Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutrient Intake and Status in Adults Consuming Plant-Based Diets Compared to Meat-Eaters: A Systematic Review

Health authorities increasingly recommend a more plant-based diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains and nuts, low in red meat and moderate in dairy, eggs, poultry and fish which will be beneficial for both health and the environment. A systematic review of observational and intervention studies published between 2000 and January 2020 was conducted to assess nutrient intake and status in adult populations consuming plant-based diets (mainly vegetarian and vegan) with that of meat-eaters. Mean intake of nutrients were calculated and benchmarked to dietary reference values. For micronutrient status, mean concentrations of biomarkers were calculated and compared across diet groups. A total of 141 studies were included, mostly from Europe, South/East Asia, and North America. Protein intake was lower in people following plant-based diets compared to meat-eaters, but well within recommended intake levels. While fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), folate, vitamin C, E and magnesium intake was higher, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake was lower in vegetarians and vegans as compared to meat-eaters. Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density. Meat-eaters were at risk of inadequate intakes of fiber, PUFA, α-linolenic acid (ALA), folate, vitamin D, E, calcium and magnesium. There were nutrient inadequacies across all dietary patterns, including vegan, vegetarian and meat-based diets. As plant-based diets are generally better for health and the environment, public health strategies should facilitate the transition to a balanced diet with more diverse nutrient-dense plant foods through consumer education, food fortification and possibly supplementation.
Suicidal Ideation and Risk Reduction Associated with Participation in a Therapist-Supported Digital Mental Health Intervention

Background Suicide is a significant public health concern with increasing prevalence. Novel interventions that reduce stigma and increase accessibility, such as therapist-supported digital mental health interventions, are urgently needed. Methods This preregistered retrospective cohort, single-arm, and intent-to-treat study with 778 patients examined suicidal ideation (SI) trajectories using multilevel models during and up to 6-months after an 12-week therapist-supported digital mental health intervention (Meru Health Program [MHP]) as assessed by the ninth item of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Estimates of associated suicide attempts and deaths by suicide were calculated using published data linking PHQ-9-assessed SI to records of suicide attempts and deaths by suicide. Results MHP participants reporting SI “not at all” significantly increased between baseline and end-of-treatment (78.02–91.00%). Effect sizes of SI changes between baseline and end-of-treatment, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups were 0.33 (95%CI=0.27-0.38), 0.32 (95%CI=0.27-0.38), and 0.32 (95%CI=0.27-0.438), respectively. Results also indicated an estimated 30.49% reduction (95%CI=25.15%-35.13%) in suicide attempts and death by suicide across treatment. Conclusion This real-world study provides preliminary evidence that participants of the MHP show significant reductions in SI and estimated suicide attempts and deaths by suicide across treatment that are maintained 6-months following treatment. The next steps are to conduct a randomized control trial to confirm these results.
Analysis of Pre-existing Investment Behavior and Influence of Trading Apps

The last few years have seen a rise in trading apps, and Robinhood is one trading app that has attracted millennials. This paper explores trading apps such as Robinhood and their role in providing financial inclusion and safe trading opportunities. This paper discusses investment behavior in the status quo, explaining overconfidence, sociability, and the disposition effect. Investment behavior can include the behavioral biases and common notions investors utilize for trading. Furthermore, this paper assesses the design and business model of Robinhood. Five expert investors were interviewed (such as a professor and other MBA graduates from Wharton School of Business, financial experts from private equity firms in the US and Mexico, and a JP Morgan investment banking professional), and five casual investors were interviewed to understand their opinions on investment behavior, certain trading apps, common criticisms of stock trading, and solutions to these concerns. The findings led to the conclusion that investment behavior is harmful in the status quo. Results did indicate that Robinhood does promote at least some dangerous behavior through excessive active trading and is one example of a problematic trading app through the 4th Industrial Revolution, but trading apps can only amplify behavioral biases most retail investors already display.
Defining a Synovial Fluid White Blood Cell Count Threshold to Predict Periprosthetic Infection after Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background: The diagnosis of periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI) requires a thorough diagnostic workup. Synovial fluid aspiration has been proven to be a reliable tool in the diagnosis of joint infections of the lower extremity, but shoulder specific data is limited. This study defines a threshold for synovial fluid white blood cell count (WBC) and assesses the reliability of microbiological cultures. Methods: Retrospective study of preoperative and intraoperative fluid aspiration of 31 patients who underwent a revision of a shoulder arthroplasty (15 with PSI defined by IDSA criteria, 16 without infection). The threshold for WBC was calculated by ROC/AUC analysis. Results: WBC was significantly higher in patients with PSI than in other patients. A threshold of 2800 leucocytes/mm3 showed a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 88% (AUROC 0.92). Microbiological cultures showed a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusions: A threshold of 2800 leucocytes/mm3 in synovial fluid can be recommended to predict PSI. Microbiological culture has an excellent specificity and allows for targeted antibiotic therapy. Joint aspiration presents an important pillar to diagnose PSI.
How much opposition? Political fragmentation and changes in democracy

ABSTRACT To what extent is political fragmentation associated with changes in democracy? The article uses the European integration process of ten Central and East European democracies to argue that political fragmentation is distinctly related to changes in democracy, depending on whether it is the government or opposition that is fragmented. Moreover, this association is mitigated by EU conditionality in the integration process. The paper tests the argument through the use of time-series cross-sectional data. The findings illustrate the importance of opposition fragmentation as an essential factor in explaining changes in democracy. In conclusion, the article draws attention to the understudied literature on opposition fragmentation by highlighting the theoretical implications of the findings for comparative politics and European integration.
Adaptive RFID Indoor Positioning Technology for Wheelchair Home Health Care Robot

In this paper, we propose an adaptive radio frequency identification (RFID) indoor positioning system technology for wheelchair home health care robot with wireless communication. The proposed RFID positioning system uses one reader and four tags which is low cost when applying in a large space of the indoor environment. It reduces the measured calculation by using multiple RFID tags instead of multiple RFID readers. While the measured experimental RFID data found with error leading to signal changes in different environmental parameters, we developed the adaptive fuzzy neural network technology to adjust the measurement data. Through the compensation of the measurement error, the actual wheelchair robot location-based application could be performed to overcome the uncertain environmental parameters. The positioning system provides very good accuracy and make home health care wheelchair robot positioning system available for navigation and guidance.
Enhancing NSS System Engineering Analysis through Value-Centric Design Methodology

In the traditional space mission systems engineering process (SEP), candidate architectures are evaluated by comparing multiple dimensions of performance against cost. Many of the key decisions within this process focus on trading dierent performance parameters at a xed cost, or dierent levels of performance against varying cost. The selected system architecture is generally that which produces an acceptable level of performance at lowest cost. The SEP also generally only considers a small number of alternative designs, providing a limited perspective on what could be a much larger tradespace. The traditional process has worked well in the past, producing designs that optimized cost for a xed level of performance. However, the traditional process is based on many assumptions, some explicit and some implicit, regarding uncertainty, change and the domain of control. Many factors once treated as static or having an acceptably slow rate of change are now changing at rates that are incommensurate with the current rates of execution of the SEP. The traditional process also does not capture the reality of the uncertainties that impact programs during development and deployment. We describe an approach to space mission systems engineering that incorporates changeability and robustness in order to address uncertainty and change. We discuss this valuecentric design methodology (VCDM) and proposed framework for addressing changeabiliity and robustness under uncertainty. We refer to this approach as the value-centric systems engineering process (VCSEP). VCSEP is a dynamic approach to capturing stakeholder value value over time by applying multi-attribute utility analysis to the analysis of candidate system architectures and their associated costs. We describe a framework for VCSEP and some of the challenges to realization. It should be emphasized that the VCSEP framework does not provide a \turn-the-crank" approach to systems analysis. Rather the framework species a process for engaging the system stakeholders, architects and designers, with the ultimate goal of providing the decision makers with the \best" set of alternatives from which to make a selection on which system to build.
Extending the ZVS Operating Range of Dual Active Bridge High-Power DC-DC Converters

