Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recuperación económica y problemas de abastecimiento: el papel de los fletes

El comercio internacional ha desempeñado un papel clave durante la pandemia. Sin embargo, la crisis sanitaria y la posterior reactivación también han puesto de manifiesto vulnerabilidades en las cadenas globales de suministro, dando lugar a fenómenos recurrentes de escasez que podrían poner en riesgo la sostenibilidad de la recuperación económica. Entre estas vulnerabilidades destacan los cuellos de botella relacionados con el transporte marítimo de mercancías contenerizadas, que se están reflejando en fuertes aumentos de los precios de los fletes. En este trabajo se analizan los problemas de abastecimiento que se han registrado, tanto durante la fase más contractiva de la pandemia como a partir de la recuperación. Se analiza especialmente el caso del transporte marítimo que, por su naturaleza horizontal, puede afectar a una amplia gama de industrias, y se exploran algunas de las implicaciones para las estrategias de las empresas, para el sector de transporte marítimo y para el diseño de las políticas comerciales.
Optimization of Physico-chemical Conditions for the Growth of Pasteurella multocida under In Vitro

A study on physico-chemical growth conditions of Pasteurella multocida was carried-out at Vaccine Production Unit, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan. The organism was grown in brain heart infusion medium containing different physical and chemical agents. A suitable temperature for its growth was recorded in between 35°C and 40°C, whereas poor activities were observed at below 30°C and the organism did not grew well at 50°C and above. The influence of shaking in terms of different rotation per minute (rpm) was also determined during investigation. Under shaking conditions (500 rpm for 24 h) good growth was achieved. Positive correlation of shaking and growth at 500 rpm for 24 h was observed. The influence of pH was recorded during the experiment. No growth occurred at pH 0.5 and 10.0 but best growth was obtained at pH ranged from 7.0-8.0. In addition to that, use of orange juice as supplement failed to support the growth, whereas apple juice (15%) showed positive influence on the growth of P. multocida. Moreover, different concentrations of succrose were used but only 1.2% supported the growth. As succrose was costly, it was replaced with table sugar at various concentrations, out of which only 0.6% well supported the growth.
Sustainability in a Design Process A Review of Tehran's Major Projects

This research presents a perspective that extends the traditional design framework and proposes to a Sustainable Process of Design, SPD. This view in design and management of the environment is an interdisciplinary approach. The concept of overall sustainability goes beyond novelty, politics, and quick fixes and depends on the nature of the ecosystem and multidisciplinary decision-making. SPD involves many processes and nourishes a wholesome meaning of community and participation in the course of decision-maki ng. Emphasis is given to the conflicting objectives of short-term goals in light of a progression towards sustainability. SPD is connecting, multifaceted, and healing in nature. A long-term approach to development is a fundamental principle of any SPD. Long-term views will cultivate long-term goals and objectives in a design procedure. Examining Tehran's major recent projects reveals the need for an ecological and healing vision in a Sustainable Process of Design. SPD is set with long-term as well as the short-term goals of a community which provides the designer the wisdom to propose settings and designs filled with abundance and opportunities of quality of life for the present and the future generations.
Hybrid Approach to Corporate Sustainability Performance in Indonesia’s Cement Industry

This study aimed to create a solid framework for decision-making in Indonesia’s cement industry, emphasizing those factors which bring about the most impactful results. The framework was developed using the fuzzy Delphi method, the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory, and a fuzzy Kano model. This study builds a hierarchical structure to approach the impact of corporate sustainability performance. We classify important factors into causes or effects and further identify those factors which are critical to improving the performance of Indonesia’s cement industry. Although corporate sustainability performance is a crucial topic in today’s business environment, sustainability strategies remain underrated in Indonesia. We confirm the validity of 19 factors within the following dimensions: environmental impact, social sustainability, economic gain, technological feasibility, and institutional compliance. The sub-dimensions of community interest, risk-taking ability, and regulatory compliance were identified as causes of perceived risks and benefits. In contrast, the following factors were identified as critical to improving corporate sustainability performance: renewable energy resources, contributions to charity, the perception of management regarding technology as a differentiator, and firm readiness to collaborate with high-tech companies.
Research on systemic risk contagion of Chinese financial institutions based on GARCH-VMD-Copula-CoVaR model

Abstract With the development of China's financial market, the risk contagion effect among financial institutions is increasing and becoming more complicated. Few literatures have explored the risk transmission paths of Chinese financial institutions at different frequencies. In order to make up for the gaps in this research field, variable mode decomposition (VMD) technology is introduced in this paper, combined with the Copula-GARCH model to construct the GARCH-VMD-Copula-CoVaR model, which describes the risk contagion paths of major financial institutions in the Chinese financial market at different frequencies (long-term, medium-term and short-term). The research results show that risk dependence and contagion between financial institutions have the characteristics of bidirectionality, asymmetry and time-varying in all frequency studies, and there are differences in different frequencies.
Modeling Radical Changes in Technology within Strategy-Oriented Business Simulations

