Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Childhood stunting and associated factors among irrigation and non- irrigation user kebeles in Mecha district, northwest, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Background Stunting is a critical public health problem of developing countries like Ethiopia. Different interventions like irrigation activity have been carried out by the government of Ethiopia to improve the nutritional status of the community. However, there is scanty of data on childhood stunting and its associated factors between irrigation user and non-irrigation user. Objective To assess the magnitude of childhood stunting and its associated factors between irrigation and non-irrigation user in north Mecha District, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based comparative cross-sectional study design was employed from October to November 2019. A systematic sampling was used to draw mothers with children age 6–59 months (582 irrigated and 582 non- irrigated household users). Data were collected using questionnaire and anthropometric measurement tools. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of stunting. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI were used to determine the degree of association between independent and outcome variable. A-p-value < 0.05 was used as cutoff point to declare statistically significant variables with the outcome variable. Results The prevalence of childhood stunting among age 6–59 months children did not show significant variation between Irrigation user 32.8% at 95%CI (29–37) and non-irrigation user 40.2% at 95%CI (36–44). The odds of childhood stunting were higher among children from mother had no antenatal visit, children whose age was between 12 and 47 months, children from mothers who did not use water and soap always for washing hands, and children who had fever. Conclusion The prevalence of childhood stunting was high and did not show significant variation between irrigation and non-irrigation users. Children from mother had no antenatal visit, children whose age was between 12 and 47 months, children from mothers who did not use water and soap always for washing hands, and children who had fever were factors associated with higher child stunting. Thus, the identified modifiable factors are the area of intervention in reduce stunting.
Burn-In: An Engineering Approach to the Design and Analysis of Burn-In Procedures

A Model For The Basic Time-to-Failure Pattern of Components. The Biomodal Time-to-Failure Distribution of Systems. Analysis of Component and System Failure Patterns. Burn-In Procedures For Components or Systems Without Repair. Burn-In Procedures For Systems With Repair. Acceleration of Burn-In Tests. Burn-In For Reliability and Economy. Planning and Controlling Production Burn-In of Systems. Bibliography. Appendixes. Index.
Commercial human pulmonary artery endothelial cells have in‐vitro behavior that varies by sex

Abstract It is unknown whether biological sex influences phenotypes of commercially available human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs). Ten lots of commercial HPAECs were used (Lonza Biologics; PromoCell). Five (50%) were confirmed to be genotypically male (SRY+) and five (50%) were confirmed to be female (SRY−). Experiments were conducted between passages five and eight. HPAEC phenotype was confirmed with a panel of cell expression markers. Standard assays for proliferation, migration and tube formation were performed in triplicate with technical replicates, under three treatment conditions (EndoGRO; Sigma‐Aldrich). Apoptosis was assessed by exposing cells treated with complete media or low serum media to hypoxic (1% oxygen) or normoxic (20% oxygen) conditions. Laboratory staff was blinded. The median (range) age of male and female donors from whom the HPAECs were derived was 58 (48–60) and 56 (33–67), respectively. Our results suggest decreased proliferation in genotypically female cells compared with male cells (p = 0.09). With increasing donor age, female cells were less proliferative and male cells were more proliferative (p = 0.001). Female cells were significantly more apoptotic than male cells by condition (p = 0.001). Female cells were significantly more migratory than male cells in complete media but less migratory than male cells under vascular endothelial growth factor enriched conditions (p = 0.001). There are subtle sex‐based differences in the behavior of HPAECs that depend on donor sex and, less so, age. These differences may undermine rigor and reproducibility. Future studies should define whether biological sex is an important regulator of HPAEC function in health and disease.
Daily branch chained amino acid intakes and the risk of obesity among women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus

Background Some studies have found that branched amino acid (BCAA) is associated with the risk of obesity among general population, however, not all the results were consistent. The present study aimed to investigate the association of daily BCAA intakes with the risk of postpartum overweight and abdominal obesity among women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 1263 women with prior GDM at 1–5 years post-delivery. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of daily dietary intakes of BCAAs with the risk of overweight and abdominal obesity. Results The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) across quartiles of daily BCAA intakes were 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.97), 1.00 (reference), 1.21 (95% CI 0.88–1.68), and 1.31 (95% CI 0.95–1.81) for general overweight, and 1.38 (95% CI 0.99–1.90), 1.00, 1.19 (95% CI 0.86–1.64), and 1.43 (95% CI 1.04–1.98) for abdominal obesity, respectively. Only women with the lowest quartile of daily BCAA intakes significantly increased the risks of general overweight (OR 1.49; 95 %CI 1.06–2.09) and abdominal obesity (OR 1.50; 95 %CI 1.08–2.11) compared with women at quartile 2 of daily BCAA intakes after further adjustment of daily energy intake. Conclusions The present study indicated U-shaped associations between daily BCAA intakes and the risk of general overweight and abdominal obesity among women with prior GDM.
Reciprocal Incremental Value of 18F-FDG-PET and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients Suspected for Alzheimer's Disease and Inconclusive First Biomarker.

