Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced reliability analysis of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in automotive applications

Hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to dramatically reduce emissions from the energy sector, particularly when integrated into an automotive application. However, there are three main hurdles to the commercialisation of this promising technology; one of which is reliability. Cur- rent standards require an automotive fuel cell to last around 5000 h of operation (equivalent to around 150,000 miles), which has proven difficult to achieve to date. This hurdle can be overcome through in-depth reliability analysis including techniques such as Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Petri-net simulation. This research has found that the reliability field regarding hydrogen fuel cells is still in its infancy, and needs development, if the current standards are to be achieved. In this research, a detailed reliability study of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is undertaken. The results of which are a qualitative and quantitative analysis of a PEMFC. The FMEA and FTA are the most up to date assessments of failure in fuel cells developed using a comprehensive literature review and expert opinion. Advanced modelling of fuel cell degradation logic was developed using Petri-net modelling techniques. 20 failure modules were identfied that represented the interactions of all failure modes and operational parameters in a PEMFC. Petri-net simulation was used to overcome key pitfalls observed in FTA to provide a verfied degradation model of a PEMFC in an automotive application, undergoing a specific drive cycle, however any drive cycle can be input to this model. Overall results show that the modeled fuel cell's lifetime would reach 34 hours before falling below the industry standard degradation rate of more than 5%. The degradation model has the capability to simulate fuel cell degradation under any drive cycle and with any operating parameters. A fuel cell test rig was also developed that was used to verify the simulated degradation. The rig is capable of testing single cells or stacks from 0-470W power. The results from the verification experimentation agreed strongly with the degradation model, giving confidence in the accuracy of the developed Petri-net degradation model. This research contributes greatly to the field of reliability of PEMFCs through the most up-to-date and comprehensive FMEA and FTA presented. Additionally, a degradation model based upon Petri-nets is the first degradation model to encompass a 1D performance model to predict fuel cell life time under specific drive cycles.
Anomalous Structural Evolution and Glassy Lattice in Mixed-Halide Hybrid Perovskites.

Hybrid halide perovskites have emerged as highly promising photovoltaic materials because of their exceptional optoelectronic properties, which are often optimized via compositional engineering like mixing halides. It is well established that hybrid perovskites undergo a series of structural phase transitions as temperature varies. In this work, the authors find that phase transitions are substantially suppressed in mixed-halide hybrid perovskite single crystals of MAPbI3-x Brx (MA = CH3 NH3 + and x = 1 or 2) using a complementary suite of diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, as a general behavior, multiple crystallographic phases coexist in mixed-halide perovskites over a wide temperature range, and a slightly distorted monoclinic phase, hitherto unreported for hybrid perovskites, is dominant at temperatures above 100 K. The anomalous structural evolution is correlated with the glassy behavior of organic cations and optical phonons in mixed-halide perovskites. This work demonstrates the complex interplay between composition engineering and lattice dynamics in hybrid perovskites, shedding new light on their unique properties.
Is Exposure to Social Media Advertising and Promotion Associated with E-cigarette Use? Evidence from Indonesia

Background: E-cigarette use is a growing public health concern globally, including in Indonesia. Objective: Our study aimed to assess whether exposure to advertising and promotion in social media is associated with e-cigarette use in Indonesia, an upper-middle-income country. Methods: We conducted mixed-method research including quantitative and qualitative methods. For the quantitative methods, we did an online survey in the five largest cities in the country with 1,239 participants during September-October 2020. For the qualitative method, we conducted an in-person focused group discussion during November 2020 (while complying to the COVID-19 protocols). Results: We found high rates of e-cigarette ever use (29%) and current use (13%) among study participants. There was high exposure to e-cigarette advertising and promotion in social media, with a majority of participants (84%) reported ever seeing e-cigarette adverts or promotions on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and others. Both high rates of e-cigarette use and exposure to social media advertising are associated. Participants reported ever seeing adverts and promotions were 2.91 times and 2.82 times more likely ever to use and currently use e-cigarettes, respectively, after controlling for socioeconomic factors, region, and cigarette smoking status. Conclusion: Exposure to social media advertising and promotion is associated with e-cigarette use in Indonesia.
miR-34a-5p plays an inhibitory role in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating target gene VEGFA.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this research is to determine the role of miR-34a-5p in the occurrence and development of HCC by targeting VEGFA. METHODS The expression of miR-34a-5p in HCC cell lines and tumour tissue was detected by qRT-PCR; the effect of miR-34a-5p on the invasive ability of HCC cells (SMMC7721 and MHCC97H) were detected by Transwell invasion assay; VEGFA is predicted as a potential target gene of miR-34a-5p by TargetScan, and validated with dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, qRT-PCR and western blot. VEGFA expression in HCC cell lines and tumour tissue was detected using qRT-PCR; the regulation and influence of miR-34a-5p and VEGFA on the proliferation, invasion, migration and the S-phase cell of HCC cells with different invasive abilities were detected by CCK8, Transwell assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. The effect of miR-34a-5p on the growth of tumour was detected by constructing a xenograft model of nude mice with HCC. RESULTS It was found that the expression of miR-34a-5p in HCC cells and tumour tissue was significantly decreased. Up-regulating miR-34a-5p expression could reduce the invasion ability of HCC cells. MiR-34a-5p could inhibit the mRNA and protein expression level of VEGFA via combining with the 3'-UTR of VEGFA. VEGFA was highly expressed in HCC cells and tumour tissues. The miR-34a-5p inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration and S-phase arrest of HCC cells, but this inhibition effect could be neutralised by VEGFA; miR-34a-5p exerted the inhibitory effect on HCC cell proliferation and tumour growth in the HCC xenograft model of nude mice. CONCLUSION These results suggest that miR-34a-5p could inhibit the occurrence and development of HCC by targeting VEGFA.
Exploring the applications of hyaluronic acid‐based nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections

Abstract Hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a topic of significant interest in drug delivery research due to its excellent properties, including biosafety, biodegradability, and nonimmunogenicity. Moreover, due to its ease of modification, HA can be used to prepare several HA‐based nanosystems using various approaches. These approaches involve conjugating/grafting of hydrophobic moieties, polyelectrolytes complexation with cationic polymers, or surface modification of various nanoparticles using HA. These nanoparticles are able to selectively deliver antibacterial drugs or diagnostic molecules into the site of infections. In addition, HA can bind with overexpressed cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) receptors in macrophages and also can be degraded by a family of enzymes called hyaluronidase (HAase) to release drugs or molecules. By binding with these receptors or being degraded at the infection site by HAase, HA‐based nanoparticles allow enhanced and targeted antibacterial delivery. Herein, we present a comprehensive and up‐to‐date review that highlights various techniques of preparation of HA‐based nanoparticles that have been reported in the literature. Furthermore, we also discuss and critically analyze numerous types of HA‐based nanoparticles that have been employed in antibacterial delivery to date. This article offers a critical overview of the potential of HA‐based nanoparticles to overcome the challenges of conventional antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections. Moreover, this review identifies further avenues of research for developing multifunctional and biomimetic HA‐based nanoparticles for the treatment, prevention, and/or detection of pathogenic bacteria. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Studying Ethnic‐Racial Identity among White Youth: White Supremacy as a Developmental Context

As developmental scholars increasingly study ethnic and racial identity among white youth, careful reflection is needed regarding its framing, implementation, and interpretation. In this three‐part conceptual paper, we offer a foundation for such reflection. First, we discuss the sociocultural context of white supremacy that shapes U.S. society, psychology, and adolescent development, and situate the study of ethnic and racial identity among white youth within this context. Second, we consider Janet Helms’s White Racial Identity Development model, reviewing theory and research building on her argument that race—and whiteness, specifically—must be centered to achieve racial justice‐oriented scholarship on white identity. We conclude by offering four guiding insights for conducting critical research on racial identity development among white youth.
Pertussis surveillance results from a French general practitioner network, France, 2017 to 2020

