Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GC-MS Determination of Undeclared Phthalate Esters in Commercial Fragrances: Occurrence, Profiles and Assessment of Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Risk Associated with Their Consumption among Adult Consumers

Phthalates are chemicals that are extensively used in the manufacturing of cosmetic products. The occurrence of phthalate esters in personal care products may pose adverse effects on consumers’ health. In this work, a simple, fast and reliable GC-MS method was developed and validated for concurrent determination of phthalate esters in fragrances. Simple procedures were employed for sample preparation and clean up. The recoveries achieved were in the range of 94.9% to 105.6% with RSD ≤ 4.06. The detection limits were in the range of 0.0010 to 0.0021 µg/mL. The GC-MS method was utilized to investigate the occurrence of phthalate esters in different brands of perfumes sold in the Saudi Arabian market. Diethyl phthalate was detected in all analyzed samples, with a maximum concentration of 5766 µg/mL, and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was detected in the majority of the analyzed samples (95%), with a mean concentration of 55.9 µg/mL and a highest concentration of 377.7 µg/mL. Additionally, the exposure to phthalate esters due to the consumption of perfumes was investigated among the adult Saudi population for the first time. It was found that the systemic exposure dose, measured at mean concentrations, ranged from 4.59 × 10−4 to 4.29 × 10−2 (mg/kg/day) and from 5.00 × 10−4 to 4.68 × 10−2 (mg/kg/day) for male and female users, respectively. Moreover, the non-carcinogenic risk of the investigated phthalate esters and the carcinogenic risk of DEHP were also evaluated. The non-carcinogenic risk values of the detected phthalate esters were greater than 100, which indicates that exposure to these phthalate esters is unlikely to produce non-carcinogenic health effects to consumers. However, at maximum DEHP concentrations, the carcinogenic risk values were 5.49 × 10−5 for male users and 5.98 × 10−5 for female users, which indicates the possibility of DEHP to pose a carcinogenic health effect if present at high levels. Regular monitoring of undeclared chemicals such as phthalate esters in personal care products marketed in Saudi Arabia is extremely important to ensure consumers’ safety. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to assess the health risk associated with consumption of perfumes in Saudi Arabia.
On the structure of comaximal graphs of commutative rings with identity

In this paper we investigate the center, radius and girth of comaximal graphs of commutative rings. We also provide some counterexamples to the results concerning the relation between isomorphisms of comaximal graphs and the rings in question. In addition, we investigate the relation between the comaximal graph of a ring and its subrings of a certain type.
Nonfragile H∞ Output Feedback Controller Design for Linear Systems*

This paper is concerned with the nonfragile H ∞ controller design problem for linear time-invariant systems. The controller to be designed is assumed to have norm-bounded uncertainties. Design methods are presented for dynamic output (measurement) feed-back. The designed controllers with uncertainty (i.e. nonfragile controllers) are such that the closed-loop system is quadratically stable and has an H-, disturbance attenuation bound. Furthermore, these robust controllers degenerate to the standard H ∞ output feedback control designs, when the controller uncertainties are set to zero.
Mobilizing the World Café Method for Adequate Development of Non-Technical Skills of Midwives in Morocco: A Pilot Experiment

This article explores the development of the most critical soft skills in midwifery through the use of a participatory method called the World Café in the context of continuing education at the Formation and Simulation Center (FORSim) in Settat, Morocco. Non-technical skills include a set of metacognitive abilities that complement technical skills to ensure the safe execution of technical activities and the parturient’s satisfaction. In order to develop these midwifery skills through the World Café method, we invited nine midwives from two maternity units in the Casablanca-Settat region, with whom we elaborated our psychological, organizational, cognitive, and interactional (POCI) model. The study took place over a full day, structured into three distinct steps: a self-assessment of the level of mastery of the eight soft skills in the POCI model, four cycles of the World Café and, finally, a discussion of and feedback about the method. The use of the World Café method allowed for a dialogue on the possibilities of managing and addressing issues related to non-technical skills among midwives from various hospital settings. Based on the results, we found that the participants enjoyed the non-stressful atmosphere of the World Café and were very productive. The assessments and feedback from the midwives participating in this study suggest that managers can adopt the World Café approach to develop non-technical skills and enhance midwives’ interactions and soft skills as part of their continuing education.
Derivative measurements of the current-voltage characteristics of double-heterostructure injection lasers

Measurements of the electrical characteristics of double-heterostructure (DH) stripe-geometry AlGaAs junction lasers are reported. We show that the electrical characteristics of these lasers are adequately represented by a resistor in series with a p-n junction characterized by a classical diode equation, I = I_{s} [\exp (q V_{j}/\etakT) - 1] . Devices have been measured with almost ideal junction characteristics with both the saturation current, I s , and the exponential parameter, η, constant, while in other diodes both η and I s exhibit a strong current dependence. Measurement of the first derivative dV/dI and the product IdV/dI is shown to be an especially useful technique for electrical characterization, yielding accurate and direct determination of the series resistance, the exponential junction parameter, and the laser threshold current. The observation of lasing threshold from an electrical measurement, instead of from the more usual optical measurement, is discussed in terms of the saturation behavior of the junction voltage at and above threshold.
Wave-travel in a Non-uniform Transmission Line, in Relation to Pulses in Arteries

Calculations have been made of the propagation of oscillations in a simple non-uniform transmission-line, to illustrate the amplification of travelling waves, and to show the manner in which non-uniformity of the line influences the input impedance. The model was chosen to examine the influence of the known variation of elasticity along the arterial tree, upon the impedance which is presented to pulsatile blood-flow from the heart into the aorta, and upon the `amplification' of arterial pressure-pulses in the periphery. It is concluded that the possession of non-uniform elasticity contributes to the efficient operation of the cardiovascular system.
On the U-Th Geometric Conditional Quantile

Motivated by Chaudhuri's work (1996) on unconditional geometric quantiles, we explore the asymptotic properties of sample geometric conditional quantiles, defined through kernel functions, in high dimensional spaces. We establish a Bahadur type linear representation for the geometric conditional quantile estimator and obtain the convergence rate for the corresponding remainder term. From this, asymptotic normality on the estimated geometric conditional quantile is derived. Based on these results we propose confidence ellipsoids for multivariate conditional quantiles. The methodology is illustrated via data analysis and a Monte Carlo study.
Nonlinear property analysis of long-period fiber gratings using discretized coupled-mode theory

We present generalized mathematical expressions for coupled-mode equations for nonlinear pulse propagation in fiber gratings using discretized coupled-mode theory and quantitatively analyze the nonlinear properties of long-period fiber gratings, considering multimode coupling between the core mode and several cladding modes. The calculations yield nonlinear responses for the case of long-period fiber gratings, including pulse shaping and all-optical switching in the self- and cross-phase modulation regimes. In addition, we briefly discuss the group delay properties of long-period fiber gratings and present several numerical examples of nonlinear pulse compression, which is related to strong dispersion and soliton-like behavior in fiber gratings.
Ocean Wind Speed Climatology from Spaceborne SAR Imagery

Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery can make high-resolution (≤500 m) ocean wind speed measurements. The authors anticipate reprocessing the full decade and a half of Radarsat-1 SAR imagery and generating a SAR wind speed archive. These data will be of use for studies of coastal atmospheric phenomena and assessment of offshore wind power potential. To illustrate the potential of this latter application, they review the ability of SARs to measure wind speed, discuss an approach for using SARs to create wind speed climatologies useful for wind power resource assessments, and consider issues concerning the applicably of such data for these assessments.
Accurate Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Next-Generation Sequencing in Low Viral Load Specimens

As new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge, there is an urgent need to increase the efficiency and availability of viral genome sequencing, notably to detect the lineage in samples with a low viral load. SARS-CoV-2 genome next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed retrospectively in a single center on 175 positive samples from individuals. An automated workflow used the Ion AmpliSeq SARS-CoV-2 Insight Research Assay on the Genexus Sequencer. All samples were collected in the metropolitan area of the city of Nice (France) over a period of 32 weeks (from 19 July 2021 to 11 February 2022). In total, 76% of cases were identified with a low viral load (Ct ≥ 32, and ≤200 copies/µL). The NGS analysis was successful in 91% of cases, among which 57% of cases harbored the Delta variant, and 34% the Omicron BA.1. 1 variant. Only 9% of cases had unreadable sequences. There was no significant difference in the viral load in patients infected with the Omicron variant compared to the Delta variant (Ct values, p = 0.0507; copy number, p = 0.252). We show that the NGS analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genome provides reliable detection of the Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants in low viral load samples.
About some family of elliptic curves

We examine the moduli space E=T* of complex tori T(t)=C/L(t) where L(t)=cost.n(t)Lt. We find that the Dedekind eta function furnishes a bridge between the euclidean and hyperbolic structures on T*=C-L/L as well as between the doubly periodic Weierstrass function p on T* and the theta function for the lattice E(8). The former one allows us to rewrite the Lame equation for the Bers embedding of T(1,1) in a new form. We show that L has natural decomposition into 8 sublattices (each equivalent to L) together with appropriate half-points and that this leads to some local functions and to a relation with E(8)
Effect of Zwitterionic Additive on Electrode Protection through Electrochemical Performances of Anatase TiO2 Nanotube Array Electrode in Ionic Liquid Electrolyte

In this work, a functionalized zwitterionic (ZI) compound 1-butylsulfonate-3-methylimidazole (C1C4imSO3) was synthesized and tested as an additive to LiTFSI/C2C2imTFSI ionic liquid-based electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. The structure and purity of C1C4imSO3 were confirmed by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the pure C1C4imSO3 was examined by simultaneous thermogravimetric–mass spectrometric (TG–MS) measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The LiTFSI/C2C2imTFSI/C1C4imSO3 system was tested as a potential electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries by using anatase TiO2 nanotube array electrode as the anode material. This electrolyte with 3% C1C4imSO3 showed significant improvement of lithium-ion intercalation/deintercalation properties, such as capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency compared to electrolyte without additive.
Synthesis of superheavy nuclei: A search for new production reactions

Nuclear reactions leading to the formation of new superheavy (SH) elements and isotopes are discussed in the paper. 'Cold' and 'hot' synthesis, fusion of fission fragments, transfer reactions, and reactions with radioactive ion beams are analyzed along with their abilities and limitations. If the possibility of increasing the beam intensity and the detection efficiency (by a total of one order of magnitude) is found, then several isotopes of new elements with Z=120-124 could be synthesized in fusion reactions of titanium, chromium, and iron beams with actinide targets. The use of light- and medium-mass neutron-rich radioactive beams may help us fill the gap between the SH nuclei produced in the hot fusion reactions and the mainland. In these reactions, we may really approach the 'island of stability. ' Such a possibility is also provided by the multinucleon transfer processes in low-energy damped collisions of heavy actinide nuclei. The production of SH elements in fusion reactions with accelerated fission fragments looks less encouraging.
Novel Results on Quaternion Modelling and Estimation from Vector Observations

Building on previous works, this paper brings novel results about the quaternion statespace mathematical modeling, under he assumptions of rate gyro measurements and of vector observations of the attitude. The spectral properties of the Lyapunov difierential equation for the quaternion second-order moment are investigated and expressions for its solution are developed. The properties of a four-dimensional quaternion measurement matrix are analyzed. Three difierent approaches are suggested in order to reduce, without loosing information, the measurement equation down to a two-dimensional equation. The insight gained in this analysis leads to the development of a deterministic quaternion estimator from a batch of two vector observations. The reduced quaternion measurement model yields computationally more e‐cient quaternion Kalman fllters. The relationship between the proposed fllters and the celebrated q-method is discussed.
Patterns of high ability and underrepresented students’ subject-specific psychosocial strengths: A latent profile analysis

ABSTRACT Students underrepresented in traditional school-based gifted and talented programs require innovative programs that help them to identify their domain-specific talent and psychosocial strengths. The current study integrated the Talent Development Megamodel with Social Cognitive Career Theory to better identify clusters of psychosocial strengths and aptitudes of a group of middle school students. Sixth and seventh grade students (n = 240) attending schools in a predominantly midwestern state in the United States participated in the grant-funded Talent Identification and Career Exploration (TICE) program. Students completed assessments of their aptitude, academic-specific self-efficacy, outcome expectations, interests, and goals as part of the program. Results indicated a five-class Latent Profile Analyses (LPA) solution was considered the best fitting model, identifying student profiles labeled uninspired, confident but directionless, humanities, STEM, and confident and highly capable. There were no differences in class assignment based on prior identification as gifted and talented or presence of twice-exceptionality, and groups did not differ significantly in aptitude. Findings suggest the importance of tailoring interventions considering students’ psychosocial strengths and aptitudes and linking these profiles to career exploration activities.
A simple conceptual model of cirrus horizontal inhomogeneity and cloud fraction

A simple conceptual model of horizontal inhomogeneity and cloud amount in cirrus clouds has been formulated on the basis that internal horizontal inhomogeneity in the ice mixing ratio is due to variations in the cloud depth, which are assumed to be Gaussian. The use of such a model was justified by the observed relationship between the normalized variability of cloud depth and both the cloud amount and the normalized variability of the ice‐water mixing ratio (and extinction).
Impact of Land Use Change on the Habitat Quality Evolution in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China

Habitat quality (HQ) is an important indicator to characterize the level of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and can reflect the quality of the human living environment. Changes in land use can disturb regional HQ. Current research mostly focuses on assessing the good or bad quality of regional habitats, and less on the spatial response relationship between land use change and HQ, and even fewer studies on finely distinguishing the impact of land use types on HQ. Therefore, taking Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) of China as the study area, this paper first analyzes the land use change of study area by using the land use transfer matrix, land use rate model and landscape pattern index, and then combines the InVEST model with the multi-scale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model to build a refined assessment framework to quantitatively assess the spatial and temporal evolution patterns of HQ, and then analyse in detail the spatial response relationship of each land use type change on the impact of HQ. The results showed that from 2000 to 2020, the land use in the TGRA shows a changing state of “urban expansion, cultivated land shrinkage, forest land growth, and grassland degradation”. With the change in land use, the habitat quality index (HQI) in the study area showed an “ increase first and then decline” change characteristics, and the HQ degradation was more obvious in the areas with intense human activities. The impact of land use change over the past 20 years on HQ in the TGRA has significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity, with changes in paddy and dryland having mainly negative impacts on HQ, and changes in sparse land, shrubland, and medium-cover grassland having mainly positive impacts on HQ. This paper mainly provides a research framework for refined assessment, and the results can provide scientific support for land planning and ecological protection in the TGRA, and the research methods and ideas can provide references for similar research.
Association of Plasma Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein Concentration with Dietary Factors, Gut Microbiota, and Health Status in the Japanese General Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

The influx of intestinal bacteria-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the blood has attracted attention as a cause of diseases. The aim of this study is investigating the associations between the influx of LPS, dietary factors, gut microbiota, and health status in the general adult population. Food/nutrient intake, gut microbiota, health status and plasma LPS-binding protein (LBP; LPS exposure indicator) were measured in 896 residents (58.1% female, mean age 54.7 years) of the rural Iwaki district of Japan, and each correlation was analyzed. As the results, plasma LBP concentration correlated with physical (right/left arms’ muscle mass [β = −0.02, −0.03]), renal (plasma renin activity [β = 0.27], urine albumin creatinine ratio [β = 0.50]), adrenal cortical (cortisol [β = 0.14]), and thyroid function (free thyroxine [β = 0.05]), iron metabolism (serum iron [β = −0.14]), and markers of lifestyle-related diseases (all Qs < 0.20). Plasma LBP concentration were mainly negatively correlated with vegetables/their nutrients intake (all βs ≤ −0.004, Qs < 0.20). Plasma LBP concentration was positively correlated with the proportion of Prevotella (β = 0.32), Megamonas (β = 0.56), and Streptococcus (β = 0.65); and negatively correlated with Roseburia (β = −0.57) (all Qs < 0.20). Dietary factors correlated with plasma LBP concentration correlated with positively (all βs ≥ 0.07) or negatively (all βs ≤ −0.07) the proportion of these bacteria (all Qs < 0.20). Our results suggested that plasma LBP concentration in the Japanese general adult population was associated with various health issues, and that dietary habit was associated with plasma LBP concentration in relation to the intestinal bacteria.
Numerical Investigation of Laminar Unsteady Wakes Behind Two Inline Square Cylinders Confined in a Channel

Abstract Two-dimensional numerical investigations have been carried out to study the behavior of unsteady wake for flow past an inline arrangement of square cylinders confined in a channel. The present work aims to study the influence of the relative size and arrangement of the two cylinders on vortex shedding characteristics in their wakes. A computational code has been developed using finite difference approach based on modified MAC algorithm for solution of governing flow equations. Effect of size ratio of the two cylinders, the cylinder spacing in streamwise direction and flow Reynolds number on the wake flow characteristics of the two cylinders have been presented. The temporal characteristics of the wake are analyzed using time series analysis. Results indicate that for a given Reynolds number, there exist a range of values of size ratio and cylinder spacing for which vortex shedding can occur in the wake of the upstream cylinder.
Robust stability and performance analysis for state space systems via quadratic Lyapunov bounds

The authors consider quadratic Lyapunov bounds to obtain a simultaneous treatment of both robust stability and performance. The approach is based on the construction of modified Lyapunov equations which provide sufficient conditions for robust stability along with robust performance bounds. One of the principal features of this work is the unified treatment and extension of several quadratic Lyapunov bounds developed previously for feedback control design. <<ETX>>
Hepatic Nampt Deficiency Aggravates Dyslipidemia and Fatty Liver in High Fat Diet Fed Mice

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the salvage pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis. Thus far, hepatic Nampt has not been extensively explored in terms of its effects on serum lipid stability and liver lipids metabolism. In this study, hepatocyte-specific Nampt knockout (HC-Nampt-/-) mice were generated by Cre/loxP system. Nampt mRNA expression was reduced in the liver, but not in other tissues, in HC-Nampt-/- mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Hepatic Nampt deficiency had no effect on body weight and fasting blood glucose, and it did not induce atherosclerosis in mice under both normal chow diet (NCD) and high fat diet (HFD). At baseline state under NCD, hepatic Nampt deficiency also did not affect liver weight, liver function index, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin and alkaline phosphatase, and serum levels of lipids, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). However, under HFD, deficiency of hepatic Nampt resulted in increased liver weight, liver function index, and serum levels of TG, TC, HDL-C, and NEFA. Meanwhile, histopathological examination showed increased fat accumulation and fibrosis in the liver of HC-Nampt-/- mice compared with WT mice. Taken together, our results show that hepatic Nampt deficiency aggravates dyslipidemia and liver damage in HFD fed mice. Hepatocyte Nampt can be a protective target against dyslipidemia and fatty liver.