Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Removal of trihalomethanes from high organic matter water sources using aeration: a feasibility study

In this study, diffused aeration was applied to remove trihalomethane (THM) compounds from chlorinated, treated water containing high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of 6.8± 1.2 mg/L. Increasing air-to-water volumetric ratio (rA/W) from 16 to 39 enhanced total THM (TTHM) removal from 60 to 70% at 20 C and from 30 to 50% at 4 C. Although bromodichloromethane has lower Henry’s law constant than chloroform (CF), it was removed by a higher degree than CF in some aeration trials. Albeit obtaining high removals in aeration, TTHM reformed, and their concentration surpassed the Canadian guideline of 100 ppb in about 24 hours at 20 C and 40 hours at 10 C in all attempted air-to-water ratios. The water age in the system investigated in this study varied from 48 hours in midpoint chlorine boosting stations to 336 hours in the nearest endpoint. This study showed that THM removal by aeration is not a viable solution to control the concentration of these disinfection by-products in high-DOC treated water and in distribution systems where water age exceeds 24 hours; unless, it is going to be installed at the distribution endpoints. doi: 10.2166/wqrj.2020. 016 om http://iwaponline.com/wqrj/article-pdf/55/2/184/709379/wqrjc0550184.pdf er 2021 Saeideh Mirzaei (corresponding author) Beata Gorczyca Department of Civil Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada E-mail: mirzaeis@myumanitoba.ca
A comparison of health-related quality of life among knee osteoarthritis patients in two cities in Pakistan

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability that impacts health and activities of daily living, mostly affecting the hip and knee joints. Patients commonly present with symptoms of stiffness and pain in the affected joints. As an age-related chronic disease of the joint cartilage, degenerative osteoarthritis is very common among elderly people worldwide. Objective : To compare health-related quality of life among patients with knee osteoarthritis in two cities in Pakistan: Lahore and Sialkot. Method: In a cross-sectional comparative study, data were collected from patients (N = 158; 105 female; 53 male) aged 40 years or older, based on inclusion criteria adopted from government and private hospitals and clinics in Lahore and Sialkot and using the SF12 questionnaire and convenience sampling. The sample was evenly divided between the two cities. Results: Earlier studies have shown that lifestyle in major urban centers is more sedentary than in smaller cities. However, independent sample t-testing (p = 0.57) revealed no significant difference in health-related quality of life between knee osteoarthritis patients in Lahore (a major urban center) and Sialkot (which is less urbanized). Conclusion : Health-related quality of life in knee OA patients in Lahore and Sialkot was effectively the same in terms of disability level and awareness. Keywords: osteoarthritis, activities of daily living, health-related quality of life
Can structured EHR data support clinical coding? A data mining approach

ABSTRACT Structured data formats are gaining momentum in electronic health records and can be leveraged for decision support and research. Nevertheless, such structured data formats have not been explored for clinical coding, which is an essential process requiring significant manual workload in health organisations. This article explores the extent to which fully structured clinical data can support assignment of clinical codes to inpatient episodes, through a methodology that tackles high dimensionality issues, addresses the multi-label nature of coding and optimises model parameters. The methodology encompasses transformation of raw data to define a feature set, build a data matrix representation, and testing combinations of feature selection methods with machine learning models to predict code assignment. The methodology was tested with a real hospital dataset and showed varying predictive power across codes, while demonstrating the potential of leveraging structuring data to reduce workload and increase efficiency in clinical coding.
Growth response of hydroponic leaf lettuce and komatsuna to ozone microbubble treatment

Abstract Previously, we found that ozone microbubble (O3MB) treatments of 0.2 mg L−1 of dissolved ozone (DO3) are effective for sterilizing hydroponic solutions. However, there are few studies on cultivated plant growth responses to O3MB-treated hydroponic solutions. We investigated effects of different O3MB treatments in hydroponic solutions on the growth of leaf lettuce and komatsuna plants, and inhibiting factors for komatsuna growth. Fe concentrations in O3MB-treated hydroponic solutions decreased significantly compared with control solutions because of the precipitation of oxidized Fe. The growth of hydroponic lettuce treated with O3MB was equivalent to that of the control. However, the growth of komatsuna was suppressed with increasing DO3 concentrations. Leaf lettuce might avoid Fe deficiency by secreting riboflavin from roots. On the other hand, since komatsuna does not secrete riboflavin against Fe deficiency, Fe deficiency in hydroponic solutions might lead to growth suppression. We investigated the influence of added Fe in hydroponic solutions treated with O3MB on the growth of komatsuna. No growth differences for komatsuna were observed between Fe-added hydroponic solutions treated with O3MB and the control solution. Growth suppression of O3MB-treated hydroponic komatsuna may be avoidable by Fe addition.
Big Data on Vessel Traffic: Nowcasting Trade Flows in Real Time

