Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of Correlation between Serum Osteoprotegerin, TNF-Alfa, and Biomarkers of Bone Metabolism in Patients with Treatment-Naive Graves’ Disease—A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Primary – a study of the correlation between serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), and biomarkers of bone metabolism in patients with treatment-naive Graves' disease (GD). Secondary – serum level of OPG, TNF-alfa, and biomarkers of bone metabolism in patients three months after treatment of GD with methimazole (MMI). Materials and Methods: A total of thirty-five treatment-naive newly diagnosed GDs were recruited for the study, most of them female. All patients started with MMI for treatment and various blood parameters were measured at baseline and three months after treatment. Measurements: Serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), OPG, TNF-alfa, and urine deoxypyridinoline (U-DPD) along with serum-free T3 and T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid receptor antibody (TR-ab) were analysed at baseline and three months after MMI treatment. All the patients had euthyroid at three months of MMI treatment. Results: Mean serum OPG (0.94 ± 1.39 vs. 0.63 ± 0.27 ng/ml; P = 0.262) level at baseline and after treatment with MMI did not show any significant change. Mean TSH level (0.207 ± 0.59 vs. 1.00 ± 1.95, P = 0.025) was significantly low at baseline than after treatment; FT4 (5.9 ± 5.22 v 1.77 ± 1.89 ng/dl; P < 0.001), FT3 (12.19 ± 6.91 vs. 4.99 ± 3.55 pg/ml; P < 0.001), and TNF-alfa values decreased significantly after treatment, however, PTH (58.09 ± 28.75 vs. 75.57 ± 41.50; P < 0.026) increased significantly after treatment. Discussion: There is no correlation of OPG with thyroid hormone profile, TSH, thyroid receptor antibody (TR-ab), and bone metabolic parameters such as serum Ca, P, B-ALP, TNF-alfa, and U-DPD in our study. Mean TNF-alfa decreased significantly (393.43 ± 270.473 vs. 139.34 ± 101.264 pg/ml; P = 0.001) level after treatment with MMI. TNF-alfa was positively correlated with TR-ab (r = 0.374; P = 0.027) and B-ALP (r = 0.388; P = 0.021). Conclusion: The bone turnover marker in GD seems to be mediated other than OPG. We observed an increase in circulating TNF-alfa in GD with a significant decrease after treatment. TNF-alfa could be a marker of GD activity as evidenced by a close positive correlation with TR-ab, a sensitive marker of GD autoimmunity. TNF-alfa could be a factor associated with bone turnover markers in GD despite its euthyroid state.
A Brief Review on Fruit and Vegetable Extracts as Corrosion Inhibitors in Acidic Environments

The corrosion of metals, i.e., the initiation and acceleration of the surface deterioration of metals through an electrochemical reaction with the surrounding intrusive environment, is a global concern because of the economic and environmental impacts. Corrosion inhibitors are considered the most practical choice among the available corrosion protection techniques due to their effectiveness in terms of functionality and cost. The use of traditional and toxic corrosion inhibitors has led to environmental issues, arousing the need for green counterparts that are environmentally friendly, easily accessible, biodegradable, and cost-effective. In this review, the utilization of green corrosion inhibitors purely acquired from renewable sources is explored, with an in-depth focus on the recent advancements in the use of fruit and vegetable extracts as green corrosion inhibitors. In particular, fruits and vegetables are natural sources of various phytochemicals that exhibit key potential in corrosion inhibition. To shed light on the true potential of such extracts in the protection of steel in acidic environments, the experimental techniques involved in corrosion inhibition and the mechanism of corrosion inhibition are discussed in detail. The study highlights the potential of fruit and vegetable extracts as non-toxic, economical, and effective corrosion inhibitors in the pursuit of green chemistry. In addition to discussing and outlining the current status and opportunities for employing fruit and vegetable extracts as corrosion inhibitors, the current review outlines the challenges involved in the utilization of such extracts in corrosion inhibition.
COMPUTATIONAL INVESTIGATION OF MICRO HOVERING ROTOR

In this work, a compressible Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) code is used to investigate low Reynolds number and low Mach o ws, which are typical of Micro Air Vehicles (MAV). The main objective of this work is to assess the predictive capability and to identify the deciencies of the computational methodology. The code is validated with experiments for 2D airfoil o ws in order to assess the lift and drag predictions. 3D nite wing validations are performed to ascertain the capability of the methodology to predict tip vortex evolution. This is then followed by extensive validation studies on a micro hovering rotor. A recurring theme in all these calculations is that inviscid phenomena like lift/thrust and tip vortex structure/induced velocities are modeled well, while drag/power predictions show considerable deviation from experimental data.
An Interleaved High Step-Up Dual-Input Single-Output DC-DC Converter for Electric Vehicles

