Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finger Millet Ethanol Extracts Prevent Hypertension by Inhibiting the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Level and Enhancing the Antioxidant Capacity in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) contains high levels of calcium and polyphenols, which have a variety of beneficial functions. We tested the hypothesis that finger millet ethanol extracts (FEs) have an antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The study groups were assigned as follows: (1) Wistar Kyoto rats (normal); (2) SHRs treated with saline (negative control); (3) SHRs treated with captopril 50 mg/kg bw (positive control); (4) SHRs treated with FE 250 mg/kg bw (FE250); and (5) SHRs treated with FE 500 mg/kg bw (FE500). FE supplementation improved the lipid profiles, including the triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, without deterioration in liver function. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentration and superoxide dismutase activity significantly improved after the application of FE250 and FE500. Interestingly, FE250 and FE500 application dramatically reduced the systolic blood pressure. FE supplementation exhibited powerful control over the renin-angiotensin system by reducing the angiotensin-converting enzyme levels and renin mRNA expression in the kidney. Additionally, FE500 application ameliorated vascular remodeling, reversed the thickening media, and decreased the media thickness/lumen diameter ratio of the aorta. These results imply that FEs are a potent antihypertensive nutraceutical for regulating the renin–angiotensin system and simultaneously inhibiting oxidative stress.
The reconstruction of skeletal movement : the soft tissue artefact issue

In 3D human movement analysis performed using stereophotogrammetry and skin markers, bone pose can be only indirectly estimated. During a task, soft tissue deformations make the markers move with respect to the underlying bone generating soft tissue artefacts (STA), causing devastating effects on pose estimation and its compensation remains an open issue. The thesis’ aim was to contribute to the solution of this crucial issue. Modelling STA using measurable trial-specific variables is a prerequisite for its removal from marker trajectories. Two STA model architectures are proposed. A thigh marker-level model is first presented. STA was modeled as a linear combination of joint angles involved in the task. The model was calibrated with direct STA measures. The considerable number of model parameters led to defining STA approximations. Three definitions were proposed to represent STA as series of modes : individual marker displacements, marker-cluster geometrical transformations (MCGT), and skin envelope shape variations. Modes were selected using two criteria : modal energy and selecting them a priori. The MCGT allows to select either rigid or non-rigid components. It was also demonstrated that only the rigid component affects joint kinematics. A model of thigh and shank rigid component at cluster-level was then defined. An acceptable trade-off between STA compensation and number of parameters was obtained. These results lead to two main potential applications : generate realistic STAs for simulation
Close look at charge carrier injection in polymer field-effect transistors

Parasitic contact resistance effects are becoming a major issue in organic transistors in that they can severely limit or even dominate their overall transistor performance. We present a systematic study of the contact resistance in bottom-contact polymer field-effect transistors made from poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as well as poly-9,9′dioctyl-fluorene-co-bithiophene (F8T2). A microscopic approach based on noncontact scanning-probe potentiometry was used to directly separate the transport properties of the transistor channel and the electrode/polymer contacts, giving very accurate experimental access to both the source and drain contact resistance. The influence of the relevant parameters (temperature, electrode work function, ionization potential of the polymer, charge carrier mobility) on the source/drain contact resistance is investigated. We find that for “good” source/drain contacts that give rise to relatively small overall contact resistances (⩽50 kΩ cm), e.g., P3HT with chromium–gold electrodes.
The evolutionary response of virulence to host heterogeneity: a general model with application to myxomatosis in rabbits co-infected with intestinal helminths

