Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Lead Predictions of Warm Season Droughts in South Korea Using North Atlantic SST

Understanding and predicting warm season (May–October) droughts is critically important in South Korea for agricultural productivity and water resource management. Using a 6-month standardized precipitation index ending in October (SPI6_Oct), we investigate the interannual variability of warm season droughts and the related large-scale atmospheric circulations for the most recent 20-yr period (1995–2014). Cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulations to the east of Japan (in the North Pacific) tend to induce warm season droughts (wetness) by suppressing (enhancing) moist water transport from the south of the Korean Peninsula. These circulation patterns to the east of Japan are linked to a barotropic Rossby wave–like teleconnection pattern from the North Atlantic to East Asia, which is found to be responsible for the interannual variability of SPI6_Oct. This teleconnection pattern is highly correlated with the difference in sea surface temperature (SST) between the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea (referred to as NA_dipole) in January–March (r = 0.68), which modulates the snow depth over the Ural Mountains in spring and the sea ice concentration over the Barents Sea during the entire warm season. Two drought prediction models, an empirical model and a hybrid machine learning model, are developed and tested for their predictive skills for South Korea. An empirical prediction model using NA_dipole as one of the predictors is found to accurately capture the interannual variability of SPI6_Oct (r2 = 53%). NA_dipole is found to improve the predictive skills of the hybrid machine learning drought prediction model, especially for longer lead times. Our results emphasize the significant role of North Atlantic SST anomalies in warm season medium-range droughts in South Korea.
Progress towards Schistosomiasis Elimination: Application of Sensitive Diagnostic Techniques

Objective: Pursuing successful control programs aiming at schistosomiasis elimination, the diagnostic performance of Kato-Katz, urine Circulating Cathodic Antigen (CCA) point of care rapid test and real-time PCR techniques were compared for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni among school children with different infection intensities. Methods: Stool and urine samples were collected from 110 school children after obtaining the consent of their parents and school guardians. The study was conducted in Motobus village, Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt. The collected stool samples were examined after Kato Katz (two slides, 41.7 mg each). Urine specimens were examined for S. haematobium by filtration technique and were tested for S. mansoni by POC-CCA. For of real time PCR, part of each stool sample was kept at -20°C until used. Results: All the examined children were negative for S. haematobium. The performance of the three tests revealed that examination of double Kato-Katz smears detected S. mansoni infection in 51% of school children, where most of them had low infection intensity (64%). However, higher S. mansoni prevalence of 83% and 60% were diagnosed by real-time PCR and CCA, respectively. It was also found that real-time PCR detected a higher proportion of S. mansoni negative cases after Kato-Katzcompared to CCA (70% and 22%) respectively. Kato-Katz, CCA and real time PCR showed similar results with moderate and heavy infection intensities. Increasing the number of cycles of real time PCR to 40 cycles could detect the low infection intensity. Conclusion: To move towards schistosomaisis elimination, real time PCR due to its great sensitivity is suitable for established control programs to detect cases overlooked by Kato-Katz technique and CCA test. The adoption of this technique can enhance the monitoring of Schistosomiasis mansoni control measures in pre-elimination or elimination settings. Citation: Allam AF, Farag HF, Osman MM, Hagras NA, Ahmed MAR, et al. (2018) Progress towards Schistosomiasis Elimination: Application of Sensitive Diagnostic Techniques. Prim Health Care 8: 305. doi: 10.4172/2167-1079.1000305
Event-Triggered Robust Fuzzy Adaptive Finite-Time Control of Nonlinear Systems With Prescribed Performance

In this article, an event-triggered robust fuzzy adaptive prescribed performance finite-time control strategy is presented for a class of strict-feedback nonlinear systems with external disturbances. The relative-threshold-based event-triggered signal is introduced to reduce communication burden, and the dynamic surface control technique is applied to address the computational complexity problem. A disturbance observer is designed to estimate the compounded disturbances, which are composed of external disturbances and fuzzy approximation errors. The proposed control strategy can guarantee that the closed-loop system is semiglobally practically finite-time stable, and the tracking error converges to a small residual set by incorporating the prescribed performance bound in finite-time. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed robust fuzzy control strategy.
Brain Changes during Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: Clarifying the Marijuana Medicine/Harm Dichotomy

