Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MRI Findings in Hip in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

The aim of this study was to evaluate if magnetic resonance imaging allows hip arthritis in JIA to be differentiated from hip arthralgia of unknown etiology in juveniles clinically suspected for hip arthritis. This was a retrospective observational study which included 97 children with clinically suspected hip arthritis. Each hip was assessed and scored in MRI for signs of active and destructive inflammatory lesions and developmental lesions. MRI findings between JIA-confirmed patients and without final diagnosis of JIA were compared and the MRI summarized score was calculated, as the sum of scorings of all 24 hip lesions in an individual patient (i.a., effusion, synovitis, bone marrow edema, enthesitis). MRI showed at least one lesion in the majority of patients (95 patients; 98%). Effusion was the most common feature, followed by bone marrow oedema and synovitis. All lesions were more common in patients with a final diagnosis of JIA, especially synovitis and enthesitis (p = 0.037 and p = 0.047). The MRI summarized score was significantly higher in the JIA group than the non-JIA group: 3 (2–5) vs. 2 (2–2), respectively, p = 0.002. Using a cut-off score of 6, the MRI summarized score showed 25% sensitivity and 100% specificity indicating a good ability in discriminating hip arthritis during JIA from non-JIA patients. MRI allows hip arthritis in JIA to be differentiated from hip arthralgia of unknown etiology with good specificity, thus, may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis of JIA.
Trauma-Focused Tuning in to Kids: Evaluation in a Clinical Service

This study evaluated the Tuning in to Kids (TIK) parenting program delivered in a clinical setting with 77 parents and caregivers (hereafter referred to as “parents”) of children who had experienced complex trauma. The TIK program targets parent emotion socialization to improve children’s emotional and behavioral functioning. The study utilized a single-group design with pre- and post-intervention measures. Seventy-seven parents of children (aged 3–15 years) who had experienced complex trauma completed a ten-week version of the Trauma-Focused Tuning in to Kids program (TF-TIK). Measures examined parent reports of: emotion socialization; parent-child relationship; parent mental health; children’s emotional and behavioral functioning. Parents reported significantly improved emotion socialization, parent-child relationship, parent mental health, as well as child emotion regulation and behavior. This study provides initial support for the use of the TF-TIK parenting program in a clinical setting with parents of children who have experienced complex trauma in order to prevent or reduce problems.
Frequency of Meals Prepared Away from Home and Nutrient Intakes among US Adolescents (NHANES 2011–2018)

Frequency of consuming foods prepared away from home has been associated with lower diet quality among adults and adolescents in several earlier studies. Nutrient and food group intake and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores were compared among a U.S. nationally representative sample of adolescents (12–19 years, n = 3975) by frequency of consuming food prepared away from home ≤2 times/week (n = 2311) versus >2 times/week (n = 1664) using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011–2018. Regression analyses were used to compare intakes among adolescents by frequency of eating meals prepared away from home adjusting for covariates. Older (16–19 years) vs. younger (12–15 years) adolescents and those from homes with higher vs. lower family income to poverty ratios had greater frequency of eating meals prepared away from home. Intakes of nutrients of concern for adolescents including choline, vitamin D, potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, folate, iron, and total HEI-2015 scores and component scores for total vegetables, and greens and beans were lower among adolescents who consumed meals prepared away from home more vs. less often. However, no differences were noted among food group intakes considered good sources of nutrients of concern such as total fruit, total vegetables, whole grains, and total dairy, except for beans and peas by frequency of eating foods prepared away from home. Greater frequency of eating foods prepared away from home was associated with lower diet quality among adolescents in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adolescents.
Susceptibility of Dental Caries Microcosm Biofilms to Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Fotoenticine

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by Fotoenticine® (FTC), a new photosensitizer derived from chlorin e-6, has shown in vitro inhibitory activity against the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans. However, its antimicrobial effects must be investigated on biofilm models that represent the microbial complexity of caries. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy of FTC-mediated PDT on microcosm biofilms of dental caries. Decayed dentin samples were collected from different patients to form in vitro biofilms. Biofilms were treated with FTC associated with LED irradiation and analyzed by counting the colony forming units (log10 CFU) in selective and non-selective culture media. Furthermore, the biofilm structure and acid production by microorganisms were analyzed using microscopic and spectrophotometric analysis, respectively. The biofilms from different patients showed variations in microbial composition, being formed by streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts. Altogether, PDT decreased up to 3.7 log10 CFU of total microorganisms, 2.8 log10 CFU of streptococci, 3.2 log10 CFU of lactobacilli and 3.2 log10 CFU of yeasts, and reached eradication of mutans streptococci. PDT was also capable of disaggregating the biofilms and reducing acid concentration in 1.1 to 1.9 mmol lactate/L. It was concluded that FTC was effective in PDT against the heterogeneous biofilms of dental caries.
A Stochastic Model for Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (JRSOI)

