Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Abnormalities of Lipid Profile After a Single Episode of Sepsis

Background: Acute disturbances of the lipid profile are commonplace during acute sepsis episode. However, their long-term persistence has not to be investigated despite pivotal role of dyslipidemia in several comorbidities excessively noted in sepsis survivors (stroke, cardiomyopathy). Methods: A total of 9,861 individuals hospitalized for a singular episode of sepsis between 2009 and 2019 were identified from electronic medical records. Lab measurements of total cholesterol (Tchol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein(a) [Lp (a)], apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The data were examined as baseline values before sepsis, during hospitalization, and <3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, 1–2 years, and more than 2 years from initial sepsis. Results: Significant reductions in HDL-c (HDLbaseline = 44.06 vs. HDLsepsis = 28.2; U = −37.79, p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 0.22) and LDL-c serum levels were observed during and up to three months post sepsis, with females much less affected. In contrast, male subjects had derangement in HDL present for up to two years after a singular septic episode. Total cholesterol levels were slightly yet significantly elevated for up to two years after sepsis. TG were elevated up to one year [TGbaseline = 128.26 vs. TGsepsis = 170.27, t(8255) = −21.33, p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 0.49] and normalized. Lp(a) was elevated up to two years after initial episode [Lp(a)baseline = 24.6 ± 16.06; Lp(a)sepsis−2year = 8.25 ± 5.17; Lp(a)morethan2years = 61.4 ± 40.1; ANOVA F(2, 24) = 7.39; p = 0.0032]. Response to statin therapy was blunted in sepsis survivors for several years after sepsis resolution. Significant drop-out in prescription of statins and niacin after sepsis was observed. Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein was elevated for up to five years after sepsis resolution (H [6;1685] = 502.2; p < 0.0001). Discussion: Lipid abnormalities persisted long after the initial septic insult suggesting potential role in accelerating atherosclerosis and other abnormalities. In addition, sepsis seems to blunt statin effectiveness. Additionally, a significant and unexplained drop in statin use was seen in post-septic period. Conclusions: Our study suggests that persistent derangements of lipid profile components for up to two years after sepsis may be associated with altered risk of atherosclerosis-related events among sepsis survivors.
PURA-Related Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy

Background and Objectives Purine-rich element-binding protein A (PURA) gene encodes Pur-α, a conserved protein essential for normal postnatal brain development. Recently, a PURA syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, hypotonia, epilepsy, and dysmorphic features was suggested. The aim of this study was to define and expand the phenotypic spectrum of PURA syndrome by collecting data, including EEG, from a large cohort of affected patients. Methods Data on unpublished and published cases were collected through the PURA Syndrome Foundation and the literature. Data on clinical, genetic, neuroimaging, and neurophysiologic features were obtained. Results A cohort of 142 patients was included. Characteristics of the PURA syndrome included neonatal hypotonia, feeding difficulties, and respiratory distress. Sixty percent of the patients developed epilepsy with myoclonic, generalized tonic-clonic, focal seizures, and/or epileptic spasms. EEG showed generalized, multifocal, or focal epileptic abnormalities. Lennox-Gastaut was the most common epilepsy syndrome. Drug refractoriness was common: 33.3% achieved seizure freedom. We found 97 pathogenic variants in PURA without any clear genotype-phenotype associations. Discussion The PURA syndrome presents with a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with characteristics recognizable from neonatal age, which should prompt genetic screening. Sixty percent have drug-resistant epilepsy with focal or generalized seizures. We collected more than 90 pathogenic variants without observing overt genotype-phenotype associations.
Empowerment and subjugation: Re-conceiving commercial surrogacy as work–labor in India

