Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Investigation into Household and Occupational Pesticide Exposures with Genetic Variants as Risk Factors for Parkinson's Disease

Epidemiologic studies suggest that pesticides are risk factors for Parkinson's Disease (PD) but predominantly assessed pesticide exposure as a broad category and often did not examine exposure modifying factors such as personal protective equipment (PPE) use and variants in genes that encode proteins involved in pesticide metabolism and distribution in the body. Only a handful have investigated household pesticide exposures alone. This dissertation research examined the relation between PD and exposures to pesticides from multiple exposure sources, including household use, occupational use, and ambient pesticide exposures from drift in addition to genetic variation in PON1 and ABCB1. We recruited 360 incident PD cases and 827 population controls between 2001 through 2011 from central California, collected data on demographics, covariates, residential and occupational address history, and exposures to chemicals by telephone, and participants provided either whole blood or saliva samples.Frequent use of any household pesticide increased PD risk by 47%; frequent use of products containing organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) increased risk more strongly by 71%, and frequent organothiophosphate use almost doubled the risk of PD. The largest odds ratios were estimated for frequent OP users who were carriers of the 192QQ paraoxonase genetic variant related to slower detoxification of OPs.Ever occupational pesticide use for > 10 years doubled the risk of PD compared to never occupational pesticide users. PD risk was also increased with occupational use of fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, carbamates, OPs, and organochlorine (OC) pesticides. Surprisingly, we found higher risks among those who reported using PPE, possibly because these workers felt compelled to use PPE when handling toxic pesticides. We replicated a prior finding of ABCB1 polymorphisms at both rs1045642 and rs2032582 modifying PD risk from occupational OC exposures. We also newly found that PD risk from occupational OP exposures is modified by these polymorphisms. However, we did not detect multiplicative interactions.Our results suggest that exposures to OPs, carbamates, and OCs increase PD risk, and the risk from commonly used pesticides, specifically OCs and OPs, may be increased more strongly in individuals who are genetically susceptible to neurotoxic effects of pesticides.
Dynamic Parameter Identification for Irregular Buildings considering Soil-Structure Interaction Effects

The employment of system identification (SID) techniques to evaluate building dynamic parameters based on vibration measurements is a crucial topic and has been used for structural health monitoring and damage assessment after extreme events such as earthquakes. This study presents an input/output (I/O) selection concept to extract the dynamic parameters of an irregular building superstructure considering both torsional coupling (TC) and soil–structure interaction (SSI) effects. This concept was validated by implementing an SID technique, named System Realization using Information Matrix (SRIM), based on the numerically simulated floor and foundation responses. This approach was also applied to assess the change of dynamic properties of the superstructure of two instrumented buildings using measurements recorded before and after the 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan earthquake. It is shown that the decrease in value of the modal frequencies will be overestimated if the SSI effects are neglected.
Seasonal Optimization of the Greenhouse Environment For a Simple Two-stage Crop Growth Model

Abstract A simple, single-state-variable, two-stage crop model has been developed to investigate a possible change in the optimal control policy when the crop switches from the vegetative stage to the reproductive stage. The co-state variable (marginal value) of dry matter, was transformed in a way that made the resulting control policy constant over the season. The policy remains constant, independent of weather variation and crop development, and can be easily adjusted to price changes. Applying this simplified approach to real crops, requires the determination of the appropriate parameter values. This is demonstrated by fitting the simple model to data obtained by simulation with a comprehensive greenhouse tomato model, TOMGRO. The results show that, at least for a stationary (periodic) weather, the behaviour of the simple model is remarkably similar to that of TOMGRO. Consequently, the optimal control policy of the simple model could serve as a sub-optimal control for TOMGRO.
Solar-Blind AlGaN-based Schottky Photodiodes With High Detectivity and Low Noise

We report on the design, fabrication and characterization of solar-blind Schottky photodiodes with high detectivity and low noise. The devices were fabricated on n -/ n + AlGaN/GaN hetero-structures using a microwave compatible fabrication process. Using Al 0.38 Ga 0.62 N absorption layer, true solar-blind operation with a cutoff wavelength of ∼274 nm was achieved. The solar-blind detectors exhibited 12 cmHz 1/2 /W, and the detector noise was 1/ f limited with a noise power density less than 3×10 −29 A 2 /Hz at 10 KHz.
Does IFRS Drive Information Asymmetry Reduction? Evidence from Asean-6 Countries

