Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pre-Treating Dietary Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder with Fibrolytic Enzymes on Physiological and Meat Quality Parameters in Jumbo Quail

High fiber levels (165 g neutral detergent fibre (NDF)/kg DM) in Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) could limit its utilization as a nutraceutical source in Jumbo quail diets. Pre-treating MOLP with exogenous fibrolytic multi-enzymes could reduce the nutrient-encapsulating effect of non-starch polysaccharides and subsequently increase nutrient and bioactive compound utilization. Thus, this study investigated the effect of pre-treating dietary MOLP with an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme mixture on some physiological parameters and meat quality characteristics in Jumbo quail. A total of 396 Jumbo quail were randomly distributed to 6 experimental diets, with 6 replicate pens each and 11 birds per replicate. The experimental diets were: CON = a standard grower diet (156.5 g NDF /kg) without MOLP; ENZ0 = CON + 10% MOLP; and CON + MOLP pre-treated with 0.25% (ENZ25), 0.50% (ENZ50), 0.75% (ENZ75) and 1% (ENZ100) fibrolytic enzymes. There were no significant linear or quadratic effects on growth performance parameters and carcass characteristics in response to incremental levels of fibrolytic enzymes. However, neutrophils linearly increased, while breast meat lightness and 24 h hue angle linearly declined with enzyme levels. Quadratic effects were observed on gizzard weights and 1 h hue angle in response to enzyme levels. All the hemato-biochemical values fell within the normal ranges for healthy quail. It was concluded that the maximum fibrolytic multi-enzyme application rate of 1% may not have been adequate to enhance feed utilization and positively affect weight gain in Jumbo quail, thus higher levels may need to be investigated further.
A Drift-Diffusion/Monte Carlo Simulation Methodology for Si Ge HBT Design

An accurate and efficient simulation methodology for Si Ge HBTs is presented. A two-dimensional (2-D) drift-diffusion solver is employed for dc and ac characteristics, and one-dimensional (1-D) full-band Monte Carlo for transport in the base-collector high-electric-field region. Extrinsic parasitics are introduced as lumped circuit elements whose values are obtained from measurements and layout considerations. This ap- proach not only reduces the computational cost of the simulation, but it also helps to differentiate the relevance of the intrinsic and extrinsic device parameters. We discuss the calibration of the simulation on a 0.25 m process and use a 1-D regional analysis in the quasi-static approximation to identify the major source of delay. Results of the delay analysis were used to improve device performance for the 0.16 m technology node.
Development and Precise Positioning Control of a Novel Linear Motor

A Novel Two-Phase Brushless Tubular Linear Motor And Its Precise Positioning Control System Are Presented In This Paper. The Magnetic Field Distribution In The Air Gap Of The Linear Motor Is Trapezoidal With Optimization By Halbach Magnet Array, And An Ironless Structure Is Adopted To Eliminate Force Ripples. A Simple And Practical Controller Called Active Disturbance Rejection Controller Is Used To Implement Positioning Control Of The Linear Motor Prototype, Which Is Affected By Parameter Uncertainties And Friction. Simulation And Experimental Results Show That The Position Step Response Is Smooth And Micrometer Positioning Accuracy Is Achieved Without Significant Overshoot Or Oscillation. It Can Be Concluded That The Proposed Linear Motor Is Suitable For Smooth And Precise Linear Motion Applications.
The Role of the P1 Latency in Auditory and Speech Performance Evaluation in Cochlear Implanted Children

