Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of hand hygiene compliance over the years, in an intensive care unit of a north Delhi hospital preparing for accreditation: A 3-year study

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a global movement to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). Hand hygiene (HH) is critical for achieving UHC as it is a practical and evidence-based approach with a gaugeable impact on the quality of care and patient safety in healthcare. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in an intensive care unit of a government hospital spanning a period of 3 years. WHO single-observer direct observation technique was used and HH compliance was noted. The results were compared over the years since the hospital was preparing to undergo a National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare (NABH) assessment. Results: The overall compliance significantly increased over the years (P < 0.0001). HH compliance for hand rub (HR) and hand wash (HW) was compared among doctors, nurses, and ICU technicians, respectively. HR compliance remained more or less the same over the years (P = 0.4738) while HW compliance significantly improved (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: This is one of the first studies from our country evaluating HH compliance over the years in a healthcare setup undergoing accreditation. During the course of the study, we observed a significant increase in HH compliance. This can be attributed to the unflinching support of our hospital's administration and relentless efforts of our infection control team. This is our first step initiative towards improving HH and thus preventing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in our setup.
Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of Acute Viral Hepatitis A and E in a semi-urban locality in Chandigarh, North Indian Union Territory, 2016–17

Context: During ongoing passive surveillance in Burail, Chandigarh an unexpected rise in number of acute viral hepatitis (AVH) was reported during December 2016. Aims: An outbreak of AVH was investigated in an urbanized village, Burail, in Chandigarh, India with an objective of describing its epidemiological features. Settings and Design: A house-to-house survey was conducted in Burail (population 51,958). Subjects and Methods: WHO's standard case definition for AVH was used to identify cases. Suspected cases were tested for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and E virus (HEV) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Drinking water samples were tested for fecal contamination. Control measures were implemented to contain the outbreak. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive analysis was done as per time, person, and place. Results: Out of 141 confirmed cases of AVH, 85.1% were positive for HEV, 12.8% for HAV, and 2.1% for both HAV and HEV. The attack rate was 27.1 per 10,000 in a population. Males were affected more than females (P < 0.05). One of the areas reported a leakage in drinking water pipeline and had highest attack rate (36.8/10000 population). Drinking water samples were found negative for contamination. Around 27% of confirmed cases reported history of taking food from local vendors in Burail 2–6 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. Conclusion: This study described the epidemiological features of dual hepatitis outbreak due to HAV and HEV from Chandigarh, Union Territory, north India.
Comparative evaluation of bite force in paediatric patients

Aim: The present study aimed at analysing the probable effects of full mouth oral rehabilitation on bite forces at their maximum extent in young paediatric patients with primary as well as mixed dentitions. Methodology: The present study is one of a kind and explores the maximum bite forces in young children. A statistically significant number of children (n = 30) with a mean age of 6.54 years. About 44.75% were boys and 55.25% were girls. The maximum voluntary bite force was assessed for each participant immediately before treatment and 1 month (3–5 weeks) following completion of the needful dental treatment. The difference in bite force magnitude before and after dental treatment was analysed statistically. In addition, the correlations of key variables including, age, height, weight, BMI, gender and caries severity or dental status with maximum bite force were statistically analysed. Results: The mean maximum bite force for the total sample (n = 30) prior to treatment was found to be 167.83 N (SD = 65.20). The mean bite force in the male subgroup was 175.39 N (SD = 64.69) while for the females the mean bite force was equal to 166.29 N (SD = 68.93). Following comprehensive dental treatment, the recorded mean maximum bite force for the children (n = 30) who attended the post-treatment review appointment was 182.60 N (SD = 68.58). Conclusion: The essential factors such as the extent of dental caries, their severity, presence of clinical signs and symptoms has a negative impact on maximum bite force.
Perception and simplified question for assessing problems sleeping among university students at a primary care unit

