Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
METHYLATED PAHS AND/OR THEIR METABOLITES ARE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTORS TO THE OVERALL ESTROGENIC ACTIVITY OF PAH-CONTAMINATED SOILS

In this study 42 polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) were investigated for their estrogenic potential using the VM7Luc4E2 transactivation assay (VM7Luc4E2-TA). Relative potencies (REPs) were determined for mass-balance analysis. In addition, compounds were tested in combination with the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI182,780 (ICI) and the Ah receptor (AhR) antagonist/CYP1A1 inhibitor α–naphthoflavone (α-NF). Luciferase induction and CYP1A1-dependent EROD-activity were measured to assess if the estrogenic activity was elicited by the compound itself and/or by its metabolites. REPs ranged between 10−7 and 10−4. The ability of ICI to decrease luciferase activity stimulated by all compounds indicated that the induction responses were ER-dependent. α-NF decreased luciferase induction and EROD-activity by several compounds, including as the methylated chrysenes, suggesting that metabolites of these chemicals contributed to ER activation. Several PACs, such as acridine and its derivatives, appear to directly activate the ER. Furthermore, extracts of soils from industrial areas were examined using this bioassay and estrogenic activity was detected in all soil samples. Mass-balance analysis using a combination of REPs and chemical analysis of the samples suggested that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs, such as 1- and 3-methylchrysene, are important contributors to the overall estrogenic activity. However, these results revealed that a considerable proportion of the estrogenic activity in the soil remained unexplained, indicating the presence of other significant estrogenic compounds. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Comparison of Offshore and Onshore Wind Systems with MPC Five-Level Converter under Energy 4.0

Abstract This paper is about offshore/onshore wind systems under energy 4.0. A consideration is taken to account for the action of the floating motion given by the stiffness torque acting on the drive-train. The drive-train incorporates the dynamics of the floating platform and tower, resulting from the motion of the surface due to the marine wave perturbation. The performance of the multiple point clamped five-level converter is considered mainly from electrical power perspective. The simulation considers a blade pitch control fault causing an instantaneous cutoff on the capture of the wind energy to unveil the impact on the systems performance. Particularly, the fault influence on the behavior of the voltages in the capacitor banks is mitigated by selection of the suitable vectors. The multiple point clamped five-level converter with the conveniently proposed control strategy is able to recover normal operation after fault clearing.
Correlation of Clinical, Ultrasound and CT Findings in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis represents a set of dynamic and systematic and pathophysiological changes which are a result of autodigestive activation of pancreatic proenzyme, within gland parenchyma itself. The goal of the project included to determine the frequency of acute pancreatitis according to sex, age groups and severity of clinical picture. The goal was also to determine an correlation of obtained clinical, biohumoral, ultrasound, and CT (computed tomography) changes in acute pancreatitis, and the course and prognosis of the examined patient`s illness. The project also deals with the correlation of etiologic factors with the course and prognosis of the disease. Methods: This study included 273 patients with acute pancreatitis, classified according Ranson’s criteria, with their clinical, ultrasound, endoscopy, radiology, and CT findings also classified and compared according the severity rate. Results: No differences by the frequency, severity of clinical picture, course, and outcome of the disease between the sexes, (p>0,01), the differences in distribution of frequency are significant when it comes to the etiological factor (p<0,01). A significant correlation is established between severity of a disease by Ranson’s score and ultrasound findings by Balthazar’s score (r= 0,448 P-vrednost=0,0001). The high degree correlation (r=0,778 p=0,0001) is also proved between ultrasound and CT findings by Balthazar’s score in acute pancreatitis. CT finding correlates (r=0,415 p=0,001) with clinical picture of acute pancreatitis. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation of severity a disease by Ranson’s score and ultrasound and CT findings by Balthazar’s
The value of Free Androgen Index depends on the phenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome, one centre experience.

