Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Satisfaction and Usability of Patient Families in the ICU With the Use of the Telehealth Communication Application myVisit

Background: During the Covid-19 pandemic, there were many restrictions on family meetings, especially on patients' families meeting their dear ones in hospitals. We aimed to evaluate patients' family members' experience using the mobile application myVisit which was developed in KAMC, to connect patients in the ICU to their families and allow them to talk to them securely. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study with mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, using the technique of thematic analysis for a qualitative approach to assess user satisfaction responses and a quantitative approach to using a validated survey and comparing our findings in both methods to determine existing usability issues and potential improvements. The survey included two sections, closed and open-ended questions, which were distributed online to 63 patient family members. Results: The response rate was 85%, the overall mean score for the first part of the closed questions (advantages of using myVisit telehealth) was 4.32 and for the second part of the scale on the ease of use of the system (advantages of using myVisit telehealth) was 3.52. Three useful topics were generated concerning the open questions, covering 220 codes from the participants' responses. In general, there is a great interest in technology and its ability to improve people's lives, especially in the medical field and cases where things do not go normally, as well as in exceptional circumstances. Conclusions: The overall evaluation of the myVisit application was positive in terms of the idea and content, as usability of the system is very good at 71%, plus the users' opinions of the myVisit application are that it saves time at 96%, and save money and effort for the patient's family 74%.
Viral Fitness of Baloxavir-Resistant Recombinant Influenza B/Victoria- and B/Yamagata-like Viruses Harboring the I38T PA Change, In Vitro, Ex Vivo and in Guinea Pigs

Seasonal influenza A and B viruses may cause severe infections requiring therapeutic interventions. Baloxavir, the latest antiviral drug approved against those infections, targets the endonuclease activity encoded by the polymerase acidic (PA) protein. While appearing effective at cessation of viral shedding, baloxavir demonstrated a low barrier of resistance. Herein, we aimed to assess the impact of PA-I38T substitution, a major marker of baloxavir-resistance, on the fitness of contemporary influenza B viruses. Recombinant wild-type (WT) influenza B/Phuket/2073/13 (B/Yamagata/16/88-like) and B/Washington/02/19 (B/Victoria/2/87-like) viruses and their respective PA-I38T mutants were used to evaluate replication kinetics in vitro, using A549 and Calu3 cells, and ex vivo, using nasal human airway epithelium (HAE) cells. Infectivity was also assessed in guinea pigs. In the B/Washington/02/19 background, there were no major differences between the recombinant WT virus and its I38T mutant when viral replication kinetics were evaluated in human lung cell lines and HAE as well as in nasal washes of experimentally infected guinea pigs. By contrast, the I38T mutation moderately impacted the B/Phuket/2073/13 viral fitness. In conclusion, contemporary influenza B viruses that may acquire baloxavir-resistance through the PA-I38T substitution could retain a significant level of fitness, highlighting the importance of monitoring the emergence of such variant.
Microservice Logical Coupling: A Preliminary Validation

Coupling is one of the most frequently mentioned metric in software systems. However, to measure logical coupling between microservices, runtime information is needed or the availability of service-log files to analyze the calls between services is required. This work presents our emerging results, in which we propose a metric to statically calculate logical coupling between microservices based on commits to versioning systems. We performed an initial validation of the proposed metric with a dataset containing 145 open-source microservices projects. The results illustrate how logical coupling affects every system and increases overtime. However, we did not find a correlation between the number of commits or the number of developers and the introduction of logical coupling. In future, we investigate why, how, and when logical coupling is introduced in a system.
Shotgun Proteomics Analysis, Functional Networks, and Peptide Biomarkers for Seafood-Originating Biogenic-Amine-Producing Bacteria

Biogenic amine-producing bacteria are responsible for the production of basic nitrogenous compounds (histamine, cadaverine, tyramine, and putrescine) following the spoilage of food due to microorganisms. In this study, we adopted a shotgun proteomics strategy to characterize 15 foodborne strains of biogenic-amine-producing bacteria. A total of 10,673 peptide spectrum matches belonging to 4081 peptides and corresponding to 1811 proteins were identified. Relevant functional pathways were determined, and strains were differentiated into hierarchical clusters. An expected protein-protein interaction network was created (260 nodes/1973 interactions). Most of the determined proteins were associated with networks/pathways of energy, putrescine metabolism, and host-virus interaction. Additionally, 556 peptides were identified as virulence factors. Moreover, 77 species-specific peptide biomarkers corresponding to 64 different proteins were proposed to identify 10 bacterial species. This represents a major proteomic dataset of biogenic-amine-producing strains. These results may also be suitable for new treatments for food intoxication and for tracking microbial sources in foodstuffs.
Dynamics and evolution of galactic nuclei, by David Merritt