Concerning the environmental problems of traditional internal combustion engines, electrical motors have received substantial attention which has led to the introduction of electric vehicles (EV). The integration of several input sources is an inevitable issue to provide EVs with their required energy. According to their higher gain, reliability and efficiency, they are attractive to researchers. In this paper a converter with two battery and ultracapacitor input sources is presented. This converter has a higher gain as compared to that presented in previous topologies. In addition, the output voltage of the converter can be increased by implementing more voltage multiplier cells.
Enabling LPWAN Massive Access: Grant-Free Random Access with Massive MIMO

With the rapid growth of the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the support for massive access is becoming vital for future low power wide area network (LPWAN). Up to now, LoRa™ and NB-IoT are the two leading LPWAN technologies that use very distinct random access (RA) schemes, that is, grant-free RA scheme and grant-based RA scheme, respectively. The low-overhead grant-free RA of LoRa makes it suitable for light traffic load, while the grant-based RA scheme of NB-IoT is more suitable for moderate traffic load as it could provide high reliability in data-transmission stage for the active terminals without collisions. However, when facing massive access and high traffic load, both LoRa and NB-IoT are unable to provide high throughput and high success rate with low signaling overhead. To address the challenge of massive access, grant-free RA with massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MGFRA) is being considered as an alternative technique. In this article, we first introduce MGFRA and present simplified analysis and simulations to demonstrate its effectiveness. Then, we envision the future LPWAN requirements on RA and compare the performance of the existing leading LPWAN technologies with MGFRA. Finally, a proof-of-concept prototype of LPWAN based on MGFRA, called as TurMass™, is introduced and some experimental results are provided to demonstrate its effectiveness in realistic wireless environments.
Computations to Obtain Wider Tunnels in Protein Structures

Finding wide tunnels in protein structures is an important problem in Structural Bioinformatics with applications in various areas such as drug design. Several algorithms have been proposed for finding wide tunnels in a fixed protein conformation. However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the existing work have considered widening the tunnel, i.e., finding a wider tunnel in an alternative conformation of the given structure. In this thesis we initiate this line of research by proposing a tunnel-widening algorithm which aims to make the tunnel wider by a slight local change in the structure of the protein. Given a fixed conformation of a protein with a point located inside it, we first describe an algorithm to identify the widest tunnel from that point to the outside environment of the protein. Then we try to make the tunnel wider by considering various alternative conformations of the protein. We only consider conformations whose energies are not much higher than the energy of the initial conformation. Among these alternative conformations we select the one with the widest tunnel. However, the alternative conformation with the widest tunnel might not be accessible from the initial structure. Thus, in the next step we develop three algorithms for finding a feasible transition pathway from the initial structure to the alternative conformation, i.e., a sequence of intermediate conformations between the initial structure and the alternative conformation such that the energy values of all these intermediate conformations are close to the energy of the initial structure. We evaluate our tunnel-finding and tunnel-widening algorithms on various proteins. Our experiments show that in most cases we can make the tunnel wider in an alternative conformation. However, there are cases in which we find a wider tunnel in an alternative conformation, but the energy value of the alternative conformation is much higher than the energy of the initial structure. We also implemented our three pathway-finding algorithms and tested them on various instances. Our experiments show that although in most cases we can find a feasible transition pathway, there are cases in which the alternative conformation has energy close to the initial structure, but our algorithms cannot find any feasible pathway from the initial structure to the alternative conformation. Furthermore, there is a trade-off between the running time and accuracy of the three pathway-finding algorithms.
Knowledge Management Critical Success Factors in Construction Projects

Knowledge management (KM) is defined as the act of establishing, sharing, and flowing of knowledge within an organization. Knowledge is an important driving force for business success and competiveness, especially in the construction industry, which is a project-based oriented that involves multidiscipline stakeholders. Knowledge management critical success factors (KMCSFs) are considered crucial for the construction industry. Previous works suggested a positive relation between addressing the critical success factors and the successful implementation of knowledge management. The objective of this paper is to identify and assess those factors. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire distributed randomly to 300 construction project professionals in the Palestinian construction industry concerning their knowledge management experiences. 277 questionnaires were received giving a response rate of 92%. Data were analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). It has been found that teamwork and face- to- face communication are considered the most significant critical success factors in managing knowledge. Moreover, three groups of critical success factors for managing knowledge have been categorized by EFA. They are related to culture, knowledge sharing process, and organizational structure. The findings of this study are significant in the understanding of knowledge management critical success factors in construction project. This knowledge may contribute to better decision-making and improvement of the construction projects performance.
Is it worth changing pattern recognition methods for structural health monitoring?

