Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the severity of dyspnea in patients with bronchiectasis: correlation with clinical, functional, and tomographic aspects

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize a population of patients with bronchiectasis, correlating clinical, radiological, and functional aspects with the severity of dyspnea. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving adult patients with HRCT-confirmed bronchiectasis, categorized according to the severity of dyspnea (as being mildly or severely symptomatic, on the basis of the modified Medical Research Council scale). We correlated the severity of dyspnea with clinical parameters, functional parameters (spirometry values, lung volumes, and DLCO), and CT parameters. Results: We evaluated 114 patients, 47 (41%) of whom were men. The median age (interquartile range) was 42 years (30-55 years). The most common form was idiopathic bronchiectasis. Of the 114 patients, 20 (17.5%) were colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 59 (51.8%) were under continuous treatment with macrolides. When we applied the Exacerbation in the previous year, FEV1, Age, Colonization, Extension, and Dyspnea score, the severity of dyspnea was categorized as moderate in 54 patients (47.4%), whereas it was categorized as mild in 50 (43.9%) when we applied the Bronchiectasis Severity Index. The most common lung function pattern was one of obstruction, seen in 95 patients (83.3%), and air trapping was seen in 77 patients (68.7%). The prevalence of an obstructive pattern on spirometry was higher among the patients with dyspnea that was more severe, and most functional parameters showed reasonable accuracy in discriminating between levels of dyspnea severity. Conclusions: Patients with bronchiectasis and dyspnea that was more severe had greater functional impairment. The measurement of lung volumes complemented the spirometry data. Because bronchiectasis is a complex, heterogeneous condition, a single variable does not seem to be sufficient to provide an overall characterization of the clinical condition.
A vision-based active learning convolutional neural network model for concrete surface crack detection

Concrete surface crack detection based on computer vision, specifically via a convolutional neural network, has drawn increasing attention for replacing manual visual inspection of bridges and buildings. This article proposes a new framework for this task and a sampling and training method based on active learning to treat class imbalances. In particular, the new framework includes a clear definition of two categories of samples, a relevant sliding window technique, data augmentation and annotation methods. The advantages of this framework are that data integrity can be ensured and a very large amount of annotation work can be saved. Training datasets generated with the proposed sampling and training method not only are representative of the original dataset but also highlight samples that are highly complex, yet informative. Based on the proposed framework and sampling and training strategy, AlexNet is re-tuned, validated, tested and compared with an existing network. The investigation revealed outstanding performances of the proposed framework in terms of the detection accuracy, precision and F1 measure due to its nonlinear learning ability, training dataset integrity and active learning strategy.
Minerals and phytic acid interactions: is it a real problem for human nutrition?

Summary Because of its high density of negatively charged phosphate groups, phytic acid (PA) forms very stable complexes with mineral ions rendering them unavailable for intestinal uptake. Indeed, the first step in mineral absorption requires that the mineral remains in the ionic state. As the PA content of the diet increases, the intestinal absorption of zinc, iron and calcium decreases. The inhibitory effects of PA on magnesium or copper are more controversial. Nevertheless, PA does not occur alone in foods and is often consumed with various compounds. Phytates are always present in vegetal matrix composed of fibres, minerals, trace elements and other phytomicronutrients. Thus, in order to evaluate mineral absorption from phytate-rich products, all components of diet and food interactions should be considered and it is hard to predict mineral bioavailability in such products by using only the phytate content.
Universal inference

Significance Most statistical methods rely on certain mathematical conditions, known as regularity assumptions, to ensure their validity. Without these conditions, statistical quantities like P values and confidence intervals might not be valid. In this paper we give a surprisingly simple method for producing statistical significance statements without any regularity conditions. The resulting hypothesis tests can be used for any parametric model and for several nonparametric models. We propose a general method for constructing confidence sets and hypothesis tests that have finite-sample guarantees without regularity conditions. We refer to such procedures as “universal. ” The method is very simple and is based on a modified version of the usual likelihood-ratio statistic that we call “the split likelihood-ratio test” (split LRT) statistic. The (limiting) null distribution of the classical likelihood-ratio statistic is often intractable when used to test composite null hypotheses in irregular statistical models. Our method is especially appealing for statistical inference in these complex setups. The method we suggest works for any parametric model and also for some nonparametric models, as long as computing a maximum-likelihood estimator (MLE) is feasible under the null. Canonical examples arise in mixture modeling and shape-constrained inference, for which constructing tests and confidence sets has been notoriously difficult. We also develop various extensions of our basic methods. We show that in settings when computing the MLE is hard, for the purpose of constructing valid tests and intervals, it is sufficient to upper bound the maximum likelihood. We investigate some conditions under which our methods yield valid inferences under model misspecification. Further, the split LRT can be used with profile likelihoods to deal with nuisance parameters, and it can also be run sequentially to yield anytime-valid P values and confidence sequences. Finally, when combined with the method of sieves, it can be used to perform model selection with nested model classes.
Placental OPRM1 DNA methylation and associations with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, a pilot study

