Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Generalized Carrier-Overlapped PWM Method for Neutral-Point-Clamped Multilevel Converters

The neutral-point voltage unbalance problem holds back the extensive application of neutral-point-clamped (NPC) multilevel converters with more than three voltage levels in industry. Traditional phase-disposition pulsewidth modulation (PDPWM) or nearest-three-vector (NTV) modulation cannot achieve the voltage balance over the full modulation indexes and load power factors when the voltage level is higher than three. To solve this problem, a novel generalized carrier-based PWM method, named carrier-overlapped PWM (COPWM), for NPC multilevel converters is proposed in this article, which is proven to satisfy the volt–second balance principle. With this modulation method, the average values of all the neutral-point currents are equal to zero in a fundamental period, and therefore, all the dc-link capacitor voltages can be naturally balanced in the ideal and steady-state conditions. In order to simplify its implementation, an equivalent multireference modulation method with only one triangular carrier is also derived. Simulation and experimental results on a five-level diode-clamped inverter are presented to verify the proposed modulation method.
The hippocampus and dorso-lateral striatum link distinct types of memories through time and space, respectively

Several decades of research have established that different kinds of memories result from the activity of discrete neural networks. Studying how these networks process information in experiments that target specific types of mnemonic representations has provided deep insights into memory architecture and its neural underpinnings. However, in natural settings reality confronts organisms with problems that are not neatly compartmentalized. Thus, a critical problem in memory research that still needs to be addressed is how distinct types of memories are ultimately integrated. Here we demonstrate how two memory networks, the hippocampus and dorso-lateral striatum, may accomplish such a goal. The hippocampus supports memory for facts and events, collectively known as declarative memory and often studied as spatial memory in rodents. The dorso-lateral striatum (putamen in primates) provides the basis for habits which are assessed in stimulus-response types of tasks. Expanding previous findings, the current work revealed that the hippocampus and dorso-lateral striatum use time and space in distinct and largely complementary ways to link spatial and habitual representations. Specifically, the hippocampus supported both types of memories when they were formed in temporal juxtaposition even if the learning took place in different environments. In contrast, the lateral striatum supported both types of memories if they were formed in the same environment even if at temporally distinct points. These results reveal for the first time that by using fundamental aspects of experience in specific ways, the hippocampus and dorso-lateral striatum can transcend their attributed roles in information storage. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The current paradigm in memory research postulates that different types of memories reflected in separate types of behavioural strategies result from activity in distinct neural circuits. However, recent data have shown that when rats concurrently acquired in the same environment hippocampal-dependent spatial navigation and striatal-dependent approach of a visual cue, each of the two types of memories became dependent on both the hippocampus and dorso-lateral striatum. The current work reveals that the hippocampus and dorso-lateral striatum utilize distinct and complementary principles to integrate different types of memories in time and space: the hippocampus links memories formed in temporal proximity, while the lateral striatum links memories formed in the same space.
O-9 Paediatric pbpk modelling of propofol using the middle out approach

Introduction The project SAFEPEDRUG aims to pro-vide guidelines for drug research in children, based on bottom-up and top-down approaches. Propofol, one of their model compounds, is extensively metabolised in liver and kidney.1 and, being a lipophilic molecule, dis-tributed into fat tissues, from where it redistributes into the circulation.2 In the past, both bottom-up (PBPK)3 and top-down approaches (popPK)4 were applied to describe the PK of this compound. In this work, a combi-nation of the two (middle-out approach) was applied to describe propofol PK in children. Methods Data from different trials were analysed using a 3-compartment-model in NONMEM. In vitro metabolism data was generated using the methodology from Gill et al.5 All data was then described using a full PBPK model in SimcypV16. In vivo clearances were either obtained starting from in vitro clearance or scaled back from the in vivo clearance values estimated using NONMEM. Once an accurate in vivo clearance was obtained, the adult mod-el was scaled to paediatrics and the resulting model was challenged with paediatric data. Results A CL of 1.07 L/h/kg and Vd of 822L were esti-mated using the population approach. In vitro CLint val-ues were consistent with literature, and an IVIVE would thus result in the same underprediction of total CL as described before. Therefore, the published model3 was examined to see which parameters could increase the predicted CLiv. It was found that estimating the B:P and fu resulted in a predicted average CLiv of 1.01 L/h/kg compared to 0.39 L/h/kg before. Using the retrograde approach based on literature data, a match between pre-dicted CLiv and NONMEM-derived CL was obtained. The model performed better than previous models and was able to describe PK for both long-and short-term infu-sions in adults. Extrapolation to children gave better re-sults compared to bottom-up or top-down models. Conclusion In the past, PBPK and PopPK have mostly been used side by side to describe PK. However, a better result is achieved if both are combined. When studying a complex ADME compound such as propofol, a PBPK approach is often recommended. However, current in vitro systems and IVIVE are not yet optimised for these complexities. Therefore, the best strategy is to integrate in vivo data with in vitro studies. Once an adult PBPK model is built, it can be scaled to children using knowledge of the ontogeny and maturation, which implies a correctly predicted contribution of each subsystem to the systemic clearance.
Have Women with Coronary Artery Disease a Higher Risk than Men after Coronary Stenting

