Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Childhood Cancer in Southern Nigeria: Parents Perspective

Background: The care and treatment of a child with cancer is stressful for parents. Recognizing their challenges and addressing them are important strategies in aiding families cope with cancer therapy. Objectives: To ascertain the perspectives of parents on childhood cancer therapy and understand their challenges in order to devise effective ways of supporting them. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between June and November 2018. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews held with 27 parents whose children were being treated for various cancers at the Paediatric Oncology Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Results: Respondents were 19 mothers, 2 fathers, and 3 couples. Their children were aged 11 months to 15 years. Majority of respondent knew the diagnosis of their children while few could only name the site of the tumour. While undergoing chemotherapy, refusal to eat, vomiting, fever, pain, and falling of hairs were symptoms parents perceived as most distressing, which also affected them negatively. Treatment related costs drained families’ monthly incomes and were considered the major challenge to treatment compliance. Financial support and prayers received were much appreciated and helped them cope better with their child’s therapy. Conclusion: Parents of children with cancer experience various stressors related to treatment. There is need to consistently offer them information regarding the side effects of cancer therapy and best ways of coping with them. They need to be supported in various ways to ensure compliance to their child’s therapy.
Intensity-Image Reconstruction for Event Cameras Using Convolutional Neural Network

Event cameras have many benefits than conventional cameras, such as high temporal resolution, high dynamic range. However, because the outputs of event cameras are asynchronous event streams than intensity images, Frame-based algorithms cannot be directly used. It is also necessary to present intensity images of event cameras on the display for human viewing. In this paper, "event frames" are recovered from event streams in an attenuation method and they are fed into the U-net network to generate intensity images. Our model is trained on a large amount of simulated data and gradually reduces the perceptual loss through training. In order to evaluate the model, we compare the generated image with the target image on the simulated data and the real data. This proves that our model can reconstruct intensity images of event cameras very well.
Change Point Detection with Mean Shift Based on AUC from Symmetric Sliding Windows

Change point detection is widely used in signal detection, industrial engineering, economy, finance, biomedicine and many other fields. The widely used parametric methods require prior knowledge of the noise signal distribution, which are seldom realistic. In practice, when the distribution of noise is not known, it is desirable to design algorithms based on non-parametric statistics, which, in the null case (no change point), are completely distribution free. To this end, we propose to use two symmetric sliding windows to compute the Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curve (AUC) as a test statistic to measure the difference between the distribution of two samples. In the stage of change point detection, a threshold is designed according to hypothesis test which is based on the null distribution of the test statistics. This threshold is used to detect the potential change points in the signal. To reduce the probability of false alarm detection, a key parameter K is set to distinguish and delete the false alarms in potential change points. Comparative studies showed that our proposed method outperforms the classical Relative unconstrained Least-Squares Importance Fitting (RuLSIF) algorithm and is also better than the Hawkins, Qiu, and Kang (HQK) algorithm when the noise follows non-normal distributions.
The role of IL-4Ra signalling in gene deficient mice during asexual-stage Plasmodium chabaudi AS infection

BALB/c mice infected with P. chabaudi AS develop immunity to erythrocytic-stage infection with early Th1 responses followed by a switch towards Th2 responses later to mediate protection during chronic disease. In order to determine the importance of the Th2 cytokines, IL-4/IL-13, in inducing protective immunity, the course of P. chabaudi infection was monitored in IL-4Rα-deficient mice. Interestingly, an early delay in the onset of peak parasitaemia in IL-4Rα-/- compared with WT control BALB/c mice was evident. Consequently, we demonstrated that IL-4Rα deficiency resulted in mice becoming more susceptible to chronic P. chabaudi infection with increased recrudescence, mortality and an impaired Th2 immune response compared with WT control mice. Similar results in the overall disease and immunological profiles between IL-4Rα-/- and wild-type mice were obtained whether male or female mice or the AJ or AS strains of P. chabaudi were used to infect mice. Thus, the protective role of IL-4Rα signalling during chronic disease was not parasite strain-specific or host gender dependent. However, males were significantly more susceptible than female mice and consequently further studies involving cell-type IL-4Rα-/- mice, utilized female mice to identify functional targets of IL-4/IL-13 protection. Abrogated IL-4Rα expression on macrophages/neutrophils (LysMcreIL-4Rα-/lox) mice had minimal effect on the outcome of P. chabaudi AS chronic infection and was comparable to WT mice implicating no major role for alternatively activated macrophages during chronic infection. In contrast, CD4+ T-cell-specific IL-4Rα-/- (LckcreIL-4Rα-/lox) mice infected with P. chabaudi AS developed increased recrudescence, increased mortality and impairment of Th2 immunity during the chronic infection similar to that of the global IL-4Rα-/- mice. This highlights the importance of signalling via CD4+ T-cells signalling via IL-4Rα for protective immunity during chronic infection. Paradoxically, CD4+CD8+ T-cell-specific IL-4Rα-/- (iLckcre IL-4Rα-/lox) mice displayed a similar disease profile to WT control mice but manifested a delayed Th2 phenotype during the latter stage of the disease with enhanced splenomegaly in comparison to the WT and IL-4Rα-/- mice. Thus while protection during chronic infection with P. chabaudi AS appears dependent on CD4+ T-cells responsive to IL-4, CD8+ T cells responsive to IL-4 have a more complex and more difficult role to interpret.
TWO PORT COMPACT MIMO ANTENNA FOR ISM BAND APPLICATIONS

This article presents a compact size and high isolation 2 × 2, Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) antenna for Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band and 5G lower frequency band of 5G applications. Mutual coupling has been a great challenge in these applications. To improve isolation between elements of 2 × 2 MIMO antennas, a mushroom-shaped electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) and a fractal shaped EBG have been investigated. The overall size of the proposed antenna is 38.2 × 95.94 × 1.6 mm3 with inter-element spacing (edge to edge) of 0. 140λ. The proposed antenna has been designed, simulated, fabricated, and tested. The resulting outcome shows that the antenna operates in the band of 2.43–2.50 GHz and radiates in TM10 mode. By using fractal shaped EBG, isolation of −24.67 dB is achieved. Apart from isolation, other performance parameters of the MIMO antenna are verified. The proposed antenna is suitable for weather radar, surface ship radar, satellite communication, and wireless local area network (WLAN) applications.
Positivity in perturbation theory and infinite-dimensional systems

We consider partial differential equations that fit in the setting of the so-called Abstract Cauchy-Equation (ACP). The solvability of the ACP is directly connected to strongly continuous semigroups. In this thesis we use positivity to simplify well-known results on Miyadera-Voigt perturbations and Desch-Schappacher perturbations that arise naturally from the ACP. However, we have to assume that the semigroup solving the ACP is positive, the perturbation operator is positive and that the state space is an AL-space, in the case for Miyadera-Voigt perturbations, or an AM-space, in the other case. The last chapter deals with infinite-dimensional systems. There, we expand the ACP to a control system or an observation system. We use positivity to posit conditions that guarantee admissibility for control or observation operators. Moreover, we have a closer look on zero-class admissibility. At last we introduce the concept of a well-posed system and outline the conditions that guarantee the positivity of such a system.
Proteolysis of Gingival Keratinocyte Cell Surface Proteins by Gingipains Secreted From Porphyromonas gingivalis – Proteomic Insights Into Mechanisms Behind Tissue Damage in the Diseased Gingiva

Porphyromonas gingivalis, the main etiologic agent of periodontitis, secretes cysteine proteases named gingipains. HRgpA and RgpB gingipains have Arg-specificity, while Kgp gingipain is Lys-specific. Together they can cleave an array of proteins and importantly contribute to the development of periodontitis. In this study we focused on gingipain-exerted proteolysis at the cell surface of human gingival epithelial cells [telomerase immortalized gingival keratinocytes (TIGK)] in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind tissue destruction in periodontitis. Using mass spectrometry, we investigated the whole sheddome/degradome of TIGK cell surface proteins by P. gingivalis strains differing in gingipain expression and by purified gingipains, and performed the first global proteomic analysis of gignpain proteolysis at the membrane. Incubation of TIGK cells with P. gingivalis resulted in massive degradation of proteins already at low multiplicity of infection, whereas incubating cells with purified gingipains resulted in more discrete patterns, indicative of a combination of complete degradation and shedding of membrane proteins. Most of the identified gingipain substrates were molecules involved in adhesion, suggesting that gingipains may cause tissue damage through cleavage of cell contacts, resulting in cell detachment and rounding, and consequently leading to anoikis. However, HRgpA and RgpB gingipains differ in their mechanism of action. While RgpB rapidly degraded the proteins, HRgpA exhibited a much slower proteolysis indicative of ectodomain shedding, as demonstrated for the transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFRC). These results reveal a molecular underpinning to P. gingivalis-induced tissue destruction and enhance our knowledge of the role of P. gingivalis proteases in the pathobiology of periodontitis. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD015679.
Effect of stabilizers on the physico-chemical and sensory attributes of thermized yoghurt

Stabilized thermized yoghurt was produced by the addition of gelatin, carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) and corn starch, into yoghurt mix as stabilizers, each at 0, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0% concentrations. The yoghurt samples produced after pasteurization of the mix, cooling, inoculation of starter culture and incubation for about 16 h were thermized at 75oC for 60 s followed by immediate cooling. Results show that titratable acidity value of the control samples (0% stabilizer) was 0.92 ± 0.03. CMC, when added to yoghurt mix at levels of 0.5% and above, depressed lactic acid production (compare 0.92 ± 0.03 of the control with 0.90 ± 0.01 of samples containing 0.5 and 0.75% CMC). This observation is in contrast to effects of corn starch and gelatin which enhanced lactic acid production (at least up to 0.75% concentration). This was also mirrored (in reverse order) in the pH values; as samples with higher titratable acidity had, expectedly, lower pH values. Addition of stabilizers decreased percent protein and ash contents due to dilution effect but increased total solids and specific gravity of the thermized yoghurt samples. Sensory results showed that addition of corn starch produced the most desirable flavour and taste which differed significantly (p Yoghurt containing CMC had the best mouth feel/consistency as well as appearance which did not differ significantly (p  0.05) from the mouth feel and appearance of yoghurt containing corn starch but differed significantly from yoghurt containing gelatin. Yoghurt containing CMC at 0.75% concentration was the most generally accepted.
Larval dispersal of the invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, the exotic stemborer Chilo partellus, and indigenous maize stemborers in Africa

Larval dispersal either through ballooning or crawling results in a redistribution of the insect population and infestations within and between plants. In addition, invasive species, such as the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and the exotic stemborer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), may displace indigenous stemborers on maize in Africa. To test whether larval dispersal activity may play a role in the displacement of indigenous stemborers, larval dispersal was compared between FAW, C. partellus, and the indigenous species Busseola fusca (Fuller) and Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (both Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Twenty potted maize plants were infested with one batch of eggs either from stemborers (B. fusca, S. calamistis, or C. partellus) or from FAW and monitored in the greenhouse for ballooning activities. After egg hatching, both ballooning and non‐ballooning larvae were identified according to species and counted. FAW neonate larvae had greater potential for ballooning off than stemborers, irrespective of species. For each species, more females dispersed than males, and their survival rate was higher than that of non‐ballooning larvae. In addition, plant‐to‐plant larval movements were studied using 6.25‐m2 plots of caged maize in a completely randomized design with five replicates. FAW was found to have wider dispersal and plant damage potential than any of the stemborer species. In conclusion, in contrast to C. partellus, the invasive characteristic of FAW can be explained, in part, by its higher larval dispersal activity compared to stemborers. This difference in larval dispersal might also be considered in sampling plans for monitoring pest density in the field.
Applying protection motivation theory to understand international tourists’ behavioural intentions under the threat of air pollution: A case of Beijing, China

ABSTRACT Air pollution represents a major concern for the tourism industry worldwide; however, few studies have investigated the influence of smog pollution on international tourists’ behavioural intentions. Protection motivation theory was taken as the theoretical foundation of this study, and ‘perceived government support’ was integrated as a new construct into the research model. Using data collected from international tourists visiting Beijing, China, structural equation modelling was employed to identify significant variables that could predict and explain international tourists’ protective behavioural intentions. Results reveal that severity, vulnerability, response efficacy, and self-efficacy significantly and positively influenced protective behavioural intention, whereas perceived government support exerted a significant and negative effect. Among significant and positive variables, the influence of the severity of threat appraisal was largest. Based on these findings, theoretical and practical implications related to protection motivation theory are discussed in a tourism context.
DNA-barcoding clarifies species definitions of Finnish Apatania (Trichoptera: Apataniidae)

All the known 8 Finnish Apatania Kolenati species were analysed using the DNA barcoding method. The Finnish species were grouped in four clades; A. zonella (Zetterstedt, 1840) group sensu lato, A. stigmatella (Zetterstedt, 1840), A. wallengreni (McLachlan, 1871) and A. muliebris McLachlan, 1866. The A. zonella group sensu lato consists of A. zonella, A. dalecarlica (Forsslund, 1942), A. forsslundi Tobias, 1981, A. auricula (Forsslund, 1930) and A. hispida (Forsslund, 1930). The DNA barcoding results support keeping all these 8 taxa as separate, good species. The main distribution and larval environment of A. zonella and A. dalecarlica in Finland were clarified. In addition to the 8 species, a morphologically distinct taxon close to A. hispida was included in the analysis and is discussed. Photographs of the genitalia of all taxa are provided as well as a key for identifying the taxa.
Fragmentación y expansión demográfica en las poblaciones mexicanas de Pinus Ayacahuite Var. Ayacahuite

This study explores the phylogeographic structure and the demographic history of the Mexican populations of Pinus aya- cahuite var. ayacahuite. Three chloroplast microsatellites were amplifi ed in 198 individuals from 14 populations. Twelve haplotypes were found and an average genetic diversity (He) of 0.705. Two maximally differentiated groups were determined with a spatial analysis of molecular variance. A signifi cant correlation was detected between the genetic and geographic distances between these two groups, but not within them. A signifi cant phylogeographic structure was found, produced by the existence of the two groups. Two demographic expansions were detected, the fi rst in the entire species, the second only in the southernmost populations. Ad- ditionally, a nested clade analysis was performed to complement our observations. The results showed that the Tehuantepec Isthmus was a corridor for species of temperate affi nities in a cold period in early Pleistocene, and later acted as a barrier.
Effects of Social Influence and Perceived Enjoyment on Kiosk Acceptance: A Moderating Role of Gender

ABSTRACT The rapid deployment of customer self-service kiosks in hotels leads to the need to better understand how to encourage guests to use this technology. The study expands the Technology Acceptance Model to examine two new factors – social influence and perceived enjoyment – as well as the moderating effects of gender. Using an online survey of hotel guests, the results show that these two factors can significantly enhance the guests’ perceived usefulness and acceptance of kiosks, and social influence can increase the acceptance of female users in particular. The study provides recommendations for operators seeking to improve customer acceptance of hotel kiosks.
Aberrant Homeobox Gene Expression in Mammary Tumorigenesis

Abstract : We hypothesized that aberrant expression of Hox genes in mammary epithelial cells results in the inappropriate regulation of a wide variety of Hox target genes; this could lead to a change from a normal to a preneoplastic, or from a preneoplastic to a neoplastic phenotype. The purpose is to test this hypothesis by manipulating the expression of Hox genes such as Hoxa1, Hoxa3, or Hoxa11 in cells from hyperplastic (preneoplastic) lesions of the breast by employing a tetracycline regulated vector system. The cells will be assayed for growth, response to retinoic acid (RA), and their expression of markers of the neoplastically transformed state. The goals' of this research are: (1) to understand the functions of homeobox genes in normal and neoplastically transformed mammary epithelial cells; (2) to ascertain whether or not the overexpression of homeobox genes results in a neoplastic phenotype; and (3) to assess whether these Hox gene overexpressing cells respond to exogenous RA. In the past year we, have analyzed both p53 +/+ and p53 -/- breast tumors for Hox gene expression. In addition, we have examined mouse mammary glands (normal and preneoplastic) for Hox gene expression. The significance is that this new information may be employed to develop novel methods for regulating homeobox gene expression as a therapy for human breast cancer.
Biomedical Results of Apollo

The biomedical program developed for Apollo is described in detail. The findings are listed of those investigations which are conducted to assess the effects of space flight on man's physiological and functional capacities, and significant medical events in Apollo are documented. Topics discussed include crew health and inflight monitoring, preflight and postflight medical testing, inflight experiments, quarantine, and life support systems.
Plankton characterization of alpine ponds: a case of study for the assessment of water quality in Serra da Estrela (Portugal)

Serra da Estrela is Portugal's mainland highest mountain, with distinctive geological, climatic and geomorphological characteristics which play a key role on surface and groundwater resources. These mountains have the largest set of glacial ponds of Portugal and are scarcely studied. Besides, there are concerns of possible impacts of the use of salts in road de-icing on ponds' biotic communities. This research intends to characterize the hydrology of five Mediterranean alpine ponds and assess their planktonic communities. The biotic index proposed by the Water Framework Directive for lentic systems was used to check its applicability to these systems. Sampling was conducted monthly from June to November 2015 alongside with hydrological characterization. Water parameters and nutrients' content were quantified. Phytoplankton and macrozooplankton were identified. Ponds' water level is controlled by precipitation (input) and evaporation, infiltration and streamflow (output). Ponds were in good ecological quality. However, the current ecological assessment tools proposed by the WFD for lentic systems do not fit alpine ponds, showing a gap in the current methods. Salts used for road de-icing did not impact the communities and the ecological state of ponds. Phytoplankton was dominated by Cyanobacteria, Dinophyceae and Bacillariophyceae; Cyclopoida was the most abundant zooplanktonic group. For macrozooplankton, RDA shows association between cladocerans and phosphorus content. Phosphorus changes promoted shifts in zooplankton, what may be of major concern from a conservation point of view, once alpine ponds and its species are still mostly unknown. Efforts should be done to develop tools to classify aquatic ecosystems from harsh environments.
Combating Noncommunicable Diseases in Kenya: An Investment Case

Noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, chronic lung diseases, and heart diseases are the leading cause of death and disability. In Kenya, the growing prevalence of these diseases is a major public health concern and a hindrance to long-term economic growth. This is because these conditions reduce human capital and divert societal resources. The high cost of managing the growing caseload of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) also afflicts Kenyan families, businesses, and the government, and increasingly leads to impoverishment. Developing an appropriate policy response to the threat of NCDs requires a clear understanding of the economic impacts as well as the benefits of potential interventions, both from a health and an economic perspective. Such information allows policy makers to evaluate the trade-offs between different investment decisions, with the goal of ensuring that any interventions maximize the rewards to individuals and to society at large. Combating Noncommunicable Diseases in Kenya is one of a few published studies on the economic burden of NCDs in Kenya. It focuses on a limited set of conditions, aligned with the burden of NCDs in Kenya, and demonstrates both the long-term costs of these diseases and the strong health and economic benefits of scaling up interventions. It contributes to a growing body of analysis on NCDs in Kenya—and in Africa—and provides much needed evidence to facilitate advocacy and foster dialogue to confront this serious challenge.