Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adhesion studies of atmospheric pressure plasma-modified polyester fabrics with polyurethane coating

Abstract Surface modification of polyester fabric was done using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) with the aim of improving the adhesion properties using polyurethane (PU) polymer as an adhesive. The change in adhesion strength with respect to various plasma powers and treatment durations was examined. For analysing the adhesive bond strength of the coated fabric the T-peel off strength was investigated. After plasma treatment, an improvement in adhesion was observed compared to the untreated sample. The effect of oxygen gas on adhesion with PU adhesive was also studied. Surface wettability after plasma treatment was studied by wicking measurements. Changes in surface morphology were analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ATR-FTIR were used to study the surface chemistry of plasma-treated samples. SEM, AFM, and XPS results reveal the surface roughening and incorporation of functional groups, such as C–O, C–OH, O–C=O, and COOH. No adverse effect on the mechanical strength of the plasma-modified polyester fabric was seen.
Cosmic ray–ice interaction studied by radiolysis of 15 K methane ice with MeV O, Fe and Zn ions

Methane (CH4) ice is found in the interstellar medium and in several bodies of the Solar system, where it is commonly exposed to cosmic rays and stellar winds. The chemical, physical and structural effects induced by fast heavy ions in thin layers of pure CH4 ices at 15 K are analysed by mid-infrared spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared). Different pure CH4 ice samples were irradiated with 6 MeV 16 O 2 + , 220 MeV 16 O 7 + , 267 MeV 56 Fe 22 + and 606 MeV 70 Zn 26 + ions at Grand Acc´´ National d’Ions Lourds/France. Results show that CnHm molecules, where n = 2–4 and m = 2(n − 1) to 2(n + 1) and radical species CH3 ,C 2H3 and C2H5 are formed. The destruction cross-sections of CH4 ice and the formation cross-sections of new molecules CnHm are reported. The extrapolation of current results allow us to estimate the half lives of CH4 ices in the interstellar medium and the Solar system (Earth orbit) as about 600 × 10 6 and 600 yr, respectively. This huge ratio strongly suggests that the vast majority of
Pooling‐Based Data Interpolation and Backdating

Abstract. Pooling forecasts obtained from different procedures typically reduces the mean square forecast error and more generally improve the quality of the forecast. In this paper, we evaluate whether pooling‐interpolated or‐backdated time series obtained from different procedures can also improve the quality of the generated data. Both simulation results and empirical analyses with macroeconomic time series indicate that pooling plays a positive and important role in this context also.
Thermal Effects of Urban Canyon Structure on the Nocturnal Heat Island: Numerical Experiment Using a Mesoscale Model Coupled with an Urban Canopy Model

Abstract A single-layer urban canopy model is incorporated into a simple two-dimensional atmospheric model in order to examine the individual impacts of anthropogenic heating, a large heat capacity, and a small sky-view factor on mesoscale heat island formation. It is confirmed that a nocturnal heat island on a clear, calm summer day results from the difference in atmospheric stability between a city and its surroundings. The difference is caused by anthropogenic heating and the following two effects of urban canyon structure: (i) a larger heat capacity due to the walls and (ii) a smaller sky-view factor. Sensitivity experiments show that the anthropogenic heating increases the surface air temperature though the day. (This factor strongly affects the nocturnal temperature, and the maximum increase of 0.67°C occurs at 0500 LST.) The larger heat capacity due to the walls decreases the daytime temperature and increases the nocturnal temperature. (The maximum increase of 0.39°C occurs at 0600 LST.) The smalle.
Numerical assessment of the tonal noise of Counter-Rotating Open Rotors at approach

