Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immune Dysregulation Is Associated with Neurodevelopment and Neurocognitive Performance in HIV Pediatric Populations—A Scoping Review

HIV-1 is known for its complex interaction with the dysregulated immune system and is responsible for the development of neurocognitive deficits and neurodevelopmental delays in pediatric HIV populations. Considering that HIV-1-induced immune dysregulation and its association with neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive impairments in pediatric populations are not well understood, we conducted a scoping review on this topic. The study aimed to systematically review the association of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immune markers with neurocognitive deficits and neurodevelopmental delays in pediatric HIV populations. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched using a search protocol designed specifically for this study. Studies were selected based on a set eligibility criterion. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were assessed by two independent reviewers. Data from the selected studies were extracted and analyzed by two independent reviewers. Seven studies were considered eligible for use in this context, which included four cross-sectional and three longitudinal studies. An average of 130 (±70.61) children living with HIV, 138 (±65.37) children exposed to HIV but uninfected and 90 (±86.66) HIV-negative participants were included across the seven studies. Results indicate that blood and CSF immune markers are associated with neurocognitive development/performance in pediatric HIV populations. Only seven studies met the inclusion criteria, therefore, these limited the number of significant conclusions which could have been made by using such an approach. All considered, the evidence suggests that immune dysregulation, as in the case of adult HIV populations, also has a significant association with neurocognitive performance in pediatric HIV populations.
Compact dual-band power divider based on dual composite right/left-handed transmission line

A compact dual-band power divider based on a dual composite right/left-handed transmission line is presented. The measured results show that for the presented power divider operating at 1.9 GHz with a 94.2% bandwidth (1.00-2.78 GHz) and at 6.6 GHz with a 12.9% bandwidth (6.25-7.10 GHz), in which the return loss is <;-10 dB, the variation of measured |S21| and |S31| is within 3 ± 0.5 dB. Compared with the conventional transmission line power divider operating at 1.9 GHz, the presented one not only realises dual bands but also realises a 24% size reduction.
Stochastic voltage flicker analysis and its mitigation for steel industrial power systems

This paper presents the analysis of voltage flicker for an industrial power system by considering the stochastic load modeling of arc furnaces. The field measurement of power consumption has been performed to identify the variances of injection current at each load bus. The mean value and standard deviation of the voltage flicker are then solved by stochastic load flow analysis with the fluctuation of reactive power consumption by arc furnaces. To investigate the mitigation of voltage flicker by static var compensator, the mathematical models of SVC has been included in the computer simulation to find the adaptive reactive power compensation. It is found that the variation of voltage flicker at each bus can be determined accurately by the proposed stochastic load flow analysis and the quick response of SVC to the bus voltage change can effectively reduce the voltage flicker.
SCTuner: An Autotuner Addressing Dynamic I/O Needs on Supercomputer I/O Subsystems

In high-performance computing (HPC), scientific applications often manage a massive amount of data using I/O libraries. These libraries provide convenient data model abstractions, help ensure data portability, and, most important, empower end users to improve I/O performance by tuning configurations across multiple layers of the HPC I/O stack. We propose SCTuner, an autotuner integrated within the I/O library itself to dynamically tune both the I/O library and the underlying I/O stack at application runtime. To this end, we introduce a statistical benchmarking method to profile the behaviors of individual supercomputer I/O subsystems with varied configurations across I/O layers. We use the benchmarking results as the built-in knowledge in SCTuner, implement an I/O pattern extractor, and plan to implement an online performance tuner as the SCTuner runtime. We conducted a benchmarking analysis on the Summit supercomputer and its GPFS file system Alpine. The preliminary results show that our method can effectively extract the consistent I/O behaviors of the target system under production load, building the base for I/O autotuning at application runtime.
Prototype Medical Exoskeleton for Paraplegic Mobility: First Experimental Results

Spinal cord injuries leave thousands of patients confined to wheelchairs, resulting in a life of severely limited mobility. This condition also subjects them to the risk of secondary injuries. Because exoskeletons are externally driven machines in which the actuation is coupled to the person’s joints, they offer an ideal method to help paraplegics walk. The exoskeleton presented here is a mobile, battery powered device that uses hydraulically actuated hip and knee joints in the sagittal plane to move a patient’s joints. The control strategy mimics standard human walking using foot sensors to determine the walking state. This activates position control of the joints to follow standard walking trajectories based on clinical gait analysis data. Initial patient testing of the device showed that the exoskeleton enabled one incomplete paraplegic to significantly improve his gait function and three complete paraplegic patients to walk.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Tobramycin Supplemented Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts for Local Antibiotic Delivery: A Preliminary Formulation Study