The key element of this work is to demonstrate alternative strategies for using pattern recognition algorithms whilst investigating structural health monitoring. This paper looks to determine if it makes any difference in choosing from a range of established classification techniques: from decision trees and support vector machines, to Gaussian processes. Classification algorithms are tested on adjustable synthetic data to establish performance metrics, then all techniques are applied to real SHM data. To aid the selection of training data, an informative chain of artificial intelligence tools is used to explore an active learning interaction between meaningful clusters of data.
A Multi-objective approach to Subarrayed Linear Antenna Arrays Design

In this paper we present a multi-objective optimization approach to subarrayed linear antenna arrays design. We define this problem as a bi-objective one. We consider two objective functions for directivity maximization and sidelobe level minimization. Two popular Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs), the Generalized Differential Evolution (GDE3) and the Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II), are employed in this study. GDE3 and NSGA-II are applied to the synthesis of uniform and nonuniform subarrayed linear arrays, providing an extensive set of solutions for each design case. Depending on the desired array characteristics, the designer can select the most suitable solution. The results of the proposed method are compared with those reported in the literature, indicating the advantages and applicability of the multi-objective approach.
Sensory and Chemical Properties of Virginia Hard Cider: Effects of Apple Cultivar Selection and Fermentation Strategy

Abstract The U.S. cider market has expanded in recent years, but limited research-based information is available on fermentation management. This study investigates how apple cultivar and yeast inoculation affect the chemical and sensory properties of ciders made in Virginia. Four ciders were produced in triplicate using combinations of two different apple cultivars — Harrison, a cider cultivar and GoldRush, a dessert cultivar — and two fermentation strategies — inoculated with dry active yeast EC1118 or Pied de Cuvé (PdC) ambient fermentation. Ciders were analyzed for alcohol content, free/total SO2, titratable acidity, volatile acidity, malic acid, pH, and residual sugar. Sensory evaluation was conducted using descriptive analysis with trained panelists. Results were analyzed via analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis. Apple cultivar and fermentation method resulted in significant differences for chemistry and sensory parameters. Malic acid concentration was greater in the control ciders while concentrations of both residual sugar and volatile acidity were higher in the PdC ciders. The interaction effect of cultivar*fermentation method influenced both malic acid and residual sugar concentrations, where concentration differences between control and ambient ciders were smaller for GoldRush than for Harrison, showing that fermentation style produced different results across cultivars. Volatile acidity produced opposite interaction effects as differences between fermentation styles were larger for GoldRush. For sensory attributes, Harrison ciders produced high intensities for multiple attributes, but also higher variability. Multiple sensory descriptors displayed interaction effects as the fermentation method produced different results in different cultivars. This study demonstrates that increasingly popular practices in the industry can produce significantly different ciders.
The complete chloroplast genome of Piptanthus nepalensis, a medicinal plant

Abstract Piptanthus nepalensis (Hooker) Sweet is a semi deciduous or deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Piptanthus, Leguminosae. P. nepalensis has been used as a folk medicinal herb in Nepal and was cultivated all over the world as an ornamental plant. In the present study, we sequenced the entire genome of the chloroplast of P. nepalensis. The total length of the chloroplast genome in P. nepalensis is 152,195 bp, including a large single-copy region of 82,048 bp, a small single-copy region of 17,675 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats regions of 26,236 bp. The overall guanine-cytosine (GC) content of the genome was 36.7%. There are 131 genes in the chloroplast genome of P. nepalensis, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes and 38 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. nepalensis is closely related to Maackia floribunda.
Comparison of the game structure and point ending during Grand Slam women's doubles tennis