A hybrid method combining a three-dimensional unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes simulation of a cropped Counter-Rotating Open Rotors at approach conditions and an acoustic analogy either based on a time formulation, an advanced-time formulation of Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings’ analogy, or on a frequency formulation, an extension of Hanson’s model to non compact chord length, has shown three main sources, the impacts of the front-rotor wakes on the aft-rotor, of the front-rotor tip vortex on the aft-rotor tip, and of the front-rotor hub horse-shoe vortex on the aft-rotor blade foot. Consequently, this study confirms that the aft-rotor is the dominant tonal noise source and has identified another potential noise source when the Counter-Rotating Open Rotors is installed caused by the strong tip vortex of the highly loaded cropped aft-rotor. The present rotor–rotor distance should not be reduced as the potential effect from the aft rotor is already felt on the front rotor. The influence of several numerical parameters including grid refinement, data sampling, and simulation length has been evaluated on both aerodynamic and acoustic performances.
Probability of continued local-scale warming and extreme events during and after decarbonization

Although achieving net-zero emissions is very likely to stabilize the long-term global temperature, the possibility of continued warming and extreme events could cause those efforts to be perceived as a failure if there is an expectation that stabilizing global temperature will also stabilize local and regional climate. Leveraging decarbonization scenarios from multiple global climate models, we find that much of the world faces >30% probability of decadal warming after net-zero CO2 emissions are achieved, with most areas exhibiting sustained probability of extreme hot and wet events. Further, substantial fractions of the global population and gross domestic product could experience post-net-zero warming, including hundreds of millions of people and trillions of dollars in the United States, China and India during the decade following net-zero. This likelihood suggests that some of the most populous, wealthy, and powerful regions may experience climatic conditions that could be perceived—at least in the near-term—to indicate that climate stabilization policies have failed, highlighting the importance of adaptation for ensuring that communities are prepared for the climate variations that will inevitably occur during and after decarbonization.
In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Anaphyllum wightii Schott: An Endemic Plant of Southern Western Ghats

Sathyaseelan et al. : In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Anaphyllum wightii Schott Inflammation is a protective mechanism offered by the body’s immune system after an injury, microbial infection, or any other physical or chemical damage. The role of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes in the inflammation process has been well established, and research works are focused on developing plant-based cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors that can provide potential anti-inflammatory drugs with no side effects. Even though there are previous reports suggesting the anti-inflammatory potential of the rhizome of the plant, no reports are available regarding the anti-inflammatory property of the leaves of Anaphyllum wightii . Hence the present study was intended to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of the leaves of Anaphyllum wightii and also to confirm the activity of rhizome in vitro . The anti-inflammatory action of the rhizome and the two morphological variants of leaves (broad and narrow leaves) of Anaphyllum wightii were determined by their inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes. In the case of the cyclooxygenase inhibition assay, the narrow leaf extract showed the least IC 50 value (43.182 µg/ml), whereas the broad leaf extract showed the least IC 50 (38.174 µg/ml) for the lipoxygenase enzyme. Thus the present study revealed that the leaf extracts of Anaphyllum wightii exhibit significant anti-inflammatory potential compared to that of the rhizome extract. Hence the leaves may contain promising anti-inflammatory agents that may provide potential drugs for treating chronic inflammatory diseases. Also, this study could detect the presence of Ursolic acid, a potential anti-inflammatory agent, in Anaphyllum wightii through high resolution liquid chromatograph mass spectrometric and high performance thin layer chromatographic analyses.
Application of the Diffiuse Interface Numerical Technique for Solving the Reduced Multi-component Model

