Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nontuberculous mycobacteria in surgery:

Infecções por micobactéria não tuberculosa (MNT) representam uma emergência epidemiológica e sanitária, especialmente, em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos invasivos. Frente ao exposto, objetivou-se analisar as evidências científicas, na literatura científica, sobre a ocorrência no Brasil de infecções por MNT em pacientes cirúrgicos. Utilizou-se como método de pesquisa a revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados Lilacs , Medline / Pubmed , ISI Web of Science e Biblioteca Cochrane . Foram selecionadas 15 publicações sobre a temática nos últimos 30 anos que estavam direcionadas às medidas de prevenção e controle com foco na vigilância pós-alta, no uso de antibioticoterapia e glutaraldeído. Cirurgias oftalmológicas, estéticas, cardíacas e procedimentos laparoscópicos e artroscópicos foram as mais investigadas. A situação nacional das MNTs é preocupante, ainda mais quando se reconhece a possibilidade de subnotificação. Descritores : Micobactérias atípicas; Procedimentos cirúrgicos operatórios; Infecções atípicas por Mycobacterium ABSTRACT Infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (MNT) represent an epidemiological and health emergency, especially in patients undergoing invasive procedures. Based on these, we aimed to analyze the scientific evidence, the scientific literature, on the occurrence in Brazil of MNT infections in surgical patients. We used as a research method integrative review of the literature using the databases Lilacs, Medline/Pubmed, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. We selected 15 publications on this theme from the last 30 years that were directed at methods of prevention and control, with a focus on post-discharge surveillance, the use of antibiotics and glutaraldehyde. Eye surgery, cosmetic, heart, laparoscopic and arthroscopic procedures were the most commonly investigated. The national situation of MNTs is concerning, especially when one recognizes the possibility of underreporting.
Régression isotonique itérée

Ce travail se situe dans le cadre de la regression non parametrique univariee. Supposant la fonction de regression a variation bornee et partant du resultat selon lequel une telle fonction se decompose en la somme d’une fonction croissante et d’une fonction decroissante, nous proposons de construire et d’etudier un nouvel estimateur combinant les techniques d’estimation des modeles additifs et celles d’estimation sous contraintes de monotonie. Plus precisement, notremethode consiste a iterer la regression isotonique selon l’algorithme backfitting. On dispose ainsia chaque iteration d’un estimateur de la fonction de regression resultant de la somme d’une partiecroissante et d’une partie decroissante.Le premier chapitre propose un tour d’horizon des references relatives aux outils cites a l’instant. Le chapitre suivant est dedie a l’etude theorique de la regression isotonique iteree. Dans un premier temps, on montre que, la taille d’echantillon etant fixee, augmenter le nombre d’iterations conduit a l’interpolation des donnees. On reussit a identifier les limites des termes individuels de la somme en montrant l’egalite de notre algorithme avec celui consistant a iterer la regressionisotonique selon un algorithme de type reduction iteree du biais. Nous etablissons enfin la consistance de l’estimateur.Le troisieme chapitre est consacre a l’etude pratique de l’estimateur. Comme augmenter le nombre d’iterations conduit au sur-ajustement, il n’est pas souhaitable d’iterer la methode jusqu’a la convergence. Nous examinons des regles d’arret basees sur des adaptations de criteres usuellement employes dans le cadre des methodes lineaires de lissage (AIC, BIC,.) ainsi que des criteres supposant une connaissance a priori sur le nombre de modes de la fonction de regression. Il en ressort un comportement interessant de la methode lorsque la fonction de regression possede des points de rupture. Nous appliquons ensuite l’algorithme a des donnees reelles de type puces CGH ou la detection de ruptures est d’un interet crucial. Enfin, une application a l’estimation des fonctions unimodales et a la detection de mode(s) est proposee
Cognitive impairment in MS: rehabilitation approaches

Cognitive deficits have been reported in 45%–70% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Like other symptoms of MS, cognitive deficits are highly variable. Slowed information processing and memory and learning dysfunction are regarded as the most frequent cognitive deficits in MS. Both white and gray matter damages have been suggested to contribute to cognitive impairments in MS. There is no direct relationship between cognitive deficits and physical disability, disease duration or course of the disease. In addition to cognitive impairments, neuropsychiatric symptoms are observed in MS, the most common being alterations in mood state. Neurobehavioral deficits have multidimensional effects on the activities of daily living and quality of life. Consequently, attention should be paid to early diagnosis and treatment. Based on studies on cognitive retraining and more multimodal neuropsychological rehabilitation, both approaches show promise in the treatment of cognitive impairments and their harmful effects. This review introduces the frequency and characteristics of cognitive impairments, as well as main findings on the effects of neuropsychological rehabilitation in MS.
PAbAC: A Privacy Preserving Attribute based Framework for Fine Grained Access Control in Clouds

