Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro digestibility, glycaemic index and bile acid–binding capacity of foods containing different types of resistant starch in comparison with the commercial resistant starches

This study investigated the in vitro digestibility, glycaemic index (GI) and bile acid–binding capacity (BABC) of some potential resistant starch source food products (PRSF). Commercially available resistant starch (RS) samples, Hylon VII (RS2), Novelose 330 (RS3) and Fibersym (RS4) were also included in the study. The RS content of the PRSF used in this study was in the range of 25–77%. Standardised static in vitro digestion processes were applied, and the total digestibility, GI and BABC of the samples were determined. The digestibility of commercial RS samples was lower than the PRSF samples. No significant correlation was found between digestibility and RS or total dietary fibre (TDF) contents of the samples. A statistically significant positive correlation was obtained between GI and in vitro digestibility values. In addition, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the GI and TDF content of the PRSF samples. In addition, it was observed that neither RS content nor RS type had a significant effect on BABC.
Deposition, Dietary Exposure and Human Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Mechanically Milled Maize Flours in Mbarara City, Uganda

Consumption of maize and maize-based products contributes a significant percentage to the total food energy intake in Uganda. However, the production of maize-derived foodstuffs is performed traditionally or by small- and medium-scale processors using different processing techniques. This can lead to differences in the quality of these products from processors, raising food safety concerns. In this study, the effects of mechanical processing (milling) methods on deposition of heavy metals into milled maize flour and the associated consumption health risks were assessed. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to quantitatively establish the concentration of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) in 100 samples of maize milled using a wooden mortar (n = 2), a metallic mortar (n = 2), diesel engine−powered mills (n = 48) and electric motor−powered mills (n = 48). Results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in mg/kg were Fe (11.60–34.45), Cu (0.50–8.10), Ni (0.50–1.60), Mn (0.70–25.40), Zn (4.40–15.90), Pb (0.53–10.20), Cd (0.51–0.85), Cr (0.50–1.53) and Co (0.50–1.51). The highest concentrations were found in flour milled using a traditional metallic mortar while the lowest levels were in those samples milled using a wooden mortar. The Fe, Pb and Cd contents of flours produced using the metallic mortar and some commercial mills was found to be higher than the permissible limits set by WHO/FAO. Human health risk assessment showed that there are potential carcinogenic health risks from adults’ intake of heavy metals in maize flour milled using a metallic mortar. Therefore, processing of maize flour needs to be monitored by the relevant statutory bodies in Uganda to minimize the possibility of heavy metal contamination of food products and animal feeds.
Therapeutic hypothermia to treat neonatal encephalopathy improves childhood outcomes

T herapeutic hypothermia (TH) for moderate and severe neonatal encephalopathy has been shown to reduce the risk of newborn death, major neurodevelopmental disability, developmental delay, and cerebral palsy. It is estimated that 8 newborns with moderate or severe neonatal encephalopathy need to be treated with TH to prevent 1 case of cerebral palsy. The key elements of TH include: • initiate hypothermia within 6 hours of birth • cool the newborn to a core temperature of 33.5 ̊ C to 34.5 ̊ C (92.3 ̊ F to 94.1 ̊ F) for 72 hours • obtain brain ultrasonography to assess for intracranial hemorrhage • obtain sequential MRI studies to assess brain structure and function • initiate EEG monitoring for seizure activity. During hypothermia the newborn is sedated, and oral feedings are reduced. During TH, important physiological goals are to maintain normal oxygenation, blood pressure, fluid balance, and glucose levels.
Tracking the distribution of non-professional subtitles to study new audiences

This paper analyzes the consumers in the context of non-professional subtitling (NPS). Using web scraping techniques to collect data about the downloading rate of non-professional subtitles we explore the behavior of consumers. Drawing on the case of the subtitles for House of Cards in Addic7ed.com, a popular multilingual non-professional subtitle distribution website, we describe the consumption of non-professional subtitles and the users’ response. After outlining the situation of the international audiences for audiovisual products and the relevance of consumers as the driving force behind NPS communities, we analyze the collected data in terms of their interest in the originality of the content and their wish to access the content immediately after it is available. Our findings indicate that the users of non-professional subtitles are highly engaged consumers, eager to access the content as soon as possible and interested in watching it in its original language (English), even with intralingual (same-language) subtitles.
Improving Surgical Safety in Living Donor Renal Transplantation With Antiseptic Skin Preparation, Bladder Irrigation, Corner-Saving Vascular Anastomosis, DJ Stenting, and Extravesical Ureteroneocystostomy Modifications: A Comprehensive Approach