Despite the importance of doubles tennis, there is little research on this modality of the game, especially as per women play. The aim of this study was to analyse the structural variables and the way points ended in women's doubles, as well as to observe the differences between surfaces and between winning and losing teams. Twenty-one WTA doubles matches from three Grand Slams played on three different surfaces were analysed. Players played 2.0 ± 0.3 sets, 19.9 ± 3.2 games, 130.4 ± 25.3 points, 0.2 ± 0.6 tie breaks per match (PM), 9.5 ± 1.0 games and 62.6 ± 7.9 points per set, and 6.6 ± 0.6 points per game (PG). 33.5% of the points ended with a winner (Wn), 43.6% with a forced error (FE) and 22.8% with an unforced error (UE), with the Wn shot being the variable that most discriminated between winner and loser teams. It was also shown that the way more points were finished was with FE, followed by Wn and UE. There were no significant differences between surfaces in structural variables or point ending. These results showed that in women's doubles playing Wn shots and avoiding UE is crucial to successful performance, so that aggressive play and taking the initiative in the game has a positive influence in the result.
An effort saving method to establish global aerodynamic model using CFD

Purpose The typical approach of modeling the aerodynamics of an aircraft is to develop a complete database through testing or computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The database will be huge if it has a reasonable resolution and requires an unacceptable CFD effort during the conceptional design. Therefore, this paper aims to reduce the computing effort required via establishing a general aerodynamic model that needs minor parameters. Design/methodology/approach The model structure was a preconfigured polynomial model, and the parameters were estimated with a recursive method to further reduce the calculation effort. To uniformly disperse the sample points through each step, a unique recursive sampling method based on a Voronoi diagram was presented. In addition, a multivariate orthogonal function approach was used. Findings A case study of a flying wing aircraft demonstrated that generating a model with acceptable precision (0.01 absolute error or 5% relative error) costs only 1/54 of the cost of creating a database. A series of six degrees of freedom flight simulations shows that the model’s prediction was accurate. Originality/value This method proposed a new way to simplify the model and recursive sampling. It is a low-cost way of obtaining high-fidelity models during primary design, allowing for more precise flight dynamics analysis.
Preliminary Report of the Safety and Tolerability of 1 Hz Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Background Low frequency (≤1 Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to suppress cortical excitability and is beginning to be trialed for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. Purpose As a step toward a larger trial, the current pilot study was aimed to test the tolerability and safety of temporal lobe rTMS using H-coil for the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Research Design 1800 pulses of active or sham rTMS were applied 5 days a week for 2 weeks over the temporal lobe of the affected hemisphere. Results Nine participants were enrolled and randomized to verum or sham stimulation. One participant dropped out from the sham group after 5 rTMS sessions. In-session, 3 patients had typical seizures during sham stimulation. One patient had seizures also during active stimulation (albeit fewer than during sham). Minor reported adverse events during stimulation otherwise included transient neck pain and headache, and were reported in equal numbers in both groups. Major adverse events were not reported. Our results indicate that H-coil rTMS was well-tolerated. Conclusion Given the relatively high prevalence of individuals with TLE who are treatment-resistant and the preliminary results of this study, we suggest that a larger safety and efficacy trial of 1 Hz rTMS for the treatment of TLE is warranted.
Comparative risk assessment of remedial alternatives for contaminated sludge

The selection of a remedial alternative is typically based on an evaluation of numerous criteria, including the protection of human health and the environment, technological feasibility, and cost. The selection process, however, does not typically include a rigorous comparative risk assessment nor a consideration of risks associated with waste transport and management of waste residuals. A comparative risk analysis of remedial alternatives has the advantage of providing information that assists in cost decisions and highlights potential problems and liabilities before they occur. This paper presents a risk assessment case study in which four proposed remedial alternatives were quantitatively evaluated. Each remedial alternative consisted of a combination of unit operations; each unit operation is associated with a variety of chemical emissions that can result in worker or public exposures. The unit operations considered in the risk assessment were sludge excavation, drying, low temperature thermal desorption (LTTD), disposal in an on-site monofill, ex-situ stabilization and in-situ stabilization. The risk assessment process involved characterizing the waste feedstock, calculating emissions from each unit operation, predicting chemical concentrations in air for workers and the community, compiling health effects criteria for workers and the public, and calculating exposures and risks. Twenty-five (25) chemicals were quantitatively evaluatedmore » in the risk assessment. Four risk metrics were examined: (1) excess lifetime cancer risks to residents in the surrounding area; (2) non-cancer risks to residents in the surrounding area; (3) non-cancer health risks to remediation workers; and (4) the potential for injuries to workers during remediation. In general, it was found that risks associated with in-situ stabilization were significantly lower than the other alternatives. Unit operations performed inside of buildings represented the greatest potential hazard to workers. « less