Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant Extracts Mediated Metal-Based Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Biological Applications

The vastness of metal-based nanoparticles has continued to arouse much research interest, which has led to the extensive search and discovery of new materials with varying compositions, synthetic methods, and applications. Depending on applications, many synthetic methods have been used to prepare these materials, which have found applications in different areas, including biology. However, the prominent nature of the associated toxicity and environmental concerns involved in most of these conventional methods have limited their continuous usage due to the desire for more clean, reliable, eco-friendly, and biologically appropriate approaches. Plant-mediated synthetic approaches for metal nanoparticles have emerged to circumvent the often-associated disadvantages with the conventional synthetic routes, using bioresources that act as a scaffold by effectively reducing and stabilizing these materials, whilst making them biocompatible for biological cells. This capacity by plants to intrinsically utilize their organic processes to reorganize inorganic metal ions into nanoparticles has thus led to extensive studies into this area of biochemical synthesis and analysis. In this review, we examined the use of several plant extracts as a mediating agent for the synthesis of different metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs). Furthermore, the associated biological properties, which have been suggested to emanate from the influence of the diverse metabolites found in these plants, were also reviewed.
Assessment of the Appearance and Toxin Production Potential of Invasive Nostocalean Cyanobacteria Using Quantitative Gene Analysis in Nakdong River, Korea

Invasive nostocalean cyanobacteria (INC) were first reported in tropical regions and are now globally spreading rapidly due to climate change, appearing in temperate regions. INC require continuous monitoring for water resource management because of their high toxin production potential. However, it is difficult to analyze INC under a microscope because of their morphological similarity to nostocalean cyanobacteria such as the genus Aphanizomenon. This study calculates the gene copy number per cell for each target gene through quantitative gene analysis on the basis of genus-specific primers of genera Cylindrospermopsis, Sphaerospermopsis, and Cuspidothrix, and the toxin primers of anatoxin-a, saxitoxin, and cylindrospermopsin. In addition, quantitative gene analysis was performed at eight sites in the Nakdong River to assess the appearance of INC and their toxin production potential. Genera Cylindrospermopsis and Sphaerospermopsis did not exceed 100 cells mL−1 at the maximum, with a low likelihood of related toxin occurrence. The genus Cuspidothrix showed the highest cell density (1759 cells mL−1) among the INC. Nakdong River has potential for the occurrence of anatoxin-a through biosynthesis by genus Cuspidothrix because the appearance of this genus coincided with that of the anatoxin-a synthesis gene (anaF) and the detection of the toxin by ELISA.
Vaccination Coverage against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis and Poliomyelitis and Validity of Self-Reported Vaccination Status in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease with a neurodegenerative component of the central nervous system. Immunomodulatory therapy can increase the risk of infection, which is a particular risk for MS patients. Therefore, a complete vaccination status is of utmost importance as protection against vaccine-preventable infectious diseases. Our aim was to investigate the vaccination status, vaccination card knowledge and the vaccination behavior of MS patients with regard to vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and poliomyelitis. Three hundred twenty-seven patients with MS were evaluated by anamnesis, clinical examination, structured interview and vaccination card control in this two-center study. Based on the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute, we assessed the completeness of the vaccination status of the examined vaccinations. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of patients with complete/incomplete or correctly/wrongly self-reported vaccination status was performed. In the cohort analyzed, the vaccination coverage was 79.5% for tetanus, 79.2% for diphtheria, 74.8% for pertussis and 84.8% for poliomyelitis. The assumed vaccination status was higher for tetanus (86.5%) and lower for diphtheria (69.4%), pertussis (61.2%) and poliomyelitis (75.9%). Patients who were unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated against tetanus had received vaccination advice from a physician less often in the past year (13.4 vs. 36.9%, p < 0.001) and had no one to check the vaccination card more often (35.8 vs. 12.3%, p < 0.001). High sensitivity (93.7%) and low specificity (30.3%) were determined regarding the validity of self-reported tetanus vaccination status. Patients with a correctly reported tetanus vaccination status were more likely to have their vaccination card checked by a physician than those who overestimated or underestimated their vaccination status (76.7 vs. 63.0/43.8%, p = 0.002). Similar findings were seen with regard to diphtheria, pertussis and poliomyelitis vaccination. Patients without a regular vaccination card control (17.1%) were more likely to be male (44.6 vs. 29.4%, p = 0.037), had fewer siblings on average (1.1 vs. 1.6, p = 0.016), dealt less frequently with the issue of vaccination in the past year (32.1 vs. 69.3%, p < 0.001) and more frequently had the wish to receive vaccination advice (48.2 vs. 34.4%, p = 0.030) than patients in whom the vaccination card was checked regularly by a physician. To minimize the risk of infection in MS patients, treating physicians should provide regular vaccination counseling and perform vaccination card controls, as these factors are associated with a higher vaccination coverage and a higher validity of self-reported vaccination statuses.
Viral Load as a Factor Affecting the Fatality of Patients Suffering from Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

