Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prescribing pattern of proton pump inhibitors among patients admitted to medical ward at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To determine the prescription pattern of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort design using medical records at the medical ward of King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from medical records of all patients admitted to the ward from October 2019 to March 2020. Results: A total of 1135 medical records were retrieved, of which 709 (62.5%) were prescribed PPIs. The frequency of PPIs prescribed was highest in March 2020 (21.7%) relative to the remaining months. Omeprazole was the most prescribed PPI (84.5%), compared to pantoprazole (15.5%). The PPIs were commonly administered through oral (56.7 %), compared to intravenous route (43.3%). The PPIs were prescribed to most patients (58.4%) on the first day of admission, and 6.5% were prescribed for indications other than those approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that PPIs are frequently prescribed among most patients at the medical ward of KAUH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We found that the PPIs were prescribed to many patients inappropriately (not based on clinical guidelines). These results suggest the need for educational interventions among physicians on rational prescription.
Two‐Dimensional Idealized Hadley Circulation Simulation for Global High Resolution Model Development

A new framework for the development of global high resolution models using a vertical‐meridional, two‐dimensional pole‐to‐pole domain is proposed. Compared with the three‐dimensional global model, the two‐dimensional framework can simulate cloud‐scale convection at significantly reduced computational cost, data volume, and turn‐around time, and accelerate the development phase. Although idealized, it allows for simulation of various clouds and scale interactions under a wide range of environmental conditions, even though zonal waves such as mid latitude storms cannot be simulated. Physics schemes can be tested and assessed over a full array of simultaneously occurring cloud regimes. The framework can serve as an intermediate step between a one‐dimensional simulation and a full three‐dimensional global model. Using this framework, we analyze the resolution dependencies of simulated clouds and the Hadley circulation in a range of global high resolution models by performing multiple 1000‐day simulations; for some resolutions tested, for example, 2 km horizontal resolution, three‐dimensional simulation is not feasible at the present time. Analysis shows that both horizontal and vertical resolution determine the properties of the Hadley circulation and clouds, and that the differences among the simulated Hadley circulations are understood as differences in scale interactions influenced by resolution.
Comparison of the Sub-Critical Fluid Extraction of the Essential Oil of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) with That of Hydrodistillation

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a spice plant grown in the tropics that contains both an essential oil and an oleoresin. The essential oil is important as a flavouring and has pharmaceutical properties, while the oleoresin is bright yellow in colour and has medicinal properties. The essential oil has traditionally been extracted by hydrodistillation/steam distillation with the total extract being extracted by solvent extraction and more recently by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The objective of the work described in this paper was to investigate the possibility of extracting the essential oil using sub-critical fluid extraction and to compare it with hydrodistillation. The experiments using hydrodistillation showed that unpeeled fresh turmeric was the preferred raw material, giving an oil yield of ≈6% dry weight basis, which is similar to that reported in the literature. The experimental programme on the extraction of the oil from dried unpeeled turmeric was carried out over a temperature range from 25 to 30 °C and pressures from 65 to 71 bar. Yields were generally higher than hydrodistillation (up to ≈9% dry weight basis) as were the compositions of the extracted oils. The preferred operating conditions were determined to be 25 °C temperature and 65 bar pressure. Curcumin, the major component of the oleoresin, was not found in the oil, thereby demonstrating that the sub-critical extract is a pure essential oil. It is suggested that consideration be given to evaluating an SFE process whereby the essential oil is initially fully extracted under sub-critical fluid extraction conditions, after which the oleoresin is extracted separately by raising the pressure to ≈250 bar.
Isolation and Characterization of Mosquito-Associated Spiroplasma cantharicola from Aedes japonicus Collected in Hokkaido, Japan

