Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic Composite Coatings for Activation of Titanium Implant Surfaces: Methodological Approach and In Vivo Enhanced Osseointegration

Innovative nanomaterials are required for the coatings of titanium (Ti) implants to ensure the activation of Ti surfaces for improved osseointegration, enhanced bone fracture healing and bone regeneration. This paper presents a systematic investigation of biomimetic composite (BC) coatings on Ti implant surfaces in a rat model of a diaphyseal femoral fracture. Methodological approaches of surface modification of the Ti implants via the usual joining methods (e.g., grit blasting and acid etching) and advanced physicochemical coating via a self-assembled dip-coating method were used. The biomimetic procedure used multi-substituted hydroxyapatite (ms-HAP) HAP-1.5 wt% Mg-0.2 wt% Zn-0.2 wt% Si nanoparticles (NPs), which were functionalized using collagen type 1 molecules (COL), resulting in ms-HAP/COL (core/shell) NPs that were embedded into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and finally covered with COL layers, obtaining the ms-HAP/COL@PLA/COL composite. To assess the osseointegration issue, first, the thickness, surface morphology and roughness of the BC coating on the Ti implants were determined using AFM and SEM. The BC-coated Ti implants and uncoated Ti implants were then used in Wistar albino rats with a diaphyseal femoral fracture, both in the absence and the presence of high-frequency pulsed electromagnetic shortwave (HF-PESW) stimulation. This study was performed using a bone marker serum concentration and histological and computer tomography (micro-CT) analysis at 2 and 8 weeks after surgical implantation. The implant osseointegration was evaluated through the bone–implant contact (BIC). The bone–implant interface was investigated using FE-SEM images and EDX spectra of the retrieved surgical implants at 8 weeks in the four animal groups. The obtained results showed significantly higher bone–implants contact and bone volume per tissue volume, as well as a greater amount of newly formed bone, in the BC-coated Ti implants than in the uncoated Ti implants. Direct bone–implant contact was also confirmed via histological examination. The results of this study confirmed that these biomimetic composite coatings on Ti implants were essential for a significant enhancement of osseointegration of BC-coated Ti implants and bone regeneration. This research provides a novel strategy for the treatment of bone fractures with possible orthopedic applications.
A Survey of Database Support for Process-Centered SoftwareDevelopment Environments.

Database management systems (DBMSs) are a basic component of integrated project support environments (IPSEs). They are used for the modeling, storage and management of data produced by various software tools during the development process. In environments where the development process is explicitly supported (process-centered software development environments - PCDEs), processes can also be modelled, persistently stored and managed. In the present paper, we survey how DBMSs are integrated in the architec- ture of PCDEs and in particular how DBMS mechanisms are used to provide parts of their functionality. The systems we consider are Adele/Tempo, ALF, Arcadia, Epos, Marvel/Provence, Merlin, Oikos, SPADE, and several commercial systems. A number of open issues with respect to database support in these PCDEs are identified and discussed.
Simulazioni fluidodinamiche di una imbarcazione di coppa America ai limiti delle possibilità computazionali

In questo articolo viene presentato l’applicazione della fluidodinamica computazionale al caso della progettazione ingegneristica delle imbarcazioni a vela. In particolare il contesto, il metodo e le prospettive di questo metodo di indagine vengono discussi in relazione al piu oneroso calcolo CFD mai affrontato nell’ambito delle imbarcazioni da regata di Coppa America. In this article we present the application of computational fluid dynamics analysis to the case of sail wind engineering. In particular the context, the method and the perspectives of such approach are discussed referring to the largest CFD case ever performed on a Americas Cup size yacht. This work is the main output of an ongoing scientific collaboration among CILEA and academics and industrial partners concerning the applicability of CFD analysis to wind engineering design.
Visualization of Human Motion via Virtual Reality Interface and Interaction based on It

: This paper presents the concept of ecological sports training and the initial developments based on biomechanics analysis, VR technologies, and visualization of interaction. Computation algorithms in robotics have been applied to biomechanics analyses including muscle force estimation. These technologies are widely used for the self -biomechanics training, in which an athlete accesses and evaluates the analyzed results on his/her own motions and will necessarily move toward the ecological training that considers interactions with the counterpart and the environment in a sport game. We develop a VR visualization system of musculoskeletal analysis that provides a realistic experience of the interactions to an athlete. We also report an initial evaluation of the interactions with the virtual counterpart in the virtual environments through the VR system.
A Modern Analysis Approach of Induction Motor for Variable Speed Applications

In this Thesis, a contribution to the analysis of induction machine is presented. The approach is to elaborate and detail models which combine analytical and finite element methods in novel and ingenious ways. Therefore, the speed of the analytical approach is refined with the accuracy of the finite element method and the synergy between the two methods is maximized.
Sustainability supplier scorecard assessment tools: A comparison between apparel retailers

ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative study is to evaluate and compare eight sustainability supplier scorecard assessment tools in use among five major international apparel retailers, Walmart, Eileen Fisher, Nike, H&M, and Gap. Inductive content analysis was used to study the raw textual data and make evidence-based inferences. Results showed that the field of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is subject to inefficiencies because there are inadequate standards for reporting information which would expose these inefficiencies. The investigated tools varied in terms of scope, performance measurements, and scoring methodologies, which had negative effects on their comparability. This obstacle, however, does not invalidate the major findings, which revealed an evident and concerning lack of information to support the practical application of the tools investigated. Because no retailer disclosed information about its lower tier suppliers’ assessments, it is uncertain whether and how suppliers in lower tiers are engaged in sustainability assessments. Because sustainability violations occur at a higher rate within fragmented supply chains, it is critical to communicate supplier engagement throughout the value chain. The findings of this study urge the application of standardized and comprehensive scorecard assessments which would help to enhance the credibility of SSCM practice, its assessment, and its communication.
A Moderate Course for USAF UAV Development

Abstract : USAF unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) advocacy from 1980 to date has swung from an apparent disinterest in UAV systems to an aggressive acceptance of UAVs to solve mission needs. However, continued UAV programmatic setbacks indicate an appropriate UAV course for the Air Force remains to be charted. Tactical UAV programs between 1980 and the early 1990s conspicuously lacked USAF involvement and demonstrated a sub-par evolution of UAV capabilities, technology and development. However, spurred by concern over mission loss to sister services, USAF demonstrated a mid-1990s new found interest in UAVs despite the less- than-proven performance of previous UAV systems. USAF UAV acceptance was embodied in four UAV end states and two High Altitude Endurance (HAE) UAVs. However, continued setbacks with HAE UAV programs soon impacted USAF's ability to meet UAV end state timelines as well as USAF commitment to UAV funding. HAE UAV miscues indicate the USAF UAV course charted after its mid-1990s UAV acceptance was founded on unproven technology. Consequently, this paper recommends a moderate USAF UAV course founded on proven technology and conservative investment. This moderate UAV course is enabled by a "wait and see" approach with the ongoing HAE UAV Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). The "wait and see" approach commits minimal USAF funds to HAE UAVs pending successful HAE UAV technology demonstration.
W-shaped implied volatility curves and the Gaussian mixture model

The number of crossings of the implied volatility function with a fixed level is bounded above by the number of crossings of the risk-neutral density with the density of a log-normal distribution with the same mean as the forward price. It is bounded below by the number of convex payoffs priced equally by the two densities. We discuss the implications of these bounds for the implied volatility in the N-component Gaussian mixture model, with particular attention to the possibility of W-shaped smiles. We show that the implied volatility in this model crosses any level at most times. We show that a bimodal density need not produce a W-shaped smile, and a unimodal density can produce an oscillatory smile. We give monotonicity properties of the implied volatility in Gaussian mixtures under stochastic orderings of the location parameters and volatilities of the mixture components. For some of these results we make use of a novel convexity property of the Black-Scholes price at one strike with respect to the price at another strike. The combined constraints from density crossings and extreme strike asymptotics restrict the allowed shapes of the implied volatility. As an application we discuss a symmetric N = 3 Gaussian mixture model which generates three possible smile shapes: U-shaped, W-shaped and an oscillatory shape with two minima and two maxima.
Bioexploration and Phylogenetic Placement of Entomopathogenic Fungi of the Genus Beauveria in Soils of Lebanon Cedar Forests

The cedar forests of Lebanon have been threatened by the outbreak caused by climate change of a web-spinning sawfly, Cephalcia tannourinensis (Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae), which negatively impacted the survival of one of the oldest tree species on earth. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of naturally soil-inhabiting entomopathogenic fungi for their role in containing the massive outbreak of this insect. We used a combination of fungal bioexploration methods, including insect bait and selective media. Morphological features and multilocus phylogeny—based on Sanger sequencing of the transcripts encoding the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-α), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RBP2), and the nuclear intergenic region (Bloc) were used for species identification. The occurrence rate of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) varied with location, soil structure, forest structure, and isolation method. From 15 soil samples positive for fungal occurrence, a total of 249 isolates was obtained from all locations using different isolation methods. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the existence of two novel indigenous species: Beauveria tannourinensis sp. nov. and Beauveria ehdenensis sp. nov. In conclusion, the present survey was successful (1) in optimizing the isolation methods for EPF, (2) investigating the natural occurrence of Beauveria spp. in outbreak areas of C. tannourinensis, and (3) in characterizing the presence of new Beauveria species in Lebanese cedar forest soil.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Parameters in Athletic Population: A Review

