Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Preoperative Anaemia and Blood Transfusion on Postoperative Outcomes in Gynaecological Surgery

Objective To evaluate the effect of preoperative anaemia and blood transfusion on 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing gynecological surgery. Study Design Data were analyzed from 12,836 women undergoing operation in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Outcomes measured were; 30-day postoperative mortality, composite and specific morbidities (cardiac, respiratory, central nervous system, renal, wound, sepsis, venous thrombosis, or major bleeding). Multivariate logistic regression models were performed using adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) to assess the independent effects of preoperative anaemia (hematocrit <36.0%) on outcomes, effect estimates were performed before and after adjustment for perioperative transfusion requirement. Results The prevalence of preoperative anaemia was 23.9% (95%CI: 23.2–24.7). Adjusted for confounders by multivariate logistic regression; preoperative anaemia was independently and significantly associated with increased odds of 30-day mortality (OR: 2.40, 95%CI: 1.06–5.44) and composite morbidity (OR: 1.80, 95%CI: 1.45–2.24). This was reflected by significantly higher adjusted odds of almost all specific morbidities including; respiratory, central nervous system, renal, wound, sepsis, and venous thrombosis. Blood Transfusion increased the effect of preoperative anaemia on outcomes (61% of the effect on mortality and 16% of the composite morbidity). Conclusions Preoperative anaemia is associated with adverse post-operative outcomes in women undergoing gynecological surgery. This risk associated with preoperative anaemia did not appear to be corrected by use of perioperative transfusion.
Working Memory of Identification of Emotional Vocal Expressions: An fMRI Study

The distribution of brain activation during working memory processing of emotional vocal expressions was studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in eight female subjects performing n-back tasks with three load levels (0-back, 1-back, and 2-back tasks). The stimuli in the n-back tasks were the Finnish female name [Saara] uttered in an astonished, angry, frightened, commanding, and scornful mode, and the subjects were instructed to memorize the emotional connotation of the stimuli. Subregions in the prefrontal, parietal, and visual association areas were load-dependently activated during the performance of the n-back tasks. The most consistently activated areas in the prefrontal region were detected in the inferior frontal gyrus corresponding to Brodmann's areas (BAs) 44 and 45 and in the middle and superior frontal gyri (BAs 6/8). Activation was also found in the inferior parietal lobe and intraparietal sulcus (BAs 40/7) and visual association areas including the lingual and fusiform gyri. The results suggest that a distributed neuronal network in occipital, parietal, and frontal areas is involved in working memory processing of emotional content of aurally presented information.
Long-Term X-Ray and TeV Variability of Mrk 501

We present X-ray observations of the nearby TeV blazar Mrk 501 obtained with RXTE during 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2004. The goal of this study is twofold: (1) to characterize the long-term X-ray flux and spectral variability of the source with a model-independent analysis, and (2) to investigate the X-ray and TeV correlation on long timescales (>days). Significant spectral variations were observed during all the observations along with long-term timescale correlations between the X-ray colors and the count rate. Specifically, on long timescales, a typical blazar behavior is observed with the spectrum hardening when the source brightens, and the fractional variability correlating with the energy band. A similar spectral trend is observed also in the majority of the individual flares. The spectral and temporal variability properties appear to be markedly different compared to those of non-jet-dominated radio-loud and radio-quiet AGNs monitored with RXTE. To investigate the X-ray-TeV correlation on long timescales we compared RXTE monitoring data with HEGRA and Whipple historical light curves. We confirm the presence of a direct correlation between X-ray and gamma-ray emissions, which appears to be stronger when the source is brighter. The analysis of individual flares shows that the X-ray-TeV correlated activity is heterogeneous, in the sense that it might be both linear and nonlinear, and some X-ray flares seem to be lacking the TeV counterpart. However, more sensitive TeV observations are necessary to confirm these findings, and to put tighter constraints on jet models.
Fast Bilateral Filtering for Denoising Large 3D Images

A fast implementation of bilateral filtering is presented, which is based on an optimal expansion of the filter kernel into a sum of factorized terms. These terms are computed by minimizing the expansion error in the mean-square-error sense. This leads to a simple and elegant solution in terms of eigenvectors of a square matrix. In this way, the bilateral filter is applied through computing a few Gaussian convolutions, for which very efficient algorithms are readily available. Moreover, the expansion functions are optimized for the histogram of the input image, leading to improved accuracy. It is shown that this further optimization it made possible by removing the commonly deployed constrain of shiftability of the basis functions. Experimental validation is carried out in the context of digital rock imaging. Results on large 3D images of rock samples show the superiority of the proposed method with respect to other fast approximations of bilateral filtering.
Joint Network Optimization and Downlink Beamforming for CoMP Transmissions Using Mixed Integer Conic Programming

Coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission is a promising technique to mitigate intercell interference and to increase system throughput in single-frequency reuse networks. Despite the remarkable benefits, the associated operational costs for exchanging user data and control information between multiple cooperating base stations (BSs) limit practical applications of CoMP processing. To facilitate wide usage of CoMP transmission, we consider in this paper the problem of joint network optimization and downlink beamforming (JNOB), with the objective to minimize the overall BS power consumption (including the operational costs of CoMP transmission) while guaranteeing the quality-of-service (QoS) requirements of the mobile stations (MSs). We address this problem using a mixed integer second-order cone program (MI-SOCP) framework and develop an extended MI-SOCP formulation that admits tighter continuous relaxations, which is essential for reducing the computational complexity of the branch-and-cut (BnC) method. Analytic studies of the MI-SOCP formulations are carried out. Based on the analyses, we introduce efficient customizing strategies to further speed up the BnC algorithm through generating tight lower bounds of the minimum total BS power consumptions. For practical applications, we develop polynomial-time inflation and deflation procedures to compute high-quality solutions of the JNOB problem. Numerical results show that the inflation and deflation procedures yield total BS power consumptions that are close to the lower bounds, e.g., exceeding the lower bounds by about 12.9% and 9.0%, respectively, for a network with 13 BSs and 25 MSs. Simulation results also show that minimizing the total BS power consumption results in sparse network topologies and reduced operational overhead in CoMP transmission and that some of the BSs are switched off when possible.
Algebraic characterizations of almost invariance

This paper stresses the algebraic (as opposed to analytic) nature of the concept of almost invarianoe, which has been introduced by Willems (1980) as a means of studying asymptotic aspects of linear systems. Based on an interpretation' in terms of difference equations, it is shown that the basic properties and a number of characterizations of tho four fundamental classes of subspaces can be derived in a relatively simple and purely algebraic fashion. Among other things, this paper also extends the results of Hautus on the frequency-domain interpretation of ordinary ( A, B)-invariant subspaces, re-derives the pencil characterization of Jaffe and Karcanias (1981), and obtains a new ‘ hybrid ’ type of characterization. The last result also loads to a rank test for almost invariance.
Entrepreneurship Education in Engineering : A Literature Review , and an Integrated Embedment Proposal

Entrepreneurship education in engineering and technology is lacking in majority of Universities worldwide. More attention to engineering entrepreneurship education has been emerging recently. In this paper, a literature review on entrepreneurship and engineering entrepreneurship education is provided. The main findings of the review indicate the very new history of systematic integration of entrepreneurship education in engineering and technology curriculum, the positive impact on entrepreneurial attitude and intentions, and challenges faced in robust assessment of engineering entrepreneurship outcomes. Finally a proposal for embedding entrepreneurship in engineering education at various underand post-graduate levels at the college of engineering, Qatar University is provided. Key-Words: Entrepreneurship, Engineering and Technology Entrepreneurship Education, Assessment, Entrepreneurial Skills and Attributes.
Are Vivid (Vs. Pallid) Threats Persuasive? Examining the Effects of Threat Vividness in Health Communications

ABSTRACT To encourage the adoption of protective recommendations, health communications often include vivid information depicting the features of relevant threats. Despite a large body of research on threatening communications, little attention has been yet given to threat vividness. Across three experiments, we thus tested whether including a vivid (vs. pallid) threat in a health communication affects the acceptance of recommendations. Results revealed greater responses when people were exposed to a vivid threat, relative to a pallid threat. However, we also demonstrated that such beneficial effects were dependent on threat severity and vulnerability to the threat. Taken together, these findings underscore the importance of distinguishing the effects of the threat from those of its vividness.
70-20-10 and the Dominance of Informal Learning: A Fact in Search of Evidence

It is now widely accepted that informal learning plays a critical role in all workplace learning. Five different literature traditions examined here seemingly converge on the claim that 70% or more of work-based learning occurs informally. Referred to here as the 70% rule, that rule is now seen as a basic fact in the field. Yet a detailed examination of this literature finds that the evidential basis for the 70% rule is weak; human resource development (HRD) policies relying upon that claim are likely to be misleading. The research and scholarship cited in these traditions are critiqued in terms of sloppy scholarship, inconsistent conceptualizations, and fundamental research protocol problems. The implications from this review suggest that the 70% rule of informal learning needs to be set aside. The conclusions to this research offer propositions for redefining the focus of formal and informal work-based learning along with revising the role of HRD in organizations.
Synthesis and Antiplasmodial Activity of Betulinic Acid and Ursolic Acid Analogues

