Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“There Was a Big Disconnect”: Experiences of Medical Social Workers on How COVID-19 Affected Practice

Abstract “Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, medical social workers in Ghana have continued to play a relevant role in hospital settings by providing emotional support, counseling, advocacy, and arranging outpatient treatments for patients. This study explores the challenges experienced by medical social workers in the process of service delivery. Using a qualitative approach, we interviewed 10 participants with the aid of semi-structured interviews and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. The findings revealed technological difficulties and interaction disconnects among colleagues and patients as the overarching challenges faced by medical social workers in service delivery. The study recommends collaboration between the government of Ghana and nonprofit organizations in providing electronic devices and training for social workers on how to use emerging technologies to better meet the needs of patients. ”
Evaluation of Ensiled Brewer's Grain in the Diet of Piglets by One Way Multiple Analysis of Variance, MANOVA

1 Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (I.R.A.D.), Cameroon. 2 Correspondent author: I.R. A.D., P.O. Box 2067, Yaounde, Cameroun. Mail: mbang4@yahoo.com 3 University of Nairobi, Department of Mathematics, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya. 4 Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Cameroon, P.O. Box 2067, Yaounde, Cameroun. Received on 22.04. 04 and accepted for publication on 21.12. 05. Summary
Investigation of Degradation of Solar Photovoltaics: A Review of Aging Factors, Impacts, and Future Directions toward Sustainable Energy Management

The degradation of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is caused by a number of factors that have an impact on their effectiveness, performance, and lifetime. One of the reasons contributing to the decline in solar PV performance is the aging issue. This study comprehensively examines the effects and difficulties associated with aging and degradation in solar PV applications. In light of this, this article examines and analyzes many aging factors, including temperature, humidity, dust, discoloration, cracks, and delamination. Additionally, the effects of aging factors on solar PV performance, including the lifetime, efficiency, material degradation, overheating, and mismatching, are critically investigated. Furthermore, the main drawbacks, issues, and challenges associated with solar PV aging are addressed to identify any unfulfilled research needs. Finally, this paper provides new directions for future research, best practices, and recommendations to overcome aging issues and achieve the sustainable management and operation of solar energy systems. For PV engineers, manufacturers, and industrialists, this review’s critical analysis, evaluation, and future research directions will be useful in paving the way for conducting additional research and development on aging issues to increase the lifespan and efficiency of solar PV.
Technological Aspects and Evaluation Methods for Polymer Matrices as Dental Drug Carriers

The development of polymer matrices as dental drug carriers takes into account the following technological aspects of the developed formulations: the composition and the technology used to manufacture them, which affect the properties of the carriers, as well as the testing methods for assessing their behavior at application sites. The first part of this paper characterizes the methods for fabricating dental drug carriers, i.e., the solvent-casting method (SCM), lyophilization method (LM), electrospinning (ES) and 3D printing (3DP), describing the selection of technological parameters and pointing out both the advantages of using the mentioned methods and their limitations. The second part of this paper describes testing methods to study the formulation properties, including their physical and chemical, pharmaceutical, biological and in vivo evaluation. Comprehensive in vitro evaluation of carrier properties permits optimization of formulation parameters to achieve prolonged retention time in the dynamic oral environment and is essential for explaining carrier behavior during clinical evaluation, consequently enabling the selection of the optimal formulation for oral application.
Generation of high-power electromagnetic radiation by a beam-driven plasma antenna

In this paper we study how efficiently electromagnetic radiation can be generated by a relativistic electron beam with a gigawatt power level during its injection into a thin magnetized plasma. It is shown that, if the transverse beam and plasma size is compared with the radiation wavelength and the plasma density is modulated along the magnetic field, such a beam–plasma system can radiate electromagnetic waves via the antenna mechanism. We propose a theoretical model describing generation of electromagnetic waves by this plasma antenna and calculate its main radiation characteristics. In the two-dimensional case theoretical predictions on the radiation efficiency are shown to be confirmed by the results of particle-in-cell simulations, and the three-dimensional variant of this theory is used to estimate the peak power of sub-terahertz radiation that can be achieved in beam–plasma experiments in mirror traps.
Causes of Dorsal Cutaneous Branch of the Ulnar Nerve Neuropathy Among Patients Undergoing Electrodiagnostic Studies: A Series of 14 Patients

