Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
USB‐Based 256‐Channel Electroencephalographic Data Acquisition System for Electrical Source Imaging of the Human Brain

Abstract A 256‐channel electroencephalographic data acquisition system is designed for electrical source imaging of the human brain. The system is microcontroller based, dc‐coupled, battery powered, and uses a universal serial bus for communication. An analog to digital converter of 24‐bit sigma‐delta technology with a sampling rate of 140 Hz and the number of effective bits in conversion is 18, corresponding to a dynamic range of 108 dB. Data is transferred via USB at the rate of 1 Mbyte/sec. The common mode rejection ratio of the system is measured as 102 dB. The performance tests and recorded experimental data show that the developed system can be used in conducting human brain source localization experiments.
Extending a Text-to-Pictograph System to French and to Arasaac

We present an adaptation of the Text-to-Picto system, initially designed for Dutch, and extended to English and Spanish. The original system, aimed at people with an intellectual disability, automatically translates text into pictographs (Sclera and Beta). We extend it to French and add a large set of Arasaac pictographs linked to WordNet 3.1. To carry out this adaptation, we automatically link the pictographs and their metadata to synsets of two French WordNets and leverage this information to translate words into pictographs. We automatically and manually evaluate our system with different corpora corresponding to different use cases, including one for medical communication between doctors and patients. The system is also compared to similar systems in other languages.
An improved prediction method for noise generated by conventional profile coaxial jets

A semi-empirical model for predicting the noise generated by conventional-velocity-profile jets exhausting from coaxial nozzles is presented and compared with small-scale static and simulated flight data. The present method is an updated version of that part of the original NASA Aircraft Noise Prediction (ANOP) Program (1974) relating to coaxial jet noise. That method has been shown to agree reasonably well with model and full-scale experimental data except at high jet velocities in the region near the jet axis. Improvements to the basic circular jet noise prediction have been developed since that time which improve the accuracy, especially at high jet velocity and near the jet axis, and are incorporated into the coaxial jet procedure in this paper. The new procedure is more theoretically based and has also been improved by some empirical adjustments.
Covert Communications Over Multiple Overt Channels

We explore leveraging the multiplicity of overt (public) messages, destined for different receivers through different channels, for hiding the transmission of a covert (private) message. The transmitter hides the covert message against a warden by superimposing it onto an overt message. We determine the optimum rule for choosing the overt message to maximize the total detection error probability (sum of the probability of false alarm and missed detection) at the warden. In addition, the channel variation is exploited to minimize the throughput loss on the overt message caused by the superimposition of the covert message. We show that the maximum total detection error probability converges fast to 1 as the number of overt messages (channels) increases; the total detection error probability is independent of the transmission power; and that a positive covert rate (bits per channel use) can be achieved while keeping the total detection error probability arbitrarily close to 1. These findings indicate that the multiplicity of overt messages (channels) and channel variations can be exploited to achieve a positive covert rate.
Acquisition, Doppler Tracking, and Positioning With Starlink LEO Satellites: First Results

This letter shows the first acquisition, Doppler tracking, and positioning results with Starlink's low Earth orbit satellite signals. A generalized-likelihood-ratio-based test is proposed to acquire Starlink's downlink signals. A Kalman-filter-based algorithm for tracking the Doppler frequency from the unknown Starlink signals is developed. Experimental results show Doppler tracking of six Starlink satellites, achieving a horizontal positioning error of 10 m.
Deforestation and Smallholder Income: Evidence from Remittances to Nepal

This article examines the effect of remittance income on deforestation in Nepal during 2001–2010 using satellite-based land use data and a nationwide household survey. Results indicate that remittance income reduced deforestation by 4.2 percentage points, accounting for almost 12% of deforestation during this time. An additional 1,000 Nepalese rupee increase in average household annual remittance income reduced the ward-level deforestation by an approximate 0.435 percentage point. There is no evidence that remittances induced expansion of agricultural land or stimulated demand for forest products. Instead, remittances contributed to the shift of households’ demand for timber and fuelwood toward nonwood alternatives for housing construction and cooking.
Effects of mesoporous silica particle size and pore structure on the performance of polymer-mesoporous silica mixed matrix membranes

