Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Levels and socioeconomic correlates of nonmarital fertility in Ghana

Childbirth outside marriage has several negative implications for the well-being of children, women, and families globally. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, the phenomenon appears to be under-studied. In this study, we examine the levels and socioeconomic correlates of nonmarital fertility in Ghana. Using pooled data from the 2003, 2008, and the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys, logistic regression models were used in determining significantly predictive factors of nonmarital fertility. The results show that nonmarital fertility levels have been on the rise over time without any sign of reduction (24.0%, 33.0%, and 40.0% for 2003, 2008, and 2014, respectively). Some socioeconomic characteristics are linked to nonmarital fertility levels with women without formal education, women from poor households, and self-employed women having significantly higher nonmarital fertility risks. Also, older unmarried women, women who have an early sexual debut, cohabiters, women with unmet need for family planning are all associated with considerably higher risks of nonmarital childbearing. A few significant regional disparities also exist, with the Central Region having higher whereas the Upper West Region has lower risks of nonmarital fertility compared to the Greater Accra Region. Childbirth outside marriage is a social concern among women in Ghana. The findings have possible implications for bridging socioeconomic disparities among unmarried women.
Prevalence of recessive infection of pathogens of hand, foot, and mouth disease in healthy people in China

Abstract Background: To analyze the prevalence of latent infection of pathogens of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Chinese healthy population and its influencing factors, so as to provide reference for the prevention and control of HFMD. Methods: A systematic literature searching about the incidence of latent infection of HFMD was conducted in Chinese and English databases. The inclusion and exclusion criteria of the retrieved literature were established. The qualified literatures were screened and the data were extracted. The pooled rate and its 95% confidence interval was used to assess the latent infection rate of HFMD pathogens in healthy Chinese population, and subgroup analysis was conducted based on gender and age. All statistical analyses were performed using the STATA version 12.0 software. Results: A total of 31 literatures were included in this meta-analysis. The recessive infection rate of HFMD pathogens reported in the literature of Chinese healthy people ranged from 4.59% to 44.12%. The results of meta-analysis showed that the latent infection rate of human enteroviruses (HEVs) in healthy Chinese population was 17.5% (14.9–20.1%), among which, the latent infection rates of EV-A71, CV-A16, and other HEVs were 3.3% (2.2–4.4%), 1.7% (1.0–2.5%), and 15.1% (11.1–17.1%), respectively. The latent infection rates of HEVs in healthy men and women in China were 16.7% (12.9–20.4%) and 14.4% (10.8–18.0%), respectively. The latent infection rates of HEVs in the healthy population aged 0 to 5 years and over 5 years were 24.4% (20.4–28.5%) and 9.4% (6.5–12.2%), respectively. Meta regression showed that the factors affecting the latent infection rate of HEVs in Chinese healthy population included sampling period, sampling area, and study population. Conclusion: The latent infection rate of HEVs is high in healthy people in China, but it is mainly caused by other enteroviruses. The latent infection rate of HEVs in male was higher than that of female and was greater in people aged 0 to 5 than that of aged over 5 years. Limited by the quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed for further verification in the future.
Effects of drying methods and maltodextrin on vitamin C and quality of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit powder, an emerging Australian functional food ingredient.

BACKGROUND Terminalia ferdinandiana [common name: Kakadu plum (KP)] fruit is a valuable source of vitamin C and its concentration can be used as a quality index of KP products such as dried fruit powder. The present study investigated the effects of two drying methods (freeze-drying and oven drying) and the addition of maltodextrin (0 to 25%) on vitamin C, Maillard products and overall quality of Kakadu plum (KP) fruit powder. RESULTS Freeze-drying was a better dehydration technique in retaining vitamin C, reducing the formation of non-enzymatic browning and oxidation products as well as improving powder colour compared to the oven drying (P < 0.05). Non-enzymatic browning products (furfural and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural) were generated in the oven-dried samples as a function of heating and high water activity. Maltodextrin acted as a vitamin C stabilizer in protecting vitamin C from oxidation, and significantly improved the colour attributes of the final dry products. Incorporation of 10-15% maltodextrin could reduce the percentage loss of vitamin C from 8.1 to 3.4% and 18.9 to 11.4% (compared to the control) during freeze-drying and oven drying, respectively. SEM micrographs revealed differences in the microstructures of the KP powder processed by the two drying methods with different levels of maltodextrin. Multivariate data analysis (PCA) showed separation between the oven-dried and freeze-dried samples, and also suggested that addition of maltodextrin between 7.5-10% and 10-15% are effective for preserving vitamin C and other quality properties of the freeze- and oven-dried KP powder samples, respectively. CONCLUSION The obtained results are important for the KP Industry, including Indigenous Enterprises, in selecting the most appropriate drying method for KP fruit in terms of quality and sustainability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Silicon nanowire lithium-ion battery anodes with ALD deposited TiN coatings demonstrate a major improvement in cycling performance