Background: Changes in the mean and variance of traits in a host population modify selection pressures on pathogen virulence; increasing heterogeneity (variance) leads to the overor under-exploitation of a subset of hosts and thus decreases the pathogen’s ability to spread in the population. Objective: To improve the links between theory and data, we develop a model of pathogen evolution in heterogeneous host populations that can be parameterized with a range of empirical measures of host heterogeneity to infection, and which is sufficiently flexible to capture the life history of many natural host–pathogen systems. We use this model to determine whether rabbits co-infected with gastrointestinal helminths could have contributed to the attenuation of the myxoma virus, and might explain differences in the virulence of strains more recently circulating in Australia and Scotland. Methods: We constructed a deterministic model of pathogen transmission and solved it numerically to determine evolutionarily stable strategies with respect to transmission and virulence. Using this model and empirical data from the rabbit–myxoma virus system, we examine how host heterogeneity in co-infection with gastrointestinal helminths affects the severity of an evolved pathogen in a given host type, and to what degree host heterogeneity affects a pathogen’s ability to spread in the host population. Results: Host heterogeneity to infection always decreases pathogen spread and often leads to the under-exploitation of a typical host. However, the specifics are sensitive to: the shape of the distribution describing host heterogeneity, the relationship between virulence and transmission, and the relationship between the heterogeneous host trait and pathogen virulence. In the rabbit– myxoma virus system, gastrointestinal helminths plausibly contributed to the attenuation of the myxoma virus but are unlikely to have contributed to the higher virulence of circulating strains in Scotland relative to those in Australia in the years following the release of the virus.
Diastolic dyssynchrony and its exercise-induced changes affect exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Background Left ventricular diastolic dyssynchrony is common in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF). Little is known however, about its pathophysiology and clinical effects. Herein is hypothesized that presence of diastolic dyssynchrony at rest or at exercise may importantly contribute to HF symptoms. The aim was to investigate the influence of diastolic dyssynchrony and its exercise-induced changes on exercise capacity in HFREF patients. Methods Patients with stable, chronic HF, left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%, sinus rhythm and QRS ≥ 120 ms were eligible for the study. Rest and cyclo-ergometer exercise echocardiography were performed. Diastolic dyssynchrony was defined as opposing-wall-diastolic-delay ≥ 55 ms measured in tissue-Doppler imaging. Exercise capacity was assessed by peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). Association between diastolic dyssynchrony and VO2peak was assessed in univariate regression analysis and further adjusted for possible confounders. Results Fourty eight patients were included (aged 63.7 ± 12.2). Twenty-seven (56.25%) had diastolic dyssynchrony at rest and 13 (27%) at exercise. Twenty-two (46%) experienced a change in diastolic dyssynchrony status during exercise. In univariate models diastolic dyssynchrony at rest or at exercise were associated with lower VO2peak (beta coefficient = −3.8, p = 0.004; beta coefficient = −3.6, p = 0.02, respectively). However, the ability to restore diastolic synchronicity during exercise was associated with higher VO2peak (beta coefficient = 3.4, p = 0.04) and remained an important predictor of exercise capacity after adjustment for age and HF etiology. Conclusions The ability to restore diastolic synchronicity at exercise predicts exercise capacity in patients with HFREF.
Posture and visuomotor performance in children : the development of a novel measurement system

The aim of this thesis was to develop and test a platform which was capable of measuring the developmental trajectory of postural stability and fine motor control. Moreover, the thesis set out to explore the interdependence of these motor processes through synchronous measurement of postural and fine-motor control processes. The thesis introduces an objective, fine-motor measure sensitive enough to detect gender differences in children. This system was developed further to incorporate measures of postural sway, providing objective measures of postural performance that were capable of detecting age-dependant task-based manipulations of postural stability. Further development of the platform to incorporate low-cost consumer products allowed the cost barrier to large-scale measurement of posture to be addressed. This meant that accurate, synchronous and objective measurement of postural control and fine-motor control could take place outside of the laboratory environment. The developed system was deployed in schools and this allowed an investigation into the effect of seating on postural control. The results indicated that (a) seating attenuates the differences in postural control normally observed as a function of age; (b) postural control is modulated by task demands. Finally, the relationship between postural control and fine-motor control was investigated an interdependent functional relationship was found between manual control and postural stability development.
Evaluation and analytical approximation of Tuned MassDamper performance in an earthquake environment

This paper aims at assessing the seismic performance of Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) based on sets of recorded ground motions. For the simplest configuration of a structure-TMD assembly, in a comprehensive study characteristic response quantities are derived and statistically evaluated. Optimal tuning of TMD parameters is discussed and evaluated. The response reduction by application of a TMD is quantified depending on the structural period, inherent damping of the stand-alone structure, and ratio of TMD mass to structural mass. The effect of detuning on the stroke of the TMD and on the structural response is assessed and quantified. It is verified that a TMD damping coefficient larger than the optimal one reduces the peak deflection of the TMD spring significantly, whereas the response reduction of the main structure remains almost unaffected. Analytical relations for quantifying the effect of a TMD are derived and subsequently evaluated. These relations allow the engineer in practice a fast and yet accurate assessment of the TMD performance.
Strengths and limitations of the Fourier method for detecting accelerating targets by pulse Doppler radar

