Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The propulsion of reconfigurable modular robots in fluidic environments

Reconfigurable modular robots promise to transform the way robotic systems are designed and operated. Fluidic or microgravity environments, which can be difficult or dangerous for humans to work in, are ideal domains for the use of modular systems. This thesis proposes that combining effective propulsion, large reconfiguration space and high scalability will increase the utility of modular robots. A novel concept for the propulsion of reconfigurable modular robots is developed. Termed Modular Fluidic Propulsion (MFP), this concept describes a system that propels by routing fluid though itself. This allows MFP robots to self-propel quickly and effectively in any configuration, while featuring a cubic lattice structure. A decentralized occlusion-based motion controller for the system is developed. The simplicity of the controller, which requires neither run-time memory nor computation via logic units, combined with the simple binary sensors and actuators of the robot, gives the system a high level of scalabilty. It is proven formally that 2-D MFP robots are able to complete a directed locomotion task under certain assumptions. Simulations in 3-D show that robots composed of 125 modules in a variety of configurations can complete the task. A hardware prototype that floats on the surface of water is developed. Experiments show that robots composed of four modules can complete the task in any configuration. This thesis also investigates the evo-bots, a self-reconfigurable modular system that floats in 2-D on an air table. The evo-bot system uses a stop-start propulsion mechanism to choose between moving randomly or not moving at all. This is demonstrated experimentally for the first time. In addition, the ability of the modules to detect, harvest and share energy, as well as self-assemble into simple structures, is demonstrated.
OPTIMIZATION OF EXTRACTION PROCESS OF PUMPKIN SEED OIL CHARACTERIZED WITH HIGH PUFA CONTENT VIA DOUBLE RESPONSE SURFACE IN COMBINATION WITH MATLAB METHODOLOGY

Box-behnken-double response surface optimization combined with Matlab analysis was used to optimize the extraction of Inner Mongolia pumpkin seed crude oil based on the relative content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (Y1) and crude oil yield (Y2). The influence of three single factors (solid-liquid ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time) of pumpkin seed was investigated. By the optimization of dual response surface analysis, the optimal extraction process parameter was as follows: solid-liquid ratio of 1:26.8 g/mL, extraction temperature of 30°C, extraction time of 2.5 h. On this condition, the relative content of PUFA was 43.54±0.14%, and the crude oil yield was 14.84±0.10 %, which showed no significant difference from theoretical value (p>0.05). In addition, by Matlab analysis, when the extraction time was taken as the lower level (C=2.5 h), Y1 was able to obtain larger theoretical values ( 45.8485%), however, when the temperature was taken as the higher level (C=3.5 h), Y2 can obtain larger theoretical values (17.0563%). When the extraction time was fixed as 2.5 h, and the solid-liquid ratio was within the range of 1:24-1:27 g/mL, extraction temperature was within the range of 30-32.5°C, Y1 and Y2 both can get the theoretical maximum value. The results of dual response surface optimization and matlab optimization are consistent. The combination on of the two methods can not only accurately obtain the best extraction scheme, but also more intuitively find out the reasonable process parameter interval of Pumpkin seed oil.
Combination of interferon-gamma and autophagy inhibitor as a therapeutic approach in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Former clinical trials and experimental research have indicated that interferon-gamma (IFNγ) therapy does not achieve an ideal effect in solid tumors. Autophagy has been associated with tumor chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of IFNγ and autophagy inhibitor in the combination treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Method: IFNγ-induced apoptosis was evaluated by the expression of relative proteins (cleaved-PARP and caspase-3) and flow cytometry. IFNγ-induced autophagy was assessed by the expression of Beclin1, LC3B, and P62. The synergistic effect of IFNγ and autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo.Findings: IFNγ induced anti-proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy in OSCC cells. Autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) was a key feature in IFNγ-induced autophagy flux. IFNγ and chloroquine had obvious synergistic effects on cellular growth inhibition and apoptosis promotion in OSCC cells and xenograft models. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that IFNγ-induced autophagy plays a cellular protective role, and blocking autophagy flux can promote IFNγ-mediated OSCC cell apoptosis. The combination of IFNγ and autophagy inhibitors represents a novel strategy for OSCC therapy.
The Limbo Atmosphere in operating room settings Caused by Disruptive Behaviors: A Qualitative Study

Background Operating room nurses are one of the groups frequently expose to Disruptive Behaviors in different situations in the operating rooms that have different impacts on them and their performance. Recognition of DBs and their effects can help to offer strategies for better management of these behaviors. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian operating room nurses regarding Disruptive Behaviors in operating room settings.Methods This is a descriptive qualitative study conducted in university hospitals in Tehran. The data were collected by deep semi-structured interviews with a total number of 17 operating room nurses selected purposefully. Finally, the data were analyzed with the conventional content analysis approach.Results Five categories were extracted from the study, including "activity in a poisonous atmosphere", "role subtraction", "escape to a safe margin", "adaptation to stay calm", and "Indirect confrontation". Finally, a theme was "struggle in a limbo Atmosphere caused by Disruptive Behaviors". Conclusion Under great pressure of surgeon’s Disruptive Behaviors, operating room nurses were struggling to maintain their balance and performance at possible. Considering the effect of Disruptive Behavior, it seems necessary to take training measures for improving team-working in operation room settings. Besides, monitoring and follow-up such behaviors according to negative effects is necessary.
Effects Of Acute Metformin Intake On Physiological Parameters And Performance Before, During And After High-intensity Interval Training Of Swimmers

BACKGROUND: Metformin has shown potential to improve metabolic efficiency in short-intense efforts, prolonged-continuous efforts and recovery after supramaximal effort (i.e., phosphocreatine resynthesis). Metformin administration may be beneficial for high-intensity interval training session. The aim of the present study was to investigate the acute metformin administration effects on performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate, blood glucose and neuromuscular parameters related to a swimming series of high-intensity.METHODS: A double-blind, cross-over, randomized and placebo-controlled study was carried out. Seven healthy swimmers ingested MET (500mg) or placebo capsule on different days and performed a typical glycolytic session of high-intensity (i.e., lactate production objective). Bout time, RPE, neuromuscular parameters, blood lactate and glucose were analyzed. Cohen’s d analysis with inference based on magnitude was adopted (confidence interval set at 90%). RESULTS: There was an improvement in the performance of the second effort (72/28/0). Blood glucose during the series presented possible effects for decrease (96/3/1, 78/21/0, 93/6/1 after the 4th, 6th and 8th effort respectively) followed by a possible increase effect at the end of the series (1/6/93). Blood lactate showed a similar behavior of a possible decrease during the series (94/5/1, 60/40/0, 90/9/1 after the 4th, 6th and 8th effort respectively), followed by a possible increase effect at the end of the series (1/5/94). It was evidenced a possible increase effect on voluntary activation for lower limbs (91/8/1) without characterization of central and peripheral fatigue.CONCLUSION: Metformin alters physiological parameters during and after maximal intermittent efforts in swimming without enhancement on performance.
Prevalence of home delivery and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGlobally, maternal morbidity and mortality remained a major public health challenge. Delivering at home is associated with a higher risk of maternal deaths. Findings on the prevalence and associated factors of home delivery are highly variable and inconsistent across Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of home delivery and its associated factors in Ethiopia.MethodPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed. The databases used were; PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, Ethiopian's university research repository online library, and manual searching. The search was further limited to studies conducted in Ethiopia and reported in English. Two authors independently extracted all necessary data using a standardized data extraction format. STATA 11 software was used to analyze the data. The Cochrane Q and I2 test were used to assess the heterogeneity of studies. The pooled estimate prevalence and the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed by a random effect model.ResultA total of 13 studies were included in this meta-analysis with a sample size of 13,535. The national pooled prevalence of home delivery was 48.53 % (95% CI:35, 62). The pooled adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of home delivery for Place of rural residence was 4.3(AOR = 4.3; 95% CI 2.7, 6.8), husband preference was 5(AOR=5.1 95%CI:1.1, 22), not having ANC follows up was 3.3(AOR= 3.3,95%CI:2,6), Women who cannot read & write was 4(AOR=4.36,95% CI:3.1, 6.12), Primary level was 4(AOR=4.21, 95%CI:1.5, 11.6) ,and secondary & above was 1.9(AOR=1.9,95%CI:1.1, 3.45), distance from the health facility was 7(AOR= 7.33, 95%CI:5.75, 9.35), age of mothers 15-24 was 4(AOR =3.7,95%CI:2, 6.6), knowledge of danger sign of pregnancy was 4(AOR=4.60 95%CI:3, 6.8), and no media access was 3.4(AOR=3.495%CI: 1.5, 7.5). ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis showed that home delivery was high in Ethiopia. Place of residence, husband preference, no having ANC follows up, educational status of mothers, distance from health facility, age of mothers, knowledge of danger sign of pregnancy, and no media access increased the risk of home delivery.
Multicolour STED nanoscopy with hyperspectral detection

