Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Asymmetric Numeral System and Its Applications to Digital Images

The Asymmetric Numeral System (ANS) is a new entropy compression method that the industry has highly valued in recent years. ANS is valued by the industry precisely because it captures the benefits of both Huffman Coding and Arithmetic Coding. Surprisingly, compared with Huffman and Arithmetic coding, systematic descriptions of ANS are relatively rare. In 2017, JPEG proposed a new image compression standard—JPEG XL, which uses ANS as its entropy compression method. This fact implies that the ANS technique is mature and will play a kernel role in compressing digital images. However, because the realization of ANS involves combination optimization and the process is not unique, only a few members in the compression academia community and the domestic industry have noticed the progress of this powerful entropy compression approach. Therefore, we think a thorough overview of ANS is beneficial, and this idea brings our contributions to the first part of this work. In addition to providing compact representations, ANS has the following prominent feature: just like its Arithmetic Coding counterpart, ANS has Chaos characteristics. The chaotic behavior of ANS is reflected in two aspects. The first one is that the corresponding compressed output will change a lot if there is a tiny change in the original input; moreover, the reverse is also applied. The second is that ANS compressing an image will produce two intertwined outcomes: a positive integer (aka. state) and a bitstream segment. Correct ANS decompression is possible only when both can be precisely obtained. Combining these two characteristics helps process digital images, e.g., art collection images and medical images, to achieve compression and encryption simultaneously. In the second part of this work, we explore the characteristics of ANS in depth and develop its applications specific to joint compression and encryption of digital images.
The Effect of the Use of Hearing Aids in Elders: Perspectives

Older adults with hearing loss have difficulties during conversation with others because an elevated auditory threshold reduces speech intelligibility, especially in noisy environments. Listening and comprehension often become exhausting tasks for hearing-impaired elders, resulting in social isolation and depression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the advantages of hearing aid use in relation to relief from listening-related fatigue, which is still controversial. Participants included a sample of 49 hearing-impaired elders affected by presbycusis for whom hearing aids were prescribed. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale was used to assess cognitive, physical and psychosocial fatigue. The vitality subscale of the Short Form Health Survey 36 and a single item of the multi-dimensional Speech, Spatial and Quality Hearing Scale (“Do you have to put a lot of effort to hear what is being said in conversation with others? ”) were also used. The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire was used to investigate daily errors related to lack of memory and reduced mindedness. Hearing aids rehabilitation resulted in improved speech intelligibility in competing noise, and a significant reduction in cognitive and psychosocial fatigue and listening effort in conversation. Vitality was also improved and a significant reduction in the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire scores was observed. Findings from the study indicate that the use of hearing aids in older impaired-listeners provide them not only with an increased auditory function but also with a reduction in listening-related fatigue and mindedness.
Genetic Diversity Does Not Contribute to Attenuation of HeLa Passaged Wild-Type Yellow Fever Virus Strain French Viscerotropic Virus

The disease yellow fever was prevented by two live attenuated vaccines, strains 17D and French neurotropic vaccine (FNV), derived by serial passage of wild-type (WT) strains Asibi and French Viscerotropic virus (FVV), respectively. Both 17D and FNV displayed decreased genetic diversity and resistance to the antiviral Ribavirin compared to their WT parental strains, which are thought to contribute to their attenuated phenotypes. Subsequent studies found that only a few passages of WT strain FVV in HeLa cells resulted in an attenuated virus. In the current study, the genome sequence of FVV following five passages in HeLa cells (FVV HeLa p5) was determined through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) with the aim to investigate the molecular basis of viral attenuation. It was found that WT FVV and FVV HeLa p5 virus differed by five amino acid substitutions: E-D155A, E-K331R, E-I412V, NS2A-T105A, and NS4B-V98I. Surprisingly, the genetic diversity and Ribavirin resistance of the FVV HeLa p5 virus were not statistically different to WT parent FVV. These findings suggest that while FVV HeLa p5 is attenuated, this is not dependent on a high-fidelity replication complex, characterized by reduced genetic diversity or increased Ribavirin stability, as seen with FNV and 17D vaccines.
Do Post-Corona European Economic Policies Lift Growth Prospects? Exploring an ML-Methodology

This article explores the determinants of people’s growth prospects in survey data as well as the impact of the European recovery fund to future growth. The focus is on the aftermath of the Corona pandemic, which is a natural limit to the sample size. We use Eurobarometer survey data and macroeconomic variables, such as GDP, unemployment, public deficit, inflation, bond yields, and fiscal spending data. We estimate a variety of panel regression models and develop a new simulation-regression methodology due to limitation of the sample size. We find the major determinant of people’s growth prospect is domestic GDP per capita, while European fiscal aid does not significantly matter. In addition, we exhibit with the simulation-regression method novel scientific insights, significant outcomes, and a policy conclusion alike.
Overview of the Importance of Biotics in Gut Barrier Integrity

Increased gut permeability is suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of a growing number of disorders. The altered intestinal barrier and the subsequent translocation of bacteria or bacterial products into the internal milieu of the human body induce the inflammatory state. Gut microbiota maintains intestinal epithelium integrity. Since dysbiosis contributes to increased gut permeability, the interventions that change the gut microbiota and correct dysbiosis are suggested to also restore intestinal barrier function. In this review, the current knowledge on the role of biotics (probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics) in maintaining the intestinal barrier function is summarized. The potential outcome of the results from in vitro and animal studies is presented, and the need for further well-designed randomized clinical trials is highlighted. Moreover, we indicate the need to understand the mechanisms by which biotics regulate the function of the intestinal barrier. This review is concluded with the future direction and requirement of studies involving biotics and gut barrier.
Prenatal Ultrasound Utilization and Its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Jimma Town Public Health Institutions, Ethiopia

Background Ultrasound scanning is an integral part of antenatal care worldwide. However, little is known about the utilization of obstetric ultrasound in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess prenatal ultrasound utilization and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Jimma town public health care facilities. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) from July to August 2021 in Jimma town public health care facilities. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants who attended the ANC service during the data collection period. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the explanatory and response variables. The strength of association of dependent and independent variables was presented as crude and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval. The level of significance was declared at a P-value of less than . 05 in multivariable logistic regression. Narratives, figures, and tables were used to obtain the results. Findings The proportion of prenatal ultrasound utilization in this study was 60.7% [(95% CI); (55.4%-66%)]. Residency AOR = 6.09 (95%CI: 2.35-15.78), household monthly income less than 1000 AOR = 0.159(0.035-0.73), mother's history of at least one abortion AOR = 5.78 (95% CI: 1.89– 17.64), and knowledge towards prenatal ultrasound AOR = 15.77 (95% CI: 6.39-38.92) were found statistically significant association with prenatal ultrasound utilization. Conclusions In the current study, the proportion of prenatal ultrasound utilization during pregnancy was lower than the world health organization (WHO) recommendation. Therefore, the author recommended that educating mothers on the purposes of obstetric ultrasound and/ or including a prenatal ultrasound screening as part of antenatal care is needed.
The Effect of Lightweight Functional Aggregates on the Mitigation of Anode Degradation of Impressed Current Cathodic Protection for Reinforced Concrete

The local acidification of secondary anode mortar was regarded as the primary reason for the degradation of the anode system, leading to a decreased service life and uneven distribution of the protection current within the impressed current cathodic protection system for reinforced concrete structures. In related previous studies, a novel type of lightweight functional aggregate was designed and prepared for the secondary anode mortar system, aiming to improve anode performance via acidification mitigation. However, the relationship between optimization effects and this functional component has not been fully clarified. In this study, two sets of experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of lightweight functional aggregates on acidification mitigation and the protection of current distribution. Research results proved that the presence of this functional aggregate was beneficial for mitigated acidification propagation and a more uniform distributed protection current, which demonstrated the importance and effectiveness of acidification inhibition on the optimization of anode performance.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Healthy Adults—Possible Applications in Health Care, Wellness, and Sports

Introduction: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems were primarily developed for patients with diabetes mellitus. However, these systems are increasingly being used by individuals who do not have diabetes mellitus. This mini review describes possible applications of CGM systems in healthy adults in health care, wellness, and sports. Results: CGM systems can be used for early detection of abnormal glucose regulation. Learning from CGM data how the intake of foods with different glycemic loads and physical activity affect glucose responses can be helpful in improving nutritional and/or physical activity behavior. Furthermore, states of stress that affect glucose dynamics could be made visible. Physical performance and/or regeneration can be improved as CGM systems can provide information on glucose values and dynamics that may help optimize nutritional strategies pre-, during, and post-exercise. Conclusions: CGM has a high potential for health benefits and self-optimization. More scientific studies are needed to improve the interpretation of CGM data. The interaction with other wearables and combined data collection and analysis in one single device would contribute to developing more precise recommendations for users.
Pre- and post-monsoon variation in physico-chemical characteristics in groundwater quality of Mindi industrial area, Visakhapatnam, India

Ground Water quality plays an important role in groundwater protection and quality conservation; hence it is very much important to assess the groundwater quality not only for its present use but also a potential source of water for future consumption. The present study area, Mindi (Industrial area) in Visakhapatnam is no exception as it is one of the rapidly growing industrial areas in the state of Andhra Pradesh. In the present study an attempt has been made to identify the ground water quality of the selected sites in and around Mindi in Pre monsoon and Post monsoon phase of the year 2012. The physicochemical parameters like pH, Electrical conductivity, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Chloride, Sulphate, Phosphate, Fluoride and Nitrate were studied to analyze the potable ground water quality of the area. Better water quality was found in Pre-monsoon season than that of Post-monsoon season. Extent of pollution occurred may be due to over exploitation of ground water, urbanization and anthropogenic activities.
Use of Virtual Site Visits in Construction Management Distance Education

While distance and online education had some initial momentum with many universities fully or partially embracing distance education prior to 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the switch to distance education as a precautionary move. Site visits and hands-on experiences can provide valuable experiences to students during their education;however, in a distance education system, conducting a physical site visit and providing a hands-on experience is not an easy task. This paper reports on the use of virtual site visits and experiencing virtual hands-on training using immersive videos. This method has been adopted and tested in two courses that were previously face to face, which were then shifted to an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of immersive videos gave students who would not have the ability to experience a physical site visit the opportunity to experience the construction site environment, and receive educational direction during a pre-recorded, hands-on, immersive video project. In the following, students' provided feedback on their experience with this technology and its comparison to using other available tools in distance education is presented, and the implications for future research and the potential implementation of this technology is discussed.
Healthcare Professionals’ Attitudes toward Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing in Pediatric Acute Care

We aimed to characterize knowledge and attitudes about rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) implementation of a broad constituency of healthcare professionals at hospitals participating in a statewide initiative to implement rWGS for hospitalized neonates and children up to 18 years of age meeting clinical criteria for testing. We surveyed 307 healthcare professionals from eight hospitals about their knowledge and attitudes regarding rWGS. We examined survey internal reliability using exploratory factor analysis and associations between respondent characteristics and attitudes toward rWGS with linear regression. We thematically analyzed free-text responses. Views about rWGS implementation in respondents’ own setting and respondents’ personal capability to implement rWGS were generally neutral (M = 3.44 (SD = 0.74); M = 3.30 (SD = 0.85), respectively). Views about the potential for rWGS in clinical practice were overall positive (M = 4.12 (SD = 0.57)). The degree of positivity of attitudes about rWGS was strongly influenced by perceived knowledge, clinical or non-clinical role, concerns about future insurance coverage for rWGS as a first-tier test, and future adverse impact of genomics health information on patients or families. We identified several actionable factors influencing attitudes toward rWGS of pediatric healthcare professionals. Expanded education and ongoing implementation research are needed for the full potential of rWGS in pediatrics to be realized.
FINANCIAL ACCESS AND VALUE ADDED IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA:

This research assesses the importance of financial access on value added in three economic sectors in 25 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa using data for the period 1980–2014. The empirical evidence is based on the Generalized Method of Moments. Financial access is measured with private domestic credit, while the three outcome variables are: value added in the agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors, respectively. Enhancing financial access does not significantly improve value added in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, while enhancing financial access improves value added in the service sector. An extended analysis shows that, in order for the positive net incidence of enhancing credit access on value added to the service sector to be maintained, complementary policies are required when domestic credit to the private sector is between 77.50 percent and 98.50 percent of GDP. Policy implications are discussed.
Caregiver Practices and Knowledge Regarding Leftover Prescription Medications in Homes With Children

Objectives The aims of the study were to determine the frequency of and factors associated with leftover or expired prescription medication (“leftover medication”) presence in homes with children and to assess caregivers' reported behaviors and knowledge regarding disposal of leftover medications in the home. Methods This study is a planned secondary analysis from a survey of primary caregivers of children aged 1 to 17 years presenting to an emergency department. The survey assessed leftover medications in the home and medication disposal practices, knowledge, and guidance. The survey was developed iteratively and pilot tested. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with leftover medication presence in the home. Results We enrolled 550 primary caregivers; 97 of the 538 analyzed (18.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.8–21.5) reported having leftover medications in their home, most commonly antibiotics and opioids. Of respondents, 217/536 (40.5%) reported not knowing how to properly dispose of medications and only 88/535 (16.4%) reported receiving guidance regarding medication disposal. Most caregivers reported throwing leftover medications in the trash (55.7%) or flushing them down the toilet (38.5%). Caregivers with private insurance for their child were more likely to have leftover medications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.99; CI, 1.15–3.44), whereas Hispanic caregivers (aOR, 0.24; CI, 0.14–0.42) and those who received guidance on leftover medications (aOR, 0.30; CI, 0.11–0.81) were less likely to have leftover medications in the home. Conclusions Leftover medications are commonly stored in homes with children and most caregivers do not receive guidance on medication disposal. Improved education and targeted interventions are needed to ensure proper medication disposal practices.
Serum exosomal miR-34a as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognostic of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Circulating exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered as potentially non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of cancers. Due to the lack of highly sensitive and specific molecular markers, a lot of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are diagnosed in advanced stages. This study aims to explore the expression mode and clinical detection value of serum exosomal miR-34a in HCC, providing new potential targets and theoretical basis for the early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The expression of serum exosomal miR-34a in 60 HCC patients before and after operation and 60 healthy examiners was abstracted and detected by ultracentrifugation and real-time quantitative PCR. Using ROC analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis, the value of serum exosomal miR-34a on diagnosis and prognosis in HCC patients was assessed. Results: The expression level of serum exosomal miR-34a in preoperative patients was reduced significantly comparing with that in healthy examiners and postoperative patients (P<0.01; P<0.05). Moreover, the decrease of serum exosomal miR-34a was correlated significantly with differentiation degree, TNM stage, tumor infiltration depth and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05), but had no statistical differences with gender, age, ALT, AST, viral infection, cirrhosis and tumor size of HCC patients (P>0.05). At the same time, the combination of serum exosomal miR-34a and α-fetoprotein (AFP) showed high capability on diagnosis to distinguish healthy examiners and HCC patients through ROC analysis. The overall survival of patients with lower expression of serum exosomal miR-34a was worse than that of patients with high level expression by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis both showed that serum exosomal miR-34a was independently related to OS. Conclusions: Collectively, serum exosomal miR-34a is significantly down-regulated in HCC patients and might be a novel noninvasive biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
The Use of Antibiotics in Hospice and Palliative Care Settings

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed medications in the hospice and palliative care setting, as well as in many other healthcare settings. The overuse or negligent use of antibiotics is associated with the harmful consequence of fostering the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Thus, there is an urgent need to critically examine and audit antibiotic use in all aspects of healthcare. In the status quo, there is a lack of consistent standards and guidelines surrounding the use of antibiotics in hospice and palliative care settings, leading to significant variations in how antibiotics are prescribed and administered in end-of-life care. It is apparent that greater thought needs to go into antibiotic decisions for patients receiving hospice or palliative care, especially considering the harmful consequences of the overprescription of antibiotics. The literature suggests that many clinicians prescribe antibiotics inappropriately for patients who would not benefit from their use or prescribe them without adequate documentation. Clinicians should be deliberate about when they prescribe antibiotics and adhere to the appropriate documentation standards and procedures within their institution or community. Future research should seek to generate generalizable knowledge about which patients will benefit most from antibiotic therapy during end-of-life care.
Development and Characterization of Gentamicin-Loaded Arabinoxylan-Sodium Alginate Films as Antibacterial Wound Dressing

Biopolymer-based antibacterial films are attractive materials for wound dressing application because they possess chemical, mechanical, exudate absorption, drug delivery, antibacterial, and biocompatible properties required to support wound healing. Herein, we fabricated and characterized films composed of arabinoxylan (AX) and sodium alginate (SA) loaded with gentamicin sulfate (GS) for application as a wound dressing. The FTIR, XRD, and thermal analyses show that AX, SA, and GS interacted through hydrogen bonding and were thermally stable. The AXSA film displays desirable wound dressing characteristics: transparency, uniform thickness, smooth surface morphology, tensile strength similar to human skin, mild water/exudate uptake capacity, water transmission rate suitable for wound dressing, and excellent cytocompatibility. In Franz diffusion release studies, >80% GS was released from AXSA films in two phases in 24 h following the Fickian diffusion mechanism. In disk diffusion assay, the AXSA films demonstrated excellent antibacterial effect against E.coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa. Overall, the findings suggest that GS-loaded AXSA films hold potential for further development as antibacterial wound dressing material.