Background: Women with coronary artery disease are believed that bear a higher risk for adverse outcomes than men after conventional coronary interventions. The increasing use of coronary stenting has improved the outcome of patients undergoing coronary interventions, but little is known about the nature of outcomes in men versus women after this procedure. Objective: To examine whether there are sex-based differences in prognostic factors and in early and late outcomes among CAD patients undergoing coronary stent placement. Patients and methods: This is an inception cohort study, which included a consecutive series of 4264 patient (1001 women and 3263 men) with symptomatic CAD who were treated with coronary stenting between May 1992 and December 1998, at two tertiary referral institutions in Munich, Germany. Patients who underwent stenting in the setting of acute myocardial infarction were excluded. The main endpoints of the study were the combined event rates of death and nonfatal myocardial infarction, assessed at 30 days and 1 year after stenting, compared by sex. Results: Compared with men, women undergoing coronary stenting were significantly older (mean age, 69 vs. 63 years) and more likely to present with diabetes, arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Women had less extensive CAD, a less frequent history of myocardial infarction and better preserved left ventricular function than men. Women presented an excess risk of death or nonfatal myocardial infarction only during the early period after stenting: the 30-day combined event rate of death or myocardial infarction was 3.1% in women and 1.8% in men (P=0.02) and the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio for women was 2.02 (95% CI, 1.27-3.19). At 1 year, the outcome was similar for both women and men (combined event rate for women, 6.0%, and for men, 5.8% (P=0.77); multivariate-adjusted HR for women, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.75-1.48]). There was a sex difference in the prognostic value of baseline characteristics: the strongest prognostic factors were diabetes in women and age in men. Women also presented a reduced risk for restenosis (target vessel revascularization, 14.5% vs. 17.5% in men, P=0.02). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the 1-year outcomes of women with CAD undergoing coronary artery stenting are similar to those of men. Despite the similarity in outcomes, there are several sex-specific differences in baseline characteristics, clinical course after the intervention, and relative weight of prognostic factors.
A vertical structure photodetector based on all‐inorganic perovskite quantum dots

In this work, the vertical structure photodetector based on CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) with a structure of indium tin oxide (ITO)/zinc oxide (ZnO)/CsPbBr3 QDs/Au is reported. In this device, CsPbBr3 QDs film works as the light‐harvesting layer, and ZnO QDs film acts as the electron transport channel, which can extract the electron efficiently and improve the quality of CsPbBr3 QDs film. As a result, the on/off ratio, detectivity and rise time (decay time) of CsPbBr3/ZnO hybrid photodetector are measured to be 2.4 × 106, 2.25 × 1011, and 62 milliseconds (82 ms) under 0‐V bias. This work inspires the development of vertical structure photodetectors based on the all‐inorganic perovskite QDs.
Serum level of il-6 in patients of type-ii diabetes mellitus with and without retinopathy: a comparative study

Aim: Pakistan has 6.9 million people with diabetes mellitus (DM) that will be doubled by 2025. A study was designed to determine serum levels of IL-6 in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: It was a cross-sectional case-control study of 212 subjects. Group-I included 30 subjects without DM, Group-II had 30 T2DM without retinopathy and Group-III had 152 T2DM with retinopathy. IL-6 was determined by ELISA technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 17.0. Results: More females were in Group-II (83%) and Group-III (66%) compared to Group-I (30%). Higher age was in Group-II (49yrs) and Group-III (50yrs) compared to Group-I (34yrs). Mean duration of disease (in years) was more in Group-III (10.51) than Group-II (7.76). Highest mean level of IL-6 was in Group-II, followed by Group-I and Group-III. On comparison, gender, age, duration of disease and the level of IL-6, there was a significant difference while there was no significant difference between percentages of HbA1c. The logistic regression model suggested low levels of IL-6 in patients of diabetic retinopathy was an independent predictor of retinopathy in patients with T2DM. Conclusion: Serum level of IL-6 was low in patients of diabetic retinopathopathy as compared to patients with T2DM without retinopathy. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.16(4) 2017 p.525-529
Effect of chemical concentrations on strength and crystal size of biocemented sand

