Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using a Kansei-driven Approach for New Concept Development Activities: What It Implies for Industrial Projects - Different Patterns of Design Activities and Design Information Conveyed -

In this article, twenty-seven experience-centered industrial design projects leading to kansei representations were analyzed. Information was gathered from interviews with former project team members and from an analysis of the projects' final reports. All of the projects involved at least the Toyota Motor Europe - Kansei Design (TME-KD) division. Three types of projects were identified: "exploratory concept," "product lining strategy," and "pre-development direction. " For each project groups, the analysis detailed specificities in terms of context (purpose, design team members), design activities (information, generation, evaluation & decision, communication), and regarding the nature of their outputs (kansei representation) and the type of design information they conveyed. This led to a comparison of the different types of projects and a discussion about the kansei-related design information exchange in early design stages. A model of kansei-related design information based on these discussions is finally presented.
Automated Evaluation of Three Dimensional Ultrasonic Datasets

Non-destructive testing has become necessary to ensure the quality of materials and components either in-service or at the production stage. This requires the use of a rapid, robust and reliable testing technique. As a main testing technique, the ultrasound technology has unique abilities to assess the discontinuity location, size and shape. Such information play a vital role in the acceptance criteria which are based on safety and quality requirements of manufactured components. Consequently, an extensive usage of the ultrasound technique is perceived especially in the inspection of large scale composites manufactured in the aerospace industry. Significant technical advances have contributed into optimizing the ultrasound acquisition techniques such as the sampling phased array technique. However, acquisition systems need to be complemented with an automated data analysis procedure to avoid the time consuming manual interpretation of all produced data. Such a complement would accelerate the inspection process and improve its reliability. The objective of this thesis is to propose an analysis chain dedicated to automatically process the 3D ultrasound volumes obtained using the sampling phased array technique. First, a detailed study of the speckle noise affecting the ultrasound data was conducted, as speckle reduces the quality of ultrasound data. Afterward, an analysis chain was developed, composed of a segmentation procedure followed by a classification procedure. The proposed segmentation methodology is adapted for ultrasound 3D data and has the objective to detect all potential defects inside the input volume. While the detection of defects is vital, one main difficulty is the high amount of false alarms which are detected by the segmentation procedure. The correct distinction of false alarms is necessary to reduce the rejection ratio of safe parts. This has to be done without risking missing true defects. Therefore, there is a need for a powerful classifier which can efficiently distinguish true defects from false alarms. This is achieved using a specific classification approach based on data fusion theory. The chain was tested on several ultrasound volumetric measures of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers components. Experimental results of the chain revealed high accuracy, reliability in detecting, characterizing and classifying defects.
ENGINEERING COUNTERMEASURES TO REDUCE RED LIGHT RUNNING

This paper highlights information contained in the in-progress ITE toolbox entitled "Engineering Safer Intersections to Prevent Red Light Running" expected for release in Fall 2002. Four of the engineering countermeasures in the toolbox are discussed. Information regarding MUTCD standards, the effectiveness expected from implementation, the cost of implementation, and examples where such a countermeasure has been used are included. The paper also provides background information regarding causes of red light running and the need for engineering countermeasures.
Association of Plasma Complement System With Brain Structure Deficits in Bipolar and Major Depressive Disorders

Objective Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine whether the dysregulation of complement components contributes to brain structure deficits in BD and MDD patients. Methods A total of 52 BD patients, 35 MDD patients, and 53 mentally healthy controls were recruited from the inpatient and outpatient departments of West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The human complement panel 2-immunology multiplex assay was used to measure the levels of complement C1q, C3, C3b, C4, factor B, factor H, and properdin. Whole brain-based comparison was performed to investigate differences in gray matter volume and cortical thickness among the BD, MDD, and control groups, and relationships were explored between neuroanatomical differences and levels of complement components.Results The gray matter volume in the medial orbital frontal cortex (mOFC) and middle cingulum decreased in both patient groups, while the cortical thickness of the left precentral and left superior frontal gyrus was affected differently. Log10-transformed concentrations of C1q, C4, factor B, factor H, and properdin were higher in both patient groups than in controls, while levels of C1q, factor H, and properdin showed a significant negative correlation with gray matter volume in the mOFC at the voxel-wise level.Conclusion Greater inflammation in mOFC was observed in BD and MDD patients than in controls. Structural deficits in both patient groups were associated with elevated levels of certain complement factors, providing insight into the neuro-inflammatory pathogenesis of mood disorders.
An autonomous mobile manipulator for collecting sample containers

