Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal firing-angle control of cascaded HVDC converters for minimum reactive power demand

An asymmetrical firing strategy for the cascaded converters of a HVDC link is proposed, resulting in minimum reactive power compensation at both ends of the DC link. Both 6- and 12-pulse converters, in unipolar and bipolar operation, are considered. In addition to reactive power reduction, AC and DC harmonics are greatly reduced. <<ETX>>
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of miRNAs after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Review

Simple Summary Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a procedure in which complex coronary arteries stenosis is treated by bypassing atherosclerotic lesions with venous or arterial grafts. CABG is associated with myocardial damage due to ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, postoperative complications, including perioperative myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and graft failure, remain important clinical challenges. So far, no reliable diagnostic and prognostic tools to predict outcomes after CABG surgery have been established. MiRNAs are noncoding, 21–24 nucleotide-long RNA particles, expressions of which alter during CABG surgery. Here, we summarize the potential clinical applicability of miRNAs as promising biomarkers to predict post-CABG procedure outcomes. Abstract MiRNAs are noncoding, 21–24 nucleotide-long RNA particles that control over 60% of genes. MiRNAs affect gene expression through binding to the 3’-untranslated region of messenger RNA (mRNA), thus inhibiting mRNA translation or inducing mRNA degradation. MiRNAs have been associated with various cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, or ischemic heart disease. In addition, miRNA expression alters during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, which could be used to predict perioperative outcomes. CABG is an operation in which complex coronary arteries stenosis is treated by bypassing atherosclerotic lesions with venous or arterial grafts. Despite a very low perioperative mortality rate and excellent long-term survival, CABG is associated with postoperative complications, including reperfusion injury, graft failure, atrial fibrillation and perioperative myocardial infarction. So far, no reliable diagnostic and prognostic tools to predict prognosis after CABG have been developed. Changes in the perioperative miRNA expression levels could improve the diagnosis of post-CABG myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation and could be used to stratify risk after CABG. Herein, we describe the expression changes of different subtypes of miRNAs during CABG and review the diagnostic and prognostic utility of miRNAs in patients undergoing CABG.
Thermal properties of high-power transistors

The temperature of a transistor can be determined from the emitter-base voltage versus collector-current characteristic. This characteristic was used for studying the stability of parallel pairs of high-frequency high-power transistors. The thermal effect may cause the incremental emitter-base resistance to assume a negative value. This, in turn, will cause the current flow in a pair of transistors to be asymmetrical. The transition from symmetrical to asymmetrical current flow occurs at a power level which is determined by the nonshared thermal and electrical resistances. Stability to a higher current level can be obtained by increasing the nonshared emitter or base resistances or reducing the collector voltage. Higher currents can also be obtained by reducing the nonshared thermal resistances which indicates close thermal coupling between the two units is desirable.
Letter to the Editor, “Sources of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Microorganisms in Dental Aerosols”

Meethil et al. (2021) recently found the main source of microorganisms detected after aerosol-generating dental procedures (AGDPs) to be from irrigants used in dental equipment, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in any environmental deposits of 19 participants with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authors suggested that virus transmission from aerosolized saliva is moderately low. This observation is irrelevant in assessing the risk of aerosol transmission, since aerosols remain suspended in the air for long periods and may be inhaled directly, while microorganisms in environmental deposits come from droplets of all sizes depositing on surfaces (Gao et al. 2021). The salivary viral load of asymptomatic patients who were SARS-CoV-2 positive in the present study is significantly lower than that reported for presymptomatic patients (102 to 106 copies/mL; Van Vinh Chau et al. 2020). Indeed, viral shedding in presymptomatic patients may begin 5 to 6 d prior to symptoms, with viral loads comparable to those of symptomatic patients (He et al. 2020; Cevik et al. 2021). Although the present study found that salivary bacteria in environmental deposits was diluted 20to 200-fold, the minimal infectious dose for SARSCoV-2 has not been established. It may be as low as a single virion or 100 virions (Basu 2021). Thus, AGDPs may generate a low but significantly infectious virion load in aerosols. Virus transmission via aerosolized saliva in presymptomatic patients is unclarified. Although current infection control recommendations effectively reduce positivity rates among practicing dentists (Ren et al. 2020; Gallus et al. 2021), more research is warranted to ascertain risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through AGDPs.
Thermal Conditions and Hospital Admissions: Analysis of Longitudinal Data from Cyprus (2009–2018)

