Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance sialography in the evaluation of salivary sialolithiasis: radiologic-endoscopic correlation

Purpose To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR sialography in salivary gland calculi in correlation with sialendoscopy. Material and methods In this prospective study, pre-therapeutic MRI was performed for patients with clinically suspected sialolithiasis. In addition, sialendoscopy with or without surgery was performed. The detectability, number, size, and location of calculi (distance of obstruction from the ostium and masseter line) and the condition of the main duct at MRI were reported. Agreement between the 2 readers was confirmed for all MRI findings. Data regarding the detectability, number, and size of calculi were correlated with endoscopy. Results There was excellent agreement between the 2 readers regarding the detection and number of calculi at MR sialography (κ = 1, p < 0.001). As regards MRI measurements, excellent interclass correlation was found between the 2 readers regarding size of calculi, distance of calculi from the ostium, and distance from the masseter line (κ = 0.98, 0.98, 0.97, respectively; p < 0.001). In correlation with sialendoscopy, MRI was false negative in 1 patient, and it missed 1 calculus in 3 patients with multiple calculi. There was no statistically significant difference between the size of calculi detected by MRI and true size of calculi retrieved by sialendoscopy. Conclusion MR sialography is an accurate modality for diagnosis of the presence, size, and location of sialolithiasis and offers accurate ductal mapping for sialendoscopists.
Learning from the History of Business Intelligence and Analytics Research at HICSS: A Semantic Text-mining Approach

: Although multidisciplinary by nature, the Hawaii International Conference on Systems Sciences (HICSS) has established itself as the leading international conference in business intelligence (BI), business analytics (BA) and, more recently, big data research. Given a large number of academic and industry conferences in these areas, it is worth reflecting on and learning from the long tradition of BI and BA research at HICSS. In this paper, we analyze the 28-year history of HICSS’ longest-running minitrack on BI and BA in order to identify its main research themes and reflect on their evolution over time. Our insights provide research grounding for the current thinking about the big data phenomenon, which, contrary to many statements, is not new. We also illustrate a practical method of combining a semantic text-mining tool (Leximancer) and collaborative sensemaking. Reflecting on the method, we argue that technology itself—regardless of how sophisticated it might be—does not generate meaningful insights. Rather, we argue that domain experts co-construct these insights through an iterative collaborative sensemaking process in a given context, an important point that other researchers interested in semantic text-mining tools should consider.
X-raying the interstellar medium: ROSAT observations of dust scattering halos

We have studied X-ray halos around 25 point sources and four supernova remnants using ROSAT observations. All sources were observed during the ROSAT all-sky survey, 8 point-like sources and 2 supernovae remnants have been studied additionally using ROSAT pointed observations. The shapes of the X-ray halos were fitted with commonly used dust models (e.g., the Mathis-Rumpl-Nordsiek grain size distribution), resulting in a determination of the fractional halo intensity, which in turn can be converted into a dust column density. From the simultaneously obtained X-ray spectra, the cold gas absorption and hence an equivalent hydrogen column was determined. A surprisingly good correlation exists between the simultaneously measured dust and hydrogen column densities, indicating that gas and dust must be to a large extent cospatial. For the X-ray sources with known optical counterparts, the visual extinction correlates well with the X-ray derived dust scattering optical depth τ sca : τ sca = 0.087 x A v (mag) x E(keV) ―2 and N H [cm ―2 /A v ] = 1.79 x 10 21 . The strong correlation between both quantities indicates that, with only few exceptions, intrinsic absorption by the X-ray source itself does not affect the derived absorption column densities. This method offers also the interesting possibility of verifying the optical identification of an X-ray source by using an X-ray property itself. In particular we find that for Cas A the optical extinction and the derived X-ray scattering are on the regression line but are too low for the observed absorption. Since Cas A's supernova was not observed optically, this supernova event must have been obscured by a local dust cloud. Finally, we have found a high degree of azimuthal symmetry in all the dust scattering halos of our sample, indicating, that the majority of dust grains responsible for the halo formation cannot be highly clumped in clouds.
Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Simple Summary Phenolic compounds are one of the largest groups of botanical components able to provide advantageous effects. Phenol-rich botanicals are widely investigated for their numerous characteristics, mainly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Despite the increasing use of these substances in food and feed, their effect on intestinal mucosa is still marginally known. The aim of this study was to screen the activity of different sources of phenol compounds on intestinal oxidation and barrier integrity in vitro. Human intestinal cells were treated with increasing doses of phenol-rich botanicals, then, an evaluation of oxidative stress and mucosal integrity markers was performed. Different sources of phenolic compounds elicit different responses from an organism, although all the tested botanicals showed a positive effect on treated cells. The results suggest that the potential use of these botanicals as dietary supplements could improve intestinal barrier function. Abstract Botanicals are mainly known for their role as antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories. Thus, the dual purpose of the study was to verify the antioxidant potential of the tested botanicals and to evaluate their possible modulation of intestinal barrier integrity. As the effects of various phenol-rich extracts were screened, the human Caco-2 cell line was determined to be most suitable for use as the in vitro model for the intestinal epithelium. The tested botanicals, all approved as feed additives, are ginger essential oil, tea tree oil, grape seed extract, green tea extract, olive extract, chestnut extract, pomegranate extract, thyme essential oil, and capsicum oleoresin. The cells were treated with incremental doses of each botanical, followed by measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), gene expression of tight junctions (TJs), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results showed how different phenol-rich botanicals could modulate barrier functions and oxidative stress in different ways. Interestingly, all the botanicals tested exerted an antioxidant potential by dropping the cytoplasmatic ROS, while the beneficial effect was exerted at different concentrations for each botanical. Our data support the role of plant extracts and essential oils in controlling gut barrier function and in reducing the negative effects of oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial cells, thereby supporting gut barrier functionality.
Characterizing and quantifying uncertainty in projections of climate change impacts on air quality

Climate change can aggravate air pollution, with important public health and environmental consequences. While major sources of uncertainty in climate change projections—greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions scenario, model response, and internal variability—have been investigated extensively, their propagation to estimates of air quality impacts has not been systematically assessed. Here, we compare these uncertainties using a coupled modeling framework that includes a human activity model, an Earth system model of intermediate complexity, and a global atmospheric chemistry model. Uncertainties in projections of U.S. air quality under 21st century climate change are quantified based on a climate-chemistry ensemble that includes multiple initializations, representations of climate sensitivity, and climate policy scenarios, under constant air pollution emissions. We find that climate-related uncertainties are comparable at mid-century, making it difficult to distinguish the impact of variations in GHG emissions on ozone and particulate matter pollution. While GHG emissions scenario eventually becomes the dominant uncertainty based on the scenarios considered, all sources of uncertainty are significant through the end of the century. The results provide insights into intrinsically different uncertainties in projections of air pollution impacts and the potential for large ensembles to better capture them.
Text-based SCMC for SLA: A narrative review

This review discusses and compares the findings of 38 peer-reviewed studies on text-based synchronous computer-mediated communication for second or foreign language learning from over the past twelve years. Research themes that emerged include: modality, corrective feedback, noticing, alignment and uptake, as well as task design/conditions and grouping. The comparison of findings revealed that the medium may enhance or hinder language learning depending on the context, method of implementa tion, and pedagogical aims. It also uncovers implications for language learning theory and practice that are less evident when examining each study in isolation, including findings on face-preservation and learner engagement, features of communication besides negotiation of meaning that lead to language acquisition, as well as a possible interaction between cognitive complexity and modality in the effec tiveness of language learning tasks.
Fertility Desires and its Predictors among Persons Living with HIV in a Secondary Health Facility in Northcentral Nigeria

