Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Oxidative Stress Generated by Smoking during Pregnancy on Glutathione Status in Mother-Newborn Pairs

Glutathione plays a key role in maintaining a physiological balance between prooxidants and antioxidants in the human body. Therefore, we examined the influence of maternal smoking as a source of oxidative stress measured by total oxidant capacity (TOC) on reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3), and reductase (GR) amount in maternal and umbilical cord blood in 110 (45 smoking and 65 non-smoking) mother-newborn pairs. Concentrations of glutathione status markers and TOC were evaluated by competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay technique. Plasma TOC levels were significantly higher and the GSH/GSSG ratio, which is considered an index of the cell’s redox status, were significantly lower in smoking women and their offspring than in non-smoking pairs. Decreased GR levels were found in smoking mothers and their newborns compared with similar non-smoking groups. Although plasma GPx-3 concentrations were similar in both maternal groups, in the cord blood of newborns exposed to tobacco smoke in utero they were reduced compared with the levels observed in children of tobacco abstinent mothers. Oxidative stress generated by tobacco smoke impairs glutathione homeostasis in both the mother and the newborn. The severity of oxidative processes in the mother co-existing with the reduced potential of antioxidant systems may have a negative effect on the oxidative-antioxidant balance in the newborn.
On the inventory performance of multi-criteria classification methods: empirical investigation

A number of multi-criteria inventory classification (MCIC) methods have been proposed in the academic literature. However, most of this literature focuses on the development and the comparison of ranking methods of stock keeping units (SKUs) in an inventory system without any interest in the original and most important goal of this exercise which is the combined service-cost inventory performance. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge these MCIC methods have never been compared in an empirical study. Such an investigation constitutes the objective of this paper. We first present the inventory performance evaluation method that we illustrate based on an example commonly used in the relevant literature which consists of 47 SKUs. Then, we present the empirical investigation that is conducted by means of a large data-set consisting of more than 9086 SKUs and coming from a retailer in the Netherlands that sells do-it-yourself products. The results of the empirical investigation show that the MCIC methods that impose a descending ranking of the criteria, with a dominance of the annual dollar usage and the unit cost criteria, have the lowest combined cost-service performance efficiency.
Hot-carrier-induced degradation in short p-channel nonhydrogenated polysilicon thin-film transistors

The effects of low gate voltage |V/sub g/| stress (V/sub g/=-2.5 V, V/sub d/=-12 V) and high gate voltage |V/sub g/| stress (V/sub g/=V/sub d/=-12 V) on the stability of short p-channel nonhydrogenated polysilicon TFTs were studied. The degradation mechanisms were identified from the evolution with stress time of the static device parameters and the low-frequency drain current noise spectral density. After low |V/sub g/| stress, transconductance overshoot, kinks in the transfer characteristics, and positive threshold voltage shift were observed. Hot-electron trapping in the gate oxide near the drain end and generation of donor-type interface deep states in the channel region are the dominant degradation mechanisms. After high |V/sub g/| stress, transconductance overshoot and "turn-over" behavior in the threshold voltage were observed. Hot-electron trapping near the drain junction dominates during the initial stages of stress, while channel holes are injected into the gate oxide followed by interface band-tail states generation as the stress proceeds.
Nanoparticle carrier co-delivery of complementary antibiofilm drugs abrogates dual species cariogenic biofilm formation in vitro

ABSTRACT Background Dental caries is a multifactorial disease caused by pathogenic biofilm. In particular, Streptococcus mutans synthesizes biofilm exopolysaccharides, while Candida albicans is associated with the development of severe carious lesions. Aim This study aimed to prevent the formation of S. mutans and C. albicans biofilms by exploiting pH-sensitive nanoparticle carriers (NPCs) with high affinity to exopolysaccharides to increase the substantivity of multi-targeted antibiofilm drugs introduced topically in vitro. Methods Dual-species biofilms were grown on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs with sucrose. Twice-daily, 1.5 min topical treatment regimens of unloaded and drug-loaded NPC were used. Drugs included combinations of two or three compounds with distinct, complementary antibiofilm targets: tt-farnesol (terpenoid; bacterial acid tolerance, fungal quorum sensing), myricetin (flavonoid; exopolysaccharides inhibitor), and 1771 (lipoteichoic acid inhibitor; bacterial adhesion and co-aggregation). Biofilms were evaluated for biomass, microbial population, and architecture. Results NPC delivering tt-farnesol and 1771 with or without myricetin completely prevented biofilm formation by impeding biomass accumulation, bacterial and fungal population growth, and exopolysaccharide matrix deposition (vs. control unloaded NPC). Both formulations hindered acid production, maintaining the pH of spent media above the threshold for enamel demineralization. However, treatments had no effect on pre-established dual-species biofilms. Conclusion Complementary antibiofilm drug-NPC treatments prevented biofilm formation by targeting critical virulence factors of acidogenicity and exopolysaccharides synthesis.
Impact of Renal Insufficiency on Prognosis of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Purpose Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and it is associated with poor outcomes. However, data are limited. Hence, we examined the long-term prognostic significance of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among Chinese patients hospitalized with ACS. Patients and Methods This is a multicenter, observational study that included 1860 ACS patients enrolled between March 2014 and June 2019 from 11 hospitals in Chengdu. CKD-EPI equation was used to calculate the baseline eGFR. Patients were divided into three groups: eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min (normal renal function), eGFR 60 to <90 mL/min (mild impaired renal function), and eGFR < 60 mL/min (moderate or severe renal dysfunction). The endpoint was all-cause death during follow-up. Results At baseline, 714 patients had normal renal function, while 746 patients had mild impaired renal function, and 400 patients had moderate or severe renal dysfunction. In the follow-up of 15 months (10 months, 22 months), 261 (14.0%) patients died;, 139 (34.8%) in the moderate or severe renal dysfunction group, 94 (12.6%) in the mild impaired renal function group, and 28 (3.9%) in the normal renal function group (log-rank p-value from Kaplan–Meier analysis <0.001). In multivariable Cox Proportional hazard analysis, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate, eGFR, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were independent predictors of all-cause death. Conclusion In this study, among Chinese patients with ACS, renal insufficiency was associated with unfavorable long-term prognosis. Age, SBP, heart rate, eGFR, STEMI, and PCI could identify those at risk.
Direct modulation of long-cavity semiconductor lasers

The application of a high-speed signal via the drive current to a long-cavity semiconductor laser (cavity length >/spl sim/1 cm) differs from the short-cavity case in that the variation of the optical field within one round-trip time is not negligible. We theoretically investigate the modulation response for a semiconductor laser of arbitrary length and relate it to experiments on the multifrequency waveguide grating router laser, a long-cavity laser. We find that the largest modulation bandwidth is achieved by having the modulated amplifier and the desired output as far apart as possible, the modulation bandwidth can be further increased by simple electronic precompensation, and because of fast nonlinearities the broadband intensity modulation of long-cavity lasers exhibits substantially less chirp than short-cavity lasers, the chirp essentially equal to that of the amplifiers. Finally, we demonstrate the direct modulation of three channels simultaneously in a multifrequency laser at 1.24 Gb/s each.
IMPLEMENTATION OF FELDSPAR AS PARTIALLY REPLACEMENT MATERIAL IN CEMENT MORTAR (EXPLORATION AND APPLICATION)

This paper aims to explore and evaluate the use of Jordanian Feldspar as a natural resource partially replacement material for each of cement and sand in cement mortar. First, Al-Jaishia area was explored through a global positioning system (GPS) navigation to gather site samples of Feldspar raw material. Afterward, cement and sand were partially replaced by Feldspar with substitution ratios of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% for each. The study included the effect of cement replacement on normal consistency and setting time for cement paste. The water content along with initial and final setting times increased via the increment of cement replacement ratio. Moreover, mechanical properties (compressive, flexural, and residual compressive strengths) of cement mortar due to both cement and sand replacement were evaluated. The compressive and flexural strengths after 3, 7, and 28 days of curing were examined for both cement and sand replacement. While, residual compressive strength for cement replacement after 28 days was measured at elevated temperatures of 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C. The compressive and flexural strengths decreased by increasing the Feldspar replacement ratio for both cement and sand at all specimen ages. Whereas, heat resistance properties were improved by cement/Feldspar replacement. The best result for residual compressive strength was obtained at 15% replacement ratio and 400°C temperature.
Sleep Quality and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress State of Frontline Nurses Who Perform Nucleic Acid Sample Collection During COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective To explore the sleep quality and depression-anxiety-stress state of frontline nurses in high-risk areas who conduct nucleic acid sampling testing for COVID-19 to provide a basis for formulating intervention programs in crisis management. Methods From August 22 to 30, 2021, a convenient sampling method was used in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China. A total of 248 frontline nurses who performed nucleic acid sample collection were selected. The following tests were used: the general information questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI), and Depression–Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results A total of 236 nurses completed the survey; 88.14% (n = 208) were women, the average age was 33.02±6.81, the PSQI score was 15 (13–17), and 231 (97.88%) nurses had sleep disorders during the period in Zhangjiajie, 219 nurses (81.36%) had anxiety, 135 nurses (45.76%) had depression, and 112 nurses (42.59%) felt stressed. Spearman correlation analysis was used to associate the PSQI with the DASS-21. The results showed that the use of hypnotic drugs was negatively correlated with DASS-21 (P<0.05), while the rest were positively correlated. The results of the multivariate analysis of sleep disorders showed that depression, anxiety, and stress were related to sleep quality (P<0.05), and there was no statistical difference in the other variables. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sleep quality and depression-anxiety-stress state of the frontline nurses performing nucleic acid testing were adversely affected. Sleep disturbance is a serious problem among nurses testing for the delta strain during the pandemic. Anxiety, stress, and depression are associated with sleep disorders. It is necessary to take corresponding measures and conduct crisis management interventions to improve sleep quality and mental health adjustment during public health emergencies.
Concept description and assessment of the main features of a geared intercooled reversed flow core engine

Intercooled turbofan cycles allow higher overall pressure ratios to be reached which gives rise to improved thermal efficiency. Intercooling also allows core mass flow rate to be reduced which facilitates higher bypass ratios. A new intercooled core concept is proposed in this paper which promises to alleviate limitations identified with previous intercooled turbofan designs. Specifically, these limitations are related to core losses at high overall pressure ratios as well as difficulties with the installation of the intercooler. The main features of the geared intercooled reversed flow core engine are described. These include an intercooled core, a rear-mounted high-pressure spool fitted rearwards of the low-pressure spool as opposed to concentrically as well as a mixed exhaust. In these studies, the geared intercooled reversed flow core engine has been compared with a geared intercooled straight flow core engine with a more conventional core layout. This paper compares the mechanical design of the high-pressure spools and shows how different high-pressure compressor and high-pressure turbine blade heights can affect over-tip leakage losses. In the reversed configuration, the reduction in high-pressure spool mean diameter allows for taller high-pressure compressor and turbine blades to be adopted which reduces over-tip leakage losses. The implication of intercooler sizing and configuration, including the impact of different matrix dimensions, is assessed for the reversed configuration. It was found that a 1-pass intercooler would be more compact although a 2-pass would be less challenging to manufacture. The mixer performance of the reversed configuration was evaluated at different levels of mixing effectiveness. This paper shows that the optimum ratio of total pressure in the mixing plane for the reversed flow core configuration is about 1.02 for a mixing effectiveness of 80%. Lower mixing effectiveness would result in a higher optimum ratio of total pressure in the mixing plane and fan pressure ratio.
INFLUENCE OF RADIAL INJECTED FLOW ON THE AEROACOUSTIC COUPLING IN SOLID PROPELLANT BOOSTERS

The nozzle design effect on sound production is investigated at VKI to improve the understanding of the aeroacoustic coupling that occurs in the Ariane-5 booster. A 1/30-scale axisymmetric cold flow model of the Ariane-5 EAP is designed on purpose. A flow field investigation demonstrates that the radial flow, injected through porous cylinders, simulates correctly the hot burnt gas flow from the combustion. Acoustic measurements performed by means of PCB piezoelectric transducers allow identification of flow-acoustic coupling. In some conditions, the aft end volume has the effect to increase the pressure fluctuation levels.
Quantitative ethnobotany of Calotropis procera and associated vegetation: a step forward for conservation and management practice in northern areas of Pakistan

Background: Calotropis procera is one of the most effective herbal medicinal shrubs. Although many studies have explored the ecological aspects of Calotropis procera; still a lack of documented information about the quantitative ethnobotanical and conservation attributes on this medicinally endangered plant and its associated vegetation in the Northern regions of Pakistan. Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires, group discussions, and field observations were used to collect data on the therapeutic uses of C. procera, its availability, difficulties, and future conservation measures. These data were quantitatively analyzed using Person’s carrying traditional knowledge (PCTK), Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), the report used for plant part (RUPP), plant part value (PPV), specific use (SU), Use Value (UV) and Jaccard Index (JI). Results: Forty-five plant species belonging to 31 families and 34 genera were recorded in the northern areas of Pakistan. The Asteraceae was a species-rich family (8 species), followed by Poaceae and Euphorbiaceae (4 species each). Quantitative analysis revealed that the most used plant parts (PPV) and use values (UV) for medicinal purposes were leaves and latex (1.462 and 1.295). Furthermore, C. procera had a higher PCTK score for thorn pricking (96 %) and wound healing (93.5 %). The UV varied from 0.08 (Lamium amplexicaule L.) to 0.79 (C. procera W.T. Aiton). The RFC ranged from 0.06 (Xanthium strumarium L) to 0.28 (C. procera W.T. Aiton). Concerning the similarities between the present work and neighboring countries, India shows higher similarities (5.52) that may reflect the common flora and similar cultural norms. Conclusions: Our results provide support for the use of C. procera in traditional medicine. Hence, the PCTK results of the present work demonstrated that C. procera is an endangered (EN) plant species due to its uncontrolled and extensive uses for medicinal and other purposes. Therefore, the indigenous use of medicinal plants needs conservational strategies and further investigation for better utilization of natural resources.
Cerebrovascular response to exercise interacts with individual genotype and amyloid-beta deposition to influence response inhibition with aging