Predicted by the theory of general relativity, supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are black holes with average mass of 10 M⊙. They are usually associated with stellar spheroids (also known as bulges of galaxies) that are compact and consist of young and luminous stars. The bright centres of the spheroids are called nuclear star clusters (NSCs) which are believed to represent the nuclei of galaxies. In theory, galactic nuclei are said to be in a steady state if they are older than the orbital period of the stars and if they have a very long – longer than the age of the Universe – relaxation time,1 Tr. They can either be collisional if Tr is less than 100 billion years or collisionless if it is greater. The nucleus of the Milky Way is thought to be of the collisional type. It seems there is a relationship between SMBH and NSC but it is still unclear as to what it is since there are galaxies without SMBHs but with NSCs as well as those with both like the Milky Way. There are also studies that show that SMBHs and NSCs are objects of the same class. Just like the stars, SMBHs can be in a binary or multiple system, too. When two galaxies merge together, they create binary SMBHs that are separated by only about 1 parsec. At such a short distance, they are expected to coalesce. How this is supposed to happen is dubbed the final-parsec problem. If the next merger takes place before the coalition, multiple SMBHs are formed. Binary and multiple SMBHs are discussed at length in this advanced, self-contained textbook. It is actually one of the topics given special treatment, the other two being the loss-cone dynamics and the collisional evolution of galactic nuclei. Thus, the readers will find the discussions on the three topics more comprehensive here than elsewhere. It is hard going and meant to be read without skipping any subsections, sections or chapters. As such it is only suitable for serious readers who are already involved in similar research.
Gendered student aspirations for public service careers

ABSTRACT This research aims to explore the factors influencing college students’ aspirations for careers in public service. More specifically, we examine how gender impacts public service sector preference, in terms of policy advocacy, government positions, and crime and policing as well as their likelihood to apply for such careers. Given a breadth of literature suggesting that women are averse to applying for competitive positions, we survey undergraduate students using mock-up job announcements with minimum qualifications greater than a bachelor’s degree. We find some differences in sector preferences and find that women were more likely to apply to public service positions upon graduation. Moreover, experiences related to leadership, coursework, family, qualifications, and learning behaviors influenced interest in specific careers and the likelihood of applying to careers in public service.
Perceptions of the Sense of Security, Belonging, and Acculturative Stress among International Students in China during COVID-19 Outbreak—An Empirical Analysis

Understanding the cross-cultural adaptation of students studying in foreign countries by exploring acculturative stress factors is crucial to ensure the smooth academic performance of the students and, in turn, to enhance the global reputation of their universities. Therefore, it is an area of interest for the authorities (Ministry) and the corresponding management of universities. Using a random sample of 138 international students in China, descriptive and logistic regressions were conducted to assess the levels and influence of acculturative stress factors on cross-cultural adaptation, specifically on international students’ sense of security and belonging during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The results revealed that students were most concerned about homesickness, which obtained the highest mean score. The regression results indicated that the perception of fear and discrimination significantly impacted international students’ sense of security. The perception of fear, guilt, and how long the student stayed in China also significantly affected the sense of belonging. We argue that the reflections provided herein are essential for universities to improve how they manage and handle international students to mitigate the effects of acculturative stress, particularly when additional stressful conditions are present, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investigating the relationship between subjective drug craving and temporal dynamics of the default mode network, executive control network, and salience network in methamphetamine dependents using rsfMRI

Resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) studies using fMRI provides a great deal of knowledge on the spatiotemporal organization of the brain. The relationships between and within a number of resting state functional networks, namely the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN) and executive control network (ECN) have been intensely studied in basic and clinical cognitive neuroscience [1]. However, the presumption of spatial and temporal stationarity has mostly restricted the assessment of rsFC [1]. In this study, sliding window correlation analysis and k-means clustering were exploited to examine the temporal dynamics of rsFC of these three networks in 24 abstinent methamphetamine dependents. Afterwards, using canonical correlation analysis (CCA) the possible relationship between the level of self-reported craving and the temporal dynamics was examined. Results indicate that the rsFC transits between 6 discrete "FC states" in the meth dependents. CCA results show that higher levels of craving are associated with higher probability of transiting from state 4 to 6 (positive FC of DMN-ECN getting weak and negative FC of DMN-SN appearing) and staying in state 4 (positive FC of DMN-ECN), lower probability of staying in state 2 (negative FC of DMN-ECN), transiting from state 4 to 2 (change of positive FC of DMN-ECN to negative FC), and transiting from state 3 to 5 (appearance of negative FC of DMN-SN and positive FC of DMN-ECN with the presence of negative FC of SN-ECN). Quantitative measures of temporal dynamics in large-scale brain networks could bring new added values to increase potentials for applications of rsfMRI in addiction medicine.
Evaluation of Glutathione Levels in Saliva and Gingival Crevicular Fluid in Diabetic Patients with Chronic Periodontitis before and after Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Objective: the objective of this study was designed to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on glutathione levels in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid among diabetics with chronic periodontitis. Subjects and Methods: A total number of 60 patients were selected consists of three groups: group 1 was 20 patients with healthy periodontal condition, group 2 was 20 patients with chronic periodontitis and group 3 was 20 diabetic patients with chronic. Scaling, root planning and oral hygiene instructions were performed for patients in group 2 and group 3.Saliva and GCF samples were collected from each subjects at baseline (before treatment) , one month and three months after performing the non –surgical periodontal therapy. Results: Following non-surgical therapy, glutathione levels in diabetic and chronic periodontitis groups improved significantly when compared to base line levels.No significant correlation between glutathione, age and disease activity in diabetic & periodontitis groups. Conclusion: Glutathione levels should be considered a marker for disease and the concentration of reactive oxygen species in human body and an important indicator for the progression of the periodontal treatment in patients with periodontal disease.
Evaluating a Culturally Tailored Public Health Forum in Improving the Knowledge and Understanding of Chronic Disease Management in the Chinese Population: A Mixed-methods Study

Background: Chronic disease management is fraught with many challenges for ethnic minorities. Studies conducted in non-multicultural populations suggest that patient and community engaging initiatives can improve chronic disease management practices. However, literature on culturally specific community engaging programs is relatively sparse. The interCultural Online Health Network (iCON) is a culturally tailored, patient and community engaging health promotion program, which provides culturally specific health education to BC’s multicultural communities. We aimed to assess if the iCON 2020 Chinese Health Forum can improve the knowledge and understanding of chronic disease self-management in the Chinese community of Vancouver, BC. Methods: We conducted a sequential mixed-methods study by administering pre- and post- validated questionnaires, followed by semi-structured interviews conducted one-two months after the forum. We assessed our primary outcome of difference in self-efficacy scores post-forum using paired t-tests and further illuminated our research question through a thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews. Results: From the 381 participants that attended the Health Forum, 131 consented to completing the pre- and/or post- surveys, and seven provided consent to participate in the follow-up interview. There was a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy scores pre- and post- forum participation (Mean difference = 0.58, S.D. = 1.42; [95% CI: 0.26 – 0.90], t(77) = 3.60; P = 0.001, d = 0.41). Participants attributed the effectiveness of the Health Forum to its accessible yet engaging programming and focus on culturally tailored health education. Conclusion: A culturally tailored, patient engagement and community outreach program effectively improved Chinese community members self-efficacy in managing their chronic diseases and was well received by participants. iCON’s 2020 Chinese Health Forum presents a model with associated principles of approach for similar culturally specific health education and community engagement programs that need to be developed to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in multicultural populations.
Journal of Plant Production

To examine the effects of soil nitrogen addition rates, yeast addition timing, and foliar yeast spraying on the quantity and quality traits of sugar beet throughout 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 seasons, two trials were undertaken at a field in Wazeer Village, Belqas District, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Four duplicates of each field experiment were used in the strip-split plot design. The greatest values of root length and diameter, plant fresh weights of roots and foliage, and roots and top yields/fad were reached when fertilizing by 115 kg N/fad. The greatest values of total soluble solids, sucrose and apparent juice purity, extractable white sugar percentages, and sugar yield/fad were obtained with 69 kg nitrogen fad -1 fertilization. By fertilizing with 92 kg N/fad, gross white sugar yield/fad reached their peak. The highest root and leaf fresh weights per plant, root length and diameter, extractable white sugar %, and root, top, and gross sugar yield/fad were produced by foliar spraying at 100-days after seeding or adding yeast to soil. Highest values of total soluble solids, sucrose, apparent purity and extractable white sugar percentages and white sugar yield/fad were obtained with using yeast as soil addition and foliar spraying at 50 days after sowing in the two seasons. It is possible to suggest fertilizing sugar beet plants with 92 kg N/fad to maintain high productivity and quality of sugar beet while also reducing production expenses and environmental damage and sprayed yeast on plants' leaves at 50 days after planting in addition to soil addition.
A Narrative Review of Q Fever in Europe

