Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developing, translating, and validating a survey instrument for assessing hospital food service staff’s food safety knowledge, perceptions, and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives: To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the food safety knowledge, perceptions, and practices (KPPs) of hospital food service staff (FSS) amidst the challenges of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The questionnaire was subjected to a rigorous evaluation process, which included a literature review and focus groups comprising the general public, FSS, and key experts in food service. The pilot testing highlighted its utility and determined its content validity ratio (CVR). Results: Most items received high CVR scores of 0.96, indicating excellent content validity. A subsequent pilot study involved 40 FSS. Reliability testing, using Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.914, demonstrated good internal consistency across the questionnaire scales. The final version consisted of 115 items. Conclusion: The developed questionnaire, available in both English and Arabic, exhibits both validity and reliability. It acts as a crucial tool for healthcare facilities to assess food safety KPPs among FSS, both under regular operations and during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This tool is adaptable to various hospital settings, aiding in the reduction of foodborne diseases risks.
Treatment of non-displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures with dynamic hip and cannulated screws resulting in avascular necrosis

Objectives: To compare the complications associated with cannulated hip screws (CHS) and dynamic hip screws (DHS) techniques. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective chart study, we reviewed the records and data of all patients operated upon by DHS or CHS for treatment of Garden type I and type II intracapsular non-displaced femoral neck fracture from January 2017 to December 2022. Patients with incomplete files or follow-ups of less than one year were excluded from the study. Results: The study enrolled 85 patients, 35 males, and 50 females, with a mean age of 72±5.4 for males and 70.6±7.6 for females. A total of 44 patients were operated upon with DHS, and 41 patients with CHS. The mortality rate of DHS was 15.9% and was 17.1% in the CHS group (p>0.05). Non-union was recorded in 4.5% of the DHS group and 4.9% of CHS patients (p>0.05). Avascular necrosis (AVN) was significantly higher in DHS (9.1%) than in CHS (4.9%, p<0.05). A revision was required in 15.9% of DHS patients and 14.6% of CHS patients (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study found that DHS was superior to CHS in AVN rate. However, there was no significant difference between both methods regarding mortality, revision, and non-union.
Effect of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy on Upper Extremity Function 3 to 9 Months After Stroke

Context Single-sitestudiessuggestthata2-weekprogramofconstraint-inducedmove-ment therapy (CIMT) for patients more than 1 year after stroke who maintain somehand and wrist movement can improve upper extremity function that persists for atleast 1 year.Objective To compare the effects of a 2-week multisite program of CIMT vs usualandcustomarycareonimprovementinupperextremityfunctionamongpatientswhohad a first stroke within the previous 3 to 9 months.Design and Setting The Extremity Constraint Induced Therapy Evaluation(EXCITE) trial, a prospective, single-blind, randomized, multisite clinical trial con-ducted at 7 US academic institutions between January 2001 and January 2003.Participants Twohundredtwenty-twoindividualswithpredominantlyischemicstroke.Interventions Participants were assigned to receive either CIMT (n=106; wearinga restraining mitt on the less-affected hand while engaging in repetitive task practiceandbehavioralshapingwiththehemiplegichand)orusualandcustomarycare(n=116;rangingfromnotreatmentafterconcludingformalrehabilitationtopharmacologicorphysiotherapeutic interventions); patients were stratified by sex, prestroke dominantside, side of stroke, and level of paretic arm function.Main Outcome Measures The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), a measure oflaboratory time and strength-based ability and quality of movement (functional abil-ity),andtheMotorActivityLog(MAL),ameasureofhowwellandhowoften30com-mon daily activities are performed.Results From baseline to 12 months, the CIMT group showed greater improve-ments than the control group in both the WMFT Performance Time (decrease inmean time from 19.3 seconds to 9.3 seconds [52% reduction] vs from 24.0 sec-onds to 17.7 seconds [26% reduction]; between-group difference, 34% [95% con-fidence interval {CI}, 12%-51%];
Tidal Energy Fluxes and Dissipation in the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea

The tidal energy fluxes and dissipation of the major tidal constituents(M_2,S_2,K_1 and O_1) over the Bohai Sea,the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea are examined in detail, using the results of a numerical model, which assimilates the gauges and altimeter data. The M_2 tidal energy is 122.499GW from the Pacific Ocean into the East China Sea, which accounts for 79% of the total of the four major constituents. Most of the tidal energy of the semidiurnal constituents is dissipated in the Yellow Sea, while for the diurnal constituents most tidal energy is dissipated in the East China Sea. A part of the diurnal tidal energy from the Pacific Ocean (through the Tokara Strait) to the East China Sea refluxes to the Pacific Ocean when it meets the continental slope, with 44% of O_1 tidal energy refluxing into the Pacific Ocean.
The geometry, distribution and development of sand bodies in the Miocene-age Frimmersdorf Seam (Garzweiler open-cast mine), Lower Rhine Basin, Germany: implications for seam exploitation

