Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and optimisation of vehicle frontal bumper beam with alternative carbon fibre-reinforced plastics in corrugated sandwich structure

Abstract Bumper beam is the key structure to protect the vehicle from impact collision. The aim of this paper is to propose a novel bumper beam consisting of continuous carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bumper beam, which is assembled by carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy (EP/CF) skin panels and carbon fibre-reinforced polycarbonate (PC/CF) corrugated sandwich cores. First, the proposed bumper structure is compression molded and then the crashworthiness performance is evaluated via impact experimental test and numerical analysis. It is demonstrated that the numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. Then, the effect of the thickness of panel and core on the intrusion, impact force and specific absorption on the impact performance is investigated by using the sensitivity analysis. Based on this, the Kriging proxy model is adopted for design of experiment (DOE), and a multi-objective optimisation with NSGA-II genetic algorithm is used to optimise the thickness (layers) of the skin panels and sandwich core. Results show that the impact performance meet the requirement of crashworthiness with a mass reduce of 35.57%. Accordingly, the proposed bumper beam exhibit superior impact performance, reduced weight to the traditional integrated counterpart. Furthermore, the structure-material-performance integration is an effective method to design CFRP as structural parts.
Comparative genomics suggests local adaptations in the invasive small hive beetle

Abstract Invasive species are a major driver of ecological and environmental changes that affect human health, food security, and natural biodiversity. The success and impact of biological invasions depend on adaptations to novel abiotic and biotic selective pressures. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptations in invasive parasitic species are inadequately understood. Small hive beetles, Aethina tumida, are parasites of bee nests. Originally endemic to sub‐Saharan Africa, they are now found nearly globally. Here, we investigated the molecular bases of the adaptations to novel environments underlying their invasion routes. Genomes of historic and recent adults A. tumida from both the endemic and introduced ranges were compared. Analysis of gene–environment association identified 3049 candidate loci located in 874 genes. Functional annotation showed a significant bias toward genes linked to growth and reproduction. One of the genes from the apoptosis pathway encodes an “ecdysone‐related protein,” which is a crucial regulator in controlling body size in response to environmental cues for holometabolous insects during cell death and renewal. Genes whose proteins regulate organ size, ovary activation, and oviposition were also detected. Functions of these enriched pathways parallel behavioral differences between introduced and native A. tumida populations, which may reflect patterns of local adaptation. The results considerably improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and ecological factors driving adaptations of invasive species. Deep functional investigation of these identified loci will help clarify the mechanisms of local adaptation in A. tumida.
The use of e-wallet among Gen-Y in Malaysia during the global pandemic: An analysis using PLS-SEM

Traditionally, everyone uses notes and coins or even credit cards and cheques for all business transactions, resulting in several problems such as inconvenience, inefficiency, and ineffectiveness. The limitation of traditional payment may cause delay in payment, high risk of theft, and fraud transaction. To reduce these problems, an e-wallet is introduced, and it helps to reduce fraud as the data stored in the mobile wallet are encrypted. An owner can reduce the limit and receive notification on any transaction. During the global pandemic, consumers are forced to follow the restriction of movement. Stores in Malaysia are closed, and consumers begin to buy things online aggressively. This study aims to determine the factors that affect the use of e-wallet among Gen-Y during the Global Pandemic using PLS-Sem analysis. Snowball sampling was used to gather 181 respondents via online surveys. This study adopted four variables, i.e., perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, benefits to users, and trust. Of them, two (perceived usefulness and trust) are supported.
Evidence of Hearing Loss and Unrelated Toxoplasmosis in a Free-Ranging Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)

Simple Summary Evidence of hearing impairment was identified in a female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) on the basis of inner ear analysis. The animal live stranded on the Dutch coast at Domburg in 2016 and died a few hours later. Ultrastructural examination of the inner ear revealed evidence of sensory cell loss, which is compatible with noise exposure. In addition, histopathology also revealed multifocal necrotising protozoal encephalitis. A diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was confirmed by positive staining of tissue with anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies; however, T. gondii tachyzoites were not observed histologically in any of the examined tissues. This is the first case of presumptive noise-induced hearing loss and demonstration of T. gondii cysts in the brain of a free-ranging harbour porpoise from the North Sea. Abstract Evidence of hearing impairment was identified in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) on the basis of scanning electron microscopy. In addition, based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, there were signs of unrelated cerebral toxoplasmosis. The six-year old individual live stranded on the Dutch coast at Domburg in 2016 and died a few hours later. The most significant gross lesion was multifocal necrosis and haemorrhage of the cerebrum. Histopathology of the brain revealed extensive necrosis and haemorrhage in the cerebrum with multifocal accumulations of degenerated neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, and perivascular lymphocytic cuffing. The diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis was confirmed by positive staining of protozoa with anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Tachyzoites were not observed histologically in any of the examined tissues. Ultrastructural evaluation of the inner ear revealed evidence of scattered loss of outer hair cells in a 290 µm long segment of the apical turn of the cochlea, and in a focal region of ~ 1.5 mm from the apex of the cochlea, which was compatible with noise-induced hearing loss. This is the first case of concurrent presumptive noise-induced hearing loss and toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging harbour porpoise from the North Sea.
Altered Development of Mesencephalic Dopaminergic Neurons in SIDS: New Insights into Understanding Sudden Infant Death Pathogenesis

