk to him about his job, current and future Mars projects he is involved in.
On the von Neumann entropy of language networks: Applications to cross-linguistic comparisons

Words are not isolated entities within a language. In this paper, we measure the number of choices transmitted in natural language by means of the von Neumann entropy of language networks. This quantity, introduced in Quantum Information accounts, provides a detailed characterization of network complexities. The simulations are based on a large parallel corpus of 362 languages across 55 linguistic families (focusing on the sub-sample of 85 languages from the Americas). With this, we constructed language networks as a simple way to describe word connectivity patterns for each language. We studied several aspects of the von Neumann entropy of language networks. First, we discovered large groups of languages with low average degree and high von Neumann entropy. The results suggested also that large von Neumann entropy is associated with word entropy (as a proxy for morphological complexity), and is inversely related to degree regularity. This means that there are pressures at play that keep a balance between word morphological complexity and patterns of connections between words. We suggested also a strong influence of functional words on low von Neumann entropy languages. Our approach is thus a simple network-based contribution to establish cross-linguistic language comparisons from textual data.
Engaging Parents in the Development and Testing of a Website to Support Social-Communication and Play Development for Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with social-communication and play challenges and would benefit from interventions targeting these skills. One way to ensure this is by engaging parents in technological supports to learn about an intervention and increase home-school collaboration. Thus, a website could potentially address both needs. This study describes the initial developmental processes of one such website. Specifically, we describe how engaging parents as stakeholders in the website development enhanced its future usability and feasibility. Data were collected through focus groups, interviews, and surveys to obtain parent feedback about website usability and applicability and about the intervention. Survey data were descriptively analyzed. Focus group and interview data were analyzed using systematic qualitative analysis. Parents perceived the website to be useful in helping them target social-communication and play with their preschoolers with ASD and highlighted specific aspects of the website and intervention they perceived as effective. Child outcomes and parent fidelity to the intervention supported these perceived developmental gains. Findings suggest that engaging parents in developmental processes may help ensure usability and applicability of resources and interventions. Furthermore, findings support the use of technology to help parents learn to use an intervention with their preschoolers with ASD. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Mesenchymal-Stromal Cell-like Melanoma-Associated Fibroblasts Increase IL-10 Production by Macrophages in a Cyclooxygenase/Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase-Dependent Manner

Simple Summary Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and the number of newly diagnosed cases is on the rise. In recent years, it has become evident that melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs), which surround the melanoma cells, play a key role in tumor growth and its ability to evade immune attack. We found that MAFs resemble bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and on the basis of this, we looked for effects that they might have on macrophages. Like MSCs, MAFs cause macrophages to produce IL-10, an anti-inflammatory agent. IL-10 contributes to cancer growth by suppressing natural anti-cancer immunity and can also interfere with anti-melanoma immunotherapies. Our findings may open new avenues for the development of anti-melanoma treatments based on MAF-macrophage interactions. Abstract Melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) are integral parts of melanoma, providing a protective network for melanoma cells. The phenotypical and functional similarities between MAFs and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) prompted us to investigate if, similarly to MSCs, MAFs are capable of modulating macrophage functions. Using immunohistochemistry, we showed that MAFs and macrophages are in intimate contact within the tumor stroma. We then demonstrated that MAFs indeed are potent inducers of IL-10 production in various macrophage types in vitro, and this process is greatly augmented by the presence of treatment-naïve and chemotherapy-treated melanoma cells. MAFs derived from thick melanomas appear to be more immunosuppressive than those cultured from thin melanomas. The IL-10 increasing effect is mediated, at least in part, by cyclooxygenase and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Our data indicate that MAF-induced IL-10 production in macrophages may contribute to melanoma aggressiveness, and targeting the cyclooxygenase and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase pathways may abolish MAF–macrophage interactions.
Evaluation of Operational Impacts of Installation of Centerline and Edge Line Rumble Strips

