Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active Droplet Control and Manipulation in Microfluidics

Droplet microfluidics involves the use of small volumes of fluids dispersed in an immiscible phase to perform multiple functions. Droplet microfluidics brings advantages such as the miniaturization of experiments, portability of devices, efficient use of resources and capabilities for scaling up production. These tools have been finding their use in a broad range of applications, from chemical and biological analysis to optics and information technology. Various types of controls have been developed to enable the manipulation of droplets. These techniques are categorized into passive and active methods. Passive methods only involve the device geometries and the fluid flow. Active techniques on the other hand provide another level of controllability for adjusting droplet parameters, allowing rapid change of droplet parameters within a single experiment. This flexibility enables user to select parameters and subsequent actions on the same device. Particularly, droplet-on-demand systems benefit from these techniques. The aim of this thesis is the development of different active methods for droplet manipulation. The thesis first focuses on three active control methods, pneumatic, acoustic and electric. Firstly, negative pressure is applied for the controlling droplet generation in a device. The novel application of negative pressure directly affects the flow in the microchannel to generate droplets on demand. This control approach, unlike other active approaches eliminates space constraints within the device with no need for external equipment. Next, a new fabrication approach for interdigitated transducers for generating acoustic waves was developed. This approach eliminates the use of expensive fabrication equipment and simplifies fabrication procedures. Acoustic streaming in a droplet was successfully demonstrated with these transducers. Finally, electric methods are used for controls in droplet generation and coalescence. Non-Newtonian droplets are generated through application of the electric field. On-demand coalescence of droplets is also observed using a combination of AC electric field and a micropillar. The new approaches reported in this thesis provide a greater versatility in microfluidics applications. The simpler alternatives suggested here would overcome current limitations of fabrication complexity and large device footprint, allowing microfluidics to be more accessible and easily implemented. The outcome of this thesis contributes to enhancing the uptake of microfluidics in multidisciplinary research and to broadening the user base of this technology.
Aging and Endothelial Function in Normotensive Subjects and Patients With Essential Hypertension

Background Experimental data from normotensive and hypertensive animals indicate that aging is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine, and this possibility appears to be confirmed in the human coronary artery. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of age on endothelial responsiveness in the forearm vessels of either normotensive control subjects or essential hypertensive patients. Methods and Results Within the normotensive or hypertensive group (n=53 and n=57, respectively), subjects were selected with similar blood pressure, plasma cholesterol, and glucose values, and hypercholesterolemic subjects, diabetics, and smokers were excluded. We evaluated forearm blood flow (by strain-gauge plethysmography) modifications induced by intrabrachial acetylcholine (0.15, 0.45, 1.5, 4.5, and 15 μg/100 mL per minute), an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, and sodium nitroprusside (1, 2, and 4 μg/100 mL per minute), an endothelium-independent vasodilator. Acetylcholine caus.
The role of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen specific cytokines in determination of acid fast bacilli culture status in pulmonary tuberculosis patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Introduction The interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV leads to rapid progression of tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced immunosuppression. Diagnosis of TB in these patients is more difficult due to its atypical presentations giving contradicting results. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of pro-inflammatory cytokine (Th1) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (Th2) to discriminate between culture-positive and -negative smear status in HIV-TB co-infected patients. Methods In a prospective cohort, a total of 86 study participants were recruited: 46 culture-negative and 40 culture-positive. Blood and sputum samples were collected from all participants. The blood was then analyzed using FACSCalibur flow cytometer to immunophenotype the cells and ELISA performed for cytokine profiles. Sputum samples were analyzed to determine smear status using direct microscopy and Lowenstein Jensen medium. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. Independent samples t-test was used to compare means between the two groups, while the medians were compared using two-sample Wilcoxon rank sum test. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to compare the proportion of male and female participants across the culture and AFB smear status. In order to determine the predictive power of Th1 and Th2 in discriminating Pulmonary Tuberculosis status (PTB) (culture status was used as a confirmatory test), binary logistic regression models were fitted for Th1 covariates [IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-12(p70)] and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves plotted. Results The overall mean age of the participants was 39 years (SD=12), 42% being male. Although, lymphocytes counts were higher in culture-positive relative to culture-negative, the CD8, CD19, and CD16/CD56 were comparable in the two groups. The CD4 counts differed between the two groups (P=0.012). The Th1 showed a better discrimination between culture-positive and -negative PTB individuals; IFN-γ (P=0.001), TNF-α (P=0.001), IL-2 (P=0.001) and IL-12(p70) (P=0.016). The Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10) were comparable between the culture-positive and -negative groups. However, when the combination of Th1 cytokines [IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-12(p70)] was fitted in binary logistic regression models, the predictive power was high with area under curve (AUC) being 89.7% in discriminating PTB. Conclusion This study provides evidence for the ability of a combination of Th1 cytokines in discriminating against culture-positive and culture-negative PTB.
A prescribed mean curvature problem on domains without radial symmetry

