Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Motor function, muscle strength and health-related quality of life of children perinatally infected with HIV

Background Gross motor delays are common in infants and preschool children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These delays persist in children of school-going age and may affect participation in classroom and playground activities; however, the extent of the problem is poorly understood in this age group. Objectives Our study aimed to determine the motor function, muscle strength and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children aged 5–10 years who were perinatally infected with HIV. Methods In our cross-sectional study, participants were recruited using convenience sampling from a Gauteng HIV clinic. Participants were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC-2), standing broad jump test (SBJT), Paediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM (PedsQL) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results Thirty children participated in our study. The MABC-2 showed 60% of the children assessed were either at risk of developmental delay or were already delayed, with the domain of manual dexterity being most affected. The SBJT showed female participants had weaker muscle strength than males. The mean total score on the PedsQL was 81%, with the subscales ranging from very high quality of life scores to moderately high quality of life scores, with emotional functioning having one of the lower overall scores. Conclusion Children who have been perinatally infected with HIV are at significant risk of delayed motor function. Muscle strength is also an area of concern, as is emotional HRQoL. Further research and implementation of holistic rehabilitation programmes are needed. Clinical implications Children with HIV need to be prioritised for developmental screening throughout childhood. Health promotion and early intervention need to be at the forefront of our fight against this pandemic.
The Protective Role of Microglial PPARα in Diabetic Retinal Neurodegeneration and Neurovascular Dysfunction

Microglial activation and subsequent pathological neuroinflammation contribute to diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the underlying mechanisms of microgliosis, and means to effectively suppress pathological microgliosis, remain incompletely understood. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is a transcription factor that regulates lipid metabolism. The present study aimed to determine if PPARα affects pathological microgliosis in DR. In global Pparα mice, retinal microglia exhibited decreased structural complexity and enlarged cell bodies, suggesting microglial activation. Microglia-specific conditional Pparα−/− (PCKO) mice showed decreased retinal thickness as revealed by optical coherence tomography. Under streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, diabetic PCKO mice exhibited decreased electroretinography response, while diabetes-induced retinal dysfunction was alleviated in diabetic microglia-specific Pparα-transgenic (PCTG) mice. Additionally, diabetes-induced retinal pericyte loss was exacerbated in diabetic PCKO mice and alleviated in diabetic PCTG mice. In cultured microglial cells with the diabetic stressor 4-HNE, metabolic flux analysis demonstrated that Pparα ablation caused a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. Pparα deficiency also increased microglial STING and TNF-α expression. Taken together, these findings revealed a critical role for PPARα in pathological microgliosis, neurodegeneration, and vascular damage in DR, providing insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of microgliosis in this context and suggesting microglial PPARα as a potential therapeutic target.
Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacterales in Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti

The emergence and spread of multidrug resistant Enterobacterales (MDR-E) are a global public health issue. This problem also concerns urinary tract infections (UTI), which are the second most frequent infections after respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to determine MDR-E frequency and to characterize MDR-E isolates from patients with community-acquired UTIs in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti. From 800 clinical urinary samples collected at the Mer Rouge Laboratory, Djibouti, from January to July 2019, 142 were identified as Enterobacterales (age range of the 142 patients mean age is 42 years.) Mass spectrometry analysis of these isolates identified 117 Escherichia coli, 14 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2 Proteus mirabilis, 4 Enterobacter spp. , 4 Providencia stuartii and 1 Franconibacter helveticus. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (disk diffusion method) of these 142 isolates detected 68 MDR-E (68/142 = 48%): 65 extended-spectrum bêta lactamase- (ESBL), 2 carbapenemase- (one also ESBL), and 1 cephalosporinase-producer. Multiplex PCR and sequencing showed that the 65 ESBL-producing isolates carried genes encoding CTX-M enzymes (CTX-M-15 in 97% and CTX-M-9 in 3% of isolates). Two isolates harboured a gene encoding the OXA-48-like carbapenemase, and one the gene encoding the AmpC CMY-2 cephalosporinase. Genes implicated in resistance to quinolones (qnrB, aac (6′)-Ib-cr, qnrD, oqxA and B) also were detected. Among the E. coli phylogroups, B2 was the most common phylogenetic group (21% of MDR-E isolates and 26% of non-MDR-E isolates), followed by A (14% and 12%), B1 (9% and 7%), D (3% and 3%), F (3% and 3%) and E (2% and 2%). This study highlights the high frequency of ESBL producers and the emergence of carbapenemase-producers among Enterobacterales causing community-acquired UTIs in Djibouti.
Feedback stabilization and adaptive stabilization of stochastic nonlinear systems by the control Lyapunov function

Our aims of this paper are twofold: On one hand, we study the asymptotic stability in probability of stochastic differential system, when both the drift and diffusion terms are affine in the control. We derive sufficient conditions for the existence of control Lyapunov functions (CLFs) leading to the existence of stabilizing feedback laws which are smooth, except possibly at the equilibrium state. On the other hand, we consider the previous systems with an unknown constant parameters in the drift and introduce the concept of an adaptive CLF for stochastic system and use the stochastic version of Florchinger's control law to design an adaptive controller. In this framework, the problem of adaptive stabilization of nonlinear stochastic system is reduced to the problem of non-adaptive stabilization of a modified system.
The Role of Cross-linguistic Influence in Second Language Acquisition

Cross-Linguistic Influence (CLI) occupies an important but rather complex position in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). It is difficult to determine its specific role, but by observing research and theories, its impact on SLA can be divided into two types, positive and negative. The role of CLI in SLA largely depends on the similarities and differences between L1 and L2, and the contact of these two languages. In addition, cross-cultural influence must also be considered, its relationship with CLI, and its role in SLA. This paper will also briefly discuss some factors that affect CLI because CLI does not exist in isolation, nor is it immutable.
Further Evidence for a Change in the Cluster Environments of Radio Galaxies with Cosmic Epoch

The results of an investigation into the cluster environments of radio galaxies spanning a wide range of radio power within a narrow range of redshift at z about 0.5 are presented. It is found that about half of the powerful classical double radio sources at z about 0.5 inhabit rich clusters, even though similar sources avoid such environments at low redshift. It is shown that this change includes not only the most powerful sources, but also sources of moderate power where a direct comparison with low-redshift sources is possible. The lowest power radio galaxies appear to inhabit similar environments at both epochs. In deriving these results, it is shown that the absolute magnitudes of the radio galaxies, and probably also of characteristic L(asterisk) galaxies, have not changed significantly since z about 0.5. The implications for the cosmological evolution of the radio source population are discussed. 77 refs.
Stellar oxygen abundances. I: A resolution to the 7774 Å O I abundance discrepancy

We investigate the discrepancy between [O/Fe] ratios of metal-poor stars derived from the 7774 A O I triplet and [O/Fe] ratios determined from other oxygen lines. We propose a possible resolution to this discrepancy which also eliminates the correlation of [O/Fe] and T eff found in a recent 7774 A O I analysis. The equivalent widths of Abia & Rebolo [ApJ, 347, 186 (1989)] are found to be systematically too high by 25%. Arguments are presented that current temperature estimates for halo stars are 150-200 K too low. Using the guidance of both model atmospheres and other empirical color-T eff relations, we construct new color temperature relations for metal-poor stars. These relations are tied to the temperature scale of Saxner & Hammarback [A&A, 151, 372 (1985)] for metal-rich stars
Thermal Investigation of Cylindrical Lithium-ion Batteries for Different Loading using Experimental and Numerical Techniques

With growing concern over climate change due to automotive emissions and fossil fuel depletion, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained more interest as a mode of transportation. Mostly, lithium-ion batteries are being used as an energy storage system in EVs. Temperature plays a major role in lithium-ion battery performance, degradation, and safety. Thermal investigation of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries of different chemistry and shape factors (18650 NMC and 21700 NCA) is conducted for different charging/discharging rates (0.5C, 1C, 1.5C) and surrounding temperatures (26°C and 45°C) using numerical and experimental techniques. The numerical technique involves the determination of the surface temperature of the battery by solving the energy balance equation using a suitable numerical method. The numerical technique proposed in this study is validated using the experimental technique and can predict the temperature with at least 90% accuracy during the entire charging and discharging cycle from a lower to higher loading rate and different surrounding temperatures. The impact of different battery internal and external parameters on battery temperature is carried out using validated numerical technique. Thermal investigations conducted in this research can help in deciding the operating strategies of the battery management system and further in designing the proper thermal management system.
A numerical homogenisation strategy for micromorphic continua

In this contribution, we apply a numerical homogenisation scheme for micromorphic continua replacing constitutive equations on the macroscale by a microscopic boundary value problem. The aim of this procedure is to describe the influence of the microtopology on the effective behaviour of microstructured materials such as biological tissues as well as polymer or metal foams. On the one hand, that allows for avoiding the numerically expensive calculation of a fully resolved microstructure. On the other hand there is no need to identify additional material parameters which are in general hard to interpret from the physical point of view. (© 2009 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Craton Destruction Induced by Drastic Drops in Lithospheric Mantle Viscosity

The disruption of the mantle roots of cratons is common after cratonization. Craton destruction, which is characterized by severe lithospheric thinning, extensive thrust and extensional deformation, basin filling, and intense thermal activities, is relatively rare and is generally attributed to intensely reduced viscosity contrasts between the lithospheric mantle root and the underlying asthenosphere. However, the extent of the required viscosity contrast remains unclear. The North China craton (NCC) is a typical example of a partially destroyed craton, with its eastern part experiencing destruction in the Early Cretaceous. In this study, we measured the water content of clinopyroxene phenocrysts in Middle Jurassic lithospheric mantle‐derived, weakly alkaline volcanic rocks from the Shanhaiguan area. Our data and those of previous studies show that the lithospheric mantle in the eastern NCC contained substantial amounts of water (650–2,900 ppm) before craton destruction. In addition, the continuous supply of water by the subducted Paleo‐Pacific slab resulted in a more hydrous lithospheric mantle (up to ca. 9,000 ppm) during the craton destruction. The viscosity contrasts between the lithospheric mantle root and the asthenosphere (with an average viscosity of 3.7 × 1018 Pa s) were 2–8 and 0.3–2 before and during the craton destruction, respectively. Our study indicates that a drastic drop in the lithospheric mantle viscosity, which is controlled by the synergic effects of a high water content and elevated temperature, is required to induce craton destruction.
Regularity criteria for incompressible magnetohydrodynamics equations in three dimensions

In this paper, we give some new global regularity criteria for three-dimensional incompressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations. More precisely, we provide some sufficient conditions in terms of the derivatives of the velocity or pressure, for the global regularity of strong solutions to 3D incompressible MHD equations in the whole space, as well as for periodic boundary conditions. Moreover, the regularity criterion involving three of the nine components of the velocity gradient tensor is also obtained. The main results generalize the recent work by Cao and Wu (2010 Two regularity criteria for the 3D MHD equations J. Diff. Eqns 248 2263–74) and the analysis in part is based on the works by Cao C and Titi E (2008 Regularity criteria for the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations Indiana Univ. Math. J. 57 2643–61; 2011 Gobal regularity criterion for the 3D Navier–Stokes equations involving one entry of the velocity gradient tensor Arch. Rational Mech. Anal. 202 919–32) for 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations.
The Near-Earth Objects Follow-Up Program

