Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of the site preference on the structure, magnetism and mechanical anisotropy properties of Mo-containing alloy carbide M6C (M = Fe, Mo)

First-principles calculations are used to study the structure, magnetism and mechanical anisotropy properties of M6C (M = Fe, Mo) carbides. The stability of alloy carbide M6C can be improved when Mo atoms occupy the 48f Wyckoff position. Fe3Mo3C with Mo atoms occupying 48f position and Fe atoms occupying 16d and 32e positions has the best structural stability. The magnetic moment is triggered when the Fe content is approximately 0.5, suggesting that there exists a critical value between the paramagnetic nature and ferromagnetism. Carbides with Fe content above 0.5 have stronger magnetism. Higher Fe content corresponds to the stronger chemical bonding of carbides, resulting in improved elastic properties when Mo atoms are held in 48f position. The special carbides Fe4Mo2C and Fe3Mo3C (Fe at 48f site, Mo at 16d and 32e sites) correspond to the excellent mechanical properties. These results are helpful in providing a theoretical foundation of the possible direction for the advances of the excellent physical properties in Mo-containing steel.
Fast and Precise: How to Measure Meiotic Crossovers in Arabidopsis

During meiosis, homologous chromosomes (homologs) pair and undergo genetic recombination via assembly and disassembly of the synaptonemal complex. Meiotic recombination is initiated by excess formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), among which a subset are repaired by reciprocal genetic exchange, called crossovers (COs). COs generate genetic variations across generations, profoundly affecting genetic diversity and breeding. At least one CO between homologs is essential for the first meiotic chromosome segregation, but generally only one and fewer than three inter-homolog COs occur in plants. CO frequency and distribution are biased along chromosomes, suppressed in centromeres, and controlled by pro-CO, anti-CO, and epigenetic factors. Accurate and high-throughput detection of COs is important for our understanding of CO formation and chromosome behavior. Here, we review advanced approaches that enable precise measurement of the location, frequency, and genomic landscapes of COs in plants, with a focus on Arabidopsis thaliana.
Aperture-coupled microstrip patch antenna fed by orthogonal SIW line for millimetre-wave imaging applications

A new microstrip patch antenna feeding technique for millimetre-wave imaging applications is proposed. The technique utilises a substrate integrated waveguide line that orthogonally feeds the patch antenna through a coupling aperture. A rectangular microstrip patch antenna was designed to operate at 32 GHz. Measurement and simulation results for rectangular patch antenna are presented showing good agreement with 9% bandwidth (| S 11 | <; -10 dB). The aperture-coupled rectangular patch antenna provided 5.5 dBi gain and 72% efficiency at the design frequency. Finally, the rectangular patch antenna is used for near-field and wideband synthetic aperture radar imaging to demonstrate the potential of the proposed antenna for imaging applications at millimetre wave frequencies.
From home to the streets: Can cultural socialization foster Latinx youths' social responsibility?

Abstract Grassroots movements such as Poder Quince exemplify how Latinx youth intertwine their cultural heritage and traditions with civic action to create positive change within their communities. Parents' cultural socialization messages have been shown to instill cultural pride and encourage prosocial behaviors (e.g., helping others, caring for younger siblings). However, there is a dearth of research on the sociopolitical discussions Latinx adolescents have with their parents and the mechanisms by which cultural socialization encourages prosocial civic development. Drawing on data from a sample of 269 self‐identified Latinx youth from three Midwestern US schools, the present study explored the direct links between parental cultural socialization and adolescents' sense of social responsibility (i.e., concern for others and caring for community) as well as the potential indirect associations via sociopolitical and civic socialization at home. Our findings suggest direct associations between cultural socialization and caring for their communities. Additionally, we observed indirect associations between cultural socialization and youths' social responsibility via family civic socialization practices and engagement in sociopolitical discussions taking place in the home.
The design and thermal measurement of III-V integrated micro-coolers for thermal management of microwave devices

