Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis and control synthesis for fuzzy-observer-based controller of nonlinear systems: a fuzzy-model-based control approach

This study proposes a new category of fuzzy-observer-based controllers to stabilise non-linear plants based on the fuzzy-model-based control approach. A fuzzy observer is proposed to estimate the system states of the non-linear plant and a fuzzy-observer-based controller using the estimated system states for feedback compensation is proposed to close the feedback loop for the control process. It does not require that the fuzzy observer and fuzzy-observer-based controller have to share the same premise membership functions and the same number of rules of the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model. A membership-function-dependent stability analysis approach is proposed to investigate the stability of the fuzzy-observer-based control system based on the Lyapunov method. A set of bilinear matrix inequalities (BMIs) is obtained to guarantee the system stability and control synthesis. To find a feasible solution of the BMI-based stability conditions, a solution-searching algorithm, which combines global searching algorithm and convex programming techniques, is proposed. A simulation example is provide to demonstrate its capability of relaxing control design flexibility and effectiveness.
Green Solvents in the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Dried Apple Cultivars

New extraction protocols, gas-expanded liquid extraction (GXLE), and ultrasound extraction (UE) have been optimized with an emphasis on using green solvents and maximizing the extraction of 14 selected phenolic compounds, including flavonoid-based compounds and phenolic acids from dried apples. The design of the experiments’ approach was applied to optimize the main extraction parameters. Fine tuning included optimization of the flow rate in GXLE and the extraction time for GXLE and UE. Optimized GXLE was carried out with CO2–ethanol–water (34/53.8/12.2; v/v/v) at a flow rate of 3 mL/min at a temperature of 75 °C and pressure of 120 bar for 30 min. UE with ethanol–water 26/74 (v/v) lasted for 10 min at 70 °C. Both methods differed in solvent consumption and sample throughput, while providing a comparable total phenolic content of 2442 µg/g with an RSD < 10% and 2226 µg/g with RSD < 6%, for GXLE and UE, respectively. Both methods were used in determining the phenolic compounds in five apple cultivars, ‘Angold’, ‘Artiga’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Meteor’, and ‘Topaz’. Phenolic profiles were plotted with chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, hirsutrin, phloridzin, and guaiaverin as the main components. Statistical evaluation, including pair t-test, Bland–Altman test, and linear regression did not reveal any differences between UE and GXLE results.
Targeted Therapy and Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer

Simple Summary Internationally, in women, breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer type and is the leading cause of cancer-related death. There are two main histological classifications of BC, carcinoma in situ and carcinoma invasive. BC is further histologically subclassified as ductal carcinomas and lobular carcinomas. Once diagnosed, BC is typically treated based on the molecular subtype of cancer. The subtypes are based on the presence or absence of hormone receptors progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The main molecular subtypes of BC include Luminal A (ER+, PR+, HER2-), Luminal B (ER+, PR+ HER2+), HER2 enriched (ER−, PR−, HER2+), and basal-like/ triple-negative BC (TNBC). People with hormone-positive (ER+ and or HER2+) BC are typically treated with endocrine therapy and chemotherapy, making them easier to treat. TNBC, on the other hand, is more challenging to treat due to the lack of hormone receptors and the aggressiveness of this form of cancer. Unfortunately, most therapies used to treat BC can often lead to drug resistance, relapse, and metastasis to other body parts. Due to its complexity and many mechanisms, it is difficult to overcome drug resistance. However, further research into potential drug targets and their relationship with drug resistance could help circumvent BC drug resistance. Abstract Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been a large hurdle in reducing BC death rates. The drug resistance mechanisms include increased drug efflux, enhanced DNA repair, senescence escape, epigenetic alterations, tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment (TME), and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which make it challenging to overcome. This review aims to explain the mechanisms of resistance in BC further, identify viable drug targets, and elucidate how those targets relate to the progression of BC and drug resistance.
Ultra sonographic indices of the carotid artery in healthy adult population of southwest, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Introduction atherosclerosis develops insidiously, offering time and opportunities for early detection. Screening for subclinical atherosclerosis via structural wall changes and flow velocities among apparently healthy adults using carotid ultrasonography may help its early detection, offer timely intervention and reduce morbidity and mortality. Methods a cross-sectional study of 100 participants with a mean age of 56.1 ± 6.9 years, were enrolled from a community population. Both carotid arteries were examined for plaques, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and flow velocities - peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistive index (RI) using 4-12MHz linear array transducer. Visceral obesity, serum lipids, and blood glucose were also evaluated and correlated with ultrasound findings. Results the mean CIMT was 0.07 ± 0.02cm and 15% of the participants had increased CIMT. Statistically significance but weak correlations were observed between CIMT and FBG (r = 0.199, p = 0.047), EDV (r =0.204, p= 0.041), PI (r = -0.287, p = 0.004) and RI (r = -0.268, p =0.007). Statistically significance with modest correlations were observed between EDV and PSV (r = 0.48, p = 0.000), PI (r = -0.635, p = 0.000) and RI (r = -0.637, p = 0.000). The PI and RI showed strong correlation with statistical significance (r= 0.972, p = 0.000). Conclusion statistical significance in the flow velocities, derived flow indices and increased CIMT may be an early indication of subclinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, ultrasonography may facilitate its early detection and possible prevention of complications.
A Scoping Review of the Influence of Mindfulness on Men’s Sexual Activity

