Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Activity of Various Plants Extracts Against Antibiotic-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila

Background: Aeromonas hydrophila cause one of the most important diseases in fishes and lead to economic losses, and may be contaminated human beings. Objectives: The current research aimed to investigate the anti-bacterial activity shown by the extracts prepared from different parts of Olea europea, Myrtus communis, Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinuis officinalis, and Achillea falcata that grow in Syria against A. hydrophila that causes the most dangerous bacterial diseases in fish. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in four stages: First of all, the presence of A. hydrophila was investigated in 450 Samples of Cyprinus Carpio fish using blood agar, Trypticase soya agar, and Analytical Profile Index (API20E). Secondly, the plants extract was obtained using water, absolute alcohol, then ether using Soxhlet extraction apparatus and rotary vacuum evaporator. Thirdly, the antibacterial activity of some antibiotics on these bacteria was evaluated by disk diffusion method. Finally, the antibacterial effect of the extracts was determined by disk diffusion method. Results: The studied antibiotics showed no antibacterial activity against these bacteria, except amikacin which had an acceptable effectiveness. However, the ethanol extracts of the studied plants revealed different antibacterial effects against A. hydrophila which showed antibiotic resistant. T. vulgaris extract had the strongest effect, whereas O. europea extract had the weakest activity. The water and ether petroleum extracts had no antibacterial activities. Conclusions: Ethanol extracts of the studied plants had different antibacterial effects against antibiotic-resistant A. hydrophila. T. vulgaris had the highest activity, R. officinalis had the second, and M. communis and A. falcate were in the third place, while the O. europea had the weakest antibacterial activity.
AMBLYOPIA: BASIC AND CLINICAL ASPECTS

History, definitions, classifications and prevalence of amblyopia amblyopia as a developmental disorder sensory processing in strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia effects of the amblyopic process upon different levels of the geniculostriate pathway eye movements in amblyopia accommodation in amblyopia pupil in amblyopia clinical diagnosis and prognosis of amblyopia treatment of amblyopia - history and critical evaluation further aspects in the treatment of amblyopia.
The next level of research on electronic play : potential benefits and contextual influences for children and adolescents

Most research on electronic play has focused on its possible negative effects for children and adolescents, and contextual factors such as socioeconomic status (SES) and culture are rarely considered. This article considers the potential benefits of electronic play from a psychological perspective, as well as individual and contextual factors that may shape the influence of electronic play for children and adolescents. Demographics of players and the games themselves are presented, and recommendations for research and policy are
Curriculum Planning for Tourism Education

ABSTRACT Tourism education has grown rapidly in the last quarter of the twentieth century. However, the relative youth of the subject area renders the educator's task of developing a curriculum difficult in comparison to more established fields. Educational theory provides a range of approaches to assist in this task, not only in terms of models of the curriculum, but also in terms of the relationship between the curriculum and its social and economic context. This paper draws together the main threads of educational theory and applies them to tourism with additional insights from the development of a university-level curriculum for Jordan.
Removing systematic errors for exoplanet search via latent causes

We describe a method for removing the effect of confounders in order to reconstruct a latent quantity of interest. The method, referred to as half-sibling regression, is inspired by recent work in causal inference using additive noise models. We provide a theoretical justification and illustrate the potential of the method in a challenging astronomy application.
Imaging markers of multiple sclerosis prognosis

Purpose of review Studies of large longitudinal cohorts of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have emphasized the prognostic value of conventional MRI markers, at least during early stages. Advanced imaging metrics derived from quantitative MRI and PET provide relevant information about microstructural damage within and outside visible lesions that may be more sensitive to predict long-term disability. Here, we summarize the most recent findings regarding the prognostic value of imaging markers throughout MS stages. Recent findings In clinically isolated syndrome, the presence of at least one brain or spinal cord T2 lesion strongly increases the risk of conversion to clinically definite MS (hazard ratio ranging from 5 to 11). Similarly, the occurrence of new white matter lesions is strongly predictive of subsequent relapse rate and response to current disease modifying therapies. Beyond white matter lesions, volumetric changes in the grey matter and normal-appearing tissue damage are more sensitive prognostic markers for physical and cognitive disability, especially in progressive MS. Summary Although white matter lesion number and volume still remains the imaging metric used in daily clinical practice, further development of advanced imaging predictors of long-term disability should allow a better stratification of patients in future clinical trials aimed at promoting repair or neuroprotection.
Indigenous cultural tourism as part of the Birdsville/Strzelecki Experience