We demonstrate that nanometer-scale TiN coatings deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD), and to a lesser extent by magnetron sputtering, will significantly improve the electrochemical cycling performance of silicon nanowire lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes. A 5 nm thick ALD coating resulted in optimum cycling capacity retention (55% vs. 30% for the bare nanowire baseline, after 100 cycles) and coulombic efficiency (98% vs. 95%, at 50 cycles), also more than doubling the high rate capacity retention (e.g. 740 mA h g−1vs. 330 mA h g−1, at 5 C). We employed a variety of advanced analytical techniques such as electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), focused ion beam analysis (FIB) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to elucidate the origin of these effects. The conformal 5 nm TiN remains sufficiently intact to limit the growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which in turn both improves the overall coulombic efficiency and reduces the life-ending delamination of the nanowire assemblies from the underlying current collector. Our findings should provide a broadly applicable coating design methodology that will improve the performance of any nanostructured LIB anodes where SEI growth is detrimental.
Novel signaling pathways regulate SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infectious disease

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 induces severe infection, and it is responsible for a worldwide disease outbreak starting in late 2019. Currently, there are no effective medications against coronavirus. In the present study, we utilized a holistic bioinformatics approach to study gene signatures of SARS-CoV- and SARS-CoV-2-infected Calu-3 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Through the Gene Ontology platform, we determined that several cytokine genes were up-regulated after SARS-CoV-2 infection, including TNF, IL6, CSF2, IFNL1, IL-17C, CXCL10, and CXCL11. Differentially regulated pathways were detected by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, gene ontology, and Hallmark platform, including chemokines, cytokines, cytokine receptors, cytokine metabolism, inflammation, immune responses, and cellular responses to the virus. A Venn diagram was utilized to illustrate common overlapping genes from SARS-CoV- and SARS-CoV-2-infected datasets. An Ingenuity pathway analysis discovered an enrichment of tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) and interleukin (IL)-17-related signaling in a gene set enrichment analysis. Downstream networks were predicted by the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery platform also revealed that TNF and TNF receptor 2 signaling elicited leukocyte recruitment, activation, and survival of host cells after coronavirus infection. Our discovery provides essential evidence for transcript regulation and downstream signaling of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Understanding Variation in Longitudinal Data Using Latent Growth Mixture Modeling.

OBJECTIVE This article guides researchers through the process of specifying, troubleshooting, evaluating, and interpreting latent growth mixture models. METHODS Latent growth mixture models are conducted with small example dataset of N = 117 pediatric patients using Mplus software. RESULTS The example and data show how to select a solution, here a 3-class solution. We also present information on two methods for incorporating covariates into these models. CONCLUSIONS Many studies in pediatric psychology seek to understand how an outcome changes over time. Mixed models or latent growth models estimate a single average trajectory estimate and an overall estimate of the individual variability, but this may mask other patterns of change shared by some participants. Unexplored variation in longitudinal data means that researchers can miss critical information about the trajectories of subgroups of individuals that could have important clinical implications about how one assess, treats, and manages subsets of individuals. Latent growth mixture modeling is a method for uncovering subgroups (or "classes") of individuals with shared trajectories that differ from the average trajectory.
Colony-stimulating factor 3 signaling in colon and rectal cancers: Immune response and CMS classification in TCGA data

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. The mechanisms underlying CRC development, progression, and resistance to treatment are complex and not fully understood. The immune response in the tumor microenvironment has been shown to play a significant role in many cancers, including colorectal cancer. Colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3) has been associated with changes to the immune environment in colorectal cancer animal models. We hypothesized that CSF3 signaling would correlate with pro-tumor tumor microenvironment changes associated with immune infiltrate and response. We utilized publicly available datasets to guide future mechanistic studies of the role CSF3 and its receptor (CSF3R) play in colorectal cancer development and progression. Here, we use bioinformatics data and mRNA from patients with colon (n = 242) or rectal (n = 92) cancers, obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Firehose Legacy dataset. We examined correlations of CSF3 and CSF3R expression with patient demographics, tumor stage and consensus molecular subtype classification. Gene expression correlations, cell type enrichment, Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data scores and Gene Ontology were used to analyze expression of receptor and ligand, tumor microenvironment infiltration of immune cells, and alterations in biological pathways. We found that CSF3 and CSF3R expression is highest in consensus molecular subtype 1 and consensus molecular subtype 4. Ligand and receptor expression are also correlated with changes in T cell and macrophage signatures. CSF3R significantly correlates with a large number of genes that are associated with poor colorectal cancer prognosis.
Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing of carbon fiber-graphene oxide (CF-GO) reinforced polymer lattices