Although still underutilized, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) allows the most accurate and reproducible measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness and performance in athletes. It provides functional physiologic indices which are key variables in the assessment of athletes in different disciplines. CPET is valuable in clinical and physiological investigation of individuals with loss of performance or minor symptoms that might indicate subclinical cardiovascular, pulmonary or musculoskeletal disorders. Highly trained athletes have improved CPET values, so having just normal values may hide a medical disorder. In the present review, applications of CPET in athletes with special attention on physiological parameters such as VO2max, ventilatory thresholds, oxygen pulse, and ventilatory equivalent for oxygen and exercise economy in the assessment of athletic performance are discussed. The role of CPET in the evaluation of possible latent diseases and overtraining syndrome, as well as CPET-based exercise prescription, are outlined.
Direction-of-Arrival Estimation of Electromagnetic Wave Impinging on Spherical Antenna Array in the Presence of Mutual Coupling Using a Multiple Signal Classification Method

A spherical antenna array (SAA) is the configuration of choice in obtaining an antenna array with isotropic characteristics. An SAA has the capacity to receive an electromagnetic wave (EM) with equal intensity irrespective of the direction-of-arrival (DoA) and polarization. Therefore, the DoA estimation of electromagnetic (EM) waves impinging on an SAA with unknown mutual coupling needs to be considered. In the spherical domain, the traditional multiple signal classification algorithm (SH-MUSIC) is faced with a computational complexity problem. This paper presents a one-dimensional MUSIC method (1D-MUSIC) for the estimation of the azimuth and elevation angles. An intermediate mapping matrix that exists between Fourier series and the spherical harmonic function is designed, and the Fourier series Vandermonde structure is used for the realization of the polynomial rooting technique. This mapping matrix can be computed prior to the DoA estimation, and it is only a function of the array configuration. Based on the mapping matrix, the 2-D angle search is transformed into two 1-D angle findings. Employing the features of the Fourier series, two root polynomials are designed for the estimation of the elevation and azimuth angles, spontaneously. The developed method avoids the 2-D spectral search, and angles are paired in automation. Both numerical simulation results, and results from experimental measured data (i.e., with mutual coupling effect incorporated), show the validity, potency, and potential practical application of the developed algorithm.
Climate change or what? Prognostic framing by Fridays for Future protesters

ABSTRACT Since August 2018, Greta Thunberg and Fridays for Future have captured the attention of the world by mobilizing millions of young students as well as adults to join their climate strikes. The movement has stressed the urgency of global warming and urged politicians to listen to science and take action. The collective action framing has thus been broad and inclusive, but correspondingly vague in terms of its demands. It is therefore pertinent to explore what climate strikers believe should be done to address climate change. By analysing responses to an open survey question posed to participants in the climate strikes in March and September 2019 from Stockholm, Malmö, Vienna, Berlin, Warsaw, Florence and Brussels, this article uses a mixed-methods approach to investigate prognostic framing in the European climate movement. Distinguishing between two dimensions of projected change—its character and its main agents—this study re-conceptualizes the common distinction between institutionalist and anti-institutionalist approaches as a split between top-down and bottom-up as well as the system change and system development types of prognostic framing. While top-down change within the current system is identified as the most common prognostic frame, considerable numbers of survey respondents instead stress individual lifestyle changes. A bottom-up change of the system to address global warming is somewhat surprisingly more likely to be articulated by middle-aged respondents than by youths. The latter frame also receives disproportionate support from the most left-leaning participants, which demonstrates the continued relevance of the left–right dimension in green politics.
A quadrotor sensor platform

Abstract : The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become the de facto standard for precision navigation for many applications. However, the line-of-sight signals required by the GPS receiver are not always accessible in a cluttered environment, such as mountainous terrain or an urban setting. In addition, the satellite signals operate at a low power level making GPS susceptible to interference and jamming. Scenarios such as these require an alternate means of providing high level accuracy. To that end, the Avionics Engineering Center (AEC) at Ohio University (OU) has begun to investigate the ability of a scanning laser range finder, or LADAR, to augment GPS. One scenario under consideration is that of a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which has been navigating using GPS but then descends into a city for the next phase of its mission. Inside this "urban canyon," access to the GPS satellite signals is blocked by towering buildings and an alternate means of navigation is required to maintain precise positioning. A tactical grade inertial navigation system (INS) would satisfy the requirement, but the cost is prohibitive for an unmanned system. Instead, a line scanning LADAR updates the vehicle's position and attitude using range data collected from planar surfaces. The quadrotor sensor platform is especially well suited for the scanning LADAR since the vehicle itself can be used to "gimbal" the sensor. In other words, small rolling and pitching motions, either commanded or incidental, will generate multiple LADAR line scans across each flat surface. A minimum of three separate scans is required for each planar surface to obtain a three-dimensional solution, but multiple scans are not possible without some means of gimbaling the LADAR.
Evaluation of Utility System Impacts and Benefits of Optimally Dispatched Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (Revised)

