Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Premenopausal Singaporean Women Suffering from Major Depressive Disorder Treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Had Similar Bone Mineral Density as Compared with Healthy Controls

The association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and lower bone mineral density (BMD) remains controversial, and further research is required. This study aimed to compare the BMD, levels of bone formation and bone metabolism markers in medicated premenopausal Singaporean women with major depressive disorder (MDD) and matched healthy controls. We examined 45 women with MDD who received SSRI treatment (mean age: 37.64 ± 7) and 45 healthy controls (mean age: 38.1 ± 9.2). BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip and femoral neck were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We also measured bone formation markers, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and bone metabolism markers, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa-Β ligand (RANKL). There were no significant differences in the mean BMD in the lumbar spine (healthy controls: 1.04 ± 0.173 vs. MDD patients: 1.024 ± 0.145, p = 0.617, left hip (healthy controls: 0.823 ± 0.117 vs. MDD patients: 0.861 ± 0.146, p = 0.181) and right hip (healthy controls: 0.843 ± 0.117 vs. MDD patients: 0.85 ± 0.135, p = 0.784) between healthy controls and medicated patients with MDD. There were no significant differences in median P1NP (healthy controls: 35.9 vs. MDD patients: 37.3, p = 0.635), OPG (healthy controls: 2.6 vs. MDD patients: 2.7, p = 0.545), RANKL (healthy controls: 23.4 vs. MDD patients: 2178.93, p = 0.279) and RANKL/OPG ratio (healthy controls: 4.1 vs. MDD patients: 741.4, p = 0.279) between healthy controls and medicated patients with MDD. Chronic SSRI treatment might not be associated with low BMD in premenopausal Singaporean women who suffered from MDD. This finding may help female patients with MDD make an informed decision when considering the risks and benefits of SSRI treatment.
Compensated Deadbeat Predictive Current Control Considering Disturbance and VSI Nonlinearity for In-Wheel PMSMs

In this article, a compensated deadbeat predictive current control (CDPCC) based on composite sliding mode disturbance observer (CSMDO) is proposed in response to the detrimental disturbance. Above all, the parameter variation and external load change are regarded as a lumped disturbance to build the PMSM mathematical model. Based on this model, a CSMDO is constructed to estimate the lumped disturbance in both speed and current loops. Then, the estimated disturbances are applied as compensations for the double loops to increase the speed robustness and current tracking accuracy. Furthermore, a voltage space vector compensation method is introduced to reduce the current distortion resulting from the added dead time in the three-phase full-bridge voltage source inverter. In the end, the effectiveness of the CDPCC method is validated by experiments through an in-wheel PMSM drive.
Aging Associated Specificity in Training Visual Short-Term Memory

There are numerous data in existence, the computerized cognitive training programs (CCTP) maintain or improve the plasticity of the neural networks in the brain. It is known as well that CCTP reduces the probability of cognitive dysfunctions associated with aging. In the chapter, the age-associated specificity in the temporal dynamics of changes in the visuospatial short-term memory (VSWM, also called visuospatial working memory) is presented. VSWM has been analyzed as there are evidence for age-related decline in visuospatial memory associated with hippocampus atrophy in aging. Memory retrieval decline in older women in comparison with young women while computerized training at home is shown. The elderly achieving results which are comparable to the youngs are determined by significantly increased duration while performing the memory tasks. To reveal factors of the CCTP’s efficiency, age-related differences in the attention systems using the Attention Network Test were resolved. In the group of older women, VSWM efficiency is negatively related to the errors of incongruent information selection whereas in young women—to the reaction time while testing. Thus, the success of long-term systematic training of visuospatial memory in old age is strongly related to the high level of executive control.
Simulation Model of Social Engineering Attacks in Business Enterprises

The pervasive use of social media in small and medium enterprises has increased social engineering cyber-attacks. Enterprises that have adopted the use of social media and emails to supplement on their marketing to complete business deals have been attacked or have detected attempted attacks on their infrastructure. Others are still trapped in the social engineering racket. In this paper we identify the dynamic pattern and behavior of social engineering both from within and without the business enterprises. We used analytical method to identify the key factors and parameters that cause social engineering attacks in businesses . Causal loops are used to model the relationships of key parameters that contribute to cyber-attacks through social engineering through the patterns and behavior of social media users. Using stock and flow diagrams, we build a simulation model on Stella platform, analyze it and suggest possible solutions that business enterprises can take to implement measures through policy change.
The potential of robotics for the development and wellbeing of children with disabilities as we see it

