Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury in Adult Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective: Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world. Studies found that the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients was more than double the incidence of AKI in non-COVID-19 patients. Some findings confirmed that AKI is a strong independent risk factor for mortality in patients with COVID-19 and is associated with a three-fold increase in the odds of in-hospital mortality. However, little information is available about AKI in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to analyse the risk factors for AKI in adult patients with COVID-19. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data from 1 December 2019 to 30 January 2021. We extracted data from eligible studies to compare the effects of age, sex, chronic diseases and potential risk factors for AKI on the prognosis of adult patients with COVID-19. Results: In total, 38 studies with 42,779 patients were included in this analysis. The meta-analysis showed that male sex (OR = 1.37), older age (MD = 5.63), smoking (OR = 1.23), obesity (OR = 1.12), hypertension (OR=1.85), diabetes (OR=1.71), pneumopathy (OR = 1.36), cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.98), cancer (OR = 1.26), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR = 4.56), mechanical ventilation (OR = 8.61) and the use of vasopressors (OR = 8.33) were significant risk factors for AKI (P < 0.05). Conclusions: AKI is a common and serious complication of COVID-19. Overall, male sex, age, smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, pneumopathy, cardiovascular disease, cancer, CKD, mechanical ventilation and the use of vasopressors were independent risk factors for AKI in adult patients with COVID-19. Clinicians need to be aware of these risk factors to reduce the incidence of AKI. System Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier [CRD42021282233].
Processed Food and Atopic Dermatitis: A Pooled Analysis of Three Cross-Sectional Studies in Chinese Adults

Objective: The effect of processed foods on atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults is unclear. This study was to evaluate the association between processed foods and AD in the Chinese adult population. Design: This study included three population-based cross-sectional studies using cluster sampling by villages, institutions, or factories. Participants underwent dermatological examinations by certificated dermatologists and a food frequency questionnaire survey. A spot urine sample was collected to estimate the daily sodium intake. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were presented as the effect size. Setting: Shiyan city of Hubei province, and Huayuan, Shimen, Hengyang, Zhuzhou, and Changsha of Hunan province. Participants: Automobile manufacture workers from Shiyan of Hubei province, and rural residents and civil servants from Hunan. Results: A total of 15,062 participants, including 3,781 rural residents, 5,111 civil servants, and 6,170 workers, completed all evaluations. Compared to those hardly consumed pickles, consumption of pickles 1–3 times per week was significantly associated with AD (aOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.06–1.70). The intake of processed meats 1–3 times per month (aOR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.05–1.58) and 1–3 times per week (aOR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.11–1.87) were associated with AD dose-dependently when compared with those who rarely ate processed meats. Compared with non-consumers, the consumption of any processed foods 1–3 times per week (aOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.08–1.80) and ≥4 times per week (aOR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.05–1.89) showed increased risks of AD. A positive association of estimated sodium intake with AD was also observed. Conclusion: Intake of processed foods is associated with AD in Chinese adults.
Characterization of line-edge roughness in photoresist using an image fading technique

A technique was developed to investigate the role of aerial image contrast and image-log-slope (ILS) on the resulting magnitude of line edge roughness (LER) in resist with the goal of determining if the minimization of LER in current state-of-the-art, chemically amplified resist materials was limited by the quality of the projected aerial image or the materials and processing of the resist. The process of image fading was employed as the vehicle for controlled aerial image degradation. By reducing the quality of the aerial image through fading, the image contrast and ILS were decreased in a well-controlled and predictable manner, resulting in increased magnitude of LER. The link between experiment and simulation was made possible by the identification of the iso-fading condition, which in analogy to the iso-focal dose, results in a unique exposure dose for which the critical dimension (CD) of a resist feature does not change with increasing levels of fading. At the iso-fading condition, experimentally measured values for LER were analyzed as a function of the contrast and ILS of the aerial image used for patterning. It was determined that contrast was a poor predictor of the magnitude of LER though variations in feature type or illumination. The change in LER as a function of the ILS, however, produced a common basis for the comparison of LER through variations in line width, pitch, fading, increased background level of light, and illumination conditions. To include the effects of exposure dose on the resulting LER of resist features, the experimentally measured analog of the ILS, the resist edge-log-slope (RELS), was also used to produce a common curve for the evaluation of resist LER. Although overexposure can be used to further increase the ILS of the aerial image at the edge of the printed feature, the magnitude of 3σ LER in PAR735 resist appeared to be limited to a value of approximately 5.0nm in the limit of infinite RELS. This suggested that while the aerial image plays a strong role on determining the magnitude of LER during resist printing, there also exists a fundamental limitation to LER from the resist materials that cannot be improved by further increase in the quality of the aerial image.
Influence of basketball shoe mass, traction and bending stiffness on athletic performance

cal regions vulnerable to injuries. While the average and peak pressure are important parameters that can identify the pressure distribution and injury potential, the ratio of peak to average plantar pressure may reveal other aspects of the of tissue breakdown. Furthermore this will be a useful outcome measure for the influence of footwear and orthotics while investigating footwear biomechanics. Acknowledgement
Testing of Atmospheric Turbulence Effects on the Performance of Micro Air Vehicles

Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) are generally operated at low altitudes and within the earth boundary layer. This is a very dynamic environment with varying wind intensity and turbulence levels far greater than those experienced by traditional manned aircraft cruising at higher altitudes. Yet aerodynamic research on MAVs is often based on the assumption of steady aerodynamics. Little effort has been made to experimentally determine the validity of this assumption. In this paper, the effect of turbulence on the performance of a MAV is studied using flight testing in different wind conditions. Flight testing technique, data logging equipment and data reduction are explained. Additionally, a low cost technique for propeller performance measurement is presented. Results show that the flow around a MAV flying in windy conditions qualifies as highly unsteady, although the impact on its performance is surprisingly small for the kind of turbulence levels at which MAVs can be expected to operate. Accelerometer data from the flights reveals that if steady aerodynamic theory is assumed, increasing turbulence should have resulted in a measurable drag increase, thus indicating that the tested MAV to some extent passively manages to benefit from the turbulence.
Optimum schedule control of conveyer line

In the automobile industry today, various options are allowed on a single type of vehicle to meet the variety of customer tastes, and vehicles of different work specifications are carried along the same conveyer line accordingly. Since different semifinished articles on the conveyer require different work times in work zones, the work load in each work zone varies largely with the conveyer-in sequence. If the conveyer-in sequence is not proper, there is an increased risk of conveyer shutdown or an unnecessary reduction of conveyer speed and production. In this paper, the work condition of a conveyer line having N work zones is mathematically expressed, and the optimization of the conveyer-in sequence is shown as maximizing the minimum work allowance for all work zones and all semifinished articles. The problem is complicated, however, because the work allowance at the point of time when a semifinished article is worked on is a function of the work time and work sequence of semifinished articles in the previous work zones. Moreover, the real work is liable to be disturbed unexpectedly and requires the work schedule to be done dynamically and updated constantly so as to reflect current circumstances. A conveyer-in sequence control system which is optimum in this sense is presented together with its proofs.
Prevalence of Oral Lesions in COVID-19 Egyptian Patients

Objectives: The aim of this article is to detect whether oral lesions affect the tongue mainly due to higher cells expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) than in other oral sites in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the etiology of oral lesions was evaluated either resulting from SARS-CoV-2 sequelae or from adverse effects of drugs used for COVID-19 treatment. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients were admitted to the study. All patients’ data were obtained including age and gender, laboratory testing, drug administration, respiratory and systemic conditions, signs and symptoms, and oral manifestations. Results: Oral manifestations were seen in 112 (90.3%) of all patients. Oral ulcers represented the most prevalent lesions in the oral cavity in 104 patients (92.8%). Lip, tongue, and labial mucosa showed the most common sites for oral ulcers. Most of oral lesions were displayed in the tongue in 96 patients (85.7%). Various medications were used in the treatment of patients. Conclusion: The tongue represented the most common site of oral lesions in COVID-19 patients followed by the labial mucosa. No correlation was found between the oral lesions and the drugs used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The systemic health and the severity of the disease were not related to the spread of the oral lesions.
Bombesin Receptor Subtypes in Human Cancers: Detection with the Universal Radioligand I-[ Bombesin(6 –14)

Purpose: Bombesin and bombesin receptors have been shown to play a role in cancer. Whereas the gastrin-releas-ing peptide (GRP) receptor is a bombesin receptor subtype frequently expressed by tumors, the other three subtypes, the neuromedin B (NMB), BB3, and BB4 receptors, have been poorly investigated in human tissues. Experimental Design: We investigated 161 human tumors for their bombesin receptor subtype expression using in vitro receptor autoradiography with the universal bombesin radioligand 125 I-[ D -Tyr 6 , (cid:1) -Ala 11 , Phe 13 , Nle 14 ]bombesin(6–14) in displacement experiments with unlabeled GRP, bombesin, NMB, and [ D -Tyr 6 , (cid:1) -Ala 11 , Phe 13 , Nle 14 ]bombesin(6–14). The distinct rank order of potencies of these analogues for each receptor subtype allows us to identify the predominant subtype expressed by each tumor. Results: Twelve of 12 prostate cancers, 41 of 57 breast cancers, and 5 of 5 gastrinomas expressed predominantly GRP receptors; 11 of 24 intestinal, 1 of 26 bronchial, and 1 of 1 thymic carcinoids had preferentially NMB receptors; 9 of 26 bronchial carcinoids, 1 large cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma, and 4 of 9 small cell lung carcinomas had preferentially BB3 receptors, whereas 3 of 9 small cell lung carcinomas had GRP receptors. Renal cell carcinomas had GRP receptors in 6 of 16 cases and BB3 receptors in 4 of 16 cases. Finally, 2 of 10 Ewing sarcomas had BB3 receptors. In situ hybridization detected BB3 receptor mRNA in neuroendocrine tumors expressing the BB3 protein. Conclusions: This is the first study detecting the proteins of BB3, NMB, and GRP receptors in a group of human tumors using differential binding techniques. Particularly relevant is the BB3 expression in lung carcinoids and other neuroendocrine lung tumors, whereas gastrointestinal carcinoids preferably express NMB receptors. These tumors may be targets for diagnostic and radiotherapeutic applications of subtype-selective bombesin analogues.
A Satisficing Heuristic Decision-Making Model under Limited Attention and Incomplete Preferences

