Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Association Among Air Pollutants, Allergenic Pollen, and Respiratory Virus Infection of Children in Guri, Korea During Recent 5 Years

Purpose Concerns about the spread of infectious diseases have increased due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Knowing the factors that exacerbate or increase the contagiousness of a virus could be a key to pandemic prevention. Therefore, we investigated whether the pandemic potential of infectious diseases correlates with the concentration of atmospheric substances. We also investigated whether environmental deterioration causes an increase in viral infections. Methods Pediatric patients (0–18 years old; n = 6,223) were recruited from those hospitalized for aggravated respiratory symptoms at Hanyang University Guri Hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. The number of viral infections was defined as the total number of virus-infected patients hospitalized for respiratory symptoms. We analyzed the association between the number of viral infections/week and the average concentrations of atmospheric substances including particulate matter (PM)10, PM2.5, O3, NO2, CO, SO2, and allergenic pollen) for that week. The cross-correlation coefficient between the weekly measures of pollens and viral infections was checked to determine which time point had the most influence. The association of atmospheric substances in that time, with the number of viral infections/week was investigated using multiple linear regression analysis to identify factors with the greatest influence. Results In spring the tree pollen average concentration one week earlier (t-1) had the greatest correlation with the average virus infection of a given week (t) (ρXY (h) =0.5210). The number of viral infections showed a statistically significant correlation with especially tree pollen concentration of 1 week prior (adj R2=0.2280). O3 concentration was correlated to the number of viral infections within that week (adj R2=0.2552) in spring, and weed pollen and CO concentration correlated (adj R2=0.1327) in autumn. Conclusions Seasonal co-exposure to air pollutants and allergenic pollens may enhance respiratory viral infection susceptibility in children. Therefore, reducing the concentrations of air pollutants and pollens may help prevent future epidemics.
Diversity in sphingolipid metabolism across land plants

Abstract Sphingolipids are essential metabolites found in all plant species. They are required for plasma membrane integrity, tolerance of and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and intracellular signalling. There is extensive diversity in the sphingolipid content of different plant species, and in the identities and roles of enzymes required for their processing. In this review, we survey results obtained from investigations of the classical genetic model Arabidopsis thaliana, from assorted dicots with less extensive genetic toolkits, from the model monocot Oryza sativa, and finally from the model bryophyte Physcomitrium patens. For each species or group, we first broadly summarize what is known about sphingolipid content. We then discuss the most insightful and puzzling features of modifications to the hydrophobic ceramides, and to the polar headgroups of complex sphingolipids. Altogether, these data can serve as a framework for our knowledge of sphingolipid metabolism across the plant kingdom. This chemical and metabolic heterogeneity underpins equally diverse functions. With greater availability of different tools for analytical measurements and genetic manipulation, our field is entering an exciting phase of expanding our knowledge of the biological functions of this persistently cryptic class of lipids.
Relative perceptions of prevalence, impact and importance of photosensitisation in Australian livestock: A survey of veterinarians, livestock traders and livestock producers

Aims To investigate the relative differences in the perceptions and awareness of outbreaks of photosensitisation in Australian livestock stakeholders, including veterinarians, livestock traders and producers. Methods A questionnaire was developed and circulated to livestock veterinarians, producers and traders in Australia via email addresses obtained from public access sources. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate participants' awareness and perception of health, welfare, and production issues associated with outbreaks of photosensitisation and towards the incidence and importance of photosensitisation in livestock. Results One hundred and twenty‐eight online responses were received in total. Nearly half of the respondents (49.0%) indicated they would encounter 1–3 outbreaks annually. The majority of veterinarian and livestock producers stated that outbreaks of photosensitisation were common and economically important, with cattle and sheep being equally considered as susceptible species to this condition, and secondary (hepatogeneous) photosensitisation is the most common type. Conclusion This survey confirms the anecdotal evidence that photosensitisation in livestock in Australia is commonly encountered by veterinarians and livestock producers. However, there is no industry‐wide common acceptance of the issue, broader opinions should be canvassed when considering impacts on stakeholders regarding photosensitisation outbreaks in livestock in Australia or abroad in the future.
Directionally Sensitive Fractal Radiomics Compatible With Irregularly Shaped Magnetic Resonance Tumor Regions of Interest: Association With Osteosarcoma Chemoresistance

