Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of Flightless I Increases Human Pericyte Proliferation, Migration and Angiogenic Functions and Improves Healing in Murine Diabetic Wounds

Pericytes are peri-vascular mural cells which have an important role in the homeostatic regulation of inflammatory and angiogenic processes. Flightless I (Flii) is a cytoskeletal protein involved in regulating cellular functions, but its involvement in pericyte activities during wound healing is unknown. Exacerbated inflammation and reduced angiogenesis are hallmarks of impaired diabetic healing responses, and strategies aimed at regulating these processes are vital for improving healing outcomes. To determine the effect of altering Flii expression on pericyte function, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to assess the effect on healing, inflammation and angiogenesis in diabetic wounds. Here, we demonstrated that human diabetic wounds display upregulated expression of the Flii protein in conjunction with a depletion in the number of platelet derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) +/ neural glial antigen 2 (NG2) + pericytes present in the dermis. Human pericytes were found to be positive for Flii and attenuating its expression in vitro through siRNA knockdown led to enhanced proliferation, migration and angiogenic functions. Genetic knockdown of Flii in a streptozotocin-induced murine model of diabetes led to increased numbers of pericytes within the wound. This was associated with dampened inflammation, an increased rate of angiogenic repair and improved wound healing. Our findings show that Flii expression directly impacts pericyte functions, including proliferation, motility and angiogenic responses. This suggests that Flii regulation of pericyte function may be in part responsible for the changes in pericyte-related processes observed in diabetic wounds.
3D-Printed Extracellular Matrix/Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate Hydrogel Incorporating the Anti-inflammatory Phytomolecule Honokiol for Regeneration of Osteochondral Defects

Background: Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability worldwide; cartilage degeneration and defects are the central features. Significant progress in tissue engineering holds promise to regenerate damaged cartilage tissue. However, a formidable challenge is to develop a 3-dimensional (3D) tissue construct that can regulate local immune environment to facilitate the intrinsic osteochondral regeneration. Purpose: To evaluate efficacy of a 3D-printed decellularized cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) integrated novel scaffold (PEGDA/ECM) together with the natural compound honokiol (Hon) for regenerating osteochondral defect. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: We used a stereolithography-based 3D printer for PEGDA/ECM bioprinting. A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats with cylindrical osteochondral defect in the trochlear groove of the femur were randomly assigned into 3 different treatments: no scaffold implantation (Defect group), 3D printed PEGDA/ECM scaffold alone (PEGDA/ECM group), or Hon suspended in a 3D-printed PEGDA/ECM scaffold (PEGDA/ECM/Hon group). 12 rats that underwent only medial parapatellar incision surgery were used as normal controls. The femur specimens were postoperatively harvested at 4 and 8 weeks for gross, micro-CT, and histological evaluations. The efficacy of PEGDA/ECM/Hon scaffold on the release of proinflammatory cytokines from the macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was evaluated in-vitro. Results: In vitro results determined that PEGDA/ECM/Hon scaffold could suppress the release of proinflammatory cytokines from macrophages that were stimulated by LPS. Macroscopic images showed that the PEGDA/ECM/Hon group had significantly higher ICRS scoring than that of defect and PEGDA/ECM groups. Micro-CT evaluation demonstrated that much more bony tissue was formed in the defect sites implanted with the PEGDA/ECM scaffold or PEGDA/ECM/Hon scaffold compared with the untreated defects. Histological analysis showed that the PEGDA/ECM/Hon group had a significant enhancement in osteochondral regeneration at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery in comparison with the ECM/PEGDA or defect group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 3D printing of PEGDA/ECM hydrogel incorporating the anti-inflammatory phytomolecule honokiol could provide a promising scaffold for osteochondral defect repair.
Preliminary test-retest reliability of the Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire

Abstract Purpose Economic realities in lower-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) present an increased need for outcome measures for wheelchair efficacy, as these measures enable optimized use of funds. As the provision level of wheelchairs is low in these areas, and many wheelchairs are inappropriate for their intended users, use of funds based on evidence is especially necessary. The Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire (WSQ) was designed to be a snapshot of a wheelchair user’s level of satisfaction with their wheelchair. The WSQ is comprised of 16 visual analogue scale questions. Each question includes an option for a qualitative explanatory comment. The current study examined initial test-retest reliability of the WSQ. Materials and methods The WSQ was administered twice to the same set of wheelchair users who were secondary students at a school for students with disabilities. A demonstration was given to the participants to explain how to mark the analogue scale. Participants were instructed to answer each item honestly and without peer input. A one-week time span separated test and retest. Scores for both sessions were entered into SPSS. An interclass coefficient of 0.70 or above indicates acceptable test-retest reliability Results The ages of participants ranged from 13 to 24, with a mean age of 17.86 years. Sixty-five participants completed the questionnaire fully in both test and retest and were included in this study. A high degree of reliability was found between scores from both tests. The interclass coefficient was r(63) = . 863, p = . 01, indicating statistically significant agreement between test and retest. Conclusion The results support the WSQ as a reliable measure, confirming the WSQ as a reliable tool for user feedback on wheelchair function. Because the WSQ is designed to provide user feedback with enough granularity to give data on particular aspects of wheelchair structure and function, data can facilitate repair and modifications to wheelchair parts. Studies using the WSQ to assess specific wheelchair types could indicate consistent patterns of user satisfaction and dissatisfaction, revealing relevant design issues. The WSQ is designed to give wheelchair users a voice that can empower user centred modification and design changes to facilitate improved health, opportunity, and social interaction. Implications for Rehabilitation Results from the WSQ could enable manufacturers to utilize user feedback to improve the design of wheelchairs for use in LMIC’s, and providers could be better-informed in the selection of wheelchair types for specific environments. The WSQ could provide immediate user feedback to inform wheelchair modification and selection to best serve a particular user. The WSQ could be used in clinical settings over time to collect longitudinal data from wheelchair users, which could identify the most commonly perceived reasons for user dissatisfaction in a particular clinical setting.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Complete genome sequence of Thioalkalivibrio sulfidophilus HL-EbGr 7

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A BAYESIAN INDICATOR FOR RUN-TORUN PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT USING INDUSTRAIL RISK

This paper proposes a performance indicator based on the Bayesian theory. This indicator is used for assessing the performances of Run-to-Run controllers. The indicator is calculated by analyzing four main points: the output/target error, the output dispersion, the out of tolerance (oot) rate and the industrial risk. The proposed Bayesian method has been tested on the Run-to-Run loops of a semiconductor manufacturing foundry.
Future-proof and sustainable healthy diets based on current eating patterns in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT Background To keep global warming <1.5°C as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), eating patterns must change. However, future diets should be modeled at a national level and respect cultural acceptability. Objectives We aimed to identify diets among Dutch adults satisfying nutritional and selected environmental requirements while deviating minimally from the baseline diet among Dutch adults. Methods We calculated per capita food system greenhouse gas emission (GHGE) targets derived from the IPCC 1.5-degree assessment study. Using individual adult dietary intake from the National Food Consumption Survey in the Netherlands (2007–2010) to form a baseline, we used quadratic optimization to generate diets that followed the baseline Dutch diet as closely as possible, while satisfying nutritional goals and remaining below GHGE targets. We considered 12 scenarios in which we varied GHGE targets [2050: 1.11 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2-eq) per person per day (pppd); 2030: 2.04 kg CO2-eq pppd; less strict 2030: 2.5 kg CO2-eq pppd; no target], modeled eating patterns (food-based dietary guidelines; flexitarian; pescatarian; lacto-ovo-vegetarian; vegan), and conducted exploratory analyses (food diversity; acceptability; food chain interdependency). Results Optimized solutions for 2030 required major decreases (<33% of baseline values) in consumption of beef, pork, cheese, snacks, and butter and increased consumption (>150% of baseline values) of legumes, fish and shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, vegetables, soy foods, and soy drink. Eight food groups were within 33%–150% of the baseline diet among Dutch adults. The optimized solution complying to the lowest GHGE target (2050) lacked food diversity, and the (lacto-ovo) vegetarian and vegan optimized diets were prone to nutritional inadequacies. Conclusions Within Dutch eating habits, satisfying optimization constraints required a shift away from beef, cheese, butter, and snacks toward plant-based foods and fish and shellfish, questioning acceptability. Satisfying 2050 food system GHGE targets will require research in consumer preferences and breakthrough innovations in food production and processing.
The Challenge of Wireless Connectivity to Support Intelligent Mines

