Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endobronchial resection as a bridge to curative resection in patient with poor preoperative lung function secondary to an airway blocking endobronchial carcinoid tumour

We present a 70-year-old gentleman with chronic cough with haemoptysis found to have left lower zone collapse on imaging. The bronchoscopy showed an endobronchial mass histologically of a non-secreting atypical carcinoid. Poor baseline lung function excluded surgical resection, and instead, he successfully underwent a bronchoscopic debulking procedure which improved his FEV1 to 84% and DLCO 83% predicted. Unfortunately, the tumour regrew, but the calculated percentage predicted postoperative for FEV1 (64%), and DLCO (65%) enabled definitive surgical resection to take place. Surgical resection remains the definite curative option for localised endobronchial atypical carcinoid tumours. Achieving this in proximal endobronchial carcinoid tumour is a challenge. We described an endoscopic tumour debulking procedure as a bridge for curative surgical resection in a patient with an inoperable proximal atypical carcinoid tumour due to poor predicted postoperative lung function. We highlighted the need to assess predicted postoperative lung function with functional and quantitative perfusion methods to aid surgical planning. Debulking the tumour by endoscopy can be used as a conduit to curative surgical resection in bronchial carcinoid tumour. The choice of calculating the percentage predicted values by either or both methods must be individualised based on tumour location and the probability of converting a lobectomy to a pneumonectomy. This precautionary approach could evaluate the postoperative lung function and morbidity and mortality risk if considering a pneumonectomy. Endoscopic debulking can be a successful bridge to a curative surgical resection aided by comprehensive preoperative lung function tests to predict postoperative lung values
Efficiency Improvement of Dual-Receiver WPT Systems Based on Partial Power Processing Control

In wireless power transfer (WPT) system for light electric vehicles (LEVs), adopting dual receivers on the receiver side is an available way to offer a high-current power supply. In this article, the partial power processing (PPP) control method is proposed for optimizing the power loss of the dual-receiver WPT system. With the PPP control method, only one of the active rectifiers will be regulated by the variable angle phase-shift (VAPS) modulation to adjust the required power under different load power demands and misalignment situations. As a result, the switching loss of the two active rectifiers, which accounts for a considerable part of the overall power loss with a high operating frequency, can be dramatically reduced. At last, 24 V-50 A-1200 W LEV wireless charging experimental setup to verify the effectiveness of the proposed PPP control method. Compared with the conventional power distribution method based on impedance matching with VAPS, the proposed PPP control method can increase the efficiency by 6%–7% with misalignment situations, achieving the overall efficiency as high as >92% at the heavy load.
Performance Measurements in Large and Small Scale Multi-Stage Axial Compressors

During the commissioning of the prototype of the sequential combustion turbine GT24 extensive measurements of the compressor performance at design- and off-design-operation were accomplished besides the investigation of the other components of the GT. While the compressor performance at design operating conditions was as expected the data obtained showed some unexpected deviations from previously performed measurements of a 1/3-scale test rig of the low pressure compressor. This paper summarizes the results of the measurements and presents a detailed comparison between the measured performance of the GT compressor, the design data and the test rig. The discussion is focused on the influence of scaling effects on the aerodynamic performance and stage matching with particular emphasis on the Reynolds Number influence at different aerodynamic speeds. Furthermore some aspects of the starting behavior of the compressor are presented.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
Improvements in the fabrication of microstructured fiber Bragg grating sensors

In this work, we propose a novel fabrication method as technological assessment for the development of microstructured fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) tailorable for specific applications. Micro-structured FBG (MSFBG) relies on the localized stripping of the cladding layer in a well defined region in the middle of the grating structure leading to the formation of a defect state in the spectral response. The key feature of this class of devices is the strong dependence of the defect state generated in the grating spectrum on the optical properties of the medium surrounding the device. In fact, this property enables the development of tunable devices as well as in fiber refractometers and chemical sensors. One of the main drawbacks of these devices is the fabrication process requiring a well precise control of the stripped region dimensions. Here, we demonstrate that the optimization of this device is possible by adopting a fabrication process based on polymeric coatings and UV laser micromachining. These method combined with wet chemical etching allows the easy prototyping of MSFBGs with the desired features for specific applications.
Combining Lead Functions and Logistic Regression for Predicting Failures on an Aircraft Engine

