Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential of Lactoferrin in the Treatment of Lung Diseases

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein that exhibits a variety of properties, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer, that can be used to treat numerous diseases. Lung diseases continue to be the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Many of the therapies currently used to treat these diseases have limited efficacy or are associated with side effects. Therefore, there is a constant pursuit for new drugs and therapies, and LF is frequently considered a therapeutic agent and/or adjunct to drug-based therapies for the treatment of lung diseases. This article focuses on a review of the existing and most up-to-date literature on the contribution of the beneficial effects of LF on the treatment of lung diseases, including asthma, viral infections, cystic fibrosis, or lung cancer, among others. Although in vitro and in vivo studies indicate significant potency of LF in the treatment of the listed diseases, only in the case of respiratory tract infections do human studies seem to confirm them by demonstrating the effectiveness of LF in reducing episodes of illness and shortening the recovery period. For lung cancer, COVID-19 and sepsis, the reports are conflicting, and for other diseases, there is a paucity of human studies conclusively confirming the beneficial effects of LF.
Analysis of Theoretical Viewpoints Explaining the Performance Differentials of Construction Firms

ABSTRACT Much research has been carried out in the field of business management to understand why some organizations perform better than others, while others fail. Strategic management field has a strong focus on exploring how firms operate and the performance differentials among them. In strategic management, predominantly, three theories are applied to assess firm performance. These theories are Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities theory (DC), and Contingency Theory (CT). Through a systematic literature review, this paper explores how these three theories have been applied to construction management literature to review and examine the performance of the construction firms. Review of 46 articles was carried out to identify the factors that affect the performance of the construction firms in line with the frameworks presented by the aforementioned theories. The findings of the study hold significance for future researches on performance determinants of construction firms by evidencing the application of RBV, DC, and CT in construction management literature, which paves the way to future research aiming at combining the underlying principles of these theories to explore construction firm’s performance.
Interaction contrasts in repeated measures designs.

Specific information concerning the nature of interaction effects in factorial designs may be obtained through the use of tetrad contrasts. Empirical familywise Type I error rates and power rates associated with 10 procedures for conducting tetrad contrasts in groups-by-trials repeated measures designs were obtained when the assumptions of multisample sphericity and multivariate normality were not satisfied. Only three procedures provided acceptable control of familywise Type I error rates under the assumption violation conditions. These procedures relied on a test statistic formed using an estimate of the standard error of the contrast which was based on only that data used in defining the contrast, in combination with either a Studentized maximum modulus, Hochberg (1988) step-up Bonferroni, or Shaffer (1986) modified sequentially rejective Bonferroni critical value. Minimal power differences between these three procedures were observed.
Altered White Matter Network Topology in Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is an anxiety disorder that impairs life quality and social function and is associated with distributed brain regions. However, the alteration of the structural network remains unclear in PD patients. This study explored the specific characteristics of the structural brain network in patients with PD by graph theory analysis of diffusion tensor images (DTI). A total of 81 PD patients and 48 matched healthy controls were recruited for this study. The structural networks were constructed, and the network topological properties for individuals were estimated. At the global level, the network efficiency was higher, while the shortest path length and clustering coefficient were lower in the PD group compared to the healthy control (HC) group. At the nodal level, the PD group showed a widespread higher nodal efficiency and lower average shortest path length in the prefrontal, sensorimotor, limbic, insula, and cerebellum regions. Overall, the current results showed that the alteration of information processing in the fear network might play a role in the pathophysiology of PD.
Elastic wave propagation in a three-dimensional periodic granular medium

We present an experimental study of acoustic wave propagation in granular media made of mono-disperse spherical beads under stress and periodically arranged. A previous work presented the predominance of multiple-scattered acoustic waves for random closed-packing granular media, whereas our experimental results lead to the conclusion that the acoustical propagation in our arrangement of spherical beads proceeds essentially from surface waves. This provides another mechanism for the understanding of acoustical wave propagation in granular media, that may be useful at least to analyse weak disorder ones.
Neural activity based biofeedback therapy for Autism spectrum disorder through wearable wireless textile EEG monitoring system

Mu waves, also known as mu rhythms, comb or wicket rhythms are synchronized patterns of electrical activity involving large numbers of neurons, in the part of the brain that controls voluntary functions. Controlling, manipulating, or gaining greater awareness of these functions can be done through the process of Biofeedback. Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change voluntary movements for purposes of improving health and performance through the means of instruments such as EEG which rapidly and accurately 'feedback' information to the user. Biofeedback is used for therapeutic purpose for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by focusing on Mu waves for detecting anomalies in brain wave patterns of mirror neurons. Conventional EEG measurement systems use gel based gold cup electrodes, attached to the scalp with adhesive. It is obtrusive and wires sticking out of the electrodes to signal acquisition system make them impractical for use in sensitive subjects like infants and children with ASD. To remedy this, sensors can be incorporated with skull cap and baseball cap that are commonly used for infants and children. Feasibility of Textile based Sensor system has been investigated here. Textile based multi-electrode EEG, EOG and EMG monitoring system with embedded electronics for data acquisition and wireless transmission has been seamlessly integrated into fabric of these items for continuous detection of Mu waves. Textile electrodes were placed on positions C3, CZ, C4 according to 10-20 international system and their capability to detect Mu waves was tested. The system is ergonomic and can potentially be used for early diagnosis in infants and planning therapy for ASD patients.
Cationic cyclophanes-in-cucurbit[10]uril: host-in-host complexes showing cooperative recognition towards neutral phenol guests

