Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of volumetric laser endomicroscopy for Barrett's esophagus dysplasia amongst gastroenterology trainees.

Background Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) is an advanced imaging modality used in Barrett's esophagus (BE) surveillance. VLE image interpretation is challenged by subtle grayscale image variation across a large amount of data. Training in VLE interpretation is not standardized. This study aims to determine if VLE training can be incorporated into a gastroenterology (GI) fellowship curriculum with the use of a self-directed module. Methods A standardized, self-directed training module (30 min) was created explaining the background and established VLE criteria for the diagnosis of BE dysplasia. A VLE image dataset was generated from a multicenter VLE database of targeted biopsies. GI trainees were asked to grade each image for the presence or absence of the following criteria (I) increased surface optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) signal intensity and (II) atypical glands and provide a final diagnosis (dysplastic vs. non-dysplastic). Diagnostic performance was calculated and results compared to VLE expert interpretation using histology as the gold-standard. Results The dataset included 50 VLE images (10 high-grade dysplasia, 40 non-dysplastic BE). VLE images were reviewed in a randomized and blinded fashion by 5 GI trainees with no prior VLE experience and 5 experienced VLE users. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of GI trainees was 83.3% (95% CI: 71.5-91.7%), 59.0% (95% CI: 51.6-66.0%), and 64.8% (95% CI: 58.5-70.7%) compared to 80.0% (95% CI: 67.7-89.2%), 79.5% (95% CI: 73.0-85.0%), and 79.6% (95% CI: 74.1-84.4%) for VLE experts respectively. The difference in specificity and accuracy between the two groups were statistically significant with P<0.001. Conclusions A brief training session on VLE is inadequate to reach competency in interpretation of VLE by GI trainees. Additional experience is required to accurately interpret VLE images.
Anger and support for retribution in Mexico’s drug war

How does exposure to criminal violence shape attitudes towards justice and the rule of law? Citizens care about crime prevention and procedural legality, yet they also value punishing perpetrators for the harm they have done. We argue that anger induced by exposure to criminal violence increases the demand for retribution and harsh punishments, even at the expense of the rule of law. We test this theory using one observational and two experimental studies from an original survey of 1,200 individuals in Western Mexico, a region affected by organized criminal violence and vigilantism. First, we first show that exposure to violence is correlated with increased anger and support for punitive justice, including vigilante actions. Second, across our two experiments, we show that citizens are more supportive of harsh punishments and place less value on their legality in response to morally outrageous crimes. Third, we find that the innocence of the victim, rather than the severity of the crime, is what triggers outrage and punitiveness. This suggests that citizens may support extreme levels of violence as long as they perceive that its targets are criminals. Finally, we show that outrageous forms of violence against civilians can lead individuals to prioritize harsh punishment regardless of its legality. When criminal actors target perceived innocents with common crimes like extortion, there is greater support for harsh, vigilante action. These patterns provide a bottom-up explanation for harsh justice.
The effect of seed maturity, drying temperature, and storage temperature on germination and viability in Icelandic Poa pratensis L

In an Icelandic Poa pratensis L. population, stage of seed maturity at harvest, drying temperature and storage temperature had profound interacting effects on germination (%), and germination rate (days to 50% germination). Germination and germination rate ranged between 9–88% and 7–18 days, respectively, depending on the treatment factor combination. Storage for five months improved germination and germination rate for most lots. Storage at 20–25°C was more beneficial than storage at 6°C, increasing germination by 21% and increasing the germination rate by 5 days on average for all harvest dates and drying treatment combinations. This effect, however, ranged depending on harvest date and drying treatment from –33% to 66% and –1 to 9 days, for germination and germination rate respectively. The germination rate was increased on average for harvest dates by 0.9–3.4 days when seed lots were stored at 20–25°C compared to 6°C. Drying at 35°C and 45°C reduced seed viability in immature lots, compared to drying at 20–25°C, but had no effect when seed had obtained physiological maturity. Seed dormancy was markedly enhanced with delayed harvest. In a germination test one month after the last harvest date, germination declined, on average, from 49% at physiological maturity (12th of August), to 13% when harvested two weeks later (26th of August).
Does diversity in idea space matter ?

