Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impact of Silicosis Incidence on Tuberculosis Mortality and Morbidity: A Multi-Country Study

Introduction: There are several risk factors attributed to tuberculosis (TB) mortality and morbidity. There are few studies and systematic reviews showing the association of silicosis and tuberculosis at a country level. Very limited studies have been conducted using multi-country data in studying the association of incidence of silicosis with TB mortality and morbidity. Hence, the aim of this research was to explore the association of incidence of silicosis and other important risk factors with TB mortality and morbidity using multi-country data. Methods: Data from 217 WHO region countries were utilized, sourcing TB-related statistics from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation and additional risk factors from the Demographic and Health Survey, Global Burden of Disease, and World Bank for 2019. Regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between silicosis incidence and TB outcomes. Results: The study found an average silicosis incidence of 121.92 per 100,000 population. Additionally, 62.69% of the sample population are exposed to air pollution from solid fuel cooking. Sanitation access stands at an average of 59.67%. Regression outcomes indicate that while alcohol consumption’s influence on TB is not statistically significant, a unit increase in silicosis incidence significantly elevates TB deaths (235.9, p = 0.005), YLL (9399.3, p = 0.011), and YLD (910.8, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The burden of silicosis is found to be one of the important determinants of deaths, YLL, and YLD due to tuberculosis. Country-specific strategies to prevent and control silicosis is a need of the hour.
Diurnal Variations in Precipitable Water Observed by Shipborne GPS over the Tropical Indian Ocean

The present paper investigates the relationship between the skin sea surface temperature (SSTskin) and the precipitable water (PW) observed over the tropical Indian Ocean. PW is derived from a shipborne Global Positioning System (GPS). Composite diurnal variations indicate that the increase of PW and radar echo coverage (rainfall) in the daytime correspond to the large SSTskin rise during the undisturbed period (The PW increase is statistically significant at 90% level). The surface fluxes calculated using the bulk flux algorithm are too small to account for the observed increase of PW, while the bulk flux agrees with the directly measured eddy flux.
Biomechanical Properties and Mechanotransduction of Skeletal Muscles as The Basis for The Use of Myofascial Osteopathic Techniques

Skeletal muscles are an important link in human biomechanics. Every movement depends on muscle strength and is important for maintaining health and quality of life. Mechanical loads on the human body directly depend on the state of muscle tissue, so it is necessary to understand the cellular composition and regulation of the tissue responsible for the processes of mechanotransduction . This, in turn, makes it possible to develop methods of effective manual intervention in complex rehabilitation for patients with dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. This review describes the molecular basis of mechanotransduction in muscle tissue.
Evaluation of crowd counting models in term of prediction performance and computational requirement

: With the increasing of human population and the development of technology, crowd counting models are needed to estimate people in certain areas. This research paper compares the prediction performance and computational requirement of four state of the art crowd counting models: M-SFAnet, DM-Count, Context-Aware Crowd Counting (ECAN)
Dual particle imaging with iridium-bismuth and fast-curing plastic scintillators

Recent material advancements in plastic scintillators enable marked increases in material light yield, detection efficiency, pulse-shape discrimination, and array production rates. These advances may resolve significant capability gaps for lowcost, portable, and durable dual-particle imaging (DPI) systems for nuclear safety, security and safeguard purposes. Two such materials, both 21% bismuth-loaded plastics utilizing iridium complex fluorophores (Ir-Bi-Plastic) were experimentally evaluated for DPI purposes as a small, pixelated radiographic array and compared to similar arrays made from EJ-200 and EJ-256 (5 wt% Pb). Experimentation involved separate exposures to 370 kVp x-rays and 14.1 MeV neutrons when paired with a digital radiographic panel, and array performance was evaluated using ASTM methods for dSNRn determination. Additionally, the development of fast-curing plastic scintillator (FCPS) formulations is highly attractive because it facilitates the 3D-printing of complete pixelated plastic scintillator arrays for radiation detection and localization. Future advancements in this area will significantly reduce the time and costs associated with current array manufacturing techniques. Some early investigations of FCPS samples sensitized with 5 wt% Bi is discussed herein, with their gamma detection efficiencies and associated light yields compared to an equivalent sample of EJ-256. These early unoptimized samples provided similar but not superior performance to EJ-256, and this is an ongoing area of research at the Air Force Institute of Technology.
In Silico Studies of Four Compounds of Cecropia obtusifolia against Malaria Parasite

Malaria is a disease that affects many people in the world. In Mexico, malaria remains an active disease in certain regions, particularly in the states of Chiapas and Chihuahua. While antimalarial effects have been attributed to some species of Cecropia in various countries, no such studies have been conducted in Mexico. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the in silico antimalarial activity of some active compounds identified according to the literature in the species of Cecropia obtusifolia, belonging to the Cecropiaceae family, such as ursolic acid, α-amyrin, chrysin, and isoorientin. These compounds were evaluated with specific molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) studies using three different malarial targets with the PDB codes 1CET, 2BL9, and 4ZL4 as well as the prediction of their pharmacokinetic (Pk) properties. Docking analysis revealed the following best binding energies (kcal/mol): isoorientin–1CET (−9.1), isoorientin–2BL9 (−8.8), and chrysin–4ZL4 (−9.6). MD simulation validated the stability of the complexes. Pharmacokinetics analysis suggested that the compounds would generally perform well if administered. Therefore, these results suggest that these compounds may be used as potential drugs for the treatment of malaria.
Shoreline stabilization using riprap breakwaters on a Midwestern reservoir

Abstract Severson, J.P., J.R. Nawrot and M.W. Eichholz. 2009. Shoreline stabilization using riprap breakwaters on a Midwestern reservoir. Lake Reserv. Manage. 25:208–216. Shoreline erosion causes shoreline habitat loss and degradation and contributes to sedimentation, a major impairment in many lakes throughout the United States. Various shoreline stabilization techniques have been employed, but many are unsuccessful under high wave stress, do not contribute to shoreline habitat, or are too expensive to install on a large scale. Extensive erosion and lack of shoreline habitat on Kinkaid Lake in southern Illinois prompted lake managers to design and install riprap breakwaters to protect the littoral zone and bank as well as enhance habitat. The offshore breakwaters were shown to decrease wave height and associated erosion, allowing banks to start stabilizing and the protected littoral zone to begin sequestering sediment. Terrestrial area inside the protected zones was regressed against age since protection, bank height, and distance from bank to produce a terrestrialization predictive model. Vegetation richness was much greater at protected sites than unprotected sites, and vegetation cover increased with age since protection. The riprap breakwaters were successful at bank stabilization and habitat enhancement and should therefore be considered for use where these attributes are desired.
A Polymer-Based Embedded Silicon Fan-Out Packaging (P-eSiFO) Method for High-Density Chiplet Packaging

Embedded silicon fan-out packaging (eSiFO) features excellent electrical and thermal performances as well as scalability to 3-D packaging and heterogeneous integration, making it a promising packaging technology for chiplet integration. Nevertheless, conventional eSiFO implementation resorts to a dry film vacuum lamination process for surface passivation of reconstituted wafers, which is challenged by low lithographic resolution, limited compatibility, difficulty in filling high-aspect trenches, and elevated costs due to the inherent attributes of dry film materials. This work proposes a new surface passivation method of eSiFO, which uses Parylene to fill trenches and polyimide (PI) to passivate the reconstructed wafer surface. The trench with an aspect ratio greater than 10 and a width less than <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$5 ~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> can be filled successfully. The height difference of the reconstructed wafer surface after polymer passivation was less than <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1 ~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Finally, three different wiring methods were proposed to implement two-layer high-density damascene wiring (linewidth/line space <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$ < 2 /2 ~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). This approach is characterized by its ease of implementation, cost-effectiveness, superior compatibility, high chip area efficiency, minimized die shift, and capability to facilitate high-density redistribution layer (RDL) wiring. Given these attributes, this approach indicates a propitious future for advanced packaging techniques of chiplet.
Choropleth maps and diagram maps in atlas of cartographic presentation methods

Abstract The online Atlas kartograficznych metod prezentacji [Atlas of cartographic presentation methods, hereinafter the Atlas] is a research project being carried out at the Department of Cartography of the University of Warsaw. The aim of the project is to systematize knowledge about the use of cartographic presentation methods. This study discusses selected issues related to two of the five presentation methods analysed in the project, viz. the choropleth map and the diagram map. A rational application of two quite commonly-used presentation methods leads to a number of problems. These problems are most easily visible during attempts to program its implementation in the web-based Atlas and are largely due to the difficulties with drawing a clear boundary between what is a good and a bad map. For this reason, the system operator’s skill and eye for the graphics of semi-automated visualisation seem to be of key importance.
A Dual-Inductor Ladder Buck Converter for Li-Ion Battery-Operated Sub-Volt SoCs

This article presents a dual-inductor ladder (DIL) hybrid buck converter to support system-on-chip (SoC)-compatible subvolt (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\le $ </tex-math></inline-formula>1 V) supply rails directly from a single-cell Li-ion battery (2.5–5 V). Facilitating an extreme downconversion (16.67<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) using scaled CMOS technology, the proposed topology presents a unique solution to address the active versus passive component utilization while still neutralizing the well-known efficiency versus power density (PD) trade-off for a hybrid converter. The balanced inductor currents help reduce the average switch currents, improving active switch utilization, while the natural soft-charging of the flying capacitors reduces the switch rms currents, improving passive component utilization and PD. The DIL, thus, presents an optimal two-inductor solution for similar applications achieving excellent efficiency and PD. Fabricated in a 65 nm bulk CMOS technology, the DIL obtains 90.6% peak efficiency, 0.93 W/mm2 peak active PD (PPD) with a maximum power delivery of 1.35 W occupying just 1.13 mm2 die area.
Evaluation of the Effect of Nano and Micro Hydroxyapatite Particles on the Impact Strength of Acrylic Resin: In Vitro Study

