Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Future environmental impacts of room air-conditioners in Europe

The potential environmental impacts of room air-conditioners in Europe are described, based on an analysis for the European Commission in support of the Energy-using Products Directive. About half the current cooling need of buildings in Europe is met by room air-conditioners – the rest being met by central systems. The likely market growth for such products over the next 25 years is assessed along with the consequent environmental impacts and the scope for reducing the global warming impacts by the use of ‘best available’ or ‘least life cycle-cost’ technologies. The analysis concludes that continuing growth of the room air-conditioners is likely over several decades, with resultant increases in environmental impacts if product design and use remain unchanged. However, Japanese experience shows that the energy-related environmental impacts could be considerably reduced without going beyond proven technology. Life cycle costing analysis suggests that the economically optimum performance lies between current European and current Japanese practice. Many room air-conditioners also provide carbon-efficient heating which can mitigate the impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. L'impact environnemental potentiel des climatiseurs de pièce en Europe est décrit, sur la base d'une analyse réalisée pour la Commission Européenne en soutien de la Directive EuP sur l'Eco-conception des Produits Consommateurs d'Energie. La moitié environ des besoins actuels des bâtiments européens en matière de refroidissement est satisfaite par les climatiseurs de pièce – le reste étant satisfait par des systèmes centraux. La croissance probable du marché de ces produits sur les vingt-cinq prochaines années est évaluée, ainsi que l'impact environnemental qui en résultera et l'ampleur de la réduction possible de cet impact sur le réchauffement mondial par l'utilisation des « meilleurs technologies disponibles » ou de celles ayant « le coût du cycle de vie le plus faible». La conclusion indique qu'une progression continue des climatiseurs de pièce est probable sur plusieurs décennies, ceci entraînant un accroissement de leur impact environnemental si la conception et l'utilisation des produits demeurent inchangées. Cependant, l'expérience japonaise montre que l'impact environnemental lié à l’énergie pourrait être considérablement réduit en se contentant d'utiliser des technologies éprouvées. L'analyse du coût des cycles de vie suggère que l'efficacité optimale du point de vue économique se situe entre les pratiques actuelles de l'Europe et celles du Japon. De nombreux climatiseurs de pièce fournissent également un chauffage performant dont l'efficacité carbone peut atténuer l'impact sur les émissions de gaz à effet de serre. Mots clés: climatisation, consumérisme, appareils électroménagers, énergie, impact environnemental, réglementation européenne, tendances
The TFIIH complex is required to establish and maintain mitotic chromosome structure

Condensins compact chromosomes to promote their equal segregation during mitosis, but the mechanism of condensin engagement with and action on chromatin is incompletely understood. Here, we show that the general transcription factor TFIIH complex is continuously required to establish and maintain a compacted chromosome structure in transcriptionally silent Xenopus egg extracts. Inhibiting the DNA-dependent ATPase activity of the TFIIH complex subunit XPB rapidly and reversibly induces a complete loss of chromosome structure and prevents the enrichment of condensins I and II, but not topoisomerase II, on chromatin. In addition, inhibiting TFIIH prevents condensation of both mouse and Xenopus nuclei in Xenopus egg extracts, which suggests a fundamental mechanism of TFIIH action. Reducing nucleosome density through partial histone depletion restores chromosome structure and condensin enrichment in the absence of TFIIH activity. We propose that the TFIIH complex promotes mitotic chromosome condensation by dynamically altering chromatin structure to facilitate condensin loading and condensin-dependent loop extrusion.
Franchise extensions and second-order contests: evidence from German local elections

ABSTRACT Local turnout has declined in many European countries, posing challenges to the inclusiveness and representativeness of elections. One response proposed to address this challenge are franchise extensions to new groups of voters. Distinguishing between horizontal extensions to non-national EU-citizens and vertical extension to 16- to 18-year-olds, we analyse their effects on voter turnout in the context of German local council elections. The country’s federal system enables us to analyse the effects on voter turnout in 13 states from 1978 until 2019. We find that the horizontal franchise extension is associated with a subsequent drop in overall turnout at German local council elections. By contrast, vertical franchise extensions do not affect turnout. The findings temper expectations concerning the ability of local franchise extensions to boost democratic legitimacy via increased participation.
Lung Health Analysis: Adventitious Respiratory Sound Classification Using Filterbank Energies

Audio-based healthcare technologies are among the most significant applications of pattern recognition and Artificial Intelligence. Lately, a major chunk of the World population has been infected with serious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Early recognition of lung health abnormalities can facilitate early intervention, and decrease the mortality rate of the infected population. Research has shown that it is possible to automatically monitor lung health abnormalities through respiratory sounds. In this paper, we propose an approach that employs filter bank energy-based features and Random Forests to classify lung problem types from respiratory sounds. The adventitious sounds, crackles and wheezes appear distinct to the human ear. Moreover, different sounds are characterized by different frequency ranges that are dominant. The proposed approach attempts to distinguish the adventitious sounds (crackles and wheezes) by modeling the human auditory perception of these sounds. Specifically, we propose a respiratory sounds representation technique capable of modeling the dominant frequency range present in such sounds. On a publicly available dataset (ICBHI) of size 6898 cycles spanning over 5[Formula: see text]h, our results can be compared with the state-of-the-art results, in distinguishing two different types of adventitious sounds: crackles and wheezes.
Very accurate and simple CAD models based on neural networks for coplanar waveguide synthesis

Very accurate and simple neural models for coplanar waveguide (CPW) synthesis are proposed. The results obtained from these neural models are compared with the results of quasi‐static analysis, the other synthesis formulas, and other experimental works. The accuracy of the neural models is found to be better than 0.4% for 11,206 CPW samples. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2005.
Comparative effects of sesame oil and clove oil on growth performance, blood profile and immunity of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Essential oils are being used to improve health due to their high nutritive value. In this study, the comparative effects of Sesame oil and Clove oil were assessed on growth performance, blood profile and immunity of male rabbits. A total of 108 male rabbits were divided into 3 treatment groups; Treatment group A (Sesame oil), Treatment group B (Clove oil), Treatment group C (Sesame oil + Clove oil). Each treatment group was further divided into 4 subgroups according to dosage design of oils. The control group was untreated, while treatment dose for groups A and B was divided into 3 different concentrations; 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3ml/kilogram Body Weight. Whereas, the treatment concentrations for group C were as; 0.1+0.1, 0.2+0.2 and 0.3+0.3ml/kilogram Body Weight of oils for 1-1.5kg of rabbits. The rabbits were managed in proper caging under controlled conditions of photoperiod (12 light: 12 dark cycles) 23±2oC of temperature. The selected dose concentration of each oil was administered orally and once a day for six weeks. The results showed that both oils had significantly enhanced the growth performance and reduced the Feed Conversion Ratio. The hematological parameters were increased in all treatment groups, respectively. The Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus also showed a significant increase in antibody titer level. The study showed that Sesame oil and Clove oil as dietary supplements have significantly (p<0.05) improved overall performance of male rabbits. The current study clearly indicated that both oils could be a better choices for health purposes.
Rolling-sliding-contact fatigue damage of the gear tooth flanks

During the meshing of involute gears, their teeth flanks are subjected to cyclic contact pressure loading and simultaneous rolling and sliding. The mentioned loading can induce a specific type of material fatigue that is commonly denoted as rolling-sliding-contact fatigue. In this work, individual phases of fatigue occurring due to the cyclic loading are described. Furthermore, different types of fatigue damage of gear teeth flanks are classified and for each type, its causes and features are given. The information presented can be used for prevention or subsequent identification and remedial action in the case of fatigue damage of gears in power transmissions.
Heterogeneity in Income Tax Capitalization and Its Effects on Segregation within Switzerland

* There is evidence that taxes capitalize into housing prices, but great uncertainty about the magnitude of income tax capitalization. This paper suggests an explanation for the broad range of empirical results: the fact that income tax capitalization depends on income. Results from the analysis of a large Swiss dataset show that capitalization varies with respect to the quality group of the apartment, each of which is demanded by a specific income class. Full capitalization is observed only for tax differentials between relatively nearby regions, and this occurs only for lowand middle-quality apartments (lowand middle-income groups). Indepth analysis of supply-side adjustments in the housing market confirms the existence of taxed-induced segregation tendencies. JEL Code: H22, H73, R21, R38.
Analysis and evaluation of collaborative modeling processes

Analysis and evaluation of collaborative modeling processes is confronted with many challenges. On the one hand, many systems design and re-engineering projects require collaborative modeling approaches that can enhance their productivity. But, such collaborative efforts, which often consist of the “modeling process” and the “modeling products” – the models – that are generated thereof, are facilitator-driven. Analysis of such collaborative efforts requires us to have a glimpse inside the modeling process to know what takes place therein. Evaluation requires us to determine not only the quality of the models, but also that of the “modeling artifacts” that are used in, and produced from, such a collaborative modeling effort. However, the process of modeling is still a gray area – a black box that needs breaking the seal so that we can study, analyze and understand what takes place during collaborative modeling. Moreover, studying, analyzing and understanding what takes place during collaborative modeling still lacks a well-structured analysis and evaluation methodology. In our research, we offer not only the well-structured methodology for analysis and evaluation, but also an explanatory and descriptive theory that can be used to study, analyze and understand what takes place during collaborative modeling. Using communication theory as a basis, we develop the “Rules-Interactions-Models (RIM)” framework for the study and analysis of the collaborative modeling process. We also develop the “Collaborative Modeling Evaluation (COME)” framework, based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), for the evaluation of the different modeling artifacts used in, and produced from, such a collaborative modeling process. The two frameworks are integrated in a meta-model that can serve as a template or blueprint for deriving the actual analysis and evaluation structures for the construction of a support-tool that incorporates analysis and evaluation concepts.
Nonlinear impact response analysis of LNG FPSO cargo tank structures under sloshing loads

