Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
APPRAISAL OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS OF MEDICINES FOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION, PHYSIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND HEAVY METALS

The safety of herbal products has become a foremost apprehension in public health with their recognition and worldwide market growth and due in part to the widespread assumption that “natural” implies “harmless”. The global market of medicinal plants has been growing at a rate of 7-10% annually; capitalizing on the growing awareness of herbal and aromatic plants globally. The present study was conducted to assess the physiochemical parameters, microbial contamination and presence of heavy metals. The 24 medicinal plants were collected from open market places of various cities of Pakistan and tested by employing WHO and AOAC guidelines. Medicinal plants were found polluted with wide variety of potentially pathogenic bacterias. Microbial count and levels of arsenic and mercury in some plants were found elevated. The percentage (%) of physiochemical parameters i.e., foreign organic matter, total ash, acid insoluble ash, alcohol soluble extract, water soluble extract and moisture count of these medicinal plants were found statistically noteworthy. The nonexistence of quality control values for medicinal plants has been one of the key lacunas. Quality assurance system and WHO’s guidelines on good agricultural and collection practices be methodically enforced in the medicinal plants supply chain i.e., cultivation, collection and distribution, although it is tricky task.
Reproducible Analysis Pipeline for Data Streams: Open-Source Software to Process Data Collected With Mobile Devices

Smartphone and wearable devices are widely used in behavioral and clinical research to collect longitudinal data that, along with ground truth data, are used to create models of human behavior. Mobile sensing researchers often program data processing and analysis code from scratch even though many research teams collect data from similar mobile sensors, platforms, and devices. This leads to significant inefficiency in not being able to replicate and build on others' work, inconsistency in quality of code and results, and lack of transparency when code is not shared alongside publications. We provide an overview of Reproducible Analysis Pipeline for Data Streams (RAPIDS), a reproducible pipeline to standardize the preprocessing, feature extraction, analysis, visualization, and reporting of data streams coming from mobile sensors. RAPIDS is formed by a group of R and Python scripts that are executed on top of reproducible virtual environments, orchestrated by a workflow management system, and organized following a consistent file structure for data science projects. We share open source, documented, extensible and tested code to preprocess, extract, and visualize behavioral features from data collected with any Android or iOS smartphone sensing app as well as Fitbit and Empatica wearable devices. RAPIDS allows researchers to process mobile sensor data in a rigorous and reproducible way. This saves time and effort during the data analysis phase of a project and facilitates sharing analysis workflows alongside publications.
Mechanical Design and Control System Development of a Rehabilitation Robotic System for Walking With Arm Swing

Background: Interlimb neural coupling implies that arm swing should be included during gait training to improve rehabilitation outcomes. We previously developed several systems for production of walking with arm swing, but the reaction forces on the foot sole during usage of the systems were not satisfactory and there was potential to improve control system performance. This work aimed to design and technically evaluate a novel system for producing walking with synchronised arm and leg movement and with dynamic force loading on the foot soles. Methods: The robotic system included a passive curved treadmill and a trunk frame, upon which the rigs for the upper and lower limbs were mounted. Ten actuators and servocontrollers with EtherCAT communication protocol controlled the bilateral shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle joints. Impedance control algorithms were developed and ran in an industrial PC. Flexible pressure sensors recorded the plantar forces on the foot soles. The criteria of implementation and responsiveness were used to formally evaluate the technical feasibility of the system. Results: Using impedance algorithms, the system produced synchronous walking with arm swing on the curved treadmill, with mean RMS angular tracking error <2° in the 10 joint profiles. The foot trajectories relative to the hip presented similar shapes to those during normal gait, with mean RMS displacement error <1.5 cm. A force pattern that started at the heel and finished at the forefoot was observed during walking using the system, which was similar to the pattern from overground walking. Conclusion: The robotic system produced walking-like kinematics in the 10 joints and in the foot trajectories. Integrated with the curved treadmill, the system also produced walking-like force patterns on the foot soles. The system is considered feasible as far as implementation and responsiveness are concerned. Future work will focus on improvement of the mechanical system for future clinical application.
Measuring users' perceived portal service quality: An empirical study