International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) is globally accepted as a high-quality reporting standard. Countries implement IFRS because they believe that more disclosure leads to agency costs reduction and may result in adverse selection costs or information asymmetry reduction. However, studies on the relationship between IFRS and information asymmetry have thus far provided mixed evidence. On the other side, there are limited studies in this area that are focused on ASEAN countries. Therefore, more studies are needed to better understand whether IFRS drives information asymmetry reduction especially in ASEAN countries as developing countries. Therefore, this study contributes to knowledge by examining the association between IFRS and information asymmetry within ASEAN-6 countries, as a setting for developing countries. The results of the OLS (Static Panel estimation technique) indicate that IFRS has a negative and significant relationship with information asymmetry. It reveals that IFRS results in information asymmetry reduction throughout ASEAN-6 countries. Besides using the OLS, this study also applies a Generalized Moment Method (GMM) as an additional test, to measure dynamic relationships and correct the potential endogeneity problem between IFRS and information asymmetry. Besides theoretical and methodological contributions, findings of this study are useful for the adopter and non-adopter countries to understand the consequences of IFRS compliance on information asymmetry. The findings provide important inputs to policymakers of Indonesia and Vietnam who are contemplating adopting IFRS.
INFERRING SUBSURFACE MORPHOLOGY FROM TRANSIENT SOIL MOISTURE PATTERNS USING ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

A non–intrusive survey method was developed that examined the relationships among spatial and temporal variations of soil water content, soil texture, and bulk electrical conductivity (ECa) in a 7.5 ha research watershed in southwestern Tennessee. Our goal was to identify areas that may exhibit rapid movement of subsurface moisture, as this is a precursor of offsite agrochemical migration. The survey protocol identified similar and dissimilar temporal variations in ECa patterns. Repeated spatial measurements of ECa, starting at near field capacity and then progressing through the draining and drying process, supplied visually shifting ECa patterns that correspond to dynamic soil moisture variations and subsurface morphology transitions. We noted that spatial ECa patterns for a field remained somewhat analogous across data gathering events, shifting in relative amplitude along with seasonal moisture levels. For this study, we considered soil morphology constant over the short data acquisition interval, with short–term subsurface moisture variations as the parameter primarily influencing ECa changes. We inferred soil morphology as the major factor for ECa pattern similarity across time. Follow–up soil coring analysis along two separate low–to–high ECa transects supported this assumption for this site.
Enhanced FD-TD equations for diagonal metal edges and their microwave applications

The standard FD-TD method requires a very fine grid to model singular fields in the vicinity of sharp metal edges. This is a problem for simulating microwave structures composed of thin metal sheets, such as planar transmission lines and patch antennas. We have derived improved (enhanced) FD-TD equations for diagonal metal edges by considering field singularity. With these equations, various microwave structures can be analyzed accurately using a much coarser grid. In this paper, we demonstrate the application of enhanced FD-TD equations in: (1) modeling wave propagation in diagonal microstrip lines; and (2) simulating resonance in microstrip patch antennas. The accuracy of numerical results was improved by a factor of between 4 to 10, without additional computational overhead (time or memory).
Vietnamese Students' Transitions in Study Abroad Programs

Vietnam is at a pivotal point in positioning itself within the global economy. As organisations and government agendas are pushing for a more skilled workforce, it is evident that Vietnam has to deal with the implications for the changing educational landscape. This article presents a review of the literature related to study abroad, looking at examples from neighbouring countries as models and the implications these might have for Vietnam. Push and pull factors contribute to the reasons that more Vietnamese are looking to study abroad programs. The numbers of people choosing to study abroad is projected to climb as more self-funded and career-minded individuals look outwards to gain advanced qualifications. University career services can play an important role in supporting students exiting and returning home, to help to maximise their learning abroad and to integrate more effectively upon their return home.
Materials and methods for inhibiting cancer cell invasion related to fgfr4

The invention provides an isolated antibody or antibody fragment thereof that binds an extracellular epitope of a fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 (FGFR4) that is expressed by mammalian cells and inhibits cancer cell invasion. Optionally, the antibody or fragment thereof binds an epitope of FGFR4 that is bound by monoclonal antibody F90-10C5, or comprises complementarity determining regions identical to those of monoclonal antibody F90-10C5. Also provided are methods of using the antibody or fragment thereof to modulate invasion, ingrowth, or metastasis of cancer cells and treat cancer in a subject. The invention additionally provides a method of identifying an antibody or antibody fragment that inhibits invasiveness.
Outage Performance of Multiuser AF Two-Way Relaying with Asymmetric Traffic Requirements over Nakagami-m Fading

In this paper, we investigate the outage performance of a multiuser two-way relaying system over Nakagami-m fading channels. In particular, we consider the amplify-and-forward (AF) relay system with beamforming at the base station. Furthermore, the base station and mobile users have asymmetric traffic requirements. We fist derive a tight lower bound for the outage probability (OP). Moreover, the asymptotic outage probability expression is derived to shed light on the system's diversity order. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to verify the analytical results.
Impact of Some Heavy Metals and BPA Resulting from Terrorist Operations in Three Regions of Baghdad, Iraq on Serotonin