The need for continuous safety improvements and inc reased operational efficiency is driving the mining industry through a transition towards large-scale a utomation of operations, i.e., “intelligent mines”. The technology promises to remove human operators from harsh or dangerous conditions and increase productivity, from extraction all the way to the de liv ry of a processed product to the customer. In t his context, one of the key enablers is wireless connec tivity since it allows mining equipment to be remot ely monitored and controlled. Simply put, dependable wi reless connectivity is essential for unmanned mine operations. Although voice and narrowband data radi os have been used for years to support several type s of mining activities, such as fleet management (dispat ch) and telemetry, the use of automated equipment introduces a new set of connectivity requirements a d poses a set of challenges in terms of network pl anning, management and optimization. For example, the data rates required to support unmanned equipment, e.g. a teleoperated bulldozer, shift from a few kilobits/s econd to megabits/second due to live video feeds. T his traffic volume is well beyond the capabilities of P rofessional Mobile Radio narrowband systems and mandates the deployment of broadband systems. Furth ermore, the (data) traffic requirements of a mine a lso vary in time as the fleet expands. Additionally, w ireless networks are planned according to the chara teristics of the scenario in which they will be deployed, but mines change by definition on a daily-basis. There fore, a careful and continuous effort must be made to ensur e the wireless network keeps up with the topographi c and operational changes in order to provide the nec essary network availability, reliability, capacity and coverage needed to support a new mining paradigm. B y means of simulations, we analyze the effects on t he wireless network along 7 years of constant topograp hic changes in an open-pit mine coupled with much higher data requirements. The authors also present a new network topology that is able to partially me et the requirements posed by mining automation and discuss the consequences of not providing connectivity for all applications. The work also discusses how the c areful positioning of the heavy communications infrastructure (tall towers) from the early stages of the mine site project can make the provision of incremental capacity and coverage simpler.
Engaging Students w/ Synchronous Online Learning Activities

BRIEF SESSION DESCRIPTION:Participants will engage in an online mini-workshop that will provide experiences to engage with hands-on materials in an online synchronous setting. Â Emphasis will be placed on 10 pedagogical strategies that engage students in this online environment. Â This mini-session will not take place in a traditional classroom, instead we will model it in a virtual classroom, although the facilitators will be available in person on site for technical help. Â Participants will be able to implement 10 new practices into their online class to increase engagement for student learners. **This session takes places online. Â Participants will need access to a laptop with microphone and speakers or headset and wi-fi. **_______________________________________________________________FULL ABSTRACT:In this session, we will engage in 10 practices for synchronous online learning that are engaging and can not be done face-to-face. We will make a case that synchronous online learning can be better than traditional face-to-face learning. Participants will explore online synchronous learning while progressing through the four levels of the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition (SAMR) model. Â Online teaching is becoming more and more common. In this session, we will review common practices and the need for increased engagement in asynchronous classes using the SAMR model. This model is used to determine if the technology simply replaces something previously done before computers, if the technology makes the activity better, or if the activity could have never been envisioned without the computer. We will make a case for the need for synchronous classes because they provide not only a parallel to face-to-face classes, but they have the opportunity to go beyond anything that you could do in the classroom. This fourth level of the SAMR model, Redefinition, allows for learning that was previously inconceivable. We will model ten practices for synchronous classes that make online learning more engaging than face-to-face. These ten practices can only be done online, making online teaching a better option for our globalized world. Â Each of these ten practices were piloted in over fifteen online courses in the Mathematics Education Leadership department of the College of Human Development and Education at George Mason University. Â In this mini workshop, participants will enter a virtual classroom using Blackboard Collaborate. Â We do not want to meet in an actual classroom. Participants should access a laptop with Wi-Fi access, headphones and microphone. Â Participants will be able to implement 10 new practices into their online class to increase engagement for student learners.
Use of Real‐World Data to Emulate a Clinical Trial and Support Regulatory Decision Making: Assessing the Impact of Temporality, Comparator Choice, and Method of Adjustment

External controls have been primarily used in the setting of single‐arm trials of rare diseases; their use in common diseases has not been readily investigated, nor is there guidance on how to best select comparators. Thus, the objective of this study was to emulate a large cardiovascular outcome trial of type 2 diabetes to compare associations of effectiveness with different comparator groups to those reported in the trial. Using the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER) trial, we investigated six comparator groups using three calendar time periods (Early: 1999–2003; Later: 2004–2008, and Contemporaneous: 2009–2013) and two comparators (sulfonylureas and other second‐to‐third‐line antidiabetic drugs). Hazard ratios (HRs) of the three‐point composite cardiovascular outcome were estimated using four variations of the propensity score (adjustment, stratification, fine stratification, and matching) and compared with the LEADER trial (HR, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–0.97). When comparing users of liraglutide with users of sulfonylureas, the HRs ranged from 0.57 to 1.03, with estimates in the early period most closely reflecting the LEADER trial (HR, 0.57–0.88). In contrast, the HRs ranged from 0.73 to 0.97 when comparing liraglutide users with users of any second‐to‐third‐line antidiabetic drugs, although the later period generated estimates closest to the LEADER trial (HR, 0.77–0.84). Different methods of adjustment led to generally consistent HRs, aside from the fine stratification in the early period. This study highlights the complex interplay between comparator, temporality, and method of adjustment when selecting comparators using real‐word data. These design choices must be considered in the design of trial emulation studies.
Mazurkabl: Score-Aligned Loudness, Beat, And Expressive Markings Data For 2000 Chopin Mazurka Recordings

