Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ex-ante and Ex-post Evaluation of Advanced Production System Module in Saffron (Crocus sativus) in India using Consumer Surplus Model and Propensity Score Matching

A very important breakthrough in saffron cultivation and production was achieved by Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) when the university developed a production system module in saffron which brought substantial increase in productivity of saffron during last two decades. The adoption of the technology was observed to have a very significant impact on the social dynamics of the saffron producing region demanding its ex-ante and ex-post evaluation vis a vis non adopters of the technology. With this in mind consumer surplus model and propensity score matching methods were employed on a sample of 447 respondents of which 286 were adopters and 161 non-adopters (control group) drawn from a population of 753 saffron growers in the saffron belt of Jammu and Kashmir producing 99% of the total saffron production in the country. The results revealed that average productivity of the spice increased from 2.57 kg.ha-1 to 6.05 kg.ha-1, with 1-2 kg.ha-1 in the first year to 10-12 kg.ha-1 in fourth year against control group, however, the investment cost estimates recorded increase of 5.9% under ex-ante and 13.6% under ex-post evaluation while adopting new technology, which however, got compensated through realizing higher productivity and increased employment to the tune of 40.6 and 28.3 per cent man-days/ha respectively under ex-ante and ex-post evaluation. The results further revealed, NPV, BCR, IRR of Rs. 399 crores, 110, 154% against Rs.249 crores, 69, 134% respectively under ex-ante and ex-post evaluation of the technology.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts as cellular vehicles in endometrial cancer cell migration

Cell motility is a critical step in the metastasis cascade. However, the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in facilitating endometrial cancer (EC) cell motility remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of CAFs in EC motility in a 3D environment. A co-culture model was established using an EC cell line (ECC-1) and CAFs on a Matrigel® matrix and compared to the respective individual monocultures. It was demonstrated that endometrial CAFs increased the motility of the EC cell line, compared with the monoculture. Using live cell imaging, CAFs were observed to form cell projections that served as contact guidance for ECC-1 cell locomotion in the spheroid formation process. These effects were specific to CAFs, as fibroblasts isolated from benign endometrial tissue samples did not form cell projections. Molecular analysis revealed that RhoA/Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) signaling activation partly contributed to CAF-mediated ECC-1 cell migration. The presence of Matrigel® increased the mRNA expression of RhoA, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of its downstream effectors, ROCK1 and p-MLC, respectively, in the ECC-1 and CAF co-culture, as well as the ECC-1 and CAF monocultures. Interestingly, high phosphorylation levels of myosin light chain mediated the activation of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling in the ECC-1 and CAF co-culture. The ROCK1 inhibitor Y-27632 attenuated the motility of tumor cells in ECC-1 and CAF co-cultures. However, similar treatment led to a significant inhibition in the motility of the CAF monoculture, but not the ECC-1 monoculture. Moreover, tumor spheroid formation was inhibited due to a reduction in stress fiber formation in ECC-1 and CAF co-cultures. Altogether, these findings suggest that the regulation of the RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway is required for CAFs to serve as cellular vehicles in order for EC cells to migrate and form spheroids in a 3D environment.
Variable selection in competing risks model

Our aim is to investigate the performance of different variable selectionmethods, focusing on a statistical procedure suitable for the competing risks model.In this setting, same variables might have different degrees of influence on the risksdue to multiple causes and this effect has to be taken into account in the choice ofthe ”best” subset. The proposed procedure, based on shrinkage techniques, has beenevaluated by means of empirical analysis on default risk predictions.
The Application of Simple Additive Bayesian Allocation Network Process in System Obsolescence

In designing a system, multi-dimensional obsolescence design criteria such as Scheduling; Reliability, Availability, Maintainability; Performance and Functionality; and Costs affect its overall lifespan. This work examines the impacts of these factors on systems during the design phase using a new application called the Simple Additive Bayesian Allocation Network Process (SABANP). The application uses a combination of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology and a Bayesian Belief Network to address the impact of obsolescence on a system. Unlike the requirement of weights that are prevalent in the analysis of MCDM, this application does not require weights. Moreover, this application accounts for functional dependencies of criteria, which is not possible with the MCDM methodologies. A case study was conducted using military and civilian experts. Data were collected on systems’ obsolescence criteria and analyzed using the application to make trade-off decisions. The results show that the application can address complex obsolescence decisions that are both quantitative and qualitative. Expert validation showed that SABANP successfully identified the best system for mitigating obsolescence.
Optimal Placement of Viscoelastic Vibration Dampers for Kirchhoff Plates Based on PSO Method

