Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convolutional Perfectly Matched Layer for an Unconditionally Stable LOD-FDTD Method

This letter presents the development and implementation of the convolutional perfectly matched layer (CPML) for the recently proposed locally 1-D finite difference time domain method LOD-FDTD. Two different examples are simulated. Their results are compared with the FDTD-PML method and it is found that the proposed method has 16 dB less reflection error at a Courant Friedrich Levy number of one.
Role-based access control in ambient and remote space

In the era of Ubiquitous Computing and world-wide data transfer mobility, as an innovative aspect of professional activities, imposes new andcomplex problems of mobile and distributed access to information,services, and on--line negotiations for this purpose. This paperrestricts itself to presenting a distributed and location--dependentRBAC approach which is multi--layered. Also an adapted form ofAdministration Nets is presented whichallows the scheduling of distributed on--line processes for automatedlocation--dependent negotiating procedures, and for provingtheir correctness. Examples are discussed in some detail.
Investigation of VHI Affected by the Density of Mechanoreceptive units for Virtual Sensation

Abstract The velvet hand illusion (VHI) is an innovative tactile illusion that enables a human to perceive a velvety sensation by gently rubbing the hands on both sides of wire mesh string through a frame. In order to enhance tactile displays presentation ability, VHI’s mechanism is applied through a series of psychophysical experiments. In this paper, we have investigated the effects of several physical parameters on intensity variation of VHI in subjects’ fingers and fingertips, such as wire distance D and a dimensionless ratio of wire stroke r to wire distance r/D in passive touch based on psychophysical experiment. We obtain D = 45 mm and r/D ≈ 1 as optimum values for VHI intensity for wire distance and the ratio, respectively. Furthermore, as the result of comparison between the present result and the previous result for palm, we conclude that a combination of mechanoreceptive afferent units, SAI, SAII and FAI, are involved in VHI. VHI mechanism is induced when movement of wires is accepted through FAI under constant compressive stimulus for SAI and no shearing force for SAII. This result indicates that VHI can be generated by normal pin matrix type tactile displays because no stimulation of SAII is required.
Personality Traits in Patients with Subjective Idiopathic Tinnitus

Introduction: Tinnitus is a common complaint in patients referred to otorhinolaryngology clinics and is a condition where one hears a sound without any distinguishable external acoustic source or electrical stimulus. About 3-30% of adults experience different degrees of tinnitus during their life. This study aims to ascertain and compare personality traits between patients with tinnitus and a control group. Materials and Methods: In a case control study, 66 participants were assessed. The case group consisted of 33 patients who suffered from tinnitus for at least two months, in addition to 33 healthy volunteers who were selected among their family (preferably of the same age and sex). A standard demographic questionnaire and an Eyzenck personality questionnaire were filled for both groups. A tinnitus severity index (TSI) questionnaire was only filled for the case group. Data from each group was compared by Mann-Whitney U and Chi-Square tests. SPSS V.18 was the selected software. Results: Statistical analysis showed a meaningful difference in neuroticism (P=0.001) and extraversion (P=0.001) between the patients and the controls; however, there was no statistical difference between these groups regarding psychotism. Conclusion: Tinnitus can be associated with personality characteristics. This study showed that in patients with tinnitus, neuroticism increases and extraversion decreases. Considering the personality and psychotic traits observed in the patients with tinnitus, psychiatric consultation is recommended.
A systematic review of depression and mental illness preceding Parkinson's disease

Depression has been reported in several studies to be more common in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients than in the general population, and there may be overlap in the pathophysiology of the two conditions. Anxiety and other mental disorders have also been examined for possible association with PD because of their effects on the brain. MEDLINE, EMBASE and PSYCHINFO databases were searched systematically for existing systematic reviews or meta‐analyses and primary research articles. Past studies and reviews have focused on co‐morbidity of depression or mental disorders and PD, but as yet there have been no systematic reviews of the evidence that these conditions precede PD. Articles without robust methodology were excluded by specified criteria, based on published quality scoring criteria. Three cohort studies, one nested case–control study, and 10 case–control studies are included in the current systematic review. Premorbid depression was significantly more common in PD patients than in those without a diagnosis of PD in five of six case–control studies and three cohort studies. Premorbid anxiety may also be associated with PD although the evidence was not as strong. A few studies have looked at dementia as a co‐morbid or sequel, but never as a predictor of PD.
Community assembly dynamics in space

