Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rice bran as source of nutraceuticals for management of cardiovascular diseases, cardio-renal syndrome and hepatic cancer

IntroductionThe interrelation between cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and renal dysfunction and the beneficial role of nutraceuticals are worthy to be studied. Nutraceuticals with anticancer effects are gaining great importance. The aim of this research was studying the anti-cancer, CVDs prevention and renal dysfunction properties of γ-oryzanol (γ-O) and rice bran oil/γ-O mixture (RBO/γ-O) as nutraceuticals.MethodsRats were divided into 7 groups. Group 1 was fed on balanced diet and served as normal control (NC). Group 2 consumed high-fat-sucrose diet (HFSD) as CVD control. Groups 3 and 4 were fed on HFSD and treated by γ-O and RBO/γ-O, respectively. Group 5 was maintained on HFSD with cisplatin injection (cardiorenal syndrome control) (CRSC). Groups 6 and 7 were treated like group 5 and given either γ-O or RBO/γ-O. Plasma lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), catalase activity, creatinine and urea were determined besides urinary creatinine clearance. Nutraceuticals’ anticancer effect was assessed in hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2) line.ResultsSignificant increases (P<0.05) in lipid parameters with reduction of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were noticed in CVD control compared to NC group; the same changes were demonstrated in CRSC with lesser extent. In CVD control and CRSC groups; significant increase (P<0.05) in MDA and TNF-α with reduction in catalase were noticed. Kidney dysfunction was demonstrated in CRSC group. Administration of both RBO/γ-O and γ-O produced variable improvements in all parameters in both models and had anticancer effects.ConclusionRBO/ γ-O and γ-O had protective effects on CVDs and cardiorenal syndrome as well as anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activities with superiority of RBO/γ-O.
Evaluating communicable disease surveillance in resource-poor settings : a new approach applied to meningitis surveillance in Chad

Background The costs of improving surveillance systems in resource-poor settings are largely unknown. Though several communicable disease surveillance systems have been evaluated, they rarely provide precise evidence to facilitate decision making or support appeals to increase and sustain surveillance system investments. This thesis seeks to empirically test the potential benefit of a novel evaluation approach, which assesses both cost and performance of surveillance. Methods The thesis and PhD research compromises four components: 1) a structured literature review to describe and examine evaluation methods of communicable disease surveillance systems; 2) an application of the ingredients costing approach to retrospectively determine meningitis surveillance costs in Chad in 2012; 3) a work-process analysis structured evaluation and identification of performance gaps through interviews at health facilities and at each administrative level across seven districts in southern Chad; and 4) an estimation of the costs to upgrading and implementing a more sensitive system to assess the long term impact of the newly introduced serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine in Chad. Results The literature review highlighted the necessity of granular evaluation methods in low-resource settings where surveillance data at supra-peripheral levels are less reliable. In Chad, optimal surveillance was severely hampered by limited resources. Only four percent of probable meningitis cases had a known outcome. Missing and unreliable data affected case detection; in three of the districts, zero meningitis cases were reported during 2012. In the other four districts, reported cases varied between 11 and 149 per 100,000 populations. The total costs of meningitis surveillance in Chad were estimated at US$ 393,000, equivalent to US$ 0.03 per capita. The work-process analytic 3 approach was used to detail an upgrading plan of resources and inputs and a 123% incremental increase in annual costs was estimated as needed to upgrade meningitis surveillance to an optimal standard. Sentinel district case-based surveillance was recommended as the most feasible and sustainable strategy. Conclusion The systematic approach for assessing performance gaps and the associated costs provided rich data that stakeholders found useful for policy and programme change. This approach underscores the benefit of understanding specific contexts in order to yield the most relevant and meaningful evidence for surveillance system strengthening.
Herramienta de autor para co-diseñar in-situ aplicaciones móviles basadas en posicionamiento

Resumen. En este trabajo se presenta un framework conceptual para facilitar la creación de nuevas herramientas de autor destinadas a co-diseñar in-situ Aplicaciones Móviles basadas en Posicionamiento. Se espera que este framework sirva de guía para diseñar este tipo de herramientas, para que las mismas puedan evolucionar y adaptarse a nuevos requerimientos. En base a este framework, se desarrolló una herramienta de autor para co-diseño in-situ; la cual tiene implementado hasta el momento el posicionamiento para espacios indoor usando WLAN. Se describe en este trabajo cómo dicha herramienta fue utilizada, obteniendo así feedback inicial en relación a cómo abordar el co-diseño insitu en espacios indoor. Se presenta además un espacio de discusión en relación a las lecciones aprendidas en relación a esta temática.
Optimization of Food Waste and Biochar In-Vessel Co-Composting

As bulking agents (BA) affect the composting process, this work examined the impact of combinations of different organic components in order to obtain an efficient co-substrate for food waste (FW) in-vessel composting. To boost the occurrence of microorganisms inhabiting the compost, mature compost was firstly coupled with wheat straw, added to FW, and considered as a control (BC0). Then, two trials (BC10, BC20) including 10% and 20% of biochar were monitored. The results indicated that the temperature of the amended bioreactors was notably increased compared to the unamended one. Thermophilic temperatures were achieved at 14, 34, and 78 h after the experimental setup for BC20, BC10, and BC0, which lasted for 14, 17, and 12 days, respectively. When it came to an assessment of maturity and stability, the quality of the compost was evaluated against several indicators and compared with the compost quality standards of the UK, France, Canada, the USA, Poland, and Germany. BC10 illustrated a high-quality product in relation to the heavy metal concentration, a C:N ratio which reached 14.97, an AT4 which was lower than 6 (4.36 mg O2/g TS), and a nitrification index of 2.61 (<3). Consequently, the addition of 10% of biochar as a co-substrate showed an improvement of the process evolution and the characteristics of the biofertilizer produced.
Does Automation of the Accounting Profession Affect Employability? An Exploratory Research from Lebanon

Technology advancement and automation of job functions will impact negatively numerous job categories, among these are accounting jobs. This paper aims to qualitatively assess the impact of automation of the profession of accounting on employability by conducting a qualitative research using semi-structured interviews with a convenient sample of Lebanese employees, employers, instructors and students who were willing to participate and offer their insights. For that purpose, a literature review is first conducted to build the theoretical platform followed by pinpointing what researchers have contended about the impact of automation. Findings of this research suggest that respondents were aware of the fact that specific accounting jobs will disappear though new jobs may substitute the aforementioned specially jobs that necessitate skills such as critical thinking and consultancy. Findings, as simple as these are, are used as initial indicators to shed light on the impact of automation on Lebanese management and policy makers in private and public institutions as well as universities. Other researchers may benefit by conducting more in depth qualitative and/or quantitative analysis to generalize the outcomes.
New high-resolution wave ophthalmic instrument for the characterizing ocular optics

We present a new wave front sensing technique based on detecting the propagating light waves. This allows the user to acquire millions of data points within the pupil of the human eye; a resolution several orders of magnitude higher than current industry standard ophthalmic devices. The first instrument was built and tested using standard calibration surfaces in addition to using an artificial eye. The paper then presents the first characterization of the optics of a real human eye measured using the newly developed high-resolution wave front phase sensing technique showing the complexity of the human eye’s ocular optics.
What is the Surface Mass Balance of Antarctica? An
Intercomparison of Regional Climate Model Estimates

Abstract. Antarctic ice sheet mass loss is currently equivalent to around 1 mm year−1 of global mean sea level rise. Most mass is lost due to sub-ice shelf melting and calving of icebergs. Ice sheet models of the Antarctic ice sheet have thus largely concentrated on parameterising sub-shelf and calving processes. However, surface mass balance (SMB) is also of crucial importance in controlling the stability and evolution of the vast Antarctic ice sheet. In this paper we compare the performance of five different regional climate models (COSMO-CLM2, HIRHAM5, MAR3.10, MetUM and RACMO2.3p2) in simulating the near surface climate and SMB of Antarctica. Our results show that, when regional climate models (RCMs) are forced by the ERA-Interim reanalysis, the integrated Antarctic ice sheet ensemble mean annual SMB is 2329 ± 94 Gigatonnes (Gt) year−1 over the common 1987 to 2015 period. However, individual model estimates vary from 1961 ± 70 to 2519 ± 118 Gt year−1. The large differences are mostly explained by different SMB estimates in West Antarctica and the peninsula as well as around the Transantarctic mountains. The calculated annual average SMB is very sensitive to the period chosen but over the climatological mean period of 1980 to 2010 the ensemble mean is 2486 Gt year−1. The interannual variability in SMB is consistent between the models and dominated by variability in the driving ERA-Interim reanalysis. The declining trend in Antarctic SMB reported in other studies is also very sensitive to period chosen and models disagree on the sign and magnitude of the trend in Antarctic SMB over the ERA-Interim period. Evaluation of models shows that they simulate Antarctic climate well when compared with daily observed temperature (Pearson correlation of 0.85 and higher) and pressure (bias ranges from −0.39 hPa in HIRHAM5 to −6.01 hPa in MAR with a mean of −3.49 hPa over all models) and nudged models, constrained within the domain as well as at lateral boundaries, perform better than un-nudged models. We compare modelled surface mass balance with a large dataset of observations which, though biased by undersampling in some regions, indicates that many of the biases in modelled SMB are common between models. The inclusion of drifting snow schemes improves modelled SMB on ice sheet slopes between 1000 and 2000 m where strong katabatic winds form but other regions where precipitation rates are high lack observations needed for the evaluation of different SMB estimates. Different ice masks have a substantial impact on the integrated total SMB and along with model resolution is therefore factored into our analysis. The majority of the different values for continental SMB are due to differences in modelled precipitation at relatively few grid points in coastal areas. Our analysis suggests that targeting coastal areas for observational campaigns will be key to improving and refining estimates of the total surface mass balance of Antarctica.
Size distribution of superbubbles

We consider the size distribution of superbubbles in a star forming galaxy. Previous studies have tried to explain the distribution by using adiabatic self-similar evolution of wind driven bubbles, assuming that bubbles stall when pressure equilibrium is reached. We show, with the help of hydrodynamical numerical simulations, that this assumption is not valid. We also include radiative cooling of shells. In order to take into account non-thermal pressure in the ambient medium, we assume an equivalent higher temperature than implied by thermal pressure alone. Assuming that bubbles stall when the outer shock speed becomes comparable to the ambient sound speed (which includes non-thermal components), we recover the size distribution with a slope of $\sim -2.7$ for typical values of ISM pressure in Milky Way, which is consistent with observations. Our simulations also allow us to follow the evolution of size distribution in the case of different values of non-thermal pressure, and we show that the size distribution steepens with lower pressure, to slopes intermediate between only-growing and only-stalled cases.
T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign for noninvasive detection of IDH-mutant 1p/19q non-codeleted gliomas: validity and pathophysiology

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the validity and pathophysiology of the T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign for noninvasive identification of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant 1p/19q non-codeleted glioma. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging scans from 408 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed glioma (113 lower-grade gliomas and 295 glioblastomas) were evaluated for the presence of T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign by 2 independent reviewers. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated to assess the performance of the T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign for identifying IDH-mutant 1p/19q non-codeleted tumors. An exploratory analysis of differences in contrast-enhancing tumor volumes, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) values in IDH-mutant gliomas with versus without the presence of a T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign (as well as analysis of spatial differences within tumors with the presence of a T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign) was performed. Results The T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign was present in 12 cases with lower-grade glioma (10.6%), all of them being IDH-mutant 1p/19q non-codeleted tumors (sensitivity = 10.9%, specificity = 100%, PPV = 100%, NPV = 3.0%, accuracy = 13.3%). There was a substantial interrater agreement to identify the T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign (Cohen’s kappa = 0.75 [95% CI, 0.57–0.93]). The T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign was not identified in any other molecular subgroup, including IDH-mutant glioblastoma cases (n = 5). IDH-mutant gliomas with a T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign showed significantly higher ADC (P < .0001) and lower rCBV values (P = .0123) as compared to IDH-mutant gliomas without a T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign. Moreover, in IDH-mutant gliomas with T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign the ADC values were significantly lower in the FLAIR-hyperintense rim as compared to the FLAIR-hypointense core of the tumor (P = .0005). Conclusions This study confirms the high specificity of the T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign for noninvasive identification of IDH-mutant 1p/19q non-codeleted gliomas; however, sensitivity is low and applicability is limited to lower-grade gliomas. Whether the higher ADC and lower rCBV values in IDH-mutant gliomas with a T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign (as compared to those without) translate into a measurable prognostic effect requires investigation in future studies. Moreover, spatial differences in ADC values between the core and rim of tumors with a T2/FLAIR-mismatch sign potentially reflect specific distinctions in tumor cellularity and microenvironment.
Numerical Study of Heat Transfer from Elliptic Tube in a Fluidized Bed

In the present work, heat transfer characteristics and flow field from a heated elliptic cylinder immersed in fluidized bed is studied numerically using CFD package. The flow pattern and heat transfer fields around the heated cylinder is predicted using a two fluid Eulerian-Eulerian model coupled with kinetic theory of granular flow (KTGF) with heat transfer. Experiments were carried out under uniform heat flux condition, with air as a fluidizing gas and pulverized coal as a bed material. The Reynolds number based on the equivalent hydraulic diameter, Dh, was ranged from 941to 1263. The simulation results of the present study showed that, for the range of gas velocity considered, at minimum fluidization velocity, Re = 914, the Nuθ is maximum at the sides of the cylinder and minimum at the stagnation, θ=0 o , and top, θ=180 o , of the cylinder. The average Nusselt number for the elliptic cylinder increases with the increase of the fluidization velocity. The present data is compared with a previous well-known correlation from the literature for a circular cylinder and a reasonable deviation about 11-30% is found.
PATIENT SATISFACTION ANALYSIS IN HASAN SADIKIN HOSPITAL AT PEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT BY COMPARING IPA AND THREE FACTOR ANALYSIS

Patient satisfaction is one of several factor of successful business in a hospital. This research chooses the service industry on health care institution in hasan sadikin hospital at Bandung, Indonesia. Hasan sadikin hospital wants to improve their service to get more satisfaction from the patient as the one of several aspect to get the International Accreditation from Joint Commission International (JCI) that responsible for determining and assessing the performance standards of health care providers. Researcher will be focused on service given by resident in pediatric department to the patient in class three. This research used several theoretical , first Revised Importance – Performance Analysis (IPA), As theoretical has shown, revised IPA using regression analysis and dummy variable asses attribute-level performance and overall satisfaction has asymmetric relationship. Second is Kano Model that stated suggest research in customer satisfaction of quality categorized into three; basic factor, performance factor, and excitement factor. With IPA and Kano Model, performance and importance attribute of basic and excitement factor is nonlinear and asymmetric. Then attribute importance can be interpreted as the function of performance. The result of this research are; Basic factor that must be present are; “Response Speed” “Response Attitude” “Hospitality” “Medical Info” “Neatness” and “Needs Understanding” The attribute that categorized as excitement factor are; On schedule, asking opportunity, diagnosis accuracy, accessibility, and two way communication. Keyword: Importance – Performance Analysis, Service Quality, Satisfaction, Hospital
Method of partial shielding for controlling cable radiated emissions

High frequency common mode noise or a differential signal flowing on nontransmission lines, most often, does not reach the load and is lost as radiation and reflection within a fraction of a wavelength. The gradual reduction of common mode noise current or radiation along the cable can be determined using current and near field probes. Therefore radiated emissions from cables can be minimized by partially shielding a fraction of the cable length toward the source end where common mode noise or radiation is predominant. This paper describes partial cable shielding theory and practical considerations. The author has implemented partial shielding on several product lines. Radiated emission data on a product with unshielded cables and with partial shielding are presented and results discussed.
Investigation on optimisation, prioritising and weight allocation techniques for load balancing and controlling multimedia traffic in wireless mesh network

Wireless mesh network (WMN) is a type of wireless ad hoc network where radio nodes are wirelessly connected within sizable geographic area through mesh topology. The best path is identified by routing metrics to ensure efficient data transmission from source node to destination node. The performance of routing is concern with set of routing constraints such as bandwidth, network delay, energy consumption, load balancing and communication cost. The routing constraints are needed to be resolved to improve the WMN performance. In WSN, network load balancing plays a significant role to achieve effective routing without traffic. The energy consumption is an additional factor to provide high-quality data delivery at the destination end. Our research work is concentrated on developing the energy efficient and load balanced routing in WMN.
A Case for Interaction between Hospital Librarians and Administration

ABSTRACT Scholarly publishing of hospital personnel is a way of highlighting research and clinical work. It is a result of intense clinical practice and it includes data evaluated by the scientific community. Usually, bibliographic data are used to assist information extraction, information dissemination as well as scientific excellence. In this study we use bibliographic data to provide useful info to other parts of the hospital community, such as administration or patients. Data extracted from MEDLINE/PubMed bibliographic database of scientific publications are edited and used to answer some sample questions.
Cooperation in Child Welfare Decision Making: Qualitative Vignette Study

ABSTRACT Many social work decisions are the outcome of collaborative working with other professionals and organisations, although there is little study of these decision-making processes. In this qualitative study conducted in Poland, the frame of reference was social work practice experience rather than a theoretical model. A vignette was presented to five respondents from each of nine groups of workers who have roles in child welfare decision making: counsellors, family assistants, family judges, family mediators, police officers, probation officers, school teachers, social workers, and voluntary probation officers. Qualitative data were gathered through interviewing respondents about the vignette. Two themes from the study related primarily to the assessment process and individual judgement prior to actual partnership engagement: “Reaching beyond the presenting problem”, and “Framing the decision through problem identification”. Two other themes related to early stages of engaging with another organisation: “Clarifying responsibilities with other organisations”, and “Using the diagnosis of another organization”. The fifth and final theme related to work required to help the family: “Identification of ‘the one big problem’”. There seemed to be some reluctance to own responsibility for addressing a problem faced by the family. The themes were analysed using elements of risk communication and collaboration theory. The study highlights the need for leadership in partnership working built on an understanding of the realities of the practice environment and the specific responsibilities of each profession and organisation.
A Multivariate Blind Ring Signature Scheme

Blind signatures are an important and useful tool in designing digital cash schemes and electronic voting protocols. Ring signatures on the other hand provide the anonymity of the signer within the ring of users. In order to fit to some real-life applications, it is useful to combine both protocols to create a blind ring signature scheme, which utilizes all of their features. In this paper, we propose, for the first time, a post-quantum blind ring signature scheme. Our scheme is constructed based on multivariate public key cryptography, which is one of the main candidates for post-quantum cryptography.