The main subject of this study is to determine the optimal position of a fixed number of viscoelastic dampers on the surface of a thin (Kirchhoff-Love) plate. It is assumed that the dampers are described according to the generalized Maxwell model. In order to determine the optimal position of the dampers, a metaheuristic optimization method is used, called the particle swarm optimization method. The non-dimensional damping ratio of the first mode of the plate vibrations is assumed as an objective function in the task. The dynamic characteristics of the plate with dampers are determined by solving the non-linear eigenproblem using the continuation method. The finite element method is used to determine the stiffness matrix and the mass matrix occurring in the considered eigenproblem. The results of exemplary numerical calculations are also presented, where the final optimal arrangement of dampers on the surface of sample plates with different boundary conditions is shown graphically.
The Future of TQM is Past. Can TQM be Resurrected?

Over the last two decades, many organizations around the world have adopted Total Quality Management (TQM) in some form. Rigorous attempts have been made to identify critical elements of TQM. These elements can be classified into two broad categories: soft TQM and hard TQM. Empirical studies indicated that only a handful of the soft aspects of TQM dimensions contribute to organizational performance. The elements of soft TQM, such as training and education, loyalty, leadership, teamwork and empowerment are essentially ‘people’ aspects. The coverage of such elements in the management literature is high and, in fact, broadly, management theory and soft TQM are identical. With rapid change and uncertainty in the market and greater emphasis on core competencies, organizations are transforming themselves into modular corporations, and thus the importance of the elements of traditional soft TQM is rapidly diminishing. This paper therefore raises a fundamental question: what is the future of TQM?
A STUDY OF LARGE DROPLET ICE ACCRETIONS IN THE NASA-LEWIS IRT AT NEAR- FREEZING CONDITIONS.

Abstract : This report documents the results of an experimental study on large droplet ice accretions which was conducted in the NASA-Lewis Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) with a full-scale 77.25 inch chord Twin-Otter wing section. This study was intended to: (1) document the existing capability of the IRT to produce a large droplet icing cloud, and (2) study the effect of various parameters on large droplet ice accretions. Results are presented from a study of the IRT's capability to produce large droplets with MVD of 99 micrometers and 160 micrometers. The effect of the initial water droplet temperature on the resultant ice accretion was studied for different initial spray bar air and water temperatures. The initial spray bar water temperature was found to have no discernible effect upon the large droplet ice accretions. Also, analytical and experimental results suggest that the water droplet temperature is very nearly the same as the tunnel ambient temperature, thus providing a realistic simulation of the large droplet natural icing condition. The effect of temperature, droplet size, airspeed, angle-of-attack, flap setting and de-icer boot cycling time on ice accretion was studied, and will be discussed in this report. It was found that, in almost all of the cases studied, an ice ridge formed immediately aft of the active portion of the de-icer boot. This ridge was irregular in shape, varied in location, and was in some cases, discontinuous due to aerodynamic shedding.
Effects of Mobile Application Program (App)-Assisted Health Education on Preventive Behaviors and Cancer Literacy among Women with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Objective: This study aimed (1) to study the effects of health education on preventive behaviors and cancer literacy among women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); (2) to compare the effects of mobile application program (App)-assisted health education with traditional book-form health education. Participants: A total of 132 women ages 20 to 69 years women. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 132 CIN women who were evaluated three times. Propensity score matching was used by controlling subjects’ age strata, body mass index, education level, occupation, and type of surgery. Results: The influences of various educational tools were investigated. Four domains were assessed, including health behavior, attitude towards behavior change, self-efficacy of behavior, and cervical cancer (CCa) literacy. Significant improvements in behavior change and CCa literacy due to a health education program were observed (p ≤ 0.002). The App combined with a traditional booklet had the highest score for behavior change and was significantly greater than the booklet-only learning (p = 0.002). The App-assisted form, either App alone or combined with booklet, had a significantly better impact on health promotion when compared to the booklet alone (p = 0.045 and 0.005, respectively). App-only learning had the highest score of CCa literacy (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Health education interventions can have positive effects in terms of change of behavior and CCa literacy. App-assisted learning could be used as a supportive technology, and App learning alone or combined with a traditional booklet may be an innovative model of clinical health promotion for women with CIN.
BIMBINGAN KELOMPOK TEKNIK SOSIODRAMA UNTUK MENINGKATKAN INTERAKSI SOSIAL DENGAN TEMAN SEBAYA