Auditory deprivation affects normal age-related changes in the central auditory maturation. Cochlear implants (CIs) have already become the best treatment strategy for severe to profound hearing impairment. However, it is still hard to evaluate the speech-language outcomes of the pediatric CI recipients because of hearing-impaired children with limited speech-language abilities. The cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) provides a window into the development of the auditory cortical pathways. This preliminary study is aimed at assessing electrophysical characteristics of P1-N1 of electrically CAEP in children with CIs and at exploring whether these changes could be accounted for in auditory and speech outcomes of these patients. CAEP responses were recorded in 48 children with CIs in response to electrical stimulus to determine the presence of the P1-N1 response. Speech perception and speech intelligibility of the implanted children were further evaluated with the categories of auditory performance (CAP) test and speech intelligibility rating (SIR) test, respectively, to explore the relationship between the latency of P1-N1 and auditory and speech performance. This study found that P1 and N1 of the intracochlear CAEP were reliably evoked in children fitted with CIs and that the latency of the P1 as opposed to that of N1 was negative in relation to the wearing time of the cochlear implant. Moreover, the latency of the P1 produced significantly negative scores in both CAP and SIR tests, which indicates that P1 latency may be reflective of the auditory performance and speech intelligibility of pediatric CI recipients. These results suggest that the latency of P1 could be used for the objective assessment of auditory and speech function evaluation in cochlear-implanted children, which would be helpful in clinical decision-making regarding intervention for young hearing-impaired children.
Is the hygiene hypothesis a plausible explanation for the asymmetry in COVID-19 mortality?

Madam, there is large variation observed in COVID-19 outcomes that indicate the existence of individual and population-based factors influencing the infection course (1). By the second wave of COVID-19, mortality rates in twenty most affected countries were varying, ranging from 2% in Philippines to 11% in Mexico (1). A study evaluating WHO’s region-wise statistical observation of six regions showed an Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) of 0.02% for the American, European, and Eastern Mediterranean regions while for South-East Asian and the Western Pacific regions, it was 0.01% (2). Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) was highest in Europe of 7.3%, 5.3% in American region and a lowest of 1.1% in South-East Asian region (2). Pre-existing health conditions have become decisive feature in assessing disease progression, and aligned with this discourse, the Hygiene Hypothesis can be a plausible explanation for this pattern of COVID-19 infection and mortality. The theory states that the reduced pathogen exposure in high-income regions during important development phases leads to a decreased stimulation by evolutionary relevant pathogens resulting in immune dysregulation and increase in chronic inflammation, allergy, autoimmunity (2). The hyper-hygienic practice wards off potential problems before they progress into clinical condition and disturbs the balance of commensal organisms in surface locations such as gastrointestinal tract, skin and increasing COVID-19 susceptibility(3). Contrarily, extensive exposure to multiple microbes that express pathogen associated molecular patterns activates innate immunity. In this “trained immunity”, ascribed to many cell types, a response generated against one set of microbes can have bystander immune protection against other infections (3). In Ethiopia, the IFR obtained was 0.55% in urban neighbourhoods and 0.78% in remote settlements respectively, an estimate lower than that deduced for higher income countries (4). Further, background immunity against SARS-CoV-2: TCD4 cells observed in some individuals not exposed to SARS-CoV-2 was found to cross react to SARS-CoV-2 proteins (5). However, the hypothesis cannot be over generalized as the number of COVID-19 deaths might be unascertained in low-income countries due to inadequate reporting. Climatic conditions, age, gender, the type of spread of disease also account for differences (4). On the contrary, we can suspect a positive relation between Social Vulnerability Index and COVID-19 incidence as results from Brazil exhibit (5). The Hygiene Hypothesis, albeit cannot be heavily relied upon, offers new perspective in studying the effect of the environment and innate immunity on disease severity and progression. It also provides insights for augmenting standard hygiene practices. Continue.
Biogeochemical Redox Processes Controlling the Element Cycling: Insights from Karst-Type Bauxite, Greece