Abstract : A stochastic model for the performance evaluation of a key phase in the deployment process, namely Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (JRSOI) is presented. The process is modeled as an open, multi-class tandem queueing network wherein personnel and various classes of cargo are modeled as the flow entities and the stages of the process constitute individual queueing stations. Single and multiple-class models at both low and high resolutions are presented. No analytical stochastic model of this process currently exists in the literature or in practice. The model provides a quick look at key aggregate performance measures such as system throughput and closure, and can be used to expediently identify problems occurring during JRSOI and the impact they have on the process. This information can substantially aid decision makers in regulating process flow. The queueing network model developed here can easily be expanded and adapted to any potential area of conflict. Numerical comparisons with Monte-Carlo simulation demonstrate that the model provides a viable, novel approach to the problem. (30 tables, 2 figures, 29 refs.)
EFFECT OF TANGIBILITY ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AMONG MICRO FINANCE BANKS CUSTOMERS IN KENYA

Purpose: Financial markets and institutions are central to the process of economic growth. The provision of credit has increasingly been regarded as an important tool for raising the incomes of populations, mainly by mobilizing resources to more productive uses. However, microfinance institutions in Kisumu City Kenya are still far off from reaching the required customer satisfaction index. The main purpose of the study was to establish the effect of tangibility on customer satisfaction among micro finance banks (MFB) customers in Kisumu City. Methodology: This study was anchored on a Market based theory; Survival based theory and the Expectancy Disconfirmation theory. A correlation research design was used. Study targeted 10,300 MFB customers in Kisumu City. A sample size of 370 MFB customers was drawn from the target population using simple random sampling technique. The study used primary data from questionnaires. Findings: The findings indicated that Tangibility is associated with 63.1% of the variation in customer satisfaction, an increase in tangibility affects customer satisfaction by 0.341. The correlation analysis to determine the effect of tangibility on customer satisfaction shows a significant correlation existed (r = 0.631, p < 0.05). This shows 63.1% of the variations on customer satisfaction are associated with tangibles. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The organization needs to train employees on various aspects of tangibility. Systems should be in place that ensures certain aspects like security and quality are retained and improved throughout customers’ lifetime.
Multiplexed Liquid Biopsy and Tumor Imaging Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

The recent improvements in diagnosis enabled by advances in liquid biopsy and oncological imaging significantly better cancer care. Both these complementary approaches, which are used for early tumor detection, characterization, and monitoring, can benefit from applying techniques based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). With a detection sensitivity at the single-molecule level, SERS spectroscopy is widely used in cell and molecular biology, and its capability for the in vitro detection of several types of cancer biomarkers is well established. In the last few years, several intriguing SERS applications have emerged, including in vivo imaging for tumor targeting and the monitoring of drug release. In this paper, selected recent developments and trends in SERS applications in the field of liquid biopsy and tumor imaging are critically reviewed, with a special emphasis on results that demonstrate the clinical utility of SERS.
Evaluating the time-dependent and bond characteristics of lightweight concrete mixes for Kansas prestressed concrete bridges.

This report details results from testing that was conducted to determine the bond and time-dependent characteristics of two lightweight concrete mixes. The lightweight mixes were evaluated to possibly provide a more cost-effective solution to replacing some of Kansas’ older bridges. Testing included use of a conventional lightweight mix and a self-consolidating lightweight mix. Sixteen Inverted T-beams were cast at a prestress plant to determine prestress losses that had occurred in the two lightweight mixes. These losses were compared to ACI, PCI, and AASHTO code equations. Creep and shrinkage prisms were also cast and measured to accurately determine creep and shrinkage variables for the two lightweight mixes. Twelve flexural beams were cast at the prestress plant and tested at Kansas State University’s Civil Engineering Structural Mechanics Laboratory to experimentally evaluate the development lengths of the lightweight mixes and to compare results with the ACI code equations. This study found the compressive strengths of the plant-cast lightweight concrete mixes varied greatly from similar mixes in laboratory testing. Low concrete strengths caused the prestress losses to be greater than the predicted code values. Flexural beam testing revealed that several of the pretensioned beams failed suddenly due to strand slip, even though this was not the predicted failure mode.
Optimized Extreme Learning Machine-Based Main Bearing Temperature Monitoring Considering Ambient Conditions’ Effects

Wind Turbines (WTs) are exposed to harsh conditions and can experience extreme weather, such as blizzards and cold waves, which can directly affect temperature monitoring. This paper analyzes the effects of ambient conditions on WT monitoring. To reduce these effects, a novel WT monitoring method is also proposed in this paper. Compared with existing methods, the proposed method has two advantages: (1) the changes in ambient conditions are added to the input of the WT model; (2) an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) optimized by Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied to construct the WT model. Using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), compared with the method that does not consider the changes in ambient conditions, the proposed method can reduce the number of false alarms and provide an earlier alarm when a failure does occur.
3-D Finite Di erence Modeling for Borehole and Reservoir Applications