More than 40% of the World population is at risk of contracting malaria, which affects primarily poor populations in tropical and subtropical areas. Antimalarial pharmacotherapy has utilised plant-derived products such as quinine and artemisinin as well as their derivatives. However, worldwide use of these antimalarials has caused the spread of resistant parasites, resulting in increased malaria morbidity and mortality. Considering that the literature has demonstrated the antimalarial potential of triterpenes, specially betulinic acid (1) and ursolic acid (2), this study investigated the antimalarial activity against P. falciparum chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain of some new derivatives of 1 and 2 with modifications at C-3 and C-28. The antiplasmodial study employed flow cytometry and spectrofluorimetric analyses using YOYO-1, dihydroethidium and Fluo4/AM for staining. Among the six analogues obtained, compounds 1c and 2c showed excellent activity (IC50 = 220 and 175 nM, respectively) while 1a and b demonstrated good activity (IC50 = 4 and 5 μM, respectively). After cytotoxicity evaluation against HEK293T cells, 1a was not toxic, while 1c and 2c showed IC50 of 4 μM and a selectivity index (SI) value of 18 and 23, respectively. Moreover, compound 2c, which presents the best antiplasmodial activity, is involved in the calcium-regulated pathway(s).
Long-Term Application of Bioorganic Fertilizers Improved Soil Biochemical Properties and Microbial Communities of an Apple Orchard Soil

Soil biochemical properties and microbial communities are usually considered as important indicators of soil health because of their association with plant nutrition. In this study, we investigated the impact of long-term application of bioorganic fertilizer (BOF) on soil biochemical properties and microbial communities in the apple orchard soil of the Loess Plateau. The experiment included three treatments: (1) control without fertilization (CK); (2) chemical fertilizer application (CF); and (3) bioorganic fertilizer application (BOF). The high throughput sequencing was used to examine the bacterial and fungal communities in apple orchard soil. The results showed that the BOF treatment significantly increased the apple yield during the experimental time (2009–2015). The application of BOF significantly increased the activities of catalase and invertase compared to those in CK and CF treatments. The high throughput sequencing data showed that the application of BOF changed the microbial community composition of all soil depths considered (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm), e.g., the relative abundance of bio-control bacteria (Xanthomonadales, Lysobacter, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus), Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Ohtaekwangia, Ilyonectria, and Lecanicillium was increased while that of Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Gp4, Gp6 and Sphaerobacter was decreased. The increase in apple yield after the application of BOF might be due to increase in organic matter, total nitrogen and catalase and invertase activities of soil and change in the bacterial community composition by enriching Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Lysobacter, and Ohtaekwangia. These results further enhance the understanding on how BOFs alter soil microbial community composition to stimulate soil productivity.
A reassessment of the compressive strength properties of southern yellow pine bark

Samples of southern yellow pine outer bark and wood were tested in compression to determine values for modulus of elasticity, stress at proportional limit, and maximum crushing strength. Results reported here resolve inconsistencies in the compressive strength data previously reported by others for pine bark. Testing of solvent-treated bark blocks suggests that although extractives are present in significant amounts, their contribution to the mechanical properties is minimal.
A Positive Role of Cadherin in Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling during Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway shares a key component, β-catenin, with the cadherin-based adhesion system. The signalling function of β-catenin is conferred by a soluble cytoplasmic pool that is unstable in the absence of a Wnt signal, whilst the adhesion function is based on a cadherin-bound, stable pool at the membrane. The cadherin complex is dynamic, allowing for cell-cell rearrangements such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), where the complex turns over through internalisation. Potential interplay between the two pools remains poorly understood, but cadherins are generally considered negative regulators of Wnt signalling because they sequester cytoplasmic β-catenin. Here we explore how cellular changes at EMT affect the signalling capacity of β-catenin using two models of EMT: hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) treatment of MDCK cells, and gastrulation in embryonic development. We show that EMT not only provides a pool of signalling-competent β-catenin following internalisation of cadherin, but also significantly facilitates activation of the Wnt pathway in response to both Wnt signals and exogenous β-catenin. We further demonstrate that availability of β-catenin in the cytoplasm does not necessarily correlate with Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity, since blocking endocytosis or depleting endogenous cadherin abolishes pathway activation despite the presence of β-catenin in the cytoplasm. Lastly we present data suggesting that cadherins are required for augmented activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vivo. This suggests that cadherins play a crucial role in β-catenin-dependent transcription.
Extrapair paternity , song , and genetic quality in