This is a sequel to a previous paper by the same authors, which proposed a probabilistic approach to determine the nominal values of tank sloshing loads in the structural hull design of liquefied natural gas, floating production, storage and offloading units (LNG FPSO or FLNG). This study presents a procedure for the numerical computation of nonlinear impact responses in FLNG cargo tank structures under sloshing loads. The computations are performed using ANSYS/LS-DYNA nonlinear finite element software. Applied examples using a hypothetical FLNG are presented. The insights and conclusions obtained from the study are documented.
Our results of high tibial osteotomy in medial knee osteoarthritis

DOI: 10.4328/ACAM.20800 Received: 2021-07-28 Accepted: 2021-10-20 Published Online: 2021-10-25 Corresponding Author: Mesut Uluöz, Adana Şehir Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Yüreğir, Adana, Turkey. E-mail: mesutuluoz@hotmail.com P: +90 530 827 53 01 Fax: +90 0322 344 03 05 Corresponding Author ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0319-3832 Abstract Aim: Knee osteoarthritis is very common and causes serious dysfunction of the joint. HTO is the most commonly used method in cases of active and young patients suffering from medial knee osteoarthritis. Although many techniques have been described for HTO, opening-wedge osteotomy is the most commonly used method. Given the rare availability and osteointegration of the allograft, autograft use is more common. In our clinic, we prefer using ipsilateral autografts. Grafts of different sizes were taken for each patient. In this study, we aimed to introduce this procedure and investigate the effect of surgical treatment on outcome. Material and Methods: WOMAC, Lyslom score, knee ROM, and mechanical axis were evaluated in 32 patients with a mean age of 53 years. We fixed the mechanical axis using the lamina spacer and cable method during HTO surgery. After autograft placement, we provided fixation with a locked T-plate. Results: While there was a statistically significant improvement in WOMAC, Lyslom score, and mechanical axis values, there was no significant difference in ROM value. Good and excellent results were achieved in all patients except one. Discussion: The rate of excellent results increases in younger patients, which is consistent with the literature. HTO, which is applied with appropriate patient selection and the right technique, can be used safely and successfully in knee medial osteoarthritis. In HTO surgeries performed in our clinic, we take autografts of different sizes according to the degree of correction in each patient. We think that this autograft retrieval technique facilitates surgery and contributes to stability.
Insight into RIPK4 mutations I121N and T184I involved in popliteal pterygium syndrome lethal type using computational methods

In this study, computational analysis has been conducted to analyze the wild and mutant RIPK4 (ReceptorInteracting Serine/Threonine-Protein Kinase 4) gene using in silico approach. RIPK4 is a receptorinteracting serine/threonine-protein kinase that gives a large impulse for the development of stratified epithelium in the same manner as an explicit transcriptional recipient for TP63 that is responsible for the regulation of molecular events involved in the prevention of Pterygium syndrome. Homozygous transitional mutations in RIPK4, Ile121Asn, and Thr184Ile are reported to be the ground reason of functional impairment of RIPK4 cause Lethal Type of Popliteal Pterygium Syndrome. Several in silico approaches were performed through different bioinformatics software and online tools for Structure prediction, Evolutionary analysis, Pocket identification, and docking analysis. Results of protein superimposition clearly showed the change in the structures of wild type and mutant type of RIPK4, where both mutations alter the normal structure of protein leading to change in its interaction site and conformations due to which the interacting capabilities of RIPK4 are affected that might be resulting in the alteration of function. Evolutionary analysis of RIPK4 indicated a close phylogenetic association between Homo sapiens and Pan troglodytes among 15 orthologs. In silico analysis and computational methods have opened many doors for understanding several diseases in a time and cost-effective way. Protein-ligands docking effectively proved the structural alteration caused by the said mutations and can be used in developing drug therapies, accurate diagnosis, and better therapeutic strategies for the patients.
Comparison between enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Immunochromatographic test for the detection of the anti-HCV antibody in Faisalabad

