Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Biomedical Waste Management and Associated Factors among the Healthcare Professionals at Debre Markos Town Healthcare Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia

Background Healthcare activities restore health and save lives at the same time; however, they can generate hazardous biomedical wastes to a human being or the environment. Generation and disposal of biomedical wastes have become an emerging problem worldwide. Objective To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice about biomedical waste management and associated factors among healthcare professionals in Debre Markos town healthcare facilities, northwest Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was employed, and data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaire and observational checklist. Data were entered into the Epi-data 3.1 software and exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed. Variables with a P value of <0.05 in the multivariate logistic regression analysis were considered to explain the presence of statistically significant associations. Result Among 296 healthcare professionals studied, 168 (56.8%), 196 (66.2%), and 229 (77.4%) had adequate knowledge, favorable attitude, and adequate practice score, respectively. Regarding associated factors, MSc and MD+ (AOR: 4, 95% CI: (1.37, 149.52)), BSc holders (AOR: 2.53, 95% CI: (1.47, 4.38)), and availability of color-coded bins (AOR: 7.68, 95% CI: (3.30, 17.89)) were identified more likely to contribute for adequate knowledge, favorable attitude, and adequate practice scores, respectively. Conclusion The level of knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were not satisfactory. Majority of the healthcare professionals did not access biomedical waste management training. Educational level, use of visual aid, and availability of color-coded bins in the department were identified as a factor for biomedical waste management. Regular training should be given to healthcare professionals.
Magnetic Nanoconjugated Teicoplanin: A Novel Tool for Bacterial Infection Site Targeting

Nanoconjugated antibiotics can be regarded as next-generation drugs as they possess remarkable potential to overcome multidrug resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been extensively used in the biomedical field because of their biocompatibility and magnetic properties. More recently, IONPs have been investigated as potential nanocarriers for antibiotics to be magnetically directed to/recovered from infection sites. Here, we conjugated the “last-resort” glycopeptide antibiotic teicoplanin to IONPs after surface functionalization with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). Classical microbiological methods and fluorescence and electron microscopy analysis were used to compare antimicrobial activity and surface interactions of naked IONPs, amino-functionalized NPs (NP-APTES), and nanoconjugated teicoplanin (NP-TEICO) with non-conjugated teicoplanin. As bacterial models, differently resistant strains of three Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus subtilis) and a Gram-negative representative (Escherichia coli) were used. The results indicated that teicoplanin conjugation conferred a valuable and prolonged antimicrobial activity to IONPs toward Gram-positive bacteria. No antimicrobial activity was detected using NP-TEICO toward the Gram-negative E. coli. Although IONPs and NP-APTES showed only insignificant antimicrobial activity in comparison to NP-TEICO, our data indicate that they might establish diverse interaction patterns at bacterial surfaces. Sensitivity of bacteria to NPs varied according to the surface provided by the bacteria and it was species specific. In addition, conjugation of teicoplanin improved the cytocompatibility of IONPs toward two human cell lines. Finally, NP-TEICO inhibited the formation of S. aureus biofilm, conserving the activity of non-conjugated teicoplanin versus planktonic cells and improving it toward adherent cells.
Biphasal long-distance migration in green turtles

Sea turtles have recently been shown to have the sensory ability to use magnetic information for guidance in the open ocean, although the importance of different potential navigational cues remains unknown. Between May and August 2001, we satellite-tracked green turtles, Chelonia mydas, during their >2000-km postnesting migration from Ascension Island to Brazil, following five individuals both during their transoceanic crossing and while on the Brazilian coast. None of the turtles travelled directly to its final destination but, instead, there were extended (up to 792 km) movements along the coast after the oceanic crossings. The extent of movement along the coast was unrelated to the oceanic crossing route. For example, individuals whose final destination was in the north of Brazil did not follow a more northerly oceanic crossing than those with a more southerly final destination. These observations show that green turtles returning from Ascension Island do not swim directly to their final destination, but instead conduct migration in two distinct phases: a fairly direct open ocean crossing, following which they turn north or south along the coast to reach their final destination. This long-distance migration may therefore be conducted without turtles needing to resort to sophisticated navigational skills. These previously unidentified long coastal movements may heighten the risk of turtles being captured by fishermen.
Evidence of sex differences in the acute impact of oscillatory shear stress on endothelial function.

Acutely imposed oscillatory shear stress (OSS) reduces reactive hyperemia flow-mediated dilation (RH-FMD) in conduit arteries of men; however, whether a similar impairment occurs in women or with FMD in response to a controlled, sustained shear stress stimulus (SS-FMD) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of OSS on RH-FMD and SS-FMD in men and women. OSS was provoked in the brachial artery using a 30-min forearm cuff inflation (70 mmHg). Healthy men [ n = 16, 25 yr (SD 3)] and women [ n = 16, 21 yr (SD 2)] completed the OSS intervention twice (separate days). Brachial artery endothelial function was assessed pre- and postintervention via either RH-FMD or 6 min of handgrip SS-FMD using Duplex ultrasound. The RH-FMD stimulus was calculated as shear rate area under the curve 60 s postdeflation (SRAUC60), whereas SS-FMD shear rate was targeted to produce a similar stimulus pre- and postintervention. The OSS intervention decreased RH-FMD in both sexes [men: 6.2% (SD 3.4) to 5.2% (SD 3.0); women: 5.4% (SD 2.0) to 3.1% (SD 1.8), P < 0.001), although this was accompanied by a reduced SRAUC60. There was no significant effect of the intervention on RH-FMD with SRAUC60 as a covariate ( P = 0.310). Handgrip exercise elicited a similar stimulus before and after the intervention ( P = 0.287) in men and women ( P = 0.873). Men demonstrated blunted SS-FMD [4.8% (SD 1.9) to 3.2% (SD 1.9), P < 0.001], whereas women displayed preserved SS-FMD following the intervention [3.5% (SD 1.9) to 4.0% (SD 1.9), P = 0.061]. The lower SS-FMD in men but not women following OSS provides evidence of sex differences in the effects of OSS on conduit artery endothelial function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Acute exposure to oscillatory shear stress induces transient endothelial dysfunction in men; however, whether women experience similar impairments is unknown. Following acutely imposed oscillatory shear stress, there was a decrease in flow-mediated dilation stimulated by a physiologically relevant sustained increase in shear stress in men but not in premenopausal women. These findings demonstrate, for the first time in humans that there are sex differences in the impact of oscillatory shear stress on endothelial function.
Tumor-Associated Fibronectin Targeted Liposomal Nanoplatform for Cyclophilin A siRNA Delivery and Targeted Malignant Glioblastoma Therapy

Malignant glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain cancer that has a very low survival rate. With the rapid development of nanotechnology in the past few decades, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) for nucleic acid delivery is expected to have a revolutionary impact on GBM therapy. However, clinical success in GBM therapy remains a formidable challenge, mainly due to suboptimal in vivo delivery of therapeutics to glioma cells. Herein, we developed an aptamer-like peptide (aptide)-decorated liposomal nanoplatform for systemic small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery and targeted GBM therapy. This nanoplatform is mainly composed of the following key components: (i) classic liposome structure with an aqueous core that can encapsulate therapeutic siRNA; (ii) hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains on the outer shell to prolong blood circulation; and (iii) surface-encoded aptide to specifically target the extra-domain B (EDB) of fibronectin that over-expressed on glioma cells. After systemic administration of these new siRNA delivery NPs, they can target the glioma cells and efficiently inhibit the GBM tumor growth by silencing the expression of cyclophilin A (CypA), which is up-regulated in brain cancer and plays an important role in malignant transformation of brain cancer and maintaining glioma cell stemness. These results suggest that the reported RNA interference (RNAi) NP platform herein could become an effective tool for targeted GBM therapy.
Development of a Sensor Network System with High Sampling Rate Based on Highly Accurate Simultaneous Synchronization of Clock and Data Acquisition and Experimental Verification †

In this paper, we develop a new sensor network system with a high sampling rate (over 500 Hz) based on the simultaneous synchronization of clock and data acquisition for integrating the data obtained from various sensors. Hence, we also propose a method for the synchronization of clock and data acquisition in the sensor network system. In the proposed scheme, multiple sensor nodes including PCs are connected via Ethernet for data communication and for clock synchronization. The timing of the data acquisition of each sensor is locally controlled based on the PC’s clock locally provided in the node, and the clocks are globally synchronized over the network. We construct three types of high-speed sensor network systems using the proposed method: the first one is composed of a high-speed tactile sensor node and a high-speed vision node; the second one is composed of a high-speed tactile sensor node and three acceleration sensor nodes; and the last one is composed of a high-speed tactile sensor node, two acceleration sensor nodes, and a gyro sensor node. Through experiments, we verify that the timing error between the sensor nodes for data acquisition is less than 15 μs, which is significantly smaller than the time interval of 2 ms or a shorter sampling time (less than 2 ms). We also confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method and it is expected that the system can be applied to various applications.
Physician leadership and hospital ranking: Expanding the role of neurosurgeons

