Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Escherichia Coli Encoding Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Isolated from Diarrheic Patients in Minna, Nigeria

Escherichia coli remains one of the most isolated etiological agents of diarrhea, accounting for more than 1 million deaths and about 4% of the total global disability-adjusted life-years (DALYS) per year across all age groups according to the global disease burden. This study evaluated multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli encoding extended spectrum beta-lactamases isolated from diarrheic patients in Minna, Nigeria using standard microbiological methods. A prevalence of 37.7% of Diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) was obtained from the stool samples evaluated. Within the environment sampled, age group 21 – 30 years had the highest E. coli isolation rate (27.8%) while age group ≥71years had the least E. coli isolation rate (2.6%). Females (64.9%) were the most affected compared to males (35.1%). The isolates were significantly resistant to most of the beta-lactams tested especially to 3rd generation cephalosporins [Cefotaxime (98.2%), cefuroxime (93%), ceftazidime (84.2%), Augmentin (70.2%), Amoxicillin (59.6%)]. Resistance to other classes of antibiotics was also observed in varying percentages. A high percentage (98.2% and 87.7%) of the diarrheagenic E. coli had a multiple resistant index (MARI) ≥ of 0.3. The isolates had varying patterns of resistance with 47.6% resistant to more than 5 classes of antibiotics tested and produced ESBL characteristics phenotypically. Molecular evaluation showed that 40%, 50%, and 90% of the isolates harbored the OXA, CTX-M and TEM genes respectively while 50% harbored VEB and PER genes. This study isolated E. coli from diarrheic patients with multidrug resistance profiles and encodes more than one type of ESBL gene within Minna, Nigeria.
Dynamic Simulation Of Thermal Capacity And Charging/ Discharging Performance For Sensible Heat Storage In Building Wall Mass

The potential for utilization of the building mass thermal capacity for demand side management in the residential sector is addressed. A three apartment residential houses made of massive brick, equipped with a heat pump is modeled and its thermal behavior is simulated. It is shown that thermal storage capacity of the building can indeed contribute considerably to residential demand side management activities. Even after heating periods as short as two hours the heating demand for the following four hours can be reduced by almost 20 %. The slow temperature increase within the thermal mass and the heat conduction into deeper wall layers are thereby the main limiting factors.
Experiments on the flow of water from a reservoir through an open horizontal channel II. The formation of hydraulic jumps

The stream, on which the experiments were carried out, was produced by leading water from a reservoir through a rectangular contraction into an open channel that was slightly inclined downwards. By means of a hinged planing plate resting on the surface, single waves and wave trains fixed in space were formed ahead of the plate, and the required loads on the plate were measured. A more systematic study of smooth and broken undular jumps was made with a weir at the channel outlet providing the necessary obstruction. The boundary between these two types of jump was at F1 = 1·26, F1 being the Froude number of the approaching stream. The second type decayed into the wholly turbulent jump at about F1 = 1·75. Little difference was found between the heights of the leading wave in the smooth undular jumps and the theoretical heights of a solitary wave formed at the same Froude number, and Rayleigh’s classical theory (1914) gave a fair approximation to the mean depth in the undular trains of waves.
Sparse Topic Modeling: Computational Efficiency, Near-Optimal Algorithms, and Statistical Inference

Abstract Sparse topic modeling under the probabilistic latent semantic indexing (pLSI) model is studied. Novel and computationally fast algorithms for estimation and inference of both the word-topic matrix and the topic-document matrix are proposed and their theoretical properties are investigated. Both minimax upper and lower bounds are established and the results show that the proposed algorithms are rate-optimal, up to a logarithmic factor. Moreover, a refitting algorithm is proposed to establish asymptotic normality and construct valid confidence intervals for the individual entries of the word-topic and topic-document matrices. Simulation studies are carried out to investigate the numerical performance of the proposed algorithms. The results show that the proposed algorithms perform well numerically and are more accurate in a range of simulation settings comparing to the existing literature. In addition, the methods are illustrated through an analysis of the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset (CORD-19).
Military Expenditure and Economic Growth in Greece, 1960-90