Marijuana is the most widely consumed recreational drug in the world. In Canada, physicians are experiencing increasing pressure to prescribe medical marijuana, with proposed legalization coming in late 2018. The use of marijuana in the psychiatric population is increasing, and the prescribing process is largely unregulated. In spite of several medicinal indications, chronic marijuana use is associated with serious consequences including early-onset psychosis, addiction, persistent psychosocial dysfunction, and neuropsychological abnormalities.In this paper, we present the first spectral electroencephalography (EEG) study of brain changes during cannabis-induced psychosis coupled with a comprehensive review of the literature on medicinal and recreational marijuana use. The findings suggest that psychotic symptoms following cannabis are distinct from schizophrenic and affective psychoses, and occur as the consequence of a generalized shift to right hemispheric dominance. This is coupled with abnormal activation sources in the excitatory beta and gamma bands in the left temporo-parietal region, with impaired engagement of the relevant networks in both cognitive and spatial goal-directed tasks. Detailed recommendations for public education and prescribing process of medicinal marijuana use are discussed.
Knowledge, attitudes and practice survey on blood-borne diseases among dental health care workers in Georgia.

INTRODUCTION In Georgia limited data exists about awareness of blood borne-diseases among dental health care workers (DHCW). METHODOLOGY To assess DHCW knowledge, attitudes and practices related to infection control practice guidelines designed to limit transmission of blood-borne diseases, a cross-sectional study was conducted. All respondents were asked to voluntarily complete a self-administered questionnaire. Doctors of Dental Medicine, nurses, and dental residents were recruited from 13 private and governmental dental units in three large Georgian cities: Tbilisi (the capital city), Batumi (Western Georgia) and Rustavi (Eastern Georgia). RESULTS Of 244 DHCWs recruited, 196 (80%) agreed to participate. Nearly 42% DHCWs did not know the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Georgia. Knowledge about risk factors for transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HCV and HBV was low; correct response proportions among all DHCWs were 45.3%, 37.9% and 34.2% for these pathogens, respectively. The 59.7% of DHCWs were uninformed about post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Only 37.3% reported being well informed on infection control guidelines. Nearly all (95.6%) DHCWs expressed interest in receiving additional education on occupational transmission of blood-borne pathogens. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the study suggests DHCWs are aware they have insufficient knowledge of universal precautions. There is a need for developing a continuous education program that is accessible to practicing DHCWs.
The Valuation of the Operational Flexibility of the Energy Investment Project Based on a Gas-Fired Power Plant

This paper presents an attempt to the valuation of the operational flexibility of the energy investment project based on the example of combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT). For this purpose, the real options approach (ROA), net present value (NPV) method, and the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation have been used. Motivations to take up such a topic result from the fact that traditional valuation methods neglect flexibility embedded in CCGT assets. Operational flexibility was defined as the switching option to dynamically shut down and restart gas units. Valuation of the operational flexibility, the project’s extended net present value (XNPV), was based on a discounted cash flow model. The Monte Carlo simulation, allowing for better replication of the stochastic nature of market factors and some technical parameters, was introduced to the valuation model. The obtained results indicate that the value of the options significantly influences the NPV of the analyzed technology and its risk profile. The NPV was calculated at −169.1 million USD, while the XNPV amounted to 102.5 million USD. This difference, compared to the NPV distribution range at a significance level of 0.05, was more than 8.1% (almost 10.4% for α = 0.1). The results achieved help to explain the significance of the operational flexibility in the modeling profitability of CCGT technologies.
Crowd intelligence for sustainable futuristic intelligent transportation system: a review

