Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of spatial variation of railroad track stiffness on the fatigue life

Railroad transportation is very important for the economic growth. The effective maintenance of railroad transportation is a critical factor for its economic sustainability. The high repetitive forces from a moving railcar induce cyclic stresses that lead to bending and potential deterioration of rails due to the initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks. Previous research on the prediction of fatigue life has been done under the assumptions of a uniform track bed and a homogeneous rail. However, the spatial variation of track stiffness is expected to increase the maximum stresses in the rails and, therefore, accelerate the fatigue process. This study is focused on the variations of the track modulus and the impact on fatigue life. The computational procedure is based on several hundreds of finite element models of the rails across a set of crossties chosen from a random ensemble with representative statistical variations. The mean of the track moduli is estimated from the field track deflection dynamic measurement data in comparison with the deflection data from the FE models. A multiaxial fatigue model is used for the estimation of fatigue cycles to crack initiation. The results show that a non-uniform track bed can reduce the fatigue life by up to 100 times in comparison with the behavior expected for a uniform track bed. The results of this study are expected to improve the effective maintenance and scheduling of rail inspection.
Complete Blood Test as a New Prognostic Factor in Fournier’s Gangrene

Abstract: Fournier’s gangrene is a form of necrotizing fasciitis that begins in the genital and perineal areas and can extend through the fascia to the groin, thigh, and even the abdominal wall. This disease is still associated with a high mortality rate even though with comprehensive therapy. Simple examination, such as a complete blood count, is widely used as a marker of inflammation and could be used as a prognostic factor for Fournier’s gangrene. This study aimed to compare Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) and complete blood count as a prognostic factor in Fournier’s gangrene cases by using machine learning. This was an observational study with a longitudinal data collection design according to cohort method. The results obtained 30 patients with Fournier’s gangrene at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado. Mortality prediction analysis using algorithms of regularized generalized linear model (GLM) and support vector machine (SVM) showed that the AUCs were 98% and 97.5% for GLM and SVM respectively for the regularized GLM and SVM in the ROC curve analysis, with the superiority to the FGSI (p<0.001). In conclusion, the complete blood count could be used as a novel prognostic value of Fournier’s gangrene cases.Keywords: complete blood count; Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI); prognostic scoring system; Fournier’s gangrene Abstrak: Gangren Fournier adalah bentuk fasiitis nekrotikans yang dimulai di daerah genital dan perineum dan dapat meluas melalui fasia ke selangkangan, paha, dan bahkan dinding perut. Penyakit ini masih dikaitkan dengan angka kematian yang tinggi meskipun dengan terapi komprehensif. Pemeriksaan sederhana seperti hitung darah lengkap, banyak digunakan sebagai penanda peradangan dan dapat digunakan sebagai faktor prognostik untuk gangren Fournier. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) dengan pemeriksaan parameter hitung darah lengkap sebagai faktor prognostik pada kasus dengan gangren Fournier menggunakan machine learning. Jenis penelitian ialah observasional dengan desain pengumpulan data longitudinal menurut metode kohort. Hasil penelitian mendapatkan 30 pasien dengan gangren Fournier di RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Manado. Analisis prediksi mortalitas menggunakan algoritma Regularized Generalized Linear Model (GLM) dan Support Vector Machine (SVM) menunjukkan bahwa AUC masing-masing sebesar 98% dan 97,5% untuk GLM dan SVM tereguler pada analisis kurva ROC, dengan keunggulan dibandingkan FGSI (p<0,001). Simpulan penelitian ini ialah pemeriksaan darah lengkap dapat dijadikan sebagai faktor prognostik baru untuk kasus gangren Fournier.Kata kunci: hitung darah lengkap; Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI); sistem skoring prognostik; gangren Fournier
Exploring educators’ experiences of the social functioning of learners in middle childhood

In the research reported on here we explored educators’ experiences of learners’ social functioning in middle childhood in a South African context. Educators are important socialisation agents for learners in middle childhood, and we reasoned that they could offer valuable information to identify those key social skills and competencies that learners in this life phase need to function optimally. A qualitative exploratory design was used. Twenty-nine educators were purposefully selected as participants from 4 school districts in a demarcated area in the North-West province. Data were collected via 4 focus group interviews, with each focus group interview including the educators of 1 school per district. Thematic analysis of the data revealed the embeddedness of learners’ social functioning in the complex blend of South Africa’s unequal contexts and diverse cultures; the demonstration of inappropriate and appropriate behaviour as indicators of learners’ quality of social functioning in the learning environment; and the imperative to intentionally develop and strengthen the social skills and emotional competencies of learners in middle childhood. We recommend that learners in middle childhood be supported to acquire higher levels of social competence, in particular skills of communication and listening, conflict management, and problem-solving to improve innate social functioning.
Bioactivity of Novel Pyrazole-Thiazolines Scaffolds against Trypanosoma cruzi: Computational Approaches and 3D Spheroid Model on Drug Discovery for Chagas Disease

