Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing hyperlordotic and standard lordotic cages for achieving segmental lumbar lordosis during transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in adult spinal deformity surgery.

Background Few studies directly compare the effect of interbody cages with different degrees of lordosis in producing segmental lumbar lordosis (SLL) in the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedure. Thus, we aimed to investigate changes in SLL in hyperlordotic cages compared to standard lordotic cages in open TLIF procedures. Methods Thirty-eight consecutive patients who received open TLIF procedures performed by a single surgeon between 2017 and 2018 were reviewed. Twenty patients had "hyperlordotic cages" (20° lordosis), while 18 patients had "standard lordotic cages" (6° lordosis). Twenty-three patients had one-level TLIF procedures and 15 had two-level TLIF. Standard radiographic measurements, including SLL were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up. SLL was measured from the superior endplate of the cephalad vertebra to the inferior endplate of the caudal vertebra. Changes in SLL were compared using Student's and paired t-tests. Results In one- and two-level open TLIF, both hyperlordotic and standard lordotic cages produced significant improvement in SLL. Among those receiving a one-level TLIF, SLL increased 7.8° (P=0.024) in those with standard lordotic cages; it increased 8.2° (P=0.020) in those with hyperlordotic cages. Among those receiving a two-level TLIF, SLL increased 13.9° (P=0.032) in those with standard lordotic cages; it increased 8.8° (P=0.023) in those with hyperlordotic cages. However, the improvement in SLL was not significantly different between the two cage types in either one or two-level TLIF procedures (P=0.917, P=0.389). At 1-year follow-up, there was no significant change in SLL, among standard lordotic and hyperlordotic cages (P=0.501, P=0.781). Conclusions Although it is theorized that hyperlordotic cages would increase SLL during open TLIF procedures more than standard lordotic cages, our data failed to demonstrate that. As our study examined cases performed by a single surgeon immediately before and after adoption of these lordotic cages, it is likely that surgical technique is of equal or greater importance in improving SLL than the amount of lordosis designed into interbody cages.
Retrospective evaluation of laboratory findings of suspected paediatric COVID-19 patients with positive and negative RT-PCR

INTRODUCTION: It was observed that the new coronavirus disease had a different clinical course in children compared to adults. Fewer cases and deaths have been reported in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All children with suspected COVID-19 who applied to a secondary health care centre were included in this study and blood parameters were compared according to Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) results. This study is a retrospective, cross-sectional study and was conducted by accessing the hospital records of 40 paediatric patients aged 0–16 years. RT-PCR test was performed by isolating Viral RNA with RNA Isolation System after oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal sam­ples were taken from patients with appropriate sterile swabs and transferred to tubes containing SNP Viral Inactivation Solution. All statistical calculations were done with SPSS 23.0 (SPSS for Windows, Chicago, IL, SA). Mean values of continuous variables were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The results were evaluated as 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 and were considered statistically significant. In the light of the blood results of a small number of paediatric cases who applied, the authors tried to determine the parameters that could increase the success in diagnosis in asymptomatic paediatric cases. C-Reactive Protein, ID-dimer (quantitative), leukocytes, monocytes, sodium, mean platelet volume levels were found to be significantly different between the patients with positive and negative COVID test results. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study reveal that the use of leukocytopenia, monocytopenia and mean platelet volume elevation as diagnostic markers may increase diagnostic success, especially in asymptomatic paediatric COVID-19 patients.
Explainable Learning Based on Hyperparameters Optimization of Lightweight Spatiotemporal Models for Cellular Traffic Prediction

The rapid development of the Internet of Things and multimedia applications has led to an exponential growth in mobile network traffic year by year. In order to meet the demand for large amounts of data transmission and solve the problem of insufficient spectrum resources, millimeter waves are adopted for 5G communication. For B5G/6G, effective use of spectrum resources is one of the key technologies for the development of mobile communications. Therefore, this study uses a lightweight neural network to predict cellular traffic based on regional data, considering the data types of temporal and spatial dependence at the same time. Furthermore, in order to optimize the prediction performance and reduce the number of parameters of the neural network, this study uses a meta-heuristic algorithm to adjust the hyperparameters and combines local and global explanations to interpret the improvement of traffic prediction. The local explanations show the adjustment results of a single hyperparameter, and global explanations show the correlation between different hyperparameters and their influence on the amount and accuracy of model parameters. The simulation results show that compared with adjustment strategies of the manual method and greedy algorithm, the proposed explainable learning method can effectively improve the accuracy of cellular traffic prediction, reduce the number of parameters and provide a reasonable explanation.
Observational evidence of particle condensational 
growth in the UTLS over Tibetan Plateau

