Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased Expression of Plasma miRNA-320a and let-7b-5p in Heroin-Dependent Patients and Its Clinical Significance

Heroin use disorder is a chronic and relapsing disease that induces persistent changes in the brain. The diagnoses of heroin use disorders are mainly based on subjective reports and no valid biomarkers available. Recent researches have revealed that circulating miRNAs are useful non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. However, studies on circulating miRNAs for the diagnosis of heroin use disorders are rarely reported. In this study, we investigated the differential expression of plasma miRNAs in 57 heroin-dependent patients. Based on literature research and microarray analysis, two candidate miRNAs, miR-320a and let-7b-5p, were selected and analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The results showed miR-320a and let-7b were significantly upregulated in plasma of the heroin-dependent patients compared to that in healthy controls. The area under curves (AUCs) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of miR-320a and let-7b-5p were 0.748 and 0.758, respectively. The sensitivities of miR-320a and let-7b-5p were 71.9 and 70.2%, while the specificities of miR-320a and let-7b-5p were 76.1 and 78.3%, respectively. The combination of these two miRNAs predicted heron dependence with an AUC of 0.782 (95% CI 0.687–0.876), with 73.7% sensitivity and 82.6% specificity. Our findings suggest a potential use for circulating miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of heroin abuse.
Psychological Distress, Disorder Severity, and Perception of Positive Contributions in Couples Raising Individuals With Autism

Parents' perception of the positive contributions associated with raising children with autism is considered to be a protective factor in the process of psychological adaptation. Thus, it is essential to unveil what factors are related to this perception. We explore how parents' psychological distress (parental stress and anxiety) predicts the perception of positive contributions in fathers and mothers who raise individuals with different levels of autism severity. The sample comprises 135 couples (270 fathers and mothers) parenting individuals diagnosed with autism aged 3–38 years. Participants completed different self-report questionnaires, including measures of parental stress, anxiety, and positive contributions. To estimate the actor–partner interdependence model, data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore transactional effects between fathers' and mothers' psychological distress and their perceptions of positive contributions associated with autism. Two separate multigroup models were tested, respectively, analyzing parental stress and anxiety. Each multigroup model considers two levels of disorder severity. The findings revealed that actor and partner effects of stress and anxiety were important predictors of the perception of positive contributions in both disorder severity groups. We conclude that it is necessary to develop family support programs that focus on controlling fathers' and mothers' stress and anxiety symptoms, as these mental states negatively impact the ability to perceive positive contributions.
Balancing reliability and energy efficiency in LoRa networks using reinforcement learning

The Long Range (LoRa) are wide area networks that combine long coverage and low energy consumption for the connected end devices. The low energy consumption is largely due to the simplicity and low overhead of Pure Aloha, which LoRa uses as a default medium access protocol. However, serious scalability issues arise when the number of interconnected devices increases, with the main effect being the increase in collisions and the decrease in reliability of transmissions. The Long range wide area network protocol defines two types of transmissions in the uplink, which are the confirmed and the unconfirmed ones, without describing any rules on how to use them. Confirmed transmissions improve reliability but also increase the energy consumption of the end devices, while the exact opposite being the case when using unconfirmed transmissions. In this paper, a reliability balancing using reinforcement learning mechanism is proposed, whose main function is to adjust the reliability of the LoRa network according to the required quality of services provided. This adjustment will be carried out by determining the ratio between the confirmed and unconfirmed transmissions achieving the minimum energy consumption. The effectiveness of the proposed mechanism was evaluated in a series of simulation scenarios, where the proposed mechanism managed to combine the reassurance of the required packet loss rate with the minimum energy consumption in the end devices.
INSIDER: A framework for assessing confidence in psychological scales based on multi-modal physiological signal fusion

The majority of polygraph questions used in psychometric objectivity assessments have inadequate applicability, low validity, and lengthy assessment times. In order to improve the Trusted Multi-View Classification (TMC) and produce more objective scale confidence results, this paper proposes a framework for assessing confidence in psychological scales based on multi-modal physiological signal fusion (INSIDER). This framework uses physiological signals (i.e. ECG, Eye Movement, and ECG) to identify lying response behaviors. By using the CNN (Temporal&Spatial) deep learning framework, in the three modalities, the EEG has the best accuracy (92.67%) in detecting lying answer behaviors; the TMC-based hybrid fusion method had both high accuracy (96.32%) and high noise immunity; and high accuracy (93.59%) can be attained by using LR classifier in the confidence assessment of the combined scale. Experimental resluts demonstrated that it can replace polygraph questions. When choosing the product, INSIDER takes into account the necessity for portability, which might serve as a model for the development of future mental health scale assessment systems.
Fouling of low-pressure membranes during drinking water treatment: effect of NOM components and biofiltration pretreatment

