Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rhythm and quality classification from short ECGs recorded using a mobile device

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Its prevalence is 12% of the general population and it is associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Methods: The AliveCor mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) device was used to collect data. The Physionet Challenge aimed to create an intelligent algorithm for automated rhythm and quality classification. A database of 8528 single lead ECG was used for training and a closed database of3658 ECG recordings was used for testing the participants algorithms on the Challenge server. The RR interval time-series was first estimated using a R-peak detector. Signal quality was estimated on a second-by-second basis and the continuous sub-segment with the highest quality was selected for further analysis. A number of features were estimated: heart rate variability (time domain based, fragmentation, coefficient of sample entropy etc.), ECG morphology (QRS length, QT interval etc.) and the presence of ectopic beats. The features were used to train support vector machine classifiers in a one-vs.-rest approach. Results: For the final score of the challenge we obtained an overall F ι measure on the test set of 0.80. Conclusion: The feature based machine learning approach showed high performance in distinguishing between the different rhythms represented in the Challenge. This opens the horizon for computer automated interpretation of single lead mobile ECG.
Do coping styles mediate the relationship between disability status and psychosocial loss in people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis?

The main aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the degree to which coping may act as a mediator between disability and psychosocial loss in people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Participants (N = 158) completed measures of psychosocial loss and ways of coping. Disability status was evaluated by attending neurologists. Coping partially mediated the relationship between disability and psychosocial loss. Disability leads to the experience of psychosocial loss but it is not the sole factor determining the formation of psychosocial loss. Coping is also associated with such losses in multiple sclerosis.
Thermal Conductivity of Polyimide Resin-Based Composite with Cu Fibers

In some industrial application, thermal property of resin plays an important role as same as strength. Many attempts have been made to enhance the thermal conductivity of resin matrix composite. In this paper, the copper fibers were introduced to the polyimide-based composite. The experimental results showed that the thermal conductivity of polyimide-based composite with 15% Cu fibers was as high as 8.62W/mK which is more than three times that with Cu powders. The PI-Cu composites with copper fiber had a much lower wear loss than that with copper powder. The forming of three-dimensional network by Cu fibers makes it possible that the heat can conduct by electrons in the resin-based composite with Cu fibers.
Performance Evaluation of Asphalt Concrete Mixes Containing Granular Volcanic Ash

Granular volcanic ash material is spread over considerable areas of Yemen including urban and suburban areas. Due to the inferior properties of this material in its natural state, it cannot be used in base and subbase layers. It is common practice, when faced with such material, to replace it with superior properties filling material. Excavated volcanic ash is disposed off by transporting it to landfill sites. Such practice is becoming increasingly costly and continuously necessitates allocation of scares and valuable new landfill sites. The problem in some urban areas is becoming an environmental issue due to the massive buildup of disposed volcanic ash material. The main objectives of this study are twofold: one to investigate the merits of utilizing waste volcanic ash as a cheap alternative to aggregate for road construction and consequently this contributes toward an efficient waste management of this undesirable material and reduces its environmental impact. The effects of using granular volcanic ash material, as a partial replacement of conventional aggregate on the properties of hot-mix asphalt (HMA), were studied. Four different aggregate replacement proportions were used specifically at 0, 10, 20, and 30% of total weight of dry aggregate. The 0% volcanic ash content mix was used as the reference mix. Experimental results indicated that the mechanical properties of all mixes containing volcanic ash aggregate, up to 20%, were within the specification limits of the Marshall mix design method. In addition, it was found that the use of volcanic ash aggregate improved the HMA creep resistance properties. HMA with a 10% volcanic ash aggregate replacement gave optimum results in terms of stripping resistance, creep resistance, fatigue, and resilient modulus.
Astrocyte-Specific Deletion of Peroxisome-Proliferator Activated Receptor-γ Impairs Glucose Metabolism and Estrous Cycling in Female Mice

Mice lacking peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) in neurons do not become leptin resistant when placed on a high-fat diet (HFD). In male mice, this results in decreased food intake and increased energy expenditure, causing reduced body weight, but this difference in body weight is not observed in female mice. In addition, estrous cycles are disturbed and the ovaries present with hemorrhagic follicles. We observed that PPARγ was more highly expressed in astrocytes than neurons, so we created an inducible, conditional knockout of PPARγ in astrocytes (AKO). The AKO mice had impaired glucose tolerance and hepatic steatosis that did not worsen with HFD. Expression of gluconeogenic genes was elevated in the mouse livers, as was expression of several genes involved in lipogenesis, lipid transport, and storage. The AKO mice also had a reproductive phenotype with fewer estrous cycles, elevated plasma testosterone levels, reduced corpora lutea formation, and alterations in hypothalamic and ovarian gene expression. Thus, the phenotypes of the AKO mice were very different from those seen in the neuronal knockout mice, suggesting distinct roles for PPARγ in these two cell types.
Synthesis of Functional Nanomaterials via Colloidal Mask Templating and Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD)