A review of business-policy simulations demonstrates that their focus is on strategic planning, but with a primary emphasis on "incrementalism. " They do not address "radical changes in technology " and the impact that such change may have on an industry. There is a need to provide students of strategy the opportunity to experience some of the complex issues of technology management. This article provides an approach to designing a technology-oriented game which requires student teams to analyze the risk, uncertainty, and the financial trade-offs associated with budgeting large sums of money to new product research and development. The article reviews the key strategic issues of technology management and includes a framework for modeling some of the issues. This framework is composed of five parts and involves both the demand and the cost side of a typical strategy simulation. The article concludes with a mini-simulation which demonstrates how the framework works and how the structure of an industry can be dramatically changed when a firm successfully introduces a unique product based on a new technology.
Towards an Assessment Framework for Congestion Management Mechanisms in Distribution Networks

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources in distribution networks is expected to bring operational challenges to network operators. It is commonly assumed that congestion management mechanisms are required to counteract the anticipated problems. However, to investigate such mechanisms, careful and detailed simulations are required to determine the exact impact and effectiveness in distribution networks. Simulations need to consider a detailed prosumer modelling, their participation in the energy markets, an accurate network representation and the effect of network tariffs, among others. Only then different congestion management mechanisms can be fairly assessed. This paper presents such a simulation platform as a first step towards a holistic assessment framework, and presents some exemplary case studies as a preliminary assessment.
A Preliminary Study of the HPN Robot

Soft robots are robots made of soft materials and actuators. Previously we proposed the HPN (Honeycomb PneuNets) Robot, where PneuNets were placed as actuators into honeycomb shaped elastomer. In this paper, we present some progress of this effort. A random search algorithm is applied to plan the obstacle-avoid movements of an HPN robot. We test it through several cases, and the results showed that the algorithm can work effectively. We introduce an HPN robot prototype, which is made of RTV-2 silicone rubber. Preliminary experiments showed that some good expansion rate and flexibility can be achieved. A piston and soft body simulation model of HPN robots is also presented, which can mimic the basic behaviors of the HPN robot.
Scaling Scheme and Performance Perspective of Cross-Current Tetrode (XCT) SOI MOSFET for Future Ultra-Low Power Applications

lengths; LG= 2 μm (L= 1.5 μm), 1 μm (0.75 μm), 0.5 μm (0.38 μm), 0.25 μm (0.20 μm), and 100 nm (75 nm), where L denotes the channel length. The fundamental scaling scheme examined here is shown in Table 1; this seems roughly similar to the conventional quasi-constantfield scaling scheme, but it is different from the conventional one because the scaling of the film thickness is reconsidered for the XCT device. It also shows the initial device parameters assumed. This scheme was derived from the results of many simulations. We think that this scheme is the best currently available .
An electroceutical approach enhances myelination via upregulation of lipid biosynthesis in the dorsal root ganglion

As the myelin sheath is crucial for neuronal saltatory conduction, loss of myelin in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) leads to demyelinating neuropathies causing muscular atrophy, numbness, foot deformities and paralysis. Unfortunately, few interventions are available for such neuropathies, because previous pharmaceuticals have shown severe side effects and failed in clinical trials. Therefore, exploring new strategies to enhance PNS myelination is critical to provide solution for such intractable diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation (ES) to enhance myelination in the mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG)—an ex vivo model of the PNS. Mouse embryonic DRGs were extracted at E13 and seeded onto Matrigel-coated surfaces. After sufficient growth and differentiation, screening was carried out by applying ES in the 1–100 Hz range at the beginning of the myelination process. DRG myelination was evaluated via immunostaining at the intermediate (19 days in vitro (DIV)) and mature (30 DIV) stages. Further biochemical analyses were carried out by utilizing ribonucleic acid sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and biochemical assays at both intermediate and mature myelination stages. Imaging of DRG myelin lipids was carried out via time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). With screening ES conditions, optimal condition was identified at 20 Hz, which enhanced the percentage of myelinated neurons and average myelin length not only at intermediate (129% and 61%) but also at mature (72% and 17%) myelination stages. Further biochemical analyses elucidated that ES promoted lipid biosynthesis in the DRG. ToF-SIMS imaging showed higher abundance of the structural lipids, cholesterol and sphingomyelin, in the myelin membrane. Therefore, promotion of lipid biosynthesis and higher abundance of myelin lipids led to ES-mediated myelination enhancement. Given that myelin lipid deficiency is culpable for most demyelinating PNS neuropathies, the results might pave a new way to treat such diseases via electroceuticals.
Impact of Low Inertia and High Distributed Generation on the Effectiveness of Under Frequency Load Shedding Schemes

