Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selectivity of Mixed Iron-Cobalt Spinels Deposited on a N,S-Doped Mesoporous Carbon Support in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media

One of the practical efforts in the development of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts applicable to fuel cells and metal-air batteries is focused on reducing the cost of the catalysts production. Herein, we have examined the ORR performance of cheap, non-noble metal based catalysts comprised of nanosized mixed Fe-Co spinels deposited on N,S-doped mesoporous carbon support (N,S-MPC). The effect of the chemical and phase composition of the active phase on the selectivity of catalysts in the ORR process in alkaline media was elucidated by changing the iron content. The synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). Detailed S/TEM/EDX and Raman analysis of the phase composition of the synthesized ORR catalysts revealed that the dominant mixed iron-cobalt spinel is accompanied by minor fractions of bare cobalt and highly dispersed spurious iron oxides (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4). The contribution of individual phases and their degree of agglomeration on the carbon support directly influence the selectivity of the obtained catalysts. It was found that the mixed iron-cobalt spinel single phase gives rise to significant improvement of the catalyst selectivity towards the desired 4e− reaction pathway, in comparison to the reference bare cobalt spinel, whereas spurious iron oxides play a negative role for the catalyst selectivity.
Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Associated Risk Factors in a Rural Black Population of Mthatha Town, South Africa

Background: The occurrence of hypertension has been increasing alarmingly in both low and middle-income countries. Despite acknowledging hypertension as the most common life-threatening risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), a dearth of data is available on the prevalence, awareness, and determinants of hypertension in rural parts of South Africa. The principal aim of the current study is to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among a black rural African population from the Mtatha town of Eastern Cape Province. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, and individuals over 18 years of age were randomly screened using a World Health Organization stepwise questionnaire. Sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose levels, and three independent blood pressure (BP) readings were measured. Blood pressure measurements were classified according to the American Heart Association guidelines. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the significant predictors of hypertension. Results: Of the total participants (n = 556), 71% of individuals had BP scores in the hypertensive range. In univariate analysis, age, westernized diet, education, income, and diabetic status, as well as overweight/obese status were positively associated with the prevalence of hypertension. However, in a multivariate logistic regression analysis only, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetic status, and westernized diet were significantly associated with a higher risk of developing hypertension. Gender, age, and BMI were potential factors having a significant association with the treatment of hypertension. Individuals who did not consider the importance of medicine had higher chances of having their hypertension being untreated. Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension was high among the black rural African population of Mthatha town. Gender, age, westernized diet, education level, income status, diabetic as well as overweight/obese status were the most significant predictors of hypertension.
Two New Species of Sucking Lice (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae) from Chestnut Mice, Pseudomys gracilicaudatus and Pseudomys nanus (Rodentia: Muridae), in Australia

Abstract We describe two new species of sucking lice in the genus Hoplopleura Enderlein, 1904 (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae) from Australia: Hoplopleura gracilicaudatusa n. sp. from the eastern chestnut mouse Pseudomys gracilicaudatus (Gould) (Rodentia: Muridae), and Hoplopleura nanusa n. sp. from the western chestnut mouse Pseudomys nanus (Gould) (Rodentia: Muridae). Pseudomys Gray is the most speciose genus of rodents endemic to Australia with 24 species; however, only two Pseudomys species have been reported previously to be hosts of sucking lice. The description of the new species in the present study doubles the number of sucking louse species known to parasitize Pseudomys mice and increases the total number of sucking louse species known from endemic Australian rodents from 21 to 23. Pseudomys gracilicaudatus and P. nanus are closely related murines that diverged ∼1 MYA with distinct and widely separated extant geographic distributions. The two new Hoplopleura species described in the present study share some morphological characters and likely co-evolved and co-speciated with their chestnut mouse hosts.
Distinct Sustainable Carbon Nanodots Enable Free Radical Photopolymerization, Photo‐ATRP and Photo‐CuAAC Chemistry

Abstract Carbon nanodots (CDs) originating from different biomass result in different activities to sensitize photo‐ATRP and photo‐CuAAC reaction protocols with visible light. Free radical polymerization of tri(propylene glycol)diacrylate also exhibited a good efficiency using CDs in combination with an iodonium salt employing LEDs emitting either at 405 nm, 525 nm or 660 nm. Photo‐ATRP experiments confirmed controlled polymerization conditions using CuII at the ppm scale resulting in dispersities between 1.06 to 1.10. Chain end fidelity was successfully provided by chain extension and block copolymerization additionally approving the living feature of polymerization using a CD synthesized from lac dye comprising olefinic moieties in the originating biomass. By global analysis, time resolved fluorescence measurements indicated the appearance of several emitting species contributing to the reactivity of the excited states. Different cytotoxic response appeared following the answer of MCF‐10A cells in a flow cytometry assay; that is 400 μg mL−1. Thus, cell viability was greater 80 % in the case of CD‐2–CD‐5 while that of CD‐1 was close to 70 %.
Influence of the Growth and Development Check (GDC) on Overweight/Obesity of Children under-5 Years in China: A Propensity Score Analysis

