Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liver Pathology in Children with Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Single Center Experience

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children is frequently associated with liver pathology manifested as transient elevation of liver enzymes or specified liver diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and the type of liver pathology in children with IBD within 2 years’ follow-up after the IBD diagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of children with IBD. Liver pathology was defined as elevated activity of liver enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT) and/or gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)) and bilirubin concentration in serum and/or as pathological changes of the organ on imaging tests (abdominal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) or on liver histology performed when indicated. Results: Liver pathology was detected in 21 from 119 children (18%), including 7 (17%) with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 14 (18%) with ulcerative colitis (UC). Specified diagnosis for liver abnormality was found in 14 of 21 children (67%), including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC, 19%), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, 19%), autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC, 5%), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH, 5%), cholelithiasis (5%), drug-induced liver disease (9%) and viral infection (herpes simplex virus, 5%). Most patients manifested mild IBD or were in clinical remission at the time of liver pathology diagnosis. 14% of patients with liver disease (including only cases with PSC) were diagnosed before IBD, 33% at the same time, and 52% in the later period. Patients with the specified diagnosis of liver pathology were younger, had higher ALT activity and more often demonstrated liver abnormalities on imaging tests. UC patients with idiopathic elevation of liver enzymes had higher pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index scores compared to children with specified liver disease. Conclusions: Liver pathology was observed in a significant percentage of children with IBD in our study. The majority of cases of hepatobiliary abnormalities were detected after diagnosis of IBD; therefore, children with IBD should undergo routine monitoring of liver enzymes.
A comparison of different test and analysis methods for asphalt fatigue

Flexural fatigue is one of the main failure modes in asphalt mixtures. After reviewing and critiquing the current literature about fatigue in pavement engineering, this research project focused on dissipated energy approach because it takes into account the evolution of the material during a test. A comparison between the traditional method and several dissipated energy methods was made by using statistical analysis. Further research investigation involved the understanding of fatigue testing machines. Different categories of tests give different fatigue life values; so which one best represents the real world? This project focuses on pure fatigue tests and diametrical fatigue tests. The main innovative contribution of this thesis is the development of a new fatigue test: ITFT in strain controlled mode. It is a simple fatigue test widespread in UK often used by civil engineering firms to characterise stiffness and fatigue properties of asphalt materials mostly for construction and maintenance sites. Currently, the ITFT characterises the behaviour of asphalt material under repeated constant load; so no ITFT data obtained in strain control mode exist. To overcome this lack, ITFT in strain control mode was developed; this allows comparing results between simple flexural tests and diametrical tests. Results show that fatigue lives obtained by means of the ITFT are smaller than fatigue lives obtained by pure fatigue tests, this is due to the accumulation of permanent deformation during the ITFT; however ITFT results are reliable and statistically not different from 4PB results. It is true that pure fatigue does not really exist in real life; failure is a more complicated phenomenon. Thus, developing ITFT in strain control mode could reduce the gap between research in laboratory (where pure fatigue tests often are used) and in the fields (where experience showed that quick and simple tests are preferred by engineering consultancies).
Physically-Realizable Uniform Temperature Boundary Condition Specification on a Wall of an Enclosure: Part I - Problem Investigation

Temperature measurements along one side of the rectangular plate showed severe temperature non-uniformity along one side of a wall of a cubical experimental apparatus where the uniform temperature was physically desired. Despite proper planning and analyses, this non-uniformity was high enough that a benchmark study could not be carried out to the desired accuracy of about one percent error. This paper presents and extends analyses made previously based on the modifications to the original design of the apparatus to reduce the temperature non-uniformity on the wall by adding an auxiliary heater around a wall where the uniform temperature was desired. A detailed mathematical analysis shows significant reduction in temperature non-uniformity from about four percent (based on the initial design) to less than one percent (for the modified design). By examining the temperature difference between two locations on the plate, the predicted temperature difference obtained through mathematical analyses show excellent agreement with the measured temperature difference. The temperature non-uniformity along the boundary of a wall was reduced to less than one percent of the overall temperature difference.
Improving Performance and Versatility of Systems Based on Single-Frequency DFT Detectors Such as AD5933