Numerical simulation of multi-component flows is a challenging task. It requires dealing with mathematical models, numerical solution techniques, uniformity and nonuniformity of the physical and thermodynamic properties of the flow component and the dynamic changes of the interfaces. In this contribution a numerical application is developed to solve a pressure non-equilibrium multi-component model. The numerical solution is based on a finite volume scheme and the interface is treated as a diffuse zone with a small controlled thickness. Since each flow component has its own pressure, a pressure relaxation procedure is considered during the solution. The code is verified against benchmark tests in one and two dimension flows. The results show very good agreement with the reference data, which proves the capabilities of the developed numerical tools. Keywords—Compressible multi-component flows, interfaces, Godunov approach, Riemann solvers, pressure relaxation
Effects of lingual frenotomy on breastfeeding and electrical activity of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the effects of lingual frenotomy on the breastfeeding of infants, based on the electrical activity of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles and assessment of the breastfeeding. Methods Observational study developed between October 2017 and June 2018 with a sample of 20 newborns and infants who attended a dental clinic and were diagnosed with ankyloglossia. Another 20 were excluded for meeting some of the following exclusion criteria: babies more than 6 months old, who were not on exclusive or mixed breastfeeding, who had other clinical impairments that interfered with breastfeeding, who had other foods introduced into their diet, who had neurological changes and/or craniofacial deformities, and/or who did not finish all the stages of the study. Breastfeeding was assessed with the UNICEF Breastfeeding Assessment and Observation Protocol, while the muscle electrical activity was assessed with the Electrical Activity Assessment Protocol for the Masseter and Suprahyoid Muscles in Newborns During Breastfeeding. The same speech-language-hearing therapist conducted the two assessments both before the conventional frenotomy and 7 days after it. Results The signs suggestive of breastfeeding difficulties changed 7 days after the surgery, with a p-value ≤ 0.002 for general observation of the mother, position of the infant, latch, and sucking. The maximum voluntary contraction of the masseter was the only integral parameter with a difference, as the electrical activity had decreased. Conclusion Behaviors favorable to breastfeeding increased 7 days after the frenotomy in all the breastfeeding assessment categories, whereas the electrical activity of the masseter decreased.
Use of Recombinant Activated Factor VII in Bleeding Lung Transplant Patients Undergoing Perioperative ECMO Therapy

Background: Hemostasis in critically ill patients represents a fragile balance between hypocoagulation and hypercoagulation, and is influenced by various factors. Perioperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)—increasingly used in lung transplantation—further destabilizes this balance, not least due to systemic anticoagulation. In the case of massive hemorrhage, guidelines recommend considering recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa) as an ultima ratio treatment only after several preconditions of hemostasis have been established. These conditions are calcium levels ≥ 0.9 mmol/L, fibrinogen levels ≥ 1.5 g/L, hematocrit ≥ 24%, platelet count ≥ 50 G/L, core body temperature ≥ 35 °C, and pH ≥ 7.2. Objectives: This is the first study to examine the effect of rFVIIa on bleeding lung transplant patients undergoing ECMO therapy. The fulfillment of guideline-recommended preconditions prior to the administration of rFVIIa and its efficacy alongside the incidence of thromboembolic events were investigated. Methods: In a high-volume lung transplant center, all lung transplant recipients receiving rFVIIa during ECMO therapy between 2013 and 2020 were screened for the effect of rFVIIa on hemorrhage, fulfillment of recommended preconditions, and incidence of thromboembolic events. Results and Discussion: Of the 17 patients who received 50 doses of rFVIIa, bleeding ceased in four patients without surgical intervention. Only 14% of rFVIIa administrations resulted in hemorrhage control, whereas 71% of patients required revision surgery for bleeding control. Overall, 84% of all recommended preconditions were fulfilled; however, fulfillment was not associated with rFVIIa efficacy. The incidence of thromboembolic events within five days of rFVIIa administration was comparable to cohorts not receiving rFVIIa.
Vitamin D in Diabetes: Uncovering the Sunshine Hormone’s Role in Glucose Metabolism and Beyond

