Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes of Shunting in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

Background: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is characterized by the triad of dementia, gait disturbance and urinary incontinence, all potentially reversible following a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of shunting in normal pressure hydrocephalus following a new standardized protocol. Methods: This study is designed according to the STROBE guidelines. Demographical, clinical, surgical and radiological data were collected from May 2015 to November 2019. Gait, balance and incontinence data based on the NPH European scale were collected before and after one, six and twelve months of treatment with a VPS. Clinical symptoms and changes of the stoke volume, measured on phase-contrast MRI, were used to evaluate improvement after VPS surgery. Results: One hundred and eighty-one consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 73.1 years (59–86) and mean follow-up was 38.3 months (13–50). The gait (58.5 ± 14.3 to 70.1 ± 13.4, p < 0.001), the balance (66.7 ± 21.5 to 71.7 ± 22.1, p = 0.001), continence domain (69.9 ± 20.5 to 76 ± 20, p = 0.002) scores and neuropsychological scales showed a statistically significant improvement over the follow-up. The overall improvement after 12 months was present in 91.2% of patients. An overall complication rate of 8.8% and a reoperation rate of 9.4% were recorded, respectively. Conclusions: Surgical treatment by VPS for NPH improves symptoms in most patients, when accurately selected. A standardized protocol and a multidisciplinary team dedicated to this disorder is needed to achieve an early and correct diagnosis of NPH. Follow-up with stroke volume measurement is a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of shunt malfunction or the need for valve adjustment.
Faecal Microbiota in Infants and Young Children with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Systematic Review

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) refer to gastrointestinal tract issues that lack clear structural or biochemical causes. Their pathophysiology is still unclear, but gut microbiota alterations are thought to play an important role. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the faecal microbiota of infants and young children with FGIDs compared to healthy controls. A systematic search and screening of the literature resulted in the inclusion of thirteen full texts. Most papers reported on infantile colic, only one studied functional constipation. Despite methodological limitations, data show alterations in microbial diversity, stability, and colonisation patterns in colicky infants compared to healthy controls. Several studies (eight) reported increases in species of (pathogenic) Proteobacteria, and some studies (six) reported a decrease in (beneficial) bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. In addition, accumulation of related metabolites, as well as low-grade inflammation, might play a role in the pathophysiology of infantile colic. Infants and toddlers with functional constipation had significantly lower levels of Lactobacilli in their stools compared to controls. Microbial dysbiosis and related changes in metabolites may be inherent to FGIDs. There is a need for more standardised methods within research of faecal microbiota in FGIDs to obtain a more comprehensive picture and understanding of infant and childhood FGIDs.
Financial resources for research and innovation in small and larger firms: Is it a case of the more you have, the more you do?

ABSTRACT Our study analyses how firms’ internal financial resources impact their engagement in scientific research, development, and five innovation activities. Furthermore, we investigate how firm-size moderates the impact of firms’ internal financial resources on scientific research, development, and innovation. Our approach provides novel insights regarding whether more money leads to more research and innovation, a topic that remains highly contested in the literature. Our analysis uses a novel unbalanced panel dataset of 1,446 firms in Ireland, over the period 2008–2016. Levels of internal financial resources are found to positively impact larger-sized firms’ (50+ employees) engagement in scientific research, process innovation and product innovation. However, such resources tend to hinder small-sized firms’ (less than 50 employees) engagement in service and organisational innovation. Our research refines innovation theory by reconciling contrasting views regarding the importance of financial resources for research and innovation, and offers novel insights for informing related public policy interventions.
Numerical and experimental studies of flow field in hydrocyclone with air core

For the flow field in a d50 mm hydrocyclone, numerical studies based on computational fluid dynamics(CFD) simulation and experimental studies based on particle image velocimetry(PIV) measurement were carried out respectively. The results of two methods show that air core generally forms after 0.7 s, the similar characteristics of air core can be observed. Vortexes and axial velocity distributions obtained by numerical and experimental methods are also in good agreement. Studies of different parameters based on CFD simulation show that tangential velocity distribution inside the hydrocyclone can be regarded as a combined vortex. Axial and tangential velocities increase as the feed rate increases. The enlargement of cone angle and overflow outlet diameter can speed up the overflow discharge rate. The change of underflow outlet diameter has no significant effect on axial and tangential velocities.
Ban-Lan-Gen Granule Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Chronic Relapsing Colitis in Mice via Regulating Gut Microbiota and Restoring Gut SCFA Derived-GLP-1 Production

