Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Histological Justification for the Need of Radiofrequency Ablation of Pulmonary Arteries in Patients with High-Grade Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension

The aim of the study was to perform a histological assessment of the effectiveness of radiofrequency exposure for circular denervation of the pulmonary artery in patients with secondary high pulmonary hypertension. Materials and Methods The study was carried out on the autopsy material derived from non-operated patients. Three groups were formed. The experimental group included the material (207 histological samples) from the patients with chronic high pulmonary hypertension arising on the background of mitral heart disease. The samples of this group were exposed to circular radiofrequency ablation. In the comparison group, we used autopsy material (24 samples) obtained from the patients with high pulmonary hypertension. The control group included material (35 samples) from the patients without pulmonary hypertension who died from causes not associated with cardiovascular diseases. The samples of the comparison and control groups were not exposed to radiofrequency. Visual evaluation of the damage to the vascular wall was performed after hematoxylin and eosin staining, according to Van Gieson. Damage to the nerve plexuses was evaluated after their impregnation by silver salts. To assess the degree of damage to the vascular wall on the stained sections, a scoring method of semi-quantitative analysis of the observed pathological processes (fibrinoid necrosis, metachromasia, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, fibrinoid and mucoid swelling, lipid presence) was used. Silver salt impregnation allowed visualizing damage to the reticular fibers, trunks and endings of peripheral nerve fibers. Results The mean optical density of the ablation group was statistically significantly lower than in the comparison and control groups (p<0.001). The mean specific area of tissue dissociation was higher in the “marginal zones” of the ablated sections, under pronounced mechanical compression in these areas. The difference in the mean areas of the argentophilic samples of the ablation and comparison and control groups was expressed in a lower percentage of argentophilic fibrous structures (p<0.05). At the same time, the highest concentration of argentophilic structures was observed in the comparison group, which points to a bigger content of nerve fiber structures in the patients with high pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion The results of the histological study demonstrated the feasibility of radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary arteries in patients with high-grade secondary pulmonary hypertension. Radiofrequency denervation leads to the destruction of the sympathetic ganglia in the adventitial layer of the pulmonary arteries, which are responsible for the spasm of the precapillary bed of the pulmonary circulation, which promotes vasodilation, an increase in the vascular bed, and, as a result, a reduction in pulmonary hypertension.
Overcoming MDR by Associating Doxorubicin and pH-Sensitive PLGA Nanoparticles Containing a Novel Organoselenium Compound—An In Vitro Study

In this study, we developed PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) as an effective carrier for 5′-Se-(phenyl)-3-(amino)-thymidine (ACAT-Se), an organoselenium compound, nucleoside analogue that showed promising antitumor activity in vitro. The PLGA NPs were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and modified with a pH-responsive lysine-based surfactant (77KL). The ACAT-Se-PLGA-77KL-NPs presented nanometric size (around 120 nm), polydispersity index values < 0.20 and negative zeta potential values. The nanoencapsulation of ACAT-Se increased its antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS assays) and antitumor activity in MCF-7 tumor cells. Hemolysis study indicated that ACAT-Se-PLGA-77KL-NPs are hemocompatible and that 77KL provided a pH-sensitive membranolytic behavior to the NPs. The NPs did not induce cytotoxic effects on the nontumor cell line 3T3, suggesting its selectivity for the tumor cells. Moreover, the in vitro antiproliferative activity of NPs was evaluated in association with the antitumor drug doxorubicin. This combination result in synergistic effect in sensitive (MCF-7) and resistant (NCI/ADR-RES) tumor cells, being especially able to successfully sensitize the MDR cells. The obtained results suggested that the proposed ACAT-Se-loaded NPs are a promising delivery system for cancer therapy, especially associated with doxorubicin.
Using License Manuals To Increase Awareness About Pedestrian Hazards at Intersections. Missed Opportunity for Educating Drivers

Motor vehicle crashes result in approximately 90,000 pedestrian injuries and 5,000 pedestrian deaths in the United States each year. Of these, 34 percent of the injuries and 18 percent of the deaths occur at intersections. In a recent study, around 5,000 pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes were coded in a population-based sample drawn from California, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Utah. About 1,630 (32.6 percent) of these incidents occurred at intersections, with turning vehicles responsible for 30.4 percent of the incidents and another 15.9 percent due to driver violations. Along with enforcement and engineering, quality education can be very important in improving driver behavior and providing a better understanding of the vulnerability of pedestrians. State driverlicensing manuals can play a key role. Well-written, well-illustrated information on pedestrian conflicts associated with different traffic regulations and controls at intersections and on the potential hazards for pedestrians associated with driver violations, along with statistics, would encourage drivers to modify their behaviors. Better manuals are becoming increasingly important with the gradual phasing out of driver education at schools. The present level of information disseminated by 32 states and the District of Columbia was reviewed and found to be insufficient in these regards, needing significant improvements. Recommendations are offered on ways to improve the quality of information.
“The Other/Alien” Image in the Russian Federation Strategic Communications During the Russian-Ukrainian Confrontation (2014–2021)

