Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Efferocytosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment Opportunities

Abstract Cigarette smoking-related inflammation, cellular stresses, and tissue destruction play a key role in lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Notably, augmented apoptosis and impaired clearance of apoptotic cells, efferocytosis, contribute to the chronic inflammatory response and tissue destruction in patients with COPD. Of note, exposure to cigarette smoke can impair alveolar macrophages efferocytosis activity, which leads to secondary necrosis formation and tissue inflammation. A better understanding of the processes behind the effect of cigarette smoke on efferocytosis concerning lung disorders can help to design more efficient treatment approaches and also delay the development of lung disease, such as COPD. To this end, we aimed to seek mechanisms underlying the impairing effect of cigarette smoke on macrophages-mediated efferocytosis in COPD. Further, available therapeutic opportunities for restoring efferocytosis activity and ameliorating respiratory tract inflammation in smokers with COPD were also discussed.
Radio wave propagation measurements in tunnel entrance environment for intelligent transportation systems applications

Underground environments are of great interest to intelligent transportation system (ITS) applications, since they occur frequently in both urban and rural situations, and have peculiar propagation characteristics. This investigation includes two of the major fields in ITS applications: road-to-vehicle, and vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Besides that, the propagation measurements presented also focus on the transition effects when moving between the regions outside and inside a tunnel, which represents its entrance environment. The experimental results of path loss and delay spread profiles are presented and analyzed.
Toward EPC global chipless RFID tag design

Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) is a disruptive technology that has penetrated almost every facade of modern civilization. RFID is an automated identification system that uses radio frequency waves to transmit data between a tag and a reader. Penetration of RFID in low cost item level tagging is hindered due to the high price of tags. The high cost of chipped tags stalled many ambitious projects such as low cost and perishable item level tagging for retails, supply chain management, logistics, pharmaceuticals and luggage handling to just name a few. The tag can be made low cost removing the microchip in the tag. The aim is to make the chipless tag that costs sub cents and is compatible with the current Electronic Product Code (EPC) Global standard. A few research groups have been working in the domain of chipless RFID tags. The big challenge of chipless RFID tag development is to incorporate 64 data bits in a half the credit card size real estate. Recently reported chipless RFID tags can meet neither the bit nor the real estate requirement. The thesis has presented numerous microwave passive designs to develop compact chipless tags with high data capacity. The goal is to develop fully printable uniplanar chipless RFID tags that offer: (i) high spectral efficiency meaning maximum number of data bits possible in the ultra-wide band (UWB) frequency range from 3.1-10.6 GHz, (ii) high spatial efficiency meaning very compact design of multiple data encoding elements in prescribed surface area of the tag, and (iii) operational flexibility such as orientation insensitive tag design. To fulfil the thesis goal a set of high data capacity, spectrally efficient and compact chipless tags are designed. The designed chipless tags are: (i) polarization diversity (PD) based re-transmission type tag; (ii) dual-band modified complementary split ring resonator (MCSRR) based tag; (iii) single polarized radar cross section (RCS) based tag, (iv) dual polarized RCS based tag, (v) multi-dimensional data encoding (MDDE) based tag and (vi) polarization insensitive (PI) tag. To realize the aforementioned chipless tags, a number of compact resonant structures with different polarization attributes, such as single polarized, dual polarized and polarization insensitive, have been proposed. A chipless RFID tag reader is also developed to read the designed tags in a laboratory setting. Successful reading of the designed tags using the developed reader has been accomplished for both mono-static and bi-static tag reading arrangements. The developed chipless RFID system finds potential applications in authentications of Australian polymer banknote and secured documents, tagging of goods and consumables products, bus tickets, stamps, and pharmaceuticals.
The importance and use of nanopacking in food industry