The occurrence of very-high-grade bauxite ores of karst-type deposits resulting from Fe-leaching is of particular importance, because they are widespread in the Mediterranean metallogenetic province and result in the natural beneficiation of the ore quality. The present study focuses on mineral transformations and variations of major and trace elements, including platinum-group elements (PGE) and mineral chemistry along a bauxite profile from the Parnassos-Ghiona deposit, Greece underlying a fault. The most salient feature of the multicolor ores (grey–whitish, yellowish, deep red, deep grey to brown-red color, from top to bottom) is their association with fossilized and present-day microorganisms, which, by their reducing and/or oxidizing activity, catalyze redox reactions and provide nucleation sites for the precipitation of secondary minerals. Texture relationships between mineral and variations in the mineral chemistry, suggesting the sequence in their formation, indicate a multistage evolution. The recorded compositional variations show that the Al enrichment is accompanied by increase in the TOC, As, Pd and U, and chondrite-normalized REE patterns exhibit a similar trend and positive Ce anomalies. A lower (Pt + Pd) content and higher Pd/Pt ratio, ranging from 1.0 to 5.5 in the bauxite profile compared to those in Fe-Ni laterite deposits with the Pd/Pt ratio ranging from 0.1 to 0.68, reflect the higher solubility and mobility of Pd compared to that of Pt, and differences in their origin and genesis. A positive correlation between Pd and As and the elevated As content (up to 960 mg/kg) in multicolor ores compared to brown-red samples (average 10 mg/kg As) confirms their mobilization and redeposition.
Estimating VO2peak in 18–90 Year-Old Adults: Development and Validation of the FitMáx©-Questionnaire

Purpose Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) plays an essential role in health outcomes and quality of life. However, it is often not assessed nor estimated. Objective CRF assessment is costly, labour intensive and not widely available. Patient-reported outcome measures estimate CRF more cost-efficiently, but current questionnaires lack accuracy. The aim of this study is to develop a new self-reported questionnaire to estimate CRF. Materials and Methods The FitMáx©-questionnaire, consisting of only three questions assessing walking, stair climbing, and cycling capacity, was compared with the commonly used Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ). These questionnaires were compared to peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) as measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This study included 759 cardiac, pulmonary and oncologic patients and healthy persons aged 18‒90. Results FitMáx© strongly correlated (r = 0.94 (0.92‒0.95) SEE = 4.14 mL∙kg−1∙min−1) with measured VO2peak. Bias between predicted and measured VO2peak was −0.24 (−9.23‒8.75; 95% limits of agreement) mL·kg−1·min−1. The FitMáx© scored superiorly on correlation and SEE compared with the DASI and VSAQ, r = 0.75 (0.68‒0.80) SEE = 4.62 mL∙kg−1∙min−1 and r = 0.87 (0.83‒0.90) SEE = 6.75 mL∙kg−1∙min−1, respectively. Conclusion FitMáx© is a valid and accessible questionnaire to estimate CRF expressed as VO2peak in clinical practice and shows substantial improvement compared to currently used questionnaires.
Thermal and Electrical Considerations for the Design of Highly-Integrated Point-of-Load Converters

DC/DC Power converter design has been following a trend of reducing size while also increasing performance for the last several years. This push for higher power output and smaller footprint and profile requires integration and higher switching frequencies in order to continue. Higher frequencies require physical integration to eliminate problems induced by parasitics, which increase losses. GE’s Power Overlay and Philip’s PCB integration schemes have been clear steps in the quest to reduce size with new system design techniques. However, both have downsides. GE Power Overlay embeds the devices inside a milled AlN ceramic cavity and then layers interconnections on top using polyimide dielectric interlayers. The milling of AlN ceramic is a very costly and time consuming task due to the brittleness of the material, and the interlayers add additional complexity to the fabrication process. Philip’s PCB integration was primarily aimed at integrating passives along with the PCB process for reduction of size. Inductor windings and capacitive layers were built up along with FR4 epoxy layers using typical PCB fabrication methods. However,
Climate change financial disclosure and firm performance: empirical evidence from Indian energy sector based on TCFD recommendations

