Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Wild Boars in Southwest Germany Using a Stepwise Laboratory Diagnostic Approach

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main cause of enterically transmitted hepatitis in humans worldwide. Among HEV, genotypes 3 and 4 are considered zoonotic agents associated with domestic pigs and wild boars, showing an increasing trend in Europe. The aim of this study is to contribute data on the prevalence of HEV in wild boars in Southwest Germany and to present a time and cost-effective two-step laboratory diagnostic approach for serological monitoring of blood samples. This method uses enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), followed by testing for HEV RNA by reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). A total of 2295 blood samples were collected in 234 municipalities in 12 counties in the period from 2016 to 2020. There was an overall seroprevalence of 10.8%, ranging from 3.6% to 17.5% per county and 7.5% to 14% per year. Retesting of these blood samples for HEV RNA revealed 15.7% viremic wild boars originating from 30 municipalities in 11 counties. Viremic wild boars were found in seven regional clusters, including 84% of the animals that tested positive for HEV. Seropositive animals <1 year of age were significantly more likely to be viremic than those >1 year. Further characterization of HEV RNA resulted in the identification of genotype 3. Altogether, serological monitoring of the blood samples, complemented by successive and targeted investigations into the presence of HEV RNA based on blood samples, provide reliable information on the seroprevalence and virus load in wild boars, which proved to be a relevant and persistent sylvatic reservoir for HEV.
Microwave- and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Cucurbita pepo Seeds: A Comparison Study of Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic Profile, and In-Vitro Cells Effects

Nowadays there is a growing demand for nutraceuticals to prevent diseases related to redox imbalances, such as atherosclerosis and diabetes, being crucial to search for new matrixes rich in bioactive compounds. This work aims to characterize the value-added compounds extracted from Curcubita pepo seeds using green methodologies, namely microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), employing water as an extracting solvent for two ratios (condition 1: 1 mg/20 mL; condition 2: 2.5 mg/20 mL). The extract with the best antioxidant/antiradical activity in FRAP (71.09 μmol FSE/g DW) and DPPH (5.08 mg TE/g DW) assays was MAE condition 1, while MAE condition 2 exhibited the highest activity in the ABTS assay (13.29 mg AAE/g DW) and TPC (16.89 mg GAE/g DW). A remarkable scavenging capacity was observed, particularly for HOCl, with IC50 values ranging from 1.88–13.50 μg/mL. A total of 21 phenolic compounds were identified, being catechin (4.567–7.354 mg/g DW), caffeine (1.147–2.401 mg/g DW) and gallic acid (0.945–1.337 mg/g DW) predominant. No adverse effects were observed on Caco-2 viability after exposure to MAE extracts, while the other conditions led to a slight viability decrease in NSC-34. These results highlighted that the extract from MAE condition 2 is the most promising as a potential nutraceutical ingredient.
A wide band and high isolation microstrip line crossover using microstrip to ridge waveguide transitions

In this article, a wideband and high‐isolation microstrip line crossover using transition from microstrip line to ridge waveguide is proposed. The substrate is soldered to the ridge waveguide. One path of microwave signal propagates along the microstrip line on the substrate, while the other path is first coupled from the microstrip line to the ridge waveguide through a circular slot resonator and then coupled back to the microstrip line. The two paths of signals do not intersect with each other, which results in a high isolation. A prototype of the proposed microstrip line crossover working at center frequency of 11.6 GHz is designed, manufactured and measured successfully. The measured insertion loss of the path with transitions is better than 1.2 dB from 8 to 11.5 GHz and better than 2.2 dB from 11.5 to 15.3 GHz. The insertion loss of the microstrip path is better than 1 dB over the whole band from 8 to 15.3 GHz. The return losses of both paths are greater than 10 dB and the measured isolation of them is better than 37 dB. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1148–1150, 2016
The Differences in Blood Lead Levels in Women with Gestational Hypertension or Pre-Eclampsia and Women with Normal Pregnancy (A Study in the North Coast of Java, Brebes District)