The Under-Frequency Load Shedding (UFLS) scheme is an emergency measure in place to prevent system collapse in the event of a large generation deficit relative to demand at any moment in time. However, the effectiveness of traditional UFLS schemes may be compromised as network power flows change due to the growth of distributed generation (DG) and a reduction in system inertia. This study has shown some of the issues affecting the UFLS protection system with rising installed capacities of DG in the Great Britain power system. Simulation results show how the effectiveness of the scheme is challenged with current and future expected DG installed capacities and the risk of over shedding demand due to the scheme’s current settings is evaluated. Many proposed improvements to traditional load shedding schemes are based on upgrades to network monitoring and communication systems, which are not yet fully available. This study evaluates more readily available solutions, including relocation of under-frequency relays and reducing the time delay of the scheme, which may provide interim improvements to the UFLS scheme, based on a case study in GB.
Celebrating the enigma: the continuing puzzle of the Toyota Production System

This introduction to the special issue celebrates the 30th anniversary of the publication of Sugimori et al. (Sugimori, Y., Kusunoki, K., Cho, F. and Uchikawa, S., Toyota production system and Kanban system: materialisation of just-in-time and respect-for-human system. Int. J. Prod. Res., 1977, 15(6), 553–564), the first extensive description of the Toyota Production System (TPS) to be published in English. After some initial discussion of the TPS, this article reviews three important issues regarding the context of the original paper: the West's growing interest in Japanese manufacturing; the preoccupation with information technology as the future of production; and, concerns with job design and motivation. The Sugimori paper is then analysed in these terms, focusing on the technical and human elements of the TPS. The article closes with an introduction to the other papers in the special issue.
Determining posterior vitreous structure by analysis of images obtained by AI-based 3D segmentation and ultrawidefield optical coherence tomography

Aims To determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the vitreous fluid including the posterior precortical vitreous pockets (PPVP), Cloquet’s canal and cisterns in healthy subjects by AI-based segmentation of the vitreous of swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. In addition, to analyse the vitreous structures over a wide and deep area using ultrawidefield swept-source OCT (UWF-OCT). Methods Ten eyes of six patients with the mean age was 40.7±8.4 years and the mean refractive error (spherical equivalent) was −3.275±2.2 diopters were examined. Results In the UWF OCT images, the structure of the vitreous was observed in detail over 23 mm wide and 5 mm area. AI-guided analyses showed the complex 3D vitreous structures from any angle. Cisterns were observed to overlie the PPVP from the anterior. The morphology and locations of the cisterns varied among the subjects but tended to be similar in the two eyes of one individual. Cisterns joined the PPVPs superior to the macula to form a large trunk. This joined trunk was clearly seen in 3D images even in eyes whose trunk was not detected in the B scan OCT images. In some eyes, the vitreous had a complex appearance resembling an ant nest without large fluid-filled spaces. Conclusions A combination of UWF-OCT and 3D imaging is very helpful in visualising the complex structure of the vitreous. These technologies are powerful tools that can be used to clarify the normal evolution of the vitreous, pathological changes of vitreous and implications of vitreous changes in various vitreoretinal diseases.
Short-channel effects in subquarter-micrometer-gate HEMTs: simulation and experiment

The authors studied the electrical properties of subquarter-micrometer-gate HEMTs (high electron mobility transistors) by Monte Carlo simulation and experiment. Simulation shows that subquarter-micrometer-gate HEMTs have extremely high performance, and the near-ballistic movement under the gate was confirmed. It is also shown that the aspect ratio of the channel could be used as a guide to determine the extent of short-channel effects. The transverse-domain formation inherent in short-channel HEMTs may also contribute to the smaller short-channel effect by limiting undesirable substrate current. Experimentally, only a negligible short-channel effect was observed when the gate length was reduced from 1.25 to 0.14 mu m. Thus it is not necessary to design and fabricate a special structure for HEMTs, as such a structure might have limited applications. >
Analyzing the Applicability of Random Forest-Based Models for the Forecast of Run-of-River Hydropower Generation

