Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of Cardiorespiratory Parameters in Rats—Validation Based on Pharmacological Stimulation

The methods used in preclinical studies should minimize the suffering and the number of animals but still provide precise and consistent results enabling the introduction of drug candidates into the phase of clinical trials. Thus, we aimed to develop a method allowing us to perform preliminary safety and toxicity studies of candidates for human medicines, while reducing the number of animals. We have devised a method based on a combination of two devices: Plugsys (Transonics System Inc., Ithaca, NY, USA) and PhysioSuite (Kent Scientific Corporation, Torrington, CT, USA), which allow simultaneous registration of nine circulatory and respiratory parameters, and body temperature. Vehicle and adrenaline, or nitroglycerin, as reference substances were administered into the right femoral vein of Wistar rats. Physiological conditions were registered over 60 min after drug administration by measuring systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, heart rate (HR), blood perfusion of paw vessels, blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, average and peak exhaled CO2, and body temperature. Blood pressure was measured by cannula placed in the left common carotid artery and connected to the pressure transducer (Plugsys). The other parameters were measured by the PhysioSuite. Adrenaline-induced immediate dose-related hypertension and nitroglycerin hypotension were correlated with the change in blood perfusion. They both increased HR. Adrenaline decreased blood oxygen saturation and slightly affected respiratory parameters, while nitroglycerin caused a progressive increase in respiratory rate and a decrease in the peak of exhaled CO2. Our method may become an inseparable part of the preliminary safety and toxicity studies of tested drugs, while being an important step towards improving animal welfare.
Active load control of wind turbine blade section with trailing edge flap: Wind tunnel testing

In order to reduce the cost of energy, the rotor diameter of wind turbine has been continuously increased. Fatigue load becomes more important as wind turbines increase in size. The reduction of fatigue load can result in increased component lifetimes, reduced maintenance requirements, and an overall lower cost of energy. In this article, a load reduction analysis and experiment are performed to show the load reduction abilities of an active aerodynamic load control device, namely trailing edge flaps, in the operation of large wind turbines. Through numerical simulations that use trailing edge flaps as active aerodynamic load control devices on wind turbines, a 30%–50% reduction in the standard deviation oscillations of root bending moment from the mean value was achieved. To validate the active load control analysis and show the potential of the trailing edge flap for load reduction, an active load control experiment of the wind turbine blade was performed. The experimental model was developed using a non-rotating blade equipped with a trailing edge flap and load-cell sensors to facilitate feedback control. A controller is based on the proportional–derivative control in order to minimize the blade root load variation in the flapwise direction. Through the experiment, a 20%–30% reduction in the standard deviation oscillations of blade root load from the mean value was achieved.
Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Psidium guajava L. leaves

Guava, Psidium guajava L. , is well-known tropic tree which is abundantly grown for fruit. It belongs to phylum Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida and Myrtaceae family and has been found a lot in the Mekong Delta of Viet Nam. Antioxidant activity of different extracts from Psidium guajava L. leaves revealed that ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts have the good activities. Processing of these fractions using repeated column and thin layer chromatographic techniques resulted in the isolation of four compounds, which have identified their chemical structures by spectroscopic techniques including avicularin (1), kaempferol (2), gallic acid (3), and protocatechuic acid (4). All the isolated compounds showed antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays. These results suggest that the leaves of guava would be useful natural sources of antioxidants.
Extraction and Identification of a Wide Range of Microplastic Polymers in Soil and Compost

Microplastic pollution is globally widespread; however, the presence of microplastics in soil systems is poorly understood, due to the complexity of soils and a lack of standardised extraction methods. Two commonly used extraction methods were optimised and compared for the extraction of low-density (polyethylene (PE)) and high-density microplastics (polyethylene (PET)), olive-oil-based extraction, and density separation with zinc chloride (ZnCl2). Comparable recoveries in a low-organic-matter matrix (soil; most >98%) were observed, but in a high-organic-matter matrix (compost), density separation yielded higher recoveries (98 ± 4% vs. 80 ± 11%). Density separation was further tested for the extraction of five microplastic polymers spiked at different concentrations. Recoveries were >93% for both soil and compost, with no differences between matrices and individual polymers. Reduction in levels of organic matter in compost was tested before and after extraction, as well as combined. Double oxidation (Fenton’s reagent and 1 M NaOH) exhibited the highest reduction in organic matter. Extracted microplastic polymers were further identified via headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS). This method has shown the potential for descriptive quantification of microplastic polymers. A linear relationship between the number of particles and the signal response was demonstrated for PET, polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PE (R2 > 0.98 in alluvial soil, and R2 > 0.80 in compost). The extraction and identification methods were demonstrated on an environmental sample of municipal biowaste compost, with the recovery of 36 ± 9 microplastic particles per 10 g of compost, and the detection of PS and PP.
Occurrence of Double Bond in π-Aromatic Rings: An Easy Way to Design Doubly Aromatic Carbon-Metal Structures

