Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Malva parviflora Leaves Mucilage: An Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Biopolymer with Antioxidant Properties

Malva parviflora L. is an edible and medicinal herb containing mucilaginous cells in its leaves. Mucilage obtained from M. parviflora leaves (MLM) was extracted in distilled water (1:10 w/v) at 70 °C followed by precipitation with alcohol. Preliminary phytochemical tests were performed to assess the purity of the extracted mucilage. Results showed that the yield of mucilage was 7.50%, and it was free from starch, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, lipids and heavy metals. MLM had 16.19% carbohydrates, 13.55% proteins and 4.76% amino acids, which indicate its high nutritional value. Physicochemical investigations showed that MLM is neutral and water-soluble, having 5.84% moisture content, 15.60% ash content, 12.33 swelling index, 2.57 g/g water-holding capacity and 2.03 g/g oil-binding capacity. The functional properties, including emulsion capacity, emulsion stability, foaming capacity and stability increased with increased concentrations. Micromeritic properties, such as bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index, Hausner ratio, and angle of repose, were found to be 0.69 g/cm3, 0.84 g/cm3, 17.86%, 1.22 and 28.5, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that MLM is an amorphous powder possessing particles of varying size and shape; meanwhile, rheological studies revealed the pseudoplastic behavior of MLM. The thermal transition process of MLM revealed by a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogram, occurring at a reasonable enthalpy change (∆H), reflects its good thermal stability. The presence of functional groups characteristic of polysaccharides was ascertained by the infrared (IR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. GC revealed the presence of five neutral monosaccharides; namely, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, glucose and mannose, showing 51.09, 10.24, 8.90, 1.80 and 0.90 mg/g of MLM, respectively. Meanwhile, galacturonic acid is the only detected acidic monosaccharide, forming 15.06 mg/g of MLM. It showed noticeable antioxidant activity against the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical with an IC50 value of 154.27 µg/mL. It also prevented oxidative damage to DNA caused by the Fenton reagent, as visualized in gel documentation system. The sun protection factor was found to be 10.93 ± 0.15 at 400 µg/mL. Thus, MLM can be used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry and as a therapeutic agent due to its unique properties.
Design and implementation of AC voltage dependent current order limiter at Pacific HVDC Intertie

This paper presents design and implementation of AC-voltage dependent current order limiter at the Pacific WDC Intertie. Reactive power and inertial support to the Celilo HVDC terminal have been limited because of new operating requirements for hydropower plants on the lower Columbia River. Under these operating conditions, a large set of contingencies was identified when the PDCI can be contributing to AC voltage collapse in the lower Columbia area and to north-south power oscillations. On August 10, 1996, a WSCC system outage occurred under similar generating conditions. To correct the PDCI dynamic response, we designed and implemented the AC-VDCOL function in the PDCI pole controls. The system studies demonstrated consistent benefit of the new controls for the system stability and dynamic performance. The system tests confirmed AC-VDCOL benefit.
EFFECTS OF MATHEMATICS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL)

This study investigated the effect of Mathematics innovation and technology on students’ academic performance in open and distance learning. Quasi – experimental research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consisted of all the 200 level primary education students at the National Open University of Nigeria (Ekiti and Lagos State Chapter). The sample of this study was made of 60 students randomly selected using stratified sampling technique. Hypotheses were postulated to find out whether, (i) Mathematics innovation and technology influences academic performance of open and distance learning students (ii) location and gender disparity influences academics performance of students in Mathematics. The study revealed that Mathematics innovation, location, gender and technology influences academic performance of students in Mathematics. Based on the findings it is recommended that Mathematics innovation and technology should be embraced in Open and Distance Learning so as to enhance better performance of students in Mathematics.
An Adaptive Routing Framework for Efficient Power Consumption in Software-Defined Datacenter Networks

Data Center Networks (DCNs) form the backbone of many Internet applications and services that have become necessary in daily life. Energy consumption causes both economic and environmental issues. It is reported that 10% of global energy consumption is due to ICT and network usage. Computer networking equipment is designed to accommodate network traffic; however, the level of use of the equipment is not necessarily proportional to the power consumed by it. For example, DCNs do not always run at full capacity yet the fact that they are supporting a lighter load is not mirrored by a reduction in energy consumption. DCNs have been shown to unnecessarily over-consume energy when they are not fully loaded. In this paper, we propose a new framework that reduces power consumption in software-defined DCNs. The proposed approach is composed of a new Integer Programming model and a heuristic link utility-based algorithm that strikes a balance between energy consumption and performance. We evaluate the proposed framework using an experimental platform, which consists of an optimization tool called LinGo for solving convex and non-convex optimization problems, the POX controller and the Mininet network emulator. Compared with the state-of-the-art approach, the equal cost multi-path algorithm, the results show that the proposed method reduces the power consumption by up to 10% when the network is experiencing a high traffic load and 63.3% when the traffic load is low. Based on these results, we outline how machine learning approaches could be used to further improve our approach in future work.
Modeling, analysis, and implementation of parallel multi-inverter systems with instantaneous average-current-sharing scheme