Turning grand concepts such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities into reality requires the development and deployment of a wide variety of computing devices incorporated into the Internet infrastructure. Unsupervised sensing is the cornerstone capability that these devices must have to perform useful functions, while also having low cost of acquisition and ownership, little energy consumption and a small footprint. Impedimetric sensing systems based on the so-called single-frequency DFT detectors possess many of these desirable attributes and are often introduced in remote monitoring and wearable devices. This study presents new methods of improving performance of such detectors. It demonstrates that the main source of systematic errors is the discontinuous test phasor causing the crosstalk between the in-phase and quadrature outputs and the leakage of the input signal. The study derives expressions for these errors as a function of the number of samples and operating frequency, and provides methods for correction. The proposed methods are applied to the operation of a practical device—a network analyzer integrated circuit AD5933—and discussed in detail. These methods achieve complete elimination of leakage errors and expansion of the low limit of the operation frequency range by nearly two decades without additional hardware.
Minimum Wages in New Zealand: Policy and Practice in the 21st Century

IZA DP No. 14302 APRIL 2021 Minimum Wages in New Zealand: Policy and Practice in the 21st Century New Zealand has seen dramatic changes in minimum wage policies since 2000. The adult minimum wage has increased 75% in CPI-adjusted real terms. In addition, the youth minimum wage was abolished in two stages, resulting in a 125% increase in the real minimum wage for 16–19-year-old workers. We review the motivations for minimum wages and the changes and analyse how they have affected workers outcomes. We find that the minimum wage now strongly determines the wages of teenage workers, with the minimum wage now at the median wage of teenagers, and over half of 16–17-year-olds, and about 40% of 18–19-year-olds, earning at or below the minimum. Although we find no clear evidence that increases in the minimum wage have led to adverse employment effects, we expect there are downside risks for youth and low skilled workers’ employment. As minimum wage workers are broadly spread across the household income distribution, we conclude that minimum wages are largely ineffective as a redistributive income support policy. JEL Classification: J21, J23, J24, J31, J38
Role of miRNAs as biomarkers of COVID-19: a scoping review of the status and future directions for research in this field

Aim: miRNAs are potential biomarkers of several diseases. This review aimed to identify the miRNAs that could serve as biomarkers of COVID-19. Materials & methods: A literature search of nine databases was carried out for studies published before 13 June 2021 that described dysregulated miRNAs in cells or animals infected by SARS-CoV-2 or in patients with COVID-19. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and extracted data; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Results: Twenty studies were included in this scoping review; results suggested that miR-21-5p, miR-146a, miR-126-3p, miR-144 and miR-155 are the most important dysregulated miRNAs that could serve as biomarkers for diagnosing and indicating the severity of COVID-19. miRNAs appear to play key roles in viral replication, proliferation of infected cells, immune response, inflammation and cardiovascular dysfunction. Conclusion: This review provides insights into the role of miRNAs as biomarkers in COVID-19 and the current status and future directions for research in this field.
Passive Sensing of Electromagnetic Signature of Roadway Material for Lateral Positioning of Vehicle

Autonomous vehicles (AV) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) offer multiple safety benefits for drivers and road agencies. However, maintaining the lateral position of an AV or a vehicle with ADAS within a lane is a challenge, especially in adverse weather conditions when lane markings are occluded. For significant penetration of AV without compromising safety, vehicle-to-infrastructure sensing capabilities are necessary, especially during severe weather conditions. This research proposes a method to create a continuous electromagnetic (EM) signature on the roadway, using materials compatible with existing paving materials and construction methods. Laboratory testing of the proposed concept was performed on notched concrete-slab specimens and concrete prisms containing EM materials. An induction-based eddy-current sensor and magnetometers were implemented to detect the EM signature. The detected signals were compared to evaluate the effects of sensor height above the concrete surface, type of EM materials, EM-material volume, material shape, and volume of EM concrete prisms. A layer of up to 2 in. (5.1 cm) of water, ice, snow, or sand was placed between the sensor and the concrete slab to represent adverse weather conditions. Results showed that factors such as sensor height, EM-material volume, EM dosage, types of the EM material, and shape of the EM material in the prism were significant attenuators of the EM signal and must be engineered properly. Presence of adverse surface conditions had a negligible effect, as compared to normal conditions, indicating robustness of the presented method. This study proposes a promising method to complement existing sensors’ limitations in AVs and ADAS for effective lane-keeping during normal and adverse weather conditions with the help of vehicle-to-pavement interaction.
LncRNA TUG1 facilitates the development of endometrial cancer via interaction with FXR1