The fabrication of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) has been regarded as an effective and economic approach to enhance the gas permeability and selectivity properties of conventional polymeric membranes for gas separation applications. However, the poor compatibility between polymeric matrix and inorganic filler in MMMs could lead to the generation of interfacial defects resulting in reduced gas selectivity. In this work, with the aim of studying the effect of particle size and pore structure of the filler on the performance of the resultant MMMs, nano/micro sized spherical mesoporous silicas with 2D/3D pore structure (MCM-41 and MCM-48) were synthesized and selected as fillers for the preparation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based MMMs. The separation properties of the membranes prepared were characterized by permeability measurements for nitrogen and organic vapors (C3H6 and n-C4H10). Compared with microsized particles, nanosized fillers have better dispersion in the polymer matrix which could minimize the formation of non-selective microvoids around the particles, leading to higher vapor/N2 ideal selectivities of the MMMs, even at the high loading (15 wt%). Moreover, due to the conventional random packing orientation of the particles in the polymer, vapor permeation was severely hindered in the MMMs fabricated from mesoporous silica with 2D pore channels. The interface morphologies and gas diffusion paths in the MMMs have also been proposed. With an optimum loading of nanosized MCM-48 (3D pore structure), the vapor permeabilities and vapor/N2 ideal selectivities of the MMMs were shown to increase simultaneously, compared with the neat polymer membrane.
Irisin Is Correlated with Blood Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Background Despite approximately 95% primary cases of hypertension, secondary hypertension seems to be common with resistant forms. Notably, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known as a common cause of secondary hypertension and has a major characteristic of obesity. Irisin acts as a link between muscles and adipose tissues in obesity, playing an essential role in human blood pressure (BP) regulation. However, whether irisin is associated with secondary hypertension caused by OSA and how it takes effect essentially have not been elucidated. Purpose To investigate the changes of irisin and its relationship with BP in OSA. Methods 72 snoring patients finished Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) evaluation before polysomnography (PSG). BP was the average of three brachial BP values by mercury sphygmomanometer. Serum irisin level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were analyzed by SPSS software. Results Irisin was higher in the severe and quite severe group than that in control and nonsevere groups (p < 0.05). For BP, significant differences were found between the control group and the other three groups (p < 0.05) and between the quite severe and the other three groups (p ≤ 0.001). Positive correlations were found between irisin and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), AHI and BP, and irisin level and BP. Negative correlations were between irisin and SpO2 nadir and SpO2 nadir and BP. Positive correlation still existed between AHI and irisin even after adjusting for some obesity-related variables. Conclusions Irisin may serve as a potential biomarker for severity of OSA independently of obesity and imply the development of hypertension.
The leukocyte telomere length, single nucleotide polymorphisms near TERC gene and risk of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and is associated with chronic local and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. The enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation have been reported to affect telomere length (TL). Furthermore, a number of SNPs at loci encoding the main components of the telomerase genes, TERT and TERC have been shown to correlate with TL. We aimed to explore the leukocyte TL and genotypes for single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs12696304 (C > G) and rs10936599 (C > T) near TERC in COPD cases and matched healthy controls using q-PCR technologies. Successful assessment of TL was performed for 91 patients and 88 controls. The patients had shorter TL (17919.36 ± 1203.01 bp) compared to controls (21 271.48 ± 1891.36 bp) although not significant (p = 0.137). The TL did not associate with the gender, age, spirometric indexes, smoking habits but tended to correlate negatively with BMI (Rho = − 0.215, p = 0.076) in the controls, but not in COPD patients. The genotype frequencies of the SNPs rs12696304 and rs10936599 were compared between patients and controls and the odds ratios (OR) for developing COPD were calculated. The carriers of the common homozygous (CC) genotypes of the SNPs had higher risk for COPD, compared to carriers of the variants alleles (rs12696304 CG+GG vs. CC; OR: 0.615, 95% CI [0.424–0.894], p = 0.011 and for rs10936599 CT+TT vs. CC OR = 0.668, 95% CI [0.457–0.976], p = 0.044). Analysis on the combined effects of the TERC rs12696304 (C > G) and rs10936599 (C > T) genotypes, CC/CC genotype combination was associated with higher risk for COPD (p < 0.0001) and marginally lower FEV1% pr. in patients with GOLD II (p = 0.052). There was no association between the SNP genotypes and TL. In summary, our results suggest that COPD patients may have shorter TL, and rs12696304 and rs10936599 near TERC may affect the risk of COPD independently of TL.
Yield response of barley to the application of mineral fertilizers containing major nutrients on Cambisols and Vertisols in Ethiopia

