Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Albumin-to-Fibrinogen Ratio for 28-Day Mortality among Patients with Sepsis from Various Infection Sites

Purpose This study investigated the prognostic value of the albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR) in patients with sepsis as a consequence of infection at various sites. Methods A total of 300 patients with sepsis caused by various infection sites, who met the diagnostic criteria for sepsis hospitalized in the intensive care unit, were enrolled in this study. The observational endpoint was 28-day mortality. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine the potential prognostic factors for 28-day mortality in these septic patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate and compare the prognostic factors for 28-day mortality. Results Of 300 participants, 147 died, corresponding to a 28-day mortality of 49% (147/300). Baseline Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score (hazard ratio (HR) 1.18 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.30); P < 0.001), baseline lactic acid level (HR 1.27 (95% CI 1.08–1.50); P = 0.005), the presence of septic shock (HR 21.44 (95% CI 2.51–182.76); P = 0.005), and baseline AFR (HR 0.70 (95% CI 0.62–0.80); P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis according to multivariate Cox analysis. Baseline AFR was an effective predictor of 28-day mortality, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.700, and a specificity and sensitivity of 90.8% and 42.1%, respectively. A low baseline AFR level was associated with increased 28-day sepsis-related mortality. The quadruple index, which included the APACHE II score, lactic acid, septic shock, and AFR, showed a more accurate predictive value for septic patients than the APACHE II score, lactic acid, septic shock, and AFR alone, with an AUC of 0.922, and specificity and sensitivity of 86.9% and 83.6%, respectively. Moreover, the triple index, which included the APACHE II score, lactic acid, and septic shock, showed a significantly lower prognostic value for 28-day mortality compared with the ROC curve of the quadruple index and triple index, with an AUC of 0.877 and specificity and sensitivity of 77.8% and 82.3%, respectively. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that AFR is an independent protective factor for predicting 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis due to various infection sites. AFR combined with the APACHE II score, lactic acid, and septic shock showed a higher prognostic value for sepsis prognosis.
Indoor Positioning System with UWB Based on a Digital Twin

Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is used for indoor positioning, but its positioning accuracy is usually degenerated by various obstacles in the indoor environment because of non-line-of-sight (NLOS). Facing the complex and changeable indoor environment, an indoor positioning system with UWB based on a digital twin is presented in this paper. The indoor positioning accuracy is improved with a perception–prediction feedback of cyber-physics space in this indoor positioning system. In addition, an anchor layout method with virtuality–reality interaction and an error mitigation method based on neural networks is put forward in this system. Finally, a case study is presented to validate this indoor positioning system with a significant improvement in positioning accuracy.
Comparative Assessment of Various Concentration and Exposure Time of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate as Decellularization Agents for Small-Vessels Vascular Tissue Engineering

BACKGROUND: Finding the optimum vascular grafts (VG) to replace damaged blood arteries in cardiac surgery is still a work in progress. To be employed, a tissue-engineered VG (TEVG) must have the appropriate biological and mechanical qualities. Decellularized arteries may be a better TEVG than synthetic grafts because of their natural three-dimensional architecture. AIM: The goal of this study was to compare different concentrations and times of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to decellularize tissue to find the best decellularized VG. METHODS: In all decellularized scaffolds, which are 1% SDS-2 weeks group, hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining exhibited looser collagen networks and fewer nuclei. RESULTS: The orientation of collagen fibers was identical to native vascular scaffolds. Collagen I deposition was seen in the immunohistochemistry assay. A tensile strength test revealed that the decellularized scaffold (0.5% SDS for 4 weeks and 0.5% SDS for 2 weeks) had exceeded the native arteries’ maximal strength. In comparison to 1% SDS in 4 weeks treated groups, scanning electron microscopy following decellularization revealed no endothelial cells on the inner side of 1% SDS in 2 weeks group with minimum extracellular matrix damage. The endothelial cells remained marginally visible on the inner side of all 0.5% SDS treated groups. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test was used to determine the cytotoxicity of the decellularized scaffolds. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that exposing a bovine mesenteric artery to 1% SDS for 2 weeks is an excellent procedure for extracting the most acellular VG, potentially serving as a biological scaffold for TEVGs.
Soil Physicochemical Properties and Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) Growth in Response to Various Mulches

