Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Piezoelectric actuators in micropositioning

Micromachines can be built only with the aid of other machines that have micropositioning abilities. Fast and precise positioning devices are needed to increase reliability and speed in the production of the miniaturized devices. Intensive research effort has been devoted to developing new technologies for actuators and sensors. A wide range of technologies is now available and it is not possible to say that one is the best: rather there is a best choice for each application. Piezoelectric actuators are a well assessed technology and have already proven to offer good speed, precision and low power consumption characteristics. In this article, a small selection of new designs of piezoactuators is reviewed together with their applications.
Specifications of high-speed image sensors based on requirements of multiscientific fields

It costs a few million dollars to develop an innovative solid- state image sensor. Various image sensors with special useful functions have been proposed for individual scientific and engineering research purposes. However, the enormous cost hampers their development. Presented in this paper is an attempt to classify wide-range of requirements for high-speed image sensors for scientific and engineering use, and to combine them into a limited number of specific designs. This will serve to provide a rational overall development strategy and to reduce overlapping effort and cost for their development, and hopefully contribute to realization of some of the designs. This is a state-of-the-art paper on development of high-speed video cameras, including: (1) classification of advanced image capturing technologies required for scientific and engineering researches; (2) performance criteria for high-speed image capturing; (3) classification and comparison of currently available high- speed image capturing technologies; (4) user's requirements for electronic high-speed imagers, obtained by questionnaires and hearings; (5) comparison of PRIS (parallel readout image sensors) and ISIS (in-situ storage image sensors); (6) current status of fabrication technology of both CCD- and CMOS-image sensors, and (7) recommendation of prototype high-speed image sensors for urgent development.
Cable tracking for autonomous underwater vehicle

This paper describes the technology of cable tracking and experimental results with an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) called AQUA EXPLORER 1000 (AE1000) that is designed to be able to inspect submarine telecommunication cables at the depth of up to 1000 m. The vehicle can detect the magnetic field induced from a cable with on-board magnetometers and calculate the location of the cable. We discuss the errors of the cable location caused by the magnetic noise and misalignment of the sensor axes. We also describe the attitude of the vehicle that is necessary to record the scene of the cable. In the recent sea test, AE1000 succeeded to find out a submarine cable and to track it autonomously. We report the results of the experiment.
Univariate Analysis of Marketing Fees and its Impact on Medical Scheme Performance, South Africa

Background: Marketing strategies are viewed as an investment in many corporate entities, often used as tools to maximise shareholders' returns. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the extent to which certain factors affected marketing activities and expenditure impact scheme performance. Methods: The study entailed a univariate analysis of factors that affect marketing activities and expenditure and their impact on scheme performance. The review period of the study was the 2019 expenditure data reported by medical schemes in South Africa. Results: The results indicated that restricted schemes spent significantly less on marketing than open medical schemes in 2019. Similarly, very large and large schemes spend more on marketing fees compared to medium and small. The number of benefit options also attracted a higher marketing expense for medical schemes, with more than four benefit options attracting more elevated levels of marketing fees.
The investigation of guillain-barre syndrome and prognosis

Aim: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated disease of peripheral nervous system. It is important to estimate the prognosis because of disability burden and morbidity. In addition to clinical features and disease severity scales, serum biomarkers were used to estimate prognosis. We aimed to determine the subtypes, demographic and clinical characteristics of GBS patients, and the factors affecting the short-term prognosis. Material and Methods: The medical files of 94 patients who were followed up with diagnosis of GBS between January 2011 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical features, disease severity scores, and neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratios were determined, and the effects of these parameters on short-term prognosis were investigated. Results: Most of the patients (60.6%) had acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) subtype. A majority of the cases were men and were in 5 to 7th decades of age. There was no seasonal relevance with the disease. 77% of the cases had albuminocytologic dissociation. The short-term prognosis was associated with age, respiratory failure, cranial nerve involvement and N/L ratio. Conclusion: It is important to estimate the prognosis in GBS. In our study, age, respiratory failure, cranial nerve involvement and N/L ratio were found as related factors with short-term prognosis.
Million-frame-per-second CCD camera system

