Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Hybrid Coatings with Drug-Eluting Capacity for Mg Alloy Biomaterials

A hierarchical hybrid coating (HHC) comprising a ceramic oxide layer and two biodegradable polymeric (polycaprolactone, PCL) layers has been developed on Mg3Zn0.4Ca cast alloy in order to provide a controlled degradation rate and functionality by creating a favorable porous surface topography for cell adhesion. The inner, ceramic layer formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has been enriched in bioactive elements (Ca, P, Si). The intermediate PCL layer sealed the defect in the PEO layer and the outer microporous PCL layer loaded with the appropriate active molecule, thus providing drug-eluting capacity. Morphological, chemical, and biological characterizations of the manufactured coatings loaded with ciprofloxacin (CIP) and paracetamol (PAR) have been carried out. In vitro assays with cell lines relevant for cardiovascular implants and bone prosthesis (endothelial cells and premyoblasts) showed that the drug-loaded coating allows for cell proliferation and viability. The study of CIP and PAR cytotoxicity and release rate indicated that the porous PCL layer does not release concentrations detrimental to the cells. However, complete system assays revealed that corrosion behavior and increase of the pH negatively affects cell viability. H2 evolution during corrosion of Mg alloy substrate generates blisters in PCL layer that accelerate the corrosion locally in crevice microenvironment. A detailed mechanism of the system degradation is disclosed. The accelerated degradation of the developed system may present interest for its further adaptation to new cancer therapy strategies.
A 14 GHz Integer-N Sub-Sampling PLL With RMS-Jitter of 85.4 fs Occupying an Ultra Low Area of 0.0918 mm2

This paper presents a 14 GHz sub-sampling PLL (SSPLL) with its phase noise analysis for Ku-band wireless transceivers. The performance enhancement of the phase-locked loop (PLL) over single-stage PLL in terms of jitter and power consumption is theoretically presented and verified with measured results. The proposed capacitor multiplier reduces the size of the loop filter capacitor by 28 times. The active capacitor VCO decreases the out-band phase noise while consuming less power. Fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS process with a core active area of $0.0918~mm^{2}$ , the SSPLL operates at 1.2 V supply achieving 13.2-14.8 GHz tuning range, 85.4 fs integrated jitter at 14 GHz, 8.42 mW power consumption, and −252.12 dB figure-of-merit (FoM). The measured results in-band and out-band phase noises of −108.6 dBc/Hz at a 1 MHz offset and −128.9 dBc/Hz at a 10 MHz offset, respectively.
Rb-Sr and Pb-Pb dating of the Anhalt Leucotonalite, northern Natal

Rb-Sr and Pb-Pb isotope data are presented for the Anhalt leucotonalite, an intrusive granitoid from the Piet Retief area of northern Natal. The Rb-Sr data define an isochron date of 3250±39 Ma whereas the Pb-Pb data define an errorchron date of 3402+166/-188 Ma. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr for this suite is low (0,701±3) whereas the model source 238 U/ 204 Pb is high. The results are interpreted to indicate that the Anhalt leucotonalite was formed at approximately 3,25 Ga, the age suggested by the Rb-Sr systematics, and that the Pb isotopes are disturbed, although the timing of disturbance is not certain. The high 238 U/ 204 Pb is considered to be an artefact of incomplete Pb isotope homogenisation
Identificando zonas potenciales para la conservación florística en el municipio de Tlalixcoyan, Veracruz, a partir de descriptores de paisaje y conectividad