Introduction: Gestational Hypertension (GH) and Pre-eclampsia (PE) are the leading causes of maternal death. Exposure to lead from the environment, especially agricultural activities, may cause pregnant women to suffer from GH and PE. GH/ PE may occur through oxidative stress mechanisms and progressive endothelial damage. Brebes District is one of the areas with the highest Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Central Java where the occurrence of GH/PE was a lot. This study aimed to analyze the differences in Blood Lead Levels (BLL) in pregnant women with GH/PE and normal pregnant women in Brebes District. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. By selecting and applying inclusion criteria, 18 subjects were selected for the GH/PE group (case group), and 46 subjects were selected for the normotension group (control group). Measurement of BLL was carried out using the Atomic-Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Some of the statistical methods used were independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test, multivariate logistic regression test, and Rank-Spearman correlation test. The risk estimate was calculated from the Odds-Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results and Discussion: The median value and range of the BLL in the case and control groups were 40.20 g/dL (15.50-89.20) and 32.75 g/dL (3.60-42.80), respectively (p = 0.011). Pregnant women with the BLL of ≥ 35.15 g/dL had eight times the risk of experiencing GH/PE (Adj-OR = 8.1; 95% CI = 1.7-39.0). Exposure to lead will increase the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), resulting in oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in addition to increasing the blood pressure. Conclusion: The BLL in pregnant women with GH/PE is higher than women with normal pregnancy, and the BLL in the high category is a risk factor for GH/PE.
The Analysis of Foreign Trade of Metal-Processing Industry in Serbia

In the paper were analyzed main statistical characteristics of foreign trade for metal-processing industry in Serbia in period of 2008-2014. In order to convey a more comprehensive overview of tendencies as well as changes that appeared in frame of foreign trade we analyzed the dynamics and structure of export and import of individual products and product purpose. Analysis shows that during the observed period some of the trade indicators have improved but the main problems still remain such as high level of deficit and unsatisfactory export structure.
What Can Be Learned from Unique Lateral-Directional Dynamics Properties of Birds for Mini-Aircraft

Birds show unique lateral-directional dynamics properties. One is due to the lacking of the vertical tail, yielding primarily an impact on yaw dynamics. This relates to the frequency and damping of the dutch roll mode of motion. Adequate levels in yaw stability and damping can be achieved by the wing. There can also be contributions of the horizontal tail. Another property concerns roll dynamics and control. The rolling motion shows a fast behavior, becoming more rapid with a decrease in the size of a flying object. This holds for the roll mode time constant as well as for the roll performance. Significant factors in this respect are identified and dealt with.
Discovery of a Possible Digging Stick in the Southeast Region of Australia

In March 1995, the discovery of a digging stick was reported to the Heritage Section of the ACT Department of Environment Land and Planning. Apart from the notable finds preserved in the Wyrie Swamp ( Luebbers 1978:130-l), wooden artefacts are rarely found in situ in southeastern Australia. The site discussed in this report is therefore significant under Schedule 2(v) of the ACT Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1991 as a place which is the only known example of its kind in the ACT.
Low Back Pain among Preprimary and Primary School Teachers Affecting Their Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s): Questionnaire Based Study

Background: Low back pain is a complicated illness that is influenced by a variety of circumstances, making it difficult to pinpoint a single cause or even a major contributor. The yearly first-time incidence of low back pain is 5% and the annual prevalence ranges from 15 to 63 percent (those suffering at the time of diagnosis). Objective: The study's goal is to find out how common low back pain is among preprimary and primary school teachers by analyzing questionnaire responses. Methods: A suitable sample approach was used to conduct a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study on 200 school instructors in diverse schools (Mother's pet kindergarten, mundle English medium, kinder joy, etc). Results: The results revealed that preprimary and primary school teachers have a moderate level of low back discomfort, with an average score of 25.35 percent. Conclusion: It also shows that there is a moderate increase in low back discomfort as one's working years grow.
EXAMPLE OF THE BENEFITS OF A DISSIPATIVE ROOF DIAPHRAGM IN THE SEISMIC RESPONSE OF MASONRY BUILDINGS

The paper discusses the role of a ductile dissipative roof-diaphragm in the response of masonry structures subjected to out-of plane rocking of peripheral masonry walls. The benefits of this design choice are highlighted referring to a case study building repre-sentative of a recurrent typology of single nave masonry church, characterized by transverse diaphragm-arches. The activation of a controlled rocking of the nave lateral walls, allowed by the non-linear response of the roof diaphragm, is shown to be a resource in order to re-duce the in-plane shear action on the facade and triumphal arch head walls. A criterion to proportion the roof strength is suggested in order to limit the walls rocking amplitude within acceptable values to satisfy the required damage limit state. The results, here presented referring to a case study application, are part of a research work dealing with the role of the rocking mechanism in the safety of masonry buildings against earthquake actions.
A Systematic Review on Muscle Stimulation Techniques

