Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sorption of oils by a commercial non-woven polypropylene sorbent

Non-woven polypropylene (PP) sorbents are materials that can be used in oil recovery following spills, which are interesting alternatives to remediate contaminated areas. This work aimed to characterize a non-woven sorbent made of PP. The physicochemical characteristics of the material, sorption capacity, kinetics, and adsorption isotherms were evaluated. The physicochemical study included the determination of thickness, density, thermal and chemical properties of the sorbent, and fiber morphology. Sorption tests were performed according to the standard method ASTM 726-12. The kinetic models of pseudo-first and pseudo-second order were tested. The fit of the experimental data to the adsorption isotherms of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin was also carried out. The sorbates used in the tests were diesel, petroleum, and lubricant oil. The sorption capacity of the PP nonwoven blanket relative to diesel, petroleum, and lubricant oil in long-term tests was 5.3, 12.3, and 18.7 g∙g-¹, with increasing values when sorbates were more viscous. The results of the short and long-term tests did not show a statistical difference in the sorption capacity of the blanket. The kinetic study showed that the sorption of the three sorbates followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The diesel oil presented a better fit to the Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.998), whereas the petroleum presented an excellent fit to all three isotherms (R² = 0.996-0.999). Regarding sorbent reusability, the sorption capacity stabilized after the second cycle, and the samples whose sorbate removal was carried out by centrifugation have presented and maintained the highest sorption capacities.
Project network-oriented materials management policy for complex projects: a Fuzzy Set Theoretic approach

This work devises a materials management policy integrated with project network characteristics of complex projects. It proposes a relative quantitative measure, overall criticality (OC), for prioritisation of items based on penalty incurred due to their non-availability. In complex projects, practicing managers find it difficult to measure OC of items because of the subjective factors and intractable nature of penalties involved. However, using their experience, they can linguistically identify the antecedents and relate them to consequent OC. This work adopts Fuzzy Set Theory to capture managerial tacit knowledge which provides them enough flexibility to provide information in real form. Computed OC values can be used for items prioritisation and as shortage cost coefficient in inventory models. The revised materials management policy was applied to a shipbuilding project. OC values were analysed to justify the importance of incorporating project network characteristics and potential cost savings were calculated.
Effects of Drying Temperature and Molar Concentration on Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of β-Ga2O3 Thin Films Fabricated by Sol–Gel Method

In this study, β-Ga2O3 films were fabricated on a quartz substrate by the sol–gel method using different drying temperatures and solutions of different molar concentrations, and their structural, optical, and electrical properties were evaluated. The as-fabricated films exhibited a monoclinic β-Ga2O3 crystal structure, whose crystallinity and crystallite size increased with increasing molar concentration of the solutions used and increasing drying temperature. Scanning electron microscopy of the as-prepared samples revealed dense surface morphologies and that the thickness of the films also depended on the deposition conditions. The average transmittance of all the samples was above 8% in visible light, and the calculated optical bandgap energy was 4.9 eV. The resistivity measured using a 4-point probe system was 3.7 × 103 Ω cm.
MPPC versus MRS APD in two-phase Cryogenic Avalanche Detectors

Two-phase Cryogenic Avalanche Detectors (CRADs) with combined THGEM/GAPD multiplier have become an emerging potential technique for dark matter search and coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering experiments. In such a multiplier the THGEM hole avalanches are optically recorded in the Near Infrared (NIR) using a matrix of Geiger-mode APDs (GAPDs). To select the proper sensor, the performances of six GAPD types manufactured by different companies, namely by Hamamatsu (MPPCs), CPTA (MRS APDs) and SensL (SiPMs), have been comparatively studied at cryogenic temperatures when operated in two-phase CRADs in Ar at 87 K. While the GAPDs with ceramic packages failed to operate properly at cryogenic temperatures, those with plastic packages, namely MPPC S10931-100P and MRS APD 149-35, showed satisfactory performances at 87 K. In addition, MPPC S10931-100P turned out to be superior in terms of the higher detection efficiency, lower noise rate, lower pixel quenching resistor and better characteristics reproducibility.
Optical Characterization of a Multipoint Lean Direct Injector for Gas Turbine Combustors: Velocity and Fuel Drop Size Measurements

