Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of Sumudu Transform in Fractional Differential Equation Associated with RLC Electrical Circuit

In this paper, we obtain the solution of a fractional differential equation associated with a RLC electrical circuit. The solution is derived by the application of the Sumudu transform. The results are obtained in compact and elegant forms in terms of the generalized Mittag-Leffler function and Hfunction, which are suitable for numerical computation. Mathematics Subject Classification 2000: 26A33, 33E12
The Contribution of Women Entrepreneurship in Family Socio-Economic Development in Rural Areas, Rwanda

The study on women entrepreneurs and family social economic development aimed at assessing whether there was a positive correlation between women in entrepreneurship and their family socioeconomic development. This research targeted women members of a handcraft making cooperative in Muhanga District and Women’s Opportunity Center in Eastern province (Rwanda) with a connection to Gahaya Links Company. The study used stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The data entry and management was undertaken using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, 16 version), where both descriptive and correlational statistics were used in the study. The study revealed that women entrepreneurs affect social economic development at the rate of 78.3%. This research concluded that there was a positive and strong relationship between women entrepreneurship and family socio-economic development. The research recommends that women entrepreneurs must minimize all loss caused by lack of training and low level of education that leads to lack of managerial skills in order to achieve high level of performance in their routine activities of business.
Effect of shoe type and cleat length on incidence and severity of knee injuries among high school football players.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between use of the conventional football shoe and the epidemic of knee injuries occurring in organized football. All knee injuries in the Public High School League in 1968 and in the Catholic High School League in 1969, when players in the respective leagues wore the conventional shoe, were documented. During the 1969 and 1970 seasons, all Public League players wore “soccer type” shoes with molded soles containing fourteen ⅜-inch cleats. All Catholic League players wore similar shoes in 1970. In both leagues, all practices and games were conducted on natural turf. Injuries occurring with the soccer type shoe were documented. Comparison of the two groups demonstrated a marked decrease in both the incidence and severity of knee injuries in both leagues when the players wore the multi-cleated shoe. It is strongly recommended that the conventional football shoe be condemned and that only shoes meeting the following specifications be permitte.
Adhesion of leukocytes is involved in increased β-endorphin and elevated pain threshold in obstructive jaundice

The elevated pain threshold is a special change in obstructive jaundice (OJ). It does not attract enough attention, which leads to over-use of opioid drugs and causes many peri-operative complications. In the present study, β-endorphin in the plasma of OJ patients was measured by ELISA. Leukocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of the OJ and non-jaundice (Non-J) patients. The mRNA of β-endorphin precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and μ-opioid receptor (MOR) in the leukocytes of OJ patients were measured by Real-time PCR. After treated with bilirubin, the leukocytes from Non-J patients were used to measure the expression of μ-opioid receptor and β-endorphin. Opioid-containing leukocytes were also measured by Flow Cytometry after bilirubin incubation. After the obstructive jaundice model of rats was established by bile duct ligation (BDL), the rats were injected with ICAM-1 antibody. The pain threshold of rats was detected and β-endorphin in the plasma was measured by ELISA method. The results showed that β-endorphin was higher in the OJ patients than that in the Non-J patients. The mRNA of POMC and MOR in the leukocytes were significantly higher in the OJ patients than that in the Non-J patients. After leukocytes from Non-J patients were treated with bilirubin, β-endorphin in the supernatant was up-regulated. The POMC mRNA of leukocytes was also increased. Meanwhile, the number of opioid-containing leukocytes was significantly raised after bilirubin incubation. In the rat model of OJ, elevated pain threshold was reversed after treated with ICAM-1 antibody (0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg). Meanwhile, the β-endorphin in the plasma was down-regulated by ICAM-1 antibody. The results demonstrated that the up-regulation of β-endorphin is probably related to the elevated pain threshold in OJ patients. The results further suggested that the adhesion of leukocytes was involved in the up-regulation of β-endorphin and MOR as well as elevated pain threshold among OJ patients. The changes in opioid-containing leukocytes are probably an alternative explanation to this special pain change in OJ patients.
Social Cognition of the Self 24

Introduction Th e study of the self can be traced to antiquity, when as early as the 6th century B.C.E. , the Temple of Apollo at Delphi instructed people to “Know thyself. ” Since then, consideration of the self has spanned numerous disciplines, ranging from religion to philosophy. Most recently, psychologists have become the vanguard of self-studies, with a variety of foci including classifying the self ’s characteristics (e.g., personality psychology), understanding dysfunctional facets of the self (e.g., clinical psychology), and examining how context fundamentally changes the meaning of the self (e.g., cultural psychology). Social psychologists have shown how the self, often viewed as all that is unique to the individual, is inherently social. For example, research has shown that our closest relationships are integrated in our knowledge about ourselves (e.g., Aron, Aron, & Smollan, 1992). Abstract
Active power modulation assisting controller scheme implemented on a VSC-HVDC link establishing effective damping of low frequency power oscillations