The existence is proved of a nontrivial solution to the problem \[{\operatorname{div}}\left( {{{\nabla u} / {\sqrt {1 + | {\nabla u} |^2 } }}} \right) - \mu u + \lambda u^q = 0\quad {\text{ in }}\O.
Theoretical Interpretation of Atmospheric Wavenumber Spectra of Wind and Temperature Observed by Commercial Aircraft During GASP

Abstract This paper contains a theoretical interpretation of the wavenumber spectra of wind and temperature obtained from an analysis of data from over 6900 flights during the Global Atmospheric Sampling Program. The spectra cover scales ranging from 3 km to nearly 10 000 km. Major features of the observed spectra are found to be in general agreement with expectations from theoretical models of quasi two-dimensional turbulence. Kinetic energy spectra are remarkably universal, and temperature spectra adjust as required for equipartition between the two horizontal components of kinetic energy and potential energy. The observed wavenumber spectra agree closely in magnitude and shape with frequency spectra obtained independently, and this agreement supports the validity of the Taylor transformation; conversely, because the Taylor transformation works, it suggests the disturbances are turbulence rather than dispersive waves. The GASP spectra are compared in a general way with recently proposed internal wave sp.
Peer Mentoring for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and their Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

Background: Peer mentorship may enhance patient engagement for those with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) (stages 4 and 5); yet, the approaches and qualities (i.e., online vs in-person) that make a good mentor are unclear. This study sought to determine these qualities by conducting focus groups with mentees from the mentorship program in a randomized peer-education study. Methods: 11 focus group meetings were conducted with mentees (n=34). Mentees were patients with advanced CKD and their caregivers who were matched with trained patient and caregiver peer-mentors for in-person or online mentorships. Meetings were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed by three facilitators who concurred with the significant results. Results: Three important themes emerged: (1) Compared with phone or online communication, in-person meetings facilitated meaningful partnerships; (2) good mentors were relatable and good listeners; and (3) mentorship program provided support. Conclusions: A mentorship program for patients with advanced CKD may provide them with substantial support, particularly when mentorship is conducted in-person and the mentor is a relatable, empathetic
The effect of hip position and Emg biofeedback training on selectively increasing the vastus medialis oblique in relation to the vastus lateralis

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a patellar tracking dysfunction usually associated with a muscular imbalance between the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle. The imbalance is most commonly attributed to a weak VMO resulting in a smaller VMO:VL ratio. Several electromyographic (EMG) studies have defined specific limb positions (such as external rotation of the hip) that preferentially activate the VMO. However, there has been no literature to show that preferential activation of the VMO successfully translates into increased VMO:VL ratios with training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hip rotation on the mean VMO:VL EMG ratio using EMG biofeedback over a 5 day training period. Thirty-six healthy female college students performed isometric quadriceps contractions, in terminal extension, with one of three hip positions: external hip rotation, internal hip rotation, and the anatomically neutral position. All participants were able to increase their VMO:VL ratio in 5 days regardless of hip position. Furthermore, external rotation of the hip was found to be a more effective position for the modification of the VMO:VL ratio than internal hip rotation. Exercises that incorporate external rotation of the hip, therefore, may be advisable in the treatment of PFPS.
A Triaxial Model for the Digital Maturity Diagnosis

Digital transformation is a strategic transformation process, built on two main founding bases; firstly, identifying the dimensions of a company's digital transformation, secondly, the digital pre-transformation multidimensional assessment. This paper introduces the development of a multidimensional digital pre-transformation valuation system, proposing to start this exercise by assessing the ICT dimension. The approach adopted in this work consists in identifying the evaluation criteria, defining measurement tools for these criteria, in order to deduce the ICT maturity levels. The findings present a triaxial ICT assessment model. The model axes are access, content and use. These axes represent the criteria to be qualified, by a questionnaire, in order to identify the ICT maturity level of a company.
The association between fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity with the risk of glaucoma: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives: This study aimed to examine whether physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables were associated with the risk of developing glaucoma. Methods: The Household, Longitudinal component of the Canadian National Population Health Survey database was used. Weighted crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were fitted with time-dependent covariates. The adjusted models were controlled for age, sex, BMI, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, heart disease, education, and income. Results: A total of 9,950 respondents were included, of which 190 developed glaucoma within the 10-year follow-up period. The adjusted hazards ratios for physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption were 0.99 [95% CI: 0.87, 1.12] and 1.03 [95% CI: 0.93, 1.14], respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that physical activity and consumption of fruit and vegetable are not associated with the risk of developing glaucoma. Future studies should consider including other aspects of diet and physical fitness.
GNSS CORS NETWORK OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PALERMO: DESIGN AND FIRST ANALYSIS OF DATA

