Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Performance Study of the Anodic Catalyst Layer via Doctor Blade Coating for PEM Water Electrolysis

The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the core component of proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis cell, which provides a place for water decomposition to generate hydrogen and oxygen. The microstructure, thickness, IrO2 loading as well as the uniformity and quality of the anodic catalyst layer (ACL) have great influence on the performance of PEM water electrolysis cell. Aiming at providing an effective and low-cost fabrication method for MEA, the purpose of this work is to optimize the catalyst ink formulation and achieve the ink properties required to form an adherent and continuous layer with doctor blade coating method. The ink formulation (e.g., isopropanol/H2O of solvents and solids content) were adjusted, and the doctor blade thickness was optimized. The porous structure and the thickness of the doctor blade coating ACL were further confirmed with the in-plane and the cross-sectional SEM analyses. Finally, the effect of the ink formulation and the doctor blade thickness of the ACL on the cell performance were characterized in a PEM electrolyzer under ambient pressure at 80 °C. Overall, the optimized doctor blade coating ACL showed comparable performance to that prepared with the spraying method. It is proved that the doctor blade coating is capable of high-uniformity coating.
Monotone fitting for developmental variables

In order to study developmental variables, for example, neuromotor development of children and adolescents, monotone fitting is typically needed. Most methods, to estimate a monotone regression function non-parametrically, however, are not straightforward to implement, a difficult issue being the choice of smoothing parameters. In this paper, a convenient implementation of the monotone B-spline estimates of Ramsay [Monotone regression splines in action (with discussion), Stat. Sci. 3 (1988), pp. 425–461] and Kelly and Rice [Montone smoothing with application to dose-response curves and the assessment of synergism, Biometrics 46 (1990), pp. 1071–1085] is proposed and applied to neuromotor data. Knots are selected adaptively using ideas found in Friedman and Silverman [Flexible parsimonous smoothing and additive modelling (with discussion), Technometrics 31 (1989), pp. 3–39] yielding a flexible algorithm to automatically and accurately estimate a monotone regression function. Using splines also simultaneously allows to include other aspects in the estimation problem, such as modeling a constant difference between two groups or a known jump in the regression function. Finally, an estimate which is not only monotone but also has a ‘levelling-off’ (i.e. becomes constant after some point) is derived. This is useful when the developmental variable is known to attain a maximum/minimum within the interval of observation.
Phage Therapy for Crops: Concepts, Experimental and Bioinformatics Approaches to Direct Its Application

Phage therapy consists of applying bacteriophages, whose natural function is to kill specific bacteria. Bacteriophages are safe, evolve together with their host, and are environmentally friendly. At present, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and salt minerals (Zn2+ or Cu2+) has caused the emergence of resistant strains that infect crops, causing difficulties and loss of food production. Phage therapy is an alternative that has shown positive results and can improve the treatments available for agriculture. However, the success of phage therapy depends on finding effective bacteriophages. This review focused on describing the potential, up to now, of applying phage therapy as an alternative treatment against bacterial diseases, with sustainable improvement in food production. We described the current isolation techniques, characterization, detection, and selection of lytic phages, highlighting the importance of complementary studies using genome analysis of the phage and its host. Finally, among these studies, we concentrated on the most relevant bacteriophages used for biocontrol of Pseudomonas spp. , Xanthomonas spp. , Pectobacterium spp. , Ralstonia spp. , Burkholderia spp. , Dickeya spp. , Clavibacter michiganensis, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens as agents that cause damage to crops, and affect food production around the world.
Lung Cancer Screening Using Clinical Photon-Counting Detector Computed Tomography and Energy-Integrating-Detector Computed Tomography: A Prospective Patient Study

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic quality of photon-counting detector (PCD) computed tomography (CT) in patients undergoing lung cancer screening compared with conventional energy-integrating detector (EID) CT in a prospective multireader study. Materials Patients undergoing lung cancer screening with conventional EID-CT were prospectively enrolled and scanned on a PCD-CT system using similar automatic exposure control settings and reconstruction kernels. Three thoracic radiologists blinded to CT system compared PCD-CT and EID-CT images and scored examinations using a 5-point Likert comparison score (−2 [left image is worse] to +2 [left image is better]) for artifacts, sharpness, image noise, diagnostic image quality, emphysema visualization, and lung nodule evaluation focusing on the border. Post hoc correction of Likert scores was performed such that they reflected PCD-CT performance in comparison to EID-CT. A nonreader radiologist measured objective image noise. Results Thirty-three patients (mean, 66.9 ± 5.6 years; 11 female; body mass index; 30.1 ± 5.1 kg/m2) were enrolled. Mean volume CT dose index for PCD-CT was lower (0.61 ± 0.21 vs 0.73 ± 0.22; P < 0.001). Pooled reader results showed significant differences between imaging modalities for all comparative rankings (P < 0.001), with PCD-CT favored for sharpness, image noise, image quality, and emphysema visualization and lung nodule border, but not artifacts. Photon-counting detector CT had significantly lower image noise (74.4 ± 10.5 HU vs 80.1 ± 8.6 HU; P = 0.048). Conclusions Photon-counting detector CT with similar acquisition and reconstruction settings demonstrated improved image quality and less noise despite lower radiation dose, with improved ability to depict pulmonary emphysema and lung nodule borders compared with EID-CT at low-dose lung cancer CT screening.
Incidental Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation: Clinicopathologic Features and Prognosis