Research findings have shown that centerline rumble strips (CRSs) and shoulder rumble strips (SRSs) have significant safety benefits. SRSs have proved successful in reducing run-off-the-road crashes, and more recent research has shown that CRSs can potentially reduce head-on collisions. However, concerns about the operational effects of CRSs and SRSs remain. Specifically, how do the installations affect vehicle lateral position, passing operations, and shoulder usage? This paper documents the findings of research conducted for the Texas Department of Transportation on CRSs and edge line rumble strips (ERSs), a variation on SRSs that are placed directly on the marked edge line. Before-and-after analyses were conducted on Texas highways where CRSs or ERSs, or both, were installed. CRSs were evaluated with respect to passing operations and vehicle lateral position within the travel lanes; ERSs were evaluated for shoulder usage and vehicle lateral position during shoulder encroachments. The results of the study showed that CRSs generally improve vehicle lateral position by increasing the separation between opposing traffic streams on rural highways, although the results were mixed for curve sites. CRSs also have little effect on passing operations when they are installed in passing zones on rural two-lane two-way highways. ERSs were successful in reducing small, inadvertent encroachments onto the shoulder, whereas they had little impact on most normal shoulder usage.
Automated testing for electromechanical overcurrent relays

Despite the advance of numerical technology, electromechanical relays will still be around for a long time. So testing of these relays will remain an issue in the future. There are, however, some special problems when testing electromechanical relays with electronic test sets, commonly summarized under the term power demand. These problems can be overcome with state of the art testing equipment. Furthermore, modern testing software can offer increased efficiency in the testing and setting of electromechanical relays.
A Wavelength-Convertible Optical Network

Wavelength-division multiplexing is emerging as the dominant technology in future all-optical network. To efficiently use the wavelengths, wavelength converters are employed for a circuit-switched optical network in which a circuit can change its wavelength to resolve wavelength conflicts and to reuse the wavelengths. To improve the efficiency, a few converters are provided and shared by the incoming circuits in the share-per-node or the share-per-link wavelength-convertible switch. A heuristic algorithm for dynamic routing is used to reduce the number of converters. Performance gain in call blocking probability and fairness and in the reduction of the number of converters are shown
Reliability Characteristics of 200 GHz fT I285 GHz fMm SiGe HBTs

Reliabiliry characteristics of SiGe HBTs with 200GHz fr and 285 GHz fMare shown and discussed. We review the degradation from avalanche operation, and it is found that the degradation can be predicted using an empirical model that includes integrated avalanche charge and VCB. The model predicts acceptable lifetime degradation with operation up to 1.5-2XBVcE0. We also present for thefirst time detailed device degradation fiom accelerated temperature and current stress. The degradation observed compares favorably against other published silicon-based bipolar devices under comparable accelerated current stress.
A NEW CUSTOM-CONTOURED CUSHION SYSTEM BASED ON FINITE ELEMENT MODELING PREDICTION

High internal stress in the deep tissues adjacent to bony prominences can cause deep tissue injuries. Therefore, internal stress in the soft tissue should be considered when the performance of anti-decubitus cushions is evaluated during cushion design. This paper reports on a custom-contoured cushion (CCC) system incorporated with a three-dimensional (3D) slice subject-specific finite element (FE) model to investigate the internal stress distribution in the soft tissues. This stress distribution was used to transform the interface pressure into the carving depth of the fabricated cushions based on the biomechanical characteristics of the cushion materials. The internal stress in the soft tissues was investigated using an FE model of buttocks and cushion made from three cushion materials. The cushion design was optimized according to the properties of the material. The simulated interface stress between the buttocks and the cushion (18 kPa) was consistent with the measured interface pressure of the CCC (17.1 kPa). The 3D FE model predicted the internal stress and displacement of the soft tissues and cushion. Additionally, it efficiently optimized the selection of cushion material. Fifty subjects (25 subjects with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and 25 healthy subjects) were recruited to investigate the interface pressure and perform subjective comfort evaluation. The CCC decreased the interface pressure under the buttocks and simultaneously increased the subjective comfort and stability. The effectiveness of the cushion materials was predicted by the CCC system, which also validated the clinical performance of decreasing interface pressure.
The supervisory communication-commitment to work-group model: Example on a Malaysian organization

This study examined the relationship between supervisory communication and commitment to work-group model in a particular Malaysian organization. We employed structural equation modeling (SEM) statistical procedures. We found that positive relationship communication, upward openness, negative relationship communication and job-relevant communication within superior-subordinate relationships have significant effect on group commitment. Consequences of this finding were discussed and elaborated in this article.
Using spiritual discernment to heal clients wounded by religiously repressive sexual beliefs