The Fourier transform method has been generally used in pulse Doppler radar for detecting targets that are moving with acceleration, despite the phenomenon known as Doppler smearing which limits the performance of the method. Examples of accelerating targets are manoeuvring aircraft and missiles. The authors quantify the effects of Doppler smearing. In using a pulse Doppler radar to detect a nonaccelerating target in additive white Gaussian noise and to estimate its radial velocity, the Fourier method provides an output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that increases linearly with the number of pulses. When the target is accelerating, the Fourier method may still be used to detect the target and estimate its median velocity, provided the acceleration is small enough in the sense described. For a given acceleration, when the number of pulses is increased, the output SNR of the Fourier method varies as a concave function, increasing to a maximum and then decreasing, before the method fails catastrophically. Thus the number of pulses and the acceleration have to be matched to achieve optimum performance. Empirical formulas for the dependence of the optimum SNR and the optimum number of pulses on the acceleration are given. The results are shown to be relevant to the design of generalised likelihood ratio test detectors that apply a search over a grid.
The impact of “soft” and “hard” TQM elements on quality management results

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between “soft” and “hard” TQM elements and quality management results.Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were drawn from 370 Greek companies using the questionnaire method. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to examine constructs' reliability and validity, while the relationships between them were examined through Structural Equation Modelling.Findings – The study proved that quality improvement and the consolidation of the company's market position are influenced mainly by adopting “soft” TQM elements and secondarily “hard” TQM elements.Research limitations/implications – The fact that the study was based on quality managers' perceptions and the participation of companies from all sectors creates limitations, but also future research orientations.Practical implications – To achieve benefits and obtain a competitive advantage, which is of major importance for the sustainability of a company, quality design, control and improv.
Clinical pattern of antibiotic overuse and misuse in primary healthcare hospitals in the southwest of China

Purpose Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are the primary risk factors for antibiotics resistance. Inadequate professional competence of primary care physicians might exacerbate these problems in China. This retrospective study aims to document the clinical pattern of antibiotics use and its overuse and misuse rates in rural primary care institutions, and to evaluate the association between antibiotics use and characteristics of the physicians and their patients. Methods Medical records from 16 primary care hospitals in rural areas of Guizhou province, China were obtained from the Health Information System in 2018. Classification of incorrect and/or unnecessary use, escalated use and combined antibiotics use was based on the Guiding Principle of Clinical Use of Antibiotics (2015, China) and the standard of USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Generalized Estimating Equations were employed to determine predictive factors for inappropriate antibiotics use. Results A total of 74,648 antibiotics prescriptions were retrieved. Uncomplicated respiratory infection was the most common disease accounting for 58.6% of all prescriptions. The main antibiotic group used was penicillins (51.5%) followed by cephalosporins and macrolides (14% each). Of 57,009 patient visits, only 8.7% of the antibiotic prescriptions were appropriate. Combined, escalated, and incorrect and/or unnecessary antibiotics use was found in 7.8%, 6.2% and 77.3% of patient visits, respectively, of which 28.7% were given intravenously. Antibiotics misuse was significantly more likely among newly employed physicians with lower levels of professional education. Adult patients and those who had public insurance had a higher risk of being prescribed incorrect and/or unnecessary antibiotics. Conclusion Overuse of antibiotics for uncomplicated respiratory infection and use of cephalosporins, macrolides and injection antibiotics in primary care are the major problems of clinical practice in rural areas of Guizhou.
An improved standard total dose test for CMOS space electronics

The postirradiation response of hardened and commercial CMOS devices is investigated as a function of total dose, dose rate, and annealing time and temperature. Cobalt-60 irradiation at approximately=200 rad(SiO/sub 2/)/s followed by a one-week 100 degrees C biased anneal and testing is shown to be an effective screen of hardened devices for space use. However, a similar screen and single-point test performed after Co-60 irradiation and elevated-temperature anneal cannot be generally defined for commercial devices. In the absence of detailed knowledge about device and circuit radiation response, a two-point standard test is proposed to ensure space survivability of CMOS circuits; a Co-60 irradiation and test to screen against oxide-trapped-charge-related failures, and an additional rebound test to screen against interface-trap-related failures. Testing implications for bipolar technologies are also discussed. >
The amounts per cycle of polypyrrole electromechanical actuators

The energy output (work) generated by polypyrrole actuators has been determined from the actuator strain operating against a constant force. The strain decreases as the force increases leading to a maximum in the amounts per cycle at an intermediate force. The behaviour agrees well with previous analyses (Baughman 1996 Synth. Met. 78 339–53). The amounts per cycle depends upon the applied electrical stimulation and on the actuator geometry. Flat films were found to be inferior to hollow tubes, which, in turn, were inferior to similar tubes containing a helical platinum wire in the tube wall. A maximum work capacity of 83 kJ m−3 was determined for the helix tubes, which is the highest reported work capacity of polypyrrole actuators.
Orbit induced journal temperature variation in hydrodynamic bearings