Performance of a multipoint, lean direct injection (MP-LDI) strategy for low emission aero-propulsion systems has been tested in a Jet-A fueled, lean flame tube combustion rig. Operating conditions for the series of tests included inlet air temperatures between 672 K and 828 K, pressures between 1034 kPa and 1379 kPa and total equivalence ratios between 0.41 and 0.45, resulting in equilibrium flame temperatures approaching 1800 K. Ranges of operation were selected to represent the spectrum of subsonic and supersonic flight conditions projected for the next-generation of commercial aircraft. This document reports laser-based measurements of in situ fuel velocities and fuel drop sizes for the NASA 9-point LDI hardware arranged in a 3 × 3 square grid configuration. Data obtained represent a region of the flame tube combustor with optical access that extends 38.1-mm downstream of the fuel injection site. All data were obtained within reacting flows, without particle seeding. Two diagnostic methods were employed to evaluate the resulting flow path. Three-component velocity fields have been captured using phase Doppler interferometry (PDI), and two-component velocity distributions using planar particle image velocimetry (PIV). Data from these techniques have also offered insight into fuel drop size and distribution, fuel injector spray angle and pattern, turbulence intensity, degree of vaporization and extent of reaction. This research serves to characterize operation of the baseline NASA 9-point LDI strategy for potential use in future gas-turbine combustor applications. An additional motive is the compilation of a comprehensive database to facilitate understanding of combustor fuel injector aerodynamics and fuel vaporization processes, which in turn may be used to validate computational fluid dynamics codes, such as the National Combustor Code (NCC), among others.
Design of Compatible Repair Materials for the Restoration of Monuments / Entwurf kompatibler Werkstoffe für das Instandsetzen von Baudenkmalen

The restoration of monumental heritage enhances (through cultural tourism) the economy of a contry, especially if it is rich in monuments. However, the repair of monuments is complicated, time-consuming and high-cost. In the case of irreversible interventions it is essential to use materials compatible with the old structure in order to protect the original fabric of the monument. Compatibility can be defined in terms of aesthetic harmonization and functional behaviour of materials. This depends mainly on surface features, strength level, elasticity and porosity. Based on an extensive (1993-2000) research project on the suitability of repair materials a holistic approach for designing repair materials is presented. The design of a repair material must follow a systematic analysis of the old structure. The problem is more difficult in the case of repair mortars where deep knowledge of the science of materials is needed in order to marry the requirements of past and present. The performance of a repair mortar depends on a number of parameters such as binding system, water/binder ratio, degree of compaction, and time of curing. Their interrelations affect the strength and longevity of the repair mortars.
Suggestions for Escaping the Dark Ages for Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Treated with Radiotherapy: Analysis of Prognostic Factors from the National Multicenter Study

Purpose This multicenter retrospective study aimed to investigate clinical, radiologic, and treatment-related factors affecting survival in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) treated with radiotherapy. Materials and Methods Patients aged < 30 years who underwent radiotherapy as an initial treatment for DIPG between 2000 and 2018 were included; patients who did not undergo magnetic resonance imaging at diagnosis and those with pathologically diagnosed grade I glioma were excluded. We examined medical records of 162 patients collected from 10 participating centers in Korea. The patients’ clinical, radiological, molecular, and histopathologic characteristics, and treatment responses were evaluated to identify the prognosticators for DIPG and estimate survival outcomes. Results The median follow-up period was 10.8 months (interquartile range, 7.5 to 18.1). The 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 53.5% and 19.0%, respectively, with a median OS of 13.1 months. Long-term survival rate (≥ 2 years) was 16.7%, and median OS was 43.6 months. Age (< 10 years), poor performance status, treatment before 2010, and post-radiotherapy necrosis were independently associated with poor OS in multivariate analysis. In patients with increased post-radiotherapy necrosis, the median OS estimates were 13.3 months and 11.4 months with and without bevacizumab, respectively (p=0.138). Conclusion Therapeutic strategy for DIPG has remained unchanged over time, and the associated prognosis remains poor. Our findings suggest that appropriate efforts are needed to reduce the occurrence of post-radiotherapy necrosis. Further well-designed clinical trials are recommended to improve the poor prognosis observed in DIPG patients.
Evolution in Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes

Diabetes, has been known to mankind for centuries, often described by its unique nature of sweet tasting urine or by the symptoms of excessive urination and thirst. Several renowned scientists have attempted to describe the symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis and various experimental treatment options with varying degrees of success. The current widely accepted classification focuses on etiology and pathogenesis to guide treatment and is very successful and adapted across the world. Diagnostic criteria underwent multiple changes to define glycemic targets which were more and more guided by better understanding of the disease pathogenesis. Recent research focuses on a more indi-vidualized approach to managing diabetes, better understanding and identifying individuals who are at an increased risk of complications at diagnosis itself to offer more personalized management to prevent long term complications. Early differentiation of individual based on multiple factors rather than a single parameter is the path being paved currently. BMI, Waist circumference, age at diagnosis, HbA1c, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, GAD Antibodies, Homeostasis model assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-2 IR), beta-cell dysfunction (HOMA2-Beta), and fasting and stimulated C-peptide, are core parameters in the current rationalized approach towards better long term outcomes for people with diabetes. Cluster based identification and focused treatment with individualistic targets is the way forward in Diabetes management.
Loads, Stresses, and deflections in Bicycle Frames