ABSTRACT Feminist analysis of surrogacy remains caught between calls for abolition on the one hand, and regulation, on the other. Within this dualistic discourse, the question of recognizing commercial gestational surrogacy as a new form of work–labor remains undermined. This paper brings together the abolition-regulation conceptual framework to examine surrogacy as work–labor. Based on ethnographic research conducted in two surrogacy hotspots in India, it illustrates how women understand and construct meaning from their labor as surrogates. In doing so, the study extends the existing feminist framework, using ethnographic research, to open up a space where the labor of surrogacy can be looked upon as both empowering and subjugating at the same time and in differing ways.
False alarms and mine seismicity: An example from the Gentry Mountain mining region, Utah. Los Alamos Source Region Project

Mining regions are a cause of concern for monitoring of nuclear test ban treaties because they present the opportunity for clandestine nuclear tests (i.e. decoupled explosions). Mining operations are often characterized by high seismicity rates and can provide the cover for excavating voids for decoupling. Chemical explosions (seemingly as part of normal mining activities) can be used to complicate the signals from a simultaneous decoupled nuclear explosion. Thus, most concern about mines has dealt with the issue of missed violations to a test ban treaty. In this study, we raise the diplomatic concern of false alarms associated with mining activities. Numerous reports and papers have been published about anomalous seismicity associated with mining activities. As part of a large discrimination study in the western US (Taylor et al., 1989), we had one earthquake that was consistently classified as an explosion. The magnitude 3.5 disturbance occurred on May 14, 1981 and was conspicuous in its lack of Love waves, relative lack of high- frequency energy, low Lg/Pg ratio, and high m{sub b} {minus} M{sub s}. A moment-tensor solution by Patton and Zandt (1991) indicated the event had a large implosional component. The event occurred in the Gentry Mountain coal mining regionmore » in the eastern Wasatch Plateau, Utah. Using a simple source representation, we modeled the event as a tabular excavation collapse that occurred as a result of normal mining activities. This study raises the importance of having a good catalogue of seismic data and information about mining activities from potential proliferant nations. « less
Enterprise resource planning systems adoption process: A survey of Canadian organizations

The study investigates critical enterprise resource planning (ERP) adoption issues such as adoption motivations, justification, risks and criteria for a selection of product vendor and implementation partners. The innovation process study approach is taken and data are collected through a questionnaire and by structured interviews. Although each adopting organization has a distinct set of objectives for its systems, we found many similarities in motivations, concerns and strategies across organizations. The study identifies many critical concerns in the organizational innovation process of ERP adoption.
Control of Supersonic Inlet-Isolator Unstart Using Active and Passive Vortex Generators

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of ramp-type vortex generators in a Wheeler doublet configuration, vortex generator jets, and their combination on a supersonic inlet unstart and to achieve active control of inlet unstart. Actuators were placed on the inner side walls of a floor-mounted inlet-isolator model in a Mach 5 flow. Unstart was initiated in the inlet-isolator model by raising a flap at the downstream end of the isolator, which increased the back pressure. The combination of the passive Wheeler doublets and vortex generator jets allowed the isolator’s back pressure to be raised about 32% higher than the maximum mean pressure achieved by the baseline case as well as resulted in a 34% reduction in the isolator rms pressure fluctuations. The Wheeler doublet plus vortex generator jet combination was successful because the presence of the Wheeler doublets mitigated the unstart-inducing effect the vortex generator jets had on the flow, when used separately. Once the Wheeler.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF YOGHURT MANUF ACTURED FROM CAMEL MILK