Abstract From their earliest inquiries on sex, researchers have noted the connection between religion and sexual repression. However, because many see religion as beyond reproach, secularly trained professionals are often frustrated over ways to help their clients heal from problematic religious teachings without damaging their faith. This paper offers concrete ways to reframe the issues to assist clients in extricating themselves from problematic beliefs. By setting science in dialogue with religion, this strategy is based on some of Christianity’s basic principles. From this stance, the client can be led to both understand the nature of traditional Christianity’s obedience framework and to entertain an alternative spiritual discernment framework with multiple sources of spiritual authority. Professionals do this by (1) affirming the client’s faith experiences that undergird their religious experience, (2) identifying their beliefs and their sources, (3) providing information of other church-recognized sources of spiritual authority and noting where individual discernment is applauded, and (4) offering scientific evidence relative to the presenting sexual issue. This approach is not dependent upon the personal religious background or faith stance of the professional. Further, clients may choose to retain their faith while aligning new religious understandings that are more congruent with sexual health.
Dipterisshenzhenensis, a new endangered species of Dipteridaceae from Shenzhen, southern China

﻿Abstract Dipterisshenzhenensis, a new species of ferns from Shenzhen, Guangdong, southern China, is identified and described. It closely resembles D.chinensis but possesses several unique traits, such as long rhizome scales, castaneous stipe, and abaxially pale fronds with two fan-shaped fronds connected by a broad wing. Molecular evidence showed that D.shenzhenensis is allied to D.conjugata, whereas it has morphologically significant differences (P < 0.05) on the basis of quantitative trait statistical analysis. Overall, the morphological evidence, taken together with the result of cpDNA indicated that D.shenzhenensis is a distinct species.
New Symmetrical Multi-Stage Wobble-Plate Compressor

Existing wobble-plate compressors are mainly used in automotive air-conditioning systems, which require low pressures that can be achieved using single-stage compression. Such wobble-plate compressors have the advantages of compact form and able to operate at high operating speeds. The advantages and applications of existing wobbleplate compressors are further enhanced with the introduction of the symmetrical wobble-plate configuration. This paper describes the design concept, development and experimental work of the newly developed symmetrical multi-stage wobble-plate compressor. This compressor is intended for natural gas refueling application which requires high pressures, utilizing five stage compressions to raise the pressure from 3 bars to 206 bars. The symmetrical configuration help balances the forces within the compressor horizontally and reduces vibration. Another improvement for this compressor design is the use of oil-free lubrication concept, thus minimising maintenance needed. This compressor concept can also be used to compress other types of industrial gases.
Methodology for the Evaluation of an Energy Savings Performance Contracting Program for the U.S. Federal Government

An Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) is a method of funding energy conservation measures using the cost savings that result from the measures themselves. Currently the most widely used vehicles for implementing ESPCs in the U.S. federal government are the Super ESPC contracts administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program. The principal objective of an evaluation being carried out by the authors is to compare the cost and energy savings predicted for Super ESPCs with the actual savings achieved by those projects to date. The evaluation uses a three-tier nested design, with increasingly intensive and more rigorous methods being applied to smaller and smaller samples. A key feature of Super ESPCs is the requirement for ESCOs to produce annual measurement and verification (M&V) reports, and the first tier of the evaluation is based on review of the most recent annual M&V reports for all Super ESPC projects in their performance periods to compare reported savings with guaranteed savings. The second tier of the evaluation focuses on a stratified random sample of 25 projects, with the objective of recalculating the savings reported in the most recent annual M&V report according to the algorithms specified in the contracts. Analysis in Tier 3 is focused on a smaller subsample of projects that meet validity criteria for whole-building or wholefacility data analysis, with the objective of comparing pre- and post-retrofit energy costs to verify the savings that have been achieved. This paper presents an overview of the evaluation design, describes the criteria for selection of the subsample, and includes preliminary results from Tier 1.
Inducing Service Innovations through the Governance of IT-enabled Projects

This article reports on the development of a toolbox to support managers during the governance of IT-enabled projects to realize service innovations. The toolbox is based on the integration of the balanced scorecard and the Val IT ™ framework. This action research was done through an in-depth case study, composed of several semi-structured interviews and documentary reviews. The toolbox allows the focus on intangible aspects and multidimensional aspects of service innovations and not only on the financial elements for new service innovation projects in financial services companies. The existence of sensitivity bias cannot be ruled out due to the amount of confidential information disclosed about internal practices. Similarly, the inputs and results from the interviews and documentary reviews may be affected by an error bias. Our framework and developed toolbox assist the managers during the selection of projects and ensure that they consider the multidisciplinarity of service innovations. To the best of our knowledge, this toolbox provides support to decision-makers active in the selection and governance of projects and fills a gap within the existing set of tools and methods. This supports the value creation processes of a company and provides a tested methodology.
CIRP Conference on Intelligent Computation in Manufacturing Engineering Simulation Based Parameterization for Process Monitoring of Machining Operations