The state of the thermal environment can affect human health and well-being. Heat stress is associated with a wide range of health outcomes increasing morbidity and mortality and is recognized as an important health risk posed by climate change. This study aims at examining the effect of thermal conditions on the daily number of hospital admissions in Cyprus. Data from eight public hospitals located in five districts of Cyprus were analyzed from 2009 to 2018. Meteorological hourly gridded data were extracted by the ERA-5 Land reanalysis database with a spatial horizontal resolution of 0.1° × 0.1°. The Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) were calculated as measures of the integrated effect of meteorological variables. Negative binomial regression was fitted to examine associations between the daily number of hospital admissions and meteorological variables, PET, and UTCI. The results showed that the mean daily temperature (Tair) was positively associated with hospital admissions from any cause. Hospital admissions increased by 0.6% (p < 0.001) for each 1 °C increase of Tair and by 0.4% (p < 0.001) for each 1 °C increase of PET and UTCI. Ozone and nitrogen oxides act as confounding factors. An effect of particulate matter (less than 10 μm in diameter) was observed when the analysis focused on April to August. Thresholds above which hospital admissions are likely to increase include daily mean Tair = 26.1 °C, PET = 29 °C, and UTCI = 26 °C. Studies on heat-related health effects are necessary to monitor health patterns, raise awareness, and design adaptation and mitigation measures.
Hierarchical modeling and control for re-entrant semiconductor fabrication lines: a mini-fab benchmark

This paper addresses the problem of controlling reentrant semiconductor fabrication lines. To focus the presentation, a virtual five-machine six-step mini-fab is used. This mini-fab developed by Intel in collaboration with ASU is intended to contain all of the features which make a real line difficult to control. Industry-like policies are discussed and compared with control-theoretic hierarchical policies.
Evaluating rework cost- A study of selected building projects in Niger State, Nigeria

Rework represents a new terminology in construction dictionary and it becomes essential when an element of building works fails to meet customer’s requirement or when the completed work does not conform to the contract documentation. Reworks contribute to time and cost overruns in project. Thus, to enhance efficient project delivery processes the research work evaluated rework cost on elemental basis in some selected building projects in Niger State. Archival cost data were sourced using a structure research schedule which was self administered on projects identified to have experienced rework amongst the selected projects and these were analysed using simple percentile to show at a glance contribution of each of the building elements to rework. The study revealed Finishes (19.09%) have higher contribution to rework costs than any other elements of building for the projects considered and rework costs on average for the elements 4.49%. Hence, there is need for consensus on a workable mechanism to bring together the client and the contractor to minimize change orders and
Novel Amphiphilic Polyfluorene-Graft-(Polymethacrylic Acid) Brushes: Synthesis, Conformation, and Self-Assembly

Novel polyfluorene polymer brushes with polymethacrylic acid side chains were obtained by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and activator generated by electron transfer (AGET) ATRP of tert-butyl methacrylate on polyfluorene multifunctional macroinitiator, followed by protonolysis of the tert-butyl groups of the side chains. Kinetics of polymerization and molecular weights were fully characterized. These polymer brushes luminesce in the blue region of the spectrum with high quantum yields (0.64–0.77). It was shown that the luminescence intensity of polymer brushes is higher than the luminescence intensity of the macroinitiator (0.61). Moreover, due to their amphiphilic nature, they can form unimolecular micelles when an alcohol solution of the polymer brush is injected into water. These properties can potentially be used in drug delivery and bioimaging.
GENERATION AND ASSESSING THE COMPOSITION OF HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE IN COMMERCIAL CAPITAL CITY OF BANGLADESH

Generation of solid waste (SW) is a major problem in ur ban areas and its management is obligatory functions for both urban local authority and the urban people. Present paper presents a study of household solid waste generation (HSWG) rate, composition, characterization, potentials of its recyclable components and households’ attitudes towards waste management in commercial capital city of Bangladesh named as Chittagong City (hereafter called Chittagong City). This stud y was conducted at Midtown Housing Society, Rahamatgong and Sarif colony of Jamalkhan Ward under Chittagong City Corporation (CCC). The study involved a structured questionnaire and encompassed 55 households from five different socioeconomic groups (SGs): low (LSG), lower middle (LMSG), middle (MSG), upper middle (UMSG) and high (HSG). It was found that the residential waste generation rate was 0.28 Kg/per son/day and an average household generation of 1.48 kg of waste per day. The household solid waste (HSW) comprised of nine categories of wastes with vegetable/ food waste being the largest component (72%). Vegetable/ food waste generation increased from 53% (observed for HSG) to 89% (for LSG). By weight, 77% of the waste was compostable in nature. The generation of residential solid waste (RSW) was found positively correlated with family size (r xy = 0.8483) at 1% significant level. For systematic collection and disposal o f the municipal solid waste (MSW), it is essential to develop ward-based participatory solid waste management programs. Finally, the research suggests some appropriate recommendations on how a participatory-sustainable residential solid waste management system could be developed in the area of CCC to achieve its goals.
Estimation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Hospitalization Costs From a Large Electronic Administrative Discharge Database, March 2020–July 2021