Purpose GLP-1 based therapy represents a new treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease. Ban-Lan-Gen (BLG) granule, a known anti-viral TCM formulation, exhibits potential anti-inflammatory activities in treating various kinds of inflammation. However, its anti-inflammatory effect on colitis and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Methods Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced chronic relapsing colitis in mice was established. The disease activity index, histological sign of damage, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines were performed to assess the protective effects of BLG. Serum GLP-1 level and colonic Gcg, GPR41 and GRP43 expression, the community compositions of gut microbiota, the levels of SCFAs in the feces and GLP-1 release from primary murine colon epithelial cells were performed to characterize the effects of BLG on gut microbiota and gut SCFA derived-GLP-1 production. Results BLG treatment significantly alleviated body weight loss, DAI, colon shortening, colon tissue damage, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the colon tissues. Moreover, BLG treatment could observably restore colonic Gcg, GPR41 and GRP43 expression and serum GLP-1 level of colitic mice, as well as correct the alteration of gut microbiota in colitic mice by increasing the abundances of SCFA-producing bacteria, eg, Akkermansia and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, and decreasing the abundances of bacteria, eg, Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Intestinimonas, and Oscillibacter. Furthermore, BLG treatment could markedly increase the levels of SCFAs in feces of colitic mice. In parallel, ex vivo assay also showed that and the extract of feces from BLG-treatment mice could greatly stimulate the secretion of GLP-1 from primary murine colon epithelial cells. Conclusion These findings suggest that the anti-colitis effects of BLG are achieved at least partly by regulating gut microbiota and restoring gut SCFA derived-GLP-1 production, and BLG has the potential to be developed as a promising agent for the treatment of chronic relapsing colitis.
An Approach to Predict Geometrically and Thermo-Mechanically Induced Stress Concentrations in Ribbed Reinforcing Bars

Ribbed reinforcing steel bars (rebars) are used for the reinforcement of concrete structures. In service, they are subjected to cyclic loading. Several studies addressing the relationship between rib geometry, stresses at the rebar surface induced by service loads and the rebar fatigue performance can be found in literature. However, the rebar’s fatigue performance is also influenced by residual stresses originating from the manufacturing process. In this contribution, a modeling approach is proposed to examine geometrically and thermo-mechanically induced stress concentrations in ribbed reinforcing bars made of the steel grade B500B. A linear-elastic load stress analysis and a thermo-mechanical analysis of the manufacturing process are conducted. The results are discussed and compared to literature results. In case of the load stress analysis, the results agree well with findings reported in literature and extend the current state of knowledge for B500B rebars with small diameters. In case of the thermo-mechanical analysis, compressive residual stresses at the rebar surface between two ribs and tensile residual stresses in the longitudinal direction at the tip of the ribs can be reported.
Simple renal cysts: no longer simple?

Copyright © 2022 The Korean Association of Internal Medicine This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Simple renal cysts: no longer simple?
Virtual Learning for Persons with Visual Impairment: An Exploration of Learning Platform in a Home Environment from UTH Special School in Lusaka, Zambia

The purpose of this study was to explore the accessibility of virtual learning platforms for person with visual impairment in the home environment. The study was qualitative in nature and took the form of a case study design. Purposive sampling was used to sample fifteen participants who took part in the study. Emergent from this study was a cluster of digital tools in use such as WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet/ Classroom, or Email applied to access virtual learning. In addition, computers with JAWS, smart phones with speech reader and readily available internet facility, some radios and TVs were required for virtual learning at home. The study found accessibility of virtual learning in a home environment depended on internet connectivity and having rightful gadgets which were user-friendly to individual with visual impairment as well as low socio-economic background as it determined the purchasing power. Further, challenges faced included children’s lack of computers and phones with bundles to go online, poor internet connectivity and unconducive home environment. The study also revealed that parents needed social support and financial support from well-wisher like donor community and government to support them with ICT gadgets specifically designed for children with visual impairment. Besides, they need internet services and with ITC gadgets instilled with speech readers or JAWS. Thus, the study suggested among others, that teacher should start using video and audio-conferencing teaching, open up virtual resources Centre for learners, strength the collaboration between teacher and parents and make pricing of ICT equipment affordable for the visually impaired.
A Survey of Crypto Ransomware Attack Detection Methodologies: An Evolving Outlook