The increasing demand for performance and durability of advanced aerospace systems has increased the need for health management of these systems. Effective health management involves seamless integration of failure diagnostics, failure prediction, part life estimation, and maintenance logistics. These capabilities have only partially been implemented in current health management systems. Hence the effectiveness of current management systems has not achieved its potential. To achieve the goal of effective prognostic and health management (PHM), promising technologies from various disciplines must be integrated. One of these technologies is logistic regression. In this method, aircraft engine takeoff data is combined with control system fault information and by introducing lead times prior to the fault. Lead times of 1, 7, 14, and 30 days were analyzed using logistic regression on the difference from expected thermodynamic values. The resulting equations give probability of failure over time. An example using real engine data from GE-F414 engines to predict engine stall and anti-ice valve failures are presented. The results show good predictability of these events between a week and a month in advance. For example, for the event of an imminent anti-ice valve failure, the true-negative fraction was 99.6% and the positive-predictive value was 93.1%. This methodology can be combined with an engine health monitoring (EHM) system to provide prognostic failure predictions. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves were evaluated as an additional measure of the quality of the predictions. These ROC curves show that there is prognostic value with this approach. This methodology can be updated and refined with additional data. As the results get more refined, the reliability of the fleet can increase, costs can be reduced, and safety increased.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Current-Fed Quasi-Z-Source Inverter With Voltage Buck–Boost and Regeneration Capability

The conventional current-source inverter has two major problems: unidirectional power flow and voltage boost operation, which make it impossible to be used in many applications, such as hybrid electric vehicles and general-purpose variable-speed motor drives. Z-source inverters (ZSIs) can solve both problems. Quasi-ZSIs (qZSIs) were recently proposed as an important improvement to traditional ZSIs. Besides the advantages inherited from ZSIs, qZSIs also have several of their own merits. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the new features of current-fed qZSI, including the advantageous buck-boost function, improved reliability, reduced passive component ratings, and unique regeneration capability. The current-fed qZSIs are bidirectional with an additional diode, unlike the voltage-fed ZSI that needs a switch to achieve bidirectional power flow. A modified space vector pulse-width-modulation method is proposed, and the available operating regions for motoring and regeneration operation are analyzed in this paper. Since the current-fed qZSI has the same operation as the current-fed ZSI, many results of this paper are also applicable to the current-fed ZSI. A reverse-blocking insulated-gate bipolar-transistor-based current-fed qZSI prototype was developed in the laboratory. Simulation and experimental results are shown to verify the theoretical analysis.
RELIABILITY OF LOGISTICS CHAINS IN FOREIGN TRADE OPERATIONS

Abstract. The aim of the paper is to justify the decision on cooperation with entities in the transport service market for foreign trade operations based on the assessment of logistics chain reliability and shipping time on different routes. The research findings will enable cargo owners and other stakeholders to make management decisions at the delivery planning stage optimizing all processes related to customs and logistics services. Methods. We assess the reliability of four logistics chain types based on a simulation model developed in the GPSS software environment using the method of statistical testing. Results. Customs and logistics service users challenge entities in the transport service market with the task of performing foreign trade operations in compliance with the highest level of quality and service reliability minimizing the cost of delivery and shipping time. The proposed method allows determining the probability of timely delivery of goods in different transportation directions as well as the reliability of the studied process. Scientific novelty. The obtained simulation results will make it possible to work out proposals and recommendations for customs and logistics service users on the choice of an optimal logistics chain type, taking into account its impact on shipping time and reliability of goods delivery. Practical value. The practical value of the research is that the proposed method will allow foreign economic entities to form logistics chains, taking into account available resources and the need to use the services of other companies in international goods delivery. In this case, the efficiency of a logistics chain can be further assessed by the shipping time and reliability for export/import operations.
Thriving or struggling? Social energy expenditure and patterns of interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Experts warned of increased stress for people confined at home during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, increased time spent communicating with loved ones may have had benefits, depending on the type of interactions and social energy they required. Using communicate bond belong (CBB) theory, we examined relationships between social energy expenditure and four outcomes: interaction satisfaction, loneliness, and feelings of being trapped with one’s romantic partner and/or children. We also examined how two forms of communication interaction (frequency of social support provision and conflict) within the home were associated with outcomes and how interaction type may moderate relationships between social energy expenditure and outcomes. Results supported all but one of the main effects hypotheses. Relationships between social energy expenditure and each outcome were moderated by frequency of support provision and/or conflict, such that negative outcomes were mitigated by frequent social support provision and exacerbated by frequent conflict. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for CBB theory and for those confined to their homes with relational partners.
The income tax compliance of social media influencers during COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory study