Background: Isolated neuropathy of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (DCBUN) is rare and most cases are secondary to trauma, often iatrogenic. The topography of sensory abnormalities and abnormal electrodiagnostic (EDX) findings are crucial in confirming DCBUN neuropathy. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with isolated involvement of the DCBUN from among patients referred for EDX studies for upper extremity symptoms. All patients underwent a focused neurological examination followed by EDX studies. Ultrasound (US) studies were performed in two patients. Results: Of the 14 patients with DCBUN neuropathy, decreased pinprick sensation in the distribution of the DCBUN was noted in 11 (78%) patients. DCBUN sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) was not recordable in 13 (92%) patients. In one patient who had a recordable SNAP, the latency was prolonged, and the amplitude was decreased. Four (28%) patients had incidental EDX abnormalities suggestive of entrapment of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. The most common cause of DCBUN neuropathy was trauma in 13 (92%) patients, of which eight were iatrogenic. No specific etiology was detected in one patient (7%). Of the two patients who underwent US studies, one had increased cross-sectional area (CSA) at the wrist with prominent fascicles and hyperechoic scar tissue, while the CSA was normal in the other patient. Conclusions: Although rare, DCBUN neuropathy can be readily confirmed by typical clinical features and EDX findings. Surgeons should be aware of the anatomy and clinical features of DCBUN neuropathy and avoid injuring the nerve during surgical procedures at the wrist and forearm.
Multivariate polynomial interpolation over arbitrary grids

In this work, a new algorithm is presented for multivariate polynomial interpolation over arbitrary nodal sets. The method is based on selecting a basis for the interpolating polynomial through sequential maximization of the Vandermonde volume, which is shown in this paper to yield an upper bound on the associated Lebesgue constant. For general nodal sets, the interpolating polynomial produced by the proposed algorithm aims to minimize the Lebesgue constant at each step and thus promotes accuracy for non-poised interpolation problems. The algorithm behaves well even when the nodal set is singular in terms of classical polynomial interpolation. These assertions are verified in the numerical experiments.
Legitimizing path development by interlinking institutional logics: The case of Israel’s desert tourism

The legitimation of new regional industrial paths has become a crucial issue in path development since it touches the institutional foundations of spatial evolution and fits the recent interest in agency. Neo-institutional sociology offers a wealth of insights for how agents build legitimacy. In particular, the institutional logics perspective suggests multiple material and symbolic sources of legitimacy. Seeking a deeper contextualization of paths into their socio-institutional environment, this article argues that new paths are legitimized by agents interlinking institutional logics through symbolic constructions such as visions. Empirical examples from two tourism destinations in Israel illustrate this mechanism.
MACHINE LEARNING IN THE TASK OF SELF-CALIBRATION OF MOVING ELEMENTS OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS USING THE EXAMPLE OF CONTROLLING STEPPER MOTORS

The paper discusses the use of machine learning for self-calibration of moving elements of robotic systems, particularly for controlling two stepper motors, as they are popular in robotics due to their accuracy and control over the angle of rotation. An algorithm for self-calibration is described, which uses machine learning to improve the accuracy of movement of stepper motors. An example is presented where the accuracy of movement of stepper motors, which were tuned using self-calibration based on machine learning, was compared. The proposed approach demonstrates that using machine learning for self-calibration of moving elements of robotic systems, particularly stepper motors, can improve their accuracy and help ensure more efficient operation of the robotic system.
Exome sequencing identifies a novel pathogenic variant in RAB3GAP1 causing Warburg Micro syndrome in a Pakistani family

Warburg Micro (WARBM) syndrome is a rare heterogeneous recessive genetic disorder characterized by ocular, neurological, and endocrine problems. To date, disease‐causing variants in four genes have been identified to cause this syndrome; of these, RAB3GAP1 variants are the most frequent. Very little is known about WARBM syndrome in rural populations.
Chiral magnetic effect and natural optical activity in metals with or without Weyl points

We consider the phenomenon of natural optical activity, and related chiral magnetic effect in metals with low carrier concentration. To reveal the correspondence between the two phenomena, we compute the optical conductivity of a noncentrosymmetric metal to linear order in the wave vector of the light wave, specializing to the low-frequency regime. We show that it is the orbital magnetic moment of quasiparticles that is responsible for the natural optical activity, and thus the chiral magnetic effect. While for purely static magnetic fields the chiral magnetic effect is known to have a topological origin and to be related to the presence of Berry curvature monopoles (Weyl points) in the band structure, we show that the existence of Berry monopoles is not required for the dynamic chiral magnetic effect to appear; the latter is thus not unique to Weyl metals. The magnitude of the dynamic chiral magnetic effect in a material is related to the trace of its gyrotropic tensor. We discuss the conditions under which this trace is non-zero; in noncentrosymmetric Weyl metals it is found to be proportional to the energy-space dipole moment of Berry curvature monopoles. The calculations are done within both the semiclassical kinetic equation, and Kubo linear response formalisms, with coincident results.
Regulating the properties of XQ-2d for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to pancreatic cancers

