Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low Motional Impedance Bulk Acoustic Resonators Based on Metamaterials

This paper presents the implementation of propagating acoustic metamaterials in electrostatically transduced Bulk Acoustic Resonators (BARs) to tune by design their characteristic properties. Novel in this paper is our focus on lowering the observed motional impedance (Rm), key parameter for the design of low phase noise oscillators based on these BARs. We report on the modelling, simulation (not presented in the abstract) and experimental verification of the implementation of periodic square patterns of square holes, i.e., vacuum/air inclusions, in order to decrease Rm for the first width extensional resonance mode of electrostatically transduced bar-type BARs. The Rm is proportional to the characteristic acoustic impedance of the resonator material, i.e., √(Eeffρeff), where Eeff is the effective Young’s modulus and ρeff the effective mass density of the resonator material. The larger the proportion of hole area in the equivalent metamaterial is, the lower ρeff and Eeff are, and the lower Rm is. In the theoretical limit of holes filling the whole area, Eeff , ρeff and Rm approach zero. We report a measured linear dependency of Rm on ρeff and in particular demonstrate metamaterial-based BARs with width and Rm respectively 1.5 smaller and 4 times lower than their natural bulk material counterparts.
Frontline therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: an update

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest increasing cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States and is projected to be the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States by 2030. Main risk factors include alcoholic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). More than half of the patients have advanced-stage disease at presentation. Currently approved frontline systemic therapy options include sorafenib, lenvatinib, and atezolizumab/bevacizumab. Over the past decade, there has been a significant improvement in survival with a median overall survival of 19.2 months reported with first-line treatment with atezolizumab/bevacizumab. Based on positive results of randomized phase III HIMALAYA trial, durvalumab and tremelimumab combination could become another frontline option. Multiple frontline clinical trials with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) or ICI combined with other novel agents are underway. In the frontline setting, identifying predictive biomarkers for ICI-based or tyrosine kinase (TKI)-based therapy is an unmet need. Subsequent treatment is poorly defined in patients with prior ICI-based therapy since all the available second-line and beyond therapy was studied after first-line sorafenib. Frontline systemic therapy is poorly defined in certain subgroups of HCC such as Child–Pugh B and post-transplant recurrent HCC. The landscape of frontline HCC treatment is rapidly changing, and this article reviews the most recent treatment approaches to frontline therapy for advanced HCC.
Assessment of uremic sarcopenia in dialysis patients: An update

Uremic sarcopenia, which is highly prevalent in dialysis patients, leads to an increased risk of adverse outcomes, such as poor quality of life, falls, fracture, hospitalization, and even mortality. Therefore, early detection of uremic sarcopenia is crucial for administering quick and adequate multidisciplinary therapy to improve clinical outcomes. This review updates the current information about uremic sarcopenia assessment in chronic dialysis patients. We discuss the methods of assessing skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. We also discuss surrogate markers derived from serum and dialysate creatinine, in addition to emerging screening tools. The prevalence, clinical relevance, and impact of uremic sarcopenia on survival are reviewed and we discuss the limitations and challenges in applying the current working definition of sarcopenia based on the senior population to dialysis patients. The review shows that dialysis patients with skeletal muscle weakness or poor physical performance, either with or without low skeletal muscle mass, should undergo multidisciplinary therapy, included nutritional counseling, lifestyle modification, and exercise intervention, to mitigate the detrimental effects of uremic sarcopenia.
Women Entrepreneurs and Information Communication Technology: The Journey from Intention to Usage

The role of women entrepreneurs in promoting social inclusion is widely accepted by researchers and policymakers. However, the women’s access to technology and their comfort level lags behind that of men. The present study investigates the role of various tools of ICTs such as mobile phones and computers in supporting women’s entrepreneurship. The study is based on narrative analysis, which was conducted on 20 women entrepreneurs involved in micro businesses of Maharashtra. The sample had a mix of women entrepreneurs; old and young; urban, suburban and rural; married and single. The sample was selected to provide a well-rounded coverage of differing demographic groups and life stages, and different levels of access to technology adoption and usage for business. The present study is an attempt to assess the link between technology adoption and usage by women-owned micro/small enterprises in their businesses. The study extends its contribution to the existing literature by exploring the role of women entrepreneurship arising out of need by technology adoption and accelerating women empowerment in the society.
IHAR—A fog‐driven interpretable human activity recognition system