Several existing access control solutions mainly focus on preserving confidentiality of stored data from unauthorized access and the storage provider. Moreover, to keep sensitive user data confidential against untrusted servers, existing solutions usually apply cryptographic methods by disclosing data decryption keys only to authorized users. However, these solutions inevitably introduce a heavy computation overhead on the data owner for key distribution and data management when fine-grained data access control is desired. In addition, access control policies as well as usersâ access patterns are also considered as sensitive information that should be protected from the cloud. In this paper, we propose PAbAC, a novel privacy preserving Attribute-based framework, that combines attribute-based encryption and attribute-based signature mechanisms for securely sharing outsourced data via the public cloud. Our proposal is multifold. First, it ensures fine-grained cryptographic access control enforced at the data ownerâs side, while providing the desired expressiveness of the access control policies. Second, PAbAC preserves usersâ privacy, while hiding any identifying information used to satisfy the access control. Third, PAbAC is proven to be highly scalable and efficient for sharing outsourced data in remote servers, at both the client and the cloud provider side.
Evaluating Ecohydrological Impacts of Vegetation Activities on Climatological Perspectives Using MODIS Gross Primary Productivity and Evapotranspiration Products at Korean Regional Flux Network Site

Accurate assessments of spatio-temporal variations in gross primary productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), and water use efficiency (WUE) play a crucial role in the evaluation of carbon and water balance as well as have considerable effects on climate change. In this study, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products were used to quantify the mean annual GPP and ET at Korean regional flux network site. We found that the seasonal mean values of WUE were 2.86 to 2.92 g∙C∙g∙H2O−1 in the dormant season and 1.81 to 1.88 g∙C∙g∙H2O−1 in the growing season during 2007 and 2008. The WUE was relatively stable during the growing season and tended to vary in the dormant season. Remote sensing data obtained by the MODIS satellite were appeared to be effective to improve our understanding of the spatio-temporal variation of ecohydrological parameters which have not yet been investigated in a number of previous articles. Based on the results of this study, we summarize the interactions between carbon and water circulation in terrestrial ecosystems and how their ecological procedures generated by the photosynthesis of vegetation influence in climatological perspectives.
Technical and technology aspect assessment of biogas agroindustry from cow manure: case study on cattle livestock industry in South Lampung District

Farm waste is one of the potential causes for environmental pollution if it is not handled properly. One effort is to utilize livestock waste in the form of animal waste, as raw material, for the biogas industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate type of biogas reactor and feasibility of cow manure agroindustrial biogas development in acattle fattening industries in South Lampung Regency in terms of technical and technological aspect. The results showed that based on the exponential comparison method the appropriate type of biogas reactor was Modified Lagoon Anaerobic Reactor Cover (CoLAR) with an MPE value of 5,701. The Modified CoLAR biogas reactor with capacity of 198,000 kg.day−1 cow manure would produce 1,663.2 m3.day−1of biogas that equivalent to 1,093 m3.day−1 of methane. Based on these results, it was known that the potential of electrical energy produced by the installation of biogaswas 5,136 kWh and 214 kW of electricity power.
Model of Tacit Knowledge Transfer in Lean Management Implementation in an Organization

The increase in competition worldwide had driven organizations to face with new challenges. The situation had prompted the manufacturers to perform a variety of effective strategies such as the implementation of lean manufacturing system in their organization. In this study, the key elements in developing the lean tacit knowledge transfer within the organization were identified. In addition, this study also investigates the transfer of lean tacit knowledge, which involves the sender and the recipient of lean knowledge within the organization. Data were collected through a single case study for a period of 2 months in an automotive manufacturing plant in Malaysia. The results of the study found that the lean knowledge could be developed through a number of key elements. A model of tacit lean knowledge transfer was developed to help improve work performance during the implementation of lean manufacturing system. In addition, the development of the model can explain how lean knowledge was developed and transferred from one party to another in the organization. The existence of such a model could assist an effective lean manufacturing implementation with every organization should has a good lean knowledge and understand how to properly implement lean in the production process.
A Regulatory Element in the Human Interleukin 2 Gene Promoter Is a Binding Site for the Zinc Finger Proteins Sp1 and EGR-1 (*)

Activation of the interleukin 2 (IL-2) gene after antigen recognition is a critical event for T cell proliferation and effector function. Prior studies have identified several transcription factors that contribute to the activity of the IL-2 promoter in stimulated T lymphocytes. Here we describe a novel regulatory element within the IL-2 promoter located immediately upstream of the nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) domain. This region (termed the zinc finger protein binding region (ZIP)) serves as binding site for two differently regulated zinc finger proteins: the constitutively expressed transcription factor Sp1 and the inducible early growth response protein EGR-1. In unstimulated cells which do not secrete IL-2, only Sp1 binds to this region, while in stimulated IL-2 secreting cells the inducible EGR-1 protein recognizes this element. In Jurkat T cells, the ZIP site serves as an activator for IL-2 gene expression, and a combination of ZIP and NFAT binding sites is required for maximal IL-2 promoter activity. These results suggest a critical role of the ZIP site for IL-2 promoter activity.
Developing brand loyalty among SMEs: is communication the key?

