Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Hiv/Aids and Pulmonary Tuberculosis Co-Infection among Patients Attending Some Health Centres of Bauchi Metropolis

The global impact of the converging dual epidemic of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of our major public health challenges. In this study, a total of 262 confirmed HIV positive patients were screened for co-infection with the PTB. They consist of 147 males and 115 females, with an age range from 1 to 60 years and above, hailed mainly from urban (119) and semi-urban (78) settings, mainly civil servants (61) and traders (52). Out of the HIV patients tested for PTB, 7.3% were smear-positive (co-infected) with highest prevalence 13.7% found among the age group of 31 to 40 years, males (8.2%). The HIV prevalence of 12.3% was in PTB negative patients, females (16.5%) with high rate 17.8% in 21 to 30 years group. HIV negative/PTB positive frequency of 11.6% was observed among the males. Prevalence of HIV/PTB co-infection (11.5%) was in the traders/artisans, then drivers (8.8%) with rates of (15.4%) and (19.6%) respectively for HIV only. In the control group, the highest prevalence of PTB (19.6%) was also among the traders/artisans, but followed by farmers (15.4%). Most of the patients are from urban settings, with HIV/PTB (7.6%) and HIV cases alone (13.4%), while PTB cases were more prevalent (21.5%) in those from rural areas. Patients’ clinical profile shows that prevalence of HIV/PTB co-infection (15.5%) and HIV alone (27.3%) was within patients not on HAART. A similar rate 9.4% and 12.3% were also found among patients not on TB treatment, with the coinfection also higher 12.3% in those with low CD4 cells count. The rate of HIV/PTB co-infection in our study is generally lower than the single occurrence and is associated with delayed therapy which predisposes the patients with immunosuppression.
AN AUDITORY-BASED TRANSFROM FOR AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSING

An auditory-based transform is presented in this paper. Through an analysis process, the transform coverts time-domain signals into a set of filter bank output. The frequency responses and distributions of the filter bank are similar to those in the basilar membrane of the cochlea. Signal processing can be conducted in the decomposed signal domain. Through a synthesis process, the decomposed signals can be synthesized back to the original signal through a simple computation. Also, fast algorithms for discrete-time signals are presented for both the forward and inverse transforms. The transform has been approved in theory and validated in experiments. An example on noise reduction application is presented. The proposed transform is robust to background and computational noises and is free from pitch harmonics. The derived fast algorithm can also be used to compute continuous wavelet transform.
Current Trends in the Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Secondary to Aneurysmal Rupture

Introduction: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASH) is a very serious phenomenon associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. After the initial hemorrhage, 50% of patients die, and 30-40% of patients re-blood during the first month. The percentage of deaths due to re-bleeding is between 60% and 75%. Re-bleeding prevention with both endovascular embolization and surgery, decrease mortality and improve the quality of life of survivors. Nowadays, endovascular embolization has become the method of choice to prevent re-bleeding especially in Europe largely replacing surgery. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe a series of patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage treated at the University Hospital of Getafe, Madrid between 1995 and 2015 (n=343; 185 surgically and 158 endovascular embolization), analyze the diagnosis and treatment, establish main prognosis factors and compare the results of both treatments (clip and coil). We have made a retrospective study, by reviewing medical history, analyzing epidemiological data. Results and discussion: We studied a total of 343 patients, 185 Surgery and 158 Embolization. It has been shown that embolization, the treatment of choice today, has decreased the number of complications in these years. The long period of time analyzed, 20 years, does not allow a homogeneous study of the sample due to changes in the diagnostic and therapeutic criteria, but allows obtaining interesting results and conclusions. Conclusion: It has been established that the performance of brain computed tomography (CT) and arteriography, and ICU admission, is the best medical management in these patients. In this study, clinical income situation, the amount of blood in CT and the patient’s age, have proved the most decisive factors in the final outcome. Endovascular embolization is a safe method of treating ruptured aneurysms.
PULSED IONOSPHERIC CUSP FLOW : SIGNATURE OF ALFVÉN SURFACE WAVE INDUCED RECONNECTION ?

