Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single-Bubble Rising in Shear-Thinning and Elastoviscoplastic Fluids Using a Geometric Volume of Fluid Algorithm

The motion of air bubbles within a liquid plays a crucial role in various aspects including heat transfer and material quality. In the context of non-Newtonian fluids, such as elastoviscoplastic fluids, the presence of air bubbles significantly influences the viscosity of the liquid. This study presents the development of an interface-capturing method for multiphase viscoelastic fluid flow simulations. The proposed algorithm utilizes a geometric volume of fluid (isoAdvector) approach and incorporates a reconstructed distance function (RDF) to determine interface curvature instead of relying on volume fraction gradients. Additionally, a piecewise linear interface construction (PLIC) scheme is employed in conjunction with the RDF-based interface reconstruction for improved accuracy and robustness. The validation of the multiphase viscoelastic PLIC-RDF isoAdvector (MVP-RIA) algorithm involved simulations of the buoyancy-driven rise of a bubble in fluids with varying degrees of rheological complexity. First, the newly developed algorithm was applied to investigate the buoyancy-driven rise of a bubble in a Newtonian fluid on an unbounded domain. The results show excellent agreement with experimental and theoretical findings, capturing the bubble shape and velocity accurately. Next, the algorithm was extended to simulate the buoyancy-driven rise of a bubble in a viscoelastic shear-thinning fluid described by the Giesekus constitutive model. As the influence of normal stress surpasses surface tension, the bubble shape undergoes a transition to a prolate or teardrop shape, often exhibiting a cusp at the bubble tail. This is in contrast to the spherical, ellipsoidal, or spherical-cap shapes observed in the first case study with a bubble in a Newtonian fluid. Lastly, the algorithm was employed to study the buoyancy-driven rise of a bubble in an unbounded elastoviscoplastic medium, modeled using the Saramito–Herschel–Bulkley constitutive equation. It was observed that in very small air bubbles within the elastoviscoplastic fluid, the dominance of elasticity and capillary forces restricts the degree of bubble deformation. As the bubble volume increases, lateral stretching becomes prominent, resulting in the emergence of two tails. Ultimately, a highly elongated bubble shape with sharper tails is observed. The results show that by applying the newly developed MVP-RIA algorithm, with a tangible coarser grid compared to the algebraic VOF method, an accurate solution is achieved. This will open doors to plenty of applications such as bubble columns in reactors, oil and gas mixtures, 3D printing, polymer processing, etc.
PCL/Agarose 3D-printed scaffold for tissue engineering applications: fabrication, characterization, and cellular activities

Background and purpose: Biomaterials, scaffold manufacturing, and design strategies with acceptable mechanical properties are the most critical challenges facing tissue engineering. Experimental approach: In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were fabricated through a novel three-dimensional (3D) printing method. The PCL scaffolds were then coated with 2% agarose (Ag) hydrogel. The 3D-printed PCL and PCL/Ag scaffolds were characterized for their mechanical properties, porosity, hydrophilicity, and water absorption. The construction and morphology of the printed scaffolds were evaluated via Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The attachment and proliferation of L929 cells cultured on the scaffolds were investigated through MTT assay on the cell culture study upon the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days. Findings/Results: The incorporation of Ag hydrogel with PCL insignificantly decreased the mechanical strength of the scaffold. The presence of Ag enhanced the hydrophilicity and water absorption of the scaffolds, which could positively influence their cell behavior compared to the PCL scaffolds. Regarding cell morphology, the cells on the PCL scaffolds had a more rounded shape and less cell spreading, representing poor cell attachment and cell-scaffold interaction due to the hydrophobic nature of PCL. Conversely, the cells on the PCL/Ag scaffolds were elongated with a spindle-shaped morphology indicating a positive cell-scaffold interaction. Conclusion and implications: PCL/Ag scaffolds can be considered appropriate for tissue-engineering applications.
Frailty Predicting Health-Related Quality of Life Trajectories in Individuals with Sarcopenia in Liver Cirrhosis: Finding from BCAAS Study