In this work we present an autonomous mobile ma- nipulator that is used to collect sample containers in an unknown environment. The manipulator is part of a team of heterogeneous mobile robots that are to search and identify sample containers in an unknown environment. A map of the environment along with possible positions of sample containers are shared between the robots in the team by using a cloud-based communication interface. To grasp a container with its manipulator arm the robot has to place itself in a position suitable for the manipulation task. This optimal base placement pose is selected by querying a precomputed inverse reachability database.
Biodiscovery for Natural Product Pharmaceuticals: An Australian Experience

Pharmaceuticals or derivatives from natural products, i.e. small molecules obtained from the Earth's biosphere, account for a significant proportion of global drug sales. Since the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), however, researchers can no longer simply apply to access organisms or genetic material without also entering into a mutually agreed benefit sharing agreement with the country of origin. The CBD may have stymied research in some countries while legislation for access and benefit agreements are being developed. In Australia, the Natural Product Discovery collaboration between Griffith University and the pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca has pursued a biodiscovery program since 1993 under the auspices of the CBD. In addition to providing novel chemical leads and insights to many of the company's biological targets, the collaboration has also enabled systematic mapping of Australian flora and fauna via its collection program and taxonomic identification of new species. This article highlights the progress being made in this area and the specific obstacles to this approach from an Australian perspective.
Simplex and complex reaction time of male drivers in various age - results of research with use of reflexometer

In the paper, results of some driver reaction time research are presented. In the research, typical device for psychological studies of drivers was used – so named reflexometer MCR. The reaction time of the driver, using controllers (keypads) of the panel, is assessed in response to stimuli in the form of sound and light signals. Results of measurement for above 100 drivers are presented. The surveyed group of respondents consisted of men aged from 19 up to 64. So called simple reaction as well as complex reaction is analyzed. A main criterion of analysis is driver age (age of respondents). This article presents a statistical analysis of the received results (reaction times). The results are presented in the form of histograms and statistical parameters of the distributions obtained (median, mean value, standard deviations, extreme values, and quantiles of order 0.1 and 0.9). They are presented for separate four age classes. In case of simple reaction examination, it has additionally been presented how a type of stimulus: light or sound stimuli affect the reaction time of respondents. The presented results are one of the effects of research project no N509 016 31/1251.
Effects of novel anemia nurse manager program on hemodialysis: a retrospective study from Qatar

Introduction: Anemia management in dialysis is challenging. Keeping hemoglobin levels within a tight range is difficult. A new program (anemia nurse manager [ANM]) was started for better anemia management. This study aimed to compare traditional anemia management with the new ANM model regarding the achievement of better hemoglobin targets (range, 10–12 g/dL), avoidance of extreme hemoglobin levels ( < 9 or >13 g/dL), and evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of the new model. Methods: This retrospective observational study compared traditional anemia management with management involving our new ANM model. Patients on hemodialysis in all ambulatory dialysis clinics in Qatar were included. The study included three phases: phase 1 (observation): June 2015 to August 2015, 460 patients; phase 2 (pilot): September 2015 to May 2016, 211 patients; and phase 3 (expansion in two phases): June 2016 to February 2017 and October 2017 to June 2018, 610 patients. Hemoglobin, iron saturation, and ferritin were evaluated according to the protocol. Results: In this study, 55% of the patients achieved the target hemoglobin in phase 1 compared with 75% in phase 2 (p = 0.0007). The hemoglobin level within the target range was sustained at 72% ± 5% of patients in phase 3. The achievement rate of the target hemoglobin level increased from 56% (May 2015) to 72% (July 2018) (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with extreme hemoglobin declined from 10.7% in phase 1 to 6.4% in phase 2 and sustained at 8% afterward. Reducing the doses of erythropoietin stimulating agents, owing to the use of the ANM model, saved costs by approximately 11%. Conclusions: The ANM model was able to achieve and maintain hemoglobin levels within the target range and decrease extreme hemoglobin levels. These outcomes improved patient care by avoiding high hemoglobin (increase thrombosis, cancer recurrence, stroke, and death) and low hemoglobin (weakness, poor quality of life, and need for transfusion) levels. The ANM model was cost effective even after including the salaries of nurses. This model can be considered in other aspects of patient care in dialysis.
Feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and selected rumen parameters in feedlot bulls fed diets with different feed additives