Pulsed ionospheric flows (PIFs) in the cusp footprint are believed to be a consequence of magnetic reconnection on the dayside magnetopause, ionospheric signatures of quasiperiodic flux transfer events (FTEs). However, the question of what causes pulsed reconnection has remained unanswered. Here the PIFs are correlated with Alfvénic fluctuations that were observed in the upstream solar wind. It is concluded that on these occasions the FTEs were pulsed by Alfvén waves coupling to the dayside magnetosphere. The cross-correlation analysis of the IMF and the ground magnetic field near the cusp footprint indicates time lags that are several minutes longer than the propagation time estimates computed from multipoint solar wind measurements. These results suggest a delay between the expected arrival of the Alfvén wave southward turning and the reconnection onset on the dayside magnetopause. We interpret the delay in terms of the intrinsic time scale for reconnection [Russell et al., 1997] and the model of surface-wave-induced magnetic reconnection [Uberoi et al., 1999]. The latter authors argued that surface waves with wavelengths larger than the thickness of the neutral layer can induce tearing-mode instability giving rise to an intrinsic timescale for the reconnection onset. The timescales inferred from theory are similar to the observed delays.
Neurosurgical Intensive Care

IntroductIon:Neuro hospital is the only hospital in eastern Nepal that has an Intensive care unit (ICU) dedicated to neurological surgery. This is a 6-bed ICU with four ventilators, Arterial blood gas analyzer, central oxygen and suction supply which caters to neurosurgery along with few medical cases from not only eastern Nepal but also adjoining parts of India. Methode:To collect data from the only neurosurgical referral centre in Eastern Nepal and to create a registry with possible use in national trauma registry. Neurosurgery was started in December 2009 in this hospital and the aim of this study is to analyze the data and to look for the possible factors that will help in improving patient management in the future. This is a prospectivedescriptive study including admissions to the ICU from December 2009 and November 2010. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. Results:The total numbers of cases admitted were 251 with the majority being males (M:F::170:81). Neurosurgical cases amounted to 207 and medical 44. The most common age group was between 21-40 years (64 cases). Of the neurosurgical cases the majority were traumatic head injury (115 cases) followed by CVA (36), Aneurysm (13) and tumors in 8 cases. Postoperative cases comprised of 112 cases, the majority being intra-cerebral hematomas. The total number of ventilated cases was 73, the number of days of ventilation ranged from 1-18 with the majority weaned off within 1 day (28 cases). The total number of days of admission ranged from 1-28 days with the majority being transferred within 7 days. Of the medical cases the most common indication was for cardiac and respiratory problems (10 each) followed by liver diseases. The overall in ICU mortality was 25%. conclusIon:ICU Service is available to Patient care in Biratnagar, Eastern Nepal. keywords:data, intensive care, neurosurgery, trauma,
Nurses ’ attitudes toward nursing research 1

Results: There is a statistically significant difference in attitudes towards research given the level of education of the respondents (p = 0.015). Bachelors of Science in Nursing have more positive attitudes towards research (? ̅? =148.5) compared to vocational nurses (? ̅? =141.1). A significant difference in attitudes towards nursing research was determined also with respect to the age of respondents (p = 0.002). Younger nurses have a more positive attitude towards research in nursing (? ̅? = 151.5) than middle-aged (? ̅? =140.9) and senior-aged nurses (? ̅? =140.1) do. There is also a significant difference in the level of motivation for continuing professional education given the respondents’ level of education (p = 0.019).
Optimising the Effect of Stimulants on Citric Acid Production from Cocoyam Starch Using Aspergillus Niger

Additives such as low molecular weight alcohols, trace metals, phytate, lipids etc have been reported to stimulate citric acid production. Hence the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of stimulating the metabolic activity of Aspergillus niger for the purpose of improved citric acid production from cocoyam starch. A three-variable, three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to develop a statistical model to study the effects of Zinc (II) ion, Iron (III) ion and methanol on the production of citric acid. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimise the effects of these stimulants. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) carried out on the model showed that the model was statistically significant (p< 0.0001) and did not show lack of fit (R 2 =0.997). The results also showed that citric acid production increased when the levels of zinc and methanol were increased. Intermediate levels of iron were required to produce citric acid at optimum levels. Results obtained from RSM showed that the optimum levels of zinc, iron and methanol were 4.5 g/L, 6.87 g/L and 3.0 %v/v respectively. Under these conditions, the maximum citric acid concentration was obtained as 108 g/L. Validation of the model indicated no significant difference between predicted and experimental values. http://dx.doi. org/10.4314/njt.v34i4. 9
Spatial shape of avalanches in the Brownian force model

We study the Brownian force model (BFM), a solvable model of avalanche statistics for an interface, in a general discrete setting. The BFM describes the overdamped motion of elastically coupled particles driven by a parabolic well in independent Brownian force landscapes. Avalanches are defined as the collective jump of the particles in response to an arbitrary monotonous change in the well position (i.e. in the applied force). We derive an exact formula for the joint probability distribution of these jumps. From it we obtain the joint density of local avalanche sizes for stationary driving in the quasi-static limit near the depinning threshold. A saddle-point analysis predicts the spatial shape of avalanches in the limit of large aspect ratios for the continuum version of the model. We then study fluctuations around this saddle point, and obtain the leading corrections to the mean shape, the fluctuations around the mean shape and the shape asymmetry, for finite aspect ratios. Our results are finally confronted to numerical simulations.
HERITABILITY AND CORRELATION OF LITTER TRAITS IN PIGS DETERMINED BY REML METHOD

