Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three Invasive Tree Species Change Soil Chemistry in Guam Forests

Research Highlights: Established stands of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv. , and Vitex parviflora Juss. modified soils in Guam’s limestone forests, reducing storage pools of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Background and Objectives: Invasive plants may engineer negative changes in ecosystem properties. This study was conducted to determine changes in soil chemistry following infestations of three problematic tree species on Guam. Materials and Methods: Minerals, metals, and mineralization dynamics were measured in invaded sites and paired sites with biodiverse native tree cover. Results: Most soil properties were significantly changed by long-term infestations of the invasive tree species. The soils within invaded sites exhibited total carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus that were less than native sites. In contrast, the carbon/nitrogen ratio increased for every species-site combination. The other chemical properties were idiosyncratic among the sites and species. Conclusions: Mitigation and restoration activities that include the removal of these trees from project sites may require many years for the below-ground ecosystems to return to their native state. These three invasive trees decrease the ability of Guam soils to sequester recalcitrant forms of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
Liver abscess- An overview

Drainage is necessary for large lever abscesses, equal to or larger than 5 cm in size, to facilitate resolution. Percutaneous drainage may help to optimize clinical condition prior to surgery. Nevertheless, in current good clinical practices, the choice of therapy needs to be individualized according to patient’s clinical status and abscess factors. They are complementary in the management of liver abscesses.
Semantic Network Differences Across Engineering Design Communication Methods

Engineering designers have a variety of methods at their disposal when it comes to communicating an idea (e.g., Linguistic, Pictorial, Virtual). Studies have explored how these methods affect the idea generation process, revealing that some methods can induce design fixation and reduce creativity. Moreover, studies reveal that depending on the communication methods and a receiver’s familiarity with the idea conveyed, the amount of relevant information transmitted could vary. Hence, based on previous studies, it is hypothesized that different communication methods and a receiver’s familiarity can impact a receiver’s ability to construct and interpret the information conveyed. To test this hypothesis, an experiment is conducted in which multiple methods are used to communicate different product ideas to individuals (N = 370). Participants are asked to describe the products in their own words and provide details about their functions. A text-mining approach is used to analyze the semantic structure of their responses. The results reveal that dissemination methods affect the consistency of participants’ responses, as well as the diversity of words used to describe a product idea or its functions. This knowledge can help designers in the selection of an appropriate method, given the design intention and help them leverage different methods to maximize communication effectiveness during the different stages of the design process.
The relationship between velocity utilization rate and pole vault performance

In the pole vault event, the velocity of approach is a highly vital factor. As velocity of approach improvements highly impact performance improvements. This study analysed the relationships between sprint running’s speed (SR), pole running (PR, without jump), and the pole vault approach (PVA, with real jump). Analysed too were the relationships between both the approach and performance’s respective running distance, velocity, and velocity utilization rates. Methods: Ten male pole vaulters were recruited. Measured was each 5-meter segment’s average velocity of his respective SR, PR, and PVA, along with the distance to maximum velocity. Results: The maximum average velocity of the PR’s 5m segments altogether was significantly positively correlated with pole vault (PV) performance; The maximum average velocity of the PR’s 5m segments altogether was significantly positively correlated with the last 5m PVA average velocity; The PVA velocity’s utilization rate was significantly negatively correlated with the difference between the distance to the PR’s maximum velocity and the PVA’s distance. Conclusion: The PR segment’s maximum speed capability can evaluate both a pole vaulter’s potential and pole vault-specific abilities. This study’s recruited pole vaulters’ respective approach distances were generally insufficient that resulted in a lower velocity utilization rate. Suggested is that in training, the pole vaulter could first find the distance required to reach the highest velocity upon starting from the PR test. Thus, this subsequently known distance could be applied in tandem with the pole vault’s approach to both improve the PVA’s utilization rate and reach the individual highest speed level.
An analysis of endometrial bleeding patterns in perimenopausal women