An examination of some issues relating to inclusion of Australian Indigenous cultural heritage in recent heritage tourism study carried out along the Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks in South Australia and Queensland. Tourism surveys show low levels of perception of 'Aboriginality' linked to the outback, possibly connected to the poor representation of Indigenous cultural association with the study region in tourist literature as well as on the ground. Legislative and administrative considerations led to the omission of Indigenous heritage from the heritage tourism study which was required to concentrate on post-non-Indigenous-settlement historic heritage. The report recommended that the Indigenous story be told where appropriate, and that this be based on consultation with Indigenous communities to identify places suitable for interpretation so that a layered understanding of peoples and place could be developed.
The arithmetic of cuts in models of arithmetic

We present a number of results on the structure of initial segments of models of Peano arithmetic with the arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation and logarithm. Each of the binary operations introduced is defined in two dual ways, often with quite different results, and we attempt to systematise the issues and show how various calculations may be carried out. To understand the behaviour of addition and subtraction we introduce a notion of derivative on cuts, analogous to differentiation in the calculus. Multiplication, division and other operations are described by higher order versions of derivative. The work here is presented as important preliminary work related to a nonstandard measure theory of non‐definable bounded subsets of a model of Peano arithmetic.
Matrices and Finite Quandles

Finite quandles with n elements can be represented as n-by-n matrices. We show how to use these matrices to distinguish all isomorphism classes of finite quandles for a given cardinality n, as well as how to compute the automorphism group of each finite quandle. As an application, we classify finite quandles with up to 5 elements and compute the automorphism group for each quandle.
Characteristics of Laterally Vibrating Resonant Microcantilevers in Viscous Liquid Media

The characteristics of microcantilevers vibrating laterally in viscous liquid media are investigated and compared to those of similar microcantilevers vibrating in the out-of-plane direction. The hydrodynamic loading on the vibrating beam is first determined using a numerical model. A semi-analytical expression for the hydrodynamic forces in terms of the Reynolds number and the aspect ratio (beam thickness over beam width) is obtained by introducing a correction factor to Stokes’ solution for a vibrating plate of infinite area to account for the effects of the thickness. The results enable the effects of fluid damping and effective fluid mass on the resonant frequency and the quality factor (Q) to be investigated as a function of both the beam’s geometry and liquid medium’s properties and compared to experimentally determined values given in the literature. The resonant frequency and Q are found to be higher for laterally vibrating microcantilevers compared to those of similar geometry experiencing transv.
[Etiology of contact lens failure in pediatric aphakia. Indications for intraocular lenses?].

UNLABELLED Due to the low rate of complications, lentectomy and contact lens fitting is the standard treatment for congenital cataract. However, contact lens fitting is not possible in all children. The authors report the main reasons for discontinuation of contact lenses in their patients. METHOD In 134 consecutive lentectomies of 90 children, the underlying eye diseases and general diseases, the age at operation, compliance of parents and children, and social background were analyzed. RESULTS Twenty of the 90 children had to discontinue contact lens wearing. Twelve of these children were operated on one eye and 8 on both eyes. Only 2 children showed signs of contact lens complications. In 2 children treatment was stopped because of the poor visual prognosis and in 10 children the parents discontinued contact lens treatment because of a severe handicap of the child (n = 2) or due to misunderstanding and parental noncompliance (n = 8). Six children refused contact lenses without obvious reasons. Among the latter, children 2-4 years of age were at the greatest risk. Children with additional systemic abnormalities frequently developed contact lens intolerance. CONCLUSION In children with systemic abnormalities and in the case of parental communication and compliance problems, discontinuation of contact lenses has to be expected in up to 30% of cases. In these children and in children who object to contact lenses at the age of 2-4 years, intraocular lens implantation should be considered, especially in unilateral cataract, if successful contact lens treatment is not achievable within 8-12 weeks.
Patients Presenting to the Emergency Unit with Gynaecological Lower Abdominal Pain, with and without Pathological Clinical Findings – Service Utilisation, Pain History, Implications