This paper empirically explores whether cognitive diversity between collaborators affects peer effects and productivity in creating knowledge. In order to measure the cognitive diversity between knowledge producers precisely, we introduce and calculate a novel index, namely the cognitive distance between two researchers, based on their publication distributions and citation relations across academic journals in which they have publications. Using individual-level panel data from the Web of Science (WoS) databases of academic papers published from 1980 to 2013, we estimate the changes in productivity of the coauthors of 63 active life scientists who passed away unexpectedly and prematurely between 1995 and 2008 and examine whether the effect of this adverse shock to coauthors of a deceased scientist differs in terms of the cognitive distance between the coauthor and the deceased scientist. The results show that, following the death of an active and prominent life scientist, coauthors with close cognitive distance from the deceased scientist are more likely to experience a lasting decrease in productivity. While the cognitive distance between a coauthor and a deceased scientist attenuates the negative shock, the relationship appears to be non-linear for different measures of productivity. The findings suggest that both knowledge spillovers and skill complementarity play a role in collaborations. However, after losing a preeminent collaborator, it is the loss of an irreplaceable source of ideas that has a more adverse impact on a scientist’s productivity than the potentially imperfect skill substitution that follows such a loss.
Understanding Complex Systems: A Communication Networks Perspective

Recent approaches on the study of networks have exploded over almost all the sciences across the academic spectrum. Over the last few years, the analysis and modeling of networks as well as networked dynamical systems have attracted considerable interdisciplinary interest. These efforts were driven by the fact that systems as diverse as genetic networks or the Internet can be best described as complex networks. On the contrary, although the unprecedented evolution of technology, basic issues and fundamental principles related to the structural and evolutionary properties of networks still remain unaddressed and need to be unraveled since they affect the function of a network. Therefore, the characterization of the wiring diagram and the understanding on how an enormous network of interacting dynamical elements is able to behave collectively, given their individual non linear dynamics are of prime importance. In this study we explore simple models of complex networks from real communication networks perspective, focusing on their structural and evolutionary properties. The limitations and vulnerabilities of real communication networks drive the necessity to develop new theoretical frameworks to help explain the complex and unpredictable behaviors of those networks based on the aforementioned principles, and design alternative network methods and techniques which may be provably effective, robust and resilient to accidental failures and coordinated attacks.
742-757 Selmi R.pmd

Livestock constitute habitual hosts and carriers for several infectious pathogens which may represent a serious public health concern affecting the readiness of military forces and lead to wide economic losses. The present report aimed to investigate the prevalence of some haemopathogens infecting military livestock, particularly, dromedaries, sheep and horses using Giemsa-stained blood smears. A total of 300 animals (100 from each species) were selected, clinically examined and sampled. Trypanosoma spp. (22.0%), Anaplasma spp. (17.0%) and Babesia spp. (1.0%) were identified in camels’ blood. Six dromedaries were found to be co-infected by Trypanosoma and Anaplasma organisms (6.0%). Camels of female gender, infested by ticks and showing clinical signs were statistically more infected by Trypanosoma spp. , compared to those of male gender, free of ticks and apparently healthy (P= 0.027, 0.000 and 0.004, respectively). Babesia spp. infection (1.0%) was identified, for the first time in Tunisia, in one adult female camel that presented abortion and anemia. Anaplasma spp. was the only haemopathogen identified in examined sheep (6.0%) and horses (17.0%). Horses infested by Hippobosca equina flies and sheep infested by Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks were more infected by Anaplasma spp. than other non-infested animals (P=0.046 and 0.042, respectively). Hyalomma dromedarii, H. impeltatum and H. excavatum were the most prevalent diagnosed ticks removed from camels with an intensity of infestation of 1.2 ticks per animal. However, in sheep, only R. turanicus was identified. H. equina and Tabanus spp. were the potential hematophagous flies found in dromedaries and horses herds. This useful data must be taken into consideration during animal treatment and vectors’ control programs in Tunisian military farms which help to limit the diffusion of vector-borne diseases, keep our livestock healthy and reduce economic losses.
Overview of optical coherence tomography in neuro-ophthalmology

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a widely used non-invasive medical imaging technology that has revolutionized clinical care in ophthalmology. New developments, such as OCT angiography (OCTA) are expected to contribute even further to the widespread use of OCT-based imaging devices in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with ophthalmic diseases. In recent years, many of the disadvantages such as limited field of view and imaging artefacts have been substantially reduced. Similar to the progress achieved in the assessment of retinal disorders, OCT is expected to change the approach to patients seen in the neuroophthalmology clinic. In this article, we review the technical features of OCT and OCT-based imaging techniques, highlighting the specific factors that should be taken into account when interpreting OCT in the field of neuro-ophthalmology.
Impact of Zero Tillage and Tillage Practice in Chickpea Production