Abstract Background Information on the costs of inpatient care for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is very limited. This study estimates the per-patient cost of inpatient care for adult COVID-19 patients seen at >800 US hospitals. Methods Patients aged ≥18 years with ≥1 hospitalization during March 2020–July 2021 with a COVID-19 diagnosis code in a large electronic administrative discharge database were included. We used validated costs when reported; otherwise, costs were calculated using charges multiplied by cost-to-charge ratios. We estimated costs of inpatient care per patient overall and by severity indicator, age, sex, underlying medical conditions, and acute complications of COVID-19 using a generalized linear model with log link function and gamma distribution. Results The overall cost among 654673 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was $16.2 billion. Estimated per-patient hospitalization cost was $24 826. Among surviving patients, estimated per-patient cost was $13 090 without intensive care unit (ICU) admission or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), $21 222 with ICU admission alone, and $59 742 with IMV. Estimated per-patient cost among patients who died was $27 017. Adjusted cost differential was higher among patients with certain underlying conditions (eg, chronic kidney disease [$12 391], liver disease [$8878], cerebrovascular disease [$7267], and obesity [$5933]) and acute complications (eg, acute respiratory distress syndrome [$43 912], pneumothorax [$25 240], and intracranial hemorrhage [$22 280]). Conclusions The cost of inpatient care for COVID-19 patients was substantial through the first 17 months of the pandemic. These estimates can be used to inform policy makers and planners and cost-effectiveness analysis of public health interventions to alleviate the burden of COVID-19.
Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Awareness among Women in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer (CC) is the eighth most common cancer among Saudi women of all ages. With limited national data, we aimed to evaluate the public awareness of cervical cancer, CC risk factors, HPV infection, and HPV vaccines in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This was a survey-based cross-sectional study that encompassed 564 Saudi women over a period of a month. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed through different social media platforms. Results: The collected data included sociodemographic variables and questions assessing awareness of CC, and the attitudes toward CC screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Most respondents were aware of CC (84.0%), although their primary source of information was the internet. However, only 45 females (8.0%) had a history of cervical screening. Furthermore, most females did not know that HPV was transmitted sexually (78.9%), or that it caused genital warts (81.7%) and CC (81.9%). Regarding the HPV vaccine, 100 females (17.7%) had heard about it, but only 11 (2.0%) took the vaccine, although more than half of the respondents (54.1%) were willing to take the vaccine after being informed about it. Conclusions: We noticed a remarkable lack of awareness among the respondents regarding HPV’s clinical implications; and the HPV vaccine, and its importance and availability. The main source of information for most of the Saudi women in this study was the internet, which may be an unreliable source, or provide misleading information that may delay screening or discourage vaccination. Thus, organized campaigns by the Ministry of Health or other health-advocating agencies, in addition to screening and vaccination programs, are strongly encouraged.
Combination of Hyaluronan and Lyophilized Progenitor Cell Derivatives: Stabilization of Functional Hydrogel Products for Therapeutic Management of Tendinous Tissue Disorders

Cultured progenitor cells and derivatives have been used in various homologous applications of cutaneous and musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. Active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in the form of progenitor cell derivatives such as lysates and lyophilizates were shown to retain function in controlled cellular models of wound repair. On the other hand, hyaluronan-based hydrogels are widely used as functional vehicles in therapeutic products for tendon tissue disorders. The aim of this study was the experimental characterization of formulations containing progenitor tenocyte-derived APIs and hyaluronan, for the assessment of ingredient compatibility and stability in view of eventual therapeutic applications in tendinopathies. Lyophilized APIs were determined to contain relatively low quantities of proteins and growth factors, while being physicochemically stable and possessing significant intrinsic antioxidant properties. Physical and rheological quantifications of the combination formulas were performed after hydrogen peroxide challenge, outlining significantly improved evolutive viscoelasticity values in accelerated degradation settings. Thus, potent effects of physicochemical protection or stability enhancement of hyaluronan by the incorporated APIs were observed. Finally, combination formulas were found to be easily injectable into ex vivo tendon tissues, confirming their compatibility with further translational clinical approaches. Overall, this study provides the technical bases for the development of progenitor tenocyte derivative-based injectable therapeutic products or devices, to potentially be applied in tendinous tissue disorders.
The Utility of Metabolic Parameters on Baseline F-18 FDG PET/CT in Predicting Treatment Response and Survival in Paediatric and Adolescent Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphoma is the third most common paediatric cancer. Early detection of high-risk patients is necessary to anticipate those who require intensive therapy and follow-up. Current literature shows that residual tumor avidity on PET (Positron Emission Tomography) following chemotherapy corresponds with decreased survival. However, the value of metabolic parameters has not been adequately investigated. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of metabolic and other parameters in paediatric and adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma. We recorded tMTV (total Metabolic Tumor Volume), TLG (Total Lesion Glycolysis), and SUVmax (maximum Standard Uptake Value) on baseline PET, as well the presence of bone marrow or visceral involvement. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) status and baseline biochemistry from clinical records were noted. All patients received stage-specific standard of care therapy. Response assessment on end-of-treatment PET was evaluated according to the Deauville criteria. We found that bone marrow involvement (p = 0.028), effusion (p < 0.001), and treatment response (p < 0.001) on baseline PET, as well as HIV status (p = 0.036) and baseline haemoglobin (p = 0.039), were significantly related to progression-free survival (PFS), whereas only effusion (p = 0.017) and treatment response (p = 0.050) were predictive of overall survival (OS). Only baseline tMTV predicted treatment response (p = 0.017). This confirms the value of F-18 FDG PET/CT (Fluoro-deoxy-glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) in prognostication in paediatric and adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma; however, further studies are required to define the significance of metabolic parameters.
Associations between having been threatened or injured with a weapon and substance use and mental health among high school students in the United States

