Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving the Sound Absorption Properties of Flexible Polyurethane (PU) Foam using Nanofibers and Nanoparticles

Polyurethane foam as the most well-known absorbent materials has a suitable absorption coefficient only within a limited frequency range. The aim of this study was to improve the sound absorption coefficient of flexible polyurethane (PU) foam within the range of various frequencies using clay nanoparticles, polyacrylonitrile nanofibers, and polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers. The response surface method was used to determine the effect of addition of nanofibers of PAN and PVDF, addition of clay nanoparticles, absorbent thickness, and air gap on the sound absorption coefficient of flexible polyurethane foam (PU) across different frequency ranges. The absorption coefficient of the samples was measured using Impedance Tubes device. Nano clay at low thicknesses as well as polyacrylonitrile nanofibers and polyvinyl fluoride nanofibers at higher thicknesses had a greater positive effect on absorption coefficient. The mean sound absorption coefficient in the composite with the highest absorption coefficient at middle and high frequencies was 0.798 and 0.75, respectively. In comparison with pure polyurethane foam with the same thickness and air gap, these values were 2.22 times at the middle frequencies and 1.47 times at high frequencies, respectively. Surface porosity rose with increasing nano clay, but decreased with increasing polyacrylonitrile nanofibers and polyvinyl fluoride nanofibers. The results indicated that the absorption coefficient was elevated with increasing the thickness and air gap. This study suggests that the use of a combination of nanoparticles and nanofibers can enhance the acoustic properties of flexible polyurethane foam.
Neuroprotection Effect of Quercetin on TNF-α Levels and Gene Expression of Caspase 3 in MPTP-Induced Male NMRI Mice

Background: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder caused by a degenerative loss of dopaminergic neurons of midbrain, from the substantia nigra to the corpus striatum pathway. Quercetin has a neuroprotective effect to prevent the greater loss of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease model. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the flavonoid quercetin on the behavioral test in 1-methyl-4-phenyl,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced male NMRI mice. Methods: Animals were divided into eight groups (n = 12). Behavioral tests of bar test and treatment with quercetin began one day after inducing the disease and lasted for 35 days. Then, brains were excluded from craniums for histology, immunohistochemistry tyrosine hydroxylase, measurement of TNF-α levels, and gene expression of caspase 3. Results: Data showed that orally taking quercetin for 35 days improved the behavioral test of bar tests in Parkinson’s disease. Cell density in TH staining was counted and showed considerable decreases in the substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease group (83.67 ± 12.811) while it was higher in quercetin-treated groups PD + Q1 (103.67 ± 8.090) and PD + Q2 (145.33 ± 13.908) than in Parkinson’s disease group (P < 0.05). Quercetin decreased inflammation due to MPTP in the substantia nigra in PD + Q1 (1395.73 ± 1.058) and PD + Q2 (1250.66 ± 1.95), and corpus striatum in PD + Q1 (1207.033 ± 2.228) and PD + Q2 (1187.44 ± 1.64) and TNF-α protein levels in the quercetin-treated group (P < 0.05). Parkinson’s disease decreased gene expression of caspase 3 (0.35 ± 0.019) and increased it in quercetin-treated groups PD + Q1 (1.26 ± 0.062) and PD+Q2 (2.27 ± 0.144) (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with neuroprotection effect and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis properties preventing the loss of dopaminergic neurons in mice with Parkinson’s disease.
Efecto de la empatía sobre el procesamiento cortical temprano y tardío de rostros

Background: Empathy depends, to a large extent, on the ability to process the emotions that are expressed in the faces of other people. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the time course of cognitive processing of happy, neutral and angry faces in subjects with low and high empathy. Method: The study was carried out with 60 participants divided into two groups (low and high empathy), which observed happy, neutral and angry faces while recording the events related potentials (ERP) P100, N170 and LPP, as indicators of early attention, encoding of the stimulus as a human face and activation and attentional engagement. results: No significant differences were found between groups in the P100 component. The N170 ERP was higher in the high empathy group and the LPP was higher to angry faces in the low empathy group. conclusions: The results suggest that empathy does not have an effect on the response of early attention to faces, but it does increase the recognition of the stimulus as a human face and subjects with low empathy have greater attentional engagement to expressions of anger.
Transduction of Mesenchymal Stem Cells that Express VEGF-A and Pre-conditioning with SDF1α In order to Increase Survival for use in Myocardial Infarction Treatment in a Rat Model