Social media platforms have been an important source for the dissemination of information, especially during the COVID-19 social restrictions (work from home) mandate. As a result, most companies now rely more on social media influencers to deliver their brand values. However, many of these influencers do not report and pay their income tax from their social media paid activities. This study is the first to understand the reasons behind their tendency behavior to comply and or incompliance income tax in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative method with in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation was used as the method of study. A total of thirteen Indonesian millennials influencers with a minimum number of 10,000 followers and taxable income from social media were involved in the study to share their views about their tax compliances behavior. Our findings revealed that there are indices that affect tax incompliant behavior among millennial social media influencers such as the sufficiency of knowledge about tax, unclear tax imposition and categorization mechanism, the level of trust, nationalism, and administrative needs for works. These finding also implies that there is an urge to educate influencers about tax compliance by using more suitable content and media to maximize the potential tax revenue from this booming profession.
A family of asymmetric kernels based on log-symmetric distributions

Abstract This paper proposes a class of asymmetric kernels based on log-symmetric (LS) distributions for probability density function estimation in the context of strictly positive skewed data. Some asymptotic properties (bias, variance and mean integrated squared error) of the LS kernel density estimators are established. The choice of bandwidth is investigated by adapting the rule-of-thumb and cross-validation methods. A simulation study investigates the performance of the proposed LS kernel density estimators and compare their performances with the Kakizawa’s LS kernel estimators [Nonparametric density estimation for nonnegative data, using symmetrical-based inverse and reciprocal inverse Gaussian kernels through dual transformation. Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference. 2018; 193:117–135]. Finally, an application on real data is analyzed.
Effect of different type intermediate layers on band structure and gain of Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-GaAs quantum well lasers

Based on the band-anticrossing model, the effect of the strain-compensated layer and the strain-mediated layer on the band structure, the gain, and the differential gain of GaInNAs-GaAs quantum well lasers have been investigated. Different band-filling mechanisms have been illustrated. Compared to the GaInNAs-GaAs single quantum well with the same wavelength,, the introduction. (if the strain-compensated layer and the strain-mediated layer increases the transparency carrier density. However, these multilayer structures help to suppress the degradation of the differential gain.
Phase-resonance Exploitation in Full-Metal 3D Periodic Structures for Single- and Multi- Wideband Applications

This paper presents a versatile full-metal 3D periodic structure based on square waveguides with non-closed resonators perforated on their walls. The complex unit-cell architecture is modelled via accurate equivalent circuits, previously characterized. The circuit model predicts the excitation of phase resonance, which will be used to optimize and design different functionalities, such as polarisation converters or absorption.
Cell Phones and Driving Performance: A Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to explore the costs associated with cell phone use while driving, using standardized measures of effect size along five dimensions (moderator variables) that were hypothesized to impact the costs associated with cell phone use. Sixteen studies (contributing a total of 37 analysis entries) met the appropriate conditions for the meta-analysis. Overall, there were clear costs to driving performance when drivers are engaged in cell phone conversations. However, investigation of moderator variables indicated that these costs were borne primarily by reaction time tasks, with far smaller costs associated with tracking (lane keeping) performance. Hands-free and hand-held phones revealed similar patterns of results, as did simulator versus field studies. Conversation tasks tended to show greater costs to performance than did information-processing tasks (e.g., word games). Finally, costs in driving performance were roughly equivalent whether the conversation was with a passenger or whether over a cell phone.
An acoustic sensor system for determination of macroscopic surface roughness

In this paper, an alternative technique for the measurement of roughness of road surfaces is proposed. This noncontact method is based on the scattering of acoustic waves from the road surface and measuring the normalized Fourier spectrum of the scattered wave in the specular direction. Surfaces prepared with different size aggregates ranging from 2.36 mm to 25 mm were analyzed. The roughness parameter of a surface increases linearly with increasing aggregate size. The proposed method can possibly be extended to perform in situ surface roughness measurements from a moving vehicle.
A Planar, Polarization-Switchable Endfire and ±Broadside Millimeter-Wave Antenna Array without Lumped Components