Parallel multi-inverter systems can be designed to have the advantages of expandable output power, improved reliability, and easy N+X redundancy operation. However, a current-sharing control scheme has to be employed to enable the inverters to share the load current equally. A multi-inverter system with instantaneous average-current-sharing scheme is presented in this paper. By introducing a disturbance source to represent all the sources that may cause current unbalances, a model of the system can be built. Some key issues are discussed based on the model, including stability of the current-sharing controller, impedance characteristics and voltage regulation. Three experimental 110 VAC/1.1 kVA inverters are built and paralleled to verify the theoretical predictions.
Three-Dimensional Visualization of Shock Cell Structure and Screech Tone Emission in Underexpanded Circular Jet

The three-dimensional visualization of flow and screech-tone emission from an underexpanded circular jet is first investigated experimentally using high-speed cross-schlieren imaging and microphone measurements in the cross-sectional planes along the jet axis. This experimental technique allows the visualization of the shock-cell structure, directivity of sound intensity, and frequency spectrum in the cross-sectional planes of the screeching jet. The high-speed cross-schlieren observation of the screeching jet shows the occurrence of an asymmetrical shock-cell structure that is generated by the flapping mode in the screeching jet. This contributes to the generation of a screech tone propagating upstream along the jet axis and non-uniform sound intensities around the jet in circumferential direction. These observations by high-speed cross-schlieren imaging were validated by the microphone measurements.
Level of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Weight Status among Adolescent Female Gymnasts: A Cross-Sectional Study

Adolescent female gymnasts are a vulnerable population in terms of their diet, as their nutritional needs are higher due to their growth and high daily training demands. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a well-known dietary pattern that is associated with a greater nutritional adequacy and a lower prevalence of overweight. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the degree of adherence to the MD among adolescent female athletes who participated in all disciplines of gymnastics in Greece, as well as to explore the potential correlations between MD adherence, body weight, and body mass index (BMI). A total of 269 female gymnasts (between 11–18 years old) completed the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) and reported their weight and height. Approximately 10% of the participants were underweight and a mere 5.6% were classified as overweight. A high adherence to the MD was reported by 34.9% of the sample and this was correlated with a healthier BMI. Moreover, specific eating habits, such as eating nuts 2–3 times per week and eating fast-food less than once-weekly, were also associated with BMI. Athletes, parents, and coaches of gymnastics should be informed and educated regarding balanced nutrition habits. Future studies could evaluate adherence to MD, as well as the factors that influence the eating behaviors of adolescent female and male athletes in various sports.
Frailty and Differences in Self-Reported Sexual Functioning Among Older Females and Males in National Social life, Health and Aging Project

Objective To understand the association of frailty with females’ and males’ self-reported sexual functioning. Methods Logistic regression on 5 domains of sexual function by frailty status (robust, pre-frail, frail) were analyzed from 2058 respondents to National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2010–2011). Results Females had similar frailty profiles to males, but more often reported low overall sexual functioning (12.9% v. 4.0%). Compared to robust, pre-frail and frail males had higher odds of sexual function-related: anxiety (pre-frail OR 1.91 95% CI [1.33, 2.74]; frail OR 2.13 95% CI [1.03, 4.41]), negative changes (pre-frail: OR 1.40, 95% CI [1.00, 1.96]; frail: OR 2.42, 95% CI [1.51, 3.89]), and erectile dysfunction (pre-frail: OR 1.81, 95% CI [1.23,2.68]; frail: 2.00, 95% CI [1.00,4.02]); frail females had 1.69 times higher odds (95% CI [1.16,2.48]) of negative changes. Discussion Frailty may be a clinical indicator of sexual functioning decline for males more than females.
Subjective evaluation of additive sound designed to reinforce acoustic feedback of electric vehicle

Because booming sound of internal combustion engine is eliminated in electric vehicle (EV), it has been complained that EV is not fun-to-drive and drivers cannot get information of driving speed by its sound. In order to overcome this problem, signal processing method of additive engine sound has been suggested. However, because it strongly affects interior sound quality and so does brand image, this strategy must be carefully evaluated before applied. In this study, two types of signal processing methods were adapted to recorded EV sound and subjective evaluation was conducted. Total 10 stimuli were judged by 30 drivers in terms of sensation of acceleration, sound image, and preference. Effects of each signal processing method are compared and advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed.
Comparison of Characteristics and Inpatient Outcomes of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colon Cancer: A Propensity-Based Nationwide Inpatient Sample Study

