Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Breathing Rate, and Skin Temperature throughout Pregnancy and the Impact of Emotions—A Longitudinal Evaluation Using a Sensor Bracelet

(1) Background: Basic vital signs change during normal pregnancy as they reflect the adaptation of maternal physiology. Electronic wearables like fitness bracelets have the potential to provide vital signs continuously in the home environment of pregnant women. (2) Methods: We performed a prospective observational study from November 2019 to November 2020 including healthy pregnant women, who recorded their wrist skin temperature, heart rate, heart rate variability, and breathing rate using an electronic wearable. In addition, eight emotions were assessed weekly using five-point Likert scales. Descriptive statistics and a multivariate model were applied to correlate the physiological parameters with maternal emotions. (3) Results: We analyzed data from 23 women using the electronic wearable during pregnancy. We calculated standard curves for each physiological parameter, which partially differed from the literature. We showed a significant association of several emotions like feeling stressed, tired, or happy with the course of physiological parameters. (4) Conclusions: Our data indicate that electronic wearables are helpful for closely observing vital signs in pregnancy and to establish modern curves for the physiological course of these parameters. In addition to physiological adaptation mechanisms and pregnancy disorders, emotions have the potential to influence the course of physiological parameters in pregnancy.
Induction of Periodontitis Using Bacterial Strains Isolated from the Human Oral Microbiome in an Experimental Rat Model

Periodontal disease is that condition resulting in the destruction of periodontal tissues, bone resorption, and tooth loss, the etiology of which is linked to immunological and microbiological factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential trigger of periodontal disease in a rat model using bacterial species incriminated in the pathology of human periodontitis and to establish their optimal concentrations capable of reproducing the disease, with the idea of subsequently developing innovative treatments for the condition. In this study, we included 15 male Wistar rats, aged 20 weeks, which we divided into three groups. In each group, we applied ligatures with gingival retraction wire on the maxillary incisors. The ligature and the gingival sac were contaminated by oral gavage with a mixture of fresh cultures of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a), Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n) and Streptococcus oralis (S.o) in concentrations of 108, 109, and 1010 CFU/mL each for 5 days a week for 4 weeks. During the clinical monitoring period of 28 days, overlapped with the period of oral contamination, we followed the expression of clinical signs specific to periodontitis. We also monitored the evolution of body weight and took weekly samples from the oral cavity for the microbiological identification of the tested bacteria and blood samples for hematological examination. At the end of the study, the animals were euthanized, and the ligated incisors were taken for histopathological analysis. The characteristic symptomatology of periodontal disease was expressed from the first week of the study and was maintained until the end, and we were able to identify the bacteria during each examination. Hematologically, the number of neutrophils decreased dramatically (p < 0.0001) in the case of the 109 group, unlike the other groups, as did the number of lymphocytes. Histopathologically, we identified neutrophilic infiltrate in all groups, as well as the presence of coccobacilli, periodontal tissue hyperplasia, and periodontal lysis. In the 109 group, we also observed pulpal tissue with necrotic bone fragments and pyogranulomatous inflammatory reaction. By corroborating the data, we can conclude that for the development of periodontal disease using A.a, F.n, and S.o, a concentration of 109 or 1010 CFU/mL is required, which must necessarily contaminate a ligature thread applied to the level of the rat’s dental pack.
Factors Associated With In-Hospital Death Among Pneumonia Patients in US Hospitals From 2016~2019

Background: Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of hospital admission in the United States with a global health burden of about 6.8 million hospitalizations and 1.1 million deaths in patients over 65 years old in 2015. This study aimed to identify possible patient and hospital-related risk factors for in-hospital pneumonia death across US hospitals. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify nationwide pneumonia patients (n=374 766, weighted n=1 873 828) from 2016 to 2019. We examined the characteristics of the study sample and their association with in-hospital death. Multivariate survey logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors. Results: During the study periods, in-hospital death rates continuously decreased (2.45% in 2016 to 2.19% in 2019). Descriptive statistics showed that patient and hospital factors had varied in-hospital death rates. Survey logistic regression results suggested that male, very low income, non-Medicare, government hospitals, rural hospitals, and specific hospital regions were associated with higher in-hospital death rates than their reference groups. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors, including income and insurance, are associated with pneumonia mortality. Census region, hospital ownership, and rural location are also related to in-hospital mortality. Such findings in underserved, impoverished, and rural areas to identify possible health disparities.
Unveiling the veil of lactate in tumor-associated macrophages: a successful strategy for immunometabolic therapy