Introduction: Students entering university undergo various lifestyle changes, many of which may affect their sleeping habits. This study aimed to evaluate 1) individual perception of the problems sleeping, 2) "actual" problems sleeping as detected using a simplified questionnaire, 3) the relationship between individual perceptions and actual problems sleeping, and 4) the factors affecting the problems sleeping. Methods and Material: This was a descriptive study of 240 university students who attended the "123 Primary Care Unit" for no sleep-related problems between March and June 2019. The tool was a self-response questionnaire that assessed the respondent's demographic data and sleep patterns over the past year. All parameters and problems sleeping were analyzed for their association. Results: Most of the students (51.3%) perceived themselves as having problems sleeping. Actual problems sleeping was found in 174 (72.5%) students. Individual perception was significantly related to the presence of all four of the problems sleeping assessed, which included difficulty in initiating sleep, waking up at night and being unable fall back to sleep, the need for daytime napping, and the feeling that one is sleep deprived (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides a simplified method for assessing problems sleeping among university students at a primary care facility. Most of the students had problems sleeping and accurate perceptions of those problems sleeping, but the problems sleeping were often ignored. Further improvements to the system for screening and treating problems sleeping are required.
A prospective study on bacteriological profile and antibiogram of postoperative wound infections in a tertiary care hospital in Western Rajasthan

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) are one of the most common hospital-acquired infections worldwide. SSI are known to increase morbidity, mortality, length of stay in hospital as well as the cost of treatment to the patients. The incidence varies from 1% to 20% among developed countries to as high as 40% in developing world. Aims: To find the incidence and risk factors, bacteriological profile, and antibiogram for SSI in General Surgery department of a tertiary care hospital in Western Rajasthan. Methods: Culture and sensitivity of wounds of all the clinically suspected cases of SSI were taken. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility were performed according to standard CLSI guidelines. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel, SPSS 13 software. Results: Among total 609 patients, 102 were clinically suspected SSI and 88 were culture positive. Incidence of SSI was 14.45%. The most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Most of the Gram-positive isolates were resistant to penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics and were moderately susceptible to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Gram-negative isolates were resistant to beta-lactam and beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination also but were susceptible to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems. Conclusion: High incidence rate of SSI in our setup emphasizes the need of quality surgical care which takes into consideration all the three important factors, i.e. host, environmental, and microorganism characteristics before doing any surgery. Increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics warrants the judicious use of antibiotics and establishment of antibiotic policy in the hospital.
Inverse Modeling for Filters Using a Regularized Deep Neural Network Approach

Extracting coupling matrix from given ${S}$ -parameters can be viewed as an inverse problem for microwave filters, which is of importance for filter design and tuning. In this letter, a regularized deep belief network (R-DBN) is proposed to handle this inverse modeling problem. The training of an R-DBN consists of two steps. First, in unsupervised training, to accommodate the characteristics of input data, this model is constructed with a series of traditional restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs), which are equipped with a continuous version of transfer function for continuous data processing. In addition, this training can provide suitable weights and bias for the following step. Second, in supervised training, Bayesian regularization is employed to increase modeling ability and prevent overfitting. Two experiments with different simulation environments are illustrated, and the calibration results show high accuracy and robustness in a more intelligent way using this method.
Walk this way: Evaluating the effect of perceived gender and attractiveness of motion on proximity in virtual reality

In human interaction, people will keep different distances from each other depending on their gender: males will stand further away from males and closer to females. However, many other variables influence proximity, such as appearance characteristics of the virtual character (e.g., attractiveness, etc.). Our study focuses on proximity to virtual walkers in virtual reality (VR), where gender could be inferred from motion only. We applied a set of male and female walking motions (motion capture) to a wooden mannequin, and displayed them to the participant embodied in a virtual avatar in VR. Participants used the controller to stop the approaching mannequin when they felt it was uncomfortably close to them. We hypothesized that proximity will be affected by the gender of the character, but also the gender of the participant. We additionally expected some motions to be rated more attractive than others and that attractive motions would reduce the proximity measure. Our results show support for the last two assumptions, but no difference in proximity was found according to the gender of the character’s motion. Our findings have implications for the design of virtual characters in interactive virtual environments.
Isolation, Physicochemical Characterization and Application of Yam (Dioscorea spp.) Starch as Thickening and Gelling Agent

Yam starch of the species Dioscorea alata and D. cayenensis-rotundata was isolated, characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction, iodine titration, hot-stage microscopy and rheology, and compared to potato (Solanum tuberosum) and tapioca (Manihot esculenta) starch. The amylose content of yam starch was around 24% and tended to decrease during postharvest storage. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction showed a mixed A- and B-type crystalline packing. Differences between yam starches from different species and varieties were revealed by DSC. However, the largest differences between the different yam starches were found in terms of their rheological behavior. Yam starch shows an intermediate viscosity increase upon initial heating, but a stable viscosity during further thermal treatment in the Viscograph. Hot-stage microscopy showed a good preservation of the granular yam structure during heating, which is thought to be responsible for a rather high viscosity at low stress paired with a strong shear-thinning effect. The mechanical properties of yam starch gels suggest that the preservation of the granular integrity upon swelling limits amylose leaching, but that the aging behavior is primarily determined by the short-term changes of the amylose fraction. Yam starch has potential as thickening and gelling agent in food.
Diet, body mass and condition of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni in South Africa