Introduction The antiseptic skin preparation, bladder irrigation, corner-saving vascular anastomosis, DJ stenting, and extravesical ureteroneocystostomy (ABCDE) approach encompasses a range of modifications applied during different stages of the surgical procedure in renal transplantation. These modifications include the following: A, antiseptic skin preparation sequentially with cetrimide 3.35%, chlorhexidine scrub 4%, spirit, and povidone-iodine 10%; B, bladder irrigation with amikacin and betadine solution; C, corner-saving end-to-side vascular anastomosis; D, DJ stenting with early postoperative removal within three weeks; and E, extravesical ureteroneocystostomy using our institute's modified Lich-Gregoir technique. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted at our institution between March 2021 and May 2023. Data were collected from the patients' medical records and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). Statistical tests, including t-test, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test, were used for analysis. The study assessed various recipient, donor, intraoperative, and post-transplant factors, as well as surgical complications and stent-related factors. Results Out of 72 renal transplantations, 12 (16.6%) had the following surgical complications: urinary (n = 4; 5.5%), wound-related (n = 3; 4.1%), and lymphocele (n = 5; 6.9%). The most common complications were lymphocele (n = 5; 6.9%) and urinary leak (n = 4; 5.5%). Surgical complications were more common in male recipients (91.6% versus 8.3%), as well as in recipients with longer dialysis duration (24 ± 17 versus 11.0 ± 7 months) and had extended hospitalization time (16.4 ± 8.6 versus 8.0 ± 2.9 days) (p < 0.05). Wound infection correlated with longer surgeries (>300 minutes) and other complications. Lymphocele patients had higher drain output (>500 mL) on day 1 and longer hospital stays (>15 days). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were linked to dialysis duration (>24 months), diabetes, and longer indwelling times of DJ stents and urinary catheters. Early DJ stent removal (<3 weeks) reduced UTI incidence and symptoms (p < 0.05). All complications were categorized as minor (3a or less), according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Conclusion The modified ABCDE surgical approach in renal transplantation decreased the complications, showing favorable outcomes compared to those in the literature.
Influence of annealing environment on the ALD-Al2O3/4H-SiC interface studied through XPS

The instability of Al2O3/4H-SiC interface at various process temperatures and ambient is investigated by the annealing of Al2O3/4H-SiC in low vacuum conditions as well as in N2 environments. Atomic layer deposited Al2O3 on a 4H-SiC substrate with 3, 6 and 10 nm of thicknesses is treated at 300, 500, 700 and 900 °C under the vacuum level of 10−1 torr. The as-deposited and annealed structures are analyzed using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is hypothesized that the minute quantity of oxygen present in low vacuum conditions diffuses through thin layers of Al2O3 and helps in forming SiO2 at the interface even at low temperatures (i.e. 300 °C), which plays a pivotal role in determining the electrical properties of the interface. It is also proved that the absence of oxygen in the ambient prevents the formation of SiO2 at low temperatures. Additionally, it is observed that Al–OH is present in as-deposited layers, which gradually reduces after annealing. However, at around 700 °C, the concentration of oxygen in the whole structure increases to maximum and reduces at 900 °C.
Allyl Isothiocianate Induces Ca2+ Signals and Nitric Oxide Release by Inducing Reactive Oxygen Species Production in the Human Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cell Line hCMEC/D3

Nitric oxide (NO) represents a crucial mediator to regulate cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the human brain both under basal conditions and in response to somatosensory stimulation. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) stimulates the endothelial NO synthase to produce NO in human cerebrovascular endothelial cells. Therefore, targeting the endothelial ion channel machinery could represent a promising strategy to rescue endothelial NO signalling in traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a major active constituent of cruciferous vegetables, was found to increase CBF in non-human preclinical models, but it is still unknown whether it stimulates NO release in human brain capillary endothelial cells. In the present investigation, we showed that AITC evoked a Ca2+-dependent NO release in the human cerebrovascular endothelial cell line, hCMEC/D3. The Ca2+ response to AITC was shaped by both intra- and extracellular Ca2+ sources, although it was insensitive to the pharmacological blockade of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1, which is regarded to be among the main molecular targets of AITC. In accord, AITC failed to induce transmembrane currents or to elicit membrane hyperpolarization, although NS309, a selective opener of the small- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, induced a significant membrane hyperpolarization. The AITC-evoked Ca2+ signal was triggered by the production of cytosolic, but not mitochondrial, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and was supported by store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Conversely, the Ca2+ response to AITC did not require Ca2+ mobilization from the endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes or mitochondria. However, pharmacological manipulation revealed that AITC-dependent ROS generation inhibited plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) activity, thereby attenuating Ca2+ removal across the plasma membrane and resulting in a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. In accord, the AITC-evoked NO release was driven by ROS generation and required ROS-dependent inhibition of PMCA activity. These data suggest that AITC could be exploited to restore NO signalling and restore CBF in brain disorders that feature neurovascular dysfunction.
Challenges in the determination of the interstellar flow longitude from the pickup ion cutoff

Context. The interstellar flow longitude corresponds to the Sun’s direction of movement relative to the local interstellar medium. Thus, it constitutes a fundamental parameter for our understanding of the heliosphere and, in particular, its interaction with its surroundings, which is currently investigated by the Interstellar Boundary EXplorer (IBEX). One possibility to derive this parameter is based on pickup ions (PUIs) that are former neutral ions that have been ionized in the inner heliosphere. The neutrals enter the heliosphere as an interstellar wind from the direction of the Sun’s movement against the partially ionized interstellar medium. PUIs carry information about the spatial variation of their neutral parent population (density and flow vector field) in their velocity distribution function. From the symmetry of the longitudinal flow velocity distribution, the interstellar flow longitude can be derived. Aim. The aim of this paper is to identify and eliminate systematic errors that are connected to this approach of measuring the interstellar flow longitude; we want to minimize any systematic influences on the result of this analysis and give a reasonable estimate for the uncertainty. Methods. We use He + data measured by the PLAsma and SupraThermal Ion Composition (PLASTIC) sensor on the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory Ahead (STEREO A) spacecraft. We analyze a recent approach, identify sources of systematic errors, and propose solutions to eliminate them. Furthermore, a method is introduced to estimate the error associated with this approach. Additionally, we investigate how the selection of interplanetary magnetic field angles, which is closely connected to the pickup ion velocity distribution function, affects the result for the interstellar flow longitude. Results. We find that the revised analysis used to address part of the expected systematic effects obtains significantly different results than presented in the previous study. In particular, the derived uncertainties are considerably larger. Furthermore, an unexpected systematic trend of the resulting interstellar flow longitude with the selection of interplanetary magnetic field orientation is uncovered.
Analysis and Evaluation of Roadblocks Hindering Lean-Green and Industry 4.0 Practices in Indian Manufacturing Industries

This research is focused on the identification, assessment, analysis, and evaluation of the impact of the most prominent out of many roadblocks impeding the implementation of Lean-Green and I4.0 practices in manufacturing industries. The research methodology is underpinned by an extensive literature review with expert interventions to make it comprehensive and far-reaching. Further, this exploratory research to address the broad objectives is based on a large sample size, which is validated statistically and empirically for its aptness. A combination of widely used statistical methods is used to converge, assess, analyze, and evaluate the impact of each roadblock individually and in the group on I4.0 implementation in industry. The study prominently depicts lack of organizational leadership, unclear waste management practices, and missing environment-friendly practices as the most prominent roadblocks hindering the progression of Lean-Green and I4.0 adoption. The novel PCA-ISM Fuzzy MICMAC integrated model developed in this research makes this article unique.
Compact four-element SRR-loaded dual-band MIMO antenna for WLAN/WiMAX/WiFi/4G-LTE and 5G applications

A four-element dual-band MIMO configuration consisting of split-ring resonator (SRR)-loaded inverted L-monopole antenna elements is realised. In the proposed antenna, the lower-frequency mode of the unloaded MIMO configuration merges with one SRR-induced antenna resonance. This leads to antenna operation around 2.93 GHz with wide impedance bandwidth (IBW) of 35.21%, encompassing the lower WLAN, worldwide interoperability for microwave access, wireless fidelity, fourth generation (4G)-long-term evolution and sub-6 GHz 5G bands. Furthermore, due to SRR loading, the proposed MIMO antenna exhibits a resonance at 5.68 GHz (IBW 6.86%), covering the upper WLAN band. Minimum inter-element isolation of 14 dB is achieved, in spite of the compact total area ( 0.103 λ 0 2 , λ 0 = highest operating wavelength) and the presence of inter-connected ground plane. Both the working bands exhibit directional radiation patterns with average gain ≈ 4 dBi . Experiments on the fabricated antenna prototype confirm that the simulated and measured S-parameters, radiation patterns (envelope-correlation coefficient, channel capacity loss and total active reflection coefficient) are in good agreement.
Bipartite output containment of general linear heterogeneous multi‐agent systems on signed digraphs

This study investigates the bipartite output containment control of general linear heterogeneous multi-agent systems on signed communication networks with antagonistic interactions, modelled as negative weights on the digraph. The authors first formulate a new control problem referred to as the bipartite output containment. This control paradigm aims to make each follower's output converge to a dynamic convex hull spanned by the outputs and the sign-inverted outputs of multiple leaders. Second, the authors prove that the bipartite output containment problem can be solved by making some suitably defined signed output containment errors go to zero asymptotically. Then, the authors construct three different control protocols, using full-state feedback, static output-feedback, and dynamic output-feedback designs. These control protocols are based on a distributed feed-forward approach, which requires a feedback gain to make the closed-loop system matrix stable, and a feed-forward gain to drive trajectories of the closed-loop system toward a subspace that renders the regulated signed output containment errors zero. Numerical simulations are performed to validate the proposed control protocols.
Numerical estimates of the essential spectra of quantum graphs with delta-interactions at vertices