Simple Summary Spiroplasma, which comprises a group of the smallest known bacteria, is commonly found in insects and plants. Some species of Spiroplasma have shown pathogenicity against mosquitoes and are expected to be useful vector control tools. In this study, we isolated S. cantharicola from the mosquito Aedes japonicus collected in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Field surveillance implied a relatively low prevalence of the bacteria in the local mosquitoes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that our isolate is closer to a strain of S. cantharicola isolated from mosquitoes in previous studies. Our isolate grew well in the R2 broth medium and grew into a visible colony on R2 broth agar. Co-culturing with mosquito-derived C6/36 cells resulted in slightly more bacterial growth than culturing without cells, showing the strong cytopathogenic effect of the cells. To our knowledge, this is the third report on the isolation of S. cantharicola from mosquitoes. Abstract Species of the genus Spiroplasma are common within arthropods and plants worldwide. Mosquito-associated Spiroplasma spp. have been reported to show pathogenicity toward mosquitoes, which serve as vectors of several infectious diseases that have detrimental effects on public health. Although Spiroplasma spp. are expected to have potential use as biological vector-control tools, characteristics such as their distribution, host species, and cytopathogenic effects (CPEs) are not well understood. In this study, we isolated a Spiroplasma sp. from a female Aedes japonicus collected in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated our isolate was closely related to S. cantharicola. We screened 103 mosquito pools consisting of 3 genera and 9 species, but only detected S. cantharicola in the first isolation. In an in vitro assay, our isolate grew well at 28 °C, but no propagation was observed at 37 °C. Furthermore, the isolate showed strong CPE on a mosquito-derived cultured cell line (C6/36), and its propagation slightly increased when co-cultured with C6/36 cells. To our knowledge, this is the third report of the isolation of S. cantharicola from mosquitoes and the first case in Asia. Our findings provide epidemiological data on S. cantharicola distribution in the region.
Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena An experimental study about the treeing phenomena in XLPE subjected to distorted voltages

In this work the influence of harmonic content of the voltage waveform on electrical treeing growth in XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) is investigated. In particular the lifetimes of XLPE specimens, having a point plane electrode configuration, subjected to different distorted voltages containing 3*, 5" and I" hannonics, are measured. A lifetime prediction model based upon the correlation between recorded durations and the maximum amplitude of the applied voltages is proposed. The model resulted well suited for the investigated cases. Digital images acquisition allowed to monitor treeing growth so to check wether bush or branch type of treeing had been growing during the tests.
U-shaped assembly line balancing problem with genetic algorithm

This paper presents a multi-objective genetic algorithm (moGA) to solve the U-shaped assembly line balancing problem (UALBP). As a consequence of introducing the just-in-time (JIT) production principle, it has been recognized that U-shaped assembly line systems offer several benefits over the traditional straight line systems. We consider both the traditional straight line system and the U-shaped assembly line system, thus as an unbiased examination of line efficiency. The performance criteria considered are the number of workstations (the line efficiency) and the variation of workload. The results of experiments show that the proposed model produced as good or even better line efficiency of workstation integration and improved the variation of workload.
Strengthening of fatigue cracks in steel bridges by means of adhesively bonded steel patches

ABSTRACT Steel bridges with orthotropic decks are a common construction method for long-span bridges. The type of construction was developed in the 1960s, and the early structures in particular show increasing crack damage. The reasons for this are, on the one hand, design deficiencies and, on the other hand, massively increased traffic loads. Therefore, there is a need for rehabilitation methods that neither weaken the cross-section, like bolted solutions, nor introduce thermal stresses, like welds, but so far there are no reliable and economic alternatives. This paper summarizes the state of the art on possible damage categories of orthotropic bridge slabs and presents a new rehabilitation alternative using bonded steel patches for crack rehabilitation. It is reported from an ongoing research project how to determine numerically the effectiveness of the bonded steel patches. For this purpose, simple analytical calculations are first used to determine the determining factors and to record their influence. Subsequently, nonlinear numerical calculations with the Drucker-Prager material model are used to identify the stress distributions in the bonded joints in order to optimise the patch geometries. To this end a stiffness factor is presented that can be used to classify such patch bonds and categorize them in terms of their effectiveness.
Use of serum osmolality as a risk marker in patients with coronary artery disease: A cross-sectional, case-control study

DOI: 10.4328/ACAM.20903 Received: 2021-10-12 Accepted: 2021-10-27 Published Online: 2021-11-13 Printed: 2021-12-01 Ann Clin Anal Med 2021;12(12):1432-1436 Corresponding Author: Elif Seda Topuzoğlu, Yazlık Family Health Center, 50th ASM, Düzce, Turkey. E-mail: sedatopuzoglu8@gmail.com P: +90 506 734 11 90 Corresponding Author ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9149-7133 Abstract Aim: Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of mortality and morbidity from noncommunicable diseases. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of serum osmolality level for coronary artery disease. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted between July 2019 and January 2020. It included 113 patients aged 35 years older with coronary angiography indication. Eighteen questions were asked to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics. The patients were divided into two groups: critical coronary artery disease patients (Group 1) and normal coronary artery patients (Group 2). the Syntax and Gensini scores were used to calculate the severity and prevalence of the disease. The venous blood of the participants determined the serum osmolality value. Results: The median age of patients in Group 1 was 58 (min-max: 37-88) years and 53.5 (min-max: 37-82) years in Group 2. Male sex (p=0.003), age (p=0.02), smoking status (p=0.004), waist-hip ratio (p=0.001), and heart rate (p=0.024) variables in Group 1 were significantly higher than in Group 2. There was no statistical difference between groups in terms of mean osmolality values (p=0.19). Osmolality findings were compared; while Gensini score was statistically significant in Group 1 (p=0.04), the Syntax score was not (p= 0.24). In the correlation analysis of age and osmolality findings with Gensini and Syntax Scores in Group 1, the age variable did not expressively differ. Osmolality increased significantly with the Gensini Score (p= 0.04) and had a weak correlation (r = -0.24). There was no increase (p = 0.24) with the osmolality Syntax Score, and weak correlation (r = 0.14) was observed. Discussion: As a result of the study, no statistical difference was found between the two groups in terms of serum osmolality levels.
Together in song: Designing a singing for health group intervention for older people living in the community