Vessel traffic data based on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a big data source for nowcasting trade activity in real time. Using Malta as a benchmark, we develop indicators of trade and maritime activity based on AIS-based port calls. We test the quality of these indicators by comparing them with official statistics on trade and maritime statistics. If the challenges associated with port call data are overcome through appropriate filtering techniques, we show that these emerging “big data” on vessel traffic could allow statistical agencies to complement existing data sources on trade and introduce new statistics that are more timely (real time), offering an innovative way to measure trade activity. That, in turn, could facilitate faster detection of turning points in economic activity. The approach could be extended to create a real-time worldwide indicator of global trade activity.
The Thermal Phase Sensitivity of Both Coated and Uncoated Standard and Hollow Core Fibers Down to Cryogenic Temperatures

The thermal phase sensitivity of an optical fiber quantifies the degree to which a change in ambient temperature modifies the accumulated phase of light propagating through it. This sensitivity is often the limiting factor to the performance of fiber-based interferometers. Here we compare the thermal phase sensitivity of a hollow core fiber (HCF) and a standard single mode fiber (SMF-28) from −180 °C up to the room temperature. We report measurements on fibers both with and without acrylate coating that enables an accurate estimation of the coating contribution. The thermal phase sensitivity of fibers without any coating decreases at low temperatures. For SMF-28 it is reduced by a factor of four at −180 °C as compared to the room temperature. For HCF, the thermal phase sensitivity becomes negative at low temperatures, crossing zero around −70 °C, making the HCF operated at that temperature fully insensitive to small temperature fluctuations. The coating significantly influences a fibers overall thermal phase sensitivity, especially at low temperatures, since it goes through a phase transition from a rubbery state at room temperature to stiff glassy state at low temperatures. We quantify the coating contribution and suggest fiber coating design rules to obtain fibers with reduced or even zero thermal phase sensitivity.
Utilising Computer Simulation and Computerised Molecular Modeling Software to Enhance the Teaching and Learning of Hybridisation in Senior High Schools

The study sought to investigate the effect of computer simulation and computerised molecular modeling software on teaching and learning of hybridisation in Senior High Schools. The framework for the study was hinged on constructivists and conceptual change theories. A quasi-experimental design, which made use of non-equivalent comparison group design, was used on science students at Odorgonno Senior High School in Ga Central District of Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A pre-test was used to categorise 129 students into a control group and experimental groups (intact class, individual and cooperative learning groups). The control group was taught using the traditional approach whilst the experimental groups were treated using computer simulation and computerised molecular modeling software for two weeks. Afterwards, post-test was administered to the groups in order to identify differences in their academic achievements. Statistical analysis of the pre and post-tests scores showed more improvement in the performance of the experimental groups than the control group. An independent sample t-test results showed a statistical significant difference between the performance of students in the experimental group (intact class group) and the control group (p =7.77x10 -12 , p < 0.05) after treatment. The study revealed that computer simulation and computerised molecular modeling software had positive effect on the teaching and learning of hybridisation. Also, student’s performance in the cooperative group setting was better than the individualised learning environment. It is recommended that Chemistry teachers should adopt computer simulation and computerised modeling software in teaching and learning hybridisation in Senior High Schools in a cooperative learning environment.
Unfolding the Multi-layered Structure of the French Mediascape

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Unfolding the Multi-layered Structure of the French Mediascape Dominique Cardon, Jean-Philippe Cointet, Benjamin Ooghe, Guillaume Plique
EFFECT OF ANTISEPTICS AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ON THE HANDS OF FOOD HANDLERS AND SUSCEPTIBILITY OF PERSISTENT STRAINS TO ANTIBIOTICS

Effect of antiseptics against Staphylococcus aureus on the hands of food handlers was investigated.The palms of 50 food handlers in restaurants of a tertiary institution in Lagos, Nigeria were swabbedbefore and after the use of antiseptics and analysed for the presence and population ofStaphylococcus aureus. Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) plates were inoculated with the swab sticks andincubated at 37oC for 24-48h. S. aureus was identified by the production of golden yellow colonieson MSA, Gram positive cocci in bunches that were catalase and coagulase positive, and oxidasenegative. A total of 2.2 × 103cfu/ml/5cm2 were obtained before the use of antiseptics and 3.79 ×102cfu/ml/5cm2 after the use of antiseptics. Antiseptics had 83% reduction on S. aureus. Of the twoantiseptics used, chloroxylenol (4.8%) had a 69% effect while alcohol gel proved to be moreeffective with a 90% reduction on S. aureus. A total of 41(82%) out of the 50 food handlers had S.aureus on their palms. The antibiotics susceptibility of S. aureus was investigated. Vancomycin(30μg) was the most resisted antibiotics with 57% followed by 28% resistance against oxacillin (1μ)18% against cefoxitine (30μ). The food handlers may therefore be considered potential source ofmultidrug resistant S. aureus in food. We therefore recommend that they use antiseptics on theirpalms since this helped in the reduction of staphylococcal population.
Shadowing and Scaffolding Techniques Affecting L2 Reading Comprehension

Scaffolding and shadowing techniques have been shown to improve language learners’ reading comprehension. However, little attention has been paid to the comparative effectiveness of these techniques. This study investigated the effect of three selected scaffolding techniques (peer scaffolding, distributed scaffolding, and reciprocal scaffolding) versus three types of shadowing (complete shadowing, partial shadowing, and interactive shadowing) on L2 reading comprehension. To this end, 120 intermediate level EFL learners (in 6 groups of 20 members each) were selected through convenience sampling from three language institutes in Qazvin. Each group was randomly assigned to one of the shadowing and scaffolding techniques. One way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that among the three scaffolding techniques, distributed scaffolding was the most effective technique on reading comprehension. The most effective technique among shadowing groups was interactive shadowing. A significant difference was also found between the shadowing and scaffolding techniques in favor of scaffolding techniques. These findings may have theoretical and pedagogical implications for researchers, learners, teachers, and syllabus designers.
A history of transurethral resection of the prostate should not be a contra-indication for low-dose-rate 125I prostate brachytherapy: results of a prospective Uro-GEC phase-II trial

Purpose Early reports suggested that transurethral resection (TURP) prior to permanent seed brachytherapy (BT) results in high incontinence rates. Guidelines consider prior TURP as a contra-indication to treatment, but improvements in imaging and treatment planning may reduce this risk, and are investigated in this prospective study. Material and methods 99 men with histologically proven low- to intermediate-risk, localized prostate cancer, with a history of TURP performed at least 3 months before BT procedure were enrolled. All patients received a permanent seed implant between March 2009 and June 2015. Intra-operative interactive planning was recommended to ensure optimal accuracy of seed placement during the procedure. No supplemental external beam was allowed. Target and organ at risk contouring, definition of clinical target volume (CTV), and dosimetric parameters followed the modified GEC-ESTRO guidelines for permanent seed implants, as described an earlier report of our group. Follow-up was scheduled every 3 months for the first year, and every 6 months afterwards, with minimum follow-up of 2 years. Study endpoints The primary endpoint was the incidence of post-implant urinary incontinence. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of urinary and gastro-intestinal toxicity, the eventual impact on the sexual function, and the freedom from biochemical failure. Results The median follow-up time for these 99 patients was 49 months (min. 24, max. 96). In this series, the incontinence rate was 2% after TURP + BT and 2% in case of TURP + BT + re-TURP, ending up with a total urinary incontinence rate of 4%. Acute and late urinary toxicities were extremely low. No significant late gastro-intestinal toxicity was seen, and the 5-year biochemical non-evidence of disease (bNED) was 93%. Conclusions The excellent long-term results and low morbidity presented as well as many advantages of prostate brachytherapy over other treatments demonstrates that brachytherapy is an effective treatment for patients with transurethral resection and organ-confined prostate cancer.
Sticking to It: A Scoping Review of Adherence to Exercise Therapy Interventions in Children and Adolescents With Musculoskeletal Conditions.

OBJECTIVE To identify and categorize barriers, facilitators, and strategies to boost exercise therapy adherence in youth with musculoskeletal conditions to inform research and clinical practice. DESIGN Scoping review. LITERATURE SEARCH MEDLINE, CINAHL, SportDiscus, SCOPUS, PEDro and ProQuest from inception to October 1, 2019. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA Studies written in English with original data featuring an adherence barrier, facilitator, or boosting strategy for exercise therapy in youth (≤19 years) with musculoskeletal conditions were included. DATA SYNTHESIS Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guided data synthesis. Study quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Descriptive consolidation included study and sample characteristics, exercise therapy details, and adherence measurement specifics. Inductive thematic analysis of adherence barriers, facilitators and boosting strategies followed Braun and Clarke's 6-step guide. RESULTS Of 5,705 potentially relevant records, 41 studies representing 2,020 participants (64% girls, 2-19 years of age) with 12 different musculoskeletal conditions and multiple exercise therapy interventions were included. Despite poor reporting of adherence concepts, time constraints, physical environment (e.g., location), and negative exercise experiences were commonly identified barriers. Social support and positive exercise experiences were frequently identified facilitators. Reinforcement, exercise program modification, and education were recurring boosting strategies, despite being infrequent barriers or facilitators. CONCLUSIONS A diversity of barriers and facilitators to exercise therapy for youth with musculoskeletal conditions were identified. Efforts to link adherence boosting strategies to an individual's needs should be considered. Making exercise enjoyable, social, and convenient may be important to maximizing adherence in this population. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 1 Aug 2020. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020. 9715.
A Proteome Analysis of Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

We conducted a proteomic analysis of the human intervertebral disk to elucidate the molecules that could be effective targets for the prevention and treatment of intervertebral disk degeneration. Through repeated examination, the removal of collagen and proteoglycans, which accounted for most of the proteins, was found to be necessary in order to observe any intracellular changes. Therefore we examined the protein fraction in which we eliminated polymers > 100 kDa with a filter using LC-MS/MS. We gathered intervertebral disks from cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis (6 samples), lumbar disc herniation (7 samples), and autopsy specimens (5 samples), and prepared the respective protein extracts. We performed LC-MS/MS by ABI QSTAR on these three groups and assessed the disease-specific proteomic profiles. It was suggested that activation of complement and natural immunity were related to degenerative spondylolisthesis, and that MIF, Gelsolin, MINT were related to lumbar disc herniation. A proteomic analysis of the human intervertebral disk organization was possible using LC-MS/MS. The protein expression profiles that are characteristic of diseases were elucidated.
Possibilities of Menopausal Hormone Therapy in the Correction of Menopausal Disorders in Women with Thyroid Diseases in Postmenopause

Thyroid diseases are the most common diseases of the endocrine system, especially in women older than 45 years. However, often their manifestation falls on the perimenopausal period. When examining women who complained of symptoms characteristic of menopause, thyroid diseases were detected in 28% of all women examined. Diseases of the thyroid gland mainly affect women; their frequency in the female population is 5-20 times higher than in men. In addition, the prevalence of most thyroid diseases increases with age. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, the situation does not differ from global trends. In women with of hypothyroidism and AIT, manifestations of pathological climacteria were observed, mainly of moderate and mild severity. The treatment of hypothyroidism in postmenopausal women depends on several conditions: the presence of symptoms, the severity of hypothyroidism, the coexisting risk of cardiovascular disease, and the patient's age. All women showed significant positive changes in menopausal disorders after MHT treatment. Our study shows the safety of menopausal hormone therapy in women with thyroid diseases.
ZBED2 is an antagonist of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 and modulates cell identity in pancreatic cancer

Lineage plasticity is a prominent feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells, which can occur via deregulation of lineage-specifying transcription factors. Here, we show that the zinc finger protein ZBED2 is aberrantly expressed in PDA and alters tumor cell identity in this disease. Unexpectedly, our epigenomic experiments reveal that ZBED2 is a sequence-specific transcriptional repressor of interferon-stimulated genes, which occurs through antagonism of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 (IRF1)-mediated transcriptional activation at co-occupied promoter elements. Consequently, ZBED2 attenuates the transcriptional output and growth arrest phenotypes downstream of interferon signaling in multiple PDA cell line models. We also found that ZBED2 is preferentially expressed in the squamous molecular subtype of human PDA, in association with inferior patient survival outcomes. Consistent with this observation, we show that ZBED2 can repress the pancreatic progenitor transcriptional program, enhance motility, and promote invasion in PDA cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that high ZBED2 expression is acquired during PDA progression to suppress the interferon response pathway and to promote lineage plasticity in this disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most lethal human malignancies, attributed in part to lineage infidelity downstream of deregulated lineage-specifying transcription factors (TFs). Here we define the biological effects of a poorly understood TF ZBED2 in the most aggressive subtype of PDA, defined by the expression of squamous lineage markers. Our study reveals two molecular functions of ZBED2 in PDA cells: an inhibitor of interferon response genes and a modifier of epithelial lineage programs. Both functions can be explained by the ability of ZBED2 to antagonize the functional output of Interferon Regulatory Factor-1 (IRF1). Our study reinforces the concept of aberrant lineage identity in cancer and highlights an unexpected connection between interferon response pathways and squamous-subtype PDA.
Climate governance, policy entrepreneurs and small states: explaining policy change at the International Maritime Organisation

ABSTRACT The Marshall Islands (RMI) is one of the world’s smallest sovereign states, which should mean they are peripheral to global climate negotiations. Yet, they have recently played a crucial role in negotiating the Paris Agreement and emissions reductions at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The success at Paris is well documented. Here we explain how they also acted as successful policy entrepreneurs at the IMO. Specifically, we find that RMI’s success can be explained by three factors: vision of the entrepreneur; development of capacity within RMI and the region, and commitment of key actors to create and seize opportunities in available forums, to realise that vision; and strategies to mobilise broader international support. These findings have implications for the literatures on policy entrepreneurship in climate governance and studies that highlight the capacity of small states to influence international affairs.