Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Reliability of Salivary Cortisol Compared to Serum Cortisol for Diagnosing Adrenal Insufficiency with the Gold Standard ACTH Stimulation Test in Children

The ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulation test is the gold standard for the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency (AI), performed with ACTH high dose (HDT) or low dose (LDT). As salivary cortisol has been proposed as an alternative to serum cortisol, our aim was to evaluate the reliability of salivary cortisol compared to serum cortisol for diagnosing AI in children. Data were collected retrospectively. Salivary and serum cortisol values derived by 80 ACTH stimulation tests were obtained (39 F, 36 M; median age 11.5 years, IQR 6.9). Sampling was performed at baseline and after 30 and 60 min from ACTH administration during the HDT, and at baseline and 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 min after the stimulation for the LDT. A serum cortisol level > 420 nmol/L ruled out AI. The correlation coefficients between serum and salivary cortisol for the HDT (n = 24) were 0.80 at t0, 0.48 at t30 and 0.75 at t60. All patients were adrenal sufficient. In 41% of the LDT, peak serum cortisol indicated insufficient adrenal function. The correlation coefficients between serum and salivary cortisol were 0.59 at t0 and 0.33 at the peak. For a cut-off of salivary cortisol < 15 nmol/L, sensitivity was 73.9% and specificity 69.6%. Our data do not support salivary cortisol as a valid alternative to serum cortisol during LDT. Regarding the HDT, results are more encouraging, however, further studies are needed.
Livestock health and disease economics: a scoping review of selected literature

Animal diseases in production and subsistence environments have the potential to negatively affect consumers, producers, and economies as a whole. A growing global demand for animal sourced food requires safe and efficient production systems. Understanding the burden of animal disease and the distribution of burden throughout a value chain informs policy that promotes safe consumption and efficient markets, as well as providing more effective pathways for investment. This paper surveys existing knowledge on the burden of animal disease across economic categories of production, prevention and treatment, animal welfare, and trade and regulation. Our scoping review covers 192 papers across peer-reviewed journals and reports published by organizations. We find there exists a gap in knowledge in evaluating what the global burdens of animal diseases are and how these burdens are distributed in value chains. We also point to a need for creating an analytical framework based on established methods that guides future evaluation of animal disease burden, which will provide improved access to information on animal health impacts.
Specialist hybrid models with asymmetric training for malaria prevalence prediction

Malaria is a common and serious disease that primarily affects developing countries and its spread is influenced by a variety of environmental and human behavioral factors; therefore, accurate prevalence prediction has been identified as a critical component of the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria from 2016 to 2030. While traditional differential equation models can perform basic forecasting, supervised machine learning algorithms provide more accurate predictions, as demonstrated by a recent study using an elastic net model (REMPS). Nevertheless, current short-term prediction systems do not achieve the required accuracy levels for routine clinical practice. To improve in this direction, stacked hybrid models have been proposed, in which the outputs of several machine learning models are aggregated by using a meta-learner predictive model. In this paper, we propose an alternative specialist hybrid approach that combines a linear predictive model that specializes in the linear component of the malaria prevalence signal and a recurrent neural network predictive model that specializes in the non-linear residuals of the linear prediction, trained with a novel asymmetric loss. Our findings show that the specialist hybrid approach outperforms the current state-of-the-art stacked models on an open-source dataset containing 22 years of malaria prevalence data from the city of Ibadan in southwest Nigeria. The specialist hybrid approach is a promising alternative to current prediction methods, as well as a tool to improve decision-making and resource allocation for malaria control in high-risk countries.
Contemporary Methods for Detection and Intervention of Distal Medium and Small Vessel Occlusions

The efficacy of using mechanical thrombectomy for proximal large vessel occlusions has been demonstrated in multiple large-scale trials and has further raised the question of its potential utility for distal medium and small vessel occlusions (DMSVOs). Their longer, more tortuous course and smaller corresponding vascular territories render a significant challenge for detection and intervention. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current imaging and endovascular intervention options for DMSVOs and review the current works in the literature. Compared with traditional computed tomography angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion, recent advances such as multiphase CTA and maps derived from the time-to-maximum parameter coupled with artificial intelligence have demonstrated increased sensitivity for the detection of DMSVOs. Furthermore, newer generations of mini stent retrievers and thromboaspiration devices have allowed for the access and navigation of smaller and more fragile distal arteries. Preliminary studies have suggested that mechanical thrombectomy using this newer generation of devices is both safe and feasible in distal medium-sized vessels, such as M2. However, endovascular intervention utilizing such contemporary methods and devices must be balanced at the discretion of operator experience and favorable vascular anatomy. Further large-scale multicenter clinical trials are warranted to elucidate the indications for as well as to strengthen the safety and efficacy of this approach.
The Impact of Bud Load on Berry Quality, Yield, and Cluster Compactness in H4 Strain Grapevines

The Thompson Seedless (Sultanina) seedless variety of grapes is an important crop in Egypt, both for local consumption and export. In recent years, the H4 strain of this grape variety has gained popularity due to its high productivity. However, a drawback of this strain is that the grape clusters become densely packed, resulting in small berries and reduced overall quality. A study was conducted to investigate the impact of pruning severity and bud load on the growth, yield, and quality of H4 grapes. The study included several different treatments, namely T1 Control: (10 canes × 12 buds), T2: (8 canes × 6 buds), T3: (8 canes × 8 buds), T4: (8 canes × 10 buds), T5: (8 canes × 12 buds), T6: (6 canes × 13 buds), T7: (8 canes × 13 buds), T8: (10 canes × 13 buds), and T9: (12 canes × 13 buds). The behavior of the buds, vegetative growth, yield, and quality of the grapes were analyzed. The results showed that pruning of the H4 strain with either 8 canes and 10–12 buds per cane, or 6 canes with 13 buds, produced the best results in terms of managing excessive fruit production, achieving a balance between vegetative growth and yield, and improving the physical and chemical characteristics of the grape clusters and berries. Overall, maintaining 8 canes with 10–12 buds per cane or 6 canes with 13 buds is recommended for obtaining maximum crop yield and quality.
Particle Size Improvement and Layer Absorption of Metil Halida MAPbI3 Perovskite Doping Phenethylammonium Iodide (PEAI)

This study aims to determine the effect of phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) doping on grain size and absorption of the methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite layer. The MAPbI3 perovskite layer is interesting to study because of its potential application in perovskite solar cells. In this study, the preparation of MAPbI3 perovskite layer with PEAI doping variation using a 2-step spin-coating method. The surface morphology of MAPbI3 shows an increase in grain size with the addition of PEAI doping variation. The optimum grain size is shown by adding 1.0 mg/ml PEAI doping variation, which is 117 ± 1.19 nm with a smooth surface morphology and tends to be homogeneous. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results on Perovskite MAPbI3 showed no difference in peaks with the addition of PEAI doping. However, there is only a slight angle shift of 2 theta, 0.05° at the main peak (110) and (220), so it will not change the cubic structure of MAPbI3 crystal. The ultra violet visible (UV-Vis) graph shows an increase in absorbance of Perovskite MAPbI3 with the addition of PEAI doping in the wavelength range of 400-550 nm. This research is expected to be a foundation for developing more efficient and stable solar cells.
Effect of Sugar Beet Pulp on the Composition and Predicted Function of Equine Fecal Microbiota

Simple Summary As hindgut fermenters, horses are reliant on the complex microbial communities residing in the digestive tract. The composition of the fecal microbiome is shaped by dietary factors among others, and common but potentially fatal gastrointestinal conditions, such as colic and colitis, are associated with changes in the fecal microbiome. In relation to health, certain bacteria in an equine hindgut utilize dietary fiber to produce short-chain fatty acids, and sugar beet pulp is a high-fiber feed supplement believed to act as a prebiotic and promote good equine gut health. The information regarding the influence of sugar beet pulp and other prebiotics on the fecal microbiome of horses is limited. Evidence of the effect of sugar beet pulp on the fecal microbiome might support its use as a routine preventive measure against colic and colitis. Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the partial replacement of dietary hay with sugar beet pulp (SBP) on the composition and predicted function of the fecal microbiota of healthy adult horses. Fecal samples were collected daily for 12 days from six adult horses after removal from pasture, including a five-day acclimation period, and a seven-day period following the introduction of SBP into their diet, and compared to six untreated horses over a comparable period. Fecal DNA was subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and a longitudinal analysis was performed comparing the composition and predicted function. While no significant treatment-associated changes in the richness, alpha diversity, or beta diversity were detected, random forest regression identified several high-importance taxonomic features associated with change over time in horses receiving SBP. A similar analysis of the predicted functional pathways identified several high-importance pathways, including those involved in the production of L-methionine and butyrate. These data suggest that feeding SBP to healthy adult horses acutely increases the relative abundance of several Gram-positive taxa, including Cellulosilyticum sp. , Moryella sp. , and Weissella sp. , and mitigates the predicted functional changes associated with removal from pasture. Large-scale studies are needed to assess the protective effect of SBP on the incidence of the gastrointestinal conditions of horses.
Diversity, Ecology and Phytogeography of Bryophytes across Temperate Forest Communities—Insight from Mt. Papuk (Croatia, SE Europe)

