Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent developments in sorbent based water samples treatments prior GC-MS analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are omnipresent contaminants of the environment, with evidenced harmful effects to human health. Especially endangered are waters, which may affect biota directly or by enabling transport through all environmental compartments. Therefore, constant monitoring of PAHs content in waters is of essential importance. Before most of the analysis, sample preparation is compulsory. Conventional extraction techniques are often time and reagents consuming and not following the rules of “green analytical chemistry”. Thus, miniaturization of classic extraction methods is of high importance to reduce solvent volumes, waste, time of treatment and cost. Recent sample preparation techniques, such as solid phase extraction (SPE), microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS), solid phase microextraction (SPME), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) and dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-µ-SPE) were proven as suitable for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water samples and their determination by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These sample pretreatments are following “green chemistry” principles, offering the simplicity of operation, reducing costs and time of preparation, without compromising the general analytical parameters of the applied analytical method.
A large ensemble illustration of how record-shattering heat records can endure

The record-shattering hot day in the Pacific Northwest in June 2021 is used to motivate a study of record-shattering temperature extremes in a very large hindcast ensemble. The hottest days in the Pacific Northwest in the large ensemble have similar large scale and synoptic patterns to those associated with the observed event. From the perspective of a fixed location, the hottest ensemble days are acutely sensitive to the chance sequencing of a dry period with a precisely positioned weather pattern. These days are thus rare and require very large samples (tens of thousands of years) to capture. The enduring nature of record-shattering heat records can be understood through this lens of weather ‘noise’ and sampling. When a record-shattering event occurs due to chance alignment of weather systems in the optimal configuration, any small sample of years subsequent to the (very unlikely) record event has an extremely low chance of finding yet another chance extreme. While warming of the baseline climate can narrow the gap between more regular extremes and record-shattering extremes, this can take many decades depending on the pace of climate change. Climate models are unlikely to capture record-shattering extremes at fixed locations given by observations unless the model samples are large enough to provide enough weather outcomes to include the optimal weather alignments. This underscores the need to account for sampling in assessing models and changes in weather-sensitive extremes. In particular, climate models are not necessarily deficient in representing extremes if that assessment is based on their absence in undersize samples.
Microfluidics-Enabled Robotic System for Embryo Vitrification With Real-Time Observation: Design, Method, and Evaluation

Embryo vitrification is an essential technique for in vitro fertilization (IVF), which avoids the formation of ice crystals during cryopreservation by dehydrating cells in cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) and ultrarapidly freezing them in liquid nitrogen ($\rm LN_{2}$). In manual vitrification, the embryo will be repeatedly aspirated and released in different CPAs and finally transferred onto the vitrification straw under the microscope, which is time-consuming and requires intensive training of skilled operators. Robotic cell manipulation has been considered the solution to enhance the processing efficiency while reducing the failure rate for the manual vitrification protocols; however, the time-critical treatment with CPAs and transfer of the embryo to the straw still remain challenging in ongoing studies. In this article, we report a microfluidics-enabled robotic system for the emerging automatic embryo vitrification. Based on the strategy of microfluidic manipulation in our early works, an open microfluidic chip was designed to confine the embryo within a specific region while manipulating the surrounding flow field for solution exchange through the capillary effect. The embryo chamber was zoned into safe and danger zones based on the numerically simulated local velocity toward the capillary gap, which represents the risk of embryo loss and damage. A vision-based switch controller was adopted to manipulate the embryo trajectory during the solution exchange process, which selected the optimized flow rate according to the zoning of real-time embryo. The challenge of embryo transfer was addressed by a two-stage capillary valve, which switches open and allows the embryo to pass through under a certain pressure. The vitrification experiments with porcine embryos validate the reliable positioning of the embryo in each step, the satisfactory success rate of the robotic system, and the high quality of the robotic-vitrified embryos after thawing. Integrated with new manipulation strategies, our intelligent mechatronics system provides a promising solution for IVF featuring an embryologist-centered configuration and standardized robotic operation.
Backscatter Communication Meets Practical Battery-Free Internet of Things: A Survey and Outlook