BACKGROUND In Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis, both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and FDG-PET sometimes give inconclusive results. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incremental diagnostic value of FDG-PET over CSF biomarkers, and vice versa, in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and suspected AD, in which the first biomarker resulted inconclusive. METHODS A consecutive series of MCI patients was retrospectively selected from two Memory Clinics where, as per clinical routine, either the first biomarker choice is FDG-PET and CSF biomarkers are only used in patients with uninformative FDG-PET, or vice versa. We defined criteria of uncertainty in interpretation of FDG-PET and CSF biomarkers, according to current evidence. The final diagnosis was established according to clinical-neuropsychological follow-up of at least one year (mean 4.4±2.2). RESULTS When CSF was used as second biomarker after FDG-PET, 14 out of 36 (39%) received informative results. Among these 14 patients, 11 (79%) were correctly classified with respect to final diagnosis, thus with a relative incremental value of CSF over FDG-PET of 30.6%. When FDG-PET was used as second biomarker, 26 out of 39 (67%) received informative results. Among these 26 patients, 15 (58%) were correctly classified by FDG-PET with respect to final diagnosis, thus with a relative incremental value over CSF of 38.5%. CONCLUSION Our real-world data confirm the added values of FDG-PET (or CSF) in a diagnostic pathway where CSF (or FDG-PET) was used as first biomarkers in suspected AD. These findings should be replicated in larger studies with prospective enrolment according to a Phase III design.
Successful Subsequent Pregnancy in a Woman Receiving Eculizumab for Pregnancy-Associated Atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome

Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is a form of thrombotic microangiopathy precipitated by unopposed complement activation, the treatment of which has been revolutionised by the availability of the monoclonal anti-complement (C5) antibody, eculizumab. Historically, women with aHUS would be unable to achieve a successful pregnancy due to the severity of their renal disease and for the few who could conceive, recurrence of aHUS was a significant risk. In spite of this, parenthood remains a priority for many. Experience with eculizumab use in the management of aHUS during pregnancy is growing and with it comes a significant change in the course of the disease. We present the case of a 28-year-old woman diagnosed with severe aHUS in the first trimester of her first pregnancy. She received rescue therapy with eculizumab and had a return to normal renal function. While this pregnancy was lost, she strongly desired a family. We managed her through a subsequent pregnancy while receiving eculizumab. This pregnancy was uncomplicated and carried to term and she birthed a healthy 2500 g baby girl. The complexities of managing a pregnancy in a woman with a history of aHUS are vast but not insurmountable, as demonstrated by this case.
BRIDGE RATING OF GIRDER - SLAB BRIDGES USING AUTOMATED FINITE ELEMENT TECHNOLOGY. FINAL PROJECT REPORT/FINAL CONTRACT REPORT

This research is the final phase of a program to develop better bridge rating systems using finite element technology. Originally, a lateral load distribution factor program, SALOD, was developed for design and rating of simple span bridges. SALOD is now routinely used by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). A complete bridge rating system, BRUFEM, has now been developed that can be used for the vast majority of the bridges in Florida using a finite element model for the analyses. BRUFEM consists of four FORTRAN programs: 1) a preprocessor for steel and concrete bridges, BRUFEM1, that develops a finite element model from a relatively small amount of input data and prepares input files for the finite element program; 2) a finite element program, SIMPAL, that solves the model created by the person using the preprocessor and outputs the results of the finite element analyses for printing and post-processing; 3) a post-processor, BRUFEM3, that reads unformatted SIMPAL output files and does the bridge rating based on the appropriate service level or strength criteria; and 4) a graphics post-processor, SIMPLOT. The BRUFEM system is presently being used by FDOT for rating or design of a variety of bridges. The Federal Highway Administration sponsored three seminars on the use of the BRUFEM which were delivered in three different states during the summer of 1994. Additional seminars are planned for the summer of 1995.
Evolution of the Structural, Mechanical, and Phonon Properties of GeSe Polymorphs in a Pressure-Induced Second-Order Phase Transition

