Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy-Efficient Retrofit Measures to Achieve Nearly Zero Energy Buildings

Considering the 2021 IPCC report that justly attributes our deteriorating climatic condition to human doing, the need to develop nearly zero energy building (nZEB) practices is gaining urgency. However, rather than the typical focus on developing greenfield net-zero initiatives, retrofitting underperforming buildings could create significant scale climate positive impacts faster. The chapter accordingly discusses energy-efficient retrofitting methods under three categorical sectors—visual comfort (daylight-based zoning, shadings); thermal comfort and ventilation (solar radiation-based zoning, central atrium plus interior openings, insulation, and window replacement); energy consumption (efficient lighting system, and controllers, material and HVAC system optimization, PV panels as the renewable energy source). This chapter further substantiates these theoretical underpinnings with an implemented design scheme—an educational building within a cold semiarid climatic condition—to showcase the on-ground impact of these retrofitting strategies in reducing the energy used for heating and cooling and lighting purposes.
Impact of Online Emotions and Netiquette on Phubbing from a Gender Perspective: Educational Challenges

During adolescence, the Internet is mainly used for purposes of socialization. Non-verbal elements limit online communication, thus leading to widespread use of emotional resources. It would be preferable if virtual interaction did not reduce the quality of person-to-person contacts, particularly thanks to the adoption of netiquette (respectful treatment of others online). Phubbing, the tendency to check one’s mobile phone during a face-to-face conversation, has become a widespread practice that causes anxiety and can lead to social exclusion. Educating on this behavior could be related with emotional content and with netiquette. This study’s objectives are to analyze the extent to which the use of netiquette and online emotional content are associated with and can predict phubbing, taking gender differences into account. 935 adolescents (ages 12-17, 55,1% female) from 13 schools in the region of Aragon (Spain) responded to our questionnaire. Results are revealing: the level of online emotional content increases the level of phubbing; online emotional expression is the most influential risk factor in both genders; netiquette protects girls to a greater degree. We discuss the educational challenges posed by guaranteeing the responsible use of social networks.
Longitudinal Impact of WTC Dust Inhalation on Rat Cardiac Tissue Transcriptomic Profiles

First responders (FR) exposed to the World Trade Center (WTC) Ground Zero air over the first week after the 9/11 disaster have an increased heart disease incidence compared to unexposed FR and the general population. To test if WTC dusts were causative agents, rats were exposed to WTC dusts (under isoflurane [ISO] anesthesia) 2 h/day on 2 consecutive days; controls received air/ISO or air only. Hearts were collected 1, 30, 240, and 360 d post-exposure, left ventricle total RNA was extracted, and transcription profiles were obtained. The data showed that differentially expressed genes (DEG) for WTC vs. ISO rats did not reach any significance with a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 at days 1, 30, and 240, indicating that the dusts did not impart effects beyond any from ISO. However, at day 360, 14 DEG with a low FDR were identified, reflecting potential long-term effects from WTC dust alone, and the majority of these DEG have been implicated as having an impact on heart functions. Furthermore, the functional gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) data at day 360 showed that WTC dust could potentially impact the myocardial energy metabolism via PPAR signaling and heart valve development. This is the first study showing that WTC dust could significantly affect some genes that are associated with the heart/CV system, in the long term. Even > 20 years after the 9/11 disaster, this has potentially important implications for those FR exposed repeatedly at Ground Zero over the first week after the buildings collapsed.
HPV Vaccination: Polish-Language Facebook Discourse Analysis

Social media platforms are widely used for spreading vaccine-related information. The objectives of this paper are to characterize Polish-language human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination discourse on Facebook and to trace the possible influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on changes in the HPV vaccination debate. A quantitative and qualitative analysis was carried out based on data collected with a tool for internet monitoring and social media analysis. We found that the discourse about HPV vaccination bearing negative sentiment is centralized. There are leaders whose posts generate the bulk of anti-vaccine traffic and who possess relatively greater capability to influence recipients’ opinions. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic vaccination debate intensified, but there is no unequivocal evidence to suggest that interest in the HPV vaccination topic changed.
Prevalence of Leukocytozoon spp. in Rescued Wild Birds in Korea

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/ license/by-nc/3.0/). Leukocytozoon spp. is a protozoan that causes infection in the blood, causing economic losses to the poultry industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of leukocytozoonosis in wild birds rescued from January 2019 to December 2020. The medical records and the preserved residual blood samples of rescued and treated wild birds were analyzed. After DNA extraction from the preserved blood samples, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to test the extracted DNA. A total of 336 wild birds were tested in this study, of which 3.6% (6/336) were positive. Leukocytozoonosis was detected in four bird species, two of which were winter migratory birds and two were summer migratory birds in Korea. The results of this study suggest that wild birds visiting or staying in Korea may be infected with the Leukocytozoon spp. , and there is a possibility that the pathogen may be transmitted to other domestic or wild bird species or shared with each other. It is necessary to conduct an extensive investigation focusing on important migratory bird habitats and to analyze the genetic relationships between domestic and wild bird-origin pathogens.
Finding Similar Historical Scenarios for Better Understanding Aircraft Taxi Time: A Deep Metric Learning Approach

