Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and Laboratory Investigations in Children with Chronic Liver Diseases in Sohag University Hospital

Background: Chronic liver diseases encompasse metabolic, genetic, drug-induced and inflammatory diseases. The causes of liver disease in children vary with age. In countries where HBV is endemic, perinatal transmission remains the most important cause of chronic infection. The prevalence of hepatitis C infection was much higher in individuals receiving blood products for conditions such as thalassemia or haemophilia. Glycogen storage disorders may present with chronic liver disease. Objectives: To study epidemiological features and laboratory investigations that may affect the incidence in children with chronic liver disease. Patients and methods: Our study included 30 treatment-naïve patients with chronic liver disease of different aetiologies referred to the Department of Pediatrics, Sohag University Hospital. All patients were subjected to history taking, general and local examinations, laboratory investigations and measurement of serum ceruloplasmin. Results: The mean age of children was 10.23 years in case group and 10.75 years in control group, ranging between 5.5 to 15 years. The majority of patients were females (53.3%) and the remained patients were males (46.7%). There was significant difference between patient and control groups as regard total leucocytic count. Also, there were significant differences between the two groups regarding ALT, AST, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and concentration and high significant differences regarding serum albumin and prothrombin time. Conclusion: Total leucocytic count, AST, ALT, bilirubin, and serum albumin concentration, and prothrombin time are significant investigations to rule out diagnosis and anticipate complications in patients with chronic liver diseases. ALT and PT are early sensitive markers that anticipate liver decompensation.
Operational impacts of the Tamale abattoir on the environment

The study was conducted to assess the water and noise quality of the Tamale Abattoir to evaluate their effects on the environment. The abattoir is located in Tamale, the regional capital of the Northern Region of Ghana. Data on noise quality was taken using the Integrated Noise Level Meter at five different locations. The results of maximum and minimum noise levels generated at the abattoir were 95.4 and 60.4 dB(A), respectively, which exceeded EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) standard of 70 and 60 dB(A), respectively. Generally the influent met the recommended standard for treated water quality except for faecal and total coliform counts of 36 and 84 CFU, respectively, instead of 0 CFU recommended by EPA. The effluent was highly polluted and did not meet the set standards for effluent discharges into the environment. The extremely high levels of BOD (3300 mg/L) and low dissolved oxygen (0 mg/L) were strong indications of high organic pollution in the effluent. Effluent faecal coliforms level of 450,000/100 ml and total coliforms of 550,000/100 ml were recorded. Residents of the community where the abattoir is located complained about bad odour, pollution of their water source (dam) from the effluents and the outbreak of maggots, flies and diseases such as malaria, typhoid, dysentery and diarrhea. Key words: Abattoir, water quality, coliforms, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), noise quality, environment.
Lactotransferrin Downregulation Serves as a Potential Predictor for the Therapeutic Effectiveness of mTOR Inhibitors in the Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma without PTEN Mutation

Approximately 30% of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients develop metastatic spread at the first diagnosis. Therefore, identifying a useful biomarker to predict ccRCC metastasis or therapeutic effectiveness in ccRCC patients is urgently needed. Previously, we demonstrated that lactotransferrin (LTF) downregulation enhanced the metastatic potential of ccRCC. Here, we show that LTF expression conversely associates with the mTORC1 activity as simulated by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Moreover, Western blot analyses revealed that the LTF knockdown promoted, but the inclusion of recombinant human LTF protein suppressed, the phosphorylation of Akt/mTOR proteins in the detected ccRCC cells. Kaplan–Meier analyses demonstrated that the signature of combining an upregulated mTORC1 activity with a downregulated LTF expression referred to a worse overall and progression-free survival probabilities and associated with distant cancer metastasis in TCGA ccRCC patients. Furthermore, we found that the LTF-suppressed Akt/mTOR activation triggered an increased formation of autophagy in the highly metastatic ccRCC cells. The addition of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyadenine restored the LTF-suppressed cellular migration ability of highly metastatic ccRCC cells. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that the expression of the LTF and MTORC1 gene set, not the autophagy gene set, could be the useful biomarkers to predict 5-year overall survival rate and cancer progression in ccRCC patients. Significantly, the signature of combining mTORC1 upregulation and LTF downregulation was shown as an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis under the progression-free survival condition using the TCGA ccRCC database. Finally, the treatment with mTOR inhibitor rapamycin predominantly reduced the formation of autophagy and ultimately mitigated the cellular migration ability of ccRCC cells with LTF knockdown. Our findings suggest that LTF downregulation is a biomarker for guiding the use of mTOR inhibitors to combat metastatic ccRCC in the clinic.
APPLICATION OF ENERGY PROCESSOR MODEL FOR DIAGNOSTIC SYMPTOM LIMIT VALUE DETERMINATION IN STEAM TURBINES