There is much controversy in the literature over whether military expenditure is associated with higher or lower growth rates. Most studies on the subject utilize cross-sectional data, and the diversity in their conclusions is attributed mainly to sample variations and differences in the specificational choices and time periods examined. Moreover, to the extent that various regions of the world differ substantially in the natural environments they face and in socioeconomic structures, it is inappropriate to generalize the effects of military expenditure across countries. These facts point to the need for case-specific studies using time-series data for individual countries. In this context, the present article seeks to contribute to current research in the area by investigating the growth effects of military expenditure in the case of Greece over the post-war period. Basically, military expenditure can affect economic growth through both direct and indirect spin-offs, the reallocation of resources and the creation of new resources. Those influences can be captured by a simultaneous equation model comprising three equations, namely growth, savings and military burden. In the context of the general-to-specific approach, the estimation of this model for the Greek economy over the period 1960-90, reveals that the combined effect of military expenditure on the output growth rate is negative, independently of the level of significance used in calculating of the relevant multiplier.
Spirituality in Patients at the End of Life—Is It Necessary? A Qualitative Approach to the Protagonists

Spirituality is the most unknown aspect of palliative care despite being the need that is most altered in the last moments of life. Objective. To identify on the one hand the spiritual needs of patients who are at the end of life and on the other hand, the way in which nursing professionals can work to provide effective accompaniment in this process. Method. A qualitative study was conducted which applied different data collection techniques. This was done to describe the phenomenon from a holistic perspective in relation to experts’ perceptions of the competencies required by health professionals and palliative patients’ spiritual needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted within both populations. In order to analyze the qualitative data collected through interviews, discourse was analyzed according to the Taylor–Bodgan model and processed using Atlas.ti software. Results. Three well-differentiated lines of argument are extracted from the discourse in each of the groups, on the one hand in the group of patients they define the concept of spirituality, system of values and beliefs, and the Factors that influence the spirituality of patients at the end of life (differentiating palliative care areas/other areas) and on the other, the professionals agree with the patients in the line of argument of concept of spirituality although they define more metaphysical categories and the other two lines of argument that result are the spiritual attention in this process and the need for formation in spirituality. Conclusions. The provision of spiritual care gives meaning to the actions of nursing professionals when it comes to providing end-of-life care, achieving holistic care, humanizing death, and promoting a dignified end.
Evaluation of maxillary bones using cone beam computed tomography: A systematic review

Cone beam computed tomography is widely used in dentistry, due to its easy accessibility, low cost and better accuracy compared to medical tomography. The present study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the evaluation of jaw bones using cone beam computed tomography. A bibliographic search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science. At the end of the analysis, 10 articles published between 1998 and 2015 were included. Cone beam computed tomography is a precise and fast method, used to evaluate digital images in high resolution, with sharpness, precision. In addition, the acquisition of these images is essential to measure bone elements, in quantity and quality. It should also be noted that the forecast of bone strength will depend on several factors, such as bone density and microarchitecture. Thus, the professional and reduces the likelihood of making mistakes, which interfere with the prognosis of dental treatment.
New‐onset autoimmune phenomena post‐COVID‐19 vaccination

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has led to an unprecedented setback for global economy and health. Vaccination is one of the most effective interventions to substantially reduce severe disease and death due to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Vaccination programmes are being rolled out globally, but most of these vaccines have been approved without extensive studies on their side‐effects and efficacy. Recently, new‐onset autoimmune phenomena after COVID‐19 vaccination have been reported increasingly (e.g. immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, autoimmune liver diseases, Guillain–Barré syndrome, IgA nephropathy, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus). Molecular mimicry, the production of particular autoantibodies and the role of certain vaccine adjuvants seem to be substantial contributors to autoimmune phenomena. However, whether the association between COVID‐19 vaccine and autoimmune manifestations is coincidental or causal remains to be elucidated. Here, we summarize the emerging evidence about autoimmune manifestations occurring in response to certain COVID‐19 vaccines. Although information pertaining to the risk of autoimmune disease as a consequence of vaccination is controversial, we merely propose our current understanding of autoimmune manifestations associated with COVID‐19 vaccine. In fact, we do not aim to disavow the overwhelming benefits of mass COVID‐19 vaccination in preventing COVID‐19 morbidity and mortality. These reports could help guide clinical assessment and management of autoimmune manifestations after COVID‐19 vaccination.
Hepcidin Promoted Ferroptosis through Iron Metabolism which Is Associated with DMT1 Signaling Activation in Early Brain Injury following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Iron metabolism disturbances play an important role in early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and hepcidin largely influences iron metabolism. Importantly, iron metabolism may be associated with ferroptosis, recently a nonapoptotic iron-dependent form of cell death that may have a great impact on brain injury after SAH. We investigated hepcidin on iron metabolism and ferroptosis involving divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), and ferroportin-1 (FPN1) in a rat model of SAH. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to the endovascular perforation to induce SAH, and treated with heparin (inhibitor of hepcidin), or oncostatin M (OSM, inducer of hepcidin), or ebselen (inhibitor of DMT1) by intracerebroventricular injections. Hepcidin, DMT1, FPN1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. Iron metabolism was detected through Perl's iron staining and iron content assay. Ferroptosis, the ROS production, lipid peroxidation (LPO) was evaluated by monitoring methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, and transmission electron microscopy. Neurological deficit scores, Evans blue staining and brain water content were also determined to detect EBI 72 h after SAH. Our results showed that inhibition of DMT1 by ebselen could suppress iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, and thereby alleviate ferroptosis and EBI in SAH rats. Heparin downregulated the expression of hepcidin and DMT1, increased FPN1, and exerted protective effects that were equivalent to those of ebselen on ferroptosis and EBI. In addition, OSM increased the expression of hepcidin and DMT1, decreased FPN1, and aggravated ferroptosis and EBI, while the effect on ferroptosis was reversed by ebselen. Therefore, the study revealed that hepcidin could regulate iron metabolism and contribute to ferroptosis via DMT1 signaling activation in rats with EBI after SAH.
Temperature ranges for survival and growth of juvenile Saccharina sculpera (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) and applications for field cultivation

Saccharina sculpera is highly valued for human consumption and value-added products. However, natural resources of this kelp have decreased sharply and it is in danger of extinction. Resources recovery through cultivation is being trialed to enable the sustainable use of this species. In this study, the temperature range for survival and optimal growth of juvenile S. sculpera was identified and applied to field cultivation. This study investigated the survival and growth of juvenile S. sculpera under six temperatures (i.e., 5, 10, 15, 16, 18, and 20°C) and two light intensities (i.e., 20 and 40 μmol photons m-2 s-1) in an indoor culture experiment. In these experiments, the blade length decreased at 16°C under the both light intensities. The thalli died at 20°C and 20 μmol photons m-2 s-1, and at 18‒20°C and 40 μmol photons m-2 s-1. During the field cultivation, early growth of S. sculpera was highest at the 5 m depth and growth decreased as the water depth increased. When the initial rearing depth was maintained without adjustment throughout the cultivation period (from December to October), all the cultivated S. sculpera plants died during August and September. However, S. sculpera plants lowered from 5 to 15 m and grew to 90.8 ± 13.1 cm in July. The seawater temperature at 15 m depth was similar to the upper level of thermal tolerance demonstrated by juvenile S. sculpera in the indoor culture experiments (16°C or lower). The plants were subsequently lowered to 25 m depth in August, which eventually led to their maturation in October. The present study confirmed that improved growth rates and a delay in biomass loss can be achieved by adjusting the depth at which the seaweeds are grown during the cultivation period. These results will contribute to the establishment of sustainable cultivation systems for S. sculpera.
Sidoarjo Mud-Based Lightweight Mortar Using Foaming Agent and Aluminum Powder

Lightweight concrete is generally used particularly at high-rise buildings in order to reduce the risk of earthquake. It is common that lightweight concrete is made with less Portland Cement associated with pozzolanic material as a binder. In this paper, calcined-Sidoarjo mud was identified as pozzolanic material as cement substitution. The mud contains SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 and to be expected it has properties as a potential pozzolanic material. Paste and mortar as specimens made from mixtures of calcined-Sidoarjo mud, fly ash, lime, portland cement and natural sand. The specimens were then mixed with a commercial chemical foaming agent and Aluminum powder as aerating agents. The results showed that test paste specimens using chemical foam showed higher compressive strength and density than those of using aluminum powder. Lightweight paste made with chemical foam has compressive strength of 10.7 Mpa with density of 1133kg/m3. Moreover, the specimens of lightweight mortar had the compressive strength of 4.8 MPa, and the density of 1154.7kg/m3. Lightweight paste specimens using aluminum powder had a compressive strength of 2.8 Mpa with density of 1013kg/m3, while lightweight mortar specimens showed compressive strength of 2.4 MPa, and the density was 966kg/m3.
Empirical study of the relationship between operations strategy and information systems strategic orientation in an e-commerce environment

Many corporate executives are convinced that today's e-commerce operations require a fundamental review of business strategy. Operations management researchers also call for substantiating operations strategy research to an e-commerce environment. However, no empirical research has explored information systems strategic issues using operations strategy theory. Drawing on both operations strategy and the information systems strategy literature, this exploratory research proposes a conceptual framework integrating both operations strategy and information systems strategy models, and then applies this new proposed framework to an e-commerce setting. This research not only provides a conceptual framework systematically to explore e-commerce strategic issues, but also provides empirical evidence on the relationships between its various constructs. Results of this exploratory study indicate that the business environment appears to have a tangible impact on strategic choices in operations. It also appears that links between the business environment and operations strategy in e-commerce, as well as the alignment between the information systems strategic orientation and operations strategy, determines e-commerce business performance success. Results show that high-performing e-commerce companies and low-performing e-commerce companies use different information systems strategies to support their operations strategy. The types of strategies these companies use are identified in this study.
Study about Recognition of Digital Meter Dial Reading Based on SVM