A planar antenna array exhibiting polarization-switchable endfire and ±broadside radiation without the employment of lumped components is proposed. The antenna is denoted as symmetrically stacked planar antenna (SSPA), which utilizes the phase difference between the top and bottom patches to enable dual-linear/circular polarized hemispheric radiation. This article focuses on the dual-linear polarized aspect. One polarization is achieved when a 180° phase difference exists between the first-set of ports, while the perpendicular polarization is accomplished when the second-set of ports are in-phase. A four-element array is constructed to exemplify this concept at 28 GHz, and the main beam is steered across the sphere. A comparison with other designs reported in the literature is conducted to highlight the salient points of the proposed methodology regarding planar, dual-polarized, and lumped-components-free features. To validate the predicted and simulated results, a prototype of the four-element array is fabricated and measured. The measured results show that the proposed array can steer the beam from 0° to 55° in all directions for both linear polarizations.
Corporate Governance and Earnings Management: Evidence from Canada

This paper investigates the relation between corporate governance and earnings management in the Canadian setting characterized by ownership concentration in the hands of large shareholders and a separation between ownership and control. We find that earnings management decreases with the level of cash flow rights of the largest ultimate owner and increases with the magnitude of separation between its control and cash flow rights. Earnings management is higher in firms controlled through pyramidal structures and multiple classes of shares, and lower in firms where there is a second ultimate owner with sufficient bargaining power vis-à-vis the largest ultimate owner. Finally, earnings management is higher in family controlled firms. Our results highlight the importance of firm-specific corporate governance in determining earnings management.
Dynamic Tensile Properties of Human Skin

The mechanical properties of skin are important for a number of applications including surgery, dermatology, impact biomechanics and forensic science. Studies have shown that the anisotropic effects of skin have been linked to sample orientation with respect to contour lines of tension, i.e.the Langer’s lines. There have been numerous studies undertaken to calculate the influence of Langer’s lines on the mechanical properties of human skin at quasistatic strain rates; however, it is relatively unknown what occurs at dynamic speeds. This study conducts a number of dynamic mechanical tensile tests to investigate the influence dynamic speeds have on the mechanical properties of human skin. The testing protocol involves uniaxial tensile tests at three different dynamic speeds, 1m/s, 1.5m/s and 2m/s, performed using an Instron tensile test machine. A total of 33 tests were conducted on 3 human cadavers aged 85, 77 and 82. Samples were excised at specific locations and orientations with respect to the Langer’s lines. The purpose for this was to recognize the significance that location and orientation have on the mechanical properties of human skin. The mean ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was 27.2±9.3MPa, the mean strain energy was 4.9±1.5MJ/m3, the mean elastic modulus was 98.97±97MPa and the mean failure strain was 25.45±5.07%. This new material data for human skin can be applied to constitutive models in areas such as impact biomechanics, forensic science and computer‐assisted surgery.
Random pulse width modulation techniques for converter fed drive systems-a review

A review of the state of the art in RPWM (random pulse width modulation) theory and practice is presented. Topics covered include principles of RPWM, means of randomization, a review of the existing RPWM techniques, power spectra, implementation issues, and documented effects of RPWM on electric drive systems. A number of RWPM strategies have been reported, and a beneficial impact on acoustic noise and vibration has been unamiously agreed upon. Published studies have proven that significant improvement of the acoustic noise characteristics of the motors can be achieved at practically no extra expense in comparison with the systems with traditional, deterministic PWM strategies. <<ETX>>
Editorial for The Australasian Journal of Information Systems 2021 : Volume 25

When I was appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Journal of Information Systems in late 2020 I was asked by the selection panel to reinstate on a more regular basis an Editorial for the journal. The journal does currently not publish numbered issues, but a yearly volume that consists of regular IS research articles and specific thematic special sections which are published throughout a year.
Utilization of Microwaves in Applied Natural Product Chemistry

Volatiles are extracted from aromatic plants for commercial products of premium quality and price. Why not synthesize these? Are we quite ready for such tasks? The answer is a yes and no. Some of these are amenable to chemical synthesis but others are not. Those that are, still have a cost associated that outweigh the commercial utility. We still primarily depend on conventional extraction methods for volume production of volatiles, may it be for flavors, fragrances or medicinal aroma. We have been conducting our investigations in natural products extraction, with the sole intention of developing a simple, green and functioning processing solution using microwave technology. We share our review of current literature in this area and give an overview of our novel processing equipment.