Species live in a complex web of interactions in the ecological community. What effects do species exert on one another, and how strongly? If species interactions are mostly strong, how do species cope with one another and coexist in the same community? In other words, what level of species diversity and what patterns of species composition should we expect to see if species interactions strongly affect community structure? These are some of the fundamental questions that community ecologists seek to answer (Morin 1999). Much remains unknown to fully answer these questions, and one major challenge is that species interactions can bring about two contrasting types of community dynamics (Fig. 4.1). In theory, strong interactions can make communities either deterministic or historically contingent (Samuels and Drake 1997; Belyea and Lancaster 1999; Chase 2003; Fukami et al. 2005). When deterministic, the effect of species interactions on community structure is determined by environmental conditions. On the other hand, when historically contingent, community structure diverges among localities as
Diabetic Retinopathy and Microalbuminuria Can Predict Macroalbuminuria and Renal Function Decline in Japanese Type 2 Diabetic Patients

OBJECTIVE To examine the interactive relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) in type 2 diabetic patients and to elucidate the role of DR and microalbuminuria on the onset of macroalbuminuria and renal function decline. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We explored the effects of DR and microalbuminuria on the progression of DN from normoalbuminuria and low microalbuminuria (<150 mg/gCr) to macroalbuminuria or renal function decline in the Japan Diabetes Complications Study (JDCS), which is a nationwide randomized controlled study of type 2 diabetic patients focusing on lifestyle modification. Patients were divided into four groups according to presence or absence of DR and MA: normoalbuminuria without DR [NA(DR−)] (n = 773), normoalbuminuria with DR [NA(DR+)] (n = 279), microalbuminuria without DR [MA(DR−)] (n = 277), and microalbuminuria with DR [MA(DR+)] (n = 146). Basal urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and DR status were determined at baseline and followed for a median of 8.0 years. RESULTS Annual incidence rates of macroalbuminuria were 1.6/1,000 person-years (9 incidences), 3.9/1,000 person-years (8 incidences), 18.4/1,000 person-years (34 incidences), and 22.1/1,000 person-years (22 incidences) in the four groups, respectively. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios of the progression to macroalbuminuria were 2.48 (95% CI 0.94–6.50; P = 0.07), 10.40 (4.91–22.03; P < 0.01), and 11.55 (5.24–25.45; P < 0.01) in NA(DR+), MA(DR−), and MA(DR+), respectively, in comparison with NA(DR−). Decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) per year was two to three times faster in MA(DR+) (−1.92 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) than in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS In normo- and low microalbuminuric Japanese type 2 diabetic patients, presence of microalbuminuria at baseline was associated with higher risk of macroalbuminuria in 8 years. Patients with microalbuminuria and DR showed the fastest GFR decline. Albuminuria and DR should be considered as risk factors of renal prognosis in type 2 diabetic patients. An open sharing of information will benefit both ophthalmologists and diabetologists.
The Influence of Contingency Factors on the Adoption of Information Systems: The case of Moroccan companies

The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of structural contingency factors on the adoption of information systems, taking into account their nature and degree of complexity, as well as to assess the influence of the Covid-19 crisis on this adoption. To achieve this objective, we undertook quantitative research by interviewing a sample of 43 companies. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire, and analysis was carried out using SPSS software. The results highlight the significant influence of structural contingency factors and the Covid-19 crisis on the adoption of information systems.
End-host based mechanisms for implementing flow scheduling in GridNetworks

In Grids, data transfers and network resources need to be managed in a more deterministic way than in the Internet. New approaches like flow scheduling are proposed and studied as alternatives to traditional QoS and reservation proposals. To enable such flow scheduling approaches, runtime mechanisms controlling flow sending time and rate have to be implemented in the data plane. This paper quantifies and compares such end-host based mechanisms combined with transport protocols to instantiate different scheduling strategies in a range of latency conditions. We show that, a single-rate scheduling strategy implemented by an AIMD-based protocol and a packet pacing mechanism offers predictable performance and is insensitive to latency. This paper also highlights the limits of other strategies and rate limitation mechanisms like token bucket which generates unpredictability and other drawbacks.
Is granuloma annulare related to intermediate uveitis with retinal vasculitis?

Aim: To report on eight patients with severe idiopathic intermediate uveitis (IU) and granuloma annulare (GA), a self limiting cutaneous condition of unknown aetiology. Methods: Retrospective case series. Clinical ophthalmic and dermatological data were studied and fluorescein angiography and skin biopsies were reviewed. Results: All patients with idiopathic IU had similar ocular features (eight with vitritis, seven with retinal vasculitis) and developed complications such as cystoid macular oedema (n=5), cataract (n=4), and glaucoma (n=3). Systemic diseases were not found, but a localised type of GA was observed in all. Conclusion: Seven out of eight patients with IU and GA developed severe retinal vasculitis. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of this association, a common pathogenesis, and its eventual clinical consequences.
Global Virga Precipitation Distribution Derived From Three Spaceborne Radars and Its Contribution to the False Radiometer Precipitation Detection