The purpose of the study is to investigate what communication and media technologies and information operations are used by the mass media of the Russian Federation in relation to Ukraine to propagate the image of the “other/alien”. The methodology chosen for the work combines the application of the following methods and approaches: network analysis, SWOT-analysis, system, integrated and civilization approaches, system analysis, method of systematization and classification, methods of analysis, synthesis, objectivity, generalizations, analogies, case study, etc. The article explores the use of communication, media and information-psychological technologies by the Russian mass media to create and effectively promote the image of an enemy, alien, the other during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which began in 2014. The authors insist that the “Russkiy Mir” idea is promoted through the propaganda and manipulation resulting in the image of the adversary of this idea – “the other. ” The “Russkiy Mir” foe does not perceive everything with the designation “Russian” as a priori positive and better, doubt the correctness of such a position, and therefore wishes evil to the supporters of the “Russkiy Mir”. Information operations and the most widespread media technologies in the Russian-Ukrainian information warfare are analyzed to model the image of “the other” as a threat. Prospects for further scientific researches are connected with the study of new scientific concepts that is some network-centric warfare, hybrid warfare, cyberwarfare, asymmetric warfare, undeclared information warfare, and others.
Middleware for Cooperative Vehicle-Infrastructure Systems

Middleware has emerged as an important architectural component in supporting distributed applications. The role of middleware is to present a unified programming model to application writers and to mask out problems of heterogeneity and distribution. Mobile sensors fall into the space of distributed systems that suffer from isolated data sources, heterogeneous communication infrastructure and varying application requirements. In this report, we provide a middleware architecture that addresses the needs of a distributed system made of mobile sensors in general and discuss the implementation of this middleware architecture in a mobile sensor network comprised of vehicles and intersections producing traffic related data for traffic safety and operations. We conclude our report with some performance measures that relate to the cost of overhead incurred from using the middleware which prove it efficient for traffic management applications.
Development of an Offsite Construction Typology: A Delphi Study

Offsite construction (OSC) delivers multiple products that vary in design and building complexity. Considering the growing prevalence of OSC, a systematic categorization of OSC types can offer operational and macroeconomic benefits to the construction industry. The purpose of this study is to develop an OSC typology through a systematic process, as existing studies do not present a rigorously evaluated typology that suits the modern OSC context. The research addresses the following research question: what are the distinct characteristics of unique OSC types that have emerged through the adoption of Industry 4.0-based technological advancements? Due to the rapid advancement of production and construction technologies, the existing OSC classifications are becoming outdated. As such, a detailed review of OSC technologies was conducted which enabled the identification of OSC categories: components, panels, pods, modules, complete buildings, and flat-pack (foldable structure). A series of case studies was then reviewed to explore and analyze the relevance of these OSC types in practice. It was then subjected to a Delphi-based multi-level expert forum to develop a modern and future-proof OSC typology. The rigorous process validated, defined, and delineated the boundaries between the OSC types. The research confirmed that OSC types can be broadly categorized as volumetric (pods, modules, complete buildings) and non-volumetric (components, panels, foldable structure). The results indicated that OSC skills vary with the complexity of OSC types, and that lightweight steel and timber are the most common materials.
Big Ships, Small Towns: The Impact of New Port Developments in the Cruise Tourism Industry. The case of Falmouth Jamaica

ABSTRACT The cruise sector constitutes one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. With the continued growth of the industry comes the need to develop new ports to accommodate the increased volume of ships as well as the increasing size of modern cruise ships. It is important to understand how the development of new cruise ports impacts the local community. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the attitudes and perceptions of residents regarding the impacts of the new cruise ship port development in Falmouth, Jamaica. The Historic Port of Falmouth was developed through a partnership between Royal Caribbean and the Port Authority of Jamaica and is the largest purpose-built port of call in the Caribbean. A case study approach was utilized to identify the attitudes and perceptions of residents regarding the impacts of the new port development in Falmouth, Jamaica. The study consisted of semi-structured interviews, and participant observation. The research took place in Falmouth in March 2012. A total of 23 interviews were carried out with residents who had varying levels of involvement with tourism. The three overarching themes emanating from the analysis of the data are: Big Ships, Big Disappointment, What could be improved? and All is Not Lost at Sea. Findings revealed that Falmouth residents are disappointed with the development because they have not received the economic benefits they were promised by Royal Caribbean. Despite the residents’ frustration and disappointment with the port, many still believe that it has given some opportunity for residents to improve their quality of life. The powerlessness of members of small Caribbean communities in the face of large tourism developers is evident throughout the study.
New active-R sinusoidal VCOs with linear tuning laws