Abstract With growing importance of quantitative technical condition assessment in critical machinery, the need for adequate determination of diagnostic symptom limit values is becoming vital. Such determination may be based on the energy processor model of a machine [1]. The general model should, for each specific case, be developed in order to account for unique features of machine design and operation. The paper describes such an approach for large steam turbines, operated by utility power stations. The energy processor model, adopted for these machines, is described and its mathematical description is presented, based on resonable simplifying assumptions. Possibilities of the determination of model parameters from data obtained during normal operation are outlined and discussed.
Universal Sensorless Vector Control of Induction and Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors Considering Equivalent Iron Loss Resistance

This paper presents a novel encoder-less vector control strategy which is universally applicable to both induction motors (IMs) and permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). A fast rotor flux linkage phase estimator using stator flux linkage information obtained by a high-precision approximation voltage integral with error compensation is shown. Using this estimator, the authors construct a unified position/speed sensorless vector control algorithm taking equivalent iron loss resistance into account. All electrical motor parameters used for the control can be measured from unified off-line tests. The proposed universal sensorless vector control is implemented on a 0.4-kW squirrel-cage IM, a 0.4-kW interior PMSM with concentrated winding, and a 0.3-kW surface PMSM with distributed winding. Experimental results of several driving tests demonstrate the validity of the proposed.
Recognition of the Possible miRNA-mRNA Controlling Network in Stroke by Bioinformatics Examination

Background Based on the latest research of WHO, it has been revealed that more than 15 million people suffer from stroke every year worldwide. Of these 15 million people, 6 million succumb to death, and 5 million get permanently disabled. This is the prime reason for the substantial economic burden on all parts of the world. Methods These data have been obtained from the GEO database, and the GEO2R tool was used to find out the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between the stroke and normal patients' blood. FunRich and miRNet were considered to find potential upstream transcription factors and downstream target genes of candidate EMRs. Next, we use GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment. Target genes were analyzed with the help of the R software. Then, the STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to conduct PPI and DEM-hub gene networks. Finally, GSE58294 was used to estimate the hub gene expressions. Results Six DEMs in total were selected out from GSE95204 and GSE117064 datasets. 663 DEMs' target genes were predicted, and NRF1, EGR1, MYC, YY1, E2F1, SP4, and SP1 were predicted as an upstream transcription factor for DEMs' target genes. Target genes of DEMs were primarily augmented in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and p53 signaling pathway. The network construction of DEM hygiene is potentially modulated by hsa-miR-3591-5p, hsa-miR-548as-3p, hsa-miR-206, and hsa-miR-4503 hub genes which were found among the top 10 of the hub genes. Among the top 10 hub genes, justification of CTNNB1, PTEN, ESR1, CCND1, KRAS, AKT1, CCND2, CDKN1B, and MYCN was constant with that in the GSE58294 dataset. Conclusion In summary, our research first constructs the miRNA-mRNA network in stroke, which probably renders an awakening purview into the pathogenesis and cure of stroke.
The happy association of game and gamification: the use and evaluation of game elements with game-based activities

ABSTRACT In this study, gamification with game-based activities was implemented in an undergraduate information technologies course in a university. While the qualitative results of this mixed methods revealed what aspects of gamification supported students’ learning in this course, the quantitative analysis of responses to pre- and post-testing showed that the implementation of gamification positively affected students’ motivation and engagement in the course. After the implementation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the students to solicit their views of the treatment and its contribution to their learning. The interview results showed positive psychological effects; students who were unmotivated at the beginning of the semester had become more participatory and engaged in the course after experiencing learning through gamification. Overall, the findings of this study show that gamification warrants further examination as an effective pedagogical approach that can increase students’ motivation to learn and engagement in class.
Small UAV Design Using an Integrated Design Tool