Mindfulness practice and mindfulness-based interventions are widely known, especially for women’s sexuality. However, it is currently unknown how this practice affects the experience of male sexuality, possibly due to the existence of pharmacological treatments that are usually the first choice of treatment for men. The objectives of this study are to explore the influence of mindfulness on different components of men’s sexuality from a scoping review of relevant scientific articles existing in the literature. A literature search from 2010 to 2022 was carried out in the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Dialnet, SciELO Citation Index, and Redalyc. Out of the 238 studies, 12 that met the defined selection criteria were selected. The analysis of these studies seems to indicate that the practice of mindfulness favours different variables of male sexuality, such as satisfaction and sexual functioning or genital self-image. Mindfulness-based interventions represent a valuable and promising contribution. No adverse effects were detected from the review of scientific articles considered in this work. Nevertheless, more randomized studies with active control groups are necessary to establish the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in sex therapy for men.
Association of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with Calcification and Cardiovascular Markers in Chronic Kidney Disease

We aimed to investigate the association between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), simple, rapidly assessed markers from the complete blood count with vascular calcification (VC)/stiffness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dephosphorylated, uncarboxylated matrix Gla-protein (dp-ucMGP), and central/peripheral hemodynamics’ parameters were measured in 158 CKD patients, including Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. Spearman’s rho analysis showed that RDW correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.29, p < 0.001), dp-ucMGP (r = 0.43, p = < 0.0001), central diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = −0.19, p = 0.02), and albuminuria (r = −0.17, p = 0.03). NLR correlated with the duration of CVD (r = 0.32, p < 0.001), CRP (r = 0.27, p = 0.01), dp-ucMGP (r = 0.43, p < 0.0001), central DBP (r = −0.32, p < 0.0001) and eGFR (r = −0.25, p = 0.04). In multiple regression models, circulating dp-ucMGP was an independent predictor of RDW (β = 0.001, p = 0.001) and NLR (β = 0.002, p = 0.002). In CKD patients, RDW and NLR are associated with traditional and novel markers of VC and CVD.
Genomic Survey of Flavin Monooxygenases in Wild and Cultivated Rice Provides Insight into Evolution and Functional Diversities

The flavin monooxygenase (FMO) enzyme was discovered in mammalian liver cells that convert a carcinogenic compound, N-N′-dimethylaniline, into a non-carcinogenic compound, N-oxide. Since then, many FMOs have been reported in animal systems for their primary role in the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds. In plants, this family has diverged to perform varied functions like pathogen defense, auxin biosynthesis, and S-oxygenation of compounds. Only a few members of this family, primarily those involved in auxin biosynthesis, have been functionally characterized in plant species. Thus, the present study aims to identify all the members of the FMO family in 10 different wild and cultivated Oryza species. Genome-wide analysis of the FMO family in different Oryza species reveals that each species has multiple FMO members in its genome and that this family is conserved throughout evolution. Taking clues from its role in pathogen defense and its possible function in ROS scavenging, we have also assessed the involvement of this family in abiotic stresses. A detailed in silico expression analysis of the FMO family in Oryza sativa subsp. japonica revealed that only a subset of genes responds to different abiotic stresses. This is supported by the experimental validation of a few selected genes using qRT-PCR in stress-sensitive Oryza sativa subsp. indica and stress-sensitive wild rice Oryza nivara. The identification and comprehensive in silico analysis of FMO genes from different Oryza species carried out in this study will serve as the foundation for further structural and functional studies of FMO genes in rice as well as other crop types.
Effects of amifostine against blunt chest trauma-induced cardiac injury in rats

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine whether two different doses of dexamethasone (DXM), which is a corticosteroid, and amifostine (AMI), which reduces cumulative tissue toxicity induced by cisplatin in advanced-stage cancer patients, have ameliorative effects on pathologic changes associated with cardiac contusion (CC) induced in rats. METHODS: Forty-two Wistar albino rats were equally divided into six groups (n=7): C, CC, CC+AMI 400, CC+AMI 200, CC+AMI+DXM, and CC+DXM. Tomography images and electrocardiographic analyzes were performed, mean arterial pressure was measured from the carotid artery, and blood and tissue samples were obtained for histopathological and biochemical analyses after trauma-induced CC. RESULTS: While the total oxidant status and disulfide parameters in the cardiac tissue and serum were significantly higher (p<0.05), the total antioxidant status, total thiol, and native thiol parameters were significantly lower (p<0.01) in rats with trauma-induced CC. The most frequently observed finding in the electrocardiography analyze was ST elevation. CONCLUSION: According to evaluation based on histological, biochemical, and electrocardiographic examinations, we believe that only 400 mg/kg dose of AMI or DXM can be effective in the treatment of myocardial contusion in rats. Evaluation based on histological findings.
Factor Components, Population Subgroups and the Computation of the Gini Index of Inequality

