Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Silicone Oil: Different Physical Proprieties and Clinical Applications

Silicone oils are important tools in vitreoretinal surgery because they have the ability to displace aqueous humor from the retinal surface, maintaining the adhesion between retina and retinal pigment epithelium. To understand this capability, it is important to know the silicone oil characteristics. Herein, we report first on the main chemical-physical proprieties and then we review the clinical applications of the current silicone oil which is lighter than water with particular reference to their indications with small gauge vitrectomy. Finally, we describe the surgical techniques to inject and remove this type of silicone oil. In the summary of this paper, we explain why silicone oils are today increasingly used and why their introduction has improved the prognosis of several retinal diseases. In fact, having different types of silicone oils allows us to choose the appropriate endotamponade for every single case.
Discrete Differential Dynamic Programming and Neural Network on Deriving a General Operating Policy of a Multiple Reservoir System : A Case Study in the Mae Klong System, Thailand

: A general operating potiey for a multiple reservoir system operation is derived in this study using the combination ofa discrete differential dynamic programming (DDDP) and a neural network (NN). The combination model is divided into three stages that censist of a DDDP algorithm, a NN algorithn, and a simulation model. In the first stage the eptimal operating policies are derived from the DDDP in association of the genetic algoritlm (GA) using the first set of data. The obtained optimization results are then supplied as the training patterns to the NN to derive a general operating policy. During the training proeess proceeds, the netwotks are evaluated by a simulation model to investigate their performance for anotheT set efdata. The demonstration is carried out through applicatien to the Mae Klong system in Thailand. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the total irrigation deficits during the operation period. The results obtained in this study show that the combination medel perfbrms satisfactorily on deriving a reservoir general operating policy.
CFD Investigation on the Application of Optimum Non-Axisymmetric Endwall
 Profiling for a Vaned Diffuse

In order to improve the performance of a transonic centrifugal compressor stage, non-axisymmetric endwall profiling optimization was conducted for the diffuser under design condition, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) were used to execute the optimization with the objective of maximizing the isentropic efficiency of the compressor stage. The influence mechanism of non-axisymmetric endwall profiling on flow field and performance was discussed. Results show non-axisymmetric endwall profiling is an effective way to significantly reduce the flow loss in the diffuser. The total pressure loss of the diffuser decreases by 9.31% and 20.29% for NA0.70 and NA1.40 respectively. The profiled endwall suppresses the flow separation through accelerating the low-energy flow and reducing lateral pressure gradient. The corresponding high vorticity within the flow separation zone is reduced, which delays the formation and development of the flow separation. The diffuser becomes more fore-loaded, the overall blade loading is not affected, and the pressure ratio of the compressor stage is improved as well. At the outlet of the diffuser, the more uniform flow angle and much lower total pressure loss along spanwise are obtained. However, the backflow with high velocity gathering near the shroud of the diffuser makes the mass flow rate decrease and easily induce the stall, which results in the smaller operating range for both profiled endwall.
Factors Related to High School Dropout Rates Among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Youths in Salt Lake and Utah Counties in Utah

Factors Related to High School Dropout Rates Among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Youths in Salt Lake and Utah Counties in Utah ‘Afa Kehaati Palu Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations, BYU Doctor of Philosophy Researchers across the globe have studied high school dropouts for decades and have identified various factors related to high school dropout rates. These factors have been found to be related to dropout rates among specific ethnic groups, including White, Asian, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic or Latino Origin high school students. However, the factors related to dropout rates among Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander high school students in the U.S. mainland have not been studied. This study was completed to better understand the factors related to dropout rates among Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander high school dropouts. The sample for this study was 13 males and 4 females that dropped out of high schools located in the Salt Lake and Utah counties in Utah. A qualitative analysis of the interview data indicated that peer-, personal-, family-, culture-, and school-related factors were associated with dropout rates among the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander high school dropouts in these two counties. The implications of these findings are explored.
The Impact of Being Homeless on the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19: Systematic Review