Abstract We present the results of photometric observations of the near-Earth asteroids (1943) Anteros, (2102) Tantalus, (2212) Hephaistos, (3199) Nefertiti, (5751) Zao = 1992 AC, (6322) 1991 CQ, (7474) 1992 TC, and 1989 VA made between 1982 and 1995. Synodic rotation periods in the range from 2.39 to 5.54 hr were derived for five of them, and we were able to place lower limits on periods of (2212) and (5751)—both > 20 hr. Only the period of the low amplitude case of (1943) was not constrained. The most interesting results were obtained for the following objects: (2102), a fast rotator (period 2.39 hr) in an extremely inclined orbit ( i ≈ 64°); (2212), a low amplitude slow rotator considered as an inactive cometary nucleus candidate; (3199), which showed similar lightcurves at quite different positions of the phase angle bisector, constraining its rotational pole; and 1989 VA, an unusual Aten asteroid with a rotation period of 2.51 hr and a relatively large amplitude. Overall, these results continue the pattern that NEO spins exhibit a bimodal distribution of spin rates.
Laser imaging of small surface vessels and people at sea

The development of new asymmetric threats to civilian and naval ships has been a relatively recent occurrence. The bombing of the USS Cole is one example and the pirate activities outside Somalia another. There is a need to recognize targets at long ranges and possibly also their intentions to prepare for counteractions. Eye safe laser imaging at 1.5 μm offers target recognition at long ranges during day and night. The 1.5 μm wavelength is suitable for observing small targets at the sea surface such as boats and swimmers due to the low reflectivity of water compared to potential targets. Turbulence and haze limits the sensor performance and their influence is estimated for some cases of operational interest. For comparison, passive EO images have been recorded with the same camera to investigate the difference between sun illuminated and laser illuminated images. Examples of laser images will be given for a variety of targets and external conditions.Image segmentation for future automated recognition development is described and examplified. Examples of relevant 1.5 μm laser reflectivities of small naval targets are also presented. Finally a discussion of system aspects is made.
Thermomechanics of Coupled Fields in Passive and Piezoactive Inelastic Bodies Under Harmonic Deformation

ABSTRACT The present article gives a brief overview of studies made at S. P. Timoshenko Institute of Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine on thermomechanics of coupled fields in nonlinear inelastic passive and piezoactive materials and bodies under monoharmonic deformation. Our attention will be focused on the following subjects: (1) development of the nonlinear models of passive (without piezoeffect) and piezoactive (with piezoeffect) materials for monoharmonic vibrations with accounting for influence of such factors as material nonlinearity, dissipation, and temperature of dissipative heating; (2) development of the thermomechanical models of nonhomogeneous thin-walled inelastic elements under monoharmonic deformation; (3) development of numerical and analytical methods of the solution of coupled problems; (4) investigation of the influence of material nonlinearity, dissipation and temperature of dissipative heating on regularities of vibrations of the bodies with the passive and piezoactive materials, including influence of these factors on the efficiency of vibration control of elements with distributed sensors and actuators. Problem 1 is solved on the basis of concept of complex material characteristics. Accordingly the simplified nonlinear constitutive equations of passive and piezoactive materials are identical to the constitutive equations of linear theory of viscoelasticity, but the complex mechanical and electromechanical characteristics are temperature and field-dependent quantities. Averaged for period the rate of dissipation coincides with averaged electromechanical power. On the basis of these simplified constitutive equations the statement of coupled problems of thermomechanics in the passive and piezoactive inelastic spatial bodies are given. To solve Problem 2, the mechanical hypotheses of Kirchhoff–Love and similar hypotheses for electric field quantities and temperature are introduced. As a result the statement of coupled nonlinear problems of thermomechanics in the passive and piezoactive inelastic thin-walled elements are given. To solve Problem 3 one needs to use some iterative techniques such as method of step-by-step integration in time, method of variable characteristics and accelerating Steffensen-Eitken procedure. At each iteration, the linearized electromechanical and heat conductivity problems are solved by a method of discrete orthogonalization or by a finite element method. By the use of variational methods, the analytical solutions are also obtained. On the basis of the mentioned models, methods, and analytical and numerical solutions obtained, the influence of material nonlinearity, dissipation, and self-heating on the vibrations of nonhomogeneous spatial and thin-walled elements (in particular on the efficiency of active damping of vibrations of the elements) are investigated (Problem 4).
A Eulerian-Lagrangian Method Applied to Fluid Flow in Lid-Driven Cavities With Irregular Bottom Walls