A switching control strategy to extend the soft-switching operating range of the dual active bridge (DAB) dc-dc converter under the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) operating mode is proposed. The converter topology consists of two active bridges linked by a high-frequency transformer. One drawback of this strategy is that soft-switching is only possible in a restricted converter operating region. A novel pulse width modulation strategy to extend the conventional soft-switching operating mode region and its analysis are presented in this paper. Experimental results are given in order to validate the theoretical analysis and practical feasibility of the proposed strategy.
Spinal manipulative therapy and acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Background Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and acupuncture are commonly used for low back pain (LBP) among complementary and alternative therapies. However, it remains unclear which of the two therapies is more effective for LBP. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of SMT and acupuncture on LBP. Methods Four electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (all years until July 2021), including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently abstracted data, assessed risk of bias, and rated the quality of evidence. The primary outcome was pain; secondary outcomes included functional status and adverse events. Review Manager 5.3 software and Stata 12.0 were used for all statistical analyses. Results 9 RCTs with a total of 714 participants were identified, who were on average middle aged (39-60 years) without signs of radiating pain. These trials included patients with mild to moderate pain. Overall, moderate quality of evidence suggested that SMT had better effects for pain relief (MD: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.09 to 0.55, I2=34%) and similar effects in function (MD: 0.24, 95%CI: -0.45 to 0.94, I2=21%) when compared to acupuncture. Moderate quality of evidence showed SMT reduced pain better than acupuncture at month 2 (MD: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.08 to 1.14, I2=0%) and at month 12 (MD: 1.02, 95%CI: 0.28 to 1.75, I2=42%). In addition, Low quality of evidence showed SMT may provide better improvement in pain at month 3 (MD: 0.74, 95%CI: 0.09 to 1.39, I2=42%) and in function at month 4 (MD: 3.50, 95%CI: 0.71 to 6.29). Adverse events associated with SMT and acupuncture were rare and mild. Conclusions SMT showed better effects than acupuncture for chronic low back pain, while SMT and acupuncture had similar effects in functional improvement. Although SMT and acupuncture were tolerable and safe, patients should be informed about the potential risks of adverse events before starting therapy.
An Up-to-Date Review of Natural Nanoparticles for Cancer Management

Cancer represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing an urgent need to develop more efficient treatment alternatives. In this respect, much attention has been drawn from conventional cancer treatments to more modern approaches, such as the use of nanotechnology. Extensive research has been done for designing innovative nanoparticles able to specifically target tumor cells and ensure the controlled release of anticancer agents. To avoid the potential toxicity of synthetic materials, natural nanoparticles started to attract increasing scientific interest. In this context, this paper aims to review the most important natural nanoparticles used as active ingredients (e.g., polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins, and sterol-like compounds) or as carriers (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, viral nanoparticles, and exosomes) of various anticancer moieties, focusing on their recent applications in treating diverse malignancies.
Demographic Characteristics and Transmission Risk Factors of Patients with Hepatitis C Virus in Turkey: The EPI-C, A Multicenter and Cross-sectional Trial

ÖZ Objectives: To describe the prevalence of risk factors in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Materials and Methods: Patients who were aged >18 years visiting outpatient clinics and diagnosed as having HCV infection were enrolled in this cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted in 71 cities. Patient data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and pre-defined risk factors were collected. Results: Among 1,018 patients, 53.0% were women. The mean age was 57.2±14.3 years and 34.8% had been diagnosed as having HCV infection >10 years before enrollment. Almost half of the patients (45.5%) were diagnosed during their regular check-up visits, and only 16.8% were diagnosed because of signs or symptoms of HCV. Genotype 1 and sub-genotype 1 b were detected in 87.9% and 73.7% of the patients, respectively. At least one risk factor was present in 94.8% of the patients. The most frequently reported risk factor was major dental procedures (79.2%), followed by major surgical operations (56.9%) and minor surgical interventions (42.3%). Conclusion: Our results revealed that most of the patients with HCV infection underwent major dental procedures.
Uma rede digital local para subsidiar o ensino e a aprendizagem de Física

Diversas propostas contemporâneas de ensino de Física contemplam o uso de tecnologias computacionais. No entanto, nem todas as escolas ou ambientes não formais de ensino dispõem dos recursos e conectividade essenciais para participar e acompanhar toda a dinâmica desencadeada pela disseminação de informações via tecnologias e favorecer seu uso na aprendizagem e no ensino. Neste contexto, propomos a implementação de uma plataforma de ensino envolvendo hardware e software, criada com o objetivo de atenuar esse problema e possibilitar a conexão dos dispositivos móveis a um repositório de recursos didáticos. O método empregado caracteriza este trabalho como uma pesquisa aplicada, exploratória de abordagem qualitativa. O componente central da plataforma é o microcontrolador ESP-32 usado para gerar uma infraestrutura de rede digital mínima e de alcance restrito a um único ambiente de ensino, como o interior de salas de aula. Como prova de conceito da viabilidade do projeto, a plataforma foi testada em uma aula presencial sobre circuitos elétricos em uma turma do terceiro ano do Ensino Médio da rede pública estadual no Sul de Minas Gerais. Os resultados sobre a viabilidade na fase atual de desenvolvimento do projeto são animadores o suficiente para incentivar sua continuação, investimento em tempo e recursos para expandi-lo e melhorá-lo.
Bipolar Integrated OR-NOR Gate in 4H-SiC

An integrated bipolar OR-NOR gate based on emitter coupled logic (ECL) is demonstrated in 4H-SiC. Operated from 27 up to 300 °C on –15 V supply voltage the logic gate exhibits stable noise margins (NMs) of about 1 V in the entire temperature range.
On Design Analysis of Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control for Uncertain System