Objective: The homeless population experiences inequality in health compared with the general population, which may have widened during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact of being homeless on the outcomes of COVID-19 is uncertain. This systematic review aimed to analyse the impact of experiencing homelessness on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19, including the effects on health inequalities. Methods: A review protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO (PROSPERO registration 2022 CRD42022304941). Nine databases were searched in November 2022 to identify studies on homeless populations which contained primary research on the following outcomes of COVID-19: incidence, hospitalisation, mortality, long COVID, mental wellbeing, and evidence of inequalities. Included studies were summarised with narrative synthesis. Results: The searches yielded 8,233 initial hits; after screening, 41 studies were included. Overall, evidence showed that those in crowded living settings had a higher risk of COVID-19 infection compared to rough sleepers and the general population. The homeless population had higher rates of hospitalisation and mortality than the general population, lower vaccination rates, and suffered negative mental health impacts. Conclusion: This systematic review shows the homeless population is more susceptible to COVID-19 outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the actual impact of the pandemic on this population, and of interventions to mitigate overall risk, given the low certainty of findings from some of the low-quality evidence available. In addition, further research is required to ascertain the impact of long COVID on those experiencing homelessness, since the present review yielded no studies on this topic.
Modeling and Analysis of Adjacent Grid Point Wind Speed Profiles within and Above a Forest Canopy

Abstract : Adjacent grid point profile data from the canopy coupled to the surface layer (C-CSL) model are examined to illustrate the model's capability to represent effects of the surface boundary on wind flow. Vertical cross sections of the wind field and contours of derived momentum flux data are presented. Depictions of the vegetation morphology and terrain elevation data are also given for the areas studied. The C-CSL model provided data for an analysis of the surface layer wind flow within and above five different sections of vegetative canopy. As a result, the modeled wind speed profiles appeared to be in line with experimental observations. Momentum flux (Reynolds stress) data were calculated from the wind speed profile gradients. Within the canopy layer, the structure of the profiles of momentum flux appeared to agree well in contrast to data from two other turbulence closure models. In the layer above the forest canopy top, the structure of the momentum flux profiles were in line with experimental observations. In data-limited areas, this kind of modeling can be used to support land-based operations where the transport and diffusion of smoke, chemicals, or other toxic aerosols in complex terrain are a primary concern.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EARLY MALADAPTIVE SCHEMAS AND WILLINGNESS TO COMMUNICATE (WTC) IN IRANIAN EFL LEARNERS

The current study set out to probe the relationship between Willingness to Communicate (WTC) and different components of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs). Moreover, the study sought to discover whether any subcomponents of the EMSs significantly predicts the WTC of Iranian EFL learners. One hundred fifty intermediate EFL learners took a Nelson test, and 109 learners with scores within the range of ± one standard deviation from the mean were selected. The selected learners filled out two questionnaires measuring WTC and EMSs. The results of statistical analyses indicated that there was a statistically negative and significant relationship between WTC and the seclusion and defect/shyness components of EMSs. Moreover, it was revealed that none of the components of EMSs could significantly predict WTC. Based on the findings, the seclusion and defect/shame components of EMSs should be the focus of more attention if the target is to raise learners’ WTC.
Trace Fossil Protovirgularia McCoy, 1850 from the Nonmarine Cretaceous Jinju formation of the Sacheon area, Korea

The ichnogenus Protovirgularia McCoy, 1850 is reported from nonmarine strata of the Cretaceous Jinju Formation of the Sacheon area Korea. There, the Jinju Formation is composed mainly of fine-grained sandstone, grey to brownish grey mudstone, and shale which were deposited in a freshwater lacustrine environment. This occurrence represents the fist formal recording of the ichnotaxon from Korea and the first, on a global basis, from a nonmarine depositional environment.
Digestive Tolerance and Safety of an Anti-Regurgitation Formula Containing Locust Bean Gum, Prebiotics and Postbiotics: A Real-World Study

Purpose Infant regurgitation is associated with other functional gastrointestinal disorders and signs and symptoms that have a major impact on the quality of life of infants and their families. This study evaluated the safety, tolerance, and real-world effectiveness of an anti-regurgitation formula containing locust bean gum (LBG), prebiotics, and postbiotics to alleviate digestive symptoms beyond regurgitation. Methods This 3-month study involved infants with regurgitation requiring the prescription of an anti-regurgitation formula according to usual clinical practice. Outcomes included evaluation of the evolution of stool consistency and frequency; occurrence of colic, constipation, and diarrhea; and assessment of regurgitation severity. Infant crying, parental assessment of infant well-being, and parental satisfaction with the stool consistency were also evaluated. Results In total, 190 infants (average age: 1.9±1.1 months) were included. After three months, stool frequency and consistency remained within the normal physiological range, with 82.7% of infants passing one or two stools per day and 90.4% passing loose or formed stools. There was no significant increase in the number of infants with diarrhea, whereas a decrease was observed in the number of infants with constipation after 1 month (p=0.001) and with colic after both 1 and 3 months (p<0.001). Regurgitation severity and crying decreased and parental satisfaction with stool consistency, formula acceptability, infant well-being, and sleep quality increased. Monitoring of adverse events did not reveal any safety concerns. Conclusion Formulas containing LBG, prebiotics, and postbiotics were well tolerated and provided an effective strategy for managing infant regurgitation and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Active prokaryotic communities along a thermally and geochemically variable transect in Guaymas Basin hydrothermal sediments