The association between frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Asian patients with liver cirrhosis and sarcopenia remains largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving individuals aged 32 to 69 years, all diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. The chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) was used to assess HR-QoL, the CLDQ score was used as an outcome to measure the factors related to HR-QoL, and the liver frailty index (LFI) was used to assess the frailty status. The association between the frailty status and the CLDQ summary scales was investigated using the correlation coefficient and multiple regression analyses. A total of 138 patients in the frail (n = 62) and non-frail (n = 76) groups with (alcohol: 97; viral: 24; autoimmune: 17; and cryptogenic: 12) were included in the study. Age, CTP score, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) sodium were significantly higher in the frail group. In the CLDQ domains, there was a significant difference between the frail and non-frail groups (p value = 0.001). In health-related quality-of-life summary measures, there was a strong negative correlation between frailty and the scores for activities, emotional function, and fatigue (p value = 0.001). When comparing frail to non-frail patients, these characteristics demonstrated significantly increased odds as indicated by their adjusted odds ratios: OR 3.339 (p value = 0.013), OR 3.998 (p value = 0.006), and OR 4.626 (p value = 0.002), respectively.
Local action, global aspirations: the role of community conservation in achieving international goals for environment and development.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment emphasises the inter-relationship between ecosystem health and human well-being. Most ecosystems are severely degraded and the services that they provide to society are diminishing. As a result, important targets for biodiversity and development are unlikely to be met. Community conservation processes are often isolated and marginalised from mainstream conservation efforts. This review documents how community conservation can contribute to human well-being and the preservation of natural resources in southern Africa. Additional examples and experience are drawn from India, South East Asia and Central America. The report concludes with eight recommendations to further advance community conservation processes.
Evaluating Linear and Non-linear Dimensionality Reduction Approaches for Deep Learning-based Network Intrusion Detection Systems

: Dimensionality reduction is an essential ingredient of machine learning modelling that seeks to improve the performance of such models by extracting better quality features from data while removing irrelevant and redundant ones. The technique aids reduce computational load, avoiding data over-fitting, and increasing model interpretability. Recent studies have revealed that dimensionality reduction can benefit from labeled information, through joint approximation of predictors and target variables from a low-rank representation. A multiplicity of linear and non-linear dimensionality reduction techniques are proposed in the literature contingent on the nature of the domain of interest. This paper presents an evaluation of the performance of a hybrid deep learning model using feature extraction techniques while being applied to a benchmark network intrusion detection dataset. We compare the performance of linear and non-linear feature extraction methods namely, the Principal Component Analysis and Isometric Feature Mapping respectively. The Principal Component Analysis is a non-parametric classical method normally used to extract a smaller representative dataset from high-dimensional data and classifies data that is linear in nature while preserving spatial characteristics. In contrast, Isometric Feature Mapping is a representative method in manifold learning that maps high-dimensional information into a lower feature space while endeavouring to maintain the neighborhood for each data point as well as the geodesic distances present among all pairs of data points. These two approaches were applied to the CICIDS 2017 network intrusion detection benchmark dataset to extract features. The extracted features were then utilized in the training of a hybrid deep learning-based intrusion detection model based on convolutional and a bi-direction long short term memory architecture and the model performance results were compared. The empirical results demonstrated the dominance of the Principal Component Analysis as compared to Isometric Feature Mapping in improving the performance of the hybrid deep learning model in classifying network intrusions. The suggested model attained 96.97% and 96.81% in overall accuracy and F1-score, respectively, when the PCA method was used for dimensionality reduction. The hybrid model further achieved a detection rate of 97.91% whereas the false alarm rate was reduced to 0.012 with the discriminative features reduced to 48. Thus the model based on the principal component analysis extracted salient features that improved detection rate and reduced the false alarm rate.
Multisource classification for land-use mapping based on spectral, textural, and terrain information using landsat thematic mapper imagery: A Case Study of Semarang-Ungaran Area, Central Java

Automatic classification of remotely sensed digital data is recognised as a robust and efficient method for mapping various land-cover types over a large area. However when more abstract concept such as land-use is required the automatic classification methods cannot be fully useful. This is due to the fact that land-use is related to various landscape factors, and cannot be mapped merely based on its spectral reflectance. This study tried to develop a knowledge-based technique that incorporates textural and terrain information of the image scene into a spectral-based decision making process for land-use labelling. To do so. six reflective hands of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) covering Semarang-Ungaran area. Central Java, were used. In addition, all bands were then be filtered using the so-called textural filter, which can accentuate several statistical parameters within a given window. 1 variance parameter was chosen in order to extract heterogeneity within every 7x7 pixels. and the l'ariance values of the whole image dalaset were then stored as a set of texture-filtered bands. Three bands with the lowest 'between-band correlations' were chosen and added to the reflective bands. Based on the nine-layer image dataset, a standard multispectral classification using maximum likelihood algorithm was run. Parallel to this process, a visual interpretation using heads-up digitisation was carried out in order to generate a terrain unit map containing land characteristics relevant to spatial distribution of the land-use in the study area. Finally. the terrain unit map was superimposed with the tentative land-corer map derived from the multispectral classification process. A final land-use map was generated from the nnthisource data integration, controlled by a formalised knowledge about ecological relationship between land-cover. land-use, and land characteristics exist in the field. It was found that the overall accuracy level of the final land-use map is higher as compared to the result generated from six-band classification. However, the use of textural filter also created an 'edge-effect', which shows misclassified pixels alongside the borders of particular land-use categories. The edge-effect also leads to lower accuracy levels for the corresponding land-use categories. In addition, based on the research findings, further research agenda was also set up.
The Slave Trade and Culture in the Bight of Biafra: An African Society in the Atlantic World

1. Introduction 2. The Aro in the Atlantic context: expansion and shifts, 1600s-1807 3. The trade diaspora in regional context: commercial organization in the era of expansion, 1740-1850 4. Culture formation in the trading frontier, c.1740-c.1850 5. Household and market persons: deportees and society, c.1740-c.1850 6. The slave trade, gender, and culture 7. Cultural and economic aftershocks 8. Summary and conclusions.
Epidemiological Differences in Hajj-Acquired Airborne Infections in Pilgrims Arriving from Low and Middle-Income versus High-Income Countries: A Systematised Review

This systematised review aims to compare the epidemiological patterns of Hajj-acquired airborne infections among pilgrims from low and middle-income countries (LMIC) versus those from high-income countries (HIC). A PubMed search was carried out for all published articles before February 2023, using a combination of MeSH terms and text words. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess data quality. From a total of 453 titles identified, 58 studies were included in the review (LMIC = 32, and HIC = 26). In the pooled sample, there were 27,799 pilgrims aged 2 days to 105 years (male: female = 1.3:1) from LMIC and 70,865 pilgrims aged 2 months to 95 years (male: female = 1:1) from HIC. Pilgrims from both HIC and LMIC had viral and bacterial infections, but pilgrims from HIC tended to have higher attack rates of viral infections than their LMIC counterparts. However, the attack rates of bacterial infections were variable: for instance, pilgrims from LMIC seemed to have higher rates of meningococcal infections (0.015–82% in LMIC vs. 0.002–40% in HIC) based on the study population, but not Mycobacterium tuberculosis (0.7–20.3% in LMIC vs. 38% in HIC). Targeted measures are needed to prevent the spread of airborne infections at Hajj.
Undrained shear behavior of a marine clay

A comprehensive series of undrained shear tests were performed on a lean sensitive marine clay in both the normally consolidated and overconsolidated state. The types of tests performed included triaxial compression and extension and direct simple shear tests on K 0 -consolidated specimens. It was found that the clay is highly anisotropic with respect to its undrained shear strength and its stress-strain characteristics. Undrained shear strengths from compression tests were 1.7 to 1.8 times greater than from extension tests. Undrained strengths from direct simple shear tests were somewhat higher than the strengths from extension tests. Similar anisotropic behavior was also observed for undrained moduli. Failure strains were found to be influenced by the stress system during consolidation and the mode of shear. K 0 -consolidated specimens sheared in compression failed at extremely low strains and showed significant strain softening. The importance of these observations as they may relate to problems of undrained stability is discussed.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Dysregulation as an Essential Pathological Feature in Huntington’s Disease: Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutics

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major neurotrophin whose loss or interruption is well established to have numerous intersections with the pathogenesis of progressive neurological disorders. There is perhaps no greater example of disease pathogenesis resulting from the dysregulation of BDNF signaling than Huntington’s disease (HD)—an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive impairments associated with basal ganglia dysfunction and the ultimate death of striatal projection neurons. Investigation of the collection of mechanisms leading to BDNF loss in HD highlights this neurotrophin’s importance to neuronal viability and calls attention to opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Using electronic database searches of existing and forthcoming research, we constructed a literature review with the overarching goal of exploring the diverse set of molecular events that trigger BDNF dysregulation within HD. We highlighted research that investigated these major mechanisms in preclinical models of HD and connected these studies to those evaluating similar endpoints in human HD subjects. We also included a special focus on the growing body of literature detailing key transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations that affect BDNF abundance in HD. Finally, we offer critical evaluation of proposed neurotrophin-directed therapies and assessed clinical trials seeking to correct BDNF expression in HD individuals.
Disparities in outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalizations in native American individuals