Abstract Introduction: Few studies have evaluated the utilisation of emergency gynaecological services, although lower abdominal pain (LAP) is one of the most common symptoms prompting emergency presentation. Although such pain may be caused by potentially life-threatening gynaecological diseases, very often no clinical cause is found. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of emergency presentations in order to enable quicker identification of real emergencies in routine clinical practice. Materials and Methods: Standardised, so-called first aid cards of 1066 consecutive patients with LAP presenting acutely to one emergency unit were analysed in this retrospective, cross-sectional study. Results: Over one third of cases did not constitute actual medical emergencies on objective criteria, with investigations yielding “no pathological findings”. Parameters were identified that more often lead to hospital admission, e.g. palpation of a mass/resistance or at least one pathological ultrasound finding. In addition, it was found that symptoms of longer duration (average 8 days), and not only acute LAP, were also often experienced by patients as emergencies. Conclusion: A diagnosis of “no pathological findings”, which was common in our study, suggests a subjective experience of an emergency from the patientʼs point of view, although the possibility of unrecognised pathology has to be borne in mind. Apart from functional disorders, the origins of symptoms may include psychosomatic causes and psychosocial problems, which cannot be further defined in the emergency care setting. Also, the phenomenon of increased utilisation of emergency services parallel to the assumed opening hours of routine outpatient care facilities must be seen in a critical light.
Receptor functions for the integrin VLA-3: fibronectin, collagen, and laminin binding are differentially influenced by Arg-Gly-Asp peptide and by divalent cations

The capability of the integrin VLA-3 to function as a receptor for collagen (Coll), laminin (Lm), and fibronectin (Fn) was addressed using both whole cell adhesion assays and ligand affinity columns. Analysis of VLA-3-mediated cell adhesion was facilitated by the use of a small cell lung carcinoma line (NCI-H69), which expresses VLA-3 but few other integrins. While VLA-3 interaction with Fn was often low or undetectable in cells having both VLA-3 and VLA-5, NCI-H69 cells readily attached to Fn in a VLA-3-dependent manner. Both Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide inhibition studies, and Fn fragment affinity columns suggested that VLA-3, like VLA-5, may bind to the RGD site in human Fn. However, unlike Fn, both Coll and Lm supported VLA-3-mediated adhesion that was not inhibited by RGD peptide, and was totally unaffected by the presence of VLA-5. In addition, VLA-3-mediated binding to Fn was low in the presence of Ca++, but was increased 6.6-fold with Mg++, and 30-fold in the presence of Mn++. In contrast, binding to Coll was increased only 1.2-fold with Mg++, and 1.7-fold in Mn++, as compared to the level seen with Ca++. Together, these experiments indicate that VLA-3 can bind Coll, Lm, and Fn, and also show that (a) VLA-3 can recognize both RGD-dependent and RGD-independent ligands, and (b) different VLA-3 ligands have distinctly dissimilar divalent cation sensitivities.
PRIMUM NON NOCERE: AVOIDING HARM TO VULNERABLE WAIT LIST CANDIDATES IN AN INDIRECT KIDNEY EXCHANGE

Background. One proposal to increase kidney transplantation is to exchange kidneys between pairs of ABO-incompatible (or cross-match–incompatible) living donors and their recipients. One variation that has greater potential exchanges living donor kidneys for cadaveric donor kidneys (indirect exchanges). A primary concern with indirect exchanges is the potential to disadvantage blood group O wait list candidates. Using wait list modeling, we examine whether this proposal would disadvantage cadaveric kidney blood group O wait list candidates, and present an approach for neutralizing these negative effects. Methods. A probability model estimated the total number and blood type frequencies of donor-recipient pairs that would participate in indirect exchanges. A supply-to-demand model for the cadaveric kidney wait list estimated the mean wait time under different allocation policies and donor selection mechanisms for candidates on the wait list classified according to the candidates’ race and blood type. Results. Indirect exchanges will reduce the mean wait time for cadaveric kidney wait list candidates. The mean wait time of blood group O cadaveric kidney wait list candidates increases when the participating living donors self-select and when kidney allocation is determined by efficiency. This is neutralized when the transplant team preferentially selects blood group O living donors and cadaveric kidney allocation is determined by need. Conclusion. Indirect exchange programs will significantly shorten the wait times for cadaveric kidney wait list candidates. The wait times of blood group O candidates will not be affected adversely if blood group O living donors are selected preferentially and if allocation is based on need.
Long term variability of Cyg X-1 II. The rms-flux relation

We study the long term evolution of the relationship between the root mean square (rms) variability and flux (the "rms-flux relation") for the black hole Cygnus X-1 as monitored from 1996 to 2003 with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). We confirm earlier results by Uttley & McHardy (2001) of a linear relationship between rms and flux in the hard state on time scales >5 s reflecting in its slope the fractional rms variability. We demonstrate the perpetuation of the linear rms-flux relation in the soft and the intermediate state. The existence of a non-zero intercept in the linear rms-flux relation argues for two lightcurve components, for example, one variable and one non-variable component, or a possible constant rms component. The relationship between these two hypothesized components can be described by a fundamental dependence of slope and intercept at time scales <10 ksec with long term averages of the flux.
Levitation Force Transition of High-Tc Superconducting Bulks in Varying External Magnetic Field

In practical application of a High-Tc Superconducting (HTS) maglev vehicle, the onboard HTS bulks are inevitably exposed to a varying inhomogeneous field due to present processing and assembling technology of the permanent magnetic guideway (PMG). To explore the influence on the levitation forces of YBa2Cu3O7-x bulk samples in such changing external magnetic field due to different traveling speeds, we experimentally investigated the general transition of said levitation force under such varying external field simulated by a spinning circular PMG. The force waves attenuated in accordance to the varying of the applied field dependent on the PMG's rotating speed: attenuating when speeding up and rising slightly when speeding down. This observed phenomenon is of great importance in design and application of the HTS maglev system.
Cloud Federation

—This paper suggests a deﬁnition of the term Cloud Federation , a concept of service aggregation characterized by interoperability features, which addresses the economic problems of vendor lock-in and provider integration. Furthermore, it approaches challenges like performance and disaster-recovery through methods such as co-location and geographic distribution. The concept of Cloud Federation enables further reduction of costs due to partial outsourcing to more cost-efﬁcient regions, may satisfy security requirements through techniques like fragmentation and provides new prospects in terms of legal aspects. Based on this concept, we discuss a reference architecture that enables new service models by horizontal and vertical integration. The deﬁnition along with the reference architecture serves as a common vocabulary for discussions and suggests a template for creating value-added software solutions.
Click Through Rate Prediction for Local Search Results

With the ubiquity of internet access and location services provided by smartphone devices, the volume of queries issued by users to find products and services that are located near them is rapidly increasing. Local search engines help users in this task by matching queries with a predefined geographical connotation ("local queries") against a database of local business listings. Local search differs from traditional web-search because to correctly capture users' click behavior, the estimation of relevance between query and candidate results must be integrated with geographical signals, such as distance. The intuition is that users prefer businesses that are physically closer to them. However, this notion of closeness is likely to depend upon other factors, like the category of the business, the quality of the service provided, the density of businesses in the area of interest, etc. In this paper we perform an extensive analysis of online users' behavior and investigate the problem of estimating the click-through rate on local search (LCTR) by exploiting the combination of standard retrieval methods with a rich collection of geo and business-dependent features. We validate our approach on a large log collected from a real-world local search service. Our evaluation shows that the non-linear combination of business information, geo-local and textual relevance features leads to a significant improvements over state of the art alternative approaches based on a combination of relevance, distance and business reputation.
A performance comparison of energy consumption for Mobile Ad Hoc Network routing protocols

The design of efficient routing protocols is a fundamental problem in a Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET). Many different protocols have been proposed in the literature, each one based on different characteristics and properties. Some of these protocols have been studied and their performances have been evaluated in detail, focusing on aspects such as routing overhead latency and route length. We concentrate on the energy consumption issues of routing protocols. We present a performance comparison of the DSR, AODV, TORA and DSDV routing protocols with respect to energy consumption, evaluating how the different approaches and algorithms affect the energy usage in mobile devices.
Do people behave in experiments as in the field?—evidence from donations

Laboratory experiments are an important methodology in economics, especially in the field of behavioral economics. However, it is still debated to what extent results from laboratory experiments are informative about behavior in field settings. One highly important question about the external validity of experiments is whether the same individuals act in experiments as they would in the field. This paper presents evidence on how individuals behave in donation experiments and how the same individuals behave in a naturally occurring decision situation on charitable giving. While we find evidence that pro-social behavior is more accentuated in the lab, the data show that pro-social behavior in experiments is correlated with behavior in the field.
Single-sensor speech enhancement using a soft-decision/variable attenuation algorithm

This paper presents an algorithm for single-sensor enhancment of speech corrupted by additive random noise, based on soft-decision and statistical signal processing concepts and incorporating fully automatic noise estimation/tracking algorithms. The soft-decision/variable attenuation (SDVA) algorithm uses a compressive noise reduction model within the framework of short-time Fourier processing. The SDVA algorithm is fast, effective and robust, and has been applied in realistic RF and telephone environments.
Noncognitive Variables in Predicting Academic Success by Race

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability, construct validity, and predictive validity of the Non-Cognitive Questionnaire for different racial groups. The questionnaire had adequate test-retest reliability, and evidence for its construct validity was provided. It significantly added to predicting grades for both White and Black subsamples and significantly predicted persistence for the Black subsamples.