Large-scale analysis of expressive performance—with focus on how a performer responds to score markings---has been limited by a lack of big datasets of recordings with accurate beat and loudness information with score markings. To bridge this gap, we created the MazurkaBL dataset, a collection of score-beat positions and loudness values, with corresponding score dynamic and tempo markings for 2000 recordings of forty-four Chopin Mazurkas. MazurkaBL forms the largest annotated expressive performance dataset to date. This paper describes how the dataset was created, and variations found in the dataset. For each Mazurka, the recordings were first aligned to the score and one to another to facilitate the transfer of meticulously created manual beat annotations from one reference to all other recordings. We propose a multi-recording alignment heuristic that optimises the reference audio choice for best average alignment results. Loudness values in sones are extracted and analysed; we also provide the score position of dynamic and tempo markings. The result is a rich repository of score-aligned loudness, beat, and expressive marking data for studying expressive variations. We further discuss recent and future applications of MazurkaBL and future directions for database development.
Maximum Power Point Tracking with Solar Energy

Maximum power point tracking MPPT is an electronic DC to DC converter for optimizing the interfacing between solar energy with battery system. The main weakness of MPPT is that it is slow response. To reduce this problem, the proposed proportionalderivative PD controller with MPPT is used to optimize the whole system. The aims of PD controller are to decrease the rise time, minimize the overshoot, and improve the stability of system. This new approach of MPPT with solar energy based on two PD controllers is designed and executed using MatlabSimulink with Toolbox. The simulation results illustrate that the system with PD controller is more accuracy with better performance over the traditional MPPT.
Using Generalizability Theory to Examine Classroom Instructors' Analytic Evaluation of EFL Writing

Using G-theory as a theoretical framework, this study was intended to examine the variability and reliability of classroom instructors’ analytic assessments of EFL writing by undergraduate students at a Turkish university. Ninety-four EFL papers by Turkish-speaking students in a large-scale classroom-based English proficiency exam were scored analytically by three EFL raters. The results showed great rater variation. Ratings based on two assessment categories (e.g. communicative level and linguistic accuracy level) were also obtained. The variance component for scoring categories (c) did explain total score variance (7.25% of the total variance), suggesting that there was difference in the writing scores that could be attributed to the scoring category itself. Further, the dependability coefficient was . 53 for the current scenario and even when the numbers of raters were increased to 10 the dependability of coefficient was . 79. This difference had tremendous impact on the reliability of analytic scoring of EFL papers. The findings of this study provide evidence that the classroom teachers should be appropriately trained to score EFL compositions. Important implications are discussed.
Pre-Prototype Testing: Empirical Insights on the Expected Usefulness of Decentralized Identity Management Systems

Decentralized identity management systems (IMSs) are envisaged to decrease fraud, enhance users’ privacy and introduce transparency to the rather opaque business with personal data. Given these quite desirable features it is not surprising that many whitepapers discuss the technical feasibility of decentralized IMSs. What is missing, however, is the consideration of actual user requirements and their assessment of the decentralized IMS’s ability to actually protect their privacy. We provide insights on the perceived usability of decentralized IMS features as well as on user concerns and requirements. The result of this study is a trigger for further and iterative usability testing that takes up the insights provided by this study. The result suggests that the usability of decentralized IMSs is not as straightforward as presumed by many companies and that a good deal of work is necessary to identify and implement actual user requirements into a functioning prototype.
Lexical Pragmatics: Relevance Theory and Generalized Conversational Implicatures

Communication is traditionally defined as the transfer of information from a sender to a receiver by means of a (linguistic) code. This classical definition belongs to what Sperber & Wilson (1986) call the code model. Specifically, this model presupposes that the hearer’s retrieval of a codified meaning ‘packed up’ in a linguistic string is such that the speaker and the hearer will share exactly the same thought once the process of decoding is completed. The aim of pragmatics since the 1960s is to show that at the discourse level—and recently at the lexical level—there is no one-to-one mapping between linguistic meaning and utterance meaning. In other words, there is a gap between semantically-underspecified meaning and speaker meaning that can only be bridged by pragmatic inference. Consider: