Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Road traffic noise and incident cardiovascular disease: a joint analysis of HUNT, EPIC-Oxford and UK Biobank

Background : Traffic noise has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in particular hypertension and ischemic heart disease (IHD), but evidence was not entirely consistent and population-based cohort studies on other CVD outcomes are lacking. Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term exposure to road traffic noise on incident CVD in three large cohorts. Methods : In a complete-case sample (N=361,699), 4,014 IHD and 2,109 cerebrovascular incident cases were ascertained between baseline periods 1993-2010 and end of follow-up 2008-2015 through medical record linkage. Annual mean road traffic noise exposure at baseline address was modelled for 2009 using a simplified version of the Common Noise Assessment Methods in Europe (CNOSSOS-EU). Individual-level data were harmonised and physically pooled across the three cohorts. Cox proportional hazard model was used for the analyses with adjustments for potential confounders, including air pollution. Results : For an interquartile range (IQR) (3.9 A-weighted dB) higher daytime noise, a non-significant association with incident IHD was seen for the overall population (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.015, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.989-1.042), fully adjusted. The association was not confounded by air pollution. Statistically significant associations were seen among women (HR: 1.057, 95%CI: 1.012-1.103, P interaction : 0.346), those with a BMI ≥30kg/m 2 (HR: 1.099, 95%CI: 1.029-1.174, P interaction : 0.013), and current-smokers (HR: 1.054, 95%CI: 1.007-1.103, P interaction : 0.014). No associations were found for neither ischemic nor hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusions : Our study strengthens the evidence base of road traffic noise effects on incident IHD, whilst the association with incident stroke remains unclear and needs further investigations. 250
A systematic review of adaptive wildlife management for the control of invasive, non‐native mammals, and other human–wildlife conflicts

1. We are entering an era where species declines are occurring at their fastest ever rate, and the increased spread of non-native species is among the top causes. High uncertainty in biological processes makes the accurate prediction of the outcomes of management interventions very challenging. Adaptive management (AM) offers solutions to reduce uncertainty and improve predictability so that the outcomes of interventions can continuously improve. 2. We quantitatively assess the extent to which AM is used for managing vertebrates, with a focus on invasive non-native species (INNS). Using the Web of Science, we evaluated 3992 articles returned by the search terms ‘adaptive management’ or ‘adaptive harvest management’ against seven recommended elements of AM (engagement with stakeholders, defining objectives, forecasting and estimating uncertainty, implementing management, monitoring populations, adjusting management in response to monitoring, and improving forecasting and reducing uncertainty in response to monitoring populations). 3. The use of AM for vertebrates was reported in 56 (1%) of the evaluated studies; including four for managing INNS. Of these, ten studies excluding INNS and no studies of INNS management implemented all seven recommended elements of AM. Those elements infrequently implemented were: the use of analysis or models to forecast and represent uncertainty (44%) and the feedback of monitoring data to improve forecasting and reduce uncertainty (25%). 4. Complete active AM has rarely been implemented and reported for managing INNS, despite the significant advantages it offers. Among studies purporting to have implemented AM, most did not use analyses or models to forecast and represent uncertainty, while most defined objectives, implemented management, and monitored populations. 5. Improvements to ongoing control programmes and much broader adoption of the AM approach are required to increase the efficiency and success of INNS management campaigns and reduce their negative impacts on native species.
Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators on Social Media Report More Shock Anxiety Than Clinic Patients: Results From an Online Survey

Background Coping with heart disease and the potential for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks challenges the psychological adjustment of patients with ICDs. Social media use may be used to seek education and support from others. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the content of information sought online and whether a social media sample of patients with ICDs report more device-specific anxiety than clinic-based normative samples. Methods A total of 196 participants were recruited via social media messages and invited to complete an online survey. Results It was found that the information most often sought by online users (62.4%, 123/196) involved both emotional support (eg, gaining emotional support from other patients with ICDs) and technical information (52.6%, 103/196) (eg, dealing with magnetic interference). The online sample reported more shock anxiety than a typical clinical sample with mean values of 22.75 (SD 10.06) and 15.18 (SD 6.50), respectively (P<.001). Conclusions Collectively, these results suggest that patients with ICDs that are online are seeking emotional information and support, and that they report increased shock anxiety relative to typical clinic-based patients. Future research should examine how online information and clinical-based information form a composite understanding and adjustment for patients ICDs.
“It’s all outward appearance-based attractions”: A qualitative study of body image among a sample of young gay and bisexual men

Abstract This study explores the body image ideals among a racially/ethnically diverse sample of gay and bisexual men in the United States. Furthermore, it examines the role body image ideals play on mobile dating applications (“dating apps”) for gay and bisexual men. Guided by Objectification Theory and Minority Stress Theory, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with young gay and bisexual men (ages 18-30 years) in Massachusetts. Using thematic analysis, three central themes emerged: 1) the ideal male body: muscular, thin, and light-skin toned; 2) discrimination; 3) navigating deviations from the ideal body: appearance comparison, retaliation, and body regulation and weight control behaviors. Our results suggest the dominant ideal male body is muscular and thin. Racial/ethnic minority participants added this ideal is further characterized as white/light-skin toned. Further, participants reported a wide variety of discriminatory experiences on dating apps, especially men deviating from the dominant body ideal. Over half of the men in our sample who reported use of dating apps recounted at least one experience of racial/ethnic discrimination or body weight and shape discrimination on dating apps. While some dating apps have modified their policies to promote inclusivity, further research into the impact of dating app-mediated discrimination are warranted.
Breaking the Eyes: How Do Users Get Started with a Coordinated and Multiple View Geovisualization Tool?

ABSTRACT Maps are frequently combined with data displays in the form of coordinated and multiple views (CMV). Although CMV are valuable geovisualization tools, novice users may find them complex and thus require explanation. However, no tutorial guidelines have been developed that indicate what is helpful in understanding CMV geovisualization tools. We therefore conducted a study on the learnability of a CMV tool, informed with eye-tracking data, talk-aloud and interaction logs. We have investigated how untrained users work with a CMV geovisualization tool. The study revealed that: (1) despite their initial confusion, users found the tested tool pleasant to play with while getting to grips with how dynamic brushing works, (2) when examining the tool’s interface, participants mainly looked freely at explanatory elements, such as labels and the legend, but they explored interactive techniques only to a limited degree. We conclude with tips about tutorial design and layout design for CMV tools.
The effectiveness of crop targeting interventions for drug control: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Literature suggests that illicit crop eradication is not only the centrepiece of the supply-side campaign in the “war on drugs,” but a highly contested and controversial issue. Even with the re-positioning of the U.S. drug policy toward a combination of prevention, education, and smarter use of law-enforcement resources, drug policies throughout the world continue to include, and rely upon, law enforcement and supply-side reduction strategies. The sheer dominance of supply-side approaches to drug control policy suggests the timeliness of “taking stock” of what works in drug supply-reduction interventions. In this paper we detail the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of the empirical literature evaluating the effectiveness of crop targeting as a drug control strategy. Our search identifies 15 studies that report an empirical impact evaluation of the effectiveness of crop targeting interventions in Afghanistan and Colombia. The interventions evaluated are crop eradication, agricultural assistance programs and awareness programs. We present the results of random-effects meta-analyses conducted on these studies, and discuss the impact of sources of heterogeneity, including intervention strategy and location. We find that eradication does not reduce cultivation but alternative development does. We discuss the policy implications of the research evidence to help inform the smarter use of scarce resources to control the supply of illegal drugs.
The modeling design integral the electrostatic microelectromechanical switch of capacitive type

This article presents the optimization and static modeling of the design an integral microelectromechanical switch of capacitive type based on a parametric 3D model using finite element analysis software complex ANSYS. The values of the pull-down voltage and switching time are determined. The obtained results give a good theoretical help in the development of various high-performance electrostatic microelectromechanical switches.
Comparison of different meat tenderization methods: a review

Meat tenderness is one of the quality parameters that affect the tough muscle and changes into soft meat, which is characterized by, increased the palatability, juiciness, and flavor of the meat, the process is known as meat tenderization. According to literature reports, meat can be tenderized by using different methods. The tenderize meat gives rise to customer satisfaction and repeated buyers that improve the value of the meat industry as well as the restaurants. The most widely used methods for tenderization of meat are mechanical, electrical stimulation, application of exogenous proteolytic enzyme, and thermal treatment methods. All these methods result in tenderization of meat that reduces the cooking times, hardness of meat and chewiness of meat products, that can increase meatiness, flavor, and overall palatability. Therefore, an attempt has been made to review the different meat tenderization methods concerning their effectiveness, economic value, and mode of action. The toughness of the meat is reduced during mechanical method by disrupting the structure of the meat and weakening the protein network in muscles. Whereas, in case of enzymatic treatment tenderization is achieved by hydrolyzing the meat protein, which reduces the bonding between muscles and results in softening of the meat.
The influence of subtalar and triple arthrodesis on the tibiotalar joint

From 1975 to 1990 we performed subtalar or triple arthrodesis on 54 patients; 48 of them were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 10 years (6 to 15). There were 17 subtalar fusions in 14 patients and 37 triple arthrodeses in 28 patients. We assessed tibiotalar ankle function using the criteria of Mazur which gives a points score of a maximum of 100. Radiological evidence of degenerative change was graded on a scale of 0 to 4. The mean Mazur score was 85 for the subtalar fusions and 78 for the triple arthrodeses. The radiological score showed no degenerative changes in 36 feet (24 triple and 12 subtalar arthrodeses) and an increase of one grade in 14 feet (10 triple and 4 subtalar), of two grades in three feet (all triple arthrodeses) and of three grades in one foot after a subtalar arthrodesis. We found no statistically significant difference in the radiological score in unilateral fusions between feet with subtalar and triple arthrodeses and the contralateral foot. In all four feet which showed an increase in degenerative changes of two or more grades, there was an abnormality of the tibiotalar joint before the fusion operation. Of the 14 feet which showed an increase of one grade, there was a similar increase on the contralateral side in nine. Our findings show that subtalar or triple arthrodesis has little adverse influence on the function of the tibiotalar joint, even after many years.
Investigation of a Cluster of ST22 MRSA Transmission in a Community Setting

BACKGROUND: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has typically been used to confirm or refute hospital/ward outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) identified through routine practice. However, appropriately targeted WGS strategies that identify routinely ‘undetectable’ transmission remains the ultimate aim. METHODS: WGS of MRSA isolates sent to a regional microbiological laboratory was performed as part of a 12-month prospective observational study. Phylogenetic analyses identified a genetically-related cluster of E-MRSA15 isolated from patients registered to the same General Practice (GP) surgery. This led to an investigation to identify epidemiological links, find additional cases and determine potential for on-going transmission. RESULTS: We identified 15 MRSA-positive individuals with 27 highly-related MRSA isolates who were linked to the GP surgery, two of whom died with MRSA bacteremia. Of the 13 cases who were further investigated, 11 had attended a leg ulcer/podiatry clinic. Cases lacked epidemiological links to hospitals, suggesting that transmission occurred elsewhere. Environmental and staff screening at the GP surgery did not identify an on-going source of infection. CONCLUSIONS: Surveillance in the United Kingdom shows that the proportion of MRSA bacteremias apportioned to hospitals is decreasing, suggesting the need for greater focus on the detection of MRSA outbreaks and transmission in the community. This case study confirms that the typically nosocomial lineage (E-MRSA15) can transmit within community settings. Our study exemplifies the continued importance of WGS in detecting outbreaks including those which may be missed by routine practice, and suggests that universal WGS of bacteremia isolates may help detect outbreaks in low-surveillance settings.
Toward the Internet of Things for Physical Internet: Perspectives and Challenges

The Physical Internet (PI, or <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) paradigm has been developed to be a global logistics system that aims to move, handle, store, and transport logistics products in a sustainable and efficient way. To achieve the goal, the PI requires a high-level interconnectivity in the physical, informational, and operational aspects enabled by an interconnected network of intermodal hubs, collaborative protocols, and standardized, modular, and smart containers. In this context, PI is a key player poised to benefit from the Internet-of-Things (IoT) revolution since it potentially provides an end-to-end visibility of the PI objects, operations, and systems through ubiquitous information exchange. This article is to investigate opportunities of application of the IoT technology in the PI vision. In addition, an IoT ecosystem (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-IoT) encompassing key enabling IoT technologies, building blocks, and a service-oriented architecture (SoA) is proposed as a potential component for accelerating the implementation of PI. The major challenges regarding the deployment of IoT into the emerging logistics concept are also discussed intensively for further research.
Stochastic Multiscale Heat Transfer Analysis of Heterogeneous Materials with Multiple Random Configurations

This study presents a new stochastic multiscale analysis approach to analyze the heat transfer performance of heterogeneous materials with random structures at different length scales. The heterogeneities of the materials are taken into account by periodic layouts of unit cells, consisting of randomly distributed inclusion dispersions and homogeneous matrix on the microscale and mesoscale. Based on the reiterated homogenization, a novel unified micro-meso-macro stochastic multiscale formulation is established and the scale gap is correlated by means of two-scale asymptotic expansions. Also, the stochastic multiscale formulae for computing the effective thermal property and temperature field are derived successively. Then, the stochastic prediction algorithm coupled with the finite element method is brought forward in details. The accuracy of the implemented stochastic multiscale analysis is verified by comparing the results against the experimental data for three scales heterogeneous materials with several different material combinations. The comparison demonstrates the usability of the proposed stochastic multiscale method for the determination of the thermal behaviors. This study offers a unified multiscale framework that enables heat transfer behavior analysis of heterogeneous materials with multiple random configurations. AMS subject classifications: 35B27, 34E13, 74Q05, 80A20
The Area Measurements in the Tritium Laboratory Within NIPNE Magurele

Abstract This paper reports the results of radiological measurements taken for the last 3 years in the controlled area and adjacent zone of the Tritium Laboratory of the the Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Magurele. The radiological characterization has been performed by determination of total and removed tritium contamination for the following surfaces: pavement, walls, windows, radiochemical tables, radionuclide fume cupboards, glove boxes, and sinks. The fixed tritium contamination does not present representative radiological risk because beta particles emitted by tritium are unable to penetrate the skin. The removed tritium contamination represents that component of the total surface contamination that can be taken by mechanical processes. The removed contamination was analyzed as a priority because it represents the main radiological risk factor in tritium laboratories. The determination of surface contamination has been carried out by scanning of the analyzed surfaces using an LB 1230 UMo tritium surface monitor with an LB 1230 detector and by a smear test using extruded polystyrene smears followed by measurement of the removed activity with a liquid scintillation counter. The total surface contamination values, obtained by scanning, were below the detection limit of the equipment, except for radiochemical hood surfaces. The removed tritium contamination determined values are in the domain of 5 … 450 Bq/dm2. At the department level, the obtained values for surface tritium contamination are at the background level.
Using child rights education to infuse a social justice framework into universal programming

A key part of promoting social justice as school psychologists is infusing practice with actions that breakdown systems of inequity and incorporate systems of inclusion. The current manuscript provides a description of applying social justice as a framework in universal programming through child rights education. Additionally, the manuscript describes the use of action research methodology to incorporate a social justice perspective not only in program content but also in program development. Results of this project provide preliminary support for child rights education in impacting student’s knowledge regarding child rights, teacher acceptability of such programming, and modest impact on social and emotional skills related to interpersonal relationships in the classroom.
Lower urinary tract problems, bladder management related self-efficacy and quality of life among spinal cord-injured patients-A correlational study

Hypothesis / aims of study Patients with spinal cord injury may suffer from a variety of lower urinary tract symptoms due to nerve damages. If the problems are not controlled properly, they will often lead to complications such as infection and impaired renal function. Movement difficulty caused by spinal cord injury will not only restrict patients’ mobility but also lead to incontinence, causing inconvenience and hampering life quality. This study aims to investigate lower urinary tract problems, self-efficacy of urination behaviour, and their quality of life among Taiwan’s patients with spinal cord injury.
Study of a Noncontact Flow Transducer Using Semicylindrical Capacitive Sensor

The fluid flow rate through a pipeline is a very important process variable in any process plant that is required to be measured accurately. In this article, a new noncontact semicylindrical capacitive flow sensing technique has been developed and studied. The proposed capacitive sensor consists of two semicylindrical curved copper plates mounted on the outside surface of an insulating pipeline near the turbulence region produced at the junction of a larger diameter pipe and a smaller diameter pipe. Here the insulating pipeline section between the copper plates along with the flowing fluid acts as a composite dielectric material of the sensing capacitor. The semicylindrical curved copper plates along with two lead wires are rigidly mounted without any air gap on the larger diameter pipe using a thin layer of araldite. A mathematical relation between the sensor capacitance and flow rate is derived in this article. This capacitance is found to vary nonlinearly with flow rate and is measured using an op-amp-based DeSauty bridge-type transducer circuit where a similar capacitor with the same fluid at zero flow is used as a dummy capacitor. A prototype unit of the proposed transducer is designed, developed and tested experimentally. The static characteristic curves drawn from the experimental results are found to follow the derived mathematical equation to a very good extent with good repeatability.
Formulation of Natural Fortifiers from Readily Available Materials for Nutrient Enrichment of Organic Fertilizers

Studies have shown that organic fertilizer, a product of biodegradable organic matter, is not popular among Nigerian farmers because of its low quality. To alleviate this problem, this study was designed to explore the effect of nutrient-rich materials on quality of fertilizer made from market organic wastes. It adopted an experimental study design, comprising organic fertilizer preparation, fortification with natural fortifiers, farm plot experiments and laboratory analyses. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement and three replications. The main plots comprised three crops - maize (cereal), soybean (legume) and yam (tuber) while five different fortified organic fertilizers at three rates of applications -2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 ton/ha and control (organic fertilizers without fortification) - formed subplots. Nutrient-rich materials sourced from animal, plant and rock changed the chemical composition of organic fertilizer made from market wastes and yielded better agronomic performances than the synthetic fertilizer. Hence, fortification of organic fertilizer with natural materials which are readily available and environmentally friendly should be promoted among the farmers.