Analyzing the impact of climate variables into the operational planning processes is essential for the robust implementation of a sustainable power system. This paper deals with the modeling of the run-of-river hydropower production based on climate variables on the European scale. A better understanding of future run-of-river generation patterns has important implications for power systems with increasing shares of solar and wind power. Run-of-river plants are less intermittent than solar or wind but also less dispatchable than dams with storage capacity. However, translating time series of climate data (precipitation and air temperature) into time series of run-of-river-based hydropower generation is not an easy task as it is necessary to capture the complex relationship between the availability of water and the generation of electricity. This task is also more complex when performed for a large interconnected area. In this work, a model is built for several European countries by using machine learning techniques. In particular, we compare the accuracy of models based on the Random Forest algorithm and show that a more accurate model is obtained when a finer spatial resolution of climate data is introduced. We then discuss the practical applicability of a machine learning model for the medium term forecasts and show that some very context specific but influential events are hard to capture.
Multi-Timescale Risk-Constrained Volt/VAR Control of Distribution Grids with Electric Vehicles and Solar Inverters

High penetration of solar photovoltaics (PVs) in distribution systems necessitates the need for embedding an efficient control strategy for reducing loss and confining nodal voltage within an acceptable range. In this study, a multi-timescale Volt/VArcontrol model is proposed to co-optimize the traditional capacitor banks with off-unity power factor inverters of PVs and electric vehicles (EVs). First, in an inter-hour scale, capacitor banks are scheduled. Next, in an intra-hour scale, the inverters and EVs provide power support to supplement the inter-hours decision. The coordination of resources between two different time scales is performed using a risk-constrained stochastic problem with uncertainty modelling. The prediction errors associated with PV generation are modeled by Gaussian Mixture model (GMM), capturing the drastic changes of solar generation due to the weather-related effects. Finally, the merits of the proposed model are shown on a modified IEEE 33 bus system.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell therapy regulates gut microbiota to improve post-stroke neurological function recovery in rats

BACKGROUND As a cellular mode of therapy, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are used to treat stroke. However, their mechanisms in stroke treatment have not been established. Recent evidence suggests that regulation of dysregulated gut flora after stroke affects stroke outcomes. AIM To investigate the effects of BMSCs on gut microbiota after ischemic stroke. METHODS A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, including sham operation control group, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, and MCAO with BMSC treatment group. The modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS), beam walking test, and Morris water maze test were used to evaluate neurological function recovery after BMSC transplantation. Nissl staining was performed to elucidate on the pathology of nerve cells in the hippocampus. Feces from each group of rats were collected and analyzed by 16s rDNA sequencing. RESULTS BMSC transplantation significantly reduced mNSS (P < 0.01). Rats performed better in the beam walking test in the BMSC group than in the MCAO group (P < 0.01). The Morris water maze test revealed that the BMSC treatment group exhibited a significant improvement in learning and memory. Nissl staining for neuronal damage assessment after stroke showed that in the BMSC group, cells were orderly arranged with significantly reduced necrosis. Moreover, BMSCs regulated microbial structure composition. In rats treated with BMSCs, the abundance of potential short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria and Lactobacillus was increased. CONCLUSION BMSC transplantation is a potential therapeutic option for ischemic stroke, and it promotes neurological functions by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION ECONOMICS

Urban Transportation Economics e um livro relativamente curto; sua concisao nao sacrifica, porem, sua abrangencia e consistencia. O proprio autor o considera mais como uma revisao do estado da arte, embora contenha proposicoes originais. A enfase do livro recai sobre o transporte individual.
STRIDE REGULATION AT THE APPROACH PHASE OF LONG JUMP IN VISUALLY IMPAIRED (F13) ATHLETES

The present work studied whether visually impaired (VI) class F13 long jumpers showed at the approach run the same pattern of variability in footfall placement across trials as their non-VI counterparts. The long jump finalists (men and women), of the IBSA 2009 European Athletics Championship were recorded. VI long jumpers demonstrated an initial ascending variability followed by a descending one suggesting some type of regulation. This control emerged on the 5th and 4th stride prior to take-off and at a mean distance of 8.8±1.9m and 8.3±2.6m from the take-off board for men and women respectively. TBD variability reached a maximum value of 30.0±18.9cm and 25.2± 14.4cm and was finally reduced to 7.73cm (± 6.65cm) and 8.2± 2.6cm for males and females respectively. The striding pattern observed was similar to that reported in the literature for non-VI athletes.
An assessment of the awareness of non-technical skills of future engineers

The importance and nature of non-technical skills for future engineers are described in this paper. The discourses of educational, industrial and governmental organizations concerning these skills are summarized. Related issues such as nature of the knowledge-based economy, the nature and need for innovation, entrepreneurship, working in teams and the need for life-long learning in relation to non-technical skills are also discussed. The rubric that was used to assess the awareness of engineering students of these skills is presented, along with the results of the assessment. In general, the results show that the vast majority of students showed a great deal of awareness and importance of these skills for their futures as engineers. The assessment for establishing the existing knowledge level of students is critical for guiding future curricular materials geared toward enhancing some of the non-technical skills of future engineers. Particularly, the results suggest any new curricular materials must enhanc.