In order to satisfy the increasing demand for food production which will reach the con­ sumers in a safe condition, and at the same time meet their expectations in terms of qual­ ity, the packaging industry has been continually developing and striving to implement new technologies such as nanotechnology. By application of nanoparticles and other nanoma­ terials of various organic and inorganic compounds in standard packaging materials, the quality of packaging such as polymer­flexibility, gas barrier properties, temperature/mois­ ture/light stability, thermal and chemical stability and biodegradability has been improved. Moreover, the use of polymer nanotechnology enables constant monitoring of packaging conditions, providing in that way the preservation of fresh food, extension of shelf life of foods and improvement of products quality and safety. The application of nanopackaging on the market is slowed due to lack of data on potential risk to human health and the im­ pact on the environment, as well as to lack of legal regulations. These shortcomings affect public perception of nanotechnology, but when these problems are overcome application of nanopackaging promises to become an irreplaceable part of industrial production of food.
Control Parameter Tuning of Magnetic Bearing PID Controller Based on Expansion Coefficient Critical Proportion

The digital PID controller system for magnetic bearing was described in this paper which combined Matlab technique with simulation of the magnetic bearing control to reach the influence of parameters of digital PID controller for magnetic bearing control system. The application of the expansion coefficient critical proportion for turning parameters of digital PID controller can achieve better results. Finally, provide a simple and efficient method for numerical controller of magnetic bearing.
New Neural Network Inverse Control of Two-Motor Drive System

Two-motor drive system is a multi-variable, nonlinear and strongly coupled system. A new synchronous control strategy for two-motor system is proposed based on radial basis function (RBF) neural network inverse with particle swarm optimization. To enhance the system performance, the particle swarm optimization is adopted to optimize the RBF nerve center, an optimized RBF neural network inverse and a two-motor system is connected in series to form composite pseudo-linear system. This two-motor synchronous system can be decoupled into two independent linear subsystems for speed and tension. Then, the decoupled control is implemented by designing a linear closed-loop adjustor. The experimental results verify that the two-motor synchronous system can be decoupled well for speed and tension based on the proposed neural network inverse system. Also, the proposed system can deal with external disturbances with strong robustness.
Role of Ang1‐7 in renal haemodynamics and excretion in streptozotocin diabetic rats

The contribution of angiotensin (1–7) (Ang1‐7) to control of extrarenal and renal function may be modified in diabetes. We investigated the effects of Ang1‐7 supplementation on blood pressure, renal circulation and intrarenal reactivity (IVR) to vasoactive agents in normoglycaemic (NG) and streptozotocin diabetic rats (DM). In Sprague Dawley DM and NG rats, 3 weeks after streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.) or solvent injection, Ang1‐7 was administered (400 ng/min) over the next 2 weeks using subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. For a period of 5 weeks, blood pressure (BP), 24 h water intake and diuresis were determined weekly. In anaesthetised rats, BP, renal total and cortical (CBF), outer (OMBF) and inner medullary (IMBF) perfusion and urine excretion were determined. To check IVR, a short‐time infusion of acetylcholine or norepinephrine was randomly given to the renal artery. Unexpectedly, BP did not differ between NG and DM, and this was not modified by Ang‐1–7 supplementation. Baseline IMBF was higher in NG vs. DM, and Ang1‐7 treatment did not change it in NG but decreased it in DM. In the latter, Ang1‐7 increased cortical IVR to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator stimuli. IMBF decrease after high acetylcholine dose seen in untreated NG was reverted to an increase in Ang1‐7 treated rats. Irrespective of the glycaemia level, Ang1‐7 did not modify BP. However, it impaired medullary circulation in DM, whereas in NG it rendered the medullary vasculature more sensitive to vasodilators. Possibly, the medullary hypoperfusion in DM was mediated by Ang1‐7 activation of angiotensin AT‐1 receptors which are upregulated by hyperglycaemia.
Genotype and phenotype characteristics of X-linked retinoschisis: the first report of a Turkish population

ABSTRACT Background X-linked retinoschisis is an inherited retinal disease caused by mutations in the RS1 gene; however, a genotype-phenotype correlation regarding the mutation type or location within the RS1 gene and clinical characteristics of the patients has not been established yet. This is the first report documenting the genotypes and ophthalmological findings in a Turkish population with confirmed RS1 mutations. Materials and Methods Fifty eyes of 25 male patients were included in the study. RS1 mutation analysis was performed by DNA sequencing. Retrospective analysis of ocular examinations and SD-OCT scans were applied. Results The major mutation was c.422 G > A (p.Arg141His, exon 5) affecting 14 patients (56%) and c.531 T > G was the only non-sense mutation out of 7 pathogenic variants. At presentation; the mean age was 24.6 ± 16.2 (4–72) years, mean visual acuity (VA) was 0.61 ± 0.32 (logMAR, 0.10–1.30). Forty-six (92%) eyes had macular, 16 eyes (32%) had peripheral retinoschisis. None of the eyes had macular scar, whereas 7 eyes (14%) had macular atrophy. The most frequent location of schisis was inner nuclear layer (37.5%). The eyes with disruption of ellipsoid zone (EZ) or external limiting membrane (ELM) had worse VA (for EZ, 0.65 ± 0.25 versus 0.45 ± 0.34, logMAR, 31 versus 17 eyes, p = .013; for ELM, 0.66 ± 0.27 versus 0.45 ± 0.31, logMAR, 30 versus 18 eyes, p = .008). Conclusions Seven different pathogenic variants in the RS1 gene were identified; with c.422 G > A (p.Arg141His) as the most frequent variant and c.531 T > G as only non-sense mutation. Having EZ or ELM disruption were the significant factors affecting VA.
Effect of U-turning at Midblock Facilities on Weaving Intensity

The study is aimed at determining the extent of weaving intensity induced by u-turning movements at roadway midblock facilities. The objectives are to estimate, weaving and volume ratios, as well as weaving intensity per directional flow. Weaving impact studies were carried out at 4 sites in Malaysia during daylight and dry weather conditions. Twenty four hours traffic volume, speed, headway and vehicle types' were collected continuously for 8 weeks from January to March 2012 for both directional traffic flows. Survey data were supplemented with information culled from the Malaysian Public Works Departments highway design manual. Results show that weaving, deceleration and diverging to entry lane are less severe than those caused by acceleration and merging from exit. The study concluded that weaving intensity is heightened in the vicinity of the Midblock entry carriageway lane.
Variability and time series trend analysis of temperature over 1981-2018 in semi-arid Borana zone, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundUnderstanding the climate variability at local scale could help suggest local adaptation responses to manage climate driven impacts. This paper analyzed the variability and trends of temperature over the period 1981-2018 in semi-arid Borana zone of southern Ethiopia using Mann-Kendall (MK) test and inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation technique. Gridded (4 km * 4 km) daily temperature data was used to study variability at temporal and spatial scales. ResultsThe results revealed that monthly temperature shows a warming trend where February was the warmest month for both maximum and minimum temperature. Seasonally, the highest maximum and minimum temperatures were observed during Bega. Minimum temperature shows a warming trend during all seasons unlike maximum temperature. Both minimum and maximum temperature shows not significant warming trend at annual timescale. The later decades (20012018) have shown a warming trend compared to a period ahead especially for minimum temperature. The southwestern and southeastern areas across the zone were warmer than any other areas in the region during the studied period. ConclusionTemperature shows variability at shorter than longer timescales. There is a pronounced warming trend for minimum than maximum temperature. Warming condition advances from the northcentral parts towards the southwestern and southeastern areas. Internal variability was observed at temporal and spatial scales and therefore any adaptation responses to local climate variability should consider the microscale climate.
Information Processing, Personnel Survey, 1968.