A new general formulation, and a number of resulting configurations which employ only two internally compensated op. -amps, two analogue multipliers (AM) and a few resistors (without requiring any external capacitors) are discussed. They realise sine-wave VCOs whose frequency is linearly controllable through an external control voltage. The proposed configurations offer the following advantages not available simultaneously in any of the previously published configurations: (i) use of fewer op. -amps, AMs and resistors; (ii) much simpler design equations; and (iii) a complete absence of any external capacitors, thereby ensuring suitability for IC implementation. The workability of the proposed configurations has been confirmed experimentally.
Using Group Decision Support System to Support Value Management Workshops

A group decision support system (GDSS) is an interactive computer-based information system that combines the capabilities of communication technologies, database technologies, computer technologies, and decision technologies to support the identification, analysis, formulation, evaluation, and solution of semistructured or unstructured problems by a group in a user-friendly computing environment. As there is a strong demand for improvements to the practice of value management (VM), research has been conducted to design a GDSS prototype system, named the interactive value management system (IVMS), to explore its potential application in VM workshops and to investigate the effect of the application. The paper begins with an introduction to the problems of implementing VM in the Hong Kong construction industry and then proceeds to an illustration of the features of the proposed system, which has been developed in the research. Two validation studies designed to test the support of the proposed system are described and the results discussed. Findings from this research indicate that IVMS is supportive in overcoming the problems and difficulties in VM workshops.
Synthetic Storm Modeling for Millimeter Wave Band Mesh Networks

In this thesis, a novel method of modeling the characteristics of a storm and its effects on a millimeter wave band (70 – 90 GHz) mesh network is presented. A storm system is generated using synthetic data; the movement of the system through a network is simulated and attenuation on individual links is calculated using existing models relating rain rate and attenuation. Finally, the collective effect of attenuated links on network performance is analyzed. This model is particularly useful in implementing predictive routing algorithms, as knowledge of weather phenomenon is usually available several minutes in advance, which has the potential to improve or eliminate losses due to routing reconvergence.
Applications of vector non-linear microwave measurements

This study discusses the present day capabilities of vector non-linear microwave measurements. It starts off with a historical review on the development of such instrumentation. Next, the author elaborates on how vector non-linear measurements changed the way in which models for non-linear microwave devices are validated and constructed, how they broadened physical understanding, and how they have impacted microwave circuit design.
Desoria calderonis sp. nov., a new species of alpine cryophilic springtail (Collembola: Isotomidae) from the Apennines (Italy), with phylogenetic and ecological considerations

We describe and delimit with integrative taxonomy the new springtail species Desoria calderonis sp. nov. (Collembola: Isotomidae). This cryophilic species is strictly linked to the supraglacial stony debris of the isolated Calderone glacier (Central Apennines, Italy), one of the southernmost glaciers of Europe. Desoria calderonis sp. nov. could belong to the nivalis-complex, a group of European mountain species included in the violacea-group. Genetic analysis (COI mtDNA barcoding) confirms the morphological attribution to the genus Desoria Nicolet in Desor, 1841, but highlights that the genus, in its current definition, is polyphyletic. We specify the peculiar micro-habitat preferences and highlight the threat of extinction for this cryophilic species in the context of the ongoing climate change and subsequent risk of complete disappearance of the glacier.
Transport property characterization of sparse CNT networks via AFM images

A simulation method for correlating the resistivity and resistance of sparse carbon nanotube (CNT) networks via atomic force microscopy images was proposed. For the demonstration, resistance values simulated by this method were compared with values obtained by directory measuring the resistance of sparse CNT networks. Results were also compared with those obtained by a thin‐film approximation in which CNT networks are approximated as thin rectangles. Simulated resistance values were closer to the experimental values of the same samples than those estimated on the basis of the thin‐film approximation. The use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) images enabled the implementation of inhomogeneity to numerical models, as well as one‐to‐one comparison between real samples and numerical models.
Optimal Battery Dispatch Using Finite-Input Set Non-Linear Model Predictive Control: Algorithm Development and Case Study

