Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Alternative to Reduce Medium-Voltage Transient Recovery Voltage Peaks

Circuit breakers can fail to interrupt three- phase fault currents when power systems have Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) characteristics, which exceed their ratings. This paper is the outcome of a study for the reevaluation of three 15 kV breakers at the CHESF (Companhia Hidroeletrica do Sao Francisco) Angelim substation, located in the northeast of Brazil. Digital simulations are carried out with ATP ® (Alternative Transients Program) to compute the TRV waveforms. Alternative actions are taken to bring circuits within the 15 kV circuit breaker ratings when the parameters of the simulated TRV exceed the breaker ratings. A simple and cheap alternative to reduce TRV peaks is the placement of ZnO devices across the breaker terminals.
Atmospheric rivers and associated extreme rainfall over Morocco

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are long, narrow, and transient corridors of enhanced water vapour content in the lower troposphere, associated with strong low‐level winds. These features play a key role in the global water cycle and drive weather extremes in many parts of the world. Here, we assessed the frequency and general characteristics of landfalling ARs over Morocco for the period 1979–2020. We used ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis data to detect and track landfalling ARs and then assessed AR association with rainfall at the annual and seasonal scales, as well as extreme rainfall events (defined as a daily precipitation amount exceeding the 99th percentile threshold of the wet days) at 30 gauging stations located across Morocco. Results indicate that about 36 ARs/year make landfall in Morocco. AR occurrence varies spatially and seasonally with highest occurrences in the autumn (SON) and Winter (DJF) in the northern part of the country and along the Atlantic across northern regions. AR rainfall climatology indicates up to 180 mm·year−1 recorded in stations located in the northwest. High fractional contributions (~28%) are recorded in the north and the Atlantic regions, with the driest regions of the south receiving about a third of their annual rainfall from ARs. For extreme rainfall, the highest AR contributions can attain over 50% in the southern dry regions and along the Atlantic north coast and Atlas highlands.
ISSR-based genetic diversity assessment of five populations of Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch in southern habitats of Iran

Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch is a durable conifer species with different growth habit that grow in ecological landscapes. In this study, genetic diversity was investigated for five populations of juniper that grew in Fasa, Sepidan, Khabr, Rabor, and Genow habitat in the south of Iran. For DNA extraction, leaf samples of 10 diverse accessions of each habitat were collected (totally 50 accessions). Populations genetic diversity was evaluated based on 12 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Assessment of ISSR markers predicted 75 loci with 67 (89.33%) polymorphic loci, polymorphic information content (PIC) 0.45, resolving power (Rp) 3.78, and effective multiplex ratio (EMR) and marker index (MI) of primers were 5.50 and 2.47, respectively. Populations Nei’s genetic diversity showed higher intra-population genetic diversity (0.25) than inter-population genetic diversity (0.13). Results indicated the highest different loci (Na) for Sepidan population (56) and the highest effective alleles (Ne) were obtained in two populations of Sepidan (1.49) and Genow (1.49). Furthermore, the highest gene diversity (H) observed in the population of Sepidan (0.27) and Genow (0.27). The population of Sepidan has the highest Shannon’s information index (I) (0.41) and percentage of polymorphic loci (P) (74.67). Investigated populations showed high total genetic diversity (Ht) (0.38), intra-population genetic diversity (Hs) (0.25), and inter-population genetic diversity (Dst) (0.13), and moderate genetic differentiation among populations (Gst = 0.34). High gene flow (Nm) was obtained between evaluated populations (0.94). Moreover, AMOVA analysis indicated 70% within and 30% among populations genetic variation.
Understanding Frameworking for Smart and Sustainable City Development: A configurational approach

In recent decades, frameworks combining rankings and indices for smart and sustainable city development have proliferated. Stakeholders respond to them in various ways for strategizing towards urban sustainability. We refer to this as frameworking, which we identify as focusing on how frameworks are commensurated. However, research on commensuration has concentrated mostly on reactivity towards metrics. Little is known about how stakeholders contemplate the quality of and reaction to rankings and indices. We examine this issue through a configurational analysis of a set of European cities that consistently appear in these frameworks. We unveil several configurations of smart city metrics that relate to sustainability. Based on these effects, we theorize frameworking as differences in the relative configurations of smart city metrics that can generate performance. These configurations relate to three underlying dimensions: smart city capability, reactivity and context. We show that when frameworking is studied configurationally, we can identify the previously under-researched response to the quality of indices and reactivity to metrics. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of a complex account of frameworks relevant to boosting urban sustainability.
A Rare Case of Bilateral Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Following Neck Injury

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a rare condition caused by compression of the neurovascular structures of the thoracic outlet. Patients with TOS are found to have a greater prevalence of supernumerary or abnormal first ribs compared to the general population. Symptoms can sometimes be incited by a neck injury, especially in patients with abnormal cervical anatomy. This case report highlights a unique patient with bilateral cervical ribs who presented with complicated symptoms following a neck injury who required a series of surgical interventions to improve.
Nef-Mediated Receptor Endocytosis and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus and a Tyrosine Motif, Are Involved in HIV-1 Two Sorting Motifs, a Ubiquitination Motif

HIV-1 and SIV Nef proteins downregulate cell surface CD4 and MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules of infected cells, which are necessary for efﬁcient viral replication and pathogenicity. We previously reported that K144 in HIV-1 Nef is di-ubiquitinated, and K144R substitution impairs Nef-mediated CD4 downregulation. In this report, we extend the role of ubiquitination at this lysine residue from Nef-mediated CD4 downregulation to Nef-mediated MHC-I downregulation and from HIV Nef to SIV Nef. All HIV-1 Nef mutants that contain K144R substitution are inactive in MHC-I downregulation. Tested MHC-I alleles include HLA-ABC endogenously expressed and HLA-A2 exogenously expressed in Jurkat T cells. CD4 downregulation by SIV Nef involves K176 that aligns with K144 in HIV-1 Nef, as well as an N-terminal tyrosine motif Y28Y39 not present in HIV-1 Nef. Dual mutation at K176 and Y28Y39 completely impaired SIV Nef-mediated CD4 and MHC-I downregulation, whereas a single mutation at K176 or Y28Y39 did not. The involvement of tyrosine motif in SIV Nef-mediated CD4 and MHC-I downregulation prompted us to investigate a putative tyrosine motif (Y202Y/F203) in HIV-1 Nef that is conserved among HIV-1 species. Single mutation at the tyrosine motif Y202F203 in HIV-1 Nef (NA7) greatly impaired Nef-mediated CD4 downregulation, which is similar to what we observed previously with single lysine our ubiquitination and tyrosine
Hands-on, Eyes-on: Enhancement of Nigerian Senior Secondary School Physics Through Observational Learning

Physics is an aspect of science that is essential for the scientific development of any nation, but the performance of students in the subject remains a concern for physics educators. Observational learning is one way of enhancing performance. This study investigates the effects of this type of learning as reinforcement to enhance Nigerian students’ performance in physics. The investigation adopted the pre-test post-test randomized control group quasi-experimental design involving 89 senior school students randomly selected from two schools in Ondo, Nigeria. The instrument, the Physics Achievement Test in Energy Quantization (PATEQ), consisting of 19 multiple choice questions, was used to obtain the data. PATEQ was validated by three science education experts and a reliability coefficient of 0.72 was achieved through Kuder-Richardson Formula 21. The experimental and control groups were taught energy quantization using observational and conventional teaching methods respectively. The findings show that observational learning has a significant effect on physics students’ achievement. It is concluded that such learning should be used to reinforce the teaching of physics in order to improve Nigerian students’ grades in the subject.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, ACHIEVEMENT GOALS, AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A STUDY WITH UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF ACCOUNTING SCIENCES

This study analyzed the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI), adherence to the Achievement Goals Theory (AGT), and academic performance of undergraduate’s students of Accounting Sciences from a Federal Higher Education Institution in Rio Grande do Sul. It was carried out through a survey by an electronic questionnaire, sent to the emails and social media of Accounting Science students enrolled in March of 2020, resulting in a sample with 99 completed surveys. The results demonstrate a significant relationship between EI and adherence to the AGT. However, in this study, in general, it was not possible to observe a significant statistical influence (p ≥ 0.05) that the level of EI and adherence to the AGT influence the average academic performance. The findings contribute to the previous literature on emotional intelligence, as well theoretical and practical contributions to teaching and the accounting profession. Regarding the practical contributions to teaching and the accounting profession, the assistance to teachers, coordinators and educational institutions is highlighted to observe that the environment outside the classroom influences the levels of emotional intelligence, objectives, and academic performance of the students, in addition to helping teachers understand which interaction method can be used in the teaching-learning process, according to the students' emotional intelligence level. Based on the systematic analysis of the literature, we believe this is the first work that aims to assess the relationship between academic performance, level of EI, and adherence to AGT in undergraduate Accounting Sciences students in Brazil, which gives the study an unprecedented character.
Feeding Difficulties Following Vascular Ring Repair: A Contemporary Narrative Review

Vascular rings are congenital abnormalities of the aortic arch vascular system that compress the trachea and esophagus. A review of long-term outcomes suggests that chronic feeding difficulties can persist following surgical repair of vascular rings. Previous reports of postoperative vascular ring division outcomes indicate that chronic esophageal symptoms may persist following repair, though most available data focuses on persistent respiratory symptoms. It is therefore the aim of this article to summarize and organize recent evidence reporting the frequency, presentation, and management of feeding difficulties following vascular ring repair in pediatric patients. Pathophysiologic mechanisms for postoperative esophageal symptoms may include residual compression from an unresected diverticulum of Kommerell or delayed repair leading to chronic esophageal dysmotility despite correction of esophageal compression. Guidance on the management of feeding difficulties following vascular ring repair is limited. The authors describe success in one case with nasogastric tube feeding and interdisciplinary evaluation. Consensus regarding the management of feeding difficulty following vascular ring repair is needed.
Feeding broiler chicks with Schizosaccharomyces pombe-expressed phytase-containing diet improves growth performance, phosphorus digestibility, toe ash, and footpad lesions

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) -expressed phytase on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility, organ indexes, meat quality, toe ash, and footpad lesions score in broiler chicks. Methods A total of 390 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 groups based on the initial body weight (42.15±0.17 g), there were 6 replicate cages per treatment and 13 birds (mixed sex) per cage. The experimental period was 45 days, including 4 periods (starter, days 1 to 10; grower, days 11 to 24; finisher 1, days 25 to 38; finisher 2, days 39 to 45). Dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal-basal diet and supplemented with 500, 750, 1,000, and 1,500 FTU/kg S. pombe-expressed phytase. One phytase unit (FTU) was defined as the amount of enzyme that catalyzes the release of one micromole phosphate from phytate per minute at 37°C and pH 5.5. Results The inclusion of increasing levels of phytase in the diet linearly increased the body weight gain during days 1 to 10 (p = 0.001), 25 to 38 (p = 0.016), 39 to 45 (p = 0.018), and 1 to 45 (p = 0.004), feed intake during days 25 to 38 (p = 0.032), feed conversion ratio during days 1 to 10 (p = 0.001), 39 to 45 (p = 0.038), and 1 to 45 (p = 0.012), carcass weight (p = 0.035), toe ash (p<0.001), and apparent ileal phosphorus digestibility (p = 0.049). However, the footpad lesions score (p = 0.040) decreased linearly with the increase in phytase levels in the diet. Conclusion Dietary supplementation of S. pombe-expressed phytase was beneficial to the growth performance, toe ash, apparent ileal phosphorus digestibility, and footpad lesions of broiler chicks in a dose-dependent manner.
A Randomized Controlled Trial for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Aprepitant/Dexamethasone vs. Mirtazapine/Dexamethasone

Background Coadministration of different antiemetics proved to decrease postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This trial compared aprepitant/dexamethasone (A/D) combination vs mirtazapine/dexamethasone (M/D) combination vs dexamethasone (D) alone for prevention of PONV in morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG. Methods Ninety patients scheduled for LSG were randomly allocated to receive 8 mg dexamethasone intravenous infusion (IVI) only in the D group or in addition to 80 mg aprepitant capsule in the A/D group or in addition to 30 mg mirtazapine tablet in the M/D group. Assessment of PONV was carried out at 0–2 h (early) and 2–24 h (late). The primary outcome was the complete response 0‐24 h after surgery. Collective PONV, postoperative pain, side effects and patient satisfaction score were considered as secondary outcomes. Results The A/D and M/D groups were superior to the D group for a complete response within 0–24 h after surgery (79.3% for the A/D group, 78.6% for the M/D group, and 20.7% for the D group). The D group was inferior to the A/D and M/D groups regarding collective PONV and use of rescue antiemetic 0–24 h after surgery (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The peak nausea scores (2–24 h) were significantly reduced in the M/D group in comparison to the D group (P=0.005). Patients in the M/D group showed high sedation scores, while those in the A/D group showed low pain scores (2–24 h) and less analgesic requirements (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The A/D and M/D groups were superior to the D group with regard to the patient satisfaction score (P < 0.001). Conclusion Aprepitant/dexamethasone combination and mirtazapine/dexamethasone combination were superior to dexamethasone alone in alleviating postoperative nausea and vomiting in morbidly obese patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04013386.
miR-126-3p and miR-21-5p as Hallmarks of Bio-Positive Ageing; Correlation Analysis and Machine Learning Prediction in Young to Ultra-Centenarian Sicilian Population

Human ageing can be characterized by a profile of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), which are potentially predictors of biological age. They can be used as a biomarker of risk for age-related inflammatory outcomes, and senescent endothelial cells (ECs) have emerged as a possible source of circulating miRNAs. In this paper, a panel of four circulating miRNAs including miR-146a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-181a-5p, involved in several pathways related to inflammation, and ECs senescence that seem to be characteristic of the healthy ageing phenotype. The circulating levels of these miRNAs were determined in 78 healthy subjects aged between 22 to 111 years. Contextually, extracellular miR-146a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-181a-5p levels were measured in human ECs in vitro model, undergoing senescence. We found that the levels of the four miRNAs, using ex vivo and in vitro models, progressively increase with age, apart from ultra-centenarians that showed levels comparable to those measured in young individuals. Our results contribute to the development of knowledge regarding the identification of miRNAs as biomarkers of successful and unsuccessful ageing. Indeed, they might have diagnostic/prognostic relevance for age-related diseases.
Heat losses from ladles during teeming