Zena Cardman: Active prokaryotic communities along a thermally and geochemically variable transect in Guaymas Basin hydrothermal sediments (Under the direction of Andreas Teske) The microbial inhabitants of deep-sea vents are genetically and metabolically diverse, and often make a living at the edge of biological temperature limits. Guaymas Basin, a nascent spreading center in the Gulf of California, provides a unique environment in which to study prokaryotic communities across a range of thermal and geochemical niches. Unlike most vents, Guaymas is blanketed in thick sediments, ranging from 3ºC to 200+ºC within half a meter below the sea floor. Microbial mats, including one nicknamed " Megamat, " serve as bull's-eyes for subsurface hydrothermal activity. Here we explore Megamat's subsurface, spanning low-temperature (3º), low-methane (0.3mM) to high-temperature (85º), high-methane (3+ mM) sediments, and the 16S rRNA-based phylogeny of active prokaryotes therein. Pyrosequencing revealed the fewest OTUs yet highest Shannon-Wiener diversity within the hottest sediments. Sequences of Sulfurimonas were nearly ubiquitous, and sequences from the heterotrophic MBGB dominated outside the mat's perimeter. Putative methane cyclers were most abundant within the methane-saturated mat center, including ANME-2c, Methermicoccaceae, Guaymas-specific ANME-1 groups, and a deeply-branching, novel group, " Guaymas Methanomicrobia. " The expected Deltaproteobacterial sulfate reducers were not common in this survey; in fact Archaeoglobus and Thermodesulfobacteria sequences were recovered in exponentially higher abundance in the hottest sediments. Major groups were most similar outside of Megamat and at its edge, in contrast with strikingly core-specific communities in central mat samples. The mat's iv edge appears to be a transition zone hosting sequences found both in the central mat and in bare sediment, while the distinct community assemblages within central Megamat highlight horizontal and vertical variability in Guaymas Basin. Together, these data provide insights into community changes with temperature and substrates at high resolution over small spatial scales. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To Andreas, Carol, and Barbara: I cannot thank you enough! You have been mentors and role models to me since I was a sophomore undergraduate. Chapman and Venable were sites for my scientific coming-of-age. Thank you to the Teske Lab for your friendship, inspiration, and commiseration along the way. You are all family to me in the truest sense. Thank you to Erick Dowell and Srishti Dasarathy, who did an incredible amount of work for this project, and who are just plain excellent company. Thank you to the Martens Lab and Karen Lloyd for temperature and geochemical data, and …
Completed physician and medical student suicides in Turkiye (2006–2021): An explanatory internet-based study

Objective: Among physicians, men are 1.41 times, and women are 2.27 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Physician suicide exhibits a double peak, with the highest incidence occurring in late middle age, and the second peak during the training years. There is a limited number of studies on physician suicides in Turkiye. This study aims to examine completed physician and medical student suicides and explore the associated socio-demographic, professional, and suicidological parameters over a 16-year period. Method: The research involves an explanatory study of medical student and physician suicide deaths in Turkiye from 2006 to 2021, based on data from the Google database and online news sites. In the initial stage, specific keywords were used to search Google for news related to the topic. This process yielded 892 results, from which 133 relevant cases were identified. Subsequently, the study extended to searching 32 online national newspapers and 28 online news sites using the same keywords, leading to the discovery of an additional 33 cases. Furthermore, 32 cases were obtained from four widely used social media sites and seven health workers’ news portal. Results: The study evaluated 138 cases as definite/probable suicide deaths. The mean age of individuals was 38.64±12.80. Most of the subjects were specialists (39.9%). Drug intoxication (27.9%) was the most common method of suicide, followed by jumping from height (21.7%). Familial problems were cited most frequently (26.5%), followed by occupational/academic problems (22.1%). Regarding the specialties, anesthesiology (12.5%), gynecology and obstetrics (10.2%), and psychiatry (10.2%) had the highest occurrences among the suicide cases. Conclusion: The study revealed that academic problems among medical students and marital discord among specialists emerged as the key reasons for suicide. These issues are preventable and warrant further investigation through focused research.
Investigation of Spectroscopic Peculiarities of Ergot-Infected Winter Wheat Grains

