Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endocan, a Risk Factor for Developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome among Severe Pneumonia Patients

Background Severe pneumonia (SP) has been widely accepted as a major cause for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the development of ARDS is significantly associated with increased mortality. This study aimed to identify potential predictors for ARDS development in patients with SP. Methods Eligible SP patients at admission from January 2013 to June 2017 were prospectively enrolled, and ARDS development within hospital stay was identified. Risk factors for ARDS development in SP patients were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with the area under the curve (AUC) was performed for the predictive value of endocan for ARDS development. Results A total of 145 SP patients were eventually enrolled into the final analysis, of which 37 developed ARDS during the hospital stay. Our final multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested plasma endocan expression as the only independent risk factor for ARDS development in SP patients (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.14–2.25, P=0.021). ROC curve analysis of plasma endocan resulted in an AUC of 0.754, 95% CI of 0.642–0.866, a cutoff value of 11.6 ng/mL, a sensitivity of 78.7%, and a specificity of 70.3%, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusions Endocan expression at ICU admission is a reliable predictive factor in predicting ARDS in patients with SP.
Impedimetric Detection of Cancer Markers Based on Nanofiber Copolymers

The sensitive determination of folate receptors (FRs) in the early stages of cancer is of great significance for controlling the progression of cancerous cells. Many folic acid (FA)-based electrochemical biosensors have been utilized to detect FRs with promising performances, but most were complicated, non-reproducible, non-biocompatible, and time and cost consuming. Here, we developed an environmentally friendly and sensitive biosensor for FR detection. We proposed an electrochemical impedimetric biosensor formed by nanofibers (NFs) of bio-copolymers prepared by electrospinning. The biosensor combines the advantages of bio-friendly polymers, such as sodium alginate (SA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as an antifouling polymer, with FA as a biorecognition element. The NF nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques, including SEM, FTIR, zeta potential (ZP), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We evaluated the performance of the NF biosensor using EIS and demonstrated FR detection in plasma with a limit of detection of 3 pM. Furthermore, the biosensor showed high selectivity, reliability, and good stability when stored for two months. This biosensor was constructed from ‘green credentials’ holding polymers that are highly needed in the new paradigm shift in the medical industry.
La formation et l'évolution des complexes organo-minéraux dans les sols et leur rôle dans la pédogénèse

L'auteur rappelle les differentes voies de l'humification: heritage ou transformation limitee des composes originels de la litiere; neoformation d'une part des composes humiques (acides fulviques et humiques, humine evoluee), d'autre part des differentes formes de biomolecules. La premiere partie concerne le role des complexes organo-mineraux dans la formation et l'evolution des structures. La seconde partie a trait a l'action du milieu sur l'humification: le role du pedoclimat, du materiau d'origine, notamment du cation dominant, celui de la vegetation, sont successivement passes en revue. La derniere partie de l'article a pour objectif de montrer comment les complexes organo-mineraux interviennent dans les quatre principaux types de pedogenese temperee: brunification, podzolisation, andosolisation, melanisation, ainsi que de certaines formes de pedogenese liees a l'intervention simultanee de plusieurs processus (sols «intergrades»)
Calibration of Soil Amplification Factors for Real-Time Ground-Motion Scenarios in Italy

This study deals with the calibration of soil amplification factors to be used for generating site-specific, real-time (or quasi real-time) ground-motion scenarios in Italy. To this end, the ground response of 100 soil profiles is studied through 1-dimensional (1D) equivalent-linear numerical simulations. Several real, rock ground-motion time histories, grouped into different peak ground acceleration (PGA) classes, are driven through the models of the soil columns. Soil amplification factors are then calculated using different definitions, either as the ratio of the spectral acceleration at the surface to the spectral acceleration at the rock outcrop or by dividing the (acceleration or pseudo-velocity) response spectrum intensity at the surface to the reference response spectrum intensity. Finally, regression analyses are performed to derive empirical equations that relate the amplification factor to different soil parameters, such as the average shear wave velocity VS,30 in the top 30 m of a soil profile and the soil fundamental frequency, f0. The reliability of the amplification factors here calculated is verified through comparison with experimental data recorded during the April 6, 2009 L’Aquila earthquake (Mw = 6.3).
Igneous sills as a record of horizontal shortening: The San Rafael subvolcanic field, Utah