ABSTRACT In this paper, we consider periodic metric graphs embedded in , equipped by Schrödinger operators with bounded potentials q, and -type vertex conditions. Graphs are periodic with respect to a group isomorphic to . Applying the limit operators method, we give a formula for the essential spectra of associated unbounded operators consisting of a union of the spectra of the limit operators defined by the potential q. We apply this formula and the spectral parameter power series (SPPS) method for the analysis of the essential spectral of Schrödinger operators with potentials q of the form , where is a periodic potential and is a slowly oscillating at infinity potential. The conjunction of both methods lead to an effective technique that can be used for performing numerical analysis as well. Several numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Timescales of starspot variability in slow rotators

There is an intriguing proximity between the turnover time τ MLT of the standard mixing length theory of the Sun and the timescale τ lam of solar activity patterns at the space scale of giant laminar convection assumed in deep layers of the Sun. To verify the reliability of this correspondence, we analyzed the light curves of 637 slowly rotating stars, observed by the Kepler mission, with periods from 16 to 30 days. The proximity τ MLT ≈ τ lam is conﬁrmed. The performed study also conﬁrms the manifestation of large scale turbulence in the dynamics of surface activity such as that in the Sun. These results open a new way to measure the key astrophysical parameter τ MLT and to study deep convection that has been undetected with asteroseismology.
Nucleosynthesis in stellar models across initial masses and metallicities and implications for chemical evolution

Tracing the element enrichment in the Universe requires to understand the element production in stellar models which is not well understood, in particular at low metallicity. In this thesis a variety of nucleosynthesis processes in stellar models across initial masses and metallicities is investigated and their relevance for chemical evolution explored. Stellar nucleosynthesis is investigated in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) models and massive star models with initial masses between 1 M and 25 M for metal fractions of Z = 0.02, 0.01, 0.006, 0.001, 0.0001. A yield grid with elements from H to Bi is calculated. It serves as an input for chemical evolution simulations. AGB models are computed towards the end of the AGB phase and massive star models are calculated until core collapse followed by explosive core-collapse nucleosynthesis. The simulations include convective boundary mixing in all AGB star models and feature efficient hot-bottom burning and hot dredge-up in AGB models as well the predictions of both heavy elements and CNO species under hot-bottom burning conditions. H-ingestion events in the low-mass low-Z AGB model with initial mass of 1 M at Z = 0.0001 result in the production of large amounts of heavy elements. In super-AGB models H ingestion could potentially lead to the intermediate neutron-capture process. To model the chemical enrichment and feedback of simple stellar populations in hydrodynamic simulations and semi-analytic models of galaxy formation the SYGMA module is created and its functionality is verified through a comparison with a widely adopted code. A comparison of ejecta of simple stellar populations based on yields of this work with a commonly adopted yield set shows up to a factor of 3.5 and 4.8 less C and N enrichment from AGB stars at low metallicity which is attributed to complete stellar models, the modeling of the AGB stage and hot-bottom burning in superAGB stars. Analysis of two different core-collapse supernova fallback prescriptions show that the total amount of Fe enrichment by massive stars differs by up to two at Z = 0.02. Insights into the chemical evolution at very low metallicity as motivated by the observations of extremely metal poor stars require to understand the H-ingestion events common in stellar models of low metallicity. The occurrence of H ingestion events in super-AGB stars is investigated and identified as a possible site for the production of heavy elements through the intermediate neutron capture process. The peculiar abundance of some C-Enhanced Metal Poor stars are explained with simple
Simulation of floating bodies using a combined immersed boundary with the level set method in REEF3D

The 6DOF algorithm implemented in the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model REEF3D is used to simulate a horizontal cylinder in heave motion around the free surface and the motion of a freely floating rectangular barge in waves. The numerical model uses a staggered Cartesian grid. The free surface is obtained with the level set method. The floating body is described with a primitive triangular surface mesh neglecting connectivity. A ray-tracing algorithm is used to determine the intersection of this surface mesh with the underlying Cartesian grid. In this way, the model avoids re-meshing the domain while calculating the motion of the floating object. The moving fluid-solid boundary is treated with the immersed boundary ghost cell method. In order to validate the model, two test cases are presented. First, the damping of the heave motion after providing an initial excitation by raising the center of gravity of the cylinder slightly above the free surface is calculated and the numerical results are compared to experimental data. Then, the motion of a freely floating rectangular barge is simulated under different wave conditions. The barge is free to move in surge, roll and heave motions. The numerical results are compared to the experimental results to validate the algorithm. The results show that the numerical model REEF3D represents the motion of floating objects well, with good agreement with the experimental results.