Peripheral artery occlusive disease is an emerging cardiovascular disease characterized by the blockage of blood vessels in the limbs and is associated with dysfunction, gangrene, amputation, and a high mortality risk. Possible treatments involve by-pass surgery using autologous vessel grafts, because of the lack of suitable synthetic small-diameter vascular prosthesis. One to five percent of patients experience vascular graft infection, with a high risk of haemorrhage, spreading of the infection, amputation and even death. In this work, an infection-proof vascular graft prototype was designed and manufactured by electrospinning 12.5% w/v poly-L-lactic-co-glycolic acid solution in 75% v/v dichloromethane, 23.8% v/v dimethylformamide and 1.2% v/v water, loaded with 0.2% w/wPLGA. Polymer and tobramycin concentrations were selected after viscosity and surface tension and after HPLC-UV encapsulation efficiency (EE%) evaluation, respectively. The final drug-loaded prototype had an EE% of 95.58% ± 3.14%, with smooth fibres in the nanometer range and good porosity; graft wall thickness was 291 ± 20.82 μm and its internal diameter was 2.61 ± 0.05 mm. The graft’s antimicrobic activity evaluation through time-kill assays demonstrated a significant and strong antibacterial activity over 5 days against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. An indirect cell viability assay on Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF) confirmed the cytocompatibility of the grafts.
Automated design of vehicle silhouettes using genetic algorithms and statistical analysis

SHRNUTÍ Tento članek popisuje metodu automatickeho navrhu siluety vozu. V průběhu historie vzniklo mnoho automobilů jejichž rysy jsou do značne miry podobne. Tyto rysy (siluety) můžeme extrahovat pomoci statisticke metody analyzy hlavnich komponent a použit je pro navrh nove siluety, ktera je dale optimalizovana pomoci genetickych algoritmů. Proces optimalizace zohledňuje zadane fyzikalni parametry jako je objem prostoru pro motor, zavazadla a pasažery. Vysledek produkovany algoritmem pak slouži jako inspirace pro člověka-designera a může byt zobecněn na vybrany typ produktu. ABSTRACT This paper describes a method for the automatic design of vehicle silhouettes. Over the years many different vehicles have been created, but most of them share similar features. We can extract these features through statistical analysis (principal component analysis) and use them in creating the shape of a vehicle’s silhouette. To produce the new original silhouettes we utilize an optimization method (a genetic algorithm) which fits the new silhouette to the prescribed physical conditions, e.g. space for the engine, space for the passengers etc. This algorithm serves as a source of inspiration for human designers and can be generalized to produce many kinds of products.
Model calibration using ESEm v1.0.0 – an open, scalable Earth System Emulator

Abstract. Large computer models are ubiquitous in the earth sciences. These models often have tens or hundreds of tuneable parameters and can take thousands of core-hours to run to completion while generating terabytes of output. It is becoming common practice to develop emulators as fast approximations, or surrogates, of these models in order to explore the relationships between these inputs and outputs, understand uncertainties and generate large ensembles datasets. While the purpose of these surrogates may differ, their development is often very similar. Here we introduce ESEm: an open-source tool providing a general workflow for emulating and validating a wide variety of models and outputs. It includes efficient routines for sampling these emulators for the purpose of uncertainty quantification and model calibration. It is built on well-established, high-performance libraries to ensure robustness, extensibility and scalability. We demonstrate the flexibility of ESEm through three case-studies using ESEm to reduce parametric uncertainty in a general circulation model, explore precipitation sensitivity in a cloud resolving model and scenario uncertainty in the CMIP6 multi-model ensemble.
Spectrum of polarization phenomena of long time-constant as a diagnostic method of oil-paper insulating systems

A novel test method for the assessment of the bulk dielectric properties of oil-paper insulation has been developed. Specifically, the authors describe a simple on-site DC testing and apparatus for the determination of the polarization spectrum in the polarization time-constant domain of 10/sup -3/ to 10/sup 4/ s. In this range the so-called interface polarization phenomena of long time constant are active, which are highly influenced by the water content of oil-impregnated paper insulation and the adsorption of byproducts of aging. The method can be regarded as a complementary diagnosis method of dissolved gas analysis and other analytical methods and gives information on the general state and dielectric aging of the impregnated paper insulation. The test method and apparatus have been successfully and widely used on high-voltage power transformers of the Hungarian Electricity Board. <<ETX>>
Comparative Effect of Antihypertensive Drugs in Improving Arterial Stiffness in Hypertensive Adults (RIGIPREV Study). A Protocol for Network Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: Arterial stiffness is closely and bi-directionally related to hypertension and is understood as both a cause and a consequence of hypertension. Several studies suggest that antihypertensive drugs may reduce arterial stiffness. Therefore, effective prescription of antihypertensive drugs should consider both blood pressure and arterial stiffness. The aim of this protocol is to provide a review comparing the effects of different types of antihypertensive drug interventions on the reduction of arterial stiffness in hypertensive subjects. (2) Methods: The literature search will be performed through the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science databases. Randomised clinical trials assessing the effect of antihypertensive drug interventions on arterial stiffness measured in subjects with hypertension will be included. A frequentist network meta-analysis will be performed to determine the comparative effects of different antihypertensive drugs. (3) Results: The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. (4) Conclusions: This study will provide evidence for health care professionals on the efficacy of different antihypertensive drugs in decreasing arterial stiffness; in addition, it will analyse the efficacy of the drugs not only in terms of arterial stiffness but also in terms of blood pressure treatment.
The loyalty effect