Background: The prognostic impact and clinicopathologic features of incidental hepatocellular carcinoma (iHCC) detected in explanted livers of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) has been a controversial issue in previous studies when compared with patients who are diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (pdHCC) before LT. We aimed to review and compare these patient groups in a high-volume LT center. Methods: The present study involves a retrospective analysis of 406 HCC patients who received LT between January 2002 and April 2022. Among these patients, demographic data, histopathologic features and prognosis for iHCC and pdHCC were evaluated. Results: In our series, 406 patients’ final diagnosis was HCC after they had received LT, nevertheless 54 patients in this HCC group were diagnosed incidentally after the pathological evaluation of the explanted livers. The etiology of the underlying liver disease between pdHCC (n = 352) and iHCC (n = 54) groups had some differences in our study population. Most of the patients in the pdHCC group had moderately differentiated tumors (45.7%). On the other hand, most of the patients in the iHCC group had well differentiated tumors (79.6%). There were 158 (44%) patients who met the Milan criteria in the pdHCC group while there were 48 (92%) patients in the iHCC group (p < 0.001). IHCC patients had statistically better 1, 3, 5 and 10 years disease-free and overall survival rates when compared with pdHCC patients. There was only 1 (1.8%) patient who had tumor recurrence in the iHCC group while 76 (21%) patients had tumor recurrence in the pdHCC group (p = 0.001). There is no disease free and overall survival difference when iHCC patients are compared with pdHCC patients who met the Milan criteria. Conclusion: It is the first study to show that iHCC patients may differ from pdHCC patients in terms of etiological features. IHCC tumors show better histopathologic features than pdHCC with low recurrence rate and iHCC patients have better survival rates than pdHCC patients.
Robust Hotelling's T2 control charts under non-normality: the case of t-Student distribution

Traditional multivariate control charts are based upon the assumption that the observations follow a multivariate normal distribution. In many practical applications, however, this supposition may be difficult to verify. In this paper, we use control charts based on robust estimators of location and scale to improve the capability of detection observations out of control under non-normality in the presence of multiple outliers. Concretely, we use a simulation process to analyse the behaviour of the robust alternatives to Hotelling's T 2, which use minimum volume ellipsoidal (MVE) and minimum covariance determinant (MCD) in the presence of observations with a Student's t-distribution. The results show that these robust control charts are good alternatives for small deviations from normality due to the fact that the percentage of out-of-control observations detected for these charts in the Phase II are higher.
Effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy on chronic wound healing: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is considered an effective treatment in facilitating the healing of chronic wounds. However, its effect remains inconsistent, which allows for further investigation. Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the NPWT program in improving the management of chronic wound healing. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis was used. Data Sources The search strategy ranged from 2016 to 2021 in PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect. Review Methods Risk of bias was done based on the Risk of Bias 2.0 guideline using RevMan 5.4. 1, and meta-analysis was done using Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) software version 0.16. 3. Critical appraisal of the included articles was done according to Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) appraisal checklist. Results A total of 15 articles were included, with 3,599 patients with chronic wounds. There was no publication bias in this study seen from the results of the Egger’s test value of 0.447 (p >0.05), symmetrical funnel plot, and fail-safe N of 137. However, heterogeneity among studies was present, with I2 value of 66.7%, Q = 41.663 (p <0.001); thus, Random Effect (RE) model was used. The RE model showed a significant positive effect of the NPWT on chronic wound healing, with z = 3.014, p = 0.003, 95% CI 0.085 to 0.400. The observed effects include decreased rate of surgical site infection, controlled inflammation, edema, and exudate, as well as increased tissue with varying forest plot size, as demonstrated by the small effect size (ES = 0.24, 95% CI -0.26 to 0.79, p <0.05). Conclusion The analysis results show that the standard low pressure of 80-125 mmHg could improve microcirculation and accelerate the healing process of chronic wounds. Therefore, applying the NPWT program could be an alternative to nursing interventions. However, it should be carried out by competent wound nurses who carry out procedure steps, implement general patient care, and give tips on overcoming device problems and evaluation. PROSPERO registration number CRD42022348457
Organic Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Recent Progress and Challenges

In the search for novel anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), organic electrode materials have recently attracted substantial attention and seem to be the next preferred candidates for use as high-performance anode materials in rechargeable LIBs due to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, structural diversity, environmental friendliness, and facile synthesis. Up to now, the electrochemical properties of numerous organic compounds with different functional groups (carbonyl, azo, sulfur, imine, etc.) have been thoroughly explored as anode materials for LIBs, dividing organic anode materials into four main classes: organic carbonyl compounds, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and organic compounds with nitrogen-containing groups. In this review, an overview of the recent progress in organic anodes is provided. The electrochemical performances of different organic anode materials are compared, revealing the advantages and disadvantages of each class of organic materials in both research and commercial applications. Afterward, the practical applications of some organic anode materials in full cells of LIBs are provided. Finally, some techniques to address significant issues, such as poor electronic conductivity, low discharge voltage, and undesired dissolution of active organic anode material into typical organic electrolytes, are discussed. This paper will guide the study of more efficient organic compounds that can be employed as high-performance anode materials in LIBs.
Reconfigurable Plasma Composite Absorber Coupled With Pixelated Frequency Selective Surface Generated by FD-CGAN

Conventional plasma absorbers are challenging to obtain high electron density and sizeable spatial scale for effective absorption while meeting the applied requirements of low profile and low power consumption. Although the frequency selective surface (FSS) has proved to realize a lower profile of plasma absorber with some empirical patterns adequately, the issue of the FSS design matching the dispersion distribution of complicated plasmas is still in suspense. A reverse prediction method referenced as the forecast and design Conditional Generative Adversarial Network (FD-CGAN) is proposed to generate a pixelated FSS between double-layer plasma periodic arrays. The reflection attenuation characteristics examined by experiments show that the addition of the FSS makes the coupling absorption effect surpass that of either pixelated FSS or plasma solely. Measurements in reconfigurable working modes and array arrangements demonstrate that the proposed configuration maximizes absorption effectiveness in the same profile, accompanied by the simulation. An interfacial void model is proposed to assist the design of the composite absorbing structure, together with an equivalent circuit for the hybrid absorber including periodic patterns with stochastic distribution characteristics, which analyze the absorption effect of the composite structure. The study provides a new approach for various microwave applications, including multilayer radar-absorbing structures, plasma-based stealth technology, and reconfigurable filters.
Causal band-limited approximation and forecasting for discrete time processes

We study causal dynamic approximation in deterministic setting of non-bandlimited discrete time processes by band-limited processes. We obtain some conditions of solvability and uniqueness of a mean-square optimal approximation. An unique extrapolation to future times of the corresponding band-limited process can be interpreted as an optimal forecast. To accommodate the current flow of observations, the selection of this band-limited process has to be changed dynamically. This can be interpreted as a causal and linear filter.
Smoluchowski approach to nonlinear Vlasov-Fokker-Planck equations: Stability analysis of beam dynamics and Haïssinski theory

For a class of Vlasov-Fokker-Planck equations that have frequently been used to examine beam dynamic instabilities in accelerators and storage rings, it is shown that the stability of stationary distributions can be determined by studying reduced models defined by Smoluchowski equations. This is illustrated explicitly for longitudinal particle bunches in beams subjected to a particular class of wake fields, described by a Ha\"{\i}ssinski distribution. For this class we find that continuous Ha\"{\i}ssinski distributions are stable because they correspond to minima of appropriately defined free energy functionals. For parameters for which continuous distributions no longer exist, discontinuous distributions may still exist but correspond to free energy maxima and saddle points and are unstable.
Multiplex gel-based PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of 5 genotypes of porcine astroviruses

Porcine astrovirus (PAstV) has been associated experimentally with diarrhea in piglets, but much more knowledge is needed about this virus. PAstV has high genetic variability, and 5 genotypes have been identified, namely PAstV1–5. To obtain information on the epidemiology of PAstV, we established a multiplex PAstV PCR assay to detect and differentiate the 5 PAstV genotypes simultaneously. The assay utilized specific primers for each genotype, producing fragments of 307, 353, 205, 253, and 467 bp, representing PAstV1–5, respectively. Our multiplex PCR assay amplified all 5 DNA fragments from single or mixed viral genomes without cross-reactions with other PAstV genotypes or other viruses in pigs. The limit of detection of the multiplex PCR assay was 5 × 102 copies/μL for PAstV1 and PAstV4, and 5 × 103 copies/μL for PAstV2, PAstV3, and PAstV5. We examined 76 pig fecal specimens with our multiplex PCR assay. PAstV was detected in 36 of 76 (47.4%) samples; ≥2 PAstVs were found in 20 of 76 (26.3%) samples. The multiplex PCR assay results were essentially the same as the results using a monoplex PAstV PCR assay, with a coincidence rate of >96%. Our multiplex PCR method provides a simple, sensitive, and specific detection tool for PAstV detection and epidemiologic surveys.
Analysis of functionally graded piezoelectric plates in actuator mode