A pressure-induced structural transition from the layered-like phase (Pnma) to another bilayer structure (Cmcm) in GeSe was investigated with first principle calculations. The variations of the structural, electronic, elastic, and vibrational properties of GeSe with the application of pressure were obtained. The transformation from the Pnma to Cmcm phase occurred at 34 GPa. The Cmcm phase structure showed dynamical stability above 37 GPa. The lattice parameters and the equation of state varied continuously at the transition pressure. Obvious stiffening in the C33 and C23 elastic constants associated with the compressive and shear components was observed to occur within the phase transition process. Two characteristic Raman modes (Ag and B3g) of the Pnma phase showed significant softening by increasing the pressure.
Prevalence and correlates of alcohol and tobacco use among key populations in Togo in 2017: a cross-sectional study

Objectives The aim of this study was to estimate alcohol and tobacco use prevalence and their correlates among female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and drug users (DU) in Togo. Design, setting and participants A cross-sectional bio-behavioural study was conducted among 2115 MSM, FSW and DU in 2017 using a respondent-driven sampling method, in the eight biggest towns of Togo. Selection criteria for the MSM were being male and having had oral or anal intercourse with a man in the previous 12 months; for FSW, being a female and having exchanged sex for money in the previous 12 months; and for DU, consuming heroin, cocaine or hashish for MSM, FSW and DU, respectively. All participants had to be at least 18 years old and residing in the territory for the past 3 months. Results The prevalence of alcohol consumption, hazardous/harmful consumption and binge drinking was 64.8%, 38.4% and 45.5%, respectively. Current tobacco use was reported by 30.6% of participants and HIV prevalence was estimated at 12.5%. DU were more likely to engage in binge drinking compared with other key populations (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.0; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.8; p=0.001). Participants who were identified as having hazardous/harmful alcohol consumption had almost three times the odds of tobacco consumption than those with no risky consumption (aOR=2.6; 95% CI 2.0 to 3.4; p=0.001). Hazardous/harmful alcohol consumption was three times more likely among participants with severe psychological distress compared with those with no psychological distress (aOR=3.3, 95% CI 2.2 to 5.1; p=0.001). Conclusion Findings from this study demonstrate the need for the integration of mental health and substance abuse reduction interventions into HIV prevention programme, particularly those geared towards key populations.
Methodology for simulating heterogeneous traffic on expressways in developing countries: a case study in India

The prevailing roadway and traffic conditions on expressways in India are vastly different when compared with the other roads in India and also, there is no perfect lane-discipline. The knowledge of roadway capacity is an important basic input required for planning, design, analysis, and operation of roadway systems. Hence, this work aims to model traffic flow on Indian urban expressways with specific reference to Delhi–Gurgaon expressway and estimate its capacity using the micro-simulation model using VISSIM 5·40. For this purpose, the field data collected on traffic-flow characteristics on expressways was used in calibration and validation of the simulation model. The validated simulation model was then used to develop fundamental traffic–flow relationships, namely, speed–flow, speed–area occupancy, and flow–area occupancy for the traffic-flow levels, starting from near-zero until the capacity of the facility. The capacity of an eight-lane divided urban expressway in level terrain with 14·0-m wide road space (one direction of traffic flow) was found to be in the range of 9700–10 000 vehicles/h. Moreover, through sensitivity analysis using simulation model, the following relationships, (i) percentage trucks in the traffic stream and capacity-level flow and (ii) percentage of trucks in the traffic stream and capacity-level traffic-stream speed, were developed. The results and the overall methodology followed in this study for modeling traffic flow on expressways in India to determine the capacity estimates under varying traffic compositions may be very useful for the practitioners and also for the continuing efforts to prepare an Indian Highway Capacity Manual.
The early age behaviour of concrete industrial ground floor slabs

This thesis is concerned with the early-life behaviour of concrete industrial ground floors. Advances in construction methods are placing increased demands on the performance of industrial floors and pushing the limits of the current design guidance. Uncertainties about the true behaviour of industrial floors have been addressed by a programme of in-situ monitoring. An in-situ instrumentation methodology has been developed to monitor the slab and the local climate. Vibrating wire strain gauges and demecs were used to collect concrete shrinkage and joint performance data, whilst thermocouple arrays and thermistors in the strain gauges recorded the slab temperature. This allowed the effects of the cement hydration and the impact of ambient conditions on the slab to be assessed. The use of an automated data collection system allowed the timing as well as the magnitude of the movements to be measured helping identify cause and effect. Floor slabs covering long strip and large area pour construction, jointed and jointless detailing and mesh fabric and fibre reinforcement have been investigated. The data has shown the strong thermal influence on the behaviour of the slabs. Initial joint opening was found to be triggered by the cooling of the slab, whilst the effects of seasonal temperature changes in the first couple of months after construction could be as large if not larger than the drying shrinkage. Frictional resistance was found to reduce the measured movement, whilst the restraint arising from adjacent pours was also found to be significant. Finite element models of the temperature development have been produced using material property data found in the literature. Calibration and verification were carried out using the temperature data collected from site with good agreement. Structural models were then developed using the temperature and degree of hydration output from the thermal analysis as input. These models were used to determine the theoretical stress distribution in slabs at early-ages, and to conduct a parametric study. This demonstrated that the warping stresses present in a slab are generally greater than those from frictional restraint. The thesis concludes with recommendations for the design and construction of industrial ground floors.
Swim exercise in Caenorhabditis elegans extends neuromuscular and gut healthspan, enhances learning ability, and protects against neurodegeneration

