Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Population-Based Study of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Italian Cancer Patients

Simple Summary Research suggests that lengthening the prognosis in cancer patients (which is certainly a positive thing) requires greater attention to be paid to the onset of other pathologies. The increase in cardiovascular mortality in cancer patients (due to both exposure to risk factors and the side effects of cytotoxic drugs) requires greater collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists, and the integration of shared follow-up paths. Particular attention to the follow-up of cancer patients can reduce this risk: in the present study, patients presented an excessive risk of cardiovascular mortality only in the first two years from cancer diagnosis. Abstract The present research describes 25 years of cardiovascular mortality in a cohort of patients in Northern Italy. The study included patients with malignant cancer enrolled in the period of 1996–2019, and describes cardiovascular and cancer mortality in relation to sex, age, year of diagnosis, months of survivorship, tumor site, and standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Out of 67,173 patients, 38,272 deaths (57.7%) were recorded: 4466 from cardiovascular disease (CVD) (6.6%), and 28,579 (42.6%) from cancer. The proportion of CVD death increased from 4.5% in the first two years after diagnosis, to 7.3% after more than 10 years, while the proportion of deaths from cancer decreased from 70.5% to 9.4%. The CVD SMR comparing cancer patients with the general population was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82–0.92) in 1996–1999, rising to 0.95 (95% CI: 0.84–1.08) in 2015–2019, without differences in terms of sex or age. The risk of dying from CVD was higher compared with the general population (SMR 1.31; 95% CI: 1.24–1.39) only in the first two years after diagnosis. The trend over time underscored that CVD deaths increased in patients with breast, bladder, prostate, and colorectal cancers, and, in the more recent period, for kidney cancer and melanoma patients. Our data confirmed that cardiovascular mortality is an important issue in the modern management of cancer patients, suggesting the need for an extensive interdisciplinary approach.
Embedded Quasi-Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensors for the Long-Term Monitoring of the Grouting Area of Rock Anchors in a Large Gravity Dam

Steel anchors were installed in a gravity-dam, in order to increase the stability of the dam. Quasi-distributed fiber-optic strain sensors are centrally positioned in the complete length of these anchors to detect the long-term behavior of the tendon bonded to the rock foundation. Because the sensor rod containing the measuring lengths is directly bonded to the grout in the fixed anchor length area, it is able to measure the longitudinal strain distribution in the anchor bond area. Such sensors help to evaluate the bonding of the fixed anchor bond length in a rock or in difficult ground areas. Design of the anchors, manufacturing and on-site installations are described. The measuring principle and its characteristics are also described. Measured results given show the ability of sensorequipped anchors to monitor the tendon bond behavior over a period of years. Results four years after sensor system installation are presented.
Are national Curriculum objectives for teaching English being met in icelandic compulsory schools

This article looks at recent research on English language teaching at the compulsory level in Iceland with regard to National Curriculum objectives. Three main issues are discussed: types of teaching methods used, the use of English during instruction, and the types of assessment methods used. The National Curriculum for foreign languages follows the principles of communicative language teaching and emphasizes the teaching of all four skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking) and integrating grammar and vocabulary with skills-based instruction. Teachers are encouraged to use a variety of techniques, activities, and materials that take into account diverse learning needs, use English as much as possible during instruction, and assist students in becoming autonomous learners through goal-setting and self-assessment. Assessment should be constructive, informative and include a variety of methods. Formal assessment (written tests) is not considered appropriate for learners in grades 1-5. An analysis of studies of English teaching at the compulsory level shows a discrepancy between communicative teaching methods recommended by the National Curriculum and those used in English instruction. Traditional methods of teaching and assessment are predominately used in schools. On the whole, instruction is teacher-directed and text-book bound and innovative approaches towards more holistic, learner-centered teaching do not seem to have gained ground. Teachers are not fulfilling their role of using English for classroom interaction and communication, and students are not provided with ample opportunities for authentic and creative use of English. Finally, traditional assessment methods based on written tests are used by most teachers, particularly in the upper grades, and little progress has been made in introducing alternative assessment methods recommended by the National Curriculum.
Switchings, bifurcations, and chaos in DC/DC converters

Nonlinear phenomena in closed-loop pulsewidth modulated (PWM) DC/DC converters are analyzed. We introduce a new discrete time nonlinear map-the A-switching map-which is related to the asynchronous switchings, i.e., the changes of converter configuration occurring within the modulating period. This map is compared with the stroboscopic map, which is typically used in the study of DC/DC converters. Analytical conditions for the occurrence of periodic orbits and flip bifurcations are obtained. Moreover, necessary conditions for infinite local stretching on the phase space are derived. Finally, a possible explanation of the sudden jump to chaos exhibited by DC/DC converters is proposed. Analytical and numerical results can be applied to all fundamental DC/DC converter topologies. The case of the voltage-controlled buck converter is treated in detail.
Response of Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana to Precommercial Thinning in a Humid Region Under the Oro-Mediterranean Climatic Conditions