Abstract : The report presents tabular and graphic summaries of the data collected during a 1968 survey of personnel engaged in the information processing field. The data were acquired by questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed by seven professional society members of AFIPS to their memberships. The societies are: Association for Computing Machinery, American Society for Information Science, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Special Libraries Association, Simulation Councils Inc., Data Processing Management Association, and Numerical Control Society. The survey reports on data from 29,826 questionnaires. The data pertain to the following five categories of information: personal data, education, employment, professional activities, salary and income. Among the respondents, 19% are in the 25-29 yr. age range, 22% in the 30-34 yr. range, and 20% in the 35-39 yr. range; 87% of the respondents are male. The respondents include 7.5% Ph.D.'s, 24% M.S.'s, and 37% bachelor's degree holders. The predominant discipline among degree holders at all levels is engineering; mathematics is second, and physical sciences third. The predominant occupational specialty is programming. The predominant areas of application of users are scientific and engineering, and business and administration. An extensive analysis is included of salary distributions to enable comparisons with other national and regional salary surveys of professional personnel.
Predicting spatial-temporal patterns of diet quality and large herbivore performance using satellite time series.

Adaptive management of large herbivores requires an understanding of how spatial-temporal fluctuations in forage biomass and quality influence animal performance. Advances in remote sensing have yielded information about the spatial-temporal dynamics of forage biomass, which in turn have informed rangeland management decisions such as stocking rate and paddock selection for free-ranging cattle. However, less is known about the spatial-temporal patterns of diet quality and their influence on large herbivore performance. This is due to infrequent concurrent ground observations of forage conditions with performance (e.g., weight gain), and previously limited satellite data at fine spatial and temporal scales. We combined multi-temporal field observations of diet quality (weekly) and weight gain (monthly) with satellite-derived phenological metrics (pseudo-daily, using data fusion and interpolation) to model daily weight gains of free-ranging yearling cattle in shortgrass steppe. We used this model to predict grazing season (mid-May to October) weight gains - a key management indicator - across 40 different paddocks grazed over a 10-year period (n=138). We found strong relationships between diet quality and the satellite-derived phenological metrics, especially metrics related to the timing and rate of green-up and senescence. Satellite-derived diet quality estimates were strong predictors of monthly weight gains (R2 = 0.68) across a wide range of aboveground net herbaceous production. Season-long predictions of average daily gain and cattle off-weights had mean absolute errors of 8.9% and 2.9%, respectively. The model performed better temporally (across repeated observations in the same paddock) than spatially (across all paddocks within a given year), highlighting the need for accurate vegetation maps and robust field data collection across both space and time. This study demonstrates that free-ranging cattle performance in rangelands is strongly affected by diet quality, which is related to the timing of vegetation green-up and senescence. Senescing vegetation suppressed weight gains, even if adequate forage was available. The satellite-based pseudo-daily approach presented here offers new opportunities for adaptive management of large herbivores, such as identifying within-season triggers to move livestock among paddocks, predicting wildlife herd health, or timing the grazing season to better match earlier spring green-up caused by climate change and plant species invasion.
Effect of TrisEDTA and Chlorhexidine 0.12% on an In Vitro-Defined Biofilm Representing the Subgingival Plaque Biofilm of the Dog

This study was designed to investigate the effects of chlorhexidine 0.12%, TrisEDTA (tromethamine ethylenediamintetraacetic acid), and a combination of chlorhexidine 0.12% and TrisEDTA on an in vitro plaque biofilm model comprised of three bacterial species commonly found in canine subgingival plaque. Porphyromonas gulae, Actinomyces canis, and Neisseria canis were grown in a biofilm on polished hydroxyapatite coated titanium alloy pucks for 72 h prior to exposure to one of four test solutions: TrisEDTA, chlorhexidine 0.12%, a combination of TrisEDTA and chlorhexidine 0.12%, or sterile deionized water as a control. Following exposure to the test solution, a sample was collected of the biofilm either immediately or following 24 h of additional incubation in a broth medium. Lower numbers of CFU/mL of Porphyromonas gulae resulted when the biofilm was treated with a solution of chlorhexidine 0.12% and TrisEDTA compared to with chlorhexidine 0.12% alone, TrisEDTA alone, or the control and so this solution can be said to be synergistic against Porphyromonas gulae in this controlled in vitro model. Greater reductions in the numbers of CFU/mL of Actinomyces canis and Neisseria canis resulted from treatment with chlorhexidine 0.12% alone than if treated with the combination of TrisEDTA and chlorhexidine 0.12%. When treated biofilm samples were allowed 24 h of additional growth in fresh media, greater variance resulted and this variance highlights the complex dynamics involved in bacterial growth within a biofilm.
An Overview of the Security Landscape of Virtual Mobile Networks

