Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microstructure of Burned Ultra-Low-Density Fiberboards using Plant Fiber as the Matrix and Si-Al compounds as the Filler

Ultra-low-density fiberboards (ULDFs) were prepared by a liquid frothing technique using plant fibers as the matrix and Si-Al compounds as the filler to be used as a versatile bio-based composite. Si-Al compounds played an important role in the fire properties of ULDFs. Fire intensity and the amount of volatiles were significantly restrained because of the Si-Al compounds. To determine the combustion mechanism of ULDFs treated by Si-Al compounds, the microstructure of burned specimens was tested by chemical analysis, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and infrared spectrometer (IR). According to the results from gas chromatography, glucose, xylose, and mannose disappeared in the bottom ashes. After combustion, the XRD profiles of the two ashes became weaker and broader; the sharpest peaks at 18.6o (2) that represented Si-Al compounds remained; the obvious peaks at 22o (2) from cellulose were gone. The results from IR suggested the characteristic functional groups OH, CH, and C=O from carbohydrate also disappeared, and absorbance at 1200 to 400 cm-1, which attributed to the vibration of Si-O, Al-O, and Si-O-Si bonds, increased. In conclusion, fibers are almost completely pyrolyzed at 780 °C. The crystalline structure of Si-Al compounds is rearranged and more amorphous silicon oxide and aluminum oxide are generated.
The Impact of Natural and Manmade Disasters on Household Welfare

In this article, we provide selective evidence on the impact of natural and manmade disasters on household welfare. First, we consider "ex ante" risk management and "ex post" risk-coping behaviors separately, showing evidence from the Asian economic crisis, earthquakes, and tsunami disasters. Second, we differentiate idiosyncratic risks from nondiversifiable aggregate risks that characterize a disaster. We also discuss the difficulties of designing index-type insurance against natural disasters, which are often rare, unforeseen events. Then, we investigate the role of self-insurance against large-scale disasters under which formal or informal mutual insurance mechanisms are largely ineffective. Credit accessibility is identified as one of the key factors facilitating risk-coping strategies. Copyright 2007 International Association of Agricultural Economists.
Hand rehabilitation using Soft-Robotics

Here we discuss a new design of a device developed for hand rehabilitation based on Soft Robotics. We based our work on the PneuNets, but with a different design approach. The resulting mechanism is operated in a Serious Game (SG) context in order to create a stimulating environment that enhances the rehabilitation process. We characterized the prototype and the control scheme. In particular, we described the relationship between the actuators pressure and the device angle establishing a linear approximation that allowed us to properly control the device. During a long test, we established the device's competence and identified its shortcomings. The planned improvements are discussed in the conclusion.
Effects of exercise on l-carnitine and lipid metabolism in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed different dietary l-carnitine and lipid levels

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were fed four isonitrogenous diets (34 % crude protein), each containing one of two lipid (100 or 180 g/kg) and two l-carnitine (15 or 1000 mg/kg) levels. After 81 d of feeding, thirty-two fish (body weight 32 g) from each dietary group were randomly selected, sixteen fish were induced to a 3-h swim (speed of 1·5 body length (BL)/s), while the other sixteen fish were kept under resting condition. Fish fed 1000 mg l-carnitine accumulated 3·5 and 5 times more l-carnitine in plasma and muscle, respectively, than fish fed the 15 mg l-carnitine. Muscle l-carnitine content was significantly lower in exercised fish than in rested fish. High dietary lipid level (fish oil) led to an increase in muscle n-3 PUFA content and a decrease in SFA and MUFA content. In liver, the increase in dietary lipid level resulted in an increased levels of both n-6 and n-3 PUFA. l-carnitine supplementation significantly decreased n-3 PUFA content. Exercise decreased n-3 PUFA in both muscle and liver. Plasma lactate and lactate dehydrogenase, normally associated with increased glycolytic processes, were positively correlated with exercise and inversely correlated with dietary l-carnitine level. l-carnitine supplementation reduced significantly the RQ from 0·72 to 0·63, and an interaction between dietary l-carnitine and lipid was observed (P < 0·03). Our results indicate that an increase in fatty acids (FA) intake may promote FA oxidation, and both carnitine and exercise might influence the regulation of FA oxidation selectivity.
Isolation of phosphooligosaccharide/phosphoinositol glycan from caveolae and cytosol of insulin-stimulated cells

