Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Coccidioidomycosis in the Veterans Health Administration, 2013–2022

We describe the epidemiology of coccidioidomycosis among a national cohort of Veterans. Using electronic health record data from adults tested for coccidioidomycosis between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2022, we analyzed differences in baseline demographics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, birth country, comorbidities, residence, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score) between 4204 coccidioidomycosis-test-positive and 63,322 test-negative Veterans. Log-binomial regression models with adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) were used to evaluate risk factors associated with coccidioidomycosis including dissemination, hospitalization, and mortality. Case counts and incidence rates were highest in select counties in Arizona and California where Coccidioides is endemic. Coccidioidomycosis-positive Veterans were younger, more likely to be male, and Philippine-born. The risk factors most highly associated with being coccidioidomycosis-positive included Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (aRR 1.068 [95%CI: 1.039–1.098]), Asian (aRR 1.060 [95%CI: 1.037–1.083]), Black (aRR 1.029 [95%CI: 1.022–1.036]), American Indian/Alaska Native (aRR 1.026 [95%CI: 1.004–1.048]) race, and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (aRR 1.021 [95%CI: 1.013–1.028]). Black race (aRR: 1.058 [95%CI: 1.037–1.081]) and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (aRR 1.018 [95%CI: 1.0003–1.036]) were also associated with disseminated coccidioidomycosis, strengthening the evidence for the association of coccidioidomycosis, including severe infections, with specific racial and ethnic groups. There were no statistically significant differences in hospitalization within 45 days of testing or 30-day all-cause mortality. Improving our understanding of coccidioidomycosis risk factors is important for targeted prevention strategies and to reduce delays in diagnosis and ineffective treatment.
Orthogonal Generalized Symmetric Bi-Derivations of Semiprime Rings

The purpose of this paper is to study the notation of orthogonal symmetric generalized biderivations in semiprime rings and we proved orthogonality results. Let (∆1, B1) and (∆2, B2) be two generalized symmetric bi-derivations of R, then the following conditions are equivalent: (i) (∆1, B1) and (∆2, B2) are orthogonal. (ii) For all x, y, z ∈ R, the following relations hold (a) ∆1(x, y)∆2(y, z)+ ∆2(x, y)∆1(y, z) = 0. (b) B1(x, y)∆2(y, z) + B2(x, y)∆1(y, z) = 0. (iii) ∆1(x, y)∆2(y, z) = B1(x, y)∆2(y, z) = 0 , for all x, y, z ∈ R. (iv) ∆1(x, y)∆2(y, z) = 0 , for all x, y, z ∈ R and B1∆2= B1B2 = 0. (v) (∆1∆2, B1B2) is a generalized bi-derivation and ∆1(x, y)∆2(y, z) = 0, for all x, y, z ∈ R.
Shallot growth and yield supported by irrigation and nitrogen application in utilizing dry land area in Mesuji, Lampung Province, Indonesia

Lampung Province, Indonesia local government intended to extend shallot cultivation in Mesuji Regency, Lampung (-3.86, 105.43). Mesuji has 21,863.5 ha dry land area, with unproductive land of 10,325.6 ha which could be potential for growing shallot. However, horticulture crops such as shallot often face obstacles in dry land since dry land characterized with poor soil nutrient and limited water. The objective of this research are to analyze the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and different irrigation volumes on shallot growth and production, investigate shallot suitability to Mesuji agro-climate, and estimate shallot yield potential in Mesuji. The treatments on factorial split block were: without N, 80 kg N ha-1 , 160 kg N ha-1, and 240 kg N ha-1 and the irrigation levels: 25, 50, 75 and 100% of ETc; ETc is crops evapotranspiration. The Mesuji agro-climate was evaluated using standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the yield was simulated by Aquacrop model. The results showed that the effort of shallots production with a high fresh weight of bulbs and biomass in the Mesuji area requested water at least 75% ETc and N fertilizer doses of 160 kg N ha-1. The SPI indicated near normal condition was more than 65%, and drought existed in a small percentage in both places (a total of 16.9% for Brebes the centre of shallot production and 19.43% for Mesuji). The AquaCrop simulation gave a good yield estimation (simulated 19.451 ton ha-1 and observed 17.351 ton ha-1). There is a possibility that shallot will grow well in the Mesuji area even though the quality of the shallot should be further tested.
The influence of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface geometry on local entrainment