In this paper the effect of terrorist operations in three regions of Baghdad, Iraq were studied on serotonin hormones, in 75 Iraqi individual from (AL-karradah and Abo-Gharib) regions as comparison with Al-jadria as (a control). The correlation between sera serotonin and the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and bisphenol-A(BPA) have been selected for study, relation of heavy metals, BPA and monoamine neurotransmitter frameworks has been recommended as a potential underline component of action. The serotonin framework has been moderately ignored, along these lines; the objective of this article is to audit the writing on the connection between heavy metals, BPA and the serotonin. Our examination proposes a positive ‎correlation between serotonin and the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and BPA. In conclusion, that serotonin levels in the area of (Al-karadah, Abo-Gharib) pollutants areas were high as compared with the control (Al-jadria) as the lowest percentage of pollution. Thus considerable further investigation will be necessary to understand the role of serotonin in the pathogenesis and high levels in the some regions in Iraq such as AL-karradah and Abo-Gharib.
Power system analysis-software approach and real-time simulation

Successful operation of a power system depends largely on the engineer's ability to provide safe, reliable and economic service to the customer. Advanced simulation technologies provide useful means to the engineer for the design and analysis of the power system, and assisting them in making reasonable decisions. Due to powerful software and advanced real-time simulators, it became possible to simulate the dynamic behavior of very large power systems including HVDC and FACTS, and to verify the performance of these complex systems with the original control and protection equipment in a fast and accurate manner. The simulation covers all stages of development and operation of a power system, such as planning, design, test and also during operation. In this paper, advanced software and real-time power system simulation technologies are presented. With practical examples benefits of the simulation for large power systems are also demonstrated.
Investigating the applicability of exclusive pedestrian phase at two‐phase actuated controlled intersections

Summary The exclusive pedestrian phase (EPP) has been used in many countries to promote walking around downtown areas by increasing the ease and convenience of pedestrian crossing. However, its applicability has not been systematically demonstrated, especially when an intersection is operated in actuated mode. This paper presents an extensive simulation-based analysis of the applicability of EPP as compared with a normal concurrent pedestrian-phase pattern at an isolated intersection controlled by actuated logic. Actuated signal control logics for EPP-actuated and conventional concurrent pedestrian phase-actuated controls are developed. Both of these control logics consider pedestrian crossing demands and can adapt to changes in vehicle traffic to reduce vehicle delay as well. A simulation model of a two-phase controlled intersection is built and calibrated based on field data using VISSIM (PTV Planung Transport Verkehr AG in Karlsruhe, Germany). Extensive analysis is conducted to reveal fully the applicable EPP domain in terms of vehicle traffic demand, pedestrian demand, vehicle turning ratio, and pedestrian diagonal crossing ratio. The results show that the performance and applicable domain of EPP are jointly determined by those five factors. EPP significantly outperforms concurrent pedestrian phase if the vehicle turning ratio is greater than 0.6 and the pedestrian diagonal crossing ratio is greater than 0.6. These results can help traffic engineers in choosing the appropriate pedestrian-phase patterns at actuated signalized intersections. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High-precision CO2 sensor for meteorological balloons

A compact, diode laser-based sensor has been developed for meteorological balloons to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide profiles. The sensor achieves a precision of better than 1 ppmv using a novel pressure/temperature compensating reference cell. This device weighs less than 1 kg and uses less than 4 Watts of battery electrical power. Turnkey operation is achieved by a digital signal processor. A full description of the sensor and a discussion of its performance are provided.
The XV-15 tilt rotor research aircraft

The XV-15 tilt rotor has shown good handling qualities in all modes of flight; in the helicopter mode it allows precision hover and agility with low pilot workload. Vibration and noise levels are low; the conversion procedure is easy, with satisfactory acceleration or deceleration. The XV-15 handling demonstrated its potential for many civil and military applications.
Workshop on the Design and Control of Dextrous Hands

Abstract : The workshop for the Design and Control of Dexterous Hands was held at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory on November 5-6, 1981. Outside experts were brought together to discuss four topics kinematics of hands, actuation and materials, touch sensing, and control. This report summarizes the discussions of the participants and attempts to identify a consensus on applications, mechanical design, and control. (Author)
Design of a Wideband Microstrip Antenna