Purpose: To investigate the potential influence of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TUG1 on the development of endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: A total of 24 paired EC species and paracancerous species were collected, and the differential expressions of TUG1 in them were determined. The regulatory effects of TUG1 on proliferative and migratory potential in Ishikawa and HEC-1A cells were assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assay, respectively. Potential protein binding TUG1 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and subsequently verified using RIP (RNA-Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation) assay. Rescue experiments were conducted to uncover the mechanism of TUG1 in regulating the development of EC.Results: TUG1 was highly expressed in EC species and cell lines. Higher levels of TUG1 was observed in EC patients with metastases than those without metastatic cancer (p < 0.05). Overexpression of TUG1 markedly facilitated proliferative and migratory potential in EC cells. Taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) directly bound Fragile X-related protein 1 (FXR1) and positively regulated its level (p < 0.05). Through interaction with FXR1, TUG1 stimulated the malignant development of EC.Conclusion: LncRNA TUG1 is upregulated in EC species, which facilitates proliferative and migratory potentials in EC cells by interacting with FXR1.
Unfolding of spatial representation at systems level in infant rats

Spatial representations enable navigation from early life on. However, the brain regions essential to form spatial representations, like the hippocampus, are considered functionally immature before weaning. Here, we examined the formation of representations of space in rat pups on postnatal day (PD) 16, using a simple habituation paradigm where the pups were exposed to an arena on three occasions, separated by ~140 min. Whereas on the first two occasions the arena was the same, on the third “test” occasion either proximal cues (Prox group), or distal cues (Dist group), or proximal and distal cues (Prox‐Dist group), or no cues (No‐change group) were rearranged. Locomotion (distance traveled) was used as behavioral measure of habituation, and c‐Fos expression to measure regional brain activity at test. Locomotion generally decreased across the first two occasions. At test, it reached a minimum in the No‐change group, indicating familiarity with the spatial conditions. By contrast, the Prox‐Dist group displayed a significant increase in locomotion which was less robust in the Prox group and absent in the Dist group, a pattern suggesting that the pups relied more on proximal than distal cues during spatial exploration. c‐Fos activity in the No‐change group was significantly suppressed in the hippocampus (CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus) but simultaneously enhanced in the prelimbic area (PL) of the medial prefrontal cortex, compared with untreated Home‐cage controls, pointing to a possible involvement of the PL in regulating locomotion in familiar spaces. By contrast, in both Prox‐Dist and Prox groups c‐Fos activity was enhanced in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, suggesting these regions might be particularly involved in regulating exploration of spatial novelty. Our findings show that functional representations of space at a systems level are formed already in pre‐weanling rats.
Study on Useful Cases Sharing among Multi- site Factories by Support System of Kaizen Activity

This paper discusses a support system of Kaizen activity for effective sharing useful cases among multi-site factories. After the framework of the support system which consists of three basic elements, that is, Kaizen case-base, model-base and user-interface, is described quoted by Decision Support System (DSS), a design of a procedure of new case development which is put in the user-interface particularly is the focus. Furthermore, Kaizen technology applied to the new case development is Visual Management (VM) technology as one of the useful technologies. The proposed procedure consists of the following five phases: 1) identification of current burden, 2) selection of useful case, 3) new case design for improving direct burden, 4) improved designed case for enhancement of technological level and 5) improved designed case for contribution to overall system. In addition, a case study is performed to assure the relevance of the proposed procedure by put the emphasis on VM of chemical plant. Then the proposed procedure is qualified based on systematic evaluation and experts’ opinion as useful method to Kaizen knowledge transfer through collaboration with a factory eager to implement VM.
Nitrosamines and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Smoke-Cured Bacon (Larou) of Artisanal and Industrial Origin

The aim of this study was to compare the nitrosamines (NAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of Chinese smoke-cured bacon (Larou) of artisanal and industrial origin. The results showed that the average pH and Aw values of family-made Larou products were lower than those of industrial Larou, which was opposite to the TBARS level. The contents of residual nitrite and PAH4 in two artisanal Larou were significantly higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). The highest NA content (10.78 μg/kg) was found in family-made Larou. A correlation analysis indicated that the relationships between residual nitrite contents and total PAH8 contents (τ = 0.692, p < 0.01) and total NAs contents (τ = 0.805, p < 0.01) were characterized with a positive correlation. A principal component analysis indicated that the Larou from the industrial sources had similar safety attributes, and was more stable than the Larou processed in an artisanal manner. Our data suggest that Larou produced in industrial conditions is suitable for consumption.
On the Optoelectronic Mechanisms Ruling Ti‐hyperdoped Si Photodiodes

