Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The mean characteristics of horseshoe vortex at a cylindrical pier

The primary horseshoe vortex formed in front of a cylindrical pier and believed to be the prime agent responsible for scour has been investigated experimentally during the entire process of scouring. A simple and effective method was employed to obtain the time-averaged characteristics of the vortex in terms of parameters relating variables of flow, pier and the channel bed. An expression for the maximum equilibrium scour depth has also been developed from the vortex velocity distribution inside scour hole. The resulting scour prediction equation has been found to give better results compared to the results of well-known predictor models when applied to model scour data.
Understanding Antecedents of Learning Management System Usage among University Lecturers Using an Integrated TAM-TOE Model

Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of the learning management system (LMS) is still low among university lecturers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The objective of the current study is to understand the factors influencing LMS usage in universities using indicators from Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) framework. This study examined system quality, service quality, information quality, technical support, and government policies as essential variables for affecting LMS usage using perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) as mediating variables. To reach the aim of this study, the conceptual model was proposed based on TAM integrated with external factors adapted from TOE framework. Quantitative research using a questionnaire was conducted on a sample of 393 lecturers. The study used a structural equation modelling technique, and the results were analysed by SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings show that information quality significantly correlates with PU and PEOU. Service quality, system quality, and government policy show a significant relationship with either PU or PEOU. However, technical support shows an insignificant relationship with PU and PEOU. Inside the TAM itself, PU and PEOU significantly correlate with LMS usage. Finally, the current study demonstrated the role of PU and POEU as mediators between external factors and LMS usage. These study findings have implications for research and practice to guide university leaders and policymakers in understanding the factors that must be addressed.
Human ApoE2 Endows Stronger Contractility in Rat Cardiomyocytes Enhancing Heart Function

(1) Background: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a critical plasma apolipoprotein for lipid transport and nonlipid-related functions. Humans possess three isoforms of ApoE (2, 3, and 4). ApoE2, which exhibits beneficial effects on cardiac health, has not been adequately studied. (2) Methods: We investigated the cardiac phenotypes of the humanized ApoE knock-in (hApoE KI) rats and compared to wild-type (WT) and ApoE knock-out (ApoE KO) rats using echocardiography, ultrasound, blood pressure measurements, histology strategies, cell culture, Seahorse XF, cardiomyocyte contractility and intracellular Ca2+ tests, and Western blotting; (3) Results: hApoE2 rats exhibited enhanced heart contractile function without signs of detrimental remodeling. Isolated adult hApoE2 cardiomyocytes had faster and stronger sarcomere contractility because of more mitochondrial energy generation and stimulation-induced fast and elevated intracellular Ca2+ transient. The abundant energy is a result of elevated mitochondrial function via fatty acid β-oxidation. The fast and elevated Ca2+ transient is associated with decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2) and increased expression of cardiac ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) conducting a potent Ca2+ release from SR.; (4) Conclusions: Our studies validated the association of polymorphic ApoEs with cardiac health in the rat model, and revealed the possible mechanisms of the protective effect of ApoE2 against heart diseases.
The apparent spectral broadening of VLF transmitter signals during transionospheric propagation

VLF/ELF electric field wave data acquired on the ISIS 1, ISIS 2, and ISEE 1 satellites demonstrate the existence of a new phenomenon in which initially narrowband (∼1 Hz) upgoing signals from ground-based VLF transmitters undergo a significant spectral broadening as they propagate through the ionosphere and protonosphere up to altitudes in the range 600–3800 km. For transmitter signals in the range 10–20 kHz, the spectral broadening can be as high as 10% of the nominal frequency of the input signal. Spectral broadening occurs only in the presence of impulsive VLF hiss and/or a lower hybrid resonance (LHR) noise band with an irregular lower cutoff frequency, and only for signals whose frequency exceeds the LHR frequency at the satellite location. It is often observed in association with a band of impulsive ELF hiss below 700 Hz. In many cases, the bandwidth of the spectrally broadened signals is a strong function of the electric dipole antenna orientation with respect to the local direction of the earth's magnetic field. Unusual dispersion in the components of the spectrally broadened pulses suggests that the spectral broadening may be due to a doppler shift effect in which the initial signals scatter from irregularities in the F region and couple into quasi-electrostatic modes of short wave length. The large doppler shift associated with these short wavelength modes produces a significant increase in the bandwidth of the signal, as observed on a moving satellite. Since impulsive VLF hiss and irregular LHR noise bands have been linked to energetic (<1 keV) electron precipitation in the past, it is conjectured that the spectral broadening effect may be driven by precipitating electrons.
Patient Satisfaction After Stella Maris Hospital and Faisal Islamic Hospital Were Installed in Makassar City: An Examination of the Role of Brand Perception, Customer Perceived Value, and Customer Experience

Patient satisfaction at inpatient installations at Stella Maris Hospital and Faisal Islam Hospital in Makassar City will be analyzed and compared with respect to brand image, customer perceived value, and customer experience. The research in question is a quantitative cross-sectional study that employs an observational methodology. A total of 190 replies were included in this study, all of which were from patients being treated at either RS Stella Maris or RS Islam Faisal Makassar. Bivariate and multivariate univariate analysis were used to examine the data. Based on the data collected, it was determined that there was a link between patient happiness and brand equity, customer value perception, and customer service quality. Brand image had a significance level of 0.0000. 05, and its value was 0.126. Value as seen by customers had a 0.0000. 05 significance level, and nilai equaled 0.424. We found a value of B = 0.376 for customer satisfaction at a significance level of 0.0000. 05. Management at both RS Stella Maris and RSI Faisal Makassar City would do well to regularly assess the hospitals' brand values, customer perceptions of those values, and the quality of care their patients receive, with suggestions for ways to enhance these metrics including faster service, clearer communication, and more accommodating scheduling.
Quantification of Intra Embryonic Motions Through Label Free and Fast Imaging Of Yolk Granules

Caenorhabditis elegans is widely used as a model organism and its oocyte and embryos’ reproductive development are under extensive study due to their ease of observation and cultivation. As one of the main embryo constituents, yolk granules and their motion serve important functions such as storage of energy and materials. However, current observation and analysis methods have issues such as being toxic, problematic identification of densely distributed particles, or being too slow to track fast movement. Here we use a home-built, label-free imaging system that faithfully images the particles at a high frame rate. Then, a trained U-Net with an upsampling block is used to recognize the granules with high accuracy compared to traditional methods (83% vs 50%). Through motion analysis, we found that most granules can only be tracked in a short period of time (thus presenting an additional challenge for slower imaging methods). While typical diffusion model is not appropriate for short tracks, we use the track-averaged speed and its distribution parameters to characterize the intra embryonic motions, classifying embryos from normal and starved mothers, thus demonstrating that our method can be used to quantitatively evaluate the embryo's quality without any extraneous labels.
Laser micro-Raman spectroscopy of single-point diamond machined silicon substrates

Laser micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to examine the silicon substrates machined by single-point diamond turning at machining scales ranging from 10 to 1000 nm under plane strain conditions. The results showed that the subsurface layer was partially transformed to amorphous, the extent of amorphization depending strongly on the undeformed chip thickness. The intensities of the crystalline phase and the amorphous phase show opposite tendencies with respect to the undeformed chip thickness. In brittle regime machining, Raman spectra differ depending on the test locations. The intensity of the amorphous phase reaches maximum near the ductile–brittle transition boundary. In ductile regime machining, the intensity of the amorphous phase decreased sharply as the undeformed chip thickness decreased. This work provides technological insights into the possibility of direct manufacturing of subsurface damage-free optical and optoelectronic products of silicon by ductile machining without the need for or with a de.
Effect of model uncertainty on failure detection: the threshold selector

The performance of all failure detection, isolation, and accommodation (DIA) algorithms is influenced by the presence of model uncertainty. The authors present a unique framework to incorporate a knowledge of modeling error in the analysis and design of failure detection systems. A concept is introduced called the threshold selector, which is a nonlinear inequality whose solution defines the set of detectable sensor failure signals. It identifies the optimal threshold to be used in innovations-based DIA algorithms. The optimal threshold is shown to be a function of the bound on modeling errors, the noise properties, the speed of DIA filters and the classes of reference and failure signals. The size of the smallest detectable failure is also determined. The results are applied to a multivariable turbofan jet engine example, which demonstrates improvements compared to previous studies. >
The local Galactic magnetic field

The Galactic magnetic field is analyzed based on the large amount of pulsar rotation measures (RMs) now available, and regions of the sky suspected of producing anomalous RMs are discussed. The North Polar Spur appears to cause large positive RMs in the region l between 0 and 60 deg and b between 0 and 60 deg, and thus causes a systematic bias in modeling if the pulsars in the region are not flagged. Using only unflagged pulsars within D = 3 kpc and a longitudinal model of the local field, the strength is found to be B(0) = 1.6 + or - 0.3 microgauss in the direction l(B) = 96 deg + or - 4 deg, with a reversal at D(r) = 600 + or - 80 pc toward the inner Galaxy. A concentric-ring model is found to be superior to a bisymmetric spiral model as a fit to the data without the 3 kpc restriction, with a strength of B0 = 1.3 + or - 0.2 microgauss at the position of the sun and a reversal at D(r) = 650 + or - 90 pc toward the Galactic center. 33 refs.
Detailed study of a two component smectic 4TPB–8OCB system with a nematic gap. Phase diagram and viscosity study

Abstract The phase diagram of a two component system composed of two smectic compounds: 4-octyloxy-4′-cyanobiphenyl (8OCB) and 4-isothiocyanatophenyl 4-butylbenzoate (4TPB) was investigated. Three Miesowicz viscosity coefficients η1, η2, η3 and the refractive indices at different temperatures as well as the enthalpies of the phase transitions were measured. It was stated, that the properties of the induced nematic phase, for example, the nematic phase existing between two smectic regions, are the same as the ones observed in the case of low viscosity nematic mesogens.
Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Plyometric Training on Lower Limb Explosive Strength in Adolescent Athletes

Background: Plyometric training is an effective training method to improve explosive strength. However, the ability to perform plyometric training in the adolescent population is still controversial, with insufficient meta-analyses about plyometric training on lower limb explosive strength in adolescent athletes. Objective: To investigate the influence of plyometric training on the explosive strength of lower limbs in adolescent athletes. Methods: We performed a search of six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan-fang database) from the starting year of inclusion in each database to April 4, 2022. The quality of the included literature was assessed using the Cochrane risk assessment tool, and data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.4 software. Result: Plyometric training had significant effects on the performance of adolescent athletes in countermovement jump (MD = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.62, 3.85, p < 0.01), squat jump (MD = 4.37, 95% CI: 2.85, 5.90, p < 0.01), standing long jump (MD = 6.50, 95% CI: 4.62, 8.38, p < 0.01), 10-m sprint (MD = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.08, −0.00, p = 0.03), and 20-m sprint (MD = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.20, −0.04, p = 0.03); all had positive and statistically significant effects (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Plyometric training can significantly enhance the explosive strength of lower limbs in adolescent athletes.
Assessment of the Clinical Condition and Way of Patients’ Nutrition before and after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

One of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures is the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). It is highly effective in reducing body weight, but it carries the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies and their consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical condition of obese patients after LSG in terms of nutritional status, metabolic disorders, and way of nutrition. Thirty participants (15 women and 15 men) took part in the study. A statistically significant reduction in the total body fat mass (women by 37.5% p < 0.05, men by 37.06% p < 0.05) and total fat free mass (women by 10% p < 0,05, men by 12.5% p < 0.05) was demonstrated 6 months after LSG. Moreover, insufficient protein intake has been shown in over 73% of women and 40% of men. Before and 6 months after LSG, insufficient intake of calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin D, and iron was observed. Six months after the LSG, significant decreases of fasting glucose (p < 0.05), insulin (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.05), and AST (p < 0.05) concentrations, were observed in both groups. Optimization of nutrition in order to prevent nutritional deficiencies and their complications is a key element of the therapy of obese patients treated surgically.
Phasing low-resolution macromolecular structure factors by matricial direct methods

Matricial direct methods were used to phase 28 strong low-resolution (100-19 A) structure factors of crystalline yeast tRNA~ et (P6422, z = 12) which had not been phased by multiple isomorphous replacement (MIR). The starting phase set was composed of 107 terms in the resolution range 32-14 A which had been phased by MIR. Extending the phase set to the strong lowresolution terms significantly improved the electrondensity map. The goal of establishing a well defined molecular boundary was clearly achieved and provided the basis of a successful structure determination to 4.0 A resolution. The phases determined by direct methods deviated from the phases subsequently calculated from the refined atomic coordinates by an unweighted average value of 73 o; 36% of these were determined with a figure of merit greater than 0.75 and showed a discrepancy of only 44 o. The accuracy of the phases determined by matricial methods compared favorably with those of the starting MIR phase set. An analysis of the resolution dependence of the intensities suggests plausible substructures as the basis of the normalization leading to the successful extension of phases to very low resolution.
An improved method to analyze the input impedance of microstrip annular-ring antennas

The problem of microstrip annular-ring patch antenna excited by a probe is solved using rigorous analysis. Minimal assumptions, except the uniform current distribution on the probe and zero thickness of the patch have been made in our analysis. By using the vector Hankel transforms, the problem is formulated in terms of vector dual-integral equations, from which the surface current on the patch can be solved for. The singular part of the current arising from the probe feed is extracted from the expansion series in order to accelerate convergence. It is shown that this analysis agrees with the single mode approximation (SMA) method when the substrate layer is thin, while it deviates from the SMA method drastically when the substrates become thick. Experimental results show that the analytical procedure used in this paper can greatly improve the accuracy of the computed input impedance of microstrip annular-ring patch antenna.
The Importance of RSV Epidemiological Surveillance: A Multicenter Observational Study of RSV Infection during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The restrictive measures adopted worldwide against SARS-CoV-2 produced a drastic reduction in respiratory pathogens, including RSV, but a dramatic rebound was thereafter reported. In this multicenter retrospective observational study in 15 Pediatric Emergency Departments, all children <3 years old with RSV infection admitted between 1 September and 31 December 2021 were included and compared to those admitted in the same period of 2020 and 2019. The primary aim was to evaluate RSV epidemiology during and after the COVID-19 pandemic peak. The secondary aims were to evaluate the clinical features of children with RSV infection. Overall, 1015 children were enrolled: 100 in 2019, 3 in 2020 and 912 in 2021. In 2019, the peak was recorded in December, and in 2021, it was recorded in November. Comparing 2019 to 2021, in 2021 the median age was significantly higher and the age group 2–3 years was more affected. Admissions were significantly higher in 2021 than in 2020 and 2019, and the per-year hospitalization rate was lower in 2021 (84% vs. 93% in 2019), while the duration of admissions was similar. No difference was found in severity between 2019–2020–2021. In conclusion, after the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in RSV cases in 2021 exceeding the median seasonal peak was detected, with the involvement of older children, while no difference was found in severity.
Phase Transitions in BaTiO3 from IR Autocorrelation Spectrum

Temperature dependence of infrared spectrum from BaTiO 3 micro-crystals has been analysed. The measurements have been made within temperature range from 140 to 330 K in the IR region between 380 and 4000 cm−1 . The low temperature spectrum shows two clear bands at about 498 and 550 cm−1 that are in agreement with expectations for trigonal symmetry. The spectra at higher temperatures have the profiles that are difficult to be interpreted using a conventional peak fitting procedure. To explain the obtained results an autocorrelation method has been used for the frequency region between 480 and 700 cm−1 (where IR active vibrations occur). A special attention has been paid to the effects following the phase transitions. It has been possible to formulate some additional arguments concerning a complex character of the phase transitions in barium titanate with indication of an increasing role of order-disorder mechanism.
Prevalence, Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated with Physical Restraint in Acute Medical Inpatients over 4 Years—A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Physical restraints are frequently used in acute care hospitals. Their application is associated with negative outcomes, while their intended preventive effect is debated. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of physical restraints and associated outcomes on medical wards in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Retrospective cohort study (January 2018 to December 2021). We included all adult medical in-patients and excluded patients with admission to the intensive care unit, short stays (length of stay (LOS) < 48 h), and patients declining informed consent. Results: Of 11,979 admissions, the prevalence of patients with at least one restraint was 6.4% (n = 772). Sensor mats were used most frequently (73.0%, n = 666), followed by blanket restrictions (14.5%, n = 132), bedrails (8.8%, n = 80) and belts (3.7%, n = 34). On average, restraints were applied 19 h (standard deviation (SD) ± 161) before a fall. Average restraint duration was 42 h (SD ± 57). Patients with a restraint had longer LOS 8 days (IQR 5–14) vs. 5 days (IQR 3–9). Median nurses’ time expenditure was 309 h (IQR 242–402) vs. 182 h (IQR 136–243) for non-restrained patients. Patients with restraints fell more often (22.5% vs. 2.7%) and were more likely to die (13.3% vs. 5.1%). These differences persisted after adjusting a regression model for important clinical confounders. We saw a decline in the duration of restraints over the years, but no variation between wards. Conclusion: Approximately 6% of medical patients, mostly older and severely ill, were affected by restraint use. For the first time, we report data over 4 years up to ward-level granularity.
Administration of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) to Induce Neural Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSC) Isolates

The aging populations in many countries have developed many chronic illnesses and diseases, including chronic neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s and Azheimer’s diseases. Many new lines of research and treatment are focusing on the potential for neurologic regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the rapidly growing field of regenerative medicine. This may include dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), which have recently been demonstrated to produce neuronal precursors. Based upon this evidence, the primary aim of this study was to determine if the growth factors used in MSC-based studies are sufficient to induce neuronal differentiation among DPSCs. Using an existing biorepository, n = 16 DPSC isolates were thawed and cultured for this study, which revealed several subpopulations of rapid-, intermediate-, and slowly dividing DPSCs. Administration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were sufficient to induce differential changes in growth and viability mainly among some of the rapidly growing DPSCs (n = 4). These phenotypic changes included expression of neural differentiation markers including Sox1, Pax6 and NF-M, which were observed only among those DPSC isolates not expressing early odontoblast-specific biomarkers such as ALP and DSPP. Future studies will be needed to confirm if these methods are sufficient to induce consistent and reliable induction of DPSCs towards neuronal specific differentiation.