Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-spectral mapping of in vivo skin hemoglobin and melanin

The multi-spectral imaging technique has been used for distant mapping of in-vivo skin chromophores by analyzing spectral data at each reflected image pixel and constructing 2-D maps of the relative concentrations of oxy-/deoxyhemoglobin and melanin. Instead of using a broad visible-NIR spectral range, this study focuses on narrowed spectral band 500-700 nm, so speeding-up the signal processing procedure. Regression analysis confirmed that superposition of three Gaussians is optimal analytic approximation for the oxy-hemoglobin absorption tabular spectrum in this spectral band, while superposition of two Gaussians fits well for deoxy-hemoglobin absorption and exponential function - for melanin absorption. The proposed approach was clinically tested for three types of in-vivo skin provocations - ultraviolet irradiance, chemical reaction with vinegar essence and finger arterial occlusion. Spectral range 500-700 nm provided better sensitivity to oxy-hemoglobin changes and higher response stability to melanin than two reduced ranges 500-600 nm and 530-620 nm.
Prevalence of Nasal Carriage of Neisseria meningitidis among Umrah Visitors and Pilgrims during Umrah and Hajj Season .

A total of 3081 specimens collected from 2412 Umrah visitors and pilgrims to survey and surveillance Neisseria meningitidis. About 15 nationalities contributed in this study; the greatest number was from India (481) and the lowest one was from Jordan (1). Turkish and British recorded significant results (p= value 0.04 and 0.006, respectively) among Umrah visitors and Indian (p= value 0.0003) in pilgrims colonized by Neisseria meningitidis. Out of 232 Neisseria meningitidis isolated from Umrah visitors and pilgrims, 0 and 2 of serotype W135 were isolated before and, 2 and 5 were isolated after Umrah and Hajj respectively. Neisseria meningitides showed (8.3%) before Hajj and (10.3%) after Hajj resistant to Azithromycin antibiotic.
Effect of fungicide application to control Fusarium head blight and 20 Fusarium and Alternaria mycotoxins in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Azole fungicides have been reported to be the most effective active substances in the control of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) and in the reduction of the main mycotoxins that occur in cereal grain, such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Four field experiments have been conducted in North West Italy, over a period of 2 growing seasons, in order to evaluate the effect of azole fungicide (prothioconazole) applications on the prevalence of emerging mycotoxins in common winter wheat under naturally-infected field conditions. Wheat samples have been analysed by means of a dilute-and-shoot multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS method. Twenty fungal metabolites were detected: enniatins, aurofusarin, moniliformin, equisetin, DON, deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside, culmorin, bikaverin, beauvericin, fumonisins, fusaric acid, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenone, decalonectrin, butenolide, tentoxin, alternariol and alternariol methyl ether. The most abundant fungal metabolites were DON and culmorin, with an avera.
Prevalence of hospital-acquired infections in intensive care units in public hospitals in Tehran, Iran, in 2012-2014

Infection control and hospital-acquired infection (HAI) prevalence have recently attracted much attention especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HAI in public hospitals in Tehran, Iran, more specifically, to determine the epidemiological status of nosocomial infections in intensive care units (ICUs) of 3 public hospitals. The study was conducted in 3 governmental hospitals and all patients who had been in the hospital for at least 48 hours and had a primary diagnosis of HAI were included in the study. The study was performed on 1470 patients who were admitted to the ICU from 2012-2014; among them, 200 cases were affected by infectious diseases. The data collected using the questionnaire included demographic characteristics, length of admission, and cause of hospital infection which were all verified by the Infection Control Center (ICC). The clinical signs and symptoms of patients were also controlled. The effects of seasonal variation on HAI were also investigated by analyzing the data obtained in various seasons. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The chi-square ( X 2 ) test was used to compare categorical variables and a 2-sided P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. The effect of season on HAI prevalence was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis Test. The prevalence of nosocomial infections was 13.65% in the study. Urinary tract (40.9%) and surgical wounds (26.1%) were the most common types of infections. Bacteriological analysis suggested that Escherichia coli (35.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (26%) were the most prevalent microorganisms related to the incidence of HAI. The results obtained showed that HAIs were more prevalent during spring. The prevalence of nosocomial infection observed in the present study seems quite high. The results showed that the length of hospitalization was positively associated with HAI. Statistical analysis showed that long length of hospitalization, age, and season are risk factors for the development of HAI during hospitalization. Furthermore, like similar studies, gram-negative bacteria were found to be the most common cause of nosocomial infections.
A survey of common habits of computer users as indicators of possible environmental contamination and cross infection source

Hygiene has been recognized as an infection control strategy and the extent of the problems of environmental contamination largely depends on personal hygiene. With the development of several computer applications in recent times, the uses of computer systems have greatly expanded. And with the previous history of cross contamination of environmental objects, suggests that computer system may be another vehicle for transmission of infectious agents if not used in strict hygienic condition. This study assessed the level and rate of hygiene practice among computer users. It employed the use of questionnaires, interviews and personal observations. Stratified random sampling method was employed. The rate of computer usage and sharing among respondents were over 80 and 97%, respectively. Contrarily, hygienic practices were uncommon practices among users. Hand-washing was observed by only 13.5% of computer users examined. Other unhealthy practices found among computer users included eating (52.1), drinking (56), coughing, sneezing and scratching of head (48.2%). Since microorganisms can be transferred through contact, droplets or airborne routes, it follows that these habits exhibited by users may act as sources of bacteria on keyboards and mice, and equally provides a conducive environment for their survival and proliferation. Key words: Computer users, environmental contamination, infection.
Attitudes of operating theater workers toward patient safety

Objective: This research was performed to evaluate the attitudes of operating theater staff members toward patient safety. Methods: A survey was conducted of 200 operating theater members of staff (surgeons, surgical assistants, anesthetists, assistant anesthetists, anesthesia technicians, anesthesia nurses, and operating theater nurses) at Izmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital. An employee information form and the version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) designed for operating theater employees were used to collect data in six areas: team cooperation, job satisfaction, thoughts on management, safety environment, working conditions and stress level. Average, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were used to provide descriptive data. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-test, Kruskall-Wallis H test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate the data. Results: Data indicated that 42.5% of operating theater employees surveyed were between the ages of 30-39. It was determined that 33.5% of the group were surgeons, 14.5% were anesthetists, and 41% were operating theater nurses; 37% had 11 or more years of experience in their field of specialization. According to the research, 46.5% of the employees had participated in an orientation program when they first started to work at the hospital. The SAQ mean score for job satisfaction it was 63.13±20.27, the mean for stress levels was 28.55±14.67, and the total mean score for patient safety attitude was 52.51 ±11.78. When mean scores for patient safety were compared according to participants’ area of expertise using Kruskall-Wallis analysis, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference. It was also determined that employees who have specialized experience of 6-10 years and 11 years or more, had been participants in job training or had attended an orientation program had higher safety attitude point average. Conclusion: A plan was proposed to reduce employee stress levels, regulate work hours, have operating theater employees attend an orientation program, improve communication and collaboration between and among teams, and to support operation theater employees and directors joining educational programs related to patient safety.
High-pressure high-temperature Raman spectroscopy of kerogen: Relevance to subducted organic carbon

