Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an electronic nose to assess fruit ripeness

The main goal of our study was to see whether an artificial olfactory system can be used as a nondestructive instrument to measure fruit maturity. In order to make an objective comparison, samples measured with our electronic nose prototype were later characterized using fruit quality techniques. The cultivars chosen for the study were peaches, nectarines, apples, and pears. With peaches and nectarines, a PCA analysis on the electronic nose measurements helped to guess optimal harvest dates that were in good agreement with the ones obtained with fruit quality techniques. A good correlation between sensor signals and some fruit quality indicators was also found. With pears, the study addressed the possibility of classifying samples regarding their ripeness state after different cold storage and shelf-life periods. A PCA analysis showed good separation between samples measured after a shelf-life period of seven days and samples with four or less days. Finally, the electronic nose monitored the shelf-life ripening of apples. A good correlation between electronic nose signals and firmness, starch index, and acidity parameters was found. These results prove that electronic noses have the potential of becoming a reliable instrument to assess fruit ripeness.
AN ANALYSIS OF NASAL RESPONSES AFTER HOUSE DUST MITES CHALLENGE IN PERENNIAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS

The nasal allergen challenge has been widely used in studying allergic rhinitis. A number of factors and limitations are involved, however, they are rarely reported in perennial allergic rhinitis patients. This report is a sub-analysis from our routine challenges of 44 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, who are allergic to house dust mites-the most common allergen in Thailand. We described the subjective and objective (i.e. rhinomanometry) responses after house dust mite provo- cation and addressed the factors involved in nasal responses. The patients underwent a serial challenge with mixtures of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae by the disc method. The discs were placed bilaterally at 10-min intervals onto nasal mucosa. Just before the next provo- cation, the individual symptoms, total symptom score, and nasal airway resistance were assessed. All symptoms, nasal airway resistance and nasal airflow were altered in a dose-dependent manner. The concentration that produced significant discrepancy from the baseline was 50 AU/mL for congestion and pruritus, and 100 AU/mL for rhinorrhea and sneezing. Clinical symptoms following the allergen challenge increased in accordance with wheal size to the antigens, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in particular (p=0.03) and disease severity (p=0.03). Increase in nasal airway resistance agreed with the congestion score (p=0.001), total nasal symptoms score (p=0.008), skin reactivity (p<0.001), and disease severity (p=0.02). In this study, the complete nasal obstruction led to 19 (7.4%) immeasurable resistance data in 11 patients (25.6%), especially, at 1,000 and 5,000 AU/mL. No serious adverse events were noticed.
Modern Family Planning Utilization and Associated Factors among HIV Positive Reproductive Age Women in Debre Markos Referral Hospital Northwest Ethiopia, 2014 G.C.

The study was conducted to find out modern family planning utilization and associated factor among HIV positive reproductive age women attending anti retroviral treatment care in Debremarkos referral hospital, in Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was carried out. Three hundred thirty five HIV positive reproductive age women were selected using systematic random sampling methods. Data were collected and analyzed. About 47.9% HIV positive reproductive age women are currently using modern family planning methods. Level of education has significant effect on utilization of modern family planning methods. Women with primary education and secondary education and above are utilizing modern family planning methods 2.71 times and 6.91 times more from non educated women, respectively. Number of children has also effect in utilization of modern family planning methods. Those who have one child and two and more children are utilizing modern family planning methods 5.31 and 11.66 times more than those who do not have children, respectively. Utilization of modern family planning methods was low and the most commonly used methods were condom and inject able contraceptives. In order to enhance utilization of modern family planning methods for HIV positive women, family planning services must be integrated with anti retro viral treatment care and support service sites and women’s educational status must be improved.
Inhaled foreign bodies in pediatric patients : a review and analysis of 3028 cases

Objective: Tracheobronchial foreign bodies (TFBs) in children are one of the most universal pediatric emergencies. It is very important to know how to reduce the incidence of serious complications and mortality during the management of TFBs. The study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and management of TFBs in 3028 cases. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3028 patients [1745 males (57.63%) and 1283 females (42.37%)] with TFBs who underwent rigid bronchoscopy between 1985 and 2015 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Overall, there were 2875 patients (94.95%) aged 0-4 years, and 153 (5.05%) aged 4-14 years. The location and type of foreign bodies (FBs), clinical manifestations, diagnosis, complications, anesthesia methods and outcome were included in this analysis. Results: The most common FBs in the airway were peanuts in 2530 patients which accounted for 83.55%. FBs were located at the trachea in 334 cases (11.03%), at the right bronchial tree in 1703 patients (56.24%), at the left bronchial tree in 974 cases (32.17%), at bilateral bronchial trees in 15 cases (0.50%), and at glottal area in 2 cases (0.07%). Tracheotomy was performed in 4 patients. Four patients (0.31%) died. Conclusions: Rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia combined with adequate surface anesthesia of local mucosa is a very safe and effective way in the management of foreign bodies. The procedure of rigid bronchoscopy should be carried out by skilled ENT specialists and anesthetists to reduce the incidence of serious complications.
Magnetic fines from the Kaali impact-site (Holocene, Estonia) : Preliminary SEM investigation

The Kaali crater field (1 sq. kilometre, 9 craters) offers a unique opportunity to recover large amounts of magnetic fines still partly preserved from late-stage weathering. SEM studies of these materials reveal an unusually wide spectrum of derivatives from the initial iron meteorite body, including minor amounts of unmelted metal fragments, and an abundance of more evolved products resulting from primary oxidation processes. Most of these products are sprays and splashes of liquid iron oxides, and some particles may be ascribed to oxide condensates from a vapor phase, as a result of both atmospheric ablation and vaporization upon impact. This wide range reflects varied impact conditions, due to variable masses and velocities of fragments after atmospheric disruption of the original meteoritic body. The large spectrum of magnetic fines from Kaali should provide an excellent probe into the chemical- and isotopic-fractionation of elements over a range of impact processes, from atmospheric entry to post-impact alteration. Magnetic fines from other sites of multiple impacts may have the same potential, and deserve more systematic attention.
Pixel level fusion for multiple SAR images using PCA and wavelet transform

This paper investigates pixel level fusion techniques of SAR image at different polarizations or different frequencies. Three approaches to SAR image fusion: 1) the principal component analysis (PCA), 2) the wavelet transform fusion technique, and 3) the combined approach of PCA and wavelet are investigated and tested. Test results show that the combined approach of PCA and wavelet as being proposed in this paper is more effective than the other two algorithms. It enhances spatial detail information of the fused image largely and suppresses the speckle noise well
Biomarkers for Cancers of the Head and Neck

Head and neck cancer is a broad term used to describe malignancies that arise in the nasal and oral cavities, pharynx and larynx, as well as the paranasal sinuses. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affects the squamous epithelium of the oral cavity, tongue and oropharynx, excluding the nasopharynx. Recent advances in molecular technology, including gene expression and proteomic profiling appear to offer the potential for the development of specific biomarkers including diagnostic tools which may act as an aid to guide therapy for this malignancy. The other human head and neck cancer included in this review, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy derived from the undifferentiated epithelium of the nasopharyngeal cavity, and is considered here as a separate entity because its strong association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) presents the opportunity for the development of virus related and unrelated biomarkers. In particular, IgA antibodies to EBV and high levels of EBV DNA in serum samples of NPC patients have been recorded. This review aims to summarize some current and also potential new biomarkers that could be used for screening, diagnosis, monitoring and prognostic prediction for cancers of the head and neck, including NPC and HNSCC.
Improvement of xylanase production by Cochliobolus sativus in submerged culture.

The xylanase production by a new Cochliobolus sativus Cs5 strain was improved under submerged fermentation. The xylanase was induced by xylan and repressed by glucose, sucrose, maltose, xylose, starch and cellulose. Highest enzyme production (98.25 IU/mL) was recorded when wheat straw (4 % by mass per volume) was used as a carbon source after 120 h of incubation. NaNO3 increased xylanase production 5.4-fold as compared to the control. Optimum initial pH was found to be 4.5 to 5. The C. sativus Cs5 strain grown under submerged culture in a simple medium proved to be a promising microorganism for xylanase production.
The Effect of Biodiesel and Bioethanol Blended Diesel Fuel on the Performance and Emission Characteristics of a Direct Injection Diesel Engine

3 Abstract: History has seen fuel innovations being driven majorly by transportatio n needs rather than the overall need to revolutionize the energy needs of the society. Biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol are now receiving the impetus required for becoming a fuel source for the future. One of the ways to reduce the dependence on fossil diesel is the blending of bioethanol with conventional diesel. However, an emulsifier or a co-solvent is required to stabilize the blend. The ricebran oil biodiesel offers an alternative application as an emulsifier for diesel-ethanol blends to form diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends. In the present study the rice bran oil biodiesel was used in different ways such as pure biodiesel, blending with diesel and diesel- ethanol blends. The performance and emission characteristics of a direct injection (DI) diesel engine when fuelled with conventional diesel fuel, pure biodiesel, a blend of diesel and biodiesel and three blends of diesel- biodiesel-ethanol were studied over the entire range of load on the engine. The experimental results showed that the highest brake thermal efficiency was observed with 30% ethanol in diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends. The exhaust gas temperature and sound reduced with the increase of ethanol percentage in diesel-biodiesel- ethanol blends. The Carbon monoxide, smoke, exhaust gas temperature and sound reduced with the increase of ethanol percentage in diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends. The minimum values of Carbon monoxides, smoke, exhaust gas temperature and sound intensity were observed with the blend BE30 and were respectively 41.23%, 14.5%, 0.57% and 11.53% lower than that of the diesel fuel. The Oxides of nitrogen and carbon dioxide emissions increased with the increased percentage of ethanol in diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends. The hydrocarbon emissions increased with ethanol but lower than that of the diesel fuel by a maximum of 35.35% with 10% ethanol in diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blend. The blending of 20% biodiesel into diesel-ethanol blends allowed higher percentage (30%) of ethanol mixing with diesel, increased the brake thermal efficiency and reduced the carbon monoxide, sound, hydrocarbons and smoke than that of the diesel fuel. So the rice bran oil biodiesel can be used as an emulsifier to mix higher percentage of ethanol with fossil diesel to improve the performance and reduce the emissions of a diesel engine.
Conversation map: an educational strategy in the care of elderly people with diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE To report the experience of using diabetes conversation maps as an educational strategy for diabetic elderly people. METHOD Experience report, conducted from July to December 2016 in a specialized outpatient clinic for diabetics, in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. A total of 72 users participated, between diabetics and those accompanying them. RESULTS The participants talked about issues that were not addressed in personal consultations, and could see themselves through the stories of others, thus realizing they were not alone and that others also experienced the same difficulties as them. Through empathy and the accounts of others, participants built knowledge and practices for their own daily lives. Final Considerations: The conversation map enables professionals to empower patients with diabetes, promoting self-care and ensuring better control over the disease, in order to prevent or delay the onset of related complications.
The problem of too many hypothesis tests

Research articles frequently report on several significance tests. When multiple hypothesis tests report on a single issue, the P values may not be an accurate guide to significance of a given result [1]. Whenever an investigator conducts a statistical significance test, they could make either a Type I or a Type II error (see box). The risk of making such errors is part of the hypothesis testing process, but it is generally agreed that making a Type I error is more serious than making a Type II error [2]. Normal practice dictates that the chance of making a Type I error is set before beginning the research. The chance of making a Type I error is set as = 0.05, corresponding to the P value where the null hypothesis will either be accepted or rejected. However, the chance of making a Type I error of 0.05 is for one test. But, if the number of tests increases, so does the chance of making a Type I error.
A morphometric evaluation of the humeral component in shoulder arthroplasty

Purpose: Aim of the study is to make a clinical evaluation of parameters used in prosthesis design for the humeral component applied in arthroplasty of the proximal upper extremity. Methods: In our study the plain shoulder radiographs were used of 195 (101 male, 94 female) patients aged 18-65 years (mean age, 38.8 ± 11.5 years; males 35.4 ± 11.6 years, females 42.5 ± 10.2) with soft tissue trauma, but no degenerative or structural disorder in the shoulder joint (fracture, tumour, osteoarthritis etc.). Measurements were made on the radiograph of Head Height (HH), Frontal Base Diameter of the Head (FBD), 3 points at 3 cm intervals from proximal to distal of the medullar canal at surgical neck Endosteal Diameter (ED1, ED2 and ED3 respectively), Neck-Shaft Angle (NSA) and Head- Neck Angle (HNA). Results: According to the results, in the comparison of Groups I and III except the mean values of HH and ED1 in other parameters, no statistically significant difference was determined. In the comparison of Groups II and IV except the mean values of FBD and ED1 in other parameters no statistically significant difference was determined. Conclusions: In conclusion, the success of shoulder arthroplasty is explained well by the anatomic structure and proximal humerus morphometric parameters examined in this study. In prosthesis design, the differences in age and populations should be taken.
Voltage-Controlled $C{-}V$ Response Tuning in a Parallel Plate MEMS Variable Capacitor