Wheat has played an important role in human agriculture since ancient times. Increasing rates of processed wheat product fabrication require more and more laboratory studies of product quality. This, in turn, requires the use, in production and in field conditions, of sufficiently accurate, fast and relatively low-cost quality control methods, including the detection of fungal diseases. One of the most widespread fungal diseases of wheat in the world is ergot caused by the fungi genus Claviceps. Optical methods are promising for this disease identification due to the relative ease of implementation and the possibility of performing fast analyses in large volumes. However, for application in practice, it is necessary to identify and substantiate characteristic spectral markers that make it possible to judge the sample contamination. In this regard, within the framework of this study, the methods of IR absorption spectroscopy in the MIR region and reflection spectroscopy in the UV-vis-NIR ranges, as well as luminescence spectroscopy, were used to study ergot-infected grains of winter wheat of the “Moskovskaya 56” cultivar. To justify the choice of the most specific spectral ranges, the methods of chemometric analysis with supervised classification, namely PCA-LDA and PCA-SVM, were applied. The possibility of separating infected grains according to the IR absorption, reflection spectra in the UV-vis-NIR ranges and visible luminescence spectra was tested.
Neighbours matter and the weak succumb: Ash dieback infection is more severe in ash trees with fewer conspecific neighbours and lower prior growth rate

The epidemiology and severity of ash dieback (ADB), the disease caused by the ascomycete fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, has been linked to a variety of site conditions; however, there has been a lack of analysis at an individual tree scale. Symptoms of ADB were scored on ca. 400 trees of Fraxinus excelsior (ash) in permanent sample plots during two successive years in a UK natural woodland reserve. Using comprehensive plot records maintained since 1945, and detailed spatial records updated since 1977, we assembled an array of potential explanatory variables, including site environment factors, ash tree density, previous and present tree condition and near neighbourhood summary statistics (NNSS), such as species mingling and size dominance. Their impact on the severity of ADB of focal ash trees was tested with generalised linear mixed effects models (GLMM). The severity of ADB was much greater in the lower slope parts of the site with moister soils and least in a managed area subject to tree thinning in the previous 35 years. Severity of ADB had a negative association with focal ash tree prior relative growth rate over a period of a decade immediately before the disease was detected at the site. Greater ADB severity was also significantly associated with smaller diameter at breast height of ash trees. Additionally, ADB was significantly positively associated with a greater proportion of heterospecific trees amongst the six nearest neighbours of the focal tree. Synthesis. The relationship of the severity of ADB disease with site environment, tree condition and neighbourhood is complex but nevertheless important in the progression of the disease. The findings suggest some silvicultural interventions, such as thinning to increase the vigour of retained ash trees, might reduce the impact of ADB.
Mode Coupling and Degeneracy Condition in Multilayer Waveguide Structure with Grating

Author(s): Zhou, Puxi | Advisor(s): Capolino, Filippo | Abstract: Intra mode coupling effects and degeneracy conditions are thoroughly investigated in the scenario of multilayer waveguide structures with grating. Propagating modes in uniform slab waveguides are exactly solved by a transfer matrix method, with modes’ profiles and dispersion characteristics illustrated. Modes coupling phenomena in parallel slab waveguides is studied through inspecting the spatial evolution of single mode’s profile as well as superimposed field distribution. Floquet-Bloch analysis is implemented to accurately solve the modes in single slab waveguides with periodic grating. Dispersion relations are obtained for both propagating modes and evanescent modes in the structure, where second order mode degeneracy is demonstrated at the regular photonic band edge. Through examining the fields’ distribution and spatial evolution, the fundamental harmonic and the -1st Floquet harmonic are illustrated. Finally coupled mode theory is implemented to support better understandings of the various coupling phenomena. Moreover, a coupled mode model is developed for the parallel slab waveguides with a grating structure in between, and the existence of the degenerate band edge in such stricture is qualitatively demonstrated.
Perceptions of Rural Air Quality: What Will the Neighbors Think?

Individuals exposed to odors from livestock facilities do not report annoyance uniformly. The reaction to a detectable odor depends on perceptions of the odor and its source which are mediated by odor attributes and personal factors. Correlations among these factors were tested in a rural context using date from a pilot study of seventeen households neighboring two swine operations in Michigan. Annoyance was measured as the impact of the neighboring facility on enjoyment of property. Characterization of odor as a problem was positively correlated with offensiveness, frequency and duration of exposure. Annoyance was negatively correlated with term of residence, current employment on a farm, and acquaintance with the facility owner. Annoyance was positively correlated with suburban characterization of the residence, unacceptability of the facilityâ€™s appearance and perception of odor as a problem. Strategies to minimize exposure augmented by increasing familiarity with the operation and owner can reduce annoyance.