Camel milk is nearly complete nutritive food. Moreover it contains curative agents against many bacterial and viral diseases. Therefore the current study was preformed to study the effect of using sodium alginate impact as an acid stabilizer at ratios of 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0% and/or blending buffalo's milk at levels of 1:3 and 1:1 without or with adding the stabilizer on the quality of yoghurt made from camel milk. The chemical, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory evaluations were performed during the cold storage at 5±2°C for 15 days. Obtained data of the chemical evaluation showed a remarkable decrease in pH values and increase in acidity of the treatments during storage, while the control showed very slowly development in these estimates up to the tenth day of storage then a considerable increase was performed with increasing storage period. Blending buffalo's milk with camel milk revealed the apparent increase diacetyl and acetyl methyl carbinol during the tent days of storage, then, decreased with progress of up to 15 days. The addition of sodium alginate improved body and texture causing excessive increase in the consistency of the yoghurt imparting it an atypical jelly – like structure increased by increasing the concentration of the stabilizer and less amount in whey synersis. On the other hand, blending the buffalo's milk increased the amount of separated whey. There was fairly decrease in the clotting time by increasing supplemented camel milk by buffalo's milk. Microbiological evaluation also showed fairly decrease in total microbial, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and fungal growth in camel yoghurt samples with or without stabilizer. On the other hand, these microbial counts increased by increasing the added amount of buffalo's milk up to the ratio 1: 1 treatment. On the organolyptic judging; flavor, body and texture were really improved by adding buffalo's milk. The blended and stabilized samples gave the best score with the ratio 1% sodium alginate when blended at the level of 3: 1 and with the ratio 0.75% sodium alginate at the level 1:1 of substituting with buffalo's milk. This trend was much more pronounced that adding stabilizer and/or buffalo's milk in making camel yoghurt improved its organoliptc and physicchemical properties as a healthy, nutritive and curative product
Experimental study on the dynamic effects caused by vehicular traffic on a ferry boarding ramp

This article presents some of the results obtained during a load test conducted on a ferry boarding ramp operated by the Societe des traversiers du Quebec. The measurements highlight the sensitivity of these structures to the dynamic effects caused by two heavy vehicles. Since the dynamic behaviour of highway bridges is affected by parameters different from those that affect ferry boarding ramps, the article presents a reflection on the dynamic load allowance suitable for the evaluation or design of this latter type of structure.Key words: boarding ramp, bridge, dynamic amplification factor, design codes.
Pure Waterjet Drilling of Articular Bone: An in vitro Feasibility Study

The clinical application of waterjet technology for machining tough human tissues, such as articular bone, has advantages, as it produces clean sharp cuts without tissue heating. Additionally, water supply is possible via flexible tubing, which enables minimally invasive surgical access. This pilot study investigates whether drilling bony tissue with pure waterjets is feasible. Water pressures between 20 and 120 MPa with an orifice of 0.6 mm were used to create waterjets to drill blind borings in the talar articular surface of cadaveric calcaneus bones of human, sheep, goats and pigs. A stand-off distance between 2.5 and 5.5 mm and a jet-time of 5 seconds were chosen. The depth of the holes was measured using a custom-adapted dial gauge. At least 30 MPa of water pressure is required to penetrate the human and goat specimens, and 50 MPa for the pig and sheep specimens. Overall, the machined holes were conically shaped and increased in depth with an increase of pressure. Above certain pressure levels, pure waterjets can be used for machining holes in articular bone, thereby opening a window for further research on pure waterjet drilling in orthopedics.
Transcriptomic Changes in Internode Explants of Stinging Nettle during Callogenesis

Callogenesis, the process during which explants derived from differentiated plant tissues are subjected to a trans-differentiation step characterized by the proliferation of a mass of cells, is fundamental to indirect organogenesis and the establishment of cell suspension cultures. Therefore, understanding how callogenesis takes place is helpful to plant tissue culture, as well as to plant biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. The common herbaceous plant stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a species producing cellulosic fibres (the bast fibres) and a whole array of phytochemicals for pharmacological, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical use. Thus, it is of interest as a potential multi-purpose plant. In this study, callogenesis in internode explants of a nettle fibre clone (clone 13) was studied using RNA-Seq to understand which gene ontologies predominate at different time points. Callogenesis was induced with the plant growth regulators α-napthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP) after having determined their optimal concentrations. The process was studied over a period of 34 days, a time point at which a well-visible callus mass developed on the explants. The bioinformatic analysis of the transcriptomic dataset revealed specific gene ontologies characterizing each of the four time points investigated (0, 1, 10 and 34 days). The results show that, while the advanced stage of callogenesis is characterized by the iron deficiency response triggered by the high levels of reactive oxygen species accumulated by the proliferating cell mass, the intermediate and early phases are dominated by ontologies related to the immune response and cell wall loosening, respectively.
Validation of local knowledge drought forecasting systems in the Limpopo River Basin in Southern Africa