ABSTRACT One of the sustainable and the most effective methods for controlling wind erosion is protecting the ground surface by mulching and vegetation cover. This study was done to assess the effect of organic and inorganic mulches and also compaction levels on soil properties and growth characteristics of caper plants, as one of the important shrubs to combat desertification in hot-humid areas. Results suggested that sugarcane bagasse and palm waste compost mulches significantly increased soil organic carbon (OC), nutrients (available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and moisture, and decreased soil electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and temperature. Petroleum mulch increased soil penetration resistance (69.50 kPa) and temperature (25.50). Petroleum and cement-slag mulch, and also their combination (petroleum-cement mulch) decreased soil moisture to the minimum extent. For either compaction level, using petroleum mulch increases penetration resistance. Compaction decreased soil moisture by 0.96% and increased total neutralizing value (TNV) and bulk density (BD) by 1.52% and 0.31 g cm−3, respectively. For either compaction level, soil porosity increased with the application of sugarcane bagasse mulch and palm waste compost. Using sugarcane bagasse mulch and palm waste compost increased stem length, leaf number, above ground and root weight, and shoot to root ratio of caper plant. Soil temperature (a = −0.70, R2 = 55.70%, P ≤ 0.001), EC (a = −0.87, R2 = 42.49%, P ≤ 0.001) and penetration resistance (a = −1.32, R2 = 17.03%, P ≤ 0.01) decreased with increasing soil moisture. BD (a = −1.20, R2 = 37.08%, P ≤ 0.001) decreased with increasing soil OC. Findings suggested the significant effect of organic mulches on improving some soil properties and growth characteristics of caper plants.
High Precision Classification of Resting and Eating Behaviors of Cattle by Using a Collar-Fitted Triaxial Accelerometer Sensor

Cattle are less active than humans. Hence, it was hypothesized in this study that transmitting acceleration signals at a 1 min sampling interval to reduce storage load has the potential to improve the performance of motion sensors without affecting the precision of behavior classification. The behavior classification performance in terms of precision, sensitivity, and the F1-score of the 1 min serial datasets segmented in 3, 4, and 5 min window sizes based on nine algorithms were determined. The collar-fitted triaxial accelerometer sensor was attached on the right side of the neck of the two fattening Korean steers (age: 20 months) and the steers were observed for 6 h on day one, 10 h on day two, and 7 h on day three. The acceleration signals and visual observations were time synchronized and analyzed based on the objectives. The resting behavior was most correctly classified using the combination of a 4 min window size and the long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm which resulted in 89% high precision, 81% high sensitivity, and 85% high F1-score. High classification performance (79% precision, 88% sensitivity, and 83% F1-score) was also obtained in classifying the eating behavior using the same classification method (4 min window size and an LSTM algorithm). The most poorly classified behavior was the active behavior. This study showed that the collar-fitted triaxial sensor measuring 1 min serial signals could be used as a tool for detecting the resting and eating behaviors of cattle in high precision by segmenting the acceleration signals in a 4 min window size and by using the LSTM classification algorithm.
Performance Assessment of Reinforcement Learning Policies for Battery Lifetime Extension in Mobile Multi-RAT LPWAN Scenarios

Considering the dynamically changing nature of the radio propagation environment, the envisioned battery lifetime of the end device (ED) for massive machine-type communication (mMTC) stands for a critical challenge. As the selected radio technology bounds the battery lifetime, the possibility of choosing among several low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies integrated at a single ED may dramatically improve its lifetime. In this article, we propose a novel approach of battery lifetime extension utilizing reinforcement learning (RL) policies. Notably, the system assesses the radio environment conditions and assigns the appropriate rewards to minimize the overall power consumption and increase reliability. To this aim, we carry out extensive propagation and power measurements campaigns at the city-scale level and then utilize these results for composing real-life use cases for static and mobile deployments. Our numerical results show that RL-based techniques allow for a noticeable increase in EDs’ battery lifetime when operating in the multi-RAT mode. Furthermore, out of all considered schemes, the performance of the weighted average policy shows the most consistent results for both considered deployments. Specifically, all RL policies can achieve 90% of their maximum gain during the initialization phase for the stationary EDs while utilizing less than 50 messages. Considering the mobile deployment, the improvements in battery lifetime could reach 200%.
A Butler Matrix-Based Antenna Array With Improved Gain Flatness and Sidelobe Levels by Using Pattern-Reconfigurable Subarrays

A pattern-reconfigurable subarray is proposed in this letter for the performance enhancement of Butler matrix (BM)-based antenna arrays. The reconfiguration is conducted at subarray-levels and therefore, requires much fewer lumped components than conventional methods. In the proposed design, the pattern of the subarray is switched to different modes for different scanning regions of the overall array, leading to an improvement of gain flatness and sidelobe levels. The reconfiguration is achieved by a novel reconfigurable coupler. By electronically controlling vias connected to a ground plane which severs as binary switches through PIN diodes, the proposed coupler is characterized by extremely low loss even with the capability of reconfiguration. For validation, a Ku-band prototype consisting of a 4 × 4 BM and four reconfigurable subarrays is designed, fabricated and measured. Measured results indicate that, the achieved gain fluctuation is only about 0.2 dB between the four scanning beams. The SLL is smaller than −12.1 dB while the gain is larger than 13.8 dB in the scanning plane, which are improved by 5.8 and 1.9 dB than its conventional counterparts, respectively.
van der Waals interactions in density functional theory using Wannier functions: Improved C 6 and C 3 coefficients by a different approach