El uso de descriptores de paisaje a través de métodos de percepción remota es uno de los métodos más utilizados para el análisis de la composición, estructura y funciones en el paisaje. En este trabajo se identificaron sitios prioritarios para la conservación de la diversidad florística mediante la caracterización de la estructura espacial de las diferentes clases de cobertura vegetal y uso de suelo en el municipio de Tlalixcoyan, Veracruz. Se elaboró una clasificación supervisada de los principales tipos de cobertura vegetal y usos de suelo con base en 210 puntos georreferenciados in situ. Se consideraron siete tipos de cobertura vegetal y se utilizaron imágenes del satélite Sentinel-2B del año 2020. La fiabilidad general de la clasificación fue de 76%. Los fragmentos de pastizales con vegetación leñosa y los bosques secundarios presentaron la mayor conectividad física con índices de cohesión de 99.7 y 99.3 respectivamente. Además, estas dos clases de uso de suelo presentan la mayor cobertura arbórea. Aunado a las métricas de paisaje, el análisis de ventanas móviles permitió detectar áreas potenciales para la conservación florística con base en la proximidad de los fragmentos de bosque y sabana. Si bien la información generada en este estudio es un factor crucial para la conservación, en un futuro será necesario incluir a la sociedad y tomadores de decisiones. Una posible aproximación que puede ser viable para la conservación florística en esta localidad son los programas de áreas destinadas voluntariamente para la conservación promovida por la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (Conanp).
Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prophylaxis Use for Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in the Non-HIV Population: A Retrospective Study in Québec, Canada

Abstract Background Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) remains a significant threat in immunocompromised cases. Recent data on epidemiology and risk factors for PJP in non-HIV cases are scarce, and guidelines on appropriate prophylaxis are lacking. Methods In this multicenter retrospective trial, all non-HIV adult cases admitted to hospitals in Québec City, Canada, between January 2011 and January 2021 with a diagnosis of PJP were assessed for eligibility. Results An overall 129 cases of PJP were included. More than two-thirds had an underlying hematologic disease or an autoimmune/inflammatory condition. Prior to diagnosis, 83.7% were taking corticosteroids, 71.3% immunosuppressive agents (alone or in combination with corticosteroids), and 62% both. A diagnosis of PJP was noted in 22 patients receiving corticosteroids for treatment <28 days. Two patients developed PJP while undergoing corticosteroid monotherapy at a mean daily prednisone-equivalent dose <20 mg/d; 4.7% of our cohort received a PJP prophylaxis. Current recommendations or accepted clinical practices for PJP prophylaxis would not have applied to 48.8% of our patients. Conclusions The use of corticosteroids—in monotherapy or in coadministration with other immunosuppressive agents—remains the principal risk factor for PJP in the non-HIV population. Current prophylaxis guidelines and accepted practices are insufficient to adequately prevent PJP and need to be broadened and updated.
Business KPIs Based on Compliance Risk Estimation

The issue of KPI selection is urgent for sustainable business organization including the financial sector. There are numerous studies devoted to KPIs; however, the European Central Bank (European Central Bank, 2023) insists on the necessity of revising the methodology to improve it and make it based on risk and behavior aspects. This research is an attempt to meet the new vision of the ECB. The authors develop a new approach to the selected KPIs of financial institutions on the basis of risk indicators. The PLS-SEM method was used to construct and test the model, representing the company's compliance function and considering various risk categories. The significant relationship between compliance procedures and risk factors was confirmed by the constructed model. The study results not only meet the ECB's new approach but also contribute to the scientific area of choosing sustainable indicators for sustainable business. Empirical analyses from the study decisively highlighted a pronounced correlation between strict compliance with the established rules and proficient risk management practices. In tandem with the ECB's guiding principles, the conclusions derived from this research not only complement the existing body of knowledge but also offer a novel perspective on the essence of the KPI selection. Conclusively, this research confirms the significance of risk-aware KPIs in guiding financial entities toward a trajectory of sustained excellence and growth.
Comparison between forward-fixed and reverse-fixed PZT fiber scanner for nonlinear endomicroscopy

As an optical biopsy method, PZT fiber-optic scanning two-photon endomicroscopy holds significant importance for the early detection of gastrointestinal tumors. The scanning attributes inherent to the PZT fiber scanner wield direct influence over the electro-mechanical features of the two-photon endomicroscopy, rendering it a pivotal component of distal-scanning endoscopes. This study delves into a comprehensive analysis, both in the modal and frequency domains, of a forward-fixed PZT scanner from a theoretical standpoint. Additionally, we fabricated a forward-fixed PZT fiber scanner and validated its first- and second-order frequency domain characteristics experimentally. Theoretical simulations and experimental findings demonstrate that the forward-fixed scanner exhibits superior driving capability compared to the reverse-fixed scanner.
Metabolic perturbations in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus induced by Psidium guajava ethanolic leaf extract

Psidium guajava ethanolic leaf extract (PGele) showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in various in vitro and in vivo studies. It was also reported to be efficacious, safe, and well-tolerated in a phase 1/11a clinical trial of the Psidium guajava ointment among volunteer patients with persistent Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonizers. However, its mechanism of antibacterial action is yet to be elucidated. Changes in bacterial metabolism can contribute to the susceptibility of the organism to antibiotics, thus screening for metabolic perturbations induced by PGele can give insight into its mechanism/s of antibacterial action. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PGele against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was determined using the agar dilution technique. The sole carbon utilization phenotype microarray was used to describe the metabolic perturbations. Psidium guajava ethanolic leaf extract showed antibacterial activity against MRSA with MIC at 1,250 µg/mL. The phenotypic profile of MRSA showed utilization of 51 carbon sources, however, when MRSA was treated with the plant extract at sub-MIC (625 µg /mL), the utilization of carbon sources belonging to carbohydrate group (51.43%), amino acid group (100%) and the group of esters, carboxylic acids and fatty acids (75%) were inhibited. The sub-MIC of PGele induced metabolic perturbations on carbon sources associated with Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway (EMP), pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and citric acid cycle (TCA) pathways of MRSA. This current study gave an insight into the mechanism of antibacterial action of the Psidium guajava ethanolic leaf extract, a promising plant-derived antibiotic.
Use of project execution models and BIM in oil and gas projects: searching for relevant improvements for construction

The aim of this paper is to explore whether it is possible to generalise findings on project execution in the oil and gas industry related to the use of project execution models and a 3D design environment, based on case study research. Besides, sufficient similarities between the two industries were assessed and the applicability of the findings from the cases in the oil and gas industry was assessed. The selected cases (the ongoing projects) have several principal similarities, but the extents of use differ. The project execution model (PEM) of the oil and gas industry is based on codified knowledge from project execution, which makes it easier to transfer such models to other industries. The use of 3D design environments or building information modeling (BIM) in the construction industry is similar to the use of PEMs in the oil and gas industry but BIM differs on model complexity and object information. The findings indicate that it may be possible to develop generalizable project execution concepts in the oil and gas industry by using the conceptual generalisation theory. Indeed, it is herein proposed that the high-similarity between the variables related to PEM and BIM enables the transfer and adaptability of PEM-based concepts to the construction industry. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and/ peer-review under responsibility of Tampere University of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering.
A Domain Adaptation Framework for Human Activity Monitoring Using Passive Wi-Fi Sensing

Due to the omnipresence of radio frequency signals, the Channel State Information (CSI) can offer an alternate source to image, video, and other high-dimensional streams in a great many Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. As a result, an ever increasing number of researchers are advocating for the use of passive CSI data for ranging, tracking, perception and automation across many domains such as robotics, healthcare, and surveillance. Specifically, in indoor applications where movements cause classifiable effects on the CSI, this resource from the existing infrastructure can be leveraged in order to provide a high-dimensional signal source for activity recognition. However, the task remains a challenge on two accounts. On the one hand, the radio frequency channel is highly susceptible to environment changes and artifacts. On the other hand, there is a lack of robust models that allow for practical deployment. In this work, we focus on tackling these issues for practical IoT applications through a layered architecture proposal. In the first layer, the task of inference for activity recognition is performed by a robust cross-modal deep learning network. In the next layer, a domain adaptation framework is proposed in order to achieve high deployment-time performance in target indoor environments. Our experiments verify that through few-shot training, using the proposed framework the activity classification performance increases substantially in practical settings over the state-of-the-art approaches.
High-Q Silicon Nitride Few-Mode Microdisk Resonators

High-Q silicon nitride microdisk resonators (MDRs) with fewer resonant modes are proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The proposed MDRs consist of microdisks and optimized bent bus waveguides. The introduction of asymmetric directional couplers (DCs) successfully destroys part of high-order modes resonance and enhances that of TE1 and TE2 radial modes so that the spectral purity of the MDRs is improved. In this way, guided-modes propagate in MDRs with low loss and > 106 Q-factors are obtained. The maximum measured loaded Q-factor and intrinsic Q-factor is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4.7\times 10 ^{6}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$5.9\times 10 ^{6}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, respectively. The minimum wavelength interval between two notches is 0.68 nm. The proposed few-mode MDRs are realized with one step silicon nitride etching process provided by a multiproject wafer foundry and they have broad application prospects in integrated microwave photonic systems, sensing, and other fields.
Clinical efficacy and safety of robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is an effective treatment for testicular tumors. In recent years, with the development of robotics, many urological procedures performed via standard laparoscopy have been replaced by robots. Our objective was to compare the safety and efficacy of robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (R-RPLND) versus Non-robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (NR-RPLND) in testicular cancer. Methods Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for literature on robotic surgery for testicular germ cell tumors up to April 2023. The statistical and sensitivity analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate mean difference (MD), odds ratio(OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) effect indicators. Results Eight studies with 3875 patients were finally included in this study, 453 with R-RPLND and 3422 with open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (O-RPLND)/laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L-RPLND). The results showed that R-RPLND had lower rates of intraoperative blood loss (MD = -436.39; 95% CI -707.60 to -165.19; P = 0.002), transfusion (OR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.26; P = 0.0001), total postoperative complication rates (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.70; P = 0.002), and length of stay (MD=-3.74; 95% CI -4.69 to -2.78; P<0.00001). In addition, there were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding perioperative and oncological outcomes regarding total operative time, the incidence of postoperative complications grade≥III, abnormal ejaculation rate, lymph node yield, and postoperative recurrence rate. Conclusions The R-RPLND and O-RPLND/L-RPLND provide safe and effective retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer. Patients with R-RPLND have less intraoperative bleeding, shorter hospitalization period, fewer postoperative complications, and faster recovery. It should be considered a viable alternative to O-RPLND/L-RPLND. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023411696.
Development of an in silico consensus model for predicting the chemical reactivity to cysteine measured by the DPRA and its application to predict the skin sensitization potential of chemicals

— Covalent binding of chemicals to skin proteins represents the Molecular Initiating Event (MIE) of the skin sensitization process. We attempted to construct in silico models for predicting the reac-tivities of chemicals to cysteine measured by the Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (DPRA) as a screening tool for skin sensitization potential of chemicals since there was no readily available in silico prediction model for reactivity classes of the DPRA. We used a dataset of 211 chemicals compiled based on the chemical reactivity to cysteine in the DPRA for model construction, and each chemical was classified as “Minimal-Low” or “Moderate-High” reactivity according to the percent cysteine depletion val - ue in the DPRA. We constructed two independent classification models using two machine learning algo - rithms named Random Forest (RF) and Graph Convolutional Network (GCN), and a consensus model adopting prediction results when both of the GCN-based and the RF-based models were matched was also constructed. Performance evaluation showed that the RF-based model showed higher specificity than the GCN-based model and the GCN-based model showed higher sensitivity than the RF-based model. The consensus model showed high accuracy and high specificity of over 0.9. Comparison of the reactivi - ty class predicted by the consensus model and the skin sensitization potential for humans revealed that all chemicals classified into the “Moderate-High” class were human skin sensitizers. In conclusion, the con - sensus model we constructed here may be a promising in silico screening tool to predict cysteine reactivity measured by the DPRA and skin sensitization potential of chemicals.
Broadband Profiled Eye-Safe Emission of LMA Silica Fiber Doped with Tm3+/Ho3+ Ions

LMA (Large Mode Area) optical fibers are presently under active investigation to explore their potential for generating laser action or broadband emission directly within the optical fiber structure. Additionally, a wide mode profile significantly reduces the power distribution density in the fiber cross-section, minimizing the power density, photodegradation, or thermal damage. Multi-stage deposition in the MCVD-CDT system was used to obtain the structural doping profile of the LMA fiber multi-ring core doped with Tm3+ and Tm3+/Ho3+ layer profiles. The low alumina content (Al2O3: 0.03wt%) results in low refractive index modification. The maximum concentrations of the lanthanide oxides were Tm2O3: 0.18wt % and Ho2O3: 0.15wt%. The double-clad construction of optical fiber with emission spectra in the eye-safe spectral range of (1.55–2.10 µm). The calculated LP01 Mode Field Diameter (MFD) was 69.7 µm (@ 2000 nm, and 1/e of maximum intensity), which confirms LMA fundamental mode guiding conditions. The FWHM and λmax vs. fiber length are presented and analyzed as a luminescence profile modification. The proposed structured optical fiber with a ring core can be used in new broadband optical radiation source designs.
Dermacen-Evaluation of sequential coinfection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale in cattle

Objective —To determine whether sequelae of infection differed among single versus double infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma marginale , with and without tick salivary extract, in cattle. Animals —Eighteen 13-month old steers. Procedures —Treatment groups of 3 cattle each included A marginale inoculated ID followed on day 35 by A phagocytophilum without tick saliva, A phagocytophilum followed on day 10 by A marginale without tick saliva, A marginale followed on day 35 by A phagocyto-philum with tick saliva, A phagocytophilum followed on day 10 by A marginale with tick saliva, tissue culture control injection, and tick saliva control injection. Infection was monitored via clinical observations, CBC, serologic testing, and PCR analysis of blood and tissues. Results
A Prototype Design for the Detection of Skin Cancer Types Using Tensorflow

Cancer cells that develop abnormally in the regions of the skin are called melanoma. Unusual changes in the skin might be a sign of various cancers because melanoma skin cells are not all identical and they do not usually create many symptoms. The precise and accurate identification of diseases has been a considerable difficulty, but recent developments in computer vision and deep learning have made it possible to meet the following standards. The Proposed methodology is an innovative solution that aids in developing a device prototype for the identification of skin cancer. Different modules of deep learning algorithms have shown tremendous success in classifying various skin cancer conditions. With the help of the deep learning algorithms, that have been trained on a set of skin cancer image datasets using different types of neuron-wise and layer-wise visualization techniques. The model is deployed using the Django web framework for the early identification of skin cancer. The layers in the deep learning network record the colors and textures of lesions specific to skin illnesses upon diagnosis, which simulates human decision-making. These deep learning layers are embedded in the device prototype for the identification of the different types of skin cancer. Thus, a prototype with deep learning systemic algorithms with 97% efficiency is designed for the identification of different skin cancer.
Precision Agriculture Using LORA Radar Based SmartIrrigation Monitoring System

Precision irrigation with internet of sensors and information has proven to be effective for optimal use of water which is very scarce. The availability of a rigorous electronic connectivity and communication system gives scope to irrigate farms with precision consequently leading to lesser water usage. The state-of-the-art in this involves GPS sensors and internet of things (IoT) based communication. The use of LORA for centrally controlled irrigation system spanning several farms has been recently gaining interest. This paper proposes the development of a LORA based IoT central control system module to optimally irrigate farms that are spatially apart. The main idea is to automate the supply of water across spatially distant farms using LORA radar as a communication component and IoT as an automation component. The key benefits of this approach is optimal water usage and reduced manpower leading to precision agriculture.