Background: Perimenopause is the period surrounding menopause characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and menstrual irregularities. Taking into consideration the importance of perimenopause and its consequences, we decided to study this topic in order to know the different menstrual irregularities in relation to age, the spectrum of endometrial histopathology, in relation to various gynaecological conditions as per the PALMCOEIN classification of AUB. Methods: The study population comprised of 100 women in the age group of 40- 59 years who reported to our tertiary care centre of Armed Forces for evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding. The study was a community based cross - sectional descriptive study. Patients were examined, using one of the three techniques – Dilatation and curettage, suction aspiration and hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. Results: Out of the 100 women evaluated for perimenopausal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding was the commonest in 53% cases. The maximum no. of cases was in 40-44-year age group (57.44 %). The clinical diagnosis of fibroid uterus was found in 45% cases, AUB (O) in 36% cases, AUB (Polyp) in 8% cases, AUB (Adenomyosis) in 9% cases and AUB (Malignancy) in 2% cases. On endometrial curettage, proliferative type of endometrium was found in 43% cases, secretory type in 18% cases and hyperplasia was found in 37% cases. Out of 2 cases of atypical hyperplasia 1 case each (50%) was found in the age group of 50-54 years and 55-59 years, respectively. Conclusions: In the present study, there was good correlation between abnormal uterine bleeding, clinical diagnosis and histopathological findings.
Three broad parental feeding styles and young children’s snack intake

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify broad overarching feeding styles that parents may use and their effects on pre-school-aged children’s healthy and unhealthy snack intake. Design: Cross sectional study Methods: Mothers (n = 611) of children aged 2–7 years (mean age 3.9 years) completed an online survey assessing parent-feeding strategies and parent-reported child snack intake. Data were analysed in two phases. First, principal components analysis identified three major feeding styles that were labelled overt control, covert control and parent modelling. Then, structural equation modelling was used to see whether these factors were related differentially to reported child snack intake. Results: The intake of healthy snack food was associated with higher covert control and parent modelling and lower overt control. The reverse was true for unhealthy snack intake, with the intake of these foods associated with lower covert control and parental modelling, and higher overt control. Conclusion: Our findings show that parent-feeding styles that attempt to control the child’s environment seem to have a positive impact on snack intake, while styles aimed at controlling the child (overt control) seem to have a detrimental impact.
Generative Adversarial Networks for Video-to-Video Domain Adaptation

Endoscopic videos from multicentres often have different imaging conditions, e.g., color and illumination, which make the models trained on one domain usually fail to generalize well to another. Domain adaptation is one of the potential solutions to address the problem. However, few of existing works focused on the translation of video-based data. In this work, we propose a novel generative adversarial network (GAN), namely VideoGAN, to transfer the video-based data across different domains. As the frames of a video may have similar content and imaging conditions, the proposed VideoGAN has an X-shape generator to preserve the intra-video consistency during translation. Furthermore, a loss function, namely color histogram loss, is proposed to tune the color distribution of each translated frame. Two colonoscopic datasets from different centres, i.e., CVC-Clinic and ETIS-Larib, are adopted to evaluate the performance of domain adaptation of our VideoGAN. Experimental results demonstrate that the adapted colonoscopic video generated by our VideoGAN can significantly boost the segmentation accuracy, i.e., an improvement of 5%, of colorectal polyps on multicentre datasets. As our VideoGAN is a general network architecture, we also evaluate its performance with the CamVid driving video dataset on the cloudy-to-sunny translation task. Comprehensive experiments show that the domain gap could be substantially narrowed down by our VideoGAN.
Air Pollutants Prediction in Shenzhen Based on ARIMA and Prophet Method

In order to improve the accuracy of predicting the air pollutants in Shenzhen, a hybrid model based on ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model) and prophet for mixing time and space relationships was proposed. First, ARIMA and Prophet method were applied to train the data from 11 air quality monitoring stations and gave them different weights. Then, finished the calculation about weight of impact in each air quality monitoring station to final results. Finally, built up the hybrid model and did the error evaluation. The result of the experiments illustrated that this hybrid method can improve the air pollutants prediction in Shenzhen.
Intravitreal Injection of Human Retinal Progenitor Cells for Treatment of Retinal Degeneration