ABSTRACT Introduction International research evidence on the physical, cognitive and social benefits of group singing for older people is growing rapidly. However, singing interventions are inconsistently reported, with details of intervention development, musical content and structure often omitted, impeding replicability and synthesis. This paper poses two research questions: (a) What specific guidelines for singing groups can the research team recommend for older people aged over 65 living in the community who have health and well-being concerns? (b) What recommendations can the research team make for singing group facilitators, building on two pilot studies and over 20 years of experience running singing groups? Method A detailed three-stage process of intervention development and evaluation was undertaken, following Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance. Results The findings of each stage of intervention development and the resultant tested intervention, which aims to meet the physical and psychological health and well-being needs of older people, are presented. Key features of the final intervention include flexible, person-centred musical content; opportunities for social interaction; and appropriate resources, such as large print songbooks. The results of the pilot studies indicate the capacity of group singing to benefit interpersonal relationships and social connection among older people, contributing to increased well-being. Discussion This intervention aims to contribute to the possibility of replicable large-scale studies of the impact of singing for health groups on the health and well-being of older people.
Animal Models in Human Adenovirus Research

Simple Summary Animal models are widely used to study various aspects of human diseases and disorders. Likewise, they are indispensable for preclinical testing of medicals and vaccines. Human adenovirus infections are usually self-limiting, and can cause mild respiratory symptoms with fever, eye infection or gastrointestinal symptoms, but occasional local outbreaks with severe disease courses have been reported. In addition, adenovirus infections pose a serious risk for children and patients with a weakened immune system. Human adenovirus research in animal models to study adenovirus-induced disease and tumor development started in the 1950s. Various animal species have been tested for their susceptibility to human adenovirus infection since then, and some have been shown to mimic key characteristics of the infection in humans, including persistent infection. Furthermore, some rodent species have been found to develop tumors upon human adenovirus infection. Our review summarizes the current knowledge on animal models in human adenovirus research, describing the pros and cons along with important findings and future perspectives. Abstract Human adenovirus (HAdV) infections cause a wide variety of clinical symptoms, ranging from mild upper respiratory tract disease to lethal outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. To date, neither widely available vaccines nor approved antiadenoviral compounds are available to efficiently deal with HAdV infections. Thus, there is a need to thoroughly understand HAdV-induced disease, and for the development and preclinical evaluation of HAdV therapeutics and/or vaccines, and consequently for suitable standardizable in vitro systems and animal models. Current animal models to study HAdV pathogenesis, persistence, and tumorigenesis include rodents such as Syrian hamsters, mice, and cotton rats, as well as rabbits. In addition, a few recent studies on other species, such as pigs and tree shrews, reported promising data. These models mimic (aspects of) HAdV-induced pathological changes in humans and, although they are relevant, an ideal HAdV animal model has yet to be developed. This review summarizes the available animal models of HAdV infection with comprehensive descriptions of virus-induced pathogenesis in different animal species. We also elaborate on rodent HAdV animal models and how they contributed to insights into adenovirus-induced cell transformation and cancer.
Influence of tyre–road contact model on vehicle vibration response

The influence of the tyre–road contact model on the simulated vertical vibration response was analysed. Three contact models were compared: tyre–road point contact model, moving averaged profile and tyre-enveloping model. In total, 1600 real asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete longitudinal road profiles were processed. The linear planar model of automobile with 12 degrees of freedom (DOF) was used. Five vibration responses as the measures of ride comfort, ride safety and dynamic load of cargo were investigated. The results were calculated as a function of vibration response, vehicle velocity, road quality and road surface type. The marked differences in the dynamic tyre forces and the negligible differences in the ride comfort quantities were observed among the tyre–road contact models. The seat acceleration response for three contact models and 331 DOF multibody model of the truck semi-trailer was compared with the measured response for a known profile of test section.
Sunscreen Effect Exerted by Secondary Carotenoids and Mycosporine-like Amino Acids in the Aeroterrestrial Chlorophyte Coelastrella rubescens under High Light and UV-A Irradiation