Lactate, traditionally regarded as a metabolic waste product at the terminal of the glycolysis process, has recently been found to have multifaceted functional roles in metabolism and beyond. A metabolic reprogramming phenomenon commonly seen in tumor cells, known as the “Warburg effect,” sees high levels of aerobic glycolysis result in an excessive production of lactate. This lactate serves as a substrate that sustains not only the survival of cancer cells but also immune cells. However, it also inhibits the function of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a group of innate immune cells ubiquitously present in solid tumors, thereby facilitating the immune evasion of malignant tumor cells. Characterized by their high plasticity, TAMs are generally divided into the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and the pro-tumour M2 phenotype. Through a process of ‘education’ by lactate, TAMs tend to adopt an immunosuppressive phenotype and collaborate with tumor cells to promote angiogenesis. Additionally, there is growing evidence linking metabolic reprogramming with epigenetic modifications, suggesting the participation of histone modification in diverse cellular events within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we delve into recent discoveries concerning lactate metabolism in tumors, with a particular focus on the impact of lactate on the function of TAMs. We aim to consolidate the molecular mechanisms underlying lactate-induced TAM polarization and angiogenesis and explore the lactate-mediated crosstalk between TAMs and tumor cells. Finally, we also touch upon the latest progress in immunometabolic therapies and drug delivery strategies targeting glycolysis and lactate production, offering new perspectives for future therapeutic approaches.
Bubble characterizations on hydrophobic surface using lattice Boltzmann simulation with large density ratios

Purpose The maintenance of the air–water interface is crucial for the drag reduction on hydrophobic surfaces. But the air bubbles become unstable and even washed away under high speed flow, causing the failure of surface hydrophobicity. Thereby, this paper aims to understand the relations between bubble behaviors and surface properties, flow conditions and to discover new methods to maintain the air–water interface. Design/methodology/approach Bubble properties on hydrophobic surfaces were characterized using single-component multiphase lattice Boltzmann simulation. Three equations of state (EOSs), including the Peng–Robinson, Carnahan–Starling and modified Kaplun–Meshalkin EOSs, were incorporated to achieve high density ratios. Findings Both the static and dynamic properties of bubbles on hydrophobic surfaces were investigated and analyzed under different flow conditions, solid–liquid interactions and surface topology. Originality/value By revealing the properties of bubbles on hydrophobic surfaces, the effects of flow conditions and surface properties were characterized. The maintenance method of air–water interface can be proposed according to the bubble properties in the study.
On the robustness of informational cascades with imprecise binary signals

The paper addresses uncertainty analysis in decision theory by applying imprecise probabilities to a herding behavior model, which describes imitative behavior and explains the informational cascade phenomenon. In the literature, the application of the principle of rationality in herding behavior generates informational cascades, i. e. , sequences of actions in which each agent makes their choice by observing the decisions taken by those who acted before them, regardless of the private signal they own. Since the probability distribution of the signal may be hard to identify in some cases, this paper studies the herding behavior model by considering imprecise the signal probability. In the simplest case of a binary signal model, the agent’s private information is described by using a set of probability measures and assuming that the signal probability ranges in a probability interval. The paper aims to test the herding behavior model robustness when some assumptions no longer hold due to imprecise probabilities and prove that an informational cascade may occur even with a further noisy signal.
Recent progress in the research on natural composite brake pads: A comprehensive review

Brake pads are vital parts of automobiles, where tribological properties are prime concern. Usually, asbestos brake pads were used, which were replaced by copper-based in later years. As brake lining materials have evolved, synthetic friction composites were explored as alternatives. Recent works suggest that, natural composites are promising friction material. However, poor thermal conductivity and frictional stability have limited their applications. Surface treatment of fibers and addition of secondary fillers have improved their possibilities. Thus, hybridization of reinforcements has expanded their range of applications. The present article attempts to review various aspects of brake pads and their testing with attention on natural composites. Their properties were studied to conform their ability to meet desired requirements. The article reviews the studies conducted in recent years on various materials properties related to brake pads. The future potential of natural components in the development of friction composite materials for automotive applications is highlighted.
A single layer negative index meta atom at microwave frequencies

A single layer negative index meta atom is described that is developed by an outer and inner split ring resonators with inverse E‐shape metal strips of copper are connected with the outer ring resonator that look like a mirror‐shape structure. Finite integration technique based CST Microwave Studio is utilized to design, simulation and analysis purposes, where the Agilent N5227A vector network analyzer is used for measurement. Measurements shows that, the measured and simulated performances are well complied together. This design illustrates 5.81 GHz wide bandwidth and applicable for tri (C‐, X‐ and Ku‐) band applications. The total dimensions of the designed structure are 0. 2λ × 0. 2λ × 0. 035λ and the effective medium ratio 5 makes the proposed biaxial meta atom is suitable for practical applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1450–1454, 2017
The Customer’s Perception Towards Islamic and Conventional Banks in Algeria