The advancement in battery manufacturing has played a significant role in the use of batteries as a cost-effective energy storage system. This paper proposes an optimal charging and discharging strategy for the battery energy storage system deployed for economic dispatch and supply/demand balancing services in the presence of intermittent renewables such as solar photovoltaic systems. A decision-making strategy for battery charge/discharge operations in a discrete-time rolling framework is developed as a finite-input set of non-linear model predictive control instances and a dynamic programming procedure is proposed for its real-time implementation. The proposed scheme is tested on controllable loads and photovoltaic generation scenario in the premises of a sports centre, as a part of a pilot demonstration of the inteGRIDy EU-funded project. The test results confirm that the implemented stacking of the battery and optimal decision-making algorithm can enhance net saving in the electricity bill of the sports centre, and lead to corresponding CO2 reductions.
Voltage stabilization of a controlled autonomous magnetoelectric generator with a magnetic shunt and permanent magnet excitation

The paper presents the results of testing and research of the characteristics of a controlled autonomous magnetoelectric synchronous generator with a magnetic shunt. Structurally, the studied generator is a modified asynchronous machine in which the rotor is made with permanent magnets and an additional system in the form of a magnetic shunt. By adjusting the winding current of the magnetic shunt, the output voltage of the generator is regulated. The following characteristics were investigated: the no-load characteristic during operation with permanent magnets and when the winding current of the magnetic shunt changes with forward and reverse polarity. Also, the external characteristic for active and active-inductive loads; the control characteristic when the load current changes at a constant generator voltage. Analysis of the obtained characteristics makes it possible to determine the limits of regulation of the external characteristic, which is ≈40 % relative to the main magnetic flux. The obtained regulation depth allows maintaining the stability of the external characteristic for power factors not exceeding 0.9, which is the usual passport value for autonomous power plants based on synchronous generators. Comparison of the data of research conducted on the experimental setup shows sufficient convergence for engineering and practical tasks. The maximum quantitative difference is 9.3 %, which suggests the adequacy of the previously developed mathematical model. The control characteristic, constructed experimentally at constant generator voltage, is the control law of the magnetic shunt winding for the studied generator. The investigated version of a synchronous generator with a magnetic shunt should be used for autonomous power plants, renewable energy systems, and autonomous power supply systems.
Research on the Dynamic Buckling of Composite Laminated Plates with One Edge Fixed and Three Edges Simply-Supported

Taking into account the effects of stress wave and the moment of inertia, the governing equations of composite laminated plate under the axial step load are derived by using Hamilton principle. Based on Variable Separation Method, the analytical expression of the critical dynamic buckling load for symmetry composite laminated plates with one edge fixed and three edges simply-supported can be deduced by considering the characteristics of the buckling solution, and the buckling mode is also acquired. Using MATLAB software, the relationship between the critical load and length can be obtained. The influences of different layer parameters and the order of the mode on the dynamic buckling are discussed.
Design and Simulation of an Automatic Positioning System for Antennas Installed on Ships

Due to the advancement of technology, war or civil ships are carrying more and more antennas and sensors, both for entertainment (TV antennas) as well as for everyday tasks (navigation radar antennas, positioning, arms and communication). This article describes a proposal for a digital control system aiming the positioning of a digital TV antenna mounted on a ship. In this case, beside the electrical signal of usual sensors, the data provided by a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver are utilized to design the control system. Simulation results confirm the feasibility of this approach.
Interbasin water transfer in a changing world: A new conceptual model

Water scarcity is a global issue, affecting in excess of four billion people. Interbasin Water Transfer (IBWT) is an established method for increasing water supply by transferring excess water from one catchment to another, water-scarce catchment. The implementation of IBWT peaked in the 1980s and was accompanied by a robust academic debate of its impacts. A recent resurgence in the popularity of IBWT, and particularly the promotion of mega-scale schemes, warrants revisiting this technology. This paper provides an updated review, building on previously published work, but also incorporates learning from schemes developed since the 1980s. We examine the spatial and temporal distribution of schemes and their drivers, review the arguments for and against the implementation of IBWT schemes and examine conceptual models for assessing IBWT schemes. Our analysis suggests that IBWT is growing in popularity as a supply-side solution for water scarcity and is likely to represent a key tool for water managers into the future. However, we argue that IBWT cannot continue to be delivered through current approaches, which prioritise water-centric policies and practices at the expense of social and environmental concerns. We critically examine the Socio-Ecological Systems and Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus models as new conceptual models for conceptualising and assessing IBWT. We conclude that neither model offers a comprehensive solution. Instead, we propose an enhanced WEF model (eWEF) to facilitate a more holistic assessment of how these mega-scale engineering interventions are integrated into water management strategies. The proposed model will help water managers, decision-makers, IBWT funders and communities create more sustainable IBWT schemes.