In a conventional parallel plate MEMS variable capacitor, the capacitance versus voltage response (C-V response) has been deterministic. In this work, the C-V response is tuned versatilely through the application of a control voltage to an additional electrode in order that the initial gap between the parallel capacitor plates is set by the control voltage. Then, the capacitor plates are lifted (capacitance decreases) as the actuation voltage applied to the levering actuator increases. In this manner, the shape of the C-V response can be controlled even after the device is fabricated. At a zero control voltage, the fabricated MEMS variable capacitor exhibited a convex shape in the C-V response (i.e., the capacitance decreases slowly in the low actuation voltage region and rapidly in the high actuation voltage region). When 3 V was applied to the control voltage, the capacitor exhibited an almost linear C-V response with a linearity factor of 0.999. At 5 V of control voltage, the C-V response changed to a relatively concave shape (i.e., the capacitance decreases rapidly in the low actuation voltage region and slowly in the high actuation voltage region). The capacitance tuning ratio of the fabricated device exceeded 120% at all control voltages. The proposed C-V response tuning capability is vital and amenable to various circuit demands.
Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Medicine 1419 Hemodynamic Effects of Lung Function Optimization in Experimental Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Santos, A. 2018. Hemodynamic Effects of Lung Function Optimization in Experimental Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Medicine 1419. 60 pp. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. ISBN 978-91-513-0210-2. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe pulmonary inflammation affecting thousands of patients every year in Sweden and has a mortality of 30-50%. Mechanical ventilation (MV) is usually necessary, but could per se augment the inflammation and contribute to mortality. MV strategies protective for the lung parenchyma have been developed but without considering the pulmonary circulation or the right heart ventricle (RV) that also are affected in ARDS. MV should ideally be optimized to protect both the lung parenchyma and the RV/pulmonary vasculature. My hypothesis was that MV that prevents alveolar collapse and overdistension, i.e., the “open lung approach (OLA)” would be optimal. The aims of this project were 1) to carefully describe the pulmonary vascular mechanics (PVM) in ARDS compared with healthy lungs, 2) to assess how different ventilatory methods influence PVM, and 3) to propose a ventilatory method that protects both lung parenchyma and circulation. In a porcine model, high fidelity pressure and flow sensors were applied directly on the main pulmonary artery to evaluate steady and oscillatory components of PVM. In this way a complete PVM description was obtained for normal and injured lungs at different MV. In particular, the effects of OLA were compared with standard MV and, in addition, with MV methods where overdistension or collapse were present. Results: 1) Compared with collapse or overdistension, OLA provided better PVM. 2) The effects on PVM of OLA and the standard protective MV were similar. 3) Early ARDS augmented the effects of pulse wave reflection on PVM leading to a situation in which the RV had to increase its work to maintain adequate blood flow. Thus, a part of this work was wasted by the effect of wave reflections, making the RV/pulmonary vasculature inefficient. 4) Tidal breathing affected PVM cyclically and this effect was enhanced in ARDS compared with healthy lungs. In conclusion, ARDS and different ventilatory methods, as well as tidal ventilation per se, affected PVM. OLA improved PVM compared with other MV settings where significant collapse and overdistension were allowed. However, OLA was not superior to standard protective MV.
The Affine Nature of Aggregate Wealth Dynamics

The paper derives a parsimonious two-component affine diffusion model for a world stock index to capture the dynamics of aggregate wealth. The observable state variables of the model are the normalized index and the inverse of the stochastic market activity, both modeled as square root processes. The square root process in market activity time for the normalized aggregate wealth emerges from the affine nature of aggregate wealth dynamics, which will be derived under basic assumptions and does not contain any parameters that have to be estimated. The proposed model employs only three well interpretable structural parameters, which determine the market activity dynamics, and three initial parameters. It is driven by the continuous, nondiversifiable uncertainty of the market and no other source of uncertainty. The model, to be valid over long time periods, needs to be formulated in a general financial modeling framework beyond the classical no-arbitrage paradigm. It reproduces a list of major stylized empirical facts, including Student-t distributed log-returns and typical volatility properties. Robust methods for fitting and simulating this model are demonstrated.
Influence of turgor on micromechanical and structural properties of apple tissue

The effect of turgor on the micromechanical properties of apples (Malus domestica cv ‘Jonagored’) and its relation to structural parameters of the cells was investigated. Mechanical measurements were carried out using a miniature tensile stage mounted under a microscope. Turgor was manipulated by soaking tissue samples in iso-, hypo- or hypertonic mannitol solutions. Samples were then subjected to tensile and compression tests, during which the deformation of the individual cells was recorded. In both tests, sigmoidal stressstrain curves were found, where stiffness increases with strain. With increasing turgor, strain at maximum stress became significantly (p<0.05) lower while stiffness increased, but no clear effect on failure stress was found. As expected, fresh apples proved to be firmer and stiffer than stored apples, while the influence of turgor was the same. Measurement of initial cell parameters (area, length, width, aspect, roundness) showed that the apples in the experiment were homogeneous, having comparable cell sizes. Manipulation of turgor did not affect initial cell parameters, but the magnitude of cell deformations was clearly influenced. Larger deformations were found in flaccid cells. Changes in length and width were closely related to strain measurements. In conformity with micromechanical parameters,