Igneous sills can facilitate significant lateral magma transport in the crust; therefore, it is important to constrain controls on their formation and propagation. Close spatial association between sills and dikes in layered (sedimentary) host rocks has led to a number of sill emplacement mechanisms that involve stress rotation related to layering; from horizontal extension and dike emplacement, to horizontal compression and sill emplacement. Here, we used field observations in the San Rafael subvolcanic field (Utah, USA), on the Colorado Plateau, supported by mechanical modeling, to show that layering is not the dominant control in all cases of sill formation. We found no compelling evidence of large sills fed by dikes; all observed cases showed that either dikes cut sills, or vice versa. Local sill contacts activate and follow host layer interfaces, but regionally, sills cut the stratigraphy at a low angle. The sills cut and are cut by reverse faults (1−3 m displacement) and related fractures that accommodate horizontal shortening. Minor sill networks resemble extension vein meshes and indicate that horizontal and inclined geometries were formed during coaxial horizontal shortening and vertical thickening. Although sills elsewhere may be related to mechanical layering during tectonic quiescence, our mechanical models show that the observed San Rafael subvolcanic field geometries are favored in the upper crust during mild horizontal shortening. We propose that sill geometry provides an indication of regional stress states during emplacement, and not all sill geometry is a response to bedding. Constraining sill geometry may therefore present a useful tool in plate-tectonic studies.
Identifying the Barriers to Acceptance of Blockchain-Based Patient-Centric Data Management Systems in Healthcare

A number of recent studies have shown that wastage and inefficiency are a significant problem in all global healthcare systems. One initiative that could radically improve the operational efficiency of health systems is to make a paradigm shift in data ownership—that is, to transition such systems to a patient-centric model of data management by deploying blockchain technology. Such a development would not only make an economic impact, by radically cutting wastage, but would deliver significant social benefits by improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. However, a blockchain-based solution presents considerable challenges. This research seeks to understand the principal factors, which act as barriers to the acceptance of a blockchain-based patient-centric data management infrastructure, in the healthcare systems of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. The study represents an addition to the current literature by examining the perspectives and views of healthcare professionals and users. This approach is rare within this subject area, and is identified in existing systematic reviews as a research gap: a qualitative investigation of motivations and attitudes among these groups is a critical need. The results of the study identified 12 key barriers to the acceptance of blockchain infrastructures, thereby adding to our understanding of the challenges that need to be overcome in order to benefit from this relatively recent technology. The research is expected to be of use to healthcare authorities in planning a way forward for system improvement, particularly in terms of successfully introducing patient-centric systems.
Young, obese, and underweight patients show up inadequately at scheduled appointments: Findings from a record-based study on diabetic, hypertensive diabetic, and hypertensive patients attending a primary care clinic of Puducherry

Background: One key barrier to proper management of common cardio-metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension in primary care is inadequate adherence to treatment, which, in many cases, results from inadequate follow-up at scheduled appointments. In addition to provider and health system level factors, individual patient level factors are also associated with attendance at follow-up appointments. Objective: To document the association of diabetic, hypertensive diabetic, and hypertensive patient's demographic and clinical factors with showing up inadequately at scheduled appointments. Methods: A record-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted in an urban primary health center of Puducherry from January to March 2015. Registered diabetic, hypertensive diabetic, and hypertensive patients who made at least one visit between July and December 2014 were included. Data on demographic factors, clinical factors, and dates of visits to the clinic were collected from case records of patients and were entered in EpiData entry version 3.1. Analysis was performed using R statistical package. Results: Out of 366 patients, 79% were females and 70.2% were aged >50 years. It was found that 183 (50%) were diabetic, 266 (72.7%) were hypertensive, and 115 (31.4%) were hypertensive diabetic. Out of 366 patients, all the five follow-up visits were attended by 185 (50.6%) patients, and “adequate follow-up” was found in 123 (33.6%) patients. Young, underweight, and obese patients were more likely to have inadequate follow-up. Conclusion: Family physicians should give special attention to these groups in their routine practice along with providing targeted health education and implementing full proof mechanisms to track them.
On Black Sea Anchovy and Its Fishery

ABSTRACT Members of the Engraulidae (anchovies) fuel large fisheries around the globe, helping to fulfil demands for food. On the other hand, unpredictable catches that are a very common occurrence with respect to this family can have drastic consequences on economies of different countries. Like many other fisheries, the Black Sea anchovy fishery is a very good example of a fishery greatly affected by abrupt peaks and troughs in landings. In this work, the existing knowledge on the species' overwintering behavior and exploitation patterns along the south coast of the Black Sea is re-evaluated with respect to recent observations. The strong seasonality and very short fishing season are noted as the main characteristics regulating development of the fishery over time. Climatic variability may sometimes generate favorable overwintering conditions outside areas where anchovy aggregations are usually expected, resulting in a temporal shift in overwintering grounds. As most fishing activity takes place on these grounds, low catches in some years are more likely to have been due to fishing the wrong areas, rather than stock decline. This is particularly the case when geopolitical developments have reshaped the fishery, such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, whose fishing fleet once dominated the anchovy fishery. Such irregularities pose considerable management challenges, in particular stock management. Some significant harvest control strategies applied to various anchovy stocks are reviewed and discussed with respect to peculiarities of the Black Sea anchovy.
First-Intention Incisional Wound Healing in Dogs and Cats: A Controlled Trial of Dermapliq and Manuka Honey