Insufficient mechanical properties of stereolithography (SLA)-printed architected polymer metamaterial limits its wide applications such as in the areas of biomedicine and aerospace. One effective solution is to reinforce the structures with micro- or nano- fibers/particles, but their interfaces are critical for the reinforcement. In this work, a carbon fiber-graphene oxide (CF-GO) polymer composite resin and a mild annealing postprocess have been rationally designed and applied into the manufacturing of oct-truss (OCT) lattices. In situ carbon fiber pulling-out experiment was conducted to exhibit the improve effect of GO on the crosslink of the CF and the polymer matrix interface. We found that the maximum reinforcement was realized when the CF-GO (CF: GO is about 3: 1) content is about 0.8 wt%, followed with annealing. Compared with pure polymer lattices, the compression strength of the CF-GO polymer OCT lattices has been significantly increased from ∼0.22 to ∼2.4 MPa, almost 10 times enhancement. Importantly, the compression strength of the CF-GO polymer OCT lattice (3.08 MPa) further increased by ∼30% after optimized annealing. This work suggests an efficient reinforce strategy for SLA-printed metamaterials, and thus can be valuable for advancing various practical applications of mechanical metamaterials.
Perceived discrimination and contextual problems among children and adolescents in northern Chile

Discriminatory behaviors among inter-ethnic relations in schools have long been noted and studied, but there are several correlations between discriminatory behaviors and other constructs that need further investigation. As an example, the relation between perceived discrimination and contextual problems—which include family, school and peer problems—among children and adolescents in Latin America has received little attention from previous studies. Further, the mediating role of ethnic identification and collective self-esteem in this relation also needs to be considered as they could be proven as protective factors for discriminatory behavior and its outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to, first, establish the relationship between perceived discrimination and contextual problems in inter-ethnic students aged 8–19 years living in Arica, Chile; and second, to identify the role that ethnic identification and collective self-esteem play within this relation. In order to investigate this matter, a cross-sectional study was carried out with 3700 students in 29 schools between the fourth year of primary education and the last year of secondary education, aged between 9–18 years, with 48.4% men and 51.6% women. The sample was divided into primary and secondary school groups. The scales utilized were the Everyday Discrimination Scale, Multi-Group Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised Scale, Collective Self-Esteem Scale and the dimensions of contextual family, school and peer problems, as well as the general index of contextual problems of the Child and Adolescent Assessment System. For data analysis, we tested a path analytic model at both the within and between levels to account for the relations between variables. In each group the models obtained an optimal fit. We found that perceived discrimination and ethnic identification were directly related to contextual problems (.23-.39), and collective self-esteem had only a mediating role. This study showed that strategized interventions focusing on ethnic identification and perceived discrimination should be utilized by schools to create a better developing environment.
Epitaxial Crystallization and AFM Investigation of a Frustrated Polymer Structure: Isotactic Poly(propylene), β Phase

The metastable phase of isotactic polypropylene (βiPP) is crystallized epitaxially on two specific nucleating agents: γ-quinacridone and dicyclohexylterephthalamide (DCHT). The resulting thin films are investigated by electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Epitaxial crystallization yields a biaxially oriented sample of βiPP, an orientation which cannot be achieved by mechanical means due to the β → α phase transformation on stretching. Electron diffraction indicates that the βiPP (110) plane is the contact face involved in both epitaxies. AFM investigation with methyl group resolution reveals a lateral periodicity of 19 A in that (110) contact face, which corresponds to the distance between three chains and is a trademark indicator of the frustrated packing of βiPP. AFM further indicates some variability of the surface pattern, suggesting that two different frustrated structures may coexist in the surface layer; this, in turn, suggests some type of surface reconstruction. Structural requirement.
Microstructural and fractographic analysis of A359/Si3N4 surface composite produced by friction stir processing

Abstract High strength and lightweight materials are currently used in the automobile and defence sectors. In this framework, aluminium-based composites are a suitable choice due to their improved properties. The present study deals with the development of surface composites of A359/Si3N4 via friction stir processing. The varying percentage of reinforcement (2% to 6%) is the main criterion behind the study to observe its influence on mechanical, wear, thermal and corrosion properties. Investigations of microstructure and morphological characterization of the developed samples were conducted by optical light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Identification of the alloying elements, reinforcement materials and phase distribution is observed by EDS mapping. In addition, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were also conducted to validate the structural composition. As a research outcome, the effect of varying reinforcement percentage was examined on the tensile strength supported by fractographic analysis and hardness values. Apart from this, wear, thermal expansion and corrosion tests were conducted to assess the behavior of samples in different operation conditions. The results reveal the maximum tensile strength (478 MPa) and maximum hardness (119 HRB) with minimum wear loss (3.3 mg m–1), maximum thermal expansion (8.2 mm3) and maximum weight loss due to corrosion (0.0058 g) for A359/6%Si3N4 composite.
Simulation study of methanol and ethanol adsorption on graphitized carbon black