Over the last decades, epidemiology and functional studies have started to reveal a pivotal role of vitamin D in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes pathogenesis. Acting through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D regulates insulin secretion in pancreatic islets and insulin sensitivity in multiple peripheral metabolic organs. In vitro studies and both T1D and T2D animal models showed that vitamin D can improve glucose homeostasis by enhancing insulin secretion, reducing inflammation, reducing autoimmunity, preserving beta cell mass, and sensitizing insulin action. Conversely, vitamin D deficiency has been shown relevant in increasing T1D and T2D incidence. While clinical trials testing the hypothesis that vitamin D improves glycemia in T2D have shown conflicting results, subgroup and meta-analyses support the idea that raising serum vitamin D levels may reduce the progression from prediabetes to T2D. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of vitamin D in insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and immunity, as well as the observational and interventional human studies investigating the use of vitamin D as a treatment for diabetes.
Trends in the Quality of Primary Care and Acute Care in Korea From 2008 to 2020: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives Measuring the quality of care is paramount to inform policies for healthcare services. Nevertheless, little is known about the quality of primary care and acute care provided in Korea. This study investigated trends in the quality of primary care and acute care. Methods Case-fatality rates and avoidable hospitalization rates were used as performance indicators to assess the quality of primary care and acute care. Admission data for the period 2008 to 2020 were extracted from the National Health Insurance Claims Database. Case-fatality rates and avoidable hospitalization rates were standardized by age and sex to adjust for patients’ characteristics over time, and significant changes in the rates were identified by joinpoint regression. Results The average annual percent change in age-/sex-standardized case-fatality rates for acute myocardial infarction was -2.3% (95% confidence interval, -4.6 to 0.0). For hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, the age-/sex-standardized case-fatality rates were 21.8% and 5.9%, respectively in 2020; these rates decreased since 2008 (27.1 and 8.7%, respectively). The average annual percent change in age-/sex-standardized avoidable hospitalization rates ranged from -9.4% to -3.0%, with statistically significant changes between 2008 and 2020. In 2020, the avoidable hospitalization rates decreased considerably compared with the 2019 rate because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Conclusions The avoidable hospitalization rates and case-fatality rates decreased overall during the past decade, but they were relatively high compared with other countries. Strengthening primary care is an essential requirement to improve patient health outcomes in the rapidly aging Korean population.
A Review of Biomechanical and Physiological Effects of Using Poles in Sports

The use of poles in sports, to support propulsion, is an integral and inherent component of some sports disciplines such as skiing (cross-country and roller), Nordic walking, and trail running. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-the-art of literature on multiple influencing factors of poles in terms of biomechanical and physiological effects. We evaluated publications in the subfields of biomechanics, physiology, coordination, and pole properties. Plantar pressure and ground reaction forces decreased with the use of poles in all included studies. The upper body and trunk muscles were more active. The lower body muscles were either less active or no different from walking without poles. The use of poles led to a higher oxygen consumption (VO2) without increasing the level of perceived exertion (RPE). Furthermore, the heart rate (HR) tended to be higher. Longer poles reduced the VO2 and provided a longer thrust phase and greater propulsive impulse. The mass of the poles showed no major influence on VO2, RPE, or HR. Solely the activity of the biceps brachii increased with the pole mass.
Experimental Study of Energy Dissipation Rate Scaling Law in Turbulent Boundary Layer

Particle-image Velocimetry(PIV)system was used to measure the instantaneous streamwise velocity and longitudinal velocity in turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate.The turbulent energy dissipation rate was obtained by axisymmetric homogeneous hypothesis.In order to study turbulent energy dissipation rate scaling law,traditional statistics method was used to analyze experimental data.For different scales and different wall distances,experimental investigation indicates that turbulent energy dissipation rate scaling law is universal at small scale,in other words,turbulent energy is dissipated in small scale in turbulent boundary layer.In addition,the most intensive structure is proposed in further study based on Hierarchical-Structure model hypothesis.It is concluded that there exists an absolute scaling exponent for this most intensive structure in turbulent boundary layer,and the statistical absolute scaling behavior only produced the local and strong intermittence structure.
A 3D-Printed Biomaterial Scaffold Reinforced with Inorganic Fillers for Bone Tissue Engineering: In Vitro Assessment and In Vivo Animal Studies