Hepatitis C virus is the major cause of chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, and liver cancer in developed countries. Different factors responsible for hepatitis for example blood transfusion sexual transmission, use of unsterilized syringes. A total of 243 samples were collected from different areas of Faisalabad. Two techniques ICT and ELISA were applied to all samples. After sample processing results of both techniques were compared to check the efficacy of ICT. From 243 samples that are applied to Immunochromatographic technique. A total of 29 samples were positive of HCV infection. Remaining 214 samples were tested on ELISA than more 23 persons positive for anti HCV antigen. In this study, according to ICT the high prevalence of HCV was found in Lyallpur Town (12.8%), Iqbal Town (11.6%), Jinnah Town (14%), and Madina Town (9.5%) respectively. According to ELISA prevalence of HCV is 13.1%, 11.6%, 11.6%, 7% in Lyallpur Town, Iqbal Town, Jinnah Town, and Madina Town, respectively. According to our result, ELISA is more effective than ICT. Statistical analysis of the data thus obtained was performed using chi chart square.
Attention Convolutional Neural Network for Medical Image Segmentation

In this competition, a convolution neural network with attention mechanism is used for medical image segmentation. The main structure of the network adopts U-net, and attention mechanism is used to enhance the features in the process of encoding and decoding feature fusion. The loss function adopts the weighted cross entropy loss function, a larger weight is given to areas annotationed by all experts, and a smaller weight is given to areas annotationed by part of the experts.
Drawing on diverse knowledge systems to enhance local climate understanding in the southern Cape, South Africa

By overlaying terrestrial and marine perspectives, we examine complex system change at the local scale of the southern Cape and Agulhas Bank in South Africa through placing different knowledge bases on climate variability alongside each other. This research adds insights into how social components of complex systems interact with environmental change and contributes to confirming environmental regime shifts in the research area; identifying knowledge disconnects for ecosystem services linked to terrestrial water availability; and highlights scale disconnects in fisher observations in nearand off-shore change. The benefits of examining these diverse bodies of knowledge in parallel across terrestrial and marine systems are evident in the synergies and disconnects that emerge from our integrative approach. Although impossible to eliminate uncertainty around projected climate variability and change, this multi-evidence base strengthens advice for evidence-based, strategic decision making that is locally relevant. The methodology pursued adds to the global learning on overlaying multiple bodies of knowledge in support of sustainability.
Dynamic Vehicle Routing in Road Evacuation: A Model for Route Design

The shortest path and route problem in time-dependent networks are treated in this paper. The system can be in ordinary or emergency conditions. Path design formulation is based on dynamic programming and its solution is found through a modification of Dijkstra’s algorithm. Route design, starting from the designed paths, is formulated as an optimum problem. In emergency conditions the main objective is to optimize emergency vehicle tour to reduce the intervention time or maximize the number of people rescued in a fixed time.
Empirically Evaluating Assumptions of Structure Learning Using Distributions of Minimum Conditional Dependence

We develop and apply a novel method for empirically evaluating the validity of several assumptions of algorithms that learn the structure of causal graphical models. The method estimates distributions of minimum conditional dependence , and this distribution can be used to empirically examine the collective validity of four key assumptions—valid model specification, no measurement error, no latent confounding, and sparse causal structure. These assumptions are essential to algorithms for learning the structure of causal graphical models, and violations of these assumptions are known to cause substantial errors in the learned structure of those models. We show empirically that violations of these assumptions are nearly ubiquitous in empirical data and are typically very large in magnitude.
Effects of Green Logistics adoption on the Performance of Commercial State Corporations in Kenya

The adoption of green logistics in commercial state establishments is an emerging phenomenon throughout the world. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the influence of green purchasing practices on performance of state corporations in Kenya. Ten commercial state corporations in Kenya including Kenya Literature Bureau, Kenya Airport Authority, East African Portland Cement Company, Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, Kenya Broadcasting Corporations, Kenya Ordinance Factories Bureau, Kenya Railways Corporation, Kenya Seed Company, Chemelil Sugar Company and finally Kenya Electricity Generating Company were selected for this study. The study adopted a descriptive design and used a sample of 175 respondents from ten state corporations. The respondents were selected through stratified sampling. The primary data collection method applied in this study constituted questionnaires both open-ended and closed. Results revealed that; considering corporations use of green raw materials, the suppliers use of green purchasing and the use of recycling of products or materials technologically had a positive impact on the performance of public corporations in Kenya. Results also revealed that considering commercial cooperation’s use of responsive packaging also had an influence.
Robust Secure Energy Efficiency Optimization in the MIMO Wiretap Channel with Energy Harvesting

This work considers a secure multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel where the energy receiver (ER) is a potential eavesdropper (Eve). Specifically, we aim to maximize the secrecy energy efficiency (SEE) via jointly designing the transmit precoding matrix and the artificial noise (AN) covariance at the base station (BS), as well as the power splitting (PS) ratio at the desired receiver (DR), subject to the constraints of the transmit power budget and harvested energy threshold. To handle the formulated highly nonconvex fractional problem, we apply the successive convex approximation (SCA) method to transform the objective and constraint into a tractable form. Then, a penalty-based iterative algorithm is proposed. Finally, simulation results validate the performance of the proposed design.