A method for evaluating the asymmetric heat input into the synchronously vibrating journal ofa hydrodynamic bearing is presented. CFD techniques are used to analyze the dynamic flow and heat transport in the lubricant film and the heat input into the journal is obtained by orbit time averaging. The procedure is applied to a two-inlet circular bearing with backward and forward circular whirl journal orbits over a range of rotational speeds. The steady asymmetric heat input into the journal is found to have a sinusoidal component, which causes a steady surface temperature differential across the journal. The maximum temperature on the journal surface is always upstream of the minimum film point for forward whirl orbits and downstream for backward whirl orbits. The results provide a greater understanding of the nature of rotor thermal bending.
The Relationship between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Some Intestinal Parasites for Patients Attending to Shirqat General Hospital/Salah Al-Din Governorate

The current study was conducted to detect the infection rate of the Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia parasite and to determine the relationship between them and Helicobacter pylori bacteria for patients attending Shirqat General Hospital in Salah al-Din Governorate during the period from October 2020 to March 2021. The number of examined samples reached 409, as they were examined by direct smear and Concentration methods using an optical microscope. The results of the study showed that the total infection rate was 46 (11.24%) positive samples and 363 negative samples with a rate of (88.7%), the Entamoeba histolytica was dominant with rate 67.38%, followed by Giardia lamblia with rate 32.61%, and the infection rates for males were higher than for females. Where the infection rate of males reached 14.29% (34 out of 238) and 7.02% of females (12 out of 171), respectively. The infection rates varied between age groups, as the highest rate of infection was in the age group ≥ 10-1 years, which amounted to 32.6%, and the lowest rate of infection was in the age group 60-51 years, with a rate of 2.17%. The highest infection rate was in October, which amounted to 14.89%, while the lowest infection rate was in December, with a rate of 7.35%. All positive samples were examined for microscopic examination by rapid antigen test to detect H.pylori bacteria involved in infection with Entamoeba histolytica or Giardia lamblia, and the results showed that 13 (28.26) samples were positive and 33 (71.73%) were negative samples, and the Co-infection infection rate was between the Entamoeba histolytica and H.pylori 9 (29.03%) were higher than that of Giardia lamblia and H.pylori 4 (26.66%). The results of the statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences between the sex of patients infected with these parasites and the rates of infection during the months of the study and the age groups of infected patients.
Barriers to Creativity in Engineering Education: A Study of Instructors and Students Perceptions

This paper studies "creativity" in engineering education, by examining the perception of instructors and students. We aim to identify factors that impede a creative environment (creativity blockers). The study entails a review of established research in the fields of psychology and educational psychology to identify factors which create an educational environment conducive to creativity. These factors are formalized in the Ten Maxims of Creativity in Education, a set of criteria that constitute an educational environment conducive to fostering creativity in students. These maxims form the basis for our work in examining the contemporary engineering education. Extensive surveys are designed, created, distributed, and statistically quantified to study the perceptions of engineering educators and students, in comparison to nonengineering educators and students. The results unfortunately show that current engineering students experience almost none of the Ten Maxims of Creativity as part of their academic experiences.
Comparison of Proprioception between Kinesiology and Adhesive Ankle Taping: A Randomised Experimental Study

Background: Literature shows conflicting results regarding the effects of Adhesive and Kinesiology taping effect on ankle proprioception. Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of Adhesive Taping (AT) and Kinesiology Taping (KT) on the ankle proprioception on a multi axial plane of motion and compare the two methods for any pre-eminence between them. Design: Randomised experimental study Method: Twenty healthy University affiliated participants were recruited. The participants were examined with the Biodex Balance Scale (BBS), in three parameters: non-taped, AT and KT taping in a random order. A monopodalic, dominant leg stance was utilised during the trials. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used in order to analyse the data. The alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: This study found that KT had statistically significant influence on the ankle proprioception at the sagittal plane of motion (p=0.037). The comparison between the KT and the non-taped for the Overall Stability Index was close to be significant (p=0.051). Kinesiology taping indicated improvement for the mean values compared to both AT and non-taped group. There were no statistically significant results between the AT and KT. Conclusion: The study indicates that an inexpensive modality, such as KT, can enhance ankle proprioception in healthy population and therefore reduce the occurrence of ankle injuries. Further studies are essential in order to investigate the effectiveness of taping methods on ankle proprioception in a population with ankle musculoskeletal injuries and pathology.