Battery-free Internet-of-Things (BF-IoT), which is realized by harvesting ambient energy to power the IoT devices, has emerged to reduce the energy consumption, and alleviate environmental concerns caused by extensive battery usage. However, current wireless technologies for IoT, such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and long range radio (LoRa), cannot be efficiently supported by ambient energy due to high power requirement, making them unfit for BF-IoT applications. Backscatter communication (BackCom) is a promising enabling technology for BF-IoT as it achieves microwatt power consumption by eliminating the need of power-hungry radio components such as analog to digital converters. The integration of BF-IoT and BackCom is expected to revolutionize IoT applications and has attracted significant attention recently. However, several fundamental issues need to be addressed to fully harvest the potential of such integration. In this article, we conduct a comprehensive and in-depth survey of BackCom enabled BF-IoT (BackCom-BF-IoT), aiming to provide useful guidance for future research and application from a practical perspective. Specifically, we first introduce the basics of BackCom-BF-IoT by presenting its hardware architecture and key components. Then, we review the existing BackCom-BF-IoT prototypes, from which four fundamental issues related to BackCom are discussed, including link performance enhancement, multi-device concurrent transmission, security guarantee, and interplay between BackCom-BF-IoT system and ambient RF communication systems. For each fundamental issue, we thoroughly review state-of-the-art advances and discuss their prospects for practical BF-IoT applications. Finally, we provide an outlook of future research directions and several case studies.
Kinect-based objective evaluation of bradykinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease

Objective To quantify bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease (PD) with a Kinect depth camera-based motion analysis system and to compare PD and healthy control (HC) subjects. Methods Fifty PD patients and twenty-five HCs were recruited. The Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (MDS-UPDRS III) was used to evaluate the motor symptoms of PD. Kinematic features of five bradykinesia-related motor tasks were collected using Kinect depth camera. Then, kinematic features were correlated with the clinical scales and compared between groups. Results Significant correlations were found between kinematic features and clinical scales (P < 0.05). Compared with HCs, PD patients exhibited a significant decrease in the frequency of finger tapping (P < 0.001), hand movement (P < 0.001), hand pronation-supination movements (P = 0.005), and leg agility (P = 0.003). Meanwhile, PD patients had a significant decrease in the speed of hand movements (P = 0.003) and toe tapping (P < 0.001) compared with HCs. Several kinematic features exhibited potential diagnostic value in distinguishing PD from HCs with area under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.684–0.894 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the combination of motor tasks exhibited the best diagnostic value with the highest AUC of 0.955 (95% CI = 0.913–0.997, P < 0.001). Conclusion The Kinect-based motion analysis system can be applied to evaluate bradykinesia in PD. Kinematic features can be used to differentiate PD patients from HCs and combining kinematic features from different motor tasks can significantly improve the diagnostic value.
Generalized Inference Confidence Band for Binormal ROC Curve

In medical practice, the diagnostic accuracy of a biomarker is usually measured by its sensitivity and specificity. The receiver operating characteristic () curve is the graph of sensitivity against 1-specificity as the cut-off point runs through all possible values. To account for sampling error and make inference about the true curve, the simultaneous confidence band of the whole or partial curve needs to be estimated across all values of specificity (can be within (0, 1) or some clinically meaningful range). Particularly, for estimating the confidence band of the binormal curve, there exists a Working-Hotelling type of method and the ellipse-envelope approach. However, these large-sample-based approaches do not provide satisfactory coverage for small to median samples. In this article, we propose a new confidence band for the binormal curve based on the generalized inference approach. Extensive simulation study is carried out to compare the performance of the proposed generalized confidence band with the existing large-sample-based confidence bands and a real dataset is used to illustrate these methods. The proposed generalized confidence bands generally yield satisfactory coverage probabilities, while both large-sample-based confidence bands tend to be more liberal for most scenarios. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Feature-Based Face Recognition by Elastic Graph Matching

A feature based elastic graph matching algorithm (FEGM) on the basis of the Lades' elastic graph matching face recognition algorithm is proposed in this paper. It includes two steps. First, the face feature such as eye, nose, mouth are localized by Gabor transforms, and a group of feature vectors composed by Gabor coefficients is extracted. Then the FEGM algorithm is performed to make the total cost function as small as possible, recognition result on Yale face database shows that recognition rate has been improved substantially.
Efficacy of Mindfulness Yoga on Mood and Self-compassion of Person with Mental Illness Living in a Community as a Pilot Study

Persons with mental illness feel symptoms like depression, anxiety, or fatigue. It is important for them to decrease symptoms and increase well-being. The present study investigated efficacy of mindfulness yoga on mood and self-compassion of persons with mental illness. Participants were persons with mental illness who lived in a community. Thirteen participants received once mindfulness yoga practice for 60 hours in a welfare facility. They completed POMS 2 (Profile of Mood Scale) and Self-Compassion Scale. Anger-Hostility, Confusion-Bewilderment, Fatigue-Lethargy, Tension-Anxiety significantly decreased. Self-kindness of Self-Compassion Scale significantly increased. Impression for participating for this program were “Refreshed both mentally and physically” or “Relaxed” and so on. These results suggest that the Mindfulness Yoga may be useful to maintain mood comfortable and increase self-compassion partially of persons with mental illness living in community.
Effect of Single-Ruler Electromagnetic Braking (EMBr) Location on Transient Flow in Continuous Casting