A chemical bonding of several metallabenzenes and metallabenzynes was studied via an adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) algorithm and the induced magnetic field analysis. A unique chemical bonding pattern was discovered where the M=C (M: Os, Re) double bond coexists with the delocalized 6c-2e π-bonding elements responsible for aromatic properties of the investigated complexes. In opposition to the previous description where 8 delocalized π-electrons were reported in metallabenzenes and metallabenzynes, we showed that only six delocalized π-electrons are present in those molecules. Thus, there is no deviation from Hückel’s aromaticity rule for metallabenzynes/metallabenzenes complexes. Based on the discovered bonding pattern, we propose two thermodynamically stable novel molecules that possess not only π-delocalization but also retain six σ-delocalized electrons, rendering them as doubly aromatic species. As a result, our investigation gives a new direction for the search for carbon-metal doubly aromatic molecules.
Protective Effect of Fasudil on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress Injury of H9C2 Cardiomyocytes

Objective Oxidative damage is a pathological factor that causes cardiovascular damage in the clinic and is increasingly serious. This study focused on the effect of fasudil on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in cardiomyocytes. Materials and Methods H9C2 cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro and divided into three groups: control group (Con group), H2O2 treatment (H2O2 group), and fasudil and H2O2 cotreatment (H2O2+fasudil group). The content levels of LDH and MDA in the supernatant were detected, and the morphology of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was observed by light microscopy. 8-OHdG staining was observed by a fluorescence inversion microscope. Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8), western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to investigate the effect of fasudil on the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. Results Our results showed that after H2O2 treatment, the H9C2 cardiomyocytes were irregular in shape and elliptical. But the morphology of the H2O2+fasudil group was similar to that of the Con group. The green fluorescence of the H2O2 group was significantly enhancer than that of the Con group, while the green fluorescence of the H2O2+fasudil group was weaker than those of the H2O2 group. By detecting the supernatant, it was found that the contents of LDH were significantly increased, and the contents of SOD and CAT in the H2O2 group were significantly decreased. And the expression of antioxidant indicators in the H2O2 group was significantly decreased by western blotting. The results of RT-PCR showed that SOD1 and SOD2 mRNA in the H2O2 group was significantly reduced, and the contents of GPX1 and GPX3 in the H2O2 group were significantly decreased by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of ROCK1, ROCK2, and downstream phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit-1 (p-MYPT-1) was significantly increased in the H2O2 group, while fasudil inhibited the increase of ROCK1, ROCK2, and p-MYPT-1. Conclusions Fasudil can inhibit the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway induced by H2O2 and reduce oxidative stress response, inhibit apoptosis, and improve antioxidant enzyme activity in H9C2 cardiomyocytes thereby delaying cell senescence.
Limits of low noise performance of detector readout front ends in CMOS technology

The limits of the noise performance of detector readout front ends in CMOS technology have been studied. A theoretical minimal number of equivalent noise charge (ENC) that can be achieved by a CMOS technology is derived, taking both thermal noise and 1/f noise into account. Design criteria and techniques of CMOS readout front ends are presented so as to fully exploit the maximal capability of a CMOS technology. The optimal input transistor dimensions and bias conditions of charge sensitive amplifiers (CSA) are analytically determined. For readout front ends using semi-Gaussian pulse shapers, the optimal number of integrators and the optimal peaking time are determined from the point of view of achieving the best detector resolution. In order to verify the theoretical analyses, a charge sensitive amplifier and a fourth-order semi-Gaussian pulse shaper with 1- mu s peaking time have been designed in a standard 3- mu m CMOS technology. Calculations and computer simulations show that by optimal design of input CSA and semi-Gaussian pulse shaper, a detector resolution as low as 600 equivalent noise electrons can be obtained for a 40-pF detector capacitance. >
Batteries and AC phenomena in UPS systems: the battery point of view