Objectives This study aimed to investigate COVID-19-related disparities in clinical presentation and patient outcomes in hospitalized Native American individuals. Methods The study was performed within 30 hospitals of the Banner Health system in the Southwest United States and included 8,083 adult patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and were hospitalized between 1 March 2020 and 4 September 2020. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess racial and ethnic differences in clinical presentation and patient outcomes. Results COVID-19-related hospitalizations in Native American individuals were over-represented compared with non-Hispanic white individuals. Native American individuals had fewer symptoms at admission; greater prevalence of chronic lung disease in the older adult; two times greater risk for ICU admission despite being younger; and 20 times more rapid clinical deterioration warranting ICU admission. Compared with non-Hispanic white individuals, Native American individuals had a greater prevalence of sepsis, were more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation, had a longer length of stay, and had higher in-hospital mortality. Conclusion Native American individuals manifested greater case-fatality rates following hospitalization than other races/ethnicities. Atypical symptom presentation of COVID-19 included a greater prevalence of chronic lung disease and a more rapid clinical deterioration, which may be responsible for the observed higher hospital mortality, thereby underscoring the role of pulmonologists in addressing such disparities.
CORRELATION BETWEEN THYROID FUNCTION AND OBESITY IN TYPE 2 DIABETES INDIVIDUALS

Objectives: In the present study, it is aimed to investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and blood glucose parameters and their correlation in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) obese patients. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional and observational study conducted for a period of 1 year January 2020–January 2022. The patient demographic data, age, and gender were collected from the medical records. After an overnight fast, venous blood samples were collected in the morning for laboratory tests. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassays were used to assess serum free T3 (FT3), FT4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and random sugar levels were measured using enzymatic method. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by squared height (m). Results: In the present study, the mean values of thyroid harmones T3, T4 between the obese and non-obese individuals showed that no much significant variations might be due to low sample size. However, the mean values of TSH values were significantly higher 8.7ng/dl for obese individuals than non-obese individuals. There was a significant positive correlation that was identified for thyroid parameters TSH between obese and non-obese T2DM patients. On the other hand, there was a significant influence of postprandial blood sugar, random blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, and BMI in obese and non-obese T2DM patients and insignificant influence for thyroid parameters T3 and T4. However, the results also showed that there was a highly significant influence of THS levels in obese T2DM patients. Conclusion: The findings of the present investigation showed a high correlation between thyroid function, mainly TSH levels, and Type 2 diabetes, particularly in obese persons.
Cannabis smoke suppresses antiviral immune responses to influenza A in mice

Rationale Despite its increasingly widespread use, little is known about the impact of cannabis smoking on the response to viral infections like influenza A virus (IAV). Many assume that cannabis smoking will disrupt antiviral responses in a manner similar to cigarette smoking; however, since cannabinoids exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, cannabis smoke exposure may impact viral infection in distinct ways. Methods Male and female BALB/c mice were exposed daily to cannabis smoke and concurrently intranasally instilled with IAV. Viral burden, inflammatory mediator levels (multiplex ELISA), lung immune cells populations (flow cytometry) and gene expression patterns (RNA sequencing) were assessed in the lungs. Plasma IAV-specific antibodies were measured via ELISA. Results We found that cannabis smoke exposure increased pulmonary viral burden while decreasing total leukocytes, including macrophages, monocytes and dendritic cell populations in the lungs. Furthermore, infection-induced upregulation of certain inflammatory mediators (interferon-γ and C-C motif chemokine ligand 5) was blunted by cannabis smoke exposure, which in females was linked to the transcriptional downregulation of pathways involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. Finally, plasma levels of IAV-specific IgM and IgG1 were significantly decreased in cannabis smoke-exposed, infected mice compared to infected controls, only in female mice. Conclusions Overall, cannabis smoke exposure disrupted host-defence processes, leading to increased viral burden and dampened inflammatory signalling. These results suggest that cannabis smoking is detrimental to the maintenance of pulmonary homeostasis during viral infection and highlight the need for data regarding the impact on immune competency in humans. Tweetable abstract Cannabis smoke exposure hinders viral clearance, decreases lung immune cell populations, suppresses pulmonary inflammatory signalling and decreases circulating antiviral immunoglobulin levels following influenza A infection in mice https://bit.ly/452T3ng
Interleukin-13 (IL-13)—A Pleiotropic Cytokine Involved in Wound Healing and Fibrosis

The liver, as a central metabolic organ, is systemically linked to metabolic–inflammatory diseases. In the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome, inflammatory and metabolic interactions between the intestine, liver, and adipose tissue lead to the progression of hepatic steatosis to metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and consecutive MASH-induced fibrosis. Clinical and animal studies revealed that IL-13 might be protective in the development of MASH through both the preservation of metabolic functions and Th2-polarized inflammation in the liver and the adipose tissue. In contrast, IL-13-associated loss of mucosal gut barrier function and IL-13-associated enhanced hepatic fibrosis may contribute to the progression of MASH. However, there are only a few publications on the effect of IL-13 on metabolic diseases and possible therapies to influence them. In this review article, different aspects of IL-13-associated effects on the liver and metabolic liver diseases, which are partly contradictory, are summarized and discussed on the basis of the recent literature.