Abstract A bicycle frame has been analysed as a three-dimensional framework and stresses and deflections predicted using a finite element computer program. Theoretical results for simple loading case were compared with strain gauge measurements in laboratory tests. More complex loading cases representing common cycle racing situations were analysed. The largest stresses in the frame were bending stresses. Stresses in the region of 300—400 MN/m2 were predicted in the down tube and right chain stay during starting and stresses of about 250 MN/m2 at the front of the top tube and down tube during severe braking.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cancer Cachexia: Impact on Muscle Health and Regeneration

Cancer cachexia is a frequently neglected debilitating syndrome that, beyond representing a primary cause of death and cancer therapy failure, negatively impacts on patients’ quality of life. Given the complexity of its multisystemic pathogenesis, affecting several organs beyond the skeletal muscle, defining an effective therapeutic approach has failed so far. Revamped attention of the scientific community working on cancer cachexia has focused on mitochondrial alterations occurring in the skeletal muscle as potential triggers of the complex metabolic derangements, eventually leading to hypercatabolism and tissue wasting. Mitochondrial dysfunction may be simplistically viewed as a cause of energy failure, thus inducing protein catabolism as a compensatory mechanism; however, other peculiar cachexia features may depend on mitochondria. On the one side, chemotherapy also impacts on muscle mitochondrial function while, on the other side, muscle-impaired regeneration may result from insufficient energy production from damaged mitochondria. Boosting mitochondrial function could thus improve the energetic status and chemotherapy tolerance, and relieve the myogenic process in cancer cachexia. In the present work, a focused review of the available literature on mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cachexia is presented along with preliminary data dissecting the potential role of stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α overexpression in distinct aspects of cancer-induced muscle wasting.
Rapid, Cheap, and Effective COVID-19 Diagnostics for Africa

Background: Although comprehensive public health measures such as mass quarantine have been taken internationally, this has generally been ineffective, leading to a high infection and mortality rate. Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has been downgraded to epidemic status in many countries, the real number of infections is unknown, particularly in low-income countries. However, precision shielding is used in COVID-19 management, and requires estimates of mass infection in key groups. As a result, rapid tests for the virus could be a useful screening tool for asymptomatic virus shedders who are about to come into contact with sensitive groups. In Africa and other low- and middle-income countries there is high rate of COVID-19 under-diagnosis, due to the high cost of molecular assays. Exploring alternate assays to the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for COVID-19 diagnosis is highly warranted. Aim: This review explored the feasibility of using alternate molecular, rapid antigen, and serological diagnostic assays to accurately and precisely diagnose COVID-19 in African populations, and to mitigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RT-PCR diagnostic challenges in Africa. Method: We reviewed publications from internet sources and searched for appropriate documents available in English. This included Medline, Google Scholar, and Ajol. We included primary literature and some review articles that presented knowledge on the current trends on SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics in Africa and globally. Results: Based on our analysis, we highlight the utility of four different alternatives to RT-PCR. These include two isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays (loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)), rapid antigen testing, and antibody testing for tackling difficulties posed by SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing in Africa. Conclusion: The economic burden associated COVID-19 mass testing by RT-PCR will be difficult for low-income nations to meet. We provide evidence for the utility and deployment of these alternate testing methods in Africa and other LMICs.
Barriers Preventing Women from Enrolling in Construction Management Programs

The construction industry does not attract significant numbers of women to its labor force. However, due to potential expected growth in the field, construction companies will need more women to meet their labor needs. Much research has been done on women in the construction industry and factors preventing them from entering the industry, however, this article examines the academic side and ask what factors are preventing more women from choosing construction management as a major in college. We undertook this study by contacting all of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) and asking questions regarding their programs in an attempt to discover any correlations that would provide information on approaches to attract more women to college-level construction management programs. Unfortunately, we only found a few small positive correlations between average enrollment of women and number of women faculty, availability of women support groups, and graduation rates of women. We believe the biggest factors acting as barriers to more women pursuing construction management as a career are the perceptions and stereotypes of the industry and that the industry needs to focus on changing those perceptions.
Eccentric Axial Load Capacity of High-Strength Steel-Concrete Composite Columns of Various Sectional Shapes

AbstractTwo concrete-filled steel tube columns and four concrete-encased steel columns using high-strength steel (yield strength fys=913, 806, and 812 MPa) and high-strength concrete (compressive strength fc′=94, 113, 104, and 184 MPa) were tested to investigate the effect of various sectional shapes and configurations on the eccentric axial load carrying capacity. This study focused on maximizing the contribution of the high-strength steel, preventing early crushing of the concrete (1) by using steel tubes or closely spaced ties for lateral confinement, (2) by using ultra high-strength (200 MPa) concrete with a high-crushing strain, and (3) by placing L-shaped steel sections at the corners of the cross section. The test results showed that the steel tube successfully restrained early concrete crushing and developed its full plastic stress; unlike expectation, early crushing occurred in the ultra high-strength concrete column; and the concrete-encased L-section column had higher peak strength and flexural.
Identification approach for bottleneck clusters in a job shop based on theory of constraints and sensitivity analysis

Manufacturing systems are constrained by one or more bottlenecks. Reducing bottlenecks improves the entire system. Finding bottlenecks, however, is a difficult task. In this study, a new bottleneck detection method based on theory of constrains and sensitivity analysis is presented to overcome the disadvantages of existing bottleneck identification methods for a job shop. First, a bottleneck index matrix is obtained by examining the sensitivity of system production performance to the capacity of each machine. Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution is then employed to calculate the comprehensive bottleneck index of each machine. Based on the calculation result, bottleneck machine clusters under different hierarchies are obtained through hierarchical cluster analysis. The designed identification approach, as a prior-to-run method, can identify bottleneck machine clusters under different hierarchies before the overall system circulation, thereby providing good guidance for subsequent production optimization. Finally, a set of job-shop scheduling problem benchmarks with different scales is selected for comparison between the proposed approach and existing approaches, such as, the shifting bottleneck detection method, the bottleneck detection method based on orthogonal experiment, and the bottleneck cluster identification method. By comparison, the proposed approach is proven to be credible and superior.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Preschool-Aged Children’s Movement Behaviors in Hong Kong: A Longitudinal Analysis of Accelerometer-Measured Data

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many preschool-aged children were forced to remain indoors due to social distancing measures and school closures. In this study, we examined how children’s movement behaviors (sedentary behaviors, physical activity, and sleep) were affected by the pandemic. Children’s (N = 25, age = 4.4 years, SD = 0.3) movement behaviors were measured before and after the COVID outbreak, respectively. Data collected using accelerometers were analyzed using compositional data analyses. A significant change in the overall time-use composition (F = 5.89, p = 0.002) was found. Results suggested that children spent more time sleeping (8% increase) and in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (16% increase), with less time spent in sedentary behaviors (9% decrease). However, parent reports suggested that children were less active and had more screen time. In conclusion, the current evidence suggests that children’s physical activity is not negatively impacted by the pandemic. However, the continuous surveillance of movement behaviors of young children during the pandemic is needed.
Geriatric conditions and quality of life among older adults with diabetes

Geriatric conditions and quality of life among older adults with diabetes Rana M. Taha, Amal MI Goda, Nahla N Adly, Nesma G Elsheikh 1 Geriatrics and Gerontology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. 2 Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. 3 Department of Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Induction of Immune Tolerance in Islet Transplantation Using Apoptotic Donor Leukocytes

Allogeneic islet transplantation has become an effective treatment option for severe Type 1 diabetes with intractable impaired awareness due to hypoglycemic events. Although current immunosuppressive protocols effectively prevent the acute rejection associated with initial T cell activation in recipients, chronic rejection has remained an obstacle for achieving long-term allogeneic islet engraftment. The development of donor-specific immune tolerance to the allograft is the ultimate goal given its potential ability to overcome chronic rejection and disregard the need for maintenance immunosuppression, which may be toxic to islet grafts. Recently, a breakthrough in tolerance induction during allogeneic islet transplantation using apoptotic donor lymphocytes (ADLs) in a non-human primate model had been reported. Several studies have suggested that the clonal depletion, anergy, and expansion of the antigen-specific regulatory immune network are the mechanisms for donor-specific tolerance with ADLs, which act synergistically to induce robust transplant tolerance. This achievement represents a huge step forward toward the clinical application of immune tolerance induction. We herein summarize the reported operational induction therapies in islet transplantation using the ADLs. Moreover, a few obstacles for the engraftment of transplanted islets, such as islet immunogenicity and instant blood-mediated response, which need to be resolved in the future, are also discussed.