Fouling is a major challenge for low-pressure membrane drinking water treatment systems. Previous research has demonstrated that under the right conditions, biofiltration is an effective method to reduce fouling of low-pressure polymeric membranes. This study provides additional insight into the effect of biofiltration as a pretreatment for fouling reduction by using river water with different raw water quality characteristics than has been examined in previous studies. Two parallel pilot-scale dual media (sand/anthracite) biological filters were operated continuously over a period of 14 months. Liquid chromatography–organic carbon detection analysis confirmed that the parallel biofilters performed similarly with both averaging on 21% biopolymer removal. Raw and treated water biopolymer concentrations were correlated, with increased absolute removals occurring at higher raw water concentrations. Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane fouling experiments showed substantial improvement in performance following biofiltration pretreatment by reducing hydraulically irreversible and reversible fouling rates by 14–68% and 8–55%, respectively. The results also reaffirm the importance of biopolymers at concentrations as low as ∼0.1 mg/L on irreversible and reversible UF membrane fouling and a minimal impact of humic substances.
Mineralogical variation of silica induced by Al and Na in hydrothermal solutions

Abstract Various silica minerals form in hydrothermal settings; however, the main controls on mineralogical variations in such environments remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the effects of Al and Na on the mineralogy of silica precipitates by hydrothermal flow-through experiments for silica precipitation at 430 °C and 31 MPa. We used solutions with elevated Si concentrations, exceeding the solubility of amorphous silica. As the Al and Na concentrations in the input solution were raised from 0 to 7 ppm, the dominant silica minerals systematically changed from amorphous silica to cristobalite to quartz. The positive correlation between Al and Na contents in precipitated quartz indicates that Al coupled with Na substitutes for Si. Our results suggest a possible mechanism for quartz vein formation in which quartz nucleates directly without precursor amorphous silica or cristobalite due to the presence of feldspar-derived Al and Na in hydrothermal fluids.
EFFICIENT UTILIZATION OF CORN STALK AND POPLAR PLANER 2 SHAVINGS IN MANUFACTURING PARTICLEBOARD 3 4

DOI:10.4067/S0718-221X2021005XXXXXX 1 EFFICIENT UTILIZATION OF CORN STALK AND POPLAR PLANER 2 SHAVINGS IN MANUFACTURING PARTICLEBOARD 3 4 Aree Adel Abdulqader1 5 1 University of Duhok, Department of Forestry, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, 6 Kurdistan region, Iraq. 7 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0656-3221 8 *Corresponding author: aree.adel@gmail.com 9 Received: August 15, 2020 10 Accepted: April 21, 2021 11 Posted online: April 22, 2021 12 13 ABSTRACT 14
Live Combined B. subtilis and E. faecium Alleviate Liver Inflammation, Improve Intestinal Barrier Function, and Modulate Gut Microbiota in Mice with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic, progressive liver disease with an increasing incidence rate. This study investigated the protective effects of live combined Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium (LCBE) on NAFLD, and its possible mechanisms. Material/Methods Five-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: chow, HFD, and HFD+LCBE groups. The levels of serum biochemical markers, glucose tolerance, insulin, the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, LPS, and histological staining were measured using commercial kits. qPCR was used to examine the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in the liver. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, PPAR-α, and CPT-1 in the liver, and occludin and Claudin1 in the intestine. The intestinal flora of the mice was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 region of 16S rDNA. Results LCBE significantly lowered the body weight, liver/body weight ratio, and serum glucose level, and increased the serum insulin level in NAFLD mice. In addition, LCBE treatment improved the liver function and lipid profile, decreased the levels of LPS and inflammatory cytokines, and downregulated the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65. Moreover, LCBE enhanced the intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of occludin and Claudin1. Furthermore, LCBE modulated the composition of the gut microbiota by reducing the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, and the proportion of inflammation-related and LPS-producing bacteria, thus re-arranging the structure of the gut microbiota. Conclusions LCBE protects against NAFLD by alleviating inflammation, restoring the intestinal barrier, and modulating gut microbiota composition.
Evaluation of the Influence of Vertical Irregularities on the Seismic Performance of a 9-storey steel frame