Connected vehicles and fully automated driving systems are the main objectives of the future transportation system. A safe interactive system that interacts with people and things is essential to achieve these objectives. In this context, a crowd intelligence system plays a key role in interactive system development. Crowd intelligence is a combined method of data collection, integration and analysis from devices such as the smartphones, wearables, vehicles and a wide range of Internet of Things applications to use them as sensors. This collective feedback-driven interactive method is opportunistic for the development of the future transportation system. In this study, a survey is conducted considering crowd-intelligence techniques for the transportation system. From this survey, various challenges of the intelligent transportation system have been outlined and crowd-intelligent solutions have been discussed. A layered structure of transportation system architecture is suggested considering various problems in each layer and its crowd-intelligent solutions. The crowd-intelligence-based mobility, traffic control, traffic prediction, parking solutions have been discussed in this survey. Moreover, the importance of crowd-intelligent techniques and its applicability is discussed for sustainable development of futuristic transport infrastructure.
The Comprehensive Study of Low Thermospheric Sodium Layers during the 24th Solar Cycle

The low thermospheric sodium layer (LTSL) is the separate sodium atom layer above 105 km. Based on 11,607 h of lidar observations from Yanqing (40.5° N, 116.0° E) from 2010 to 2016, we found 38 LTSLs wherein the peak densities were more than five percent above those of the main sodium layers. This work presents the peak altitudes, peak local times and peak densities of the LTSLs as well as the long-term characteristics of the seasonal and inter-annual variations of LTSLs. We analyzed the correlation between the LTSL and sporadic E layer (Es). The seasonal variation trends of the occurrences of LTSL and Es are similar, and the results showed that 95% of the LTSLs were accompanied by Es. We also found that 69% of the LTSL cases exhibited apparent downward phase progressions, while the descending rates of the LTSLs are consistent with the phase speeds of the tide.
Congenital hypodontia in three horses diagnosed by computed tomography

Summary Dental agenesis is a congenital disease de ﬁ ned as failure of formation of one or more teeth, which has been extensively described in human literature and that has been documented in several other species including cats, dogs, seals and sea lions, mice, and ungulates. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and computed tomographic (CT) features of tooth agenesis in a population of horses. Retrospective review of the imaging records from the Langford Equine Hospital was performed, including all horses that underwent head CT between January 2015 and June 2017. Of a total number of 167 CT scans, three horses with hypodontia were found. All three cases had agenesis of the maxillary 08s and one case had additional agenesis of the 307 and 308 teeth. Delayed resorption of the corresponding deciduous teeth was reported in all cases. The empty space left by the absent teeth was ﬁ lled either by heterogeneous bone tissue alone (two cases) or by a combination of bone and soft tissue (one case). Alignment between teeth was preserved, and there was no displacement of the neighbouring teeth adjacent to the agenesis site. All three horses presented a symmetric pattern of dental agenesis within the maxillary arcades. The maxillary 08s, which are the latest to erupt, were the most affected teeth. This was similar to that reported in human literature, where the teeth that form later during development are the most vulnerable to dental agenesis.
Lung adenocarcinoma as a cause of spontaneous pneumothorax in a cat

A 15-year-old indoor/outdoor female, neutered, domestic European short haired cat was presented to our clinic with a history of neck-elongation and wheezing during inspiration/expiration. The first signs of respiratory disease occurred two weeks before the clinical presentation. After taking of clinical history, clinical examination and basic laboratory tests (complete blood count, blood smear, snap Feline Immunodeficiency Virus / Feline Leukemia Virus Combo test), a lung x-ray was performed showing the presence of left lung atelectasis and pneumothorax. The primary causes of lung atelectasis were not determined. Given that the general condition of the cat was very bad, she was put in an oxygen cage, thoracocentesis was performed, but the animal? s condition did not improve, and 24 hours after clinical presentation, the cat died. Autopsy revealed the presence of a tumor mass on the caudal lobe of the right lung, tumor formation in the area of trachea bifurcation and changes in the liver in the form of four round structures of different sizes. Histopathologically, the existence of primary undifferentiated lung adenocarcinoma with metastases on the liver and trachea was determined.
Comparison of brain CT angiography/venography and temporal bone HRCT scan findings in patients with subjective pulsatile tinnitus in affected side and unaffected side