Background: Empirical studies that explore whether hospitals with physician leadership perform better than hospitals led by nonphysician managers are scarce. This study looks at the leaders currently being hired by hospitals in the Arab World and explores whether chief executive officers (CEOs) in hospitals ranked higher are typically physician leaders or nonphysician managers. Furthermore, we discuss whether physicians, especially neurosurgeons, are equipped to lead hospitals and healthcare institutions worldwide. Methods: The “Ranking Web of World Hospitals” by Cybermetrics Lab, 2017, was used. A dataset on CEOs in the top 50 hospitals and the bottom 50 hospitals in the Arab World was constructed. Independent samples t-test and regression equations were conducted, and P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 283 hospitals were ranked. Among the top 50 hospitals, 54% of the CEOs were physicians, whereas the remaining were nonphysician managers. Among the bottom 50 hospitals, 74% of the CEOs were physicians, whereas 26% of the CEOs were nonphysicians. Interestingly, physician leadership was significantly associated with lower hospital ranking (bottom 50 hospitals) in the Arab World (P = 0.0031). Conclusion: This article does not establish that nonphysician managers make more effective leaders when compared with physicians, but it starts an empirical course. For better evaluation of hospital leadership qualities, a new hospital ranking system must be created that focuses on patient satisfaction and perception of quality. Physician leaders, especially academic neurosurgeons, are an extraordinary leadership source, combining sound management with high medical standards. With the right academic training, neurosurgeons can play an increasingly significant role in addressing the challenges facing healthcare today.
Improving estimates of environmental change using multilevel regression models of Ellenberg indicator values

Abstract Ellenberg indicator values (EIVs) are a widely used metric in plant ecology comprising a semi‐quantitative description of species’ ecological requirements. Typically, point estimates of mean EIV scores are compared over space or time to infer differences in the environmental conditions structuring plant communities—particularly in resurvey studies where no historical environmental data are available. However, the use of point estimates as a basis for inference does not take into account variance among species EIVs within sampled plots and gives equal weighting to means calculated from plots with differing numbers of species. Traditional methods are also vulnerable to inaccurate estimates where only incomplete species lists are available.We present a set of multilevel (hierarchical) models—fitted with and without group‐level predictors (e.g., habitat type)—to improve precision and accuracy of plot mean EIV scores and to provide more reliable inference on changing environmental conditions over spatial and temporal gradients in resurvey studies. We compare multilevel model performance to GLMMs fitted to point estimates of mean EIVs. We also test the reliability of this method to improve inferences with incomplete species lists in some or all sample plots. Hierarchical modeling led to more accurate and precise estimates of plot‐level differences in mean EIV scores between time‐periods, particularly for datasets with incomplete records of species occurrence. Furthermore, hierarchical models revealed directional environmental change within ecological habitat types, which less precise estimates from GLMMs of raw mean EIVs were inadequate to detect. The ability to compute separate residual variance and adjusted R 2 parameters for plot mean EIVs and temporal differences in plot mean EIVs in multilevel models also allowed us to uncover a prominent role of hydrological differences as a driver of community compositional change in our case study, which traditional use of EIVs would fail to reveal. Assessing environmental change underlying ecological communities is a vital issue in the face of accelerating anthropogenic change. We have demonstrated that multilevel modeling of EIVs allows for a nuanced estimation of such from plant assemblage data changes at local scales and beyond, leading to a better understanding of temporal dynamics of ecosystems. Further, the ability of these methods to perform well with missing data should increase the total set of historical data which can be used to this end.
Trends in SPR Cytometry: Advances in Label-Free Detection of Cell Parameters

SPR cytometry entails the measurement of parameters from intact cells using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon. Specific real-time and label-free binding of living cells to sensor surfaces has been made possible through the availability of SPR imaging (SPRi) instruments and researchers have started to explore its potential in the last decade. Here we will discuss the mechanisms of detection and additionally describe the problems and issues of mammalian cells in SPR biosensing, both from our own experience and with information from the literature. Finally, we build on the knowledge and applications that has already materialized in this field to give a forecast of some exciting applications for SPRi cytometry.
UWB Bandpass Filter with Dual Notched Bands Using T-Shaped Resonator and L-Shaped Defected Microstrip Structure

In this paper, an ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filter (BPF) with dual notched bands using a T-shaped resonator and L-shaped defected microstrip structure (DMS) is proposed and fabricated. First, the principle of generating notched bands by using a T-shaped resonator and L-shaped defected microstrip structure to determine the size parameters of the structure is analyzed. High frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software is used to analyze the performance of the filter, and advanced design system (ADS) is used to extract the equivalent circuit model parameters. The two simulation results are consistent, which further verifies the correctness of the circuit model. Finally, the filter is fabricated and measured. The measured results are in good agreement with simulated results, demonstrating good insertion loss and return loss. The proposed filter has dual independently controllable notched bands which are implemented by coupling the T-shaped resonator to the transmission line and by etching the L-shaped defected microstrip structure respectively. The proposed filter can suppress dispensable bands at 3.5 GHz and 7.5 GHz in WiMAX band and X-band to improve the performance of the ultra-wideband communication system. By adjusting the parameters of the T-shaped resonator and L-shaped defected microstrip structure, the UWB bandpass filter with dual notched bands working at WiMAX band and X-band can be designed and applied to the wireless communication system.
Design, Fabrication, and Implementation of an Array-Type MEMS Piezoresistive Intelligent Pressure Sensor System