This work deepens the understanding of the optoelectronic mechanisms ruling hyperdoped‐based photodevices and shows the potential of Ti hyperdoped‐Si as a fully complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor compatible material for room‐temperature infrared photodetection technologies. By the combination of ion implantation and laser‐based methods, ≈20 nm thin hyperdoped single‐crystal Si layers with a Ti concentration as high as 1020 cm−3 are obtained. The Ti hyperdoped Si/p‐Si photodiode shows a room temperature rectification factor at ±1 V of 509. Analysis of the temperature‐dependent current–voltage characteristics shows that the transport is dominated by two mechanisms: a tunnel mechanism at low bias and a recombination process in the space charge region at high bias. A room‐temperature sub‐bandgap external quantum efficiency (EQE) extending to 2.5 µm wavelength is obtained. Temperature‐dependent spectral photoresponse behavior reveals an increase of the EQE as the temperature decreases, showing a low‐energy photoresponse edge at 0.45 eV and a high‐energy photoresponse edge at 0.67 eV. Temperature behavior of the open‐circuit voltage correlates with the high‐energy photoresponse edge. A model is proposed to relate the optoelectronic mechanisms to sub‐bandgap optical transitions involving an impurity band. This model is supported by numerical semiconductor device simulations using the SCAPS software.
Experimental study on an S-band near-field microwave magnetron power transmission system on hundred-watt level

A multi-magnetron microwave source, a metamaterial transmitting antenna, and a large power rectenna array are presented to build a near-field 2.45 GHz microwave power transmission system. The square 1 m2 rectenna array consists of sixteen rectennas with 2048 Schottky diodes for large power microwave rectifying. It receives microwave power and converts them into DC power. The design, structure, and measured performance of a unit rectenna as well as the entail rectenna array are presented in detail. The multi-magnetron microwave power source switches between half and full output power levels, i.e. the half-wave and full-wave modes. The transmission antenna is formed by a double-layer metallic hole array, which is applied to combine the output power of each magnetron. The rectenna array DC output power reaches 67.3 W on a 1.2 Ω DC load at a distance of 5.5 m from the transmission antenna. DC output power is affected by the distance, DC load, and the mode of microwave power source. It shows that conventional low power Schottky diodes can be applied to a microwave power transmission system with simple magnetrons to realise large power microwave rectifying.
GROUNDWATER IN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS: FROM MENACE TO MAINSTAY

Irrigation systems have changed significantly in the last 50 years. Originally supplied by surface water, its farming systems depend increasingly on the massive use of groundwater through private tubewells. Withdrawals are currently leading to a general decrease in groundwater table levels which in the past caused waterlogging due to excess surface irrigation. This new context calls for the repositioning of the paradigm of the twin menace of waterlogging and salinity in which the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) community defined its concepts. It also requires taking into consideration existing groundwater institutions, often informal and developed locally, more rarely legally recognized processes when moving towards groundwater governance. We present an analytical framework showing the role of these institutions in groundwater governance. This special issue contains a selection of papers presented at the 24th European Regional Conference of ICID in March 2011, organized by its French National Committee, AFEID. The selected contributions focus on critical analysis of formal and informal institutions at the local scale dealing with groundwater access, restoring the groundwater balance and water quality protection. We argue that these analyses can help building a more process‐oriented approach to policy and engineering, contributing to new modes of groundwater governance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Challenging the importance of size as determinant for CSR activities

Purpose – This paper aims to contribute to the development and understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by discussing two interrelated characteristics of current literature: a tendency in discourses to portray CSR as equal to the societal activities displayed by and demanded from large, multinational firms; and an increasing focus on and description of “small firm CSR” in research. These two characteristics instigate a limited approach to the meaning of CSR and an unjust dichotomization of CSR based on firm size are posited. A distinction that risks stimulating an un‐nuanced CSR discourse.Design/methodology/approach – From reviewing the field, it has been concluded that firm size should not be a feasible main criterion when trying to understand or predict CSR behavior. From examples of far‐reaching CSR activities in the small business community and local initiatives by large firms, the distinctions suggested in the current discourse do not appear in practice are shown.Findings – Additional f.
The Learning Mechanism of Tacit Knowledge within the Innovative Organizations:The case of the IT Industry in Taiwan

The learning mechanism of tacit knowledge is the key issue in the knowledge-based theory; however, little research has investigated this topic. This paper provides a framework of learning tacit knowledge, and applies this mechanism to the development of Taiwanese information technology (IT) industry to explain how it functions and operates within an industry. There are four aspects of this mechanism, including (1) Imitation: the learners or followers learn from the innovators (pioneers) by imitation, or so-called subcontracting or outsourcing in industry; (2) Replication: the innovators are able to systemize their experience and knowledge, and then transfer their expertise to the followers; (3) Social Network: what and how much a follower can learn depends on the social network (or which international context); (4) Innovation Community: after the tacit knowledge was learned, the growth, evolution and diffusion of the tacit knowledge would depend on the strength of innovation or technology community. Through applying this mechanism, this paper re-interprets the development and evolution of Taiwanese IT industry, particularly the role of subcontracting in learning tacit knowledge.