Background Retinal degeneration causes irreversible blindness. Human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) have the potential to treat retinal diseases. The vitreous cavity is a relatively immune-privileged site that is suitable for stem cell transplantation in the treatment of retinal diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of hRPCs in retinal degeneration therapy. Material/Methods hRPCs were primary-cultured and injected into the vitreous cavity of RCS rats. To determine whether hRPCs formed teratomas in immune-deficient mice, hRPCs at different passages were transplanted into BALB/c-nu mice. The visual function was detected by electroretinography recording. Changes in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) were analyzed by histological testing and cell counting. The protective mechanism was further assessed by cytokine antibody array. Results Intravitreal transplantation of hRPCs maintained retinal function and preserved retinal morphology. Importantly, grafted cells in the vitreous cavity were well tolerated, with no adverse effects. Teratoma was not formed in BALB/c-nu mice after hRPCs transplantation. The number of hRPCs-injected eyes and thickness of ONL in the hRPCs-treated group were higher than those in the untreated group and HBSS injection group. The cytokine antibody array revealed that hRPCs expressed GDF-15, PDGF-AA, EGF, and NT-4. Conclusions Our findings show that intravitreal injection of hRPCs is effective and safe in protecting photoreceptor cells in RCS rats, but were no longer effective at 12 weeks after transplantation. Moreover, hRPCs released multiple neurotrophic factors that may be involved in treating retinal disease.
A Novel Approach to Future Horizon of Top Seven Biomedical Research Topics to Watch in 2017: Alzheimer's, Ebola, Hypersomnia, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB), Microbiome/Antibiotic Resistance and Endovascular Stroke

It was British scientist Heinz Wolff, who coined the term ‘Bioengineering’ for the first time in the year 1954. However, first ever project on ‘Bioengineering and Biomedical’ field was undertaken at Mississippi State University in the year 1967. With the progress of time, bioengineered crops and various other biomedical applications enriched the scientific knowledge towards social welfare. In present day’s understanding on Bioengineering and Biomedical Science, implies an interdisciplinary study that synchronizes engineering and design technologies to resolve biological problems. Both these fields strive to develop new technologies, interventions, and by extension, knowledge which culminates in betterment of human life.
Smoking and ectopic pregnancy: a multinational case-control study.

A 12-center international retrospective matched case-control study of ectopic pregnancy conducted by the WHO in 1978-1980 revealed an unexpected link between smoking and tubal pregnancy. Each of 1109 cases had a pregnant and a nonpregnant control. The main risk factors in the study were found to be IUD use tubal ligation history of a prior ectopic pregnancy and history of PID or gonorrhea. In developing countries the prevalence of smoking in cases was 16.7% compared to 6.7% in pregnant controls and 8.9% in nonpregnant controls; in developed countries it was 47.0% in cases 36.5% in pregnant controls and 42.0% in nonpregnant controls. Quitting smoking was equally divided among groups. These various comparisons gave relative risks ranging from 1.1-4.0 or among women with no other known risk factors from 0.8-2.8. Another surprising finding was the fact that proximal tubal implantation sites were increased in smokers (n.s.). Research in laboratory animals has also shown that nicotine or smoking alters tubal motility slows ovum transport and enhances clustering of implantation sites.
Development of Problem Based Learning Tools To Improve Visual Thinking And Self Efficacy of Seventh Grade Junior High School Students in Besitang

— This study aimed to describe how: 1) the validity, practicality and effectiveness of learning materials using problem based learning, and 2) the improvemet of visual thinking ability and self afficacy against mathematics by using the learning materials. This type of research is development research. Development model used promblem based learnings development model which consist of ten steps. The research resulted products are lesson plan, teachers book, students book, students worksheet, tests visual thinking and self efficacy questionnaire. The first trial took place in class VII 1 and the second trial in class VII 2 SMP swasta RGM Besitang. Result of these research showed that : 1) learning materials were valid, both in content and construct validity, 2) learning materials were practical to be used, reviewed from validators assessment and students positive responses, 3) learning materials were effective, reviewed from mastery of learning and students activity and students positive responses, 4) increasing of students visual thinking ability was on medium category and 5) there was increase in students self efficacy against mathematics of trial 1 to trial 2.
Explaining Africa's public consumption procyclicality: Revisiting old evidence

This paper compiles a novel data set of time‐varying measures of government‐consumption cyclicality for a panel of 46 African economies between 1960 and 2014. Government consumption has, generally, been highly procyclical over time in this group of countries. However, sample averages hide serious heterogeneity across countries with the majority of them showing procyclical behaviour despite some positive signs of graduation from the “procyclicality trap” in a few cases. By means of weighted least squares regressions, we find that more developed African economies tend to have a smaller degree of government‐consumption procyclicality. Countries with higher social fragmentation, and those that are more reliant on foreign aid inflows, tend to have a more procyclical government‐consumption policy. Better governance promotes countercyclical‐fiscal policy while increased democracy dampens it. Finally, some fiscal rules are important in curbing the procyclical behaviour of government consumption.
Characterizing the Two-photon Absorption Properties of Fluorescent Molecules in the 680–1300 nm Spectral Range