Inter-area power oscillations damping is of fundamental importance in today's era of sophisticated and highly complex smart grids. The present paper demonstrates a practical solution obtaining satisfactory performance in damping power system oscillations utilizing the flexible VSC-HVDC transmission technology in an optimal combination with a power oscillation damping (POD) controller, utilizing active power modulation technique. Primary focus of the control scheme is to improve damping of lightly damped or even unstable modes of the interconnected AC/DC power system through modal analysis technique and a residue based approach. The proposed control scheme guarantees stability margins through eigenvalue analysis and non-linear time domain simulations, which are performed on a four-machine two-area system. The software platform under which the various simulation scenarios were implemented was DigSILENT PowerFactory.
Assessment of Respiratory Symptoms and Asthma Prevalence in a U.S.-Mexico Border Region

The authors studied children who were 10-12 yr of age and who resided in sister cities in a U.S.-Mexico border region to determine the prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms. The relationship of symptoms to ambient levels of particulate matter less than 10 μ in diameter (PM10), and to several indoor environmental conditions, was assessed. The study was conducted in the border cities of Ambos Nogales (Nogales, Arizona [United States], and Nogales, Sonora [Mexico]). At the beginning of the 11-wk study, during the autumn of 1996, 631 students and their parents completed baseline questionnaires. While in school, the children completed daily symptom diaries and daily peak expiratory flow maneuvers. PM10 values and daily temperatures were also measured. The authors found that the prevalence of self-reported asthma among 5th-grade students was comparable on both sides of the border (i.e., 7.6% on the Arizona side and 6.9% on the Sonora side). Wheezing was a frequent complaint (29.5-35.6%), as was cough (16.8-29.6%). Smoking in the home was common on both sides of the border, and it was associated with a greater occurrence of self-reported asthma and respiratory complaints. Increased respiratory symptoms were also associated with increased ambient PM10 levels. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and frequent cough among all children in this study, combined with the limitations inherent in self-reporting, suggest that asthma may actually be more prevalent than has been previously reported.
Congenitally absent maxillary lateral incisors. A case report illustrating the use of a Mesialslider and a customised lingual appliance

Abstract Background A young adolescent female, aged 17 years and one month, presented seeking orthodontic treatment to address the congenital absence of her maxillary lateral incisors. Aims The therapeutic aims were to provide an adequate aesthetic and functional occlusion, coupled with sound adjunctive periodontal tissue relationships and a favourable long-term prognosis. Methods The malocclusion was managed by customised lingual orthodontic appliances and the adjunctive use of direct skeletal anchorage derived from two palatal mini-implants. Results The treatment objectives of good aesthetics, a functional occlusion, normal function, a healthy periodontium and a balanced profile were readily achieved. The retention records demonstrate the stability of the correction. The treatment duration was approximately 41 months, which encompassed the use of full fixed customised lingual appliances over a period of 24 months.
INEMI PB-FREE ALLOY CHARACTERIZATION PROJECT REPORT : PART I – PROGRAM GOALS , EXPERIMENTAL STRUCTURE , ALLOY CHARACTERIZATION , AND TEST PROTOCOLS FOR ACCELERATED THERMAL CYCLING

Significant innovations in Pb-free solder alloy formulations are being driven by volume manufacturing and field experiences. As a result, the industry has seen an increase in the number of Pb-free solder alloy choices beyond the common near-eutectic Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) alloys first established as replacements for Sn-Pb. The increasing number of Pb-free alloys provides opportunities to address shortcomings of near-eutectic SAC, such as poor mechanical shock performance, but also introduces a variety of technical and logistical risks. Since 2008, the Pb-Free Alloy Characterization Program sponsored by the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) has been working to fill the gap in knowledge associated with thermal fatigue resistance of these new solder alloys. Results from the extensive experimental program are now becoming available and will be published through a series of publications over the next 12 years. The purpose of this first paper in the series is to provide the industry with an understanding of the overall program goals, and the experimental structure and details. Subsequent papers will focus on presenting results, analyses, and conclusions from selected portions of the study.
Use of perches and seed dispersal by birds in an abandoned pasture in the Porto Ferreira state park , southeastern Brazil

