Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Survey on Mobile Crowdsensing Systems: Challenges, Solutions, and Opportunities

Mobile crowdsensing (MCS) has gained significant attention in recent years and has become an appealing paradigm for urban sensing. For data collection, MCS systems rely on contribution from mobile devices of a large number of participants or a crowd. Smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices are deployed widely and already equipped with a rich set of sensors, making them an excellent source of information. Mobility and intelligence of humans guarantee higher coverage and better context awareness if compared to traditional sensor networks. At the same time, individuals may be reluctant to share data for privacy concerns. For this reason, MCS frameworks are specifically designed to include incentive mechanisms and address privacy concerns. Despite the growing interest in the research community, MCS solutions need a deeper investigation and categorization on many aspects that span from sensing and communication to system management and data storage. In this paper, we take the research on MCS a step further by presenting a survey on existing works in the domain and propose a detailed taxonomy to shed light on the current landscape and classify applications, methodologies, and architectures. Our objective is not only to analyze and consolidate past research but also to outline potential future research directions and synergies with other research areas.
A 1.6MHz Swing-Boosted Relaxation Oscillator with ±0.15%/V 23.4ppm/°C Frequency Inaccuracy using Voltage-to-Delay Feedback

This paper presents a relaxation oscillator for on-chip clock reference or sensor interface application. To improve the frequency stability over temperature and supply variations, a voltage-to-delay feedback is proposed to compensate the circuit delay variation. In addition, a switch-capacitor swing boosting (SCSB) circuit is proposed to enhance the output swing for phase noise reduction. Implemented in 0.18-μm CMOS process, the proposed oscillator shows a 1.6MHz output frequency, with low frequency inaccuracy of 23.4ppm/°C across 0°C–90°C and ±0.15%/V over 1.2V–1.52V. The measured phase noise is −118.6dBc/Hz at 100kHz offset, corresponding to 156dBc/Hz FOM. The oscillator consumes 51. 4μW under 1.3V supply voltage.
Performances of VITEK 2 Colorimetric Cards for Identification of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the new VITEK 2 identification cards that use colorimetric reading to identify gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (GP and GN cards, respectively) in comparison to fluorimetric cards (ID-GPC and ID-GNB, respectively). A total of 580 clinical isolates and stock collection strains belonging to 116 taxa were included in the study. Of the 249 gram-positive strains tested with both the ID-GPC and GP cards, 218 (87.5%) and 235 (94.4%) strains were correctly identified (to the genus and species level), respectively. Of the 331 gram-negative strains tested with the ID-GNB and GN cards, 295 (89.1%) and 321 (97%) strains were correctly identified, respectively. Another focus of the study was to apply the percentages of correct identifications obtained in this study to the list of bacteria isolated in our laboratory (32,739 isolates) in the year 2004. We obtained 97.9% correct identifications with the colorimetric cards and 93.9% with fluorescent cards.
Evaluating the Carotid Plaque: Going beyond Stenosis

Background: Carotid disease is an important cause of ischemic stroke. Traditionally, therapeutic efforts in carotid disease have been aimed at identifying carotid stenosis in symptomatic patients and treating high-grade stenosis. New research suggests that identifying the vulnerable plaque in symptomatic or asymptomatic patients may be a more rational approach for the prevention of ischemic events. Methods: The author reviews some key references on identification of the vulnerable carotid plaque using different imaging modalities and using biochemical markers. The potential applications of such tools are discussed. Results: Carotid ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance angiography can help identify plaque features associated with the so-called vulnerable plaque. Carotid ultrasound is the most widely studied modality and the easiest to perform and interpret. Concomitant measurement of serum biochemical markers associated with atherosclerosis, inflammation, and thrombosis may help identify the vulnerable carotid plaque. Conclusions: A multimodal approach to studying the carotid plaque appears to be a promising tool in identifying vulnerable carotid plaques. The current literature suggests that in addition to the degree of stenosis other imaging and biochemical findings have important clinical significance.
Film Subtitles as a Successful Vocabulary Learning Tool

Films are a valuable source of authentic language material, but what makes them superior to other types of authentic materials is the existence of a full storyline which leads to the increased engagement of the viewer. Despite the fact that teachers intuitively know this particular activity which may enhance language learning there is little research that has sought to thoroughly examine its potential impact on vocabulary acquisition and retention. While most studies conclude that the type of subtitling is an important factor influencing vocabulary learning; defining which particular type of subtitling is most effective seems difficult to determine and results in this area are somewhat inconclusive. Further research is, therefore, necessary to determine which type of subtitling would lead to optimum results in vocabulary acquisition and retention.
Optimism and distress tolerance in the social adjustment of nurses: examining resilience as a mediator and gender as a moderator

Background As nursing is recognised as one of the most stressful occupations in healthcare organisations, nurses are vulnerable to adjustment challenges. Aims The authors examine the association between optimism, distress tolerance and social adjustment through the mediating role of resilience and the moderating role of gender among Iranian nurses. Methods The sample consisted of 183 nurses working in six private hospitals in Iran. The authors employed structural equation modelling to test a moderation–mediation model of social adjustment. Results Findings reveal that: (a) resilience partially mediates the association between distress tolerance and social adjustment and the link between optimism and social adjustment – nurses with high levels of optimism and distress tolerance are significantly more likely to report greater resilience and subsequently report higher social adjustment; and (b) gender plays a moderating role in the model – women reported higher levels of optimism and lower levels of both resilience and distress tolerance than men. However, men reported higher levels of both distress tolerance and resilience as well as better social adjustment in comparison to female nurses. Conclusions The promotion of resilience may contribute to increased social adjustment, optimism and distress tolerance at work.
Surgery of Idiopathic Malleus Fixation

Objective: To describe and compare 2 different surgical techniques used in treatment of malleus fixation syndrome. Study Design: A retrospective study including 24 patients (25 ears). In 11 of them, the attical fixation was removed via a transmastoid approach without disruption of the ossicular chain. In 14 patients, an ossiculoplasty was performed via a transcanal approach; the malleus head was removed with the incus, and the ossicular chain was reconstructed either by incus interposition (9 cases) or by using a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (5 cases). The hearing results were analyzed according to the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium Guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Results: In the group of attical fixation removed via a transmastoid approach, the preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) attained 25.2 dB, and the postoperative ABG at 1 year follow-up was 9.1 dB. In the group of ossiculoplasty, the average preoperative ABG reached 26.5 dB, and the postoperative ABG at 1-year follow-up was 8.2 dB. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.79) between the 2 surgical techniques used to improve hearing in malleus head fixation.
Feasibility and safety of magnetic-controlled capsule endoscopy system in examination of human stomach: a pilot study in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility and safety of magnetic-controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE) system for examination of human stomach. METHODS This pilot study enrolled 34 healthy volunteers. All subjects swallowed the MCE and gas-producing powder for gastric distention. An external robot was used to generate magnetic field to manipulate MCE inside the stomach. The primary measurements included safety, gastric preparation, maneuverability and visualization of gastric mucosa. RESULTS Gastric preparation and examination was well accepted by subjects and there were no adverse events. The examination in the stomach takes 43.8±10.0min (27-60). The cleanliness was evaluated as good in the 30 (88.2%) subjects and as moderate in 4 (11.8%) subjects. The distention of gastric cavity was evaluated as good in the 29 (85.3%) subjects and moderate in 5 (14.7%) subjects. Maneuverability of the MCE to movements of the guidance magnet robot was graded as good in 29 (85.3%) subjects and moderate in 5 (14.7%) subjects. More than 75% gastric mucosa was visualized in 27 (79.4%) subjects and 50% to 75% in 7 (20.6%) subjects. Visualization of the gastric cardia, fundus, body, angulus, antrum and pylorus was subjectively assessed as complete in 82.4%, 85.3%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 100.0%, respectively. Polyp and erosive lesions were found in 7 subjects. CONCLUSION Magnetic-controlled capsule endoscopy used for examination of the human stomach is feasible and safe.
Experience and Interaction in Teaching Escalation

This paper explores the use and integration of experiential learning into the problem-based learning (PBL) approach enhanced by interactive multimedia in the teaching of project management. A specific emphasis is placed on failing situations and the way in which this should be taught to students. Experiential learning places the emphasis on active participation, interactive and applied learning in a real situation. PBL places the emphasis on a real-world problem that is presented as the starting-point for the learning experience. The combined effect these concepts have on the learning experience is outlined in a framework called PIE. The conclusions drawn in the paper are the following: the combination of PBL, interactive multimedia and experiential learning will support and enhance teaching about escalation situations.
Maternal Depressive Symptoms, Employment, and Social Support

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms and employment and whether it is mediated by social support. Methods: We used data from a nationally representative sample of 700 US women who gave birth in 2005 and completed 2 surveys in the Listening to Mothers series, the first in early 2006, an average of 7.3 months postpartum, and the second an average of 13.4 months postpartum. A dichotomous measure of depressive symptoms was calculated from the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and women reported their employment status and levels of social support from partners and others. We modeled the association between maternal employment and depressive symptoms using multivariate logistic regression, including social support and other control variables. Results: Maternal employment and high support from a nonpartner source were both independently associated with significantly lower odds of depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.35 and P = .011, and AOR, 0.40, P = .011, respectively). These relationships remained significant after controlling for mothers' baseline mental and physical health, babies' health, and demographic characteristics (AOR, 0.326 and P = .015, and AOR, 0.267 and P = .025, respectively). Conclusions: Maternal employment and strong social support, particularly nonpartner support, were independently associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Clinicians should encourage mothers of young children who are at risk for depression to consider ways to optimize their employment circumstances and “other” social support.
Comparison of methods for the determination of selenium in biological fluids.

Three methods for the determination of selenium in biological fluid samples have been compared: acid decomposition fluorimetry, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry and electrothermal atomisation atomic absorption spectrometry. All three methods were used to determine selenium in plasma samples and the hydride generation and fluorimetric methods were also used to determine selenium in water, haemodialysis fluid, urine and whole blood samples. There was no difference between the means of any of the methods and the over-all correlation coefficient for hydride generation versus fluorimetry methods was 0.97. All methods gave accurate results for the certified materials analysed.
Characterization and NMR Solution Structure of a Novel Cyclic Pentapeptide Inhibitor of Pathogenic Hantaviruses

Hantavirus‐induced diseases such as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome are a global health concern. Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome caused by Sin Nombre virus lacks specific therapy and its high mortality makes Sin Nombre virus a potential bioweapon agent. Sin Nombre virus entry into susceptible cells requires expression of αvβ3 integrin. We recently reported the sequence of a cyclic nonapeptide that inhibited Sin Nombre virus entry into Vero E6 cells at a level comparable to ReoPro, a Fab fragment of the anti‐β3 antibody c7E3. Here, we refine the parental peptide, cyclo‐[CPFVKTQLC], using alanine scanning and amino acid deletions, by optimizing for viral inhibition. The IC50 of the resulting peptide, cyclo‐[CPFVC], was 267 μm compared with 263 μm for the parental peptide. The solution structure of cyclo‐[CPFVC] was determined by two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, revealing the Phe ring in an extended conformation stacked against the Pro ring and containing a β‐turn encompassing Val‐4 through Cys‐1. As an initial step in identifying interactions between cyclo‐[CPFVC] and its target cellular receptor, the refined peptide structure was docked into the ReoPro binding site of integrin β3. This structure will provide the basis for designing more potent peptidomimetic therapeutics to prevent Sin Nombre virus entry and treat hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome.
The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: design and baseline description of the participants.

BACKGROUND The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) seeks to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical ocular hypotensive medication in preventing or delaying the onset of visual field loss and/or optic nerve damage in subjects with ocular hypertension at moderate risk for developing primary open angle glaucoma. OBJECTIVE To describe the study protocol, the questions to be answered, and the baseline characteristics of the subjects. DESIGN Multicenter randomized clinical trial with 2 groups: topical ocular hypotensive medication and close observation. SETTING Subjects were enrolled and evaluated at 22 participating clinical centers. Visual fields and stereoscopic optic disc photographs were read in masked fashion. METHODS We determined eligibility from a comprehensive eye examination, medical and ocular history, visual field testing, and stereoscopic optic disc photography. RESULTS We describe the baseline characteristics of 1637 subjects randomized between February 28, 1994, and October 31, 1996. The mean age was 55 years; 56.9% of the subjects were women; and 25% were African American. The baseline intraocular pressure was 24.9 +/- 2.7 mm Hg (mean +/- SD). Systemic diseases and conditions reported by subjects included previous use of medication for ocular hypertension, 37%; systemic hypertension, 38%; cardiovascular disease, 6%; diabetes mellitus, 12%; and family history of glaucoma, 44%. The mean horizontal cup-disc ratio by contour estimated from stereophotography was 0.36 +/- 0.18. Qualifying Humphrey 30-2 visual fields had to be normal and reliable for entry into the study. Health-related quality of life (36-item short form health survey) scores in the OHTS sample were better than the age- and sex-matched population norms. African American subjects had larger baseline cup-disc ratios and higher reported rates of elevated blood pressure and diabetes than the rest of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS The intraocular pressure among enrolled subjects was sufficiently high to provide an adequate test of the potential benefit of ocular hypotensive medication in preventing or delaying glaucomatous damage. The large number of African American subjects enrolled should provide a good estimate of the African American response to topical medication.
Influence of a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern on Body Fat Distribution: Results of the PREDIMED–Canarias Intervention Randomized Trial

Objective: To assess the influence of a Mediterranean dietary pattern (MeDiet) on anthropometric and body composition parameters in one of the centers of the PREDIMED randomized dietary trial. Subjects/Settings: 351 Canarian free-living subjects aged 55 to 80 years, with type 2 diabetes or ≥3 cardiovascular risk factors. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to one of 3 different dietary interventions: MeDiet + extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), MeDiet + nuts (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts), or a control low-fat diet. Total energy intake was ad libitum. Outcome measures: Measures included changes in anthropometric measures (weight, body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]), body fat distribution, energy, and nutrient intake after 1 year. Body composition (percentage of total body fat [%TBF], total fat mass [TFM], free fat mass [FFM], percentage of truncal fat [%TrF], truncal fat mass [TrFM]) and total body water (TBW) were estimated by octapolar electrical impedance analysis. Statistical analyses: Paired t tests were conducted to assess within-group changes. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to assess the effect of the dietary intervention on the percentage change in anthropometric variables, body composition, and dietary intake profile. All pairwise comparisons that were statistically significant in ANOVA were subsequently adjusted using the Benjamini-Hochberg test, which penalizes for multiple comparisons. Results: After 1 year of intervention, significant within-group reductions in all anthropometric variables were observed for the MeDiet + EVOO and the control group. The MeDiet + nuts group exhibited a significant reduction in WC and TBW. The control group showed a significant increase in %TBF and a reduction in TBW. The control group showed a significant increase in the percentage of total body fat and a reduction in TBW. However, we did not find any between-group significant difference in anthropometric or body composition changes. Conclusions: Mediterranean diets enriched with EVOO or specific mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts) that contain approximately 40% total fat can be alternative options to low-fat diets for weight maintenance regimes in older overweight or obese adults.
APPLE TREES YIELDING AND FRUIT QUALITY DEPENDING ON THE CROP LOAD, BRANCH TYPE AND POSITION IN THE CROWN

The study was conducted from 2013 to 2015 on 10–13-year-old apple trees cv. ‘Szampion’ (M.9. rootstock) in experimental orchard of Department of Pomology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin. On the trees intensively flowering in 2013, the thinning treatments were performed as follows: thinning at the pink bud stage to the 50% of flower clusters leaving only a king flower in the remaining flower clusters; thinning at the pink bud stage to the 50% of flower clusters leaving only one lateral flower in the remaining flower clusters, thinning 4 weeks after full bloom to the 50% of fruit clusters leaving only a fruit from king flower in the remaining fruit clusters, thinning 4 weeks after full bloom to the 50% of fruit clusters leaving only one fruit from lateral flower in the remaining fruit clusters. Intensively flowering control trees in 2013 and poorly flowering trees in 2013 were left unthinned. The best results in terms of regularity of yielding and high-quality fruits after thinning at pink bud stage to king flower, were obtained. The largest fluctuations in yields were observed with the control tree that flowered poorly in the beginning of the study. It was found that the cultivar ‘Szampion’ is characterized by equal distribution of fruits in lower and middle parts of crown, however in the top of crown, the amount of fruits is significantly lower. Apples with the largest mean fruit weight were from spurs on wood older than two years. However the best flesh firmness, soluble solids and dry matter content was detected in fruits from brindles.
[Genetic subtype and epidemiological feature of HIV-1 circulating strains among recently infected patients in Fujian province].

OBJECTIVE In order to evaluate the distribution of genetic subtypes and epidemiological feature of HIV-1 circulating strains in Fujian province. METHODS Blood samples and epidemiological data were collected from 104 newly infected patients who were distinguished by BED-CEIA methodology, during 2011-2012. Viral sequences(n = 81) of HIV-1 gag, env, and pol segments were amplified by nested PCR. RESULTS Subtypes B and four Circulating Recombinant Forms, (CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, CRF08_BC and CRF55_01B) were found in the samples, CRF01_AE(45.68%)and CRF07_BC(35.80%) were the two main HIV-1 strains in Fujian province. Compared with previous data, the proportion of CRF07_BC rose significantly while it gradually decreased in CRF01_AE. Heterosexual contact was still the principal transmission route in Fujian province, but the number of infection among men-who-have-sex-with- men grew rapidly. CONCLUSION Results from this study suggested that different subtypes of HIV-1 strain existed in Fujian province. The distribution of subtypes and the mode of transmission were changing with the progress of epidemic. Dynamic monitoring of the molecular epidemiology trends of HIV-1 infection should be enhanced.
Impact of antiretroviral therapy on the incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma in resource-rich and resource-limited settings

Purpose of review Given the recent availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings and the significant burden exacted by Kaposi's sarcoma in these areas, we reviewed data regarding the impact of ART on Kaposi's sarcoma incidence. We summarized the sizeable literature in resource-rich settings as well as emerging data from resource-limited regions. Importantly, we delineated ways impact can be defined, including individual patient-level effectiveness; population-level effectiveness; change in population-level incidence; and residual risk of Kaposi's sarcoma. Recent findings In resource-rich settings, there are now ample data demonstrating beneficial individual patient-level and population-level effects of ART on Kaposi's sarcoma incidence. There is, however, considerable variability between studies and important methodologic shortcomings. Data from resource-limited settings are much more limited; although they preliminarily indicate individual patient-level effectiveness, they do not yet provide insight on population-level effects. Summary ART has had a substantial impact on Kaposi's sarcoma incidence in resource-rich settings, but more attention is needed on validly quantifying this effect in order to determine whether additional interventions are needed. Emerging data from resource-limited regions also suggest beneficial impact of ART on Kaposi's sarcoma incidence, but – given the scope of Kaposi's sarcoma in these settings – more data are needed to understand the breadth and magnitude of the effect.