A phosphooligosaccharide has been proposed as a second messenger of insulin. It is believed to be structurally related to the carbohydrate moiety of phosphatidylinositol glycan anchors of many cell surface proteins. Herein we demonstrate that [32]phosphate in freshly isolated adipocytes and [3H]galactose in cultured hepatoma cells (H4IIE) labeled the same set of three different glycolipids. With all three, the radiolabel was made water soluble by phosphatidylinositol(glycan)- specific phospholipase C or D catalyzed hydrolysis. We isolated the three phospholipase C-released substances. One of them was susceptible to nitrous acid deamination, indicative of a hexosamine with a free amino group. This phosphooligosaccharide structure had an apparent molecular mass between tetra- and pentaglucose by gel filtration. By anion-exchange chromatography it was separated into two differently charged and interconvertible species. Adipocytes stimulated with insulin accumulated the nitrous acid sensitive phosphooligosaccharide: after stimulation the intracellular level of free phosphooligosaccharide increased threefold within 5 min, fell off during the next few minutes and then remained at a slightly elevated level. After insulin stimulation the intracellular concentration of free phosphooligosaccharide was > 1,000-fold higher than in the incubation medium. When prepared from rat livers on a preparative scale, the oligosaccharide was also found to exhibit insulinomimetic effects on protein phosphorylation of insulin target proteins in intact adipocytes. After subcellular fractionation of adipocytes the lipid- bound [32P]phosphooligosaccharide of the plasma membrane was found to be localized in plasma membrane domains apparently corresponding to caveolae. Lipid-bound [32P]phosphooligosaccharide was found also in the microsomal fraction.
Information access and QoS issues in a mobile computing environment

Efficient access to coherent information files is an important issue in mobile computing. In this paper we consider performance analysis of information access in a mobile computing environment. We employ a distributed directory scheme that permits uninterrupted use under disconnected and low bandwidth connections and minimizes invalidation and false sharing. This scheme allows for two invalidation schemes that avoid false sharing, and a mechanism for efficient maintenance of file details. We analyse the performance of the directory scheme in terms of time taken and energy consumed in executing operations such as read/write, connection, disconnection, and hoarding in mobile environments. The directory scheme is employed for facilitating efficient transfer of partially updated files in hierarchical networks. We also investigate quality of service issues related to file accesses in the mobile computing environment discussed in the paper. However, the scheme can be extended to any mobile computing environment.
A Multi-Tier Clustering Strategy for Wireless Sensor Network Longevity Using Cultural-Based Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization

In this paper, we propose a novel multi-tier clustering strategy using cultural-based multiobjective particle swarm optimization (Cultural-MOPSO) for maximizing the longevity of wireless sensor networks. We take into account the distribution of surviving nodes and define three objective functions based on multi-tier cluster hierarchy to fully evaluate every clusterhead election. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed strategy can achieve energy-efficient multi-tier cluster hierarchy and outperform two other PSO-based clustering schemes in terms of a new metric of network longevity.
Haplotype analysis of ABCA3: association with respiratory distress in very premature infants

Background. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐binding cassette transporter A3 (ABCA3) gene mutations cause fatal respiratory failure in term infants, but common ABCA3 polymorphisms have remained uncharacterized at the population level. Aim. To define a subset of tagging single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) which capture most of the variation within the ABCA3 gene, and to assess ABCA3 as a novel candidate gene for susceptibility to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. Methods. Based on an initial screen, nine tSNPs were selected. These 9 tSNPs and a length variation, representing >90% of haplotypic variation of the gene, and 5 nonsynonymous coding SNPs were genotyped in 267 preterm infants. SNP rs13332514 was genotyped in an additional 48 infants. Results. The fourth common haplotype was overrepresented in very premature infants with RDS, being accounted for by SNP rs13332514 (F353F), with an increased minor allele frequency in RDS. Furthermore, rs13332514 associated significantly with chronic lung disease defined as a requirement for supplemental O2 at 28 postnatal days in very premature infants. Conclusions. The results are suggestive of an association of a synonymous SNP in the ABCA3 gene with a prolonged course of respiratory distress syndrome in very premature infants and serve as a reference for further population‐based studies of ABCA3.
Urban–Rural Variations in Quality-of-Life in Breast Cancer Survivors Prescribed Endocrine Therapy

The number of breast cancer survivors has increased as a result of rising incidence and increased survival. Research has revealed significant urban–rural variation in clinical aspects of breast cancer but evidence in the area of survivorship is limited. We aimed to investigate whether quality of life (QoL) and treatment-related symptoms vary between urban and rural breast cancer survivors prescribed endocrine therapy. Women with a diagnosis of stages I–III breast cancer prescribed endocrine therapy were identified from the National Cancer Registry Ireland and invited to complete a postal survey (N = 1606; response rate = 66%). A composite measure of urban–rural classification was created using settlement size, population density and proximity to treatment hospital. QoL was measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G) and an endocrine subscale. The association between urban–rural residence/status and QoL and endocrine symptoms was assessed using linear regression with adjustment for socio-demographic and clinical covariates. In multivariable analysis, rural survivors had a statistically significant higher overall QoL (β = 3.81, standard error (SE) 1.30, p < 0.01), emotional QoL (β = 0.70, SE 0.21, p < 0.01) and experienced a lower symptom burden (β = 1.76, SE 0.65, p < 0.01) than urban survivors. QoL in breast cancer survivors is not simply about proximity and access to healthcare services but may include individual and community level psychosocial factors.
Digital watermarking