Abstract. We measured the vertical profiles of aerosol backscattering ratio (BSR) with a balloon-borne lightweight COBALD at Linzhi, located in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, in the summer of 2014. An enhanced aerosol layer in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS) are found), with BSR (455 nm) > 1.1 and BSR (940 nm) > 1.4. , was observed. The Color Index (CI) of the enhanced aerosol layer, defined as the ratio of aerosol backscatter ratios at wavelengths of 940 nm and 455 nm, varied from 4 to 8, indicating the prevalence of dominant fine particles with mode radius less than 0.1 μm. For those aerosol We find that except for the very small particles with (mode radius smaller than 0.04 μm) at low relative humidity (RHi
Breaking the silence about illness and death: Potential effects of a pilot study of the family talk intervention when a parent with dependent children receives specialized palliative home care

Abstract Objective The entire family is affected when a parent is severely ill. Parents often need and appreciate professional support when talking to children about illness and death. The family talk intervention (FTI) is family-centered and intends to promote communication about the illness and its consequences, support parenting to enhance family coping and help family members share experiences with each other to create a shared family history. This study aimed to explore potential effects of FTI in specialized palliative home care, as reported by parents. Method This pre-post test intervention pilot was conducted in specialized palliative home care. A convergent mixed-method design was used to analyze interview and questionnaire data. Twenty families with dependent children were recruited from two specialized palliative home care units in Stockholm, Sweden. Results Parents reported that family communication improved after participation in FTI as family members learned communication strategies that facilitated open sharing of thoughts and feelings. Increased open communication helped family members gain a better understanding of each other's perspectives. Parents reported that relationships with their partner and children had improved as they now shared several strategies for maintaining family relationships. Parents were also less worried following participation in FTI. The ill parents stated that they gained a sense of security and were less worried about the future. Significance of results This study adds to the evidence that FTI may be a useful intervention for families with dependent children and an ill parent in a palliative care setting. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03119545.
Values and Beliefs Underlying Mutual Aid: An Exploration of Collective Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: Mutual aid has been a longstanding practice among communities who experience short-term crises (such as natural and human-made disasters) as well as long-term crises (such as systemic marginalization and poverty). It has proliferated as a widespread practice during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for individuals and communities to share resources when government and nongovernmental services have failed. Our study aims to understand the values and beliefs underlying mutual aid practices in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We used phenomenological methods to interview mutual aid organizers and participants (N=25) across the state of Colorado in the early months of the pandemic. Results: We identified three common values underlying mutual aid: reciprocity, shared humanity, and community-driven care and redistribution of resources. Participants recognized that realizing these values requires a generative and active community that is responsive to needs. Conclusions: These findings could inform mutual aid organizers, social workers, and scholars, enhancing their understanding of how mutual aid—as both a longstanding and emerging practice—may uniquely respond to the ongoing pandemic and compounding crises, such as economic distress and climate change, as government and nongovernmental (e.g., nonprofit) systems fail to keep up with increasing needs.
Extended Maximal Covering Location and Vehicle Routing Problems in Designing Smartphone Waste Collection Channels: A Case Study of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

Most people will store smartphone waste or give it to others; this is due to inadequate waste collection facilities in all cities/regencies in Indonesia. In Yogyakarta Province, there is no electronic waste collection facility. Therefore, an e-waste collection network is needed to cover all potential e-waste in the province of Yogyakarta. This study aims to design a collection network to provide easy access to facilities for smartphone users, which includes the number and location of each collection center and the route of transporting smartphone waste to the final disposal site. We proposed an extended maximal covering location problem to determine the number and location of collection centers. Nearest neighbor and tabu search are used in forming transportation routes. The nearest neighbor is used for initial solution search, and tabu search is used for final solution search. The study results indicate that to facilitate all potential smartphone waste with a maximum distance of 11.2 km, the number of collection centers that must be established is 30 units with three pick-up routes. This research is the starting point of the smartphone waste management process, with further study needed for sorting, recycling, repairing, or remanufacturing after the waste has been collected.
Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for arrhythmia: a Delphi expert consensus survey.

Background Current evidence suggests that acupuncture is an effective adjunctive therapy that can bring potential benefits to patients with cardiac arrhythmias. However, there are relevant gaps in the optimal therapeutic strategy, which may cause uncertainties on the best practice of acupuncture treatment for arrhythmia. We aim to develop consensus-based recommendations for clinical guidance on acupuncture treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Methods A multidisciplinary panel of specialists was invited to participate in a two-round semi-open clinical issue investigation. Meanwhile, relevant literature reviews were searched in 3 databases to provide evidence. Subsequently, an initial consensus voting list on acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for cardiac arrhythmias was derived from the clinical investigation and literature review. Finally, 30 authoritative experts reached a consensus on the key issues of the voting list by a three-round modified Delphi survey. Consensus was defined when >80% agreement was achieved. Results Following the three-round Delphi survey, there were 32 items (91.43%) finally reaching consensus, including the following 5 domains: (I) the benefits of acupuncture for the appropriate population; (II) the general therapeutic principle; (III) the acupuncture strategy; (IV) the relevant adverse events; (V) others. Conclusions Consensus was achieved on some key elements. Given the lack of guidelines and the substantial heterogeneity of previous studies, these recommendations are of value in providing guidance for clinical practice of acupuncturists and in assisting patients with arrhythmia to obtain standardized acupuncture treatment. It also pointed out some problems that need to be carefully explored in future studies.
Evaluation of Groundwater Resources in Minor Plio-Pleistocene Arenaceous Aquifers in Central Italy

The hilly landscape of the Periadric area in Central Italy is characterized by mainly marly–clayey foredeep basin deposits (Plio–Pleistocene age). These lithotypes are generally considered aquicludes, if compared with the regional limestone aquifers of Apennines. However, a coarsening upward trend characterizes the upper portion of this stratigraphic sequence, with arenaceous deposits and even conglomerates on the top. From a geomorphological viewpoint, the areas with coarser outcrops show a flat shape and sub-vertical slopes, like boundaries. At the base of these scarps, springs can be found at the interface between coarse and fine deposits, whereas these arenaceous bodies are actual aquifers. Until now, the hydrodynamics and hydrochemical features of this kind of aquifer have not been investigated deeply, because they have always been considered a worthy water resource. However, they could play a crucial role in integrated water management, especially to cope with climate changes and drought periods. Considering these, the main purpose of this study was to investigate from a hydrogeological point of view and to assess the groundwater quantity and quality. Five examples throughout the Abruzzo region were considered. For evaluation and comparisons between water resources, the water volume that infiltrates yearly at each squared kilometer of an aquifer (Mm3/y/km2) was applied. This value was calculated through three different approaches to provide a recharge estimation for this kind of aquifer that is as exhaustive and representative as possible. The results allowed us to characterize the hydrogeological model and to quantify the resources between 0.1 and 0.16 Mm3/y/km2, to be suitable for multi–purpose utilization.
Quality Acceptability, Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Carrot-Cucumber Juice

Fresh vegetables (carrot and cucumber) were juiced using a juice extractor. The extracted juice was then divided into five varying proportions: A (100% carrot juice), B (80% carrot, 20% cucumber), C (70% carrot, 30% cucumber), D (50% carrot, 50% cucumber) and E (100% cucumber). The juice blends were then analyzed for proximate, mineral and vitamin compositions. The phytochemical and the antioxidant properties were also determined. The proximate composition result revealed very high moisture (82.03–83.85%), relatively low carbohydrate (5.23–10.57%) and very low crude protein (1.75–4.14%) contents. For the micronutrients, potassium (14.70–32.10 mg/100 mL) and vitamin C (14.48–24.48 mg/100 mL) were more predominant when compared to the other micronutrients that were determined. The pH was mildly acidic (5.90–6.21) and the Brix value ranged between 3.51 and 7%. The antioxidant result indicated that better bioactivity could be obtained from the blends than the individual juices. While there were no statistically significant differences in the sensory properties of the juices, the 100% carrot juice was rated higher in all the attributes evaluated. Therefore, it was concluded that a blend of carrot and cucumber at a 50:50 ratio offered comparable nutritional and better antioxidative quality when compared to other blends.
Influence of coupling agent on post-consumption polypropylene composites reinforced with malt bagasse fibers

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the use of coupling agent (CA) on the properties of thermoplastic composites produced from post-consumer polypropylene (rPP) and malt bagasse fibers (MB) of brewing industry. The CA used was maleic anhydride graft polypropylene copolymer (MAgPP). The study was carried out in two stages: in first step the best concentration of MB fibers was verified, where was varied the fiber contents between 0, 10, 20 and 30% (w/w); in the second step, the best MB concentration evaluated was used with different CA concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5 and 7% w/w). Of the three MB concentrations evaluated as reinforcing filler, the sample with a 30% (w/w) ratio presented 44% lower deformation than the others, presenting better mechanical resistance, although it also presented the highest water absorption. Thus, the 30% MB fiber content was chosen for two step, where the results showed that the PP/MB-30 composite treated with 3% (w/w) CA had a modulus of elasticity 10.3% higher than the same composite without CA, corroborating with the morphological analysis, which indicated better interfacial adhesion between composite components when CA was used. The PP/MB-30 composite treated with 1% (w/w) CA showed the highest thermal stability among all samples.
Quorum quenching for effective control of biofouling in membrane bioreactor: A comprehensive review of approaches, applications, and challenges