This study first quantifies the virga precipitation occurrence percentage using three spaceborne radar observations, including Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar (PR), Global Precipitation Measurement dual‐frequency PR (Ku‐band PR/Ka‐band PR [KuPR/KaPR]), and CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR). PR and KuPR/KaPR show that virga occurrence percentage is over 30% in arid regions (e.g., Sahara desert and deserts of Australia). CPR reveals similar virga geospatial distribution. However, the virga percentage based on CPR is about twice as large as that based on PR and KuPR/KaPR due to better detection sensitivity. Results also show that the majority of the virga clouds are altostratus and cirrus. Second, we investigate the virga precipitation contribution to the passive microwave radiometer false precipitation detection. Virga precipitation accounts for as much as 50% (30%) of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Microwave Imager (Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager) false detection results in arid regions. The underlying reason is because precipitation detection over land primarily relies on the ice scattering signature, while virga and light precipitation (e.g., 1 mm/hr) have similar amounts of ice water path in arid regions.
A high Nugent score but not a positive culture for genital mycoplasmas is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth

Objective. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship among the Nugent score for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), the results of vaginal fluid culture for genital mycoplasmas, and the subsequent occurrence of preterm birth. Methods. The Nugent score and culture for genital mycoplasmas were performed in vaginal fluid obtained from 977 pregnant women (gestational age 13–30 weeks). Vaginal samples were obtained with sterile cotton swabs. The relationship among the Nugent score, vaginal fluid culture results and the occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth was examined. Results. (1) Of the 977 women, 14% (137) had a Nugent score of ≥8; (2) The prevalence of a positive vaginal culture for genital mycoplasmas was 30% (288); Ureaplasma urealyticum was isolated in 252 (88%), Mycoplasma hominis in 9 (3%), and both in 27 (9%) women; (3) Cases with a Nugent score of ≥8 had a higher rate of a positive vaginal culture for genital mycoplasmas than those with the lower Nugent score (55%vs. 25%; p < 0.001); (4) Women with a Nugent score of ≥8 had a significantly higher rate of spontaneous preterm birth <37 (10%vs. 4%), <34 (5%vs. 2%), and <32 (4%vs. 1%) weeks of gestation than those with the lower Nugent score (at each gestational age, p < 0.05); (5) In contrast, a positive vaginal culture for genital mycoplasmas was not associated with an increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth; (6) Among patients with a positive culture and a Nugent score of ≥8, the frequency of spontaneous preterm delivery (<37 weeks) was 10% (7/72); (7) There was no difference in the incidence of spontaneous preterm delivery according to the results of vaginal culture in patients with a Nugent score of ≥8, as well as in those with a lower Nugent score. Conclusion. A high Nugent score (≥8) for the detection of BV but not a positive vaginal culture for genital mycoplasmas is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth.
Review: Contaminants in Heparin: Review of the Literature, Molecular Profiling, and Clinical Implications

Background: The contaminant isolated from contaminated heparin was oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS). Other possible contaminants should be evaluated. Methods: Contaminants were isolated from recalled contaminated heparin and were compared to OSCS from animal sources and to heparin by-products synthetically persulfated. Results: A great variability in molecular weight was observed in the isolated contaminants. Dermatan sulfate with high-molecular-weight in addition to OSCS was detected. Oversulfated chondroitin sulfate from different sources as well as heparin by-products produced activation of prekallikrein to kallikrein at variable rates as measured by the generation of kallikrein. All agents produced activation of the complement system. All compounds formed complexes with platelet factor 4 (PF4) and all produced 14C serotonin release in the heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) analysis. The agents also exhibited variable anticoagulant responses that were mostly mediated via heparin cofactor II. Conclusion: These results suggest that heparin contaminants represent a heterogeneous group of oversulfated glycosaminoglycans (OSGAGs) which may mediate multiple pathophysiologic responses.
Mutations in Sarcomere Protein Genes in Left Ventricular Noncompaction

Background— Left ventricular noncompaction constitutes a primary cardiomyopathy characterized by a severely thickened, 2-layered myocardium, numerous prominent trabeculations, and deep intertrabecular recesses. The genetic basis of this cardiomyopathy is still largely unresolved. We speculated that mutations in sarcomere protein genes known to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy may be associated with left ventricular noncompaction. Methods and Results— Mutational analysis in a cohort of 63 unrelated adult probands with left ventricular noncompaction and no other congenital heart anomalies was performed by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and direct DNA sequencing of 6 genes encoding sarcomere proteins. Heterozygous mutations were identified in 11 of 63 samples in genes encoding &bgr;-myosin heavy chain (MYH7), &agr;-cardiac actin (ACTC), and cardiac troponin T (TNNT2). Nine distinct mutations, 7 of them in MYH7, 1 in ACTC, and 1 in TNNT2, were found. Clinical evaluations demonstrated familial disease in 6 of 11 probands with sarcomere gene mutations. MYH7 mutations segregated with the disease in 4 autosomal dominant LVNC kindreds. Six of the MYH7 mutations were novel, and 1 encodes a splice-site mutation, a relatively unique finding for MYH7 mutations. Modified residues in &bgr;-myosin heavy chain were located mainly within the ATP binding site. Conclusions— We conclude that left ventricular noncompaction is within the diverse spectrum of cardiac morphologies triggered by sarcomere protein gene defects. Our findings support the hypothesis that there is a shared molecular etiology of different cardiomyopathic phenotypes.
A new method: measurement of microleakage volume using human, dog and bovine permanent teeth

