Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracking the Molecular Fingerprint of Head and Neck Cancer for Recurrence Detection in Liquid Biopsies

The 5-year relative survival for patients with head and neck cancer, the seventh most common form of cancer worldwide, was reported as 67% in developed countries in the second decade of the new millennium. Although surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combined treatment often elicits an initial satisfactory response, relapses are frequently observed within two years. Current surveillance methods, including clinical exams and imaging evaluations, have not unambiguously demonstrated a survival benefit, most probably due to a lack of sensitivity in detecting very early recurrence. Recently, liquid biopsy monitoring of the molecular fingerprint of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has been proposed and investigated as a strategy for longitudinal patient care. These innovative methods offer rapid, safe, and highly informative genetic analysis that can identify small tumors not yet visible by advanced imaging techniques, thus potentially shortening the time to treatment and improving survival outcomes. In this review, we provide insights into the available evidence that the molecular tumor fingerprint can be used in the surveillance of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Challenges to overcome, prior to clinical implementation, are also discussed.
Evolution of Blended Learning and its Prospects in Management Education

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the profile of academic research on blended learning in the world and propose a research agenda for the topic. Theoretical framework: Recent literature has reported good results in both student performance and satisfaction in blended learning (Dziuban et al., 2004). However, there is still much to investigate and learn about BL because it is a recent development. Design/methodology/approach: We analysed the profile of international publications on blended learning in management and business from 2001 to 2021. We identified when, who, where and what was published on the subject, singling out the authors and journals with the greatest impact based on the h-index and CiteScore (Scopus), as well as exploring the cooperation between countries. Findings: The volume of research has been increasing over the past twenty years, although there are only a few authors, institutions and reference journals contributing to the topic’s consolidation and the countries conducting the most joint research in co-authoring networks account for the largest volume of publications, authors and impact journals. Research, Practical & Social implications: We suggest a future research agenda and highlight the contributions made to executive and management education. Originality/value: The results indicate that the number of publications is growing, and the management and business area is the one that contributes the most, with the countries that produce in co-authorship also providing the most publications.
Cash-based aid and civil war violence: New evidence from Myanmar (2012–2020)

Why do some aid projects in conflict environments improve the welfare of local communities and reduce insurgent violence, whereas other projects place them in greater danger? This study investigates this question by testing the effects of aid projects on the intensity of civil war using subnational data on violence and service provision in Myanmar (2012–2020). We find that small-scale, cash-based aid projects significantly reduce battlefield violence at the township level, and the effects of such projects are larger than those of other projects aimed at reducing violence (e.g., peacebuilding). These results provide support for recent counterinsurgency theories, which argue that smaller projects can reduce violence by motivating civilians to share information about rebels with the government (or pro-government) forces. This analysis offers a unique insight into the way cash-based services, though small and relatively inexpensive, can foster stability in conflict zones and save more lives.
Recent Climatology (1991–2020) and Trends in Local Warm and Cold Season Extreme Temperature Days and Nights in Arabia

The Arabian Peninsula (Arabia) is among the places to have experienced the greatest amount of warming during recent decades, and this trend is projected to continue. Specifics related to the characteristics (frequency, duration, and intensity) of extreme temperature events (ETEs) over Arabia as a whole are either largely outdated or limited only to specific areas. The seasonal ETE definitions commonly used in local studies are neither climatological- nor phenomenon-based. Using a novel and straightforward framework, the seasons of four extreme temperature types (extreme warm days/nights (EWDs/EWNs) and extreme cold days/nights (ECDs/ECNs)) were identified on the simultaneous basis of event occurrence and impact times. Assessments of ETE frequency, duration, and intensity and their recent changes were then provided based on the most recent climate data (1991–2020). Results showed that the use of traditional seasonal definitions (e.g., meteorological seasons) tends to assume a spatiotemporal homogeneity in the seasonality of ETEs and their potential risk levels throughout the year. The developed framework distinguished months with events that have larger potential impacts together with their local seasons. ETE seasons were found to vary at the regional and local scales and are better defined at both the local and phenomenon levels. Early extreme warm events were hotter, and those at locations with longer local warm seasons demonstrated higher intensities. ECDs tended to be more frequent at coastal locations, whereas ECNs were more frequent over southwestern Arabia. Early and late extreme cold events were much colder than those occurring mid-season. Trend analyses revealed generally increasing regional trends in the frequency of extreme warm events, whereas extreme cold events have declined. The duration (i.e., consecutive occurrences) and intensity of EWNs have been increasing at more locations, suggesting that urgent attention is needed within such an arid and hot climate type in which nighttime stress relief is already very limited.
Categories and Narratives as Sources of Distinctiveness: Cultural Entrepreneurship within and across Categories