Summary form only given. The ability to represent audio and video digitally and its vast popularity poses enormous challenges in protection against unauthorized use, copy and distribution in open, highly uncontrolled Internet environment. Digital watermarking, a technology for insertion of imperceptible information into multimedia content offers a solution for authentication and suitable action thereof. This is a rapidly maturing technology. Initiatives within the industry are ongoing for various forms of multimedia. Technology alone is unlikely to address all the copy protection issues. Business models and legal support also play an important role in tackling them.
Coordinated control scheme for ancillary services from offshore wind power plants to AC and DC grids

This paper proposes a new approach of providing ancillary services to AC and DC grids from offshore wind power plants (OWPPs), connected through multi-terminal HVDC network. A coordinated control scheme where OWPP's AC grid frequency modulated according to DC grid voltage variations is used to detect and provide the ancillary service requirements of both AC and DC grids, is proposed in this paper. In particular, control strategies for onshore frequency control, fault ride-through support in the onshore grid, and DC grid voltage control are considered. The proposed control scheme involves only local measurements and therefore avoids the need of communication infrastructure otherwise required for communication based control, and thus increases the reliability of the control system. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated on a MTDC connected wind power system developed in DIgSILIENT PowerFactory.
A new approach to synthesizing free motions of robotic manipulators based on a concept of unit motions

A concept of unit motions and a new scheme based on it for synthesizing free motions of robotic manipulators are proposed. First, unit motions for free motions having some smoothness properties are defined. Various operations on the free motions that can be executed in a dynamical way are also defined. Then, formal representations of motions by means of the so-called control polygons are presented. Formal representations of operations including joining and separating motions are also presented. Such formal representations yield concise descriptions of motions and operations. Finally, using some simulation examples it is shown how to synthesize free motions. Properties of resulting motions by this approach are described. Conditions for control systems to generate unit motions are also described. The concepts of unit motions and control polygons offer a basis to deal with the motions formally. <<ETX>>
The PTPN22 Locus and Rheumatoid Arthritis: No Evidence for an Effect on Risk Independent of Arg620Trp

Objectives The Trp620 allotype of PTPN22 confers susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and certain other classical autoimmune diseases. There has been a report of other variants within the PTPN22 locus that alter risk of RA; protective haplotype ‘5’, haplotype group ‘6–10’ and susceptibility haplotype ‘4’, suggesting the possibility of other PTPN22 variants involved in the pathogenesis of RA independent of R620W (rs2476601). Our aim was to further investigate this possibility. Methods A total of 4,460 RA cases and 4,481 controls, all European, were analysed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms rs3789607, rs12144309, rs3811021 and rs12566340 were genotyped over New Zealand (NZ) and UK samples. Publically-available Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) genotype data were used. Results The protective effect of haplotype 5 was confirmed (rs3789607; (OR = 0.91, P = 0.016), and a second protective effect (possibly of haplotype 6) was observed (rs12144309; OR = 0.90, P = 0.021). The previously reported susceptibility effect of haplotype 4 was not replicated; instead a protective effect was observed (rs3811021; OR = 0.85, P = 1.4×10−5). Haplotypes defined by rs3789607, rs12144309 and rs3811021 coalesced with the major allele of rs12566340 within the adjacent BFK (B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family kin) gene. We, therefore, tested rs12566340 for association with RA conditional on rs2476601; there was no evidence for an independent effect at rs12566340 (P = 0.76). Similarly, there was no evidence for an independent effect at rs12566340 in type 1 diabetes (P = 0.85). Conclusions We have no evidence for a common variant additional to rs2476601 within the PTPN22 locus that influences the risk of RA. Arg620Trp is almost certainly the single common causal variant.
Understanding the Impact of Brain Disorders: Towards a ‘Horizontal Epidemiology’ of Psychosocial Difficulties and Their Determinants