A simple technique based on matrix algebra is proposed to compute the Gini Index of Inequality; to obtain its decomposition by factor components when detailed data on income sources are available; to derive a breakdown of the inequality into, within, and between classes inequality when the income units are grouped by income range; and to compute the contribution of the within and between groups inequality, as well as that of some interaction term, when the data are classified by population subgroups. Copyright 1989 by MIT Press.
Subgingival microbiome at different levels of cognition

ABSTRACT Oral health and declining cognition may have a bi-directional association. We characterized the subgingival microbiota composition of subjects from normal cognition to severe cognitive decline in two cohorts. Memory and Periodontitis (MINOPAR) include 202 home-living participants (50–80 years) in Sweden. Finnish Oral Health Studies in Older Adults (FINORAL) include 174 participants (≥65 years) living in long-term care in Finland. We performed oral examination and assessed the cognitive level with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). We sequenced the 16S-rRNA gene (V3-V4 regions) to analyse the subgingival bacterial compositions. The microbial diversities only tended to differ between the MMSE categories, and the strongest determinants were increased probing pocket depth (PPD) and presence of caries. However, abundances of 101 taxa were associated with the MMSE score. After adjusting for age, sex, medications, PPD, and caries, only eight taxa retained the significance in the meta-analyses of the two cohorts. Especially Lachnospiraceae [XIV] at the family, genus, and species level increased with decreasing MMSE. Cognitive decline is associated with obvious changes in the composition of the oral microbiota. Impaired cognition is accompanied with poor oral health status and the appearance of major taxa of the gut microbiota in the oral cavity. Good oral health-care practices require special deliberations among older adults.
Effects of straw mixed mulch length and coverage on infiltration, soil and water loss of Loess Plateau slopes

To study the influence of the wheat straw length and mulching on soil erosion under mixed mulch application, indoor simulation experiments were adopted to study the characteristics of infiltration, runoff and sediment yield changes under a rainfall intensity of 90 mm hr−1. The results indicated that the length, coverage and interaction imposed significant effects on these variables. With increasing coverage, the infiltration exhibits a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The change trend of runoff and sediment is the opposite of the infiltration trend. When the length is less than or equal to 8–10 cm and the coverage is lower than 4.5 t hm−2, the sum of the length and coverage multiplied by the length and coverage attains a power function relationship with the slope infiltration rate. When the length is greater than or equal to 8–10 cm and the coverage is lower than 4.5 t hm−2, the sum of the length and coverage multiplied by the coverage divided by the length attains a power function relationship with slope infiltration rate. The reciprocal of these two variables attains a power function relationship with runoff and sediment yield. In this study, when the length ranged from 8–10 cm and the coverage was 3.5 t hm−2, the average infiltration rate was the highest, and the cumulative runoff and sediment yield were the lowest. Mixed straw mulching can effectively increase infiltration and reduce runoff and sediment yield, which is of great significance for the sustainable development of agriculture and ecology on slope farms.
Serum Concentrations and Dietary Intake of Vitamin B12 in Children and Adolescents on Metformin: A Case–Control Study

The International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) recommends metformin (MET) use for metabolic disturbances and hyperglycemia, either in combination with insulin therapy or alone. A caveat of MET therapy has been suggested to be biochemical vitamin B12 deficiency, as seen mainly in studies conducted in adults. In the present case–control study, children and adolescents of different weight status tiers on MET therapy for a median of 17 months formed the cases group (n = 23) and were compared with their peers not taking MET (n = 46). Anthropometry, dietary intake, and blood assays were recorded for both groups. MET group members were older, heavier, and taller compared with the controls, although BMI z-scores did not differ. In parallel, blood phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were lower in the MET group, whereas MCV, Δ4-androstenedione, and DHEA-S were higher. No differences were observed in the HOMA-IR, SHBG, hemoglobin, HbA1c, vitamin B12, or serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations between groups. Among those on MET, 17.4% exhibited vitamin B12 deficiency, whereas none of the controls had low vitamin B12 concentrations. Participants on MET therapy consumed less energy concerning their requirements, less vitamin B12, more carbohydrates (as a percentage of the energy intake), and fewer fats (including saturated and trans fats) compared with their peers not on MET. None of the children received oral nutrient supplements with vitamin B12. The results suggest that, in children and adolescents on MET therapy, the dietary intake of vitamin B12 is suboptimal, with the median coverage reaching 54% of the age- and sex-specific recommended daily allowance. This low dietary intake, paired with MET, may act synergistically in reducing the circulating vitamin B12 concentrations. Thus, caution is required when prescribing MET in children and adolescents, and replacement is warranted.
4.3 terahertz four‐wave mixing spectroscopy of InGaAsP semiconductor amplfiers