\Lfl ultra high frame rate CCD type solid state image sensor has been developed, capable of frame rates up to a million frames per second. Referring to Figure 1 and Table 1 ,each macro-pixel of the 360 x 360 pixel array ontains a photo-detector and a 30 element CCD type memory array. The image acquisition frame rate is the rate at which photoelectrons are read out of the photo-detector into the pixel' s memory array. After the pixel memory fills, further exposures replace the oldest stored images in a "first in- first out" mode of operation. Thus the imager continuously stores the last 30 images acquired. This allows a pre-trigger mode of operation, making it possible to capture poorly predicted and spontaneous transient events. Readout of the stored images is similar to a frame transfer CCD readout and is at a comparatively slow pixel rate, consistent with low readout noise and inexpensive, PC based data acquisition systems. During the readout, the thirty images are demultiplexed and assembled in the computer's memory for display. A fast framing camera system employing this unique image sensor is currently being evaluated for a variety of applications. This paper presents these evaluation results which include high frame rate image sequences of hypersonic gas turbulence and fluid cavitation processes.
Downregulation of Cell Surface Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Expression Is Mediated by the Left-End Transcription Unit of Fowl Adenovirus 9

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules play a critical role in the host’s antiviral response by presenting virus-derived antigenic peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), enabling the clearance of virus-infected cells. Human adenoviruses evade CTL-mediated cell lysis, in part, by interfering directly with the MHC-I antigen presentation pathway through the expression of E3-19K, which binds both MHC-I and the transporter associated with antigen processing protein and sequestering MHC-I within the endoplasmic reticulum. Fowl adenoviruses have no homologues of E3-19K. Here, we show that representative virus isolates of the species Fowl aviadenovirus C, Fowl aviadenovirus D, and Fowl aviadenovirus E downregulate the cell surface expression of MHC-I in chicken hepatoma cells, resulting in 71%, 11%, and 14% of the baseline expression level, respectively, at 12 h post-infection. Furthermore, this work reports that FAdV-9 downregulates cell surface MHC-I through a minimum of two separate mechanisms—a lysosomal-independent mechanism that requires the presence of the fowl adenovirus early 1 (FE1) transcription unit located within the left terminal genomic region between nts 1 and 6131 and a lysosomal-dependent mechanism that does not require the presence of FE1. These results establish a new functional role for the FE1 transcription unit in immune evasion. These studies provide important new information about the immune evasion of FAdVs and will enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of inclusion body hepatitis and advance the progress made in next-generation FAdV-based vectors.
On the Characteristics of the Super-Critical Wake behind a Circular Cylinder

The flow topology of the wake behind a circular cylinder at the super-critical Reynolds number of Re=7.2×105 is investigated by means of large eddy simulations. In spite of the many research works on circular cylinders, there are no studies concerning the main characteristics and topology of the near wake in the super-critical regime. Thus, the present work attempts to fill the gap in the literature and contribute to the analysis of both the unsteady wake and the turbulent statistics of the flow. It is found that although the wake is symmetric and preserves similar traits to those observed in the sub-critical regime, such as the typical two-lobed configuration in the vortex formation zone, important differences are also observed. Owing to the delayed separation of the flow and the transition to turbulence in the attached boundary layer, Reynolds stresses peak in the detached shear layers close to the separation point. The unsteady mean flow is also investigated, and topological critical points are identified in the vortex formation zone and the near wake. Finally, time-frequency analysis is performed by means of wavelets. The study shows that in addition to the vortex shedding frequency, the inception of instabilities that trigger transition to turbulence occurs intermittently in the attached boundary layer and is registered as a phenomenon of variable intensity in time.
The New Mobility of Knowledge: Digital Information Systems and Global Flagship Networks

Digital information systems (DIS) are electronic systems that integrate software and hardware to enable communication and collaborative work (Chandler and Cortada, 2000). These systems are not developed in a vacuum. They are a response to transformations in economic institutions and structures that determine industrial dynamics. “Globalization” is a widely used short-hand for those transformations. This chapter focuses on digital formations centered in the corporate sector. It explores the link between transformations in international business organization and industry dynamics. The approach that I have chosen focuses on international knowledge diffusion through an extension of firm organization across national boundaries. A central argument is that two inter-related transformations in the organization of international business may gradually reduce constraints to international knowledge diffusion: the evolution of cross-border forms of corporate networking practices, especially global flagship networks (GFNs), and the increasing use of digital information systems (DIS) to manage these networks. GFNs expand inter-firm linkages across national boundaries, increasing the need for knowledge diffusion, while DIS enhance not only information exchange, but also provide new opportunities for the sharing, and joint utilization and creation of knowledge.
Use of Over-the-Counter Products in Lebanese Adults with Cardiovascular Disease