ABSTRACT Cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) is found to form stable host-guest complexes with tetracationic cyclophanes in H2O and DMSO. Upon encapsulation in CB[10], the affinity of cyclophanes towards anions is weakened, due to electronegative carbonyl oxygens on CB[10] providing charge repulsion environment, and encapsulation fixing the conformation of cyclophanes. Interestingly, these complexes show positively cooperative effects towards neutral phenol guests to form heteroternary complexes. The driving force for the formation of heteroternary inclusion complexes is multiple hydrogen bonding interactions confirmed by X-ray single crystal analysis, as well as hydrophobic effects. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
THE HALO PLANETARY NEBULAE M 2-29 AND BB-1

Spectrophotometric data for the two planetary nebulae are given and compared to the data for a well-understood type of planetary nebula (PN) for classification and measurements of abundances. M 2-29 and BB-1 were observed in the wavelength ranges of 3500-5000 and 6000-7500, and the visual calibrated spectra and emission-line fluxes are given along with previous UV data. A reddening correction is applied, and the physical conditions, ionic abundances, and total abundances are presented. Of particular note are the M-2-29 O/H ratio (determined to be the lowest of the planetary nebulae), the high concentrations of C, N, and Ne in BB-1, and the low abundances of Ar and S in BB-1. M 2-29 is theorized to belong to the Type-IV PN group which contains high abundances of Ar and S, and progenitor stars are concluded to be responsible for O and Ne excesses in planetary nebulae.
Computational Assessment of Magnetic Nanoparticle Targeting Efficiency in a Simplified Circle of Willis Arterial Model

This paper presents the methodology and computational results of simulated medical drug targeting (MDT) via induced magnetism intended for administering intravenous patient-specific doses of therapeutic agents in a Circle of Willis (CoW) model. The multi-physics computational model used in this work is from our previous works. The computational model is used to analyze pulsatile blood flow, particle motion, and particle capture efficiency in a magnetized region using the magnetic properties of magnetite (Fe3O4) and equations describing the magnetic forces acting on particles produced by an external cylindrical electromagnetic coil. A Eulerian–Lagrangian technique is implemented to resolve the hemodynamic flow and the motion of particles under the influence of a range of magnetic field strengths (Br = 2T, 4T, 6T, and 8T). Particle diameter sizes of 10 nm to 4 µm in diameter were assessed. Two dimensionless numbers are also investigated a priori in this study to characterize relative effects of Brownian motion (BM), magnetic force-induced particle motion, and convective blood flow on particle motion. Similar to our previous works, the computational simulations demonstrate that the greatest particle capture efficiency results for particle diameters within the micron range, specifically in regions where flow separation and vortices are at a minimum. Additionally, it was observed that the capture efficiency of particles decreases substantially with smaller particle diameters, especially in the superparamagnetic regime. The highest capture efficiency observed for superparamagnetic particles was 99% with an 8T magnetic field strength and 95% with a 2T magnetic field strength when analyzing 100 nm particles. For 10 nm particles and an 8T magnetic field strength, the particle capture efficiency was 48%, and for a 2T magnetic field strength the particle capture efficiency was 33%. Furthermore, it was found that larger magnetic field strengths, large particle diameter sizes (1 µm and above), and slower blood flow velocity increase the particle capture efficiency. The key finding in this work is that favorable capture efficiencies for superparamagnetic particles were observed in the CoW model for weak fields (Br < 4T) which demonstrates MDT as a possible viable treatment candidate for cardiovascular disease.
Practical chaos time series analysis with financial applications

We describe the practical implementation of the nonlinear (chaos) time series analysis based on the paradigm of deterministic chaos. Some important techniques of statistical test for nonlinearity, phase space reconstruction, and nonlinear prediction are discussed with some applications to finance. The use of the nonlinear time series analysis is illustrated with particular emphasis on issues of choices of time delay coordinate and embedding parameters. Finally, we propose the weighted embedding method which is found to work well in financial applications.
Some Results on Control Systems with Mixed Perturbations