In this paper we examine the local entrainment velocity (vn) along the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI) to determine how vn is influenced by the local geometry of the TNTI. Time-resolved, simultaneous particle image velocimetry (PIV) and planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) measurements were taken in the far-field of an axisymmetric jet at Re = 25300. We use isocontours of scalar concentration (Sc 1) to identify the TNTI and implement an interface-tracking technique to determine the local entrainment velocity along the TNTI. The TNTI geometry is characterised using (i) the interface radial position, (ii) the local interface curvature and (iii) the orientation of the TNTI surface. We evaluate the conditional vn characteristics as a function of these three features. There is greater local entrainment when the TNTI is near to the centreline of the jet and in regions of convex curvature. We also consider the interface-normal fluid velocity about the TNTI to understand how the surrounding flow-field shapes these geometric features and influences the local entrainment. There is greater inflow of non-turbulent fluid towards the TNTI when the interface is nearer to the jet centreline and along convex curvatures, which hints at the presence of a turbulent structure that is common to positive local entrainment events along the TNT
Revisiting the measurement of keratinized gingiva: a cross-sectional study comparing an intraoral scanner with clinical parameters

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized gingiva width (KGW), papilla height (PH), and crown ratio (CR) by employing transgingival probing and an intraoral scanner (IOS). Methods This cross-sectional study examined 360 maxillary anterior teeth from 60 patients. GT was assessed using transgingival probing with an endodontic spreader. KGW, CR, and PH were measured using an IOS. One-way analysis of variance, the Student’s t-test, and Spearman correlation coefficients were employed for statistical analysis. Results Higher GT was significantly associated with thinner KGW in the central region (P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in GT between teeth (P=0.06). PH was lower in lateral teeth than in canines (P=0.047), with a PH of 2.99 mm in lateral teeth. The KGW was narrower in canines than in central teeth (P=0.007). A moderate correlation was observed between KGW and PH in the central region (P=0.01), while a weak negative correlation was found between KGW and CR (P=0.043). Conclusions A moderate negative correlation was found between GT and KGW, as well as between PH and KGW in central teeth. In contrast, a weak negative correlation existed between CR and KGW. The PH (2.99 mm) was lower in lateral teeth than in canines. The traditional paradigm, which suggests a positive correlation between KGW and GT, was re-evaluated by measuring KGW using an IOS.
EFFECT OF GEOMETRIC IMPERFECTIONS ON NONLINEAR STABILITY OF CYLINDRICAL SHELLS CONVEYING FLUID

Circular cylindrical shells conveying subsonic flow are addressed in this study; they lose stability by divergence when the flow speed reaches a critical value. The divergence is strongly subcritical, becoming supercritical for larger amplitudes. Therefore the shell, if perturbed from the initial configuration, undergoes severe deformations causin g failure much before the critical velocity predicted by the linear threshold. Both Donnell’s nonlinear theo ry retaining in-plane displacements and the nonlinear Sanders-Koiter theory are used for the shell. The f luid is modelled by potential flow theory. Geometric imperfections are introduced and fully studied. Non classical boundary conditions are used to exactly simulate the conditions of the experiments performe d. Comparison of numerical and experimental results is performed.
How and why pharmaceutical reforms contribute to universal health coverage through improving equitable access to medicines: a case of Ghana

Background Examining how and why a country prioritizes and implements pharmaceutical reforms tends to show complex processes and myriad efforts made toward improving access to medicines. This study examines factors that enabled the prioritization and implementation of selected pharmaceutical reform items and how these factors contributed to improving equitable access to medicines and universal health coverage in Ghana. Methods An analytical framework was developed to identify variables to explore in answering the study questions and frame the analysis and presentation of findings. Documents analyzed included the National Medicines Policies, Health Sector Program of Work, and other health policies. Quantitative data were sourced from databases maintained by World Health Organization and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Results The three main factors, evidence, financial and technical support, and alignment to national and global policies, influenced the prioritization and implementation of access to medicines reforms. The reforms targeted rational selection and use of medicines, medicine pricing, sustainable medicine financing, and regulatory and supply chain systems. Although there were limited quantitative data to quantify access to medicine policies” impact on universal health coverage, it can be reasonably assumed that, in Ghana, access to medicine policies has contributed to financial protection and improved access to quality health services. Conclusion Access to medicine policies targeted at promoting rational medicine selection and use, regulating medicine pricing and improving sustainable financing for medicines as well as the regulatory and supply chain systems arguably contributed to the attainment of UHC and must be sustained. Therefore, data collection and reporting indicators for access to medicines must be prioritized.
Control of Non-affine Systems Using the State-dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE)

The purpose of this paper is to present the application of the state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) method for controlling a class of non-affine nonlinear systems. By mentioning a class of non-affine system, a system with nonlinear states and control inputs is meant. The non-affine in control systems have been secluded in contrast to affine in control systems, especially in the SDRE field. The SDRE method is one of the approaches for solving the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation as a closed loop nonlinear optimal control method. In this work, the SDRE is solved with exact solution (ES) method and online control update (OCU) formulation. The proposed algorithms are verified by three examples which are selected from previous works. The effectiveness of the SDRE is demonstrated through numerical simulations and comparisons with previous works which the SDRE brilliantly outperforms the other techniques in presence of external disturbance.
Inverse problem in high-speed recordings of the vocal folds

Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim.
Comparative prospective study of proximal femoral nail and locking compression plate in subtrochanteric fractures of femur

Introduction : Subtrochanteric fractures of the femur account for 7-44% of all proximal femur fractures. Conservative treatment in these fractures has no role. Two principal options exist for unstable fractures. Either angular locking plate or a sliding neck screw via a closed technique. Proximal femoral nail (PFN) is a newer implant used for internal fixation of peritrochanteric fractures. Objectives : To compare the Radiological and Functional Outcome of Subtrochanteric Fractures treated with proximal femoral nail (PFN) and locking compression plate (LCP) and to evaluate the results. Methodology : The present study was a prospective randomized study on patients with subtrochanteric fractures admitted in department of Orthopaedics, S.M.S. Hospital, Jaipur during May 2012 to Dec 2013. Patients were allotted in PFN (Group 1) and LCP (Group 2) group on random number basis (Chit box method) with 26 patients in each group. Results : The mean duration of surgery in group 1was 53.85 min and in group 2 was 70.77 min. There was increase requirement of blood transfusion in group 2(statistically significant). Mean full weight bearing time was 11.68 weeks in group 1 and 12.40 weeks in group 2(not statistically significant). Mean time for union in group 1 was 13.88 + 1.64 weeks while in group 2 14.16+ 1.99 weeks (not statistically significant). There was increased infection rate in group 2(11.53%) as compare to group 1(3.84%). There was 7.69% varus malunion in group 2 compare to 3.84% varus in group 1. There was 3.84% delayed union in group 1 compare to 7.69% in group2. Limb length discrepancy of 1 cm was present in 3.84% in PFN while 7.69% in LCP group. Complications in both group were comparable. Functional outcome was evaluated in terms of modified Harris hip score. Average score in group 1 was 91.36 and 86.32 in group 2 (statistically significant). Patients in group 2 had experienced more pain around hip. Conclusion: To conclude PFN to be a safe, reliable and successful implant for subtrochanteric femoral fractures. PFN combines the intrinsic advantage by taking less operative time, high rate of union, minimal soft tissue damage, less infection rate and early postoperative rehabilitation.
Method for leveling the signal-to-noise ratio in multichannel functional near-infrared spectroscopy

The difference in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) within functional near-infrared spectroscopic (fNIRS)-measurement channels makes it difficult to compare the significance of the signal amplitude in an individual channel against the baseline or against signals in other channels. The difference in SNR mainly originates from the difference in light loss due to the hair coverage or the optode–scalp contact. During the initial calibration of most commercial fNIRS equipment, the detected signals in different channels are differently amplified such that the system effectively utilizes a dynamic range for measurement. While different amplification rates among the channels realize almost equal signal intensities, they also differently amplify the detection noises. This results in different apparent noises in the fNIRS signals between channels. In order to level the SNRs in all the measurement channels, the system needs to equalize the light intensities received by the detectors instead of changing the signal amplification rates. To realize this novel procedure for leveling the SNR among the channels, we developed an fNIRS system equipped with an optical attenuator at each source and detector. A systematic procedure for modulating the attenuators to level SNR over all channels was mathematically formulated, and the procedure was examined using an optical phantom with a surface covered with air.
Digital skills in tourism and hospitality as a precondition for the sector resilient growth: The case of Serbia

Advanced digital solutions, modern technologies and artificial intelligence have fundamentally transformed the pace of change and existing business models in the tourism and hospitality (T&H) sector. Implementing advanced digital solutions through new and improved tourism products and services can transform the customer experience while increasing the sector's productivity and resilience. However, in order to adequately leverage advanced digital technologies, the T&H sector's workforce must have a sufficient level of digital skills, competencies, and capabilities. Accordingly, this paper aims to assess the digital skills of the T&H sector employees in Serbia and identify the key factors that influence their level. The findings suggest that the digital skills of employees in the T&H sector in Serbia should be improved through formal and informal education in order for the sector to reposition itself in a more resilient and sustainable manner and in line with the 2030 Agenda.
Preserving and enhancing mitochondrial function after stroke to protect and repair the neurovascular unit: novel opportunities for nanoparticle-based drug delivery