The clinical characteristics and the effect of viral RNA loads on fatality in 56 patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) were analyzed. The non-survival group (12 patients) demonstrated a significantly higher mean age (77 years) than the survival group (44 patients, 65 years) (p = 0.003). The survival rates were 91.7% and 8.3% in patients with Ct values ≥30 and differed significantly (p = 0.001) in the survival and non-survival groups, respectively. The survival rates were 52.4% and 47.6% in patients with viral copy numbers ≥10,000 and 94.3% and 5.7% in patients with viral copy numbers <10,000 in the survival and non-survival groups, respectively (p = 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, viral copy numbers and initial Acute Psychologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were identified as the factors affecting fatality (p = 0.015 and 0.011, respectively). SFTS viral RNA loads can be useful markers for the clinical prediction of mortality and survival.
The Effect of Several Tradeoffs in the Implementation of Large Displays on the Performance of the Users of the Displays

A large display can be constructed in two different ways: 1. a rectangular grid, or tiling, of many small screens with seams, or bezels, at the boundaries between the screens and 2. one large screen with no bezel inside the screen. The first way costs significantly less than the second way. However, the first way creates a discontinuity in the image because of the bezels, and this discontinuity may impact a user’s performance. There are two different ways to implement the first, tiling way of constructing a large display: 1. tiled, multiple projections onto one large screen and 2. tiling of actual LC displays. With the first way, bezels are avoidable, but there is the necessity of continuous, precise coordination of multiple projectors. With the second way, once the displays are mounted, no coordination is necessary, but bezels are unavoidable. While it might seem preferrable to avoid bezels and incur higher construction or coordination costs, the reality is that if no user’s performance is negatively affected by bezels, then there is no reason not to use the cheaper methods of constructing large displays. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine how bezels affect a user’s task performance. We conducted two controlled experiments in order to determine • how varying the width of bezels affects a user’s performance; • how varying the number of bezels affects a user’s performance; and • how the choice between tiled, multiple projections and tiling of actual LC displays affects a user’s performance. In each experiment, the participants solved a puzzle within a given time. The findings from this study are that user performance is not affected by variation in the width of bezels and by variation in the number of bezels. However, the tiling of actual LC displays is better for user performance than tiled, multiple projections. Therefore, it is more acceptable to use a rectangular grid of actual LC displays to implement a large display.
A Magnetic Crawler System for Autonomous Long-Range Inspection and Maintenance on Large Structures

The inspection and maintenance of large-scale industrial structures are major challenges that require time-efficient and reliable solutions to ensure the healthy condition of structures during operation. Autonomous robots may provide a promising solution for this purpose. In particular, they could lead to faster and more reliable inspection and maintenance without direct intervention from human operators. In this paper, we present a custom magnetic crawler system, and sensor suit and sensing modalities to enable such robotic operation. We first describe a localization framework based on a mesh created from a point cloud coupled with Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) readings. Next, we introduce a mapping framework that relies on a 3D laser, and explicitly state how autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance can be developed. Lastly, we present how ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) are integrated into the system to provide accurate robot localization and structural feature mapping by relying on acoustic reflections in combination with the other systems. It is envisioned that long-range inspection capabilities that are not yet available in current industrial mobile platforms could emerge from the designed robotic system.
RF scale model range

The performance level of a communication aerial onboard a ship is influenced by other co-located antennas and ships structures. A communication antenna must share the real estate with all communication antennas, radar antennas and other RF antenna systems. In such a scenario, simple radio transmission formulas are insufficient to predict the performance of an antenna located on the top deck. A scale model RF test range helps us to overcome this limitation and aids in optimally siting various antennas and integrating these antennas with that of ships structure during the design phase of ships construction. Such an approach would enable us to achieve optimal performance level in a cost-effective and time bound manner. Setting up of a scale model RF test facility, one of its kind in Asia, was conceived by the Indian Navy in early 90s and efforts had been underway ever since for realizing this long felt need of the Navy. The journey from the conceptualization phase to the realization of the facility has not been a smooth one, more so, due to restricted accessibility to limited information in this field.
Assessment of some key issues that affect the acceptance of Building Information Modelling (BIM)