This study aims to know the perception of customers towards Islamic and conventional banks in Algeria, and to help banks operating in Algeria focus on the most important factors for customers, improve their ways of dealing with customers, and focus on these standards in its promotional program to reach the target segment. In order to achieve this, the researcher has chosen a random sample of (203) size from customers of Islamic and conventional banks in Algeria, the questionnaire was approved to collect data, and it was subject to honesty and reliability standards. The researcher used one approach to analyze the results of the research; the first is the descriptive analytical approach to answer the research question. The study reached several results, the most important of which are the following: 1. The majority of customers are fully aware of the principle of Islamic and conventional banking in Algeria. They were able to answer all the questions related to customer perception, which indicates their good understanding of the Islamic and conventional banking principle. In other words, the higher the awareness, the more effective the customer awareness of Islamic and conventional banks.
A Boundary Mixing Architecture for Two-Channel Frequency-Interleaving Analog-to-Digital Converters

Multi-channel parallel interleaving in the time or frequency domain is a promising architecture to improve the sampling rates of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) in the medium-to-high resolution data acquisition system. However, the timing interleaving (TI) structure fails to scale up the bandwidth with the more channels, since the input capacitance of the system will increase with more parallel channels, resulting in the decrease of the acquisition bandwidth and the increase of the power consumption. In the mixer-based frequency interleaving (FI) design, this problem is solved at the expense of introducing incomplete image rejection and complexed hardware implementation. In this paper, a boundary mixing (BM) architecture for two-channel frequency-interleaving (FI) ADCs is proposed. In this architecture, the first channel does not require frequency translation and an analog mixer with zero-frequency local oscillator (LO) is adopted to compensate for the propagation delay. The second channel utilizes a real-valued mixer rather than a complex one with an LO of half the sampling frequency of the sampling system. Such a mixing technique shifts wideband input signals into two baseband signals and then decompose the baseband into narrower sub-bands through two identical low-order low-pass filters, limiting the need for high-order analog analysis filters. Further, the effects of some major realization errors are discussed. The simulation results show that, for a BM system with 12-bit subchannel ADCs and third-order Butterworth filters, more than 11 bits of the resolution are attainable everywhere in the desired band with 64-tap finite-impulse response reconstruction filters.
Laser Synthesis of Cerium-Doped Garnet Nanoparticles

The application of a pulsed laser ablation technique for the generation of cerium-doped garnet nanoparticles in liquids is investigated. The morphological and optical properties of the obtained nanoparticles are demonstrated. Features introduced by the single crystals of Gd3Al2.4Ga2. 6O12:Ce3+, Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+, and Y3Al1.25Ga3. 75O12:Ce3+ from which the nanoparticles are generated, as well as the parameters of a liquid media on the garnet nanoparticle generation are experimentally studied using TEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy methods. It is shown how the size, shape, and internal structure of the nanoparticles are related to the external laser ablation conditions, as well as to the laser melting processes of NPs in the colloidal solutions. This work provides important information about the generated nanoparticles, which can be used as building blocks for specially designed structures with predetermined optical properties.
2ʹ,3,3,5ʹ-Tetramethyl-4ʹ-nitro-2ʹH-1,3ʹ-bipyrazole exerts antinociceptive effect using various nociception models

Background: 2ʹ,3,3,5ʹ-Tetramethyl-4ʹ-nitro-2ʹH-1,3ʹ-bipyrazole (TMNB) is a novel bipyrazole compound that exhibited antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its analgesic effect has not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the antinociceptive activity of TMNB using different nociception mouse models. Methods: TMNB doses (50, 100, 150, and 200 µg/kg) were assessed in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate test, and formalin-induced paw licking assay. The effects were compared to those of mice treated with acetylsalicylic acid or morphine in the presence or absence of naloxone. Capsaicin- and glutamate-induced paw-licking tests were also used to evaluate the involvement of the vanilloid and glutamatergic systems, respectively. Results: TMNB produced significant dose-dependent inhibition of nociceptive behavior in the acetic acid-induced writhing test, showing 66% inhibition at a dose of 200 µg/kg. TMNB also caused a significant increase in the latency period in response to the hot plate test (68.2% at 200 µg/kg), and significantly inhibited both the neurogenic and inflammatory phases in the formalin-induced paw-licking test. Naloxone significantly reverses the effect of TMNB in both the hot plate test and formalin-induced paw-licking test. Moreover, TMNB significantly inhibited the neurogenic nociception induced by intraplantar injections of glutamate and capsaicin (53% and 77.1%, respectively at a dose of 200 µg/kg). Conclusion: TMNB possesses antinociceptive activity in mice that is mediated through both central and peripheral pathways.
LES of Normally Impinging Elliptic Air-Jet Heat Transfer at Re=4400