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, causes abortions in animals. Its effects on humans and the management of Q fever in certain conditions like pregnancy are undetermined. The World Health Organization has estimated that zoonotic diseases cause around one billion cases of infections and millions of deaths globally each year. It is worth noting that many emerging infectious diseases currently being reported worldwide are zoonoses. We reviewed studies reporting on Q fever prevalence and incidence in Europe. Articles from 1937 to 2023 with the following terms “Coxiella burnetii and Europe and Q fever, and seroprevalence studies” were identified in the PubMed database and reports by organizations such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). We included randomized and observational studies, seroprevalence studies, case series, and case reports. According to the ECDC in 2019, 23 countries reported 1069 cases, the majority of which were classified as confirmed cases. The number of reports per 100,000 inhabitants in the EU/EEA was 0.2 for 2019, the same as the previous four years. The highest report rate (0.7 cases per 100,000 population) was observed in Spain, followed by Romania (0.6), Bulgaria (0.5), and Hungary. Considering the typically asymptomatic nature of Q fever infection, it is imperative to strengthen the existing systems to promote the rapid identification and reporting of Q fever outbreaks in animals, particularly in cases of abortion. It is also essential to consider the facilitation of early information exchange between veterinarians and public health counterparts to ensure the timely detection and prevention of potential zoonotic events, including Q fever.
EVALUATION OF GENERAL HEALTH STATUS OF SOME AGED TIGRESSES AT A LOCAL CIRCUS, CAIRO, EGYPT

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the general health status of three aged female tigers around 20 years old at a local circus in Egypt for the first time. Tigers (Panthera tigris ) are one of the largest Felidae species, which are classified as Endangered species. Blood and fecal samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis, parasitological and bacteriological examination. The hematological results revealed macrocytic normochromic anemia and non-significant changes in leucocyte and differential leucocytic count. The biochemical analysis showed a normal level of liver enzymes. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA), chloride (Cl-), and cholesterol were higher than normal. On the other hand, normal Glucose (GLU), Calcium (Ca), Phosphate (PHOS), Sodium (Na+), and Potassium (K+) were observed. In addition, low levels of total carbon dioxide (tCo2) and platelets. The parasitological examination of fecal samples was negative, and tigresses were free from any external or internal parasitic infestation. Advanced studies are required to cover the complete picture of tiger status in captivity.
Thermoacoustic, Small Cavity Excitation to Achieve Optimal Performance

The compactness of thermoacoustic devices is a topic of continuing importance in fundamental thermoacoustics and in its practical applications. The design for a small scale thermoacoustic refrigerator is presented in this paper. Two loudspeakers, set at the opposite ends of a small cavity and fully enclosed within the device, create an appropriate acoustic field inside a stack filling this cavity. A push-pull concept with two cavities placed on either side of one of the loudspeakers could be considered. An analytical approach describing the pressure and velocity fields which can be obtained from these sources is provided, assuming that the wavelength is much greater than the dimensions of the cavity. This new thermoacoustic device simultaneously provides compactness and flexibility compared to the classical standing wave or traveling wave devices which would achieve equivalent performances.
Extractability of Rice Husk Waste Using Green Gamma Radiation for Dye Elimination in Laboratory-Scale Sorption System: Equilibrium Isotherm and Kinetic Analysis

Nowadays, the use of natural materials and especially “waste” valorization has evolved and attracted the wide attention of scientists and academia. In this regard, the use of rice husk (RH) powder as a naturally abundant and cheap byproduct material is gaining superior attention. However, improving the physicochemical properties of such RH is still under research. In the current investigation, the modification of rice husk (RH) via γ-irradiation has shown to be a promising green tool to meet such a need. Clean, prepared, powdered RH samples were subjected to various γ-radiation doses, namely 5, 10, 15 and 25 kGy, and the corresponding samples were named as RH-0, RH-5, RH-10, RH-15, RH-15 and RH-25. Then, the samples were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After irradiation, the samples showed an increase in their surface roughness upon increasing the γ-radiation up to 15 kGy. Furthermore, the sorption capacity of the irradiated RH samples was investigated for eliminating Urolene Blue (UB) dye as a model pharmaceutical effluent stream. The highest dye uptake was recorded as 14.7 mg/g, which corresponded to the RH-15. The adsorption operating parameters were also investigated for all of the studied systems and all adsorbents showed the same trend, of a superior adsorption capacity at pH 6.6 and high temperatures. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were also applied for UB adsorption and an adequate fitted isotherm model was linked with Langmuir fitting. Moreover, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best fit for the adsorption data. Experimental assays confirmed that the UB dye could be successfully eradicated feasibly from the aqueous stream via a sustainable green methodology.