Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Analysis of Antenatal Care and Low Birth Weight against Neonatal Mortality Rate in Aceh Province, Indonesia

Background: Similar to Indonesia, Aceh Province also showed a slight decline in neonatal mortality rate. However, the rate is still high compared to other provinces. Efforts to reduce neonatal mortality rate are essential because neonatal deaths contributed up to 71% of all under-five deaths in 2017 in Aceh. Antenatal care and low birth weight are known to be associated with neonatal mortality. The purpose of this study was to map district-level neonatal mortality rate and its determinants (antenatal care and low birth weight) in Aceh to inform policymakers in planning the interventions. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using publicly available secondary data obtained from Aceh Provincial Health Office. The study used the 2017 data of neonatal mortality rate, percent of 4th antenatal care visit and percent of low birth weight at district level. Thematic maps were produced using ArcMap (V.10.5). The correlation was analyzed using the Spearman rank test. Results: The results indicated the regional variation of neonatal mortality rate across Aceh Province. Districts in the Southern region had lower neonatal mortality rates compared to others. Low birth weight was positively correlated with neonatal mortality rate at district level (Spearman’s Rho=0.545, P=0.007). However, the percent of 4th antenatal care visit at district level was not correlated with neonatal mortality rate (Spearman’s Rho= −0.35, P=0.097). Conclusion: The study identified regional variations of neonatal mortality rate, low birth weight and ante natal care visit.
Rapid Publication Glyphosate-resistant horseweed from Delaware

No-tillage corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] production has been widely accepted in the mid-Atlantic region, favoring establishment of horseweed [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. ]. Within 3 yr of using only glyphosate for weed control in continuous glyphosate-resistant soybeans, glyphosate failed to control horseweed in some fields. Seedlings originating from seed of one population collected in Delaware were grown in the greenhouse and exhibited 8- to 13-fold glyphosate resistance compared with a susceptible population. There were no differences between the isopropylamine or diammonium salts of glyphosate.
Calcium Deficiency Diagnosis in Maize Leaves Using Imaging Methods Based on Texture Analysis

The artificial vision system (AVS) uses image analysis methods that can interpret images and identify nutritional deficiency symptoms in plant, even in the early stages of development. The objective of this study was to propose methods of image processing using analysis by texture to identify the deficiency of calcium (Ca) in maize (Zea mays L.) plants grown in nutrient solution. Plants were grown in nutrient solution in a greenhouse. Calcium doses were 0.0; 1.7; 3.3 and 5.0 mM of Ca, with four replications. Plant and leaf images were sampled at three main stages of maize development: V4 (plants with four leaves fully developed), V6 (plants with six leaves fully developed) and V8 (plants with eight leaves fully developed). Sampled material was split into (i) index leaf (IL) of the growing stage (V4 = leaf 4, V6 = leaf 6, and V8 = leaf 8), and (ii) new leaf (OL), both to image capture and chemical analysis. Such leaves were scanned, processed by the AVS and chemically analyzed. The texture methods used by the AVS to extract deficiency characteristics in the leaf images were: Volumetric Fractal Dimension (VFD), Gabor Wavelet Energy (GWE) and VFD with canonical analysis (VFDCA). The amount of Ca in the solution resulted in variation in the concentration of Ca in NL and IL, allowing the observation of typical symptoms of Ca deficiency. The AVS method was able to identify all Ca levels in leaves, being the GWE the best indicator using color images, scoring 80% of rights in images of the middle section of new leaves in V4.
Study of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) by Shear-wave Elastoraphy in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is well known to have a strong association with metabolic syndrome. The degree of liver fibrosis is related to the clinical course and prognosis. Shear-wave elastography (SWE) provides a precise non-invasive staging of the degree of liver fibrosis in NAFLD. Aims and objectives: To study Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by Shear-Wave Elastography (SWE) in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Material and methods: This was a single centre, retrospective, comparative study done on patients with MetS in 100 in a tertiary care hospital over period of 18 months from October 2019 to March 2021. Enrolled patients underwent conventional ultrasonography (USG), point SWE (pSWE), fasting blood sugar, post-prandial blood sugar, glycosylated HbA1c, lipid profile, LFTs. Appropriate statistical tests were applied using SPSS v21 for analysis and p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age was 55.8 (SD±15.34). Majority belonged to age group 51-65 years (33%). Grade 3 fatty liver (steatosis) on USG had 3.39 times independently (OR:3.39,p=0.043) more chance of having significant fibrosis or cirrhosis(F3-F4) by SWE over those who do not have fatty liver (steatosis) on USG. Those with 4 components of MetS had 6 times (OR:6.04,p=0.003) and those with 5 components had 13.7 (OR:13.768,p=0.001) times more chance of having significant fibrosis or cirrhosis(F3-F4) by SWE over those who have 3 components independently. Conclusion: Increasing number of components of MetS and steatosis (fatty liver grade) on USG were independently associated with higher grades of fibrosis by SWE.
Thirteen-year hardwood tree performance on a Midwest surface mine

Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), white oak (Quercus alba L.), bur oak (Q. macrocarpa Michx.), and pin oak (Q. palustris Muenchh.) seedlings were planted both fall 1980 and spring 1981 on mixed overburden strip-mining banks (ungraded), mixed overburden graded to approximate original contour (AOC) (graded), mixed overburden graded to AOC wit h 60 cm of replaced pre-mining surface soil materials (topsoil), and on old fields near the strip-mine (unmined). Black walnut and pin oak were also planted as seed, with a total of 6000 seedlings/seed spots in the study. Initial species field viability ranged from 86 to 100%. With one exception, after 3 growing seasons oak seedlings had 50% or greater survival. Survival was mostly lower after 3 years with some additional mortality by years 8 and 13. Height and diameter breast height were measured after 13 years. Survival and growth of trees planted fall or spring was similar overall with variable performance by species. Seedlings of several species on the ungraded site had over 50% survival after 13 years, with fewer trees where planted as seed. Mean height of all species combined was significantly greater on the ungraded than on any more » other site and was lowest on the topsoil site. The unmined sites had high variability in species survival and height. Better reclamation with trees resulted from a deep, well-drained rooting medium with minimal compaction and a mineral-rich surface soil including coarse fragments over 2 mm in size for long-term productivity. « less
Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Intra-Host and Within-Household Emergence of Novel Haplotypes

In February 2020, the municipality of Vo’, a small town near Padua (Italy) was quarantined due to the first coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)-related death detected in Italy. To investigate the viral prevalence and clinical features, the entire population was swab tested in two sequential surveys. Here we report the analysis of 87 viral genomes, which revealed that the unique ancestor haplotype introduced in Vo’ belongs to lineage B, carrying the mutations G11083T and G26144T. The viral sequences allowed us to investigate the viral evolution while being transmitted within and across households and the effectiveness of the non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented in Vo’. We report, for the first time, evidence that novel viral haplotypes can naturally arise intra-host within an interval as short as two weeks, in approximately 30% of the infected individuals, regardless of symptom severity or immune system deficiencies. Moreover, both phylogenetic and minimum spanning network analyses converge on the hypothesis that the viral sequences evolved from a unique common ancestor haplotype that was carried by an index case. The lockdown extinguished both the viral spread and the emergence of new variants.
Dynamic analysis of a fractional-order hyperchaotic system and its application in image encryption

Compared with integer order chaotic systems, fractional order chaotic systems can reflect natural phenomena more accurately, which are more suitable for chaotic cryptosystems. In order to explore the application of fractional order chaotic system in cryptography, a novel fractional order hyperchaotic system is constructed and implemented on DSP platform. More progressively, based on Adomian decomposition method, the dynamic behavior is studied by phase diagram, bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponent spectrum and spectral entropy (SE) complexity. It is found that each parameter and order have a large range of intervals that can keep the system in a hyperchaotic state. Therefore, the hyperchaotic sequences generated by the constructed fractional order hyperchaotic system have sufficient randomness and are well suited for applications in secure communications. In addition, a color image encryption scheme is designed based on the fractional order hyperchaotic system and DNA dynamic coding. Firstly, the improved Arnold algorithm is used to scramble the original image, then the column cyclic shift method is applied for secondary scrambling, and finally the pixel value is diffused by DNA sequence operation. The security analysis results indicate that the designed encryption algorithm can not only encrypt images effectively, but also has high security and can resist various common attacks.
Determination and validation of spectrophotometric analytical method for quantification of total flavonoids in the leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliacease) and optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) is a plant whose leaves present several pharmacological activities, among them: antioxidant, antimicrobial and hypoglycemic. The present work aims to determine and validate a spectrophotometric analytical method for quantification of total flavonoids, expressed as rutin, in A. indica leaves and to optimize the extraction conditions of these flavonoids. For the selection of the spectrophotometric method, four analytical methods were investigated. The method selected as the most efficient, simple, fast and sustainable has been validated and optimized. The validation was performed according to criteria of national and international regulatory agencies. Box Behnken design (33) and the response surface methodology (RSM) were used to estimate the best extraction conditions. The analytical method that met the study criteria consisted of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of the plant material in hydroethanolic solution, at a temperature of 60 ºC, for 30 minutes, followed by filtration, dilution of the extract in ethanol/0.02 M acetic acid solution (99:1) and absorbance reading in a spectrophotometer at 364nm. In the validation stages, this method was shown to be linear (linear interval - 20 to 80 μg/mL), precise (intraday and interday), accurate (mean recovery of 120.8%), robust and selective (absence of matrix effect). The best conditions for the UAE process were: Ethanol content 30% (p/p), plant material/solvent ratio 0.2 g/mL and extraction time of 33 minutes. The spectrophotometric method and the UAE conditions determined in this study are suitable for use in the quality control of plant drugs and ethanol extracts from the leaves of Azadirachta indica.
Analysis and Prediction of Spatiotemporal Impact of Traffic Incidents for Better Mobility and Safety inTransportation Systems

The goal of this research is to develop a machine learning framework to predict the spatiotemporal impact of traffic accidents on the upstream traffic and surrounding region. The main objective of the framework is, given a road accident, to forecast when and how the travel-time delay will occur on transportation network. Towards this end, the authors have developed a Dynamic Topology-aware Temporal (DTT) machine learning algorithm that learns the behavior of traffic in both normal conditions and during accidents from the historical traffic sensor datasets. This research exploits four years of real-world Los Angeles traffic sensor data and California Highway Patrol (CHP) accidents logs collected from Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (RIITS) under Archived Traffic Data Management System (ADMS) project.
Autologous Dentin Graft after Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction to Prevent Periodontal Pocket Formation—A Split-Mouth Pilot Study

This preliminary study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an autologous dentin graft in preventing periodontal defects after impacted or semi-impacted lower third molars’ (M3) surgical extraction. For this purpose, radiographic and periodontal evaluation of post-extractive sockets were performed. Ten patients were enrolled in the study: twenty M3 extraction sockets were treated with a split-mouth modality. After tooth extraction, the experimental sites were filled with autologous dentin graft obtained by the extracted M3, while the control sites were filled with blood clot alone. Flaps were closed by first intention to ensure the stability of the wounds. Post-extractive sites were monitored at days 15, 90 and 180. The healing was not affected by any complications associated with the use of the autologous dentine graft in all cases. The measurements recorded at six months showed a reduction of the probing pocket depth distal to the second lower molar (M2) at both surgical sites, with a greater reduction observed at the experimental sites. Radiographic evaluation also showed a greater amount of bone gain at the grafted sites compared to the control sites. The results of this preliminary study suggest that autologous dentin grafts can be useful in preventing the formation of periodontal defects distal to M2 after M3 surgical extraction.
PART C: INTRODUCTION 17. NEURAL PLASTICITY AND REGENERATION: MYTHS AND EXPECTATIONS

Summary. In this chapter, we will make a short revision of the concepts of neural plasticity and regeneration, and their relationships with processes such as motor learning and functional recovery following a lesion of the central or peripheral nervous systems. Particular attention will be paid to the actual morphological and physiological limits between plastic and regenerative processes in the adult mammal's brain, as well as to their potential functionality and adaptability. A precise delimitation will be trace between regenerative phenomena and compensatory mechanisms and other cognitive activities, which are sometimes confused with neural plastic processes. As a practical support to the concepts proposed here, some illustrative examples, collected from animal experimentation carried out in our laboratory, will be described briefly.
Alternaria alternata causes bud blight of rose (Rosa sp.) in Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Abstract Grey mould, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is a common necrotrophic plant pathogen that infects the petals of ornamentals. In 2017–18 we collected, from a farm located in the Ecuadorian province of Cotopaxi, 30 buds of the rose ‘Vendela’ that showed petal lesions similar to those caused by grey mould. For causal agent isolation and morphological characterization, the infected tissue was incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Isolated fungal colonies grown on PDA showed grey-olive to dark green mycelium and conidia borne in chains with zero to three longitudinal septa and two to six transversal septa, indicating the presence of an Alternaria sp. A multilocus Bayesian inference phylogenetic analysis, including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), RNA polymerase II (RPB2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) gene regions, indicated that the isolates clustered with isolates of A. alternata. After pathogenicity analysis, A. alternata-inoculated rose petals showed similar symptoms to botrytis blight. To fulfill Koch’s postulates, the pathogen was re-isolated successfully. Here, we report that A. alternata is causing disease symptoms in rose buds/petals in Ecuador.
Optimum Design of Spectral Efficient Green Wireless Communications

This dissertation focuses on the optimum design of spectral efficient green wireless communications. Energy efficiency (EE), which is defined as the inverse of average energy required to successfully deliver one information bit from a source to its destination, and spectral efficiency (SE), which is defined as the average data rate per unit bandwidth, are two fundamental performance metrics of wireless communication systems. We study the optimum designs of a wide range of practical wireless communication systems that can either maximize EE, or SE, or achieve a balanced tradeoff between the two metrics. There are three objectives in this dissertation. First, an accurate frame error rate (FER) expression is developed for practical coded wireless communication systems operating in quasi-static Rayleigh fading channels. The new FER expression enables the accurate modeling of EE and SE for various wireless communication systems. Second, the optimum designs of automatic repeat request (ARQ) and hybrid ARQ (HARQ) systems are performed to by using the EE and SE as design metrics. Specifically, a new metric of normalized EE, which is defined as the EE normalized by the SE, is proposed to achieve a balanced tradeoff between the EE and SE. Third, a robust frequency-domain on-off accumulative transmission (OOAT) scheme has been developed to achieve collision-tolerant media access control (CT-MAC) in a wireless network. The proposed frequency domain OOAT scheme can improve the SE and EE by allowing multiple users to transmit simultaneously over the same frequency bands, and the signal collisions at the receiver can be resolved by using signal processing techniques in the physical layer.
Experimental Study of Automation to Support Time-Critical Replanning Decisions

An experimental study was performed to evaluate several types of automation for time-pressured replanning tasks. Subjects modified a two-dimensional route using waypoint manipulation on a computer screen in response to a sudden change in the displayed environment while having access to one of four types of automation. In addition to a baseline case without automation, subjects received automated assistance that either reduced hazard exposure, ensured meeting time-to-target and fuel constraints, or combined hazard avoidance with time and fuel constraints. Time pressure was imposed by requiring the route to be replanned within four different time limits of less than one minute. Results show that the benefit of automation decreased as time pressure was relaxed. Subjects showed reticence to deviate from highly automated route suggestions even when significant improvements were still possible. In addition, partial automation induced more errors than in cases with no automation, highlighting the potential negative effects of introducing automation.
microRNAs and Inflammatory Immune Response in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emerged as an international challenge with strong medical and socioeconomic impact. The spectrum of clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 is wide, covering asymptomatic or mild cases up to severe and life-threatening complications. Critical courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection are thought to be driven by the so-called “cytokine storm”, derived from an excessive immune response that induces the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In recent years, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) emerged as potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in both inflammatory and infectious diseases. Therefore, the identification of SARS-CoV-2 miRNAs and host miRNAs is an important research topic, investigating the host–virus crosstalk in COVID-19 infection, trying to answer the pressing question of whether miRNA-based therapeutics can be employed to tackle SARS-CoV-2 complications. In this review, we aimed to directly address ncRNA role in SARS-CoV-2-immune system crosstalk upon COVID-19 infection, particularly focusing on inflammatory pathways and cytokine storm syndromes.
Introducing A Day-Case Shoulder Arthroplasty Pathway In The UK – How We Did It

Background As the demand for elective orthopaedics grows, day-case arthroplasty is gaining popularity. The aim of this study was to create a safe and reproducible pathway for day-case shoulder arthroplasty (DCSA) based upon a literature review and discussion with the local multidisciplinary team (MDT). Methods A literature review was performed using OVID MEDLINE and Embase databases reporting 90-day complication and admission rates following DCSA. Minimum follow-up was 30 days. Day-case was defined as discharge on the same day of surgery. Results The literature review revealed a mean 90-day complication rate of 7.7% [range, 0–15.9%] and mean 90-day readmission rate of 2.5% [range 0−9.3%]. A pilot protocol was devised based upon the literature review and consisted of 5 phases: (1) pre-operative assessment, (2) intra-operative phase, (3) post-operative phase, (4) follow-up, and (5) readmission protocol. This was presented, discussed, amended, and ultimately ratified by the local MDT. In May 2021 the unit successfully completed its first day-case shoulder arthroplasty. Discussion This study proposes a safe and reproducible pathway for DCSA. Patient selection, well-defined protocols and communication within the MDT are important factors to achieve this. Further studies with extended follow-up will be needed to gauge long-term success within our unit.
SoK: Function-As-A-Service: From An Application Developer's Perspective

In the past few years, FaaS has gained significant popularity and became a go-to choice for deploying cloud applications and micro-services. FaaS with its unique ‘pay as you go’ pricing model and key performance benefits over other cloud services, offers an easy and intuitive programming model to build cloud applications. In this model, a developer focuses on writing the code of the application while infrastructure management is left to the cloud provider who is responsible for the underlying resources, security, isolation, and scaling of the application. Recently, a number of commercial and open-source FaaS platforms have emerged, offering a wide range of features to application developers. In this paper, first, we present measurement studies demystifying various features and performance of commercial and open-source FaaS platforms that can help developers with deploying and configuring their serverless applications. Second, we discuss the distinct performance and cost benefits of FaaS and interesting use cases that leverage the performance, cost, or both aspects of FaaS. Lastly, we discuss challenges a developer may face while developing or deploying a serverless application. We also discuss state of the art solutions and open problems.