The study was carried out at the field of Regional Pulses Research Station, Madaripur under Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) during Rabi season (winter) to evaluate the effect of different tillage practices on growth, yield attributes, nutrient uptake and yield of chickpea, and to compare between the zero tillage and tillage practice.The experiment was planned with five different tillage practices viz. Zero tillage (T1), Single tillage (T2), Two tillage (T3), Three tillage (T4) and Four tillage (T5), and it was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Blanket dose of fertilizers of N, P, K, S, Zn and B at 20, 21, 30, 10, 3 and 1.5 kg ha-1, respectively were used in all tillage treatments. The highest mean seed yield achieved (1395 kg ha-1) in zero tillage (T1) followed by four tillage (T5) practice. The maximum number of branches plant-1 and more number of pods plant-1 was recorded in zero tillage treatment. Nutrient content showed non-significant effect across most of the treatment. The highest nodulation and nutrient (N, P, K and S) uptake was also obtained from T1 treatment. Tillage practices exhibited positive effects on soil properties. The highest soil organic carbon, total N, available P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Zn and B were found in zero tillage (T1). Based on profitability, the zero tillage was economically viable with compared to tillage practice. Although this practice (T1) saves the money about 3.8% to 13.7% and time also saves minimum 8 days for succeeding crops. So, the present study suggests that zero tillage practice could be implemented in the high and medium high land for chickpea cultivation. Low income farmers may practice the zero tillage technology. Future research should be carried out to evaluate the suitable rate of nutrient in zero tillage (conservative tillage) practice for yield maximization of chickpea and sustaining soil fertility.
Remedial Options for PFC Contaminated Sites: A Review

The Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) program provides funding for the assessment and remediation/risk management of contaminated sites that fall under federal responsibility. Historically used in the firefighting training procedures, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) present a particular set of challenges. As part of Environment Canada’s recent efforts to provide scientific and technical support to improve the understanding of PFC assessment and remediation at some federal contaminated sites, a literature review of studies related to the remediation of PFC contaminated sites has been conducted. Remediation/treatment technologies that were identified and reviewed included both destructive (e.g., biodegradation, oxidation and reduction) and non-destructive (e.g., sorption and filtration). It was found that most of the studies reported were related to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) found in water. Considerably less information was found on the treatment of PFC contaminated soil. This paper provides a summary of reported effectiveness of the existing treatment techniques. The identified information gaps are also discussed and recommendations for further studies of PFC remediation options for PFC contaminated sites are provided.
SAFETY OF LOGISTICS SYSTEMS AS AN ELEMENT OF THE TOTAL LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT CONCEPT

One of the most important purposes of the functioning of each logistics system is to define the desired state of security and safety. It should be noted that the various elements relating to the security and safety of the logistics system are related to a number of both external and internal conditions of the company. There are also a number of security and safety areas dependent and independent from the company. On this basis, it can use that same product, having specified characteristics and properties can affect the security and safety of the logistics system. The article is an attempt to identify and describe the impact of logistics security conditions on vulnerability of product design, and consequently and in a wider range on the logistical efficiency of the product.
Product Differentiation, Semiorder Preferences and Price-Oriented Buyers

We introduce behavioral considerations in the demand side of a product differentiation model. In particular, we assume a population of buyers with semiorder preferences who are heterogeneous in two dimensions: their bliss points and their sensitivity towards product differences. This allows to endogenize the segmentation of buyers into two groups: price-oriented buyers and non-price-oriented buyers. While we derive conclusions for the study of product differentiation, the model is tractable and intuitive and can be applied in several contexts. JEL classification: D0;D43; D83; L13
Coragen induced toxicity and the ameliorative effect of an Origanum majorana L. in male albino Rats

Pesticides are chemical substances used to kill variety of different animal pests. Because of they are sprayed across whole agricultural fields, they can affect many species other than their goal species. Pesticides encompass different types of compounds such as insecticides. Worldwide, insecticides are known to be a main reason behind the increase in the agricultural production in the last century. However, insecticide class comes with a specific set of environmental concerns. Therefore, insecticides must be estimated for their toxicity. The present work aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of the insecticide, Coragen and the ameliorative effects of an Origanum majorana L. suspension on male albino rats. The administration of a sub-lethal dose of Coragen (2000 mg/kg b.wt. orally three times a week for 30 days) was associated with significant inhibition of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity and enhanced lipid peroxidation. Moreover, a significant increase in the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected. In contrast, there were a decline in the concentrations of total protein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and albumin in the present study in response to the insecticide. In addition, the histopathological changes of liver, spleen and lung by Coragen were evaluated. Treatment with (5 g/kg b.wt.) suspension of Origanum majorana L given orally, 3times/week for 4 weeks, showed a probable way to mitigate the Coragen induced toxicity. [Noha M. Meligi, Hanaa Fawzy Hassanand Honyda, S.M. Coragen induced toxicity and the ameliorative effect of an Origanum majorana L. in male albino Rats. J Am Sci 2019;15(9):33-44]. ISSN 1545-1003 (print); ISSN 2375-7264 (online). http://www.jofamericanscience. org. 5. doi:10.7537/marsjas150919.05.
803-809 Yazici Z.pmd