Purpose The paper aims to examine the climate change-related disclosure patterns of listed Indian firms and its impact on firm performance. Specifically, it strives to analyse the conformance of the selected firms with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) established by the Financial Stability Board of G20 nations. Design/methodology/approach The study conducts content analysis of the annual reports and/or sustainability reports of 22 selected firms from the energy sector for the period spanning 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 based on the four-fold recommendations of TCFD, namely, governance, strategy, risk management and target and metrics, to compute the overall and respective climate-change disclosure scores. Further, a panel data regression model is used to appraise the impact of such disclosure on the performance of the firms. Findings The findings of the study indicate that the disclosure level of Indian firms in the energy sector is moderate. The regression results establish a positive relation between climate change-related financial disclosure and firm performance indicating that firms can witness improved financial performance by disclosing more information on climate change. Originality/value This is the first study in the Indian context to evaluate the climate change-related disclosure practices of the selected firms based on the TCFD’s recommendations and to trace its association with the performance of the firms. The results of the study shall hence be of relevance for the policymakers and diverse stakeholders.
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for the Treatment of Macular Edema and Uveitis: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Purpose The purpose of this review article is to provide a comprehensive review of the current applications of intravitreal DEX implant (Ozurdex®, Allergan Inc, Irvine, CA) for a variety of ophthalmic conditions – ranging from FDA approved indications to off-label uses. We have attempted to provide relevant evidence from the literature to help a reader develop an understanding of the biological and pharmacokinetic properties of DEX implant, its uses, and potential side effects. Methods PubMed searches were performed using the terms “Ozurdex”, or “intravitreal DEX implant”, AND “retinal vein occlusion”, or “diabetic macular edema”, or “uveitis”. The search was performed in July of 2021, with an additional search in October 2021. All original English language articles were considered for this review. Results DEX implant has evidence of efficacy in a variety of clinical situations including macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion, diabetes, uveitis, and others. Safety concerns include cataract formation and progression, intraocular pressure elevation, complications related to intravitreal injection, and opportunistic infections secondary to steroid-induced immune suppression. Conclusion DEX implant is a useful tool in the management of several retinal disorders. Further studies are needed for head-to-head comparison with other treatment modalities and to determine its precise place in clinical practice.
Why women work the way they do in Japan: Roles of fiscal policies

Women work less often and earn significantly less than men in Japan. We use panel data to investigate employment and earnings dynamics of single and married women over the life cycle and build a structural model to study the roles of fiscal policies in accounting for their behavior. We show that eliminating spousal deductions, social insurance premium exemptions and survivors' pension benefits for low-income spouses would significantly raise the labor supply of women and their earnings. More women would opt for regular jobs rather than contingent jobs, accumulate more human capital, and enjoy higher income growth. The government would earn higher net revenues and there is a welfare gain when additional taxes are transferred back.
Effects of the Anterolateral Ligament and Anterior Cruciate Ligament on Knee Joint Mechanics: A Biomechanical Study Using Computational Modeling

Background: Recent studies on lateral knee anatomy have reported the presence of a true ligament structure, the anterolateral ligament (ALL), in the anterolateral region of the knee joint. However, its biomechanical effects have not been fully elucidated. Purpose: To investigate, by using computer simulation, the association between the ALL and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) under dynamic loading conditions. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study; Level of evidence, 5. Methods: The authors combined medical imaging from 5 healthy participants with motion capture to create participant-specific knee models that simulated the entire 12 degrees of freedom of tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) joint behaviors. These dynamic computational models were validated using electromyographic data, muscle activation data, and data from previous experimental studies. Forces exerted on the ALL with ACL deficiency and on the ACL with ALL deficiency, as well as TF and PF contact forces with deficiencies of the ACL, ALL, and the entire ligament structure, were evaluated under gait and squat loading. A single gait cycle and squat cycle were divided into 11 time points (periods 0.0-1.0). Simulated ligament forces and contact forces were compared using nonparametric repeated-measures Friedman tests. Results: Force exerted on the ALL significantly increased with ACL deficiency under both gait- and squat-loading conditions. With ACL deficiency, the mean force on the ALL increased by 129.7% under gait loading in the 0.4 period (P < .05) and increased by 189% under high flexion during the entire cycle of squat loading (P < .05). A similar trend of significantly increased force on the ACL was observed with ALL deficiency. Contact forces on the TF and PF joints with deficiencies of the ACL, ALL, and entire ligament structure showed a complicated pattern. However, contact force exerted on TF and PF joints with respect to deficiencies of ACL and ALL significantly increased under both gait- and squat-loading conditions. Conclusion: The results of this computer simulation study indicate that the ACL and the ALL of the lateral knee joint act as secondary stabilizers to each other under dynamic load conditions.
Risk factors for PTSD diagnosis in young victims of recent sexual assault