The study evaluated how technological integration affects Building Information Modelling (BIM) acceptance. Quantitative research design was used, whereby survey was employed using questionnaire as a means of data collection. A total of 190 questionnaires were distributed to the professionals in the Nigerian construction industry, 170 questionnaires were retrieved; SPSS software was employed for analysis with descriptive statistic and multiple regression as tools for the analysis. The finding shows that there is positive relationship between rapid change in technology, cost of integration, government policy and BIM acceptance. It means that rapid change in technology and cost of its integration in conjunction with lack of government enforcement affects BIM acceptance. Therefore, government should formulate and enforce policies that can control the adoption and implementation of a new or integrated technology. Keywords: Building Information Modelling; Integration; Technology
Forecast Method of Customer Needs Volatility to Personalized Product

To capture and forecast the volatility of customer needs, this paper proposes a forecast method within the framework of QFD (Quality Function Deployment), based on CTS (compositional time series) and VAR model (vector auto-regression model). The CTS formed by customer needs importance rating sampling within a period of time are treated as the basis to predict the future customer needs. Firstly, the CTS are transformed from the simplex space to the real domain. Then, the VAR model is established based on the time series obtained in the real domain. This model is used to accurately forecast beyond the sample and the predictive result is transformed back to the simplex space to obtain the predictive customer needs importance rating time series. Based on the predictive customer needs importance rating, the design attributes predictive priorities are calculated, which can guide the resources allocation in the development of personalized product, to provide better personalized product that is more in line with future customer needs. The case shows that the proposed method is effective.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Understanding BIM in the UK Construction Industry using an Activity Theory (AT) Approach

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a collaborative way of working, underpinned by virtual digital technologies which unlock more efficient methods of designing, developing and maintaining infrastructure assets in the built environment. For the impact of BIM to be readily appreciated and felt among practitioners within the construction industry and beyond, there needs to be a sound research theoretical underpinning approach that will embrace the physical, environmental, social and digital nature of BIM. One such approach that will bring clarity and support a deeper understanding of the impact of BIM is activity theory (AT). This paper seeks to position BIM activities that are happening within the construction industry by better understanding the different interactions between practitioner and stakeholder as they use the virtual BIM environment to create, design, develop and maintain the physical built environment.
The completed analysis and characteristic investigation for Z-shape microstrip antennas

This paper modifies theoretical formulation for a Z-shape microstrip antenna to obtain its resonant frequency and required parameters including the electromagnetic fields in antenna cavity, magnetic currents and radiation. Based on the comparison between theory and simulation, the distributions of electric fields along the long or short axis of the antenna structure are pretty reasonable, and the radiations of two modes remain single-beam distributed as expected. According to antenna characteristics, the length of the short axis can adjust the separation of resonant frequencies of two modes. The widths of two extension legs can also modify this frequency separation. As the ratio of these two extension legs varies, the resonant frequencies are not so affected that the whole length of the axis can be used to design for desired frequency bands. As this ratio becomes one third, the peak difference between co-polarization and cross-polarization radiations is improved effectively. As the procedure to design antennas for two specific frequency bands is followed, the mode number and the length along the long or short axis are first applied to decide resonant frequencies; the antenna characteristics are used to adjust antenna radiations later on. The theoretical effort to obtain antenna parameters here does not make formulation completed, but make antenna characteristics easier to investigate for the future design.
Effect of Caffeine Ingestion on Indirect Markers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review of Human Trials