Nowadays, technical and scientific researches are focused on the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) networks due to their global impact on the satellite positioning. This study aims to describe the main steps developed by the University of Palermo for the realization of the GNSS CORS network distributed in the western part of Sicily (Italy). Specifically, it focuses on data availability, preliminary studies and analyses involving the GNSS CORS network, the geodetic framework used, the coordinates and displacements time series retrieved over time and the statistical analysis with the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF). The analyses allowed to verify the network operating service and the quality of the recorded data during the first period of testing procedure (2008 – 2012). Key-words: GNSS; CORS; data analysis; time series
Design Principles for Explainable Sales Win-Propensity Prediction Systems

: MAN Energy Solutions, one of the largest ship engine manufacturers in the world, is looking into further improving its hit rate of through-life engineering services and spare parts quotations. We help to solve this relevant field problem by building a novel machine learning based sales win-propensity prediction system that utilizes the lightGBM algorithm, SHapley Additive exPlanations, and a second layer conditional probability model of quotation age. Moreover, we build an implementation method for the broader class of such systems and extend the scientific literature on explainable machine learning by abductively developing and instantiating the design principles (DPs) of local contrastive explainability, global explainability, selective visualization, causality, confirmatory nudging, and accountability in a sales win-propensity system.
STUDY ON IMPACT OF THE COPEPTIN IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF MALE PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

Back ground Acute coronary syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of individuals each year. The introduction of biomarkers has brought improvement for both diagnostic and management of cardiac patients.Timely diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department remains challenging ,because of its delayed increase in plasma in the early phase of myocardial infarction , there is proof that copeptin is possibly useful as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in various cardiovascular diseases.Objective This study carried out to evaluate serum copeptin levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome and healthy persons and study the correlation of these levels as indicator for patients with risk factors. Patients & Methods: A total (58) referred male patients with acute coronary syndrome were included in this study with age range (23-75year) and also included (30) healthy persons served as control with age range (27-70year). Random blood sugar ,lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, High density lipoprotein cholesterol and low- density lipoprotein cholesterol), troponin I, creatine kinase-MB and copeptin were measured for acute coronary syndrome patients and control . Results Serum copeptin and lipid profile were significant increased in acute coronary syndrome in comparison with control group, while the level of high density lipoprotein decreased in sick patients in comparison with control group. Negatively significant correlation was found between Ejection Fraction and serum copeptin in acute coronary syndrome patients. Positively significant correlation was found between copeptin, troponin , creatine kinase -MB. Key words: Acute coronary syndrome, male patients, copeptin, lipid profile, troponin.
Rise of the Machines? Examining the Influence of Social Bots on a Political Discussion Network

The growing influence of social bots in political discussion networks has raised significant concerns, particularly given their potential to adversely impact democratic outcomes. In this study, we report the results of a case study analysis of bot activity in a recent, high-profile political discussion network. Specifically, we examine the prevalence and impact of bots in a Twitter network discussing the Special Counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections. Using this discussion network, we conduct a “before-and-after” analysis to examine the prevalence of social bots in the discussion network as well as their influence on key network features such as (1) network structure, (2) content/messaging, (3) sentiment, and (4) influentialness. Our findings suggest that bots can affect political discussion networks in several significant ways. We found that bot-like accounts created the appearance of a virtual community around far-right political messaging, attenuated the influence of traditional actors (i.e., media personalities, subject matter experts), and influenced network sentiment by amplifying pro-Trump messaging. The results of this analysis add to a growing body of literature on the use and influence of social bots while at the same time uniquely examining their influence in a nonelectoral, political setting.
Early and Long-term Outcomes of Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery in Low- and Intermediate-risk Patients