Abstract The Cenozoic-age Lower Rhine Basin is located in the NW part of the European Cenozoic Rift System. In Miocene times, a combination of warm climatic conditions and basin subsidence resulted in the deposition of up to 100m of lignite (i.e. Main Seam of the Ville Formation). The Main Seam can be subdivided into the Morken, Frimmersdorf and Garzweiler seams, separated by two intercalated transgressive sand units, namely the Frimmersdorf and Neurath sands, deposited in a shallow-marine, tide-dominated environment. The lignite seams of the Ville Formation are currently worked by RWE Power AG, in the Garzweiler II open-cast mine. In the Frimmersdorf Seam (between the Frimmersdorf Sand and the Neurath Sand), the presence of small-scale sand bodies, together with their variable dimensions, affects the industrial exploitation of the seam. Moreover, their irregular distribution complicates their precise and early recognition. Indeed, so-called barren lignite (≥ 17% of sand) and completely clean units can occur within a few metres of each other. Initial classification of these highly variable sand bodies suggests a variety of both pre- and post-depositional causal mechanisms, providing evidence of an extremely complex depositional and post-depositional system. Syn-depositional sand bodies were deposited in a swamp area that was located in the fluvial-dominated sub-environment of an extended tidal estuary. The post-depositional formation of sand bodies is related to the intrusion of fluidized sands from the underlying Frimmersdorf Sand. These sand injectites within the Frimmersdorf Seam are considered to be linked to seismic activity within the Lower Rhine Basin.
Geochemistry of Cretaceous Mudrocks and Sandstones from Douala Sub-Basin, Kumba Area, South West Cameroon: Constraints on Provenance, Source Rock Weathering, Paleo-Oxidation Conditions and Tectonic Environment

Geochemical data of fifteen Cretaceous sediment samples from Kumba area in the Douala sub-basin are presented to determine the provenance, source rock weathering, tectonic setting and paleo-oxidation conditions of the depositional setting of these rocks. For this purpose, the whole-rocks were analyzed for their major and trace element, including rare earth elements (REEs), contents by ICP-AES and ICP-MS methods respectively. On the basis of their major element composition, the rocks have been classified mainly as Fe-shale, shale, arkose and Fe-sandstone. For the provenance, the plot of Zr vs. TiO2, Y/Ni vs. Cr/V, TiO2 vs. Al2O3 diagrams, high LREE/HREE ratios (5.84 to 20.91) and negative and positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*= 0.87 to 1.62) suggest that the studied rocks were mainly derived from felsic igneous rocks with lesser contribution of mafic components. The higher values of paleo-weathering indices such as Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) and Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW), ranging from 79.63 to 99.90 and 87.57 to 99.92 respectively, suggest that the sediments and their potential source rocks experienced intense weathering. Whereas the variable Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values (63.01 to 99.50) coupled with high content of K2O (up to 7.5) in most samples could be indicative of K-addition diagenetic processes. The A-CN-K plot also suggests a possible K-addition. The redox conditions during the sedimentation were suboxic to oxic as evidenced by the Ce anomalies of 0.88 to 1.03. This is also confirmed by the values of Ni/Co (less than 7), U/Th (less than 1.25) and Cu/Zn (mostly less than 1). Tectonic discrimination diagrams (e.g., SiO2-K2O/Na2O and Th-Sc-Zr/10) show that these rocks were deposited mainly in an active continental margin setting, and in various tectonic environments. This reflects probably the recycling effect experienced by the samples studied.
Impact of maternal stress on metabolism and penile morphology in young offspring rats.

Exposure to prolonged stress in pregnancy and/or lactation can lead to the future development of diseases. We aimed to study the effects of maternal stress on the biometry, metabolism, and penile morphology of young Wistar rats. Animals were divided into two experimental groups: Control Group (C) - pups from control mothers, without any intervention (n=5); and Chronic Stress Group (S) - pups from mothers who suffered variable stress in the third week of pregnancy (14th to 21st day; n=5). Food intake and body mass of the pups (n=10, in the C group and n=9 in the S group) were checked; at euthanasia (three months old), fat deposits and penis were removed. At birth and weaning, S animals were lighter than C animals, [-33.72% (p=0.0422) and -17.07% (p=0.0018)], respectively. However, the final body mass and body mass delta showed no differences. Food intake and fat deposits also did not differ. However, the S group was hyperglycemic at 30 and 60 days of life [+20.59% (p=0.0042) and +14.56% (p=0.0079), respectively], despite the glycemia measured at 90 days showing no difference between groups. Penile areas and surface densities of the corpora cavernosa components were similar between groups. The results indicate that maternal stress is an important metabolic programmer, which generates low birth weight and accelerated recovery of body mass after birth (catch-up). However, in an early analysis (90 days of life), exposure to gestational stress did not change the morphology of the offspring's penis in adulthood.
Psychological impairment in inflammatory bowel diseases: the key role of coping and defense mechanisms

