Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new fabrication method for IPMC actuators and application to artificial fingers

IPMC (ionic polymer metal composite), a kind of ionic electroactive polymer (EAP), has been used for various applications because it has light weight and can make large bending deformation under low driving voltage. In the present work, thick IPMC films were fabricated by hot-pressing several thin IPMC films and the actuating performance was evaluated. Displacement and maximum load with applied voltage were measured using a displacement measuring system, a load cell and a multimeter. Several cycles of Pt electroless-plating were performed on the IPMC films to improve the actuating performance. Then, SEM (scanning electron microscopy) micrographs and EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) profiles of the IPMC specimen were examined. To demonstrate the feasibility of IPMC films for medical or robotic applications, the developed IPMC actuators were applied to artificial fingers and tested.
The ever-expanding scope of industrial crises: a systemic study of the Hinsdale telecommunications outage

From in-depth studies of industrial crises, six factors emerge which are com mon to the general context of man-made, organizationally induced crises. An analysis of a particular crisis, the Hinsdale communications outage that af fected more than 500,000 customers and businesses in the Chicago area, dem onstrates the importance of these six factors. The paper argues that current efforts in crisis management are primarily re active and focus on treating symptoms. A proactive strategy for crisis manage ment is proposed. This strategy not only follows directly from the six-factor model proposed in the paper but is formulated explicitly to reduce the general context that pervades all crises.
Characterization of flagellar-specific sigma factor FliA in Sphingopyxis granuli TFA

Motivation: Sigma factors are RNA polymerase subunits which play a crucial role in the transcriptional regulation of bacterial gene expression. These dissociable proteins bind to RNA polymerase controlling promoter recognition and thus, gene expression (Francez-charlot et al., 2015). Previous studies in Alphaproteobacteria identified a sigma factor FliA as a key transcriptional regulator of chemotaxis and flagella biogenesis by controlling the expression of genes involved in flagellin biosynthesis, an essential structural protein which forms flagella filament (Maruyama et al., 2015). Sphingopyxis granuli TFA is a GramNegative Alphaproteobacteria very interesting since is one of the few strains able to grow on the organic solvent tetralin as a sole carbon and energy source and able to grow respiring nitrate under anaerobic conditions (Garcia-Romero et al., 2016). The aim of this study is to construct and phenotypically characterize a fliA deletion mutant that help us to elucidate the function of FliA sigma factor and thus, the hierarchy of transcriptional regulation of flagellar genes, in Sphingopyxis granuli TFA. Methods: A fliA deletion mutant is being constructed using a DNA-recombination method based on a double-strand break caused by SceI nuclease. Firstly, flanking regions of fliA gene must be cloned in a multiple cloning site (MCS) of a non-replicative vector. At the same time, this MCS is flanked by two SceI target sites. Once this integrative vector is integrated into the chromosome and selected in wild-type TFA, a broad host range vector including SceI gene downstream of an inducible promoter must be introduced. A double-strand break is caused in the chromosome after the induction of SceI nuclease by 3-methylbenzoate and DNA will be repaired causing FliA gene deletion. Once fliA deletion mutant is constructed, a phenotypic characterization will be performed. In addition, both semi-quantitative PCR and Q-PCR assays will be used in order to confirm which genes are regulated by FliA in Sphingopyxis granuli TFA.
Changes in the Relative Abundance of miR-205, miR-26a-5p, let-7b and their Target Genes in Vitrified Bovine Embryos after Phenazine Ethosulfate Supplementation

| Accumulation of lipid droplets is a main obstacle for cryopreservation and low survivability of embryos. This investigation aimed to study the effect of phenazine ethosulfate (PES) supplementation in culture media on the selected miRNAs (miR-205, miR-26a-5p, and let-7b) and their target genes (OCT4, DNMT, CASP3, ATF6, ATP5ME, and ELOVL5), during bovine embryo production. Therefore, a group of two-day bovine embryos was cultured in a medium with lipid-reducing agent, PES (0.3 mM). Another group of embryos without PES was served as a control. Embryos were vitrified and morphologically examined after warming. The viability also was evaluated by culturing for 24 h. After evaluation, embryos were classified into a good or a poor. Afterwards, embryos (blastocyst and morula) were kept at -80°C for RNA extraction and qRT-PCR of the selected miRNAs and their targets. Results revealed that the rate of morula was higher (P<0.01) in treated compared to control groups. After vitrifications, the percentage of good quality embryos increased in treated groups than control groups. Additionally, the rate of dead embryos was higher in control groups. The Let-7b and miR-205 were significantly over-expressed in the treated good as well as poor embryos compared to control (untreated) good and poor embryos, respectively. However, miR-26 was suppressed in the treated good and poor embryos compared to control (untreated) embryos, respectively. Both of OCT4 and DNMT1 transcripts up-regulated in the treated (good and poor) embryos compared to control groups. The ELOVL5 gene decreased in the treated (good and poor) embryos, compared to control ones. In conclusion, PES supplementation reduced lipid droplets, and improved cryotolerance of the blastocysts via modulation the expression pattern of miRNAs and their target genes.
Important variable assessment and electricity price forecasting based on regression tree models: classification and regression trees, Bagging and Random Forests