ABSTRACT Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have long aspired to have customers with high levels of loyalty. Although many SMEs in Business-to-Business (B2B) contexts serve SMEs like themselves, little is known about how SMEs become loyal. This study examines how SME buyers operating in industrial markets develop loyalty. Using survey data from 110 SMEs, a model is tested that describes the mechanisms in play when buyers search for information and translate the knowledge they gain to brand value, brand image and, ultimately, loyalty. The results show that SME buyers’ involvement in information search enhances brand image, and the variety of information sources used by the SME buyer increases brand value and brand image through perceived differentiation. Furthermore, when SME buyers perceive brands to be differentiated, their brand value perceptions increase, which in turn enhances brand image and SME brand loyalty. Recommendations for sales and marketing specialists to enhance brand loyalty for SMEs in B2B markets are also presented.
The Turn Model for Adaptive Routing

We present a model for designing wormhole routing algorithms that are deadlock free, livelock free, minimal or nonminimal, and maximally adaptive. A unique feature of this model is that it is not based on adding physical or virtual channels to network topologies (though it can be applied to networks with extra channels). Instead, the model is based on analyzing the directions in which packets can turn in a network and the cycles that the turns can form. Prohibiting just enough turns to break all of the cycles produces routing algorithms that are deadlock free, livelock free, minimal or nonminimal, and maximally adaptive for the network. In this paper, we focus on the two most common network topologies for wormhole routing, n-dimensional meshes and k-ary n-cubes, without extra channels. In an n-dimensional mesh, just a quarter of the turns must be prohibited to prevent deadlock. The remaining three quarters of the turns permit partial adaptiveness in routing. Partially adaptive routing algorithms are described for 2D meshes, n-dimensional meshes, k-ary n-cubes, and hypercubes. Simulations of partially adaptive and nonadaptive routing algorithms for 2D meshes and hypercubes show that which algorithm has the lowest latencies and highest sustainable throughput depends on the pattern of message traffic. For nonuniform traffic, partially adaptive routing algorithms perform better than nonadaptive ones.
Collagen: Applications of a Natural Polymer in Regenerative Medicine

Collagen is a naturally occurring matrix polymer which is highly conserved across species. It is the predominant extra-cellular matrix component of most connective tissues within the mammalian body, comprising one third of all protein found within tissues. Collagens are extracellular and have a mainly structural role. Critical parameters including density, packing and orientation (or direction) results in distinctively varying mechanical properties in tissues such as bone, skin, tendon and cartilage. In connective tissue lost to trauma or disease, replacement tissue strategies, have to consider mechanical implications. Synthetic polymers can be designed to have the mechanical integrity of the native structure to be replaced but eventually this will be degraded and replaced by the host. The major target protein that will be replaced in connective tissues is collagen. The other alternative is to start with collagen as a natural polymer substrate and tailor its mechanical properties in vitro. Given the critical role this protein plays in tissue structure there have been and continue to be efforts into extracting this protein, reforming 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering as well as controlling density and direction parameters to form tissues in vitro. The main difference in the building of bulk tissues is the cell-rich or matrix-rich nature of the tissue being engineered. Where the matrix dominates a tissue, the mechanical properties of the matrix are critical, i.e in connective tissue. In tendon for example, the alignment of collagen fibrils along the principle axis of strain application, and the nature of a ‘dual’ size of fibril diameters, provides incredible strength to this tissue. Compared directly to a tissue like dermis, where collagen is interlocked in a basket-weave formation with elastin to provide tensile strength in multiple axis to ensure stretching of this tissue does not compromise its integrity. Thus, when engineering tissues in vitro, technologies and processing to control parameters of collagen architecture have been developed to mimic those found in tissues in situ. This field of controlled processing is growing, as the sophistication of methods employed to create biomimetic scaffolds advances. Type I collagen scaffolds are widely used in clinical practice and the collagen for these materials are generally obtained either from cultured cells or extracted from native tissues. Extraction encompasses the entire range from decellularisation of collageneous tissues preserving the native architecture to the complete break down into collagen molecules which can later be reconstituted into their native fibrillar structure. One of the most common
Determinants of Credit Rating Actions: Evidence from International Maritime Companies

