Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A clinico-pathological study of COVID-19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis

Purpose: Known predisposing factors for mucormycosis are neutropenia and diabetes. Though COVID-19 is associated with hyperinflammatory response, a high surge in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) cases was observed during the second wave. The histopathological features reflect the background pathogenesis. This study analyzes the histopathological features and clinical presentation of COVID-19-associated ROCM. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, the clinical details of 89 proven ROCM patients treated during May–July 2021 were collected from the case records. Histopathological features were correlated with clinical staging groups and outcomes. The mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of clinical and outcome groups were compared. Results: The mean age was 54.71 ± 11.03 years, with male patients constituting a majority (78.7%). Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus was noted in 70.8% of patients, and 3.4% had normal range of blood sugar. The mean blood sugar was 298.08 ± 99.51 mg/dL. The mean duration of onset of symptoms of mucormycosis from the diagnosis of COVID-19 was 17.36 ± 7.392 (3–45) days. Poor outcome with disease progression or death occurred in 21.3% of patients. Clinical group II patients (44.9%) with ROCM stages 3c and above had poor outcomes (P = 0.005). Histopathological analysis showed minimal inflammation in 25.8%, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) in 75.3%, and angio-invasion in 28.1% of patients. Minimal inflammation was associated with clinical group II (P = 0.004) and poor outcome (P = 0.001). Angio-invasion correlated with poor outcome (P = 0.007). Patients with severe clinical group and poor outcome had higher mean NLR with P = 0.017 and P = 0.007, respectively. Conclusion: Vision loss and cerebral involvement had poor outcomes. The histopathologic features such as inflammation and angio-invasion along with NLR aid as prognostic indicators in the management of ROCM. The role of NET in the pathogenesis of COVID-19-associated ROCM needs further studies.
Personality, grit, and performance in rock-climbing: down to the nitty-gritty

ABSTRACT Over the past decades, the study of personality gained momentum in the field of sport psychology, a prime example being the increased number of publications relating personality to performance in extreme sports. The aim of the present investigation was twofold: to relate Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality traits with various aspects of climbing performance and to estimate whether grit, as a distinct personality trait, predicts climbing performance over and beyond FFM dimensions. Our sample included adult bouldering and sport climbing practitioners (N = 272 sport climbers, 155 boulderers) with ages between 16 and 69 (M = 32.1, SD = 10.0). We measured personality (Big Five Inventory FFM–2 Short Form, and a 12-item Grit Scale) and multiple indicators of outdoor sport climbing and bouldering performance. Results indicated that climbing performance was predicted by openness and agreeableness. Grit also significantly predicted climbing performance over the FFM traits. Contrary to the commonly held view depicting grit as indistinct from conscientiousness, our findings suggest that this trait has a unique contribution to explaining performance in a relatively novel, high-risk sport.
Novel Chemical and Biological Insights of Inositol Derivatives in Mediterranean Plants

Inositols (Ins) are natural compounds largely widespread in plants and animals. Bio-sinthetically they derive from sugars, possessing a molecular structure very similar to the simple sugars, and this aspect concurs to define them as primary metabolites, even though it is much more correct to place them at the boundary between primary and secondary metabolites. This dichotomy is well represented by the fact that as primary metabolites they are essential cellular components in the form of phospholipid derivatives, while as secondary metabolites they are involved in a plethora of signaling pathways playing an important role in the surviving of living organisms. myo-Inositol is the most important and widespread compound of this family, it derives directly from d-glucose, and all known inositols, including stereoisomers and derivatives, are the results of metabolic processes on this unique molecule. In this review, we report the new insights of these compounds and their derivatives concerning their occurrence in Nature with a particular emphasis on the plant of the Mediterranean area, as well as the new developments about their biological effectiveness.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Adhesively and Bolted Connections of Pultruded GFRP I-Shape Profiles

Recent developments indicate that the application of pultruded FRP profiles has been continuously growing in the construction industry. Generating more complex structures composed of pultruded FRP profiles requires joining them. In particular, I-shape glass fiber pultruded profiles are commonly used and the possible joints to connect them should be specifically studied. The mechanical behavior of adhesively and bolted joints for pultruded Glass FRP (GFRP) profiles has been experimentally addressed and numerically modeled. A total of nine specimens with different configurations (bolted joints, adhesive joints, web joints, web and flange joints, and two different angles between profiles) were fabricated and tested, extending the available published information. The novelty of the research is in the direct comparison of joint technologies (bolted vs. adhesive), joint configuration (web vs. flange + web) and angles between profiles in a comprehensive way. Plates for flange joints were fabricated with carbon fiber FRP. Experimental results indicate that adding the bolted flange connection allowed for a slight increase of the load bearing capacity (up to 15%) but a significant increase in the stiffness (between 2 and 7 times). Hence, it is concluded that using carbon FRP bolted flange connection should be considered when increasing the joint stiffness is sought. Adhesively connections only reached 25% of the expected shear strength according to the adhesive producer if comparing the numerically calculated shear strength at the failure time with the shear strength capacity of the adhesive. Apart from assessing adhesive connections, the implemented 3D numerical model was aimed at providing a simplified effective tool to effectively design bolted joints. Although the accurate fitting between experimental and numerical results of the mechanical response, especially the stiffness of the joint, the local failure experimentally observed was not automatically represented by the model, because of the simplified definition of the materials oriented to make the model available for a wide range of practitioners.
Analysis of early Japanese meteorological data and historical weather documents to reconstruct the winter climate between the 1840s and the early 1850s