The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of group giudance services sociodramatic techniques to increase social interaction with peers in class VII SMP Negeri 8 Surakarta academic year 2011/2012. This research is a classroom action research (CAR). The research was conducted in two cycles, with each cycle consisting of planning, action, observation, analysis and reflection. Subjects were students of class VII SMP Negeri 8 Surakarta totaling 18 people. Data sources are from BK teachers and students. Data collection techniques with questionnaires and observation. The validity of the data using method triangulation techniques. Analysis of data using analytical techniques percentage of DL Godwin and T. J Coates and clinical analysis. Measures used in this research is group counseling sociodramatic techniques namely providing group counseling services are performed by playing a role and played by individuals who have social problems to solve social problems faced by these individuals. Implementation of actions performed in the first cycle and second cycle. The results showed that the group guidance services sociodramatic techniques can increase social interaction with peers from pre-action to action cycle I and cycle II action. The increase occurred in the first cycle of 39.93%, but the results are not significant as an indicator of success below 50%. Significant increases occurred in the second cycle is equal to 56.52%, so the results can be interpreted that guidance sociodramatic engineering group declared successful in the second cycle. Based on the findings of this research concluded that sociodramatic effective group guidance techniques to increase social interaction with peers in class VII SMP Negeri 8 Surakarta Year 2011/2012. Keywords: group guidance sociodramatic techniques, social interaction with peers
Crossing the Divide: An Exploration of Functional Traits in Ferns that Grow Across Terrestrial, Epipetric, and Epiphytic Habitats

Abstract. Plants are characterized by their marked plasticity and ability to alter their functional biology to partition ecological niches. However, there are limits to functional trait exploration especially in complex and stressful habitats. Highly specialized traits may control a species ability to explore within and across habitats. Such may be especially true of epiphytes, whose array of unique traits may constrain their ability to cross establish in epiphytic and terrestrial habitats. In the case of ferns, there are few reported examples of species that can grow across these habitats with regularity. However, this study reports and explores species that exhibit great ecological flexibility growing across a wide range of habitats and growth forms. Specifically, we examine species that grow as 1) terrestrially rooted and epiphytic individuals, 2) nest and non-nest-forming epiphytes; and nest-forming terrestrially rooted individuals, and 3) species that grow as terrestrial, epiphytic, and epipetric individuals. We use natural abundance foliar stable isotope ratios (SIR) of N15 and C13, and %N, to explore intraspecific variation in mineral nutrition and water relations across and within niches. Our results reveal the 1) unreported ability of some species to grow across the epiphytic/terrestrial divide, 2) surprising ability of some species to explore these habitats with little to no shift in functional traits; 3) a potentially new function for the nest in nest-forming epiphytes. Finally, our work highlights the need to consider intraspecific trait variation more carefully when studying ferns that occur across a wide range of habitats.
Harnessing the Challenges and Solutions to Improve Security Warnings: A Review

The security warning is a representation of communication that is used to warn and to inform a person whether security menaces have been discovered in order to prevent any consequences of damage from taking place. The purpose of a security warning is to provide a legitimate alert (to notify and to warn) to the users so that a secure manner of action is safely conducted. It is worth noting that the majority of computer users prefer to dismiss security warnings due to lack of attention, the use of technical words, and the deficiency of information provided. This paper determines to achieve two outcomes: firstly, a thorough review of problems, challenges, and approaches to improving security warnings. Our work complements the previous classifications in the identification of problems and challenges in security warnings by value-adding a new classification, namely immersion in the primary task. Then, we add other related works within the known classifications accordingly. In addition, our work also presents the classifications of approaches to improving security warnings. Secondly, we propose two timelines by addressing the problems, challenges, and approaches to improving security warnings. It is expected that the outcomes of this research will be useful to researchers within the niche area for analysing trends and providing the groundwork in security warning studies, respectively.
Biofabrication of development-inspired scaffolds for regeneration of the annulus fibrosus macro- and microarchitecture

Annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue engineering is a promising strategy for repairing the degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) and a research area that could benefit from improved tissue models to drive translation. AF tissue is composed of concentric layers of aligned collagen bundles arranged in an angle-ply pattern, an architecture which is challenging to recapitulate with current scaffold design strategies. In response to this need, we developed a strategy to print 3D scaffolds that induce cell and tissue organization into oriented patterns mimicking the AF. Polycaprolactone (PCL) was printed in an angle-ply macroarchitecture possessing microscale aligned topographical cues. The topography was achieved by extrusion through custom-designed printer nozzles which were either round or possessing circumferential sinusoidal peaks. Whereas the round nozzle produced extruded filaments with a slight uniaxial texture, patterned nozzles with peak heights of 60 or 120 μm produced grooves, 10.87 ± 3.09 μm or 17.77 ± 4.91 μm wide, respectively. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) cultured on the scaffolds for four weeks exhibited similar degrees of alignment within ± 10 ° of the printing direction and upregulation of outer AF markers (COL1, COL12, SFRP, MKX, MCAM, SCX and TAGLN), with no statistically significant differences as a function of topography. Interestingly, the grooves generated by the patterned nozzles induced longitudinal end-to-end alignment of cells, capturing the arrangement of cells during fibrillogenesis. In contrast, topography produced from the round nozzle induced a continuous web of elongated cells without end-to-end alignment. Extracellular collagen I, decorin and fibromodulin were detected in patterns closely following cellular organization. Taken together, we present a single-step biofabrication strategy to induce anisotropic cellular alignments in x-, y-, and z-space, with potential application as an in vitro model for studying AF tissue morphogenesis and growth.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AT THE HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS: The Case of Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates

Abstract - Universities in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), just like other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), strive to be at the forefront of academic excellence. Towards this end, HEIs endeavour to provide their students, their primary clientele with the most conducive learning environment in order to maximise their potentials and prepare them to the real world of work. Do the students really make the most of the learning experiences in the university? Are the students really actively “engaged” in the teaching programmes and learning activities provided by the university? What might be the implications of student engagement to curriculum, instruction, policy and decision making, and educational administration? This paper focused on the level of academic challenge provided to students. In this study, “academic challenge” was based on study time and course requirements for reading, writing, and application of higher-order thinking skills rather than on student judgments of the difficulty of the coursework (Carini and Kuh, 2003). Specifically, this investigation attempted to ascertain the types of engagement activities at the HEIs of Malaysia and the UAE. Interesting findings are presented, and recommendations are offered in light of student engagement in the context of higher education.
System health management/vehicle health management for future manned space systems

NASA has been under scrutiny to find a solution to reducing the costs associated with space launches. To reduce operations cost, future launch vehicles like the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) must include the following elements: highly reliable, robust subsystems designed for simple repair access with simplified servicing infrastructure and incorporating expedited decision making about faults and anomalies. A key component for the Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) X-33/RLV System used to meet these objectives is System Health Management(SHM). SHM deals with the vehicle component-Vehicle Health Management, the ground processing associated with the vehicle fleet (GVHM) and the Ground Infrastructure Health Management(GIHM). The objective is to provide an automated collection and paperless health decision, maintenance and logistics system. Many critical technologies are necessary to make the SHM (and more specifically VHM) practical, reliable and cost effective. Sanders is leading the integration of the SHM system for RLV and for X-33. (X-33 is a sub-scale, sub-orbit technology demonstrator.) The reusable tanks are a key system for both X-33 and RLV. These tanks are being designed by LMMSS. LMMSS has been working with NASA Langley to develop distributed optical systems for tank health monitoring. These will be demonstrated on X-33. This paper presents the RLV SHM baseline; the X-33 SHM, VHM and GVHM architecture; the X-33 tank VHM subsystem and testing; and the distributed optical sensor technology and design. The paper also discusses other applications of these technologies.
Efficacy of abrocitinib for atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction The efficacy of abrocitinib for atopic dermatitis remains controversial. Aim We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of abrocitinib versus placebo on the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Material and methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of abrocitinib versus placebo for patients with atopic dermatitis. This meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Results Four RCTs involving 932 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with the control group for atopic dermatitis, abrocitinib has a remarkably positive impact on IGA response (OR = 6.60; 95% CI: 4.41–9.87; p < 0.00001), EASI-75 (OR = 9.19; 95% CI: 6.20–13.61; p < 0.00001), EASI-90 (OR = 10.50; 95% CI: 5.54–19.93; p < 0.0001), NRS response (OR = 6.99; 95% CI: 4.43–11.01; p < 0.00001) and adverse events (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.23–2.52; p = 0.002), but showed no obvious influence on serious adverse events (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.20–1.44; p = 0.22). Conclusions Abrocitinib exerts a favorable effect on the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Bilateral force reflection for teleoperators with masters and slaves with dissimilar and possibly redundant kinematics

Several bilateral control techniques and methods for exploiting redundant slaves are investigated as a part of research to develop and analyze bilateral, force-reflecting control methodologies for teleoperator systems with kinematic dissimilar masters and slaves. The study indicates that, with force/torque sensing at the wrist, and an impedance type of controller with the appropriate joint compensation, a significant improvement in performance and controllability of a teleoperator system can be achieved. 32 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.