Electricity price forecasting has become the focus of considerable interest in a deregulated energy market. In this study, regression tree-based models: classification and regression trees, Bagging and Random Forests have been built and used to identify the variables dominating the marginal price of the commodity as well as for short-term (one hour and day ahead) electricity price forecasting for the Spanish–Iberian market. Different prediction models are proposed including the main features of the market such as load, hydro and thermal generation and from available, wind energy production, of strategic interest in the Spanish market. In addition other explanatory variables are considered as lagged prices, as well as hour, day, month and year indicators. In the study, hourly data from 2000–2011 corresponding to 22 variables have been used. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed ensemble of tree-based models which emerge as an alternative and promising tool, competitive with other existing methods.
Real-time image fusion system for low-light color night vision

We present an apparatus to support real-time imaging for color night vision through fusion of information derived from two channels of low-light CCD. The processing system is comprised of a bi-channel real-time video acquisition module, a low-light image pretreatment module, a core image fusion module, a real-time video output module and a user interface module. The bi-channel active videos are firstly captured and stored in the main memories of preprocessing DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Then, the low-light image pretreatment module will preprocess images buffered in the main memories. After pretreatment the real-time image datum are passed into the core image fusion module. In this module the bi-channel images are finally fused. The pretreatment and core fusion circuits are based on the special DSP TMI300 of Philips. The fused image data is then transferred to the real-time video output module for display. The user interface module is provided for easily adjusting the acquisition area of the image. The fusion system can run independently without presentation of computer.
Estimation of origin‐destination matrix from traffic counts: a comparison of entropy maximizing and information minimizing models

The models based on entropy maximization (EM) and information minimization (IM) techniques are the most commonly used methods for the estimation of origin‐destination (O‐D) matrix from traffic counts. However, the accuracy of these models have not yet been well defined and there is no valid proof that can be used to give preference to either of these two models. This paper investigates how data affect the EM/IM model performance and compares the effects of data variability on model accuracy. A computer algorithm has been developed to solve the EM and IM problems for the estimation of O‐D matrix from traffic counts. The validation of the EM and IM models is based on a comprehensive dataset collected in Shenzhen (a special economic zone in China) using roadside interviews; this included O‐D and route choice information as well as traffic counts. A comparison of results given by the two models shows that the EM model performs better when prior information is not available, but that the performance of the IM .
ACTIVITY RELATED DIFFERENCES IN THE THICKNESS OF PLANTAR FASCIA OF SOME OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS IN NIGERIA: AN ULTRASOUND BASED STUDY

ABSTRACT Background: The degree of physical activity induces strain and stress on the plantar fascia of the foot and the effect of these forces may lead to thickening of the plantar fascia. Methods: The effect of occupation-related physical activity on the thickness of the plantar aponeurosis (PAT) was assessed among four classes of occupation- Labourers/farmers, Dancers, Athletes and an inactive class (control/normal group). Results: Results show that the inactive (control group) had the least value for PAT ( 3.21±0.42 mm ). The dancers and labourers/farmers had higher values than the control though not significant. The value for athletes was significantly higher than the control (P=0.007). Conclusion: Our findings have conclusively established that occupation-related prolonged physical activity induces thickening of the plantar aponeurosis. Interventions should be initiated to avoid the setting in of degenerating conditions that may lead to plantar fasciitis.
Role of AUF1 in modulating the proliferation, migration and senescence of skin cells

AU-rich element RNA-binding factor 1 (AUF1) is a classical RNA-binding protein. AUF1 influences the process of development, apoptosis and tumorigenesis by interacting with adenylate-uridylate rich element-bearing mRNAs. Human skin is the largest organ of the body and acts as a protective barrier against pathogens and injuries. The aim of the present study was to explore the function and potential molecular pathways of AUF1 in human skin cells. AUF1 was overexpressed in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells and human skin fibroblast WS1 cells using adenoviruses and silenced using lentiviruses. AUF1 overexpression facilitated cell proliferation, whereas AUF1 knockdown induced the opposite effect. AUF1 reduced apoptosis but did not affect cell cycle progression. Forced AUF1 expression promoted the migration of human skin cells, as demonstrated by a scratch wound healing assay. Cell senescence was alleviated in AUF1-overexpressing skin cells, while AUF1 knockdown increased cell senescence. WS1 cells with AUF1 overexpression and silencing were used for RNA-sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes-based pathway analysis to identify AUF1-affected mRNAs. A total of 18 mRNAs (eight mRNAs with positive associations and 10 mRNAs with negative associations) revealed consistent associations with both AUF1 overexpression and silencing. Enriched pathways associated with AUF1 expression included ‘MAPK’, ‘cell adhesion molecules’, ‘proteasome’, ‘cellular senescence’ and ‘TGF-β signaling’, indicating a complex regulatory network. Overall, the results of the present study revealed that AUF1 is involved in the proliferation, migration and senescence of skin cells in vitro and may be a potential target for cosmetic and disease treatment of skin.
Physical mechanisms contributing to enhanced bipolar gain degradation at low dose rates