Objective: The use of stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with genes and various growth factors as treatments for myocardial infarction and various other diseases is highly regarded. However these cells meet with inflammation and a hypoxic environment in the target tissue. Hence, treatment with factors that increase the resistance of these stem cells is of importance. Stem cells also can be used as carriers for gene therapy. The aim of the present research is to produce VEGF expressing MSCs. We investigate the effect of stromal derived factor 1 on MSC survival in order to use these cells in a future rat myocardial infarction model. Methods: MSCs were purified from young male rats by aspirating the cavity of femurs and tibias. After characterization, MSCs were transduced with VEGF using lipofectamine. Expression and function of VEGF was confirmed. Next, we treated MSCs with SDF1α at various time points. The effect of this chemokine was investigated using the LDH assay and by viable cell counts. Results: The experiments confirmed the production and function of VEGF by MSCs. The LDH levels decreased significantly in SDF1α treated MSCs. Cell viability increased significantly in the presence of this chemokine. Conclusion: Treatment of MSCs with the SDF1α chemokine has increased the survival of these cells. These MSCs are proper candidates for increasing angiogenesis and for further analysis in a rat model of myocardial infarction.
Caracterización física y mecánica de compuestos de Guazuma crinita Mart. a base de polipropileno virgen

Wood plastic composite materials based on Guazuma crinita wood particles (White Bolaina) from forestry thinning of 4, 5 and 6 years old and virgin polypropylene (PP) were prepared, using polypropylene maleic anhydride (MAPP) as a coupling agent. Specimens were made by extrusion, thermal compression and laser cutting. White bolaine particles were sieved with ASTM mesh sizes: -40/+60, -60/+80 and -80/+100. Proportions of polypropylene/Bolaina mixture were: 70/30, 80/20 and 90/10. All formulations included 2 % MAPP as a coupling agent. Physical properties as moisture content, density, absorption and swelling were assessed, as well as the mechanical properties of static bending, tension and impact resistance. Additionally, for discussing the results an anatomical characterization of the White Bolaina wood fiber (length, diameter, wall thickness, lumen diameter and slenderness coefficient) and a chemical analysis of its components (extractives, holocellulose, lignin and ash) was carried out. Results allow to appreciate a direct relationship between the variable mixing ratio and the mainly physical properties, as well as between the variable particle size with respect to tension. Wood age did not represent a significant source of variability.
A Distributed Control Scheme of Microgrids in Energy Internet Paradigm and Its Multisite Implementation

Internet-of-Things concepts are evolving the power systems to the Energy Internet paradigm. Microgrids (MGs), as the basic element in an Energy Internet, are expected to be controlled in a cooperative and flexible manner. This article proposes a novel distributed control scheme for multiagent systems (MASs) governed MGs in future Energy Internet. The control objectives are frequency/voltage restoration and proportional power sharing. The proposed control scheme considers both intra- and inter-MASs interactions, which offers group plug-and-play capability of distributed generators. The stability and communication delay issues in the control framework are analysed. A multisite implementation framework is presented to explain the agent architecture as well as data exchange in local area networks and the cloud server. Then a cyber hardware-in-the-loop experiment is conducted to validate the proposed control method with multisite implementation. The experimental results prove the effectiveness and application potentials of the proposed approach.
Realizacja zasad prewencji chorób układu krążenia przez lekarzy POZ w populacji generalnej. Wyniki programu WOBASZ