Purpose – This research paper is informed by a study to assess performance of local knowledge drought forecasts (LKDFs) in the Mzingwane catchment which is located in the Limpopo River Basin in Zimbabwe. The purpose of this paper is to validate local traditional knowledge (LTK) indicators being applied in Mzingwane catchment and verify their accuracy and reliability in drought forecasting and early warning. Design/methodology/approach – LTK forecast data for 2012/2013 season were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 40 selected household heads and focus group discussions. Observations and key informant interviews with chiefs and the elderly (>55 years) were also used to collect additional LTK forecast data. Meteorological data on seasonal rainfall were collected from the meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD). Two sets of comparisons were conducted namely the hind-cast comparison where the LKDF system results were evaluated against what the season turned out to be and .
SPICE OLEORESINS TO IMPROVE CHEMICAL, MICROBIAL AND ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF BEEF SAUSAGE

The oleoresins of capsicum, paprika and white pepper were extracted using acetone with a yield of 21.4, 19.2 and 16.3 %, respectively. The volatile components of these oleoresins were fractionated and identified qualitatively using GC/MS. The hydrocarbon compounds were the dominant group presented in all tested oleoresins whereas, tricyclene was the major component. The volatile components of capsicum were similar to those of paprika. The capsaicinoids and alkaloids compounds of the extracted oleoresins were identified using HPLC. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin were the main components in capsicum and paprika which contributed 42.3 and 38.7 % in capsicum and 35.8 and 40.3 % in paprika oleoresins, respectively. The previous compounds presented in small amount in white pepper. The dominant alkaloid presented in white pepper was piperine (56.2 %). On the other hand, capsicum, paprika and white pepper oleoresins were added to beef sausage either individually, or a mixture by 0.55 % of whole sausage weight with the reduction of sodium nitrite from 0.1 to 0.05% and the sausage samples were stored at -18oC for 90 days. Addition of spice oleoresins didn't exert any changes on total cooking loss compared with the control sample. Concerning thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values, results ascertained that spice oleoresins gave potent oxidative stability to sausage where the average of TBA values of sausage formulated with spice oleoresins was ranged from 0.24 to 0.29 mg malonaldehyde , while it was 0.44 mg malonaldehyde in control sample after storage at -18oC for 90 days . Also, adoptive ability in reducing the count of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria was noticed in sausage, especially, that formulated with capsicum and paprika oleoresins. Sensory evaluation of fresh sausage indicated that using of capsicum and paprika oleoresins improved the product color. After frozen storage for 90 days, significant differences were recorded between sausages formulated with spice oleoresins and control one, where sausage formulated with spice oleoresins had higher sensory score.
Use of copper slag and washed copper slag as sand in concrete: a state-of-the-art review

This paper provides the gist of the systematic review undertaken, involving evaluation, analysis, repackaging and modelling of all the literature that could be sourced on the subject. Copper slag (CS) and washed copper slag (WCS), as to be expected, have essentially similar basic physical (although WCS is usually finer than CS) and chemical characteristics and therefore they can be treated as one material. In-depth analysis of 2192 test data sourced from the literature showed that, given all the basic material characteristics, CS/WCS can be used as the sand component for making all strength grades of concrete and giving similar (or in some aspects better) performance to the corresponding concrete made with natural sand. The special attribute of CS/WCS for lowering the mix water demand has been used by the authors to develop two simple models for utilising the potential water savings and estimating the strength gains that can be realised when designing concrete with CS/WCS for given strength at a specific .
Incision wound healing activity of free-range chicken (Gallus domesticus) egg white gel in mice