The effect of caffeine on mitigating exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is still poorly understood, but it was hypothesized that caffeine could contribute to decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness, attenuating temporary loss of strength, and reducing circulating levels of blood markers of muscle damage. However, evidence is not conclusive and beneficial effects of caffeine ingestion on EIMD are not always observed. Factors, such as the type of exercise that induces muscle damage, supplementation protocol, and type of marker analyzed contribute to the differences between the studies. To expand knowledge on the role of caffeine supplementation in EIMD, this systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of caffeine supplementation on different markers of muscle damage. Fourteen studies were included, evaluating the effect of caffeine on indirect muscle damage markers, including blood markers (nine studies), pain perception (six studies), and MVC maximal voluntary contraction force (four studies). It was observed in four studies that repeated administration of caffeine between 24 and 72 h after muscle damage can attenuate the perception of pain in magnitudes ranging from 3.9% to 26%. The use of a single dose of caffeine pre-exercise (five studies) or post-exercise (one study) did not alter the circulating blood levels of creatine kinase (CK). Caffeine supplementation appears to attenuate pain perception, but this does not appear to be related to an attenuation of EIMD, per se. Furthermore, the effect of caffeine supplementation after muscle damage on strength recovery remains inconclusive due to the low number of studies found (four studies) and controversial results for both dynamic and isometric strength tests.
Study on Seasonal Variation in Stroke

Introduction: After coronary artery disease and cancer, stroke is the third commonest cause of death in the developed countries. There have been descriptions of a seasonal variation in the frequency of different types of stroke. This variation may be related to a variation in the frequency of risk factors of stroke. Objective: To find out the seasonal variation of different type of strokes. Materials & methods: This cross sectional observational study was carried out at the department of medicine, mymensingh medical college hospital, mymensingh over a period of one year between June 2011 to May 2012. A total 292 patients of CT scan proven acute stroke of both sexes who were hospitalized within one weeks of acute stroke were included in this study within this period. data were processed and analyzed by computer software SPSS. Level of significance was considered as p value less than 0.05. Results: The frequency of ischaemic stroke during summer (62.4%) was significantly greater than that during winter (37.8%). The frequency of haemorrhagic stroke during winter (62.2%) was significantly greater than that during summer (37.6%). Hypertension was the most important risk factor and other risk factors were smoking, diabetes mellitus, tobacco chewing, ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia, oral contraceptive pill, alcohol consumption, atrial fibrillation and past history of stroke. Conclusion: This study found stroke is influenced by the variation of seasons. The frequency of ischaemic stroke during summer was significantly greater than winter. The frequency of haemorrhagic stroke during winter was significantly greater than summer. Medicine Today 2022 Vol.34(1): 22-26
Structural Aspects of Electrospun Scaffolds Intended for Prosthetics of Blood Vessels

Electrospinning is a popular method used to fabricate small-diameter vascular grafts. However, the importance of structural characteristics of the scaffold determining interaction with endothelial cells and their precursors and blood cells is still not exhaustively clear. This review discusses current research on the significance and impact of scaffold architecture (fiber characteristics, porosity, and surface roughness of material) on interactions between cells and blood with the material. In addition, data about the effects of scaffold topography on cellular behaviour (adhesion, proliferation, and migration) are necessary to improve the rational design of electrospun vascular grafts with a long-term perspective.
Evaluation of FAO-56 Penman–Monteith and alternative methods for estimating reference evapotranspiration using limited climatic data at Pusa

The FAO-56 Penman–Monteith method (FAO-56 PM) is standard method recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETO). Unfortunately, some of climatic variables, especially relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed are often missing which could impede the estimation of ETO with the FAO-56 PM method. To overcome the problem of availability of climatic variables, procedures to estimate ETO with missing climate data are proposed as part of the FAO methodology. Therefore, assessing the accuracy of these procedures for Pusa Observatory is important. The comparison of ETO estimates using limited data to those computed with full data set revealed that the difference between ETO obtained from full and limited data set is small. Both the Mean Bias Error (MBE) and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the comparison were less than 0.35 and 1.00 with a minimum of “0.11 and 0.29 mm day”1, respectively, leading to small errors in the ETO estimates. R2, ÷2-test and index of agreement values confirmed strong relationships among data for the year 1998 to 2006.
A Snapshot Imaging Spectrometer Based on Uniformly Distributed-Slit Array (UDA)

Herein, we propose a system for a snapshot video hyperspectral imaging method based on a uniformly distributed-slit array (UDA) coding plate that not only effectively improves the scanning speed of spectrometers but also achieves a high spectral fidelity of snapshot videos. A mathematical model and optical link simulation of the new system are established. The analysis results show that the proposed method can more efficiently collect information and restore the spectral data cube, and the spectral smile of the system is less than 4.86 μm. The results of the spectral performance and external imaging tests of the system show that the system has the ability to collect spatial spectrum video information with a frame rate of 10 Hz and identify dynamic targets, laying a foundation for the design of a system with a higher frame rate and resolution.