INTRODUCTION The free androgen index (FAI) values differ among patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome, however the differences are not fully understood and known. AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate FAI in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in regard to the phenotype of the PCOS and insulin resistance status. MATERIALS AND METHODS Anthropometric, hormonal and biochemical parameters were assessed in three hundred and twelve women with PCOS recruited. The FAI values were calculated in the reproductive and metabolic phenotypes of PCOS in the groups of insulin resistance status based on the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) >2.0 or fasting insulin (FI)>10 mmol/l. To test the relationship between individual variables, Spearman's correlation analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and t student-test were used. RESULTS The correlation between FAI values and HOMA-IR and FI was 0,42 and 0,47 respectively in PCOS patients. Two fold higher FAI value was observed in metabolic PCOS phenotype when compared to reproductive one (8.51±5, 56 vs 4.40± 2,45 for HOMA-IR and 8,73±6,09 vs 4,31±3,39 for FI respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PCOS patients are not homogenous group in relation to FAI value. Patients with metabolic PCOS phenotype are characterized by two fold higher FAI values compared with reproductive PCOS phenotype. Further studies on the metabolic and androgenic status of different types of PCOS phenotypes should be carried out.
Sequential Experimentation for Estimating the Optimal Delay of Activities in PERT Networks

We apply Response Surface Methodology (RSM) utilizing simple fractional designs to optimize the Expected Present Value (EPV) of a stochastic project network with respect to the delay of activities. Such delay could increase EPV by postponing negative cash flows, possible at the expense of also delaying the final payment for the project. The problem was challenging due to a combination of high variability with relatively fl.at objective function near the optimum. Comparisons with the true optimal solutions, where available, indicated the robustness of the approach.
A Two-stage Panel Data Envelopment Analysis Models: Wallace-Hussain, Amemiya and Swamy-Arora

This research presents two-stage panel data envelopment analysis (DEA) models for the estimation of eﬃciency measures. In the ﬁrst stage, the variances of normal errors, v used in the transformation of the variables are recovered from pooled (Wallace-Hussain in 1969); within (Amemiya in 1971); or within, cross-sectional and time-series (Swamy-Arora in 1972) stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) models. The second stage involves estimating panel DEA eﬃciency measures using transformed data based on alternative two-way random eﬀect econometric estimators in the ﬁrst stage. The alternative panel DEA models might over- or under-estimate the pooled DEA model estimated eﬃciency measure due to the non-existence or ex-istence of the spatial and temporal variations. An empirical application to 48 U.S. states from 1960 to 2004 suggests diﬀerences in the eﬃciency measure estimated by the pooled and panel DEA models. In addition, the eﬃciency measure estimated by the Swamy-Arora panel estimator is statistically diﬀerent compared to the Wallace-Hussain and Amemiya panel estimator.
An Introduction to Dynamical Systems

Preface 1. Diffeomorphisms and flows 2. Local properties of flow and diffeomorphims 3. Structural stability, hyperbolicity and homoclinic points 4. Local bifurcations I: planar vector fields and diffeomorphisms on R 5. Local bifurcations II: diffeomorphisms on R2 6. Area-preserving maps and their perturbations Hints for exercises References Index.
Trägt Schalenwild durch Epizoochorie zur Ausbreitung von Gefäßpflanzen in mitteleuropäischen Wäldern bei? Eine Fallstudie aus Nordostdeutschland