It has been widely documented that the complex structure of forest ecosystems supports considerable bryophyte species and functional diversity. In this study, we assessed the diversity, distribution and ecological and phytogeographical features of bryophytes across a gradient of temperate forest types on Mt. Papuk. This is the largest and highest mountain in the lowland, Pannonian part of Croatia, with high geological diversity and various temperate forests covering 95% of the mountain. According to the predominant tree species (oak vs. beech), geological bedrock (calcareous vs. siliceous) and soil reaction (alkaline vs. acidic), 21 study plots were classified into four distinct forest types. In all, 184 bryophyte species (35 liverworts and 149 mosses) were recorded. Although the forest types investigated did not differ significantly with respect to species richness, each was characterized by a considerable number of diagnostic bryophyte species. According to our results, one of the main ecological factors determining the variability of the forest bryophyte composition was geological bedrock and the associated soil reaction. Basiphilous forests developed on carbonate bedrock harbored more thermophilous and nitrophilous bryophytes and were characterized by southern-temperate and Mediterranean–Atlantic biogeographic elements. In contrast, acidophilous forests growing on silicate bedrock were characterized by wide-boreal and boreo-arctic–montane elements, i.e., bryophytes indicating cooler habitats and nitrogen-deficient soils. Based on the results, we hypothesized that the main latitudinal biogeographic distinction between southern and northern biogeographic elements is driven more by geological substrate than by the main tree species in forest communities. The present study confirmed previous findings that bryophytes are good and specific habitat indicators and show associations with different forest types, which can help to understand the complexity, ecological microconditions and biogeographic characteristics of forest communities.
Postgraduate tourism research in Australia: a trend analysis 1969-2005

This paper draws on an archival analysis of 461 dissertations completed by research Masters and PhD students in Australia over nearly a forty-year period to identify patterns, trends and gaps in postgraduate tourism research, as well as to explore the contributions that different disciplines make to postgraduate tourism research. The results reveal an uneven distribution of research both geographically and with respect to discipline, with a noticeable emphasis on business-related dissertations and an increasing focus on environmental topics. In terms of trends over time, there have been periods of slow growth, rapid growth and, more recently, slight decline in the numbers of postgraduate tourism theses. Also revealing are the gaps with respect to disciplinary context and focus, providing a valuable platform for new research.
Quasi-Periodic Gaussian Process Modeling of Pseudo-Periodic Signals

Pseudo-periodic signals are frequently encountered in modern scientific and engineering applications. Most current signal modeling methods focus on strictly periodic signals, and they may fail to account for both the within- and between-period correlations of pseudo-periodic signals, which could lower the modeling and prediction accuracy. To address this issue, we develop a novel quasi-periodic Gaussian process method for signals collected at grids. It can well model the within- and between-period correlations and has an easy-to-interpret structure that can quantify the magnitude of cycle oscillations in pseudo-periodic signals. To speed up the model estimation, prediction, and simulation, we further propose a fast composite likelihood approach that decomposes the full likelihood in an exact manner. This acceleration is achieved by leveraging the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and exploiting the Kronecker structure of the within- and between-period correlations. Its superior performance over some state-of-the-art methods is demonstrated through a simulation study and two real case studies on sunspot period estimation and cardiac arrhythmia monitoring.
Habitat selection by moose (Alces alces) in southwestern Sweden

The moose (Alces alces) is very important both economically and ecologically, therefore all knowledge of moose is vital for future management of the moose population. Little is known about moose habitat selection in Sweden. In coastal southwestern Sweden growing human population and new infrastructure projects continuously threaten to fragment and isolate local moose populations. The habitat selection of 22 moose, 8 males and 14 females, in southwestern Sweden was studied from February 2002 until December 2005. The moose were captured and fitted with GPS-collars and positions were collected at 2-hour intervals. The number of moose positions totaled 71103 during the study period of 46 months. Data for individual animals were divided into four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter based on climate and moose biology. A total of 125 moose seasonal home ranges were generated and habitat use within each of the generated home ranges was studied using Euclidean distance-based analysis. A reclassified digital landcover map was divided into the land use classes agriculture, clear-cut, coniferous forest, deciduous forest, mire and mountain. The results showed that there was a difference in habitat selection between males and females. Males were significantly closer to forest and clear-cuts compared to females. Both males and females selected clear-cuts and avoided agriculture within their home ranges.
Evaluation of anxiety and depression among pregnant women in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy are public health concerns. They are commonly reported among pregnant women from all over the world. Maternal mental health has not been prioritized, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Aim: To evaluate depression and anxiety among pregnant women who receive antenatal care in four randomly selected hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A multicenter questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of 434 pregnant women was conducted at four selected health institutions offering antenatal services in Enugu, Enugu State. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Factors associated with anxiety and depression were determined using logistic regression. P <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The mean age of study participants was 30.09 ± 5.12 years. The proportion of participants with depressive symptoms and borderline depressive symptoms was 9.7% and 11.1%, respectively. The proportion of participants with anxiety symptoms and borderline anxiety symptoms was 10.1% and 15.7%, respectively. Husband's employment status (P = 0.033, odds ratios (OR) =0.354, 95% confidence intervals (CI) =0.137–0.918) and gestational age (P = 0.042, OR = 2.066, 95% CI = 1.028–4.151) were the only factors associated with depressive symptoms, while only educational level (P = 0.001, OR = 3.552, 95% CI = 1.674–7.537) and husband's employment status (P = 0.013, OR = 0.295, 95% CI = 0.113–0.772) were the only factors associated with anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Anxiety and depressive symptoms are relatively common in antenatal women in Enugu. The factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms were the respondent's educational level, gestational age, and the employment status of the husband.
A framework of stakeholder analysis for public participation in EIA process: a case study of Thailand

ABSTRACT This study aims to 1) investigate current stakeholder analysis in Thai Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, 2) explore the opinions of key informants regarding the elements of stakeholder analysis relevant to Thai EIA, and 3) develop a framework of stakeholder analysis for public participation (PP) in the Thai EIA process. Qualitative methods were employed by reviewing 18 EIA reports, interviewing 36 key informants, and brainstorming in a workshop to develop a framework. The proposed framework of stakeholder analysis includes five domains: 1) context exploration, 2) stakeholder identification, 3) stakeholder categorisation, 4) determination of participation level, and 5) participatory technique selection. The finding suggested that key elements considered in the domains should include the identification of vulnerable groups, the characterisation of stakeholders, getting multiple groups of people involved in determining participation level, and assigning professional facilitator(s) in PP. This study recommends applying conflict resolution strategies e.g. generating informal contact with potential mainstays before public consultation, involving key stakeholders in an advisory committee, and using a local academic mediator.
Cretaceous ammonites from the lower part of the Matanuska Formation, southern Alaska, with a stratigraphic summary

________________________________________ Introduction. ______________________________________ Mid-Cretaceous faunal sequence in southern Alaska. Albian _________________________________________ Cenomanian_ __________________________________ Stratigraphic summary of the lower part of the Matanuska Formation, by Arthur Grantz______________________ Unit A, strata of Albian age____________________ Limestone Hills area. _______________________ North front of the Chugach Mountains. ------Matanuska Valley______________________ Nelchina area and southwest Copper River lowland__ __________________________ Correlation within the Matanuska ValleyNelchina area. ___________________________ Page
The Antiviral Factor SERINC5 Impairs the Expression of Non-Self-DNA

SERINC5 is a restriction factor that becomes incorporated into nascent retroviral particles, impairing their ability to infect target cells. In turn, retroviruses have evolved countermeasures against SERINC5. For instance, the primate lentiviruses (HIV and SIV) use Nef, Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) uses GlycoGag, and Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) uses S2 to remove SERINC5 from the plasma membrane, preventing its incorporation into progeny virions. Recent studies have shown that SERINC5 also restricts other viruses, such as Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV), although through a different mechanism, suggesting that SERINC5 can interfere with multiple stages of the virus life cycle. To investigate whether SERINC5 can also impact other steps of the replication cycle of HIV, the effects of SERINC5 on viral transcripts, proteins, and virus progeny size were studied. Here, we report that SERINC5 causes significant defects in HIV gene expression, which impacts virion production. While the underlying mechanism is still unknown, we found that the restriction occurs at the transcriptional level and similarly affects plasmid and non-integrated proviral DNA (ectopic or non-self-DNA). However, SERINC5 causes no defects in the expression of viral RNA, host genes, or proviral DNA that is integrated in the cellular genome. Hence, our findings reveal that SERINC5’s actions in host defense extend beyond blocking virus entry.
Blended Learning for Generation Alpha during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the integration of online learning in the secondary education context in an unprecedented manner. Teachers who were accustomed to conducting lessons fully in the classroom had to search for various technology-based alternatives to replace the conventional form of teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to explore the blending of online and physical learning, also known as “blended learning”, across government secondary schools throughout the COVID -19 pandemic. This is a qualitative study that involved 58 secondary school teachers from 3 districts in Sabah, Malaysia. Focus group interviews were employed to gather data about the use of blended learning among teachers in the districts of Tawau, Kota Kinabalu and Keningau. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that the participants used a variety of online learning applications to deliver content, to provide social and emotional support to the learners and learners’ parents, and to eva luate learner performance. The findings also revealed that in some cases, the teachers had to create physical learning materials for the students. This study revealed the various ways teachers blended online and face-to-face approaches to cater to their learners. The outcomes are valuable for pre-service and in-service teachers who are keen to employ blended learning in the 21 st century classroom.