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of vascular cells, glia, and neurons that form the basic component of the blood brain barrier. This intricate structure rapidly adjusts cerebral blood flow to match the metabolic needs of brain activity. However, the NVU is exquisitely sensitive to damage and displays limited repair after a stroke. To effectively treat stroke, it is therefore considered crucial to both protect and repair the NVU. Mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) uptake supports NVU function by buffering Ca2+ and stimulating energy production. However, excessive mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake causes toxic mitochondrial Ca2+ overloading that triggers numerous cell death pathways which destroy the NVU. Mitochondrial damage is one of the earliest pathological events in stroke. Drugs that preserve mitochondrial integrity and function should therefore confer profound NVU protection by blocking the initiation of numerous injury events. We have shown that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and efflux in the brain are mediated by the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter complex (MCUcx) and sodium/Ca2+/lithium exchanger (NCLX), respectively. Moreover, our recent pharmacological studies have demonstrated that MCUcx inhibition and NCLX activation suppress ischemic and excitotoxic neuronal cell death by blocking mitochondrial Ca2+ overloading. These findings suggest that combining MCUcx inhibition with NCLX activation should markedly protect the NVU. In terms of promoting NVU repair, nuclear hormone receptor activation is a promising approach. Retinoid X receptor (RXR) and thyroid hormone receptor (TR) agonists activate complementary transcriptional programs that stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, suppress inflammation, and enhance the production of new vascular cells, glia, and neurons. RXR and TR agonism should thus further improve the clinical benefits of MCUcx inhibition and NCLX activation by increasing NVU repair. However, drugs that either inhibit the MCUcx, or stimulate the NCLX, or activate the RXR or TR, suffer from adverse effects caused by undesired actions on healthy tissues. To overcome this problem, we describe the use of nanoparticle drug formulations that preferentially target metabolically compromised and damaged NVUs after an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. These nanoparticle-based approaches have the potential to improve clinical safety and efficacy by maximizing drug delivery to diseased NVUs and minimizing drug exposure in healthy brain and peripheral tissues.
NEUTRON-ANTINEUTRON TRANSITIONS: EXPLORING B – L VIOLATION WITH QUARKS

OF DISSERTATION NEUTRON-ANTINEUTRON TRANSITIONS: EXPLORING B − L VIOLATION WITH QUARKS In the Standard Model (SM), the quantity baryon number (B) − lepton number (L), B − L, is perfectly conserved. Therefore, the observation of B − L violation would reveal the existence of physics beyond the SM. Traditionally, given the severe experimental constraints on |∆B| = 1 processes, B − L violation with baryons is probed via neutron-antineutron (n − n̄) oscillations, although this process suffers from quenching in the presence of external fields or matter. In this dissertation, we discuss another possibility, n − n̄ conversion, in which the |∆B| = 2 process appears with an external source. We start with the Lorentz invariant B − L violating operators of lowest mass dimension and show how the appearance of constraints on the “arbitrary” phases in the discrete symmetry transformations help restrict the possible low energy n − n̄ transformation operators. To explain the appearance of CPT odd n−n̄ transition operators (although they eventually vanish due to the fermion anticommutation relations), we connect it to theories of self-conjugate isofermions and show that the appearance of n− n̄ oscillations cannot occur in pure Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) in the chiral limit. We then show how n − n̄ conversion can be free from quenching and demonstrate one way how it can be connected to n− n̄ oscillations since the quarks carry electromagnetic charge. Effective field theory is utilized to find the quark-level conversion operators and to determine the coupling parameter associated with the nuclear-level conversion operators. Finally, we argue how n− n̄ conversion can provide a complementary probe to oscillation experiments. We discuss possible n− n̄ conversion proposals and explicitly show how n− n̄ conversion experiments can set limits on the scale of B−L violation.
Are middle school mathematics teachers able to solve word problems without using variable?

ABSTRACT Many people consider problem solving as a complex process in which variables such as x, y are used. Problems may not be solved by only using ‘variable. ’ Problem solving can be rationalized and made easier using practical strategies. When especially the development of children at younger ages is considered, it is obvious that mathematics teachers should solve problems through concrete processes. In this context, middle school mathematics teachers' skills to solve word problems without using variables were examined in the current study. Through the case study method, this study was conducted with 60 middle school mathematics teachers who have different professional experiences in five provinces in Turkey. A test consisting of five open-ended word problems was used as the data collection tool. The content analysis technique was used to analyze the data. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that the most of the teachers used trial-and-error strategy or area model as the solution strategy. On the other hand, the teachers who solved the problems using variables such as x, a, n or symbols such as Δ, □, ○, * and who also felt into error by considering these solutions as without variable were also seen in the study.