Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and Analysis of Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers Based on SU-8

In this paper, a new capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) is designed by using SU-8 material, and the theory of elastic thin plate is used to deduce the relationship between the pressure and capacitance of the structure. Simulation has been done about SU-8 CMUT by finite element method software ANSYS. The deformation of CMUT under acoustic pressure, the relationship between frequency, thickness and sensitivity, as well as the acoustic impedance and reflection coefficient of SU-8 material also have been studied through the simulation. The results turn out that SU-8 has the advantages of big dynamic range, high sensitivity and small acoustic impedance, so it has broad application in the ultrasonic field.
Variational Fuzzy Neural Network Algorithm for Music Intelligence Marketing Strategy Optimization

In this paper, we use a variational fuzzy neural network algorithm to conduct an in-depth analysis and research on the optimization of music intelligent marketing strategy. The music recommendation system proposed in this paper includes a user modelling module, audio feature extraction module, and recommendation algorithm module. The basic idea of the recommendation algorithm is as follows: firstly, the historical behavioural information of music users is collected, and the user preference model is constructed by using the method of matrix decomposition of the hidden semantic model; then, the audio resources in the system are preprocessed and the spectrum map that can represent the music features is extracted; the similarity between the user's preferred features and the music potential features are calculated to generate recommendations for the target user. The user-music dataset for model training and testing is constructed in-house, and the network model structure used for system experiments is designed based on a typical convolutional neural network model, while the model training tuning parameters are compared and selected. Finally, the model is trained and tested in this paper, and the system is evaluated in terms of both prediction rating accuracy and recommendation list generation accuracy using root mean square error, accuracy, recall, and F1 value as recommendation quality evaluation metrics. The experimental results show that the recommendation algorithm in this paper has certain feasibility and effectiveness. Compared with other traditional music recommendation algorithms, this paper makes full use of the powerful advantage of deep neural networks to automatically extract features and obtain higher-level music feature representations from the audio content, while incorporating the historical behavioural information of user interactions with music, which can effectively alleviate the problems such as cold start in recommendation systems.
Does a shrinking labor force reduce FDI inflows in OECD countries?

ABSTRACT If the problem of population ageing persists and the working-age population in OECD countries shrinks, then according to the neoclassical theory of economic growth, capital inflows into the OECD countries will decrease. Based on this premise, we investigate the dynamic links between the working-age population (% of total population) and net FDI inflows (% of GDP), controlling for trade openness, domestic investment and market size for a panel of 22 OECD countries over the period of 1972–2019. Bidirectional causalities are identified between the working-age population (% of total population) and net FDI inflows (% of GDP). A decline in the working-age population (% of total population) is found to be associated with a significant decline in net FDI inflows (% of GDP).
Bioprospecting of Less-Polar Fractions of Ericaria crinita and Ericaria amentacea: Developmental Toxicity and Antioxidant Activity

Ericaria crinita and Ericaria amentacea from the Adriatic Sea (Croatia) were investigated with respect to the presence of less-polar compounds for the first time after fractionation by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The composition of less-polar fractions of freeze-dried E. crinita (FdEc) and E. amentacea (FdEa) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS). The major identified compounds were: amides of higher aliphatic acids (palmitoleamide, linoleamide, palmitamide, oleamide and erucamide) and related compounds, carotenoid (fucoxanthin), chlorophyll derivatives (pheophytin a and b and their derivatives) and higher terpenes (loliolide, isoamijiol with its oxidation product), β-stigmasterol and (3β,6α)-14-methylergosta-8,24(28)-diene-3,6-diol). The toxic effects observed on the less-polar fractions obtained from Ericaria species on zebrafish Danio rerio embryos could be associated with the high abundance of all five detected amides. The antioxidant activity of the fractions was evaluated by means of five independent assays, including the reduction of the radical cation (ABTS), the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the Folin–Ciocalteu method. A higher antioxidant activity of E. amentacea in comparison to that of the E. crinita fractions was found with IC50 concentrations of 0.072 and 1.177 mg/mL, respectively. The correlation between the activity and the chemical composition revealed that the synergistic effect of different compounds impacted their antioxidant response.
Compensation of Geometric Errors Using a Highly Integrated Hydraulic Feed Axis