To improve health and reduce the rapidly increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children, the Chinese government has formulated childcare standards, with the Growth and Development Check (GDC) as the main content. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of the GDC on lowering the risk of childhood overweight and obesity. Using the 2014 China Family Dynamics Survey and propensity score matching (PSM), this article examined the impact of the GDC on overweight/obesity in children aged 5 years and younger. The results revealed that the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 17.80 kg/m2, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 24.62% in children. Children whose parents were aware of the GDC had a lower BMI and a lower risk of overweight/obesity than those whose parents were not aware of it. Children who engaged in the GDC in the last 12 months had a lower BMI and a lower chance of overweight/obesity than those not engaged.
The Effect of Minimum and Maximum Air Temperatures in the Summer on Heat Stroke in Japan: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Study

An increase in the global surface temperature and changes in urban morphologies are associated with increased heat stress especially in urban areas. This can be one of the contributing factors underlying an increase in heat strokes. We examined the impact of summer minimum air temperatures, which often represent nighttime temperatures, as well as a maximum temperature on a heat stroke. We collected data from the records of daily ambulance transports for heat strokes and meteorological data for July and August of 2017–2019 in the Tottori Prefecture, Japan. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used to determine the association of maximum/minimum air temperatures and the incidence of heat strokes. We used a logistic regression to identify factors associated with the severity of heat strokes. A total of 1108 cases were identified with 373 (33.7%) calls originating in the home (of these, 59.8% were the age of ≥ 75). A total of 65.8% of cases under the age of 18 were related to exercise. Days with a minimum temperature ≥ 25 °C had an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 3.77 (2.19, 6.51) for the incidence of an exercise-related heat stroke (reference: days with a minimum temperature < 23 °C). The odds ratio for a heat stroke occurring at home or for calls for an ambulance to the home was 6.75 (4.47, 10.20). The severity of the heat stroke was associated with older age but not with air temperature. Minimum and maximum air temperatures may be associated with the incidence of heat strokes and in particular the former with non-exertional heat strokes.
Association of Plasma Levels of Fas Ligand with Severity and Outcome of Sepsis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Introduction: Levels of the apoptosis regulator Fas ligand (FasL) are associated with severity of sepsis, but its association with the mortality of sepsis and necroptosis, a regulated cell death mechanism, is not yet clear. We aimed to assess the association of FasL level with outcomes of sepsis and receptor interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3), an essential necroptosis mediator, for determining the relationship between FasL and necroptosis. Methods: Plasma FasL and RIPK3 levels were measured by ELISA from prospectively enrolled critically ill adult patients. The best cut-off level of FasL for 28-day mortality prediction was determined by Youden's index. The association between plasma levels of FasL and RIPK3 was assessed by a linear regression method. Results: Among 188 patients, 58 (30.9%) were diagnosed with sepsis and 84 (44.7%) with septic shock, respectively. Plasma levels of FasL increased in the group order of control, sepsis, and septic shock groups (P for trend < 0.001). For 142 patients with sepsis, organ dysfunction and septic shock were more prevalent in the group with plasma FasL levels that were higher than the best cut-off level. A significant difference in mortality between high and low FasL patients was observed up to 90 days (Log-rank P = 0.013). FasL levels did not significantly change over day 3 and day 7. FasL levels were not correlated with those of RIPK3. Conclusions: The plasma level of FasL was associated with severity of sepsis and was predictive of mortality. However, it was not correlated with RIPK3 level.
Non-Clinical Factors Determining the Prescription of Antibiotics by Veterinarians: A Systematic Review

The misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and plants is related to the spread of resistant antibiotic strains among humans and animals. In this paper, we carry out a bibliographic search of Medline, Web of Knowledge, and Cab Abstracts with the main objective of ascertaining the available evidence on non-clinical factors and attitudes that could influence the prescription of antibiotics by veterinarians. A total of 34 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Whereas, veterinary health professionals’ prescribing habits did not appear to be influenced by their socio-demographic characteristics, they were influenced by different attitudes, such as fear (identified in 19 out of 34 studies), self-confidence (19/34), business factors (19/34), and by complacency (16/34). Certain owner-related factors, such as lack of awareness (16/34) and demand for antibiotics (12/34), were also important, as were concurrent factors, ranging from a lack of appropriate regulations (10/34) to the expense and delays involved in performing culture and sensitivity tests (10/34) and inadequate farm hygiene (8/34). Our results appear to indicate that the non-clinical factors are potentially modifiable. This may be useful for designing interventions targeted at improving antibiotic use in animals, as part of an overall strategy to reduce the global spread of multi-resistant strains.
Interpretable Machine Learning Models for Three-Way Classification of Cognitive Workload Levels for Eye-Tracking Features