Introduction In France, three complementary surveillance networks involving hospitals and paediatrician practices currently allow pertussis surveillance among infants (<1 year old) and children (1–12 years old). Data on incidences among adolescents (13–17 years old) and adults (≥ 18 years) are scarce. In 2017, a sentinel surveillance system called Sentinelles network, was implemented among general practitioners (GPs). Aim The purpose of Sentinelles network is to assess pertussis incidence, monitor the cases’ age distribution and evaluate the impact of the country’s vaccination policy. We present the results from the first 4 years of this surveillance. Methods GPs of the French Sentinelles network reported weekly numbers of epidemiologically or laboratory-confirmed cases and their characteristics. Results A total of 132 cases were reported over 2017–2020. Estimated national incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants were 17 (95% confidence interval (CI): 12–22) in 2017, 10 (95% CI: 6–14) in 2018, 15 (95% CI: 10–20) in 2019 and three (95% CI: 1–5) in 2020. The incidence rate was significantly lower in 2020 than in 2017–2019. Women were significantly more affected than men (83/132; 63% of women, p = 0.004); 66% (87/132) of cases were aged 15 years or over (median age: 31.5 years; range: 2 months–87 years). Among 37 vaccinated cases with data, 33 had received the recommended number of doses for their age. Conclusions These results concur with incidences reported in other European countries, and with studies showing that the incidences of several respiratory diseases decreased in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results also suggest a shift of morbidity towards older age groups, and a rapid waning of immunity after vaccination, justifying to continue this surveillance.
Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound and intraductal ultrasonography for assessment of ampullary tumors: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Accurate preoperative assessment of ampullary tumors (ATs) is critical for determining the appropriate treatment. The reported diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) for detecting tumor depth (T-staging) and regional lymph node status (N-staging) varies across studies. Method An electronic search of the MEDLINE and Embase databases was conducted to identify studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of EUS and IDUS for ATs. Sensitivities and specificities of eligible studies were summarized using either fixed effects or random-effects model. Results Twenty-one studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of EUS were 0.89 and 0.87 for T1, 0.76 and 0.91 for T2, 0.81 and 0.94 for T3 and 0.72 and 0.98 for T4, respectively. For IDUS, estimates from five studies were 0.90 and 0.88 for T1, 0.73 and 0.91 for T2 and 0.79 and 0.97 for T3, respectively. For N-staging, 16 studies using EUS were included with sensitivity and specificity of 0.61 and 0.77, respectively. Moreover, estimates of IDUS for N-staging were 0.61 and 0.92, respectively. Conclusion Our results imply that EUS and IDUS have good diagnostic accuracy for T-staging of ATs. However, the accuracy of EUS or IDUS is less satisfactory for N-staging. More well-designed prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Perceived Entrepreneurial Competencies Required By Automobile Technology Students In Technical Colleges In Bauchi And Gombe States, Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to investigate the perceived entrepreneurial competencies required by Automobile Technology students in Technical Colleges in Bauchi and Gombe states of North Eastern Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 265 consisting of 96 Automobile Technology Teachers and 169 Automobile Technology Entrepreneurs. The study was guided by three research questions and three hypotheses, formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument used for the study was a structured questionnaire which was face and content validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha reliability method was adopted to determine the internal consistency of the instrument which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.82. The data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and z-test statistic. It was found out that entrepreneurial competencies were perceived to be highly required on marketing, financial and accounting competencies by Automobile Technology Students. It was recommended among others that, the teaching staff of technical colleges should be exposed to adequate training and retraining on the entrepreneurial skills and competencies and the new contents of automobiles technology to be included into the curriculum of technical colleges.
META-ANALYSIS A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of statin treatment on sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1

Background and aims: Statins might prevent cell adhesion to the endothelium, a key step in atherosclerosis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of statins on soluble vascular (sVCAM-1) and intercellular (sICAM-1) adhesion molecule 1. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from inception to July 2021. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for analytical studies and GRADE, respectively. Results: Statins significantly reduced both sVCAM-1 (standard mean difference, SMD = −0.28, 95% CI −0.44 to −0.12, p = 0.001; 46 treatment arms; low certainty of evidence) and sICAM-1 (SMD = −0.75, 95% CI −1.00 to −0.50, p < 0.001; 61 treatment arms; moderate certainty of evidence) concentrations. In sensitivity analysis, the SMD values were not modified when individual studies were sequentially removed. There were significant associations between SMD and publication year and, for sICAM-1, statin-induced changes in HDL-cholesterol. In subgroup analysis, the lowering effect was significant with lipophilic, but not hydrophilic, statins, and similar, for sICAM-1, in participants with or without clinically overt atherosclerosis. Conclusions: Statins significantly lower sVCAM-1/sICAM-1. Prospective studies are required to determine whether this mediates their atheroprotective effects (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021276825).
THE ROLE OF SEED PRIMING IN SEMI-ARID AREA FOR MUNG BEAN PHENOLOGY AND YIELD

Patchy plant stand due to uneven germination is one of the major constraints in mung bean (Vigna radiata W.) production. Enhanced emergence and establishment of the mung bean crop are considered to be the most important factors contributing to the crop yield. Mung bean cultivars (NM-92 and NM-98) seed were primed for 6 and 12 hours in different solution of water and osmotic solution (ψo) of polyethylene glycol (PEG-8000) equivalent to 0, -0.2, -0.5 and -1.1 MPa (Mega Pascal). The primed seed along with control (un-primed) were sown in field experiments at the Research Farm of NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar during 2003 and 2004. Delayed phenological observations were recorded in NM-98 compared to NM-92, but no differences in yield and yield components were observed for both cultivars of mung bean except grains pod -1 being higher for NM-98. Primed seed performed better when compared to control, and resulted in 12 % more grain yield. A decrease in osmotic potential in treatment solution from 0 to -1.1 MPa resulted in better performance, in terms of yield and yield components, but was not consistent. Significant interaction of Varieties x Duration x PEG Treatment for days to emergence, grain and biological yield suggest the differential response of each treatment levels over the other. It was concluded that hydro-primed and/or seed primed in -0.5 MPa osmotic potential solution of PEG were better in phenology and yield than all other treatments.
CircRNA OXCT1 promotes the malignant progression and glutamine metabolism of non-small cell lung cancer by absorbing miR-516b-5p and upregulating SLC1A5