In practice, it is difficult for Support Vector Machine (SVM) to have a relatively high recognition rate as well as a quite fast recognition speed. In order to resolve this defect, in this paper we build a SVM classification model combining numerical characteristics. We use readings of rotary natural meters as the test temple, do positioning, preprocessing, feature points extracting, classifying and other series of operations to the numeric region of the dial. Then with the idea of cross-validation, we keep doing parameter optimation to SVM. At last, after making a comprehensive contrast of the effects which numerous performance factors make on the experimental outputs, we try to give our explanation of the outputs from different perspectives.
Emotion Classification using 1D-CNN and RNN based On DEAP Dataset

Recently, emotion recognition began to be implemented in the industry and human resource field. In the time we can perceive the emotional state of the employee, the employer could gain benefits from it as they could improve the quality of decision makings regarding their employee. Hence, this subject would become an embryo for emotion recognition tasks in the human resource field. In a fact, emotion recognition has become an important topic of research, especially one based on physiological signals, such as EEG. One of the reasons is due to the availability of EEG datasets that can be widely used by researchers. Moreover, the development of many machine learning methods has been significantly contributed to this research topic over time. Here, we investigated the classification method for emotion and propose two models to address this task, which are a hybrid of two deep learning architectures: One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (CNN-1D) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). We implement Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) in the RNN architecture, that specifically designed to address the vanishing gradient problem which usually becomes an issue in the time-series dataset. We use this model to classify four emotional regions from the valence-arousal plane: High Valence High Arousal (HVHA), High Valence Low Arousal (HVLA), Low Valence High Arousal (LVHA), and Low Valence Low Arousal (LVLA). This experiment was implemented on the well-known DEAP dataset. Experimental results show that proposed methods achieve a training accuracy of 96.3% and 97.8% in the 1DCNN-GRU model and 1DCNN-LSTM model, respectively. Therefore, both models are quite robust to perform this emotion classification task.
Optimization of a Cantilever Microswitch with Piezoelectric Actuation

This paper considers MEMS microswitches with piezoelectric-film actuation. A mathematical actuator model is established that accounts for normal stress at the piezo-substrate interface, in addition to shear stress. This model gives more accurate predictions for relatively thicker piezoelectric layers. Maintaining adequate contact force between switch electrodes is important in ohmiccontact switches, but parallel contact geometry is also important in switches that provide capacitive coupling between the signal lines. Furthermore, ‘off-state’ isolation is governed by electrode gap when open. The presented mathematical model demonstrates the relationships between these factors and the switch geometry. Optimum conditions are derived.
N‐glycan profiling alterations of serum and immunoglobulin G in immune thrombocytopenia

The glycosylation alterations of serum and IgG are involved in a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and have shown great potential in biomarker field. The diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is exclusive. Our study aimed to discover the potential glyco‐biomarkers for auxiliary diagnosis of ITP.
Development of a Mix Design Process for Cold-In-Place Rehabilitation Using Foamed Asphalt

The need to provide a safe, efficient, and cost-effective roadway system has led to a significant increase in the demand for ways to rehabilitate existing pavement. In the last several decades, asphalt recycling has grown to become the preferred method for restoring existing pavements. This study evaluates one of the recycling techniques used to rehabilitate pavement, called Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR). CIR is one of the fastest growing road rehabilitation techniques because it is quick and cost-effective. The document reports on the current practice of CIR with emulsion, presents a literature review of research on foamed asphalt, discusses the foaming experiment, presents a field data collection and compaction study, and describes the determination of mix design parameters for CIR with foamed asphalt.
The Introduction of Green Finance: A Curse or a Benefit to Environmental Sustainability?

In this study, we examine the role of green finance in achieving a sustainable environment for 11 of the top countries in terms of investment in environmental protection from 2006 to 2017. By applying panel-corrected standard errors and the feasible generalized least squares model, we find that green finance is associated with an improvement in environmental sustainability. However, energy consumption and urbanization have an adverse effect on environmental sustainability.
Support, training and regulation as key success factors in developing e-learning

This paper intends to identify some success factors in the issues of course development and management of change in ODL in Belgium. We will give an overview of the tools and methods for staff support at the University of Liège. Based on four years of experience, we will describe that support and highlight the type of training that appears to be efficient. We hope this clarification could help other universities or training organisations make their decisions in terms of staff support and training towards the development of ODL.