1Zak3ad Epidemiologii, Prewencji Chorób Uk3adu Kr1¿enia i Promocji Zdrowia, Instytut Kardiologii, Warszawa 2Klinika Nadciœnienia Têtniczego, Chorób Naczyñ i Chorób Wewnêtrznych, Instytut Kardiologii, Akademia Medyczna, Poznañ 3Katedra Medycyny Spo3ecznej i Zapobiegawczej, Uniwersytet Medyczny, £ódŸ 4Zak3ad Epidemiologii i Badañ Populacyjnych, Instytut Zdrowia Publicznego, Collegium Medicum, Uniwersytet Jagielloñski, Kraków 5III Katedra i Klinika Kardiologii, Œl1ska Akademia Medyczna, Katowice 6Katedra i Klinika Nadciœnienia Têtniczego i Diabetologii, Akademia Medyczna, Gdañsk
Carcass, Ceacal Microbial Population and Immune Parameters of Broilers Given Different Levels of Mixed Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) and Garlic (Allium Sativum) Extract

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the carcass, caeca microbial parameters of broilers fed different levels of mixed lemon grass and garlic extract (CLGE). Five hundred broiler chickens (Ross 308) were allotted to five treatments with five replicate consisting of 20 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). The first group T1 was given 0.025g/litre Neomycin in water while T2, T3, T4 and T5 were given CLGE at levels 3.0ml/litre, 6.0ml/litre, 9.0ml/litre and 12.0 ml/ litre of water respectively. The experiment lasted for four weeks each for the starter and finisher respectively. Results on dressing percentages revealed that birds given 12.0 ml/l CLGE was highest (76.87%) followed by those in T4 (76.54 %), T3 (75.61 %), T2 (75.00%) and T1 (70.01%). Significant influences (P<0.05) were also observed in the relative organ weight (liver, kidney, spleen, heart, pancreas, gizzard and proventriculus). There were also significant differences (P<0.05) in the caeca microbial population of E.coli and lactobacillus count as well as the antibody titer against Newcastle and gumboro disease. Birds in T5 had the lowest E.coli count (9.00 cfu/g) when compared to T1 (22.19 cfu/g) with the highest proportion of the bacteria. It was concluded that CLGE could be given to broilers at 12.0ml/liter without any negative effect on the health and can be used to effectively replace antibiotics.
Diversity of Mesorhizobium Species Nodulating Some Wild Legumes in Samsun Province of Turkey

Bu calismada Turkiye’nin Samsun ilinden toplanan iki yabani Baklagil turunun ( Argyrolobium biebersteinii (Ball in Feddes) and Lotus angustissimus L. ,) mikrosimbiyontlari geleneksel ve molekuler yontemler kullanilarak incelenmistir. Toplamda orijinal konakcilari uzerinde aktif kok nodulleri olusturan bes adet rizobiyal izolat incelenmistir. Bu izolatlarin teshisleri 16S rDNA ve recA olmak uzere iki genin filogenetik analizleri ile yapilmistir. Sonuc olarak OKN-1 ve OKN-4 Mesorhizobium tarimense ve OKN-3 M. japonicum olarak teshis edilmislerdir. Diger taraftan diger iki izolatimiz OKN-7 ve OKN-10 potansiyel iki yeni Mesorhizobium turu olarak ortaya cikmistir. Sonuc olarak bu calismada Turkiye’den Mesorhizobium cinsine ait ilk molekuler olarak tanimlanmis ornekleri sunmaktayiz. Ayrica M. tarimense ve M. japonicum turleri icin Turkiye’den ve Avrupa’dan ilk kayitlari da vermekteyiz. Ek olarak M. tarimense ve M. japonicum izolatlarimiz, bu iki turun orijinal konaklarindan ve lokalitelerinden tanimlanmasindan sonra bildirilen ilk izolatlardir. Bu calismada potansiyel olarak yeni iki Mesorhizobium turu icin de molekuler kanitlar sunuyoruz.
Exponential convergence of Cartesian PML method for Maxwell’s equations in a two-layer medium

The perfectly matched layer (PML) method is extensively studied for scattering problems in homogeneous background media. However, rigorous studies on the PML method in layered media are very rare in the literature, particularly, for three-dimensional electromagnetic scattering problems. Cartesian PML method is favorable in numerical solutions since it is apt to deal with anisotropic scatterers and to construct finite element meshes. Its theories are more difficult than circular PML method due to anisotropic wave-absorbing materials. This paper presents a systematic study on the Cartesian PML method for three-dimensional electromagnetic scattering problem in a two-layer medium. We prove the well-posedness of the PML truncated problem and that the PML solution converges exponentially to the exact solution as either the material parameter or the thickness of PML increases. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first theoretical work on Cartesian PML method for Maxwell’s equations in layered media.
Greece and the euro: a Mundellian tragedy