ABSTRACT Previous study has demonstrated the high expression of circular RNA 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase 1 (circ-OXCT1) in lung adenocarcinoma tumor tissues. However, the role and possible mechanism of circ-OXCT1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression was unclear.Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining assay were performed to detect the expression of circ-OXCT1, microRNA-516b-5p (miR-516b-5p), solute carrier family 1 member 5 (SLC1A5) and other indicated protein markers. Cell proliferation was measured by Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), colony formation and 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Flow cytometry was employed to detect the rate of apoptotic cells. Cell migration and invasion were measured using transwell assay. The relative glutamine uptake and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) production was determined using commercial kits. Interaction between miR-516b-5p and circ-OXCT1 or SLC1A5 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and confirmed via luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. In vivo assay was implemented to demonstrate the effect of circ-OXCT1 in tumor growth.Circ-OXCT1 and SLC1A5 were upregulated and miR-516b-5p was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Functional experiments revealed that circ-OXCT1 silencing suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Circ-OXCT1 knockdown repressed tumor formation in vivo. Besides, miR-516b-5p was a target of circ-OXCT1, and miR-516b-5p inhibitor could relieve circ-OXCT1 absence-mediated effects in NSCLC cells. SLC1A5 was identified as a target of miR-516b-5p. Circ-OXCT1 promoted SLC1A5 expression by target binding with miR-516b-5p.Circ-OXCT1 facilitated NSCLC progression via miR-516b-5p-dependent regulation of SLC1A5, which provided a possible circRNA-targeted therapy for NSCLC.
The “virtual team player”

In spite of the increasing demand for virtual cooperation, still relatively little is known about the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) individuals need for virtual teamwork. Thus, the current paper aims at synthesizing the existing literature into a comprehensive model of virtual teamwork KSAOs. To this end, we review (a) existing frameworks of KSAO requirements for virtual teamwork, (b) challenges posed by different facets of virtuality, and (c) KSAOs particularly relevant for meeting the identified challenges. The results of this review are integrated into a holistic model of virtual teamwork KSAOs with distal characteristics (personality, experience) and more proximal qualities (knowledge, skills, and motivation). Research gaps as well as avenues for future research will be outlined and applications for virtual team staffing and training will be discussed.
Gestational purple grape juice consumption does not change fetal ductus arteriosus constriction in Wistar rats

Grape juice consumption may influence the early occurrence of ductal constriction during pregnancy, since the consumption of foods rich in polyphenols can be linked to the premature constriction of the ductus arteriosus. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of purple grape juice consumption during gestation on fetal ductus arteriosus closure, prostaglandin levels, and oxidative stress markers in Wistar rats. We divided 18 pregnant rats into four groups: a control group (C), a single‐dose grape juice group (SDGJ), a two‐dose grape juice group (TDGJ) of 7 μl/g body weight per day, and an indomethacin group (I). Blood was collected on gestational day (GD) 0, 14, and 20. Prostaglandin levels were measured, and the livers and hearts were removed from the mothers and fetuses for oxidative stress analysis; histology of the fetal ductus arteriosus was performed. Prostaglandin levels (pg/ml) at GD 20 were (C:1462.10 ± 314.61); (SDGJ:987.66 ± 86.25); (TDGJ:1290.00 ± 221.57), and (I:584.75 ± 46.77). Fetal ductus arteriosus closure occurred only in the indomethacin group. Lipid peroxidation evaluated through thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (nmol/mg protein) in maternal livers was lower in the grape juice groups (C: 4.11 ± 0.76 nmol/mg protein), (SDGJ: 2.34 ± 0.36), (TDGJ: 1.52 ± 0.18), and (I: 4.20 ± 0.76). Sulfhydryls (nmol/mg protein) were lower in the TDGJ group (C:763.59 ± 61.38 nmol/mg protein), (SDGJ:978.88 ± 158.81), (TDGJ:385.32 ± 86.78), and (I:727.72 ± 49.12). Also, superoxide dismutase activity (USOD/mg protein) was higher in fetal hearts in this group: (C:5.29 ± 0.33), (SDGJ:4.48 ± 0.47), (TDGJ:7.35 ± 0.43), and (I:6.00 ± 0.18). We conclude that grape juice consumption in pregnancy does not induce ductus arteriosus closure in the fetus and presented potential antioxidant effects.