BACKGROUND: Rapid technological development has been opening new possibilities for children with disabilities. In particular, robots can enable and create new opportunities in therapy, rehabilitation, education, or leisure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to share experiences, challenges and learned lessons by the authors, all of them with experience conducting research in the field of robotics for children with disabilities, and to propose future directions for research and development. METHODS: The article is the result of several consensus meetings to establish future research priorities in this field. RESULTS: Robots have a huge potential to support children with disabilities: they can play the role of a play buddy, of a mediator when interacting with other children or adults, they can promote social interaction, and transfer children from the role of a spectator of the surrounding world to the role of an active participant. To fulfill their potential, robots have to be “smart”, stable and reliable, easy to use and program, and give the just-right amount of support adapted to the needs of the child. Interdisciplinary collaboration combined with user centered design is necessary to make robotic applications successful. Furthermore, real-life contexts to test and implement robotic interventions are essential to refine them according to real needs. CONCLUSIONS: This article outlines a research agenda for the future of robotics in childcare and supports the establishment of R4C – Robots for Children, a network of experts aimed at sharing ideas, promoting innovative research, and developing good practices on the use of robots for children with disabilities.
SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF SPHENOID RELAPSE OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA WITH RADIATION THERAPY: A CASE REPORT

Multiple myeloma (MM) is typically characterized by neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow and can result in extensive skeletal destruction. Involvement of skull base is extremely rare, especially sphenoid bone. We report in this work the case of a 62-year-old woman, who presented with a sphenoid relapse of multiple myeloma treated with radiation therapy, with signicant clinical improvement and almost complete disappearance of the sphenoid metastasis. We shed light, through this case, on the rarity of sphenoid metastases in multiple myeloma and on the role of radiotherapy in the management of this type of location.
Quantification of solar radiation in Algeria, application to the sizing of photovoltaic systems

In this paper, we review our work for forecasting hourly global horizontal solar radiation based on the combination of unsupervised k-means clustering algorithm and artificial neural networks (ANN). k-Means algorithm focused on extracting useful information from the data with the aim of modeling the time series behavior and find patterns of the input space by clustering the data. On the other hand, nonlinear autoregressive (NAR) neural networks are powerful computational models for modeling and forecasting nonlinear time series. Taking the advantage of both methods, a new method was proposed combining k-means algorithm and NAR network to provide better forecasting results. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Analytical Problem Solving Based on Causal, Correlational and Deductive Models

Abstract Many approaches for solving problems in business and industry are based on analytics and statistical modeling. Analytical problem solving is driven by the modeling of relationships between dependent (Y) and independent (X) variables, and we discuss three frameworks for modeling such relationships: cause-and-effect modeling, popular in applied statistics and beyond, correlational predictive modeling, popular in machine learning, and deductive (first-principles) modeling, popular in business analytics and operations research. We aim to explain the differences between these types of models, and flesh out the implications of these differences for study design, for discovering potential X/Y relationships, and for the types of solution patterns that each type of modeling could support. We use our account to clarify the popular descriptive-diagnostic-predictive-prescriptive analytics framework, but extend it to offer a more complete model of the process of analytical problem solving, reflecting the essential differences between causal, correlational, and deductive models.
National Determinants of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Policy in Select Countries

The policies which dictate the scope of embryonic stem cell research around the world are diverse reflecting primarily the country’s culture and posture on the status of a human embryo and beneficent duty in healing persons afflicted with disease. In this retrospective comparative study utilizing logistic regression six national factors were analyzed for their effect on permissive or restrictive human embryonic stem cell policies in fifty countries. These are literacy, age of citizens, type and size of government, religion, and funding. It was hypothesized that a high literacy rate, younger age of citizens, public funding, lower number of legislators, and unicameral government would favor a permissive policy whereas a higher percentage of Catholics, older age of citizens, private funding, greater number of legislators, bicameral government, and low literacy rate would favor a restrictive policy. The variables which were found to be statistically significant (P<.05) were funding and Catholicism. Results indicated public funding had a direct effect on permissive policies and percentage of Catholics in each country had an inverse effect on permissive policies surrounding embryonic stem cell research utilizing logistic regression. Culture will continue to influence the trajectory of embryonic stem cell policy navigating between the moral imperative of protection of the human embryo and curing those afflicted with disease.
Computational designing of a novel subunit vaccine for human cytomegalovirus by employing the immunoinformatics framework

Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread virus that can cause serious and irreversible neurological damage in newborns and even death in children who do not have the access to much-needed medications. While some vaccines and drugs are found to be effective against HCMV, their extended use has given rise to dose-limiting toxicities and the development of drug-resistant mutants among patients. Despite half a century’s worth of research, the lack of a licensed HCMV vaccine heightens the need to develop newer antiviral therapies and vaccine candidates with improved effectiveness and reduced side effects. In this study, the immunoinformatics approach was utilized to design a potential polyvalent epitope-based vaccine effective against the four virulent strains of HCMV. The vaccine was constructed using seven CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes epitopes, nine CD4+ helper T lymphocyte epitopes, and twelve linear B-cell lymphocyte epitopes that were predicted to be antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, fully conserved, and non-human homologous. Subsequently, molecular docking study, protein-protein interaction analysis, molecular dynamics simulation (including the root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) and root mean square deviation (RMSD)), and immune simulation study rendered promising results assuring the vaccine to be stable, safe, and effective. Finally, in silico cloning was conducted to develop an efficient mass production strategy of the vaccine. However, further in vitro and in vivo research studies on the proposed vaccine are required to confirm its safety and efficacy. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Glucose Isomerase: Functions, Structures, and Applications

Glucose isomerase (GI, also known as xylose isomerase) reversibly isomerizes D-glucose and D-xylose to D-fructose and D-xylulose, respectively. GI plays an important role in sugar metabolism, fulfilling nutritional requirements in bacteria. In addition, GI is an important industrial enzyme for the production of high-fructose corn syrup and bioethanol. This review introduces the functions, structure, and applications of GI, in addition to presenting updated information on the characteristics of newly discovered GIs and structural information regarding the metal-binding active site of GI and its interaction with the inhibitor xylitol. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in the characterization and engineering of GI, as well as its industrial applications, and will help to guide future research in this field.
Structure and Mechanical Properties of Water Buffalo Horns

Many studies have been reported in the field of biological materials. For the most part, this interest has focused on teeth, bones, hooves and horns, elucidating the relationship between structure and mechanical properties. Due to their novel outstanding structures and mechanical properties, this knowledge is helpful for the use and design of the superior bio-inspired synthetic materials. Similarly, this research aims to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of the water buffalo horn in 1-5 years old in Phatthalung province in southern Thailand. The tensile properties and the Young’s modulus were systematically measured by a universal testing machine. The hardness was determined by micro vickers hardness testing machines. The results showed that the average of Young’s modulus, the tensile strength at break and the vickers hardness of a 2-year-old water buffalo horn were about 6.1 GPa, 92.6 MPa and 180 MPa, respectively, which were higher than that at 1, 3, 4 and 5 years old. The elongation at break of a 1 year old water buffalo horn has a maximum value of 61%. The microstructure and chemical composition were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), respectively. The results of SEM showed that the fracture surface of the water buffalo horn has a rippled shape in each layer. The EDX analysis showed that the water buffalo horn consists of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen.
A CFD Analysis of Transport Phenomena and Electrochemical Reactions in a Tubular-shaped Ambient Air-breathing PEM Micro Fuel Cell

The development of physically representative models that allow reliable simulation of the processes under realistic conditions is essential to the development and optimisation of fuel cells, the introduction of cheaper materials and fabrication techniques as well as the design and development of novel architectures. 3-dimensional, multi-phase, non-isothermal CFD model of a novel, simple to construct, tubular, air-breathing PEM micro fuel cell which work in still or slowly moving air has been developed. The novel tubular geometry enables optimum air access to the cathode without the need for pumps, fans or similar devices. This comprehensive model account for the major transport phenomena in a tubular-shaped air-breathing PEM micro fuel cell: convective and diffusive heat and mass transfer, electrode kinetics, transport and phase-change mechanism of water, and potential fields. The model is shown to understand the many interacting, complex electrochemical and transport phenomena that cannot be studied experimentally. Fully 3-dimensional results of the velocity flow field, species profiles, temperature distribution and water content profile in the membrane are presented and analysed with a focus on the physical insight and fundamental understanding. They can provide a solid basis for optimising the geometry of the PEM micro fuel cell stack running with a passive mode.
Architectures and design of OTA/gm-C filters