A numerical design tool was developed that greatly facilitates the design process of small UAVs. The integrated approach of the method makes it highly suitable for the aerodynamic needs of such small aircraft. Traditional design tools and methodologies are typically tailored for the design of larger aircraft, such as for general aviation, whose aerodynamics generally exhibit more linear behaviors. Building on this motivation, a user friendly integrated design tool was developed and validated in order to provide a more tailored approach to designing low Reynolds number aircraft. At the heart of the tool is a performance prediction that relies on a higher-order free wake potential flow aerodynamic code that employs viscous drag corrections. Subsequently, the method provides accurate characteristics for a wide range of Reynolds numbers and aspect ratio wings. In a validation process, the flight performance results of the method are compared with the results of other prediction methods as well as with several experimental flight test results. In general good agreement exists. The utility of the integrated design tool is demonstrated with the design application of a small UAV for a heavy lift competition. The design tool greatly streamlined the design process, limiting it to two weeks rather than the typical several months.
Numerical modeling study of impact of a large sediment capping facility on local industrial cooling water temperature

This study assesses the potential increase in the intake cooling water temperatures if both the local industrial intake water and outfall cooling waters are trapped in the same narrow long channel. A three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic model was used to quantitatively investigate water temperature structures in the channel. The model was verified in a previous hydrodynamic study at the same location using vertical current profiles measured by an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) and further verified in this study with the measured vertical temperature profile. Several scenarios were investigated under various wind and geometrical conditions. The simulated results revealed that because of the strong buoyant force induced by water temperature differences the trapped hot outfall water would not be directly retaken by the intake located about 70 m away from the outlet and 6 m below the surface. The thermal structure in the channel eventually reached an equilibrium stage due to additional fresh bay wate.
Entrepreneurial Organizational Culture During a Pandemic in a Labour-Intensive Industry: The Mediating Role of Fear of COVID-19, Psychological Distress, and Job Satisfaction in Turnover Intention

Motivation and idea: Entrepreneurial culture has been considered to have a significant positive relation with the organizational growth and self-efficacy. However, the success of entrepreneurial culture has been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on the well-being of employees who work in labour-intensive industries. More specifically, the level of stress among these workers is increased and that can result in physical and mental health issues, resulting in low mood and motivation, anxiety, depression, burnout, suicidal thoughts, etc. This may ultimately influence the turnover intention in these industries. Research goal: This paper investigates whether a relationship exists between entrepreneurial organizational culture and turnover intention. The goal of this study is to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial organizational culture and turnover intention in labour-intensive industries with a focus on the mediating role of fear of COVID-19, psychological distress and job satisfaction in turnover intention. Data: Quantitative research on 408 respondents has been conducted, whose results can serve as a reference for designing adequate human resource policies in labour-intensive industries. Findings: This study shows that Covid-19 challenged not only economic and financial sustainability, but also the physical and mental well-being of the people. It shows that the organizations that foster an entrepreneurial culture assist people in reducing stress, resulting in members of those organizations experiencing less tension and fear, which is an important part of one's health at such a chaotic time. Contribution: The paper is the first of its kind study and it expands existing research related to organizational culture during the pandemic, thus formulating practical suggestions to future leaders. This study has important implications for practitioners. Although no similar studies exist within the labour-intensive businesses, the analysis of these aspects will enable the leaders to assess and strengthen their connections to the company and to determine which segments of their organizational culture need to be improved so that employees should be happier and more satisfied.
Executive remuneration and firm financial performance: lessons from listed companies in Australia and implications for their APEC counterparts

ABSTRACT This paper attempts to understand whether there is alignment between executive remuneration and shareholder interests in publicly listed companies in Australia. The issue is analysed over three distinct stages of an economic cycle, and the panel fixed effects method is used to estimate the performance-remuneration models. The study finds that the long-term compoents of the remuneration package would highly incentivize CEOs and executive directors. Still, the fixed salary component exerts no such enticement for them to maximize shareholders’ wealth. This new information could be useful for Australian firms as well as for firms in Asia Pacific countries due to the close relationship they share with the Australian firms.
H2A.X Phosphorylation in Oxidative Stress and Risk Assessment in Plasma Medicine

At serine139-phosphorylated gamma histone H2A.X (γH2A.X) has been established over the decades as sensitive evidence of radiation-induced DNA damage, especially DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in radiation biology. Therefore, γH2A.X has been considered a suitable marker for biomedical applications and a general indicator of direct DNA damage with other therapeutic agents, such as cold physical plasma. Medical plasma technology generates a partially ionized gas releasing a plethora of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS) simultaneously that have been used for therapeutic purposes such as wound healing and cancer treatment. The quantification of γH2A.X as a surrogate parameter of direct DNA damage has often been used to assess genotoxicity in plasma-treated cells, whereas no sustainable mutagenic potential of the medical plasma treatment could be identified despite H2A.X phosphorylation. However, phosphorylated H2A.X occurs during apoptosis, which is associated with exposure to cold plasma and ROS. This review summarizes the current understanding of γH2A.X induction and function in oxidative stress in general and plasma medicine in particular. Due to the progress towards understanding the mechanisms of H2A.X phosphorylation in the absence of DSB and ROS, observations of γH2A.X in medical fields should be carefully interpreted.
A Critical Review of Researches on Straight Anchorages in Reinforced Concrete Structure