Authors: Oskar Bill, Alexander Jondell Supervisors: Carl-Henric Nilsson Associate Professor Lund University ¬ School of Economics and Management Department of Business Administration Charlotta Johansson Associate Professor Lund University ¬ Faculty of Engineering Department of Automatic Control Purpose: The purpose is to predict customer loyalty by utilising big data. This will be done by combining two models: The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and the Net Promoter Score (NPS) using the benefits of each model, the cause and effect relationship in ACSI and the simple survey methodology in NPS. The findings are aimed to facilitate a work method enabling companies to use big data in order to predict customer loyalty to be able to pro-actively work with detracting customers and to grow future profits. Method: The methodology had both a quantitative and qualitative approach. By deducting a model from a theoretical analysis a linear relationship was derived between ACSI and NPS. The drivers of loyalty was then developed from a qualitative analysis and tested through a quantitative analysis of the relationships in the model. Findings: A relationship between the NPS and the ACSI was possible to prove. However, it was not possible to predict customer loyalty since the drivers of loyalty could not be explained with the available data and further research is therefore needed.
Maximum Radiated Emission Calculator: Power Bus EMI Algorithm

The Maximum Radiated Electromagnetic Emissions Calculator (MREMC) is a software tool that allows the user to calculate the maximum possible radiated emissions that could occur due to specific source geometries on a printed circuit board. This report describes the Power Bus EMI algorithm, which determines the maximum possible radiated emissions that could occur from a rectangular power bus structure. The methods used, calculations made, and implementation details are described.
Beam splitter with tunable power ratio achieved by a composite structure

Controlling the propagation of light by using a square lattice photonic crystal (PC) is investigated. Beam bending is accomplished by gradually varying the orientation of dielectric rods. The beam redirection relies on gradual modification of PC structural parameters which make the group velocity location dependent. A Y-shaped beam splitter is then designed by means of a composite structure consisting of two graded PCs. The splitting ability of the beam splitter is further discussed. We demonstrate that one input beam can be split into two output beams. The equal and unequal energy splitting are obtained.
Novel clonality assays for T cell lymphoma in cats targeting the T cell receptor beta, T cell receptor delta, and T cell receptor gamma loci

Abstract Background T cell clonality assays in veterinary medicine currently target only the T cell receptor gamma (TRG) locus. Existing assays have suboptimal sensitivity because of insufficient primer coverage of all possible rearrangements. Objective Develop higher sensitivity clonality assays targeting the TRG, delta (TRD), and beta (TRB) loci in cats. Animals Cats with histopathologically confirmed lymphoma (n = 89), non‐lymphoma (n = 35), and possible hepatic small cell lymphoma (n = 31). Methods Molecular clonality assay development utilizing our recently reported topology and expressed repertoire data of the T cell receptor loci in cats. Determination of clonality status of lymphoma, non lymphoma, and possible hepatic small cell lymphoma samples, and calculation of assay sensitivity and specificity. Results The new multiplex TRG assay yielded the highest sensitivity (95.5%). All assays yielded 100% specificity except for the new multiplex TRG assay (97.3%). The combination of the new TRG and TRB assays yielded sensitivity of 98.9% and specificity of 97.0%. The new TRG assay detected clonality in 17/31 possible small cell lymphoma livers, whereas an existing TRG assay detected clonality in 6/31 livers. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The assessment of multiple T cell loci compensates for the potential shortcomings of individual assays. Using a combination of molecular clonality assays will increase the overall sensitivity for the diagnosis of T‐cell lymphoma in cats, especially intestinal, and hepatic small cell lymphoma. Hepatic small cell lymphomas detected by the new TRG assay utilized rarely expressed V and J genes not recognized by previous assays, likely indicating unique biology of hepatic small cell lymphoma in cats.
Carotenoid Biosynthetic Genes in Cabbage: Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution, and Expression Analysis