Precommercial thinning is the basic management practice in young Anatolian black pine [ Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana ] stands. The aim of this study was to address the lack of knowledge with regard to the impact of the intensity of precommercial thinning on tree growth and stability in Anatolian black pine forest in a humid region under the oro-mediterranean climatic conditions. The field experiment was established in late April 2015 by three precommercial thinning treatments, unthinned control (4941 stems ha − 1 ), 2–2.5 m spacing (PCT 2–2.5 m ) = 2133 stems ha − 1 , and 3–3.5 m spacing (PCT 3–3.5 m ) = 1093 stems ha − 1 , and monitored for three growing seasons. Tree diameter (diameter at breast height), basal area, and crown radius increments showed a positive response to precommercial thinning, especially in the PCT 3–3.5 m plots. The height incre- ment was highest in the unthinned plots. Height:diameter 1.30 m ( h/d ) ratio of trees grown at the PCT 3–3.5 m plots was lower than the other precommercial thinning treatments. The negative correlation between DBH and h/d ratio was slightly decreased for the PCT 3–3.5 m plots in the 3 years after precommercial thinning. The percentage of trees damaged by snow or wind in the second year of the PCT was not significantly affected by precommercial thinning. Precommercial thinning promotes diameter at breast height and crown growth by reducing competition between neighboring trees for natural resources. In addition, findings indicate that precommercial thinning increased stand stability with increasing diameter against snow/wind damage likely to occur at high altitudes of the oro-mediterranean belt.
Joint Radar-Communication Systems: Modulation Schemes and System Design

The joint radar-communication (RadCom) concept has been continuously gaining interest due to the possibility of integrating radar sensing and communication functionalities in the same radio frequency hardware platform. Besides a number of challenges in terms of hardware design and signal processing, the choice of suitable modulation schemes plays a significant role in driving the performance of RadCom systems. In this sense, this article presents an overview of state-of-the-art modulation schemes for RadCom systems, namely, chirp sequence, phase-modulated continuous wave, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing, and orthogonal chirp-division multiplexing. For each of them, a detailed system model is outlined, and parameters for quantifying both radar and communication performances are presented. Finally, a comparative analysis of the aforementioned RadCom modulation schemes is carried out to illustrate the presented discussion.
An Analysis of a Civil Aircraft Main Gear Shimmy Failure

Abstract A dynamical model is presented to analyse the stability of motion of the two-wheeled ‘Fokker F.28-like’ landing gear including tyres. The model is equally applicable to similar landing gears. The influence of the introduction of a specially designed torsional damper on the dynamical behaviour of the landing gear-tyre combination is investigated. Results of the stability calculations are supported by test results.
What knowledge is most worthwhile in IS work placements?

A case study conducted across a cross-section of stakeholders involved in a year-long co-operative education (co-op) program within an IS business degree in an Australian university, uncovered a range of views of what knowledge was perceived as most worthwhile. This paper discusses these findings drawing on a multidisciplinary review of a wide range of research literature. It is proposed that the diversity of individual views promotes a broader spectrum of worthwhile knowledge that suggests universities recognise the different individual values in the design and delivery of courses and programs so as to provide students with richer, more satisfying leaning experiences.
Information dissemination in multihop inter-vehicle networks

In addition to the integration of vehicles into traditional networks (e.g. access to the Internet via cellular) the Ad-hoc connection of vehicles within a limited area is a technology that promises a lot of innovative and exciting services. This paper starts with the description of some services to motivate Ad-hoc networking in the vehicular environment. It then gives an overview of the current challenges (especially routing protocols) in this field. If the geographic position of the network nodes is known, better performance can be achieved with the utilization of so called geocast routing-algorithms. An overview of geocast-routing is given and shortcomings of the existing protocols for the usage in inter-vehicle Ad-hoc networks are explained. Finally we make a proposal for a vehicle-optimized geocast routing, protocol that is based on AODV and present our prototype implementation.
Improving detection sensitivity for partial discharge monitoring of high voltage equipment