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, nutrient digestibility and selected rumen parameters in feedlot bulls fed diets containing different feed additives. Six rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (age = 8 ± 1.0 months; initial BW = 225 ± 13.2 kg) were distributed in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Six experimental diets based on 30% corn silage and 70% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis were evaluated. Diets differed in feed additive on a DM basis, as follows: 1.4% bicarbonate and magnesium oxide in 3:1 ratio (BOX); 36 ppm lasalocid sodium (LAS); 30 ppm monensin sodium (MON); 25 ppm virginiamycin (VIR); 30 ppm monensin sodium plus 25 ppm virginiamycin (MV); and 3.15% commercial mineral supplement containing D-limonene and exogenous α-amylase (EOA). The experiment lasted 144 d, with six periods of 24 d. Each period consisted of 14 d for dietary adaptation, 3 d for feces and urine collection, and 7 d for omasal and ruminal digesta collection. Bulls fed the BOX diet showed greater (P < 0.05) intake of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (apNDF), crude protein (CP), and starch compared to the other diets. Diets with LAS, MON, VIR, MV, or EOA did not influence (P > 0.05) the DM, OM, apNDF, CP, or starch intake of feedlot bulls. Bulls fed the EOA diet showed greater (trend; P = 0.09) ruminal digestibility of starch compared to the other diets. The feed additives did not affect (P > 0.05) the intestinal or total tract digestibility of starch, rumen pH, microbial efficiency, total rumen fluid, dilution rate, rate of intake, rate of degradation, or passage rate of the DM, OM, apNDF, and starch. In conclusion, LAS, MON, VIR, MV, and EOA diets reduced nutrient intake compared to BOX. Although all feed additives presented similar effects on rumen pH, temperature, and kinetics the presence of exogenous α-amylase in the EOA diet may increase ruminal starch digestibility and apparent total tract digestibility of DM and OM.
The Quantity and Quality of Lumbar Muscles and Lumbopelvic Parameters in Patients With Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Introduction Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is one of the most common causes of low back pain. The lumbar muscles, such as the psoas major (PM), erector spinae (ES), and multifidus (MF) muscles, play an important role in the stability and functional movement of the lumbar spine. The quantities and qualities of these muscles may be related to the occurrence of DS and lumbopelvic parameters, such as lumbar lordosis (LL) and sacral slope (SS). However,the influence of lumbar muscles on DS and lumbopelvic alignment is not well understood. Methods Patients with L4 DS (DS group, n=25) and without DS (non-DS group, n=25) were included. Using sagittal reconstructed CT images of patients who visited our hospital for reasons other than low back disorders, LL, upper lumbar lordosis ([ULL] L1-L4), lower lumbar lordosis ([LLL] L4-S1), and SS were examined. To evaluate the quantity and quality of lumbar muscles, the gross cross-sectional area (GCSA), functional cross-sectional area (FCSA), and fat infiltration (FI) of the PM, ES, and MF muscles were measured by CT images. The lumbopelvic parameters, FCSA, GCSA, and FI of lumbar muscles were compared between the two groups. Then, each lumbar muscle parameter was analyzed for correlation with DS and lumbopelvic parameters. Results DS patients displayed significantly greater ULL and lower FI of the PM and ES muscles than non-DS patients (p=0.0078, 0.031, and 0.010, respectively). The FI of the ES muscle was significantly correlated with the presence of DS (p=0.010). The FCSA of the ES and MF muscles and the GCSA of the MF muscle showed a significant correlation with LL and SS in the non-DS group (p<0.05), but not in the DS group. Conclusion ULL was greater in L4 DS patients, possibly related to the better quality of the ES muscle. All DS patients showed mild (grade I) spondylolisthesis, suggesting the possibility that lumbar muscle quality is better in patients with mild DS than in those without DS. The ES and MF muscles may play an important role in maintaining the lumbar lordotic angle in non-DS patients but not in DS patients.
Leading Determinants for Disease-Free Status in Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged Men and Women: A 9-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study

Background: Identifying leading determinants for disease-free status may provide evidence for action priorities, which is imperative for public health with an expanding aged population worldwide. This study aimed to identify leading determinants, especially modifiable factors for disease-free status using machine learning methods. Methods: We included 52,036 participants aged 45–64 years from the 45 and Up Study who were free of 13 predefined chronic conditions at baseline (2006–2009). Disease-free status was defined as participants aging from 45–64 years at baseline to 55–75 years at the end of the follow-up (December 31, 2016) without developing any of the 13 chronic conditions. We used machine learning methods to evaluate the importance of 40 potential predictors and analyzed the association between the number of leading modifiable healthy factors and disease-free status. Results: Disease-free status was found in about half of both men and women during a mean 9-year follow-up. The five most common leading predictors were body mass index (6.4–9.5% of total variance), self-rated health (5.2–8.2%), self-rated quality of life (4.1–6.8%), red meat intake (4.5–6.5%), and chicken intake (4.5–5.9%) in both genders. Modifiable behavioral factors including body mass index, diets, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, contributed to 37.2–40.3% of total variance. Participants having six or more modifiable health factors were 1.63–8.76 times more likely to remain disease-free status and had 0.60–2.49 more disease-free years (out of 9-year follow-up) than those having two or fewer. Non-behavioral factors including low levels of education and income and high relative socioeconomic disadvantage, were leading risk factors for disease-free status. Conclusions: Body mass index, diets, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity are key factors for disease-free status promotion. Individuals with low socioeconomic status are more in need of care.
Knockdown of Serum- and Glucocorticoid-Regulated Kinase 1 Enhances Cisplatin Sensitivity of Gastric Cancer Through Suppressing the Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Signaling Pathway