ERL’s in-house finite difference code (Krasovec et al., 2003) has undergone several upgrades in the past year. Most notably, a stretched grid can now be used to greatly reduce the amount of RAM memory needed by certain types of models. Improvements have been made in the GUI front end, allowing more freedom and ease in building the model, source or source array, and receiver array. The finite difference code has contributed to several different research projects at ERL in the past year. A few of these projects, including borehole seismics, reservoir delineation, and source mechanics, are shown in this report. Introduction In an effort to expand the modeling tools available at ERL, we have updated a finite difference code first developed by Cheng (1994) to model seismic waves in anisotropic, viscoelastic media. The wave equation is discretized in velocity and stress on a staggered grid, is 2nd order in time and 4th order in space, and models anisotropy with up to nine elastic constants. Two types of boundary conditions can be used: those of Cerjan et al. (1987) or Higdon (1986, 1987). The method of Emmerich and Korn (1987) can be used to include attenuation in the calculations, with three relaxation frequencies, as discussed in Krasovec et al. (2003). Originally written in Fortran, the code has been converted to MPI C to allow it to run large models on a PC cluster. A front end of Matlab graphic user interfaces (GUIs) have also been developed to make the code easier to use. A 2D version of the code was released at ERL’s 2003 Consortium. This year, the 3D version, including the Matlab GUIs, the Matlab mex version, a standalone serial version, a parallel MPI C version, a number of accompanying Matlab scripts, a tutorial, and a manual are included in the software release. Upgrades to the GUIs can best be experienced by going through the tutorial. This paper focuses on the output of the code as opposed to its usage. First, we show a comparison of the finite difference code to discrete wavenumber results for a 3D fluid filled borehole. Second, we show a more complicated borehole geometry: finite difference modeling results of ERL’s scaled down LWD tool. Moving away from the borehole geometry, the third example looks for shear wave splitting in synthetic micro earthquake data due to the presence of fractures in a reservoir layer. The final example shows how an empty cylindrical cavity located next to an explosion source can scatter the source energy into shear waves, a problem of interest in monitoring for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The Stretched Grid Some models can be made more computationally efficient by using a stretched grid. For example, borehole models need small grid elements in the borehole, because the fluid velocity is low, hence the wavelength
Multiobjective robust control using evolutionary algorithms

An evolutionary algorithm approach is proposed for the robust design of control systems. The evolutionary algorithm is used in conjunction with an H/sub /spl infin// loop-shaping design procedure to perform multiobjective search over a set of possible weighting function structures and parameter values in order to satisfy a number of conflicting design criteria. An example of an electromagnetic suspension control system for a critical system, a magnetically levitated passenger transport vehicle, is used to demonstrate the proposed approach.
Feasibility Study of Pumped Hydro Energy Storage for Ramea Wind-Diesel Hybrid Power System

Ramea is a small island in southern Newfoundland. Since 2004, it has a wind-diesel hybrid power system to provide power for approximately 600 inhabitants. The average wind energy contribution to the total supplied load is less than 10%. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro with the support of ACOA has upgraded the Ramea hybrid power system. They have added three more 100kW wind turbines and a hydrogen energy storage system. The new system is still under construction and it is expected to be fully operational by fall 2010. In a hydrogen energy storage system, excess wind generated electricity is converted to hydrogen using a 70% efficient electrolyzer. The hydrogen produced is compressed and stored in tanks. Compressed hydrogen is used to run a less than 35% efficient hydrogen engine as needed. It is expected that overall conversion efficiency of the energy storage system will be less than 25%. For a remote location like Ramea where there are few hills with a height above 60m a pumped hydro energy storage is possible. The overall efficiency of a pumped hydro energy storage system is typically above 70%. In this research we present a study of a pumped hydro long-term energy storage system for Ramea winddiesel system. We determined optimal energy storage requirements for the Ramea hybrid power system, identified a site that can be used for pumped hydro energy storage and calculated the required storage capacity. We present a detailed analysis and dynamic simulation of the proposed wind diesel pumped hydro system. Sizing of a pumped hydro system indicates that a 150kW pumped hydro storage system at Ramea can achieve a renewable energy fraction to 37%. Such a system will need a 3932m3 water reservoir at a height of 63m (on top of Man of War Hill) and it will provide 150kW for 3.14 hours. Dynamic system simulations indicate acceptable power quality after an addition of a pumped hydro storage system. We think a pumped hydro energy storage system for Ramea is a much better choice than a hydrogen energy storage system. Such a system will have a higher overall efficiency and could be maintained using local technical expertise, therefore a more appropriate technology for Ramea.
Strategic synthon approach in obtaining cocrystals and cocrystal polymorphs of a high-Z′ system deferiprone – an anti-thalassemia drug