Abstract The paper considers control systems with parametric as well as unstructured uncertainty. Parametric uncertainty is modelled by a transfer function whose numerator and denominator polynomials are independent uncertain polynomials of the form of P(s, q) = l0(q) + l1(q)s + ………. + ln(q)sn where the coefficients depend linearly on q = [q1, q2, …, qq]T and the uncertainty box is Q = { q : q i ∈ [ q i ¯ , q i ¯ ] , i = 1 , 2 , … , q } . The unstructured uncertainty is modelled as H∞ norm bounded perturbations and perturbations consisting of a family of nonlinear sector bounded feedback gains. Using the geometric structure of the value set of P(s, q), some results are presented for determination of the robust small gain theorem, robust performance, strict positive realness and absolute stability problem of control systems with parametric as well as unstructured uncertainty.
Distributed Controller Placement in Software-Defined Networks with Consistency and Interoperability Problems

Software-defined networking (SDN) brings an innovative approach to networking by adopting a flow-centric model and removing networking decisions from the data plane to provide them centrally from the control plane. A single centralized controller is used in a traditional SDN design. However, the complexity of modern networks, due to their size and requirements’ coarseness, has made using a single controller a source of performance bottlenecks. Similarly, the solution found by using multiple controllers in distributed control planes brings forth the profound issue of interoperability, consistency, and the “controller placement problem” (CPP). It is an NP-hard problem that deals with positioning controllers at optimum locations within the network and mapping with resources at the data plane to meet quality of service (QoS) requirements. Over the years, the problem has received significant attention from the research community, and many solutions have been considered. This paper offers an in-depth review of the proposals by providing an updated evolution of the problem concerning the application environment, design objectives, and cost and controller type. Based on our findings, new research ideas were identified and discussed.
Radiation Dose Assessment for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: A Single Institution Survey

Objective: This study aims to establish a local diagnostic reference level (LDRL) for single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) with respect to myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Materials and Methods: The acquisition protocol and dosimetry data on the MPI procedures of five SPECT/CT scans and one PET/CT scan were collected. Data on technitum-99m sestamibi (99mTc-sestamibi), 99mTc-tetrofosmin, thallium-201 (201Tl), and rubidium-82 (82RB) were all collected from one centre via questionnaire booklets. Descriptive data analysis was used to analyse all variables, and the 50th percentile was used to analyse each radiation dose quantity. Results: The reported 50th percentile dose for a one-day stress/rest protocol using 99mTc-sestamibi (445/1147 MBq) and 99mTc-tetrofosmin (445/1147 MBq) and for a two-day stress/rest protocol using 99mTc-sestamibi (1165/1184 MBq) and 99mTc-tetrofosmin (1221/1184 MBq) are in good agreement with reported national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs). However, the dose from the study data on a one-day stress/rest protocol using 99mTc-sestamibi was more than the 50th percentile dose from the Brazilian data (370/1110 MBq) on a similar protocol, and the dose from the study data on a two-day stress/rest protocol using 99mTc-tetrofosmin was more than the 50th percentile dose (1084/1110 MBq) from the United States data on MPI scans. Regarding the computed tomography (CT) portion of the SPECT/CT framework, the 50th percentile doses were lower than all the identified doses in the data considered in the literature reviewed. However, regarding the CT component of the PET/CT MPI scans, the 82RB dose was more than the recorded doses in the CT data in the published literature. Conclusion: This study determined the LDRL of five SPECT/CT protocols and one PET/CT MPI protocol. The results suggest that there may be opportunities to optimise the patient radiation burden from administered activities in patients undergoing SPECT examinations and the CT components associated with 82RB PET/CT scans without compromising diagnostic image quality.
Weakly nonlinear electrophoresis of a highly charged colloidal particle

At large zeta potentials, surface conduction becomes appreciable in thin-double-layer electrokinetic transport. In the linear weak-field regime, where this effect is quantified by the Dukhin number, it is manifested in non-Smoluchowski electrophoretic mobilities. In this paper we go beyond linear response, employing the recently derived macroscale model of Schnitzer and Yariv [“Macroscale description of electrokinetic flows at large zeta potentials: Nonlinear surface conduction,” Phys. Rev. E 86, 021503 (2012)10.1103/PhysRevE.86. 021503] as the infrastructure for a weakly nonlinear analysis of spherical-particle electrophoresis. A straightforward perturbation in the field strength is frustrated by the failure to satisfy the far-field conditions, representing a non-uniformity of the weak-field approximation at large distances away from the particle, where salt advection becomes comparable to diffusion. This is remedied using inner-outer asymptotic expansions in the spirit of Acrivos and Taylor [“Heat and ma.
Exact properties of measures of optimal investment for benchmarked portfolios