A methodology based on Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) is presented for the evaluation of structures with vertical irregularities. Four types of storey-irregularities are considered: stiffness, strength, combined stiffness and strength, and mass irregularities. Using the wellknown 9-storey LA9 steel frame as a base, the objective is to quantify the effect of irregularities, both for individual and for combinations of stories, on its response. In this context a rational methodology for comparing the seismic performance of different structural configurations is proposed by means of IDA. This entails performing nonlinear time history analyses for a suite of ground motion records scaled to several intensity levels and suitably interpolating the results to calculate capacities for a number of limit-states, from elasticity to final global instability. By expressing all limit-state capacities with a common intensity measure, the reference and each modified structure can be naturally compared without needing to have the same period or yield base shear. Using the bootstrap method to construct appropriate confidence intervals, it becomes possible to isolate the effect of irregularities from the record-torecord variability. Thus, the proposed methodology enables a full-range performance evaluation using a highly accurate analysis method that pinpoints the effect of any source of irregularity for each limit-state.
Outcomes of Pacing in Egyptian Pediatric Population

Objectives: Permanent pacemakers are widely used in the pediatric population due to congenital and surgically acquired rhythm disturbances. The diversity and complexity of congenital heart diseases make device management a highly individualized procedure in pediatric pacing. We are also faced with special problems in pediatric age group as growth, children's activity and infection susceptibility. This study aimed to present our institute's experience in pediatric and adolescent pacemaker implantation and long-term outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 100 pediatric patients who visited our outpatient clinics at Ain Shams University Hospitals for regular follow up of their previously implanted permanent pacemakers. All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, ECG recording, echocardiography and elaborate device programming. Data about device types, device components’ longevity, subsequent procedures, complications were collected, with comparison between epicardial and endocardial pacemakers. Results: Our study population ranged in age from 8 months to 18 years (mean 13.12 ± 5.04 years), 51 were males and 53 patients had congenital heart disease. Epicardial pacing represented 26% of our total population using only VVIR pacemakers, while endocardial pacing represented 74% of our population with 58.1% of them being VVIR pacemakers. First battery longevity was higher in endocardial batteries (108 months vs. 60 months, p value: 0.007). First lead longevity was also higher in endocardial leads (105 moths vs. 58 months, p value: 0.006). Complication rate was 25%; 8 patients had early complications (one insulation break in endocardial group). Late complications occurred in 17 patients (10 patients had lead fracture; 9 of them were endocardial, 2 insulation breaks in endocardial leads, 3 patients from epicardial group had lead failure of capture). In total, 16 patients had lead-related complications. There was no statistically significant difference between different lead models regarding lead-related complications. Conclusion: Pacemakers in children are generally safe, but still having high rates of lead-related complications. Lead failure of capture was more common in epicardial leads. These complications had no relation to the model of the leads. Endocardial pacemakers showed higher first lead and first battery longevity compared to epicardial pacemakers.
The Efficacy and Postoperative Follow-Up of Different Interventional Methods in Cesarean Section for Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders

Background The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and postoperative recovery between uterine artery embolization (UAE) and infrarenal aortic balloon occlusion (IABO) in planned cesarean sections for placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Material/Methods A retrospective analysis using the clinical data of 62 patients with placenta previa combined with placenta accreta for planned cesarean between January 2014 and December 2019 was performed at the First People’s Hospital in Lianyungang. Thirty-five cases undergoing UAE during cesarean section were defined as group A, while the other 27 cases undergoing IABO were defined as group B. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters including intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion volume, radiation duration, radiation dose, hysterectomy rate, operation duration, Intensive Care Unit hospitalization, complications, and neonatal outcomes as well as the maternal recovery during follow-up were compared between the 2 groups. Results Intraoperative blood loss, transfusion volume, radiation time, radiation dose, hysterectomy rate, duration of surgery, Intensive Care Unit admission, and complications were higher in group A than group B, with differences being statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in birth weight, 1-min Apgar score, neonatal asphyxia rate, admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, breastfeeding time, duration of postpartum lochia, and data related to menstruation between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusions IABO, which was more effective than UAE in cesarean section of patients with placenta accreta spectrum, could be further applied in treatment.
Measuring competitive intelligence Network and its role on Business Performance

Changes and uncertainties have compelled a dramatic change in organizational fundamentals over the last two decades. Owing to internal and external pressures, businesses have been forced to closely track their environments in order to build awareness of opportunities and obstacles in order to stay competitive. The aim of this study is to look into the role of competitive intelligence in small and medium businesses in Iraq's Kurdistan region making business performance. However, the researchers measured the direct impact on business performance at small and medium businesses using five competitive intelligence dimensions (extensiveness' network, third-party strategy, Homophily, Issue awareness, and promotion effort). Furthermore, the researchers used competitive intelligence as a mediator to quantify its impact on business performance, allowing the analysis to explore the indirect role of competitive intelligence. To investigate the role of competitive intelligence in making business performance at small and medium businesses in Iraq's Kurdistan region, the researchers used hierarchal multiple regression and the Sobel test. However, the researchers measured the direct impact on business performance at small and medium businesses using five competitive intelligence dimensions (extensiveness network, third-party strategy, homophily, issue awareness, and promotion effort). Furthermore, the researchers used competitive intelligence as a mediator to quantify its impact on business performance, allowing the analysis to explore the indirect role of competitive intelligence. Competitive intelligence dimensions (extensiveness network, third-party strategy, homophily, issue awareness, and promotion effort) were used to assess the direct and indirect effect of competitive intelligence on business performance at small and medium businesses.
Validation of Dimensionless Parameters for Distinguishing between Homogeneous and Bubbling Fluidizations