This paper analyzes the process of destabilization, crisis and adjustment in the Greek economy since the accession of the country to the European Union and, subsequently, the euro area. It reviews four policy cycles of the past 40 years, the four acts of the Greek tragedy, and discusses alternative ways forward, following the sudden stop and the great depression of the 2010s. It concludes that despite the significant constraints implied by continued participation in the euro area, namely a stark Mundellian conflict between internal and external balance, exiting the euro area risks further destabilizing the economy and bringing about a return of the problems of the 1980s. The current challenge for Greece is to seek to remain and prosper in the euro area. This would require a policy mix based on supply side reforms which would allow for a sustained recovery without the reemergence of external imbalances.
Perspectives, frontiers, and new horizons for plasma-based space electric propulsion

There are a number of pressing problems mankind is facing today that could, at least in part, be resolved by space systems. These include capabilities for fast and far-reaching telecommunication, surveying of resources and climate, and sustaining global information networks, to name but a few. Not surprisingly, increasing efforts are now devoted to building a strong near-Earth satellite infrastructure, with plans to extend the sphere of active life to orbital space and, later, to the Moon and Mars if not further. The realization of these aspirations demands novel and more efficient means of propulsion. At present, it is not only the heavy launch systems that are fully reliant on thermodynamic principles for propulsion. Satellites and spacecraft still widely use gas-based thrusters or chemical engines as their primary means of propulsion. Nonetheless, similar to other transportation systems where the use of electrical platforms has expanded rapidly, space propulsion technologies are also experiencing a shift toward electric thrusters that do not feature the many limitations intrinsic to the thermodynamic systems. Most importantly, electric and plasma thrusters have a theoretical capacity to deliver virtually any impulse, the latter being ultimately limited by the speed of light. Rapid progress in the field driven by consolidated efforts from industry and academia has brought all-electric space systems closer to reality, yet there are still obstacles that need addressing before we can take full advantage of this promising family of propulsion technologies. In this paper, we briefly outline the most recent successes in the development of plasma-based space propulsion systems and present our view of future trends, opportunities, and challenges in this rapidly growing field.There are a number of pressing problems mankind is facing today that could, at least in part, be resolved by space systems. These include capabilities for fast and far-reaching telecommunication, surveying of resources and climate, and sustaining global information networks, to name but a few. Not surprisingly, increasing efforts are now devoted to building a strong near-Earth satellite infrastructure, with plans to extend the sphere of active life to orbital space and, later, to the Moon and Mars if not further. The realization of these aspirations demands novel and more efficient means of propulsion. At present, it is not only the heavy launch systems that are fully reliant on thermodynamic principles for propulsion. Satellites and spacecraft still widely use gas-based thrusters or chemical engines as their primary means of propulsion. Nonetheless, similar to other transportation systems where the use of electrical platforms has expanded rapidly, space propulsion technologies are also experiencing a shi.
Multiband Dual-Mode Doherty Power Amplifier Employing Phase Periodic Matching Network and Reciprocal Gate Bias for 5G Applications

This article presents a novel method to design the multiband Doherty power amplifier (DPA). It is illustrated that phase periodic matching networks (PPMNs) can be used as multiband impedance inverters, off-set elements, and phase compensators to realize multiband DPAs. Moreover, the number of Doherty operation bands can be further increased by employing the reciprocal gate biases. A six-band dual-mode DPA with 1.8–2.2-/3.9–4.3-GHz operation bands in Mode I and 1.52–1.72-/2.38–2.53-/3.67–3.82-/4.53–4.68-GHz operation bands in Mode II using commercial GaN transistors is designed and implemented to validate the proposed method. The fabricated DPA achieves 8.7–13.5-dB gain and 39.6–41.5-dBm peak output power at all the designed bands. Drain efficiency of 49.2%–54.5% and 42.2%–56.7% is measured at a 6-dB output back-off in Mode I and Mode II, respectively. When stimulated by a five-carrier 100-MHz OFDM signal with a 7.7-dB peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) of better than −48.9 dBc can be obtained by the proposed DPA after digital predistortion with 35.5%–50.1% average drain efficiency at 1.65/1.95/2.45/3.75/4.1/4.6 GHz, respectively.
Using Diabetes Therapy Management Software to Support Behavior ChangeA Case-based Approach