Die Ausbreitung von Gefaspflanzen-Diasporen (Samen und Fruchte) durch auserliche Anhaftung (,,Epizoochorie”) an Rehen und Wildschweinen, den beiden haufigsten Schalenwild-Arten in Mitteleuropa, wurde im 6,5 km2 grosen Forst Brieselang bei Berlin (Bundesland Brandenburg) untersucht, in dem mesophile Laubwalder vorherrschen. Dazu wurden die Felle und Hufe von 25 geschossenen Rehen und neun Wildschweinen ausgekammt und die Diasporen anschliesend bestimmt. Die Ergebnisse wurden mit der Waldvegetation verglichen. Wahrend Wildschweine grose Mengen verschiedener Diasporentypen transportierten, war die Bedeutung von Rehen fur die Ausbreitung von Pflanzen auf Grund des glatten Fells und der im Vergleich zum Wildschwein unterschiedlichen Verhaltensweisen wesentlich geringer. Insgesamt wurden 55 Phanerogamenarten epizoochor transportiert. Da nur ein kleiner Teil der ausgebreiteten Pflanzen Waldhabitate bevorzugt, war das Offenland eine mindestens ebenso wichtige Quelle anhaftender Diasporen wie die Waldvegetation. Die meisten Waldpflanzenarten wurden nicht ausgebreitet; insbesondere solche Arten, die ausschlieslich in Waldern wachsen, wurden nicht nachgewiesen. Viele Pflanzenarten sind – vermutlich auf Grund ihrer Diasporenmorphologie – weitgehend vom Transport ausgeschlossen, obwohl sie sehr haufig in der Krautschicht des untersuchten Waldes vorkommen. Daher ist Schalenwild in der Agrarlandschaft Mitteleuropas vermutlich vor allem fur die Ausbreitung von Ruderal-, Segetal- und Grunlandpflanzen von Bedeutung. Die Ausbreitung einiger Pflanzenarten der Krautschicht in norddeutschen Waldern, z.B. Agrostis capillaris, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium aparine und Urtica dioica, konnte jedoch wesentlich auf Schalenwild zuruckgehen. Obwohl Grossauger insgesamt ein wichtiger Vektor fur die Fernausbreitung von Pflanzen sind, zeigt unsere Studie, dass die meisten charakteristischen Waldbodenpflanzen mesophiler Laubwalder kaum ausgebreitet werden, also nur ein geringes epizoochores Ausbreitungspotenzial aufweisen. Die Bedeutung der Ergebnisse fur den Waldnaturschutz und den Waldbau wird diskutiert.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Different Plant Parts of Garcinia prainiana- an Endangered Plant

Garcinia prainiana is a critically endangered tree belongs to the family Clusiaceae found native in Asia and yet not many studies have been conducted to scientifically study its medicinal potential. The present study was conducted to evaluate potential antioxidant, antimicrobial and to screen the phytochemical screening of Garcinia prainiana methanolic extract. The solvent used for extraction was methanol for dried leaves, twig and fruit sample. Antioxidant activity was tested using free radical diphenylpicrylhydrayl (DPPH) assay. While for antimicrobial activity, the disc diffusion method was carried out against six types of pathogenic bacteria from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, quantitative phytochemical screening was carried out to determine total phenolic and flavonoid content of the methanolic extract. The plant showed moderate antioxidant activity. Garcinia leaves extract showed the highest antioxidant activity (70.43%) followed by twig extract (47.46%) and fruit extract (44.45%). The IC 50 value managed to be obtained from leaves extract at 0.26 mg/ml. Meanwhile, for antimicrobial activities, zone of inhibition was determined at 100 mg/ml for leaves extract (9 ± 0.73 mm) and twig extract (7 ±0.5 mm) against Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028. Quantitative phytochemical screening showed that total phenolic content was the highest in leaves extract at 51.83mg GAE/g, while for total flavonoid content, fruit extract showed the highest value at 80.93 mg QE/g. Total phenolic content showed a good correlation with the antioxidant activity, but not with total flavonoid content.
Finding Emergent Gait Patterns May Reduce Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis in a Clinically Relevant Time Frame

A high contact force between the medial femoral condyle and the tibial plateau is the primary cause of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA). A high medial contact force (MCF) during gait has been shown to be correlated to both the knee adduction moment (KAM) and knee flexion/extension moment (KFM). In this study, we used OpenSim Moco to find gait kinematics that reduced the peaks of the KAM, without increasing the peaks of the KFM, which could potentially reduce the MCF and, hence, the progression of knee OA. We used gait data from four knee OA participants. Our simulations decreased both peaks of the KAM without increasing either peak of the KFM. We found that increasing the step width was the primary mechanism, followed by simulations of all participants to reduce the frontal plane lever arm of the ground reaction force vector about the knee, in turn reducing the KAM. Importantly, each participant simulation followed different patterns of kinematic changes to achieve this reduction, which highlighted the need for participant-specific gait modifications. Moreover, we were able to simulate emerging gait patterns within 15 min, enhancing the relevance and potential for the application of developed methods in clinical settings.
Comprehensive Expression Analyses of Plastidial Thioredoxins of Arabidopsis thaliana Indicate a Main Role of Thioredoxin m2 in Roots

Thioredoxins (TRXs) f and m are redox proteins that regulate key chloroplast processes. The existence of several isoforms of TRXs f and m indicates that these redox players have followed a specialization process throughout evolution. Current research efforts are focused on discerning the signalling role of the different TRX types and their isoforms in chloroplasts. Nonetheless, little is known about their function in non-photosynthetic plastids. For this purpose, we have carried out comprehensive expression analyses by using Arabidopsis thaliana TRXf (f1 and f2) and TRXm (m1, m2, m3 and m4) genes translationally fused to the green fluorescence protein (GFP). These analyses showed that TRX m has different localisation patterns inside chloroplasts, together with a putative dual subcellular localisation of TRX f1. Apart from mesophyll cells, these TRXs were also observed in reproductive organs, stomatal guard cells and roots. We also investigated whether photosynthesis, stomatal density and aperture or root structure were affected in the TRXs f and m loss-of-function Arabidopsis mutants. Remarkably, we immunodetected TRX m2 and the Calvin–Benson cycle fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (cFBP1) in roots. After carrying out in vitro redox activation assays of cFBP1 by plastid TRXs, we propose that cFBP1 might be activated by TRX m2 in root plastids.
Energy transition for meeting ecological goals: Do economic stability, technology, and government stability matter?

Unquestionably, energy transition, which entails increasing renewables in the energy mix, is among the most reliable strategies to discontinue the utilization of fossil fuels and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, technological advancement can not only stimulate green energy supply but also promote resource efficiency for realizing ecological goals. Also, persistent long-term energy policies and uninterrupted investments are needed to progress on SDGs for climate control and sustainable development. Hence, factors such as economic and government stability are pertinent to implementing and governing energy strategies. Against this background, this study assesses the potential of energy transition in meeting ecological goals by taking into account the roles of economic stability, technology, and government stability in BRICS from 1992 to 2018. Using the second-generation Westerlund cointegration test, the study found a long-run association among variables. The findings from the Continuously Updated Fully Modified (CuP-FM) test disclosed that energy transition is effective in limiting the ecological footprint (EF) in BRICS. Alongside this, economic stability and technology reduce ecological degradation. In addition, government stability stimulates environmental sustainability, while population density decreases environmental sustainability. Finally, the implications of these conclusions for meeting SDGs are discussed and policy directions are provided.
The influence of socialisation and absorptive capacity on buyer’s innovation performance

In contrast to prior literature, we hypothesise that socialisation with suppliers plays a key role in the success of buyer’s innovation programmes. Using the theoretical lens of social capital theory and knowledge-based view of a firm; we propose a framework of antecedents and consequences of socialisation. We use data from a large sample of firms in Australia to test our framework. We also corroborate our results with a small sample of qualitative case studies that were carried out in conjunction with the large-scale empirical study. Taken together, the results supported the claim of the importance of socialisation as well as absorptive capacity in influencing innovation performance of buyers. The results suggest that managers ought to consider socialisation as a mechanism to enhance collaborative competence which in turn helps innovation performance via tapping the potential of absorptive capacity of knowledge.
Mullite production: phase transformations of kaolinite, thermodynamics of the process