It has been shown that the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC), first proposed by Han Jingqing, is very an effective approach to control the uncertain system, whether the plant is linear or nonlinear, time-varying or time-invariant. This paper has quantitatively presented the relation between the observer bandwidth of LESO and the controller’s sampling-period in theory. Moreover, it is proven that the shorter the sampling-period, the higher the control degree of accuracy is for the same plant, and the smaller the plant’s “time-scaling”, the larger the closed-loop control error is for the same sampling-period of controller by simulation. In general, this paper will contribute to improving specific ADRC based controller design and tuning for researchers and practice engineers.
Vehicle steering by side stick: optimising steering characteristics

This paper describes a study that was conducted to investigate the possibilities for optimizing task performance when driving a side stick-steered vehicle. Using steer-by-wire technology, a conventional steering system was mimicked, thus yielding the possibility to modify the steering characteristics in the control software. The front wheel angle of the car and the stick position were hydraulically controlled and seven parameters were identified to describe the steering feel of the active side stick. From these seven parameters, three parameters were varied experimentally to investigate their effect on driving performance and driver workload. Subjects drove the test vehicle in a set of three maneuvers, with the various parameter configurations. The results showed that driving performance with a side stick can be at least as good as driving with a conventional steering wheel, even after a relatively short training period.
Crack Surveys of Low-Cracking High-Performance Concrete Bridge Decks in Kansas 2014-2015

Crack densities of Low-Cracking High-Performance Concrete (LC-HPC) bridge decks are compared to crack densities of control decks to investigate the benefits of the LC-HPC specifications developed at the University of Kansas. Specifications for construction of LC-HPC bridge decks are addressed. Bridge deck crack survey procedures are also summarized. Thirteen LC-HPC decks and thirteen control decks are compared by calculating crack densities and noting trends in cracking patterns over time. The results for eight additional decks are also presented. These include three LC-HPC decks, one control deck, and three decks which are considered neither LC-HPC nor control decks. The LC-HPC bridge decks have, with very few exceptions, lower crack densities than the control decks. Cracks are typically transverse above and parallel to the bars in the top layer of reinforcing steel, except at abutments, where cracks propagate longitudinally or perpendicular to the abutment.
Performance Estimation of Multicarrier Based Multilevel Inverter

This paper presents performance features of Symmetric and Asymmetric Cascaded Multilevel inverter. Both the Phase shifted and level shifted multicarrier pulse width modulation (MCPWM) technique are used in MLI. The best harmonic performance is improved by Level-shifted multicarrier modulations technique . The objective of this work to propose MCPWM Technique for multilevel inverter with equal and unequal DC sources. The Performances indices like Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), reduction of switches and number of DC Sources is considered. An appropriate method to achieve the MC modulation technique is also presented in this paper.
Integrative computational approach identifies immune‐relevant biomarkers in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a common inflammatory bowel disease with a complex genetic and immune etiology. Immune infiltration plays a vital role in the development of ulcerative colitis. To explore potential biomarkers for ulcerative colitis and analyze characteristics of immune cell infiltration, we used bioinformatic analyses, including machine learning algorithms, cell type deconvolution methods, and pathway enrichment methods. In this study, we identified 216 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), of which 153 were upregulated, and 63 were downregulated genes. DEMs were mainly enriched in infiltrating neutrophils and regulation of leukocyte migration. Moreover, eight candidate biomarkers, DPP10, MST1L, DPP10‐AS1, CEP55, ACSL1, MGP, OLFM4, and SGK1, were identified. Of these candidate biomarkers, MST1L, OLFM4, and DPP10 were then validated in the GSE48958 dataset and were predicted to be strongly correlated with infiltrating immune cells of ulcerative colitis. The underlying mechanism of these key genes in the development of colitis was also predicted by gene set variation analysis. To further validate these biomarkers' expression in ulcerative colitis, we determined mRNA levels of SGK1, CEP55, ACSL1, OLFM4, and DPP10 in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐stimulated Raw264.7 cells by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. We also examined SGK1, CEP55, ACSL1, OLFM4, DPP10, and MGP expression in the colon tissues of dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis mice. Consistent with the predicted computational results, the mRNA levels of these candidate genes were markedly changed in LPS‐stimulated Raw264.7 cells and inflamed colon tissues. Hence, our findings indicated that these critical genes may act as diagnostic biomarkers for ulcerative colitis and that differential immune infiltration cells may help illustrate the progression of ulcerative colitis.