Most of the analysis techniques used on functionally graded piezoelectric plates consider the effects of through-thickness strains since they can be significant in thick plates. Many practical applications of such plates, however, are in the form of actuators which are not necessarily thick. A simple theory such as the classical lamination theory can, therefore, provide useful estimates of in-plane deflections and stresses in thin and moderately thick plates. This theory does not, however, directly accommodate material properties that change progressively and it is desirable to develop a method with this capability. This paper presents such an approach, formulated as an extension to classical lamination theory. Polynomial series are used to approximate the true through-thickness variation in material properties and electric field strength. The resulting mathematical problem can be explicitly formulated irrespective of the actual variation in these parameters. A comparison against results from an exact three dimensional analysis demonstrates the use and accuracy of the method.
Modes of vibration in an ideal fluid bounded by two eccentric rigid infinite circular cylindrical boundaries

The properties of the modes of vibration in an ideal fluid bounded by rigid infinitely long eccentric cylindrical surfaces are studied using the translation -addition theorem for the ordinary Bessel functions. The lack of sensitivity of the circumferential modes, both as to the value of their eigenfrequencies and their standing wave patterns, to the amount of eccentricity constitutes the focus of this study. The degree of sensitivity is measured relative to that of the thickness modes. The effect of eccentricity on the degree of excitation of these modes is also examined when the fluid is excited by a B-function harmonic infinite line source.
Unanticipated Difficult Airway During Elective Surgery: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Difficult airway during anesthesia is responsible for several cases of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially when it is unanticipated. Patients with either history of or with predictive factors of a difficult airway show better outcomes since all preventative measures will ensure patient safety. Approximately 30% of all deaths attributed to anesthesia are related to unsuccessful intubation. In this article, we discuss a patient who had a tracheostomy following an unanticipated difficult airway with undiagnosed subglottic stenosis and also reviewed the current literature on the difficult airway.
Step-Counting Accuracy of a Commercial Smartwatch in Mild-to-Moderate PD Patients and Effect of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters, Laterality of Symptoms, Pharmacological State, and Clinical Variables

Commercial smartwatches could be useful for step counting and monitoring ambulatory activity. However, in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, an altered gait, pharmacological condition, and symptoms lateralization may affect their accuracy and potential usefulness in research and clinical routine. Steps were counted during a 6 min walk in 47 patients with PD and 47 healthy subjects (HS) wearing a Garmin Vivosmart 4 (GV4) on each wrist. Manual step counting was used as a reference. An inertial sensor (BTS G-Walk), placed on the lower back, was used to compute spatial-temporal gait parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) were used for accuracy evaluation and the Spearman test was used to assess the correlations between variables. The GV4 overestimated steps in PD patients with only a poor-to-moderate agreement. The OFF pharmacological state and wearing the device on the most-affected body side led to an unacceptable accuracy. The GV4 showed an excellent agreement and MAPE in HS at a self-selected speed, but an unacceptable performance at a slow speed. In PD patients, MAPE was not associated with gait parameters and clinical variables. The accuracy of commercial smartwatches for monitoring step counting might be reduced in PD patients and further influenced by the pharmacological condition and placement of the device.
Intra‐operative fluorescence‐based detection of positive surgical margins during radical prostatectomy: Lessons learned from a pilot ex vivo translational study

Nerve‐sparing techniques during radical prostatectomy have been associated with an increased risk of positive surgical margins. The intra‐operative detection of residual prostatic tissue could help mitigate this risk. The objectives of the present study were to assess the feasibility of using an anti‐prostate‐specific membrane antigen (anti‐PSMA) antibody conjugated with a fluorophore to characterize fresh prostate tissue as prostatic or non‐prostatic for intra‐operative surgical margin detection.
Radio identifications of IRAS point sources with b greater than 30 deg

The present radio identifications of IRAS point sources on the basis of Green Bank 1400 MHz survey maps notes that 365 hot IR sources are not detectable radio sources, and that nearly all cool high latitude IRAS sources are extragalactic. The fainter IR-source identifications encompass optically bright quasars, BL Lac objects, Seyfert galaxies, and elliptical galaxies. No IRAS sources could be identified with distant elliptical radio galaxies, so that although the radio and IR fluxes of most IRAS extragalactic sources are tightly correlated, complete samples of strong radio and IR sources are almost completely disjoint; no more than 1 percent of the IR sources are radio sources and less than 1 percent of the radio sources are IR ones. 35 references.