Objective To test the hypothesis of ‘horizontal epidemiology’, i.e. that psychosocial difficulties (PSDs), such as sleep disturbances, emotional instability and difficulties in personal interactions, and their environmental determinants are experienced in common across neurological and psychiatric disorders, together called brain disorders. Study Design A multi-method study involving systematic literature reviews, content analysis of patient-reported outcomes and outcome instruments, clinical input and a qualitative study was carried out to generate a pool of PSD and environmental determinants relevant for nine different brain disorders, namely epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, dementia, depression, schizophrenia and substance dependency. Information from these sources was harmonized and compiled, and after feedback from external experts, a data collection protocol including PSD and determinants common across these nine disorders was developed. This protocol was implemented as an interview in a cross-sectional study including a convenience sample of persons with one of the nine brain disorders. PSDs endorsed by at least 25% of patients with a brain disorder were considered associated with the disorder. PSD were considered common across disorders if associated to 5 out of the 9 brain disorders and if among the 5 both neurological and psychiatric conditions were represented. Setting The data collection protocol with 64 PSDs and 20 determinants was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 722 persons in four specialized health care facilities in Europe. Results 57 of the PSDs and 16 of the determinants included in the protocol were found to be experienced across brain disorders. Conclusion This is the first evidence that supports the hypothesis of horizontal epidemiology in brain disorders. This result challenges the brain disorder-specific or vertical approach in which clinical and epidemiological research about psychosocial difficulties experienced in daily life is commonly carried in neurology and psychiatry and the way in which the corresponding health care delivery is practiced in many countries of the world.
Asymptotic Properties of Labeled Connected Graphs

We prove various properties of C(n, q), the set of n‐vertex q‐edge labeled connected graphs. The domain of validity of the asymptotic formula of Erdos and Renyi for |C(n, q)| is extended and the formula is seen to be the first term of an asymptotic expansion. The same is done for Wright's asymptotic formula. We study the number of edges in a random connected graph in the random edge model 𝒢n,p. For certain ranges of n and q, we determine the probability that a random edge (resp. vertex) of a random graph in C(n, q) is a bridge (resp. cut vertex). We also study the degrees of random vertices. © 1992 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and properties of antibacterial, biocompatible core–shell fibers produced by coaxial electrospinning

Coaxial electrospinning is a method for producing fibrous mats with optional features, such as antibacterial properties, controllable release, and hydrophobicity based on shell materials. Because these features are important in biomedical applications, in this study, biocompatible hydrophobic polymer (polycaprolactone) and hydrophilic polymer [poly(vinyl alcohol)] with silver nanoparticles loaded in the core solution were coaxially electrospun. The effect of silver addition on the conductivity and viscosity of the solutions, chemical structure of the fiber mats, mechanical properties, porosity, hydrophobicity, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), silver release, and antibacterial properties were investigated. Fibers with silver exhibited less porosity and a lower WVTR and a greater contact angle than the fibers without silver. Furthermore, the core–shell fibers reduced the burst release of silver and successfully prevented the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Therefore, it seems that these fibers are suitable for providing electrospun mats with long-term antibacterial properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44979.
Hosting Infection: Experimental Models to Assay Candida Virulence

Although normally commensals in humans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei are capable of causing opportunistic infections in individuals with altered physiological and/or immunological responses. These fungal species are linked with a variety of infections, including oral, vaginal, gastrointestinal, and systemic infections, with C. albicans the major cause of infection. To assess the ability of different Candida species and strains to cause infection and disease requires the use of experimental infection models. This paper discusses the mucosal and systemic models of infection available to assay Candida virulence and gives examples of some of the knowledge that has been gained to date from these models.
Use of a "secure room" and a security guard in the management of the violent, aggressive or suicidal patient in a rural hospital: a 3-year audit.

INTRODUCTION Little has been published on the management of psychiatric crises in rural areas, and little is known of the security needs or use of "secure rooms" in rural hospitals. METHOD We conducted a 3-year retrospective chart audit on the use of our secure room/security guard system at a rural hospital in a town of 3500, located 220 km from our psychiatric referral centre. RESULTS Use of our secure room/security guard system occurred at the rate of 1.1 uses/1000 emergency department visits, with the most common indication being physician perception of risk of patient suicide or self-harm. Concern for staff safety was a factor in 10% of uses. Eighty percent of patients were treated locally, with most being released from the secure room after 2 days or less. Fourteen percent of patients required ultimate transfer to our psychiatric referral centre and 6% to a detoxification centre. The average annual cost of security was $16 259.61. DISCUSSION A secure room can provide the opportunity for close observation of a potentially self-harming patient, additional security for staff and early warning if a patient flees the hospital. Most admissions were handled locally, obviating the need for transfer to distant psychiatric referral centres. Most patients who were admitted were already known as having a psychiatric illness and 80% of the patients required the use of the secure room/security guard system for less than a 2-night stay, suggesting that most rural mental health crises pass quickly. CONCLUSION Most patients admitted to a rural hospital with a mental health crisis can be managed locally if an adequate secure room/security guard system is available.