Background: While selling over-the-counter (OTC) products in pharmacies is convenient to individuals and can be beneficial, it might potentially cause harm. We hereby describe the patterns of OTC product consumption amongst adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Lebanon and the potential interactions with prescription medications and patient diseases. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in the setting of nine community pharmacies across different governorates of Lebanon. Data of interest were collected from adult patients with CVD history through face-to-face interviews using a short questionnaire. Results: Out of 201 adult patients included in the study, 190 (94.5%) were using at least one OTC product, with a mean of 3.2 ± 2.4 per patient (range of 1 to 12 products). The proportion of patients taking analgesics was the greatest (81.1%), followed by those taking vitamins (48.8%), minerals (29.9%), and herbal products (13.9%). Several potentially harmful OTC product- drug or -disease interactions were identified. Only 65.3% of OTC users reported obtaining information about the used products from healthcare professionals (HCPs), and 35.3% did not disclose the use of the products to their HCPs. Conclusion: The use of OTC products was highly prevalent among patients with CVD with potential interactions with prescription medications and patient diseases. In order to ensure optimal patient outcomes, clinicians are strongly encouraged to inquire about OTC product use and counsel patients about the risks and benefits associated with such products.
A c. 650 year pollen and microcharcoal record from Vankervelsvlei, South Africa

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. A c. 650 year pollen and microcharcoal record from Vankervelsvlei, South Africa Nadia Du Plessis, Brian M Chase, Lynne J Quick, Paul Strobel, Torsten Haberzettl, Michael E Meadows
UN-AVOIDS: Unsupervised and Nonparametric Approach for Visualizing Outliers and Invariant Detection Scoring

The visualization and detection of anomalies (outliers) are of crucial importance to many fields, particularly cybersecurity. Several approaches have been proposed in these fields, yet to the best of our knowledge, none of them has fulfilled both objectives, simultaneously or cooperatively, in one coherent framework. Moreover, the visualization methods of these approaches were introduced for explaining the output of a detection algorithm, not for data exploration that facilitates a standalone visual detection. This is our point of departure in introducing UN-AVOIDS, an unsupervised and nonparametric approach for both visualization (a human process) and detection (an algorithmic process) of outliers, that assigns invariant anomalous scores (normalized to [0, 1]), rather than hard binary-decision. The main aspect of novelty of UN-AVOIDS is that it transforms data into a new space, which is introduced in this paper as neighborhood cumulative density function (NCDF), in which both visualization and detection are carried out. In this space, outliers are remarkably visually distinguishable, and therefore the anomaly scores assigned by the detection algorithm achieved a high area under the ROC curve (AUC). We assessed UN-AVOIDS on both simulated and two recently published cybersecurity datasets, and compared it to three of the most successful anomaly detection methods: LOF, IF, and FABOD. In terms of AUC, UN-AVOIDS was almost an overall winner with a margin that varied between −0.028 and 0.125, depending on the data. The article concludes by providing a preview of new theoretical and practical avenues for UN-AVOIDS. Among them is designing a visualization aided anomaly detection (VAAD), a type of software that aids analysts by providing UN-AVOIDS’ detection algorithm (running in a back engine), NCDF visualization space (rendered to plots), along with other conventional methods of visualization in the original feature space, all of which are linked in one interactive environment.
Controller Reduction for Nonlinear Systems by Generalized Differential Balancing

In this article, we aim at developing computationally tractable methods for nonlinear model/controller reduction. Recently, model reduction by generalized differential (GD) balancing has been proposed for nonlinear systems with constant input-vector fields and linear output functions. First, we study incremental properties in the GD balancing framework. Next, based on these analyses, we provide GD linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) balancing and GD <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_\infty$</tex-math></inline-formula>-balancing as controller reduction methods for nonlinear systems by focusing on linear feedback and observer gains. Especially for GD <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_\infty$</tex-math></inline-formula>-balancing, we clarify when the closed-loop system consisting of the full-order system and a reduced-order controller is exponentially stable. All provided methods for controller reduction can be relaxed to linear matrix inequalities (LMIs).
Civil Reconnaissance; Separating the Insurgent From the Population

