Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a topical formulation containing S. Lutea extract: Stability, in vitro studies and cutaneous permeation

Flavonoids have been widely incorporated into cosmetic and dermatological formulations, affording benefits such as antioxidant action, improved skin tone and fewer lines and wrinkles. Brazil has a huge biodiversity, with one of the richest flora in the world, and existing studies justify the quest for greater research efforts in this area. The cajazeira (Spondias lutea L.), a plant of the Anacardiaceae family from tropical America, is widely disseminated in Brazil. This plant was chosen because of the presence of flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant activity. The purpose of this research was to develop a stable topical formulation containing Spondias lutea extract with the aim of preventing skin diseases caused by UV radiation. Hydro ethanolic extract of Spondias lutea fruit was prepared and assayed for its the flavonoids content. The antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH and superoxide assay. The physicochemical stability and skin permeation of the cream containing 8% (w/w) of extract were assessed. The results showed that the S. lutea extract possessed antioxidant activity, and that it is possible to obtain a stable cosmetic containing the extract, which is able to penetrate the skin. Thus, it is possible to use this extract to produce an anti-aging cosmetic.
Estimation of Hamiltonian parameters beyond the quantum Cram\'er-Rao bound

In quantum parameter estimation theory, the quantum Fisher information (QFI) is the ultimate benchmark to precision, at least under the assumption that the measurement schemes employed to extract information on the parameter are regular, i.e. neither the sample space, nor the elements of the positive operator-valued measure (POVM), depend on the true value of the parameter. An improved performance, however, is achievable by resorting to non-regular strategies. We study a family of non-regular measurement schemes, referred to as controlled energy measurements, arising naturally in the estimation of a general Hamiltonian parameter. By optimizing over the set of all available controls, a better sensitivity compared to a standard analysis based on the QFI is attainable. Our results demonstrate that energy measurements represent a relevant resource for metrological purposes. More generally, they show that, by making full use of the degrees of freedom offered by quantum mechanics, one may achieve a stronger quantum enhancement than in the regular scenario.
Validation of a New Method for Structured Subjective Assessment of Past Concentrations

A new method has been developed to assess the level of exposure from airborne hazardous substances. The method provides subjective exposure assessments using a structured approach, based on descriptive information about work activities and the work environment. Validation of the method has been carried out for 63 jobs involving five different agents: man-made mineral fibres, asbestos, styrene, toluene and mixed respirable dust. In three cases, there were two occupational hygienists who completed the assessments and in the remaining scenarios there was only one assessor. The subjective exposure assessments generally showed a statistically significant correlation with exposure measurements (correlation coefficient for the log-transformed data generally ranging from 0.31 to 0.93). The main exception to this pattern was the styrene data set where there was a small difference between the highest and lowest measured exposure level and this resulted in a much poorer association between the estimated and measured values. The assessments were also positively biased, with the ratio of the geometric mean estimated level to the measured level typically ranging from 1.3 to 2.2. Possible causes of the bias are discussed along with strategies to minimise its effect.
The gut microbiome and irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders encountered in clinical practice. It is a heterogeneous disorder with a multifactorial pathogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that an imbalance in gut bacterial communities, or “dysbiosis”, may be a contributor to the pathophysiology of IBS. There is evidence to suggest that gut dysbiosis may lead to activation of the gut immune system with downstream effects on a variety of other factors of potential relevance to the pathophysiology of IBS. This review will highlight the data addressing the emerging role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of IBS and review the evidence for current and future microbiome based treatments
Optimal network design of SURFnet 8 , using TI-LFA and Segment Routing