We present a simple method for the fabrication of separated brush‐like networks with both improved optical and biological properties. The brush networks were fabricated by combing the glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique with colloidal mask templating. By changing the deposition angle during GLAD on the template layers as the amount of platinum deposited per area [surface mass density (g cm−2)] it is possible to create a wide range of reproducible and localized brush‐like networks consisting of high aspect ratio whiskers with different sizes and morphologies. The results presented here indicate that localized surface plasmons are present on the GLAD templated surfaces while cell assays with monocyte cells showed an impaired attachment to the brush structures. Consequently, deposition by means of a colloidal mask templating is indeed a very tunable and suited technique for the fabrication of multifunctional nanomaterials which could have potential impact on devices where both controlled optical properties and cell surface interactions are needed (for instance controlled cell adhesion on optical biosensor materials).
Study on crack sensitivity and tribological characterisation of functionally gradient material multi-layer by laser cladding with powder mixture of Ni-based alloy and tungsten carbide

Laser cladding, which can increase the hardness and wear resistance of the used components, is widely used in remanufacture and sustainable manufacturing field. Ni-based alloy cladding layer including hard particles such as tungsten carbides can effectively improve the properties of the used parts. However, with the WC weight fraction increasing, the coating becomes brittle, and the brittle crack easily occurs. Based on this, the powder mixture of Ni-based alloy and tungsten carbide (WC) in the range of 5 wt%-47 wt% WC fraction with functionally gradient material multi-layer cladding (FGMMLC) were deposited on AISI 1045 steel plates by laser cladding. The influence of WC weight fraction on the crack sensitivity in FGMMLC coating was investigated. The microstructure, phase constitution, microhardness and wear resistance of the cladding layer were investigated. The results showed the FGMMCL coating was free of cracks due to the slowly changing of thermal expansion coefficient of each layer. The hardness and wear resistance of FGMMLC coating were significantly improved because of the existence of numerous WC particles.
Counseling Received by Adolescents Undergoing Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision: Moving Toward Age-Equitable Comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention Measures

Abstract Background The minimum package of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services, as defined by the World Health Organization, includes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, HIV prevention counseling, screening/treatment for sexually transmitted infections, condom promotion, and the VMMC procedure. The current study aimed to assess whether adolescents received these key elements. Methods Quantitative surveys were conducted among male adolescents aged 10–19 years (n = 1293) seeking VMMC in South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. We used a summative index score of 8 self-reported binary items to measure receipt of important elements of the World Health Organization–recommended HIV minimum package and the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief VMMC recommendations. Counseling sessions were observed for a subset of adolescents (n = 44). To evaluate factors associated with counseling content, we used Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations and robust variance estimation. Results Although counseling included VMMC benefits, little attention was paid to risks, including how to identify complications, what to do if they arise, and why avoiding sex and masturbation could prevent complications. Overall, older adolescents (aged 15–19 years) reported receiving more items in the recommended minimum package than younger adolescents (aged 10–14 years; adjusted β, 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], .12–.21; P < .001). Older adolescents were also more likely to report receiving HIV test education and promotion (42.7% vs 29.5%; adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.16–2.02) and a condom demonstration with condoms to take home (16.8% vs 4.4%; aPR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.30–4.58). No significant age differences appeared in reports of explanations of VMMC risks and benefits or uptake of HIV testing. These self-reported findings were confirmed during counseling observations. Conclusions Moving toward age-equitable HIV prevention services during adolescent VMMC likely requires standardizing counseling content, as there are significant age differences in HIV prevention content received by adolescents.
The Endocannabinoid System Affects Myocardial Glucose Metabolism in the DOCA-Salt Model of Hypertension