Error compensation is a key to reach the geometric accuracies required for high precision machine tools. To prevent errors from affecting the machining process, compensation values for the feed axes can be used. However, conventional feed axes can only compensate deviations in their feed directions. By controlling its integrated hydraulic guiding system, the feed axis presented in this paper is capable of compensating errors in all other degrees of freedom as well. Using a specifically developed program, ideal parameters for the compensation of errors in a realistic 3D-axis-system were calculated. The axis’ characteristics were examined on a test rig for different types of controllers and compared to those parameters. It could be shown that the presented highly integrated hydraulic feed axis is capable of compensating typical errors resulting from such a 3D-setup.
What travel modes do shared e-scooters displace? A review of recent research findings

ABSTRACT The impacts of shared e-scooters on modal shifts have received increased attention in recent years. This study provides a review of the literature for modal shifts in the US and other countries. The profile of shared e-scooter users is rather similar to that of station-based and free-floating bikeshare programs. The empirical data reveal that people use shared e-scooters in place of cars at substantial rates, especially in many US cities, which suggests that in many locations shared e-scooters may be a good strategy for reducing car dependence. The use of shared e-scooters as a complement to public transit varies highly by city, highlighting how technology, regulations, and incentives may be needed in some cities to ensure modal integration and harvest the potential societal benefits from the introduction of shared e-scooters.
Is gastroscopy necessary before bariatric surgery?

Obesity is the abnormal accumulation of fat or adipose tissue in the body. It has become a serious health problem in the world in the last 50 years and is considered a pandemic. Body mass index is a widely used classification. Thus, obese individuals can be easily classified and standardized. Obesity is the second cause of preventable deaths after smoking. Obesity significantly increases mortality and morbidity. We thought of preparing a publication about routine procedures for the preoperative evaluation of obesity. The question that we asked as bariatric and metabolic surgeons but which was not exactly answered in the literature was “Is esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) necessary before bariatric surgery? ” We found different answers in our literature review. The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery guidelines recommend EGD for all bariatric procedures. They strongly recommend it for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). As a result of a recent study by the members of the British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society, preoperative EGD is routinely recommended for patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, even if they are asymptomatic, but not recommended for RYGB. It is recommended for symptomatic patients scheduled for RYGB. According to the International Sleeve Gastrectomy Expert Panel Consensus Statement, preoperative EGD is definitely recommended for patients scheduled for sleeve gastrectomy, but its routine use for RYGB is controversial. However, a different view is that the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommends endoscopy only for symptomatic patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. In the literature, the primary goal of EGD recommended for sleeve gastrectomy has been interpreted as determining esophagitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux. In the light of the literature, it is stated that this procedure is not necessary in America, while it is routinely recommended in the European continent. Considering medicolegal cases that may occur in the future, we are in favor of performing EGD before bariatric surgery. In conclusion, EGD before bariatric surgery is insurance for both patients and physicians. There is a need for larger and prospective studies to reach more precise conclusions on the subject.
Kinetic Analysis of the Adsorption of Ethyl Violet onto Graphene Oxide Sheets Integrated with Gold Nanoparticles

An example of biosorption is when the sorbent is made from a biodegradable material. Biosorption is now being seen as a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally acceptable alternative to traditional pollution treatment methods. Bioremediation is one of the branches of bioremediation that is used to minimise pollution in the context of incorrect dye waste disposal. The sorption isotherm of Ethyl Violet onto graphene oxide were analyzed using three models—pseudo-1st, pseudo-2nd and Elovich, and fitted using non-linear regression. Statistical analysis based on root-mean-square error (RMSE), adjusted coefficient of determination (adjR2), bias factor (BF), accuracy factor (AF), corrected AICc (Akaike Information Criterion), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and Hannan–Quinn information criterion (HQC) that showed that the pseudo-second-order model was the best which was the same finding from the original published work. The calculated evidence ratio was 11 with an AICc probability value of 0.91 indicating that the best model was at least 11 times better than the nearest best model, which was pseudo-1st. Further analysis is needed to provide proof for the mechanism usually tied to this kinetic. Nonlinear regression analysis using the pseudo-2nd order model for the highest concentration tested, which was 10 mM, gave values of equilibrium sorption capacity qe of 30.928 mg/g (95% confidence interval from 29.328 to 32.527) and a value of the pseudo-2nd-order rate constant, k2 of 0.020 (95% confidence interval from 0.011 to 0.028).
The importance of mathematics and statistics support in English universities: an analysis of institutionally-written regulatory documents