Human activity recognition (HAR) is an active research area that is currently being applied to various healthcare applications such as fall detection, assisted living, etc. These applications make use of the Internet of Things which is widespread across today's world. One of the major challenges in these applications is the need for quick intelligent decisions. The deployment of hierarchical edge‐fog‐cloud computing architecture is the potential solution to address the latency issue. In this article, we proposed an interpretable human activity recognition (IHAR) framework that supports HAR, leveraging the advantages of the fog layer. The proposed framework used a deep learning (DL) model at the cloud infrastructure to classify the activities of humans. The trained DL model is made to run on local fog nodes. However, the DL model being black‐box does not provide any explanations for the output to make them acceptable by the users and physicians. Hence, this article also incorporated an explainable artificial intelligence model at the fog layer, to gain insights into the classified output of the DL model. The effective model‐level insights emphasized the need for explainable HAR. The article also included an analysis of the results of the existing explainable AI models such as LIME and SHAP to understand which model leads to better performance in the domain of HAR. Results show that the SHAP model has a 33% higher success rate in generating explanations when compared to the LIME model.
Trust, the Pandemic, and Public Policies

What is the role of trust in designing public policies, especially during the current pandemic? In this paper, I examine recent research that demonstrates the crucial effects of trust. This research suggests, I believe, two main conclusions. First, there is much emerging evidence that trust — and especially trust in government — is a major factor in shaping the effectiveness of public policies. In particular, when trust in government is weak, many government policies do not achieve their goals because people simply do not follow the government’s laws, regulations, and directives. Second, there is also much emerging evidence that trust is not fixed and given and immutable, mainly determined by a country’s history and culture and institutions, as was once believed. Instead, recent evidence indicates that trust can vary significantly, even over short periods of time. Indeed, there is growing research that trust in government can be affected in systematic ways by systematic policy interventions. These conclusions suggest that there are ways out of our current wilderness, even if these strategies will be neither easy nor quick.
Correlation of PD-L1 Expression with Clinicopathological and Genomic Features in Chinese Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been approved as predictive biomarker for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with PD-(L)1 blockade therapy. The clinical/genomic features associated with PD-L1 are not well studied. Genomic profiling of tumor biopsies from 883 Chinese NSCLC patients was performed by targeted next-generation sequencing. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to evaluate PD-L1 expression levels using antibodies Dako 22C3 and 28-8, respectively. Our study showed distinct correlation between PD-L1 expression and clinical/genomic characteristics when using different PD-L1 antibodies and in different histological subtypes including adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), respectively. PD-L1 high expression (22C3) was associated with male and lymph node metastasis only in ADC patients. Furthermore, mutations of TP53 and KRAS, KIF5B-RET fusion, copy number gains of PD-L1 and PD-L2, and arm-level amplifications of chr.12p were significantly associated with PD-L1 positive status in ADC patients. For SCC patients, the gain of EGFR and MDM2 and loss of PTPRD were negatively associated with PD-L1 expression. We also compared our results with other studies and found conflicting results presumably because of the multiplicity of antibody clones and platforms, the difference of cutoffs for assigning PD-L1 expression levels, and the variation in study populations. Our study can help to understand the utility and validity of PD-L1 as biomarker of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Design and Evaluation of the Interface of Recreational Intelligent Escort Products

In the context of the Internet of Things (IoT), the user interface has become the main means of interaction between the user and the network system, and the increasing variety of ways of interacting with the user interface has created many “digital problems” for the elderly. In order to explore the preferences of elderly people in using smart products and to help designers to objectively and rationally select interface design solutions, to enhance the experience of elderly people in using smart products and the naturalness of the interaction process, and to motivate them to actively participate in Internet life, this study proposes a new approach to interface design solution selection, which reduces the subjectivity of solution selection in the design process. Firstly, the interface was decomposed into 7 components, and the orthogonal experimental design was used to calculate the evaluation indexes and the correlation degree between the objects of 18 typical solutions, and ﬁnally the preferred solution was obtained. Secondly, conjoint analysis was used to obtain the importance that older users attached to the seven interface components and their preferences for the types of elements. The research takes the interface design of an elderly companion robot as an example. The method enables the optimization of the target problem of how to match the interface design elements and the ﬁnal solution preference in IoT systems, enabling designers to use mathematical and rational thinking to study contradictory problems, enhancing the objectivity and scientiﬁcity of interface design and solution selection, providing a more natural and comfortable interaction experience for elderly users, and promoting healthy ageing. M2 Cognitive M3
Intermittent Cluster Consensus Control of Multiagent Systems From a Static/Dynamic Output Approach