Poly (methylmethacrylate) is considered the basis material for a denture base. However, such substance has some drawbacks such as poor impact resistance, which is thought to be the primary cause of fracture of denture base resins. The purpose of the study was to determine how Nano and Micro hydroxyapatite particles affected the impact strength of acrylic resin. Thirty specimens were constructed of heat-cured acrylic resin and were divided into three groups: Ten specimens for the control, 10 for 1%nano hydroxyapatite, and 10 for micro hydroxyapatite. Acrylic samples were subjected to an impact strength test via a Charpy-type. Data were then analysed using SPSS v20. The ANOVA test was used for comparison among the groups. Highly statistically significant differences among all studied groups (P-value <0.0001). Both 5% Micro hydroxyapatite and 1% Nano hydroxyapatite had a higher mean value than the control. Incorporating Nano and Micro hydroxyapatite into PMMA improved the impact strength of acrylic resins.
Update and validation of the Canadian Behavior, Attitude and Nutrition Knowledge Survey (C-BANKS 2.0)

Aim Understanding knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to nutrition is crucial in developing effective intervention strategies to promote healthy eating habits. This study revised and updated the Canadian Behavior, Attitude and Nutrition Knowledge Survey (C-BANKS) to align with the current Canada’s Food Guide and dietary guidance and report on its reliability and validity with a new population. Method Data from 167 early childhood educators were recruited to test the revised C-BANKS’ reliability and validity. Reliability, as measured by internal consistency, was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while concurrent validity was determined by correlating the C-BANKS 2.0 scores with the CHEERS (Creating Healthy Eating and Active Environments Survey) and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). Responsiveness was assessed by comparing a baseline C-BANKS 2.0 score to a post-test score after completing an online healthy eating and physical activity educational intervention. Results The adapted C-BANKS 2.0 questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha >0.70) and construct validity with related measures CHEERS and MEQ (p < 0.05). The C-BANKS 2.0 demonstrated strong responsiveness. Specifically, C-BANKS 2.0 scores increased after the nutrition education intervention (p < 0.001). Additionally, there were no signs of floor or ceiling effects. Conclusion The adapted C-BANKS 2.0 demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness to measure of nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in an early childhood educator population. The revised C-BANKS 2.0 provides insight into the key factors that influence dietary habits thereby informing the design and evaluation of effective nutrition community intervention programs.
A field guide to the mammals : North America, north of Mexico

Descriptions of 380 species include size, weight, color, markings, number of teeth, habitat, habits, and comparisons with similar species. Superb color illustrations and line drawings show 230 animals. Range maps as well as photos of skulls and drawings of animal tracks, dens, nests, and burrows round out the wealth of information given in "the best general guide to all of North America" (Peter Warshall, Whole Earth Review).
Before Is Better: Innovative Multidisciplinary Preconception Care in Different Clinical Contexts

Context: Implementation of pre-conception care units is still very limited in Italy. Nowadays, the population’s awareness of the reproductive risks that can be reduced or prevented is very low. Purpose and main findings: We presented a new personalized multidisciplinary model of preconception care aimed at identifying and possibly reducing adverse reproductive events. We analyzed three cohorts of population: couples from the general population, infertile or subfertile couples, and couples with a previous history of adverse reproductive events. The proposal involves a deep investigation regarding family history, the personal histories of both partners, and reproductive history. Principal conclusions: Preconception care is still neglected in Italy and under-evaluated by clinicians involved in natural or in vitro reproduction. Adequate preconception counseling will improve maternal and fetal obstetrical outcomes.
Perioperative Analgesia and Patients’ Satisfaction in Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section: Fentanyl Versus Morphine

Perioperative analgesia for cesarean section aims to ensure the mother’s comfort, facilitate a smooth surgical experience, and promote a successful recovery. One-hundred-ninety patients were enrolled in a randomized double-blind study designed to assess the quality of perioperative analgesia, level of satisfaction, and incidence of adverse reactions in elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia when fentanyl or morphine was added to bupivacaine. Two treatment groups comprising 173 subjects were compared in the per-protocol analysis: F (fentanyl, standard dose 25 μg) and M (morphine, standard dose 100 μg). Numerical pain scores were recorded perioperatively for 72 h (both at rest and on mobilization), with overall postoperative satisfaction and analgesic-related side effects. The patients in the morphine group had significantly better pain management (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.001) and higher level of satisfaction (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.001). The latter was related to the greater need for rescue medication in the fentanyl group (OR = 4.396; p = 0.019). On the other hand, fentanyl had significantly fewer non-life-threatening side effects, such as high-intensity pruritus (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.001), nausea (OR = 0.324; p = 0.019), vomiting and dizziness upon first mobilization (OR = 0.256; p < 0.001). It remains for future clinical trials to help establish doses that will tilt the scale to one side or the other.
Omnichannel Marketing in the Digital Age: Effective Strategies to Reach Multichannel Consumers in Indonesia