This research aimed to substantiate the potential practicality of utilizing a matrix-like platform, a novel 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold, to enhance and guide host cells’ growth for bone tissue regeneration. The 3D biomaterial scaffold was successfully printed using a 3D Bioplotter® (EnvisionTEC, GmBH) and characterized. Osteoblast-like MG63 cells were utilized to culture the novel printed scaffold over a period of 1, 3, and 7 days. Cell adhesion and surface morphology were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy, while cell viability was determined using MTS assay and cell proliferation was evaluated using a Leica microsystem (Leica MZ10 F). The 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold exhibited essential biomineral trace elements that are significant for biological bone (e.g., Ca-P) and were confirmed through energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The microscopy analyses revealed that the osteoblast-like MG63 cells were attached to the printed scaffold surface. The viability of cultured cells on the control and printed scaffold increased over time (p < 0.05); however, on respective days (1, 3, and 7 days), the viability of cultured cells between the two groups was not significantly different (p > 0.05). The protein (human BMP-7, also known as growth factor) was successfully attached to the surface of the 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold as an initiator of osteogenesis in the site of the induced bone defect. An in vivo study was conducted to substantiate if the novel printed scaffold properties were engineered adequately to mimic the bone regeneration cascade using an induced rabbit critical-sized nasal bone defect. The novel printed scaffold provided a potential pro-regenerative platform, rich in mechanical, topographical, and biological cues to guide and activate host cells toward functional regeneration. The histological studies revealed that there was progress in new bone formation, especially at week 8 of the study, in all induced bone defects. In conclusion, the protein (human BMP-7)-embedded scaffolds showed higher regenerative bone formation potential (week 8 complete) compared to the scaffolds without protein (e.g., growth factor; BMP-7) and the control (empty defect). At 8 weeks postimplantation, protein (BMP-7) significantly promoted osteogenesis as compared to other groups. The scaffold underwent gradual degradation and replacement by new bones at 8 weeks in most defects.
Effect of velocity ratio on plane mixing layer Influence of the splitter plate wake

An experimental study has been conducted to investigate the effect of velocity ratio on the approach of a plane mixing layer to self-similarity. Plane mixing layers with five different velocity ratios (0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9) were generated in a newly designed mixing layer wind tunnel with both initial boundary layers tripped. For each velocity ratio, mean flow and turbulence measurements were obtained at eight streamwise locations with a single cross-wire probe. The results indicate that the splitter plate wake plays a very dominant and, in some cases, a lasting role in the development of the mixing layer. For velocity ratios between 0.5 and 0.7, self-similarity of the mixing layer was observed with the asymptotic states com- parable. Mixing layers with the higher velocity ratios failed to achieve a self-similar state within the measurement domain, al- though a slow approach to it was apparent. The development dis- tance decreased with increasing velocity ratio up to 0.7, after which it appeared to increase. Almost all of the observed effects may be attributed to the presence of the splitter plate wake and its complex interaction with the mixing layer.
Intercomparison of In-Flight Icing Algorithms. Part II: Statistical Verification Results

Abstract Recent research to improve forecasts of in-flight icing conditions has involved the development of algorithms to apply to the output of numerical weather prediction models. The abilities of several of these algorithms to predict icing conditions, as verified by pilot reports (PIREPs), are compared for two numerical weather prediction models (Eta and the Mesoscale Analysis and Prediction System) for the Winter Icing and Storms Program 1994 (WISP94) time period (25 January–25 March 1994). Algorithms included in the comparison were developed by the National Aviation Weather Advisory Unit [NAWAU, now the Aviation Weather Center (AWC)], the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s Research Applications Program (RAP), and the U.S. Air Force. Operational icing forecasts (AIRMETs) issued by NAWAU for the same time period are evaluated to provide a standard of comparison. The capabilities of the Eta Model’s explicit cloud liquid water estimates for identifying icing regions are also evaluated and compar.