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the unexpected sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation. The SIDS pathogenesis is still unknown; however, abnormalities in brain centers that control breathing and arousal from sleep, including dramatic changes in neurotransmitter levels, have been supposed in these deaths. This is the first study focusing on mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, so far extensively studied only in animals and human neurological diseases, in SIDS. Dopaminergic structures in midbrain sections of a large series of sudden infant deaths (36 SIDS and 26 controls) were identified using polyclonal rabbit antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, and the dopamine transporter, a membrane protein specifically expressed in dopaminergic cells. Dopamine-immunolabeled neurons were observed concentrated in two specific structures: the pars compacta of the substantia nigra and in the subnucleus medialis of the periaqueductal gray matter. Anatomical and functional degenerations of dopaminergic neurons in these regions were observed in most SIDS cases but never in controls. These results indicate that dopamine depletion, which is already known to be linked especially to Parkinson’s disease, is strongly involved even in SIDS pathogenesis.
Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in a Patient with Osteomyelitis Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infection: A Case Report

Uncontrolled infection, especially with multidrug-resistant bacteria, may significantly inhibit wound healing. Although negative-pressure wound therapy can help prevent infection, it is contraindicated in patients with untreated infections, including osteomyelitis. Here, we report successful wound healing by negative-pressure wound therapy in a patient with refractory osteomyelitis due to multiple multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis progressed deeply through subcutaneous tunneling; hence, bacteria were not excreted from the affected area. Negative-pressure wound therapy reduced the bacterial load and resolved the patient’s condition. Healing by secondary intention progressed with subsequent formation of granulation tissue. Despite recommendations against negative-pressure wound therapy in patients with osteomyelitis, this study highlights the application of the technique for infection control in patients with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and osteomyelitis.
A Dynamic Graph-Based Systems Framework for Modeling, and Control of Cyber-Physical Systems Typified by Buildings

In this chapter, we present a framework for modeling certain classes of cyber-physical systems using graph-theoretic thinking. The cyber-physical systems we consider are typified by buildings. We show that the thermal processes associated with a building can be represented as a graph in which (1) the node variables (temperature and heat flows) are governed by a dynamic system and (2) interconnections between these nodes (walls, doors, windows) are also described by a dynamic system. In general, we call a collection of such nodes and interconnections a dynamic graph (dynamic consensus network). Driven to explore this by developing thermal examples, this study outlines a practical framework for dynamic consensus networks and dynamic graphs. In a manner that seamlessly extends these concepts from the static cases, we will explore the combination of dynamic degrees, adjacency, Laplacian matrices, and incident matrices. With these conceptual tools, one can quickly identify equivalent concepts of dynamic consensus networks.
Mechanical Ventilation during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition involving acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Mechanical ventilation remains the cornerstone of management for ARDS; however, potentially injurious mechanical forces introduce the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury, multiple organ failure, and death. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a salvage therapy aimed at ensuring adequate gas exchange for patients suffering from severe ARDS with profound hypoxemia where conventional mechanical ventilation has failed. ECMO allows for lower tidal volumes and airway pressures, which can reduce the risk of further lung injury, and allow the lungs to rest. However, the collateral effect of ECMO should be considered. Recent studies have reported correlations between mechanical ventilator settings during ECMO and mortality. In many cases, mechanical ventilation settings should be tailored to the individual; however, researchers have yet to establish optimal ventilator settings or determine the degree to which ventilation load can be decreased. This paper presents an overview of previous studies and clinical trials pertaining to the management of mechanical ventilation during ECMO for patients with severe ARDS, with a focus on clinical findings, suggestions, protocols, guidelines, and expert opinions. We also identified a number of issues that have yet to be adequately addressed.
Low-voltage broadband piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting enabled by a highly-coupled harvester and tunable PSSHI circuit

This paper presents a system-level design approach for widening the bandwidth and lowering the operating voltage of a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting system (PVEHS). The proposed strategy involves co-optimization of the two constituent parts: (1) a highly-coupled piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting device (PVEHD) and (2) a phase-shift tunable parallel-SSHI (PS-PSSHI) interface power-electronic circuit. First, we analyze the interaction between them to achieve an overall reduction of system voltage and to widen bandwidth. Next, a co-designed system is experimentally demonstrated to validate the analysis. The implemented PVEHS consists of (i) a customized PVEHD designed for high electromechanical coupling and well-separated short-circuit (f SC) and open-circuit (f OC) resonances, and (ii) a tunable PS-PSSHI circuit which has an active rectification with low voltage drop to increase system efficiency. The system achieves an output power of 148 µW with a bandwidth of 81 Hz, an increase of 337% compared to conventional full-bridge rectifier. In addition, the system rectification voltage is lowered by 30% which makes it viable to power low-voltage Internet-of-Things sensor nodes.
Albuminuria Pre-Emptively Identifies Cardiac Patients at Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a complication associated with the administration of contrast media (CM). The CIN diagnosis is based on creatinine, a biomarker late and insensitive. The objective proposed was to evaluate the ability of novel biomarkers to detect patients susceptible to suffering CIN before CM administration. The study was carried out with patients undergoing cardiac catheterization involving CM. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) CIN, patients who developed this pathology; (2) control, patients who did not suffer CIN. Prior to the administration of CM, urine samples were collected to measure proteinuria, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1, albumin, transferrin, t-gelsolin and GM2 ganglioside activator protein (GM2AP). The risk factors advanced age, low body mass index and low estimated glomerular filtration rate; and the urinary biomarkers albumin, transferrin and GM2AP showed significant predictive capacity. Of all of them, albuminuria demonstrated the highest diagnostic power. When a cutoff point was established for albuminuria at values still considered subclinical (10–30 µg/mg Cru), it was found that there was a high incidence of CIN (40–75%). Therefore, albuminuria could be applied as a new diagnostic tool to prevent and predict CIN with P4 medicine criteria, independently of risk factors and comorbidities.
Zinc-Dependent Oligomerization of Thermus thermophilus Trigger Factor Chaperone

Simple Summary Metal ions often play important roles in biological processes. Thermus thermophilus trigger factor (TtTF) is a zinc-dependent molecular chaperone where Zn2+ has been shown to enhance its folding-arrest activity. However, the mechanisms of how Zn2+ binds to TtTF and how Zn2+ affects the activity of TtTF are yet to be elucidated. As a first step in understanding the mechanism, we performed in vitro biophysical experiments on TtTF to investigate the zinc-binding site on TtTF and unveil how Zn2+ alters the physical properties of TtTF, including secondary structure, thermal stability, and oligomeric state. Our results showed that TtTF binds Zn2+ in a 1:1 ratio, and all three domains of TtTF are involved in zinc-binding. We found that Zn2+ does not affect the thermal stability of TtTF, whereas it does induce partial structural change and promote the oligomerization of TtTF. Given that the folding-arrest activity of Escherichia coli TF (EcTF) is regulated by its oligomerization, our results imply that TtTF exploits Zn2+ to modulate its oligomeric state to regulate the activity. Abstract Thermus thermophilus trigger factor (TtTF) is a zinc-dependent molecular chaperone whose folding-arrest activity is regulated by Zn2+. However, little is known about the mechanism of zinc-dependent regulation of the TtTF activity. Here we exploit in vitro biophysical experiments to investigate zinc-binding, the oligomeric state, the secondary structure, and the thermal stability of TtTF in the absence and presence of Zn2+. The data show that full-length TtTF binds Zn2+, but the isolated domains and tandem domains of TtTF do not bind to Zn2+. Furthermore, circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra suggested that Zn2+-binding induces the partial structural changes of TtTF, and size exclusion chromatography-multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) showed that Zn2+ promotes TtTF oligomerization. Given the previous work showing that the activity regulation of E. coli trigger factor is accompanied by oligomerization, the data suggest that TtTF exploits zinc ions to induce the structural change coupled with the oligomerization to assemble the client-binding site, thereby effectively preventing proteins from misfolding in the thermal environment.
Self-Processing and Self-Face Reaction Time Latencies: A Review

In this article, we detail the advantages of self-face identification latencies over more traditional tests of mirror self-recognition. Using reaction time latencies (measured in milliseconds) to identify different dimensions of the self, instead of relying on a simple dichotomous pass/fail mirror mark-test outcome, enables investigators to examine individual differences in self-processing time. This is a significant methodological step forward with important implications. The point of departure for our article is to detail research we and others have conducted on latencies for self-face identification, to show how self-processing occurs in the right side of the brain, how schizophrenia is a self-processing disorder, how self-face reaction time latencies implicate the existence of an underlying multiple modal self-processing system, and to explore ideas for future research.
First-principles modeling of the infrared spectrum of Fe- and Al-bearing lizardite

Abstract. The theoretical vibrational properties of a series of Fe- and Al-bearing lizardite models have been determined at the density functional theory level. Each periodic model displays a single cationic impurity substituted at an octahedral or tetrahedral site of a supercell of lizardite (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4) containing 162 atoms. The isovalent Fe2+ for Mg2+ substitution has been considered, as well as the heterovalent substitution of Fe3+ or Al3+ for Mg2+ or Si4+. Comparison of the theoretical absorption spectra with previously reported experimental spectra of natural and laboratory-grown lizardite samples allows us to propose an interpretation for most of the observed bands. Although the identification of specific bands related to octahedral Fe2+ in FTIR spectra is challenging, broad bands at 3584 and 3566 cm−1 reflect the occurrence of octahedral Al3+ and Fe3+, respectively, in the natural samples. These broad bands likely overlap with potential contribution related to tetrahedral Al3+. It is suggested that the modification of the H-bonding pattern related to the incorporation of trivalent ions at tetrahedral sites has an overall broadening effect on the interlayer-OH stretching bands of lizardite.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Azadiracta indica and Gardenia gummifera Plant Extract

In material science, nanotechnology is considered as most common active area of research. Nanotechnology deals with the nanoparticles having a size range of 1-100nm used in medicinal chemistry, atomic physics. Nowadays, the use of metal nanoparticles in areas such molecular diagnostics and drug delivery, imaging, sensing has been of great scientific interest as a result of their peculiar optoelectronic and physicochemical properties. Thus synthesis of metal nanoparticles through effective, environmental friendly and cheaper approach is very important in nanotechnology research. In the current study Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were incorporated utilizing Azadiracta indica and Gardenia gummifera plant separate alongside their antimicrobial action. Silver had been a subject of interest from past a very long time because of its physical and chemical properties. Further depiction of mixed nanoparticles was finished by using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The combined AgNPs were found with the size scope of 60-80nm. Antimicrobial movement of AgNPs was considered in contrast to S. aureus, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus the results indicate that the AgNPs may have an application in medical science.
Notes Fields in Metadata Records Generated by the Children’s and Young Adults’ Cataloguing Program: Exploration of Support for General Specific Needs of School Library Users

Notes fields in metadata records used in school library catalogs provide important value added and facilitate resource discovery for students and teachers. Variety of notes are intended to support general user tasks, as well as specific user tasks of school library users. The study reported in this paper examined levels and patterns of application of summary notes, audience notes, grade level notes, reading interest level notes, study program information notes, table of contents notes etc. in the bibliographic records created by the United States Library of Congress Children’s and Young Adults’ Cataloguing Program for fiction books between 2014 and 2020.
Using coverage path planning methods for car park exploration

With the increasing number of vehicles on the roads, finding a free parking space has become a time-consuming problem. Traditional car parks are not equipped with occupancy sensors, so planning a systematic traversal of a car park can ease and shorten the search. Since car park exploration is similar to coverage path planning (CPP) problems, the core concepts of CPP algorithms can be used. This paper presents a method that divides maps into smaller cells using trapezoidal cell decomposition and then plans the traversal using wavefront algorithm core concepts. This method can be used for multi-storey car parks by planning the traversal of each floor separately and then the path from one floor to the next. Several alternative explorational paths can be generated by taking different personal preferences into account, such as the length of the driven route and the proximity to preferred locations. The planned traversals are compared by step number, the cell visitedness ratio, the number of visits to each cell and the cost function. The comparison of the methods is based on simulation results.
Experimental study of nonlinear characterization of hybrid SWCNTs/Ag-NPs fluids, using nonlinear diffraction technique

Based on nonlinear self- diffraction technique, the nonlinear optical properties of thin slice of matter can be obtained. Here, nonlinear characterization of nano-fluids consist of hybrid Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes and Silver Nanoparticles (SWCNTs/Ag-NPs) dispersed in acetone at volume fraction of 6x10-6, 9x10-6, 18x10-6 have been investigated experimentally. Therefore, CW DPSS laser at 473 nm focused into a quartz cuvette contains the previous nano-fluid was utilized. The number of diffraction ring patterns (N) has been counted using Charge - Coupled- Device (CCD) camera and Pc with a certain software, in order to find the maximum change of refractive index ( of fluids. Our result show that the fraction volume of 18x10-6 is more nonlinearity than others.