This study investigates the feasibility of a different new approach to determining the microleakage volume associated with dental restorations (Class V cavity restorated with glass ionomer cement + high copper amalgam) and the relative marginal adaptation deficiency of dog, bovine and human permanent teeth in in vitro conditions. Also researched is the appropriateness of using dog and bovine teeth in in vitro studies rather than human teeth. Our method utilizes the molecular adsorption characteristics of methylene blue. Within the framework of this study, 60 permanent teeth (20 human, 20 dogs and 20 bovine) were used. These groups were evaluated statistically, of which indicated no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). It was also concluded that this preliminary investigation showed that the new microleakage volume measurement method may be a valuable new technique for the in vitro study of microleakage dynamics around dental restorations.
Reduced lymphocyte responses to mitogens in natural and experimental trichomoniasis

Proliferative responses to mitogens were determined by using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from women with active trichomoniasis, with serological evidence of past infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, and with no evidence of current or past infection. Even after the human immunodeficiency virus antibody status of the patients was taken into account, cells from women with active trichomoniasis showed reduced responses to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Similar findings were obtained by using spleen cells from mice inoculated subcutaneously with live trichomonads. Reduction in proliferative responses by these cells could be detected 3 days after inoculation. There was some evidence to suggest that more-pathogenic strains of the parasite induced a greater degree of immunosuppression. The responses of spleen cells from mice inoculated with trichomonad-free culture supernatants were within normal limits, indicating that live trichomonads were needed to induce suppression. Support for this was gained from studies with cells from women who were treated successfully. Cells from these women rapidly regained normal lymphoproliferative function. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by spleen cells from infected mice was determined from measurements of mitochondrial activity in an IL-2-dependent T-cell line following incubation with stimulated spleen cell culture supernatants. These tests demonstrated lower IL-2 activity in supernatants from cell cultures from infected mice than in those from uninfected mice. The reduction in IL-2 activity did not, however, appear to correlate with the degree of reduction of mitogen-induced lymphoproliferation. Suppression of T-cell-mediated immunity may be one of the mechanisms by which T. vaginalis is able to evade host responses to infection.
Engineering Self-Efficacy Contributing to the Academic Performance of AMAIUB Engineering Students: A Qualitative Investigation

This research study aims to determine the factors of engineering skills self- efficacy sources contributing on the academic performance of AMAIUB engineering students. Thus, a better measure of engineering self-efficacy is needed to adequately assess engineering students’ beliefs in their capabilities to perform tasks in their engineering coursework and their future roles as engineers. A descriptive, survey research design was chosen to investigate the sources of engineering self-efficacy of college students. A quantitative survey design approach was used for this study. The survey was administered to all engineering students enrolled during the third trimester of school year 2014-2015. The results were generally consistent with the findings gathered by Lent and his colleagues where the instrument was originated from as well as supported the theory hypothesized by Bandura. This implies that when an engineering student has strong and positive judgment about his/her prior knowledge in engineering, he/she may achieve good grades in the subject and more importantly, he/she may also score well in engineering-related subjects. This supported Bandura‟s theory that the ability to accomplish tasks was a significant and important source of information for students to achieve better grades. This study managed to establish a direct relationship that sources of self-efficacy were significantly correlated with academic achievements and that engineering design experience could best predict the academic performance as well as overall engineering modules. These findings have practical implications which strengthened the conception of curriculum developers that tapping of students‟ prior knowledge and experience are critical in mathematics and related engineering modules. Although there is a strong correlation between engineering skills self-efficacy and overall academic achievements for the sampled group of engineering students, more investigation is needed to widen the scope to the field of engineering. As such, the present study raises certain issues for future research. Firstly, it may be worthwhile to further investigate the reason causing low reliability to other sources of selfefficacy. This may shed some light of whether there could be hidden issue of how the study was conducted. Secondly, it would be useful to replicate and extend these findings to different student populations and domains. This could help to further strengthen and generalize the theory that was presented in this study. Lastly, further exploration to examine if students‟ achievements in Mathematics can indeed be a strong predictor for their achievements in engineering would enhance the current literature on the relation between these two domains.