In this work, a mixed Eulerian-Lagrangian method is employed to explore fluid flows in two-dimensional, lid-driven, irregular-bottom cavities. The methodology can handle fluid flows in the presence of irregularly shaped solid boundaries. A fixed Cartesian grid is used in the discretization of the momentum and mass equations, precluding the need to generate a grid to accommodate the non-Cartesian walls. Special treatment is required to deal with the control volumes located at the fluid–solid interface, an approach that is described herein. The discretization of the governing equations uses the finite-volume method with a collocated, i.e., cell-centered arrangement of velocity and pressure. The procedure is verified by solving two-dimensional lid-driven cavity flows for different Reynolds numbers in standard cavity shapes such as semicircular, rectangular, and square, with or without an irregular bottom wall. Results for the velocity components along the geometric centerline, stream function patterns, and pressure contours are presented and discussed. Excellent congruence with benchmark solutions is obtained.
An explicit cavitation multigrid algorithm for accelerating simulation of surface-textured bearings

The cavitation has a potential effect on the performance of surface-textured bearings. The traditional mass-conserving cavitation algorithms based on the Gauss-Seidel iteration method become slow as the grid increases. The computation time is unacceptable once the grid consists of a large array of textures. This study developed an explicit cavitation multigrid algorithm to accelerate the simulation of surface-textured bearings. The algorithm was based on the Ausas cavitation algorithm with the advantage of a matrix-free implementation. Novel numerical technologies were developed to overcome the difficulty of the floating free boundaries caused by the cavitation characteristics. An example of surface-dimpled thrust bearings was studied to analyze the algorithm efficiency. The algorithm is shown to be approximate optimal under reasonable solution parameters. It is an alternative to other cavitation algorithms.
Effects of different rootstock grafting on yield and quality of cucumber

In this study, ‘Xinli No. 3’, ‘Shengli rootstock’, ‘Shenli rootstock’ and ‘Shengzhen No. 1’ were used as rootstock, and ‘Jinchun No. 39’ cucumber was used as scion to study the effects of different rootstock on the yield and quality of grafted cucumber, and to select high quality rootstock suitable for cucumber grafting. Different rootstock affected the survival rate, phenology, the height of plant, stem diameter, growth potential, yield and quality of cucumber grafting. Among them, the survival rate of ‘Shenli rootstock’ grafted cucumber is the highest, and the growth of ‘Shengzhen No. 1’ grafted cucumber is relatively the strongest. There was no significant difference in fruit tuber, melon edge, thorn color and pulp crispness between self-rooted seedling (CK) and each rootstock grafting combination. The average yield of ‘Xinli No. 3’ grafted cucumber plot was not significantly different from that of self-rooted seedlings (CK). The length of ‘Shenli rootstock’ and ‘Shengli rootstock’ grafted cucumber was significantly higher than that of self-rooted seedlings (CK), and the length of ‘Shengzhen No. 1’ Grafted Cucumber was significantly higher than that of self-rooted seedlings (CK). The contents of vitamin C and soluble protein of ‘Shengli rootstock’, ‘Shenli rootstock’ and ‘Shengzhen No. 1’ grafted cucumber were significantly higher than those of self-rooted seedlings (CK), and the contents of soluble sugar were lower than those of self-rooted seedlings (CK). Therefore, ‘Shengzhen No. 1’ and ‘Jinchun No. 39’ have strong compatibility with cucumber. As rootstocks, the grafted cucumber plants not only have strong growth potential and high yield, but also significantly increase the content of soluble protein and vitamin C.