Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Health risk Assessment of AflatoxinM1 in Cow milks from Selected Local Government Areas of Kano state, Nigeria

This study was carried out as part of environmental assessment in Kano state to determine contamination of cow milks by AflatoxinM1 from three local government areas of Kano state (Bichi, Rano and Nassarawa), and to correlate this concentrations to some risk indices, so as to analyze potential effects on consumers. The results obtained showed moderate contamination by AflatoxinM1 in the three local locations. The concentration of AFLM1 from Bichi local government ranges from 0.117 – 0.291  g/kg, while that of Nassarawa ranges from 0.095 – 0.283  g/kg, and of Rano from 0.259 – 0.287  g/kg. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFLM1 and total hazard index (THI) for children within 1- 12years of age were calculated based on the data obtained therein. The EDI of AFLM1 in the selected study area(s) was also determined and found to be within the range of 3.604 - 6.179 ng/kg.b. w/day in Bichi, 3.451 – 5.915 ng/kg.b. w/day in Nassarawa and 4.697-8.053ng/kg.b. w/day in Rano, all for children of age 1- 12 years. All hazard indices calculated for AFLM1 were below 1. Although the results of this investigation showed low risk of cancer, the variability in cow feeds and climatic conditions might influence contaminations, most especially AFLB1 contamination of feeds and consequently AFLM1 contamination of milk.
A Preliminary Investigation on Development of Operation Smart System for China Southern Power Grid

To meet the rapid expansion of China Southern Power Grid(CSG),it is necessary to develop a new generation of operation smart system for the operation of a large-scale power grid.According to the requirement of integration and standardization of CSG’s management,and with a goal of the secondary system integration,this paper proposes a conceptual model of integrated operation smart system(OS2) that covers all secondary systems in control centers and substations/power plants of CSG,and discusses it in aspects of its definition,principle,objective,technical solution and development solution.
Target Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Received Signal Strength and Convex Relaxation

A new positioning algorithm based on RSS measurement is proposed. The algorithm adopts maximum likelihood estimation and semi-definite programming. The received signal strength model is transformed to a non-convex estimator for the positioning of the target using the maximum likelihood estimation. The non-convex estimator is then transformed into a convex estimator by semi-definite programming, and the global minimum of the target location estimation is obtained. This algorithm aims at the L0 known problem and then extends its application to the case of L0 unknown. The simulations and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has better accuracy than the existing positioning algorithms.
Study of the resistive switching and electrode degradation in Al/TiO2/FTO thin films upon thermal treatment in reducing atmosphere

Application of sol-gel derived titania nanoparticles in memristive thin ﬁlm devices has been a subject of several studies. The reported data on the functional properties and stability of such devices scatter considerably. Meanwhile, the role of post-fabrication treatment, such as annealing in reducing atmosphere, is still poorly investigated for this class of devices. In this study, the effects of thermal annealing in a reducing atmosphere on the resistive switching behavior and the morphological changes of the top electrode during the electroforming process have been systematically addressed for the samples of Al/TiO 2 /FTO thin ﬁlm memristors prepared using sol-gel derived titania. Manifestations of several phenomena affecting the functional stability of these thin ﬁlms, such as electrode delamination and collapse due to formation of gas bubbles, appearance of electrochemical patterns at the electrode surface, and morphological changes induced by the electroforming process have been systematically established in relation with the various conditions of thermal treatment in a reducing atmosphere. with ﬁltered parallel beam CuK α radiation in grazing incidence regime. The current – voltage dependencies were measured using a SubFemtoamp SourceMeter Keithley by KickStart Instrument Control Software Version 2.0. 6 (Tektronix). Voltage was applied with a wire tip connected to the Al top electrode, while another wire was connected to the bottom FTO electrode.
An Evaluation of the Cross Entropy Method to Solve Vehicle Routing Problems

We present in this paper the application of a cross entropy method (CEM) to the vehicle routing problem (VRP). The CEM is a heuristic based on the statistical method of importance sampling for rare event simulation. We found that the CEM can be easily adapted to different versions of the VRP, yielding consistently good quality solutions. We also present a short sensitivity analysis of the different parameters of the heuristic that sheds light on their impact on the performance of the heuristic and the quality of the solutions.
Mechanical Characterization of Nanocelluloses/Cellulose Acetate Composite Nanofibrous Membranes