Accurate prediction of aircraft taxi time is crucial to optimizing route scheduling and improving airport efficiency. However, studies usually give only a single deterministic taxi time predicted by models, which lacks interpretability and affects controllers’ trust. To solve this problem, using the idea of auxiliary decision-making based on similar scenarios, a deep metric learning model is proposed to learn the similarity among historical situations, consisting of flight properties, surface traffic, and meteorological conditions. Combining the model with the k-nearest-neighbor regression algorithm, a set of historical circumstances similar to a reference scenario can be found and used to predict the taxi time. Experimental verification using Shanghai Pudong International Airport data shows that the model achieves better performance than the state-of-the-art variants for taxi-out time prediction accuracy. More importantly, similar historical scenarios can provide insights into the uncertainty quantification of aircraft taxi time and serve as a basis for controllers to make decisions. The methodology enriches decision support tools and enhances airports’ refined management capabilities.
Diagnosis and Localization of Prostate Cancer via Automated Multiparametric MRI Equipped with Artificial Intelligence

Prostate MRI scans for pre-biopsied patients are important. However, fewer radiologists are available for MRI diagnoses, which requires multi-sequential interpretations of multi-slice images. To reduce such a burden, artificial intelligence (AI)-based, computer-aided diagnosis is expected to be a critical technology. We present an AI-based method for pinpointing prostate cancer location and determining tumor morphology using multiparametric MRI. The study enrolled 15 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between April 2008 and August 2017 at our institution. We labeled the cancer area on the peripheral zone on MR images, comparing MRI with histopathological mapping of radical prostatectomy specimens. Likelihood maps were drawn, and tumors were divided into morphologically distinct regions using the superpixel method. Likelihood maps consisted of pixels, which utilize the cancer likelihood value computed from the T2-weighted, apparent diffusion coefficient, and diffusion-weighted MRI-based texture features. Cancer location was determined based on the likelihood maps. We evaluated the diagnostic performance by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve according to the Chi-square test. The area under the ROC curve was 0.985. Sensitivity and specificity for our approach were 0.875 and 0.961 (p < 0.01), respectively. Our AI-based procedures were successfully applied to automated prostate cancer localization and shape estimation using multiparametric MRI.
Modeling and simulation of vibration comfort of human body in a railway sleeper carriage

The whole body vibration of a recumbent passenger in a railway sleeper carriage is the major effect on the comfort feeling.The vertical vibration model of a supine human body was studied.Based on the secondary suspension dynamic model of railway vehicles,a 14 DOFs "human-berth-vehicle" spatial vertical coupled dynamic model was established considering the vibration isolation effect of the sleeping berth and the vertical vibration characteristics of the supine human body.Under the random irregular excitation of track on the coupled dynamic model,the vertical vibration responses of the supine human body were studied at different train speeds.With the evaluation criterion of the vibration comfort of human body in supine position,the simulation program for the vibration comfort of human body in a railway sleeper carriage was established.The root-mean-square accelerations of head and buttock were weighted using body positions and frequencies in succession to get the vibration comfort index of the human body in a railway sleeper carriage.Simulation software for the vibration comfort of the human body in a railway sleeper carriage was developed.After inputting the structural and dynamic parameters of the human body and the vehicle,the simulating process for the vibration comfort of the human body could be carried out automatically.Therefore it provided an effective means to analyze the vibration comfort of the human body in a railway sleeper carriage and optimize the suspension parameters of the vehicle.
Cognitive load theory and its measurement: a study of secondary tasks in relation to working memory

ABSTRACT Cognitive load theory has been influential in learning sciences. Unfortunately, the theory has struggled to develop a reliable and valid measure of its central construct of cognitive load. As such new research in the field has been exploring the usage of secondary tasks. The current work juxtaposed two secondary tasks, the rhythmic tapping method (RTM) and the tactile detection response task (TDRT) in order to examine the secondary tasks. Findings indicated the RTM interfered more with auditory processing than visuospatial processing, while the TDRT had similar interference for auditory and visuospatial processing. The RTM secondary task may be a modality specific measurement method, while the TDRT is not. Lastly, the TDRT was sensitive to measuring the difference in levels of cognitive processing, but the RTM was not sensitive. More research is suggested to apply the TDRT within the framework for cognitive load theory and verify the modality-specific nature of the RTM.
A Transformation-Optics-Based Flat Metamaterial Luneburg Lens Antenna With Zero Focal Length

The transformation optics (TO) technique has been widely applied in the volume reduction of Luneburg lens (LL) in both optical and microwave regimes. However, it is found that the focus is usually not located on the surface of the transformed LL anymore after applying TO. The focus location shift results in a limited volume reduction, severe reflection from the new lens surface, and limited scanning range with increased spillover loss. This article theoretically studies and proposes a TO-based LL antenna with zero focal length by considering the phase mismatch caused by space discontinuity. The study first reveals that the transformation of an LL alone without sustaining the original boundary inherently deteriorates the original focusing property even before exerting any approximation. To validate the idea, a flat metamaterial LL antenna using TO is proposed, approximated, and fabricated using an integrated dielectric and conductive 3-D printing manufacturing process. The feeding patch antenna remains on the surface of the transformed lens. The thickness of the proposed antenna is reduced to 1/3 of a traditional LL in its boresight, while a ±20° beam scanning range is achieved with linearly shifted feedings. The study verifies that it is essential to ensure phase matching at the radiation boundary to maintain the original focusing property of an LL. The information derived from the study evidences the conditions of the enforcement of TO in electromagnetic problems such as dielectric lenses.
Identifying the effects of supplemental oxygen administration on the health outcomes of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome and oxygen saturation >93% – a systematic review

Objectives: Oxygen was commonly used in the early management of patients presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) regardless of their oxygen saturation. Inappropriate administration of supplemental oxygen could potentially result in adverse patient health outcomes. Aim: To identify the effects of supplemental oxygen administration on the health outcomes of patients presenting with ACS and oxygen saturations >93%. Method: Systematic review. The CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane and Medline databases were searched for relevant literature. Inclusion criteria included articles published from 2008-2019, adult participants, primary studies, and participants with uncomplicated ACS and have oxygen saturation >93%. Eligible studies were assessed for rigour using a critical appraisal tool. Results: Seven randomised controlled studies were included for analysis. Themes were also used to group the assessed endpoints. The three main outcomes analysed were: infarct size and cardiac function; adverse cardiac events; and mortality. Two of the seven studies found a statistically significant relationship between oxygen administration, infarct size, and adverse cardiac events. Conversely, five of the seven studies reported that supplemental oxygen did not have statistically significant benefit over room air. Conclusion: This review identified that oxygen should not be administered to patients who present with ACS and have oxygen saturations >93%. This is due to the potential risk of adverse outcomes: increased infarct size, mortality, and adverse events. Impact statement: Recent update of guidelines despite evidence opposing oxygen delivery in ACS means the education of nurses is imperative for safe practice.
Grey correlation analysis of sensitive factors of landslide

Grey Correlation Model is employed analyze sensitivities of influencing factors. This model regards sensitive factors as sub-sequences, the corresponding safety factors as primary-sequences, top-difference as transforming method of basic data and correlative degrees as estimating indexes of sensitive factors. The model takes the Xiatudiling landslide which is located at Shuitianba, the area of the Three-Gorges reservoir as an example, and four influencing factors, respectively the cohesion of sliding zone(c), the angle of internal friction of sliding zone(φ), acceleration of earthquake and water level of the reservoir, are selected as sub-sequences and the safety factors, which are calculated by push method, are considered as primary-sequences. It is concluded that the values of C and φ are the most sensitive influencing factors of all of the factors.
Untargeted Metabolomics Combined with Solid Phase Fractionation for Systematic Characterization of Bioactive Compounds in Hemp with Methane Mitigation Potential

This study systematically evaluates the presence of methane mitigating metabolites in two hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties, Futura 75 and Finola. Hemp metabolites were extracted with methanol and fractionated using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE). Extracts, fractions, and the remaining pulp were screened for their methane mitigating potential using an in vitro model of rumen fermentation. The bioactive metabolites were identified with Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). When incubated with a standard feed (maize silage), the extract of Futura 75 significantly reduced methane production compared to that of control (without added extract) and without negative effects on feed degradability and volatile fatty acid patterns. The compounds responsible for the methane mitigating effect were assigned to flavonoid glycosides. However, none of the fractions of Futura 75 or the pulp exhibited similar effect on methane emission. Butyric acid concentration in the fermentation inoculum was significantly increased, which could indicate why methane production was higher, when incubated with the fractions and the pulp. The extract of Finola did not show a similar significant effect, however, there was a numerical tendency towards lower methane production. The difference in methane mitigating properties between Cannabis sativa L. Futura 75 and Finola, could be related to the content of bioactive flavonoids.
Modeling and Optimization of Spinning Parameters on Selectivity of Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Membrane for CO2/CH4 Separation

Hollow fiber membrane (HFM) and related technologies have recently become highly in demand and widely used in most industries and other areas recently. HFM could be used in different functions, from water and gas treatment to blood and medical applications. The paper describes the modeling of the effects of the spinning condition of a nonporous HFM on the membrane’s characteristics with the use of an automated hollow fiber fabrication system. An integrated, systematic experimental strategy based on the design of experiments was used to elaborate the effects of each parameter on selectivity. To obtain and sustain a satisfactory, significant selectivity of HFM, an automated system controlled the parameters during the fabrication process. The parameters involved in the fabrication of HFM and used in modeling are dope flow rate, bore flow rate, draw force, and air gap, which are considered inputs to fabricate polysulfone membrane. The fabrication process is improved by automating and instrumenting fabrication systems. An empirical model of the effects of fabrication parameters on the selectivity of the membrane is extracted experimentally. The mathematical model effectively explains the selectivity of CO2/CH4 with 95% fit.
Evidentiality, Epistemic Modality and Mirativity: The Case of Cantonese Utterance Particles Ge3, Laak3, and Lo1

Evidentiality, Epistemic Modality, and Mirativity: The Case of Cantonese Utterance Particles Ge3, Laak3, and Lo1 Ka Fai Law Department of Linguistics, BYU Master of Arts This thesis examines a set of three utterance particles—ge3, laak3, and lo1—in Hong Kong Cantonese in terms of evidentiality, epistemic modality, and mirativity. Cantonese utterance particles have long been studied; however, close investigation of evidentiality and mirativity on a small set of particles is relatively rare. Previous accounts claim that ge3 and laak3 convey certainty. On the other hand, linguists also claim that the use of the utterance particle lo1 assumes a high level of knowledge from a hearer. This thesis has two main purposes: to untangle the differences between the utterance particles ge3 and laak3 in terms of epistemic modality and evidentiality and to reveal the mirative meanings of the utterance particle lo1. I postulate that the utterance particle ge3 conveys both epistemic modality and evidentiality. For epistemic modality, ge3 concerns a speaker’s knowledge. The evidential meaning—access to prior knowledge—is realized through implicature. This pragmatic reading is highly context dependent. In contrast, the utterance particle laak3 conveys only epistemic modality which concerns a state of affairs and signifies a change of state. Lastly, this study also reveals that the utterance particle lo1 has mirative values of sudden realization and counterexpectation under certain conversational contexts.
H . 264 / AVC 及 SVC 熵解碼器之分析與設計 Analysis and Design of Entropy Decoder for H . 264 / AVC and Scalable Extension 研 究 生: 廖元歆 Student

In recent years, the state-of-the-art video coding standard H.264/AVC which provides better compression efficiency for video images than the earlier standards has been widely adopted in current video application system. To satisfy the heavy performance requirement on real-time H.264/AVC decoding systems especially for large-scale video sequences, VLSI implementation of the entropy decoder is necessary since it dominates the overall decoder system performance. In this thesis, we propose a high-throughput and fully hardwired entropy decoder for H.264/AVC and its scalable extension. First, we present a delay balanced two-level CAVLC decoder with 21% shorter critical path delay in comparison to traditional two-level decoder. Furthermore, a skipping mechanism is adopted to remove unnecessary decoding processes. The overall CAVLC throughput is 28.2% better than our previous design. Second, for the CABAC decoder, we propose a high throughput CABAC decoding design which combines SE parsing and decoding with a new hybrid memory two-symbol parallel decoding technique to accelerate the decoding speed while reducing the hardware cost. Further speedup is achieved to
Quantitative Proteome and Transcriptome Dynamics Analysis Reveals Iron Deficiency Response Networks and Signature in Neuronal Cells

Iron and oxygen deficiencies are common features in pathophysiological conditions, such as ischemia, neurological diseases, and cancer. Cellular adaptive responses to such deficiencies include repression of mitochondrial respiration, promotion of angiogenesis, and cell cycle control. We applied a systematic proteomics analysis to determine the global proteomic changes caused by acute hypoxia and chronic and acute iron deficiency (ID) in hippocampal neuronal cells. Our analysis identified over 8600 proteins, revealing similar and differential effects of each treatment on activation and inhibition of pathways regulating neuronal development. In addition, comparative analysis of ID-induced proteomics changes in cultured cells and transcriptomic changes in the rat hippocampus identified common altered pathways, indicating specific neuronal effects. Transcription factor enrichment and correlation analysis identified key transcription factors that were activated in both cultured cells and tissue by iron deficiency, including those implicated in iron regulation, such as HIF1, NFY, and NRF1. We further identified MEF2 as a novel transcription factor whose activity was induced by ID in both HT22 proteome and rat hippocampal transcriptome, thus linking iron deficiency to MEF2-dependent cellular signaling pathways in neuronal development. Taken together, our study results identified diverse signaling networks that were differentially regulated by hypoxia and ID in neuronal cells.