Background/Aims: Recent interest in the use of cannabinoids as therapeutic agents has revealed the involvement of the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) in the regulation of the cardiovascular system in hypertension. Abnormalities in glucose metabolism and insulin action are commonly detected in hypertensive animals. Thus, potential antihypertensive drugs should be investigated with respect to modulation of glucose homeostasis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the ECS activation after chronic fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor (URB597) administration on plasma glucose and insulin concentrations as well as parameters of myocardial glucose metabolism in the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats, an animal model of secondary hypertension. Methods: Hypertension was induced by DOCA (25mg/kg) injections and addition of 1% NaCl in the drinking water for six weeks. Chronic activation of the ECS was performed by URB597 (1mg/kg) injections for two weeks. We examined fasting plasma levels of insulin (ELISA), glucose and intramyocardial glycogen (colorimetric method). Expressions of glucose transporters (GLUT1, 4) and selected proteins engaged in GLUT translocation as well as glucose metabolism were determined using Western blotting. Results: Hypertension induced hypoinsulinemia with concomitant lack of significant changes in glycemia, reduced intramyocardial glycogen content and increased pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) expression in the cardiac muscle. Importantly, chronic URB597 administration in the hypertensive rats increased insulin concentration, elevated plasmalemmal GLUT1 and GLUT4 expression and concomitantly improved myocardial glycogen storage. Conclusion: Chronic administration of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor has potential protective properties on myocardial glucose metabolism in hypertension.
Malaria Vectors in Ecologically Heterogeneous Localities of the Colombian Pacific Region

The Colombian Pacific region is second nationally in number of malaria cases reported. This zone presents great ecological heterogeneity and Anopheles species diversity. However, little is known about the current spatial and temporal distribution of vector species. This study, conducted in three ecologically different localities of the Pacific region, aimed to evaluate the composition and distribution of Anopheles species and characterize transmission intensity. A total of 4,016 Anopheles mosquitoes were collected representing seven species. The composition and dominant species differed in each locality. Three species were infected with malaria parasites: Anopheles darlingi and An. calderoni were infected with Plasmodium falciparum and An. nuneztovari with Plasmodium vivax VK210 and VK247. Annual EIRs varied from 3.5–7.2 infective bites per year. These results confirm the importance of the primary vector An. nuneztovari in areas disturbed by human interventions, of An. darlingi in deforested margins of humid tropical rainforest and An. albimanus and the suspected vector An. calderoni in areas impacted by urbanization and large-scale palm oil agriculture close to the coast. This constitutes the first report in the Colombia Pacific region of naturally infected An. darlingi, and in Colombia of naturally infected An. calderoni. Further studies should evaluate the epidemiological importance of An. calderoni in the Pacific region.
A Novel Modified Sol-Gel Template Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio Silica Nanotubes in the Presence of Phosphoric Acid

Silica nanotubes with controlled diameter and length were synthesised by using a novel and modified template-sol-gel method. The consistency and order of silica nanotubes mainly depend on the anodic alumina membrane (AAO) template that was used during the preparation process. The AAO membrane was chemical etched using different concentrations (5, 7 and 10 wt %) of phosphoric acid. The obtained silica nanotubes had diameters in the range of 220-280 nm and thicknesses around 70-90 nm as observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images enable us to view the arrangement of the hollow cylindrical silica nanotubes. Porosity of the silica nanotubes was investigated by nitrogen adsorption-desorption. The mesoporous silica nanotubes show characteristic type IV isotherm behaviour, with double capillary condensation step in the relative pressure range of 0.2-1.0 (p/p0). Thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermal (DTA) analyses confirm the thermal stability of the silica nanotubes and their weight changes and endo and exothermic reactions. The structural and functional group analyses of the silica nanotubes were carried out by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).
Role of Digital Capabilities in Unleashing the Power of Managerial Improvisation

Fast and creative strategic decision making requires a real-time view of the organization’s resources and capabilities, which allows top managers to identify and manage potential gaps,3 to plan for the long term and be able to act to address short-term needs. They must also take account of any seismic changes in the global environment that challenge the way most organizations conduct business. For instance, the 2016 vote by the U.K. to exit the European Union (known as “Brexit”) created unexpected challenges for global organizations. Additionally, the ongoing technological and connectivity revolution has resulted in the creation and growth of new businesses such as Uber and Airbnb. These changes require organizations to devise and execute their strategies in a different way. In today’s complex and connected environment, the best performing organizations leverage digital technology to identify and embrace changes rapidly and innovate faster. Business
Targeting the stress oncoprotein LEDGF/p75 to sensitize chemoresistant prostate cancer cells to taxanes

Prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with chronic prostate inflammation resulting in activation of stress and pro-survival pathways that contribute to disease progression and chemoresistance. The stress oncoprotein lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75), also known as DFS70 autoantigen, promotes cellular survival against environmental stressors, including oxidative stress, radiation, and cytotoxic drugs. Furthermore, LEDGF/p75 overexpression in PCa and other cancers has been associated with features of tumor aggressiveness, including resistance to cell death and chemotherapy. We report here that the endogenous levels of LEDGF/p75 are upregulated in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells selected for resistance to the taxane drug docetaxel (DTX). These cells also showed resistance to the taxanes cabazitaxel (CBZ) and paclitaxel (PTX), but not to the classical inducer of apoptosis TRAIL. Silencing LEDGF/p75 effectively sensitized taxane-resistant PC3 and DU145 cells to DTX and CBZ, as evidenced by a significant decrease in their clonogenic potential. While TRAIL induced apoptotic blebbing, caspase-3 processing, and apoptotic LEDGF/p75 cleavage, which leads to its inactivation, in both taxane-resistant and -sensitive PC3 and DU145 cells, treatment with DTX and CBZ failed to robustly induce these signature apoptotic events. These observations suggested that taxanes induce both caspase-dependent and -independent cell death in mCRPC cells, and that maintaining the structural integrity of LEDGF/p75 is critical for its role in promoting taxane-resistance. Our results further establish LEDGF/p75 as a stress oncoprotein that plays an important role in taxane-resistance in mCRPC cells, possibly by antagonizing drug-induced caspase-independent cell death.
Does Gender of Administrator Matter? National Study Explores U.S. University Administrators' Attitudes About Retaining Women Professors in STEM

Omnipresent calls for more women in university administration presume women will prioritize using resources and power to increase female representation, especially in STEM fields where women are most underrepresented. However, empirical evidence is lacking for systematic differences in female vs. male administrators' attitudes. Do female administrators agree on which strategies are best, and do men see things differently? We explored United States college and university administrators' opinions regarding strategies, policies, and structural changes in their organizations designed to increase women professors' representation and retention in STEM fields. A comprehensive review of past research yielded a database of potentially-effective, recommended policies. A survey based on these policies was sent to provosts, deans, associate deans, and department chairs of STEM fields at 96 public and private research universities across the U.S. These administrators were asked to rate the quality and feasibility of each strategy; 474 provided data, of which 334 contained complete numerical data used in the analyses. Our data revealed that female (vs. male) administrators believed the 44 strategies were higher in quality overall—but not higher in feasibility—with 9 strategies perceived differently by women and men, after imposing conservative statistical controls. There was broad general agreement on the relative-quality rankings of the 44 strategies. Women (vs. men) gave higher quality ratings to increasing the value of teaching, service, and administrative experience in tenure/promotion decisions, increasing flexibility of federal-grant funding to accommodate mothers, conducting gender-equity research, and supporting shared tenure lines enabling work-life balance. Women (vs. men) believed it was more feasible for men to stop the tenure clock for 1 year for childrearing and for universities to support requests for shared tenure lines, but less feasible for women to chair search committees. Our national survey thus supported the belief that placing women into administration creates greater endorsement of strategies to attract and retain women in STEM, although the effectiveness of these strategies was outside the scope of this research. Topics of disagreement between women and men are potentially important focuses of future policy, because female administrators may have insights into how to retain women that male administrators do not share.
Large Lithium Polymer Battery Modeling for the Simulation of Hybrid Electric Vehicles Using the Equivalent Circuit Method

In the present study, a model of a large Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) battery for use in the simulation of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) is developed. To attain this goal, an Equivalent Circuit (EC) consisting of a series resistor and two RC parallel networks is considered. The accuracy and the response time of the model for use in an HEV simulator are studied. The battery parameters identification and model validation tests are performed in low current with a good accuracy. Similar test process is implemented in high current for another cell and the simulation is verified with experimental results. The validation tests confirm the accuracy of the model for use in HEV simulator. Finally, the battery model is used to model a Vehicle, Fuel and Environment Research Institute (VFERI) hybrid electric city bus using ADVISOR software and its compatibility with other components of the vehicle simulator are demonstrated in a drive cycle test
Removal of Abundant Myofilament Proteins From Rabbit Myocardium Using the ReadyPrep

Introduction The analysis of protein expression using the tools encompassed under the term “proteomics” is a powerful means of understanding how cells and tissues respond to changes in their environment. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) remains a technique of choice for separating complex mixtures of proteins (Görg et al. 2000, Rabilloud 2002), and is followed by high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) for the identification and further characterization of specific proteins of interest. The major criticisms of 2-D PAGE are: 1) the poor representation of hydrophobic or membrane-associated proteins, and 2) the underrepresentation of lower-abundance proteins due to the dominance in gel patterns of abundant housekeeping proteins. The latter is especially apparent in samples where one or two individual protein species account for a significant fraction of the total protein present (for example, albumin in human plasma).