Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of exterior material in sustainable buildings by value engineering method according to LEED criteria

Factors such as the rapid depletion of natural resources and environmental pollution enable us to better understand the importance of the concept of sustainability today. With the introduction of the concept of sustainability into the construction sector, the design of buildings according to the environmentally friendly "Green Building" approach has come to the forefront, and various certification systems have been developed. Due to these certification systems, various building materials are required to be used in buildings. However, since there are many materials on the market, it is a problem as to which of these materials should we prefer according to the green building criteria. Although there are various approaches in this regard, the value engineering method is an ideal method because it takes into account both the criteria that the materials must meet as well as their costs. Value Engineering is the teamwork carried out to analyze the building properties, systems, equipment, and material selections, while considering the costs, in order to perform the necessary performance, quality, reliability, and basic functions. In this article, a method on how to choose a value-based, sustainable material was proposed, and as a case study, a product that can be used as an exterior cladding material of a building using LEED criteria, which is used for providing certification for sustainable green buildings, was selected. Initially, a value engineering team was formed. This team determined the qualities that the product should have based on LEED criteria and the eight different material alternatives that can meet these qualities. Subsequently, value analysis was conducted, and the highest value exterior coating material was determined.
All-Inkjet-Printed Organic Thin-Film Transistors with Silver Gate, Source/Drain Electrodes

We report high-performance all-inkjet-printed organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), where inkjet-printed silver electrodes, cross-linked poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP) and 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS-pentacene) were used as gate/source/drain electrodes, a gate dielectric layer and an active semiconductor layer, respectively. To evaluate quality of the active semiconductor layer, we also fabricated OTFTs by using spin-coating and drop-casting methods for TIPS-pentacene layer on the inkjet-printed PVP gate dielectric layer. Comparable TFT electrical performances were obtained and well-crystallized TIPS-pentacene layer was formed for all cases. All TIPS-pentacene OTFTs show lower sub-threshold swing values than OTFTs with an evaporated pentacene active semiconductor layer on the inkjet-printed PVP gate dielectric layer. By using optimized inkjet-printing conditions, we obtained mobility of 0.06 cm2 V-1 s-1 and on/off ratio of 104 for all-inkjet-printed OTFT.
An Authentication Survey on Retail Seafood Products Sold on the Bulgarian Market Underlines the Need for Upgrading the Traceability System

Economically motivated or accidental species substitutions lead to economic and potential health damage to consumers with a loss of confidence in the fishery supply chain. In the present study, a three–year survey on 199 retail seafood products sold on the Bulgarian market was addressed to assess: (1) product authenticity by molecular identification; (2) trade name compliance to the list of official trade names accepted in the territory; (3) adherence of the list in force to the market supply. DNA barcoding on mitochondrial and nuclear genes was applied for the identification of whitefish (WF), crustaceans (C) and mollusks (cephalopods—MC; gastropods—MG; bivalves—MB) except for Mytilus sp. products for which the analysis was conducted with a previously validated RFLP PCR protocol. Identification at the species level was obtained for 94.5% of the products. Failures in species allocation were reconducted due to low resolution and reliability or the absence of reference sequences. The study highlighted an overall mislabeling rate of 11%. WF showed the highest mislabeling rate (14%), followed by MB (12.5%), MC (10%) and C (7.9%). This evidence emphasized the use of DNA–based methods as tools for seafood authentication. The presence of non–compliant trade names and the ineffectiveness of the list to describe the market species varieties attested to the need to improve seafood labeling and traceability at the national level.
Cell Membrane Biomimetic Nanoparticles with Potential in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is to blame for about 60% of dementia cases worldwide. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents many medications for AD from having clinical therapeutic effects that can be used to treat the affected area. Many researchers have turned their attention to cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) to solve this situation. Among them, NPs can extend the half-life of drugs in the body as the “core” of the wrapped drug, and the cell membrane acts as the “shell” of the wrapped NPs to functionalize the NPs, which can further improve the delivery efficiency of nano-drug delivery systems. Researchers are learning that cell membrane biomimetic NPs can circumvent the BBB’s restriction, prevent harm to the body’s immune system, extend the period that NPs spend in circulation, and have good biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, which increases efficacy of drug release. This review summarized the detailed production process and features of core NPs and further introduced the extraction methods of cell membrane and fusion methods of cell membrane biomimetic NPs. In addition, the targeting peptides for modifying biomimetic NPs to target the BBB to demonstrate the broad prospects of cell membrane biomimetic NPs drug delivery systems were summarized.
Energy Optimization Management Strategy for DC Nano-Grid Cluster With High Comprehensive Energy Efficiency

Nano-grid (NG) clusters (NGCs) have the potential to serve as an essential configuration for future low-voltage distribution networks. To address the comprehensive energy efficiency (CEE) problem over a longer time horizon, this paper proposes an energy optimization management strategy. First of all, three typical models are developed, namely equivalent circuit model, cluster loss model and energy sharing model. In the modelling, influences of port characteristics and power transmission losses of interconnecting converters are considered to more accurately describe the cluster power flow. Then, an optimal energy scheduling mechanism with high CEE is proposed based on the three established models. The strategy decomposes the complex CEE problem into three interdependent sub-problems, corresponding to the three established models. First, ensuring the bus power quality and battery requirements are satisfied based on the proposed equivalent circuit model. Second, improving cluster self-sufficiency based on cluster energy sharing model. Third, achieving high energy transfer efficiency based on cluster loss model. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that the CEE under the proposed strategy achieves significant performance improvements, with increases of 8% and 32% in energy transfer efficiency and energy self-sufficiency respectively.
Tensions in transfer, translation, and transformation of information: A sociomaterial perspective on heterogeneous work arrangements

Although sociomaterial theorizing has provided important insights into how digital technologies enable or constrain behavior in organizational contexts, there is a need to advance theory to better account for how digital technologies shape heterogeneous work practices in which distributed organizational actors use diverse technology portfolios to collaboratively produce and consume information. Against that backdrop, we draw on the distinction between digital mediation and digital representation to investigate tensions in how actors transfer information across organizational and technological boundaries, how they translate information into meaning, and how they eventually transform information into action in digitalized work. We illustrate and develop this framing through detailed analyses of digitally enabled, condition-based maintenance of equipment in a mining context. Drawing on these analyses and extant literature, we advance theory on tensions in how digital technologies are implicated in producing and consuming information in today’s increasingly heterogeneous work practices.
Incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world data

Insomnia is a prevalent sleeping disorder associated with increasing cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity. However, data incorporating recent clinical studies evaluating these outcomes is scarce. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association of insomnia with CV mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, and incidence of CV disease by conducting the first-ever meta-analysis of real-world data evaluating these CV outcomes. MEDLINE and Scopus databases were queried till August 2022 to identify studies comparing prespecified outcomes in patients with and without insomnia. The primary outcomes were CV mortality and myocardial infarction, while secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, and CV-disease incidence. All data were pooled using an inverse-variance weighted random-effects model, and results were reported as relative risks (RRs) and p-values. 21 studies were analyzed. Risks for CV mortality and MI were significantly higher in patients with insomnia (RR 1.53, p<0.01, and RR 1.48, p = 0.03, respectively). The risk for all-cause mortality and CV disease incidence was also significantly higher in insomnia patients (RR 1.14, p = 0.03, and RR 1.31, p<0.01, respectively). Individuals with insomnia experience a higher risk of long-term mortality, MI, and incidence of CV disease.
A Blockchain-Facilitated Secure Sensing Data Processing and Logging System

In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of a secure sensing data processing and logging system. The system is inspired and enabled by the blockchain technology. In this system, a public blockchain is used as immutable datastore to log the most critical data needed to secure the system. Furthermore, several innovative blockchain-inspired mechanisms have been incorporated into the system to provide additional security for the system’s operations. The first priority in securing sensing data processing and logging is admission control, i.e., only legitimate sensing data are accepted for processing and logging. This is achieved via a sensor identification and authentication mechanism. The second priority is to ensure that the logged data remain intact overtime. This is achieved by storing a small amount of data condensed from the raw sensing data on a public blockchain. A Merkel-tree based mechanism is devised to link the raw sensing data stored off-chain to the condensed data placed on public blockchain. This mechanism passes the data immutability property of a public blockchain to the raw sensing data stored off-chain. Third, the raw sensing data stored off-chain are secured with a self-protection mechanism where the raw sensing data are grouped into chained blocks with a moderate amount of proof-of-work. This scheme prevents an adversary from making arbitrary changes to the logged data within a short period of time. Fourth, mechanisms are developed to facilitate the search of the condensed data placed on the public blockchain and the verification of the raw sensing data using the condensed data placed on the public blockchain. The system is implemented in Python except the graphical user interface, which is developed using C#. The functionality and feasibility of the system have been evaluated locally and with two public blockchain systems, one is the IOTA Shimmer test network, and the other is Ethereum.
Drag reduction by strakes of noncircular cylinders

An experimental investigation is conducted to evaluate the effect of strakes on the crossflow drag coefficient of a typical noncircular cylinder at subcritical Reynolds numbers. The strake height and, more particularly, its location on the windward face, has a strong influence on the flow pattern, and drag coefficient. Substantial drag reductions of the order of 80% are found to be possible by this technique.
Prognostic role of demographic indicators and Charlson comorbidity index in oxygen-dependent patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Aim. The aim of our work is to establish the prognostic significance of demographic indicators and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) in oxygen-dependent patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Material and methods. The research included 211 oxygen-dependent patients with COVID-19: I group – 94 patients who recovered; II group – 117 patients, the disease ended fatally. We used the WHO age classification when analyzing the age structure of patients. The Charlson comorbidity index was calculated for each patient. The patients were divided into groups Statistical data processing was carried out in the program Statistica for Windows 13 (StatSoft Inc., No. JPZ804I382130ARCN10-J). Results. It was established that the median age of the ІІ group patients was higher (P < 0.001) than patients the I in group. Elderly patients were more often registered in the ІІ group than among patients in group I (25.6 % vs. 8.5 %, P = 0.001). Middle-aged patients were more often registered in the І group than among patients in the II group (34.0 % vs. 19.4 %, P = 0.02). According to the result of the ROC analysis, the prognostic value of the age of the patients was established, namely, under conditions of age >66 years (AUC = 0.636, Р = 0.002), the probability of a fatal outcome of COVID-19 was significant. Analysis of the influence of comorbid conditions on the risk of COVID-19 fatal outcome in oxygen-dependent patients according to the CCI showed that the absence of comorbid pathology was more common among patients of group I than among patients of group II (12.8 % vs. 2.6 %, P = 0.004). The level of CCI in patients of the II group significantly exceeded the corresponding indicator of the patients of the I group (P < 0.01), who recovered. According to the obtained result of the ROC analysis, the prognostic value of this indicator was established, namely under the conditions of the CCI index >5 in oxygen-dependent patients with COVID-19 (AUC = 0.652, P < 0.001) the probability of fatal outcome of the disease was significant. Conclusions. In oxygen-dependent patients with COVID-19, patient age and comorbidity are associated with disease outcome. Under conditions of age >66 years (AUC = 0.636, P = 0.002) and the Charlson comorbidity index >5, the probability of a fatal outcome of the disease is significant (AUC = 0.652, P < 0.001).
Experimentally Induced Dieback Conditions Limit Phragmites australis Growth

Phragmites australis is a cosmopolitan grass species common in wetland ecosystems across the world. In much of North America, the non-native subspecies of Phragmites threatens wetland biodiversity, hinders recreation, and is a persistent problem for natural resource managers. In other parts of the world, populations are in decline, as Reed Die-Back Syndrome (RDBS) plagues some Phragmites stands in its native range. RDBS is defined by a clumped growth form, stunted root and shoot growth, premature senescence, and shoot death. RDBS has been associated with a build-up of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and altered bacterial and oomycete communities in soils, but the exact causes are unknown. To control invasive Phragmites populations, we sought to develop treatments that mimic the conditions of RDBS. We applied various SCFA treatments at various concentrations to mesocosm soils growing either Phragmites or native wetland plants. We found that the high-concentration SCFA treatments applied weekly induced strong significant declines in above- and belowground biomass of Phragmites. Declines were significant but slightly weaker in native species. In addition, soil bacterial abundance increased, diversity decreased, and bacterial community composition significantly differed following treatments, such that treated pots maintained a higher relative abundance of Pseudomonadaceae and fewer Acidobacteriaceae than untreated pots. Our results suggest that application of SCFAs to Phragmites can lead to stunted plants and altered soil bacterial communities similar to populations affected by RDBS. However, the lack of species-specificity and intensive application rate may not make this treatment ideal as a widespread management tool.
On the potential of drug repurposing in dysphagia treatment: New insights from a real-world pharmacovigilance study and a systematic review

Background: Polypharmacy is common in patients with dysphagia. Routinely used drugs may influence swallowing function either improving or worsening it. We aimed to explore the potential effects of three commonly used drug classes on dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia through a systematic review and a real-world data analysis to probe the possibility of drug repurposing for dysphagia treatment. Material and Methods: Five electronic databases were searched. Studies on adults at risk for dysphagia, treated with Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors (DPP-4i), Adrenergic Beta-Antagonists (beta-blockers), or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEi), and reporting outcomes on dysphagia or aspiration pneumonia were included. A nested case/non-case study was performed on adverse events recorded in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) on patients >64 years. Cases (dysphagia or aspiration pneumonia) were compared between patients only treated with Levodopa and patients who were concomitantly treated with the drugs of interest. Results: Twenty studies were included in the review (17 on ACEi, 2 on beta-blockers, and 1 on DPP-4i). Contrasting findings on the effects of ACEi were found, with a protective effect mainly reported in Asian studies on neurological patients. Beta-blockers were associated with a reduced dysphagia rate. The study on DPP-4i suggested no effect on dysphagia and an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. The FAERS analysis showed a reduction of the risk for dysphagia/aspiration pneumonia with ACEi, beta-blockers, and DPP-4i. Conclusion: Our study explores the potential drug repurposing of ACEi, beta-blockers and DPP-4i in neurological patients with dysphagia to improve swallowing function and reduce aspiration pneumonia risk. Future randomized controlled studies should confirm these results and clarify the underlying mechanisms of action.
Paclitaxel-Loaded Lipid-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Dual Chemo-Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive and metastasis-prone form of skin cancer. Conventional therapies include chemotherapeutic agents, either as small molecules or carried by FDA-approved nanostructures. However, systemic toxicity and side effects still remain as major drawbacks. With the advancement of nanomedicine, new delivery strategies emerge at a regular pace, aiming to overcome these challenges. Stimulus-responsive drug delivery systems might considerably reduce systemic toxicity and side-effects by limiting drug release to the affected area. Herein, we report the development of paclitaxel-loaded lipid-coated manganese ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (PTX-LMNP) as magnetosomes synthetic analogs, envisaging the combined chemo-magnetic hyperthermia treatment of melanoma. PTX-LMNP physicochemical properties were verified, including their shape, size, crystallinity, FTIR spectrum, magnetization profile, and temperature profile under magnetic hyperthermia (MHT). Their diffusion in porcine ear skin (a model for human skin) was investigated after intradermal administration via fluorescence microscopy. Cumulative PTX release kinetics under different temperatures, either preceded or not by MHT, were assessed. Intrinsic cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells was determined via neutral red uptake assay after 48 h of incubation (long-term assay), as well as B16F10 cells viability after 1 h of incubation (short-term assay), followed by MHT. PTX-LMNP-mediated MHT triggers PTX release, allowing its thermal-modulated local delivery to diseased sites, within short timeframes. Moreover, half-maximal PTX inhibitory concentration (IC50) could be significantly reduced relatively to free PTX (142,500×) and Taxol® (340×). Therefore, the dual chemo-MHT therapy mediated by intratumorally injected PTX-LMNP stands out as a promising alternative to efficiently deliver PTX to melanoma cells, consequently reducing systemic side effects commonly associated with conventional chemotherapies.
Recent Advances in CMOS Electrochemical Biosensor Design for Microbial Monitoring: Review and Design Methodology

Rapid, high-sensitivity, and real-time characterization of microorganisms plays a significant role in several areas, including clinical diagnosis, human healthcare, early detection of outbreaks, and the protection of living beings. Integrating microbiology and electrical engineering promises the development of low-cost, miniaturized, autonomous, and high-sensitivity sensors to quantify and characterize bacterial strains at various concentrations. Electrochemical-based biosensors are receiving particular attention in microbiological applications among the different biosensing devices. Several approaches have been adopted to design and fabricate cutting-edge, miniaturized, and portable electrochemical biosensors to track and monitor bacterial cultures in real time. These techniques differ in their sensing interface circuits and microelectrode fabrication. The goals of this review are (1) to summarize the current state of CMOS sensing circuit designs in label-free electrochemical biosensors for bacteria monitoring and (2) to discuss the material and size of the electrodes used in electrochemical biosensors in microbiological applications. In this paper, we reviewed the latest and most advanced CMOS integrated interface circuits that have recently been used in electrochemical biosensors to identify and characterize bacteria species, such as impedance spectroscopy, capacitive, amperometry, and voltammetry, etc. In addition to the interface circuit design, other crucial factors, such as the material and scale of the electrodes, must be considered to increase the sensitivity of electrochemical biosensors. Surveying the literature in this field improves our knowledge about the impact of electrode designs and materials on sensing precision and will help future designers adapt, design, and fabricate appropriate electrode configurations based on their application. Thus, we summarized the conventional microelectrode designs and materials mainly employed in microbial sensors, including interdigitated electrodes (IDEs), microelectrode arrays (MEAs), paper, and carbon-based electrodes, etc.