Within the scope of this thesis, a new multicolour STED microscope with a hyperspectral detection was designed and built. The challenges regarding the limitation of usable fluorophores as well as the stability of the optical set-up were overcome. Different existing spectral unmixing methods were compared to a self-implemented algorithm, both in simulations and using experimental data. A detailed study of the best separation conditions for several dye combinations was carried out for each of the methods. During the experiments, a spectral blue shift of several dyes was observed and its mechanisms were investigated. The optical resolution of the set-up was dye dependent and better than 80nm for all dyes. Moreover, an excellent separation for three fluorescent bead species and good a separation for a four-colour fixed-cell sample was achieved. This was done for the first time by purely distinguishing the different emission spectra using only one wavelength for excitation and a single STED beam for depletion.
Why do we die? Uncovering the genetic connections causing COVID-19 disease severity 

SARS-CoV-2 attacks randomly causing deaths among certain populations. Additionally, this disease seems to kill males preferentially. This study investigates why by examining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) correlated with increased protein expression associated with viral infection of cells leading to disease proliferation. ACE2, the assumed host cell receptor for the virus is believed to be assisted by co-receptors ENPEP and ANPEP. TMPRSS2 cleaves the S viral protein into two sub-units allowing viral binding to the ACE2 receptor. ACE2 found on the X-chromosome has SNPs increasing ACE2 expression found at frequencies greater than 50% in all male populations analyzed which could account for the increase in male deaths. Females would undergo X-inactivation for the SNPs and have protection from the increased ACE2 expression in all their cells. ACE2, ENPEP, and TMPRSS2 were also found to have population specific SNP patterns which could account for the increased prevalence of disease among certain populations.
Photodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls congeners with diethylamine using simulated sunlight

Photodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can be an important natural decomposition mechanism. As most PCB congeners do not strongly absorb wavelength above 300 nm, sensitizers are used in the transfer of light energy to the PCB molecule in order to enhance their degradation. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate-order of reaction and the photodegradation rates of PCB congeners by simulated sunlight in the presence of diethylamine which is used to absorb radiation energy and to enhance the dechlorination of PCB. Five PCB congeners (66, 101, 110, 118, and 138) with diethylamine were exposed to simulated sunlight from 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 to 24 hours. These five congeners constitute 45.45% of all the Aroclor 1254 congeners. The first order reaction rate was confirmed. The photodegradation rates of the PCB congeners varied from 1.76 to 6.42 x 10{sup 8} mole liter{sup -1} hour{sup -1}. The rates were directly proportional to the concentrations of the PCB congeners. The data also indicated that the photodegradation (of congener 101) is independent of the concentration of diethylamine.
A Comparative Analysis of Business Models to Provide Suggestions for Pre-primary Education Business in Iran

There have been many changes and developments in educational services provisions. This paper aims at investigating preschool educational ‎business models from the perspective of implementing existing models and providing suggestions for those involved in this service in Iran. This is a qualitative comparative paper using the thematic analysis approach and identifying similarities and differences. A theoretical sampling method (data saturation) was used to collect data and through the content analysis method, the main components of well-known business models were examined and analyzed. The research findings show that most business models account for the industrial and commercial components of the job and do not pay much attention to the appropriate components of educational services. The research findings also showed the similarity of the models studied in the main components of the customer, profit, cost, information resources, and proposed values. In addition, the similarity of the models in terms of their fitness with the main components in the field of preschool business indicates the superiority of the Prifti ‎et al (2017) model over other models. The main suggestion of the current paper is to prepare a model for preschool entrepreneurship appropriate for the conditions and atmosphere of Iranian entrepreneurship. It is also suggested that preschool entrepreneurial capitalists, as key actors, clearly articulate their expectations of the business process model.
The Effects of Aloe vera Gel, Sesame Oil and Camphor Oil on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Burnt Patients

Three isolates of P. aeruginosa were isolated from burnt patients. The ability of these isolates for adhesion and formation of slime layer were tested, the result showed that all isolates were able to adherence on the smooth surface. The sensitivity of P. aeruginosa isolates for antibiotics were tested , all isolates were sensitive to Gentamycin, Piperacillin and Amikacin Ciprofloxacin, and resist to Tetracyclin, Amoxicillin, Cephalexine , Ceftriaxone. Ciprofloxacin and Amikacin were found effective against P. aeruginosa isolates with MIC values of 3.8 μg/ ml for Ciprofloxacin and 0.244 μg/ ml for Amikacin The antibacterial effect of Different concentrations of Aloe vera gel, Sesame Oil and Camphor Oil against P. aeruginosa were determined, Camphor was highly effective with Concentration inhibit bacteria value of 10% followed by Sesame Oil (20%) and Aloe vera gel (>75%). The combinations of Aloe vera gel, Sesame Oil and Camphor Oil and antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin and Amikacin ) showed that the efficacy of the two antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin and Amikacin ) against P.aeroginosa isolates was improved in the presence of Aloe vera gel, Sesame Oil and Camphor Oil.
Super-water-repellent AlO coating films with high transparency