Research Summary: Cultural entrepreneurship theory suggests that entrepreneurial narratives need to be optimally distinctive — neither portraying an offering as too similar to nor too distinctive from the conventions of its product category — for attracting superior demand. Building on and extending this literature, we propose that the benefits and downsides of a distinctive narrative fundamentally depend on a category's distinctiveness vis-à-vis alternative categories because distinctive categories (a) provide an important source of differentiation for their members and (b) disproportionally attract those audience members that highly value novelty. Our longitudinal study of 159,343 Airbnb listings in 45 categories strongly supports our hypotheses: the relationship between Airbnb listings' narrative distinctiveness and demand-side performance flips from an inverted U-shaped curve in indistinctive categories to a U-shaped curve in distinctive categories. Managerial Summary: Entrepreneurs need to craft a compelling narrative around their offering to legitimate and differentiate it from competing offerings. In this article, we explore when and why entrepreneurs should craft narratives that portray their offerings as similar, moderately distinctive, or highly distinctive from other
Factors affecting telepractice use in COVID-19

Background The use of telepractice as an alternate method of delivering healthcare to people increased significantly after COVID-19 became a global pandemic. Objectives This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the accelerated adoption of telepractice during COVID-19 in Singapore. It also sought to examine whether there are differences in the perspectives of staff in nursing facilities and caregivers in personal homes towards telepractice. Methods A cross-sectional mixed method design was used. A survey with 20 items was adapted from the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire and translated into Mandarin. Anonymous responses were obtained from 70 patients and caregivers who had received speech therapy services via telepractice from a restructured hospital before and/or during Singapore’s Circuit Breaker period. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results Sociodemographic variables of age, gender, education level and language preference did not impact user satisfaction and the likelihood of using telepractice again. Service-related factors were more influential. Participants chose to use telepractice as it saved travelling time (24.0%), was easy to use (19.3%), improved healthcare access (17.5%) and reduced waiting time (17.5%). Although all respondents expressed satisfaction in telepractice, 35.5% from personal homes and 37.5% from nursing facilities were not keen to use it again. Amongst caregivers, 26.7% from personal homes and 37.5% from nursing facilities preferred not to continue telepractice use. Technical and logistical disruptions and the lack of ‘personal touch’ were contributing factors. Conclusion Improving technological infrastructure, providing training for users and developing guidelines would help sustain telepractice as a form of service delivery beyond COVID-19.
Rectangular Orthogonal Digital Filter Banks Based on Extended Gaussian Functions

Rectangular orthogonal digital filter banks (ODFBs) based on square-root-raised-cosine (SRRC) functions are widely utilised to realise flexible and elastic multi-channel aggregations for fixed and mobile networks. However, long digital filter lengths are required to minimize digital filtering-associated signal distortions. In this paper, based on the extended Gaussian function (EGF), a novel rectangular ODFB with excellent robustness against the short digital filter length-induced truncation effect is proposed. Optimum digital filter parameters of the EGF-based ODFBs are identified and verified in multi-channel hybrid OFDM-digital filter multiple access (DFMA) PONs based on intensity modulation and direct detection (IMDD). By making use of the identified optimum digital filter parameters, extensive comparisons of digital filter characteristics and corresponding multi-channel upstream PON performances are made between the EGF-based ODFBs and the SRRC-based ODFBs. It is shown that to achieve a similar aggregated upstream signal transmission capacity, the EGF-based ODFB reduces the digital filter DSP complexity by a factor of 4. For a digital filter length as short as 8, in comparison with the SRRC-based ODFB, the EGF-based ODFB introduces >1.5 dB (>0.8 dB) improvements in upstream receiver sensitivity for 5-bits (8-bits) DACs/ADCs, increases the aggregated upstream signal transmission capacity by >5.5%, enlarges the ONU launch power dynamic range by >2.5 dB and improves the frequency offset tolerance by a factor of >1.5. In addition, the EGF-based ODFB also enhances upstream performance robustness against ONU symbol timing offsets.
Suppressive Role of Lactoferrin in Overweight-Related Female Fertility Problems