Abstract The amount of insoluble macromolecular organic matter in the Earth’s crust, commonly referred to as kerogen, far exceeds the mass of living organic matter. The fraction of kerogen in sediments subducted into the mantle remains poorly constrained and will vary depending on the physical-chemical properties of kerogen along different slab geotherms. We studied the pressure-temperature evolution of carbon vibrational frequencies in isolated kerogen, previously not subjected to metamorphism, using Raman spectroscopy in a sapphire optical cell up to 3.2 GPa and 450 °C, correspondingto colder subduction geotherms. For blue-green laser excitation, we find optical irradiance exceeding ~3 kW/cm2 induces changes in spectral features of the primary graphitic (G-band) and two main disordered modes (D1 and D2) that might otherwise be mistaken for thermal maturation. Whereas previous in situ studies have investigated the changes in these molecular vibrations of kerogen at high temperature or high pressure, we collected Raman spectra of isolated kerogen at simultaneous high P-T conditions. Although instantaneous and irreversible changes in band ratios of isolated kerogen were observed above ~350°C at room-pressure, long-duration (2–8 h) heating experiments at 450 °C and 2.7–3.0 GPa reveal no permanent change in band structure. The reduction in vibrational frequencies of the disordered carbon modes with temperature (dv/dT) at pressures >1 GPa is slightly less than found at room pressure, further indicating that pressure effectively increases the thermal stability of kerogen. Our results suggest that kerogen reaching depths of 60 km where the temperature is below ~450 °C may subduct into the mantle, providing a potential source for the organic-rich component of carbon recently detected in certain lower-mantle diamonds.
Delusions in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders : Diagnostic Issues 747 by

Family studies of schizophrenia frequently include relatives of schizophrenia probands with diagnoses falling within the schizophrenia spectrum. As part of an ongoing genetic linkage study of schizophrenia, the authors examined case material from 50 relatives (of schizophrenia probands) who received a DSM-IIIR diagnosis of a nonaffective psychotic disorder or schizotypal or paranoid personality disorder. Eleven exhibited episodic or chronic delusions that resulted in diagnostic dilemmas, often arising from issues pertaining to the classification of delusional phenomena. Four of these cases are presented here. Unusual beliefs were often difficult to classify as odd beliefs versus full delusions, brief/transient versus persistent delusions, bizarre versus nonbizarre delusions. It is suggested that these might be considered continuous rather than dichotomous dimensions. Several possible implications for genetic studies of schizophrenia are discussed.
The Effect of Varying Levels of Depressive Symptoms on Mindfulness Acquisition: An Exploratory Study

Research and clinical theory increasingly suggest that mindfulness may be an effective clinical intervention for a myriad of mental illnesses. However, there is debate in the field as to whether or not mindfulness-based programs may be beneficial for treatment of active depression. Those cautioning against the use of mindfulness-based programs suggest that the cognitive demands of a meditation practice may be too difficult for those with acute depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether differences exist between individuals with varying levels of depressive symptoms in the ability to acquire mindfulness skills. Data come from a two-week, longitudinal study in which undergraduates, with a range of depressive symptoms, engaged in a breath-focused mindfulness exercise every other day. Self-reported trait mindfulness, state mindfulness, depressive symptoms, rumination, and sleep quality were measured at various time points over the two-week study period. Multilevel modeling was used for main analyses. Results suggest individuals with more acute, depressive symptoms may be able to successfully acquire trait mindfulness skills, as well as receive an adjunctive benefit such as a reduction in depressive symptoms over time, and reduced rumination and increased sleep quality. Limitations and future directions are addressed.
Reconciling the signal and noise of atmospheric warming on decadal timescales