Introduction: Among people living with HIV (PLHIV), fertility desire which is the desire to have more children is increasing due to the improvement in quality of life and survival resulting from anti-retroviral treatment and also improved sexual and reproductive health services. Fertility desires can result in increased risk of HIV transmission, especially in unprotected heterosexual intercourse. There is limited information regarding the fertility desires and predictors among PLHIV in our environment. Methods: This study was aimed at assessing the fertility desires and predictors in PLHIV in Northcentral Nigeria. Study was descriptive cross-sectional. Semi-structured interviewer administered pretested questionnaires was used to get information from 170 PLHIV accessing care in a secondary health-care facility selected by the systematic sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 23.0. At 95% confidence interval (CI), a P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Chi-square and logistic regression. Results: Fertility desire was found among 64.1% of the respondents. Younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.2270; 95% CI = 0.0662–0.7791, P = 0.0184), having no child or a smaller number of children (OR = 0.0432; CI = 0.0046–0.4050; P = 0.0059) and suppressed viral loads (OR = 4.1069; CI = 1.1650–14.4784; P = 0.0280) were the predictors for fertility desire. Conclusion: This study showed that PLHIV had high fertility desires but do not know any safe method of conception, hence intensified effort should be made by primary care providers and other health-care workers to include sexual and reproductive health counselling during routine HIV clinic visits to enable PLHIV make informed decision about their fertility desires.
Genetically continuous populations of Striped Snakehead (Channa striata) in the Cingcingguling River fragmented by Sempor Reservoir, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Setyaningrum N, Lestari W, Nuryanto A. 2022. Genetically continuous populations of Striped Snakehead (Channa striata) in the Cingcingguling River fragmented by Sempor Reservoir, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 222-230. Cingcingguling River, located in Kebumen District, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The Sempor Reservoir fragments it. The previous study proved the negative impact of the reservoir on positive rheotaxis fish, mainly in genetic constituents between the reservoir and river populations. However, research has not been conducted on the negative rheotaxis fish, such as Channa striata. Assessing population genetic and taxonomic validity study of Striped Snakehead in the Cingcingguling River is an essential effort. Both studies could be done using the cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene. Therefore, this research aims to determine taxonomic status and evaluate the population genetic of C. striata in the Cingcingguling River. The samples were collected at eight sites, inside and outside the reservoir. The used marker was sequenced from 53 individuals, and all specimens showed high identity (98.67% to 100%) and low genetic distances (0.00 to 0.01) to C. striata (KU692421, KU852443, and MG438366). Those values proved that all samples were genetically identified as Channa striata. The vertical genetic distribution analysis demonstrated that C. striata populations are genetically not different along the river. Unlike rheotaxis positive fish phenomena, the reservoir's existence does not cause genetic fragmentation and leads to continuous striped snakehead populations.
Matrix Algebra and Its Applications to Statistics and Econometrics

Vector spaces unitary and Euclidean spaces linear transformations and matrices some characteristics of matrices factorization of matrices operations on matrices projectors and idempotent operators generalized inverses majorization inequalities for Eigenvalues matrix approximations optimization problems in statistics and econometrics quadratic subspaces inequalities in statistics and econometrics total least squares and regression.
Haematological Traits in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic COVID-19 Positive Patients for Predicting Severity and Hospitalization

Objective The present investigation aims on the clinical attributes and haematological parameters between symptomatic (COVID–19 ICU) and asymptomatic (COVID–19 homes isolation) patients as predisposing sign for COVID-19 related mortality. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort research was conducted of admitted patients to ICU, who were suffering from severe COVID-19 in Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from July 2020 until September 2020. The study included individuals with COVID −19 and ICU admission as symptomatic group and others who are COVID–19 positives with quarantine as asymptomatic group. Epidemiological, clinical and haematological laboratory data were retrospectively collected, analysed with control subjects. Results Of the 38 ICU patients studied, the most common symptoms were fever and respiratory distress (100%), cough (86.8%). Majority were of Saudi origin (78.9%). Eighteen (47.4%) COVID-19 ICU patients showed leukocytosis, 6 (15.8%) had severe thrombocytopenia (with most having thrombocytopenia), 18 (47.4%) were anaemic. A significant correlation was observed between the WBC, RBC, Hb, platelets, neutrophil and lymphocyte count between ICU inmates compared with quarantine (p < 0.001) and RBC, Hb, neutrophil and lymphocyte count with control groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion From the observations it is evident that, the blood tests have potential clinical value in predicting COVID-19 progression. Further, patient characteristics including age, leukocyte count, RBC, platelets and differential leukocyte counts may be significant predictors for monitoring the progression of the critical illness observed in SARS-COV-2 patients. Also, treatment procedures can be re-defined further to reduce COVID–19 mortalities in more critically ill COVID-19 individuals.
The Experience of Parenting Gifted Children: A Thematic Analysis of Interviews With Parents of Elementary-Age Children

There is a paucity of research on the day-to-day experiences of raising gifted children from the perspective of parents. This qualitative study aimed to delve deeply into the phenomenon by interviewing parents of elementary-age gifted children. We conducted 12 interviews with parents whose children attended gifted schools. The interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to the experience of parenting gifted children. Themes identified included the parents’ description of a “child-driven” approach to parenting, experiencing social isolation due to a lack of understanding, and physical and emotional feelings of exhaustion. The findings are particularly important for parents of gifted children, and other professionals who would benefit from a better understanding of the day-to-day experience of raising gifted children.
Butyrate Induces Modifications of the CTCF-Binding Landscape in Cattle Cells

Butyrate is produced in the rumen from microbial fermentation and is related to several functions, including cell differentiation and proliferation. Butyrate supplementation in calves can accelerate rumen development. DNA-protein interactions, such as the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), play essential roles in chromatin organization and gene expression regulation. Although CTCF-binding sites have been identified recently in cattle, a deeper characterization, including differentially CTCF-binding sites (DCBS), is vital for a better understanding of butyrate’s role in the chromatin landscape. This study aimed to identify CTCF-binding regions and DCBS under a butyrate-induced condition using ChIP-seq in bovine cells; 61,915 CTCF peaks were identified in the butyrate and 51,347 in the control. From these regions, 2265 DCBS were obtained for the butyrate vs. control comparison, comprising ~90% of induced sites. Most of the butyrate DCBS were in distal intergenic regions, showing a potential role as insulators. Gene ontology enrichment showed crucial terms for the induced DCBS, mainly related to cellular proliferation, cell adhesion, and growth regulation. Interestingly, the ECM-receptor interaction pathway was observed for the induced DCBS. Motif enrichment analysis further identified transcription factors, including CTCF, BORIS, TGIF2, and ZIC3. When DCBS was integrated with RNA-seq data, putative genes were identified for the repressed DCBS, including GATA4. Our study revealed promising candidate genes in bovine cells by a butyrate-induced condition that might be related to the regulation of rumen development, such as integrins, keratins, and collagens. These results provide a better understanding of the function of butyrate in cattle rumen development and chromatin landscape regulation.
SERVING DIVIDED COMMUNITIES: CONSOCIATIONALISM AND THE EXPERIENCES OF PRINCIPALS OF SMALL RURAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

ABSTRACT Previous studies suggest that small rural schools experience a range of challenges relating to their size, financial difficulties and geographical isolation, as well as potential opportunities relating to their position within their communities. In Northern Ireland, these schools are situated within the comparatively rare context of a religiously divided school system. However, research on these schools in this jurisdiction is scarce. The notion of consociationalism is highlighted as central to an understanding of the prevailing schooling system and the peace process in Northern Ireland as a post-conflict society. Set against this backdrop, the paper reports on a survey of principals of small rural schools in Northern Ireland; the challenges they face and their engagement with the communities they serve. The findings reveal how these small rural primary schools, while encountering many similar challenges to such schools globally, continue to play a central consociational role in serving their respective divided communities. Their relationship with the Church is seen as particularly important. The findings raise important broader questions as to the extent to which the current system of schooling is able to contribute to the building of a more integrated society.
Delineating Antecedents and Outcomes of Information Seeking Upon Exposure to an Environmental Video Opposing Single-Use Plastics

ABSTRACT As environmental threats mount around the world, advocacy groups are exploring novel ways to reach the populace and spur them into action. The current study employs an experimental design with a control condition and a group that watched a pro-environmental video to test the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model. A short environmental advocacy video demonstrated the ability to engage viewers in combatting the problem of single-use plastic overproduction by increasing risk perception, generating negative affect, encouraging information seeking, and fostering pro-environmental civic participation intentions. The present study contributes important theoretical insights to the RISP model and provides meaningful practical applications in the fight to protect our planet.
Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Arising in Patients with Preexisting Hodgkin Lymphoma

The metachronic onset of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a rare event affecting patients’ outcomes. However, although several studies have investigated the prognostic role of this event, little is known about a hypothetical common origin of the two different neoplastic cells. Aims: To investigate a possible relationship between DLBCL and cHL, in this retrospective study of 269 patients with newly diagnosed cHL treated at Bari University Hospital (Italy) between 2007 and 2020, we analyzed data from 4 patients (3 male and 1 female) with cHL who subsequently developed DLBCL. Methods: Gene expression profile analysis, assessed by NanoString Lymphoma Subtype Assay, was performed to identify the cell of origin in the DLBCL cases, in addition to Hans’s algorithm. Results: Using Hans’s algorithm, all DLBCL cases showed a germinal center-B-Cell subtype. The gene expression profile evaluated by the NanoString Lymphoma Subtype Assay revealed two cases of the GCB molecular subtype, while the others were unclassified. After first-line chemotherapy, 1 patient achieved complete remission, 3 were non-responders (2 died of lymphoma within 6 months, whereas the other achieved complete remission after autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation and is still alive). Conclusions: The origin of the second neoplastic cell in patients with DLBCL with a previous history of cHL remains controversial, although the different immunophenotypic characteristics suggest that it may mainly arise de novo in a subject with a possible individual predisposition to develop lymphoid neoplasms.