Most songbirds are socially monogamous, yet molecular studies have found that in most species, some offspring in the nest are sired by males other than the social mate of the female. The functional significance of extrapair paternity (EPP) in social monogamy is poorly understood, despite numerous theoretical and empirical studies in the last decades. We have examined EPP in the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) using microsatellites and tested whether females choose as extrapair mates males that 1) had larger song repertoires, 2) shared more songs with their neighbors, 3) were more heterozygous, or 4) were less related to the females than the social mate of these. We found that 24% of offspring were sired by extrapair males and that the extrapair sires were invariably neighbors. However, neither song repertoire size nor song sharing with neighbors predicted a male’s EPP success. Furthermore, neither heterozygosity of a male nor his relatedness to the female predicted EPP success. At the same time, males that did not lose paternity in their own nest or gain paternity in other nests tended to be younger. These results indicate that females are not using song repertoire size or song sharing as a basis for extrapair mate choice and are not likely to accrue significant genetic benefits from EPP. Instead, the occurrence and level of EPP in this population might be primarily governed by behavioral trade-offs between mate guarding and pursuing extrapair copulations. We suggest that detailed behavioral studies are needed to understand extrapair mating in this species.
Bimodal spectral variability of Cygnus X-1 in an intermediate state

We report the results of an observation of Cygnus X-1 with INTEGRAL, that we combine with simultaneous radio observations with the Ryle telescope. Both spectral and variability properties of the source indicate that Cygnus X-1 was in an Intermediate State. The INTEGRAL spectrum shows a high-energy cut-off or break around 100 keV. The shape of this cut-off differs from pure thermal Comptonisation, suggesting the presence of a non-thermal component at higher energies.The average broad band spectrum is well represented by hybrid thermal/non-thermal Comptonisation models. During the 4 day long observation the source showed an important spectral and flux variability. A principal component analysis demonstrates that most of this variability occurs through 2 independent modes. The first mode consists in changes in the overall luminosity on time scale of hours with almost constant spectra that are strikingly uncorrelated with the variable radio flux. We interpret this variability mode as variations of the dissipation rate in the corona. The second variability mode consists in a pivoting of the spectrum around 10 keV. It acts on a longer time-scale: initially soft, the spectrum hardens in the first part of the observation and then softens again. This pivoting pattern is strongly correlated with the radio (15 GHz) emission: radio fluxes are stronger when the INTEGRAL spectrum is harder. We propose that the pivoting mode represents a 'mini' state transition from a nearly High Soft State to a nearly Low Hard State, and back. This mini-transition would be caused by changes in the soft cooling photons flux in the hot Comptonising plasma associated with an increase of the temperature of the accretion disc. The jet power then appears to be anti-correlated with the disc luminosity and unrelated to the coronal power.
The influence of healthcare workers’ occupation on Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile

To compare the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors, including: spiritual growth, nutrition, physical activity, interpersonal relations, health responsibility, and stress management, of healthcare workers with workers of other professions. Cross-sectional observational study among a convenience sample of 285 healthcare workers and 137 of other professions. The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), a 52-item measure regarding the six components of healthy lifestyle. Demographic characteristics, education, income, work duration and self-rated health were also collected. Multivariable linear models were specified for each of the components of healthy lifestyle. Both groups were comparable in their age, family status, income and self-rated health. Results of multivariable linear models revealed that healthcare workers adopt better nutrition (β=0.228, p<0.001), more physical activity (β=0.133, p=0.049), and greater health responsibility (β=0.131, p=0.016), compared to other professions. Such differences were not found with regard to spiritual growth (β=0.097, p=0.121), interpersonal relations (β=0.039, p=0.444), or stress management (β=0.053, p=0.299). Healthcare workers adopt better healthy lifestyle only in components that may be perceived to have direct influence on health outcomes, namely nutrition, physical activity, and health responsibility. Further research that will explore the reasons for the observed differences may enable designing health-improving interventions.
Teachers’ use of knowledge sources in ‘result meetings’: thin data and thick data use.

In this article, we examine teachers’ use of knowledge sources in meetings where they discuss and formulate initiatives and solutions to develop existing teaching practice based on national test results. While practices of data use have been extensively researched, less attention has been given to the content of data use practices. Analyses of what kind of knowledge sources are used, and how, in discussions about student performance levels and accompanying initiatives to improve teaching can yield important insight into the potential and pitfalls of local data use practices. Based on an analysis of the knowledge sources that Norwegian secondary school teachers draw upon in so-called ‘result meetings’ and of the prognostic frames that teachers initiate, we find that teachers use several knowledge sources and that their data use practices can be characterised as complex and ‘thick’, although the data itself are ‘thin’. However, although teachers draw upon a range of knowledge sources and integrate these when identifying possible solutions, the solutions themselves are often short-term and directed towards improving test results. In order for teachers to ask more fundamental questions regarding existing practices, more attention should be directed towards problem-solving processes and also whether result meetings can provide arenas for complex problem-solving.