Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between 9/11 Exposure, Systemic Autoimmune Disease, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Mediational Analysis

The relationship between 9/11 exposure, systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) and mental health remains poorly understood. This report builds on a prior analysis of World Trade Center Health Registry data to determine whether 9/11 exposure is associated with higher risk of SAD, and if so, whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mediating factor and whether the association varies by responder/community member status. The final analytic sample comprised 41,656 enrollees with 123 cases of SAD diagnosed post 9/11 through November 2017. SAD diagnosis was ascertained from survey responses and confirmed by medical record review or physician survey. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine the relationship between 9/11 exposure and PTSD and SAD. Causal mediation analysis was used to determine the mediational effect of PTSD. Each analysis was stratified by 9/11 responder/community member status. Rheumatoid arthritis (n = 75) was the most frequent SAD, followed by Sjögren’s syndrome (n = 23), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 20), myositis (n = 9), mixed connective tissue disease (n = 7), and scleroderma (n = 4). In the pooled cohort, those with 9/11-related PTSD had 1.85 times the odds (95% CI: 1.21–2.78) of SAD. Among responders, those with dust cloud exposure had almost twice the odds of SAD, while among community members, those with 9/11-related PTSD had 2.5 times the odds of SAD (95% CI: 1.39, 4.39). PTSD was not a significant mediator. Although emerging evidence suggests 9/11 exposure may be associated with SAD, more research is needed, particularly using pooled data sources from other 9/11-exposed cohorts, to fully characterize this relationship.
Effects of Social Isolation Measures Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic on Occupational Balance, Participation, and Activities’ Satisfaction in the Spanish Population

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of social and health chaos. Our main aim in this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on occupational balance in the Spanish population, one year post the beginning of the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period. Data were collected among the Spanish population over 18 years of age by the Occupational Balance Questionnaire online survey; questions about satisfaction and performance of activities, and on the modification of routine and habits were asked. A total of 300 participants were included; 55.3% were female, with a mean age of 41.39 years. Significantly greater occupational imbalance was found in 1-year-post-confinement period of pandemic, as well as an increase in the difficulty of performance and a decrease in satisfaction with it. A greater number of the sample had modified their routines (p < 0.01), lost habits (p < 0.01), and did not resume habits (p < 0.01). In the analysis by age groups, differences were found in the variables related to habits and occupational balance. The social restriction measures negatively impacted occupational balance in the Spanish population. There was a decrease in occupational participation, increased difficulty in performance, decreased satisfaction in occupational performance, and modification of habits and routines.
In vitro effectiveness of different substances in decontamination of intracanal metallic post

Introduction: The intracanal metallic post, for many years, was the most used intracanal retainer and the best choice to restore endodontically treated teeth, showing until today high rates of success scientifically proven, good adaptation at the configuration of the root canal and resistance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of some chemical substances in the decontamination of these intracanal metallic posts. Material and methods: Twenty intracanal metallic posts were divided into 6 experimental groups and 1 control group with 3 specimens each. The groups were divided into G1 (apple cider vinegar), G2 (0.12% chlorhexidine liquid), G3 (2% chlorhexidine gel), G4 (70° ethyl alcohol), G5 (2.5% sodium hypochlorite), and G6 (2% glutaraldehyde). For the control group was used saline solution. Each intracanal metallic post was submerged in your respective substance for 3 minutes and subjected to a smear dried sterile gauze. Immediately after this procedure the specimens were individually placed into tubes containing culture medium broth Brain Heart Infusion (BHI). The set of tubes containing the intracanal metallic post submerged in BHI were taken to the dry out machine and kept there at 37oC for 48 hours. Results: The tubes that showed turbidity of BHI broth were considered positive, or contaminated. Conclusion: The methodology used in this study showed that all the disinfectants substances utilized were effective in decontaminating of the metallic post.
Expression and Biological Functions of miRNAs in Chronic Pain: A Review on Human Studies

Chronic pain is a major public health problem and an economic burden worldwide. However, its underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and serve key roles in physiological and pathological processes. This review aims to synthesize the human studies examining miRNA expression in the pathogenesis of chronic primary pain and chronic secondary pain. Additionally, to understand the potential pathophysiological impact of miRNAs in these conditions, an in silico analysis was performed to reveal the target genes and pathways involved in primary and secondary pain and their differential regulation in the different types of chronic pain. The findings, methodological issues and challenges of miRNA research in the pathophysiology of chronic pain are discussed. The available evidence suggests the potential role of miRNA in disease pathogenesis and possibly the pain process, eventually enabling this role to be exploited for pain monitoring and management.
Exploring the Relationship among Human Activities, COVID-19 Morbidity, and At-Risk Areas Using Location-Based Social Media Data: Knowledge about the Early Pandemic Stage in Wuhan