The etiology of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia is multifactorial. Yet, mechanistic interactions among key neurobiological factors linked to AD pathology are unclear. This study tested the effect of interactions between cerebrovascular function, individual genotype, and structural brain pathology on response inhibition performance, an early and sensitive indicator of cognitive executive dysfunction with aging. We quantified cerebrovascular response (CVR) to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise using transcranial doppler ultrasound and global amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition using positron emission tomography in a group of cognitively normal older adults genotyped as APOE4 carriers and noncarriers. We quantified response inhibition during a cognitive Stroop test. Individuals with blunted CVR possessed greater Aβ deposition. There was CVR-by-carrier status-by-Aβ interaction on response inhibition. Blunted CVR was associated with impaired response inhibition specifically in carriers. Despite having greater Aβ deposition, carriers with higher CVR demonstrated better response inhibition. Cerebrovascular interactions with individual genotype and structural brain pathology may provide a physiologically-informed target for precision-medicine approaches for early treatment and prevention of cognitive dysfunction with aging. Highlights Neurobiological interactions between CVR, APOE genotype, and Aβ are behaviorally significant. Blunted CVR to exercise is associated with impaired response inhibition specifically in APOE4 carriers. APOE4 carriers with more robust CVR have higher response inhibition performance, despite having greater Aβ deposition. Assessment of multifactorial neurobiological variables offers an early and sensitive biomarker of cognitive behavioral dysfunction with aging.
Emerging practices in the cultural heritage domain - Engaging users on a large scale

Cultural heritage institutions and their users are beginning to inhabit the same, shared information space. New, innovative services are launched, such as social tagging. Engaging in social tagging is beneficial for both parties, as it improves access to data and stimulates active engagement with the content. To explore the impact and success criteria of social tagging in the cultural heritage domain, a large-scale video labeling pilot was executed: Waisda? It built on earlier work, and introduced three innovations: [i]Using gaming as method to annotate television heritage [ii] Actively seek collaboration with communities connected to the content [iii] use curated vocabularies as a means to integrate tags with professional annotations. Within a period of 7 months, 350,000 tags were added in Waisda? An extensive evaluation was conducted, that provided input on the usability of the tags, the game design and so on. Based on this input, a roadmap for future developments towards a fully operational service was drafted.
Work in Progress - Innovation Using

Increasingly, it is evident that the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) process is helping universities achieve their strategic planning goals. Yet, minimal attention in the engineering colleges has been given to the Baldrige criteria/process. This paper will address the successes of the Baldrige process for colleges and universities achieving academic achievement improvement. It will discuss the elements of the Baldrige criteria for higher education and identity three higher- level educational institutions that are MBNQA in Education winners and their successes. The use of the Baldrige criteria in engineering colleges will be discussed. This paper proposes that the Baldrige criteria could provide the framework for systematic thinking for leading innovation to current engineering education critical issues.
Water Reuse in EU States: Necessity for Uniform Criteria to Mitigate Human and Environmental Risks

Water quality criteria are an indispensable part of water reuse projects aiming to ensure the protection of public health and the environment. In addition, criteria can affect the development, public acceptance, and economic viability of water reuse projects. Currently no uniform criteria exist, but they diverge, often greatly, between countries and states. The authors briefly present the evolution of reuse criteria worldwide and discuss emerging issues related to ecological and public health risks that have not addressed adequately in existing criteria. They specifically focus on European Union (EU) countries and present their water reuse status based on the published data and the existing (or nonexisting) reuse frameworks. Data gathered from public agencies reveal a high potential for water reuse in the EU that could potentially contribute to ensuring that fresh water is available for all sectors and to protect the environment, but it has not expanded at the expected rates. The lack of water reuse criteria was thought as the most important cause for this delay. lasting recent years, however, several countries, particularly those located in the Mediterranean basin, established water reuse criteria. Similarities and differences as well as potential benefits and drawbacks of these criteria are discussed and interpreted with these of the other world. An important conclusion is that the criteria enacted in Greece, Italy, and Spain will probably prevent the development of water reuse projects and increase the costs. Moreover, major challenges, the future views, and the necessity for establishing common regulations for water reuse at an EU level are considered.