In this project we set out to provide recommendations to SURFnet on optimum implementation of Topology Independent Loop Free Alternate (TI-LFA) based backup path precomputation on the SURFnet8 network. We have selected a subset of the SURFnet8 topology, and simulated it with 8 Juniper routers. We prove that TI-LFA provides significant performance improvements to service recovery. We observed that an additional hop can negatively effect both IGP and TI-LFA, but further testing with TI-LFA would be required to prove this. We observed large convergence delays if both the primary and TI-LFA backup paths failed simultaneously. We have identified that maximising the Equal Cost Multipaths (ECMPs) in the network topology are beneficial, especially if TI-LFA is used. Carefully combined with fate-sharing, the benefit of maximum number of ECMPs can be further increased. We advise against the use of the node protection feature, if only relying on the information of a failed link. We make recommendations to SURFnet on how to achieve higher amounts of ECMPs within their network. Through a simulation, we have proven that our suggested metrics significantly increase the number of ECMPs within the SURFnet8 topology.
Performance and structure of single-mode bosonic codes

The early Gottesman, Kitaev, and Preskill (GKP) proposal for encoding a qubit in an oscillator has recently been followed by cat- and binomial-code proposals. Numerically optimized codes have also been proposed, and we introduce codes of this type here. These codes have yet to be compared using the same error model; we provide such a comparison by determining the entanglement fidelity of all codes with respect to the bosonic pure-loss channel (i.e., photon loss) after the optimal recovery operation. We then compare achievable communication rates of the combined encoding-error-recovery channel by calculating the channel's hashing bound for each code. Cat and binomial codes perform similarly, with binomial codes outperforming cat codes at small loss rates. Despite not being designed to protect against the pure-loss channel, GKP codes significantly outperform all other codes for most values of the loss rate. We show that the performance of GKP and some binomial codes increases monotonically with increasing average photon number of the codes. In order to corroborate our numerical evidence of the cat-binomial-GKP order of performance occurring at small loss rates, we analytically evaluate the quantum error-correction conditions of those codes. For GKP codes, we find an essential singularity in the entanglement fidelity in the limit of vanishing loss rate. In addition to comparing the codes, we draw parallels between binomial codes and discrete-variable systems. First, we characterize one- and two-mode binomial as well as multiqubit permutation-invariant codes in terms of spin-coherent states. Such a characterization allows us to introduce check operators and error-correction procedures for binomial codes. Second, we introduce a generalization of spin-coherent states, extending our characterization to qudit binomial codes and yielding a multiqudit code.
Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) and Autler-Townes (AT) splitting in the presence of band-limited white Gaussian noise

We investigate the effect of band-limited white Gaussian noise (BLWGN) on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and Autler-Townes (AT) splitting, when performing atom-based continuous-wave (CW) radio-frequency (RF) electric (E) field strength measurements with Rydberg atoms in an atomic vapor. This EIT/AT-based E-field measurement approach is currently being investigated by several groups around the world as a means to develop a new International System of Units traceable RF E-field measurement technique. For this to be a useful technique, it is important to understand the influence of BLWGN. We perform EIT/AT based E-field experiments with BLWGN centered on the RF transition frequency and for the BLWGN blue-shifted and red-shifted relative to the RF transition frequency. The EIT signal can be severely distorted for certain noise conditions (bandwidth, center frequency, and noise power), hence altering the ability to accurately measure a CW RF E-field strength. We present a model to predict the line shifts and broadenings in the EIT signal in the presence of noise. This model includes AC Stark shifts and on resonance transitions associated with the noise source. The results of this model are compared to the experimental data, and we find very good agreement between the two.We investigate the effect of band-limited white Gaussian noise (BLWGN) on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and Autler-Townes (AT) splitting, when performing atom-based continuous-wave (CW) radio-frequency (RF) electric (E) field strength measurements with Rydberg atoms in an atomic vapor. This EIT/AT-based E-field measurement approach is currently being investigated by several groups around the world as a means to develop a new International System of Units traceable RF E-field measurement technique. For this to be a useful technique, it is important to understand the influence of BLWGN. We perform EIT/AT based E-field experiments with BLWGN centered on the RF transition frequency and for the BLWGN blue-shifted and red-shifted relative to the RF transition frequency. The EIT signal can be severely distorted for certain noise conditions (bandwidth, center frequency, and noise power), hence altering the ability to accurately measure a CW RF E-field strength. We present a model to predict the l.
Benchmarking of quantum processors with random circuits