This paper reviews the researches on anchorages with straight end of main bars in reinforced concrete structure. The theoretical approaches by Tepfers, Cairns, Cairns and Jones and Morita and Fujii and the plastic theory by Nielsen have been studied.Also, those empirical equations for calculating the bond strength are reviewed which are from Orangun, Darwin and Btayneh. The anchorages of main reinforcement at simple supports are important in the design of reinforced concrete and the most significant characteristics of are their generally short lengths and the presence of transverse pressure from the support reactions. Published work in this area is rather limited. The only major research is that by Danish authors, working in the field of plasticity and works by Rathkjen, Jensen, Ghaghei and Regan are considered in this review.This review gives comments on types of bond failure, analyses of behaviour adjacent to a bar, analysis of the surrounds to a bar, treatments of the influences of transverse pressure and transverse reinforcements on the anchorage capacity of the main bar in structural concrete members. Two important characteristics of conditions at simple supports are that anchorage lengths are short and that the support reaction produces compressions perpendicular to the plane of the bars. Because of the first of these the treatment of bond strength must take account of the ratio of the anchorage length to the bar diameter. In relation to the second, there is ample evidence showing that transverse pressure can increase bond strength. It is concluded that the type of test specimen and the way in which loads and reactions are applied to it can materially affect the results of bond tests.
The impact of the Shanghai–Hong Kong stock market connection on corporate innovation: Evidence from mainland China

The Shanghai stock market and the Hong Kong stock market were connected by the Chinese government in 2014, allowing Hong Kong investors to trade on a group of stocks on the Shanghai stock market. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we examine how this stock market connection affects corporate innovation in mainland China. We argue, and find, that the stock market connection facilitates external financing, enhances the informational feedback effect of stock prices, involves more sophisticated investors’ monitoring and advising on firm management, and thereby spurs corporate innovation. We further show that the positive effect of the stock market connection on innovation is more pronounced for non-state-owned firms, firms with few political connections, firms with weak intellectual property rights protection, or firms that are headquartered in non-high-tech economic zones. Our study sheds light on how the opening of a developing stock market to a more developed stock market shapes corporate innovation.
An ant colony optimisation algorithm for scheduling in agile manufacturing

Producing customised products in a short time at low cost is one of the goals of agile manufacturing. To achieve this goal an assembly-driven differentiation strategy has been proposed in the agile manufacturing literature. In this paper, we address a manufacturing system that applies the assembly-driven differentiation strategy. The system consists of machining and assembly stages, where there is a single machine at the machining stage and multiple identical assembly stations at the assembly stage. An ant colony optimisation (ACO) algorithm is developed for solving the scheduling problem of determining the sequence of parts to be produced in the system so as to minimise the maximum completion time (or makespan). The ACO algorithm uses a new dispatching rule as the heuristic desirability and variable neighbourhood search as the local search to make it more efficient and effective. To evaluate the performance of heuristic algorithms, a branch-and-bound procedure is proposed for deriving the optimal solution to the problem. Computational results show that the proposed ACO algorithm is superior to the existing algorithm, not only improving the performance but also decreasing the computation time.
The Clinical Outcomes of Ventricular Septal Rupture Secondary to Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective, Observational Trial

Background Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a severe mechanical complication secondary to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with a dreadful prognosis. The goal of our study was to evaluate the mortality and to identify the predictors of mortality for this population. Methods From June 2012 to July 2021, patients with VSR secondary to AMI were initially screened for eligibility in this study. The potential risk predictors were determined using appropriate logistic regression models. Results In this retrospective study, a total of 50 cases were included, and 14 patients survived and got discharged successfully. Univariable analyses indicated that the heart rate (HR), white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophils count, serum glucose, serum creatinine, serum lactic acid, and the closure of rupture were significantly associated with mortality among these special populations. Conclusion This study found that such high mortality in patients with VSR after AMI was significantly correlated with these risk factors representing sympathetic excitation and large infarct size. Coronary revascularization combined with the closure of rupture might be helpful in improving their prognosis.