This study aims to analyze the relevant factors in determining credit rating agency (CRA) rating actions for international maritime companies. The public disclosures regarding the credit rating actions within annual reports and the credit rating agencies’ websites are analyzed by applying a content analysis for the period 2000-2017. The results of the content analysis indicate that the factor of “ market conditions ” has been disclosed as the main credit rating action determinant by the CRAs. This finding is in line with the argument that due to the high costs of obtaining the new and confidential information, CRAs tend to rely solely on the market risk in most rating actions, rather than company-specific risk. Moreover, we determine that, after the 2008 financial crisis, CRA disclosures on company specific factors decrease dramatically. Furthermore, opacity prevails in observations regarding company-specific factors as “financial profile” and “corporate business profile”.
The Relationship of Implementing Management Accounting Practices (MAPs) with Performance in Small and Medium Size Enterprises

The following study aims at exploring the implementation of MAPs in the Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia and focuses on identifying the relationship that exists between the MAPs and SMEs. There is limited research conducted on the MAPs being implemented in the SMEs, which is apparent in this study. As a part of the research methodology, a survey was conducted with the SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Malaysia. The research article demonstrates that the involvement and implementation of MAPs differ in different organisations; it ranges from the traditional approach to a more sophisticated approach in its implementation. The most commonly used accounting practices for management in the organisations include performance management system and costing systems. On the other hand, in terms of sophisticated approach, the larger organisations frequently make use of the MAPs in accordance with the theoretical arguments that are made in the context of the impact of size in adopting such practices. The findings of the study also indicate that there are certain MAPs that are related to the organisational performance. These practices hold a significant relationship with the productivity and performance of SMEs, which has helped in reinforcing the significance of such practices in today’s business environment.
Testing the ‘+2 rule’ for lipoprotein sorting in the Escherichia coli cell envelope with a new genetic selection

We report a novel strategy for selecting mutations that mislocalize lipoproteins within the Escherichia coli cell envelope and describe the mutants obtained. A strain carrying a deletion of the chromosomal malE gene, coding for the periplasmic maltose‐binding protein (MalE), cannot use maltose unless a wild‐type copy of malE is present in trans. Replacement of the natural signal peptide of preMalE by the signal peptide and the first four amino acids of a cytoplasmic membrane‐anchored lipoprotein resulted in N‐terminal fatty acylation of MalE (lipoMalE) and anchoring to the periplasmic face of the cytoplasmic membrane, where it could still function. When the aspartate at position +2 of this protein was replaced by a serine, lipoMalE was sorted to the outer membrane, where it could not function. Chemical mutagenesis followed by selection for maltose‐using mutants resulted in the identification of two classes of mutations. The single class I mutant carried a plasmid‐borne mutation that replaced the serine at position +2 by phenylalanine. Systematic substitutions of the amino acid at position +2 revealed that, besides phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine, glycine and proline could all replace classical cytoplasmic membrane lipoprotein sorting signal (aspartate +2). Analysis of known and putative lipoproteins encoded by the E. coli K‐12 genome indicated that these amino acids are rarely found at position +2. In the class II mutants, a chromosomal mutation caused small and variable amounts of lipoMalE to remain associated with the cytoplasmic membrane. Similar amounts of another, endogenous outer membrane lipoprotein, NlpD, were also present in the cytoplasmic membrane in these mutants, indicating a minor, general defect in the sorting of outer membrane lipoproteins. Four representative class II mutants analysed were shown not to carry mutations in the lolA or lolB genes, known to be involved in the sorting of lipoproteins to the outer membrane.
Role of translation of the pheA leader peptide coding region in attenuation regulation of the Escherichia coli pheA gene

In Escherichia coli, the expression of the pheA gene is regulated by attenuation of transcription. To study the molecular details of pheA attenuation, we introduced mutations in the pheA leader peptide coding region and analyzed their effects by using pheA promoter-lacZ gene transcription fusions (pheAp-lacZ). Mutations in the ribosome-binding site (pheAe1213) or in the translation initiation codon (pheAe24) of the pheA leader peptide coding region resulted in superattenuation of pheA expression. However, the presence of a stop codon upstream to the tandem phenylalanine codons (pheAe3334) led to an increase in the basal-level expression of pheA. This increase was further enhanced in the presence of prfA release factor mutant. The level of pheA expression in all three mutants was the same when cells were starved for phenylalanine. These results demonstrate that efficient translation of the pheA leader peptide coding region and the position of the ribosome on the leader transcript play decisive roles in the attenuation regulation of pheA.