Simple Summary In order to improve skin healing, many substances have been used for topical application, honey being one of the oldest. More recently, a medical device, Dermapliq, has been available to treat skin lesions. We assessed these two substances, for use in the sutured skin of dogs and cats, by using cosmetic, clinical, ultrasonographical, and histological evaluation. Comparisons were made between each treatment and control, between the two treatments, and between dogs and cats. The results indicate that Dermapliq improves wound healing; however, Μanuka honey was less beneficial. Healing in cats differs from that of dogs, and cats have better cosmetic and clinical outcomes compared to dogs. Abstract This study aimed to compare incisional wound healing in cats and dogs after the topical application of Μanuka honey and a new medical device, Dermapliq. Comparisons were made between each treatment and control, between the two treatments, and between dogs and cats. Twelve cats and twelve dogs were included in this study, and the impact of the two substances was examined through cosmetic, clinical, ultrasonographical, and histological evaluation. The use of Dermapliq in first-intention wound healing achieved a significantly better cosmetic evaluation score and better total clinical score at days 20–41, compared to the control, in both dogs and cats. The ultrasonographically estimated wound area was smaller with Dermapliq compared to the control. Wounds treated with Dermapliq showed histologically less inflammation compared to the control. The use of Manuka honey did not show a significantly better cosmetic score compared to the control. Skin thickening was significantly higher after using Manuka honey compared to the control and so was the total clinical score. However, the median wound area, as was evaluated ultrasonographically, was significantly smaller when wounds were treated with Manuka honey, the difference being more apparent in dogs. Dermapliq was proven to be a better choice in achieving favorable wound healing than Manuka honey in dogs and cats in first-intention healing. In our study, cats had a statistically better cosmetic score and less skin thickening and scar width compared to dogs. Histologically, cats showed significantly less edema, higher inflammation and angiogenesis scores, and lower fibroblast and epidermis thickening scores when compared to dogs.
Effects of Dietary Crude Protein Level of Concentrate Mix on Growth Performance, Rumen Characteristics, Blood Metabolites, and Methane Emissions in Fattening Hanwoo Steers

Simple Summary This study investigated the effect of varying the levels of dietary crude protein (CP) in concentrate mixes on growth performance, rumen characteristics, digestibility, blood metabolites, and methane emissions in fattening Hanwoo steers. The experiment was conducted for 12 weeks by feeding four concentrate mixes with different levels of dietary CP (15, 18, 19, and 21% of CP dry matter basis). There was a linear increasing trend in the average daily gain (ADG) with increasing dietary CP (p = 0.066). The increase in CP levels also influenced the characteristics of the rumen fluid, leading to increased concentrations of rumen ammonia and an increase in the proportion of butyrate and valerate (p < 0.05) while decreasing the propionate proportion (p = 0.004). The blood urea increased (p < 0.001) and the blood non-esterified fatty acids and cholesterol decreased (p ≤ 0.003) as the dietary CP increased. The methane concentration from eructation per intake (ppm/kg), forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, total NDF intake, and ADG exhibited linear decreases (p ≤ 0.014) across diets. In summary, increasing the dietary CP to 21% in concentrates tended to increase the ADG, reduce the propionate, and increase the butyrate. The methane from eructation showed a tendency to linearly decrease with higher CP. Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying levels of dietary crude protein (CP) on growth performance, rumen characteristics, blood metabolites, and methane emissions in fattening Hanwoo steers. Twenty-four steers, weighing 504 ± 33.0 kg (16 months old), were assigned to four dietary treatments with different CP concentrations (15, 18, 19, and 21% of CP on a dry matter (DM) basis). A linear increasing trend in the average daily gain (ADG) was observed (p = 0.066). With increased dietary CP levels, the rumen ammonia concentration significantly increased (p < 0.001), while the propionate proportion linearly decreased (p = 0.004) and the proportions of butyrate and valerate linearly increased (p ≤ 0.003). The blood urea exhibited a linear increase (p < 0.001), whereas the blood non-esterified fatty acids and cholesterol showed a linear decrease (p ≤ 0.003) with increasing dietary CP. The methane concentration from eructation per intake (ppm/kg), forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, total NDF intake, and ADG exhibited linear decreases (p ≤ 0.014) across the treatments. In conclusion, increasing the dietary CP up to 21% in concentrates demonstrated a tendency to linearly increase the ADG and significantly decrease the propionate while increasing the butyrate. The methane concentration from eructation exhibited a tendency to linearly decrease with increasing dietary CP.
Predictors of channel switching during live prime time television advertising