Background Previous studies have published the promoting effect of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) in various malignant tumors. However, whether SGK1 promotes gastric cancer remains a mystery. Aims To clarify the function of SGK1 in gastric cancer and its potential regulatory mechanism. Study Design Cell culture study. Methods The SGK1-silenced model was generated in two gastric cancer cell lines and further evaluated their malignant behavior and susceptibility to cisplatin. The interaction between miR-15a-5p and SGK1 was evaluated by the luciferase reporter assay. The knockdown efficiency of SGK1 was confirmed by RT- qPCR and Western blot assays. Cell proliferation rate was assessed with CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry was used to determine cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Results Western blot data displayed an elevated level of SGK1 in gastric cancer cell lines. Functionally, SGK1 deficiency suppressed gastric cancer cell proliferation (P < .01) by acting on cell-cycle progression. Moreover, SGK1 deficiency suppressed cell invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells (P < .01). Further, the silencing of SGK1 obviously suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of the cells after cisplatin treatment (P < .01), indicating that SGK1 deficiency facilitated the chemosensitivity of these 2 gastric cancer cell lines to cisplatin. Mechanically, downregulation of SGK1 repressed the cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation of NF-κB p65. Interestingly, we found that miR-15a-5p binds to the 3'UTR of SGK1, which was confirmed using luciferase activity assay (P < .05). Moreover, the data suggested that SGK1 reversed the suppression effect of miR-15a-5p on gastric cancer cell migration (P < .01). Conclusion Loss of SGK1 suppresses the malignant behavior of gastric cancer cells and increases cisplatin sensitivity by restraining the NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, SGK1 may exert an inhibitory effect in gastric cancer by being targeted by miR-15a-5p. Therefore, SGK1 may be a prospective target for future gastric cancer therapy.
Using the Enhanced Daily Load Stimulus Model to Quantify the Mechanical Load and Bone Mineral Density Changes Experienced by Crew Members on the International Space Station

Density Changes Experienced by Crew Members on the International Space Station ' ̀ Gene, K O; 3Gopalakrisltrtan. R: 3Kuklis. M M; aMaender, CC; 1 Rice. AJ; +Kavanagh. PR +'Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; zDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland. OH; 3Department of Biotedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; 4IVASA Jolutson Space Center. Houston, TX aenck((^uw. edu
Issues in Wimax Handover

WiMax, the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a new technology dealing with provision of data over long distance using wireless communication method in many different ways. Based on IEEE 802.16 WiMax is claimed as an alternative broadband rather than cable and DSL. In our thesis study we will findout the phenomenon and factors involved in WiMax handover and their effect on overall quality of service. We also intend to look into the solutions possible for those problems effecting WiMax QoS in handover. Handover is the main theme of wireless technolgy and it makes interoperability between diffrent network technologies and provides mobility. However there are some problems during handover and the problem in our focus will be handover delay. Handover delay if longer than expected makes the communication faulty and introduces errors and packet loss which in turns degrade QoS in WiMax
Wayside Charging and Hydrogen Hybrid Bus: Extending the Range of Electric Shuttle Buses

This report documents the results completed by the Center for Energy, Transportation and the Environment (CETE) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) under Federal Transit Administration Cooperative Agreement TN-26-7034. This research has addressed the limited range of electric shuttle buses by two different methods: first, by wayside charging using inductive power transfer, and second, by adding a small (10 kW) on-board generator set powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) fueled by hydrogen. Wayside charging reduced fuel costs to less than $0.10 per mile while eliminating tailpipe emissions that would have been produced by a similar diesel bus. The hydrogen hybrid bus eliminated emission of carbon dioxide, but the cost was found to be prohibitive because of the relatively poor thermodynamic efficiency of the ICE and the high cost of hydrogen. Better results were obtained when the ICE was fueled with compressed natural gas (CNG), which resulted in a range in excess of 170 miles at a lower fuel cost per mile than a comparable diesel-fueled hybrid bus.