Hybrid electric vehicles with the capability of being recharged from the grid may provide a significant decrease in oil consumption. These ''plug-in'' hybrids (PHEVs) will affect utility operations, adding additional electricity demand. Because many individual vehicles may be charged in the extended overnight period, and because the cost of wireless communication has decreased, there is a unique opportunity for utilities to directly control the charging of these vehicles at the precise times when normal electricity demand is at a minimum. This report evaluates the effects of optimal PHEV charging, under the assumption that utilities will indirectly or directly control when charging takes place, providing consumers with the absolute lowest cost of driving energy. By using low-cost off-peak electricity, PHEVs owners could purchase the drive energy equivalent to a gallon of gasoline for under 75 cents, assuming current national average residential electricity prices.
ATM Kinase Dead: From Ataxia Telangiectasia Syndrome to Cancer

Simple Summary Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein plays a pivotal role in the DNA-damage response through activation of many different molecular targets. Mutations of the related gene cause Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) disease, characterized by neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency, and predisposition to lymphoid tumors, and they have been also found associated with several malignancies. The clinical heterogeneity of A-T can be attributed to different types of mutations that impair the expression of the protein or have a different impact on its function. In particular, extremely rare mutations that preserve the protein expression but abrogate the activity have been reported to be more dangerous in A-T patients and in mouse models. In cancer patients, these mutations have been correlated both to lymphoid and non-lymphoid tumors. The review summarizes the current knowledge on the so called “Kinase Dead” (KD) mutations of ATM protein that can be used in personalized treatments of A-T or oncologic patients. Abstract ATM is one of the principal players of the DNA damage response. This protein exerts its role in DNA repair during cell cycle replication, oxidative stress, and DNA damage from endogenous events or exogenous agents. When is activated, ATM phosphorylates multiple substrates that participate in DNA repair, through its phosphoinositide 3-kinase like domain at the 3′end of the protein. The absence of ATM is the cause of a rare autosomal recessive disorder called Ataxia Telangiectasia characterized by cerebellar degeneration, telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, cancer susceptibility, and radiation sensitivity. There is a correlation between the severity of the phenotype and the mutations, depending on the residual activity of the protein. The analysis of patient mutations and mouse models revealed that the presence of inactive ATM, named ATM kinase-dead, is more cancer prone and lethal than its absence. ATM mutations fall into the whole gene sequence, and it is very difficult to predict the resulting effects, except for some frequent mutations. In this regard, is necessary to characterize the mutated protein to assess if it is stable and maintains some residual kinase activity. Moreover, the whole-genome sequencing of cancer patients with somatic or germline mutations has highlighted a high percentage of ATM mutations in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase domain, mostly in cancer cells resistant to classical therapy. The relevant differences between the complete absence of ATM and the presence of the inactive form in in vitro and in vivo models need to be explored in more detail to predict cancer predisposition of A-T patients and to discover new therapies for ATM-associated cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the multiple discoveries from humans and mouse models on ATM mutations, focusing into the inactive versus null ATM.
Uncovering Trends and Spatial Biases of Research in a U.S. National Park

National parks are vital public resources for the preservation of species and landscapes, and for decades have provided natural laboratories for studying environmental and cultural resources. Though significant scholarship has taken place in national parks, syntheses of research trends and biases are rarely available for needs assessments and decision making. In this paper, we demonstrate procedures to close this information gap using Congaree National Park (CNP) as an example of a protected area characterized by disparate research. We conducted a systematic review of research topics and funding sources of all peer-reviewed, published research conducted since its inception as a National Monument in 1976. We next paired our evaluation of research trends with a spatial analysis of study locations to uncover patterns and biases in research. A total of 49 peer-reviewed publications describing research conducted at CNP have been published between 1976–2018, with over 75% published since 2003. Quantitative studies accounted for nearly 90% of all studies, and vegetation was the most commonly studied discipline. Most studies were funded by federal agencies, with the National Park Service providing the most funding instances. Spatial analyses revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) hotspots of studies near the park entrance, visitor center, roads, and hiking trails. In providing a comprehensive evaluation of research patterns and trends within a single park, we developed an approach that can be applied by managers in other parks or public lands to maximize the utility of past research, identify potentially valuable but understudied park resources, and prioritize research needs.