Abstract Portals can be used internally for companies to provide employees with streamlined access to corporate information resources. To deliver superior service quality, managers of companies with web presences must first understand how customers perceive and evaluate online service. Based on the SERVQUAL model, a multi-dimensional scale was developed to analyse user-perceived portal quality. The results found that customer satisfaction is related to four factors: (1) empathy, (2) ease of use, (3) information quality, and (4) accessibility. Users perceived service quality as the most effective indicator to model portal customer satisfaction. These findings will greatly improve the efficiency of business organizations and managers who actively seek ways to improve their service through web technology.
Self-Care Experiences of Empty-Nest Elderly Living With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Study From China

Background The number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases among empty-nest elderly increases with increasing aging in China. Self-care plays an important role in preventing and reducing adverse outcomes of diabetes; however, few studies focus on self-care experiences of empty-nest elderly with T2DM. Objective To explore self-care experiences for a chronic disease among empty-nest elderly patients with T2DM in mainland China. Methods A descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for 15 empty-nesters with T2DM. Interviews were implemented in department of endocrinology at a tertiary teaching hospital located in Shandong province, east of China. Results The participants were poorly adept with monitoring their blood glucose and lacked the ability to deal with abnormal blood glucose levels. Most participants had a good relationship with medication and physical activity. Living without children was perceived as a benefit that improved dietary management and is a disadvantage in terms of economic and emotional support and access to medical resources. Elderly empty-nesters also lacked knowledge about diabetes and paid little attention to potential complications. Conclusion Empty-nest elderly patients with T2DM value medication compliance and lifestyle modification more than blood glucose monitoring, complication prevention, and coping with negative emotions. Friends and spouses play indispensable roles in patients’ self-care motivation and maintenance. Diabetes education on self-care, access to medical resources, and social support is needed for better diabetes management.
The Parental Dilemma: How Evolution of Diverse Strategies for Infant Care Informs Social Behavior Circuits

Social relationships are cornerstones of human well-being and functioning in society, which is painfully apparent during the current global pandemic that has forced social isolation. Indeed, one of the most urgent problems highlighted by this crisis is the lack of available childcare for working parents. We are far from understanding how behavior is governed by external and internal forces, despite decades of intense scientific and lay interest. Social behavior may be examined using a range of methods, and indeed we (the authors) have opposite, but converging, perspectives that complement one another and offer an opportunity to re-examine how the researchers approach the study of social behavior. One view is a “behavior-based” study of social behavior, which values an understanding of natural history, ethological variability, and ecology using field based studies that maximize comparative approaches through the lens of evolution. The other is a “brain-based” study of social behavior, which values an understanding of neuronal circuits, connectivity, or gene expression using laboratory based studies that minimize variability. We believe the lack of overlap or cross-talk between these approaches is a barrier for the growth of our field and here we argue that these approaches are complementary and require insights gained from one other. Among a range of naturalistic behaviors, parenting is exciting to study because these social relationships can be complex, multi-generational, and long-lasting. Parental care is also an evolutionary antecedent to other complex social behaviors, such as monogamy and eusociality (Queller, 1994; Numan and Young, 2016). Thus, exploring parenting can lead to mechanistic insights that are broadly applicable to many aspects of social behavior. Here, we use parenting as an example of how “behavior-based” and “brain-based” approaches to studying behavior can yield insights both into generalizable principles of how organisms function and alternative neural mechanisms of behavior that give rise to a diversity of behavioral strategies.
Editorial: Glyco-Tools to Crack Unsolved Biomedical Needs

Associate Laboratory i4HB–Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal, UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry / Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal, Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy, CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland, Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy, Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Candidate Biomarkers to Distinguish Spinal Tuberculosis From Mechanical Back Pain in a Tuberculosis Endemic Setting

Background Spinal tuberculosis (TB) may have a variable, non-specific presentation including back pain with- or without- constitutional symptoms. Further tools are needed to aid early diagnosis of this potentially severe form of TB and immunological biomarkers may show potential in this regard. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of host serum biomarkers to distinguish spinal TB from mechanical back pain. Methods Patients with suspected spinal TB or suspected mechanical back pain were recruited from a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa, and provided a blood sample for biomarker analysis. Diagnosis was subsequently confirmed using bacteriological testing, advanced imaging and/or clinical evaluation, as appropriate. The concentrations of 19 host biomarkers were evaluated in serum samples using the Luminex platform. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and General Discriminant Analysis were used to identify biomarkers with the potential to distinguish spinal TB from mechanical back pain. Results Twenty-six patients with spinal TB and 17 with mechanical back pain were recruited. Seven out of 19 biomarkers were significantly different between groups, of which Fibrinogen, CRP, IFN-γ and NCAM were the individual markers with the highest discrimination utility (Area Under Curve ROC plot 0.88-0.99). A five-marker biosignature (CRP, NCAM, Ferritin, CXCL8 and GDF-15) correctly classified all study participants after leave-one-out cross-validation. Conclusion This study identified host serum biomarkers with the potential to diagnose spinal TB, including a five-marker biosignature. These preliminary findings require validation in larger studies.
Assessment of Antipsychotic Medications on Social Media: Machine Learning Study

Background: Antipsychotic medications are the first-line treatment for schizophrenia. However, non-adherence is frequent despite its negative impact on the course of the illness. In response, we aimed to investigate social media posts about antipsychotics to better understand the online environment in this regard. Methods: We collected tweets containing mentions of antipsychotic medications posted between January 1st 2019 and October 31st 2020. The content of each tweet and the characteristics of the users were analyzed as well as the number of retweets and likes generated. Results: Twitter users, especially those identified as patients, showed an interest in antipsychotic medications, mainly focusing on the topics of sexual dysfunction and sedation. Interestingly, paliperidone, despite being among one of the newest antipsychotics, accounted for a low number of tweets and did not generate much interest. Conversely, retweet and like ratios were higher in those tweets asking for or offering help, in those posted by institutions and in those mentioning cognitive complaints. Moreover, health professionals did not have a strong presence in tweet postings, nor did medical institutions. Finally, trivialization was frequently observed. Conclusion: This analysis of tweets about antipsychotic medications provides insights into experiences and opinions related to this treatment. Twitter user perspectives therefore constitute a valuable input that may help to improve clinicians' knowledge of antipsychotic medications and their communication with patients regarding this treatment.
Three-phase AC-DC-AC converter with shared legs and high-frequency link

This work proposes a multilevel AC-DC-AC converter with shared legs composed of a three-phase cell and H-bridge single-phase cells. The H-bridge cells are fed from the three-phase cell by an unidirectional converter based on high-frequency transformer. The DC-link converter solves all balancing issues, such that the proposed converter do not require DC-link voltage balancing control and the converter is able to utilize full voltage generation capability. Converter model and Space-vector pulse-width modulation (SVPWM) are presented, as well as the control strategy.
Performance Evaluation of Future T-Type PFC Rectifier and Inverter Systems with Monolithic Bidirectional 600 V GaN Switches

Three-phase PFC rectifier and inverter systems can be realized using identical main converter stages (MCSs) that comprise three three-level T-Type (TT) bridge-legs and a DC-bus referenced LC-filter stage. TT bridge-legs advantageously realize three output voltage levels by extending a half-bridge with the possibility to connect the switch node to the capacitive DC-link midpoint. To do so, a switching device with bipolar voltage blocking and bidirectional current carrying capability is required. A novel monolithic bidirectional 600 V/140 mΩ GaN e-mode transistor is an ideal candidate to realize the required midpoint connection in a chip-area efficient way. We therefore comprehensively characterize this monolithic bidirectional switch (M-BDS) in an 800 V DC TT bridge-leg realized with two additional 1200 V/140 mΩ SiC MOSFETs. Continuous operation of the M-BDS in all four voltage/current quadrants is demonstrated at ±400 V, and results of calorimetric measurements of the hard- and soft switching losses are provided. This facilitates the evaluation of the TT MCS’ achievable performance in CCM and TCM rectifier and inverter designs regarding efficiency and power density. For MCSs with (three-phase) nominal power ratings of up to 2 kW, we find efficiencies of > 99 % for power densities of up to about 15kW/I.
Total hip arthroplasty versus hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fracture: a protocol for an overview of systematic reviews

Introduction Hip arthroplasties for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in adults can be total replacement or hemiarthroplasty. Despite the high prevalence of these fractures and large number of studies on the topic, the best choice of arthroplasty to be used remains unclear. The present study aims to overview the results of systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes between total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures in adults. Methods and analysis Four electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and reference lists from previous reviews will be searched without language limitation. Eligible studies will be systematic reviews of RCT that compare total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty for treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in adults. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Disagreements between reviewers will be resolved by a third reviewer. Comparisons of dichotomous data will report as the OR and 95% CI, and comparisons of functional and health-related quality of life outcomes are reported as the mean difference and 95% CI and as the risk difference, defined as the difference in the proportion achieving the minimum clinically important difference and 95% CI. As this overview will contribute to orthopaedic surgeons and health managers in better decision-making for the treatment of these fractures. The authors plan to complete the searches and analyses by 30 November 2021. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was obtained at Federal University of Sao Paulo. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021237885.
Vitamin K2—a neglected player in cardiovascular health: a narrative review