A transformational era of consumer behavior has begun with the advent of the digital age, where multichannel brand involvement is the standard. Businesses are progressively implementing omnichannel marketing tactics in Indonesia's dynamic economy to effectively navigate this intricate terrain. In order to find out how well omnichannel marketing techniques work in Indonesia, this study used a mixed-methods approach that included quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and content analysis. The results show that omnichannel marketing techniques do, in fact, work, since they significantly influence purchase decisions and generate a high degree of consumer involvement. Customized offers and recommendations strike a powerful chord with Indonesian customers, indicating that personalization is a major success factor. Although omnichannel marketing is generally viewed favorably, worries over data privacy highlight how crucial it is for companies to have open and honest data procedures. Practical suggestions are given for Indonesian businesses to maximize their omnichannel marketing endeavors in light of these findings. This study adds significant understanding to the ever-changing omnichannel marketing scene in Indonesia and provides direction for companies looking to prosper in the digital era while preserving customer confidence and data protection.
Analysis of the morphology of retinal vascular cells in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Background: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been established in recent years as a model organism to study Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Loss of endothelial cells and pericytes is an early hallmark sign of developing DR in the mammalian retina. However, morphology, numbers, ratios, and distributions of different vascular cells in the retinal compartment in zebrafish have not yet been analyzed and compared with the mammalian retina. Methods: The retinal trypsin digest protocol was established on the zebrafish retina. Cell types were identified using the Tg(nflk:EGFP)-reporter line. Cells were quantified using quantitative morphometry. Results: Vascular cells in the zebrafish retina have distinct morphologies and locations. Nuclei of vascular mural cells appear as long and flat nuclei located near the vessel wall. Round nuclei within the vessel walls can be identified as endothelial cells. The vessel diameter decreases from central to peripheral parts of the retina. Additionally, the numbers of vascular cells decrease from central to peripheral parts of the retina. Discussion: The retinal trypsin digest protocol, which can be applied to the zebrafish retina, provides novel insights into the zebrafish retinal vascular architecture. Quantification of the different cell types shows that, in comparison to the mammalian retina, zebrafish have higher numbers of mural cells and an increased mural cell to endothelial cell ratio. This protocol enables to quantify mural cell and endothelial cell numbers, is easily adaptable to different transgenic and mutant zebrafish lines and will enable investigators to compare novel models on a single cell level.
Energetics of M2 Barotropic-to-Baroclinic Tidal Conversion at the Hawaiian Islands

Abstract A high-resolution primitive equation model simulation is used to form an energy budget for the principal semidiurnal tide (M2) over a region of the Hawaiian Ridge from Niihau to Maui. This region includes the Kaena Ridge, one of the three main internal tide generation sites along the Hawaiian Ridge and the main study site of the Hawaii Ocean Mixing Experiment. The 0.01°–horizontal resolution simulation has a high level of skill when compared to satellite and in situ sea level observations, moored ADCP currents, and notably reasonable agreement with microstructure data. Barotropic and baroclinic energy equations are derived from the model’s sigma coordinate governing equations and are evaluated from the model simulation to form an energy budget. The M2 barotropic tide loses 2.7 GW of energy over the study region. Of this, 163 MW (6%) is dissipated by bottom friction and 2.3 GW (85%) is converted into internal tides. Internal tide generation primarily occurs along the flanks of the Kaena Ridge and .
Centrifuge shaking table tests on a single pile embedded in clay subjected to earthquake excitation

Abstract Pile foundations are extensively used to achieve the bearing capacity required to support heavy superstructure loading, especially under adverse soil conditions. In view of this, the behavior of pile foundations under earthquake loading is an important factor affecting the integrity of infrastructures. In this paper, the results from a series of dynamic centrifuge model tests carried out at the National University of Singapore are presented. The centrifuge experiments were performed to examine response of a single pile in soft clays subjected to earthquake, with special focus on the effect of superstructure loading on the seismic soil–pile interaction. The experimental observations were then compared with the results obtained from a simple theoretical analysis, based on lumped mass approach. The centrifuge test results suggest that the pile does not move in tandem with the ground. The results also indicate that the degree of soil–pile interaction depends on the presence of the superstructural load on the top of the pile.