We have performed capacitance-voltage (C-V) and thermally-stimulated-current (TSC) measurements on non-radiation-hard MOS capacitors simulating screen oxides of modern bipolar technologies. For O-V irradiation at /spl sim/25/spl deg/C, the net trapped-positive-charge density (N/sub ox/) inferred from midgap C-V shifts is /spl sim/25-40% greater for low-dose-rate ( 100 rad(SiO/sub 2/)/s) exposure. Device modeling shows that such a difference in screen-oxide N/sub ox/ is enough to account for the enhanced low-rate gain degradation often observed in bipolar devices, due to the /spl sim/exp(N/sub ox//sup 2/) dependence of the excess base current. At the higher rates, TSC measurements reveal a /spl sim/10% decrease in trapped-hole density over low rates. Also, at high rates, up to /spl sim/2.5-times as many trapped holes are compensated by electrons in border traps than at low rates for these devices and irradiation conditions. Both the reduction in trapped-hole density and increased charge compensation reduce the high-rate midgap shift. A physical model is developed which suggests that both effects are caused by time-dependent space charge in the bulk of these soft oxides associated with slowly transporting and/or metastably trapped holes (e.g. in E/sub /spl delta//' centers). On the basis of this model, bipolar transistors and screen-oxide capacitors were irradiated at 60/spl deg/C at 200 rad(SiO/sub 2/)/s in a successful effort to match low-rate damage. These surprising results provide insight into enhanced low-rate bipolar gain degradation and suggest potentially promising new approaches to bipolar and BiCMOS hardness assurance for space applications. >
A Functional Model of Flightdeck Agenda Management

Our research represents an effort to understand and facilitate the management of flightdeck activities by pilots. We developed a preliminary, normative theory of Cockpit Task Management (CTM) and from it defined an error taxonomy. Based on analyses using this error taxonomy we found CTM errors in 76 (23 per cent) of 324 aircraft accident reports and 231 (49 per cent) of 470 aircraft incident reports. Concluding that CTM is a significant factor in flight safety and recognizing the need to broaden as well as refine the concept, we developed a model of Agenda Management, which includes management not only of tasks, but goals, functions, actor assignments, and resource allocations as well. Major components of the functional model include maintaining situation awareness, managing goals (recognizing, inferring, and prioritizing), managing functions (activating, assessing status, and prioritizing), assigning actors (pilots and flightdeck automation) to functions, and allocating resources (such as displays and controls) to functions.
The Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Gastric Cancer

Objective: This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in gastric cancer and to compare MIS versus open gastrectomy (OG) in terms of early mortality and morbidity, long-term oncological outcomes, and recurrence rates. Methods: A total of 75 patients who underwent MIS or OG for gastric cancer at Koç University School of Medicine between December 2014 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative complications and disease-specific survival were compared between surgical approaches. Results: Of the patients, 44 were treated with MIS and 31 with OG. In the MIS group, 33 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 11 patients underwent robotic gastrectomy. Duration of operation was significantly longer in the MIS group than in the OG group (p<0.0001). The median amount of blood loss was 142.5 (range, 110 to 180) mL in the MIS group and 180.4 (range, 145 to 230) mL in the OG group (p<0.706). The median number of lymph node dissection was 38.9 (range, 15 to 66) and 38.7 (range, 12 to 70) in the MIS and OG groups, respectively (p<0.736). The median length of hospitalization, twelve days in the OG group and nine days in the MIS group. Median follow-up was 19.1 (range, 2 to 61) months in the MIS group and 22.1 (range, 2 to 58) months in the OG group. The median OS and DFS rates were 56.8 months and 39.6 months in the MIS group, respectively (log-rank; p=0.004) and 31.6 months and 23.1 months in the OG group, respectively (log-rank; p=0.003). Conclusion: Our study results suggest that, despite its technical challenges, MIS is an effective and safe method in treating gastric cancer with favorable early mortality and morbidity rates and long-term oncological outcomes, and acceptable recurrence rates.
Optimization of Fly Ash Properties for the Use in Cement and Concrete