Modern high frequency electronic devices are continually becoming smaller in area but capable of generating higher RF power, thereby increasing the dissipated power density. For many microwave devices, for example the planar Gunn diode, standard thermal management may no longer be sufficient to effectively remove the increasing dissipated power. The work has looked at the design and development of an active micro-cooler, which could be fully integrated with the planar Gunn diode at wafer level as a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC). The work also resulted in the further development of novel thermal measurement techniques, using micro-particle sensors with infra-red (IR) thermal microscopy and for the first time to measure thermal profiles along the channel of the planar Gunn diode. To integrate the gallium arsenide (GaAs) based planar Gunn diode and micro-cooler, it was first necessary to design and fabricate individual GaAs based planar Gunn diodes and micro-coolers for thermal and electrical characterisation. To obtain very small area microcoolers, superlattice structures were investigated to improve the ratio between the electrical and thermal conductivities of the micro-cooler. To measure the specific contact resistivity of the superlattice based micro-cooler contacts, the Reeves & Harrison TLM (transmission line method) was used as it included both horizontal and vertical components of the contact resistance. It was found, for the GaAs based micro-cooler, only small amounts of cooling (<0.4 ◦C) could be obtained, therefore the novel temperature measurement method using micro-particle sensors placed on both the anode and cathode contacts was utilised. The bias probes used to supply DC power to the micro-coolers were found to thermally load these very small structures, which led to anomalously high measured cooling temperatures of >1 ◦C. A novel approach of determining if the measured cooling temperature was due to cooling or probe loading was developed. A 1D model for the integrated micro-cooler was developed and the results indicated that when the micro-cooler was used as a cooling element in a monolithic microwave integrated circuit, the supporting substrate thickness was very important. Simulation showed to obtain cooling the substrate thickness had to be very thin (<50 μm), which may preclude the use of GaAs micro-coolers as part of a monolithic microwave integrated circuit.
Thermogravimetric and Kinetic Analysis of Melon (Citrullus colocynthis L.) Seed Husk Using the Distributed Activation Energy Model

Abstract This study seeks to characterize the thermochemical fuel properties of melon seed husk (MSH) as a potential biomass feedstock for clean energy and power generation. It examined the ultimate analysis, proximate analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and thermal decomposition of MSH. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis was examined at 5, 10, 20 °C/min from 30-800 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. Subsequently, the Distributed Activation Energy Model (DAEM) was applied to determine the activation energy, E, and frequency factor, A. The results revealed that thermal decomposition of MSH occurs in three (3) stages; drying (30-150 °C), devolatization (150-400 °C) and char degradation (400-800 °C). Kinetic analysis revealed that the E values fluctuated from 145.44-300 kJ/mol (Average E = 193 kJ/mol) while A ranged from 2.64 × 1010 to 9.18 × 1020 min-1 (Average E = 9.18 × 1019 min-1) highlighting the complexity of MSH pyrolysis. The fuel characterization and kinetics of MSH showed it is an environmentally friendly solid biofuel for future thermal biomass conversion.
Role of aluminum exposure on Alzheimer’s disease and related glycogen synthase kinase pathway

Abstract Aluminum (Al) is an environmentally abundant metal that is not essential for life. There is considerable evidence that Al as a neurotoxic xenobiotic may play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Exposure to aluminum has been shown to cause neuronal damage that resembles the symptoms of AD. In this review, we will summarize recent data about Al as the possible risk of incidence of AD. Then glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) contributes to the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, the main component of neurofibrillary tangles, one of the hallmarks of AD as one of the mechanisms behind Al neurotoxicity will be covered. Overall, there is still a need for epidemiological studies and more in vivo and in vitro studies to determine the exact mechanisms of its neurotoxicity and the role of GSK3β in both Al toxic effect and AD.
Clinical Integration of Community Health Workers to Reduce Health Inequities in Overburdened and Under-Resourced Populations

The COVID-19 response has resulted in broader awareness of health inequities across the United States and their impact on overburdened and under-resourced communities. Investing in and more effectively integrating community health workers (CHWs) into health care delivery been prioritized in the COVID-19 response given the importance of trust and community connection to move people toward behavior change during times of uncertainty. CHWs serve as liaisons and connectors between patients, communities, and health/social care systems, providing culturally appropriate education and addressing complex social needs within the individual and community context. Given the pervasive health inequities that continue to persist despite decades of efforts to curb them, health care systems should reimagine current care delivery models to fully integrate CHWs into care teams. However, barriers exist to effectively deploying CHWs in health care systems. Through 20 years of experience developing, implementing, evaluating, and scaling CHW interventions, Sinai Urban Health Institute has learned valuable lessons in overcoming the common barriers to true and effective CHW integration. Organizations that approach CHW program implementation with a deliberate focus on recruitment and training and career pipelines/pathways, and adequately prepare their organization for CHWs will realize the benefits this unique workforce has to offer. Our experiences have demonstrated that if you hire the right people, train them effectively, and provide appropriate supervision, CHWs are transformative to health care delivery. We discuss our solutions in these areas within the context of integrating CHWs into our health care system to work with our most medically and socially complex patients.
Examining the association between socio-demographic factors, catheter use and antibiotic prescribing in Northern Ireland primary care: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis

Abstract Inappropriate use of antibiotics is among the key drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antibiotic use in Northern Ireland (NI) is the highest in the UK and approximately 80% is prescribed in primary care. Little information however exists about the patient and prescriber factors driving this. We described the trend in NI primary care total antibiotic prescribing 2010–2019 and conducted a cross-sectional study using a random sample of individuals registered with an NI GP on 1st January 2019. We used multilevel logistic regression to examine how sociodemographic factors and urinary catheter use was associated with the likelihood of being prescribed an antibiotic during 2019, adjusting for clustering at GP practice and GP federation levels. Finite mixture modelling (FMM) was conducted to determine the association between the aforementioned risk factors and quantity of antibiotic prescribed (defined daily doses). The association between age and antibiotic prescription differed by gender. Compared to males 41–50 years, adjusted odds of prescription were higher for males aged 0–10, 11–20 and 51 + years, and females of any age. Catheter use was strongly associated with antibiotic prescription (aOR = 6.82, 95% CI 2.50–18.64). Socioeconomic deprivation and urban/rural settlement were not associated in the multilevel logistic analysis. GP practices and federations accounted for 1.24% and 0.12% of the variation in antibiotic prescribing respectively. FMM showed associations between larger quantities of antibiotics and being older, male and having a catheter. This work described the profile of individuals most likely to receive an antibiotic prescription in NI primary care and identified GP practice as a source of variation; suggesting an opportunity for reduction from effective interventions targeted at both individuals and general practices.
STAMINA OF A GASKETED BOLTED FLANGED PIPE JOINT UNDER DYNAMIC LOADING

Gasketed bolted flange joints are the most critical components in pipelines for their sealing and strength under operating conditions. Most of the work available in literature is under static loading, whereas in industry, cyclic loads are applied due to the vibrating machinery such as motors, pumps, sloshing in offshore applications and in the ships etc. In this study a three dimensional finite element analysis of a gasketed joint is carried out using a spiral wound gasket under bolt up and dynamic operating conditions (internal pressure, axial and bending) singly and in combination. The cyclic axial loads are concluded relatively more challenging for both the sealing and strength of the joint. Higher magnitudes of loads and frequencies are also observed more challenging to the joints performance.
Metronidazole, acyclovir and tetrahydrobiopterin may be promising to treat COVID-19 patients, through interaction with interleukin-12

Abstract COVID-19 patients have shown overexpressed serum levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a high mortality rate due to numerous complications. Also, previous studies demonstrated that the metronidazole (MTZ) administration reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved the treatment outcomes for inflammatory disorders. However, the effect and mechanism of action of MTZ on cytokines have not been studied yet. Thus, the current study aimed to identify anti-cytokine therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm. The interaction of MTZ with key cytokines was investigated using molecular docking studies. MTZ-analogues, and its structurally similar FDA-approved drugs were also virtually screened against interleukin-12 (IL-12). Moreover, their mechanism of inhibition regarding IL-12 binding to IL-12 receptor was investigated by measuring the change in volume and area. IL-12–metronidazole complex is found to be more stable than all other cytokines under study. Our study also revealed that the active sites of IL-12 are inhibited from binding to its target, IL-12 receptor, by modifying the position of the methyl and hydroxyl functional groups in MTZ. Three MTZ analogues, metronidazole phosphate, metronidazole benzoate, 1-[1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-5-nitroimidazol-2-yl]-N-methylmethanimine-oxide, and two FDA-approved drugs acyclovir (ACV), and tetrahydrobiopterin (THB) were also found to prevent binding of IL-12 to IL-12 receptor similar to MTZ by changing the surface and volume of IL-12 upon IL-12-drug/ligand complex formation. According to the RMSD results, after 100 ns MD simulations of human IL-12-MTZ/ACV/THB drug complexes, it was also observed that each complex was swinging within a few Å compared to their corresponding docking poses, indicating that the docking poses were reliable. The current study demonstrates that three FDA-approved drugs, namely, metronidazole, acyclovir and tetrahydrobiopterin, are potential repurposable treatment options for overexpressed serum cytokines found in COVID-19 patients. Similar approach is also useful to develop therapeutics against other human disorders. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma Highlights Inhibition of cytokine storm, via inhibiting cytokines from binding to their corrresponding receptors, can be an efficient therapeutic regimen to treat severely infected COVID-19 patients. Metronidazole has the highest affinity to bind to IL-12, among other cytokines. The present study also reports that the active sites of IL-12 are inhibited from binding to its target, IL-12 receptor, by modifying the position of the methyl and hydroxyl functional groups in MTZ. It also reveals that IL-12 can be prevented from binding to its receptor with the help of two other FDA-approved drugs, namely acyclovir and tetrahydrobiopterin. Metronidazole, acyclovir, and tetrahydrobiopterin can be repurposed as an immunosuppressive treatment for COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm.
Analysis of Clinic Layouts and Patient-Centered Procedural Innovations Using Discrete-Event Simulation

Abstract Given that healthcare costs in the U.S. continue to climb, engineering managers can help address this situation by identifying designs for cost savings. Using discrete-event simulation, the layout of four different healthcare clinic scenarios considered in a redesign program named Patient Aligned Care Teams were studied. Model 1 is an existing layout in many clinics and Model 2 is staff-centered, while Models 3 and 4 provide additional space including common hallway(s). Our main conclusion is that Model 4 reduces patient travel distances and average queueing waits, while also providing the best privacy in accordance with HIPAA and the most security for the staff.
Robust Adaptive Fixed-Time Sliding-Mode Control for Uncertain Robotic Systems With Input Saturation

In this article, a robust adaptive fixed-time sliding-mode control method is proposed for robotic systems with parameter uncertainties and input saturation. First, a model-based fixed-time controller is designed under the premise that the system parameters are known. Moreover, the unknown dynamics of robotic systems and the boundary of compounded disturbance are synthesized into a compounded uncertainty. Then, the Gaussian radial basis function neural networks (NNs) are selected to approximate the compounded uncertainty. In addition, the nonsingular fast terminal sliding-mode (NFTSM) control is incorporated into the proposed fixed-time control framework to enhance the robustness and convergence speed of unknown robotic systems. Finally, a comparative simulation based on a rigid manipulator shows the superiority and efficacy of the designed methods.
MEMS cantilever–controlled plasmonic colors for sustainable optical displays

Conventional optical displays using indium tin oxide and liquid crystal materials present challenges for long-term sustainability. We show here a cost-effective and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)–compatible fast and full-range electrically controlled RGB color display. This is achieved by combining transmission-based plasmonic metasurfaces with MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology, using only two common materials: aluminum and silicon oxide. White light is filtered into RGB components by plasmonic metasurfaces made of aluminum nanohole arrays. The transmission through each color filter is modulated by MEMS miniaturized cantilevers fabricated with aluminum and silicon oxide on top of the color filters. We show that the relative transmission of a color subpixel can be freely modulated from 35 to 100%. The pixels can also operate well above 800 Hz for future ultrafast displays. Our work provides a road to future circular economic goals by exploiting advances in structural colors and MEMS technologies to innovate optical displays.
Factors Related to Psychological Distress in Multiparous Women in the First Trimester: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background The birth rate in Taiwan has declined rapidly; thus, encouraging women to give birth is an important issue in the country. Pregnant women may experience psychological distress, which may negatively impact the health of children and mothers. Prenatal psychological distress is more common in multiparous women than in primiparous women. In addition, compared with that in the second and third trimesters, psychological distress in the first trimester is relatively high. Understanding psychological distress and the associated factors for multiparous women in the first trimester is important to providing early interventions and preventing subsequent maternal and child health problems. Purpose This study was designed to examine the important predictive factors related to depression, anxiety, and stress among Taiwanese multiparous women in the first trimester. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. In all, 216 multiparous women at 16 weeks of pregnancy were recruited from three hospitals in Taiwan. Self-reported questionnaires were used to gather data on demographic characteristics, the parenting stress of motherhood, spousal support, and psychological distress. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors associated with psychological distress. Results The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in multiparous women was found to be 31.9%, 42.6%, and 11.1%, respectively. The multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the stress related to parent–child interaction was a significant predictor of depression and anxiety, the stress related to child-rearing was a significant predictor of anxiety, and low spousal instrumental support was a significant predictor of stress. The model respectively explained 30%, 27%, and 23% of the variance in depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions/Implications for Practice Reducing the stress related to parent–child interaction and child-rearing and encouraging spousal instrumental support should be considered during prenatal care when designing interventions to reduce the psychological distress of multiparous women in their first trimester.
One-Dimensional Imaginary Movement Cursor Control Using Disc and Tripolar Electrodes

We performed a one-dimensional imaginary task for a brain-computer interface (BCI) comparing disc and tripolar concentric ring electrodes (TCREs). Three human subjects acquired substantial control of the cursor with an average success rate of 30 - 66% for disc EEG, and 44 - 100% for TCRE EEG (tEEG).