The growing demand for mullite raw materials, which meet industrial requirements originates the search for new and alternative sources, as well as efficient technologies for obtaining the target products (nanocomposites). The article suggests a method for obtaining mullite from kaolinite experimentally (Vezhayu-Vorykvinsky deposit, Russia). Structural kaolinite transformations (Al-Si-O-Me system), mineral phases transformations, and thermodynamics of the process have been studied. Based on the estimation of the thermodynamics of the reactions, the preferable reaction of mullite formation was determined. The article shows, that formation of the target product, mullite nanocomposite, has several intermediate phases (metakaolinite, pseudomullite). The transformations of the initial kaolinite structure include the removal of structural water and separation of the silica-oxygen tetrahedral and alumina-oxygen octahedral layers, the decomposition into free oxides, breaking of bonds between the silica-oxygen tetrahedrons and the partial increase in the coordination number of aluminium ions, the formation of mullite and cristobalite from free oxides. The proposed approach controls the ratio of Al2O3 and SiO2 phases at certain stages, which will further improve the mechanical and other properties of the matrix of the obtained raw materials for the target prototypes of industrial products.
Development of an Oxy-Fuel Combustion System in a Compression-Ignition Engine for Ultra-Low Emissions Powerplants Using CFD and Evolutionary Algorithms

This study uses an optimization approach for developing a combustion system in a compression–ignition engine that is able to operate under oxy-fuel conditions, and produces mainly CO2 and H2O as exhaust gases. This is achieved because the combustion concept uses pure oxygen as an oxidizer, instead of air, avoiding the presence of nitrogen. The O2 for the combustion system can be obtained by using a mixed ionic–electronic conducting membrane (MIEC), which separates the oxygen from the air onboard. The optimization method employed maximizes the energy conversion of the system, reducing pollutant emissions (CxHy, particulate matter, and carbon monoxides) to levels near zero. The methodology follows a novel approach that couples computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms to optimize the complete combustion system in terms of engine performance and pollutant generation. The study involves the evaluation of several inputs that govern the combustion system design in order to fulfill the thermo-mechanical constraints. The parameters analyzed are the piston bowl geometry, fuel injector characteristics, air motion, and engine settings variables. Results evince the relevance of the optimization procedure, achieving very low levels of gaseous pollutants (CxHy and CO) in the optimum configuration. The emissions of CO were reduced by more than 10% while maintaining the maximum in-cylinder pressure within the limit imposed for the engine. However, indicated efficiency levels are compromised if they are compared with an equivalent condition operating under conventional diesel combustion.
Asthma and Vitamin D Deficiency: Occurrence, Immune Mechanisms, and New Perspectives

Asthma, as a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, has a considerable prevalence among children. Vitamin D might play a role in asthma pathogenesis by affecting the development of the lung, regulating the immune responses, and remodeling of airway smooth muscle (ASM). Study results on the association between the serum level of vitamin D and asthma severity have suggested a converse relationship between lower vitamin D levels and more severe clinical courses. However, they are not consistent in these findings and have shown insignificant correlations, as well. The possible effects of vitamin D on asthma have led researchers to consider this vitamin a potential prophylactic and therapeutic tool for managing children with variant degrees of asthma. Adding vitamin D to the routine corticosteroid therapy of asthmatic children is another field of interest that has shown promising results. In this narrative review study, we aim to elaborate on the existing knowledge on the role of vitamin D in asthma pathogenesis and prognosis, explain the controversies that exist on the effectiveness of treating patients with vitamin D supplements, and make a general conclusion about how vitamin D actually is linked to asthma in children.
Research on the Effect of Nursing Methods for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on Comprehensive Nursing Intervention

In order to explore the effective way of gestational diabetes care, this paper applies comprehensive nursing to gestational diabetes care. In terms of nursing intervention for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus, combining the phased changes of pregnant women's physiological and psychological needs during pregnancy, this paper comprehensively implements health education, diet intervention, exercise intervention, pregnancy monitoring, psychological intervention, infection prevention, and perinatal monitoring and other nursing interventions in a selective and focused manner. This makes the intervention measures at each stage focused, intersecting, interpenetrating, and continuing to play a role, which can effectively improve the implementation effect of the intervention measures and better promote the effective improvement of pregnancy outcomes. In addition, this paper studies the effect of gestational diabetes care based on comprehensive nursing intervention through a controlled trial, and the study verifies that comprehensive nursing has a good effect in gestational diabetes care.