I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS II LIST OF TABLES VII LIST OF FIGURES IX CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1 Overview 1 Background 1 Scope of the Study 13 Research Focus and Questions 14 Theory Development 14 Definition of Key Concepts and Variables 14 Methodology Employed 16 Sample Size and Sampling Approach 17 Significance of the Study 17 Organisation of the Thesis 19 Summary 22 CHAPTER TWO: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 23 Overview 23 Introduction 23 Television Advertising Avoidance 24 Profile of the Commercial Zapper 33 Factors that Influence the Propensity to Zap Commercials 34 Factors that do not Influence the Propensity to Zap Commercials 42 Clutter 43 The Attitude towards Advertising 47 Summary of Key ‘Attitude towards Advertising’ Literature 57 Research Gaps in the Literature 61 Research Objectives for this Study 64 Summary 64 CHAPTER THREE: DEVELOPMENT OF THE ‘SITUZAP’ SCALE 66 Overview 66 Introduction 66
Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions of soils amended with exogenous organic matter (EOM) from agricultural and urban activities in tropical areas

The primary human source of N2O is agricultural soil management. Fertilized soils may affect N2O emission in several ways. Our aim was to evaluate the N2O emission potential of tropical soils after the application of locally-produced exogenous organic matter (EOM) in Madagascar and Reunion Island. 34 EOM including agricultural, agroindustrial and urban effluents were used. The denitrifying enzyme activity (DEA) test was carried out through incubations of soil-EOM mixtures using or not acetylene. As results, for the Reunion andic soil, DEA ranged of 0.39 to 0.89 ? gN2O-N.h-1.g-1 dry soil depending on the EOM applied to the soil. Activities ranging between 0.70 and 1.53 ? gN2O-N.h-1.g-1 dry soil were measured for Malagasy mixtures. In general, ratio N2O/(N2O+N2) value varied between 0.83 and 1.29. A first appreciation of the environmental impact of applying EOM in two common types of soils in the Indian Ocean area was achieved in this study. (Resume d'auteur)
The Use of Advanced Transportation Monitoring Data for Official Statistics

markdownabstractTraﬃc and transportation statistics are mainly published as aggregated information, and are traditionally based on surveys or secondary data sources, like public registers and companies’ administrations. Nowadays, advanced monitoring systems are installed in the road network, oﬀering more abundant and detailed transport information than surveys and secondary data sources. Usually, these rich data are applied in the ﬁeld of transportation planning research. But they also seem promising to national statistics oﬃces to update their databases and apply new methods to generate statistics. Transportation demand estimation and forecasting traffic volumes are taken as examples. Quantitative information on transportation demand is important for national and regional policy makers who want to know the number of freight vehicles traveling from origins to destinations. Traditionally, they largely extract this information from the national statistics oﬃces. Transportation research needs the demand data to understand transportation behaviour in the road network, such as congestion and pollution. In the thesis, information methods and hierarchal Bayesian networks are used to demonstrate the approaches to estimate transportation demand. To forecast transportation demand, the hierarchal Bayesian network associated with the multi-process model is applied.
Comparative Study on the Periodontal Parameters Used in Diagnosing Periodontitis in Puerperae and Periodontitis’ Relationship with the Birth of Preterm Infants: A Case-Control Study

To compare different criteria for the diagnosis of periodontitis and to evaluate the association of this condition with prematurity, this case-control study was conducted on 283 mothers of infants, divided into two groups based on gestational age (cases: <37 weeks, controls: ≥37 weeks), with 71 cases and 212 controls. The periodontal evaluation included probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index, and bleeding on probing (BOP). Participants were classified regarding periodontitis per 14 criteria based on different periodontal parameters. The criterion selected as the gold standard was the presence of at least four teeth with one or more sites with a PD ≥ 4 mm, CAL ≥ 3 mm, and BOP at the same site. The prevalence of periodontal disease ranged from 8.1% to 55.1%. Moreover, compared to the gold standard, the sensitivities of the other criteria were 100%, while specificity ranged from 50.4% to 96.4%. Periodontitis, defined by six of the selected criteria, was associated with prematurity after multivariate adjustment, with OR ranging from 1.85 to 2.69 and 95% CI from 1.01 to 5.56; one of them was the gold standard mentioned above. Measurements using the clinical parameters of PD, CAL, and bleeding at the same site (criteria 5, 6, 7, 8), CPI (criterion 10), and at least four teeth with a PD ≥ 4 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm (criterion 11) to define periodontitis showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05). Given this study’s limitations, we can conclude that the diagnostic criteria for a periodontitis definition using a PD ≥ 4 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm in two or more teeth, with BOP at the same site, seem stronger when detecting an association between periodontitis and prematurity.