We investigated the efficiency of different kinds of perches in attracting seed disperser-birds and increasing the seed rain in a degraded area located in the northeast region of São Paulo State. We installed seed traps under natural perches (NPs, living trees); simple artificial perches (SAPs) of 3m tall and a crossbar; elaborate artificial perches (EAPs) of 7m tall and three crossbars, and in a control area. Results showed the number of bird-dispersed seeds deposited was proportional to the number of structures for perching. The NPs also have provided other resources for birds such as food and shelter. Comparing visitation between artificial perches, there was greater use of EAPs also for having more perching structures and for being taller, providing better airspace visibility for predatory birds and tyrant-flycatchers, important seed dispersers. Thus, natural and artificial perches with similar characteristics to the EAPs are the most recommended as a base or complementary method for the restoration of degraded areas near to propagules source, also contributing to the maintenance of local fauna.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of TRC101 to Increase Serum Bicarbonate in Patients with CKD.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Metabolic acidosis is common in patients with CKD and has significant adverse effects on kidney, muscle, and bone. We tested the efficacy and safety of TRC101, a novel, sodium-free, nonabsorbed hydrochloric acid binder, to increase serum bicarbonate in patients with CKD and metabolic acidosis. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS One hundred thirty-five patients were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, in-unit study (designated the TRCA-101 Study). Patients had a mean baseline eGFR of 35 ml/min per 1.73 m2, a mean baseline serum bicarbonate of 17.7 mEq/L, and comorbidities, including hypertension (93%), diabetes (70%), and heart failure (21%). Patients ate a controlled diet and were treated for 14 days with placebo or one of four TRC101 dosing regimens (1.5, 3, or 4.5 g twice daily or 6 g once daily). After treatment, patients were discharged and followed for 7-14 days. RESULTS All TRC101 treatment groups had a mean within-group increase in serum bicarbonate of ≥1.3 mEq/L (P<0.001) within 72 hours of the first dose and a mean increase in serum bicarbonate of 3.2-3.9 mEq/L (P<0.001) at the end of treatment compared with placebo, in which serum bicarbonate did not change. In the combined TRC101 treatment group, serum bicarbonate was normalized (22-29 mEq/L) at the end of treatment in 35% of patients and increased by ≥4 mEq/L in 39% of patients. After discontinuation of TRC101, serum bicarbonate decreased nearly to baseline levels within 2 weeks. All adverse events were mild or moderate, with gastrointestinal events most common. All patients completed the study. CONCLUSIONS TRC101 safely and significantly increased the level of serum bicarbonate in patients with metabolic acidosis and CKD.
COUPLED ELASTO-PLASTIC MODEL WITH NON-LOCAL SOFTENING ENHANCED BY VISCOSITY TO DESCRIBE DYNAMIC CONCRETE BEHAVIOUR

The paper presents results of FE simulations of the concrete behaviour under dynamic loading at the different strain-rate. A continuum elasto-plastic constitutive model was used. Viscosity, non-locality and inertial terms were included. Numerical results of strength during uniaxial compression and uniaxial tension were compared with corresponding laboratory tests and CEB recommendations. Some preliminary own dynamic test results on concrete beams under threepoint bending were also shown.
Optimizing Scanning Phases in Detecting Small (<2 cm) Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Whole-Liver Dynamic Study With Multidetector Row CT

Objective: To define the optimal scanning phases for detecting small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with whole-liver dynamic helical computed tomography. Methods: Sixty-one patients with 112 hypervascular HCCs smaller than 2 cm underwent 7-phase dynamic study from the early arterial to the late equilibrium phases of the entire liver. Proof of neoplasms was based on biopsy results and computed tomography with iodized oil. Time-density curves of the individual tumor and the liver were compared. Results: Of 112 hypervascular nodules, the late arterial phase had the best liver-tumor conspicuity (P < 0.001). Ninety-one nodules (81%) had peak liver-tumor contrast in late arterial phase, and only 21 (19%) in the early arterial phase. All the hypervascular HCCs became isoattenuating to the regional parenchyma before the late portal venous phase (120th second). Conclusion: The late arterial and late portal venous phases are recommended for detecting small HCC smaller than 2 cm.
Synthesis And Characterization Of Hydroxylated Sunflower Seed Oil / Poly Vinyl Acetate Copolymer As A Binder For Possible Application In The Coating Industry