Biocementation due to the microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) process is a potential technique that can be used for soil improvement. However, the effect of biocementation may be affected by many factors, including nutrient concentration, bacterial strains, injection strategy, temperature, pH, and soil type. This study investigates mainly the effect of chemical concentration on the formation of calcium carbonate (e.g., quantity, size, and crystalline structure) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) using different treatment time and chemical concentration in the biotreatment. Two chemical concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 M) and three different treatment times (2, 4, and 8 cycles) were studied. The effect of chemical concentrations on the treatment was also examined by making the total amount of chemicals injected to be the same, but using different times of treatment and chemical concentrations (8 cycles for 0.50 M and 4 cycles for 1.00 M). The UCS and CCC were measured and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out. The SEM images revealed that the sizes of calcium carbonate crystals increased with an increase in chemical concentrations. The UCS values resulting from the treatments using low concentration were slightly greater than those from the treatments using high concentration, given the CCC to be more or less the same. This trend can be attributed to the size of the precipitated crystals, in which the cementation efficiency increases as the crystal size decreases, for a given CCC. Furthermore, in the high concentration treatment, two mineral types of calcium carbonate were precipitated, namely, calcite and amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). As the crystal shape and morphology of ACC differ from those of calcite, the bonding provided by ACC can be weaker than that provided by calcite. As a result, the conditions of calcium carbonate were affected by test key factors and eventually, contributed to the UCS values.
PHONOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF DIMINUTIVE MARKER -WAA IN MAGAHI.

Diminutives are universal linguistic features generally affixed to a root and modified to convey a slighter degree of its root meaning along with a range of possible meanings that get attached to them like conveying intimacy or endearment, smallness of the object, inferiority in quality, gender largely feminine and so on. Languages have diminutives to convey all or some of the meanings listed above. In many languages, formation of diminutives by adding suffixes is a productive process. In Magahi (an Indo Aryan language) too diminutives are suffixes that are attached to the root modifying its meaning to serve a range of grammatical functions. Of all the diminutives in Magahi -waa seems to be the most frequent and dynamic because of its allomorphs. Interestingly, the investigation of the underlying phonological processes helps one to understand the accommodating and the dynamic nature of this suffix with regards to its grammaticalization.
EVALUATION OF THE USE OF KWARA STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS

The study investigated the relevance of public library to the peculiar needs of secondary school students in Ilorin Metropolis. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study and 300 students participated in the survey. The instruments for data collection include structure questionnaire, interview as well as personal observation. Each instrument complements one another and the data gathered were analyzed through the calculation of frequencies and percentages. Reports of findings has it that Kwara State Library Board stand a good chance to adequately cater for the diverse educational and other related information needs of secondary school students in Ilorin Metropolis, but yet such expectation have not been met to a large extent. The state library has not leave up to its responsibility of providing services that support school curriculum and education. It is on this basis that recommendation was made that appropriate ministry responsible for funding of public library should wake up to reality of what is expected of a modern public library.
eHealth in cardiovascular risk management to prevent cognitive decline

Cardiovascular diseases and dementia are diseases that have a major impact on our society. These diseases share a number of risk factors, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity and physical inactivity. One can imagine that even a small improvement in cardiovascular risk factor management in a large number of people can lead to a substantial beneficial effect on overall incident cardiovascular disease and maybe even postpone or prevent dementia. However, it is not clear what the optimal target level is in cardiovascular prevention in older adults and to prevent cognitive decline. We can use eHealth to optimise cardiovascular risk management by developing internet interventions that focus on prevention. eHealth can also play an important role in improving research purposes. You can easily reach a wide audience, perform remote repeated measurements and provide patient-centred care at lower costs. The aim of this thesis is to provide insight in the possibilities of cardiovascular prevention via eHealth and mHealth, and to show different aspects of cognitive functioning: assessing, predicting and preventing cognitive decline.
The Aha! Experience of Spatial Reorientation

The experience of spatial re-orientation is investigated as an instance of the wellknown phenomenon of the Aha! moment. The research question is: What are the visuospatial conditions that are most likely to trigger the spatial Aha! experience? The literature suggests that spatial re-orientation relies mainly on the geometry of the environment and a visibility graph analysis is used to quantify the visuospatial information. Theories from environmental psychology point towards two hypotheses. The Aha! experience may be triggered by a change in the amount of visual information, described by the isovist properties of area and revelation, or by a change in the complexity of the visual information associated with the isovist properties of clustering coefficient and visual control. Data from participants’ exploratory behaviour and EEG recordings are collected during wayfinding in virtual reality urban environments. Two types of events are of interest here: (a) sudden changes of the visuospatial information preceding subjects' response to investigate changes in EEG power; and (b) participants brain dynamics (Aha! effect) just before the response to examine differences in isovist values at this location. Research on insights, time-frequency analysis of the P3 component and findings from navigation and orientation studies suggest that the spatial Aha! experience may be reflected by: a parietal alpha power decrease associated with the switch of the representation and a frontocentral theta increase indexing spatial processing during decision-making. Single-trial time-frequency analysis is used to classify trials into two conditions based on the alpha/theta power differences between a 3s time-period before participants’ response and a time-period of equal duration before that. Behavioural results show that participants are more likely to respond at locations with low values of clustering coefficient and high values of visual control. The EEG analysis suggests that the alpha decrease/theta increase condition occurs at locations with significantly lower values of clustering coefficient and higher values of visual control. Small and large decreases in clustering coefficient, just before the response, are associated with significant differences in delta/theta power. The values of area and revelation do not show significant differences. Both behavioural and EEG results suggest that the Aha! experience of re-orientation is more likely to be triggered by a change in the complexity of the visual-spatial environment rather than a change in the amount, as measured by the relevant isovist properties.
Learning in the Dynamic Audit Environment: A Literature Review

Based on literature on auditor expertise and workplace learning, this paper develops the Auditor Workplace Learning Framework. The Auditor Workplace Learning Framework distinguishes three categories of learning processes based on the extent to which (1) learning is an important focus of a particular process and (2) the audit firm actively stimulates learning during a particular process. We distinguish learning while performing on the audit engagement, learning related to the audit engagement, and learning outside the audit engagement. We subsequently review the auditing literature, classify papers that directly or indirectly improve our knowledge of auditor learning in the three learning categories, and identify research gaps regarding the different auditor learning processes. This review is important because of the rapid developments in auditing, that are fueled by constant changes in capital markets, expanded assurance, and technology, have increased the importance of on-the-job learning. However, as the literature streams that help us to better understand learning processes in audit firms have developed independently, the time is ripe for a literature review that enables the development of a comprehensive view on auditor learning.
The single nucleotide polymorphism of DMRT1 is associated with oligospermia

Male infertility is a common human reproductive defect that can be resulted from spermatogenesis impairment. DMRT1 encodes a male-specific transcriptional regulator and is important for human spermatogenesis. This study was designed to explore the relationship between the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of DMRT1 and oligospermia. Two SNPs namely rs3739583 and rs4742608, were screened in 212 infertile men with oligospermia and 217 normal controls by using a PCR-RFLP assay. The genotyping data showed that the frequencies of allele A (64.9% vs. 57.8%, p=0.041, OR=1.346, 95% CI 1.021~1.773) and genotype AA (39.1% vs. 29.0%, p=0.027, OR=1.604, 95% CI 1.073~2.398) of SNP rs4742608 were significantly higher in the infertile patients with oligospermia compared with the normal controls. Our data suggest that the SNP rs4742608 in DMRT1 is associated with oligospermia and may affect the genetic susceptibility to human oligospermia.
Teachers’ Bias Against the Mathematical Ability of Female, Black, and Hispanic Students

Researchers have long endeavored to understand whether teachers’ evaluations of their students’ mathematical ability or performance are accurate or whether their evaluations reveal implicit biases. To disentangle these factors, in a randomized controlled study (N = 390), we examined teachers’ evaluations of 18 mathematical solutions to which gender- and race-specific names had been randomly assigned. Teachers displayed no detectable bias when assessing the correctness of students’ solutions; however, when assessing students’ mathematical ability, biases against Black, Hispanic, and female students were revealed, with biases largest against Black and Hispanic girls. Specifically, non-White teachers’ estimations of students’ mathematical ability favored White students (both boys and girls) over students of color, whereas (primarily female) White teachers’ estimations of students’ mathematical ability favored boys over girls. Results indicate that teachers are not free of bias, and that teachers from marginalized groups may be susceptible to bias that favors stereotype-advantaged groups.
Edible plant-derived essential oils synergistically enhance the Th1, Th2 and anti-inflammatory cytokines in neonatal cord blood monocytic cell line

ABSTRACT Edible medicinal plants Curcuma longa, Kaempferia galanga and Zingiber officinale are considered to be suitable for pregnant mother and neonates. Their essential oils are claimed to have therapeutic effects, yet its immunomodulatory activities need to be investigated. To validate the immunomodulatory effect, cord blood monocyte cells (CBMCs) treated with different concentrations of essential oils ranging from 0 to 40 µg/ml. K. galanga oil at 40 µg/ml concentrations upregulated IFN-γ at 49.23 pg/ml, while C. longa oil downregulated the IL-10 at 10.45 pg/ml showing immunostimulant activity on CBMCs. However, Z. officinale oil showed no significant result at any concentration. K. galanga and C. longa oils also showed an increase in lymphocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The present study was aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory potentialities of essential oils which will attract the interest of researchers and pharmaceutical industries for clinical studies and other applications in the therapy of diseases related to neonatal infections. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT