Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The creative city : a toolkit for urban innovators

Preface to 2nd Edition The Drama of Urban Change * Introduction to 2nd Edition The Creative City: Its Origins and Futures * Part I: Urban Groundshifts * Rediscovering Urban Creativity * Urban Problems, Creative Solutions * The New Thinking * Part II: The Dynamics of Urban Creativity * Creative Urban Transformations * Foundations of the Creative City * The Creative Milieu * Part III: A Conceptual Toolkit of Urban Creativity * Getting Creative Planning Started * Rediscovering Urban Creativity * Assessing and Sustaining the Creative Process * Part IV: The Creative City and Beyond * The Creative City and Beyond * Bibliography * Index
Cloud Computing Security: From Single to Multi-clouds

The use of cloud computing has increased rapidly in many organizations. Cloud computing provides many benefits in terms of low cost and accessibility of data. Ensuring the security of cloud computing is a major factor in the cloud computing environment, as users often store sensitive information with cloud storage providers but these providers may be untrusted. Dealing with "single cloud" providers is predicted to become less popular with customers due to risks of service availability failure and the possibility of malicious insiders in the single cloud. A movement towards "multi-clouds", or in other words, "interclouds" or "cloud-of-clouds" has emerged recently. This paper surveys recent research related to single and multi-cloud security and addresses possible solutions. It is found that the research into the use of multi-cloud providers to maintain security has received less attention from the research community than has the use of single clouds. This work aims to promote the use of multi-clouds due to its ability to reduce security risks that affect the cloud computing user.
A Comparison of Sexual Health History and Practices among Monogamous and Consensually Nonmonogamous Sexual Partners.

INTRODUCTION Although consensually nonmonogamous (CNM) relationships are presumed to be far riskier for partners' sexual health compared with monogamous relationships, the disparity between them may be smaller than assumed. A growing body of research finds that many partners who have made monogamy agreements cheat, and when they do, they are less likely to practice safe sex than CNM partners. AIM Extant comparisons of monogamous and CNM relationships are rare and have yet to establish whether rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and STI testing differ between these groups. The present research compared self-reported STI history, lifetime number of sex partners, and condom use practices among monogamous and CNM partners. METHODS Participants (N = 556) were recruited for an online survey of "attitudes toward sexual relationships. " Approximately two-thirds of the sample reported current involvement in a monogamous relationship, with the remainder indicating involvement in a CNM relationship. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All participants completed a questionnaire that included measures of condom use practices with primary and extra-pair partners, as well as their STI history. RESULTS CNM partners reported more lifetime sexual partners than individuals in monogamous relationships. In addition, compared with monogamous partners, CNM partners were more likely to (i) report using condoms during intercourse with their primary partner; (ii) report using condoms during intercourse with extradyadic partners; and (iii) report having been tested for STIs. Approximately one-quarter of monogamous partners reported sex outside of their primary relationship, most of whom indicated that their primary partner did not know about their infidelity. The percentage of participants reporting previous STI diagnoses did not differ across relationship type. CONCLUSIONS CNM partners reported taking more precautions than those in monogamous relationships in terms of greater condom use during intercourse with all partners and a higher likelihood of STI testing. Thus, although persons in CNM relationships had more sexual partners, the precautions they took did not appear to elevate their rate of STIs above an imperfect implementation of monogamy. Lehmiller JJ. A comparison of sexual health history and practices among monogamous and consensually nonmonogamous sexual partners.
Does Trade Credit Really Help Relieving Financial Constraints?

The European Union introduced a Directive aimed at reducing the use of trade credit because it is supposed to affect negatively the European economy. This contrasts with the “redistribution view” arguing that trade credit may allow the financing of credit constrained firms by their more liquid suppliers. Previous empirical analyses found some support for this view but they did not distinguish between net borrowers and net lenders. We show that in Italy the probability to be a net borrower is higher for those firms that are not likely to be credit constrained and that have more market power. Consistently with this result, the substitutability between trade debt and bank short-term debt occurs only for net lenders. These findings cast some doubts on the positive role of trade credit in relieving financial constraints and suggest that regulating late payments can protect vulnerable suppliers from more powerful buyers.
Involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 in rat models of conjunctivitis

Purpose. Using two animal models to determine which isoform of cyclooxygenase (COX), constitutive COX-1 or inducible COX-2, is involved in the progression of anterior ocular inflammation. Methods. Lambda-carrageenan (500 µg/eye) or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 3 µg/eye) was injected into rat conjunctiva to induce conjunctivitis. Vascular permeability in inflamed conjunctiva was measured by uptake of systemic Evans blue. Changes in mRNA for COX-1 and COX-2 in conjunctiva were detected by RT-PCR. Changes in COX-2 protein were detected by immunoblotting after immunoprecipitation. To assess involvement of COX-2 in carrageenan- and LPS-induced conjunctivitis, NS-398 (a selective COX-2 inhibitor) or indomethacin (non-selective COX inhibitor) was topically administrated at 15 and 30 minutes before inflammatory stimulator-injection. Results. In the carrageenan-injected model, the dye content of conjunctiva (12.4 ± 2.8 mg/eye) was significantly increased 4 hours after injection compared to saline-injected control rats (3.7 ± 1.1 mg/eye). mRNA for COX-2 was significantly increased by 2 hours and gradually increased until 24 hours; COX-1 mRNA did not show major changes until 24 hours after injection. COX-2 protein was markedly elevated 4 hours after injection of carrageenan. COX-2 protein levels were well correlated with increased mRNA levels. In the LPS-injected model, the dye content of conjunctiva (5.8 ± 1.2 mg/eye) was significantly increased 4 hours after injection compared to saline-injected control rats (3.1 ± 0.6 mg/eye). Expression of COX-2 mRNA was increased 1 hour after injection, peaked at 2 hours, and decreased at 4 hours. mRNA for COX-1 did not change by 24 hours. COX-2 protein increased 2 hours after injection of LPS. COX-2 protein levels were well correlated with increased mRNA. Topical administration of 1% NS-398 exhibited strong inhibition of dye-leakage into conjunctiva 4 hours after injection of carrageenan or LPS, since 59% or 83% of dye-uptake were inhibited, respectively. 1% of indomethacin eye drops showed only a minimal effect. Conclusions. These results suggest that the mechanism for anterior ocular inflammation may be due to up-regulation of COX-2.
Psychological resilience in people experiencing schizophrenia and suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Abstract Background: Negative stressors can aggravate the impact of schizophrenia. However, some people find ways of combating such stressors. There is a dearth of research examining factors which enable individuals with schizophrenia to show psychological resilience. Aims: The goal of this study was to investigate resilience to negative stressors in people with disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum using a qualitative methodology. Methods: Data were collected from 23 participants who had experienced schizophrenia and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Semi-structured interviews followed a topic guide. Participants were asked (i) what resilience meant to them, (ii) which stressors they had experienced over 12 months and (iii) how they had counteracted those stressors. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify re-occurring themes across interviews. Results: A continuum of psychological mechanisms described participants’ views about the meaning of resilience which ranged from passive acceptance to resistance (e.g. withstanding pressure), and then to active strategies to counter stressors (e.g. confronting). These themes were also evident in narratives expressing personal resilience strategies but, additionally, included emotional coping techniques. External factors were highlighted that supported resilience including social support, reciprocity and religious coping. Conclusions: People with schizophrenia develop ways of being resilient to negative events which should inform therapeutic interventions.
Risk factor analysis for proximal and distal reoperations after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to determine significant risk factors for proximal or distal reoperations after surgical correction of acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS Between 1980 and 2000, a total of 160 consecutive patients (mean age 57.5 +/- 13.3 years, 126 men) underwent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Proximal repair was performed by means of ascending aorta replacement with valve resuspension in 130 cases (81.3%), composite graft replacement in 19 cases (11.9%), separate aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement in 7 cases (4.4%), and aortic repair in 1 case (0.6%). Distal repair required arch replacement in 23 cases. Follow-up time averaged 4.51 +/- 5.6 years per patient. RESULTS Survival estimates after initial operation were 66.1% +/- 3.8%, 57.7% +/- 4.2%, 52.2% +/- 4.6%, and 42.5% +/- 5.8% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Thirty patients required 37 reoperations at a mean interval of 5.7 +/- 4.5 years after the initial operation. Freedoms from reoperation were 96.9% +/- 1.8%, 74.7% +/- 5.3%, 60.8% +/- 6.8%, and 39.3% +/- 9.1% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Reoperations included procedures on the proximal aorta (aortic root or valve) in 21 cases and on the distal aorta or its side branches in 19 cases. Cox regression analysis distinguished severe preoperative aortic valve insufficiency as the only significant risk factors for proximal reoperation; younger patient age, more distal extent of dissection, and more recent operative date were found to be significant risk factors for distal reoperation. CONCLUSION Patients with acute type A aortic dissection who have severe aortic valve insufficiency are at increased risk for proximal reoperation. These patients should benefit from a more aggressive proximal repair at initial operation. Distal extent of aortic resection at initial operation did not significantly influence the risk of distal reoperation.
Pattern of Proinflammatory Cytokine Induction in RAW264.7 Mouse Macrophages Is Identical for Virulent and Attenuated Borrelia burgdorferi1

Lyme disease pathogenesis results from a complex interaction between Borrelia burgdorferi and the host immune system. The intensity and nature of the inflammatory response of host immune cells to B. burgdorferi may be a determining factor in disease progression. Gene array analysis was used to examine the expression of genes encoding cytokines, chemokines, and related factors in the joint tissue of infected C3H/HeJ mice and in a murine macrophage-like cell line in response to a disseminating or attenuated clinical isolate of B. burgdorferi. Both isolates elicited a robust proinflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells characterized by an increase in transcript levels of genes encoding CC and CXC chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines, and TNF superfamily members. Transcription of genes encoding IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-1α, CXCR4, and TLR2 induced in RAW264.7 cells by either live or heat-killed spirochetes did not differ significantly at any time point over a 24-h period, nor was there a difference in the protein levels of IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12p70 in culture supernatants. Thus, induction of host macrophage expression of proinflammatory mediators by host macrophages does not contribute to the differential pathogenicity of different B. burgdorferi strains.
From resilience to multi-species flourishing: (Re)imagining urban-environmental governance in Penang, Malaysia

This article uses the concept of multi-species flourishing to evaluate the potential of emergent urban governance initiatives in Penang, Malaysia, for achieving more socially and environmentally just forms of urban development. In doing so, the article offers an empirical examination of increasing development pressures on the forested hillsides of Penang, and the significant environmental and socio-cultural implications associated with this activity. This includes the significant flash-flooding and landslides in 2016 and 2017 that have been attributed to unscrupulous hillside developments and deforestation on the island for condominium and highway development. In tracing local responses to these developments, the article draws attention to the various more-than-human relationships that have been mobilised in preventing further degradation of the environment. It also re-visits the concept of environmental imaginaries to illustrate the close relationship between environmental and social wellbeing. The article argues that it is important to move beyond concepts of resilience, which advocate the implementation of technology and engineering measures to adapt to, rather than resist, the environmental shocks associated with intensive urban development. The research for this article has been conducted through participatory research with local civil society groups, and aims to evaluate the role of both governmental and non-state actors in these efforts and the challenges faced in doing so. The article concludes that research on urban resilience and urban governance must move beyond human-centred modes of thought and practice that regard cities as operating outside of ecological systems.
In Vitro Attachment of Staphylococcus Epidermidis to Surgical Sutures with and without Ag-Containing Bioactive Glass Coating

The ability of a silver-doped bioactive glass (AgBG) coating to prevent bacterial colonization on surgical sutures was investigated in vitro. Bioactive glass powders, in the form of 45S5 Bioglass® and AgBG, were used to coat Mersilk® sutures using an optimized ‘in house’ slurry-dipping process. In vitro experiments were carried out using Staphylococcus epidermidis under both batch and flow conditions. While the traditional batch culture testing was used to determine the number of viable cells adhered to the surface, the flow-cell was used to visualize attachment and detachment over time. Under batch conditions of up to 180 min, statistically significant differences were observed in the colony forming units (CFU) per suture for both the coated and uncoated Mersilk® sutures. The results showed that the AgBG coating had the greatest effect on limiting bacterial attachment (8 102 CFU) when compared to the 45S5 Bioglass® coating (3.2 103 CFU) and the uncoated Mersilk® (1.2 104 CFU). Also under flow conditions differences were seen between the coated and uncoated sutures. Therefore, this preliminary study has demonstrated the quantification and visualization of bacterial attachment onto sutures in order to compare the antibacterial properties of Ag-containing bioactive glass coatings. The bactericidal properties imparted by Ag-containing glass open new opportunities for use of the composite sutures in wound healing and body wall repair.
Diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasms: a report of the cooperative pancreatic cyst study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Cysts of the pancreas display a wide spectrum of histology, including inflammatory (pseudocysts), benign (serous), premalignant (mucinous), and malignant (mucinous) lesions. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) may offer a diagnostic tool through the combination of imaging and guided, fine-needle aspiration (FNA). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the most accurate test for differentiating mucinous from nonmucinous cystic lesions. METHODS The results of EUS imaging, cyst fluid cytology, and cyst fluid tumor markers (CEA, CA 72-4, CA 125, CA 19-9, and CA 15-3) were prospectively collected and compared in a multicenter study using histology as the final diagnostic standard. RESULTS Three hundred forty-one (341) patients underwent EUS and FNA of a pancreatic cystic lesion; 112 of these patients underwent surgical resection, providing a histologic diagnosis of the cystic lesion (68 mucinous, 7 serous, 27 inflammatory, 5 endocrine, and 5 other). Receiver operator curve analysis of the tumor markers demonstrated that cyst fluid CEA (optimal cutoff of 192 ng/mL) demonstrated the greatest area under the curve (0.79) for differentiating mucinous vs. nonmucinous cystic lesions. The accuracy of CEA (88 of 111, 79%) was significantly greater than the accuracy of EUS morphology (57 of 112, 51%) or cytology (64 of 109, 59%) (P < 0.05). There was no combination of tests that provided greater accuracy than CEA alone (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Of tested markers, cyst fluid CEA is the most accurate test available for the diagnosis of mucinous cystic lesions of the pancreas.
Pathogenesis of unexplained drowning: new insights from a molecular autopsy.

OBJECTIVE To perform a molecular autopsy involving the RyR2-encoded cardiac ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel to determine whether mutations responsible for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) represent a novel pathogenic basis for unexplained drownings. METHODS A cardiac channel molecular autopsy was performed on 2 individuals who died of unexplained drowning and whose cases were referred to the Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Comprehensive mutational analysis of all 60 protein-encoded exons of the 5 long QT syndrome-causing cardiac channel genes and a targeted analysis of 18 RyR2 exons known to host RyR2-mediated CPVT-causing mutations (CPVT1) was performed using polymerase chain reaction, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, and DNA sequencing. RESULTS Both individuals harbored novel mutations in RyR2. Postmortem mutational analysis revealed a familial missense mutation in exon 14, R414C, in a 16-year-old girl. A 9-year-old boy possessed a sporadic missense mutation in exon 49, V2475F. Both amino acid positions involve highly conserved residues that localize to critical functional domains in the calcium release channel. Neither substitution was present in 1000 reference alleles. CONCLUSIONS This molecular autopsy study provides proof of principle that RyR2 mutations can underlie some unexplained drownings. A population-based genetic epidemiology study that involves molecular autopsies of individuals who die of unexplained drowning is needed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of KCNQ1 and now RyR2 mutations as potential pathogenic mechanisms for drowning.
Genetics of Sensitivity of Salmonella Species to Colicin M and Bacteriophages T5, T1, and ES18

Nearly all of 62 strains of Salmonella paratyphi B were sensitive to colicin M and phage T5 but resistant to phages T1 and ES18 and to colicin B. All tested S. typhimurium strains were resistant to colicin M and phage T5, and many were sensitive to phage ES18. A rough S. typhimurium LT2 strain given the tonA region of Escherichia coli or S. paratyphi B became sensitive to colicin M and phage T5. We infer that the tonA allele of S. paratyphi B, like that of E. coli, determines an outer membrane protein that adsorbs T5 and colicin M but not phage ES18, whereas the S. typhimurium allele determines a protein able to adsorb only ES18. The partial T1 sensitivity of a rough LT2 strain with a tonA allele from E. coli or S. paratyphi B and also the tonB+ phentotype of an E. coli B trp-tonB Δ mutant carrying an F′ trp of LT2 origin showed that S. typhimurium LT2 has a tonB allele like that of E. coli with respect to determination of sensitivity to colicins and phage T1. Rough S. paratyphi B, although T5 sensitive, remained resistant to T1 even when given F′ tonB+ of E. coli origin. Classes of Salmonella mutants selected as resistant to colicin M included: T5-resistant mutants, probably tonA−; mutants unchanged except for M resistance, perhaps tolerant; and Exb+ mutants, producing a colicin inhibitor (presumably enterochelin). Some Exb+ mutants were resistant to a bacteriocin inactive on E. coli but active on all tested S. paratyphi B and S. typhimurium strains (and on nearly all other tested Salmonella). A survey showed sensitivity to colicin M in several other species of Salmonella.
The use of pre- or postoperative antibiotics in surgery for appendicitis: A systematic review

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the use of pre- and/or postoperative antibiotics in the management of appendicitis, using data obtained from PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Material and Methods: A literature search was conducted using the terms “appendicitis” combined with “antibiotics. ” Studies were selected based on relevance for the evidence on prophylactic and postoperative treatment with regard to the route and duration of drug administration and the findings of surgery. Results: Patients with acute appendicitis should receive preoperative, broad-spectrum antibiotics. The use of postoperative antibiotics is only recommended in cases of perforation, and treatment should then be given intravenously, for a minimum period of 3–5 days for adult patients, until clinical signs such as fever resolve and laboratory parameters such as C-reactive protein curve and white blood cell (WBC) start to decline. Conclusion: Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended in all patients with acute appendicitis, whereas postoperative antibiotics only in cases of perforation.
Formative Research and Development of an Evidence-Based Communication Strategy: The Introduction of Vi Typhoid Fever Vaccine Among School-Aged Children in Karachi, Pakistan

The authors conducted formative research (a) to identify stakeholders' concerns related to typhoid fever and the need for disease information and (b) to develop a communication strategy to inform stakeholders and address their concerns and motivate for support of a school-based vaccination program in Pakistan. Data were collected during interactive and semi-structured focus group discussions and interviews, followed by a qualitative analysis and multidisciplinary consultative process to identify an effective social mobilization strategy comprised of relevant media channels and messages. The authors conducted 14 focus group discussions with the parents of school-aged children and their teachers, and 13 individual interviews with school, religious, and political leaders. Parents thought that typhoid fever was a dangerous disease, but were unsure of their children's risk. They were interested in vaccination and were comfortable with a school-based vaccination if conducted under the supervision of trained and qualified staff. Teachers and leaders needed information on typhoid fever, the vaccine, procedures, and sponsors of the vaccination program. Meetings were considered the best form of information dissemination, followed by printed materials and mass media. This study shows how qualitative research findings can be translated into an effective social mobilization and communication approach. The findings of the research indicated the importance of increasing awareness of typhoid fever and the benefits of vaccination against the disease. Identification and dissemination of relevant, community-based disease and vaccination information will increase demand and use of vaccination.