We have prepared transparent, super-water-repellent coating films of alumina on glass plates by a combination of geometric and chemical approaches. The contact angle for water in the films was 165° and the transmittance for visible light was higher than 92%. A roughness of 20 to 50 nm was obtained, which is too small to scatter visible light, while the degree of roughness was great enough to enhance the water-repellent properties together with the chemical effect of a fluorine-containing agent and gave a super-water-repellent surface. The coatings have great potential for practical applications such as eyeglasses, cover glasses for solar cells, windshields of automobiles, and so on.
Survey of 22 mineral elements in wines from trentino (Italy) using ICP-OES

The content of Ag, Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sn, Sr, V and Zn in 60 wines from Trentino was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Red wines had significantly higher levels of B, Ba, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Ni, Pb, Rb and Sr than white wines. Calcium was higher in white wines. The low amounts of Ca, Mg, Fe, Pb and Zn testify to the improvement in winery equipment in the last decades. Copper was at times in excess of technological needs, probably due to residues from spray treatments of the grapes. La teneur en Ag, Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sn, Sr, V and Zn dans 60 vins de la region de Trentine a ete mesuree par spectrometrie d'emission optique par plasma a couplage inductif. Les vins rouges ont des teneurs plus elevees en B, Ba, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Ni, Pb, Rb et Sr que les vins blancs. Le calcium est plus eleve dans les vins blancs. Les taux faibles en contaminants metalliques prouvent que des efforts ont ete faits dans les equipements de viticulture.
Student Nurses Well-being and the Impact of Mindfulness (SWIM)

Mindfulness is an emerging practice in health care [1]. Empirical evidence suggests that Mindfulness programmes and practices can positively impact on physical and psychological health and contribute to overall well-being in health settings [2]. A more recent study by King C, et al. [3], showed that mindfulness practice exercises increased staff positivity, decreases their stress, and helps maintain calmness among staff. Furthermore, systematic reviews highlight that improved sense of well-being is shown amongst healthcare providers who integrate Mindfulness Practice into their personal and professional lives [4]. It is imperative that student nurse’s develop self-care strategies and that their well-being is given a more prominent focus in nursing research and education. This qualitative descriptive study was a pilot that aimed to introduce a mindfulness practice unit into the first- and third-year undergraduate nursing programme in an Irish University. First year nursing students at the start of their programme and third year nursing students prior to the start of their internship placement were selected as these have been identified as periods of increased anxiety and change [5,6]. Findings suggest that Mindfulness can offer nursing students a practical toolkit that supports and enhances their well-being.
Positive feedback between slug and Akt promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth via CDK6 expression

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rapidly growing tumor associated with a propensity for vascular invasion and metastasis, but the mechanism of HCC growth is not fully understood. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of the transcriptional repressor slug in HCC growth and its detailed mechanism. Methods Lentivirus-mediated slug overexpression as well as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated slug knockout were conducted in hepatic or HCC cells. Then cell growth was evaluated in culture dishes as well as nude mice xenografts. Transcriptome analysis was used to explore the detailed mechanism of slug-induced HCC growth. Results Slug significantly facilitated HCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanism dissection via transcriptome analysis revealed that slug transcriptionally upregulated PIK3CD and PIK3R3 expression and then activated the Akt/CDK6 signaling pathway. Administration of either the PI3K/Akt signaling inhibitor MK2206 or the CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991 abrogated slug-induced HCC growth. In addition, administration of MK2206 also suppressed slug expression in HCC cells. Immunohistochemistry staining indicated that Akt activity and CDK6 expression were significantly associated with slug expression in human HCC tissues. Conclusions Our study determined the promoting role of slug in HCC growth and revealed that the positive feedback between slug and Akt conferred HCC growth via CDK6 expression. The CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991 might be a promising drug for slug/Akt-induced HCC growth.
DNA Compunting: A Review

DNA computing holds out the promise of important and significant connections between computers and living systems, as well as promising massively parallel computations. Before these promises are fulfilled, however, important challenges related to errors and practicality have to be addressed. On the other hand, new directions toward a synthesis of molecular evolution and DNA computing might circumvent the problems that have hindered development, so far.