5G enables the use of different types of services over the same physical infrastructure through the concepts and technologies of virtualization, softwarization, network slicing and cloud computing. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), using these concepts, provide an opportunity to share the same physical infrastructure among multiple operators. Each MVNO can have own distinct operating and support systems. However, the technologies used to enable such an environment have their own explicit security challenges and solutions. The integrated environment built upon these novel concepts and technologies, thus, will have complex security implications and requirements to be satisfied. In this vain, this article provides an overview of the security challenges and potential solutions for MVNOs.
Religiosity and Cooperation: The COVID-19 Pandemic in Slovenia

We researched the COVID-19 pandemic as a give-some social dilemma. The success of solving the dilemma depends on an adequate proportion of cooperative actors. We were interested in the difference between how religious and non-religious Slovenian citizens reported their level of cooperation with government measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus during the pandemic. Our research shows that during the first wave of the epidemic in Slovenia, religious citizens were slightly more cooperative than non-religious citizens. However, this statistically significant difference was not the consequence of religiosity per se. Regression analysis suggests that the observable difference was due to factors such as age, gender, concern about health, and trust in the ruling government. We explain the effect of these factors in light of the existing corpus of knowledge about social dilemmas.
A WEIGHTED APPROACH FOR CACCIOPOLI INEQUALITY FOR SOLUTIONS TO P-LAPLACE EQUATIONS

Không gian Sobolev cấp phân số có trọng có nhiều ứng dụng trong phương trình đạo hàm riêng. Trong bài báo này, chúng tôi khảo sát lớp không gian Sobolev cấp phân số có trọng, ứng với hàm trọng là hàm khoảng cách đến biên của miền xác định. Lớp không gian này được sử dụng để thu được một dạng bất đẳng thức dạng Cacciopoli có trọng cho bài toán p-Laplace với dữ liệu độ đo. Kết quả của chúng tôi là mở rộng của bất đẳng thức Cacciopoli trong bài báo gần đây (Tran & Nguyen, 2021b).
Exploring team formation processes in virtual partnerships

Different types of new ventures require different types of new venture teams in order to operate successfully. Virtual teams formed across organisational boundaries and organised around an opportunity are a relatively new area of research. A review of previous research shows that, although virtual teams have been well defined as a concept, only a few studies have contributed to the understanding of the processes of assembling and maintaining effective inter‐organisational teams enabled by new modes of communication. By combining cross‐disciplinary theoretical approaches, the reported study presents a conceptual overview of team formation in virtual settings. The findings of the study confirm that interorganisational teams follow special development patterns, which can be described as cyclical self‐energising processes.
Low-voltage driven graphene-loaded metal wire grating device in total internal reflection geometry for broadband THz modulation

Terahertz modulators with capability of both intensity and phase are essential for THz imaging and communication systems. The low-voltage driven THz modulation technique is crucial for integrating the modulators with electronics components. There is still a lack of broadband devices able to achieve both amplitude and phase modulation with low voltage, due to the underlying physics behind existing approaches. Here, we demonstrate a graphene-loaded metal wire grating THz modulator in the total internal reflection geometry to achieve intensity modulation of 80% and phase modulation of 70 degree within 3 volts gate voltage. Quite different from using the strategy of metamaterials based on the electromagnetic resonance effects, our design has performed a broadband modulation for over 1 THz bandwidth.