Carotenoids are natural functional pigments produced by plants and microorganisms and play essential roles in human health. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) is an economically important vegetable in terms of production and consumption. It is highly nutritious and contains β-carotene, lutein, and other antioxidant carotenoids. Here, we systematically analyzed carotenoid biosynthetic genes (CBGs) on the whole genome to understand the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in cabbage. In total, 62 CBGs were identified in the cabbage genome, which are orthologs of 47 CBGs in Arabidopsis thaliana. Out of the 62 CBGs, 46 genes in cabbage were mapped to nine chromosomes. Evolutionary analysis of carotenoid biosynthetic orthologous gene pairs among B. oleracea, B. rapa, and A. thaliana revealed that orthologous genes of B. oleracea underwent a negative selection similar to that of B. rapa. Expression analysis of the CBGs showed functional differentiation of orthologous gene copies in B. oleracea and B. rapa. Exogenous phytohormone treatment suggested that ETH, ABA, and MeJA can promote some important CBGs expression in cabbage. Phylogenetic analysis showed that BoPSYs exhibit high conservatism. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that BoPSYs are located in the chloroplast. This study is the first to study carotenoid biosynthesis genes in cabbage and provides a basis for further research on carotenoid metabolic mechanisms in cabbage.
The Tungsten - P Type Silicon Point Contact Diode

Video detection at 90 GHz, 890 GHz, 28.3 THz, and 474 THz is examined with respect to whisker advancement. Reproducible behavior of I-V curves is obtained and correlated with the RF data. A significant thermal effect is shown to compete with conventional barrier rectification. Micrographic analysis coupled with microhardness measurements clearly demonstrates that the tungsten whisker exerts sufficient pressure to deform the silicon surface of the diodes.
An analysis of the process of information systems development across time and space: The case of outsourcing to India

The processes of globalisation have led to a world which is more closely connected and interdependent than ever before. The use of information technology has been instrumental in facilitating these interconnections and as the processes of globalisation have unfolded, whole industries have developed which are not dependent upon location to trade with their customers across the globe. There is no industry more seemingly suited to the notion of time and place independence than software development and the relative labour costs have meant that some developing countries have become popular locations for the outsourcing of information systems development. There is no country more involved in the outsourcing of software than India which has rapidly emerged as a world leader in the provision of outsourced software development. There have been few studies which have holistically and longitudinally examined this form of software development as a process. This thesis is the result of such a study. The aim of this research is to investigate the process of information systems development across time and space involving teams located in different countries. The research is undertaken with an interpretivist approach and methodology derived from Context Process analysis. The analysis of data is informed by the sociologist Anthony Giddens's later writings on globalisation as well as theory derived from the study of culture and power in organisations. The data collection was undertaken using a range of qualitative techniques. The outcomes of the research include an improved understanding of the implications for information systems development involving teams located in different countries collaborating with information technology across time and space, with relevance to the context of Indian outsourcing. Theoretical outcomes include an improved understanding of the methodological, social and political dimensions of information systems development using teams separated by time and space. The implications for management include an exposition of the issues involved in undertaking projects where teams are separated by time and space and guidance for moves to global software outsourcing.
Simulation of geomagnetic currents induced in a power system by magnetohydrodynamic electromagnetic pulses

The quasi-DC currents induced on a power system by a simulated magnetohydrodynamic-electromagnetic pulse (MHD-EMP) is quantified. The determination of the currents is based on the similarity between the effects of MHD-EMP and the impact of geomagnetic storms. It is shown how the methodology to calculate geomagnetic-induced currents from solar storms has been modified to calculate the currents induced by an MHD-EMP event. Results for the Arizona Public System are given. >
A simple online estimation method of rotor resistance for induction motor using MRAC

During the operation of an induction motor (IM) drive system, parameters' variations will influence the effectiveness of control. A relatively simple scheme is presented in this paper for an online estimation of the rotor resistance. This proposed method is based on the theory of model reference adaptive control (MRAC). The results of simulation and experiment show that this identification scheme has good astringency and it can be applied to the real vector control of IM.
Structural, elastic, electronic and optical investigations of fluoride-perovskite NaBeF3: first-principles calculations

ABSTRACT The investigations of the pressure effects on structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of fluoride-perovskite NaBeF3 are carried out for the first time using the full-potential linearised augmented plane wave plus local orbitals (FP-LAPW + lo) implemented in the Wien2K code. Local density approximation, generalised gradient approximation (GGA), EV-GGA and modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ) approaches are adopted to incorporate the exchange and correlation potential. The calculated structural properties are in good agreement with the previous results. The predicted indirect band gap (R–Γ) is 11.87 eV for NaBeF3 indicating the insulating behaviour of the fluoride perovskite. The calculated formation and cohesion energies assert that this compound can be experimentally realised. The elastic properties indicate that NaBeF3 alloy is mechanically stable, ductile and anisotropic with a mixed bonding nature. The computed optical properties are in line with the Penn model and reveal its transparency for a large interval of energies. The investigation of the pressure effects on some physical properties of the studied alloy reveals that the compressibility module and the energy gaps increase with increasing pressure whereas the lattice constant decreases with increasing pressure. The investigated alloy can be used for high-frequency optical and optoelectronic devices.