Two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) is a state-of-the-art technique used for non-invasive imaging deep inside the tissue, with high 3D resolution, minimal out-of-focus photodamage, and minimal autofluorescence background. For optimal application of fluorescent probes in 2PLSM, their two-photon absorption (2PA) spectra, expressed in absolute cross sections must be characterized. Excitation at optimum wavelength will make it possible to reduce the laser power and therefore minimize photodamage. Obtaining 2PA spectra and cross sections requires correcting the two-photon excited fluorescence signals for a combination of laser properties, including the beam spatial profile, pulse duration, and absolute power, at each wavelength of the tuning range. To avoid such tedious day-to-day laser characterization required in the absolute measurement method, a relative method based on independently characterized 2PA reference standards is often used. By carefully analyzing the available literature data, we selected the most reliable standards for both the 2PA spectral shape and cross section measurements. Here we describe a protocol for measuring the 2PA spectral shapes and cross sections of fluorescent proteins and other fluorophores with the relative fluorescence method using these reference standards. Our protocol first describes how to build an optical system and then how to perform the measurements. In our protocol, we use Coumarin 540A in dimethyl sulfoxide and LDS 798 in chloroform for the spectral shape measurements to cover the range from 680 to 1300 nm, and Rhodamine 590 in methanol and Fluorescein in alkaline water (pH 11) for the absolute two-photon cross section measurements.
Insight Into Adult Classic Theatre Audiences’ Perceptions and Behaviour

Many cultural institutions are experiencing challenges to implement different types of market-oriented behaviour in order to ensure their existence. Classic theatres are faced with many challenges related to their audience. One of the challenges is related to traditional audience that is declining and ageing. The aim of this research was to identify and analyse the key factors that contribute to understanding of attitudes and behaviour of 35+ theatre audiences in order to suggest appropriate marketing strategies for the classic theatre in Croatia. The research was conducted on altogether 438 participants. Statistical techniques of univariate analysis (frequency distribution, central tendency measures), bivariate (ANOVA and t-test) and multivariate analysis (reliability analysis, linear regression) were used. The results have identified attitudes and audience behaviour in relation to HNK Osijek. Three major factors were identified: theatre marketing profile, theatre people and stereotypes. This study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of classic theatre audiences’ perceptions and behaviour as a basis for theatre marketing strategy development. Since no other research has tested the influence of stereotypes on theatre attendance, the major contribution of this paper is its proven negative influence on theatre attendance.
Required Knowledge of Cooperative Education Students: A Case Study of Modern Management Information Technology Curriculum, College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University

Cooperative education (co-op) is an educational method, which combines typical academic study with real working experience. This academic method is propelled by two major associates: those of academic institute and professional company. The co-op operations, especially identification of required knowledge of co-op students, cannot be specified solely by academy or host company. Therefore, this study aimed to explore required knowledge of cooperative education students from both academic and professional perspectives. A research was studied on a specific curriculum, modern management information technology curriculum, College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand and 14 associative companies in Thailand. All required knowledge sets were tentatively identified in constructed questionnaires by responsible academic institution, and then 42 surveys by working positions were distributed to all participating host organizations. After questionnaires were sent back and completely collected, then frequency analysis was calculated. The outcomes indicated that two proposed types of knowledge including non-sector knowledge and relevant sector knowledge were required. 16 from 17 suggested non-sector knowledge sets conformed to several past studies and were accepted by involved partners whereas 27 from 40 proposed related sector knowledge bundles were agreed by the same focused group. This studied approach can be applied with other related academic programs such as work integrated learning, internship, etc. aiming to improve or develop any curriculum involving with both academic and professional sides.
Formulation and Development of Infant Weaning Biscuits

The first year of life particularly the first six months is the most critical period in a child's life. Breast feeding is the prerequisite for childs survival throughout the critical period of life. Seventy percent of energy requirements of a child is met by breast milk alone. But as the child grows, breast milk alone will not be able to provide adequate amount of all nutrients needed to maintain growth after 6 months.