A new implementation is proposed for including van der Waals interactions in Density Functional Theory using the Maximally-Localized Wannier functions. With respect to the previous DFT/vdW-WF method, the present DFT/vdW-WF2 approach, which is based on the simpler London expression and takes into account the intrafragment overlap of the localized Wannier functions, leads to a considerable improvement in the evaluation of the $C_6$ van der Waals coefficients, as shown by the application to a set of selected dimers. Preliminary results on Ar on graphite and Ne on the Cu(111) metal surface suggest that also the $C_3$ coefficients, characterizing molecule-surfaces van der Waals interactions are better estimated with the new scheme.
Imaging a Decratonized Lithosphere: A Case of the Eastern North China Craton

During decratonization, the cratonic lithosphere mantle experienced composition transformation and thinning, which have been extensively studied in the North China Craton. Yet, modification from refractory lithospheric mantle to fertile one remains enigmatic due to a shortage of seismically resolvable data on the lithospheric internal structures. New high‐resolution normal incidence seismic reflection transect documents: coexistence of two lithospheric mantles with different reflection characteristics, lithosphere‐scale domes, boudinage upper‐crust, and Cenozoic faulted basins. Reflective and transparent mantles are interpreted to represent the cratonic and the newly formed lithospheric mantles, respectively. The irregular contact boundaries between the ancient and newly formed lithospheric mantles are revealed as channel‐like structures within the mantle, which possibly provide pathways for the rise of melts and/or fluids from the deep mantle. The deep melts/fluids rising through the channel‐like structures are key elements that enable generation of the newly formed lithospheric mantle, and provide means for the modification of cratonic lithospheric mantle.
Heterobimetallic Ru(II)/M (M = Ag+, Cu2+, Pb2+) Complexes as Photosensitizers for Room-Temperature Gas Sensing

This work is devoted to the investigation of heterobimetallic Ru(II) complexes as photosensitizers for room-temperature photoactivated In2O3-based gas sensors. Nanocrystalline In2O3 was synthesized by the chemical precipitation method. The obtained In2O3 matrix has a single-phase bixbyite structure with an average grain size of 13–14 nm and a specific surface area of 72 ± 3 m2/g. The synthesis of new ditope ligands with different coordination centers, their ruthenium complexes, and the preparation of heterobimetallic complexes with various cations of heavy and transition metals (Ag+, Pb2+, or Cu2+) is reported. The heterobimetallic Ru(II) complexes were deposited onto the surface of the In2O3 matrix by impregnation. The obtained hybrid materials were characterized by X-ray fluorescent analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and optical absorption spectroscopy. The elemental distribution on the hybrids was characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. The gas sensor properties were investigated toward NO2, NO, and NH3 at room temperature under periodic blue LED irradiation. It was identified that the nature of the second binding cation in Ru(II) heterobimetallic complexes can influence the selectivity toward different gases. Thus, the maximum sensor signal for oxidizing gases (NO2, NO) was obtained for hybrids containing Ag+ or Pb2+ cations while the presence of Cu2+ cation results in the highest and reversible sensor response toward ammonia. This may be due to the specific adsorption of NH3 molecules on Cu2+ cations. On the other hand, Cu2+ ions are proposed to be active sites for the reduction of nitrogen oxides to N2. This fact leads to a significant decrease in the sensor response toward NO2 and NO gases.
New Insight into the Genome-Wide Diversity and Admixture of Six Colombian Sheep Populations

Creole sheep represent a strategic genetic resource for populations living in marginal areas under financial restrictions on the American continent. Six Colombian sheep breeds (two wool (BCL-Boyacá and NCL-Nariño, 12 and 14 samples) and four hair (OPCE-Ethiopian, 54 samples; OPCS-Sudan, 74 samples; OPCP-Pelibeuy, 59 samples; OPCW-Wayúu, 24 samples) were genotyped using the Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip. Data was also included from international 44 breeds from International Sheep Genomics Consortium (ISGC) and from data published in previous a previous work on the Caribbean and African breeds. Although geographically separated, wool (NCL, BCL) and hair types (OPCE, OPCS, OPCW) presented little genetic differentiation (FST 0.05) at a global level but several groups of animals separated suggesting local clustering due to geographical isolation. The OPCP underwent a recent crossing with Mexican Pelibuey, explaining its differentiation. Findings in this work such as the proximity to West African Djallonké (WAD) and Barbados Black Belly (BBB), suggest different introductions of African type animals from the Caribbean region on a pre-existing genetic basis formed by animals deriving from the first importations coming from Europe in colonial times. As expected, Colombian wool breeds showed, in particular in Admixture software results, a greater genomic component in common with European breeds and in particular with Iberian ones (Churra). This study provides a basis for future research into the genetic diversity within and between the Colombian sheep breeds analysed, and scientific data for policy decisions on Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR).
Personalized Recommendation Algorithm for Movie Data Combining Rating Matrix and User Subjective Preference

The film industry has also caught the fast train of Internet development. Various movie resources have come into view. Users need to spend a lot of time searching for movies they are interested in. This method wastes time and is very bad. The article proposes an NMF personalized movie recommendation algorithm, which can recommend movies to users based on their historical behavior and preference. The research results of the article show the following: (1) the experiment counts movie reviews of different users in the same time span. The results show that 48.42% of users have only commented on a movie once, 79.76% of users have posted less than or equal to 5 comments, and 89.92% of user reviews have posted less than or equal to 10 times. (2) In the comparative experiments of the NMF algorithm in different dimensions, the effect of the NMF-E algorithm is much better than that of the NMF-A algorithm. The accuracy, recall, and F1 value of the NME-E algorithm are all 3 types. The experimental results show that the NME-E algorithm is the best among all algorithms. (3) In the experiment to test the effectiveness of the NMF personalized recommendation algorithm, comparing the experimental results, the MAE value of the improved NMF personalized recommendation algorithm is lower than that of the unimproved algorithm. When the number of neighbors is 10, the highest value of the improved MAE of the previous algorithm is 0.837. After the improved algorithm, the MAE value is the highest (0.83), and the MAE value has dropped by 0.007, indicating that the error is smaller after the improved algorithm, and the result of recommending movies is more accurate. The recall value of the four algorithms will increase as the number of neighbors increases. Among them, the recall value of the NMF algorithm proposed in the article is the highest among several algorithms. The highest value can reach 0.200, which is higher than the highest value of other algorithms. It shows that the recommendation effect of NMF algorithm is the best. (4) According to the results of the questionnaire, after using the NMF personalized recommendation algorithm, users' satisfaction increased from 20% to 50%, an increase of 30%, and their dissatisfaction decreased from 15% to 8%, a decrease of 7%. Relative satisfaction increased from 52% to 55%, an increase of 3%, satisfaction increased from 35% to 60%, an increase of 25%, and dissatisfaction decreased from 40% to 20%, a decrease of 20%, indicating that the algorithm can meet the requirements of most people.
Nuclear structure and Gamow-Teller B(GT) Transition Strengths for some Selected fp-shell Nuclei

In the present study, the calculations of the shell model based on large-scale unrestricted fp-model space have been conducted to study the low-lying energy levels and Gamow-Teller B(GT) transition strengths for the transitions (42Ca→42Sc, 42Sc→42Ti, 45Sc→45Ca, 45Ti→45Sc,45V→45Ti) lying in the fp-shell region. The calculations of the yrast levels and Gamow-Teller B(GT) transition strengths were compared with the related measured data. The low-lying energy levels were reasonably reproduced for the studied nuclei. The spin and parity of the unconfirmed energy levels for some studied nuclei have been confirmed. The calculated B(GT) transition strengths of Gamow-Teller (GT) for the selected isotopes lie in the fp-shell region agree very well with the measured data extracted from (3He, t), (3He, t)∗, (t,3He), (t, 3He+γ), and (p, n) reactions.
Assessing the NLRP3 Inflammasome Activating Potential of a Large Panel of Micro- and Nanoplastics in THP-1 Cells

Due to the ubiquity of environmental micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), inhalation and ingestion by humans is very likely, but human health effects remain largely unknown. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a key player of the innate immune system and is involved in responses towards foreign particulate matter and the development of chronic intestinal and respiratory inflammatory diseases. We established NLRP3-proficient and -deficient THP-1 cells as an alternative in vitro screening tool to assess the potential of MNPs to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. By investigating cytokine release (IL-1β and IL-8) and cytotoxicity after treatment with engineered nanomaterials, this in vitro approach was compared to earlier published ex vivo murine bone marrow-derived macrophages and in vivo data. This approach showed a strong correlation with previously published data, verifying that THP-1 cells are a suitable model to investigate NLRP3 inflammasome activation. We then investigated the proinflammatory potential of eight MNPs of different size, shape, and chemical composition. Only amine-modified polystyrene (PS-NH2) acted as a direct NLRP3 activator. However, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and nylon (PA6) induced a significant increase in IL-8 release in NLRP3−/− cells. Our results suggest that most MNPs are not direct activators of the NLRP3 inflammasome, but specific MNP types might still possess pro-inflammatory potential via other pathways.