The aim of this study was to determine the heritability coefficients and the correlation between the number of live born piglets (NBA), the number of stillborn piglets (NSB), the number of total born piglets (NTB) and the number of weaned piglets (NW) in the part of population in Swedish Landrace sows in R. Serbia. The results obtained should enable the selection of litter size traits that would be proposed to be included in the selection - breeding program for this breed. The analysis of parameters was carried out on the basis of data on fertility of 4.061 Swedish Landrace sows and their 15.209 litters realized on two pig farms in R. Serbia. There was a genetic relationship between animals among the farms. Components of variance and covariance of observed traits, the share of additive genetic variance component in the phenotypic and correlation of traits at phenotypic and genetic levels, were evaluated using the method of Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) using the Multitrait Model (MM). Heritability estimates for the NBA, NSB, NTB and NW amounted to 6.4, 1.6, 6.7 and 1.1%, respectively. Correlation between the NBA and NTB at the phenotypic and genetic level was complete (rP = 0986, rG = 0938). Correlation between the NBA and NW at the phenotypic level has not been established, while at the genetic level it was weak. We believe that this is the result of the procedure of equalizing of litters after farrowing. In order to obtain objective genetic parameters for NW this procedure should not be applied in pure breed sows.
DETECTION OF mecA GENE IN METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS STRAINS RESPONSIBLE FOR WOUND INFECTIONS AND SEPTICEMIA IN MANSOURA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS

Methicil l in-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a specific strain of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that has developed antibiotic resistance to all penicil l ins, including methicil l in and other narrowspectrum β-lactamase-resistant penicill in antibiotics. The purpose of this study is to investigate the presence methicil l in resistant S. aureus strains in patients suffering from wound infections and septicemia, in Mansoura University Hospitals (MUHs). A total of 29 MRSA strains were isolated from nosocomially infected patients. All isolates were subjected to antibiogram comparison, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for amplifying mecA, oxacill in agar screen test and latex agglutination test. PCR detected 18 out of 29 strains (62.1%), oxacill in agar detected 22 out of 29 strains (75.9%), while latex screen showed 25 out of 29 MRSA strains (86.2%); P<0.001. MRSA strains were completely resistant to Cefuroxime, Cephalexine and Cefotaxime, but appeared to be quite susceptible to vancomycin. This study has demonstrated detection of MRSA strains by different susceptibil ity procedures and PCR test as a golden standard method for MRSA identification. Our findings call for the prospective potentiality of oxacill in agar screen and latex agglutination tests for detection of MRSA.
Aqueous-Chemical Control of the Tetrahedral-Aluminum Content Of Quartz, Halloysite, and other Low-Temperature Silicates

Aqueous Al passes from octahedral to tetrahedral coordination over a narrow pH interval, or threshold. This interval is 5.5–6.5 at 25°C and shifts to lower pH as temperature increases. The concentration of aqueous tetrahedrally coordinated Al is a quasi-step function of the solution pH, and, by the mass-action law, so should be the amount of tetrahedral Al incorporated by a silicate that crystallizes from the aqueous solution. Qualitative support for this prediction (which applies to quartz, opal-CT, kaolin-group minerals, pyrophyllite, micas, chlorites, and other low-temperature silicates) comes from the very topology of equilibrium activity diagrams and from several pairs of associated waters and authigenic silicates from weathering, hydrothermal, and diagenetic environments. The uptake of tetrahedral Al also depends on the aqueous concentrations of monovalent cations and silica, and on the mineral’s structural constraints.Solid solution of tetrahedral Al in halloysite in turn produces the characteristic bent or tubular crystals of this mineral. This genetic link between aqueous chemistry (mainly pH), tetrahedral-Al uptake by a low-temperature silicate, and the mineral’s crystal morphology may operate also in other silicates.
DustPedia: A Definitive Study of Cosmic Dust in the Local Universe