A comprehensive investigation of psychological features in chronic patients is very important for tailoring effective treatments. In this study we tested anxiety, depression, health related quality of life (HR-QoL), alexithymia, coping styles, and defense mechanisms, in eighty-four patients with Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Participants reported low to moderate HRQoL and anxiety, apart from alexithymia. Women experienced lower QoL and higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Coping and defense strategies were related to distress symptoms and QoL. Positive attitude and principalization, showed negative associations with depression, anxiety and alexithymia and were also found to be associated with mental health. CD patients used significantly more turning against objects (p=0.02) and projections (p=0.01) and UC patients used more reversal (p=0.04). Elderly women showed higher anxiety symptoms and lower perceived QoL. Multiple regression analysis revealed anxiety and depression were independently associated with QoL. Significant differences emerged in defense styles among CD and UC. CD participants used more maladaptive coping and defense styles which were related to mental distress, depression and anxiety, together with higher level of alexithymia. Findings suggest that psychological aspects play a key role in mental health in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases. A multi-integrated clinical strategy including psychotherapeutic interventions should be considered in treating CD and UC.
Educational technology research trends in Turkey from a critical perspective: An analysis of postgraduate theses

The aim of this study is to explore the research trends in the context of postgraduate programmes in the field of Educational Technology (ET) in Turkey between 1996 and 2016, and to uncover the possible factors that influence these trends from the perspective of ET faculty members. This study was informed by critical theory and employed the critical inquiry method. In the first phase, content analysis technique was used in order to explore trends in research methods and topics in theses completed in ET postgraduate programmes in Turkey. In the second phase, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 11 faculty members regarding the possible influential factors. The findings of the content analysis indicated that ET research was dominated by quantitative research designs in the examined theses. Critical methods were overlooked and social, cultural, and political issues were largely silenced. The findings of the interviews showed that the factors that have been influential on ET research trends were the social impact of the research, personal interests and skills, disciplinary and departmental culture, and feasibility concerns. This study presents implications for better ET research by addressing blind spots of the field and providing suggestions for ET postgraduate students, ET scholars, policymakers and practitioners in a global context and other developing countries since the resulting trends in Turkey were found similar to international trends in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Downward solar global irradiance at the surface in São Paulo city—The climatological effects of aerosol and clouds

We analyzed the variability of downward solar irradiance reaching the surface at São Paulo city, Brazil, and estimated the climatological aerosol and cloud radiative effects. Eleven years of irradiance were analyzed, from 2005 to 2015. To distinguish the aerosol from the cloud effect, the radiative transfer code LibRadtran was used to calculate downward solar irradiance. Two runs were performed, one considering only ozone and water vapor daily variability, with AOD set to zero and the second allowing the three variables to change, according to mean climatological values. The difference of the 24 h mean irradiance calculated with and without aerosol resulted in the shortwave aerosol direct radiative effect, while the difference between the measured and calculated, including the aerosol, represented the cloud effect. Results showed that, climatologically, clouds can be 4 times more effective than aerosols. The cloud shortwave radiative effect presented a maximum reduction of about −170 W m−2 in January and a minimum in July, of −37 W m−2. The aerosol direct radiative effect was maximum in spring, when the transport of smoke from the Amazon and central parts of South America is frequent toward São Paulo. Around mid‐September, the 24 h radiative effect due to aerosol only was estimated to be −50 W m−2. Throughout the rest of the year, the mean aerosol effect was around −20 W m−2 and was attributed to local urban sources. The effect of the cloud fraction on the cloud modification factor, defined as the ratio of all‐sky irradiation to cloudless sky irradiation, showed dependence on the cloud height. Low clouds presented the highest impact while the presence of high clouds only almost did not affect solar transmittance, even in overcast conditions.
'Isabel Precoce': alternativa para a vitivinicultura brasileira.