It is significant to explore the morbidity patterns and at-risk areas of the COVID-19 outbreak in megacities. In this paper, we studied the relationship among human activities, morbidity patterns, and at-risk areas in Wuhan City. First, we excavated the activity patterns from Sina Weibo check-in data during the early COVID-19 pandemic stage (December 2019~January 2020) in Wuhan. We considered human-activity patterns and related demographic information as the COVID-19 influencing determinants, and we used spatial regression models to evaluate the relationships between COVID-19 morbidity and the related factors. Furthermore, we traced Weibo users’ check-in trajectories to characterize the spatial interaction between high-morbidity residential areas and activity venues with POI (point of interest) sites, and we located a series of potential at-risk places in Wuhan. The results provide statistical evidence regarding the utility of human activity and demographic factors for the determination of COVID-19 morbidity patterns in the early pandemic stage in Wuhan. The spatial interaction revealed a general transmission pattern in Wuhan and determined the high-risk areas of COVID-19 transmission. This article explores the human-activity characteristics from social media check-in data and studies how human activities played a role in COVID-19 transmission in Wuhan. From that, we provide new insights for scientific prevention and control of COVID-19.
Coupling AFM, DSC and FT-IR towards Elucidation of Film-Forming Systems Transformation to Dermal Films: A Betamethasone Dipropionate Case Study

Polymeric film-forming systems have emerged as an esthetically acceptable option for targeted, less frequent and controlled dermal drug delivery. However, their dynamic nature (rapid evaporation of solvents leading to the formation of thin films) presents a true characterization challenge. In this study, we tested a tiered characterization approach, leading to more efficient definition of the quality target product profiles of film-forming systems. After assessing a number of physico-chemico-mechanical properties, thermal, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were introduced. Final confirmation of betamethasone dipropionate-loaded FFS biopharmaceutical properties was sought via an in vitro skin permeation study. A number of applied characterization methods showed complementarity. The sample based on a combination of hydrophobic Eudragit® RS PO and hydroxypropyl cellulose showed higher viscosity (47.17 ± 3.06 mPa·s) and film thickness, resulting in sustained skin permeation (permeation rate of 0.348 ± 0.157 ng/cm2 h), and even the pH of the sample with Eudragit® NE 30D, along with higher surface roughness and thermal analysis, implied its immediate delivery through the epidermal membrane. Therefore, this study revealed the utility of several methods able to refine the number of needed tests within the final product profile.
The Impact of Hyper-Acute Inflammatory Response on Stress Adaptation and Psychological Symptoms of COVID-19 Patients

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection induces a significant inflammatory response that are amplified by persistent stress. The pathophysiology of mental illnesses is explored in terms of inflammatory processes. Thus, anxious, depressed, or psychotic episodes may occur as a result of metabolic and immunological imbalances, as a direct result of their effect on the central nervous system, or as a side effect of the COVID-19 medication protocols. As such, the primary objective of this research is to establish if the psychological profiles of COVID-19 patients change substantially according to illness severity. The secondary objective is to determine if particular biological inflammatory indicators are associated with anxiety, sadness, psychoticism, and paranoid ideation. A cross-sectional study was performed on 90 hospitalized patients admitted during a 3-month period in the COVID-19 unit. All patients received the COPE-60 and SCL-90R questionnaires. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected and the information was classified according to the severity of COVID-19.The hyper-acute inflammation encountered in patients with severe COVID-19 infection characterized 80.0% of patients using disengagement coping methods, significantly more than patients with mild or moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection severity (p-value = 0.012), respectively, 73.3% severe COVID-19 patients engaging in emotion-focused coping strategies based on the COPE-60 scale (p-value = 0.037). Additionally, it was determined that negative coping mechanisms (disengagement) and emotion-focused methods are independent risk factors for developing psychoticism symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on the SCL-90 questionnaire (OR = 2.07; CI = 1.44–3.01), respectively (OR = 2.92; CI = 1.44–3.01). Elevated white blood cells and monocytes and inflammatory markers, such as fibrinogen, procalcitonin, IL-6, and D-dimers, were also identified as risk factors for psychoticism symptoms in multivariate analysis. It is particularly important to consider the constant mental-state evaluation in patients with severe COVID-19 that might benefit from early intervention before psychotic symptoms onset.
Food Waste Management Practices and Barriers to Progress in U.S. University Foodservice