Quantum processors with sizes in the 10-100 qubit range are now increasingly common. However, with increased size comes increased complexity for benchmarking. The effectiveness of a given device may vary greatly between different tasks, and will not always be easy to predict from single and two qubit gate fidelities. For this reason, it is important to assess processor quality for a range of important tasks. In this work we propose and implement tests based on random quantum circuits. These are used to evaluate multiple different superconducting qubit devices, with sizes from 5 to 19 qubits, from two hardware manufacturers: IBM Research and Rigetti. The data is analyzed to give a quantitive description of how the devices perform. We also describe how it can be used for a qualititive description accessible to the layperson, by being played as a game.
Design of Analog Front-End for 128 Multi-Channel EEG Signal Acquisition in 90 nm Technology

This paper presents the design and implementation of a fully differential analog front-end which pre-processes the acquired Electro Encephalogram (EEG) signals before digitization. It consists of an analog multiplexer and a filter which can efficiently condition real-time EEG signals. The circuit has been designed so as to be compatible with a 128 multi-channel data acquisition system and hence, a 128 multi-channel analog multiplexer has been designed which aids in selecting the signal to be processed. Further, EEG signals are known to exist in the frequency range of 0-5 KHz and amplitude range of 100nv to 10mv. Hence, an eighth order low-pass filter with a bandwidth of 5 KHz, a stop band attenuation of -105dB, and a pass-band gain of 35.56dB has been implemented using cascaded bi-quads. The entire filter possesses fully-differential architecture because of its ability to effectively suppress power-line interference and on-chip noise. Chebyshev implementation of Ackerberg-Mosseberg bi-quad helped in conserving the chip area and aided in effective noise suppression. The schematics of the above mentioned circuits have been simulated in the 90nm technology.
Biophysical and Socioeconomic State and Links of Deltaic Areas Vulnerable to Climate Change: Volta (Ghana), Mahanadi (India) and Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (India and Bangladesh)

We examine the similarities and differences of specific deltaic areas in parallel, under the project DEltas, vulnerability and Climate Change: Migration and Adaptation (DECCMA). The main reason for studying Deltas is their potential vulnerability to climate change and sea level rise, which generates important challenges for livelihoods. We provide insights into the current socioeconomic and biophysical states of the Volta Delta (Ghana), Mahanadi Delta (India) and Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (India and Bangladesh). Hybrid methods of input-output (IO) construction are used to develop environmentally extended IO models for comparing the economic characteristics of these delta regions with the rest of the country. The main sources of data for regionalization were country level census data, statistics and economic surveys and data on consumption, trade, agricultural production and fishing harvests. The Leontief demand-driven model is used to analyze land use in the agricultural sector of the Delta and to track the links with final demand. In addition, the Hypothetical Extraction Method is used to evaluate the importance of the hypothetical disappearance of a sector (e.g., agriculture). The results show that, in the case of the Indian deltas, more than 60% of the cropland and pasture land is devoted to satisfying demands from regions outside the delta. While in the case of the Bangladeshi and Ghanaian deltas, close to 70% of the area harvested is linked to internal demand. The results also indicate that the services, trade and transportation sectors represent 50% of the GDP in the deltas. Still, agriculture, an activity directly exposed to climate change, plays a relevant role in the deltas’ economies—we have estimated that the complete disappearance of this activity would entail GDP losses ranging from 18 to 32%.
THE ROLE OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS IN THE GHANAIAN SME SECTOR

This paper reports on the role of NEDs among Ghanaian SMEs. The results of this study revealed that less than half of the SMEs sampled engage the services of NED. The study also revealed that relatively larger SMEs are more likely to employ the services of NEDs. We also found that over 80% of the SMEs with NEDs were either growing or growing rapidly. NEDs’ contributions were also found to be multi-various and cut across the range of SME board functions. The study showed that most SMEs acquire NEDs mainly through informal personal contacts such as family, friends of a director, business friends rather than through formal arrangements.
Analysis of Toxicology Reports from the 1993-94 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries

Michael Greenberg, MD, MPH, is a professor of Emergency Medicine and Public Health at MCP-Hahnemann University, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA. Richard Hamilton, MD, is an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine and Public Health at the same university. Guy Toscano is an economist in the Office of Safety, Health and Working Conditions, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Telephone: (202) 691-6165 E-mail: Toscano_G@bls.gov Workers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a serious concern in the workplace today. Although the magnitude of the substance abuse problem at work is difficult to measure, the goal of maintaining alcohol and drug free workplaces has been addressed repeatedly by industry and government alike. An informative approach to defining the magnitude of the problem of drug and alcohol use among workers is to evaluate the traumatic deaths that occurred in the workplace and attempt to correlate those deaths with the recent use of drugs or alcohol. To this end, an evaluation of toxicology data for individuals who died as a result of fatal occupational injuries and whose toxicology reports were submitted to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) has been completed for the reporting years 1993 and 1994. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries is the primary source of information on fatal work injuries in the United States. Diverse data sources are used to compile comprehensive information on each occupational fatality, including industry, occupation, type of event, equipment involved, demographic characteristics, and circumstances of the fatal incident. Summary data are issued annually about 8 months after the end of the calendar year.
IDENTIFICATION OF ORGANO-TELLURIUM AND ORGANO-SELENIUM COMPOUNDS IN THE HEADSPACE GASES ABOVE GENETICALLY MODIFIED ESCHERICHIA COLI AMENDED WITH TELLURIUM AND SELENIUM SALTS by

Swearingen Jr., Jerry W. , Identification of Organo-tellurium and Organo-selenium Compounds in the Headspace Gases Above Genetically Modified Escherichia coli Amended with Tellurium and Selenium Salts. Master of Science (Chemistry), August, 2005, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas. Purpose The purpose of this work was to identify organo-selenium and organo-tellurium compounds produced by genetically modified Escherichia coli cells that were amended with selenium or tellurium salts. The goals of this research were to see which genetic modifications were responsible for the production of the organo-chalcogen compounds. Experiments were designed to detect new, never previously reported compounds above the modified E. coli cultures. Experiments were also performed to see if the change from aerobic to anaerobic growth conditions affected the bioremediation potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens K27. Recombinant E. coli cultures were amended with either tellurate, tellurite, selenate, or selenite or some combination of these salts. Experiments show that ORF 600 and 1VH (which contains ORF 600) produce organo-tellurium and organo-selenium compounds. Expression of ORF 600, which contains the gene encoding for a UbiE methyltransferase, resulted in production of organo-tellurium compounds when the clone was amended with tellurate but did not produce any organo-tellurium compounds when the clone was amended with tellurite. Organo-tellurium compounds that were detected above tellurium amended cultures were dimethyl telluride, methanetellurol, dimethyl tellurenyl sulfide, and dimethyl ditelluride. The last three have never been reported before in the literature as bacterial products. Organo-selenium compounds that were detected were dimethyl selenide, dimethyl selenenyl sulfide, dimethyl diselenide, and
Exhaled nitric oxide in patients with PiZZ Phenotype-related a 1-antitrypsin deficiency

There is no report of exhaled NO (eNO) in subjects with different phenotypes of a1-anti-trypsin (AAT) deficiency. Exhaled nitric oxide was evaluated by means of single-breath chemiluminescence analysis (fractional exhaled concentration at the plateau level [plFENO]) in 40 patients with AAT deficiency. Patients were divided according to the protease inhibitor (Pi) phenotype: PiMZ/MS, n=25; PiSZ n=6; PiZZ, n=9. Nineteen healthy subjects served as controls. Levels of eNO in PiZZ patients were also compared with those of subjects, without AAT deficiency (PiMM), matched for diagnosis, sex, age, smoking habit and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1). In AAT deficiency subjects airway hyper-responsiveness to methacholine (PD20 FEV1) was also assessed. plFENO was significantly lower in the PiZZ group (4? 5+1? 4 ppb) than in matched PiMM subjects (8? 2+3? 8 ppb), in healthy controls (9? 3+2? 8 ppb) and in patients of other phenotypes. Dynamic lung volumes and DLCO were significantly lower in PiZZ than in other AAT-deficient patients. Bronchial hyper-responsiveness was not different among AAT phenotypes. These results suggest that eNO may be significantly reduced in PiZZ as compared to healthy control subjects and to AAT subjects with other phenotypes, independent of the level of airway obstruction. Whether, at least potentially, eNO may be considered as an early marker of lung involvement in AAT deficiency must be confirmed with studies on larger number of subjects.
Individual Differences in Prosociality: The Roles of Parenting, Temperament, and Genetics

Although prosocial behaviours tend to increase with age and with children’s socio-cognitive skills,1 and despite the finding that situational variables (such as recipients' need and relationship with the recipient) also affect the likelihood of prosocial behaviour, 4,5,6 substantial individual differences in prosociality are found at all ages. Three main domains in which researchers have tried to understand individual differences include socialization, temperament and genetics. Many researchers have focused on how children's socialization environment (for example, home, school, and peers) is related to children's tendency to help and share (this chapter focuses on parenting; school and peers are discussed elsewhere 7 ). Another approach takes a dispositional perspective to prosociality: are there personality (or temperament) effects on prosocial behaviour? Finally, researchers ask: is prosociality affected by genetic factors?
Inverse patchy colloids: from microscopic description to mesoscopic coarse-graining

Typically, patchy systems are characterized by the formation of a small number of directional, possibly selective, bonds due to the presence of attractive regions on the surface of otherwise repulsive particles. Here, we consider a new type of particles with patterned surfaces and we refer to them as inverse patchy colloids because, in this case, the patches on the repulsive particles repel each other instead of attracting. Further, these patches attract the parts of the colloid that are free of patches. Specifically, we consider heterogeneously charged colloids consisting of negatively charged spherical particles carrying a small number of positively charged patches. Making use of the Debye–Huckel theory, we derive the effective interaction potential between a pair of inverse patchy colloids with two patches on opposite poles. We then design a simple coarse-grained model via a mapping with the analytical pair potential. The coarse-grained model quantitatively reproduces the features of its microscopic counterpart, while at the same time being characterized by a much higher degree of computational simplicity. Moreover, the mesoscopic model is generalizable to an arbitrary number of patches.
Understanding PCIe performance for end host networking

In recent years, spurred on by the development and availability of programmable NICs, end hosts have increasingly become the enforcement point for core network functions such as load balancing, congestion control, and application specific network offloads. However, implementing custom designs on programmable NICs is not easy: many potential bottlenecks can impact performance. This paper focuses on the performance implication of PCIe, the de-facto I/O interconnect in contemporary servers, when interacting with the host architecture and device drivers. We present a theoretical model for PCIe and pcie-bench, an open-source suite, that allows developers to gain an accurate and deep understanding of the PCIe substrate. Using pcie-bench, we characterize the PCIe subsystem in modern servers. We highlight surprising differences in PCIe implementations, evaluate the undesirable impact of PCIe features such as IOMMUs, and show the practical limits for common network cards operating at 40Gb/s and beyond. Furthermore, through pcie-bench we gained insights which guided software and future hardware architectures for both commercial and research oriented network cards and DMA engines.