Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adsorption Characteristics of Antibiotic Meropenem on Magnetic CoFe2O4@Au Nanoparticles

Adsorption characteristics of the antibiotic meropenem on a novel magnetic material synthesized by surface coating cobalt iron oxide (CFO) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were systematically investigated. The AuNPs can enhance material adsorption capacity by having high affinity towards the thioether and amine groups in the meropenem structure. Au coverage on the CFO surface decreased the saturation magnetization from 55.8 emu/g to 48.8 emu/g, still allowing synthesized CFO@Au nanomaterials to be magnetically recoverable. The CFO@Au nanomaterials showed enhanced adsorption capacity of 25.5 mg/g at optimum conditions of pH 4.0 adsorption time 120 min, and adsorbent mass 0.05 g. Adsorption equilibrium was in accordance with a monolayer Langmuir isotherm, while the adsorption kinetics followed pseudo-first-order kinetics and intraparticle diffusion models. This work provides a simple method to prepare a magnetic composite material with high adsorption efficiency for meropenem and probably other thioether-containing substances.
Affect toward the policy option versus the hazard differentially mediates cultural effects on Americans’ Zika risk perceptions and policy support: Comparing the Solution Aversion-based model and the Affect Heuristic-Cultural Cognition Theory model

Abstract Surveys of Americans’ views on the Zika virus allowed tests of overlapping but distinctive models of how culture affects risk responses: (1) a model inspired by the “solution aversion” (SA) hypothesis, which posits that cultural attitudes lower perceived risk when mediated by negative attitudes toward a hazard management option, and (2) the Affect Heuristic-Cultural Cognition Theory (AH-CCT) model, which posits that cultural biases can alter varied risk responses mediated by affect about the risk source or hazard. Dependent variables were personal and U.S. risk perceptions, judged need for U.S. action against Zika, and support for potential or actual Zika management options. Both models were supported, but the SA-based model (using value threat evoked by a management option as the affect mediator) was stronger overall and applied more to need and support judgments, while AH-CCT (using affect aroused by Zika as mediator) applied more to amplifying perceived risk. These results underline the value of parallel testing of models with multiple candidate measures of a limited number of concepts to enhance scientific understanding of factors affecting risk responses.
Fast Time-Domain Analysis of Darwin Model of Maxwell’s Equations Using Arnoldi-Based Model Order Reduction

The quasi-static approximation that considers inductive–capacitive–resistive effects is referred to as the Darwin model of Maxwell’s equation. However, numerical analysis of the Darwin model is computationally expensive on account of large ill-conditioned equations. In this article, we proposed a new model order reduction technique for the Darwin model of Maxwell’s equations to drastically reduce the computational cost. In this method, four symmetric non-gauged equations were solved to obtain the basis vectors and avoid solving the non-symmetric equations. The reduced-order model (ROM) was obtained through congruent transformation, and time-domain analysis was performed using the time-difference method. We observed that the symmetric ROM was superior to the asymmetric ROM, in terms of accuracy and stability of the time-domain analysis.
Cross-Platform Effects: Towards a Measure for Platform Integration Benefit

The advancement of technologies and the ongoing digitization have triggered the development of a large variety of innovations. Media and other information goods have been transformed into bits and bytes and barriers between formerly distinct industries burst. Both incumbent and insurgent players jumped on the digitization train and develop completely new business models that are often tailored around over-the-top (OTT), i.e. Internet-based platforms. It has been convincingly postulated that the success of the leading new Internet-based media and communications companies is attributable to exactly this business set-up. Platform companies profit from cross-sided network effects which lead to increased market concentration (winner-takes-it-all dynamic) and high entry barriers (chicken-and-egg effect). Initially, platform markets consisted of a simple set-up of a handful of platforms. By now, these markets evolved towards an ecosystem of interrelated and layered platforms that have been conceptualized as Platform Networks (PNs). In PNs, platforms operate not only next to each other in direct horizontal competition, but also on top of each other in the value chain. By vertically coupling platforms with one another, platform companies also intertwine the platforms' cross-sided network effects. We refer to this coupling effect as cross-platform effects. As a result, platforms self-accelerate their growth by building close vertical systems in form of Platform Silos (PSs). Still, from both a research and practice point of view, neither the competitive advantage achievable through PS nor its implications have been assessed yet.In this paper, we aim to make a first step towards closing this gap. Building on prior work on cross-sided network externalities, multi-product pricing and the theory of two- and multi-sided markets, we propose a variance model to capture a user's platform utility (operationalized via intention to use and willingness to pay) for an individual platform and a vertical combination thereof. We conceptualize platform utility as a composite of network value, functional value and value from transaction cost reduction. We conclude by proposing how the model can be used to capture advantageousness of PSs from the perspective of the providers involved. Finally, we discuss the implications for the sustainability of PNs. We conclude that while the increasing emergence of PSs might lead to the emergence of power houses of innovation in the short term, their strong competitive position might under certain circumstances hamper innovative efforts in the long-term.
A Review of Cable-Driven Parallel Robots: Typical Configurations, Analysis Techniques, and Control Methods

Cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) have applications in large workspaces and at high operating speeds, which necessitates considering the mass and elasticity of cables for accurate analyses of kinematics, dynamics, workspace, trajectory planning, and control. In this article, first, the typical CDPR configurations along with their application areas are summarized. Then, various approaches, such as optimizing cable and motor configurations or integrating additional elements to the structure of CDPRs that can be used for workspace geometry optimization, are discussed. Afterward, different models for the cables with mass and elasticity, such as Irvine’s sagging or spring dampers studied in the literature for integrating into the kinematics and dynamics equations, are reported. Later, along with reviewing different approaches for trajectory planning of planar and spatial CDPRs, advances in configuration optimization for collision-free trajectory planning are addressed. Finally, kinematic and dynamic control algorithms to handle the effect of mass and elasticity of the cables and robust and adaptive control algorithms to tackle structured and unstructured uncertainties, such as in the mass and moment of the moving platform (MP) and external disturbances, are reported.
Phenotypic Diversity in Wild and Cultivated Date Palm (Phoenix, Arecaceae): Quantitative Analysis Using Information Theory

The quantitative study of genetic diversity requires tools to describe quantitatively and in parallel the whole phenotypic diversity in order to produce meaningful comparisons. The genus Phoenix offers examples of species with very different levels of diversity or heterogeneity. Within Phoenix, date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a major food crop of global relevance. The concept of information entropy was introduced by Claude Shannon; although initially intended to evaluate data communication systems, it has been used to measure biodiversity in terms of richness, evenness and dominance. In the present work, we will use it to describe heterogeneity within the different taxonomic units in the genus Phoenix. The description of the Phoenix morphological diversity in the present work is based on 596 accessions or populations belonging to 43 mutually exclusive taxonomic units (species, subspecies, varieties, landrace groups and hybrids). As Phoenix is a dioecious palm genus, female and male individuals are described separately. Each accession or sample is described using 116 characters totaling 449 states. The Shannon information entropy index allows the quantitative representation of the different levels of heterogeneity in the various taxonomic units of the genus Phoenix. Morphology, consistency and coloration of fruit and seed, followed by the inflorescences and female flowers, comprise the taxonomic characters that contribute the most to heterogeneity. Vegetative characters contribute less than the characters of the reproductive organs as a whole. Phoenix dactylifera and related Mediterranean and Macaronesian taxa present the maximum heterogeneity. Immediately afterwards we find P. loureiroi and, behind, the group of P. pusilla. At the lower limit of heterogeneity, we find species restricted in their distribution area: P. rupicola, P. theophrasti, P. roebelenii and P. acaulis. Phoenix dactylifera conforms to a complex of landraces and cultivars that coexist as phenotypically well-defined geographical groups with numerous intermediate forms and the long-distance translocation of otherwise local cultivars. This results in high heterogeneity. For the western and eastern groups of Phoenix dactylifera, it is extremely difficult to find a set of well-defined differential characters. However, some of the variables analyzed here allow us to propose a set of their respective syndromes. The high phenotypic heterogeneity in various Phoenix species is related to the genetic diversity, age and ancestry of different taxa, hybridization events and introgressions prior to domestication, and selective pressures after domestication and, again, interspecific crosses after domestication.
Parameter Determination and Drive Control Analysis of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

Axial flux electric motors have received a lot of attention in recent years due to successful implementations in industrial or traction applications. Particularly, axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motors (AFPMSM) can be an attractive choice in case of high torque-density requirements or when the drive environment (packaging) is geometrically limited to a disc-shaped motor. However, compared to radial flux motors, axial flux machine modeling possibilities are much less documented. In the present study, different electromagnetic modeling approaches have been compared through an example AFPMSM design. The motor parameters were determined by analytical and finite element methods. A 2D equivalent model (2D Linear Motor Modeling Approach – 2D-LMMA) and a 3D model results have been compared. The calculated values were used to carry out a drive control analysis of the axial flux motor.
Wideband Continuous-Time MASH Delta-Sigma Modulators: A Tutorial Review