Identifying institutional capacity to reduce and reallocate food waste is important to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and food insecurity. The goal of this study was to examine food waste concern, reduction and repurposing strategies, and perceived barriers to these strategies among U.S. university foodservice representatives. We surveyed 57 U.S. university foodservice representatives about foodservice operations, campus food insecurity, food waste reduction and repurposing activities, and obstacles to composting and donating food waste. Data were collected September 2019–February 2020. Roughly three-quarters of respondents tracked campus food waste, reported that food waste reduction was a high/very high priority, and reported concern about campus food insecurity. The most common food-waste-reduction strategies included forecasting demand to prevent overproduction and preparing smaller batches. The most common repurposing strategies included donation and composting. Top barriers to food donation included liability concerns and lack of labor. Barriers to composting food included lack of infrastructure and knowledge/experience. Addressing perceived barriers to university foodservices’ food waste reduction and repurposing efforts could lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved food security for millions of Americans.
Sirtuin 1 Gene Expression in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Its Correlation with Biochemical and Clinical Features

Background: Silent information regulator 1 [sirt1] is a protein that is widely expressed and has a crucial function in the prevention of oxidative stress, which is implicated in the development of a number of chronic disorders, such as fatty liver disease. Objective: The aim of the current work was to investigate SIRT1 gene expression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and it is emerging role in pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Subjects and Methods: This case-control study included a total of twenty cases of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; NAFLD (Group A) and ten individuals as a control (Group B), attending at Departments of Internal Medicine and Medical Biochemistry, Zagazig University Hospitals. They were assessed clinically by lab investigations and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to assess Sirt1 gene fold expression. Results: There was a significant lowering of sirt1 gene expression p=0.0001 for patient with NAFLD compared to healthy controls. There was significant association between SIRT1 and BMI, as well as hyperlipidemia in NAFLD compared to healthy group. We found a significant association between SIRT1 and NAFLD patients with mild fibrosis and those without fibrosis. Cut off value ≤0.61 had 80.0% sensitivity and 80.0% specificity, positive predictive value 57.0%, negative predictive value 92.0% and accuracy was 80.0%. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the significant correlation between SIRT1 gene expression and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease helps to differentiate patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases and healthy ones.
Strategies Required by Managers to Inhibit Movie Piracy

Movie piracy is the practice of unauthorized use of intellectual trade secrets from owners without paying royalties (de Prato & Simon, 2014). Piracy resulted in approximately $1.55 billion in lost ticket revenues in 2002 and up to $1.37 billion in 2012. Statistics from the Business Software Alliance revealed that piracy is approximately 19%, with potential losses in sales revenue of over $9.7 billion in the U.S. Sample for this work consisted of 6 movie managers who managed movie corporations for atleast 5 years in New York City. Framework for this study was based on the general systems theory. Data were collected through face-to-face semistructured interviews. Transcript review and member checking were used to ensure credibility and trustworthiness. Three major themes emerged; marketing management strategies, legal management strategies and customer management strategies for inhibiting movie piracy. Findings contribute to social change by indicating strategies movie managers may use to prevent piracy, sustain business, and reduce effects of job loss. Results of this work potentially contribute to the movie industry leaders, employees, their families, communities and local economy.
Artificial Supercavitation. Physics and Calculation

Abstract : This lecture is devoted to the basic physical properties and the calculation methods of the artificial cavitation (ventilation) flows. Main attention is paid to the three-dimensional ventilated supercavities past the disk and blunted cavitators. Derivation of approximate equations of the axially symmetric supercavities with using the theorem of momentum and also the asymptotic theory of slender body is presented. The G. V. Logvinovich independence principle of the cavity expansion is stated and grounded. It gives a simple and general method of investigating the unsteady problems. Calculation of the ventilated cavities has some peculiarities caused by gravity effect presence of the cavitator angle of attack and taking account of balance between the gas-supply into the cavity and the gas-leakage from the cavity. They are discussed here as well.
Deep Surrogate Assisted Generation of Environments

Recent progress in reinforcement learning (RL) has started producing generally capable agents that can solve a distribution of complex environments. These agents are typically tested on fixed, human-authored environments. On the other hand, quality diversity (QD) optimization has been proven to be an effective component of environment generation algorithms, which can generate collections of high-quality environments that are diverse in the resulting agent behaviors. However, these algorithms require potentially expensive simulations of agents on newly generated environments. We propose Deep Surrogate Assisted Generation of Environments (DSAGE), a sample-efficient QD environment generation algorithm that maintains a deep surrogate model for predicting agent behaviors in new environments. Results in two benchmark domains show that DSAGE significantly outperforms existing QD environment generation algorithms in discovering collections of environments that elicit diverse behaviors of a state-of-the-art RL agent and a planning agent. Our source code and videos are available at https://dsagepaper.github. io/.
Uplifting Bandits

We introduce a multi-armed bandit model where the reward is a sum of multiple random variables, and each action only alters the distributions of some of them. After each action, the agent observes the realizations of all the variables. This model is motivated by marketing campaigns and recommender systems, where the variables represent outcomes on individual customers, such as clicks. We propose UCB-style algorithms that estimate the uplifts of the actions over a baseline. We study multiple variants of the problem, including when the baseline and affected variables are unknown, and prove sublinear regret bounds for all of these. We also provide lower bounds that justify the necessity of our modeling assumptions. Experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets show the benefit of methods that estimate the uplifts over policies that do not use this structure.
Local Spatiotemporal Representation Learning for Longitudinally-consistent Neuroimage Analysis

Recent self-supervised advances in medical computer vision exploit the global and local anatomical self-similarity for pretraining prior to downstream tasks such as segmentation. However, current methods assume i.i. d. image acquisition, which is invalid in clinical study designs where follow-up longitudinal scans track subject-specific temporal changes. Further, existing self-supervised methods for medically-relevant image-to-image architectures exploit only spatial or temporal self-similarity and do so via a loss applied only at a single image-scale, with naive multi-scale spatiotemporal extensions collapsing to degenerate solutions. To these ends, this paper makes two contributions: (1) It presents a local and multi-scale spatiotemporal representation learning method for image-to-image architectures trained on longitudinal images. It exploits the spatiotemporal self-similarity of learned multi-scale intra-subject image features for pretraining and develops several feature-wise regularizations that avoid degenerate representations; (2) During finetuning, it proposes a surprisingly simple self-supervised segmentation consistency regularization to exploit intra-subject correlation. Benchmarked across various segmentation tasks, the proposed framework outperforms both well-tuned randomly-initialized baselines and current self-supervised techniques designed for both i.i. d. and longitudinal datasets. These improvements are demonstrated across both longitudinal neurodegenerative adult MRI and developing infant brain MRI and yield both higher performance and longitudinal consistency.
A self-consistent wave description of axion miniclusters and their survival in the galaxy

We present a solution of the Schrödinger-Poisson system based on the WKB ansatz for the wave function. In this way we obtain a description of a gravitationally bound clump of axion dark matter by a superposition of energy eigenstates with random phases. It can be applied to any self-consistent pair of radial density distribution and phase space density f(E) related by Eddington's formula. We adopt this as a model for axion miniclusters in our galaxy and use it to study the mass loss due to a star encounter by using standard perturbation theory methods known from quantum mechanics. Finally, we perform a Monte Carlo study to estimate the surviving fraction of axion miniclusters in the dark matter halo of our galaxy. We find that the reaction to perturbations and the survival probability depend crucially on the density profile. Weakly bound clusters are heated up and eventually destroyed, whereas more strongly bound systems get even more compact as a result of perturbations and are driven towards an axion star configuration.
Recent X-ray flare from MAXI J0709-159: a follow-up study using optical spectroscopy and multi-epoch photometry

We present a follow-up study on the recent detection of two X-ray flaring events by MAXI/GSC observations in soft and hard X-rays from MAXI J0709-159 in the direction of HD 54786 (LY CMa), on 2022 January 25. The X-ray luminosity during the flare was around 10 erg/s (MAXI ), which got reduced to 10 erg/s (NuSTAR) after the flare. We took low-resolution spectra of HD 54786 from HCT and VBT facilities in India, on 2022 February 1 and 2. In addition to Hα emission, we found emission lines of Hei in the optical spectrum of this star. By comparing our spectrum of the object with those from literature we found that Hei lines show variability. Using photometric study we estimate that the star is having effective temperature of 20000 K. Although HD 54786 is reported as a supergiant in previous studies, our analysis favours it to be evolving off the main sequence in the Color-Magnitude Diagram. We could not detect any infrared excess, ruling out the possibility of IR emission from a dusty circumstellar disc. Our present study suggests that HD 54786 is a Be/X-ray binary system with a compact object companion, possibly a neutron star.
A Critical Review on the Use (and Misuse) of Differential Privacy in Machine Learning

We review the use of differential privacy (DP) for privacy protection in machine learning (ML). We show that, driven by the aim of preserving the accuracy of the learned models, DP-based ML implementations are so loose that they do not offer the ex ante privacy guarantees of DP. Instead, what they deliver is basically noise addition similar to the traditional (and often criticized) statistical disclosure control approach. Due to the lack of formal privacy guarantees, the actual level of privacy offered must be experimentally assessed ex post, which is done very seldom. In this respect, we present empirical results showing that standard anti-overfitting techniques in ML can achieve a better utility/privacy/efficiency tradeoff than DP.