Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SURVEY AND FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED MICROSCOPY (FTIR) ANALYSIS OF YEASTS ISOLATED FROM DAIRY PRODUCTS IN OSOGBO METROPOLIS

: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different yeast species in dairy products that can be harnessed industrially for biotechnological functions. Eighteen (18) different yeast species were obtained from thirty (30) different dairy products namely: yogurt, milk and cheese. pH, temperature and ethanol tolerance were conducted using standard methods while fungi isolation was done using culture-dependent methods. The antibacterial activity and FTIR analysis the yeast species were also done using standard methods. Result obtained showed that S. cerevisiae was the predominant fungi isolated (19.11%) while Chrysosporiumspp and C. fimetiwere the least with 1.47% occurrence each. All isolates showed moderate antibacterial activity on test pathogens. S. cerevisiae, C. krusei, C.glabrataand K. fragilis were analzyed for functional groups with the corresponding peaks 3439.19, 3437.26, 3439.19, 3431.48, 3417.98 and 3448.84(cm -1 ) respectively. All possess hydroxyl (O-H) and methylene functional group (C-H) while only D. hansenii(C-C) had an additional alkenyl group. In conclusion, representative isolate analyzed by FTIR can be employed industrially for fermentation processes while D. hanseniiis a promising organism for plastics degradation/ bioplastic
Non-Volatile Flash Memory on Ge With an Oxidation-Induced Self-Assembled Charge Trapping Layer

In this work, we explore the material potential of yttrium-content GeO<sub>x</sub> (YGO) in the design of a charge-trapping gate stack for embedded non-volatile memory (eNVM), which can share common gate stack materials with Ge logic CMOS. Based on a deep understanding of YGO, we propose a Ge eNVM with an oxidation-induced self-assembled YGO layer as the charge trapping layer. An eNVM fabricated on Ge offers a fast program/erase (P/E) speed (50 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and 2 ms for program and erase operations, respectively), low-voltage operation, a data retention lifetime of >10 years, and an endurance of > 10<sup>5</sup> P/E cycles.
Gender differences in mathematics achievement: A secondary analysis of Programme for International Student Assessment data from Shanghai

As mathematics has been seen for decades as a stereotyped male domain, gender differences in mathematics learning have received strong attention from the public and academia. In China, the issue of gender equity in education is a particularly interesting topic to most families with the implementation of the one-child policy since the late 1970s. This study aims to study in more depth the role of gender on Shanghai students’ mathematics attainment from a perspective of three societal factors (i.e., one-child status at home, socioeconomic status, and school types) via a secondary analysis of the Programme for International Student Assessment 2012 Shanghai–China mathematics data. In contrast to the official report by Programme for International Student Assessment on Shanghai–China and in line with own previous studies, the current analyses reveal that 15-year-old students in Shanghai performed significantly different on two content-related subscales (i.e., change and relationships and quantity) and two processes-related subscales (i.e., formulate and interpret). Furthermore, significant gender differences were found with students from one-child families but not multi-children families. Among schools of different types in terms of academic tracks and performance levels, the gender differences were largest in the more selective model (general) schools and then vocational schools followed by ordinary (general) schools. Given the nested structure of the Programme for International Student Assessment data, this study found that, on average, a Shanghai boy would achieve significantly higher marks than a girl in Programme for International Student Assessment 2012 mathematics test. The paper closes with discussions on societal and educational implications about these gender disparities, which are still apparent in the current school system of Shanghai.
Discussion of ‘Modelling viscous damping in nonlinear response history analysis of buildings for earthquake excitation’ by Anil K. Chopra and Frank McKenna

This discussion deals with recommendations in the paper on appropriate damping formulations for use in nonlinear response history analysis of buildings. Concern over potentially excessive damping forces and moments should extend beyond the damping moments produced by the stiffness proportional part of Rayleigh damping that corresponds to rotational springs used to explicitly model plastic hinges. The key to an appropriate damping formulation for nonlinear analysis is a realistic mechanism that allows all damping forces and moments to be meaningfully assessed. Then features can be added to keep these forces and moments within reasonable bounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fine Particle pH and its Impact on PM2.5 Control in a Megacity of Central China