Anderson, P.C. , Kok O.B. & Erasmus, B.H. 1998. Diet, body mass and condition of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni in South Africa. Ostrich 70(2):112-116. A total of 229 Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni shot by airport personnel as part of their bird control programme, was obtained from the Bloemfontein and Kimberley airports during the 1984/85, 198986 and 1986/87 austral summers. Analysis of stomach contents of non-breeding individuals visiting South Africa's Free State and Northern Cape Provinces indicated that Arthropoda comprise 90% of the diet, with Solifugae (30%), Orthoptera (23%). Chilopoda (20%) and Isoptera (10%) being the most important food items. Vertebrates were virtually absent from the diet. No sex-related dietary differences were found. Lesser Kestrels are opportunistic invertebrate feeders which mainly utilise available and most abundant prey species. Female birds are significantly heavier than males, but the latter maintain higher body fat reserves for the larger part of their stay in South A.
Transmission Line Impedance Characterization Using an Uncalibrated Vector Network Analyzer

For determining the line characteristic impedance <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${Z}_{1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of uniform transmission lines, it is typically necessary to use a calibrated vector network analyzer (VNA), whose calibration reference impedance <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${Z}_{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is known. Using the eight-error term model for modeling a VNA and based on the fact that the values of the error terms are unique and independent of the calibration structures used to determine them, a new method for determining the line characteristic impedance of uniform transmission lines is presented. The main feature of the new method is that it only uses <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$S$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-parameter measurements of a thru-line and a thru-load combination measured with an uncalibrated VNA.
Morphological and molecular investigation of polymorphism and cryptic species in tanaid crustaceans: implications for tanaid systematics and biodiversity estimates

Abstract A combination of traditional taxonomic procedures and molecular techniques has provided new insight into the problems of cryptic species and sexual and ontogenetic polymorphism in the Tanaidacea. Using polymerase chain reaction and DNA markers, three cryptic species of Paratanais were identified. PCR primers were used to amplify the divergent internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of these species. Restriction digestion of the amplified rDNA generated species specific DNA banding. Male and five female stages of Paratanais maleficus sp. nov. and two other new species, P. malignus and P. perturbatius , are described. Morphological variation, both sexual and ontogenetic, was found in several generic characters of Paratanais and required the diagnosis to be modified. The identification of three undescribed cryptic species from a single microhabitat in a well studied, shallow water and easily accessible locality, demonstrate that the biodiversity of tanaid crustacean is significantly underestimated.
An Optical Design for Avatar-User Co-axial Viewpoint Telepresence

We propose a mid-air image system for telepresence. Virtual reality (VR) social networks enable users to interact with each other through CG avatars and choose their appearances freely. However, this is only possible in VR space. We propose a system that takes the avatar from VR space to real space with the help of mid-air imaging technology. In this system, the micro-mirror array plates (MMAPs) display the mid-air image and optically transfer the camera viewpoint to capture users from the mid-air image position. Luminance measurement and modulation transfer function (MTF) measurement were performed to evaluate the image capturing performance of this system. As a result, we found that the MMAPs ccause a decrease in brightness and an increase in blur. In addition, the stray light generated by the MMAPs was in the captured video. We also confirmed that face detection works correctly on the captured video by adjusting the ISO sensitivity of the camera. Furthermore, we designed an application for telepresence called Levitar, which uses a dual camera to output the captured video to the HMD and controls the camera gaze direction.
THE BIOGEOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE PLEISTOCENE FOREST REFUGE HYPOTHESIS

The prevailing explanation for the observed distributional patterns and areas of endemism of tropical forest organisms is the Pleistocene refuge hypothesis, which proposes that wide‐ranging ancestral taxa were isolated into forest refuges during certain glacial periods, and that this isolation provided them with the opportunity to speciate. John Endler has recently argued that two predictions of the refuge hypothesis—that contact zones between vicars should be between refuges and that contact zones of rapidly reproducing butterflies should be wider than those of more slowly reproducing birds—are not borne out by the evidence. Endler therefore rejects the refuge hypothesis. We show that the data available are far too imprecise to permit any conclusions regarding contact zone widths and that, according to our reanalysis of the African bird data used by Endler, all the contact zones between vicars do indeed occur between refuges, exactly where they are expected. Additional strong support for the refuge hypothesis comes from the existence of many taxa endemic to the particular forest areas which have been postulated as refuges and from fragmented taxa which are still allopatric, never having come into secondary contact.
Distribution and conservation status of coastal sage scrub in southwestern California

A landscape-based characterization of vegetation has been developed for southwestern California using satellite imagery, air photos, existing vegetation maps, and field data. Distribution maps of nine dominant coastal scrub species and 13 species assemblages that were identified by divisive information analysis have been analyzed to quantify spatial patterns of species co-occurrence. Three general distribution patterns are identified that suggest the Diegan, Ventaran and Riversidian Associations identified by other workers. Vegetation data have also been related to land ownership and management to assess the conservation status of upland plant communities. A large proportion of the mapped distribution of species and vegetation types is on private land, and several taxa show less than 4 % of mapped distribution in nature reserves. The analysis highlights the need to extend current conservation planning efforts into the northern part of the region to encompass areas where Salvia leucophylla is a frequent community dominant.
Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and their natural enemies in New Zealand vineyards from 1993-2009

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and their insect natural enemies were collected from vineyards in the major winegrowing regions of New Zealand from 1993 to 2009. Mealybugs were identifi ed from 131 separate collections, and their presence on grapevines compared with that on neighbouring citrus trees in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne in 2003. Pseudococcus longispinus and P. calceolariae were the most common mealybugs found in vineyards throughout the country. Both species were present and widespread in most vineyards, and on many grape varieties, but there was often marked (and unpredictable) spatial and temporal separation. Two other mealybug species were found, each on one occasion: the exotic Pseudococcus viburni from Hawke's Bay in 1998, and the endemic Paracoccus abnormalis from Auckland in 2008. Natural enemies were collected or reared from their mealybug hosts from 51 of the collections. Seven species of parasitoids and four species of predators were commonly collected, with no apparent regional constraints. The parasitoids were: Anagyrus fusciventris, Gyranusoidea advena, Tetracnemoidea brevicornis, T. sydneyensis, T. peregrina (all Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Coccophagus gurneyi (Hym: Aphelinidae) and Ophelosia charlesi (Hym: Pteromalidae); and the predators were: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Midas pygmaeus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Diadiplosis koebelei (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and Cryptoscenea australiensis (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae). The faunas of vineyards and citrus orchards were similar, except that Parectromoides varipes (Hym: Encyrtidae) was collected only from citrus orchards. Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant, was collected from one Gisborne and three Hawke's Bay vineyards in 2003. The widespread presence of natural enemies shows that mealybugs are regularly attacked by both predators and parasitoids in vineyards, but additional data are required to quantify the effectiveness of biological control of mealybugs, and its contribution to limiting the spread of the economically important grapevine leafroll disease.
Alterations in the antioxidative system of suspension‐cultured soybean cells (Glycine max) induced by oxidative stress

The objectives of this study were the changes of antioxidative key enzyme activities under stress conditions induced by a peroxidizing herbicide using photoheterotrophi-cally grown, suspension-cultured soybean celts (Glycine max L.). Within two days, 50 to 500 nM oxyfluorfen. a p-nitrodiphenyl ether herbicide, caused up to 100% inhibition of growth, while simultaneously, the chlorophyll was 25% to completely bleached. The major cellular antioxidants ascorbate and glutathione showed different responses. Under stress conditions with more than 250 nM oxyfluorfen, the cellular ascorbate- concentration was halved, whereas dehydroascorbate remained roughly constant. The glutathione content (approximately one-fifth of that of ascorbate in untreated control cells) increased nearly 3-fold in the presence of 250 nM oxyfluorfen. Under this condition, oxidized glutathione was 5 times above the control level. The specific activities of selected enzymes participating in cellular defence, namely ascor-bate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, rnonodehydroascorbate reductase. peroxidase and catalase increased by 40 to 70% with oxyfluorfen concentrations between 50 and 500 nM, while dehydroascorbate reductase showed a significant decrease. Glutathione transferase activity even increased 6-fold under oxyfluorfen stress.