This chapter has addressed some topics in gm-C filter design. Two integrator loop, LC ladder-based and multiple loop feedback OTA-C filter structures have been studied. Design examples using a wideband high output resistance OTA have been presented. Current-mode gm-C filters have been discussed and compared with voltage-mode counterparts. Tuning issues including both analogue and digital schemes have been discussed.
The Role of Mitochondrial Dynamic Dysfunction in Age-Associated Type 2 Diabetes

Mitochondrial dynamics, such as fusion and fission, play a critical role in maintaining cellular metabolic homeostasis. The molecular mechanisms underlying these processes include fusion proteins (Mitofusin 1 [MFN1], Mitofusin 2 [MFN2], and optic atrophy 1 [OPA1]) and fission mediators (mitochondrial fission 1 [FIS1] and dynamin-related protein 1 [DRP1]), which interact with each other to ensure mitochondrial quality control. Interestingly, defects in these proteins can lead to the loss of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity, impairment of mitochondrial function, a severe alteration of mitochondrial morphology, and eventually cell death. Emerging evidence has revealed a causal relationship between dysregulation of mitochondria dynamics and age-associated type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disease whose rates have reached an alarming epidemic-like level with the majority of cases (59%) recorded in men aged 65 and over. In this sense, fragmentation of mitochondrial networks is often associated with defects in cellular energy production and increased apoptosis, leading, in turn, to excessive reactive oxygen species release, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic alterations, which can ultimately contribute to β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. The present review discusses the processes of mitochondrial fusion and fission and their dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, with special attention given to the therapeutic potential of targeting mitochondrial dynamics in this complex metabolic disorder.
Conceptualising e-business models for SMEs in the AEC sector: a product and services perspective

E-business can be as simple as using the Internet to send emails to communicate with customers/suppliers or to establish complex network relationships with trading partners. A business can be considered an e-business even if it doesn't buy and sell products over the Internet, as the term refers to business activities that are assisted by the Internet. Since early 2000, considerable literature has explored e-commerce/e-business in the context of construction enterprises. They have looked at enablers and barriers of business, issues associated to, implementation processes/models, technical platforms/architecture, supply chain integration etc. However, there is limited discourse into conceptualising the role of e-business in SMEs in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) firms. It is essential to understand the business of an SME, especially the nature of their core business, in the form of product, service or a mix of both, to evaluate the role of e-business. This is critical as mainstream literature suggests that while there are common processes relating to product or service innovation, a significant difference is also evident. In this context, understanding the nature of the core business provides the basis to conceptualise the intra organisational connections, through a product-service mix, that SMEs have with their trading partners, and to evaluate how e-business becomes relevant to specific dyadic and/or network connections. The aim of this paper is therefore to conceptualise e-business in construction SMEs, in terms of product-service mix, based on the extent of online driven connectivity between trading partners. The research aim is approached through qualitative review of literature. This research method is underpinned by constructivist paradigm, which accepts multiple realities of the world, enabling construction of pluralistic arguments. The concluding remarks suggest that e-business models can be conceptualised via the fusion of ‘Strategy Model’, ‘Resource Model’ and ‘Network model’.
Electrophysiology of Human Gametes: A Systematic Review

Purpose Oocytes and spermatozoa are electrogenic cells with the ability to respond to electrical stimuli and modulate their electrical properties accordingly. Determination of the ionic events during the gamete maturation helps to design suitable culture media for gametes in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The present systematic review focuses on the electrophysiology of human gametes during different stages of maturation and also during fertilization. Materials and Methods The reports published in the English language between January 2000 and July 2021 were extracted from various electronic scientific databases following the PRISMA checklist using specific MeSH keywords. Results Subsequent to the screening process with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 articles have been included in this review. Among them, 11 articles were directly related to the electrophysiology of human oocytes and 49 physiology department to the electrophysiology of human spermatozoa. Conclusions Gametes generate electrical currents by ionic exchange, particularly Na+, K+, Cl-, H+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Se2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, and Ca2+ through specific ion channels in different stages of gamete maturation. The ionic concentrations, pH, and other physicochemical variables are modulated during the gametogenesis, maturation, activation, and the fertilization process following gamete function and metabolism. The electrical properties of human gametes change during different stages of maturation. Although it is demonstrated that the electrical properties are significant regulators of cell signaling and are fundamental to gamete maturation and fertilization, their exact roles in these processes are still poorly understood. Further research is required to unveil the intricate electrophysiological processes of human gamete maturation.