Extensive research on membrane technologies stems from the necessity for drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, and recycling polluted water by filtration. For the successful commercialization of a filtration process, the improvement of the mechanical properties of membrane systems is an essential factor. Pressure-driven membrane filtration processes require sufficient mechanical strength to withstand operational conditions. In this study, cellulose acetate composite nanofibrous membranes, including nanocelluloses as reinforcing additives, were synthesized by the electrospinning technique. The polymer solutions were prepared from different weight percentages of Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl- (TEMPO) oxidized Cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNFs) from 0 to 1 wt. \% and 15 wt\% of Cellulose Acetate (CA). The impacts of heat post treatment process on the mechanical properties of composite electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) has been studied. The chemical and physical properties of the composite ENMs were investigated. The morphological structure of ultimate composite ENMs was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the chemical interactions were demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A tensile test was performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composite ENMs. The highest tensile strength was achieved for heat-treated 0.25TOCNF/CA composite nanofibrous membrane. These results verify that modifying morphology and improving mechanical strength expand the application of electrospun nanofibrous membranes in water purification processes.
Packaging Design in Low-carbon Time

The aim of the low-carbon packaging design was analyzed,and the basic rules of this new design pattern were reduce,reuse,recycle,recover and resource,summarized by 5R principles.Approaches for the realization of low-carbon packaging design were then proposed.These approaches include choosing packaging materials environmentally-friendly;designing a low-carbon style packaging decoration and structural design;using printing ink and printing technology with relatively little impact on the ecological environment;and establishing suitable environmental logistics chain.Efforts above were aimed to achieve the low-carbon of the whole packaging life cycle and the harmony of the creative designs,the economic profits and the environmental benefits.
Cytotoxic and Anti-Inflammatory Triterpenoids in the Vines and Leaves of Momordica charantia

The vines and leaves of Momordica charantia L. are used as herbal medicines to treat inflammation-related disorders. However, their safety profile remains uncharacterized, and the constituents in their extracts that exert anti-inflammatory and adverse effects remain unclear. This study isolated the characteristic cucurbitane-type triterpenoid species in the vines and leaves of M. charantia L. and analyzed their cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory effects, and underlying mechanisms. Four structurally related triterpenoids—momordicines I, II, IV, and (23E) 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23-dien-19-al (TCD)—were isolated from the triterpenoid-rich fractions of extracts from the vines and leaves of M. charantia. Momordicine I was cytotoxic on normal cells, momordicine II exerted milder cytotoxicity, and momordicine IV and TCD had no obvious adverse effects on cell growth. TCD had anti-inflammatory activity both in vivo and in vitro. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, TCD inhibited the inhibitor kappa B kinase/nuclear factor-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and p38. Thus, the vines and leaves of M. charantia should be used with caution. An extraction protocol that can enrich TCD but remove momordicine I would likely enhance the safety of the extract.
The pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa: Evolving paradigms in a complex disease

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex inflammatory skin disease with the molecular pathogenesis of disease incompletely understood. Recent observational and experimental insights into disease pathogenesis are challenging long‐held beliefs regarding the causes and mechanisms of disease. The most effective treatments to date are anti‐inflammatory in nature suggesting inflammation is the major driver of disease activity. This study critically evaluates the existing literature regarding the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Specifically, it questions the role of follicular occlusion as the central driver of disease activity and reframes hidradenitis suppurativa as a complex autoinflammatory and autoimmune disorder. Ongoing efforts to understand the mechanisms of disease will no doubt lead to more efficacious therapeutics to control this burdensome disabling disease.
Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Migraine: A Case-Control Study

Background: Migraine is a disabling primary headache disorder and metabolic syndrome is a major escalating public-health challenge worldwide. They share some common pathophysiology. But till date, their relationship is obscure. Methods: This study was conducted in headache clinic and inpatient-outpatient department of Neurology and Biochemistry laboratory of BSMMU, from June 2017 to February 2019. In these age-sex matched case control study, 30 migraine patient and equal number non migraine volunteer were taken according to inclusion exclusion criteria. Waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured among all. Results: In this case control study, 24 women and 6 men were taken in both case and control groups, with mean age (±SD) of 32 (±7.77) and 30 (±8.46) years respectively. Metabolic syndrome was significantly higher among migraineurs (36.7% in case and 13.3% in control group respectively, p=0.037). Patient with metabolic syndrome had 3.763 times more chance of having migraine then person without metabolic syndrome [p=0.037, OR=3.763, 95% C.I. (1.038-13.646)]. Conclusion: There is an association between metabolic syndrome and migraine. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2018; Vol. 34 (1): 17-24
Genetic Factors of Renin–Angiotensin System Associated with Major Bleeding for Patients Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants

The purpose of this study was to identify the renin–angiotensin system (RAS)-related genetic factors associated with bleeding and develop the bleeding risk scoring system in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected samples from June 2018 to May 2020. To investigate the associations between RAS-related genetic factors and major bleeding, we selected 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from five genes (namely, AGT, REN, ACE, AGTR1, and AGTR2). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the independent risk factors for bleeding and to develop a risk scoring system. A total of 172 patients were included in the analysis, including 33 major bleeding cases. Both old age (≥65 years) and moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl < 50 mL/min) increased the risk of bleeding in the multivariable analysis. Among RAS-related polymorphisms, patients carrying TT genotype of rs5050 and A allele of rs4353 experienced a 3.6-fold (95% CI: 1.4–9.3) and 3.1-fold (95% CI: 1.1–9.3) increase in bleeding, respectively. The bleeding risk increased exponentially with a higher score; the risks were 0%, 2.8%, 16.9%, 32.7%, and 75% in patients with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 points, respectively. Although this study is limited to a retrospective study design, this is the first study to suggest RAS-related genetic markers and risk scoring systems, including both clinical and genetic factors, for major bleeding in patients receiving DOAC treatment.
Cost-effectiveness of dapagliflozin compared to DPP-4 inhibitors as combination therapy with metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus without established cardiovascular disease in Colombia

ABSTRACT Introduction SGLT2 inhibitors or DPP-4 inhibitors are among the preferred options in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without established cardiovascular disease. Objective To evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness of dapagliflozin versus DPP-4 inhibitors as a complement to metformin in the treatment ofT2D, from the perspective of the Colombian health system. Methods The Cardiff model was used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of dapagliflozin plus metformin compared to DPP-4 inhibitors plus metformin in adults with T2DM who did not respond adequately to metformin monotherapy. We estimated the incidence of micro- and macrovascular complications from risk equations incorporating the effect of treatment. The time horizon for analysis was 5 years and a discount rate of 5% was applied, for both costs and outcomes. The costs were expressed in 2020 USD (1 USD = $3,693.36 COP). Results Dapagliflozin in association with metformin resulted in a higher number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to the intervention. The ICER was US$1,964.80 per QALY gained. Conclusion From the point of view of Colombian healthcare system, the combination of dapagliflozin with metformin is a cost-effective option compared to DPP-4 + metformin inhibitors in the treatment of T2D without established cardiovascular disease.
A Standard-Based Internet of Things Platform and Data Flow Modeling for Smart Environmental Monitoring

The environment consists of the interaction between the physical, biotic, and anthropic means. As this interaction is dynamic, environmental characteristics tend to change naturally over time, requiring continuous monitoring. In this scenario, the internet of things (IoT), together with traditional sensor networks, allows for the monitoring of various environmental aspects such as air, water, atmospheric, and soil conditions, and sending data to different users and remote applications. This paper proposes a Standard-based Internet of Things Platform and Data Flow Modeling for Smart Environmental Monitoring. The platform consists of an IoT network based on the IEEE 1451 standard which has the network capable application processor (NCAP) node (coordinator) and multiple wireless transducers interface module (WTIM) nodes. A WTIM node consists of one or more transducers, a data transfer interface and a processing unit. Thus, with the developed network, it is possible to collect environmental data at different points within a city landscape, to perform analysis of the communication distance between the WTIM nodes, and monitor the number of bytes transferred according to each network node. In addition, a dynamic model of data flow is proposed where the performance of the NCAP and WTIM nodes are described through state variables, relating directly to the information exchange dynamics between the communicating nodes in the mesh network. The modeling results showed stability in the network. Such stability means that the network has capacity of preserve its flow of information, for a long period of time, without loss frames or packets due to congestion.
Microelectromechanical System Measurement of Platelet Contraction: Direct Interrogation of Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation

Myosin Light Chain (MLC) regulates platelet contraction through its phosphorylation by Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MLCK) or dephosphorylation by Myosin Light Chain Phosphatase (MLCP). The correlation between platelet contraction force and levels of MLC phosphorylation is unknown. We investigate the relationship between platelet contraction force and MLC phosphorylation using a novel microelectromechanical (MEMS) based clot contraction sensor (CCS). The MLCK and MLCP pair were interrogated by inhibitors and activators of platelet function. The CCS was fabricated from silicon using photolithography techniques and force was validated over a range of deflection for different chip spring constants. The force of platelet contraction measured by the clot contraction sensor (CCS) was compared to the degree of MLC phosphorylation by Western Blotting (WB) and ELISA. Stimulators of MLC phosphorylation produced higher contraction force, higher phosphorylated MLC signal in ELISA and higher intensity bands in WB. Inhibitors of MLC phosphorylation produced the opposite. Contraction force is linearly related to levels of phosphorylated MLC. Direct measurements of clot contractile force are possible using a MEMS sensor platform and correlate linearly with the degree of MLC phosphorylation during coagulation. Measured force represents the mechanical output of the actin/myosin motor in platelets regulated by myosin light chain phosphorylation.
Amplified upward trend of the joint occurrences of heat and ozone extremes in China over 2013–2020

Climate change and air pollution are two intimately interlinked global concerns. The frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves are projected to increase globally under future climate change. A growing body of evidence indicates that health risks associated with the joint exposure to heatwaves and air pollution can be greater than that due to individual factors. However, the co-occurrences of heat and air pollution extremes in China remain less explored in the observational records. Here we investigate the spatial pattern and temporal trend of frequency, intensity, and duration of co-occurrences of heat and air pollution extremes using China’s nationwide observations of hourly PM2.5 and O3, and the ERA5 reanalysis dataset over 2013–2020. We identify a significant increase in the frequency of co-occurrences of wet-bulb temperature (Tw) and O3 exceedances (beyond a certain predefined threshold), mainly in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region (up by 4.7 days decade-1) and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). In addition, we find that the increasing rate (compared to the average levels during the study period) of joint exceedance is larger than the rate of Tw and O3 itself. For example, Tw and O3 co-extremes increased by 7.0% in BTH, higher than the percentage increase of each at 0.9% and 5.5%, respectively. We identify same amplification for YRD. This ongoing upward trend in the joint occurrence of heat and O3 extremes should be recognized as an emerging environmental issue in China, given the potentially larger compounding impact to public health.
Life skills development and learning contexts among members of China women's national soccer teams

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to explore life skills development and learning contexts among members of the China women's national soccer teams. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 members of the China women's national soccer teams. Data were subjected to inductive and deductive analytic procedures. Data pertaining to life skills development were initially inductively analysed and then deductively matched with the Chinese adaptation of the “4Cs” of character, competence, confidence, and connection. Data pertaining to life skills learning contexts were inductively analysed and we constructed themes that revealed participants’ experiences in four contexts (sport, family, school, and work). There appeared to be a particular emphasis on the sport context, whereby participants described learning life skills from teammates, coaches, meeting competitive demands, and living with the team. Family also appeared to be an important life skills learning context, whereas school and work were less prevalent. Overall, these results suggest the Chinese adaptation of the 4Cs is appropriate for use with Chinese athletes. The emphasis on the sport context may be reflective of the intense and unique training demands associated with the Chinese national team.
Fault Diagnosis Based on Nonlinear Complexity Measure for Reciprocating Compressor

The vibration of reciprocating compressor mainly contains multi-source nonlinear pulse signal,it is difficult to extract fault characteristics from the signal with traditional methods.A novel fault diagnosis approach based on nonlinear complexity measure for reciprocating compressor is proposed.The gas valve signals of reciprocating compressor in four different states including normal valve sheets,gap valve sheets,fractured valve sheets and bad spring are used as the experimental data.The signals are denoised with threshold-based wavelet so as to reduce the noise interference.The normalized Lempel-Ziv complexity(LZC) indexes are calculated by using mean symbolization method.The LZC characteristics interval for each state is estimated,and the characteristics of effective value,power spectrum energy and LZC for reciprocating compressor are trained and detected by artificial neural network.The results show that the LZC method can extract the different faults states of reciprocating compressor accurately,which supplies a measure of fault diagnosis and maintenance strategy for reciprocating compressor.
Routing Enhancement of MANETs using Hybrid Protocol Combined with PBO

Mobile ad hoc Networks (MANETs) show an astonishing qualities in the concept of networks which are used without wires. MANETs experience numerous communication medium restrictions such as constrained storage of memory and development of effectual routing protocols. Furthermore, multihop routing mechanism employed in MANETs gives rise to the contention in the channel and jamming within the network. This limits the effectiveness of the network which reduces the energy efficiency of the network and also lessens the routing performance of MANETs. Hence, the major matter in MANETs is to minimize the congestion and contention in order to enhance the routing mechanism. Hence, in this paper, a novel protocol is put into practice having an enhanced route discovery mechanism which is implemented in order to avoid the congestion during the routing. The proposed protocol chooses the route for the transference of information on the basis of load within the traffic on the node and then resets the route with the change in topology. The protocol is then integrated with the proposed algorithm Pollination Based Optimization (PBO) algorithm. This is an efficient technique for transmission that requires a link for longer period of time. The simulator used for the simulation of the work is Network Simulator-2 (NS-2). Simulation results have been carried out showing that the route optimization and enhancement in the route discovery using Pollination Based Optimization (PBO) algorithm.