Aims: Epigenetic variation of DNA methylation of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) has been identified in the blood and saliva of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). It is unknown whether epigenetic variation in OPRM1 exists within placental tissue in women with OUD and whether it is associated with NOWS outcomes. In this pilot study, the authors aimed to 1) examine the association between placental OPRM1 DNA methylation levels and NOWS outcomes, and 2) compare OPRM1 methylation levels in opioid-exposed versus non-exposed control placentas. Methods: Placental tissue was collected from eligible opioid (n = 64) and control (n = 29) women after delivery. Placental DNA was isolated and methylation levels at six cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites within the OPRM1 promoter were quantified. Methylation levels were evaluated for associations with infant NOWS outcome measures: need for pharmacologic treatment, length of hospital stay (LOS), morphine treatment days, and treatment with two medications. Regression models were created and adjusted for clinical co-variates. Methylation levels between opioid and controls placentas were also compared. Results: The primary opioid exposures were methadone and buprenorphine. Forty-nine (76.6%) of the opioid-exposed infants required pharmacologic treatment, 10 (15.6%) two medications, and average LOS for all opioid-exposed infants was 16.5 (standard deviation 9.7) days. There were no significant associations between OPRM1 DNA methylation levels in the six CpG sites and any NOWS outcome measures. No significant differences were found in methylation levels between the opioid and control samples. Conclusions: No significant associations were found between OPRM1 placental DNA methylation levels and NOWS severity in this pilot cohort. In addition, no significant differences were seen in OPRM1 methylation in opioid versus control placentas. Future association studies examining methylation levels on a genome-wide level are warranted.
Antimicrobial activity and chemical analysis of some edible oils (Clove, Kalonji and Taramira)

Antimicrobial activity of oils of Syzigium aromaticum (Clove), Nigella sativa (Kalonji) and Eruca sativa Miller (Taramira) was checked against bacteria and fungi by agar well diffusion assay. It was found that Gram negative bacteria were more sensitive to these oils as compared to Gram positive bacteria. Klebsiella pneumonia, Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella were found to be more sensitive organisms showing large zones of inhibition. Taramira showed highest antifungal potential as compared to other tested oils. Further, oils were also checked in combination with each other and with antibiotics but no significant results were obtained. Activity units of Kalonji, Taramira and Clove oils were found to be 160, 20 and 160 AU/ml, respectively. Clove and Kalonji oils have higher MICs (that is, 1:4) as compared to Taramira oil (that is, 1:2). Effects of S. aromaticum and N. sativa oils on growing cells of K. pneumonia were found to be bactericidal. Moreover oils were chemically analyzed to determine their composition where moisture content was found to be 9.22% for Clove, 7.79% for Kalonji and 12.25% for Taramira. Acid values of Clove, Kalonji and Taramira oils were found to be 0.418, 1.673 and 0.334%, respectively whereas iodine values of Kalonji and Taramira oils were found to be 23.173 and 41.950 ml, respectively. Current study was focused to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal potential of natural edibles that is, Clove, Kalonji and Taramira oils in order to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria and fungi. Taramira can be used to treat fungal infections as it exhibits maximum activity against tested fungi. Thus we can conclude that these oils can be used as bio control agents to treat bacterial and fungal infections. Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Clove, Kalonji, Taramira, chemical analysis African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(46) 4347-4354
Coexistence of the tiger and the common leopard in a prey-rich area: the role of prey partitioning

Ecological theory predicts that sympatric species should avoid competition through diet, spatial and/or temporal partitioning. In carnivores, interference is widespread between species with similar diets. Smaller species are expected to differentiate their diet from that of larger, dominant ones, to reduce the risk of potentially lethal encounters. Interference has been reported between tigers and common leopards, with the former dominant over the latter. In 2009–2011, in an area of Terai, South-West Nepal, we assessed food habits and prey selection of tigers and common leopards, to evaluate whether prey partitioning occurred between these large cats. Prey availability was high, both in terms of number of species (at least seven wild ungulates beside livestock, two primates and an array of smaller prey) and density (large ungulates, livestock and primates: 130.8–174.8 individuals per km2). Wild vertebrates were the staple of both cats (tigers: 82.7%; common leopards: 66.6%), but common leopards used livestock significantly more than tigers did. Diet breadth of leopards was c. 20% larger than that of tigers, indicating a broader trophic niche. Significant differences in prey use and selection occurred between tigers and leopards, with the former using large (i.e. >100 kg) prey more often and small (i.e. 5–25 kg) prey less often than the latter did. Medium-sized prey were taken in comparable proportions by the two cats, with a great overlap of diet (Pianka index: 0.85). In conclusion, in our study area, apparently tigers and leopards did not base their coexistence on diet partitioning, suggesting a major role for spatial and/or temporal partitioning.
The Impact of the Change of Water Polo Rules on the Game Dynamics

This research aimed to identify a change in the dynamics of the water polo game related to identifying differences in the number of goals scored before and after the introduction of the current 2019 rules. The sample analyzed 96 matches from the 2018 and 2020 European Water Polo Championships. The sample of variables included five variables for both subsamples, which referred to the total number of goals scored in the match, as well as the total number of goals per quarter. By applying the T-test for small independent samples, it was determined that at a statistically significant level, a higher number of goals was achieved in the third and fourth quarters, as well as the total number of goals in the 2020 European Championship in Hungary, compared to the 2018 European Championship in Spain. No statistically significant differences were found in the variables related to the total number of goals in the first and second quarters of the water polo match. The rule change, which came into force in 2019, was driven by changes in the game that directly reflected in a more dynamic game that resulted in more goals per game as well as in the final quarter of the game. These changes were undoubtedly preceded by changes in the total number of attacks, faster swimming, more frequent shots, which should definitely be determined by additional research.
Do Shifts in Late-Counted Votes Signal Fraud? Evidence from Bolivia

Shifts in late-counted votes often spark unfounded claims of electoral fraud. These claims exploit the early-count mirage: the expedient illusion that, absent fraud, an early advantage will persist. We characterize the early-count mirage and evaluate associated fraud claims in four disputed elections, focusing on the case of Bolivia in 2019. When late-counted votes delivered a narrow victory for the incumbent, fraud accusations followed—with dramatic political consequences. But we find that the vote-share trend can be explained without invoking fraud and that the allegedly suspicious shift in late-counted votes was actually an artifact of methodological and coding errors on the part of electoral observers. We document similar patterns in the other three cases. The details are context specific, but the core insights are general: time trends from legitimate vote-counting processes are far more varied—and errors in influential analysis far more frequent—than election skeptics allege.
Contributed Article, A review of the impacts of aquaculture and artificial waterways upon coastal ecosystems in the Gulf (Arabian/Persian) including a case study demonstrating how future management may resolve these impacts

Abstract Preliminary calculations indicate that western Gulf intertidal mud and sand flat habitats such as those found in Kuwait may contribute some 30 percent of the gross marine productivity for this state, more than double that of any other intertidal biotope. Mud flats are dominated by a microbial mat system; recent application of the stable isotope ratio technique confirms a link between mat production and commercial fish and shrimp species. These findings demonstrate the importance of intertidal productivity so that dredging and coastal reclamation represent one of the most serious impacts on the Gulf environment. In addition, Gulf fish stocks are now fully exploited and many Gulf countries are placing further stress on coastal ecosystems through the development of aquaculture. Most of these countries now have coastal management plans with zoning of areas for conservation, recreation and development and future planning prioritization should ensure sustainability of marine biodiversity, fisheries, aquaculture, aesthetic and recreational values for coastal habitats during development. Recent coastal construction projects in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait demonstrate that even within development zones it is possible to mitigate impact and even expand areas of marine productivity. Key factors are multidisciplinary approaches to design, which promote good water circulation, avoid stagnation, prevent salinity rise due to evaporation and sustain water of bathing quality. It is suggested that artifically created lagoons and waterways could be managed to provide nursery areas suitable for fishery stock enhancement.
Distribution pattern of ZO-1 and claudins in the epididymis of vampire bats

ABSTRACT Epithelial cells connect with each other by tight junctions (TJs) in several tissues. In epididymides, TJs proteins form the blood-epididymis barrier (BEB), which is crucial for male fertility. However, little is known about BEB morphological and physiological aspects in wild animals. This study examines the region-specific distribution pattern of TJs proteins in D. rotundus’ epididymis, assessing their regulation in rainy and dry season. The expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and claudins (Cldn)-1, −3, and −4 were evaluated by confocal immunofluorescence and ELISA analysis. Herein, ZO-1 was strictly expressed in TJs, whereas Cldns were expressed in TJs and basolateral membranes of epithelial cells. Their co-localization and intensity of expression varied in the epididymal regions examined. The effect of season on protein expression was detected mainly in TJ proteins located in the proximal regions. As such, in the initial segment (IS), Cldn-3 and −4 were detected at low levels in basolateral membranes in the rainy season compared to the dry season. Furthermore, in the distal IS, Cldn-1 expression was lower in TJs of epithelial cells during the rainy season than the dry season. ZO-1 expression was higher in the cauda region than the corpus region by ELISA analysis. Additionally, in the corpus region, ZO-1 expression was higher in TJs during dry season compared to the rainy season. Our study sheds light on the understanding of BEB in D. rotundus, improving the knowledge of their reproductive biology.
Examples of Antitropical and Antiequatorial Distribution of Indo-West-Pacific Fishes