ABSTRACT Increasing focus worldwide on accountability and quality assurance in universities has forced senior management to develop policies to address academic support at institutional-level. One such area is the mathematical and statistical skills that students in many disciplines need to succeed. In common with many countries, large numbers of students at English universities arrive inadequately prepared for their courses’ quantitative demands. University-wide mathematics and statistics support provision has been developed to mitigate this problem. We explore such provision from the perspective of institutional accountability and quality assurance, researching the extent to which such support is referenced in institutionally-written regulatory documents. The documents reveal that mathematics and statistics support is stated as contributing to retention, achievement, employability and widening participation. The paper closes with implications and recommendations drawn from the analysis of these documents and therefore is of relevance to those responsible for development and implementation of institutional teaching and learning strategies.
Analysis of Durability of High Performance and Ordinary Concrete Mixtures with Respect to Chlorides

The paper is focused on the evaluation of chloride ingress considering high performance and ordinary concrete mixtures. The effect of concrete maturing is investigated as well. The selected laboratory measurements are used for the description of resistance of concrete against ingress of chlorides. The Finite Element-based numerical model is applied in order to evaluate the effect of concrete type as well as the effect of aging.
BACH1: A Potential Predictor of Survival in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma

Purpose Recent researches showed the vital role of BACH1 in promoting the metastasis of lung cancer. We aimed to explore the value of BACH1 in predicting the overall survival (OS) of early-stage (stages I-II) lung adenocarcinoma. Patients and Methods. Lung adenocarcinoma cases were screened from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to obtain the biological mechanisms of BACH1. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the difference of biological pathways between high- and low-BACH1 groups. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis had been used to screen prognostic factors, which were used to establish the BACH1 expression-based prognostic model in the TCGA dataset. The C-index and time-dependent AUC curve were used to evaluate predictive power of the model. External validation of prognostic value was performed in two independent datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Decision analysis curve was finally used to evaluate clinical usefulness of the BACH1-based model beyond pathologic stage alone. Results BACH1 was an independent prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma. High-expression BACH1 cases had worse OS. BACH1-based prognostic model showed an ideal C-index and t-AUC and validated by two GEO datasets, independently. More importantly, the BACH1-based model indicated positive clinical applicability by DCA curves. Conclusion Our research confirmed that BACH1 was an important predictor of prognosis in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. The higher the expression of BACH1, the worse OS of the patients.
Random Forest Model in the Diagnosis of Dementia Patients with Normal Mini-Mental State Examination Scores

Background: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most widely used tool in cognitive screening. Some individuals with normal MMSE scores have extensive cognitive impairment. Systematic neuropsychological assessment should be performed in these patients. This study aimed to optimize the systematic neuropsychological test battery (NTB) by machine learning and develop new classification models for distinguishing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia among individuals with MMSE ≥ 26. Methods: 375 participants with MMSE ≥ 26 were assigned a diagnosis of cognitively unimpaired (CU) (n = 67), MCI (n = 174), or dementia (n = 134). We compared the performance of five machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, decision tree, SVM, XGBoost, and random forest (RF), in identifying MCI and dementia. Results: RF performed best in identifying MCI and dementia. Six neuropsychological subtests with high-importance features were selected to form a simplified NTB, and the test time was cut in half. The AUC of the RF model was 0.89 for distinguishing MCI from CU, and 0.84 for distinguishing dementia from nondementia. Conclusions: This simplified cognitive assessment model can be useful for the diagnosis of MCI and dementia in patients with normal MMSE. It not only optimizes the content of cognitive evaluation, but also improves diagnosis and reduces missed diagnosis.
Uncertain Parameters in Thermal Machine-Tool Models and Methods to Design their Metrological Adjustment Process

The measures taken to improve the thermal behaviour of machine tools are based on thermal models. The models are applied to support the design process and to correct the machine tool operation in a control-based way. Especially the models for correction purposes include uncertain parameters that cannot be estimated with sufficient accuracy. Thus these parameters have to be adjusted by means of measurements. During the adjustment process, a broad diversity of machine behaviour and model characteristics has to be taken in to account. Therefore, substantial time, effort and expert knowledge are required. To identify the key expenses, a generalized and systematic analysis of the adjustment process was carried out. First, the typical design of the models, the parameters of the sub models and the current adjustment procedure were investigated. Based on the results of the analysis, support requirements were identified. Afterwards first methods and software tools for efficient support were developed. This strategy is demonstrated using the example of a hexapod strut model.
Three Microbial Musketeers of the Seas: Shewanella baltica, Aliivibrio fischeri and Vibrio harveyi, and Their Adaptation to Different Salinity Probed by a Proteomic Approach