Classical choice theory assumes that a decision-maker considers all feasible alternatives. However, a decision-maker in the real world can not consider all alternatives because of limited attention. In this paper, we propose a satisficing choice model to describe the choice procedure based on the incomplete preferences under the limited attention of the decision-maker. Moreover, the existence and rationality properties of the satisficing choice model on the different domains are studied combined with some proposed rationality conditions. Further, the proposed satisficing choice model is applied to a case of quality competition. Results show that the satisficing choice model of this paper is of a certain theoretical guiding significance to a kind of emergency decisions made by decision-makers under the circumstance of time pressure and limited information. It can also be the theoretical foundation for the study on the boundedly rational decision-making.
Workload control and order release in two-level multi-stage job shops: an assessment by simulation

Most studies on the performance of workload control (WLC) order release methods assume products have simple structures. But, in practice, products are often complex and consist of a number of sub-assemblies that flow through a ‘level 1’ job shop before converging on several final assembly operations in a ‘level 2’ assembly shop. Evaluating the performance of release methods in this context – referred to as the ‘two-level multi-stage job shop’ – is an important step towards improving the alignment between WLC theory and practice. We use simulation to assess the performance of four of the best-performing WLC order release methods. Results suggest that WLC order release has the potential to limit work-in-process (WIP) while reducing the percentage of tardy jobs. It is also important to consider when and where release should be controlled. Results suggest that: (1) orders should be considered for release to level 2 when the first sub-assembly is complete, rather than only when all of the sub-assemblies that make up an assembly order are complete at level 1; and, (2) exercising control at level 2 (with or without control at level 1) leads to a greater reduction in the percentage of tardy jobs than control at level 1 only.
Design and implementation of a personal computer based automatic voltage regulator for a synchronous generator

An effective and straightforward design method for a digital voltage regulator for a synchronous generator is presented. The design is carried out directly in the z-domain using the root locus method. Simple software routines were written in assembly language thereby making it suitable for online computer control. Digital simulation studies were also carried out to test and compare the design and its dynamic results. The design was implemented on a laboratory size 5 kVA generator with an IBM personal computer acting as the digital controller. Results from the experimental set-ups reinforced the theoretical expectations. >
Rationalizing the Implementation of Web-Based Project Management Systems in Construction Projects Using PLS-SEM

AbstractWhile web-based project management (WBPM) systems have been widely implemented in most construction projects, the current literature lacks any clear consensus on rationalizing such decisions across the industry. In an attempt to understand the factors influencing the implementation of web-based systems and their performance in construction projects, a theoretical structural model has been established, termed the partial least-square structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The effect of six latent variables on the performance of WBPM systems has been analyzed using the empirical data collected from a questionnaire survey of 77 respondents within the construction industry. The results of the data analysis suggest that the implementation of web-based systems (PMB) is rationalized with the two key factors being complexity (PC) and information streamline (IS) in the project. The general perception of increased users’ satisfaction (US) and transparency and accountability (TA) has no strong empirical basis .
Regionalization of the Hargreaves Coefficient for the Assessment of Distributed Reference Evapotranspiration in Southern Italy

AbstractThe Hargreaves equation (HE) is the most reliable and diffused temperature-based method for the estimate of the reference crop evapotranspiration ETo in areas with limited meteorological data. Several studies proposed its further enhancement by adopting correction equations for recalibrating its parameters, specifically the empirical Hargreaves coefficient, C=0.0023. In this paper, a local recalibration for southern Italy is shown, taking as a reference the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Penman-Monteith (PM) equation applied over 137 (34 coastal and 103 inland) meteorological stations, allowing the estimation of 357,920 daily ETo values in the period 1994–2011. Through a regression analysis, the adjusted Hargreaves coefficients (AHC), minimizing the errors for each individual station between the HE and the FAO Penman-Monteith equation, and providing better performances than the original HE applied at the monthly scale, were correlated to the available daily meteorolo.
The “Mixed Bag” of Segregation – On positive and negative associations with migrants’ acculturation