Computational analysis of routinely acquired MRI has potential to improve the tumor chemoresistance prediction and to provide decision support in precision medicine, which may extend patient survival. Most radiomic analytical methods are compatible only with rectangular regions of interest (ROIs) and irregular tumor shape is therefore an important limitation. Furthermore, the currently used analytical methods are not directionally sensitive.
Population-specific, recent positive selection signatures in cultivated Cucumis sativus L. (cucumber)

Abstract Population-specific, positive selection promotes the diversity of populations and drives local adaptations in the population. However, little is known about population-specific, recent positive selection in the populations of cultivated cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Based on a genomic variation map of individuals worldwide, we implemented a Fisher’s combination method by combining 4 haplotype-based approaches: integrated haplotype score (iHS), number of segregating sites by length (nSL), cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH), and Rsb. Overall, we detected 331, 2,147, and 3,772 population-specific, recent positive selective sites in the East Asian, Eurasian, and Xishuangbanna populations, respectively. Moreover, we found that these sites were related to processes for reproduction, response to abiotic and biotic stress, and regulation of developmental processes, indicating adaptations to their microenvironments. Meanwhile, the selective genes associated with traits of fruits were also observed, such as the gene related to the shorter fruit length in the Eurasian population and the gene controlling flesh thickness in the Xishuangbanna population. In addition, we noticed that soft sweeps were common in the East Asian and Xishuangbanna populations. Genes involved in hard or soft sweeps were related to developmental regulation and abiotic and biotic stress resistance. Our study offers a comprehensive candidate dataset of population-specific, selective signatures in cultivated cucumber populations. Our methods provide guidance for the analysis of population-specific, positive selection. These findings will help explore the biological mechanisms of adaptation and domestication of cucumber.
Co-Design of Adaptive Event Generator and Asynchronous Fault Detection Filter for Markov Jump Systems via Genetic Algorithm

This article investigates the co-design problem of adaptive event-triggered schemes (AETSs) and asynchronous fault detection filter (AFDF) for nonhomogeneous higher-level Markov jump systems, involving the hidden Markov model (HMM), higher-level Markov chain (MC), and conic-type nonlinearities. The transformation of the system transition probability can be reflected by the designed higher-level MC. An HMM with another conditional transition probability is applied to detect higher-level Markov processes and make the system be more practical. In order to balance the utilization of network resources and system performance, a novel AETS is proposed and used in the construction of the AFDF. By the Lyapunov theory, sufficient conditions are given to ensure the existences of the AETS and AFDF. It is not only an appropriate tradeoff between the utilization of network resources and system performance, but also reduces the conservatism. Finally, a numerical example is given to detect the faults effectively by the co-designed AFDF.
Sustainability and environmental impact of on‐line hemodiafiltration

Environment has become a main issue of human activities. Chronic hemodialysis (HD) therapy saves lives but consumes large amounts of water and power and produces a lot of care‐related waste. On‐line hemodiafiltration (HDF) improves patients' outcomes but increases water consumption from ultra‐pure water needs and infusion volume. New‐generation water treatment systems have much reduced the proportion of reject water that can also be reused. Reducing the dialysate flow in standard HD decreases significantly the water consumption but impacts negatively dialysis efficiency. When on‐line HDF is prescribed, reducing the dialysate flow may be applied to decrease water needs while maintaining dialysis efficiency. Nowadays, dialysis prescription cannot ignore its impact on natural resources and environment.
Doppler laser radar for range and speed measurement of road targets

A pulsed coherent vehicle laser radar system basing on the measurement of light flight time and Doppler frequency shift is demonstrated for the first time, which features a simple design that uses one photodiode (PD) as its optical detector. Pseudo random noise (PN) code is used for modulating the amplitude of transmitting light. Correlation function of the received echoes and the local modulating codes is calculated for measuring the light flight time. Due to PN code modulation, beat signal output from PD is piecewise continuous, which causes equidistant sampling of Doppler sine wave not feasible. In order that Doppler frequency be correctly measured by using fast Fourier transform (FFT), a simple signal amplitude modification method is derived from the definition of Fourier transform.
Adhesion behaviors of water droplets on bioinspired superhydrophobic surfaces

The adhesion behaviors of droplets on surfaces are attracting increasing attention due to their various applications. Many bioinspired superhydrophobic surfaces with different adhesion states have been constructed in order to mimic the functions of natural surfaces such as a lotus leaf, a rose petal, butterfly wings, etc. In this review, we first present a brief introduction to the fundamental theories of the adhesion behaviors of droplets on various surfaces, including low adhesion, high adhesion and anisotropic adhesion states. Then, different techniques to characterize droplet adhesion on these surfaces, including the rotating disk technique, the atomic force microscope cantilever technique, and capillary sensor-based techniques, are described. Wetting behaviors, and the switching between different adhesion states on bioinspired surfaces, are also summarized and discussed. Subsequently, the diverse applications of bioinspired surfaces, including water collection, liquid transport, drag reduction, and oil/water separation, are discussed. Finally, the challenges of using liquid adhesion behaviors on various surfaces, and future applications of these surfaces, are discussed.
Edinburgh Research Explorer Host protective roles of type 2 immunity