The maximum sampling frequency of oversampled continuous-time (CT) delta-sigma modulators (DSM) has increased considerably over the past decade. Plus, with its implicit anti-aliasing filtering and resistive input impedance, it results in a substitution of discrete-time pipeline ADCs in wireless receivers. For CT DSMs, multi-stage noise-shaping (MASH) topology features a cascade of low-order loops, thus allowing the exploration of larger sampling rate when compared with a single-loop topology. However, the inherent quantization noise (QN) leakage constrains the achievable resolution of the MASH DSM. Besides, the QN extraction of preceding stages is problematic in CT MASH with very fast sampling rates. This brief review the fundamentals and design considerations of CT MASHs. It highlights recent state-of-the-art CT MASH addressing the above design challenges, including architectural advances, circuitry innovation and digital calibration. This brief intends to serve as a starting point in the forthcoming development of a wideband low-power CT MASH DSM.
Zeolite supported iron nanoparticles for the catalytic Fenton oxidative remediation of theophylline in aqueous medium

Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) are an emerging class of contaminants found in water and wastewater. The objective of this study was to develop and test a novel catalyst for the treatment of theophylline – a commonly occurring xanthine (a PhAC) for heterogeneous Fenton oxidation (HFO). The catalyst used was iron nanoparticle-loaded zeolite developed through coprecipitation of iron salts. Elemental composition, particle size and its distribution and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of the catalyst were determined. The deposition of iron nanoparticles was ensured through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Effect of treatment variables (pH, iron to oxidant ratio, and oxidation time) was evaluated through batch mode oxidation experiments. The experimental design was carved using response surface methodology and optimization done using Design-Expert v. 10.0 software. pH and iron to oxidant ratio were determined to be the most influencing parameters for theophylline removal. Moreover, it was observed that interaction between pH and iron to oxidant ratio, significantly affects the theophylline removal. Effective theophylline removal (~95%) was observed at pH 7, oxidation time of 60 min and iron to oxidant ratio of 3. Theophylline was transformed into its degradation product, that is, 1,3-methyluric acid after heterogeneous Fenton oxidation of theophylline. The developed catalyst was stable, durable and reusable for at least three experimental runs without compromising the catalyst performance. The treatment cost of theophylline using HFO was $14.41/m3.
A deep recurrent neural network with primal-dual optimization for CT metal artifact reduction

Metal Artifact Reduction (MAR) has been one of the most challenging problems in Computed Tomography (CT) imaging since the technology was invented 50 years ago. Metal implants in patient bodies prevent a CT system from accurately measuring patient anatomies because of the beam hardening effect, X-ray beams’ statistical property changes, and metallic objects’ shapes. Although this problem has been researched for many years, there are still limitations in the conventional model-based methods. Recently, many researchers started using Deep Learning (DL) for the CT MAR problem, which should work better than traditional methods because of its powerful representation capability. In this paper, a new DL-based method is proposed. Our technique is based upon one of the convex optimization methods called primal-dual optimization. A Recurrent Neural Network is adopted to implement the primal-dual optimization for CT MAR. Because of the multi-variable optimization, this neural network conducts dual-domain learning. In addition, the proposed method replaces a metal trace, commonly used in CT MAR methods, with a novel sinogram confidence map. This floating-point map works better than a binary metal trace because of its smoother boundary pixels. Results from extensive experiments indicate that our proposed method outperforms conventional model-based methods and DL-based methods in terms of the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structure Similarity (SSIM) as well as in terms of visual appearance.
A Composite Flexible Sensor for Direct Ventricular Assist Device

A direct ventricular assist device is one of the effective means to treat patients with heart failure; the key point of the problem is the flexible sensor that can measure the drive pressure and shape variable of the heart auxiliary device. This study was based on the high-voltage electric field guidance process and the porous foaming process, and designed an implantable resistance/capacitive composite flexible sensor that can effectively detect the pressure and deformation signal caused by fine surface contact and pneumatic muscle expansion. Experiments showed the performance of composite sensors with special structure design was greatly improved compared with the control group—the strain measurement sensitivity was 22, pressure measurement sensitivity was up to 0.19 Kpa−1. Stable strain measurements were made up to 35 times and pressure measurements over 100 times. In addition, we solved the interference problem of resistance/capacitance flexible sensors through an optimized common substrate process. Finally, we tested a pneumatic muscle direct ventricular assist device with a composite flexible sensor on a model heart; the experiment showed that this resistance/capacitive composite flexible sensor can effectively detect surface contact with pneumatic muscle and the displacement signals.
Infrared thermographic nondestructive testing of frescos: Thermal modeling and image processing of three dimensional heat diffusion phenomena

A method for thermographic testing of ancient wall frescos is described. Experimental results were obtained by testing the Fogolino fresco in Bergamo, Italy, using a transient thermal nondestructive testing technique. It was found that the main difficulties in testing the fresco were caused by nonuniform surface patterns in both the optical and infrared (thermal) wavelength ranges. This multiwavelength surface clutter leads to numerous artifacts when applying sophisticated data processing algorithms such as dynamic thermal tomography. A three dimensional data filtering technique is proposed that will take into account both uneven heating and lateral heat diffusion, thus diminishing the effect of surface clutter.
Intravenous Calcium Alginate Microspheres as Drug Delivery Vehicles in Acute Kidney Injury Treatment

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe problem associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. There are no reliable therapeutic interventions except dialysis that could improve survival, limit injury, or speed up recovery. Thus, it is essential to develop new therapies to treat AKI. Previous studies revealed that histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) could attenuate renal injury and enhance kidney recovery in AKI. However, the hydrophobic nature of HDACi, such as vorinostat (SAHA), requires organic solvents to promote its dissolution, leading to inevitable detrimental effects. Herein, calcium alginate microspheres (CAM) were prepared by the microfluidic method as HDACi carriers to treat AKI by intravenous injection. First, we designed the structure of the microfluidic channel for the fabrication of the PDMS microfluidic chip in which the emulsion state of droplets was analyzed. As the flow rate increases, the continuous phase changed from laminar flow to the dripping pattern in the microfluidic device. Then, the CAM was fabricated by a W/O microfluidic emulsion template and the size of the microspheres was adjusted from 3 to 7 μm by the concentration of alginate and the flow rate of the continuous phase and dispersal phase. The higher degree of cross-linking of sodium alginate with calcium ions would lead to longer drug release time but lower swelling rates. Furthermore, we selected CAM with suitable sizes as the HDACi carrier and delivered the HDACi-loaded CAM to the AKI mice by intravenous tail injection. The in vivo results showed that the HDACi-loaded CAM could effectively reduce the renal regional inflammatory response and attenuate renal injury.
Molecular docking study of vemurafenib derivatives on melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) as anti-melanoma

Background: Melanoma is one of the cancers with high mortality rates in Indonesia. The newest potential anti-melanoma target is the Melanoma Inhibitory Activity (MIA/5IXB) macromolecule, but the location of the binding pocket interaction is unknown. Vemurafenib is known to be active in vivo as against melanoma. Thus, it can be used as a lead compound. This study aimed to examine the location of the binding pocket and the interactions that occur between macromolecules and the test compounds. Methods: It was carried out using the blind docking method between vemurafenib and an MIA macromolecule. Results: The results showed that the best molecular docking was obtained in the distribution of the grid box area in the third area with a ∆G value of -7.80 kcal/mol. Docking validation results showed the value of ∆G 11.06 kcal/mol with an average value of RMSD 1.788 Å, and the amino acid residues that played a role in the interaction were MET31, TYR30, and PRO33. Targeted docking to the binding pocket results on 45 test compounds showed that the most potent compound was Compound-17 with a ∆G value of 11.31 kcal/mol with hydrophobic bond interactions on amino acid residues TYR30. This hydrophobic bond is responsible for the MIA mechanism as an inhibitor of melanoma cell metastasis in the body. It can be concluded that the binding pocket of the MIA(5IXB) macromolecule with the vemurafenib compound is at the amino acid residues MET31, TYR30, and PRO33 with the interaction of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic bonds. Also, it was observed that T.C-17 is the most potential anti-melanoma test compound.
The effectiveness of using the toothpastes with a different fluoride content on the early childhood caries (ECC) reduction – systematic review

Introduction. Scientific evidence indicates the anti-caries benefits of using the 1000-1500 ppm fluoride toothpastes compared to ≤ 600 ppm in permanent dentition, while there is a small number of studies regarding effectiveness of fluoride toothpastes in children with primary dentition. Aim. The purpose of this study was to present the results of a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of early childhood caries (ECC) prophylaxis using low and standard toothpastes, in the age group of 1-6 years. Material and methods. The methodology was in line with the guidelines from PRISMA. Article search was performed independently by two reviewers, in six electronic databases. Narrative analysis of the mean caries increment was performed to assess the effect of fluoride toothpaste on dmft and dmfs indices. Results. Nine studies out of 136 originally identified articles were included in the systematic review. The results of the analysis comparing effect of 1000-1500 versus ≤ 600 ppm fluoride toothpastes for tooth (dmft) and surface level (dmfs) confirmed the evidence of association between level of fluoride content and ECC increment. Conclusions. This systematic review, despite some limitations, indicate a greater efficacy of toothpastes containing 1000-1500 ppm F compared to those with low fluorine content in the prevention of ECC.
Optimization of cutter location for 5 axis NC machining freeform surface with a flat end cutter

axis NC machining freeform surface with a flat end cutter can theoretically improve material removal rate and surface finish, but it is very difficult to generate a gouge free cutter location. A new method of generating optimal cutter path is proposed to define the effective radius of a flat end cutter and determine the optimal step forward distance and step over distance. Thereby improving the NC machining efficiency and quality of freeform surfaces.