Significance Exercise is a powerful antiaging intervention that protects against cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, sarcopenia, and cancer. How exercise promotes health benefits to multiple tissues in the body, however, remains poorly understood. We establish a young adult swim exercise regimen for the short-lived nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that induces health benefits at the neuromuscular, intestinal, and cognitive levels and protects against neurodegeneration in models of tauopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Importantly, we found that swim exercise performed exclusively in early adulthood promotes long-lasting systemic benefits that are still detectable in midlife. The advantages of C. elegans as a short-lived genetic model will allow for dissection of the molecular circuitry involved in system-wide exercise benefits. Regular physical exercise is the most efficient and accessible intervention known to promote healthy aging in humans. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate system-wide exercise benefits, however, remain poorly understood, especially as applies to tissues that do not participate directly in training activity. The establishment of exercise protocols for short-lived genetic models will be critical for deciphering fundamental mechanisms of transtissue exercise benefits to healthy aging. Here we document optimization of a long-term swim exercise protocol for Caenorhabditis elegans and we demonstrate its benefits to diverse aging tissues, even if exercise occurs only during a restricted phase of adulthood. We found that multiple daily swim sessions are essential for exercise adaptation, leading to body wall muscle improvements in structural gene expression, locomotory performance, and mitochondrial morphology. Swim exercise training enhances whole-animal health parameters, such as mitochondrial respiration and midlife survival, increases functional healthspan of the pharynx and intestine, and enhances nervous system health by increasing learning ability and protecting against neurodegeneration in models of tauopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Remarkably, swim training only during early adulthood induces long-lasting systemic benefits that in several cases are still detectable well into midlife. Our data reveal the broad impact of swim exercise in promoting extended healthspan of multiple C. elegans tissues, underscore the potency of early exercise experience to influence long-term health, and establish the foundation for exploiting the powerful advantages of this genetic model for the dissection of the exercise-dependent molecular circuitry that confers system-wide health benefits to aging adults.
LIMITED-STOP BUS OPERATIONS: AN EVALUATION

Limited-stop bus services have the capability of serving a ridership demand market between that of regional express and that of local bus operations. Limited-stop bus services in New York City's borough of Manhattan were evaluated by comparing performance characteristics and passenger use to those of local service on the same routes. Random spot-survey results and recent secondary data sources revealed considerable travel time savings, faster average operating speeds, rider preference for limited buses (where available), and attraction levels comparable to those of local bus service. Modest operating cost savings were computed, with stopping frequencies closer to express service being the most economical. Among the types of service-related cost savings cited from employing limited scheduling, annual savings from peak vehicle reductions amount to more than 60 percent of total possible economies expected through using limited bus runs for roughly half the peak period trips on suitable routes. Two sets of bivariate regression models were computed and calibrated to serve as general sketch-planning guides for reviewing routes that may benefit from limited-service implementation. Five warrants explaining what service revisions and performance modifications are essential if limited bus operations are to be feasibly used to cut costs and attract ridership are presented.
Energy Usage and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Pavement Preservation Processes forAsphalt Concrete Pavements

Use of pavement preservation treatments extends the remaining service life of asphalt concrete pavements. These treatments typically include spray applied surface seals, thin overlays, crack treatments, chip seals, slurry seal/micro surfacing, surface recycling and others. Each preservation treatment reduces damaging effects of aging and deterioration of the pavement surface layer and helps protect the integrity of the underlying pavement structure. If proactive preservation treatments are not used, pavements deteriorate more rapidly and require major rehabilitation with structural overlays or reconstruction much earlier. Every type of pavement strategy requires a series of energy using processes that impacts greenhouse gas emissions. Pavement rehabilitation and reconstruction require large amounts of energy to obtain and process raw materials, transport, mix and apply the final product, while pavement preservation processes require much less energy to apply the final product to the road surface. This paper presents information on energy usage per unit area by comparing pavement life extensions of pavement preservation treatments to typical design lives of reconstruction and rehabilitation techniques. Results show that pavement preservation treatments have significantly reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional rehabilitation and reconstruction strategies.