Metazoan parasites typically induce a type 2 immune response, characterized by T helper 2 (Th2) cells that produce the cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 among others. The type 2 response is host protective, reducing the number of parasites either through direct killing in the tissues, or expulsion from the intestine. Type 2 immunity also protects the host against damage mediated by these large extracellular parasites as they migrate through the body. At the center of both the innate and adaptive type 2 immune response, is the IL-4R (cid:2) that mediates many of the key effector functions. Here we highlight the striking overlap between the molecules, cells and pathways that mediate both parasite control and tissue repair. We have proposed that adaptive Th2 immunity evolved out of our innate repair pathways to mediate both accelerated repair and parasite control in the face of continual assault from multicellular pathogens. Type 2 cytokines are involved in many aspects of mammalian physiology independent of helminth infection. Therefore understanding the evolutionary relationship between helminth killing and tissue repair should provide new insight into immune mechanisms of tissue protection in the face of physical injury. that help toward repair of the tissue and extracellular matrix remodeling, but are also involved in parasite killing following activation by parasite-speciﬁc antibodies secreted by B cells. Critically, epithelial cells and goblet cells play a key role in repair of tissue by generating factors like TGF (cid:4) , RELM (cid:2) and RELM (cid:4) which contribute to extracellular matrix turnover. Approximately 1 week post infection with N. brasiliensis , the adult parasites are cleared from the intestine in a type 2 dependent manner involving IL-13-driven muscle contraction and increased mucus production in the epithelium. It is important to note that while TSLP effector function is redundant for host-protection against N. brasiliensis infection it is an important factor in other helminth models as discussed in Section 2.3.
Assessing unconsciousness in livestock at slaughter

Assessing unconsciousness in livestock at different stages of the slaughter process is a legal requirement according to EU legislation. The assessment can be based on absence of readily observable indicators (behavioural indicators, physical signs and reflexes) or, under experimental conditions, by recording and subsequent assessment of brain activity as presented in an electroencephalogram (EEG). There is no consensus, however, to what extent different behavioural indicators, physical signs and reflexes accurately reflect unconsciousness. The aim of this thesis was to study the relationships between these readily observable indicators and EEG activity to provide information on 1. the exact point in time at which animals lose consciousness when subjected to different stunning and slaughter methods and 2. the validity of behavioural indicators, physical signs and reflexes used to assess unconsciousness at slaughter under commercial conditions. The results showed a large variation in time to loss of consciousness, based on EEG activity, both between stunning and slaughter procedures and amongst animals. Captive bolt stunned calves lost consciousness instantly following the stun. Loss of consciousness in pigs during CO2 stunning varied from 21 to 61 s after start of the exposure. An increased CO2 concentration decreased the time to loss of consciousness. Times to loss of consciousness in sheep slaughtered without stunning varied from 6 to 24 s. In cattle slaughtered without stunning, times to loss of consciousness varied from 14 s up to over two minutes. Following captive bolt stunning in calves, absence of reflexes indicated unconsciousness. When consciousness was lost gradually (e.g. CO2 stunning and non-stunned slaughter) none of the readily observable indicators could identify the exact point in time at which animals lost consciousness. Absence of rhythmic breathing, corneal reflex- and eyelid reflex were valid indicators of unconsciousness following CO2 stunning and non-stunned slaughter, but these indicators were quite conservative as they were initially absent long after EEG activity indicated unconsciousness. When presence of these indicators would require (re)stunning, many animals will have to be (re)stunned. The results also showed that under full commercial conditions, stunning effectiveness must be closely monitored by slaughter plant employees, since risks for stun failures are higher under commercial conditions compared to experimental conditions.
Who earns the trust of citizens and why: Experiences from the private sector