The paper is focussed on the assessment of cognitive workload level using selected machine learning models. In the study, eye-tracking data were gathered from 29 healthy volunteers during examination with three versions of the computerised version of the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). Understanding cognitive workload is of great importance in analysing human mental fatigue and the performance of intellectual tasks. It is also essential in the context of explanation of the brain cognitive process. Eight three-class classification machine learning models were constructed and analysed. Furthermore, the technique of interpretable machine learning model was applied to obtain the measures of feature importance and its contribution to the brain cognitive functions. The measures allowed improving the quality of classification, simultaneously lowering the number of applied features to six or eight, depending on the model. Moreover, the applied method of explainable machine learning provided valuable insights into understanding the process accompanying various levels of cognitive workload. The main classification performance metrics, such as F1, recall, precision, accuracy, and the area under the Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) were used in order to assess the quality of classification quantitatively. The best result obtained on the complete feature set was as high as 0.95 (F1); however, feature importance interpretation allowed increasing the result up to 0.97 with only seven of 20 features applied.
Prediction of the Long-Term Effect of Iron on Methane Yield in an Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor Using Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

A method for predicting the long-term effects of ferric on methane production was developed in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor treating food processing wastewater to provide management tools for maximizing methane recovery using ferric based on a batch test. The results demonstrated the accuracy of the predictions for both batch and long-term continuous operations using a Bayesian network meta-analysis based on the Gompertz model. The prediction bias of methane production for batch and continuous operations was minimized, from 11~19% to less than 0.5%. A biochemical methane potential-based Bayesian network meta-analysis suggested a maximum 2.55% ± 0.42% enhancement for Fe2.25. An anaerobic membrane bioreactor improved the methane yield by 2.27% and loading rate by 4.57% for Fe2.25, operating in the sequenced batch mode. The method allowed for a predictable methane yield enhancement based on the biochemical methane potential. Ferric enhanced the biochemical methane potential in batch tests and the methane yield in a continuously operated reactor by a maximum of 8.20% and 7.61% for Fe2.25, respectively. Copper demonstrated a higher methane (18.91%) and sludge yield (17.22%) in batch but faded in the continuous operation (0.32% of methane yield). The enhancement was primarily due to changing the kinetic patterns for the last period, i.e., increasing the second methane production peak (k71), bringing forward the second peak (λ7, λ8), and prolonging the second period (k62). The dual exponential function demonstrated a better fit in the last three stages (after the first peak), which implied that syntrophic methanogenesis with a ferric shuttle played a primary role in the last three methane production periods, in which long-term effects were sustained, as the Bayesian network meta-analysis predicted.
Gender Differences in the Associations of Plasma Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate with Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids among US Young and Middle-Aged Adults: NHANES 2003–2004

Vitamin B6-restricted diets and low plasma pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) status altered plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) compositions. Evidence suggests the role of gender in the metabolism of vitamin B6 and PUFA. However, no epidemiologic study examined the impact of gender on the relationship between vitamin B6 and PUFA status in adults. Thus, we investigated whether there were gender differences in the association of vitamin B6 intake and plasma PLP concentration with plasma PUFA concentrations and ratios (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA), EPA + DHA, EPA/AA, (EPA + DHA)/AA) in US young/middle-aged adults. In total, 864 participants (20–59 years; 484 men, 380 women) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2004 were used for this cross-sectional study. Nutrient intakes were estimated from two 24 h recalls and supplement questionnaires; plasma PLP and PUFA were measured. Multivariate linear regression was utilized to obtain unstandardized (b) and standardized (β) coefficients. Covariates included demographic, socioeconomic, dietary variables, physical activity level, cigarette smoking status, alcohol consumption, prescription medication use, and BMI. There were significant interactions between gender and PLP on EPA (P-interaction = 0.004), DHA (P-interaction = 0.020), EPA + DHA (P-interaction = 0.010), EPA/AA (P-interaction = 0.002), (EPA + DHA)/AA (P-interaction = 0.004), whereas no interaction between gender and B6 intake existed. In gender-stratified analyses, in men, PLP was positively associated with EPA (β = 0.138, b = 0.104, p = 0.0004), DHA (β = 0.101, b = 0.058, p = 0.036), EPA + DHA (β = 0.125, b = 0.073, p = 0.005), EPA/AA (β = 0.144, b = 0.099, p = 0.0002), (EPA + DHA)/AA (β = 0.123, b = 0.068, p = 0.005). However, no associations between PLP and PUFA existed in women. In conclusion, gender differences were found in the relationships between plasma PLP and plasma EPA, DHA, EPA + DHA, EPA/AA, and (EPA + DHA)/AA, with significant direct associations in men only among US young/middle-aged adults.
Large-Area Nanocrystalline Caesium Lead Chloride Thin Films: A Focus on the Exciton Recombination Dynamics