Fine particle (PM 2.5 ) acidity greatly affects the formation of secondary aerosol, and the drivers of PM 2.5 pH variation are vital in understanding its effects. Moderate PM 2.5 acidity was found in Wuhan, a megacity of Central China, wherein 80% of PM 2.5 hold pH values ranging from 2 – 4. Total ammonia (NH x ) and sulfate contributed 79.1 – 93.7% to pH changes in spring and winter, while relative humidity was the largest contributor (33.7 – 36.3%) in summer and fall. By sensitivity simulations, PM 2.5 remained acidic with pH changes less than 0.5 units in spring, summer and fall in foreseeable future even when the concentration varied by two orders of magnitude. While pH changes in winter were three times those in the other seasons, and NH x changes was suggested as the indicator of PM 2.5 pH variation in winter. Furthermore, the impact of pH on PM 2.5 responses to emissions control was evaluated. The pH has opposite influences on the effect of SO 2 and NO x control in reducing PM 2.5 , the former being more effective at low pH and the latter being more effective at high pH due to ammonium and nitrate gas-particle partitioning. The effect of NH x control on PM 2.5 reduction is nonlinearly affected by pH. It is directly effective at low pH, but more ammonia control is required before achieving effectiveness at high pH. For the current particulate pH of 3 – 4 in Wuhan, both SO 2 and NO x control are beneficial for PM 2.5 reduction. However, NH x control is less effective before it is reduced by approximately 20%.
Probation and COVID-19: Lessons learned to improve health-related practice

Probation staff perform a health-related role involving identifying health-related drivers of offending behaviour; facilitating access to support for these, including continuity of care for people leaving prison; and advising the courts on appropriate sentencing. This study analyses data from probation staff surveys and interviews with people that were under probation supervision during the pandemic to investigate the impact of the response to the pandemic on a) this health-related role, b) the lived experience of accessing health support whilst engaging with probation, and c) partnership working and pathways into healthcare for people under probation supervision.
The Screening of Diabetes, Obesity, and Hypertension Risks Associated with Hepatitis C Within the Egyptian Population in a Community Pharmacy Setting

: Background: Diabetes and hypertension have been identified as risk factors for HCV complications in previous studies. This has sparked the interest in the field of prevention by identifying at-risk individuals and increasing investments for screening among pharmacists. The aim of this study was to screen for risk factors, including age, gender, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, in Egyptian patients with HCV. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2018 to February 2019, with a total of 1,959 medical records collected. By comparing the patients’ characteristics, variables related to metabolic risk, and body composition measurements, regression models have been established to determine any confounding factors. Results: The prevalence of HCV antibody was 41.0% in men and 59.0% in women. Among the variables included in the regression analysis, age, BMI, and uncontrolled hypertension were found to have statistically significant associations with diabetes in HCV positive cases ( p < 0.001). HCV patients ≥ 40 years old with high BMI were found to have significant associations with both, diabetes and hypertension ( p < 0.001). Hypertensive HCV patients were found to have significant associations with gender, age ≥ 40, and DM ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: HCV infection and metabolic disorders have a closed cycle relationship. Reducing the complications of DM has a promising prospective of limiting the complications of HCV.
Superior Daily and Sub‐Daily Precipitation Statistics for Intense and Long‐Lived Storms in Global Storm‐Resolving Models

Daily and sub‐daily precipitation statistics are investigated from three global model ensembles: (a) global storm‐resolving models (GSRMs) with typical horizontal resolutions of ∼4 km, (b) “high”‐resolution global models with typical resolutions of ∼50 km and (c) “standard”‐resolution global models with typical resolutions of ∼100 km. Compared to two satellite rainfall datasets, GSRMs convincingly exhibit superior performance for statistics of heavier rain rate events including their diurnal cycle, spatial propagation and the amount contributed by intense precipitation, but not for statistics of weaker or shorter duration precipitation. Both high‐ and standard‐resolution models fail to simulate the correct phase and amplitude of diurnal cycle of precipitation and the propagating convection in the Central US, but high‐resolution models show relative improvement in the distribution of precipitation frequency and amount, especially for intense precipitation.
Measuring medication adherence of hypertensive patients with monotherapy treatment in a community health center by utilizing medication possession ratio

Adherence is a particular concern in treating hypertension, and non-adherence to antihypertensive drugs might cause uncontrolled hypertension. This study aimed to measure retrospectively the medication adherence of hypertensive patients with monotherapy treatment in a community health center (Puskesmas) in Bandung city, Indonesia. The retrospective patient data from 2011 to 2015 were obtained from an electronic prescription database. The patient data of those diagnosed with hypertension, >18 years old, and who received mono-antihypertensive therapy within a 12-month period were included in this study. To assess medication adherence, the medication possession ratio (MPR) was applied. Out of 780 patients, 93.6% of patients showed poor adherence, about 5.8% showed intermediate adherence, and 0.6% of patients had high adherence. Males and females showed different levels of adherence (p<0.05). Efforts should be focused on obtaining optimum clinical benefits and strengthening the effectiveness of health systems in Indonesia.
Effects of Workplace Configurations on Frontline Physiotherapists in Public and Private Hospitals in Brazil during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Background and purpose: The work of physiotherapists in handling Covid-19 patients depends on the severity of the patient condition. These workers rely on adequate workplaces, especially Intensive Care Units (ICU), where critical patients are handled. Private and public hospitals in Brazil dealt differently with the demands imposed by the Covid-19, and consequently, workers in public and private hospitals had to rely on distinct working conditions. Thus, this article aims to identify the possible risks, and the effects of such situations on the physical and cognitive stress of physiotherapists on the frontline of Covid-19 in ICUs in private and public hospitals. Methods: A questionnaire based on the ergonomic standards was completed by 181 intensive care physiotherapists that work on ICUs that admit Covid-19 patients in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Results: 134 valid responses were collected, distributed among 22 men and 112 women, which indicate that despite the different conditions, workers on both private and public hospitals face similar conditions when dealing with large numbers of Covid-19 patients. The nature of the hospital affects the patient flow, but as the pandemic upsurges, both private and public hospitals suffered similar effects on their workplaces. Discussion: Moreover, the present study highlighted the characteristics of the different types of health facilities, indicating the potential influences of ICU workplaces on the activities, health and well-being of intensive care physiotherapists on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Survey of Dental Caries Segmentation and Detection Techniques

Dental caries detection, in the past, has been a challenging task given the amount of information got from various radiographic images. Several methods have been introduced to improve the quality of images for faster caries detection. Deep learning has become the methodology of choice when it comes to analysis of medical images. This survey gives an in-depth look into the use of deep learning for object detection, segmentation, and classification. It further looks into literature on segmentation and detection methods of dental images through deep learning. From the literature studied, we found out that methods were grouped according to the type of dental caries (proximal, enamel), type of X-ray images used (extraoral, intraoral), and segmentation method (threshold-based, cluster-based, boundary-based, and region-based). From the works reviewed, the main focus has been found to be on threshold-based segmentation methods. Most of the reviewed papers have preferred the use of intraoral X-ray images over extraoral X-ray images to perform segmentation on dental images of already isolated parts of the teeth. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of recent research in deep learning for dental caries segmentation and detection. It involves discussing the methods and algorithms used in segmenting and detecting dental caries. It also discusses various existing models used and how they compare with each other in terms of system performance and evaluation. We also discuss the limitations of these methods, as well as future perspectives on how to improve their performance.
Optimization of robot hand power grasps

When an object is grasped by a multifingered hand with power grasp, there are an infinite number of possible power grasp forms, provided by combinations of the hand shape, the contact positions between fingers and the object, and the joint torques of the hand. To plan a power grasp, it is necessary to know, by some prior evaluation which form is most suitable among these forms. This paper proposes a technique for automatically obtaining optimal power grasp. By analyzing the degree of freedom of the force space caused by frictional contacts between fingers and object, the conditions and mechanical properties of power grasp are described. Also, the region of feasible joint torques for power grasp is derived. Then, an optimal power grasp form is defined and its determination procedure is established.
Cloud Computing Load Balancing Mechanism Taking into Account Load Balancing Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm

The networking scale and traffic have exploded. At the same time, the rapid development of virtualization and cloud computing technologies not only poses a considerable challenge to the endurance of the network, but also causes more and more problems to the traditional network architecture with IP as the core. Cloud computing is a supercomputing model based on the Internet. With the rapid growth of network access and data traffic, the processing power and computing intensity will also increase, and a single server cannot afford the increase in business. In order to reduce network pressure and improve computing efficiency, load balancing for network computing is particularly important. This paper uses ant colony algorithm to design cloud computing load balance. The ant colony algorithm runs in the controller. According to the real-time network load situation provided by the controller, it calculates the link with the smallest load and provides a dynamic data stream forwarding strategy. The result of the experiments shows that the load-balanced ACO optimized technique can significantly provide an improved computational response. In the ACO algorithm, the average response time is about 30% lower than that in other algorithms. This shows that the use of the ant colony algorithm achieves a good optimization effect.
Quest: Privacy-Preserving Monitoring of Network Data: A System for Organizational Response to Pandemics

Most modern organizations today support network infrastructure to provide ubiquitous network coverage at their premises. Such a network infrastructure consisting of a set of access points deployed at different locations in buildings can be used to support coarse-level localization of individuals, who connect to the infrastructure using their mobile devices. This paper describes a system, entitled Quest that supports a variety of applications (e.g., identifying hotspot regions, finding people who are potentially exposed to a condition such as COVID-19, occupancy count of a region/floor/building) based on network data to empower organizations to maintain safety at their workplace/premises. Quest builds the above functionalities while fully protecting the privacy of individuals. Quest incorporates computationally- and information-theoretically-secure protocols that prevent adversaries from gaining knowledge of an individual's location history (based on WiFi data). We describe the architecture, design choices, and implementation of the proposed security/privacy techniques in Quest. We, also, validate the practicality of Quest and evaluate it thoroughly via an actual campus-scale deployment at our organization over a very large dataset of over 50M rows.
A longitudinal qualitative follow-up study of post-traumatic growth among service users who experienced positive change following a first episode of psychosis

ABSTRACT Background Posttraumatic growth refers to the positive psychological changes that people experience following a traumatic or adverse event; and has been reported among people who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. This body of research has an important limitation of not having examined how experiences of posttraumatic growth following a first episode of psychosis change over time. In this study, we examined different aspects and facilitators of posttraumatic growth approximately one year following participants’ initial interview. Methods Data were collected via semi-structured individual interviews with seven participants and analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes generated from the follow-up interviews were compared with those developed from the initial interviews. Results Participants experienced challenges at the intersection of trauma, social adversity, and oppression; yet they also reported an improved sense of self; improved relationships with others; embracing existing or new activities; and engaging with and giving back to others. These changes were facilitated by personal resources; social and community-based support; and traditional mental health services and interventions. Discussion Posttraumatic growth may continue over time. The broader social determinants of health that may lead to a resurgence of psychosis and potential challenges to posttraumatic growth, such as inequality, poverty, and discrimination, should be addressed.
Black and Blue Butterflies: The Transformative Journeys of Mothers Who Lost a Child to Suicide

The purpose of this study is to understand the experience of mothers who lost a child to suicide, and how they have learned to cope with their devastating loss. The study is grounded in transformative learning (TL) theory; the study design combined narrative inquiry and the first author’s autoethnographic experience. Data collection consisted of two sets of semi-structured interviews with each of the participants, and narrative analysis combined with thematic analysis revealed five interrelated themes regarding how the mothers learned to cope and move forward after their loss: experiencing distress, trying to make sense, making use of meaningful sources of comfort, taking action, and deepening reflection through metaphor and autoethnographic sharing. A concluding discussion offers implications for TL theory around extremely emotional events and the changing circumstances brought on by suicide loss.
The forgetting health system

Forgetting shapes learning in two different ways. It impedes learning when important lessons are forgotten. Equally, it can be difficult to enact new lessons if we do not let go of old beliefs and practices that are no longer useful. A learning health system (LHS) that wishes to improve health service delivery will need to find ways to remember processes that shape quality and safety ‐ using data that often resides beyond electronic health records. An LHS will also need to “forget”, or programmatically decommission, obsolete practices, whose persistence otherwise leads to unnecessary system complexity and inertia to change.
Quantitative Analysis of Choriocapillaris Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Eyes with Angioid Streaks

Purpose: to quantitatively analyze choriocapillaris perfusion using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in eyes presenting with angioid streaks in comparison with control eyes. Methods: Macular 6 × 6 mm SS-OCTA scans were retrospectively analyzed in eyes with angioid streaks and in control eyes. En face choriocapillaris flow images were compensated with en face choriocapillaris structure images, followed by the Phansalkar local thresholding method (with a window radius of four and eight pixels). Quantitative analysis was performed in the four peripheral 1 × 1 mm corners of the 6 × 6 mm SS-OCTA image to include equidistant and comparable regions. The percentage of flow deficits (FD%), the number and size of the flow deficits (FDs) and the total area of FDs were then calculated. Results: 54 eyes of 31 patients were included in the study: 27 eyes diagnosed with angioid streaks and 27 controls. Analysis of the four 1 × 1 mm peripheral corners of the 6 × 6 mm SS-OCTA image showed that eyes with angioid streaks had a higher FD% compared to the control group (47.62 ± 8.06 versus 38.90 ± 6.38 using a radius of four pixels (p < 0.001); 48.37 ± 7.65 versus 39.66 ± 6.51 using a radius of eight pixels (p < 0.001). The average size of FDs as well as the total area size of the FDs were significantly higher in eyes with angioid streaks compared to control eyes (p < 0.001). Eyes with angioid streaks present reduced choriocapillaris flow compared to control eyes. Decreased choriocapillaris perfusion may contribute, among other factors, to the development of neovascularization and atrophy in patients with angioid streaks.