Process monitoring can prevent machine and tool failure in metal-cutting. A successful process monitoring of cutting processes depends on reliable monitoring limits for the process. In industrial applications these limits have to be generated in a learning phase during a ramp-up process. In order to enable process monitoring for single batch production without a learning phase, this paper describes a simulation based approach for generating reference data to set process limits. As a foundation for calculation of monitoring limits a position-based process simulation has to be established. In a first step an approach of modeling material removal is evaluated to check whether it fits the application for parameterizing the process monitoring. In this context the potentials of a process simulation for calculating process limits are clarified. Additionally the quality of data generated by this kind of simulation is discussed. In a second step a method is described to implement machine properties by a virtual machine tool within a simulation of material removal. For that purpose a method to use actual data of axis position and tool within the simulation of material removal is necessary. With these data a way-based simulation of material removal can generate reference parameters for monitoring limits instead of using data from a learning phase during the ramp-up process. By using position data of a virtual machine tool a reliable source for the actual position of all axes enables the position-based simulation to perform material removal in a more accurate way. © 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Professor Roberto Teti
Variance reduction for risk measures with importance sampling in nested simulation

Value-at-Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) are two standard risk measures that are widely adopted in both financial and insurance industries. Simulation-based approaches including nested simulation and least-squares Monte Carlo are effective strategies to yield reliable estimates of these risk measures, but there remain open questions on how importance sampling can be incorporated to improve estimation efficiency. In this paper, we extend the scope of importance sampling from simple Monte Carlo to nested simulation settings and its adaptations for American-type options; we also establish the asymptotic consistency of importance sampling. Numerical results consistent with our theoretical analysis are provided to verify its effectiveness.
Rapid Emergence of the Reassortant 2.3.4.4b H5N2 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in a Live Poultry Market in Xinjiang, Northwest China

SUMMARY. Live poultry markets (LPMs) play a key role in reassorting and spreading avian influenza viruses (AIVs). In 2018, four strains of H5N2 AIVs were isolated from domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) during AIV surveillance from the LPM in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. All gene segments of the isolates were amplified by reverse transcription–PCR and sequenced; then, the viral genetic mutations, reassortant, and origin were analyzed. Higher nucleotide identities were observed among each gene of the isolates, indicating a common ancestor. The hemagglutinin (HA) genes of the isolates all classified into the clade 2.3. 4.4b; the HA, matrix protein (MP), and nonstructural protein (NS) genes were all clustered together with the local H5N6 highly pathogenic AIVs (HPAIVs) identified in the same LPM of Urumqi in July 2017; the neuraminidase albumen, polymerase basic proteins 1 and 2, polymerase acidic protein, and nucleocapsid protein genes (NA, PB1, PB2, PA, and NP) all had close phylogenetic relationships with the local H9N2 AIVs identified in the same LPM from September to October 2018. Multiple basic amino acids were present at the cleavage site of the HA protein, which was associated with HPAIVs. These results indicated that the reassortant clade 2.3. 4.4b H5N2 HPAIVs were rapidly generated from reassortment between the H5N6 and H9N2 AIVs in the local LPM of Urumqi in 2018.
Vertical Jump Power Is Associated with Healthy Bone Outcomes in Youth: ROC Analyses and Diagnostic Performance

ABSTRACT Using a sample of healthy youth (n = 466, 10 to 18 yr), we report the predictive utility of vertical jump power (VJ Power, W) for predicting bone strength. We measured VJ Power using mechanography and an indicator of bone strength, i.e., height-adjusted total bone mineral content less head (TBLH BMC, g), using DXA. Growth curve models were used to convert VJ Power to age- and sex-specific percentiles/Z-scores. Associations were examined using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, i.e., area-under-the-curve (AUC), as well as sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for Desirable, Marginal, and Low groups based on VJ Power percentiles. The AUC was 0.84 for TBLH BMC ≤ −2.0 Z-score from VJ Power percentiles. Se for Marginal and Low groups were 71.4% and 42.9%, respectively. Sp for Marginal and Low groups were 85.2% and 95.1%, respectively. The results suggest the utility of using VJ Power percentiles for assessing bone strength.