Chagas disease, a century-old disease that mainly affects the impoverished population in Latin America, causes high morbidity and mortality in endemic countries. The available drugs, benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox, have limited effectiveness and intense side effects. Drug repurposing, and the development of new chemical entities with potent activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, are a potential source of therapeutic options. The present study describes the biological activity of two new series of pyrazole-thiazoline derivatives, based on optimization of a hit system 5-aminopyrazole-imidazoline previously identified, using structure–activity relationship exploration, and computational and phenotype-based strategies. Promising candidates, 2c, 2e, and 2i derivatives, showed good oral bioavailability and ADMET properties, and low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 100 µM) besides potent activity against trypomastigotes (0.4–2.1 µM) compared to Bz (19.6 ± 2.3 µM). Among them, 2c also stands out, with greater potency against intracellular amastigotes (pIC50 = 5.85). The selected pyrazole-thiazoline derivatives showed good permeability and effectiveness in the 3D spheroids system, but did not sustain parasite clearance in a washout assay. The compounds’ mechanism of action is still unknown, since the treatment neither increased reactive oxygen species, nor reduced cysteine protease activity. This new scaffold will be targeted to optimize in order to enhance its biological activity to identify new drug candidates for Chagas disease therapy.
N-Rich Doped Anatase TiO2 with Smart Defect Engineering as Efficient Photocatalysts for Acetaldehyde Degradation

Nitrogen (N) doping is an effective strategy for improving the solar-driven photocatalytic performance of anatase TiO2, but controllable methods for nitrogen-rich doping and associated defect engineering are highly desired. In this work, N-rich doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (4.2 at%) were successfully prepared via high-temperature nitridation based on thermally stable H3PO4-modified TiO2. Subsequently, the associated deep-energy-level defects such as oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ were successfully healed by smart photo-Fenton oxidation treatment. Under visible-light irradiation, the healed N-doped TiO2 exhibited a ~2-times higher activity of gas-phase acetaldehyde degradation than the non-treated one and even better than standard P25 TiO2 under UV-visible-light irradiation. The exceptional performance is attributed to the extended spectral response range from N-rich doping, the enhanced charge separation from hole capturing by N-doped species, and the healed defect levels with the proper thermodynamic ability for facilitating O2 reduction, depending on the results of ∙O2− radicals and defect measurement by electron spin resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atmosphere-controlled surface photovoltage spectra, etc. This work provides an easy and efficient strategy for the preparation of high-performance solar-driven TiO2 photocatalysts.
Determination of Absolute Content of Cyetpyrafen by qNMR Analysis

This paper established a rapid, simple method for determination of absolute content of cyetpyrafen by qNMR. 1 H NMR spectra was acquired with deuterodimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO-D6) as the solvent and hydroquinone as internal reference standard under the conditions of temperature 25 ℃ , pulse angle 90 ° , pulses width 8.0 μs , relaxation delay 30 s, and scans 8. The proton peaks of cyetpyrafen ( δ =6.35) and hydroquinone ( δ =6.55) were taken as quantitative peaks. The peak area ratio y ( A s /A r ) and concentration ratio x ( C s /C r ) were linearly regressed, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9999. The RSD value of repeatability test was 0.80%, and the RSD value of stability test was 0.54%. The content of cyetpyrafen was determined as 99.8%. The result shows that qNMR can be used for quantitative determination of cyetpyrafen without reference standard, which is rapid, ac-curate and simple.
Comparison of Long-Term Survival Between cT1N0 Stage Esophageal Cancer Patients Receiving Endoscopic Dissection and Esophagectomy: A Meta-Analysis