The use of fly ash in cement and concrete has long been a common practice. However, in the Czech Republic, one of the largest producers of fly ash in the world, there is still a great mistrust of this material. One of the main reasons is variability properties of fly ash. But standard ČSN EN 450-2 defines the possibilities of optimizing the properties of fly ash. This paper is dedicated to optimizing the properties of fly ash, namely sorting and mixing.
Superprism structure with linear spatial dispersion based on thin film Gires-Tournois cavity

A periodic multi-layer thin film stack, which behaves as one-dimensional photonic crystal, exhibits "superprism effect", or high spatial dispersion, which can be used for wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing. For application purposes, thin-film stacks of multi-cavity Gires-Tournois structure are more suitable to design linear spatial shifts than periodic multi-layer structures. Using the modified design procedure for all-pass filters, a mathematical model of the spatial dispersion with normalized frequency is set up to simulate the designed spatial dispersion at given wavelength band. As a simulated result, the all-pass polynomial coefficients, and reflectivity coefficients of reflectors are obtained. According to the calculation based on resonate theory, the spatial dispersion of the designed structure is in accordance with the required dispersion. Then, this structure is implemented in thin film stacks, with layers of different periodical numbers as different reflectors and materials of high or low refractive index as cavity materials. Adjusting the cavity lengths also performs optimization. In our design, a linear spatial shift of 25μm caused by dispersion is designed at 850nm and 1550nm, and implemented in thin film stacks. Comparisons are made between designs of different center wavelength, different cavity lengths, and different number of cavities.
Negative life events and psychological distress and life satisfaction in U.S. college students: The moderating effects of optimism, hope, and gratitude

Negative life events are unpleasant, stressful, and uncontrollable experiences found to be risk factors for increased psychological distress and decreased life satisfaction in college students. In addition, distress and life satisfaction are closely related to college students' quality of life and academic performance. Conversely, positive psychological states have been hypothesized to buffer the effects of negative life events. Data from 738 college students in the U.S. were analyzed to examine the moderating effects of three positive psychological variables on negative life events: optimism, hope, and gratitude. The results showed that negative life events positively predicted distress and negatively predicted life satisfaction. The results also revealed that optimism, hope, and gratitude moderated the effects of negative life events. The authors conclude that the evidence supports positive psychology interventions in college counseling to combat the effects of negative life events through the positive psychological states of optimism, hope, and gratitude. The specific clinical implications for practicing counselors and educational settings are suggested.
Application challenges with double patterning technology (DPT) beyond 45 nm

Double patterning technology (DPT) is a promising technique that bridges the anticipated technology gap from the use of 193nm immersion to EUV for the half-pitch device node beyond 45nm. The intended mask pattern is formed by two independent patterning steps. Using DPT, there is no optical imaging correlation between the two separate patterning steps except for the impact from mask overlay. In each of the single exposure step, we can relax the dense design pattern pitches by decomposing them into two half-dense ones. This allows a higher k1 imaging factor for each patterning step. With combined patterns, we can achieve overall k1 factor that exceeds the conventional Rayleigh resolution limit. This paper addresses DPT application challenges with respect to both mask error factor (MEF) and 2D patterning. In our simulations using DPT with relaxed feature pitch for each exposure step, the MEF for the line/space is fairly manageable for 32nm half-pitch and below. The real challenge for the 32nm half-pitch and below with DPT is how to deal with the printing of small 2D features resulting from the many cutting sites due to feature decomposition. Each split of a dense pattern generates two difficult-to-print line-end type features with dimension less than one-fifth or one-sixth of ArF wavelength. Worse, the proximity environment of the 2D cut features can then become quite complex. How to stitch them correctly back to the original target requires careful attention. Applying target bias can improve the printing performance in general. But using a model-based stitching error correction method seems to be a preferred solution.
Construction Supervision Mechanism for Public Projects in China: Progress Goal–Oriented Perspective

AbstractPublic project plays an important role in China’s economy, and the agent construction system (ACS) has been widely used in public projects since 2004. As a construction management innovation, the ACS improves the management performance of public projects. As the supervisor of public projects, the Chinese government issued a series of policies to demonstrate its determination to solve supervision problems. Based on the practice of the ACS in China, in this paper we study the issue of supervision, in which the government supervises the agent. We describe a supervision mechanism to decrease the risk caused by information asymmetry. The mechanism’s contribution includes (1) two dimensions of longitudinal self-control and a lateral regulatory system; (2) a five-goals-oriented framework; and (3) contract is take as the core. The main goal of this paper is to elaborate on these three components. According to the five-goals-oriented framework, in this article, we determine that the progress supervision me.