ABSTRACT Enhanced recognition ability, cell uptake capacity, and biostability are characteristics attributed to aptamer-based targeted anticancer agents, and are possibly associated with increased accumulation at the tumor site, improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced negative side effects. Herein, a phosphorothioate backbone modification strategy was applied to regulate the biomedical properties of pancreatic cancer cell–targeting aptamer for efficient in vivo drug delivery. Specifically, the CD71- targeting aptamer XQ-2d was modified into a fully thio-substituted aptamer S-XQ-2d, improving the plasma stability of S-XQ-2d and mitomycin C (MMC)-functionalized S-XQ-2d (MFSX), thus considerably prolonging their half-life in mice. Moreover, the binding and uptake capacities of S-XQ-2d were significantly enhanced. MFSX showed the same level of cytotoxicity as that of MMC against targeted cancer cells, but lower toxicity to non-targeted cells, highlighting its specificity and biosafety. Brief mechanistic studies demonstrated that XQ-2d and S-XQ-2d had different interaction modes and internalization pathways with the targeted cells.
Face ShapeNets for 3D Face Recognition

In this paper, we present a deep learning-based method for 3D face recognition. Unlike some previous works, our process does not rely on face representation methods as a proxy step to be accepted by Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Applying 2D CNNs to irregular domains such as 3D meshes is challenging. Therefore, we employed 3D ShapeNets to recognize faces covering the full 3D shape since 3D face datasets are available and 3D data augmentation techniques to enlarge 3D datasets are widespread. The reduced size of 3D datasets is overcome by an appropriate 3D data augmentation to train our model. 3D ShapeNets are commonly used to recognize and analyse objects. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time they are used for face recognition. This research work focuses on the preprocessing step. Whatever the nature of the face image is (either 2D or 3D representation), and whatever the acquisition conditions are, a 3D regular mesh of each input face image is first generated. Furthermore, meshes are converted to voxels to get the occupancy grid across all possible views. Finally, 3D ShapeNets are trained and recognition tests are performed. Indeed, 3D ShapeNets prove the efficiency and efficacy of 3D shape analysis task in 3D face recognition. The experimental results show that 3D face recognition using deep 3D CNNs such as 3D ShapeNets leads to significant improvement over the state-of-the-art performance on LFPW, BU3DFE, and FRAV3D datasets, with competitive recognition rates of 94.25%, 97.9% and 98.31% respectively.
Validated Spectroscopic Method for Estimation of Sumatriptan succinate in Pure and from Tablet Formulation

Sumatriptan succinate (sumatriptan) is a 5HT1D-Serotonin receptor agonist which is used to treat migraine and it has good vasoconstrictor properties. Only HPLC methods are available for analysis of the same but they are expensive. There is no UV method is available. Here we have developed a new, precise and simple UV spectrophotometric method for estimation of sumatriptan from tablet formulation. The drug obeyed the Beer's law and showed good correlation. It showed absorption maxima at 220 nm; double distlled water. The linearity was observed between 1 – 12 mcg/ml. The results of analysis were validated by recovery studies. The recovery was more than 99%. The method was found to be simple, accurate, precise, economical and robust.
Soluble ORF2 protein enhances HEV replication and induces long-lasting antibody response and protective immunity in vivo

Background and Aims: The HEV is a small positive–sense RNA virus that encodes a cytoplasmic form of the capsid protein (ORF2c), essential for virion structure, and a secreted glycosylated form (ORF2s) that accumulates at high titer in serum and can mask neutralizing epitopes. We explored the contribution of ORF2s to HEV replication and its role in generating antibodies against ORF2 in a nonhuman primate model. Approach and Results: We used a recombinant HEV genotype 3 variant that does not express ORF2s due to the introduction of stop codons (ORF2smut). Rhesus macaques (RMs) were given intrahepatic injections of infectious wildtype HEV (ORF2swt) RNA or a variant lacking ORF2s expression (ORF2smut). The replication of the ORF2smut virus was delayed by ~2 weeks compared with ORF2swt, and peak titers were nearly tenfold lower. Reversions of the 3 mutations that blocked ORF2s expression were not detected in the ORF2smut genomes, indicating genetic stability. However, serum antibodies against ORF2 were transiently detected in RMs infected with ORF2smut, whereas they were long-lasting in RMs infected with ORF2swt. Moreover, RMs infected with ORF2smut were more susceptible to reinfection, as evidenced by the viral RNA detected in fecal samples and the expansion of HEV-specific CD8+ T cells. Conclusions: These findings indicate that ORF2s may be dispensable for viral replication in vivo but is required for long-lived antibody-mediated responses that protect against HEV re-exposure.
Investigation of effects of added hemp fiber particles on tensile behavior of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene

This study aimed at investigating the effects of hemp fiber particles with an approximate size of 500 μm added at three various weight ratios including 1wt%, 5wt%, and 10wt%, on the tensile behavior of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) at low strain rates varying from 1 × 10−4 to 6.25 ×10−2 s−1. Regardless of a strain rate, tensile test results revealed that increasing particle content leads to a significant improvement in the tensile modulus of neat ABS but a decrease in its post-yield strength. Additionally, it was found that the ductility of neat ABS decreases with both increasing particle content and strain rate. The results also showed that ABS experiences a less intrinsic yield drop after post-yield as both particle content and strain rate enhance. Additionally, it was concluded that increasing the weight ratio of particles in ABS leads to higher resistance to plastic localized deformation. Moreover, it was found that an improvement in the weight ratio of particles makes the post-yield strength of ABS more susceptible to strain rate but leads its tensile modulus to be less sensitive to strain rate. The tensile test results were found to be consistent with both X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy results.
Longitudinal Associations Between COVID-19 Stress and the Mental Health of Children With ADHD

Objective: To investigate the longitudinal associations between COVID-19 induced stress (related to COVID-19 restrictions/changes), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, oppositional symptoms, and mental health outcomes (negative affect, anxiety, depression, and irritability) in children with ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Parents of 140 Australian children with ADHD (aged 5–17 years) completed an online survey in May 2020 during stay-at-home restrictions and 12-months later. Results: Baseline COVID-19 stress was associated with increased total ADHD symptom severity (β = .21, p = .007) and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms (β = .23, p = .002) at 12-months, after accounting for covariates (i.e., child age, gender, ADHD medication, socio-economic status, and baseline symptoms). Despite some indication of associations between baseline COVID-19 stress and 12-month oppositional symptoms and negative affect, these were attenuated when adjusting for baseline symptoms. Conclusions: The study provides initial evidence of the medium-term impacts of pandemic-related stress for children with ADHD.
Health and Growth of Black Pine outside Its Natural Distribution Range in the Romanian Carpathians

In the last decade, coniferous stands outside their natural range in Romania have experienced declines in both their health and growth and, in tandem with global climate trends, these forests are becoming even more threatened. We studied the relationship between tree growth and defoliation as an indicator of tree health. The data came from black pine stands monitored from 2012 to 2021 in the Postăvarul Massif in the Romanian Carpathians. Analyses were carried out on 508 individual trees based on their defoliation and radial growth data and also at the stand level. The results revealed an increase in the percentage of tree defoliation from 17% to 38% during the studied decade, along with 13.5% tree mortality. Over the decade, radial growth showed a negative trend, driven significantly by defoliation. The biometric parameters of the trees did not influence their percentage of defoliation. In contrast, spring/summer droughts associated with high temperatures affect the health and growth of trees. Models generated from the temperature–defoliation–radial-growth relationship estimated a significant continuous reduction in the radial growth of the trees of 0.5%–0.6% for each 1% increase in defoliation. Under the site conditions of the investigated stands, an increase in basal area and stocking degree significantly increased stand defoliation. This was further accentuated when the pine stand included an understory of young trees. As a rule, in the interest of production, stands are kept dense to fully exploit the site, but thinning may become necessary to protect these stands and ensure their survival as the climate changes.
Verification of Dead Zones Generated in Bioreactors as a Proactive Stage in Bioreactor Design

The activity and growth of microorganisms for renewable energy production are still influenced by the dead zones created in bioreactors. These areas form a nutrient and thermal gradient, causing an abundance of food in certain areas compared to famines in other areas of same bioreactor. The current study is a step in identifying those dead zones, followed by another step in improving the flow of media inside the reactor. The results indicated that the inner parts of the bioreactor may be a crucial factor in the creation and spread of such dead zones. For example, the position of the disc-type diffuser contributes to the generation of those areas at the bottom of the reactor. It was inferred from the fluid movement in reactors using the annular-type diffuser proposed in the current study. The bubble size, gas mass flux, and radiuses of fillet, as the most important factors, were examined in both bioreactors. The results revealed a noticeable improvement in these parameters in this area of the reactor when the disc diffuser was replaced by the annular diffuser. For example, the average liquid velocity was recorded in the lower part of the modernized reactor at 0.0198 m/s, while the velocity was recorded in the conventional reactor at 0.00077 m/s under same bubbles diameter used in both reactors (0.125 mm). The inclusion of the effect of the presence of mi - croorganisms in mathematical models was also addressed in the current study. The results showed that the amount of oxygen remaining at the bottom of the reactor after bio-consumption in the presence of the annular diffuser was higher than that in the conventional reactor. This clearly emphasizes the importance of the design of the internal parts of the bioreactor.