The characteristics of the lead-acid battery are considered in terms of electrochemical efficiencies, overvoltage, and resistive impedance. Electrochemical efficiencies and resistive impedance are considered in terms of both the discharge reaction and the recharge reaction of a battery. These characteristics are used to explain the reaction of the batteries to certain AC phenomena. Definitions for AC phenomena are given in terms of DC ripple and high-frequency shallow cycling (HFSC). The relationship between battery characteristics and DC ripple is discussed in simple battery rectifier systems and battery rectifier systems incorporating a resistive load. The possible adverse effects of DC ripple are identified. In addition, HFSC is considered in terms of battery characteristics, and a battery rectifier with an inverter is taken as an example. The consequences of this condition are identified in terms of capacity walkdown, leading to short service lives. Finally, battery design and its operation are also reviewed in respect of the ability of designs to withstand the AC phenomena identified in the present work. Some observations are also given on early attempts to attribute limits to the ripple condition, and suggestions are made for its detection. <<ETX>>
Public Perceptions of Waste Management in Sri Lanka: A Focus Group Study

The prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse of waste is promoted by the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but many countries lack both necessary resources and infrastructure for sound waste management. While literature pinpoints the need for an engaged public and suggests a range of factors and supportive actions that may impact citizens’ waste behaviour, qualitative in-depth studies for engaging in waste management practices remain scarce. This study aimed to investigate perceptions of waste management and underlying behaviours for waste practices in the context of household waste management in Sri Lanka. Six focus group interviews were held with 23 residents across 6 regions in Sri Lanka. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed perceptions of four waste management systems, together with five motivational aspects of waste practices in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The analysis further considers how the motivational aspects are interlinked with practices within citizens’ perceived systems. In addition to the novel thematic contribution to the field, the findings can be used as a foundation to inform strategies to communicate with selected target audiences about their local challenges for sustainable waste management practices, in an attempt to influence citizen behaviours.
Ginsenoside Rb1 Mitigates Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endometritis through TLR4-Mediated NF-κB Pathway

Endometritis is the inflammatory response of the endometrial lining of the uterus and is associated with low conception rates, early embryonic mortality, and prolonged inter-calving intervals, and thus poses huge economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GnRb1) is a natural compound obtained from the roots of Panax ginseng, having several pharmacological and biological properties. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of GnRb1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged endometritis through the TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway has not yet been researched. This study was planned to evaluate the mechanisms of how GnRb1 rescues LPS-induced endometritis. In the present research, histopathological findings revealed that GnRb1 ameliorated LPS-triggered uterine injury. The ELISA and RT-qPCR assay findings indicated that GnRb1 suppressed the expression level of pro-inflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and boosted the level of anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine. Furthermore, the molecular study suggested that GnRb1 attenuated TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling. The results demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of GnRb1 in the mouse model of LPS-triggered endometritis via the inhibition of the TLR4-associated NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study provides a baseline for the protective effect of GnRb1 to treat endometritis in both humans and animals.
Contactless Power Transfer Systems using Series and Parallel Resonant Capacitors

A new contactless power transfer system using series and parallel resonant capacitors is described. If the primary series resonant capacitor and the secondary parallel resonant capacitor are chosen appropriately, the equivalent circuit of the transformer with these capacitors becomes very simple at the resonant frequency. Ignoring the winding resistance and the core loss, the equivalent circuit is the same as an ideal transformer. Therefore, the circuit analysis is easy, and if the input voltage is constant, the output voltage is also constant regardless the output current. Fig. 1 shows the configuration of our contactless power transfer system. The ferrite-core transformer with 10~20 mm gap is drived by 10 kHz rectangular waveform inverter. As the winding resistance and the ferrite-core loss are very small, the simplified equivalent circuit of Fig. 2 can be used. The parallel capacitor Cp at the secondary winding and the series capacitor Cs at the primary winding are determined as following values. 1 ω0CP = xP = x0 + x2 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · (1)
Repetitive control scheme for industrial robotic manipulator using B-spline function

Industrial robotic manipulator is a nonlinear, strong coupling, time-varying system, which is affected by various uncertain factors such as unmodeled dynamics, parameter changes, external interference, friction and so on. Therefore, it is very important to improve the trajectory tracking accuracy, convergence speed and trajectory smoothness of the manipulator. A new controller is designed in this paper. By generating uniform B-spline trajectories, the trajectory planning stage has been integrated into a repetitive control scheme that can modify the reference signal in real time, so as to eliminate the tracking error at the desired path point. In theory, the control scheme is very suitable for the application of industrial equipment with non-open source controller. The simulation results show that the method is effective.
An experimental investigation of multi-element airfoil ice accretion and resulting performance degradation