To meet the radiosonde requirement of high sensitivity and linearity, this study designs and implements a monolithically integrated array-type piezoresistive intelligent pressure sensor system which is made up of two groups of four pressure sensors with the pressure range of 0–50 kPa and 0–100 kPa respectively. First, theoretical models and ANSYS (version 14.5, Canonsburg, PA, USA) finite element method (FEM) are adopted to optimize the parameters of array sensor structure. Combing with FEM stress distribution results, the size and material characteristics of the array-type sensor are determined according to the analysis of the sensitivity and the ratio of signal to noise (SNR). Based on the optimized parameters, the manufacture and packaging of array-type sensor chips are then realized by using the standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and microelectromechanical system (MEMS) process. Furthermore, an intelligent acquisition and processing system for pressure and temperature signals is achieved. The S3C2440A microprocessor (Samsung, Seoul, Korea) is regarded as the core part which can be applied to collect and process data. In particular, digital signal storage, display and transmission are realized by the application of a graphical user interface (GUI) written in QT/E. Besides, for the sake of compensating the temperature drift and nonlinear error, the data fusion technique is proposed based on a wavelet neural network improved by genetic algorithm (GA-WNN) for average measuring signal. The GA-WNN model is implemented in hardware by using a S3C2440A microprocessor. Finally, the results of calibration and test experiments achieved with the temperature ranges from −20 to 20 °C show that: (1) the nonlinear error and the sensitivity of the array-type pressure sensor are 8330 × 10−4 and 0.052 mV/V/kPa in the range of 0–50 kPa, respectively; (2) the nonlinear error and the sensitivity are 8129 × 10−4 and 0.020 mV/V/kPa in the range of 50–100 kPa, respectively; (3) the overall error of the intelligent pressure sensor system is maintained at ±0.252% within the hybrid composite range (0–100 kPa). The involved results indicate that the developed array-type composite pressure sensor has good performance, which can provide a useful reference for the development of multi-range MEMS piezoresistive pressure sensor.
Fluctuating asymmetry, mating success, body size and heterozygosity in Coenagrion scitulum (Rambur) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

Abstract For decades fluctuating asymmetry (FA) has been considered a good descriptor of developmental stability. Correlations have been shown between FA and several fitness components, including mating success and heterozygosity level. However, some doubts have been expressed about the generalization of these results, perhaps because of bias towards positive results and a poor critical approach in the first phase of FA studies. Studies on Odonata are scarce and are concentrated on the Coenagrionidae family, with contrasting results in the relationships between FA and mating success, size and other fitness components. We investigated the relationships between FA expressed as right−left wing length (R−L), body size expressed as (R+L)/2, multilocus and single locus heterozygosity assessed by allozyme electrophoresis and short-term mating success (SMS) assessed from the status (mated or not) of the males at the moment of collection. We collected 260 males from a breeding population. The data were analysed by both univariate and multifactorial statistical methods. After excluding a correlation between FA and body size, we checked the presence of a true FA by using tests for normality, directional asymmetry, antisymmetry and difference from the interindividual variations. The results showed no correlation between FA (either signed or absolute) and heterozygosity, body size and SMS, while heterozygosity was clearly positively correlated with body size and with SMS. Our data suggest an effect of the presence of some particular alleles on SMS, instead of an effect of the multilocus heterozygosity, even if the presence of only three polymorphic loci weakens the conclusions. Finally, no correlation was found between body size and SMS.
Negative hearing effects of a single course of IV aminoglycoside therapy in cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract Objective: Identify hearing effects of a single course of intravenous (IV) aminoglycoside antibiotics (AGs) therapy in adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Determine whether the change is large enough to enable a proof-of-concept study of a new drug preventing AG-associated hearing loss. Design: Retrospective case review of CF patients with sequential audiograms ± an intervening course of IV AG therapy. Study sample: 84 patients with no intervening IV AG treatment, 38 patients undergoing a single course of IV AGs. Results: Using ASHA ototoxicity metrics, 45% of adult CF patients in the Single-IV group met the criteria for ototoxicity compared to 23% of the No-IV patients. Other hearing metrics including the average maximal threshold shift (TS) and average high frequency TS showed highly significant differences between groups. Testing only participants with mild or greater pre-therapy high frequency hearing loss further increased the differences between the two groups by every metric tested. Conclusion: Adult CF patients exposed to a single course of IV AGs have significantly greater TS than patients without IV AG exposure. Patients with mild to moderate hearing loss prior to AG-IVs are at increased risk of developing ototoxicity from subsequent parenteral AG therapy.