Hubbs (1952) introduced the term "antitropical distribution" in reference to species found north and south of the tropical zone but not in the tropics. To this may be added the term "antiequatorial distribution" for those animals and plants that occur south of the Tropic of Cancer and north of the Tropic of Capricorn but not within the equatorial latitudes. The following species of Indo-West-Pacific fishes not mentioned by Hubbs (1952) exhibit antitropical or antiequatorial distribution. Sphyraena zygaena, Cirrhigaleus barbifer, Meadia abyssalis, Lycodontis eurostus, Diaphus brachycephalus, Lepadichthys frenatus, Adioryx furcatus, Myripristis chryseres, Ostichthys archiepiscopus, O. oligolepis , Zenopsis nebulosa, Neosebastes entaxis, Aploactes aspera, Plectranthias kelloggi, Aulacocephalus temmincki, Amblycirrhitus unimacula, Cirrhitops fasciatus, Cheilodactylus vittatus, Trachurus novaezelandiae, Pseudocaranx dentex, Carangoides equula, Erythrocles schlegeli, Pristipomoides auricilla, Randallichthysfilamentosus, Pentapodus nagasakiensis, Pentaceros richardsoni, Histiopterus acutirostris, Microcanthus strigatus, Chromis chrysura, C. flavomaculata, Chrysiptera starcki, C. tricinctus, Bodianus vulpinus, B. perditio, B. leucostictus, B. izuensis, B. tanyokidus, Choerodon fasciatus, No vaculichthys woodi, Coris picta, Pseudojuloides elongatus, Suezichthys gracilis, Limnichthys fasciatus, Entomacrodus niuafoouensis, Kelloggella oligolepis, Psilogobius mainlandi, Coradion altivelis, Hemitaurichthys thompsoni, Genicanthus watanabei, Centropyge interruptus, Acanthurus leucopareius, Xanthichthys mento, X. lineopunctatus, Thamnaconus modestoides, T. hypargyreus, and Arothronfirmamentum. It is expected that other examples of this discontinuous north-south distribution will be revealed, particularly when systematic studies are completed for some groups of Indo-Pacific fishes in need of revision. Further collecting in tropical areas will undoubtedly invalidate some of the examples listed above as antitropical. THE OCCURRENCE OF THE SAME ORGANISMS to the north and south of the tropical zone but not within the tropics is one of the most interesting phenomena of biogeography. Historically, this phenomenon has been termed "bipolar distribution," or, simply, "bipolarity. " Hubbs (1952) pointed out that there are many patterns of this distribution especially related to latitude: polar, boreal, cool temI Manuscript accepted 15 April 1981. 2Bernice P. Bishop Museum, P.O. Box 19000-A, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819. perate, warm temperate, "and even subtropical. " He proposed the encompassing term "antitropical" for all these patterns collectively, and the term has come into general use. For marine species, there are two presently accepted explanations for antitropical distribution. The most obvious, promulgated by Berg (1933), assumes that the tropical zone was transgressed by cool-water forms at the time of the Ice Ages when the seas were colder, most recently during the late Pleistocene. The other involves descent into the cooler, deeper waters of the tropics, an event
Changes in air passenger demand as a result of the COVID-19 crisis: using Big Data to inform tourism policy

Abstract This paper develops a methodology for the early detection of reactivation of tourist markets to help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, using Skyscanner data on air passenger searches (>5,000 million) and picks (>600 million), for flights between November 2018 and December 2020, through ForwardKeys. For future travel during the May to September 2020 period, the desire to travel (based on the number of flight searches) has dropped by about 30% in Europe and the Americas, and by about 50% in Asia, while intention to travel (the number of flight picks, the final selections amongst flight searches) has dropped a further 10–20%. Most source markets remain optimistic about air travel during the last quarter of 2020, suggesting a U shape recovery. However, optimism has dwindled as time passes, suggesting a flatline L shape. A traffic light dashboard for domestic and inbound air travel demand to Spain shows how destination managers might use Big Data relating to the early recovery of key source markets to develop targeted marketing strategies. We show how Big Data provides timely granular data essential in highly volatile situations, and we argue that destination management organisations must improve their Big Data analytical and evidence-based, decision-making skills. Video abstract Read the transcript Watch the video on Vimeo