Background: With the introduction of new percutaneous techniques for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis, it is important to define which group of patients will benefit more with this new therapeutic option. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of aortic valve replacement in low/intermediate risk patients in our setting to establish a reference point for the application of this new therapeutic technology. Methods: Early and long-term postoperative outcomes were analyzed in 520 patients over 70 years of age, with severe aortic stenosis with or without associated coronary heart disease who were operated on between January 2010 and January 2017. Four hundred and forty-five patients were identified as low risk (STS <4) and 75 as intermediate risk (STS=4-8) patients; PROM STS for the overall group of patients was 2.5. Results: Mean population age was 76.8 ±4.7 years, and most patients were men. Total in-hospital mortality was 3.1%: 2.7% for low-risk patients and 5.3% for intermediate-risk patients. The incidence of stroke was 0.6% and the need for definitive pacemaker 3.5%. Five-year survival for low-risk patients was 88.5% vs. 67.8% for intermediate-risk patients (logrank test <0.001). At 5 years, freedom from readmission for low-risk patients and intermediate-risk patients was 91.1% and 91.9%, respectively (p=ns) and freedom from reintervention was 98.7 and 97.7%, respectively (p=ns). Conclusion: Aortic valve replacement in low/intermediate risk patients has low incidence of in-hospital morbidity and mortality, low rate of stroke and need for definitive pacemaker, and low frequency of events at a 5-year follow-up.
Association study of TPH1 (rs1800532) and TPH2 (rs4570625) Polymorphisms in Type 1 Bipolar Disorder in Iran

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) has episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. Several studies have been conducted on the role of genes in bipolar disorders and suicidal behaviors, and serotonin-associated genes, Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH1 and TPH2), are proposed as one of the main eﬀective genetic factors. Methods: In this study, 116 BD patients and 118 age and gender-matched healthy subjects were recruited as the control group. The polymorphisms of THP1 (rs1800532) and TPH2 (rs4570625) genes were identiﬁed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Results: There was a positive association of bipolar disorder with CC genotype (P = 0.04) for TPH1 A218C polymorphism, yet not for other genotypes and alleles. There was no association for the genotype and allelic frequency distributions of TPH2-703G/T between bipolar patients and healthy control groups. Conclusions: The TPH1 and TPH2 gene polymorphisms are subjects of many researches. There are contradictions in investigations around the world. These results are in agreement with studies of other populations, yet are diﬀerent from many studies. There is a need for further investigations.
Sleep quality among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a university hospital in Egypt

Background: Disturbed sleep is a common complaint in patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD). Moreover, the factors affecting sleep quality of those patients remain unclear. The aim of this study: was to assess factors affecting sleep quality among patients with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Material and Methods: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized and conducted at the intermediate respiratory care unit at Mansoura university hospital including a convenient sample of 60 patients of both sexes, able to verbalize their health status and who stayed more than two days at intermediate care unit. Patients' Demographic, Health Relevant Data, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and factors affecting sleep quality instruments were utilized in data collection. Results: Most of the patients were married males, their age ranged between 50 and 69 years with a mean age of 61 and one-third of them were smokers. The majority of patients (80%) had the unsatisfactory level of sleep according to Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The factors altered the patients' sleep included physiological factors such as the production of sputum and chest tightness. The most influential environmental factors included the movement of health care members, performing nursing procedures and administration of nebulizer sessions. The dietary factors included hunger. The influential psychological factors included patients' anxiety and fear of being alone. Finally, daily life habits as daytime naps and smoking. Conclusion and recommendations: It can be concluded that most of the patients had an unsatisfactory level of sleep and need to be improved. As well, further researches are highly recommended on a larger probability sample in different geographical hospitals in Egypt to ensure generalization of findings
The Indigenous Determinants of Health as Predictors for Diabetes and Unmet Health Needs Among Urban Indigenous People: A Respondent-Driven Sampling Study in Toronto, Ontario

National statistics commonly present Indigenous peoples as a falsely homogenous group of people experiencing disproportionate ill health when compared to non-Indigenous peoples. There are significant gaps in statistical information regarding the health services access barriers experienced by Indigenous people that disrupts the quality of care they receive or prevents them from accessing care altogether. Our Health Counts Toronto is a community-based study that employed respondent-driven sampling (RDS) methodologies to sample 917 urban Indigenous adults. Prevalence estimates and prevalence ratios were calculated using RDS-II weights and adjusting for clustering by shared recruiter in SAS 9.4 and SAS-callable SUDAAN 11.0 software. This study estimated that 14.85% (95% CI: 9.56, 20.14) of the study population had a self-reported diabetes diagnosis and 27.68% (95% CI: 20.56, 34.81) reported an unmet health need. Regional-level health assessment data is essential to tackle the health inequities endured by Indigenous peoples in Canada and system-level changes are necessary to decrease barriers to health care for Indigenous people.