Introduction Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) frequently develop colon cancer. Previous studies have identified the association between IBD and colon cancer. In this study, we explored the characteristics and outcomes of IBD patients with colon cancer admitted to the hospitals of the United States. Methods Patients who were hospitalized patients with diagnoses of IBD and colon cancer were compared with patients with IBD without colon cancer. The data were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from January 2016 to December 2017. Comparisons were made with regards to mortality, complications, in-hospital stay, and cost of treatment between the two groups. Results We identified 1,82,025 hospitalizations from January 2016 to December 2017 admitted with a diagnosis of IBD. Of these, 181,560 patients had IBD without colon cancer, and 465 patients had IBD with colon cancer. No statistically significant difference was observed with regards to the in-hospital mortality between the two groups. There were higher odds of acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR 1.54, 95% CI 6.6-9.8; p=0.00), colectomy (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.3-2.5; p=0.0) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.8-3.7; p=0.04) in patients with IBD and colon cancer. A longer length of stay (7.1±6.9 vs.5.0±5.6, p=0.00) and higher mean total charge ($20,283 vs. $12,166, p=0.00) were observed in patients with IBD with colon cancer. Conclusions Patients with IBD-associated colon cancer appear to have higher complication rates, higher costs, and more extended hospital stays. Therefore, early identification and management of complications related to IBD among patients with colon cancer are particularly crucial to reduce morbidity as well as the cost of hospitalization and treatment.
When have violent civil conflicts spread? Introducing a dataset of substate conflict contagion

The spread, diffusion, spillover, or contagion of violent civil conflict – including insurgencies, coups, or other internal armed conflict – across international borders is of great concern to civil war scholars and international security policymakers alike. For instance, great power military interventions are often predicated in part on the belief that if a given conflict is not stopped now, it may spread and destabilize an entire region. Nevertheless, our understanding of this phenomenon of ‘substate conflict contagion’ is hindered by the lack of a comprehensive and accurate universe of cases. In this article I introduce an original dataset of cases and non-cases of substate conflict contagion between 1946 and 2007. The key difference between my dataset and other datasets of this phenomenon is that I require in my definition of contagion not only the spatial and temporal proximity of two conflicts, but also a documented causal link between them. After introducing the dataset and the process by which it was constructed, I show that substate conflict contagion by my definition is significantly less common than previous scholarship and policymaker rhetoric suggest, and that its correlates – and potentially the best methods with which to measure those correlates – are different from prior research as well. Policy implications are considered, and applications of this dataset for future conflict research are explored.
New emerging techniques in combination with conventional methods in improving the quality, safety, and nutrient values of food products

Quality, safety, and nutrient values of food products can be changed under various conditions along the production chain, even on consumers’ tables. Although based on the scientific reports, many techniques, including conventional and emerging technologies, are approached during harvest, post-harvest, processing, storage, and distribution of food products, the idea of minimal processing of food products still attracted considerable attention.
An over 2200-km coherent transmission experiment at 2.5 Gb/s using erbium-doped-fiber in-line amplifiers

A 2223 km transmission distance was achieved with a 2.5-Gb/s heterodyne detection system that used erbium-doped-fiber in-line amplifiers and dispersion-shifted single-mode fibers. Twenty-five amplifiers, placed at approximately 80-km intervals, offered a total gain of more than 440 dB. Receiver sensitivity was -42.0 dBm, with only a 4.2-dB penalty from the initial sensitivity achieved by the back-to-back configuration. >
Request for Information: Benchmarks and Metrics for Major Highway Projects

AbstractA request for information (RFI) is a formal written procedure initiated by the contractor seeking additional information or clarification for issues related to design, construction, and other contract documents. Large numbers of RFIs along with slow responses to RFIs are frequently cited as a metric for poor project performance. Implementation of an RFI process is an integral part of successful project management for construction projects that improves communication between the construction, design, and project management teams. The use of RFIs is common in vertical construction, but is just gaining use and acceptance in the delivery of transportation infrastructure projects. The purpose of this paper is to benchmark the RFI process and develop benchmarks and metrics to aid project teams in assessing the performance of a transportation infrastructure project and to provide best practices for improving the overall RFI process. Data on RFIs were collected from major highway construction projects in .
Effect on an Oral Nutritional Supplement with β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and Vitamin D on Morphofunctional Aspects, Body Composition, and Phase Angle in Malnourished Patients