In comparison to alternative advanced wastewater treatment technologies, the main problem associated with membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology, which has become prominent in recent years, is biofouling. Within these systems, biofouling is typically the result of a biofilm layer resulting from bacterial gathering. One biological system that can be employed to interrupt the process of bacterial gathering is called ‘Quorum Quenching (QQ)’. Existing QQ applications can be classified using three main types: 1) bacterial/whole-cell applications, 2) direct enzyme applications, and 3) natural sourced compounds. The most common and widely recognized applications for membrane fouling control during MBR operation are bacterial and direct enzyme applications. The purpose of this review was to identify and assess biofilm formation mechanism and results, the suggestion of the QQ concept and its potential to control biofilm formation, and the means by which these QQ applications can be applied within the MBR and present QQ MBR studies.
In-Stream Variability of Litter Breakdown and Consequences on Environmental Monitoring

Energy derived from leaf litter decomposition fuels food webs in forested streams. However, the natural spatial variability of the decomposition rate of leaf litter and the relative contributions of its drivers are poorly known at the local scale. This study aims to determine the natural in-stream variability of leaf litter decomposition rates in successive riffles and to quantify the factors involved in this key ecosystem process at the local scale. Experiments were conducted on six successive riffles in nine streams in north-western France to monitor the decomposition rate in fine (microbial decomposition, kf) and coarse (total decomposition, kc) mesh bags. We recorded 30 ± 2% (mean ± S.E.) variation in kc among riffles and 43 ± 4% among streams. kf variability was 15 ± 1% among riffles and 20 ± 3% among streams. However, in-stream variability was higher than between-stream variability in four of the nine streams. Streambed roughness was negatively related to decomposition and was the most important factor for both total and microbial decomposition. Our study shows that the natural variability of the decomposition rate resulting from the local morphological conditions of habitats could be very important and should be taken into consideration in studies using leaf litter assays as a bio-indicator of anthropogenic impacts in streams.
Job Loss, Subjective Expectations and Household Spending

Workers are partly able to predict when they will lose their jobs. However, they typically overpredict the probability of job loss, particularly during economic downturns. The unemployed typically underestimate how long they will be unemployed for. We link these insights on worker expectations of future job prospects to household spending decisions at unemployment. At unemployment, households reduce total spending by around 9 per cent on average. Workhorse consumption models, such as those based on the permanent income hypothesis, predict that households should reduce spending by more in response to unexpected job loss events than to expected ones. Contrary to this, we find that households reduce spending by similar amounts regardless of whether they expect job loss or not. We also find some evidence that the spending response is larger for households that are liquidity constrained, and for households that have been unemployed for longer.
Trialling camera traps to determine occupancy and breeding in burrowing seabirds

Burrowing seabirds are important in ecological and conservation terms. Many populations are in flux due to both negative and positive anthropogenic impacts, but their ecology makes measuring changes difficult. Reliably recording key metrics, the proportion of burrows with breeding pairs and the success of breeding attempts requires burrow‐level information on occupancy. We investigated the use of camera traps positioned at burrow entrances for determining the number of breeding pairs in a sample to inform population estimates, and for recording breeding success. The performance of two cameras makes we tested differed markedly, with Spypoint Force 10 trail cameras prone to malfunction while Reconyx HC600 Hyperfire cameras performed well. Nevertheless, both makes yielded season‐long activity patterns for individual burrows, eliminating uncertainty around successful fledging attempts. Dimensionality reduction of activity metrics derived from camera time series suggests breeding and non‐breeding burrows may be identifiable using linear discriminant analyses but sample sizes from our trial were low and group means were only significantly different during certain breeding stages (permutational multivariate analysis of variance: early chick‐rearing f = 3.64, P = 0.06; late chick‐rearing f = 8.28, P = 0.009). Compared with traditional techniques for determining burrow occupancy (e.g. manual burrow inspection and playback of conspecific calls at burrow entrances), camera traps can reduce uncertainty in estimated breeding success and potentially breeding status of burrows. Significant up‐front investment is required in terms of equipment and human resources but for long‐term studies, camera traps may deliver advantages, particularly when unanticipated novel observations and the potential for calibrating traditional methods with cameras are factored in.