Partial discharge (PD) measurements are an important technique for assessing the health of power apparatus. Previous published research by the authors has shown that an electro-optic system can be used for PD measurement of oil-filled power transformers. A PD signal generated within an oil-filled power transformer may reach a winding and then travel along the winding to the bushing core bar. The bushing, acting like a capacitor, can transfer the high frequency components of the partial discharge signal to its earthed tap point. Therefore, an effective PD current measurement can be implemented at the bushing tap by using a radio frequency current transducer around the bushing-tap earth connection. In addition, the use of an optical transmission technique not only improves the electrical noise immunity and provides the possibility of remote measurement but also realizes electrical isolation and enhances safety for operators. However, the bushing core bar can act as an aerial and in addition noise induced by the electro-optic modulation system may influence overall measurement sensitivity. This paper reports on a machine learning technique, namely the use of a support vector machine (SVM), to improve the detection sensitivity of the system. Comparison between the signal extraction performances of a passive hardware filter and the SVM technique has been assessed. The results obtained from the laboratory-based experiment have been analysed and indicate that the SVM approach provides better performance than the passive hardware filter and it can reliably detect discharge signals with apparent charge greater than 30 pC.
Association between HO-1 gene promoter polymorphisms and diseases

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an inducible cytoprotective enzyme that degrades heme into free iron, carbon monoxide and biliverdin, which is then rapidly converted into bilirubin. These degradation products serve an important role in the regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. While the expression level of HO-1 is typically low in most cells, it may be highly expressed when induced by a variety of stimulating factors, a process that contributes to the regulation of cell homeostasis. In the 5′-non-coding region of the HO-1 gene, there are two polymorphic sites, namely the (GT)n dinucleotide and T(−413)A single nucleotide polymorphism sites, which regulate the transcriptional activity of HO-1. These polymorphisms have been shown to be closely associated with the occurrence and progression of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, liver and kidney, various types of cancer and viral diseases. The present article reviews the progress that has been made in research on the association between the two types of polymorphisms and these diseases, which is expected to provide novel strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of various diseases.
Advancement in Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics for Applying to Ocean Wave Energy Conversion

MARJANI, ALIASGHAR. Advancement in Numerical Method for Optimizing Ocean Wave Energy Conversion. (Under the supervision of Dr. Billy L. Edge). The main purpose of this study is to enhance the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method that can more accurately simulate the hydrodynamic forces on a structure and can be used for determining efficient designs for wave energy devices. A desirable method is one that is accurate and easy to apply. Smoothed particle hydrodynamics is a method used in various fields of study. Unlike the finite difference method (FDM), SPH is a Lagrangian mesh-free method in which each particle moves according to the property of the surrounding flow and governing conservation equations, and carries the properties of water such as density, pressure and mass. SPH is validated by several experimental data sets in 2D and 3D. Basic fluid mechanics demonstrates that the boundary layer generation and flow separation around a blunt object play key roles in wake generation behind the object. It is known that the boundary layer thickness depends inversely on the Reynolds number. Hence, using very small particles is necessary to simulate the ultra-thin boundary layer. On the other hand it is impossible to have very fine particles for a problem with large domain. Our new algorithms and techniques minimize the total number of required particles and consequently reduce computational cost when fine particles are employed locally and mirror boundary condition is applied for symmetric geometries. © Copyright 2013 by Aliasghar Marjani All Rights Reserved Advancement in Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics for Applying to Ocean Wave Energy Conversion by Aliasghar Marjani A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Comparison of superb microvascular imaging and shear wave elastography for assessing liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B

Purpose The present study investigated the effectiveness and applicability of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) in determining the degree of liver fibrosis noninvasively in comparison with shear wave elastography (SWE). Methods Ninety-eight consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent ultrasound (US)-guided needle biopsy were examined using US combined with SMI and SWE. The predictive performance of the two US techniques in staging liver fibrosis and inflammation was compared with reference to the histological findings obtained from liver biopsy. The intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of SMI in vascularity scores were evaluated. Results SWE values and SMI vascular scores were statistically significantly different among fibrosis stages (χ2(3)=76.3, χ2(3)=81.5, P<0.001). The SWE and SMI models significantly predicted fibrosis stages separately, and SMI scores alone predicted fibrosis stages better than SWE values (50.1% for SWE, 63.5% for SMI, P<0.001). A model with both SMI scores and SWE values together explained 73.2% of variance in fibrosis stages. When other clinical and laboratory predictors were added to the model (81.5%, P<0.001), SWE values and SMI scores remained the main predictors of fibrosis stages. SWE and SMI were also applicable in predicting inflammatory grades, explaining 31% and 34% of variance, respectively, and 37.7% when used together (P<0.001). Conclusion Both SWE and SMI had good diagnostic performance in determining the degree of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients. The efficacy of SMI was better than that of SWE. SMI can improve diagnostic performance for staging liver fibrosis and shows potential for estimating necroinflammation of the liver.
Frequency of Face and Mask Contacts Before and After Quarantine During COVID-19 Pandemics