Bovine parainfluenza 3 virus (BPI3V)is one of the most important respiratory pathogens and a leading cause of serious respiratory illnesses in cattle, both independent of and in connection with other pathogens involved in the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). In this study, we aimed to identify the historical circulation of genotype C bovine BPI3V (BPI3Vc) in Turkey using the archival serum samples of domestic ruminants that had been collected from six provinces of northern Anatolia in Turkey between 2009-2010. A total of 896 sera from cattle (n=442), sheep (n=330), and goats (n=124) were randomly selected and screened with a virus neutralization test in order to detect antibodies for BPI3Vc. The overall seropositivity rate was 21.09%, with seropositivity rates for cattle, sheep, and goats of 21.04%, 20.00%, and 24.19%, respectively. Neutralizing antibody titers for selected samples ranged between 1/4 to 1/512. This study represents the first serological study conducted using the first BPI3V isolate of Turkey.
Speech IntellIgIbIlIty

38 The Hearing Journal December 2017 S peech intelligibility improvement in wireless communication wherein the near-end listener is exposed to noise (i.e., in public places) is necessary to increase speech audibility. In wireless communication systems, the speech signal is often degraded by noise on both sides of the communication channel: the farand the near-end. In this study, a new algorithm is presented to improve speech intelligibility in noisy environments for the near-end listener without increasing the speech energy (Fig. 1).
Firms' or banks' weakness? Access to finance since the European sovereign debt crisis

This paper uses a unique dataset where credit rejections experienced by euro area firms are matched with firm and bank characteristics. This allows us to study simultaneously the role that bank weakness and firm weakness had in the credit reduction observed in the euro area during the sovereign debt crisis, and in credit developments characterising the post-crisis recovery. Compared with the existing literature matching borrowers’ and lenders’ characteristics, our dataset provides a better representation of euro area firms of small and medium size. Our findings suggest that, while firm balance sheet factors have been strong determinants of credit rejections, in the crisis period bank weakness made it harder to obtain external finance for firms located in stressed countries of the euro area.
ILLICIT FINANCIAL FLOWS: PERSPECTIVES FROM DEVELOPING ASIAN COUNTRIES

1 nancial centres (OFCs) . OFCs, also known as tax havens or low tax jurisdictions, often have extremely low tax rates and provide nancial secrecy with the ability to sidestep nancial regulations allowing rampant tax abuse and movement of funds or capital from one country to another, illicitly. A complex and sophisticated network of tax lawyers, bankers and accountants have effectively made it easier for corporations to illicitly hide their wealth and assets in tax havens from their respective national tax authorities.
PREVENTING CHRONIC DISEASE

Introduction Telephone-based tobacco quitlines are an evidence-based intervention, but little is known about how callers hear about quitlines and whether variations exist by demographics or state. This study assessed trends in “how-heard-abouts” (HHAs) in 38 states. Methods Data came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Quitline Data Warehouse, which stores nonidentifiable data collected from individual callers at quitline registration and reported quarterly by states. Callers were asked how they heard about the quitline; responses were grouped into the following categories: media, health professional, family or friends, and “other. ” We examined trends from 2010 through 2013 (N = 1,564,437) using multivariable models that controlled for seasonality and the impact of CDC’s national tobacco education campaign, Tips From Former Smokers (Tips). Using data from 2013 only, we assessed HHAs variation by demographics (sex, age, race/ethnicity, education) and state in a 38-state sample (n = 378,935 callers). Results From 2010 through 2013, the proportion of HHAs through media increased; however, this increase was not significant when we controlled for calendar quarters in which Tips aired. The proportion of HHAs through health professionals increased, whereas those through family or friends decreased. In 2013, HHAs occurred as follows: media, 45.1%; health professionals, 27.5%, family or friends, 17.0%, and other, 10.4%. Media was the predominant HHA among quitline callers of all demographic groups, followed by health professionals (except among people aged 18–24 years). Large variations in source of HHAs were observed by state. Conclusion Most quitline callers in the 38-state sample heard about quitlines through the media or health care professionals. Variations in source of HHAs exist across states; implementation of best-practice quitline promotional strategies is critical to maximize reach.
Facts, Traditions, and Complications of Skin Whitening Products among Female Students in Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study

The increased use of skin whitening products serves as a significant challenge for the health care unit. The progressive use of the whitening products exposes individuals to various risk factors and skin-related complications. This study aims to determine the usage of skin-whitening products among female students at Ibn Sina University, Sudan. It further intends to assess the complications and risk factors that may emerge due to the increased use of skin whitening products. It used a descriptive cross-sectional design following a questionnaire-based survey approach. The data was collected from 138 females (age 17 to 25 years), which was statistically analyzed. The results revealed that 47.4% of the population used skin-whitening products, where 58.8% were aged 20-22 years. It revealed a significant association of marital status (p-value, 0.010) and belief (p-value, 0.001) with the use of skin whitening products. It concludes that increased usage of skin-whitening products leads to the occurrence of various complications. It stresses introducing educational and preventive programs to mitigate the use of harmful products.