Abstract Ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry measurements and large eddy simulations were conducted on a laboratory-scale physical model of a steel continuous slab caster with a low-melting alloy, both with and without an applied single-ruler magnetic field in one of two different vertical orientations. The computational model agreed very closely with the measurements in all respects, including time-averaged flow, velocity profiles, and transient velocity histories at specific locations. The magnetic field altered both the classic double-roll flow pattern and the flow stability. Lowering the magnetic field below the nozzle caused steeper downward jet angles, lower surface velocities, lower turbulent kinetic energy at the surface, and better flow stability, especially toward the surface, and at higher frequencies. The experimental and computational results both show that the electromagnetic field should not be placed with its maximum directly across the nozzle ports, where it may aggravate unstable flow.
Poor self-reported sleep quality associated with suicide risk in a community sample of American Indian adults

Abstract Study Objectives Although American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) have high suicide rates few studies have systematically investigated sleep quality and its association with suicidal behaviors in AI/AN. This study is a cross-sectional investigation of self-reported sleep quality and suicidal behaviors in an adult AI population. Methods A semi-structured interview was used to collect data on suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, and suicidal attempts and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was collected to assess sleep quality in American Indian adults. Results In this sample (n = 477), 91 (19%) of the participants endorsed suicidal ideation (thoughts and plans), and 66 (14%) reported suicidal attempts, including four who subsequently died by suicide. More women reported suicidal thoughts or acts than men. Those endorsing suicidal thoughts slept fewer hours during the night, reported more nocturnal awakenings, and showed poorer subjective sleep quality according to PSQI total scores compared to those with no suicidal thoughts or acts. Participants with suicidal acts (n = 66) reported more bad dreams and higher PSQI total scores compared to those with no suicidal thoughts or acts. When those with any suicidal thoughts or acts (n = 157, 33%) were compared to those without, they were more likely to endorse nocturnal awakenings and bad dreams and demonstrated significantly higher PSQI total scores. Conclusions Although additional research is needed to evaluate sleep disturbances as a proximal, causal risk factor for suicidal behaviors in AI, findings highlight need for further study of sleep as a warning sign and intervention tool for suicide prevention among American Indian adults.
Elecsys Cerebrospinal Fluid Immunoassays Accurately Detect Alzheimer’s Disease Regardless of Concomitant Small Vessel Disease

Background: Differentiating dementia due to small vessel disease (SVD) from dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with concomitant SVD is challenging in clinical practice. Accurate and early diagnosis of AD is critical to delivering stratified patient care. Objective: We characterized the results of Elecsys® cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immunoassays (Roche Diagnostics International Ltd) in patients with early AD, diagnosed using core clinical criteria, with varying extent of SVD. Methods: Frozen CSF samples (n = 84) were measured using Elecsys β-Amyloid(1–42) (Aβ42), Phospho-Tau (181P) (pTau181), and Total-Tau (tTau) CSF immunoassays, adapted for use on the cobas® e 411 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics International Ltd), and a robust prototype β-Amyloid(1–40) (Aβ40) CSF immunoassay. SVD was assessed by extent of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) using the lesion segmentation tool. Interrelations between WMH, biomarkers, fluorodeoxyglucose F18-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and other parameters (including age and Mini-Mental State examinations [MMSE]) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation, sensitivity/specificity, and logistic/linear regression analyses. Results: The extent of WMH showed significant correlation with Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio (Rho=-0.250; p = 0.040), tTau (Rho = 0.292; p = 0.016), tTau/Aβ42 ratio (Rho = 0.247; p = 0.042), age (Rho = 0.373; p = 0.002), and MMSE (Rho=-0.410; p = 0.001). Sensitivity/specificity point estimates for Elecsys CSF immunoassays versus FDG-PET positivity for underlying AD pathophysiology were mostly comparable or greater in patients with high versus low WMH. WMH were not a significant predictor and did not interact with CSF biomarker positivity but modified the association between pTau181 and tTau. Conclusion: Elecsys CSF immunoassays detect AD pathophysiology regardless of concomitant SVD and may help to identify patients with early dementia with underlying AD pathophysiology.
Potential Role of Mid‐Latitude Seaway on Early Paleogene Atlantic Overturning Circulation

The role of the mid‐latitude seaway between the proto‐Paratethys and the North Sea on the early Paleogene ocean circulation is examined with a state‐of‐art earth system model. The early Eocene simulations here demonstrate that the open mid‐latitude seaway captures most relatively fresh surface water from the Arctic and Greenland‐Norwegian Sea and prohibits them from leaking into the Labrador Sea, thus benefiting the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). However, the closure of the seaway triggers the AMOC reduction as more relatively fresh surface water enters the Labrador Sea, and the AMOC finally shuts down. Together with geological reconstructions, our results also provide insights into understanding the evolution of the Atlantic‐Arctic oceanic gateways during the Paleogene.
Wide Temperature Range and Low Temperature Drift Eddy Current Displacement Sensor Using Digital Correlation Demodulation

Conventional eddy-current sensors have the advantages of being contactless and having high bandwidth and high sensitivity. They are widely used in micro-displacement measurement, micro-angle measurement, and rotational speed measurement. However, they are based on the principle of impedance measurement, so the influence of temperature drift on sensor accuracy is difficult to overcome. A differential digital demodulation eddy current sensor system was designed to reduce the influence of temperature drift on the output accuracy of the eddy current sensor. The differential sensor probe was used to eliminate common-mode interference caused by temperature, and the differential analog carrier signal was digitized by a high-speed ADC. In the FPGA, the amplitude information is resolved using the double correlation demodulation method. The main sources of system errors were determined, and a test device was designed using a laser autocollimator. Tests were conducted to measure various aspects of sensor performance. Testing showed the following metrics for the differential digital demodulation eddy current sensor: nonlinearity 0.68% in the range of ±2.5 mm, resolution 760 nm, maximum bandwidth 25 kHz, and significant suppression in the temperature drift compared to analog demodulation methods. The tests show that the sensor has high precision, low temperature drift and great flexibility, and it can instead of conventional sensors in applications with large temperature variability.
“Instead of Being on a Screen You Can Be More Out There and Enjoy Your Life”: Young People’s Understandings of Physical Activity for Health

Background: Despite documented evidence of the benefits of leading a physically active life, it is reported that less than half of young people in Europe meet the physical activity recommendations. Schools, and in particular physical education (PE), are viewed to be at the forefront of addressing inactive lifestyles and educating young people about physical activity. Nonetheless, given advancements in technology, young people are increasingly exposed to physical activity information “beyond the school gates”. Consequently, if PE teachers are to support young people to understand the information they receive surrounding physical activity online, then they need to be able to address any misconceptions about health they may have. Methods: In this study, fourteen young people (7 boys and 7 girls) in year 9 (13–14 years old) from two secondary schools in England participated in a digitally-based activity and semi-structured interviews which aimed to explore their conceptions of physical activity for health. Results: It was found that the young people had limited and narrow conceptions of what it means to be physically active. Conclusions: It was suggested the findings could be partly attributed to limitations in students’ learning and experiences with respect to physical activity and health in the PE curriculum.
Measuring policymaking capacities of schools: validation of the Policy Making Capacities Questionnaire (PMC-Q)

ABSTRACT In order to support research on school effectiveness, there is a need for valid and reliable instruments to assess policymaking capacities of schools. Increasingly, policymaking is seen as a shared responsibility of the entire pedagogical team of a school. In this article, data were analysed from a sample of 1,696 (care) teachers coordinators and principals from 77 Flemish primary schools to assess critical aspects concerning validity and reliability of the Policy Making Capacities Questionnaire (PMC-Q). Confirmatory factor analysis indicates that the fit for the model with eight factors is limited. The subscales were found to be strongly correlated and difficult to distinguish, and one of the subscales turned out to be not well captured by the questionnaire. The results indicate sufficient interrater reliability and within-group agreement to aggregate responses to school level. Suggestions are made for further development of the PMC-Q and its use for research and practice.
Design of a Digital LAMP Detection Platform Based on Droplet Microfluidic Technology

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid and high-yield amplification technology for specific DNA or RNA molecules. In this study, we designed a digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification (digital-LAMP)-functioning microfluidic chip to achieve higher sensitivity for detection of nucleic acids. The chip could generate droplets and collect them, based on which we could perform Digital-LAMP. The reaction only took 40 min at a constant temperature of 63 °C. The chip enabled highly accurate quantitative detection, with the limit of detection (LOD) down to 102 copies μL−1. For better performance while reducing the investment of money and time in chip structure iterations, we used COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate different droplet generation ways by including flow-focusing structure and T-junction structure. Moreover, the linear structure, serpentine structure, and spiral structure in the microfluidic chip were compared to study the fluid velocity and pressure distribution. The simulations provided a basis for chip structure design while facilitating chip structure optimization. The digital-LAMP-functioning chip proposed in the work provides a universal platform for analysis of viruses.