Introduction: The World Health Organization released recommendations including social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, and respiratory hygiene to decrease the risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Objective: to estimate the number of potentially infectious self-contact in people located in concurred areas before and during the quarantine. Methods: We conducted an observational study in Bucaramanga and nearby cities in Colombia, before and during the mandatory quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic. Trained health professionals recorded the times that people touched their faces (nose, mouth, and eyes) or their masks with the hand or other fomites (cell phones, pens, etc.). Sex, apparent age, and observation time were also recorded. Results: We observed 87 people at a hospital, a university, banks, and stores/wholesales, The mean observation time was 14.1 minutes (minimum 3 and maximum 66). A potential infectious self-contact occurred every 2.43 minutes. Before quarantine, the mean rate of hand-to-face contact was 30.4(9-88.4) times/hour and between fomites-to-face was 6.8(0-40) times/hour. During quarantine, the self-contact between hands- masks was 17.4(0-60) times/hour and between fomites-masks was 3.6(0-20) times/hour. We found a reduction in total contact rates after the quarantine (p=0.038), especially with fomites (p=0.027); women were more likely to self-contact (IRR:1.2, 95% CI:1.09-1.32) also people between 25 and 34 years (1.2, 1.05-1.39). The places with the highest frequency of contact were the university (1.39, 1.20-1.60) and banks (1.57, 1.28-1.92). Discussion: The recommendation for handwashing may not be sufficient on its own, because the frequency of contact may be greater than that of washing or the use of hand sanitizer.
Epidemiologic and Molecular Characterization of Zoonotic Dermatophytes from Pet Dogs and Cats in Egypt

| Dermatophytosis is a zoonotic worldwide public health issue caused by pathogenic fungi called dermatophytes, belonging to three genera; Microsporum (M), Trichophyton (T), and Epidermophyton (E). Such disease is transmitted to man through contact with the infected animals. This study investigated the prevalence of dermatophytes in pet dogs and cats, besides humans in Cairo, Giza, and Beni-Suef governorates, Egypt. Skin scrapings were taken from 245 pet dogs, 180 cats, and 60 humans. A direct microscopy, fungal culture, and molecular analysis were carried out. The results revealed that the prevalence of dermatophytes was 20.4, 16.1, and 31.6% in dogs, cats, and humans, respectively. M. canis was the most frequent isolated from dogs (10.2%) followed by T. mentagrophytes (6.1%) and T. verrucosum (4.0%). whereas the unique dermatophyte found in cats was M. canis (8.3%). The study revealed that outdoor housed animals showed higher rates of infection than indoor breeds. Concerning age, puppies showed higher susceptibility (50.0%) than juvenile and adult dogs. In relation to, allergic dermatitis, it was found that the diseased dogs and cats showed higher isolation rates than apparently healthy ones. Shifting to human cutaneous infections, the findings denoted that M. canis was the highest zoonotic potential (20.0%) whereas T. verrucosum was not determined in the screened samples. Furthermore, people aged (11-30) years, as well as pet workers, were the most infected groups. Surprisingly, 80.0% of the individuals who suffered from dermal infections and/or alopecia were cult positive for dermatophytes. PCR amplification of dermatophyte using CHS1 primers yielded a fragment of about 440 bp while with ITS1 primer yielded a 700 bp, the isolated M. canis was subjected for sequencing analyses and deposited in the gene bank. It was concluded that the occurrence of dermatophytes in dogs and cats along with high the prevalence of M. canis in humans suggesting the potentiality of zoonotic spread.
A Novel Approach Towards Less Invasive Multi ‘Omics Gut Analyses: A Pilot Study

Newer ‘omics approaches such as metatranscriptomics and metabolomics allow functional assessments of the interaction(s) between the gut microbiome and the human host. In order to generate meaningful data with these approaches, though, the method of sample collection is critical. Prior studies have relied upon expensive and invasive means towards sample acquisition such as intestinal biopsy, while other studies have relied upon easier methods of collection such as fecal samples that do not necessarily represent those microbes in contact with the host. In this pilot study, we attempt to characterize a novel, minimally invasive method towards sampling the human microbiome using mucosal cytology brush sampling compared to intestinal gut biopsy on 5 healthy participants undergoing routine screening colonoscopy. We compared metatranscriptomic analyses between the two collection methods, identifying increased taxonomic evenness and beta diversity in the cytology brush samples, and similar community transcriptional profiles between the two methods. Metabolomics assessment demonstrated striking differences between the two methods, implying a difference in bacterial-derived versus human absorbed metabolites. Put together, this study supports the use of a less invasive method of microbiome sampling with cytology brushes, but caution must be exercised when performing metabolomics assessment as this represents differential metabolite production but not absorption by the host. Importance In order to generate meaningful metabolomic and microbiome data, the method of sample collection is critical. This study utilizes and compares two methods to intestinal tissue collection for evaluation of metabolites and microbiome, finding that using a brush to sample the microbiome is superior to tissue biopsy. However, for metabolomics assessment, biopsy may still be required.