Compounds with more than one molecule in the crystallographic asymmetric unit (Z′ > 1) display a noticeably stronger propensity to form cocrystals. Deferiprone is an anti-thalassemia drug known to exhibit polymorphic behaviour. Previously, three polymorphs were reported out of which one of them exhibited Z′ > 1. In the present manuscript, a fourth polymorph of deferiprone was identified and it also possessed Z′ > 1. All the four polymorphs showed similar hydrogen bonding features and differed in crystal packing. The ability of deferiprone to crystallize as Z′ > 1 prompted us to investigate the hydrogen bonding and synthon variation upon cocrystallization of deferiprone with hydroxyl-group-containing coformers such as catechol, hydroquinone, phloroglucinol, resorcinol and pyrogallol. Crystallization attempts along with PXRD analysis aided in obtaining 11 new cocrystal structures which involve different stoichiometric cocrystals and some polymorphs. Synthon analysis, crystal packing as well as thermal behaviour were assessed and compared. The presence of multiple phases in each cocrystal system in its respective bulk powders was identified and quantified using PXRD and Rietveld analysis. Homosynthons were observed in three co-crystal systems, while a heterosynthon was observed in five systems. The combination of both homo- and heterosynthon was observed in three cocrystal systems. The phase transformation events were observed in most of the systems. In nine co-crystal systems, the melting points were observed intermediate between those of the API and the coformers.
The Effect of Overseas Educational Experience on Pro-Environmental Practices: Evidence from Cambodian Academic Scholars

This paper revealed that after spending years overseas for learning, Cambodian fellows realized that a clean society more likely results from the adopting of a waste management system. The lack of such is the main barrier for waste separation willingness and practices in Cambodia. Self-transcendence values and volunteerism are empirically found as the fundamental factors for any interventions designed to promote pro-environmental intentions and practices respectively. The fellows engaging in volunteerisms appear to do waste separation, ignoring how inconvenient the waste management system or facilities are. Similarly, the fellows concerning the environmental and social issues appear to spare their valuable time to do waste-separation which they find not difficult. This is not the case in this COVID-19 epidemic though. The study results imply that in a society where an inconvenient waste management system is in place the fellows without past volunteering, no matter how knowledgeable they are, will less likely engage in the waste-sorting practice.
Right-Hand Digit Ratio (2D: 4D) and Handgrip Strength: A correlation study from a university in North India

Introduction: The digit ratio between the index and the ring finger of the right hand (2D:4D) shows sexual dimorphism and has been proposed as an indirect measure of prenatal androgen exposure. It has been implicated in many gender differences including performance in sports. However, reports in males and females are conflicting. Handgrip strength is a good overall measure of muscle strength and function. Hence, our aim was to study the 2D:4D in males and females and to look for any correlation between 2D:4D and handgrip strength. Materials and Method: Scanned images of the right hand of young volunteers were analysed and the 2D:4D ratio was calculated. Handgrip strength was measured and results were correlated with 2D:4D. Result and conclusion: 2D: 4 D ratio of males was significantly less than in females(p<0.001). 2D:4D ratio in males positively correlated with handgrip strength (p<0.05) but not in females.
Characterization of the Synergistic Effect between Ligands of Opioid and Free Fatty Acid Receptors in the Mouse Model of Colitis

Background: Recent studies suggest that lipids, including free fatty acids (FFAs), are necessary for proper μ opioid receptor (MOR) binding and that activation of opioid receptors (ORs) improves intestinal inflammation. The objective of the study was to investigate a possible interaction between the ORs and FFA receptors (FFARs) ligands in the colitis. Methods: The potential synergistic effect of ORs and FFARs ligands was evaluated using mouse model of acute colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 4%). Compounds were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) once or twice daily at the doses of 0.01 or 0.02 mg/kg body weight (BW) (DAMGO—an MOR agonist), 0.3 mg/kg BW (DPDPE—a δ OR (DOR) agonist) and 1 mg/kg BW (naloxone—a non-selective OR antagonist, GLPG 0974—a FFAR2 antagonist, GSK 137647—a FFAR4 agonist and AH 7614—a FFAR4 antagonist) for 4 days. Results: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was significantly decreased after DAMGO (0.02 mg/kg BW) and GSK 137647 (1 mg/kg BW) administration and co-administration as compared to DSS group. Conclusions: Treatment with ligands of ORs and FFARs may affect the immune cells in the inflammation; however, no significant influence on the severity of colitis and no synergistic effect were observed.