Jet impingement induced heat transfer is an important issue in engineering science. This paper presents results of large eddy simulation (LES) of normally impinging elliptic air-jet heat transfer at a Reynolds number of 4400, with orifice-to-plate distance fixed to be 5 in the unit of jet nozzle effective diameter . The elliptic aspect ratio ( a / b ) is 3/2. While the target wall is heated under some condition of constant heat flux. The LES are carried out using dynamic subgrid model and Open-FOAM. The distributions ofmean velocity components, velocity fluctuations, and subgrid stresses in vertical and radial directions, and the Nusselt numbers involving heat transfer through the target wall are discussed. The comparison with existing experimental and numerical results shows good agreement.
Conscientious Objection and Other Motivations for Refusal to Treat in Hastened Death: A Systematic Review

Background: Conscientious objection (CO) in the context of health care arises when a health care professional (HCP) refuses to participate in a certain procedure because it is not compatible with their ethical or moral principles. Refusal to treat in health care includes, in addition to CO, other factors that may lead the HCP not to want to participate in a certain procedure. Therefore, we can say that CO is a form of refusal of treatment based on conscience. Hastened death has become an increasingly reality around the world, being a procedure in which not all HCPs are willing to participate. There are several factors that can condition the HCPs’ refusal to treat in this scenario. Methods: With the aim of identifying these factors, we performed a systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines. On 1 October 2022, we searched for relevant articles on Pubmed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Results: From an initial search of 693 articles, 12 were included in the final analysis. Several motivations that condition refusal to treat were identified, including legal, technical, social, and CO. Three main motivations for CO were also identified, namely religious, moral/secular, and emotional/psychological motivations. Conclusions: We must adopt an understanding approach respecting the position of each HCP, avoiding judgmental and discriminatory positions, although we must ensure also that patients have access to care. The identification of these motivations may permit solutions that, while protecting the HCPS’ position, may also mitigate potential problems concerning patients’ access to this type of procedure.
Resilience, mindfulness, anxiety, and depression within a dual-continua model of mental health approach

Mental health research is often focused on alleviating psychological distress rather than increasing well-being. This study approached mental health from a dual-continua model (DCM) framework, which allows for distress and well-being to co-occur. The aims of the present study were to expand upon DCM literature by examining differences in psychological well-being indicators among a broad adult sample with varying levels of depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Our sample was comprised of adults in the United States (n = 1,170) who reported different levels of anxiety, depression, mindfulness, resilience, and satisfaction with life. Participants who reported high anxiety symptoms, high depression symptoms, both anxiety and depression symptoms, or neither were grouped by their level of reported life satisfaction (high or low). We predicted that groups with higher life satisfaction would report higher levels of resilience and trait mindfulness than groups with lower life satisfaction, irrespective of higher levels of anxiety and/or depression, consistent with a DCM of mental health. Our results indicated that higher life satisfaction was associated with higher levels of resilience in all groups except for the high depression with low anxiety group. Higher levels of life satisfaction were also associated with higher trait mindfulness in all but the high anxiety with low depression group. Implications for mental health treatment and prevention are discussed.
Anchorwise Fuzziness Modeling in Convolution–Transformer Neural Network for Left Atrium Image Segmentation

Segmentation on the left atrium from magnetic resonance imaging scans is a crucial task for the clinical diagnosis of cardiac diseases. Automatic segmentation methods based on deep learning have demonstrated their advantages in recent years, but they often suffer from the difficulty to process high uncertainty of some regions. Focusing on the cognitive uncertainty in deep neural networks, we build an uncertainty-aware model based on anchor fuzzy sets in this article. A fuzzy entropy measure defined on membership functions is employed to quantify the uncertainty induced by an anchor's membership degrees to the individual categories. A key insight in this study is that the anchor regions with higher uncertainty are considered to include hard-generalized cases. Based on this prior of high uncertainty about image segmentation, the uncertainty-aware model exhibits the self-learning attention that sheds light on the regions the deep learning should focus on. In addition, our segmentation model with an uncertainty-aware plug-in unit highlights its nonlocal perception due to Fourier convolution and global self-attention mechanism. Experiments show that our model can achieve competitive results on left atrium segmentation tasks. This article provides some useful guidelines for using uncertainty modeling to improve the performance of deep learning systems for image segmentation tasks.