Many researchers and practitioners consider ethnic segregation in neighbourhoods or schools detrimental to migrants’ acculturation in host societies. Empirically, however, segregation is a ’mixed bag’ and its effects depend crucially on the investigated acculturationdomain(e.g.,negativeforlanguageskills,positiveforwell-being). Asmost prior studies have focused on a restricted spectrum of acculturation, a comprehensive assessment within one single study is needed to establish comparability across different acculturation domains. Among over 8000 immigrant-background students from four countries, we investigated the association of classroom segregation, defined as opportunities for contact with natives and other migrants, with a broad spectrum of acculturation (academic, attitude-related, identity-related, social, health-related, and psychological criteria). Some findings were consistent (e.g., academic acculturation), some were contrary to prior research (e.g., social acculturation). In sum, our results shed light on the ’mixed bag’ of segregation and contribute to the understanding of a crucial social issue.
Real-time output voltage control method of quasi-ZCS series resonant HF-linked DC-AC converter

This paper proposes a real-time control method of a series resonant high-frequency linked DC-AC converter employing quasi-zero current switching (quasi-ZCS) and a feedback control method for sinusoidal output voltage. An approximate analysis of the converter is performed, and then simplified equations and an equivalent circuit similar to the conventional PWM inverters/inverters are obtained. A real-time feedback control of the converter is realized using the equivalent circuit without detecting HF link current. The usefulness of the proposed control algorithm is confirmed by experimental results. >
Simulation of electrical and thermal behavior of high temperature superconducting fault current limiting transformer (HTc-SFCLT)

Superconducting Fault Current Limiting Transformer (SFCLT) is expected to perform functions both of transformer in the normal operating condition and of fault current limiter in the system fault condition. As the Phase-3 of the SFCLT project, we have been developing SFCLT based on Bi2212/CuNi bulk coils at LN2 temperature and verified its technical feasibility. In this paper, we developed a numerical model for evaluation of the electrical and thermal behavior of HTc-SFCLT such as current limitation and recovery characteristics. This model took into account E-J characteristics of Bi2212/CuNi bulk coil and its electrical and thermal transient phenomena during the operation of HTc-SFCLT. The simulated current agreed well with the experimental data with the error of less than 5%. The excellent current limitation and self recovery characteristics obtained by the experiments could also be reproduced. With the numerical model, current and thermal behavior of HTc-SFCLT was simulated for different parameters of conductor configuration, which would be useful for the future design and optimization of HTc-SFCLT.
The Significance of Barriers to Entry in the Construction Industry

This research looks at the significance of barriers that firms considering entry into the construction industry might face. Drawing on the microeconomic characteristics of imperfectly competitive and oligopolistic markets the analysis finds that there are a dozen barriers to entry that affect the industry, but their significance depends on the product type. The discussion covers the question of product homogeneity in construction and evidence for the existence of barriers to entry in concentration levels. Barriers to entry specific to construction are then identified, which leads to an analysis of how they operate and their significance (high, medium or low) in different market types, thus increasing our understanding of construction industry dynamics.
Triton Ziehl-Neelsen technique does not improve detection of TB bacilli in sputum

Background: Addition of Triton X 100 reagent to conventional Ziehl-Neelsen staining has been shown to improve detection of tuberculosis bacilli in CSF to diagnose TB meningitis. We evaluated its performance in sputum in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: We compared the Triton ZN technique with the conventional ZN method on the sputum of 68 patients suspected with pulmonary tuberculosis by Bland Altman agreement analysis. Results: The Triton ZN technique detected lower number of bacilli than the conventional AFB staining method at all the tested concentrations of Triton X100 by a mean difference in the AFB score ranging from 0.2 to 0.5. Conclusions: Our study suggests that Triton X 100 added to conventional ZN staining does not improve detection of M. tuberculosis in sputum.
Efektivitas Terapi Menulis Ekspresif Dalam Menurunkan Public Speaking Anxiety Pada Korban Bullying

Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk mengkaji efektivitas metode terapi menulis ekspresif dalam menurunkan public speaking anxiety. Ini merupakan penelitian berjenis eksperimen dengan memakai desain One Group Pretest-Posttest dengan jumlah subjek 20 orang yang dipilih menggunakan Purposive Sampling. Data yang diperoleh diuji normalitasnya menggunakan uji Shapiro-Wilk dan dilanjutkan dengan uji Paired Sample T-Test menggunakan IBM Statistics 25 for Windows. Uji Paired Sample T-Test yang dilakukan menghasilkan signifikansi Paired Sample Test 0.007 (p<0.05) dengan demikian terbukti bahwa terapi menulis ekspresif efektif dalam menurunkan public speaking anxiety pada siswa-siswi korban bullying kelas XI SMA Methodist Antiokhia Pancur Batu