Vitamin K2 serves an important role in cardiovascular health through regulation of calcium homeostasis. Its effects on the cardiovascular system are mediated through activation of the anti-calcific protein known as matrix Gla protein. In its inactive form, this protein is associated with various markers of cardiovascular disease including increased arterial stiffness, vascular and valvular calcification, insulin resistance and heart failure indices which ultimately increase cardiovascular mortality. Supplementation of vitamin K2 has been strongly associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes through its modification of systemic calcification and arterial stiffness. Although its direct effects on delaying the progression of vascular and valvular calcification is currently the subject of multiple randomised clinical trials, prior reports suggest potential improved survival among cardiac patients with vitamin K2 supplementation. Strengthened by its affordability and Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA)-proven safety, vitamin K2 supplementation is a viable and promising option to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
An Ultrahigh Step-Down DC-DC Converter Based on Switched-Capacitor and Coupled Inductor Techniques

High step-down dc-dc converters are widely employed in data center applications. Due to the higher stepdown conversion ratio in the new generation 48V voltage regulator module (VRM), a conventional buck converter is not suitable for such applications. To conquer this problem, a novel dc-dc converter is proposed in this paper to achieve an ultrahigh step-down voltage conversion ratio for data centers. The non-isolated topology can be optimally designed to integrate both the switched-capacitor and coupled inductor techniques, which allows Zero-Voltage-Switching (ZVS) of all active switches to be achieved and improves high efficiency. In addition, the converter presents the advantages of lower voltage stress, ultrahigh voltage gain, common ground and simple control strategy. A comprehensive analysis of the steady-state analysis, derivation of voltage gain, voltage stress and ZVS condition is presented in detail. Finally, a 30W, 48-to-IV experimental prototype is built and tested, which validates the ultrahigh step-down voltage gain and soft-switching characteristic of the proposed converter. The maximum efficiency of the prototype is 89.1% and the efficiency is 81.4% in full-load condition.
A Medium Voltage CHB Inverter with a Modified THPWM for Step-Up-Transformer-Less and Line-Filter-Less Grid Integration

A simple traditional inverter which generates a square wave is not satisfactory for grid integration. A pure sinusoidal wave is highly desired for grid tied inverter. Multilevel inverter (MLI) has emerged a key technological development in the field of energy control for high-power medium-voltage (6–36 kV) by generating sinusoidal output waveform without using large and bulky line filter. The cascaded H-bridge (CHB) inverters produce more output voltage levels (e.g., more sinusoidal) in the medium-voltage range, hence minimize the harmonic components. In this paper, a fifty-five level (55L) CHB converter is designed, simulated, and analyzed for 11kV system using a new modified third harmonic injected pulse width modulation-based (MTHPWM) switching technique. Performance of existing switching techniques and proposed switching technique with a 55L, 3-$\phi$, 11kV CHB inverter is evaluated in terms of total harmonic distortion (THD) and inverter loss. The proposed modulation scheme results very promising THD profile (3.41%) and reduces switching losses over other conventional modulation techniques. All the simulated results are carried out in the MATLAB/Simulink environment.
IPM Motor Optimization for Electric Vehicles Considering Driving Cycles

This paper deals with the optimal design of V-shape interior permanent-magnet motor (V-IPM) for the electric vehicle application. The magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) is used to obtain the performing parameters of the studied motor. The applied analytical model is verified using finite-element analysis (FEA). Considering the voltage and current limits, the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) is applied to determine the optimum number of turns per slot to have a wider constant torque region. The consideration of the MTPA for the machine design increases the electric motor volume. The volume minimization is targeted in the objective function of the optimization problem. The optimization is executed over three different driving cycles for a 50-kW V-IPM motor. The efficiency and power factor are the constraints of the optimization problem. The optimal designs are compared against each other in terms of their efficiency and power density. The simulation results depict how the magnet and iron volume vary in different driving cycles.