Background Endoscopic dissection (ED) shows relatively high clinical value in early esophageal cancer (cT1N0) such as lower incidence of postoperative complications and hospitalization costs and enhanced recovery. However, whether ED still has certain advantages over esophagectomy in terms of long-term survival remains unclear. Purpose The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the long-term outcomes of ED and surgery in the treatment of cT1N0 esophageal cancer. Methods Several electronic databases including the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to April 7, 2022 for studies which compared the overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) of cT1N0 esophageal cancer patients receiving the ED or esophagectomy. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined and all statistical analysis was conducted through STATA 15.0 software. Results A total of 12 studies involving 3,732 patients were enrolled. No significant difference in the OS between ED and surgery groups was observed (HR = 0.78, 95% CI, 0.59–1.04, p = 0.089). However, the DSS of the ED group was significantly longer than that of the surgery group (HR = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.39–0.82, p = 0.003). Conclusion In overall, the current evidence manifested that the long-term survival of cT1N0 esophageal cancer patients undergoing ED was not worse than that of patients undergoing esophagectomy. ED may be considered as the primary treatment for cT1N0 esophageal carcinoma patients.
Development of a Current Injection—Type Impedance Measurement System for Monitoring Soil Water Content and Ion Concentration

This study was conducted with the aim of developing a circuit system that enables the measurement of the moisture content and ion concentration with a simple circuit configuration. Our previous studies have shown that soil can be represented by an equivalent circuit of a parallel circuit of resistors and capacitors. We designed a circuit that can convert the voltage transient characteristics of the soil when a current is applied to it into a square wave and output frequency information and developed an algorithm to analyze the two types of square waves and calculate R and C. Normal operation was confirmed in the range of 10 kΩ–1 MΩ for the designed circuit, and the calculation algorithm matched within a maximum error of 5%, thus confirming the validity of the program. These successfully confirmed the changes in the water content and ionic concentration. The soil moisture content measurement succeeded in measuring a maximum error of about 10%, except at one point, and the soil ion concentration measurement succeeded in measuring a maximum error of 6.6%. A new, simple, noise-resistant moisture content and ion concentration measurement circuit system with square wave output has been realized.
Analisis Kinerja Badan Layanan Umum Di Perguruan Tinggi (Studi Kasus di IAIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi Tahun 2010-2012)

Indonesian constitution no. 1 year of 2004 about the state treasury that can open the new corridor for the performance- based budgeting application in government circumtances. The article 68 and article 69 of the constitutions assert that the government instance have the main duty and function to serves the public society. It also able to apply the flexible budgeting managent pattern by accentuated the productivity, efficiency, and effectivity in a form of the Public Services agency (BLU). BLU is expected as the real image of performance-based budgeting management application. IAIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin has been a BLU since November 23rd 2009. In performance of BLU, IAIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin experiences the change of budgeting systems, Organization structure, and organization performance achievement. This research tried to know the evaluation of BLU in IAIN STS by using Balanced Scorecard. The Application of BSC based on 4 perspectives, encompases the monetary perspectives, consumer perspectives, internal bussiness perspectives,and learning and developing perspectives. The evaluation of BLU is proposed to know the effort of public services quality improvement, transparancy and accountability of government budget management in IAIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin. The approach of this research is qualitative describtive and the methode also use the qualitative methode. While, the data collecting use the questionaire to the BLU group-based respondents. The result of the research shows the work of Public Service Agency in IAIN Sultan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi is already work effectively but it still need to be improved, especially the implementation of Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) and the minimal standard of services / Standar Pelayanan Minimal (SPM) in order to expected to be prominent concrete examples of the application of financial management based on the results (performance).
ICT enabled classroom effectiveness scale development and validation: A case of multi-campus university

The research work aims at developing a valid and reliable scale for ICT (Information and communication technology) enabled classroom effectiveness from student’s perspective in a multi-campus university setting. A standard methodology for scale development is used for developing and validating the scale which comprises of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The sample population was the students from a premier multi-campus university. The results revealed ICT enabled classroom effectiveness as a multi-dimensional construct comprising of four factors namely class design and infrastructure; scheduling and coordination; technical support staff; and resource availability. Although a plethora of literature is available in the domain of e-learning, none of them have considered the aspects of ICT enabled classroom effectiveness specifically in an Indian multi-campus university. The limitation of the study lies in terms of sample size and generalizability. Emphasizing the identified factors will give a cutting edge advantage for the universities by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of ICT enabled classroom teaching. https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel. 2017.09. 007
Status of High-efficiency Motor Technology and MEPS

Minimum Energy Performance Standard(MEPS) has been adapted in Korea since 2008. The efficiency standard of variable speed motors is scheduled for publication shortly. In this paper, author reviews the technical trends associated with a high efficient electric motors by reference to research papers, and reviews the research direction to prepare for IE5. This paper provides an overview of high efficiency motors. Various applications have been covered.
Technology Leadership in Malaysia's High Performance School

Headmaster as leader of the school also plays a role as a technology leader. This applies to the high performance schools (HPS) headmaster as well. The HPS excel in all aspects of education. In this study, researcher is interested in examining the role of the headmaster as a technology leader through interviews with three headmasters of high performance schools. Various topics related to technology leadership among headmaster have been discussed based on National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A) 2009 recommended by International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). From the conversation, the headmaster of HPS have played their leadership role of technology in schools by meeting the various components of NETS-A. In terms of challenges, the online internet is a major obstacle to promoting the use of ICT in the school. The hard work and effort by the headmaster of HPS in the field of ICT has shown a good result and outcome. The headmaster of other schools should have to emulate the great efforts HPS headmasters to create a generation of young literates.
Stress-induced Damage and Post-fire Response of Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum alloys have increasing applications in construction and transportation industries. Both 5xxx-series (Al-Mg) and 6xxx-series (Al-Mg) alloys are frequently used in marine construction because of their light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance. One of the major concerns regarding the marine application of aluminum alloys is their mechanical performance in fire scenarios. The material strength may be degraded due to both thermal and mechanical damage during fire exposure. This work emphasizes the stress-induced mechanical (physical) damage and its impact on the residual (post-fire) performance of 5083-H116 and 6061-T651 aluminum alloy. Thermomechanical tests were performed at various temperatures and stresses to study the stress-induced damage at induced plastic creep strain levels. Unstressed thermally exposed and thermomechanically damaged samples were examined to separate the stress-induced microstructural damage. The stress-induced microstructural damage primarily manifests itself as dynamic recovery at low creep temperatures, while cavitation, dynamic recrystallization and dynamic precipitation (in Al6061) are the types of damage developed in the high creep strains at high exposure temperatures. Different creep mechanisms are also studied for both Al5083 and Al6061. The post-fire mechanical response at room temperature after thermo-mechanical damage was investigated with reference to the damaged microstructure present in the material. Residual material strengths based on deformed cross sectional area after the creep test were calculated to provide insight into how microstructural damage affects the post-fire material performance. The competing effects of strength degradation caused by cavitation and strengthening due to grain elongation and subgrain refinement were investigated. Engineering residual material strengths calculated based on the original cross sectional area prior to creep tests were also studied to provide guidance for structural design.
Methodological rigor lacking in an analysis of acute myeloid leukemia incidence and geographic distribution in Canada

1355 Cancer March 15, 2020 9. Vittinghoff E, Glidden DV, Shiboski SC, McCulloch CE. Regression Methods in Biostatistics. 2nd ed. Springer; 2012. 10. Miljan L, Spicer Z. Municipal Amalgamation in Ontario. Published May 2015. Accessed May 31, 2019. https ://www.frase rinst itute.org/ sites /defau lt/files /munic ipal-amalg amati on-in-ontar io-rev.pdf 11. Siegel D. Municipal reform in Ontario. In: Garcea J, Lesage EC Jr, eds. Municipal Reform in Canada: Reconfiguration, Re-Empowerment and Rebalancing. Oxford University Press; 2005:127-148. 12. Farooqui S. 19 years ago, Toronto’s six boroughs amalgamated. Toronto Star. January 1, 2017. 13. Statistics Canada. 2001 census—boundary files. Published 2002. Accessed June 3, 2019. https ://www12.statc an.gc. ca/censu s-recen semen t/2011/geo/bound -limit /bound -limit -2001-eng.cfm 14. Best N, Richardson S, Thomson A. A comparison of Bayesian spatial models for disease mapping. Stat Methods Med Res. 2005;14:35-59. 15. Naess O, Leyland AH. Analysing the effect of area of residence over the life course in multilevel epidemiology. Scand J Public Health. 2010;38 (5 suppl):119-126.
ShoeRinsics: Shoeprint Prediction for Forensics with Intrinsic Decomposition

Shoe tread impressions are one of the most common types of evidence left at crime scenes. However, the utility of such evidence is limited by the lack of databases of footwear impression patterns that cover the huge and growing number of distinct shoe models. We propose to address this gap by leveraging shoe tread photographs collected by online retailers. The core challenge is to predict the impression pattern from the shoe photograph since ground-truth impressions or 3D shapes of tread patterns are not available. We develop a model that performs intrinsic image decomposition (predicting depth, normal, albedo, and lighting) from a single tread photo. Our approach, which we term ShoeRinsics , combines domain adaptation and re-rendering losses in order to leverage a mix of fully supervised synthetic data and unsupervised retail image data. To validate model performance, we also collected a set of paired shoe-sole images and corresponding prints, and define a benchmarking protocol to quantify the accuracy of predicted impressions. On this benchmark, ShoeRinsics outperforms existing methods for depth prediction and synthetic-to-real domain adaptation.