The European Space Agency has invested heavily in two cornerstones missions: Herschel and Planck. The legacy data from these missions provides an unprecedented opportunity to study cosmic dust in galaxies so that we can, for example, answer fundamental questions about the origin of the chemical elements, physical processes in the interstellar medium (ISM), its effect on stellar radiation, its relation to star formation and how this relates to the cosmic far-infrared background. In this paper we describe the DustPedia project, which enables us to develop tools and computer models that will help us relate observed cosmic dust emission to its physical properties (chemical composition, size distribution, and temperature), its origins (evolved stars, supernovae, and growth in the ISM), and the processes that destroy it (high-energy collisions and shock heated gas). To carry out this research, we combine the Herschel/Planck data with that from other sources of data, and provide observations at numerous wavelengths ( ≤ 41 ) across the spectral energy distribution, thus creating the DustPedia database. To maximize our spatial resolution and sensitivity to cosmic dust, we limit our analysis to 4231 local galaxies ( v < 3000 km s−1) selected via their near-infrared luminosity (stellar mass). To help us interpret this data, we developed a new physical model for dust (THEMIS), a new Bayesian method of fitting and interpreting spectral energy distributions (HerBIE) and a state-of-the-art Monte Carlo photon-tracing radiative transfer model (SKIRT). In this, the first of the DustPedia papers, we describe the project objectives, data sets used, and provide an insight into the new scientific methods we plan to implement.
Development of portable gas proportional scintillation counters for x-ray spectrometry

A review on gas proportional scintillation counters (GPSCs) is presented. Recent achievements towards the portability of simple, inexpensive and compact GPSCs are discussed. Compensation of solid angle effects with the curved grid technique can be used to produce non-focused GPSCs with medium-sized radiation windows, at least up to 80% of the photosensor active diameter, without degradation of detector performance. Low power-consuming and compact vacuum UV photosensors that can operate in direct contact with the scintillation gas, as an alternative to photomultiplier tubes, are now available. Small gettering devices with a low-power built-in heating elements have been shown to be sufficient for the required gas purification in GPSCs assembled with simple and inexpensive techniques, such as the use of epoxies for ceramic-to-metal joints.
Correlation between serum visfatin levels and polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum visfatin levels and insulin resistance (IR) and obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Methods: 23 PCOS patients and 15 normal control subjects were included in the study. Based on body mass index (BMI), PCOS patients were further divided into two groups including obese PCOS group (n=8, BMI ≥ 25) and non-obese PCOS group (n=15, BMI <25). Normal controls were also divided into obese control group (n=7) and non-obese control group (n= 8). Fasting serum visfatin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hormone levels, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting insulin (FINS) were measured in the early follicular phase. BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Results: (1) Serum visfatin levels were significantly higher in PCOS patient group than normal control group (P <0.05); (2) Serum visfatin levels in obese PCOS group were significantly higher than those in obese control group (P <0.05), but there was no difference in serum visfain levels between non-obese PCOS and non-obese control groups; (3) Serum visfatin levels were positively correlated to BMI, T, FPG, FINS and HOMA-IR (P <0.05). Conclusion: PCOS patients had abnormal metabolism of serum visfatin. The elevation of serum visfatin levels may be associated with obesity and IR. Visfatin was correlated to FINS and HOMA-IR, suggesting that serum visfatin levels can serve as predictive indicators for IR in PCOS patients.
The Weak Reality That Makes Quantum Phenomena More Natural: Novel Insights and Experiments

While quantum reality can be probed through measurements, the Two-State Vector Formalism (TSVF) reveals a subtler reality prevailing between measurements. Under special pre- and post-selections, odd physical values emerge. This unusual picture calls for a deeper study. Instead of the common, wave-based picture of quantum mechanics, we suggest a new, particle-based perspective: Each particle possesses a definite location throughout its evolution, while some of its physical variables (characterized by deterministic operators, some of which obey nonlocal equations of motion) are carried by “mirage particles” accounting for its unique behavior. Within the time interval between pre- and post-selection, the particle gives rise to a horde of such mirage particles, of which some can be negative. What appears to be “no-particle”, known to give rise to interaction-free measurement, is in fact a self-canceling pair of positive and negative mirage particles, which can be momentarily split and cancel out again. Feasible experiments can give empirical evidence for these fleeting phenomena. In this respect, the Heisenberg ontology is shown to be conceptually advantageous compared to the Schrödinger picture. We review several recent advances, discuss their foundational significance and point out possible directions for future research.
True Versus Spurious Long Memory: Some Theoretical Results and a Monte Carlo Comparison

A common feature of financial time series is their strong persistence. Yet, long memory may just be the spurious effect of either structural breaks or slow switching regimes. We explore the effects of spurious long memory on the elasticity of the stock market price with respect to volatility and show how cross-sectional aggregation may generate spurious persistence in the data. We undertake an extensive Monte Carlo study to compare the performance of five tests, constructed under the null of true long memory versus the alternative of spurious long memory due to level shifts or breaks.