ABSTRACT Background Sexual assault is associated with a high risk of developing PTSD. Little is known about the PTSD onset in children who have recently been victimized by sexual assault. It is important to identify children at risk for PTSD after sexual assault to prevent chronic problems and revictimization. Objective The first aim of this study was to describe the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms in the four weeks after sexual assault. The second aim was to analyse whether pre-assault factors, assault-related factors, social support, and post-traumatic stress, measured at two weeks post-assault, were associated with an indication of PTSD. Method From January 2019 to March 2021, data were collected of victims aged 8–17 years (n = 51; mean age = 15.00; SD = 1.78) who had contacted a Sexual Assault Centre. Severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms was measured at two and four weeks post-assault. The study was designed to use a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The study included female victims only. Results Most of the victims (58.8%) showed a decline in the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms in the four weeks after sexual assault. However, 27.4% showed an increase and 13.7% showed no change in symptoms. More than two-thirds of the children (70.6%) showed severe post-traumatic stress symptoms at four weeks post-assault, i.e. had an indication of PTSD. Since only one significant difference was found, the multivariate analysis was not executed. A significant difference was found between severity of symptoms at two weeks and an indication of PTSD at four weeks (t(49) = −5.79; p < . 001). Conclusion Children with high levels of post-traumatic stress at two weeks post-assault are at risk for PTSD indication at four weeks post-assault. Further research is needed to determine whether early trauma-based treatment for children with high post-traumatic stress symptoms can prevent the development of PTSD. HIGHLIGHTS Young victims of recent sexual assault with high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms at two weeks post-assault are at risk for PTSD indication at four weeks post-assault, although they received immediate psychological care
Economic load dispatch using evolutionary algorithms

This paper presents evolutionary algorithms to solve the problems of economic load dispatch (ELD) with quadratic cost functions and piecewise quadratic cost functions. Genetic algorithms (GAs), evolutionary programming (EP) and evolution strategies (ESs) are applied to the ELD problems. To improve these methods in nonlinear optimization problems, two hybrid optimization methods exploiting the advantages of each of evolutionary algorithms are developed. Optimization methods, combining GA with ES and EP with ES, are tested in the ELD problem with piecewise quadratic cost functions. Case studies illustrate the superiority of the proposed methods to existing numerical methods.
A Network Analysis of the Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Patient Activation Among Those With Elevated Cardiovascular Risk

Background Network analysis provides a new method for conceptualizing interconnections among psychological and behavioral constructs. Objective We used network analysis to investigate the complex associations between depressive symptoms and patient activation dimensions among patients at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Methods This secondary analysis included 200 patients seen in primary care clinics. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory. Patient activation was measured using the 13-item Patient Activation Measure. Glasso networks were constructed to identify symptoms/traits that bridge depressive symptoms and patient activation and those that are central within the network. Results “Self-dislike” and “confidence to maintain lifestyle changes during times of stress” were identified as important bridge pathways. In addition, depressive symptoms such as “punishment feelings,” “loss of satisfaction,” “self-dislike,” and “loss of interest in people” were central in the depressive symptom–patient activation network, meaning that they were most strongly connected to all other symptoms. Conclusions Bridge pathways identified in the network may be reasonable targets for clinical intervention aimed at disrupting the association between depressive symptoms and patient activation. Further research is warranted to assess whether targeting interventions to these central symptoms may help resolve other symptoms within the network.