complex behaviors. People who use intensive insulin regimens, for example, are taught that healthy blood glucose levels depend on balancing the amount of energy in the food they absorb with the amount of energy they expend while adapting their insulin dose to both. This involves multiple interrelated actions—e.g., carbohydrate counting, adjusting the timing and/or dosing of insulin administration, and altering the frequency or method of blood glucose monitoring—which are, in turn, subject to emotional, cultural, and social influences. Today’s healthcare environment rarely allows time to sort out these intertwining issues, making effective, long-term behavior change difficult for patients and practitioners alike.
A simple optical fibre probe for differentiation between healthy and tumorous tissue

Incomplete removal of malignant tumours continues to be a significant issue in cancer surgery. It increases the risk of local recurrence and impaired survival, and results in the need for additional surgery with associated attendant costs and morbidity. While pathological methods exist to determine tissue type during surgery, these methods can compromise post-operative pathology, have a lag of minutes to hours before the surgeon receives the results of the tissue analysis and are restricted to excised tissue. In this work we report the development of an optical fibre probe which could find use as an aid for margin detection during surgery. A fluorophore doped polymer coating is deposited on the tip of an optical fibre, which can then be used to record the pH by monitoring the emission spectra from the embedded indicator. The pH values of unknown tissue are measured and compared to healthy tissue, allowing for discrimination between healthy and cancerous tissue. The probe developed here shows strong potential for use during surgery, as the probe design can be readily adapted to a low-cost portable configuration which could find use in the operating theatre. Use of this probe in surgery either on excised or in-vivo tissue has the potential to improve success rates for complete removal of cancers.
Online Product Review Impact: The Relative Effects of Review Credibility and Review Relevance

Abstract This study conceptualizes, operationalizes, and identifies the drivers of online product review (OPR) relevance and examines its relative effect on OPR impact compared to review credibility. In contrast to previous studies, this study is the first to conceptualize review credibility as a distinct construct from reviewer expertise and trustworthiness comprising a cognitive-affective dimension (perceptions) and a behavioral dimension (likelihood to act). Results show that review relevance contributes significantly to explaining OPR impact and that review relevance and review credibility (drivers of OPR impact) provide a significantly better fit to the empirical data than review credibility alone. In fact, review relevance is almost an equally strong driver of OPR impact as review credibility. However, the relationships between review credibility and its two hypothesized drivers—reviewer trustworthiness and reviewer expertise—are mixed. While a significant positive relationship is found between credibility and trustworthiness, as expected, a significant negative relationship is found between credibility and expertise.
The role of experience exchange groups in farmers’ practice transitions: the case of reduced tillage in Danish conventional farming

ABSTRACT This study examined the adoption by farmers of reduced tillage practices in Danish conventional farming by means of observation and interviews with farmers involved in an experience exchange group. It identified why these farmers began reducing tillage, how they succeeded with it and what hindrances they encountered in the context of Danish conventional farming. The study found that experience exchange groups for farmers play a vital role in their rediscovery of the interrelations between agriculture and nature and of the fundamental importance of soil life and processes. The repetitive nature of interactions in a group like this may lead to the permanent adoption of sustainable practices.
Development of Novel HIV Vaccine by Nano-biomaterials

Human immune deficiency virus is a life threatening immune deficiency disease causing virus. Nowadays Nano-Medicine is a promising field for manufacturing vaccines for various bacterial and viral diseases. FPCN containing specific antigen are capable to stimulate T-cell very well to kill the viruses. P24 is the capsid protein of HIV virus which can stimulate immune response. So FPCN containing p24 will be a good choice for HIV vaccination. The present hypothesis aimed to quantify the challenges of making a novel HIV vaccine using FPCN nano-particles.