Abstract Increasing barley production in the face of declining soil fertility on smallholder farms is a critical challenge in Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the optimum rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) fertilizers under a balanced fertilization of other macro- and micronutrients (zinc and boron) and (2) quantify the agronomic efficiency of N and P on Cambisols and Vertisols. The trials were conducted for three consecutive years (2014–2016) on farmers’ fields on 83 sites under rain-fed conditions. On each farm, six rates of N, P, K, and S with a balanced application of the other nutrients were laid out separately in a randomized block design with three replicates. Balanced fertilization resulted in yield increments of 26–59% on Cambisols and 18–74% on Vertisols, as compared with the control (0 N). Application of P increased grain yield from 11% to 30% and from 7% to 14% due to the interaction of P by soil type as compared with the control. The application of K and S, however, had no significant effect on barley yields on either soil type. The highest agronomic efficiency of N (AEN) was obtained from 46 kg N ha−1, with AEN increasing by 117% on Cambisols and 33% on Vertisols, as compared with the highest N rate of 230 kg N ha−1. The maximum agronomic efficiency of P (AEP) was recorded with 10 kg P ha−1 on Vertisols, with AEP increasing by 73% on Cambisols and 452% on Vertisols, as compared with the application of 50 kg P ha−1. With balanced application of other nutrients, use of 230 kg N and 20 kg P ha−1 was recommended for tepid sub-moist mid-highlands and Vertisols. For tepid sub-humid mid-highlands, application of 46 kg N and 20 kg P ha−1 with balanced application of other nutrients was recommended. For Cambisols, application of 230 kg N and 40 kg P ha−1 was recommended with balanced application of the other nutrients. Similarly, application of 230 kg N, 40 kg P, and 10 kg S ha−1 was tentatively recommended for cool sub-most mid highlands. However, response to K was inconsistent and therefore a firm recommendation could not be proposed for the study sites. Further research needs to be conducted on more soil types and locations.
Bevacizumab and Sinus Venous Thrombosis: A Literature Review

Pediatric glioma treatment can be confounded by eloquent anatomical location and pathologic and genetic characteristics. Current literature suggests that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor bevacizumab has been linked to enhancing disease control; however, its safety and effectiveness are unknown. Bevacizumab has been linked with an increased incidence of intratumoral hemorrhage as well as arterial and venous thromboembolism. A rare adverse effect of chemotherapeutic treatment with bevacizumab is sinus venous thrombosis (SVT), with only a few cases reported to date. This review highlights the pathophysiology of bevacizumab, its rare and life-threatening side effect of SVT, and future recommendations.
Concepts of patient groups in 10th-century Iraq and Persia

Two previous articles in the James Lind Library have shown that the famous Persian clinician Ab u Bakr Muh _ ammad Zakar ıy a8 al-R az ı (who died around 925 CE) made references to groups of patients. In one case, he reports having used a control group to judge the effects of a treatment. In the other example, he refers to patient ‘groups’ (Arabic ‘jam a6a’) in two further examples and refers to large patient numbers. These observations beg the question of whether his references to groups are underpinned by the concept of patient groups, and an awareness that large cohorts of patients and some ‘statistical methods’ are needed to assess treatment effects; or, alternatively, whether he is making general statements of no special methodological significance. If the former were to be the case, it would certainly challenge the current scholarly consensus that ‘population thinking’, with analyses of patient ‘groups’ and treatment ‘outcomes’ carefully counted, first emerged in the modern period. In order to shed additional light on the question of how al-R az ı used the word ‘jam a6a (group)’, I have systematically searched an electronic file of his Comprehensive Book (Al-Kit ab al-H _ aw ı). The file, shared on the website ‘Al-Sh amila’, is based on the reprint of this work by the Beirut publisher D ar alkutub al-6ilm ıya in 2000 (http://shamela.ws/index. php/book/10704). The file (as well as the printed edition) contains numerous misprints and mistakes, and, as such, introduces a certain margin of error to my enquiry. Yet, as the examples below demonstrate, it is a powerful tool for assessing the use of ‘jam a6a’ within this limited corpus.
Technology in nursing education: Augmented reality

Öz The augmented reality technology, in which virtual images are combined with real world objects in real time, has begun to take part in the education of “Generation Z”, 21st century youth. Today, augmented reality applications that contribute to the learning process are also utilized in the field of nursing education. When database research is conducted with the combinations of “nursing education” and “augmented reality” keywords, it is seen that various augmented reality applications are used for improving English proficiency, anatomy knowledge and some of the nursing practices of nursing students. Research results show that students’ learning experiences are improved with the use of augmented reality method thus learning becomes interesting and useful. This review includes the definition of augmented reality technology which increases the reality of environment and improves learning by embodying abstract concepts, its importance and place in nursing education, and the results of various studies on this subject. Sanal görüntülerin gerçek zamanlı olarak, gerçek dünya nesneleri ile birleştirildiği artırılmış gerçeklik teknolojisi, 21. yüzyıl “Z kuşağı” gençlerinin eğitiminde yer almaya başlamıştır. Günümüzde öğrenme sürecine katkı sağlayan artırılmış gerçeklik uygulamaları, hemşirelik eğitimi alanına da aktarılmaktadır. Veri tabanlarında “hemşirelik eğitimi”, “arttırılmış gerçeklik” ve “nursing education”, “augmented reality” anahtar kelimeleri kombinasyonları ile tarama yapıldığında, hemşirelik öğrencilerinin İngilizce yeterliliklerini geliştirmeye, anatomi bilgilerini artırmaya ve bazı hemşirelik girişimlerinin öğretimine yönelik çeşitli artırılmış gerçeklik uygulamalarına rastlanmaktadır. Araştırma sonuçları öğrencilerin artırılmış gerçeklik yöntemi ile öğrenme deneyimlerini geliştirdiklerini ve bu şekilde öğrenmenin ilgi çekici ve kullanışlı hale geldiğini göstermektedir. Bu derlemede, ortamının gerçekliğini arttıran ve soyut kavramları somutlaştırarak öğrenmeye katkı sağlayan artırılmış gerçeklik teknolojisinin tanımı, hemşirelik eğitimindeki yeri, önemi ve bu konuda yapılan araştırma sonuçları yer almaktadır.
Identification of Risk Factors for Daptomycin-Associated Creatine Phosphokinase Elevation and Development of a Risk Prediction Model for Incidence Probability

Abstract Background In this study, we investigated the risk factors for daptomycin-associated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation and established a risk score for CPK elevation. Methods Patients who received daptomycin at our hospital were classified into the non-elevated or elevated CPK group based on their peak CPK levels during daptomycin therapy. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed, and a risk score and prediction model for the incidence probability of CPK elevation were calculated based on logistic regression analysis. Results The non-elevated and elevated CPK groups included 181 and 17 patients, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that concomitant statin use (odds ratio [OR], 4.45 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.40–14.47]; risk score 4), concomitant antihistamine use (OR, 5.66 [95% CI, 1.58–20.75]; risk score 4), and trough concentration (Cmin) between 20 and <30 µg/mL (OR, 14.48 [95% CI, 2.90–87.13]; risk score 5) and ≥30.0 µg/mL (OR, 24.64 [95% CI, 3.21–204.53]; risk score 5) were risk factors for daptomycin-associated CPK elevation. The predicted incidence probabilities of CPK elevation were <10% (low risk), 10%–<25% (moderate risk), and ≥25% (high risk) with total risk scores of ≤4, 5–6, and ≥8, respectively. The risk prediction model exhibited a good fit (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.85 [95% CI, .74–.95]). Conclusions These results suggested that concomitant use of statins with antihistamines and Cmin ≥20 µg/mL were risk factors for daptomycin-associated CPK elevation. Our prediction model might aid in reducing the incidence of daptomycin-associated CPK elevation.
Predictive Role of Targeted, Active Surveillance Cultures for Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Introduction Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation is an important source of healthcare-acquired infections. Reliable screening strategies for MRSA colonisation are essential for the timely implementation of infection control measures. Aim This study determined reliable MRSA screening sites to predict colonisation in resource-limited settings and estimated the impact of missed MRSA cases when shifting from multi- to single-site screening. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with positive MRSA surveillance cultures from the routinely screened sites (nasal, axillary, groin, and throat) from January 2009 to December 2019. Results A total of 1906 screening tests were positive for MRSA cultures (n = 1345 patients). As a single site, the nasal cavity showed the highest MRSA detection, with a sensitivity of 66.8% (95% CI = 64–69) with 277.9 missed isolation days. Screening three or more anatomical sites detected 97–100% of MRSA cases, with 0–24.5 missed isolation days. Screening the axilla and groin separately or in combination showed a good clinical utility index (CUI) of >0.6 to <0.8, while an excellent CUI was obtained upon screening other site samples (>0.8). The combined nasal and throat cultures demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.2 (95% CI = 91–94) with 57.2 missed isolation days. Conclusion Multi-site screening is the optimal strategy for minimising MRSA exposure within a healthcare facility. For active MRSA surveillance, a combination of nasal and throat cultures can provide a practical approach in low-resource settings compared to nasal sampling alone.
‘Pioneers of professional frontiers’: the experiences of autistic students and professional work based learning

Abstract Universities have embraced a culture of inclusivity and diversity when recruiting students for professional degrees (degree study that is likely to result in accreditation to a profession-specific body). Gender, ethnicity, background and disability should no longer be considered a barrier to the offer to undertake study within a HE institution. Students identified as autistic are part of this group; however, anecdotally, when undertaking work-based learning (WBL), attrition rates are high. This phenomenological study examined the WBL experiences of undergraduate students identified as autistic who have chosen professional degree study. Despite the demonstration of immense personal attributes that any profession would value, this group faces discrimination and stereotyping of their persona. Research was conducted with participants all identified as autistic; drawn from a range of undergraduate professional degrees: policing, teaching, journalism, social work and psychology. A number of themes emerged that offer insight into the barriers for success for these individuals, and the personal cost of being autistic in organisations heavily influenced by a deficit model of disability. Points of interest This work examines the experiences of autistic university students on work-based learning placements as part of a professional degree. This research includes only the voices of autistic individuals, describing their experiences and the challenges they faced, rather than the thoughts and opinions of those who support students. This work offers insight into the prejudice faced by autistic individuals wanting to enter a graduate profession, the challenges they face, the efforts they make to appear ‘normal’ and the constant need to explain themselves in order to ‘fit in’. This research suggests that students with autism can be of great benefit to their chosen profession. Autistic individuals display a strong work ethic, pushing against boundaries and displaying the courage to stand up and make a professional difference to other people’s lives,