A four‐wave mixing experiment in a bulk InGaAsP traveling‐wave semiconductor amplifier is reported. The maximum pump‐probe detuning is 4.3 THz. The equivalent time resolution of 37 fs is high enough to measure with good accuracy the time constant of spectral‐hole burning (100 fs in our case). The simultaneous presence of spectral‐hole burning and of an instantaneous, within our time resolution, saturation process is clearly displayed.
Desposition And Erosion In An Alluvial Channel

Deposition and erosion of sediment particles are studied experimentally in a laboratory channel. It was found that for the same hydraulic conditions, deposition gives different numerical results than erosion. While erosion has been sufficiently studied before, a systematic investigation on deposition has - to our knowledge - never been done before. Our results are summarized on Fig. 9: two families of curves- for deposition and for erosion - a r e shown. For the same sedimentary material and the same shear stress, τ∗, the number of particles in movement, N", is smaller for erosion than for deposition. If one compares our results with Shields' function, one notices that the particle motion is more intense if the Reynolds number, Re ∗, are smaller. To obtain our data a special “particle-counting” system was developed, which is depicted in Fig. 2.
Exploring the cross-linguistic functioning of the Principles of WH-Movements: The case of Pakistani ESL learners

Abstract This is a cross-linguistic study conducted with Pakistani learners of English in the classroom setting. This study aimed to explore whether the UG Principles of WH-movement supported or restricted Urdu-speaking learners in forming direct WH-questions in English. For data collection, a sample of 260 students was selected using convenience sampling from ten (10) private and four (04) public sector secondary schools from Lahore. To address the research questions of this study, frequency data were collected through Grammaticality judgment Tasks with thirty-six (36) WH-questions in Urdu. Each Urdu sentence is followed by two English translations (T1 & T2). The statistical analysis showed that UG Principles of WH-movement were fully available to Pakistani ESL learners whose L1 was Urdu. The study has important implications for the UG researchers in that more cross-linguistic studies are needed to verify Chomsky’s Hypothesized UG regarding non-English languages. The study also suggests revisiting the Critical Period Hypothesis. Besides, the teachers and materials developers of English grammar in non-native settings like Pakistan should rethink the role of direct instruction of rules and carrier content in teaching WH-questions to learners of English as a second language.
Balanced Repeated Replications for Standard Errors

Abstract Balanced repeated replications (BRR) is a general method for computing standard errors. It is useful when mathematical distribution theory is impractical or lacking, and especially for analytical statistics based on complex samples where clustering destroys the independence of observations. Presented are results of methods used to measure standard errors of regression coefficients for several multivariate techniques. The basic designs of the several samples comprised two primary selections (PS) per stratum. Each replication was a half-sample, created by selecting one PS from each stratum. The variance of the coefficient , estimated from the entire sample, is measured by , where bj is the same estimator based on a half-sample. To increase the precision of the variance estimate, select k repeated replications and obtain the mean of the k computed variances, . Balanced repeated replications reduce the number of repetitions needed; e.g., 48 balanced replications sufficed for 47 strata in our samples.
The Role of Magnetic Transcranial Stimulation in the Diagnosis and Post-Surgical Follow-Up of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) consists of spinal cord damage due to its compression through the cervical spine. The leading cause is degenerative. The diagnosis is clinical, and the therapeutic approach is usually surgical. Confirmation of the diagnostic suspicion is done by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, this test lacks functional information of the spinal cord, the abnormality of which may precede involvement in neuroimaging. Neurophysiological examination using somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows for an evaluation of spinal cord function, and provides information in the diagnostic process. Its role in the post-surgical follow-up of patients undergoing decompressive surgery is being studied. We present a retrospective study of 24 patients with DCM and surgical decompression who underwent neurophysiological tests (TMS and SSEP) before, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The result of the TMS and the SSEP in the post-operative follow-up did not correlate with the clinical outcome, either subjective or measured by clinical scales at six months. We only found post-surgical improvement of central conduction times (CMCTs) in patients with severe pre-surgical motor impairment on TMS. In patients with normal pre-surgical CMCT, we found a transient worsening with return to baseline at the one-year follow-up. Most patients presented pre-surgical increased P40 latency at diagnosis. CMCT and SSEP were more related to clinical outcomes one year after the surgical procedure and were very useful in diagnosing.