The design of a single-layer broadband gap-coupled microstrip antenna, loaded by a parasitic element, is reported here. The antenna can be operated in the frequency range of 6.4 GHz–10 GHz with a bandwidth of 3.6 GHz which is 44% of the centre frequency. The simulated results using IE3D software, are verified by measurement. The antenna may be useful for the application in ultrawideband (UWB) communication technology.
Study on multi-section, nonlinear model of flashover in a long–narrow confined space

The particularity in building structures of long–narrow spaces makes it different from the study of flashover model from the conventional theory. In this article, based on the nonlinear dynamics theory, a multi-section model was proposed to analyze the phenomenon of flashover. In this model, long–narrow confined space was divided into several sections, and each section was further divided into two zones, as hot smoke layer and cold air layer. The continuity equation and energy equation for each control volume defined from thermal smoke layer were established. The critical radius for the onset of flashover has been determined theoretically. In this article, a comparison with experiment for a multi-section, nonlinear model of flashover is presented, and the modeling results are compared with the experimental data which were obtained through a batch of fire tests in a reduced scale, long–narrow confined space. The theoretical calculation results agree reasonably well with measured results, in which the critical temperature and fire radius of flashover can be predicted. In general, for the polypropylene cribs, the predicted results are broadly consistent with the experimental results when the fire radius is below this critical value, but for heptane and wood cribs, the predicted value is a little higher. However, the model is useful in predicting the critical fire radius and temperature for flashover. In this article, the relationship between the characteristic parameters of fuel and the critical radius of fire source has also been investigated, which is linear growth.
The Effect of Steroid Dosing on Risk of Secondary Infection in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients

Introduction: The COVID pandemic has led to devastating consequences for those afflicted. The use of dexamethasone has proven benefit, although the risks and benefits are not fully characterized nor is the optimal dose of steroid. The benefits of steroids may include reduced inflammation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the risk might include increased viral replication and/or risk of secondary infection. Using a retrospective review of our ICU experience (prior to RECOVERY NEJM publication) we sought to characterize the relationship between steroid use and secondary infections in COVID-19 patients in order to test the hypothesis that steroid dose may be associated with worse ICU outcomes in some patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of our ICU experience from a large academic medical center. We defined secondary infection as positive bacterial or fungal culture from blood stream, urine or sputum deemed by the clinical team to require intervention. Among 130 consecutive patients who received critical care for COVID-19, we identified 41 who had received steroids in the ICU. Among these, 13 had received steroids prior to secondary infection (GP1) whereas 13 had secondary infection documented prior to receiving steroid (GP2) and 15 received steroids without secondary infection (GP3). Results: We observed mortality in all patients involved in this study (n=130) of 27.7%. Among patients who received steroids (n=41) of 29.3% vs. patients who never received steroids (n=89) of 27%. Mortality specific to the steroids groups was 15.4% for GP1 (n=13) vs. 53.8% for GP2 (n=13) vs. 20% for GP3 (n=15). Conclusions: We did not observe an impact of steroid dosage on the risk of secondary infection in a critically ill cohort of COVID-19 patients. We did observe a high mortality among patients who received steroids following documented secondary infection, but further work will be required to determine if this finding reflects confounding by indication i.e. whether steroids are a marker of sicker patients. Optimal steroid dosage in COVID remains unclear, but higher doses (as were given in the DExa-ARDS study) should be rigorously studied.
Analysis of energy harvesters for highway bridges

This article investigates the possibility of piezoelectric energy harvesters as energy scavenging devices in highway bridges. The structural vibration due to the motion of a load (vehicle) on the bridge is considered as the source of energy generation for the harvester. The energy generated in this way can be useful for wireless sensor networks for structural health monitoring of bridges by reducing or even eliminating the need for battery replacement/recharging. A highway bridge model with a moving point load is investigated and a linear single-degree-of-freedom model is used for the piezoelectric energy harvester. Two types of harvesters, namely, the harvesting circuit with and without an inductor, have been considered and the energy generated for a single vehicle has been estimated. These results may be used, together with traffic statistics, to obtain the variation of average power and thus, for a given application, help to design the energy management system.
Blind estimation of carrier frequency offset for OFDM in unknown multipath channels

A novel method for the blind estimation of carrier frequency offset for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is proposed. It is based on the second-order statistic algorithm. A special subcarrier weighting function is employed, which makes the estimation of the carrier frequency offset in an unknown multipath channel very efficient. Simulation results have demonstrated the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm.
Authors' response (Comments on "Scan impedance for an infinite dipole array: Hansen's formulas compared with Ansoft HFSS simulations")

The authors reply to comments by M. Jones and S. Ortiz (see ibid., vol.50, no.1, p.188-191, February 2008). For the authors' original article see ibid., vol.49, no.4, p.143-156, August 2007.