Osmotic changes are common challenges for marine microorganisms. Bacteria have developed numerous ways of dealing with this stress, including reprogramming of global cellular processes. However, specific molecular adaptation mechanisms to osmotic stress have mainly been investigated in terrestrial model bacteria. In this work, we aimed to elucidate the basis of adjustment to prolonged salinity challenges at the proteome level in marine bacteria. The objects of our studies were three representatives of bacteria inhabiting various marine environments, Shewanella baltica, Vibrio harveyi and Aliivibrio fischeri. The proteomic studies were performed with bacteria cultivated in increased and decreased salinity, followed by proteolytic digestion of samples which were then subjected to liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis. We show that bacteria adjust at all levels of their biological processes, from DNA topology through gene expression regulation and proteasome assembly, to transport and cellular metabolism. The finding that many similar adaptation strategies were observed for both low- and high-salinity conditions is particularly striking. The results show that adaptation to salinity challenge involves the accumulation of DNA-binding proteins and increased polyamine uptake. We hypothesize that their function is to coat and protect the nucleoid to counteract adverse changes in DNA topology due to ionic shifts.
Modern Approaches in the Discovery and Development of Plant-Based Natural Products and Their Analogues as Potential Therapeutic Agents

Natural products represents an important source of new lead compounds in drug discovery research. Several drugs currently used as therapeutic agents have been developed from natural sources; plant sources are specifically important. In the past few decades, pharmaceutical companies demonstrated insignificant attention towards natural product drug discovery, mainly due to its intrinsic complexity. Recently, technological advancements greatly helped to address the challenges and resulted in the revived scientific interest in drug discovery from natural sources. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various approaches used in the selection, authentication, extraction/isolation, biological screening, and analogue development through the application of modern drug-development principles of plant-based natural products. Main focus is given to the bioactivity-guided fractionation approach along with associated challenges and major advancements. A brief outline of historical development in natural product drug discovery and a snapshot of the prominent natural drugs developed in the last few decades are also presented. The researcher’s opinions indicated that an integrated interdisciplinary approach utilizing technological advances is necessary for the successful development of natural products. These involve the application of efficient selection method, well-designed extraction/isolation procedure, advanced structure elucidation techniques, and bioassays with a high-throughput capacity to establish druggability and patentability of phyto-compounds. A number of modern approaches including molecular modeling, virtual screening, natural product library, and database mining are being used for improving natural product drug discovery research. Renewed scientific interest and recent research trends in natural product drug discovery clearly indicated that natural products will play important role in the future development of new therapeutic drugs and it is also anticipated that efficient application of new approaches will further improve the drug discovery campaign.
Microbiome Changes in Humans with Parkinson’s Disease after Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Retrospective Study

There is a paucity of information on the effect of photobiomodulation therapy on gut microbiome composition. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder with few management options, although the gut microbiome has been suggested as a potential avenue of treatment. We retrospectively analysed the microbiome from human stool samples from a previously published study, which had demonstrated the efficacy of photobiomodulation to treat Parkinson’s patients’ symptoms. Specifically, we have observed changes in the microbiome of Parkinson’s patients after a 12-week treatment regimen with photobiomodulation to the abdomen, neck, head and nose. Noted were positive changes in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F:B) ratio, which is often interpreted as a proxy for gut health.
Effect of Irrigation and N-fertigation Levels on Broccoli Performance in a Polynet House

The purpose of this study is to see how the microclimate of the polynet house, irrigation, and fertigation levels affect broccoli output. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design within bounds beneath a polynet house with 320 m2 floor area covered with 50% perforated green colour net. Plant height, dry matter production yield, and its attributes were found to be maximum in drip irrigation (1.0Epan) + 125 % N at all growth stages, as per effect of scheduled irrigation and fertigation levels on crop biometric performance. Drip irrigation (1.0Epan) + 125% N resulted in a high higher yield (22.02 t ha-1); while treatments drip irrigation (1.5 Epan) + 75% N resulted as in lowest yield (18.02 t ha-1). The treatment drip irrigation (1.0Epan) + 125% N had a maximum NPK uptake. Polynet house covered with 50% perforation of green colour is suitable for realizing favorable microclimate for broccoli cultivation. Drip irrigation scheduled at 1.0 E pan with 125%N in the poly net house is recommended for broccoli production in central Telanganaagro-climatic conditions as it maintained high yield and water use efficiency.