As uvas americanas e híbridas representam mais de 80% do volume de uvas processadas no Brasil, com aproximadamente 400 mil toneladas/ano. A cultivar Isabel responde por cerca de 50% desse volume, constituindo-se na matéria-prima básica para a elaboração de vinho de mesa e para a elaboração de suco. É a principal cultivar nos vinhedos do Rio Grande do Sul e de Santa Catarina, já é cultivada com sucesso no Mato Grosso, em Goiás e em Pernambuco, na zona da mata; demonstrou bom comportamento no noroeste de São Paulo e no Triângulo Mineiro (MAIA et al., 1999; 2002) e vem sendo plantada em projetos recentes voltados à produção de uvas para suco no Vale do Submédio São Francisco.
Clinical parameter-based prediction model for neurosyphilis risk stratification

Accurately predicting neurosyphilis prior to a lumbar puncture (LP) is critical for the prompt management of neurosyphilis. However, a valid and reliable model for this purpose is still lacking. This study aimed to develop a nomogram for the accurate identification of neurosyphilis in patients with syphilis. The training cohort included 9,504 syphilis patients who underwent initial neurosyphilis evaluation between 2009 and 2020, while the validation cohort comprised 526 patients whose data were prospectively collected from January 2021 to September 2021. Neurosyphilis was observed in 35.8% (3,400/9,504) of the training cohort and 37.6% (198/526) of the validation cohort. The nomogram incorporated factors such as age, male gender, neurological and psychiatric symptoms, serum RPR, a mucous plaque of the larynx and nose, a history of other STD infections, and co-diabetes. The model exhibited good performance with concordance indexes of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.83–0.85) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78–0.86) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, along with well-fitted calibration curves. This study developed a precise nomogram to predict neurosyphilis risk in syphilis patients, with potential implications for early detection prior to an LP.
Hysteroscopy: A retrospective study of 507 cases

Introduction: Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive intervention that can be used to diagnose and treat many intrauterine and endocervical problems. Given the safety and efficacy, diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy has become standard in gynecology practice. Aims: A retrospective analysis of 507 case records of patients who underwent hysteroscopy between July 2017 and December 2018 was conducted. The indications for hysteroscopy, type of anesthesia employed and the procedure performed were studied. Results: The most common indication for hysteroscopy was infertility. Most patients underwent hysteroscopy under general anesthesia. Thirty two percent of patients required total intravenous analgesia. Endometrial polypectomy and myomectomy were the commonly performed hysteroscopic procedures. Conclusion: Hysteroscopy is a safe, minimally invasive and well tolerated procedure which is increasingly used worldwide as a first-line investigation for infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding and other diseases involving the uterine cavity. Technological advancements in the instruments have enabled the use of hysteroscopy as an out-patient procedure. Keywords: Hysterosocopy, Infertility, Abnormal uterine bleeding.
Modeling of vegetated flows with uncertainty estimation

This thesis is protected by copyright, with all rights reserved. By reading and using the thesis, the reader understands and agrees to the following terms: 1. The reader will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the thesis. 2. The reader will use the thesis for the purpose of research or private study only and not for distribution or further reproduction or any other purpose. 3. The reader agrees to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
Identification and evaluation of antiviral activity of novel compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 virus by enzymatic and antiviral assays, and computational analysis

Abstract The viral genome of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the aetiologic agent of COVID-19, encodes structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins. Most of these components undergo rapid genetic variations, though to a lesser extent the essential viral proteases. Consequently, the protease and/or deubiquitinase activities of the cysteine proteases Mpro and PLpro became attractive targets for the design of antiviral agents. Here, we develop and evaluate new bis(benzylidene)cyclohexanones (BBC) and identify potential antiviral compounds. Three compounds were found to be effective in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 load, with EC50 values in the low micromolar concentration range. However, these compounds also exhibited inhibitory activity IC50 against PLpro at approximately 10-fold higher micromolar concentrations. Although originally developed as PLpro inhibitors, the comparison between IC50 and EC50 of BBC indicates that the mechanism of their in vitro antiviral activity is probably not directly related to inhibition of viral cysteine proteases. In conclusion, our study has identified new potential noncytotoxic antiviral compounds suitable for in vivo testing and further improvement.
Scalable plasma and digital cognitive markers for diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

INTRODUCTION: With emergence of disease-modifying therapies, efficient diagnostic pathways are critically needed to identify treatment candidates, evaluate disease severity, and support prognosis. A combination of plasma biomarkers and brief digital cognitive assessments could provide a scalable alternative to current diagnostic work-up. METHODS: We examined the accuracy of plasma biomarkers and a 10-minute supervised tablet-based cognitive assessment (Tablet-based Cognitive Assessment Tool Brain Health Assessment [TabCAT-BHA]) in predicting amyloid β positive (Aβ+) status on positron emission tomography (PET), concurrent disease severity, and functional decline in 309 older adults with subjective cognitive impairment (n= 49), mild cognitive impairment (n= 159), and dementia (n= 101). RESULTS: Combination of plasma pTau181, Aβ42/40, neurofilament light (NfL), and TabCAT-BHA was optimal for predicting Aβ-PET positivity (AUC = 0.962). Whereas NfL and TabCAT-BHA optimally predicted concurrent disease severity, combining these with pTau181 and glial fibrillary acidic protein was most accurate in predicting functional decline. DISCUSSION: Combinations of plasma and digital cognitive markers show promise for scalable diagnosis and prognosis of ADRD.