The microalga Coelastrella rubescens dwells in habitats with excessive solar irradiation; consequently, it must accumulate diverse compounds to protect itself. We characterized the array of photoprotective compounds in C. rubescens. Toward this goal, we exposed the cells to high fluxes of visible light and UV-A and analyzed the ability of hydrophilic and hydrophobic extracts from the cells to absorb radiation. Potential light-screening compounds were profiled by thin layer chromatography and UPLC-MS. Coelastrella accumulated diverse carotenoids that absorbed visible light in the blue–green part of the spectrum and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA) that absorbed the UV-A. It is the first report on the occurrence of MAA in Coelastrella. Two new MAA, named coelastrin A and coelastrin B, were identified. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the development of hydrophobic subcompartments under the high light and UV-A exposition. We also evaluate and discuss sporopollenin-like compounds in the cell wall and autophagy-like processes as the possible reason for the decrease in sunlight absorption by cells, in addition to inducible sunscreen accumulation. The results suggested that C. rubescens NAMSU R1 accumulates a broad range of valuable photoprotective compounds in response to UV-A and visible light irradiation, which indicates this strain as a potential producer for biotechnology.
The Influence of Tool Wear on the Mechanical Performance of AA6061-T6 Refill Friction Stir Spot Welds

The Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) process—an alternative solid-state joining technology—has gained momentum in the last decade for the welding of aluminum and magnesium alloys. Previous studies have addressed the influence of the RFSSW process on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the AA6061-T6 alloy. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how the tool wear influences the welding mechanical behavior for this alloy. The present work intended to evaluate and understand the influence of RFSSW tool wear on the mechanical performance of AA6061-T6 welds. Firstly, the welding parameters were optimized through the Designing of Experiments (DoE), to maximize the obtained ultimate lap shear force (ULSF) response. Following the statistical analysis, an optimized condition was found that reached a ULSF of 8.45 ± 0.08 kN. Secondly, the optimized set of welding parameters were applied to evaluate the wear undergone by the tool. The loss of worn-out material was systematically investigated by digital microscopy and the assessment of tool weight loss. Tool-wear-related microstructural and local mechanical property changes were assessed and compared with the yielded ULSF, and showed a correlation. Further investigations demonstrated the influence of tool wear on the height of the hook, which was located at the interface between the welded plates and, consequently, its effects on the observed fracture mechanisms and ULSF. These results support the understanding of tool wear mechanisms and helped to evaluate the tool lifespan for the selected commercial RFSSW tool which is used for aluminum alloys.
Hybrid HVDC system for power transmission to island networks

A hybrid system, comprising a line commutated thyristor HVDC converter and a STATCOM, is proposed in this paper for the connection of networks with no synchronous generation to a main grid. The proposed system combines the robust performance and low capital cost and power loss of a line-commutated HVDC converter, with the fast dynamic performance of a VSC system. The paper describes the principles and control strategies of the proposed system. PSCAD/EMTDC simulations are presented to demonstrate the robust performance and to validate the proposed system during various operating conditions such as black-start, variations of load or generation and ac fault conditions.
Motivations for Caffeine Consumption in New Zealand Tertiary Students

Caffeine-related health incidents in New Zealand have escalated over the last two decades. In order to reduce the risk of substance-related harm, it is important to understand the consumers’ motivations for its use. This is especially true for tertiary students who are presumed to be at a higher risk due to seeking out caffeine’s well-known cognitive benefits as well as the targeted marketing of such products to young adults. This study examined the habits and motivations for caffeine consumption in tertiary students in New Zealand. A previously validated caffeine consumption-habits (CaffCo) questionnaire was administered online to 317 tertiary students (n = 169 females), aged ≥16 years. Of the 99.1% of participants who regularly consumed caffeine, coffee (76.3%) tea (71.6%) and chocolate (81.7%) consumption were the most prevalent. Motivations for caffeinated-product consumption differed according to caffeine source. Tea was consumed for the warmth and taste, coffee was consumed to stay awake and for warmth, and chocolate, for the taste and as a treat. Marketing was not identified by participants as influencing their consumption of caffeinated products. Knowledge of motivations for caffeine consumption may assist in identifying strategies to reduce caffeine intake in those New Zealand tertiary students who regularly consume amounts of caffeine that exceed safe level.