Abstract. Interactions between externally forced and internally generated climate variations on decadal timescales is a major determinant of changing climate risk. Severe testing is applied to observed global and regional surface and satellite temperatures and modelled surface temperatures to determine whether these interactions are independent, as in the traditional signal-to-noise model, or whether they interact, resulting in step-like warming. The multistep bivariate test is used to detect step changes in temperature data. The resulting data are then subject to six tests designed to distinguish between the two statistical hypotheses, hstep and htrend. Test 1: since the mid-20th century, most observed warming has taken place in four events: in 1979/80 and 1997/98 at the global scale, 1988/89 in the Northern Hemisphere and 1968–70 in the Southern Hemisphere. Temperature is more step-like than trend-like on a regional basis. Satellite temperature is more step-like than surface temperature. Warming from internal trends is less than 40 % of the total for four of five global records tested (1880–2013/14). Test 2: correlations between step-change frequency in observations and models (1880–2005) are 0.32 (CMIP3) and 0.34 (CMIP5). For the period 1950–2005, grouping selected events (1963/64, 1968–70, 1976/77, 1979/80, 1987/88 and 1996–98), the correlation increases to 0.78. Test 3: steps and shifts (steps minus internal trends) from a 107-member climate model ensemble (2006–2095) explain total warming and equilibrium climate sensitivity better than internal trends. Test 4: in three regions tested, the change between stationary and non-stationary temperatures is step-like and attributable to external forcing. Test 5: step-like changes are also present in tide gauge observations, rainfall, ocean heat content and related variables. Test 6: across a selection of tests, a simple stepladder model better represents the internal structures of warming than a simple trend, providing strong evidence that the climate system is exhibiting complex system behaviour on decadal timescales. This model indicates that in situ warming of the atmosphere does not occur; instead, a store-and-release mechanism from the ocean to the atmosphere is proposed. It is physically plausible and theoretically sound. The presence of step-like – rather than gradual – warming is important information for characterising and managing future climate risk.
Effects of short flexible seagrass Zostera noltei on flow, erosion and deposition processes determined using flume experiments

Innovative flume experiments were conducted in a recirculating straight flume. Zostera noltei meadows were sampled in their natural bed sediments in the field at contrasting stages of their seasonal growth. The aims of this study were: (i) to quantify the combined effects of leaf flexibility and development characteristics of Zostera noltei canopies on their interaction with hydrodynamics; and (ii) to quantify the role of Zostera noltei meadows in suspended sediment trapping and bed sediment resuspension related with changes in hydrodynamic forcing caused by the seasonal development of seagrasses. Velocity within the canopy was significantly damped. The attenuation in velocity ranged from 34 to 87% compared with bare sediments and was associated with a density threshold resulting from the flow‐induced canopy reconfiguration. The reduction in flow was higher in dense canopies at higher velocities than in less dense canopies, in which the reduction in flow was greater at low velocities. These contrasted results can be explained by competition between a rough‐wall boundary layer caused by the bed and a shear layer caused by the canopy. The velocity attenuation was associated with a two to three‐fold increase in bottom shear stress compared with unvegetated sediment. Despite the increase in near‐bed turbulence, protection of the sediment against erosion increased under a fully developed meadow, while sediment properties were found to be the main factor controlling erosion in a less developed meadow. Deposition fluxes were higher on the vegetated bed than on bare sediments, and these fluxes increased with leaf density. Fewer freshly deposited sediments were resuspended in vegetated beds, resulting in an increase in net sediment deposition with meadow growth. However, in the case of a very high leaf area index, sediment was mostly deposited on leaves, which facilitated subsequent resuspension and resulted in less efficient sediment trapping than in the less developed meadow.
A Word on Words in Words: How Do Embedded Words Affect Reading?

A surprisingly small portion of reading research has been dedicated to investigating how the visual word recognition process is influenced by embedded words (e.g., ‘arm’ in ‘charm’), and no research has yet investigated embedded words in a natural reading setting. Covering this issue, the present work reports analyses of eye-tracking data from the GECO bilingual book reading corpus. Word viewing times were analyzed as a function of the number, frequency and proportional length of embedded words. We anticipated two scenarios: embedded words would either facilitate processing due to increased word-letter feedback, or inhibit processing due to increased lexical competition. A main facilitatory effect of embedded words on the recognition process was established, with an increasing number of embedded words resulting in shorter word viewing times and fewer fixations. This pattern was depicted by readers of Dutch as well as readers of English. Long, high-frequency embedded words formed an exception however, as these led to inhibition (Dutch participants) or a null-effect (English participants). The present results indicate that both scenarios outlined above are at play, but with a theoretical constraint on the role of word-to-word inhibitory connections. Specifically, such connections may predominantly exist among words of similar length. Hence, embedded words generally facilitate processing through word-letter feedback, but this facilitatory effect is countered by word-to-word inhibition if the embedded word’s length approximates that of its superset.
Transport properties and noise in CMR manganites

A fundamental interest in the mixed-valence manganese perovskites arises from their strongly spin-dependent conductivity and pronounced manifestations of phase separation. In this work La0.82Ca0. 18MnO3 was studied using the current bias and observing the voltage fluctuations, which showed 1/f spectra. Noise measurements are known to provide a unique tool for investigating the dynamics of solid state system. The noise intensity seen under changing temperature follows the resistivity evolution suggesting that the resistivity fluctuations constitute a fixed fraction of the resistivity independently of the dissipation mechanism. Current dependence of the noise follows I behavior expected for the equilibrium resistivity fluctuations was observed at various temperatures, except 79 K where a behavior follows the different pattern. The non-equilibrium noise appears with intensity decreasing with increasing bias. The results of the noise data are presenting and discussed in this work interpreted in terms of bias dependent multistep indirect tunneling mechanism.
Political Uncertainty and Household Savings

Despite macroeconomic evidence pointing to a negative aggregate consumption response due to political uncertainty, few papers have used microeconomic panel data to analyze how households adjust their consumption after an uncertainty shock. We study household savings and expenditure adjustment from an unexpected, large-scale and rapidly evolving political shock that occurred largely in May 1989 in Beijing, China. Using monthly micro panel data, we present evidence that a surge in political uncertainty resulted in significant temporary increases in savings among urban households in China. Households responded mainly by reducing semi-durable expenditure and frequency of major durable adjustment. The uncertainty effect is more pronounced among older, wealthier, and more socially advantaged households. We interpret our findings using existing models of precautionary behavior. By focusing on time variation in uncertainty, our identification strategy avoids many of the potential problems in empirical studies of precautionary savings such as self-selection and life-cycle effects.
The transcriptome of corona radiata cells from individual MII oocytes that after ICSI developed to embryos selected for transfer Wissing

Background: Corona radiata cells (CRCs) refer to the fraction of cumulus cells just adjacent to the oocyte. The CRCs are closely connected to the oocyte throughout maturation and their gene expression profiles might reflect oocyte quality. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility. It is controversial whether PCOS associate with diminished oocyte quality. The purpose of this study was to compare individual human CRC samples between PCOS patients and controls. Methods: All patients were stimulated by the long gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol. The CRC samples originated from individual oocytes developing into embryos selected for transfer. CRCs were isolated in a two-step denudation procedure, separating outer cumulus cells from the inner CRCs. Extracted RNA was amplified and transcriptome profiling was performed with Human Agilent® arrays. Results: The transcriptomes of CRCs showed no individual genes with significant differential expression between PCOS and controls, but gene set enrichment analysis identified several cell cycleand DNA replication pathways overexpressed in PCOS CRCs (FDR < 0.05). Five of the genes contributing to the up-regulated cell cycle pathways in the PCOS CRCs were selected for qRT-PCR validation in ten PCOS and ten control CRC samples. qRT-PCR confirmed significant up-regulation in PCOS CRCs of cell cycle progression genes HIST1H4C (FC = 2.7), UBE2C (FC = 2.6) and cell cycle related transcription factor E2F4 (FC = 2.5). Conclusion: The overexpression of cell cycle-related genes and cell cycle pathways in PCOS CRCs could indicate a disturbed or delayed final maturation and differentiation of the CRCs in response to the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) surge. However, this had no effect on the in vitro development of the corresponding embryos. Future studies are needed to clarify whether the up-regulated cell cycle pathways in PCOS CRCs have any clinical implications.