A recurring theme of the report is the close parallel between what public institutions are starting to do today to build trust, and the ways that private companies routinely use trust to attract and retain customers, through deliberate and well-thought out “trust strategies”. This chapter uses two case studies – e-commerce and autonomous cars – to illustrate how the private sector builds trust. Gaining the trust of society is recognised as one of the main hurdles to wider adoption of any new technology. For example, carmakers across the world are working intensively with users to earn trust through direct experience with driverless cars. Trust is essentially about inferring future behaviour or events despite incomplete information. Most people have already taken this step with e-commerce and, according to many experts, will soon do the same for driverless cars.
Razvoj programskog alata za simulaciju i analizu performansi bolida Formula Student

U sklopu ovog zavrsnog rada razvijen je programski alat za simulaciju i analizu performansi vozila na temelju jednostavnog matematickog modela, koji opisuje vozilo pomocu seta osnovnih parametara koji utjecu na performanse vozila. Svrha ovoga alata je analizirati utjecaj osnovnih parametara na performanse vozila te na temelju rezultata simulacija provesti evaluaciju razlicitih koncepata u ranoj fazi razvoja Formula Student bolida. U uvodnom dijelu rada opisano je Formula Student natjecanje te potreba za ovakvim programskim alatom u ranoj fazi razvoja bolida. Detaljnije su opisane dinamicke discipline natjecanja te princip bodovanja u tim disciplinama. U sljedecem poglavlju opisani su osnovni parametri vozila koji utjecu na performanse vozila, uvedena ogranicenja i pretpostavke pri koristenju takvog modela te su raspisane jednadžbe koje cine matematicki model. Glavni dio rada cini prikaz razvijenog programskog alata i mogucnosti koje nudi. Prikazan je proces modeliranja vozila, provedbe simulacija i analize dobivenih rezultata te je dana usporedba razvijenog programskog alata s programskim alatom OptimumLap temeljenim na slicnom matematickom modelu. Vrednovanje programskog alata provedeno je usporedbom rezultata s rezultatima dobivenim simulacijama u komercijalnom programu CarSim, koji sadrži mnogo kompleksnije matematicke modele te simulira dinamiku vozila s vrlo velikom tocnoscu. U zavrsnom dijelu rada provedena je evaluacija razlicitih koncepata pri razvoju ovogodisnjeg bolida FSB Racing Team-a koristeci vlastiti programski alat i programski alat OptimumLap.
Interactive analysis of individual consumption patterns with regard to raw-material availability: The web tool ‘My Raw Material World’

On behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) the research project „Global nachhaltige materielle Wohlstandsniveaus“ analysed material needs for German households’ spending on durable consumer goods. Based on these findings, prototypical household endowments can be classified within the boundary conditions of global fairness and sustainable resource use. The applied classification scheme is based on the methodological concept of availability corridors which was developed and implemented over the project term by the Institute of Economic Structures Research (GWS) and the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy. This methodological research has been accompanied by software development activities: A handy, easy understandable and instructive web tool ( http://resourcetool.gws-os.com/ ) has been established which illustrates the main findings of the research project in an intuitive way. Users can experience the research topic "raw material consumption and sustainability" in the context of own household endowments and identify the implied material needs of individual consumption patterns.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF MANPOWER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN SERVICE ORGANIZATION A STUDY OF POWER HOLDING COMPANY, ZARIA ZONE

A Thesis submitted to the School of Post Graduate Studies Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of Masters of Science Degree in Public Administration, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Low Profile Switchmode Converter with Embedded Passive Components in the PCB

Abstract Technologies are now available to embed circuit functionality into the printed circuit board (PCB) that is used to interconnect the various components of a power electronics converter. Technologies are presented for realizing capacitive, magnetic and resistive functions in a multilayer PCB. It is suggested that in planar magnetic cores be combined with ferroelectric capacitor sheets together with new surface mount components to enhance the reactive power capability of the passive components. Two case studies are presented illustrating the possibilities that the new technologies offer. The capacitance values needed for switchmode power conversion is analyzed and possibility to embed these capacitors in the PCB is investigated. Two factors that limit the power handling capability in low profile converters with embedded passive components are identified and analyzed, namely the ratio of PCB area to component area and role that the third dimension plays in planar converters.
Passenger-centric factors influencing the experience of aircraft comfort

ABSTRACT Enhancing passenger comfort in an air cabin environment is uniquely challenging. Air travel offers a restrictive passenger experience in terms of available space and the ability to change one’s position or journey. The first step to designing experiences for comfort is to take a broader view of the factors which influence in-flight comfort. While many studies have considered the design and services of aircrafts and airlines, this review focuses on the passenger and the internal and external factors which can affect their comfort. We present a descriptive model of comfort that comprises factors such as individual characteristics, personal travel context and interaction with others. This model could be used to develop an improved aircraft passenger experience.