Abstract : Civil Information Management is one of the main tools in conducting effective counter insurgency operations, yet there is no definitive doctrine that explains how to collect, analyze, or warehouse Civil Information. This thesis provides a methodology for collecting civil information in a counter insurgency environment. The proposed methodology provides a foundation for the creation of standard operating procedures and tactics to enhance the US Military s capability to conduct Civil Reconnaissance and Counter Insurgency Warfare.
Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Epstein–Barr Virus in HIV-Related Lymphomas

Simple Summary Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is involved in lymphomagenesis, especially lymphomas affecting populations with immunodeficiencies, such as people living with HIV (PLWH). The pathogenic roles of EBV in lymphomas arising in PLWH are mediated by several viral proteins, as well as cooperation between EBV and HIV. The presence of EBV in these lymphomas conditionate some of their epidemiological, pathological, and clinical characteristics, as well as their prognosis. In this article, the authors review the different EBV-associated lymphomas affecting PLWH, analyzing the influence of EBV on the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, treatment, diagnosis and prognosis of each lymphoma subtype. Furthermore, new EBV-targeted therapies currently under development for some lymphomas are discussed. Abstract The incidence of lymphomas is increased in people living with HIV (PLWH). Aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are the most common and are considered an AIDS-defining cancer (ADC). Although Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is not considered an ADC, its incidence is also increased in PLWH. Among all HIV-related lymphomas (HRL), the prevalence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is high. It has been shown that EBV is involved in different lymphomagenic mechanisms mediated by some of its proteins, contributing to the development of different lymphoma subtypes. Additionally, cooperation between both HIV and EBV can lead to the proliferation of aberrant B-cells, thereby being an additional lymphomagenic mechanism in EBV-associated HRL. Despite the close relationship between EBV and HRL, the impact of EBV on clinical aspects has not been extensively studied. These lymphomas are treated with the same therapeutic regimens as the general population in combination with cART. Nevertheless, new therapeutic strategies targeting EBV are promising for these lymphomas. In this article, the different types of HRL are extensively reviewed, focusing on the influence of EBV on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and pathological characteristics of each lymphoma subtype. Moreover, novel therapies targeting EBV and future strategies to treat HRL harboring EBV are discussed.
Consumer tipping : a study of the car guarding industry

The act of guarding a car at a public parking space is a common service offered by “car guards” in Southern Africa. The car guard normally relies solely on tips in return for the service given. The objective of this research study is to better understand the predictors of consumer tipping decisions. More specifically this study examines, from a consumer decision making perspective, the role that service quality, personal norms and social norms play in determining a consumers’ decision to tip car guards. The results showed that service quality and personal norms were significant predictors of tip size, while social norms are not significant predictors of tip size. The study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Reliability of prestressed concrete structures considering creep models

The reliability of prestressed concrete structures subject to viscoelastic behaviour is investigated regarding the creep model defined by the Eurocodes. A probabilistic phenomenological model is proposed for long-term creep strains on the basis of large database of creep tests. The uncertainties in the geometrical and mechanical parameters are modelled by random variables. The proposed model considers also the statistical fitting error in creep strain predictions. The reliability analysis is performed on a prestressed concrete deck, in order to show the large impact of time-dependent phenomena on the reliability of prestressed structures, and consequently the importance of considering appropriate viscoelastic models in the design of this kind of structures. Moreover, the errors related to creep models are shown to play a very important role in the structural safety assessment.
The Nordstrom Way: The Inside Story of America's #1 Customer Service Company

America's #1 Customer Service Company. After the Gold Rush: A Store Is Born. The Next Generation: Perfecting "The Nordstrom Way". The Nordstrom Culture: Setting Employees Free. "What's Inside": Creating an Inviting Place. A Company of Entrepreneurs: The "Nordies" Versus the Clock--Punchers. The Art of Selling: Retailing Is a Contact Sport. Customer Service the Nordstrom Way: The Future. Index.