This article is concerned with the cluster consensus control problem for multiagent linear systems with a directed communication topology, where only relative output measurements of neighboring agents are available to each agent. Motivated by the pinning control technique, both static and dynamic intermittent output control strategies are proposed. Using Lyapunov functions, sufficient conditions are developed to ensure cluster consensus with existence-guaranteed control parameters. Both periodic and nonperiodic operations of intermittent controllers are investigated. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical results is demonstrated by a simulation example.
The Correlation between Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Point-of-Care Immunoassay, Tear Film Osmolarity, and Ocular Surface Parameters

Background Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease that is difficult to diagnose due to multiple causative factors. The study aimed to evaluate the correlations between tear film matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tear film osmolarity, and ocular surface parameters in patients with dry eyes. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review for patients diagnosed with dry eye and investigated if associations existed amongst noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT); corneal staining scores; and MMP-9 grade, tear film osmolarity, and Schirmer's test I results. Results Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients were enrolled in the current study. The grade of MMP-9 (0–4) was positively correlated with tear film osmolarity (p=0.027). However, neither qualitative (positive or negative) nor quantitative (grade 0–4) measurements of MMP-9 correlated with any other ocular surface parameters. The osmolarity in the positive corneal staining group was significantly higher than that in the negative group (321.6 ± 19.261 and 299.89 ± 16.213, respectively; p=0.018). None of the other ocular surface parameters were correlated with tear film osmolarity. Conclusion Tear film MMP-9 may be an indicator for tear film osmolarity, or vice-versa. Moreover, osmolarity may have a correlation with corneal staining in patients with dry eye. Tear film MMP-9 and osmolarity tests can be helpful and convenient evaluation tools for identifying inflammation in dry eye disease in clinical practice.
Understanding the Role, Competencies and Training of the Sales Professional Today - A Case Study of Thule Group

The purpose of this paper is two fold. First we clarify and enrich the understanding of the need for higher sales educated professionals through an extensive understanding of the sales transformation. Second, we develop an understanding of the sales role and its related competencies in a transformed sales landscape. We introduce a theoretical framework to understand the need for sales educated professionals and use this to develop further understanding of the role and competencies. The underlying aim of our research is to bring in line the substantive importance of sales as an academic discipline from our context setting, In a single case study of Thule Group, semi-structured interviews with five professionals working in several sales functions and levels, we confirm the need for university educated sales professionals due to the transformed role of sales and the need for higher level thinking to fulfil the role today. The changes to the role of sales today is described (greater responsibility, more relationship management, co-creation of value, analytical thinking and unification of goals) and leads to contribution of a set of required competencies as a sales professional today. We identify for educators, students and practitioners the competencies required to fulfil a sales role today. As a result of our research, a new problem of obtaining these competencies is revealed and a number of barriers to begin the thinking on this issue are addressed. (Less)
Semi-Lagrangian Method to Study Nonlinear Electrostatic Waves in Quantum Plasma

In this work, we used the semi-Lagrangian method and the Vlasov code to study the instabilities in a quantum plasma with 1-D temperature anisotropy. Taking the Fermi–Dirac type of distribution function (DF) and using the semi-Lagrangian Vlasov code, we studied the gradual evolution of density and kinetic energy in a degenerate plasma with quantum effects. In this collisionless plasma, adiabatic compression will be along the direction of wave propagation and will lead to temperature anisotropy of the electron distribution that varies along the direction of wave propagation. The findings will find application for dense plasma at finite temperature as in laser-produced plasmas, fusion plasma, as well as solar plasmas.
Impact of lattice versus solid structure of 3D-printed multiroot dental implants using Ti-6Al-4V: a preclinical pilot study