Caesium lead halide perovskites were recently demonstrated to be a relevant class of semiconductors for photonics and optoelectronics. Unlike CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3, the realization of high-quality thin films of CsPbCl3, particularly interesting for highly efficient white LEDs when coupled to converting phosphors, is still a very demanding task. In this work we report the first successful deposition of nanocrystalline CsPbCl3 thin films (70–150 nm) by radio frequency magnetron sputtering on large-area substrates. We present a detailed investigation of the optical properties by high resolution photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, resolved in time and space in the range 10–300 K, providing quantitative information concerning carriers and excitons recombination dynamics. The PL is characterized by a limited inhomogeneous broadening (~15 meV at 10 K) and its origin is discussed from detailed analysis with investigations at the micro-scale. The samples, obtained without any post-growth treatment, show a homogeneous PL emission in spectrum and intensity on large sample areas (several cm2). Temperature dependent and time-resolved PL spectra elucidate the role of carrier trapping in determining the PL quenching up to room temperature. Our results open the route for the realization of large-area inorganic halide perovskite films for photonic and optoelectronic devices.
Effects of Maternal Nutritional Supplements and Dietary Interventions on Placental Complications: An Umbrella Review, Meta-Analysis and Evidence Map

The placenta is a vital, multi-functional organ that acts as an interface between maternal and fetal circulation during pregnancy. Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy alter placental development and function, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as pre-eclampsia, infants with small for gestational age and low birthweight, preterm birth, stillbirths and maternal mortality. Maternal nutritional supplementation may help to mitigate the risks, but the evidence base is difficult to navigate. The primary purpose of this umbrella review is to map the evidence on the effects of maternal nutritional supplements and dietary interventions on pregnancy outcomes related to placental disorders and maternal mortality. A systematic search was performed on seven electronic databases, the PROSPERO register and references lists of identified papers. The results were screened in a three-stage process based on title, abstract and full-text by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trial meta-analyses on the efficacy of maternal nutritional supplements or dietary interventions were included. There were 91 meta-analyses included, covering 23 types of supplements and three types of dietary interventions. We found evidence that supports supplementary vitamin D and/or calcium, omega-3, multiple micronutrients, lipid-based nutrients, and balanced protein energy in reducing the risks of adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes. However, these findings are limited by poor quality of evidence. Nutrient combinations show promise and support a paradigm shift to maternal dietary balance, rather than single micronutrient deficiencies, to improve maternal and fetal health. The review is registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020160887).
Use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

ABSTRACT COVID-19 has quickly become a public health problem worldwide, and treatment for this new disease is needed. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial that in vitro studies have shown action against SARS-CoV-2, which is why it has been the target of clinical studies with conflicting results. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the association of hydroxychloroquine use with the virological cure, clinical recovery, mortality, and development of adverse effects in patients with COVID-19. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs were searched until 7 January 2021, for randomized clinical trials with COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine. Of the 130 studies found, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Compared to the patient’s control group, the risk ratio (RR) for the virological cure and clinical recovery with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine use was 1.04 (95%CI 0.91–1.17) and 1.03 (95%CI 0.92–1.13), respectively. Hydroxychloroquine (with or without azithromycin) was also not associated with mortality (RR = 1.09, 95%CI 0.98–1.20). Treatment with hydroxychloroquine was associated with any adverse effects (RR = 1.50, 95%CI 1.18–1.81). Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine use did not have a significant effect on virological cure, the time of clinical recovery, and improvement in survival in COVID-19 patients. However, patients who used hydroxychloroquine showed an increase in adverse effects.
Initial development of a solid-phase fugacity meter for semivolatile organic compounds

A method to determine the fugacity of semivolatile organochlorine compounds on solid surfaces is presented. The method was developed and tested using spruce needles. Needle surface fugacities were determined indirectly, using the concentration of the compound in a gas phase which had been equilibrated with the needle surface. Measurements with both artificially contaminated and natural spruce needles showed good agreement between the fugacities on the needle surfaces and the air fugacities of the chosen compounds in the needles'habitat.