Egg whites reportedly exhibit wound healing activities by forming new cell tissues and accelerating damaged cell tissue recovery. This study aimed to determine whether and how egg whites prepared in gel dosage forms healed incision wounds in mice (Mus musculus). The method began with formulating gels by mixing egg whites with Carbopol 940, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, triethanolamine, and distilled water. Sixteen mice were divided evenly into four groups, and each was subjected to a 1 cm long midline dorsal incision. Group I was given 10% povidone-iodine ointment, group II was gel base, group III was 10% egg white gel, and group IV was 20% egg white gel. Based on the test parameters measured during macroscopic observation, namely wound length and healing time, the gel preparations were found to fulfill the physical properties requirements, and incision wounds treated with 10% and 20% egg white gels healed in 9 and 12.5 days, respectively. The statistical test revealed a significant difference in wound size on Day 10 and in healing time between wound treatments with 10% gel and base gel (p < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that the 10% egg white gel is effective in healing cuts in mice as it speeds wound healing and decreases wound size.
Frequency transformations for linear-phase variable-cutoff digital filters

The first- and second-order forms of a transformation for implementing a variable-cutoff linear-phase FIR filter are investigated. In the first-order case, correct constraints have been placed on the variable parameter A_0 ; it is pointed out that the cutoff frequency increases, while the cutoff slope decreases, monotonically with increasing A_v; A_0 = 0 corresponds to the prototype filter. The second-order transformation is shown to overcome these drawbacks without increasing the computational load or the number of variable parameters.
Biological Characteristics of two Coccinellid Predators when Reared on Aphis gossypii Glover and an Artificial Diet under Laboratory Condition

Laboratory studies under constant temperature of 27±2oC and 65±5 RH were carried out in the insectary of Economic Entomology Department , Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University to develop an artificial diet for rearing two coccinellid predators species Coccinella 9-punctata L and Chellomens propinqua nilotica (Mulsant). The results showed that the average duration of the predatory species, C. 9punctata L. larval stage lasted 17.22±1.75 days, when fed on the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, and the average total larval consumption was 734.2±10.65. The pupal stage lasted 6.75±0.85days. The predator,s female consumed a total average of 2888.79±67.54 and the number of deposited eggs per female averaged 1117.0 eggs. The predator male consumed a total average of 1765.23±29.5. Obtained data of Ch. propinqua nilotica larvae lasted 13.73±1.12days when fed on A. gossypii. Average total laval consumption reached 468.39±21.6. The predator,s female consumed a total average of 2022.45±55.6 aphid individuals . The number of deposited eggs per predator female averaged 913. ±11.5 eggs. The predator male consumed a total average of 1136.02±38.4. Obtained results of the two coccinellid predatory species when reared on an artificial diet, showed the average durations of larval stage lasted 22.15±2.4 and 18.38 ±1.96 days for C. 9-punctata and propinqua nilotica, respectively . Respective fecundity of the females of the two species was 360.62±14.8 and 325.8±11.5 eggs respectively. The results assured that the two predatory species reared successfully on this artificial diet.
Impact of Integration of Severe Acute Malnutrition Treatment in Primary Health Care Provided by Community Health Workers in Rural Niger

The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness and impact on treatment coverage of integrating severe acute malnutrition (SAM) treatment at the health hut level by community health workers (CHWs). This study was a non-randomized controlled trial, including two rural communes in the health district of Mayahi: Maïreyreye (control) and Guidan Amoumoune (intervention). The control group received outpatient treatment for uncomplicated SAM from health facilities (HFs), while the intervention group received outpatient treatment for uncomplicated SAM from HFs or CHWs. A total of 2789 children aged 6–59 months with SAM without medical complications were included in the study. The proportion of cured children was 72.1% in the control group, and 77.2% in the intervention group. Treatment coverage decreased by 8.3% in the control area, while the group of CHWs was able to mitigate that drop and even increase coverage by 3%. This decentralized treatment model of acute malnutrition with CHWs allowed an increase in treatment coverage while maintaining a good quality of care. It also allowed the early inclusion of children in less severe conditions. These results may enhance the Niger Ministry of Health to review the management of SAM protocol and allow CHWs to treat acute malnutrition.