The difference between homogeneous and bubbling fluidization behaviors has been studied for the past 70 years, where several researchers have reported on the influence of interparticle forces in fluidization. Although interparticle forces such as van der Waals forces are evident in a real system, these forces are not the determinant in homogeneous fluidization, which can be simulated without any interparticle forces. In our previous study, the difference in fundamental mechanisms of the two fluidization states was analytically determined with a dimensionless gravity term, comprising the Reynolds number, Archimedes number, and density ratio. Nevertheless, some researchers insist that interparticle forces are dominant and a hydrodynamic force is not dominant. In this study, a dimensional analysis was applied to obtain a dominant parameter for distinguishing two fluidizations. Furthermore, some parameters were examined by comparing the experimental data in previous studies. The results indicated that hydrodynamic force is the dominant factor and the dimensionless gravity term is the dominant parameter in differentiating the two fluidized states.
Comparison between Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam as an Adjuvant to Lidocaine in Intravenous Regional Anesthesia for below Elbow Surgeries

Background: Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) is safe, technically simple but it has several disadvantages as limited duration, lack of postoperative analgesia and tourniquet pain. Aim of the study: Comparing the effect of addition of dexmedetomidine and midazolam to lidocaine on the characters of the produced intravenous regional anesthesia for below elbow surgeries. Patients and methods: Sixty patients of both sexes admitted for forearm and hand surgeries were randomly allocated into three equal groups: Lidocaine group (L group) received 40 ml of 0.5% lidocaine, Lidocaine/ Dexmedetomidine group (L/D group) received 40 ml of 0.5% lidocaine plus 0.5μg/kg dexmedetomidine and Lidocaine/Midazolam group (L/M group) received 40 ml of 0.5% lidocaine plus 50 μg/kg midazolam. Onset and offset of sensory and motor blocks, intraopetrative analgesic potency and tourniquet pain, time to ask for the 1st post-operative analgesia, the consumed amount of postoperative analgesia and the associated side effects were detected and recorded. Results: Both Dexmedetomidine and midazolam enhanced the onset of sensory block, only midazolam enhanced the onset of motor block, both lowered the mean of surgical pain scores, decreased the intraoperative fentanyl consumption, delayed the onset of tourniquet pain, and prolonged postoperative analgesia with minimal side effects. Conclusion: Addition of each of dexmedetomidine and midazolam to lidocaine for IVRA, significantly improved the quality of the produced regional anesthesia.
LeafsnapNet: An Experimentally Evolved Deep Learning Model for Recognition of Plant Species based on Leafsnap Image Dataset

Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, Canaanland, P.M. B 1023, Ota, Nigeria Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Center of Excellence, Covenant University, Canaanland, P.M. B 1023, Ota, Nigeria HRA, Institute for Systems Science, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa Companie d'Electricite de Cote d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire Department of Information and Communication Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363 Jacobs, 4026 Durban, South Africa
Effect of Ultrasound Treatment on the Physicochemical, Nutraceutical, and Functional Properties of Lupine Flour

This study aimed to convert sweet and bitter lupine protein isolates to nano-emulsions and to develop products with the nano-emulsion and examine the stability; develop emulsification with ultrasonication; develop and characterize food protein-stabilized nanoemulsions; and to modify lupine protein properties with pH shifting and ultrasonication. The antioxidant activity of sweet and bitter isolates was decreased in the nano-particle sized samples when compared to non-nano particle-sized samples, as well as the inhibitory activity of both angiotensin-converting enzyme and alpha-amylase, while it increased in sweet and bitter lupine isolates. For both types of lupine, water holding capacity was increased, and foaming stability of nano treatment was increased in protein isolate samples. In lupine, albumins and three globulins fractions, namely, β-conglutin, αconglutin, and γ-conglutin, were characterized as the main storage proteins. No clear differences were observed between nano and non-nano samples regarding albumins and three globulins fractions. The results of microstructure characterization showed that sonication leads to distortion/breakage of protein particles shape, which results in smaller proteins that can be used as a top-down approach for the formation of nano-sized protein particles. In this regard, sonication can be considered as a heterogeneous approach that may lead to de-aggregation, breaking of protein particles, and distortion of their shape.