Introduction: Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) is a discrete repetitive sound that is synchronous with the patient’s pulse. Incidence of abnormal, often treatable and structural findings in patients with PT has been noted to be high, ranging from 44% to 91%. So, accurate diagnosis of pathologic causes is important for treatment and prognosis. Objective: The main objective of our study was evaluation of abnormal findings in temporal bone HRCT scan and CTA/CTV in patients affected by pulsatile tinnitus, and comparing these findings with unaffected ear of the same individuals. Methods: A case-control study was conducted and all the patients who had subjective pulsatile tinnitus with normal physical examinations among outpatient individuals referred to our institution; Rasoul Akram Hospital from September 2015 to august 2017 was included in this study. All patients underwent brain CT Angiography/Venography (CTA/V) and temporal bone high resolution CT scan (HRCT), and their findings were compared. Results: Thirty patients consist of 20 females and 10 males with mean age of 50.83 years were evaluated in this study. Pulsatile tinnitus was unilateral in all patients except one. Comparing results of CTA/V and temporal HRCT scan in the affected ear showed that temporal HRCT scan in 19(63.3%) out of 30 patients reported normal, while CTA/V only in eight (26.6%) of these patients reported normally. So, capability of CTA/V is statistically significant in diagnosis of abnormalities in the affected ear (P=0.012). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that CTA/V can be a more accurate imaging tool than temporal bone HRCT in initial assessment of patients with subjective pulsatile tinnitus and normal physical examination, and should be done as the first imaging tool in these patients.
Italian Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Eucalyptus Firewood

Eucalyptus trees cover about 20 million hectares globally and are used to produce pulp, paper and firewood for domestic uses. From an environmental perspective, these trees have fewer impacts than other crops. In Italy, plantations of eucalyptus can provide a large amount of biomass to satisfy part of the country’s internal demand. However, eucalyptus cultivation is less profitable than cultivation of traditional crops due to the low market prices of wood. This study aims both to analyze the willingness of a sample of Italian consumers to pay for eucalyptus firewood and to investigate the main factors that may affect this willingness. Data are collected from a sample of 231 consumers using a web-based survey. The double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation model is then applied. The findings show that information, the energetic density of firewood, consumers’ interest in environment issues, and the age of respondents are aspects that are positively associated with respondents’ willingness to pay for eucalyptus firewood. Conversely, interest in both firewood species and packaging are factors that reduce consumer willingness to pay for eucalyptus firewood. Even though these results cannot be generalized to the whole Italian population, the findings may indicate new opportunities for eucalyptus, while growing demand for eucalyptus could offer an interesting opportunity for firms to enter the sector and develop marketing strategies targeted towards specific market niches.
Improvement of the mechanical properties of a glass multifilament yarn reinforced ettringitic matrix using an innovative pre-impregnation process

Abstract Fiber reinforced mineral matrix composites have been used increasingly, through the last few decades, to build lightweight and thin structures, and to repair or strengthen old and damaged buildings. However, the reinforcing efficiency of these composites is limited by the low penetrability of cement particles into the space between the inner filaments, leading to a decrease in the composite’s mechanical performance due to the low yarn-matrix bond. To improve this bond, multifilament yarns are usually subjected to wet-process pre-impregnation using mineral or organic powders. However, this method is long, poorly controlled, and can be used only in the prefabrication field. The objective of this work is to compare this conventional pre-impregnation method with an alternative method called dry-process pre-impregnation which allows the production of large-size building elements in site. It is based on an alternating electrostatic field used to impregnate yarns with powder. Classical tensile tests were used to characterize glass yarn/ettringitic matrix composites, and completed by microstructure observations. Three configurations were tested: a dry yarn (D), a yarn pre-impregnated using the wet process (PIW) with ettringitic matrix particles, and a yarn pre-impregnated using the dry process (PID) with three different types of powders. Two composite reinforcement rates are investigated and their effect on the result is discussed. Mechanical and microscopic characterizations shed light on the effect of the pre-impregnation processes. It was found that the tensile behavior of the composite depends on the pre-impregnation method, pre-impregnation powder and reinforcement rate.
Remote-State PWM with Minimum RMS Torque Ripple and Reduced Common-Mode Voltage for Three-Phase VSI-Fed BLAC Motor Drives