This is a retrospective study of data from clinical practice to observe the effect of a high-calorie, high-protein oral nutritional supplement (ONS) with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on nutritional status, body weight, and muscle-related parameters in 283 adult patients with or at risk of malnutrition under standard of care, 63% being cancer patients. They were recommended to increase physical activity and energy and protein intake from regular diet plus two servings per day of a specialized ONS enriched with HMB or standard ONS for up to 6 months. Dietary records, adherence and tolerance to ONS, nutritional status, body composition, handgrip strength, and blood analysis at the beginning and the end of the intervention were recorded. This program improved nutritional status from 100% malnourished or at risk of malnutrition at baseline to 80% well-nourished at final visit. It also increased body weight by 3.6–3.8 kg, fat-free mass by 0.9 to 1.3 kg, and handgrip strength by 4.7 to 6.2 kg. In a subgroup of patients (n = 43), phase angle (PhA), and body cell mass (BCM) increased only in the patients receiving the ONS enriched with HMB (0.95 (0.13) vs. −0.36 (0.4), and 2.98 (0.5) vs. −0.6 (1.5) kg, mean difference (SE) from baseline for PhA and BCM, respectively), suggesting the potential efficacy of this supplement on muscle health.
Austerities and Aspirations. A Comparative History of Growth, Consumption, and Quality of Life in East Central Europe since 1945. By Béla Tomka.

Austerities and Aspirations suggests a new methodological approach for a more nuanced understanding of convergence and divergence between East Central and Western European countries. Specialized in social policy and economic history, with a particular focus on international comparisons, Professor Béla Tomka, who is best known for his outstanding A Social History of Twentieth-Century Europe,1 is an expert on twentieth-century Hungarian society.2 His results in comparative historical research are remarkable in Hungarian historiography. The current volume is a revisited version of his book published in 2011, which mainly concentrated on twentieth-century Hungary.3 The well-constructed book consists of five main chapters, with several subchapters leaving space for the elaboration of details. The introduction conceptualizes the triple approach to well-being: the concepts of economic growth, consumption, and quality of life. Tomka explains his approach by saying that it is meant to overcome the deficiencies of economic analysis focusing merely on GDP and economic output, while the available data on consumption practices and quality of life might facilitate a more complex understanding of economic and social history. Following the introduction of the aims and scope of his research and the possible methods, sources, and their deficiencies, the author argues in favor of long-term and comparative methods. Tomka is clearly aware of the methodological difficulties and shortcomings and reflects upon them throughout the book. In the introduction, we also get a brief description of the volume’s content and structure. While
Clinical Analysis of NMOSD with Area Postrema Syndrome as Initial Symptom

Objective: Patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) with the initial manifestation of area postrema syndrome (APS) often have unexplained nausea and vomiting and are easily misdiagnosed for the NMOSD. The purpose of this study was to report and discuss clinical analysis, including diagnosis and treatment of 4 cases of NMOSD with APS as the first symptom.Methods: Four patients with intractable nausea and vomiting were selected for the analysis and finally the cases were confirmed for the NMOSD. All of these patients started with misdiagnosis and mismanagement initially.Results: Among the 4 patients included in this study, 3 were admitted to the department of gastroenterology at the onset of the disease, and 2 of them were not correctly diagnosed and treated on time due to misdiagnosis. Therefore, their symptoms worsened, and they needed to be transferred to ICU for life support. No obvious early medulla lesions were found in one patient. One patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone, and plasma exchange but there was no significant clinical improvement, and then the disease was relapsed during the treatment with low-dose rituximab.Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of NMOSD are complex and diverse, and the initial symptoms, onset age of the patient, and MRI findings can all influence the clinicians' judgment of the disease. Early identification of the APS and timely therapy can prevent visual and physical disabilities, even respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is necessary to identify specific and sensitive serum and imaging markers for predicting the prognosis and recurrence of the disease.
Friction factor and heat tranfer coeﬀicient of R134a liquid flow in mini-channels

This article presents an experimental study of friction factor and heat transfer coeﬃcient for a vertical liquid up-ﬂow of R134a. A ﬂat aluminium multiport extruded tube composed of 11 parallel rectangular channels (3 : 28 mm (cid:1) 1 : 47 mm) with hydraulic diameter of 2.01 mm was used. Mass ﬂux ranges from 28 to 800 kg m (cid:2) 2 s (cid:2) 1 and heat ﬂux from 0.84 to 22 kW m (cid:2) 2 . Working pressure is around 2000 kPa and inlet subcooling around 70 K. The results were compared with those found in the literature for conventional tubes and mini-channels, and discussed.