We revisit the problem of calculating the exact distribution of optimal investments in a mean variance world under multivariate normality. The context we consider is where problems in optimisation are addressed through the use of Monte-Carlo simulation. Our findings give clear insight as to when Monte-Carlo simulation will, and will not work. Whilst a number of authors have considered aspects of this exact problem before, we extend the problem by considering the problem of an investor who wishes to maximise quadratic utility defined in terms of alpha and tracking errors. The results derived allow some exact and numerical analysis. Furthermore, they allow us to also derive results for the more traditional non-benchmarked portfolio problem.
Highly Efficient Flame-Retardant and Enhanced PVA-Based Composite Aerogels through Interpenetrating Cross-Linking Networks

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (P)/alginate (A)/MMT (M) (PAM) composite aerogels was modified through interpenetrating cross-linking of methyltriethoxysilane (Ms) or γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (K) and calcium ion (Ca2+) as a cross-linking agent, respectively. The compressive moduli of the cross-linked PAM/MsCa and PAM/KCa aerogels greatly increased to 17.4 and 22.1 MPa, approximately 10.5- and 8.2-fold of that of PAM aerogel, respectively. The limited oxygen index (LOI) values for PAM/MsCa and PAM/KCa composite aerogels increased from 27.0% of PAM aerogel to 40.5% and 56.8%. Compared with non-cross-linked PAM aerogel, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of PAM/MsCa and PAM/KCa composite aerogels dramatically decreased by 34% and 74%, respectively, whereas the PAM/KCa aerogel presented better flame retardancy and lower smoke toxicity than the PAM/MsCa aerogel because of the release of more inert gases and the barrier action of more compact char layer during the combustion. The highly efficient flame-retardant PAM-based composite aerogels with excellent mechanical properties are promising as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based foams.
Cloud Structure and Distributions over the Tropical Pacific Ocean

During the summer of 1957 photographic cloud reconnaissance was carried out over the tropical Pacific Ocean, in order to observe tropical convection far from land influences, to relate the distribution of convective clouds to synoptic weather patterns and to analyze structure and street orientation of the cumuli. While all results, excepting photographic measurements, are qualitative, the following conclusions were obtained: 1. Areas with enhanced and with suppressed convection largely were determined by the synoptic situation, especially in the high troposphere. 2. Qualitatively, intensity of convection over large areas, say 10 5 km 2 , could be deduced from application of the baroclinic vorticity theorem to high- and low-tropospheric flow. 3. Precipitation virtually was restricted to areas with synoptic build-up of the moist layer. Little, if any, precipitation fell from cumuli outside such zones, although maximum cloud height exceeded 10,000 feet frequently. 4. For the most part, cumuli were aligned in streets. Trade wind clouds were lined up along the wind in the lower moist layer, where wind and shear have the same orientation. Orientation of cloud rows at large angles to the low-level wind also was observed with lesser frequency, mainly when tall clouds extended into a mid-tropospheric layer with marked shear deviating from the wind direction. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1964. tb00167.x
Does natural gas volatility affect Bitcoin volatility? Evidence from the HAR-RV model

ABSTRACT While volatility spillover is a vital research area in financial economics (due to its importance for risk valuation and portfolio diversification strategies), the volatility linkage between Bitcoin and electricity/energy markets has not received adequate attention. As the Bitcoin mining cost comes mainly from electricity (which is highly dependent on natural gas), we hypothesize that natural gas is a non-trivial Bitcoin price volatility driver and aim to test if this is the case. Specifically, we employ a widely used model called the HAR-RV model to assess volatility spillover across Bitcoin and natural gas using high-frequency data. We find a spillover effect from natural gas to Bitcoin, and the positive (negative) component of natural gas volatility stabilizes (destabilizes) Bitcoin volatility. The spillover effect is further examined and confirmed using an out-of-sample approach.
SbI3·3S8: A Novel Promising Inorganic Adducts Crystal for Second Harmonic Generation

In the past twenty years, the basic investigation of innovative Non-Linear Optical (NLO) crystals has received significant attention, which has built the crucial heritage for the use of NLO materials. Fundamental research is essential given the scarcity of materials for NLO compounds, especially in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) and middle- and far-infrared (MFIR) regions. In the present work, we synthesized high-quality MFIR SbI3·3S8 NLO crystals having a length in the range of 1–5 mm through rapid facile liquid phase ultrasonic reaction followed by the assistance of instantaneous natural evaporation phenomenon of the solvent at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results ratify the hexagonal R3m structure of SbI3·3S8 crystal, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) demonstrates that the elemental composition of SbI3·3S8 crystal is similar to that of its theoretical composition. The direct and indirect forbidden energy gaps of SbI3·3S8 were measured from the optical transmittance spectra and they were shown to be 2.893 eV and 1.986 eV, respectively. The green sparkling signal has been observed from the crystal during the second harmonic generation (SHG) experiment. Therefore, as inorganic adducts are often explored as NLO crystals, this work on the MFIR SbI3·3S8 NLO crystal can bring about additional investigations on this hot topic in the near future.