GCMC simulations are applied to the adsorption of sub-critical methanol and ethanol on graphitized carbon black at 300 K. The carbon black was modelled both with and without carbonyl functional groups. Large differences are seen between the amounts adsorbed for different carbonyl configurations at low pressure prior to monolayer coverage. Once a monolayer has been formed on the carbon black, the adsorption behaviour is similar between the model surfaces with and without functional groups. Simulation isotherms for the case of low carbonyl concentrations or no carbonyls are qualitatively similar to the few experimental isotherms available in the literature for methanol and ethanol adsorption on highly graphitized carbon black. Isosteric heats and adsorbed phase heat capacities are shown to be very sensitive to carbonyl configurations. A maximum is observed in the adsorbed phase heat capacity of the alcohols for all simulations but is unrealistically high for the case of a plain graphite surface. The addition of carbonyls to the surface greatly reduces this maximum and approaches experimental data with carbonyl concentration as low as 0.09 carbonyls/nm2.
Cationized Lignocelluloses as Scavengers for Anionic Surfactants. II. Hydrophobic Interactions

As reported in Part I of this study, anionic surfactants are rapidly adsorbed and strongly retained on cationized lignocellulosic materials as a result of ionic interactions. Consequently, the initially hydrophilic surface of the sorbent is strongly modified by the adsorbed surfactant molecules. Hydrophobic interactions with this modified surface allow a second layer of surfactant molecules to be adsorbed via their alkyl chains. Many combinations are possible with different kinds of surfactants, with the highest adsorption capacity being obtained when zwitterionic surfactants are involved in the second step.
HYPERPOLARIZING ‘α2’‐ADRENOCEPTORS IN RAT SYMPATHETIC GANGLIA

1 Receptors mediating catecholamine‐induced hyperpolarization of isolated superior cervical sympathetic ganglia of the rat have been characterized by means of an extracellular recording method. 2 (—)‐Noradrenaline (EC50, 1.7 ± 0.6 μm) produced an immediate low‐amplitude (<400 uV) hyperpolarization. The hyperpolarization was increased on removal of external Ca2+ or on reduction of external K+ from 6 to 2 mm. Hyperpolarization was unaffected by changing the temperature from 25° to 37°C. 3 Hyperpolarization was also produced by the following agonists (potencies relative to (—)‐noradrenaline): (—)‐noradrenaline 1; (±)‐isoprenaline 0.41; (—)‐phenylephrine 0.40; (+)‐noradrenaline 0.13; 2‐amino‐6,7‐dihydroxy tetrahydronaphthalene (ADTN) 0.25; dopamine 0.1; methoxamine 0.012; amidephrine 0.0015. 4 Responses were antagonized by phentolamine (1 μm) but not by (±)‐propranolol (1 μm), haloperidol (10 μm) or α‐flupenthixol (1 μm). This suggested that hyperpolarization was mediated solely throughα‐receptor stimulation not through stimulation of β‐receptors or dopamine‐receptors. 5 Dose‐ratio shifts produced by phentolamine varied with different agonists. The shift increased in inverse proportion to the ability of the agonists to inhibit [3H]‐(—)‐noradrenaline uptake, suggesting that uptake of agonists limited the dose‐ratio shift. Cocaine and nortriptyline reduced catecholamine‐induced hyperpolarization in concentrations (10 μm and 1 μm respectively) necessary to inhibit [3H]‐(—)‐noradrenaline uptake. 6 Clonidine (0.01 to 1 μm), oxymetazoline (0.01 to 1 μm) and ergometrine (0.1 to 10 μm) produced a persistent, low‐amplitude hyperpolarization, as though they were partial agonists. Responses to the agonists were blocked by yohimbine (1 μm) but not be prazosin (1 μm). 7 It is concluded that the adrenergic cell bodies in the ganglion were hyperpolarized through activation of the same type ofα‐receptor (‘α2‐receptors’) as those present at adrenergic nerve terminals.
On the Security of an Authentication Scheme for Smart Metering Infrastructure

Recently, in 2019, Kumar et al. (IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid 10.4 (2018): 4349–4359) proposed an ECC based lightweight authentication and Key agreement scheme (LAKA) to secure the communication among a smart meter (SM) and a neighbourhood area network (NAN) gateway. The LAKA scheme was proved as secure and efficient as per the comparisons performed by Kumar et al. Specifically, it was argued through security analysis that LAKA provides anonymity and resistance to related attacks. However, the specific analysis in this paper contradicts their claim and it is shown here that in addition to ephemeral secret leakage attack and lack of untraceability, the LAKA is also vulnerable to stolen verifier attack.