Nowadays it is difficult to imagine our life without synthetic polymeric materials, as such products are largely used in nearly any field of life ranging from simple packing material over clothing to specialized high-tech devices, e.g. for aerospace engineering and physical and life sciences. The outstanding position of synthetic materials over natural materials arises from their unique versatility, reliability, workability and durability [1]. Polymers are synthesized via polycondensation and by catalytic, ionic or free-radical polymerization (FRP) with a steadily increasing worldwide production exceeding 200 millions of tons per year and an annual turnover (in 2004) of over 70 billion euro in Germany alone (with a worldwide market share of about 8%) [1] The synthetic resins are particularly distinct due to their hardness, durability and resistance to water, alkali and other chemical [2]. Today, the applicability of these polymers has been extended beyond the range that can be obtained from single polymers due to the emerging field of blending. In the years ahead, polymers will continue to grow, and the growth from all indications will be not only from the development of new polymers, but also from the chemical and physical modifications of the existing ones. Eventually, the challenges of recycling posed by environmental problems have led to further developments involving alloying and blending of plastics to produce a diversity of usable materials from what Abstract: In this work, a hydroxylated sunflower seed oil (SSO) was synthesized and blended with polyvinyl acetate (PVA) to produce SSO/PVA copolymer binder for emulsion paint formulation. The compatibility of the copolymer at different composition ratios of 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, 30/70, 20/80 and 0/100 were studied at 30 0 C. The viscosity, density, turbidity, refractive index, melting point and moisture uptake and solubility in water of the blend were also investigated. It was established that the viscosity, density, melting point, moisture uptake, turbidity and solubility in water decreases with increase in SSO concentration while refractive index and gel time increases with increase in SSO concentration. The result suggest that the problems of hardness, low water resistant and poor gloss traditionally associated with PVA resin can be addressed with SSO/PVA copolymer. The formation of the SSO/PVA copolymer was confirmed by Fourier transform spectroscopy. Comparison of these results with the literature values shows that physico-chemical properties of the SSO/PVA copolymer binder were in conformity. This study may therefore, introduce a novel binder to the coating industry.
Lithium in pregnancy: the need to treat, the duty to ensure safety

Introduction: Untreated bipolar disorder during pregnancy leads to detrimental repercussions on the mother–infant pair's health. Despite different drugs having been proposed as mood stabilizers, lithium remains the first-choice agent for preventing mood changes. Areas covered: Analyzing up-to-date information on the reproductive safety of lithium and providing practice guidelines to optimize its use during pregnancy. Expert opinion: Findings from prospective and case–control studies confirm an increased, specific risk of Ebstein's anomaly (4.45–7.6/1000 live births), although lower than that previously reported. A potential increase in the risk of neural tube defects should also be taken into consideration. Moreover, several perinatal complications may occur, and even in the presence of relatively low infant serum levels, in the case of drug exposure during late pregnancy. Despite such concerns, lithium should still be considered the first-choice agent for treating bipolar disorder in pregnancy. Indeed, the U.S. FDA recently issued a new warning regarding the reproductive safety of antipsychotics. Moreover, the risk of fetal valproate/carbamazepine syndrome (and the confirmed neurodevelopmental teratogenicity of valproate) contraindicates the use of both medications, whereas the use of lamotrigine is limited by efficacy concerns. However, women who need lithium treatment during pregnancy should be carefully monitored: a strict gynecologic and psychiatric surveillance and, probably, preconception folate supplementation is highly advisable. Moreover, delivery should be programmed in Neonatal Intensive Care Units to ensure optimal management of potential iatrogenic perinatal complications.
High-resistance, low-repetition training as a determiner of strength and fatigability.

Abstract Male university students (N=20) participated in a 6-week training program with sessions held three times weekly. During each training session, every subject performed three sets (10 repetitions per set) of preferred arm curls against resistances of one-half 10-repetition maximum (10-RM), three-quarters 10-RM, and 10-RM, respectively. Pre- and post-testing consisted of a series of 150 maximum contractions performed every other second over a 5-min. period. Results indicated that significant gains occurred in the parameters of initial strength, final strength, and total work, but no change was observed in fatigable work. An exponential analysis of the fatigue curves revealed no appreciable alteration as a result of the training. It was concluded that the principal effects caused by high-resistance, low-repetition training seem to be increased levels of strength and absolute endurance.
Skin peeling syndrome in a Kurdish family.

Skin peeling syndrome (SPS) is a rare genodermatosis, with variable age of onset from birth1to adulthood.2Clinically, it is characterized by a pruritic or nonpruritic spontaneous superficial peeling of the skin, which sometimes is accompanied by erythema or vesiculation.2The skin involvement is usually general, but in some patients the scalp, face, palms, and soles may be unaffected.2Seasonal changes have been reported.2,3The histologic picture is characterized by separation of the epidermis between the stratum corneum and the stratum granulosum.3We describe herein two siblings of a Jewish family originating from Kurdistan who were affected by SPS. Report of Cases Case 1. — The proband, an 8-year-old boy, was referred to the skin clinic for itching, redness, and peeling of the skin. Redness, peeling of the neck, antecubital and popliteal areas, and wrists, developed four days after his birth; later on, redness and peeling