Abstract Being threatened or injured with a weapon is a serious form of physical bullying. Little is known about the effects of being threatened or injured with a weapon on substance use and mental health among adolescents. A secondary analysis of 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data assessed the associations between having been threatened or injured with a weapon and substance use (binge drinking, marijuana, tobacco use, prescription medication misuse) and mental health (feeling sad or hopeless, considering suicide). Multiple logistic regression models with complex survey weights were used, controlling for potential confounders. Approximately 6.0% of students reported having been threatened/injured with a weapon. After adjusting for covariates, having been threatened/injured with a weapon was associated with binge drinking (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.9–3.4), marijuana (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6–2.7), tobacco use (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 2.0–3.5), and misuse of prescription medication (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.6–3.0) compared with students who have not been threatened/injured. Having been threatened/injured with a weapon was associated with 1.6 times the odds (95% CI: 1.2–2.2) of feeling sad/hopeless and 1.7 times the odds (95% CI: 1.3–2.3) of considering suicide. Having been threatened or injured with a weapon is an important public health issue associated with negative mental health and substance use.
Analysis of thin gate oxide degradation during fabrication of advanced CMOS ULSI circuits

The electrical characteristics uniquely associated with the thin gate oxide degradation of the advanced CMOS technology in manufacturing were determined for the first time. They were different from Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) stress, and therefore, cannot be simulated by the F-N stress. The p/sup +/ thin gate oxides were found to be inherently more susceptible to gate oxide degradation than the n/sup +/ gate oxides. The p/sup +/ oxide degradation is caused by a combination of the process-induced defect and plasma charging. The nature of the defect and its formation were identified by electrical and physical analysis. The defect formation was modeled. The p-channel gate oxide degradation will be worse with gate oxide scaling, and may limit the device scaling.
Factors Associated with the Dual Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Cigarettes among Thai Undergraduate Students Who Smoked Cigarettes

This study proposed to identify factors associated with the dual use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and cigarettes among undergraduate students who smoked cigarettes. This cross-sectional study employed a self-administered, anonymous online questionnaires to collect information from undergraduate smokers in northern Thailand. Of the 494 participants, 82.8% were dual users of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The two main reasons for using e-cigarettes were an absence of cigarette smoke odor (76.8%) and availability of flavors (70.7%). Undergraduate smokers who initiated smoking at ≥18 years old were more likely to be dual users than those who initiated smoking at younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.79, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.32–5.89, p = 0.007). Undergraduate smokers who smoked ≥11 cigarettes daily were more likely to be dual users than those who smoked less (aOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.52–4.61, p = 0.001). Conversely, undergraduate smokers who had attempted to quit during the past year were less likely to be dual users (aOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12–0.56, p = 0.001). In conclusion, dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes among undergraduate smokers was associated with older age at cigarette smoking initiation, a higher number of cigarettes smoked daily, and having no past year’s cigarette quit attempts.
Decolonizing the Color-Line: A Topological Analysis of W.E.B. Du Bois's Infographics for the 1900 Paris Exposition

As infographics are implicated in racist policies like redlining, we need to decolonize the genre. But previous studies have found that infographics’ panopticism—their at-a-glance reduction of complex issues—makes them tend to support hegemonic power structures in spite of their designers’ intentions. A way out of this dilemma can be located in the first attempt to decolonize the infographic: W.E. B. Du Bois's series depicting Black life in the United States, created for the 1900 Paris Exposition. This topological analysis of Du Bois's decolonial project reveals both problematic and promising avenues for our own attempts to decolonize the infographic.