An investigation of the ice accretion pattern and performance characteristics of a multi-element airfoil was undertaken in the NASA Lewis 6- by 9-Foot Icing Research Tunnel. Several configurations of main airfoil, slat, and flaps were employed to examine the effects of ice accretion and provide further experimental information for code validation purposes. The text matrix consisted of glaze, rime, and mixed icing conditions. Airflow and icing cloud conditions were set to correspond to those typical of the operating environment anticipated for a commercial transport vehicle. Results obtained included ice profile tracings, photographs of the ice accretions, and force balance measurements obtained both during the accretion process and in a past-accretion evaluation over a range of angles of attack. The tracings and photographs indicated significant accretions on the slat leading edge, in gaps between slat or flaps and the main wing, on the flap leading-edge surfaces, and on flap lower surfaces. Force measurements indicate the possibility of severe performance degradation, especially near C sub Lmax, for both light and heavy ice accretion and performance analysis codes presently in use. The LEWICE code was used to evaluate the ice accretion shape developed during one of the rime ice tests. The actual ice shape was then evaluated, using a Navier-Strokes code, for changes in performance characteristics. These predicted results were compared to the measured results and indicate very good agreement.
Path Planning for Autonomous Mobile Robots: A Review

Providing mobile robots with autonomous capabilities is advantageous. It allows one to dispense with the intervention of human operators, which may prove beneficial in economic and safety terms. Autonomy requires, in most cases, the use of path planners that enable the robot to deliberate about how to move from its location at one moment to another. Looking for the most appropriate path planning algorithm according to the requirements imposed by users can be challenging, given the overwhelming number of approaches that exist in the literature. Moreover, the past review works analyzed here cover only some of these approaches, missing important ones. For this reason, our paper aims to serve as a starting point for a clear and comprehensive overview of the research to date. It introduces a global classification of path planning algorithms, with a focus on those approaches used along with autonomous ground vehicles, but is also extendable to other robots moving on surfaces, such as autonomous boats. Moreover, the models used to represent the environment, together with the robot mobility and dynamics, are also addressed from the perspective of path planning. Each of the path planning categories presented in the classification is disclosed and analyzed, and a discussion about their applicability is added at the end.
The Impact of Stormwater Runoff on Nutrient Removal in Sand Columns

Mulch layer also assists filtration of pollutants mainly larger sediment particles in bioretention. The objective is to evaluate the efficiency of bioretention facilities in removing nitrogen and phosphorus by varying the types of mulch layers through sand column. 200 mm filter media cells consisted of river sand with composited fine and coarse sand. Three types of mulch layer wood chip, tea waste and coconut husk were applied at the top of the sand layer at 50 mm depth. Runoff was monitored and analyzed to measure nutrient concentration within six hours. Woodchip showed the highest capability in removing phosphorus by 60.3% as compared to tea wastes and coconut husk. Lower removal efficiency was seen for nitrogen for all mulch materials. Tea waste provides additional nitrogen in effluent concentration. Coconut husk has a potential to be applied as mulch materials based on its capability even wood chip was seen to be favorably materials.
“You've Got to Attend to Everything”

u . 5 The title of this article is an actual quotation from my flight instructor (S. Woolsey, personal communication, July 2006). The article is about workload from the receiving end. It describes some of the challenges that have to be overcome while learning to fly. Hicks' law, De Jong's law, and Miller's law playa part. A key issue in workload assessment is a comparison among the task demands, stress reactions, and performance outputs as learning progresses.
Precipitation induced co and cross-polar effects from a 9 km link operating at 38 GHz

The last few years have seen a rapid growth in the use of the 38 GHz frequency band for fixed service. It was made available for commercial PCN (personal communications network) operators to be used for linking base stations. The links are fairly short, with separations ranging from 5 and 15 km. At the moment, all links use only vertical polarisation; however, the increase in demand for this spectrum could be provided by polarisation diversity so as to maximise spectrum utilisation. In order to examine the feasibility of using two linear, orthogonal polarisations at 38 GHz, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory has installed a 9 km link operating at 38 GHz in southern UK. The primary intention of the campaign is to make a comprehensive set of co- and cross-polar measurements, under various conditions, using a typical system used by the PCN operators, and to make recommendations on cross-polar isolation that may be required for the use of orthogonal polarisations. The link has been operating continuously for a year and we report examples of measurements taken during a variety of precipitation conditions, including drizzle, moderate to intense rain, sleet and snow. We also present the statistics of 1-year data and compare it with predictions from the relevant ITU-R recommendations.
Placental insufficiency improves when intrauterine growth-restricted fetal sheep are administered daily ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid infusions

© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Transl. Anim. Sci. 2021.5:S6–S10 https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab166