Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study on the Performance of Time-Domain Features in Speech Recognition based on high-density sEMG

Features extracted from the surface electromyography (sEMG) signals during the speaking tasks play an essential role in sEMG based speech recognition. However, currently there are no general rules on the optimal choice of sEMG features to achieve satisfactory performance. In this study, a total of 120 electrodes were placed on the face and neck muscles to record the high-density (HD) sEMG signals when subjects spoke ten digits in English. Then ten different time-domain features were computed from the HD sEMG signals and the classification performance of the speech recognition was thoroughly compared. The contribution of each feature was examined by using three performance metrics, which include classification accuracy, sensitivity, and F1-Score. The results showed that, among all the ten different features, the features of WFL, MAV, RMS, and LOGD were considered to be superior because they achieved higher classification accuracies with high sensitivities and higher F1-Scores across subjects/trials in the sEMG-based digit recognition tasks. The findings of this study might be of great value to choose proper signal features that are fed into the classifier in sEMG-based speech recognition.
Creating value through innovation: biotechnology in mining

Traditionally, growth in the mining business is created through two approaches. At one end of the scale are activities whereby, through the merger or acquisition of operating assets, growth can be achieved in the short term. At the other end is traditional exploration. Exploration is, however, longterm and expensive, and the chances of real success in finding what the industry terms ‘elephants’ are low. There is a third and innovative approach, which has been pioneered by Billiton, and that is the concept of ‘technology leverage’. The leverage approach, given that the technology is appropriate, is capable of providing opportunities for growth in the medium term. For success, however, it does require a unique competence. In the Billiton group one such competence is biotechnology—specifically, bioleaching.
Characterization of the humoral immune response to BNT162b2 in elderly residents of long-term care facilities five to seven months after vaccination

The elderly residing in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are a group at high risk for COVID-19. Hence, monitoring of the vaccine-based immunity has a pivotal role in identifying strategies to provide optimal protection in this population. We examined the immune response to the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 against COVID-19 five to seven months after completing a two-dose regimen. We determined significantly lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers in 298 SARS-CoV-2 naive residents who were at least 75 years of age (mean 51.60 BAU/ml) (median age 87 years, range 75 to 101 years) when compared to health care workers (HCWs) aged 18 to 70 years (mean 156.99 BAU/ml, p < 0.001). Of the SARS-CoV-2 naive residents, 29 had detectable neutralizing antibodies against the Delta variant (9.5%), and 14 of those (48.3%) only had a borderline titer of 1:10. Of 114 HCWs, 36 (31.6%) had detectable neutralizing antibodies. In a group of 14 elderly residents who had had a PCR-confirmed breakthrough infection, the mean antibody titer was significantly higher than in the other two groups (3199.65 BAU/mL) (p < 0.001), and 12 (85.7%) had detectable neutralizing antibodies against the Delta variant. Our data demonstrate that 90.5% of elderly residents of LTCFs had no detectable neutralization-competent antibodies against the dominant Delta variant five to seven months after vaccination, and that neutralizing antibody titers were restored following a break-through infection. Our results suggest that both residents and health care workers in LTCFs would benefit from a booster vaccine six months after completing the two-dose schedule or earlier.
Comparative evaluation of the effect of recycling on shear bond strength of stainless steel bracket

Aim: In clinical practice, Orthodontist is in dilemma while encountering used brackets. Recycling the brackets is one of the solutions. This recycling process deals with removing bonding agent remnants from the bracket base, thus allowing the brackets to be reused in the procedure. MethodFor the present study, eighty non-carious human premolar, extracted for orthodontic reasons, was collected. They were randomly allocated to 4 groups: One control group (group A) and three experimental groups (group B, group C and group D). Step by step bonding procedure was performed. The bracket of all 3 experimental groups was debonded within 30 minutes after bonding to simulate the clinical condition at which a newly bonded bracket was tied to the arch wire. One way Anova was used with post hoc for comparison. Level of statistical significance set at 0.05. Result: Control group in which no debonding and rebonding procedure was performed has highest shear bond strength followed by experimental group D, in which bracket base was cleaned with aluminum oxide sandblasting and experimental group C, in which bracket base was cleaned with ultrasonic scalar while the last experimental group B in which bracket base was cleaned with slow speed round carbide bur have least shear bond strength. Conclusion: The recycling of debonded bracket with aluminum oxide sandblaster has given out better results over the other two techniques. The bracket recycling by this technique had a better bond strength. Hence from this study sandblasting technique proved to be more efficient and satisfactory to the clinician with respect to bond strength.
Proposal of an International Harmonized Dynamic Test Standard for Seats/Head Restraints

A dynamic seat test standard proposal has been established by the Institute for Vehicle Safety, German Insurance Association (GDV) together with other institutions (ETH Zurich, Autoliv Germany, TU Graz) to define a test procedure for seat/head restraint design. By optimizing the total safety system integrating both seat design and head restraints, an improved protection against cervical spine distortion injuries in rear end collisions is the aim. The proposal was discussed and refined in different working groups also with car and seat manufacturers and should define a basic test for legislation in ECE-GRSP and ISO, and for consumer benchmark testing. The paper describes the current status of international activities. The basic test standard is a sled test with a j v of 16 km/h (10 miles) and a representative car crash pulse of 6-8 g. The test specifications are derived from real-world accidents. The Institute for Vehicle Safety, Munich, has established a large-scale accident material of 15,000 car-to-car crashes representing every fifth collision within 1 year in Germany. A sub-sample of 517 rear-end collisions with passengers suffering from cervical spine distortion (CSD) injury had been analyzed technically and medically. From the accident reconstruction, the most typical accident scenario was evaluated, which should describe requirements for improved seat/head-restraint systems. The data show that the typical accident configuration is a 0-5° angled impact with almost full overlap and a j v between 10 and 20 km/h. Additionally for higher impact velocities a seatback deflection test, if possible a static one, should be added. For active systems, only a low-velocity test with 10 km/h is under discussion. The test proposals for ISO, EEVC, ECE-GRSP, and International Insurance Whiplash Prevention Group differ slightly due to their different standardization requirements and testing needs. But this proposal should form a common basis and should contribute to the still possible aim that the dynamic seat/head-restraint test will be harmonized worldwide instead of accepting different procedures, parameters, and dummies.
Application of running quantities for control of an adaptive hybrid compensator

A control algorithm for a hybrid compensator based on a concept of running complex RMS values of the fundamental harmonic of voltages and currents is presented in the paper. The hybrid compensator is composed of an adaptive passive balancing compensator, controlled in the frequency-domain, and a current source, controlled in the time-domain. The algorithm used for the compensator control is rooted in a new approach to the power theory of electrical systems with quasi-periodic waveforms. It is based on the concept of running quantities and a forward extrapolation of the power properties of a time-variant load. Experimental results obtained using such an algorithm for controlling a laboratory prototype of the hybrid compensator are presented in the paper.
The connection between Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles by Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis: A threat to human health in an area susceptible to desertification in the Seridó, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

An outbreak of Chagas disease, possibly involving its vector Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis, was identified in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Given the historical significance of this vector in public health, the study aimed to evaluate its role in the transmission dynamics of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi in an area undergoing desertification in the Seridó region, RN, Brazil. We captured triatomines in sylvatic and anthropic ecotopes. Natural vector infection was determined using parasitological and molecular methods and we identified discrete typing units (DTUs) of T. cruzi by analyzing the COII gene of mtDNA, 24Sα rDNA, and mini-exon gene. Their blood meals sources were identified by amplification and sequencing of the mtDNA cytochrome b gene. A total of 952 T. b. brasiliensis were captured in peridomestic (69.9%) and sylvatic ecotopes (30.4%). A wide range of natural infection rates were observed in peridomestic (36.0% - 71.1%) and sylvatic populations (28.6% - 100.0%). We observed the circulation of TcI and TcII DTUs with a predominance of Tcl in sylvatic and peridomestic environments. Kerodon rupestris, rocky cavy (13/39), Homo sapiens, human (8/39), and Bos taurus, ox (6/39) were the most frequently detected blood meals sources. Thus, Triatoma b. brasiliensis is invading and colonizing the human dwellings. Furthermore, high levels of natural infection, coupled with the detection of TcI and TcII DTUs, and also the detection of K. rupestris and H. sapiens as blood meals sources of infected T. b. brasiliensis indicate a risk of T. cruzi transmission to human populations in areas undergoing desertification.
Effect of sense of coherence on oral health behavior and status: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The sense of coherence (SOC) is defined as a personal orientation to life. People with higher SOC are better at dealing with stressful situations, psychological stress, and problems and are more able to manage them, leading to better general health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of SOC on the oral health status of people in different age groups. A systematic search up to May 2019 was carried out in PubMed,Scopus, Psycho info, and Persian sources. Studies were included if they evaluated the relationship between SOC and oral health behaviors (OHBs) or oral health status including dental caries. The Newcastle-Ottawa checklist was used to appraise the selected articles and meta-analysis of included studies were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Value of P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Odds ratio (OR) was used to measure effect size with 95% confidence interval (CI). The random-effects model was chosen in the presence of heterogenicity. I2 index and Q index were used to measure the heterogeneity present between the studies. Fifteen articles received the minimum score of criticism. In general, SOC could significantly affect the oral health and OHBs of adults independently of the underlying factors. There was a significant relationship between SOC and tooth decay in adolescents, but this association was poor after adjusting for the underlying factors. In children, only one article revealed an association with OHBs. Meta-analysis revealed that SOC was significantly associated with the caries rate (OR = 0.78, CI 95% = 0.9–0.67, P = 0.001) and tooth brushing frequency (OR = 1.22, CI 95% = 1.1–1.31 and P < 0.001). Sense of coherence appears to be one of the effective factors in predicting oral health behaviors and ultimately oral health, especially in adults. The number of articles available for children and adolescents was not sufficient in this regard.
Gut microbiome affects the metabolism of metronidazole in mice through regulation of hepatic cytochromes P450 expression

Microbiome is now considered as a significant metabolic organ with an immense potential to influence overall human health. A number of diseases that are associated with pharmacotherapy interventions was linked with altered gut microbiota. Moreover, it has been reported earlier that gut microbiome modulates the fate of more than 30 commonly used drugs and, vice versa, drugs have been shown to affect the composition of the gut microbiome. The molecular mechanisms of this mutual relationship, however, remain mostly elusive. Recent studies indicate an indirect effect of the gut microbiome through its metabolites on the expression of biotransformation enzymes in the liver. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of gut microbiome on the fate of metronidazole in the mice through modulation of system of drug metabolizing enzymes, namely by alteration of the expression and activity of selected cytochromes P450 (CYPs). To assess the influence of gut microbiome, germ-free mice (GF) in comparison to control specific-pathogen-free (SPF) mice were used. First, it has been found that the absence of microbiota significantly affected plasma concentration of metronidazole, resulting in higher levels (by 30%) of the parent drug in murine plasma of GF mice. Further, the significant interaction between presence/absence of the gut microbiome and effect of metronidazole application, which together influence mRNA expression of CAR, PPARα, Cyp2b10 and Cyp2c38 was determined. Administration of metronidazole itself influenced significantly mRNA expression of Cyp1a2, Cyp2b10, Cyp2c38 and Cyp2d22. Finally, GF mice have shown lower level of enzyme activity of CYP2A and CYP3A than their SPF counterparts. The results hence have shown that, beside direct bacterial metabolism, different expression and enzyme activity of hepatic CYPs in the presence/absence of gut microbiota may be responsible for the altered metronidazole metabolism.
Drug-induced orthostatic hypotension: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background Drug-induced orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common, and its resulting cerebral hypoperfusion is linked to adverse outcomes including falls, strokes, cognitive impairment, and increased mortality. The extent to which specific medications are associated with OH remains unclear. Methods and findings We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the extent to which specific drug groups are associated with OH. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception through 23 November 2020. Placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on any drug reporting on OH as an adverse effect in adults (≥18 years) were eligible. Three authors extracted data on the drug, OH, dose, participant characteristics, and study setting. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2) was used to appraise evidence. Summary odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for OH using fixed effects Mantel–Haenszel statistics. We conducted subgroup analysis on validity of OH measurement, drug dose, risk of bias, age, and comorbidity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool was used to summarise the certainty of evidence. Of 36,940 citations, 69 eligible RCTs were included in the meta-analysis comprising 27,079 participants. Compared with placebo, beta-blockers and tricyclic antidepressants were associated with increased odds of OH (OR 7.76 [95% CI 2.51, 24.03]; OR 6.30 [95% CI 2.86, 13.91]). Alpha-blockers, antipsychotics, and SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with up to 2-fold increased odds of OH, compared to placebo. There was no statistically significant difference in odds of OH with vasodilators (CCBs, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, SSRIs), compared to placebo. Limitations of this study are as follows: data limited to placebo-controlled studies, (excluding head-to-head trials), many RCTs excluded older participants; therefore results may be amplified in older patients in the clinical setting. The study protocol is publicly available on PROSPERO (CRD42020168697). Conclusions Medications prescribed for common conditions (including depression, diabetes, and lower urinary tract symptoms) were associated with significantly increased odds of OH. Drugs causing sympathetic inhibition were associated with significantly increased odds of OH, while most vasodilators were associated with small nonsignificant differences in odds of OH, compared to placebo. Drugs targeting multiple parts of the orthostatic blood pressure (BP) reflex pathway (e.g. sympathetic inhibition, vasodilation, cardio-inhibitory effects) may carry cumulative risk, suggesting that individuals with polypharmacy could benefit from postural BP monitoring.
Can core competence help reduce stock price synchronicity? - Empirical evidence based on text analysis

This paper constructs the measurement index of core competence by text analysis method and empirically tests the impact of core competence on stock price synchronicity. We find that the stronger the core competence, the lower the stock price synchronicity, and mechanism test shows that core competence reduces the stock price synchronicity by enhancing the transparency of corporate information, which is still valid under a series of robustness tests. Further research shows that:(1) when the corporate governance environment is poor (higher level of internal earnings management, lower quality of accounting information, greater separation of ownership and control, lower shareholding ratio of external institutional investors, weaker product market competition, less media attention), the core competence has a more significant effect on the decline of stock price synchronization; (2)vertically, the dynamic improvement of core competence in the time dimension can play a role in stabilizing stock price synchronization; (3)after distinguishing the types of core competence, we find that the core competence related to information disclosure is more helpful to reduce the stock price synchronization; (4)after the CSRC forces listed companies to disclose the core competence information in the annual report, the core competence plays a stronger role in reducing the stock price synchronization. This study reveals the important role of core competence in reducing stock price synchronization. It not only enriches the relevant literature of core competence and stock price synchronization, but also has important practical significance for the government and regulatory departments to improve the efficiency of capital market allocation.
An altmetric analysis of online news on India's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine

BACKGROUND: Covaxin is the first indigenous vaccine developed in India against COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to analyze the news stories on Covaxin published in the online media between two statements issued by Indian Council for Medical Research on 2nd and 4th July for their content, quality of information, and reporting standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed on Google to identify the news stories related to Covaxin in the English language published between these two statements. The selected news stories were subjected to content analysis and reviewed using the screening points developed through a consultation by two independent experts using ten prevalidated criteria for health news review. The data were analyzed in MS Excel and StataMP14. RESULTS: The final analysis included 24 news stories. The mean and median score of the news stories is 10.71 and 12 (out of 20), respectively, with a score ranging from 2 to 17. The stories did not promote disease or vaccine mongering (100%), adequately mentioned the true novelty of the vaccine (95.8%), and source of the information (83.3%). However, they mostly failed to mention the information on costs, research data related to benefits, and harms and quality of the available evidence. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of reporting of detailed analysis about the methodology of development of the vaccine and limitations in its research design by health journalists. It is important to train journalists on proper reporting of health news to improve its quality in Indian media.
Association between low carbohydrate diet (LCD) and sleep quality by mediating role of inflammatory factors in women with overweight and obesity: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Poor sleep quality can lead to increased obesity. Low carbohydrate diet (LCD) is considered as an approach for sleep quality and obesity improvement. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the relationship between LCD and sleep quality with the mediatory effect of inflammatory markers including transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), total antioxidant capacity: In our cross‐sectional study, 304 obese women aged from 19 to 50 years were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI) in these women ranged from 25.2 to 48.3 kg/m2. LCD score was assessed by a 147‐ item semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality. FFQ and PSQI questionnaires are completed simultaneously by the participants. Biochemical indicators (inflammatory markers) were measured and anthropometric components were evaluated. The relationship between sleep quality and LCD with quantitative variables was assessed by independent sample t‐test and with qualitative variables by chi‐square test. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate confounding variables including age, job, stress, weight to investigate the relationship between LCD and sleep. Following of LCD had a significant negative relationship with PSQI score. It can be said that with increasing LCD adherence, the possibility of poor sleep quality decrease (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.19–0.94,p = .03). It was also showed, hs‐CRP (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.3–1.21, p = .16) and TAC (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.25–1.4, p = 0.24), eliminated the significance of the association and it is possible that they play a mediating role in this relationship Following the LCD can have a positive effect on improving PSQI scores by reduction in inflammatory markers levels.
Viral alpha-synuclein knockdown prevents spreading synucleinopathy

Abstract The accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy is thought to involve a common prion-like mechanism, whereby misfolded α-syn provides a conformational template for further accumulation of pathological α-syn. We tested whether silencing α-syn gene expression could reduce native non-aggregated α-syn substrate and thereby disrupt the propagation of pathological α-syn initiated by seeding with synucleinopathy-affected mouse brain homogenates. Unilateral intracerebral injections of adeno-associated virus serotype-1 encoding microRNA targeting the α-syn gene reduced the extent and severity of both the α-syn pathology and motor deficits. Importantly, a moderate 50% reduction in α-syn was sufficient to prevent the spread of α-syn pathology to distal brain regions. Our study combines behavioural, immunohistochemical and biochemical data that strongly support α-syn knockdown gene therapy for synucleinopathies.