A minimum root mean square (RMS) torque ripple-remote-state pulse-width modulation (MTR-RSPWM) technique is proposed for minimizing the RMS torque ripple under reduced common-mode voltage (CMV) condition of three-phase voltage source inverters (VSI)-fed brushless alternating current (BLAC) motor drives. The q-axis current ripple due to an error voltage vector generated between the reference voltage vector and applied voltage vector is analyzed for all pulse patterns with reduced CMV of the RSPWM. From the analysis result, in the MTR-RSPWM, a sector is divided into five zones, and within each zone, pulse patterns with the lowest RMS torque ripple and reduced CMV are employed. To verify the validity of the MTR-RSPWM, theorical analysis, simulation, and experiments are performed, where the MTR-RSPWM is thoroughly compared with RSPWM3 that generates the minimum RMS current ripple. From the analytical, simulation, and experimental results, it is shown that the MTR-RSPWM significantly reduces the RMS torque ripple under a reduced CMV condition at the expense of an increase in the RMS current ripple, compared to the RSPWM3.
Effect of Nurses' Perception of Patient Safety Culture on Reporting of Patient Safety Events

Purpose: This study was done to examine factors influencing nurses" perception of patient safety culture in reporting of patient safety events. Methods: Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 305 nurses who were involved in direct patient care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regressions with SPSS/WIN version 24.0. Results: Patient safety events were reported as follows: 4.60±0.63 for harmful incidents, 4.02±0.82 for no harm incidents, and 3.59±0.97 for near misses. Patient safety event reporting was significantly positively correlated with patient safety culture. Regression analysis showed, factors influencing reports of harmful incidents were‘feedback and communication about error’,‘supervisor/manager expectations’and‘carrier of hospital’. Factors influencing reports of no harm incidents were‘feedback and communication about error’. Factors influencing reports on near-misses were ‘teamwork across units’, ‘overall perceptions of safety’, and ‘feedback and communication about error’. Conclusion: Findings show that reports of near misses are relatively low and need to be strengthened. These results provide evidence that reporting on patient safety events would be enhanced through improved patient safety culture. Hospital managers could identify factors that affect reporting of each patient safety event and use it to develop intervention programs for risk management.
Inexperienced, Addicted, at Risk. How Young People Describe Their Parents’ Use of Digital Media

If we look at the relationship between young people and adults in terms of their usage of digital technologies, we can see that the studies conducted to date have paid little attention to adult users. Thanks to interviews and autoethnographic diaries, the present study looks at how young people view their parents’ use of digital media. A ‘mediologic approach’ help us to look at the inter-generational relationships and the role of digital technologies from the young people’s perspective, in an effort to shed light on those spaces in the discourse where expectations, stereotypes and generational boundaries are constructed. Young people’s views are on a continuum with a shared rhetoric that now sees digital media as an established element in our social ecology, but also as a phenomenon capable of modifying human behaviour. Young people’s narratives reveal an interesting picture: they worry about the older generation’s use of these technologies. The study shows how interviewees interiorized the rhetoric digital native vs. digital immigrants moving the focus from the technical plane to the social one and emphasizing a role for the young who can occupy an independent space, uninfluenced by the classical hierarchies.