Abstract. The East Asian winter monsoon causes orographic snowfall over the windward side of the Japanese islands (facing the Sea of Japan and the northwesterly winter monsoon flow) and negative temperature anomalies around Japan. Daily weather information recorded in old Japanese diaries can provide useful information on the historical occurrences of snowfall days. Here, this information was combined with recently recovered early daily instrumental temperature data collected during the 19th century to reconstruct the occurrence of winter monsoon outbreak days (WMDs) from the 1840s to the early 1850s in Japan. Analyses of interannual and intra-seasonal variations in WMDs revealed active winter monsoon outbreaks in the early 1840s. In 1840/41 and 1841/42, these synchronously occurred with extreme snow events reported in central and southern China. However, winter monsoon outbreaks were absent during the middle to late winters of the mid-1840s and 1853/1854. Freezing records of Lake Suwa in central Japan showed that it did not freeze during 1844/1845 and 1853/1854, which was in agreement with our finding of inactive winter monsoons in these years. Comparing the occurrences of WMDs with early instrumental surface pressure data revealed that WMDs were associated with the active phases of the winter monsoon, as represented by an east–west surface pressure gradient over East Asia.
Optical Properties and Dispersion Parameters of PAAm-PEG Polymer Blend Doped with Antimony (III) Oxide Nanoparticles

Oxide of antimony (III) (Sb2O3) is a type of amphoteric oxide, is used in a variety of applications is a pacifying agent for glasses, ceramics, enamels, catalyst, production of plastic, and the vulcanization of rubber. Polymer blend films were prepared by mixing polyacrylamide (PAAm) and polyethylene glycol (PEG4000), with different contents of Sb2O3 nanoparticles by casting method. The diffusions of Sb2O3 nanoparticles within the mixture were examined using optical microscopy. The optical microscopic images showed that good diffusions of nanoparticles with some agglomerations. The optical characteristics were studied by the Spectrophotometer for ultraviolet and visible light in the range of (200-1100) nm. Most optical properties increased with the increasing of wavelength except for transmittance and energy gaps. The analysis of optical properties is the focus of this paper of (PAAm-PEG-Sb2O3) nanocomposite polymer films and study the (Dispersion energy)Ed, (single oscillator energy)Eo, (static refraction index)n(0), and (Moments) M-1 and M-3 are examples of dispersion parameters.
Analysis of Maize Profitability among Smallholder Farmers in Mbinga District, Tanzania

This cross-sectional study analyzed the profitability of maize production among smallholder farmers in Mbinga District, Ruvuma, Tanzania. A multistage sampling procedure was applied to select 120 smallholder farmers. Data was collected by using semi-structured questionnaires and then analyzed by using descriptive statistics and farm budgeting technique. The results reveal that Gross Margin for maize enterprise was 1,182,650.79 TZS per hectare. This implies that maize farming is a profitable enterprise in the study area. The study recommends that the government should promote financing mechanisms to facilitate conducive environment for investment in the subsector. More, it is recommended that the government should manage the inputs subsidy provision by using participatory techniques. Further, the government should regulate informal maize markets to protect the welfare of farmers. Moreover, youth, women and people with disabilities should utilise the funds (10% of councils’ budgets) available at the Local Government Authorities to engage in agricultural activities. This will ultimately offer an opportunity to reduce unemployment in such localities.
Graduates Use of Technology in their K-8 Classrooms

This article examines ways in which graduates of an online teacher certification program integrate technology into social studies instruction. With dramatic growth in the number of online teacher certification programs, educators are faced with how to ensure their graduates incorporate effective teaching strategies, including technology, into classrooms. Research over the past decade indicates that teachers do not integrate technology within social studies instruction in meaningful ways, beyond traditional approaches to teaching (Ravitz & Wong, 1999; Van Fossen & Shively, 2003, 2009). Results from this study indicate that online teacher education graduates, who have access to technology within their schools, find meaningful ways to integrate such technology into social studies instruction. Teacher educators must conduct more research, and receive more funding, to follow online teacher education graduates. Today’s new generation of tech-savvy students deserve teachers who can competently integrate technology into all content areas.
Energy balance of biogas production from microalgae: Development of an energy and mass balance model

The paper describes the construction of a mechanistic energy balance model for the production of biogas from anaerobic digestion of micro-algal biomass grown in raceways, based on simple principles and taking into account growth, harvesting and energy extraction. The model compares operational energy inputs with the calorific value of the output biomass in terms of the energy return on operational energy invested (EROOI). Initial results indicate that production of microalgal biogas will require: a) Favourable climatic conditions. The production of microalgal biofuel in UK would be energetically challenging at best. b) Achievement of ‘reasonable yields’ equivalent to ~3% photosynthetic efficiency (25 g m-2 day-1). c) Low or no cost and embodied energy sources of CO2 and nutrients from flue gas and wastewater. d) Mesophilic rather than thermophilic digestion. e) Adequate conversion of the organic carbon to biogas (≥ 60%). The model itself provides a powerful assessment tool both for comparison of alternative options and potentially for benchmarking real schemes.
Molecular Techniques as Alternatives of Diagnostic Tools in China as Schistosomiasis Moving towards Elimination

Schistosomiasis japonica caused by the trematode flukes of Schistosoma japonicum was one of the most grievous infectious diseases in China in the mid-20th century, while its elimination has been placed on the agenda of the national strategic plan of healthy China 2030 after 70 years of continuous control campaigns. Diagnostic tools play a pivotal role in warfare against schistosomiasis but must adapt to the endemic status and objectives of activities. With the decrease of prevalence and infection intensity of schistosomiasis in human beings and livestock, optimal methodologies with high sensitivity and absolute specificity are needed for the detection of asymptomatic cases or light infections, as well as disease surveillance to verify elimination. In comparison with the parasitological methods with relatively low sensitivity and serological techniques lacking specificity, which both had been widely used in previous control stages, the molecular detection methods based on the amplification of promising genes of the schistosome genome may pick up the baton to assist the eventual aim of elimination. In this article, we reviewed the developed molecular methods for detecting S. japonicum infection and their application in schistosomiasis japonica diagnosis. Concurrently, we also analyzed the chances and challenges of molecular tools to the field application process in China.
Is it safe to operate on COVID-negative patients during the COVID pandemic? Experience from a tertiary governmental hospital

Introduction: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) causes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which rapidly became a worldwide pandemic. During the pandemic, accurate utilization of medical resources is required while maintaining the safety and well-being of patients and medical staff. This study assessed the safety profile of performing emergency surgical procedures for COVID-19 negative patients confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) preoperatively while positive patients were transferred to be managed at a designated COVID-19 hospital. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study included COVID-19 negative patients who underwent urologic and general surgery procedures for 3 months from March to May 2020. Demographic characteristics, operative and postoperative hospital course, and postoperative COVID-19 status were evaluated. Results: During the 3 months, 865 preoperatively COVID-19 negative patients were evaluated. All patients had uneventful postoperative courses except 2 patients who developed SARS-COV-2 infection postoperatively and were managed conservatively at an isolation facility. The first patient developed bronchospasms and fever upon intubation for laparoscopic appendectomy, with RT-PCR yielding a positive result, while the second developed symptomatic COVID-19 infection 18 days after emergency ureteroscopy. Conclusion: Routine screening for COVID-19 using RT-PCR before emergency surgeries provide an acceptable safety profile and cost-effectiveness. COVID-19 negative patients can be managed safely with standard precautions, while positive patients should be managed at designated hospitals.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Cancer Pain Management in Italy: Findings from a Nationwide SIAARTI Survey

Objectives: Despite guidelines, a large percentage of cancer patients continue to suffer from ineffectively treated pain. The authors undertook this survey to assess the strengths and weaknesses of cancer pain management in Italy. Design: This was a prospectively administered survey. Participants: The participants were anesthesiologists of the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI). Intervention: A 58-item questionnaire covered the demographics and features of cancer pain management in the Italian context. Results: The authors received responses from 611 pain therapists of 279 centers. Only 22% of physicians are exclusively pain therapists. Seventy-five percent are specialists in anesthesiology, intensive care, and pain medicine. Most pain centers are hospital or university facilities (78%). The strengths of cancer pain management in Italy are the careful opioid prescriptions, the use of strategies for the treatment of neuropathic pain, patient/healthcare provider partnerships, and breakthrough cancer pain management. Weaknesses to be addressed include poor adherence to guidelines, inadequate attention toward the patient’s quality of life, insufficient use of minimally invasive techniques, lack of teamwork approaches, inappropriate timing of pain specialist engagement, and poor telemedicine use. Conclusions: Despite several strengths, further efforts are needed to improve the care of patients suffering from cancer pain in Italy.
Transformation processes of biogenic dimethylated sulfur compounds in the northwestern Pacific continental sea

Biogenic dimethylated sulfur compounds, comprising dimethylsulfide (DMS), dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), and dimethylsulfoxide, play a vital role in the physiological metabolism processes of marine algae, climate regulation, and global sulfur cycles, but the contribution of each transformation pathway and the factors that control them remain uncertain. For the first time, from 27 March 2017 to 15 April 2017, the rates of major transformation pathways of biogenic dimethylated sulfur compounds and the fluxes of DMS at the sea–air and seawater–sediment interfaces were measured simultaneously in the East China Continental Sea. Rapid biological turnover times of total DMSP (0.53 d), dissolved DMSP (0.29 d), and DMS (0.43 d) were observed, indicating that DMS and DMSP were renewed more than twice daily. Bacterial consumption contributed nearly 50% of the total DMSP loss, approximately 38% of which was converted into DMS. Microbial consumption, photolysis, and ventilation accounted for 56%, 34%, and 10% of DMS removal processes, respectively. Sediment had a small but positive flux of DMS, making the sediment‐seawater interface a tiny source of DMS to the water column. Finally, although only about 10% of DMS was emitted to the atmosphere, the study region was identified as a “hotspot” for atmospheric DMS. The DMS budget model of the mixed layer developed in this study has provided a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the organosulfur cycle in continental shelf seas.
Ortho-Monitorizer: A Portable Device to Monitor the Use of Upper Limb Orthoses - A Concept Proof

This article presents the development of a wearable and portable system, the Ortho-Monitorizer, which allows an objective, continuous and simultaneous monitoration of the temperature and pressure exerted on the skin on the 3 main pressure points derived from the use of a hand and wrist orthosis. It also allows the monitorization of the patient’s compliance to the orthosis, providing its time of use. This way, adjustments to the orthosis can be optimized, reducing the discomfort felt by the patient, increasing compliance, reducing the risk of pressure sores’ formation derived from inadequate levels of pressure applied, and consequently, increasing the effectiveness of orthosis’ use. Therefore, an Arduino Uno, powered by a powerbank, is used as microcontroller. Three force sensors and three temperature sensors are controlled by the microcontroller to detect the pressure and temperature. A Bluetooth Low Energy module is used to send data from the Arduino to an android application under development, which will allow healthcare professionals to consult all the information and clinical history relating to each patient, as well as allowing the patient to develop a greater awareness and sense of responsibility regarding their performance in relation to the guidelines provided by the health professional.
Applying Machine Learning and Time-Series Analysis on Sentinel-1A SAR/InSAR for Characterizing Arctic Tundra Hydro-Ecological Conditions

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a widely used tool for Earth observation activities. It is particularly effective during times of persistent cloud cover, low light conditions, or where in situ measurements are challenging. The intensity measured by a polarimetric SAR has proven effective for characterizing Arctic tundra landscapes due to the unique backscattering signatures associated with different cover types. However, recently, there has been increased interest in exploiting novel interferometric SAR (InSAR) techniques that rely on both the amplitude and absolute phase of a pair of acquisitions to produce coherence measurements, although the simultaneous use of both intensity and interferometric coherence in Arctic tundra image classification has not been widely tested. In this study, a time series of dual-polarimetric (VV, VH) Sentinel-1 SAR/InSAR data collected over one growing season, in addition to a digital elevation model (DEM), was used to characterize an Arctic tundra study site spanning a hydrologically dynamic coastal delta, open tundra, and high topographic relief from mountainous terrain. SAR intensity and coherence patterns based on repeat-pass interferometry were analyzed in terms of ecological structure (i.e., graminoid, or woody) and hydrology (i.e., wet, or dry) using machine learning methods. Six hydro-ecological cover types were delineated using time-series statistical descriptors (i.e., mean, standard deviation, etc.) as model inputs. Model evaluations indicated SAR intensity to have better predictive power than coherence, especially for wet landcover classes due to temporal decorrelation. However, accuracies improved when both intensity and coherence were used, highlighting the complementarity of these two measures. Combining time-series SAR/InSAR data with terrain derivatives resulted in the highest per-class F1 score values, ranging from 0.682 to 0.955. The developed methodology is independent of atmospheric conditions (i.e., cloud cover or sunlight) as it does not rely on optical information, and thus can be regularly updated over forthcoming seasons or annually to support ecosystem monitoring.