The conventional procedure in retraining a muscle has been physiotherapy, but persistence is required, which often proves to be a limitation in most patients. The electrical stimulation technique has great potential in comparison to conventional methods that are employed in retraining muscles. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation method uses a device that sends electrical impulses to neurones. This input causes the muscle to contract. It can be used to re-educate or retrain a muscle. In this review article, how different types of stimulation strategies can be used for re-educating muscles in different diseased conditions is studied. The force and quality of the muscle contraction depend upon several parameters such as frequency, amplitude, pulse duration and waveforms of stimuli. The Analysis of parameters involved in different stimulation techniques can help in understanding how a particular muscle can be stimulated in different diseased conditions. There are several studies that have reported the efficacy of muscle stimulation strategies. In this review, we investigated 30 research studies that used the muscle stimulation method for re-educating muscle and discussed many considerations in context to muscle stimulation techniques: the stimulation strategies and parameters, electrodes and results. With this review, we investigated a potential intervention for re-educating muscle and tried to recognise the limitations and benefits of the current strategies involved.
A New Hyperloop Transportation System: Design and Practical Integration

This paper introduces a new Hyperloop transportation system’s design and implementation. The main contribution of this paper is the design and integration of propulsion components for a linear motion system, with battery storage. The proposed Hyperloop design provides a high-speed transportation means for passengers and freights by utilizing linear synchronous motors. In this study, a three-phase inverter was designed and simulated using PSIM. A prototype of this design was built and integrated with a linear synchronous motor. The operation of full system integration satisfies a proof-of-concept design. A study of the inverter system in conjunction with a linear synchronous motor for a ridged Hyperloop system is made. The prototype of this system achieves propulsion for the bidirectional movements. Battery state of charge simulation results are given in a typical motoring and braking scenario.
A Model for Virtual Reconfigurable Modular Robots

This paper presents a model for virtual reconfigurable modular robots in order to evolve artificial creatures, able of self-adaptation to the environment as well as good adjustment to various given tasks. For this purpose, a simulator has been entirely developed with the assistance of a physics engine to represent force activities. One of the most crucial points in modular robot construction is the choice of module type, complexity and diversity. We took interest on existing elements to obtain realistic results but assume simplifications to focus on our main goal that is algorithmic.
Electrochemically Deposited Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Sensors

This review is dedicated to the development of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and the application of MIPs in sensor design. MIP-based biological recognition parts can replace receptors or antibodies, which are rather expensive. Conducting polymers show unique properties that are applicable in sensor design. Therefore, MIP-based conducting polymers, including polypyrrole, polythiophene, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), polyaniline and ortho-phenylenediamine are frequently applied in sensor design. Some other materials that can be molecularly imprinted are also overviewed in this review. Among many imprintable materials conducting polymer, polypyrrole is one of the most suitable for molecular imprinting of various targets ranging from small organics up to rather large proteins. Some attention in this review is dedicated to overview methods applied to design MIP-based sensing structures. Some attention is dedicated to the physicochemical methods applied for the transduction of analytical signals. Expected new trends and horizons in the application of MIP-based structures are also discussed.
First-Principles Calculations to Investigate the Influence of Irradiation Defects on the Swelling Behavior of Fe-13Cr Alloys

Ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steels whose matrix is Fe-Cr are important candidate materials for fuel cladding of fast reactors, and they have excellent irradiation-swelling resistance. However, the mechanism of irradiation-swelling of F/M steels is still unclear. We use a first-principles method to reveal the influence of irradiation defects, i.e., Frenkel pair including atomic vacancy and self-interstitial atom, on the change of lattice volume of Fe-13Cr lattice. It is found that vacancy causes lattice contraction, while a self-interstitial atom causes lattice expansion. The overall effect of a Frenkel pair on the change of lattice volume is lattice expansion, leading to swelling of the alloy. Furthermore, the diffusion properties of point defects in Fe-13Cr are investigated. Based on the diffusion barriers of the vacancies and interstitial atoms, we find that the defects in Fe-13Cr drain out to surfaces/grain boundaries more efficiently than those in pure α-Fe do. Therefore, the faster diffusion of defects in Fe-13Cr is one of important factors for good swelling resistance of Fe-13Cr compared to pure α-Fe.
Appendicular Lean Mass and Frailty among Geriatric Outpatients

The objective of this observational study was to examine the association between appendicular lean mass and frailty in adults aged 60 years and older. This study was conducted in the Outpatient Department of the National Geriatric Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. Appendicular lean mass (kg) was assessed by using Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. Frailty was defined according to Fried’s frailty criteria. A total of 560 outpatients were included in the study, with a mean age of 70 years. The prevalence of frailty was 12.0%. Frail patients had significantly lower appendicular lean mass compared with non-frail outpatients (9.6 ± 2.0 kg vs. 11.7 ± 3.1 kg, p<0.001). On multivariable logistic regression models, higher appendicular lean mass was associated with significantly reduced odds for frailty (adjusted OR = 0.74, 95%CI 0.59–0.93). These findings suggest that the assessment of appendicular lean mass should be considered in older patients attending outpatient geriatric clinics.
Semi portable rehabilitation system for upper limb disability