In an investigation of the loss of temperature by liquid steel during a teeming operation, a numerical technique was used to calculate the heat floss and the rate of temperature drop over the entire teeming operation. The calculations show that, before teeming, approximately 50 per cent of the heat loss is into the ladle wall at the level of the metal. As teeming progresses, the amount of heat lost by radiation to the wall above the metal line increases. The effect of variables, such as initial metal temperature, the preheat of the ladle and ladle cover, and delays, on the rate of temperature loss by the metal were determined.
Comparative Efficacy of Antihypertensive Agents in Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of Patients with Hypertension: Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

Hypertension induces both structural and functional changes in blood vessels, thereby increasing endothelial dysfunction, which in turn, contributes to an increase in blood pressure. A popular and widely used noninvasive tool, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), is used to examine peripheral artery endothelium-dependent dilation. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of different classes of antihypertensive agents based on their effects on FMD. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were queried till November 1, 2020. Comparative studies on the efficacies of two or more antihypertensive agents or placebos for hypertensive patients were included. The outcomes were variations in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Two reviewers independently reviewed and filtered the literature and extracted the data; the Cochrane “risk of bias” method was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the randomized controlled trials. A network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 software with a total of 49 studies. Subgroup analysis based on age and duration of treatments was performed. As compared to the placebo group, patients receiving the antihypertensive drugs exhibited significantly enhanced FMD (ARB + CCB: 4.01%, 95% CI, 0.92–7.11%, p < 0.001; ACEI + ARB: 2.81%, 95% CI, 1.19–4.43%, p < 0.001; ACEI: 2.55%, 95% CI, 1.34–3.77%, p < 0.001; ARB: 2.22%, 95% CI, 1.05–3.38%, p < 0.001; β-blocker: 2.23%, 95% CI, 0.93–3.52%, p < 0.001). In the SUCRA curve for network meta-analysis, the combination of CCB and ARB was found to be the most effective in increasing FMD (SUCRA = 89.0%), followed by ACEI monotherapy (SUCRA = 74.2%). ARB combined with CCB was superior in improving the endothelial function measured as the FMD; ACEI monotherapy was the most effective treatment among the antihypertension medications. There were no significant differences between antihypertensive drug-based monotherapies.
Antibacterial and Biodegradable Polysaccharide-Based Films for Food Packaging Applications: Comparative Study

One of the major objectives of food industry is to develop low-cost biodegradable food packaging films with optimal physicochemical properties, allowing for their large-scale production and providing a variety of applications. To meet the expectations of food industry, we have fabricated a series of solution-cast films based on common biodegradable polysaccharides (starch, chitosan and alginate) to be used in food packaging applications. Selected biopolymers were modified by the addition of glycerol and oxidized sucrose (starch), glycerol (chitosan), and glycerol and calcium chloride (alginate), as well as being used to form blends (starch/chitosan and starch/alginate, respectively). A chestnut extract was used to provide antibacterial properties to the preformed materials. The results of our studies showed that each modification reduced the hydrophilic nature of the polymers, making them more suitable for food packaging applications. In addition, all films exhibited much higher barrier properties to oxygen and carbon dioxide than commercially available films, such as polylactic acid, as well as exhibiting antimicrobial properties against model Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively), as well as yeast (Candida albicans).
The design and value of “early adopter” low-energy houses

Abstract Purpose. This paper outlines an early adopter “low energy” domestic dwelling, social houses that were built with the collaboration of a University, the local council and the new residents. The origins of this project are from the early days of interest in sustainable housing, the 1970’s. The dwellings were innovative and built to what became known as “the Salford design” which performed to an unusual specification, using about 75% less energy than the UK average for space heating and over 40% less than for houses built to what were then standard building regulations. Design/Methodology/Approach. A qualitative and interpretative stance was deemed to be the most appropriate. Within that lens, interviews were chosen as the primary research instrument. Findings. A marked feature of the results is the variation in energy consumption by different households. A Salford-designed house could be habitable throughout the year without any space heating at all, comfortable at 10%, and very comfortable at 25% of normal consumption. Originality/Value. As there continues to be interest and commitment to reducing energy - not just from the UK but also on a worldwide scale, the United Nations Conference of the Parties known as COP 22 (2016) met in Morocco to take forward many of the initiatives outlined in the Paris Agreement 2015. It is of interest, then, that the latest set of interviews showed that the houses built to the innovative and original 1970’s Salford design principles, protected by a highly insulated, well-sealed envelopes are still today functioning at a relatively low energy threshold.