The secretory glycoprotein lactoferrin (LF) is suggested to ameliorate overweight regardless of non-genetic or genetic mechanisms. Although maternal overweight represents a key predictor of offspring growth, the efficacy of LF on fertility problems in overweight and obese mothers remains unknown. To address this issue, we examined the effect of LF ingestion by analyzing overweight mice (Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice with high-fat diets; HF mice) and obese mice (leptin-deficient mice with type II diabetes; ob/ob mice). Plasma insulin, leptin, glucose, and cholesterol levels were measured, and thermal imaging and histological analysis were employed. The litter size of HF females was reduced due to miscarriage, which was reversed by LF ingestion. In addition, LF ingestion suppressed overweight prevalence in their offspring. The component analysis of the maternal blood demonstrated that glucose concentration in both HF females and their offspring was normalized by LF ingestion, which further standardized the concentration of insulin, but not leptin. LF ingestion was unable to reverse female infertility in ob/ob mice, although their obesity and uterine function were partially improved. Our results indicate that LF upregulates female fertility by reinforcing ovarian and uterine functions in females that are overweight due to caloric surplus.
High-Performance and Water Resistant PVA-Based Films Modified by Air Plasma Treatment

Plasma treatment is considered a straightforward, cost-effective, and environmental-friendly technique for surface modification of film materials. In this study, air plasma treatment was applied for performance improvement of pure PVA, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)/PVA, and CNC/oxalic acid (OA)/PVA films. Compared with the original performance of pure PVA, the mechanical properties and water resistance of air plasma treated films were greatly improved. Among them, the CNC/OA/PVA film treated by three minutes of air plasma irradiation exhibits the most remarkable performance in mechanical properties (tensile strength: 132.7 MPa; Young’s modulus: 5379.9 MPa) and water resistance (degree of swelling: 47.5%; solubility: 6.0%). By means of various modern characterization methods, the wettability, surface chemical structure, surface roughness, and thermal stability of different films before and after air plasma treatment were further revealed. Based on the results obtained, the air plasma treatment only changed the surface chemical structure, surface roughness, and hydrophobicity, while keeping the inner structure of films intact.
Does Engaging in Data Philanthropy Impact Business Value?

ABSTRACT Data philanthropy (DP) is a new but much-lauded phenomenon. Extant DP research has been either conceptual, exploratory, and/or qualitative. The present study seeks to examine the business value of data philanthropy to the donor firm. We use an event study method to analyze stock performance of public firms associated with data philanthropy activities to determine if a link exists. We find significant relationships between abnormal returns and data openness and the number of collaboration participants.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Indication to Screen for Thrombophilia?

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are systemic conditions characterized by multiple intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations related to the associated chronic inflammatory state. Among their diverse extra-intestinal complications, venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains one of the most under recognized causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of hypercoagulability, in addition to the role of acquired and inherited risk factors that further increase the risk of thrombosis with its impact on patients’ outcomes. We hereby present a review of the data regarding thrombosis in the setting of IBD, elucidating the possible role for screening in this high-risk category of patients and specifically in areas where inherited thrombophilia is expected to be highly prevalent, reporting two patients with IBD, one who developed a cerebrovascular event and another one who had recurrent VTE events; nevertheless, both of them had inherited thrombophilic mutations. The identification of specific genetic abnormalities in those patients reintroduces the controversy related to the need to screen a specific category of patients with IBD for hereditary thrombophilia, especially in regions characterized by a higher prevalence of such thrombophilic alterations.
Descriptive Study of Patients With Upper Limb Amputation As Possible Candidates for a Hand Transplant in Medellín, Colombia