Virtual reality therapy has been successfully applied into visualization area. However, they can sometimes leave the user in a virtual world that is not real. Augmented Reality (AR) on the other hand is able to utilize the advantage of having virtual graphical elements that are superimposed onto the real world scene. In this paper, we propose a semi-portable system for upper limb disability. This system uses the Microsoft Kinect™ together with two wireless sensors being strapped on the upper limbs to track the movement of the arm of the patients. Together with AR, the patient will be able to perform a set of targeted exercises.
Evaluation of Yield and Nutritional Composition of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Grown on Different Substrates

This study examined the yield and nutritional composition of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) grown on different substrates. The experiment consisted of six treatments viz: Sawdust, Coconut-husk, Maize-cob, Maize-cob + Sawdust, Coconut-husk + Maize-cob and Sawdust + Coconut-husk. Each substrate was moistened and left for 12 hours. Thereafter, 1 % CaCO3 and 5 % wheat bran were added to 600g of each substrate. The substrates were divided into three of 200g each. The replicates were placed inside polythene bags of size 15 x 35 and steam sterilized at 121ºC for 20 minutes in an autoclave. Sterilized substrates were inoculated with Pleurotus spawn inside the polythene bag and then air-tight sealed with a rubber band. The substrates were kept in the darkroom at 25 ºC to ramify. The ramified substrates were kept moist for the mushroom to sprout. The result revealed that mushroom produce on sawdust substrate gave the highest yield on a fresh weight basis (16.67 ±1.20g). While sawdust + coconut-husk performed best in terms of nutritional composition with 14.00 % ash, 2.63 % protein, 42.87 % carbohydrates, 2.70 % calcium, and 650 %phosphorus. In conclusion, the uantity of mushroom produced was highest in sawdust while sawdust with coconut-husk produced mushroom ith the highest nutritional quality. The study recommends sawdust for commercial production of oyster mushroom and sawdust + coconut-husk for optimum nutritional benefits.
Compact MIMO antenna

In this letter, a miniature wide‐band 1 × 2 antenna is proposed. The proposed antenna has a wider impedance bandwidth, 70% and small size, 31 × 20 × 1.6 mm3. There is a good isolation between two antennas, below −15 dB in the operating band. A monopole configuration is used to achieve the wide‐band response and a mushroom type Electronics Band‐gap structure is incorporated between the two antennas to achieve better isolation. Proposed antenna is simulated using High‐Frequency Structure Simulator and a prototype is tested on Vector Network Analyzer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1294–1298, 2016
Chiropractic Education in Australia: A Short History of Its Emergence and Development

With its roots historically embedded in naturopathy and general manipulation, today's Sydney College of Chiropractic stands proudly as one of three recognised chiropractic educational institutions in Australia. Now within Sydney's Macquarie University, it is the world's first chiropractic college to have been absorbed into the university system. This paper briefly traces significant events and achievements along its path.
Lighting Quality Contributions from Biopsychological Processes

Internal processes, both biological and psychological, are thought to mediate the relationships between luminous conditions and such behavioral outcomes as task performance, mood, social behavior, aesthetic judgements and satisfaction. This review paper summarizes the state of knowledge concerning mediating biopsychological processes: visibility, photobiology, and stress and arousal. Visibility is well-understood and obviously relevant to lighting practice. Photobiology, however, is a new entrant to the realm of lighting research; its findings could have important implications for recommended illuminance levels if these were based on more than visibility. Stress and arousal, interrelated concepts, are popular notions, but close examination reveals only weak support for these mechanisms as explanations of lighting effects on behavior. The improved organization of research and increased predictive power that would result from clear exposition of theoretical mechanisms in lighting research holds promise for progress in linking research and application.
Medical image fusion based on local Laplacian decomposition and iterative joint filter

Previous multi‐modal medical image fusion methods have suffered from color distortion, blurring, and noise. To address these problems, we propose a method for integrating the information contained in functional and anatomical medical images. In the proposed method, multi‐scale image representation of input images is produced by local Laplacian filtering. The rgb2ycbcr algorithm and iterative joint filters are then used to produce fused approximate images. The residual images are divided into regions of interest and noninterest regions, and then a local energy maximization scheme and local energy average scheme are used to combine these regions. Fused interest areas and fused noninterest areas are combined to produce fused residual images. Finally, an inverse local Laplacian filter is used as a reconstruction tool to produce a fused image. Experimental results indicated that our method has a distinct advantage over existing state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in terms of vision quality and objective metrics.