Purpose Various studies have investigated 3-dimensional (3D)-printed implants using Ti-6Al-4V powder; however, multi-root 3D-printed implants have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the stability of multirooted 3D-printed implants with lattice and solid structures. The secondary outcomes were comparisons between the 2 types of 3D-printed implants in micro-computed tomographic and histological analyses. Methods Lattice- and solid-type 3D-printed implants for the left and right mandibular third premolars in beagle dogs were fabricated. Four implants in each group were placed immediately following tooth extraction. Implant stability measurement and periapical X-rays were performed every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Peri-implant bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by micro-computed tomography. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) were measured in histomorphometric analyses. Results All 4 lattice-type 3D-printed implants survived. Three solid-type 3D-printed implants were removed before the planned sacrifice date due to implant mobility. A slight, gradual increase in implant stability values from implant surgery to 4 weeks after surgery was observed in the lattice-type 3D-printed implants. The marginal bone change of the surviving solid-type 3D-printed implant was approximately 5 mm, whereas the value was approximately 2 mm in the lattice-type 3D-printed implants. BV/TV and BMD in the lattice type 3D-printed implants were similar to those in the surviving solid-type implant. However, BIC and BAFO were lower in the surviving solid-type 3D-printed implant than in the lattice-type 3D-printed implants. Conclusions Within the limits of this preclinical study, 3D-printed implants of double-rooted teeth showed high primary stability. However, 3D-printed implants with interlocking structures such as lattices might provide high secondary stability and successful osseointegration.
Highly sensitive PMOSFET photodetector and its application to CMOS active pixel sensor

In this paper, a highly sensitive p-channel metal oxide field effect transistor (PMOSFET) photodetector fabricated using a standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process is described. The photodetector is configured by the floating gate/n-well tied PMOSFET. The device has similar I DS -V DS characteristics to a general PMOSFET when the incident light power instead of the gate voltage is supplied and has a transient response fast enough that there is no image lag in its application to an imager with television resolution. A 1 x 16 CMOS active pixel sensor using the PMOSFET photodetector was also designed and fabricated using 1-poly and 2-metal 1.5 μm CMOS technology. The unit pixel of this sensor consists of a PMOSFET photodetector and four n-channel metal oxide field effect transistors (NMOSFET). Its area is 86 μm x 90.5 μm and fill factor is 12%. Even though the pixel has a relatively small its fill factor, a sufficient photocurrent can be obtained. A highly sensitive pixel is feasible with the use of the photodetector with current amplification and the pixel circuit with voltage gain.
Nursing Intervention For Mother With Postpartum Fatigue : A Literature Review

Postpartum fatigue is a common and natural phenomenon that often affects mothers after giving birth. This phenomenon occurs immediately after delivery and reaches the highest level of fatigue in the first 24 hours, so non-pharmacological nursing interventions are very effective when focused from the beginning of the postpartum period to reduce the level of postpartum fatigue. This literature aims to determine effective nursing interventions used to reduce postpartum maternal fatigue. The method used in this literature review begins with determining the topic, then determining keywords to search for journals. Scopus, ScienceDirect and PubMed are the databases used, searching for journals from 2010 to 2018 consisting of several research articles. The results of the synthesis of articles that have been explored show that nursing interventions with non-pharmacological methods can be applied to reduce fatigue in postpartum mothers, this is because non-pharmacological methods are easier, cheaper, acceptable to patients, non-invasive and without side effects. An effective nursing intervention to reduce postpartum fatigue is to choose one of the methods including slow stroke back massage, meridian acupressure and pilates exercises.
The Effects of Freshwater Clam (Corbicula fluminea) Extract on Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) in Prediabetic Patients in Taiwan

Freshwater clam extract (FCE) is a functional food that regulates the immune system and has been demonstrated in numerous studies to display desirable anti–tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) responses. In addition, excess TNF-α production is positively associated with type 2 diabetes. However, few longitudinal clinical studies evaluating the efficiency and toxicity of FCE are available. This article reports that patients with prediabetes who received FCE had a desirable outcome of a reduction in serum TNF-α for a long period. This was a double-blind, randomized, parallel clinical trial conducted using FCE intervention and placebo groups, and 36 patients with prediabetes were enrolled. Two grams of FCE or placebo was consumed daily for 180 consecutive days. The serum of the participants was collected at four time points (0M: before the intervention; 3M: after 3 months of intervention; 6M: after 6 months of intervention; 12M: 6 months after cessation of intervention at 6M). A serum TNF-α concentration higher than 4.05 pg/mL was defined as a cut-off value. FCE reduced serum TNF-α in all participants at 6M and 12M. Moreover, FCE significantly suppressed serum TNF-α concentrations at 6M and 12M and inhibited TNF-α release with time series in subjects with elevated TNF-α values. FCE intervention effectively reduced serum TNF-α and persistently sustained the effects for half a year in patients with prediabetes. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GS-MS) analysis revealed that the major components of FCE were phytosterols and fatty acids, which exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-TNF-α abilities. Hence, FCE has the potential to be developed as a natural treatment for prediabetic patients in Taiwan.