Introduction The amputation of the upper limb, especially of the hand, is a serious trauma with significant functional and psychological impact. Treatment options include adaptation to the stump, use of prostheses, and composite tissue transplantation. Unfortunately, in Colombia, to date, there are no epidemiological data that characterize the sociodemographic and clinical variables of patients with upper limb amputation. Objective To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with upper limb amputation in two hospital institutions in the city of Medellín during the period 2018-2019 as a basis for developing a hand transplant program in Colombia. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out where a total of 443 medical records were reviewed, of which eight records that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Variables such as age, etiology of amputation, level of amputation, comorbidities, complications, and rehabilitation process were analyzed. The information was collected in the REDCap program, and a descriptive analysis was carried out with the data obtained. Results From a sample of 443 amputee patients, eight were selected that met the inclusion criteria. There were 7/8 men (87%) aged 43 years. A total of 75% came from rural areas. In 3/8 patients, there was amputation of the dominant limb. The most common mechanisms were shear trauma and crushing in the context of an occupational accident. A total of 50% had a complete extra-hospital amputation, and reimplantation was not attempted in any of the cases. The most frequent levels of amputation were the proximal and distal third of the forearm. The longest follow-up time was 12 months. Only two patients mentioned the possibility of using a prosthesis during rehabilitation. Conclusions Three young patients were identified, without comorbidities, with amputation of the dominant limb in the context of an occupational accident and without the possibility of rehabilitation with prostheses who benefit from a possible future hand transplant. However, it is necessary to implement a composite tissue transplantation program and public health policies that allow this procedure to be performed in Colombia.
Neotropical Studies on Hymenochaetaceae: Unveiling the Diversity and Endemicity of Phellinotus

Phellinotus, a neotropical genus of wood-decay fungi commonly found on living members of the Fabaceae family, was initially described as containing two species, P. neoaridus and P. piptadeniae. The members of this genus, along with six other well-established genera and some unresolved lineages, are the current representatives of the ‘phellinotus clade’. On the other hand, based on a two-loci phylogenetic analysis, some entities/lineages of the ‘phellinotus clade’ have been found in Fomitiporella s.l. In this work, we performed four-loci phylogenetic analyses and based on our results the genera of the ‘phellinotus clade’ are shown to be monophyletic groups. In addition to the natural groups confirmed as different genera, morphological revisions, phylogenetic relationships, and host distribution of different specimens resembling P. neoaridus and P. piptadeniae revealed three new species in the Phellinotus genus, referred to here as P. magnoporatus, P. teixeirae and P. xerophyticus. Furthermore, for P. piptadeniae a narrower species concept was adopted with redefined morphological characters and a more limited distribution range. Both P. neoaridus and P. teixeirae have a distribution range restricted to seasonally dry tropical forests in South America. Additionally, based on detailed morphological revisions Phellinus badius, Phellinus resinaceus, and Phellinus scaber are transferred to the Phellinotus genus. The geographic distribution and host range of the genus are then discussed.
The Impact of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes by Household Income: A Multi-City Comparison of Nielsen Purchasing Data

Due to the role that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) play in the obesity epidemic, SSB taxes have been enacted in the United States in the California cities of Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco, as well as in Boulder, Philadelphia, and Seattle. We pooled five years of Nielsen Consumer Panel and Retail Scanner Data (2014–18) to examine purchasing behaviors in and around these cities that have instituted SSB taxes. We included households that were either subject to the tax during the study period or were in surrounding areas within the same state. The goal was to test for the differential impact of SSB taxes by income level and type of tax. Multivariate analyses of beverage purchases found that (1) there is a dose–response relationship with the size of the SSB tax; (2) the Philadelphia tax, which is the only one that includes low-calorie beverages, is associated with greater reductions in SSB purchases and an increase in bottled water purchase; and (3) approximately 72% of the tax is passed through to consumers, but this does not vary by income level of the household. Few income-related effects were detected. Overall, our findings suggest that the Philadelphia model may be the most effective at encouraging healthy habits in beverage choice.
Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Three Different Restorative Materials (Cention N, Zirconomer Improved and Glass Hybrid Restorative System) in Class V Cavity Restoration Using Stereomicroscope: In vitro Study

Aim and Objective: Microleakage is the most important factor responsible for the destruction of restoration margins. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the microleakage of three different restorative materials namely glass hybrid restorative system, zirconomer improved and Cention N under stereomicroscope. Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro experimental study, 45 Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of maxillary premolars. The prepared cavities were divided into three groups for restoration with Cention N(group I), Zirconomer Improved(group II), Equiaforte (group III). All the samples were thermocycled for 500 cycles between 5-55°C initially and then immersed in 0.5% methylene blue for 24 hours before sectioning. All the sectioned samples were observed for microleakage under a stereomicroscope. Results: Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA test for comparison between three groups and the result revealed statistically significant difference between the groups(p<0.05). Post hoc Tukey test was used for intergroup comparison and it was observed that both Cention and Equiaforte are inferior to Zirconomer improved in terms of microleakage (p<0.05). Conclusion: Zirconomer improved exhibited lower microleakage when compared to Cention N and Equiaforte cements.