Recently, ransomware attacks have been among the major threats that target a wide range of Internet and mobile users throughout the world, especially critical cyber physical systems. Due to its unique characteristics, ransomware has attracted the attention of security professionals and researchers toward achieving safer and higher assurance systems that can effectively detect and prevent such attacks. The state-of-the-art crypto ransomware early detection models rely on specific data acquired during the runtime of an attack’s lifecycle. However, the evasive mechanisms that these attacks employ to avoid detection often nullify the solutions that are currently in place. More effort is needed to keep up with an attacks’ momentum to take the current security defenses to the next level. This survey is devoted to exploring and analyzing the state-of-the-art in ransomware attack detection toward facilitating the research community that endeavors to disrupt this very critical and escalating ransomware problem. The focus is on crypto ransomware as the most prevalent, destructive, and challenging variation. The approaches and open issues pertaining to ransomware detection modeling are reviewed to establish recommendations for future research directions and scope.
Assessment of Functional Performance, Self-Healing Properties and Degradation Resistance of Poly-Lactic Acid and Polyhydroxyalkanoates Composites

In this study, the applicability of two bacteria-based healing agents (e.g., poly-lactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoate) in blast furnace slag cement (BFSC) mortar has been assessed. An experimental campaign on the functional properties, self-healing capacity, freezing–thawing and carbonation resistance has been conducted in comparison with plain mortar (Ctrl). Due to the relatively low alkalinity of the mixture, the addition of poly-lactic acid healing agents (PLA) caused coarsening of the micro-structure, decrease of strength and did not improve the self-healing capacity of the material. Among other consequences, the mass loss due to the freezing–thawing of PLA specimens was about 5% higher than that of the Ctrl specimens. On the contrary, no detrimental effect of the mortar functional properties was measured when polyhydroxyalkanoate healing agents (AKD) were added. The self-healing capacity of AKD specimens was higher than that of the Ctrl specimens, reaching a maximum healed crack width of 559 µm after 168 days of self-healing, while it was 439 µm for the Ctrl specimens and 385 µm for PLA specimens. The air void content of the AKD mixture was 0.9% higher than that of the Ctrl, increasing its resistance against freezing–thawing cycles. This study aims to confirm the potential applicability of AKD particles as self-healing agents in low-alkaline cementitious mixtures.
Flavonoid intake and its correlation to malondialdehyde serum among reproductive-aged women with obesity

Background: Obesity modulates oxidative stress and can be detected by examining malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels. Flavonoids are natural bioactive ingredients that can be found in various types of vegetables and fruits that function as antioxidants to suppress that oxidative stress. Objective: This study aimed to determine the correlation between flavonoid intake and MDA serum levels in obese women of reproductive age. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kendari, Indonesia from April to October 2021. The purposive sampling method was used to obtain 88 subjects who met the research criteria. Data were collected through interviews covering flavonoids intake using validated SQ-FFQ. Anthropometric measurements were performed to assess nutritional status, and laboratory tests were applied to determine MDA serum levels. Results: The average intake of flavonoids in the subjects was 142,26 ± 56,53 mg per day. Meanwhile, the average MDA serum level in the subjects was 2.16 mol/L, ranging from 1.09 nmol/ml to 6.71 nmol/ml. There was no significant correlation between total flavonoid intake and MDA serum levels in obese women of reproductive age (r=0,188, p=0,079). However, there was a weak correlation between the intake of flavonoid subclasses, namely flavan-3-ols/flavanols and MDA serum levels (r=0.325, p=0.002). Conclusion: We conclude that there was no correlation between total flavonoid intake and MDA serum levels. However, there was a correlation between flavan-3-ols/flavanols and MDA serum levels in the subjects.
Analytical and numerical results for the elasticity and adhesion of elastic films with arbitrary Poisson’s ratio and confinement

ABSTRACT We present an approximate, analytical treatment for the linearly elastic response of a film with arbitrary Poisson's ratio , which is indented by a flat cylindrical punch while resting on a rigid foundation. Our approach is based on a simple scaling argument allowing the vast changes of the elastomer’s effective modulus with the ratio of film height and indenter radius to be described with a compact, analytical expression. This yields exact asymptotics for large and small reduced film heights , whereby it also reproduces the observation that has a pronounced minimum for at . Using Green’s function molecular dynamics (GFMD), we demonstrate that the predictions for are reasonably correct and generate accurate reference data for effective modulus and pull-off force. GFMD also reveals that the nature of surface instabilities occurring during stable crack growth as well as the crack initiation itself depend sensitively on the way how continuum mechanics is terminated at small scales, that is, on parameters beyond the two dimensionless numbers and defining the continuum problem.
APRENDIZAGEM ATIVA EM ADMINISTRAÇÃO: UM ESTUDO DA APRENDIZAGEM BASEADA EM PROBLEMAS (PBL) NA GRADUAÇÃO ACTIVE LEARNING IN ADMINISTRATION: A STUDY OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING (PBL) IN UNDERGRADUATE

This study evaluates the use of the Problem-Based Learning method in the disciplines of the undergraduate degree in Business Administration. In order to answer the research problem and achieve the proposed objectives, an exploratory quantitative approach was used, of the survey type. The data was collected through questionnaires relating to facilitating factors, which were applied to 107 business administration students, after they had taken part in an innovative teaching-learning experiment, using the method under study (PBL). It was found that 77% of the students accepted the methodology, and these of these, 25% accepted it wholeheartedly, while 52% accepted it with some reservations. Students have different learning styles, and not all find it easy to play a more active and collaborative role during this process. Therefore, each group in which PBL is applied should be seen in isolation.
A Data-Driven Model with Feedback Calibration Embedded Blood Pressure Estimator Using Reflective Photoplethysmography

Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) is vital for screening cardiovascular activity. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of BP in adults recommends measuring BP outside the office setting using daytime ABPM. The recommendation to use night–day BP measurements to confirm hypertension is consistent with the recommendation of several other guidelines. In recent studies, ABPM was used to measure BP at regular intervals, and it reduces the effect of the environment on BP. Out-of-office measurements are highly recommended by almost all hypertension organizations. However, traditional ABPM devices based on the oscillometric technique usually interrupt sleep. For all-day ABPM purposes, a photoplethysmography (PPG)-based wrist-type device has been developed as a convenient tool. This optical, noninvasive device estimates BP using morphological characteristics from PPG waveforms. As measurement can be affected by multiple variables, calibration is necessary to ensure that the calculated BP values are accurate. However, few studies focused on adaptive calibration. A novel adaptive calibration model, which is data-driven and embedded in a wearable device, was proposed. The features from a 15 s PPG waveform and personal information were input for estimation of BP values and our data-driven calibration model. The model had a feedback calibration process using the exponential Gaussian process regression method to calibrate BP values and avoid inter- and intra-subject variability, ensuring accuracy in long-term ABPM. The estimation error of BP (ΔBP = actual BP—estimated BP) of systolic BP was −0.1776 ± 4.7361 mmHg; ≤15 mmHg, 99.225%, and of diastolic BP was −0.3846 ± 6.3688 mmHg; ≤15 mmHg, 98.191%. The success rate was improved, and the results corresponded to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation standard and British Hypertension Society Grading criteria for medical regulation. Using machine learning with a feedback calibration model could be used to assess ABPM for clinical purposes.
How News Agencies’ Twitter Posts on COVID-19 Vaccines Attract Audiences’ Twitter Engagement: A Content Analysis

As the most important global news distributors, the big three international news agencies’ reports about COVID-19 vaccines have a great influence on people’s understanding of them. Based on the health belief model (HBM), we examined which constructs in the HBM were related to audiences’ Twitter engagement and the differences among the agencies. We content-analyzed 1162 COVID-19 vaccine-related tweets from three international news agencies’ Twitter accounts (@AFPespanol, @AP, @Reuters) from 2 December 2020 to 31 January 2021. The results showed that the most-used HBM construct was barriers, followed by benefits, susceptibility, cues to action, severity, and self-efficacy. About half of the tweets used a positive tone and nearly half of the tweets used a neutral tone, while only 3.1% of the tweets used a negative tone. Reuters used a significantly more negative tone, more neutral tone, and less positive tone than was expected. AFP used a significantly more positive tone and less neutral tone than was expected. The effectiveness of utilizing HBM constructs for vaccination promotion strongly depends on the audience context. The use of HBM constructs for vaccination was generally effective for Reuters but seems to have backfired for AFP.
Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE): An Umbrella Review

In postpubertal patients, maxillary transverse discrepancy is a common condition often requiring surgical approaches. To overcome the excess morbidity and discomfort, maxillary expansion through miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) was proposed and studied in the last few years. This umbrella review aims to critically appraise the quality of evidence and the main clinical outcomes of available systematic reviews (SRs) on MARPE. An extensive search was carried out in five electronic databases (PubMed-Medline, Cochrane Database of SRs, Scielo, Web of Science, and LILACS) until December 2021. The methodological quality was appraised using the A Measurement Tool to Assess SRs criteria 2 (AMSTAR2). The primary outcome was the methodological quality of SRs. Overall, four SRs were included and analyzed, one of high methodological quality, one of low and two of critically low. Despite the verified methodological constraints, MARPE seems to present significant clinical changes when compared to conventional RPE, SARPE or controls and less adverse clinical outcomes. The quality of evidence produced by the available SRs was not favorable. Future high standard SRs and well-designed clinical trials are warranted to better clarify the clinical protocols and outcomes success of MARPE.